LPA Design has announced a new update to its ControlTL firmware for both Nikon and Canon versions of its PocketWizard MiniTT1 and FlexTT5 radios. Available now, firmware version 3.150 for Nikon and 6.150 for Canon include several new features and updates including compatibility with more cameras (Nikon D4, D800 and D800E) and flash units (Nikon SB-910 Speedlight, Canon 600 EX-RT Speedlite and ST-E3-RT Speedlite Transmitter), support for the Sekonic RT-32CTL module, and a new optimised rear curtain sync utility control. Compatibility for the Canon 5D Mark III is not available at this time but firmware for this camera should be available in the near future, the company says.

Filmmaker Kyle Hart has launched a new Kickstarter project to raise funds for his “Rhino Slider,” an adaptable, lightweight camera slider that uses 12 bearings inside of 6 self lubricating rollers. “The problem is that most sliders in the market fit into one of 2 categories: inexpensive “friction based” tracks that stick easily, or heavy over-priced full roller bearing units,” Kyle says. “My goal was to create the ultimate slider that used roller bearings, could be lightweight, and adapt to any environment or camera. Meet the Rhino Slider.” The ultra-smooth 48” slider features locking all-terrain legs and micro adjustable feet.that fold up for travel. Interested readers are encouraged to visit the project’s Kickstarter page.

Design, manufacturers of PocketWizard Photo Products, has just announced the new G-Wiz Squared bag. Accommodating up to four PocketWizard Plus III Transceivers and connector cables and featuring movable hook-n-loop padded dividers, the G-Wiz Squared opens from the top allowing photographers to ensure at a glance that all their radios are safely packed away. The G-Wiz Squared bags are available now in Black, Orange and Blue for around $25.

Eizo has unveiled a new lineup of ColorEdge monitors. The new range consists of three series (CG, CX and CS) and five models. The three series contain different feature sets, options, and price points for their intended audiences, but retain the hallmarks common to all ColorEdge monitors such as hardware calibration, brightness uniformity, and adjusting the gamma curve of each model on the Eizo factory line before shipping. Click through / read on for more information.

The Rosco LitePad Loop is a new LED ring light that provides constant, soft, diffused on-axis lighting to diminish shadows, blemishes and wrinkles. Manufactured using a lightweight (2.4 pounds), shatter resistant plastic, the Rosco LitePad Loop is just over 9 inches in diameter with a 4.4 inch centre hole. The LitePad inside the Loop has LEDs on both the inside and outside perimeters of the “O” shape, allowing for maximum brightness. The mounting assembly threads onto the bottom of the camera using ¼-20 bolt and has a 15mm rod support system that allows the Loop to travel backwards and forwards, as well as vertically, in order to position the lens in the centre of the ring light.  The Loop attaches to the mounting assembly using high-powered magnets located on the back. Rosco’s LitePad Loop is distributed by OmegaBrandess and is available at most photo & video supply stores priced at around $700.

First shown at Focus on Imaging, the Elinchrom Ranger Quadra RX lithium-ion battery is now available in the UK. 60% lighter and 28% smaller than the existing lead gel battery, the Ranger Quadra RX reduces the total weight of the Ranger Quadra to 2kg. Additionally, the new battery will power more than double the number of flashes achieved by the old one, while recharging 25% faster. The Elinchrom Ranger Quadra RX lithium-ion battery sells for £234. A charger for the new battery is available separately for £102 but you can also buy the battery and charger in a single bundle for £300.

JP Distribution has announced a brand new cash back offer from award-winning manufacturer Sekonic. Those purchasing a Seconic FlashMate L-308s light meter from an authorised UK retailer can claim £20, whereas those buying a Seconic L-358 can redeem £30 cash back. The promotion runs throughout the month of August. For a list of participating dealers call 01782 753304.

Phottix and OmegaBrandess have launched the BG-5DIII Multi Function Battery Grip. Available now, it holds one or two LP-E6 or 6 AA batteries and features AF/On, FEL and AF Points Buttons, vertical shutter button, command dial and power switch. The suggested retail price is $129.

Innova Art will be drawing up in a traditional London red bus and celebrating the sporting highlights of London 2012 on its stand in Hall 6.1, stand B31, at Photokina. The company’s range of new and enhanced products - including a new, improved JetMaster, two new products in the Olmec range and a premium selection of IFA media - will also be on display. The Photokina trade show will be taking place from18-23 September in Cologne, Germany.

Reuters TV has posted two new videos on robotic camera arms and underwater cameras used at the Olympics. Reuters was the first news organisation to develop remote robotic photographic cameras for sporting events - now the technology is being used at the London Games. In addition, Reuters photographers Wolfgang Rattay and Pawel Kopczynski have developed advanced underwater cameras to shoot swimming competitions nd transmit the images instantly around the globe. The videos below highlight these exciting new technologies.

Spider Holster has announced the addition of the Spider Arca-Swiss Clamp to its range of camera accessories. With the Spider Arca- Swiss Clamp, Arca-Swiss plate users now can easily carry their gear with Spider Holster to reduce the stresses on their upper body. Compatible with any bracket or plate that features the Arca-Swiss geometry, including those from Wimberley, Really Right Stuff, Kirk, etc., users simply twist the pressure screw allowing the Spider Arca-Swiss Clamp’s sliding jaws to release and are free to connect the camera to their tripod. Compatible with both the Spider Holster SpiderPro and Black Widow, the Spider Arca-Swiss Clamp carries an MSRP of $95.

Manfrotto School of Xcellence has announced a second webinar featuring the lighting master Joe McNally. During this hour long tutorial Joe will explain the key aspects to take into consideration when shooting on location in order to achieve outstanding images. He will explore and analyse how to optimise backgrounds and lighting, where to place subjects in the picture and how to use colour. The webinar is taking place on 1st August, from 7-8pm BST. Interested readers can register via the website below.

The Brand Management Group (BMG) will launch their Kodak Professional range of digital media at this year’s Photokina trade show. The range includes the new 255g Professional Inkjet Photo Glossy and Lustre papers and two heavyweight, archival quality art papers: Fine Art Textured and Fine Art Smooth, both 315g. In the United Kingdom, the Kodak Professional Range will be distributed by Swains International.

Kingston has announced the second-generation of its DataTraveler Locker+ secure USB Flash drive. The new, lower-priced DataTraveler Locker+ G2 works interchangeably between Mac OS X and Windows systems and all data is secured with hardware-based encryption. Available in 4GB (£7.43+VAT), 8GB (£8.61+VAT), 16GB (£15.33+VAT) and 32GB (£34.43+VAT) capacities, the Kingston DataTraveler Locker+ G2 is backed by a five-year warranty and free technical support.

Manfrotto has just announced the launch of the Manfrotto 290 Carbon series - a new family of carbon fibre camera supports designed for intermediate-level amateur photographers. “The Manfrotto 290 Carbon series is designed to be easily transported and carried: 290s are small when folded, but lightweight and very stable when open,” the company says. “For this model, Manfrotto developed a next- generation Carbon tubing: an innovative composite tube ideally suited to the needs of developing photographers, which draws on Manfrotto’s professional experience. It uses optimised fibre angles to provide consistent advantages of torsion/flexion rigidity and stability compared to aluminium tubing; advantages that have made carbon fibre tripods so understandably popular among professionals.” The Manfrotto 290 Carbon range includes a “legs-only” tripod, a monopod and a small selection of ready-to-use complete tripod + head kits, divided into two sizes.

Billed as an “automatic cameraman tripod system,” the new Soloshot lets athletes, parents and filmmakers get video footage of the action without needing someone to hold the camera. Consisting of a tripod base and a small waterproof sensor that is attached to an armband, Soloshot allows users to mount a camera to a tripod and have it track their movements automatically. After an easy pairing sequence, the base rotates as needed to continually keep the camera pointed at the subject wearing the armband. Through 30th August, customers can visit Kickstarter and pre-order Soloshot at a discounted price.

The CompactFlash Association (CFA) has announced the development of the XQD 2.0 specification with support for transfer speeds up to 1,000MB/sec. XQD 2.0 will leverage the same connector interface as XQD 1.0 interface for higher performance and backward compatibility. The new format will have VPG (Video Performance Guarantee) capability with profiles capable of supporting digital intermediate formats such as ProResTM, DPXTM, and DNXhdTM.

Kipon today announced two mount adapters, which enable users to mount Canon EF lenses on Micro Four Thirds (MFT) and Sony NEX bodies. Developed in cooperation with “Japanese engineers,” both adapters allow for electronic diaphragm control, though auto-focus and image stabilisation are probably not maintained. Pricing and availability have yet to be communicated (and as you can see from the picture above, both products look a little rough around the edges, leaving us wonder about how much time it’ll require for the adapters to actually hit the shelves).

Website: Kipon

Timed to coincide with the launch of the Canon EOS M compact system camera, Canon has announced a diminutive new hotshoe-mounted flash called the Speedlite 90EX. Weighing in at 50 grams, the Canon Speedlite 90EX runs on 2 AAA type batteries and features a guide number of 9 (in metres at ISO 100/21°). Compatible with all of Canon’s digital SLR cameras and select PowerShot models as well as the new Canon EOS M, the Speedlite 90EX can also act as a master for multiple wirelessly slaved Canon flashguns. Shipping with the Canon EOS M as standard, the Speedlite 90EX will also be available separately for $149.99/£119.99/€139.99.

JP Distribution has announced that the TriPad is now available in the UK. Made from recycled glass and plastics, the Tripad turns any tripod into a sturdy, portable workspace for photographers and videographers by safely connecting a laptop to a camera. Weighing in at 1.59kg and able to hold up to 3.6kg depending on the tripod you mount it on. The TriPad is available now for £69.99.