Focus on Imaging 2010 marks the fist time that British Photographer James Madelin will be showcasing his award-winning invention, the orbis ring flash, on home soil. Designed to be a compact and affordable alternative to expensive studio ring flash systems, the orbis ring flash was first conceived in James’ garden shed. Now manufactured in New Zealand, has secured global distribution a year after launch. James Madelin and the orbis ring flash can be found on stand C41 in Hall 9 & 10 at Focus on Imaging at Birmingham NEC, 7 - 10 March 2010.

Explorer Richard Wiese has chosen the Epson P-7000 multimedia photo viewer (read review) to back up his photographs during his Kilimanjaro expedition. After the day’s climb, Wiese would insert the card from his camera into the viewer and swiftly download several hundred images. Zooming in to confirm focus and fine detail, he could preview both RAW and JPEG images, and make quick edits if needed. With the option of video and audio output, he’d then set up a slide show of the day’s images for the entire group to view. “With the Epson P-7000 viewer, I never worry about losing photos,” he said.

LaCie today announced the next generation line of network storage devices for small to medium-sized businesses: the LaCie d2 Network 2, LaCie 2big Network 2 and LaCie 5big Network 2. These complete backup solutions are Time Machine compatible and include Genie Backup Manager Pro (Windows) and Intego Backup Manager Pro (Mac). With these applications you can make encrypted, compressed backups, restore files, and even perform disaster recovery. The LaCie 2big Network 2 and LaCie 5big Network 2 feature hot-swappable disks and RAID 1 for redundancy, and the 5big Network 2 offers RAID 6 for added security. Backed up with a 3-year limited warranty, the LaCie d2 Network 2, 2big Network 2, and 5big Network 2 are available through the LaCie Online Store, LaCie Reseller+, LaCie Storage Partner, starting at the suggested retail price of £149.

Olympus is offering new limited-edition black leather accessory cases sporting silver studs, buckles, chains and the iconic Harley-Davidson motorcycle brand in four distinct styles. “Olympus consumers live active lifestyles and demand quality products,” said Nadine Clark, product manager, Olympus Imaging America Inc. “Whether you’re a two-wheeled novice, a seasoned road warrior or just enjoy the look, the new Harley-Davidson accessory cases are for you.”  The limited-edition leather accessory cases will be available from the end of this month, retailing for $29.99 each.

Created as an homage to classic photographers such as Henri Cartier-Bresson and Robert Frank, Think Tank Photo has created five soft-sided shoulder bags in its new Retrospective series. The Retrospective series comprises three Retrospective Soft-sided Camera Shoulder Bags and two Retrospective Soft-sided Lens Changer Shoulder Bags. Their soft and supple fabrics conform to the body and feature two color options: Pinestone Cotton Canvas and Black Poly Spun Canvas. They might be retro in style, but are “filled with innovations for today’s professional photographer”, the company says. Clcik through / read on for all the details.

The Think Tank Logistics Manager is a giant rolling case designed to hold multiple camera bodies, several large lenses and lighting equipment. Measuring 40x76x29cm, the Think Tank Logistics Manager “provides the answer to a question often asked by working photographers, which is, how can I transport all of my gear into the field, have quick access to it, and secure it from loss or theft,” said Doug Murdoch, Think Tank Photo president and lead designer. A three-tier security system including a TSA combination lock, a rear security cable and combination lock plus a Security ID Plate with online plate registration is on board to help prevent theft and loss of equipment. Outfitted with replaceable wheels within protective housings, attachment points on both sides for tripods and light stands, and a number of pockets for cords, reflectors and other accessories, the Think Tank Logistics Manager comes with a lifetime warrant and is expected to hit the shelves in March priced at $599.

SanDisk has begun shipping the 64GB SanDisk Ultra SDXC card, the company’s highest-capacity Secure Digital memory card ever. With its 64GB capacity, up to 15MB/sec read speed and Class 4 speed rating, the new card is ideal for capturing and storing massive 1080p High-Definition video files and then transferring them quickly to a computer. The first SDXC compliant digital compact cameras have already been announced, and widespread adoption of SDXC is expected to occur across a range of consumer electronic products in the future. The 64GB SanDisk Ultra SDXC memory card is available immediately via SanDisk’s US e-commerce site with a price of $349.99.

Color Confidence today announced the launch of a freephone pre-sales and technical support phone line for ColorMunki in the UK. As the exclusive UK distributor of the ColorMunki range, Color Confidence has teamed up with X-Rite to introduce this line, which will provide simple advice and technical assistance for ColorMunki users. The service is available immediately by dialling 0800 197 2952.

Website: ColorMunki

Delkin Devices has introduced over a dozen new photography products at PMA 2010. The Fat Gecko Gator Mount is a revolutionary new camera mounting device used to hold a camera in place while clamped to almost any object. Delkin’s Jellyfish is a unique protection and floatation accessory for the ruggedized waterproof camera owner. CombatFlash CF memory cards are built tough to excel in situations and environments that exceed a normal memory card’s durability and performance. Delkin’s newest Class 10 SDHC memory card line is rated at 163X.

The Essentials from Trek-Tech is a new a collection of multipurpose photography and video stabilization tools. The Essentials packs a monopod, tripod, hiking staff, table-top tripod, pan and tilt video head and a versatile clamping arm into a single compact bag that fits in a carry-on. Trek-Tech’s The Essentials costs $199.99 for a limited time.

Joby will unveil two new products at PMA 2010, including the Gorillapod Magnetic flexible tripod (see picture above) and the Ballhead X for Gorillapod Focus. With the addition of powerful magnets in the feet, the Gorillapod Magnetic can now be anchored to any metallic surface, in addition to being secured with its fully-articulating legs. The Gorillapod Magnetic, available from April, supports compact digital cameras and mini video cameras weighing up to 11.5oz. The portable yet sturdy Ballhead X for Gorillapod Focus supports 11.1lbs (5kg) and allows the user to easily and fluidly pan, tilt, and rotate his camera while still enjoying the versatility and reliable support of a Gorillapod on virtually any surface. The Ballhead X for Gorillapod Focus is constructed from precision-machined anodised aluminium, weighs just over 9 ounces, is 3.3-inches tall, and will be available globally in April. All of Joby’s products will be on display at the Joby booth, #1436, at PMA 2010, Anaheim.

Two of the most iconic brands in digital photo printing, Harman Technology and Hahnemühle FineArt are joining forces to create a best-in-class range of fine art inkjet media, due to be unveiled for the first time at PMA 2010 in Anaheim, California. The ‘Harman Professional Inkjet by Hahnemühle’ range will consist of six fine art papers plus a canvas, providing a range of gloss and matt finishes, various textures and tones. The range is expected to hit the shelves around the world in April.

Dalsa has just announced the shipment of its newest image sensors, which offer a resolution of 196 megapixels. Of course, you will not find these in the next-generation digital SLR cameras - not that their lenses would be able to resolve that much information anyway -; but if you happen to be in the aerial photogrammetry business, it might be just what you need. For the 196-megapixel Dalsa sensors will be used in the newest models in the UltraCam line of aerial photogrammetry cameras produced by Vexcel Imaging GmbH, a subsidiary of Microsoft. The new UltraCamXp and UltraCamXp Wide Angle use multiple Dalsa CCD image sensors to provide breathtakingly detailed imagery that feeds applications such as Microsoft Bing Maps.

Website: Dalsa

Sony has introduced a range of digital photo frames offering luxurious looks and allegedly “dazzling” image quality. The range-topping S-Frame X85 and X95 feature TruBlack technology for rich, high-contrast images and low screen reflections. The Sony S-Frame X85 & X95 frames couple a 8:5 aspect ratio and WVGA resolution with 8” and 9” panel sizes, respectively. Both models feature 2GB internal memory and Memory Stick, SD and xD-Picture card slots. The 8” Sony S-Frame E75 and the 7” E73 come supplied with three interchangeable coloured bezels that make it easy to personalise your photo frame in moment, but lack the generous 2GB built-in storage capacity of the X series models..The X85 and the X95 will be available from March, while the E series frames will hit the shelves in May.

Lowepro today unveiled the next generation of its innovative SlingShot AW series. Redesigned using customer input, the new and improved models of the SlingShot AW series add a Hideaway Tripod Mount system, compatibility with the latest prosumer and professional grade DSLR cameras, and a more efficient storage and workflow layout. The Hideaway Tripod Mount system lets photographers secure a compact tripod or monopod to the side of the sling via a foldout holder, quick-release buckle and strap. A fully padded and customisable main camera compartment now includes an updated divider system to accommodate the most-popular models of DSLRs and their compatible lenses and accessories. And as with the original series, the latest SlingShot AW models include Lowepro’s patented built-in All Weather AW Cover to protect gear from the elements during inclement weather. The new SlingShot AW editions are available from $89.99.

OverBoard today launched its Waterproof Zoom Lens Camera Case. The Waterproof Zoom Lens Camera Case can be submerged up to 19ft and still take pictures with a regular digital camera. Its telescopic lens addition makes this case different from other products, offering users a chance for much more interesting photographs without the need for an expensive camera. The Waterproof Zoom Lens Camera Case is available for £19.99 from the OverBoard web shop.

Website OverBoard

Starting in April, Spinning Hat will be offering a large SD card shaped photo album that holds sixty 4x6” (10x15cm) prints. The cool album not only mimics the shape of the popular memory card, it even imitates the contacts on the rear side (see image gallery at the end of this post)! Spinning Hat is already taking pre-orders for the album, which can be yours for £9.99.

The Shootout Ultralight backpack from Tenba weighs less than 48 ounces, yet has the capacity to accommodate a full-size pro digital camera system. Constructed of a rugged combination of nylons, chosen for their durability and water-resistance yet minimal weight, the Shootout Ultralight features a padded camera insert – Switchback Module – that can be used facing either the front or back of the pack. When reversed inside the bag, the camera gear can only be accessed through a discreet rear door on the harness side. The backpack is available in black/olive, silver/black and black/black color combinations, priced at $154.95.

Swiss company Seitz Phototechnik AG has launched a new automated panorama head that allegedly sets a new standard in high-speed, consistent 360° photography. The new Roundshot VR Drive “s” works in a simple, two step process. Firstly, it rotates, completing a revolution in eight seconds, while capturing up to 5 images per second. Secondly, the resulting images are assembled with high-powered stitching software. The panoramas can be rendered either as cylindrical or spherical images. The VR Drive is compatible with many SLR cameras and with all lenses, from fisheye to telephoto. Weighing in at 1.65 kg, the VR Drive “s” is priced at CHF 2,800 (€1,870).

Looks like it’s large-format day today - Fujifilm has just added some new products to its range of LF papers. The first is a competitively priced, water-resistant 255gsm paper, available with either a satin or gloss finish. Available in 30.5 metre rolls, either 24” or 44” widths; this paper enables prints with vibrant colours with a broad tonal range. The company has also released the new Premium Lustre large format paper, which has similar qualities to the acclaimed Pearl range and is available in 30 metre rolls, in either 24”, 44” or 60” widths.