Davis & Sanford, a division of The Tiffen Company, has introduced the TRAVERSE tripod, whose legs have the ability to fold up over the head saving several inches of space as the tripod is readied for storage. The TRAVERSE opens up to a full size 57 inches and folds down to a mere 16”. The independent legs have 2 stops to shoot down to 16” or up to 57 inches. The TRVERSE tripod is suitable for use with compacts as well as SLRs. The TRAVERSE with BHQ8 ball head (load capacity: 7lbs) has a street price of $119, while the TRAVERSE with BH11 head (load capacity: 11lbs) has a street price of $169.

Kaiser Fototechnik has just introduced the Vivicap, a small accessory that helps make custom white balance quick and easy. The Vivicap white balance filters concentrate and filter incident light resulting in a neutral grey area with uniform light distribution facing the lens. This effect is achieved by a special surface structure with microprisms. The basic operation is quite easy: mount the Vivicap in front of the lens, direct it at the light source, take a custom white balance reading and store the value. Then remove the Vivicap and shoot using the stored value as a reference.  The Vivicap, which can also serve as a lens cap, has two handle bars that make it easy to attach it even when a lens hood is mounted. Available in seven sizes ranging from 52mm to 77mm, the Vivicap is priced at €24.90 to €29.90.

Website: Kaiser Fototechnik

ZINK, inventors of the unique Zero Ink Printing Technology and manufacturers of ZINK Paper, have announced the advent of the next generation of ZINK technology. ZINK Technology encompasses both the ZINK Paper, the heart of the technology, and the intelligence embedded in every ZINK?enabled device. ZINK Imaging’s development teams have made several chemistry, physics, and manufacturing process enhancements, resulting in the improved performance of the ZINK Paper. Additionally, ZINK Imaging and its partners collaborated on new hardware and image science technologies that enhance the print quality, performance, and reduce the product size of next generation ZINK printing devices. The next generation of ZINK Paper will first be available in new 3x4?inch and 4x6?inch sizes.

Website: ZINK

Kenro has announced the UK release of two new Marumi digital high grade filters, the Super Circular Polarising Filter, and the Super Lens Protection Filter. Both filters use a specially developed ultra-low reflection coating to minimize internal reflection off the cameras’ built-in CCD and CMOS sensors. Other anti-reflect features include a special slim frame with satin smooth finish and a black ink process on the glass edge to eliminate flare. Both new filters incorporate Hard Protection that guards the surface of the lens from scratches even with heavy duty use. They are also water and oil repellent, meaning water and oil spots simply wipe off. They also come with Anti-fouling, this keeps the lens surface clean from dust and dirt. Both filters are available in the following sizes: 49mm, 52mm, 55mm, 58mm, 62mm, 67mm, 72mm, 77mm and 82mm. Prices for the Super Circular Polarising Filters range from £83.15 to £186.82, while the Super Lens Protection Filters start at £33.06, rising to £72.79.

Website: Kenro

The innovative Don Zeck lens caps for long telephoto lenses, which used to be manufactured for Canon lenses only, are now available for most high-end AF-S / VR Nikkors. Don Zeck lens caps have been engineered for superior protection from scratches, dust, rain and other hazards. The lens caps are equipped with a collapsible low-profile handle, so that the cap can easily be mounted or removed while the hood is in either the shooting or stored position. The Don Zeck lens cap is now available for the 200mm F2.0 VR, 300mm F2.8 VR, 300mm F2.8 AF-S, 400mm F2.8 VR, 400mm F2.8 AF-S, 500mm F4 VF, 500mm F4 AF-S, 600mm F4 VR and the 200-400mm F4 VR Nikkors, in addition to a number of large Canon EF lenses. The “Don Zeck Lens Cap” sells for $54.95 and comes with a 30 day money back guarantee as well as a lifetime warranty for materials and workmanship.

Website: Don Zeck

LaCie has announced what appears to be the industry’s first dual hard disk RAID storage solution based on the new SuperSpeed USB (3.0) standard. LaCie’s 2Big USB 3.0 will be available in up to 4TB capacities and is bundled with backup software for both Mac and PC users. Developed for users that require sizeable data flow and fast storage products – such as video professionals who needs high bandwidth, the 2Big USB 3.0 will let users transfer a high-definition uncompressed video at speeds up to 275MB/s burst read transfer speed, or perform real time streaming and editing of multiple HD files simultaneously, the company says. The LaCie 2big USB 3.0 will be available in early 2010 and will be showcased at CES 2010, January 7-10, 2009 in both the USB-IF Pavilion (South Hall #30769) and Symwave’s private suite at the Las Vegas Hilton (Suite #2900).

Website: LaCie

Kenro has announced the UK release of a new range of cotton backgrounds. Measuring 2.4m x 2.7m (with certain colours also being available in 2.9m x 5m size), these handmade, washable cotton backgrounds have a sewn helm on the short side for a background support bar. They are compatible with the Kenro background support systems and will also fit supports from other manufacturers. There are 19 colours to chose from. Most of these cotton backgrounds cost £56.87, while the larger sizes are available at £91.94.

Website: Kenro

Colour Confidence has today announced its appointment as the exclusive distributor for the full range of PChOOD monitor hoods in the UK and key European markets. “The PChOOD range offers a definitive selection of monitor hoods which reduce glare and shield unwanted light from any monitor display and so improves on-screen colour consistency” Comments Simon Prais, Technical Director Colour Confidence. Ideal for photographers and graphic designers, the full range is available now through the extensive Confident Reseller network or direct from Colour Confidence’s website.

Website: Colour Confidence

LaCie has introduced the LaCie Rikiki, billed as the smallest 2.5” metal hard drive on the market. Encased in brushed, sturdy aluminium, the LaCie Rikiki, which means “tiny” in French, offers plug-and-play simplicity via its USB 2.0 interface. Rikiki also comes with a simplified software suite – for quick setup and easy-to-use backup management – enabling complete configuration in just a few clicks. The LaCie Rikiki will be available in 250GB, 500GB, and 640GB capacities through the LaCie Online Store, LaCie Reseller+, and LaCie Corner, starting at the suggested retail price of $74.99 (excluding VAT).

Website: LaCie

Hoodman’s Super Hoodskins are optically clear, colourless LCD screen protectors that are 4x thicker than the original Hoodskins. They come in 3” and 3.5” versions to fit today’s large camera screens. Super Hoodskins have a special scratch resistant hard coating applied along with UV protection for extended life. Priced at £9.99, there are two Super Hoodskins per pack and the 3” versions are already in stock at Newpro UK.

Website: Hoodan Super Hoodskins for 3” & 3.5” LCDs

The Cullmann Nanomax 290 is a new monopod with a detachable ball-head. This brand new addition to the range of Nanomax products from Cullmann has a flexi-foot ensuring you keep a good contact with the ground at most angles .As with the range of Nanomax tripods, the top section is covered in comfort grip foam and each leg section can be easily released and locked again with the easy clip leg locks. The maximum height of the Cullmann Nanomax 290 monopod is 150cm, but can be collapsed to just 48cm for easy transport. With a load capacity of 2.5kg, the Nanomax 290 is available now from Newpro, priced at £29.99.

Website: Cullmann Nanomax Series

‘Yuu Waa’ today announced a free trial for anyone who owns a USB flash drive. A new solution for securely storing, backing up and sharing all types of multimedia data from one single interface, YuuWaa combines a USB flash drive with software and secure online services. The new free trial offer will allow anyone with a USB memory stick to ‘YuuWaa-nise’ their flash drive via a download link and gain 2GB of online storage, really simply data sharing with friends and family and back up services for a trial period of 30 days. Once the trial is over users can upgrade to ‘YuuWaa Go’ or ‘YuuWaa Plus’. The former provides users with a combined total of 24GB storage for £19.99, while the latter offers 54GB of storage for £29.99.

Website: YuuWaa

At the 2010 Consumer Electronics Show, Easy Energy and Fame LLC will formally launch the new YoGen hand-held charger, which allows you to charge a camera/cellphone/PDA battery through repeated pulls on an attached ripcord. The creators of YoGen claim that YoGen features an unmatched capacity to recharge any small-to-mid-sized personal electronics device by offering the industry’s leading ratio of energy output to input. YoGen’s internal alternator generates power in sufficient levels to charge everything from cell phones, iPods, PDAs and MP3 players to Gameboys, GPS units, cameras and other devices. The alternator interfaces with an energy-efficient electronic stabiliser and transmission to transfer linear kinetic energy through a patch cord from the compact, ergonomically-designed unit to the electronic device. YoGen is presently available for online purchase via the YoGen website, and scheduled for global distribution though retail and electronic stores in the second quarter of 2010. The price is $39.99.

Website: YoGen

Ilford have announced the launch of the Galerie Smooth Limited Edition Pack, which includes six types of Ilford inkjet media (10 sheets of each). This limited-time offer allows anyone to try each of the Smooth products without having to invest in the regular packs. The products included are Smooth Lustre Duo, Smooth Gloss and Pearl, Smooth Fine Art, Smooth Heavyweight Matt and Gold Fibre Silk all in A4 sizes. The Ilford Galerie Smooth Limited Edition Pack is available at £39.99. For a list of stockists, call 01782 753304 or visit the website below.

Website: Ilford Galerie Smooth Limited Edition Pack

Samsung has introduced the Samsung 800P, a new 8” digital photo frame with an 800x480-pixel backlit LCD panel. Other highlights include Bluetooth 2.0 support, 2 gigabytes of internal memory, microSD compatiblity and a remote controller. For now, the Samsung 800P is launched in the Korean market only, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of 199,000 KRW. Currently there is no information on international pricing and availability.

Via Engadget

Nikon has introduced a new 2x teleconverter, the AF-S TC-20E III, claiming it to be the world’s first teleconverter with an aspherical lens element. The new AF-S Teleconverter TC-20E III is designed to provide a seamless fit with the NIKKOR range of compatible telephoto lenses, and features rubber seals for body mount, tough release mechanism for intensive use and an oversized button for fast removal with gloved hands. It comes with newly designed caps and a practical storage pouch to protect it when not in use. The teleconverter, which goes between the body and the lens, causes a 2-stop light loss but maintains the closest focusing distance of the lens while doubling its maximum reproduction ratio. Optically, it is quite a complex design with seven elements (including an aspherical one) arranged in five groups. Going on sale on 29 January, the new AF-S Teleconverter TC-20E III has a recommended retail price of £449.99 / €533.

Selected items from the Olympus E-System DSLR range are now available for hire at competitive rates via the Olympus UK E-System User Group, an online community and resource founded by Digital Photography Now editor Ian Burley. The hire stock of E-System lenses, camera bodies, and accessories, is being provided by Olympus UK, enabling the e-group to offer very competitive rates. “Probably the greatest attraction of the Olympus E-System is the range of Zuiko Digital lenses,” Ian explains, “and even if you could never justify the cost of owning one of the amazing Top Pro lenses, they are now accessible to many more E-System photographers.” For more detailed information on the e-group equipment hire service, visit the group’s website.

Website: Olympus UK E-System User Group

The TrekPod II, an easy to use, flexible camera stabilisation tool that quickly converts from monopod to a tripod to a hiking staff, is now available in the UK. The new TrekPod II with brushed nickel finish weighs only 0.79kg but can support 12.7kg. As a hiking staff and monopod, the TrekPod II adjusts from 43” to 62.5”. In tripod mode, the TrekPod II telescopes from 39” to 57.5”. With a suggested retail price of £79.99, the new TrekPod II now includes over £40 worth of free accessories, including a quick release ball head and a rugged carry-case. In the UK, the TrekPod II is sold by JP Distribution.

Website: Trek-Tech

Enlight Photo has announced that the Orbis Arm, a mounting bracket for the Orbis ring flash, is now available across the U.S.A and in many other countries around the world. The arm makes the Orbis even more versatile, firmly connecting the whole flash system into one unit, the manufacturer says. The arm is now on sale in Australia, New Zealand, Japan, the USA, Canada, Singapore, the UK and across Europe. The US price of the Orbis Arm mounting bracket is $59. A full list of dealers can be found at the website below.

Website: Orbis Flash

Anyone who purchases 200GB or more of extra Google storage will receive a free Eye-Fi wireless memory card, which lets users send photos and videos directly from their camera to the Web. The combined power of Google’s Picasa Web Albums and Eye-Fi’s automatic geotagging service also lets users easily view their photos plotted on a map where the image was taken, and search or organise photos by location. Google’s storage solutions featuring the Eye-Fi card start at 200GB per year for $50 and are available for customers in the United States and Canada via the website below.

Website: Picasa Web Albums