Minox GmbH has announced the “rebirth” of the classic Minox Pocket Tripod. Originally developed by Walter Zapp, inventor of the legendary Minox 8x11 miniature camera, this solid accessory is now available in a new edition. Featuring a uniquely designed ball-head, the Minox Pocket Tripod is not only designed for MINOX cameras, it is also compatible with the tripod thread of several cameras of other manufacturers. The Minox Pocket Tripod is available now from specialist dealers.

Joby, the designer of the Gorillapod photo tripods, has announced the GorillaTORCH. It is an electric torch that casts a focused beam of intense light and allows you to illuminate any target, hands?free. The GorillaTORCH is mounted on Joby’s award?winning bendable and flexible legs comprised of medical?grade ABS plastic and German TPE rubber. Combined with its powerful magnetic feet, the GorillaTORCH will grip to virtually anything, the manufacturer claims. The GorillaTORCH weighs under 197 gram, is 20 centimeters tall, has a suggested retail price of £29.99 including VAT. The product will be available from Amazon from October.

Giottos are now shipping the VH6011 two-way birding / video head. Described as a sturdy yet lightweight head, the VH6011 features smooth fluid pan & tilt movements and a counterbalance spring on the tilt function to improve the head performance.  To assist with balance, a sliding scope attachment thread and Arca-Swiss compatible sliding quick release plate allow up to 60mm of sliding forward movement. The MH658D quick release plate features a VHS locating pin and anti-twist blocks to help prevent scope movement whilst in use. Both pan & tilt movements can be locked independently of each other and the pan bar can be adjusted for left- or right-handed use. Manufactured from die cast aluminium, the VH6011 head weighs in at 0.57kg and has a maximum weight capacity of 4kg. The VH6011 is available now for approximately £80, and comes with a five-year warranty.

Bogen Imaging has announced three new Kata light stand bags. The KT LS- 36, KT LS-46 and KT LS-54 are compact carrying and working solutions designed to hold up to four light stands of 36 inches, 46 inches and 54 inches respectively. For quick and simple access, each bag opens easily and completely with a full length zipper. Extra side pockets on each model help to keep equipment organised and additional internal pockets are perfect for storing cables and smaller accessories within. The KT LS-36 (£59.95), the KT LS-46 (£69.95) and the KT LS-54 (£79.95) are all available now from Bogen Imaging.

Fantasea Line has announced the Remora Focus Pro lighting set for underwater photography, which has been designed for compact underwater housings. Taking advantage of the Remora built-in YS Mount and thereby eliminating the need for an additional arm, the Remora Focus Pro Set features Fantasea’s Nano Focus Light with an automatic dim-out sensor. When mounted on top of the flash, the Nano Focus Light also serves as a modeling light. The Remora Focus Pro lighting set includes a Remora flash, a Nano Focus Light, a fibre optic cable kit an XL Stay Slot Tray, a Flex Arm 30 and a pro bag. The kit weighs 2kg. Pricing to be confirmed.

GoBoda has announced the newest generation of Boda lens bags - the Boda V3 series. The series includes the “full-sized” Boda V3 and the more compact Boda V3 Jr bags. The new BODA lens bags maintain all of the features that have brought them success, with a few key improvements that make them even more ergonomic, refined and durable. In addition, GoBoda will be launching a new product soon that will save on-the-go photographers both time and money: the Boda modular storage bag. The Boda V3 bag carries a retail price of $195, but is available for pre-order at $160. The Boda V3 Jr will cost $175, with the pre-order price being $140. The expected ship date is November 2009.

Buffalo Technology, a global leader in the design, development and manufacturing of storage and wireless networking, today announces the DriveStation HD-HXU3, the first to market SuperSpeed USB 3.0 External Hard Disk Drive. The DriveStation HD-HXU3 offers SuperSpeed transfer speeds of up to 125MB/s.  With a slick, black glossy design and available with 1.0TB, 1.5TB and 2.0TB capacities, the DriveStation HD-HXU3 gives users the ability to quickly back up important data and share office work, digital photos, music and movies from one central location. The DriveStation™ HD-HXU3 is backwards-compatible and will work with all USB 2.0 enabled computers and notebooks, as well as forthcoming USB 3.0 models. Also launched is the Buffalo USB 3.0 controller, which allows PC users to take advantage of the new SuperSpeed. USB 3.0 technology. The Buffalo DriveStation HD-HXU3 and USB controller will be available in Europe, Middle East and Africa during the last quarter of 2009.

Red River Paper, a Dallas based specialty paper company, has announced the release of the Cordovan Textured Glossy inkjet photo and note card paper. Cordovan Gloss features a unique textured surface similar to a fine leather finish. The texture adds a unique look to any image and perfectly balances the need to see the texture but not distract from image details. Cordovan’s ability to reproduce beautiful saturated color and sharp detail is thanks to a professional quality microporous emulsion compatible with any inkjet printer, the manufacturer claims. The new Cordovan Textured Gloss comes in a number of popular pre-scored printable note card sizes as well as 8.5x11, 13x19, 4x6, and 5x7 sheets. Interested photographers can purchase the new paper in packages of 20, 50 or 100 at the website below.

Website: Cordovan Gloss

Wacom has announced the introduction of Multi-Touch in its new family of Bamboo tablets. Bamboo tablets are USB peripherals that deliver natural and intuitive input to desktop or laptop computer users.  Wacom combines Multi-Touch (finger-based input) with pen input to deliver an “entirely new standard” in human-computer interaction. Bamboo goes beyond current mouse and other input solutions by adding the power of Multi-Touch gestures such as zoom, scroll, pan and rotate. The new Bamboo family is comprised of three core products: Bamboo Touch ($69); Bamboo Pen ($69); and Bamboo Pen and Touch ($99). Two additional tablets, Bamboo Craft ($129) and Bamboo Fun ($199) form the rest of the lineup, each having its own features and benefits to satisfy different consumer tastes and needs.

Think Tank Photo has announced the release of a “new standard” in rolling camera backpacks, the Airport TakeOff. It is designed as a solution that combines the portability of a backpack with the ease of a rolling suitcase. Designed to comply with international airline carry-on requirements, the Airport TakeOff accommodates pro-sized photography gear, including two pro or regular size DSLR bodies with or without lenses attached. The Think Tank Photo Airport TakeOff rolling camera backpack is available for $299.

The brand new Diana F+ lens adapters let photographers attach Diana F+ lenses to their Canon EOS or Nikon SLRs. According to the manufacturer, they bring “the world of Diana to your SLR cameras, yielding creative possibilities that were once limited to Diana F+ cameras”. The adapters themselves are priced €12, while adding a Diana F+ lens may cost you anywhere between €35 and €50.

Website: Diana F+ Adapters - Lomography Shop

Via photoscala

Buffalo Technology has just announced a high capacity, lightweight, portable USB hard drive, the MiniStation, with in-built Hardware Encryption that protects your data. The MiniStation is a low cost, external hard drive ideal for storing, backing-up and transporting digital photos, giving people access to their important files wherever they are. The MiniStation is compatible with both PC and Mac, connecting directly using USB and requires no additional power supply. With built-in Memeo AutoSync and SecureLockMobile software, you can ensure your files are always up to date and protected from unauthorised access. Thanks to the Hardware Encryption, you can even set a password that protects your data from prying eyes. The MiniStation will be available shortly, with pricing starting at £69.99.

The Magnum AW series of pro bags has been redesigned to be more durable and suitable for today’s professional camera kit. The interior is constructed of one-piece foam framing, fully padded and incorporating adjustable inserts allowing a photographer to customize his or her kit to work for any scenario. A removable accessory pocket is included also to hold four memory cards, cords, batteries and cables. The Magnum AW series features an exclusive Lowepro molded base providing stable protection while on the ground, water-resistance and the ability to stack bags in multiples too. There are three sizes available, the Magnum 200 AW and Magnum 400 AW, which meet most airline carry-on size requirements, and the Magnum 650 AW. The bags can carry a Pro-DSLR with lens attached plus 3-4 lenses plus accessories, up to the Magnum 650 AW which holds 1-2 Pro-DSLR’s with 8-10 lenses and accessories and also offers a padded notebook sleeve with integrated sunshade that you can use at the top of the bag for an impromptu work platform. In the UK, Lowepro products are distributed exclusively by DayMen International Ltd.

Sakar has announced the availability of the Kodak Smile G150, a pocket-sized digital viewer sporting an extra-bright 1.5” screen. The tiny viewer is claimed to have a capacity of more than 100 images, and comes with on-board software enabling plug-and-play use. Simply plug the device into your computer’s USB port, and the Photo Uploader (for PCs) or DPKMate (for Macs) will open automatically to your My Pictures folder or file directory depending on your operating system. Images can also be resized, rotated, cropped, and changed to a different text and/or background colour from the easy-to-use interface, the company says. The KODAK Smile G150 Digital Photo Keychain will be available in black, gray, red, blue and silver at major retailers in late September for an MSRP of $29.99.

Redrock Microsystems have announced a wide range of updates and new accessories to enhance DSLRs capable of shooting video. Firstly, all Redrock DSLR rigs are now shipping with carbon fibre rods, which are claimed to be 66% lighter than comparable stainless steel rods. Secondly, Redrock Micro have created theEvent DSLR rig for weddings/events and photojournalists, pitched as an affordable quality solution for handheld videography with maximum stability. Thirdly, they have introduced a convenient accessory to mount the Canon IR remote release for start/stop video recording on Canon DSLRs. Also, there is better support for DSLRs with battery grips, and improved viewfinder positioning for shouldermount rigs. The new Redrock Micro DSLR accessories are available for immediate ordering direct from Redrock and from select Redrock resellers, and are expected to ship before the end of September. Specific pricing depends on configuration and options.

Today LaCie announced the latest versions of its Portable DVD±RW Drive, design by Sam Hecht. The newest incarnation includes new multimedia burning solutions, allowing users to piece together sophisticated movie, music, and photo projects in a matter of minutes. Featuring two versions for easy setup and seamless compatibility, users can choose from the multimedia burning solution for Mac or PC. The Windows version comes with Creator Suite 10, while the combined Mac and Windows version comes with Toast 9 Basic, as well as Creator Suite 10. The LaCie Portable DVD±RW will be available in versions for Mac and PC, through the LaCie Store Online, LaCie Reseller+ and LaCie Corner, starting at the suggested retail price of $89.99 / £64.99 VAT included..

Sony is launching a version of its MicroVault Click USB storage device with 32GB capacity. According to Sony, the new model will be welcomed by anyone who has to handle HD video or high definition still images in volume. Owners of sophisticated DSLR cameras will appreciate the ease and convenience of so much capacity at their fingertips when it comes to managing serious quantities of high resolution still images. The MicroVault Click can even go beyond the 32GB mark thanks to unique Virtual Expander data compression software pre-loaded onto each unit. This allegedly gives people the option of tripling capacity with a simple drag and drop function. MicroVault Click 32GB is available in September and is covered by a 5 year warranty.

Mobile Mechatronics has announced the Blur tripod adapter and mini tripod for the Apple iPhone. The Blur tripod adapter allows users to mount their iPhone on any standard photographic tripod. The package offered by Mobile Mechatronics costs $14.99, and includes an ultra-portable mini tripod as well as the Blur tripod adapter. The Blur Tripod Software, an iPhone app that enables iPhone users to engage in time-lapse photography,will be available pending Apple’s approval.

Website: Mobile Mechatronics

Toshiba has introduced a new line of 1.8-inch HDDs with a capacity of up to 160GB on a single-platter, and a slim five-millimeter high profile targeting next-generation digital video cameras and other consumer electronics products. Toshiba’s new MK1634GAL family of 1.8-inch HDDs offers consumer electronics manufacturers a thin and light package with a class-leading storage capacity, best power consumption efficiency, highest durability and quietest seek operation of any HDDs on the market, the company claims. Shipping now to consumer electronics manufacturers, the compact 160GB model leads the MK1634GAL family with mass production of the 60GB, 80GB and 120GB models scheduled in late September.

X-Rite has announced ColorChecker Passport, an all-new solution for digital photographers working in a raw workflow to quickly and easily capture accurate colour, instantly enhance portraits and landscapes, and maintain colour control from capture to edit. The new ColorChecker Passport includes the Classic Target, a white balance target, a Creative Enhancement Target, a piece of software for camera calibration and a protective case. “With ColorChecker Passport, you can expect much faster image processing time, improved quality control, all in a cool little package that you can take anywhere,” said X-Rite Senior VP of Sales and Marketing Iris Mangelschots.

Website: X-Rite Photo