Following the successful launch last year of the M-Y family, a range of easy and compact tripods, Manfrotto has announced the new carbon version: the M-Y carbon tripod, 732CY. The payload of the M-Y Carbon (3,5Kg) is the highest among the M-Y range and includes an innovative new feature - the Expander, a new mechanical fixing of the first leg section to the collar that allows the M-Y carbon to be even more reliable and stable. This expanding system allows tightening the leg to the collar, always keeping a high rigidity and assuring a long lasting performance to the user. Together with lightness and portability: when folded the 732CY reaches a compact size of 42,5cm, with an opened height of 134,5cm and a total weight of less than 1kg. The new Manfrotto MY Carbon tripod is available from September 2009 for £169.95 RRP.

Datacolor has introduced its new Spyder3Studio SR calibration system, a complete colour calibration solution that works at the capture, process and print stages of the photographic proces. Designed with a strong understanding of the needs of creatives and photographers, Datacolor’s Spyder3Studio SR offers an uncompromised calibration solution for each stage of the photographic process (capturing, processing and printing) to help create, view, and share photographs as they were envisioned. The Spyder3Studio SR workflow solution includes the new SpyderCube RAW calibration device that eliminates any need for traditional 18% gray cards; the Spyder3Elite monitor calibration tool and the new Spyder3Print SR (Strip Reader) which offers significant advances in creating ICC printer profiles. Datacolor’s new Spyder3Studio SR is currently available at retail outlets and photo specialty dealers across the US, with a suggested list price of $599.00.

During the upcoming IFA show in Berlin, JOBO AG will showcase several new stylish digital picture frames. These include the JOBO Crystal 15 with a 15-inch TFT LCD, the slick black JOBO Atrum 7 with an 8:5 aspect ratio, the JOBO Plano 8 (pictured) and the JOBO Plano 10 Media models. In addition to the new frames listed above, JOBO will also showcase at IFA Berlin (September 4-9, 2009; Hall 15.1, Stand 104) its NANO and Curve lines of digital picture frames as well as its award-winning photo storage devices – GIGA Vu SONIC and GIGA Vu extreme – and its award-winning Geotagging solution – photoGPS.

Sony have revealed their highest-capacity Memory Stick PRO Duo card to date. The Memory Stick PRO Duo line now goes all the way up to 32GB thanks to the launch of a new high-capacity model.
Handycam owners shooting in FH mode (1920 x 1080 Full HD) can now record 225 minutes (3 hours 45 minutes) of HD video using a single card. And with the latest models of their Cyber-shot digital camera range, each video clip now can be recorded up to 29 minutes (using Fine mode: MP4 1280 x 720). The new card will be available from the end of September for about $200.

Pandigital recently announced its PanTouch Clear range of digital photo frames, in Europe - and today marks the US launch of the eight-inch model. The PanTouch Clear 8” digital floating frame incorporates a true touch screen frame, made possible by the brand new PanTouch Clear ITO (Indium-Tin-Oxide) Technology. To create the floating effect, the new PanTouch Clear frame features an 800x600 high-resolution display that appears to be floating in the surrounding glass. You can view your photos and control the frame’s functions with easy-to-understand icons that can be touched directly across the entire glass surface of the frame. To accomplish this, the frames feature leading-edge touch technology, which “prints” invisible circuits on fingerprint-resistant, clear glass. The benefit is that you can now enjoy intuitive full touch-screen capabilities while still enjoying the premium home décor-style look of the glass on the Pandigital Digital Photo Frame. This is unlike frames using capacitive-touch technology that require the consumer to directly touch the LCD panel, which prevents the use of glass. The PanTouch Clear 8” has an MSRP of $129.99.

Microsoft Hardware has announced LifeCam Cinema, which is allegedly the first consumer webcam on the PC to offer widescreen video with a native 720p sensor. The sensor captures HD quality video at up to 30 fps, and the LifeCam Cinema webcam has auto-focus on board to keep the footage sharp even during close-ups. Maintaining a high frame rate even in the lowest lighting, LifeCam Cinema helps ensure that users look well lit and that video remains smooth. LifeCam Cinema will be available in September for the estimated retail price of $79.95.

Nikon Vision Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Nikon Corporation, is has introducedt the Fieldscope Digital SLR Camera Attachment FSA-L2 for use exclusively with Nikon EDG Fieldscopes and Nikon D-SLR cameras. The Digital SLR Camera Attachment FSA-L2, which has 3.5x zoom and 500-1,750mm (f/5.9-21) focal length, used together with the new EDG Fieldscopes enables super-telephoto shooting with Nikon D-SLR cameras. The D-SLR cameras’ Aperture-Priority Auto Mode can be used when the camera is connected to the FSA-L2 and EDG Fieldscope. The FSA-L2 features a bright optical path with fully multilayer-coated lenses.

Epson has announced that a new range of media by Hahnemühle, the biggest name in fine art print media, has been certified for use with its Digigraphie program. Digigraphie by Epson describes a print created by a certified Epson Stylus Pro professional printer, which uses UltraChrome or UltraChrome K3 inks on a list of certified fine art media.Each print is individually authenticated with a serial number, signed by the artist, embossed and accompanied by a certificate of guarantee. Hahnemühle have worked closely with Epson to gain certification of their high quality fine art media. The new approved digital print media increases the number of Digigraphie certified Hahnemühle media to 9 - all of which are of different weights and properties. Click through / read on for the full list.

Direct Source Marketing, the sole U.S. distributor of Horseman photo products, has announced the Horseman VCC Pro, a device that offers full bellows function, a variety of technical movements, and gives a DSLR large format view camera functions. The VCC Pro is described as a breakthrough because it does the only thing DSLR’s can’t do—technical movements. Compact and lightweight, the new Horseman camera converter comes in models for Nikon and Canon Digital SLR’s. Both VCC models give the end user control of both the front and rear standard, and allows them to use tilt, swing, shift, fall, rise or any combination of these. The VCC also provides four-frame stitching with a full-frame / FX imager. This makes for extremely high resolution images equivalent to those produced by professional high end digital backs. Inaccuracies between successive pictures are held to an absolute minimum, making post-editing an easy task. The Horseman VCC Pro is manufactured in Japan and will be available at professional photo dealers.

To offer a greater selection to suit the diverse needs of different customers, Transcend Information, Inc. recently released a brand new Anti-Shock USB Flash Drive—the JetFlash V70. The drive is made out of a durable eco-friendly rubber that makes it highly resistant to survive shock, splashes and dust. Currently available in 16GB (Red), 8GB (Orange) and 4GB (Purple) capacities, the JetFlash V70 carries Transcend’s lifetime warranty.

JP Distribution has just announced the Ilford Galerie Back to School offer for 2009. Available as of 1 September, they will be offering three packs of A4 sized Ilford Galerie inkjet photo paper for £25. The offer includes 50 sheets of Smooth Heavyweight Matt paper, plus 25 sheets of Smooth Gloss and 25 sheets of Smooth Pearl. Furthermore, customers will also receive an extra 10 sheets free of each of the Smooth Pearl and Smooth Gloss inkjet papers, making a total of 120 sheets.

The DigiDude is a community designed, funky, portable camera tripod and keychain. Simply screw off your dude’s head and pull out his retractable legs for an on-the-go camera mount. DigiDudes are easily attached to your keychain or camera bag and will mount most point and shoot cameras. All DigiDudes come fully equipped with retractable and bendable legs for adjustable camera height & grip as well as a key ring for easy portability. The Quirky Community added some personality to the Dudes. Choose from one of the five: Pinky Scorsese, Snot Buster, iChomp, G-bling-Money-Son, and BoltBot, each with their own style and attitude. DigiDude is the eighth product designed and developed by the quirky community since quirky’s launch on June 2nd. quirky gives everyone the chance to get product ideas out of their heads and onto shelves. Each week quirky’s community collaborates to select and produce one new product idea. This week ends the development of the DigiDude and it is now available for sale at quirky’s online store for $19.99.

Website: The Quirky Store

Jessops have introduced their range of quality photo inkjet paper, which comes in matt, satin or gloss, and offers vivid colours, high whiteness and a smudge-resistant instant-dry finish. The range of Jessops photo quality gloss and satin inkjet papers have been developed to provide the combined benefits of a high white base colour with extended light stability. These new grades provide up to a 30% improvement in base paper light stability when compared to Jessops previous grades. Jessops quality gloss and satin inkjet papers start from £6.50 for a pack of 50 sheets.

The Lightbank 350 is a powerful mains operated continuous lighting kit with 7 x 50w compact fluorescent bulbs in each head. The bulbs are 5400k balanced daylight compact fluorescent bulbs so are perfect for both photography and videography. There are three switches on the back of the unit that allow bulbs to be turned off. You can turn off one, two or four bulbs or any combination giving complete flexibility on the amount of light output. Included in the kit are two Lightbank 350 heads with fourteen 50w compact fluorescent lightbulbs, two diffusers and two light stands. The Lightbank 350 studio lighting kit has an introductory price of £289.99.

Website: Lightbank 350

BUILT has announced the expansion of its line of stylish and protective neoprene accessories for cameras and laptops, and debuts four new accessories at IFA including the Cargo Travel Organizer, Cargo Camera Bags, and Large Soft Shell Camera Case. “Shutterbugs have a reason to rejoice with the debut of the Medium and Large Cargo Camera Bags,” the company says. “They’ll love the cool designs, but these bags don’t coast on good looks alone—they’re big enough to hold a large range of SLR cameras and accessories. The two layers of neoprene provide extra protection to keep equipment safe, and the removable Velcro dividers allow for customisation every time it’s used.” BUILT has also announced a Large Soft Shell Camera Case that provides easy access — and extra protection — for long zoom cameras. You can see the new camera bags at the upcoming IFA show in Berlin, in Hall 12, Stand 101.

The new TwinLink flash radio trigger kit from Seculine comprises a 16 channel radio transmitter and receiver, which use a combination of both radio and IR technology to ensure the reliability of the triggering mechanism, whilst also giving a range of up to 150ft indoors and 600ft outside. The system can be used with studio flash systems from most manufacturers and incorporates a facility to attach the receiver magnetically to the case of your studio flash head or generator. The receiver also has a built in flash hot shoe so that it can be used to attach and trigger your standard camera flashgun, while being mounted directly on a tripod head – or even maybe a Gorillapod. The Seculine TwinLink T2D Radio Flash Trigger will be available at the end of August at a suggested retail price of £119.99 including VAT.

Kubota Image Tools has announced the newest addition to the Kubota Lightspeed Workflow family – new Kubota RPG SpeedKeys for Lightroom 2. Kubota RPG SpeedKeys for Lightroom 2 is a wireless USB keypad with 1-button access to: essential adjustments such as brightness, exposure, fill light and more; the most popular Kubota Lightroom presets; and advanced tools such as paint with light, burn, soften skin, and hand-colour. The Kubota RPG SpeedKeys comes loaded with 29 Kubota Lightroom Presets. As a bonus, the SpeedKeys comes with the entire collection of Kubota Lightroom Presets v3, which includes develop, export, print, filter and more. The system requirements are a PC or Mac running Adobe Lightroom 2 or higher, and an available USB 2.0 port. The Kubota RPG SpeedKeys for Lightroom are available for purchase at: http://www.kubotaimagetools.com/ for $349.

Several sources have confirmed that Apple now offers an antiglare option for the 15-inch MacBook Pro. Such an option has already been available for the 17-inch MacBook Pro for some time, but the 15-inch variant has hitherto been offered with a high-gloss screen only. Given that glossy monitors, while trendy, are impractical to use anywhere but a darkened room; this is definitely good news for MacBook Pro users. Moreover, matte screens are allegedly better at displaying colours accurately, which is an important point for photographers. The antiglare option for the 15-inch MacBook Pro is available as a $50 / €45 upgrade from Apple.

Via photoscala | cnet | AppleInsider

Lowepro has introduced the latest addition to its Classified Series, the Classified Sling.  Designed to quickly rotate from back to front allowing you to work out of the roomy and deep side-entry compartment, the Classified Sling is ideal to travel with and part of the discreet Classified range of protective camera bags, the company says. There are two sizes to choose from, the 180 AW and the 220 AW. The 180 AW offers a stabiliser strap with a sliding buckle to provide extra stability when on the move. It also features a pocket that fits a 7-9” netbook, while the 220 AW includes a tuck-away waistbelt to offer extra comfort and evenly distribute weight, plus a zippered padded pocket that fits up to a 15.4” widescreen laptop. Available in black the Classified Sling can be purchased from all good stockists priced from around £100.

Verbatim announced today its new TUFF-’N’-TINY family of ultra-portable USB drives with capacities of 4GB in emerald green and 8GB in royal purple (pictured). The new TUFF-’N’-TINY drives measure about 1-inch long, one-half inch wide and are the thickness of a penny. With support for Windows (2000, XP, Vista), Mac OS (9.x or higher) and Linux (kernel 2.6x or higher) systems, the TUFF-’N’-TINY USB Drives also provide true cross-platform compatibility and a convenient way to transfer files between systems. Verbatim’s new travel-tough USB drives include a key ring lanyard that can be clipped on a key ring, PDA or cell phone to ensure that the user’s data is always conveniently at hand. The new drives are available with retail prices starting at $30 for the 4GB variant and $50 for the 8GB version.