JP Service Solutions has introduced a new concept to DSLR sensor cleaning. They have launched a sensor cleaning service in the UK which is delivered via a pre-paid fixed price voucher. The vouchers can be purchased from appointed retailers, and the sensor clean is performed by experienced engineers within the JPSS Staffordshire facility. The complete service is provided within a 72-hour window and the price includes the secured courier return of the product. Commenting on this new initiative, David Harper, the JPSS Operations Director, said, “In developing this new service, we believe that we can provide a defined and cost effective response to the needs of the UK DSLR user.  Customers can feel assured that their product will be handled by experienced staff, which removes the inherent risk of product damage if sensor cleaning is undertaken by other means”, he continued.

Lastolite have unveiled a heavy duty 5 piece stand for their 5’ x 6’  and 6’ x 7’ collapsible backgrounds. The new 5 piece stand from Lastolite is suitable to support not only the 5’ x 6’ collapsible backgrounds but also the 6’ x 7’ versions. The stand is available to order immediately for £54.99 (inc VAT).

Olympus UK will increase the price of lenses and accessories by around 15% from April 1st. According to the report by Amateur Photographer, a letter has been sent to all UK dealers warning of the price increase.

“‘Whilst we are working hard at minimising the impact on mainline product, adverse currency movement will affect all imaging and audio accessories including DSLR lenses and flashguns which are expected to rise by around 15%.’ “

Website: Amateur Photographer - Olympus warns of UK price rises

The Verbatim CameraMate ExpressCard Reader provides up to 5x faster transfers than other memory card readers. Insert the module into your mobile or desktop system’s ExpressCard slot to start transferring images and data files. The Verbatim CameraMate ExpressCard Reader supports the CF Type I & II, Microdrive memory cards formats and is compatible with Windows XP, 2000 and Vista, and Mac OS 9.x and higher. Available now, priced at under $35.

The Nikon D3 LCD Hoodcap from Hoodman is a new, optically clear protective LCD cap for the Nikon D3. It is completely clear and can be left on the screen at all times. The Nikon D3 LCD Hoodcap has a scratch-resistant coating so should stand up to the general wear and tear of everyday use both in and out of a camera bag. The Nikon D3 LCD Hoodcap (H-CAPD3) has an RRP of £22.99 including VAT in the UK.

PCMag have reviewed the Wacom Cintiq 12WX, a 12.1” interactive pen display for direct pen-on-screen drawing, painting and sketching.

“Once you have the 12WX set up at your workspace, what’s using it like? In a word: lovely. Weighing about 4 pounds, the 12WX is comparable in size to the 6-by-11-inch Intuos3. The screen is bright and easy on the eyes. The stylus is the same comfortable Grip Pen that ships with Intuos and other Cintiq models, with the standard 1,024 levels of pressure sensitivity. The programmable (and indispensable) ExpressKeys and TouchStrips are here as well, greatly minimizing the need to access your computer’s keyboard.”

Website: PCMag - Wacom Cintiq 12WX Review

PocketWizard high precision wireless control devices for the professional photographer are now available in the UK through JP Distribution. The technically advanced PocketWizard range wirelessly synchronizes cameras, flash lighting and light meters. The Flash Centre has successfully distributed the PocketWizard range for many years. They will now be available from JP Distribution as from 1st April 2008.

jill-e designs has launched a new line of creative and stylish Point-n-Shoot Pouches for the serious female photographer. These new pouches currently come in four styles, including two suitable for the surf and sand.  “...our new pouches are specifically designed for that extra digital camera – the bulkier ‘point-n-shoot’ that a lot of women like to carry in certain situations or to make sure they don’t miss a shot” said jill-e designs Owner/Partner Jill Wight.

The Ape Case PRO2000 is a new carrying case from Norazza which can hold 2 camera bodies, lenses, 17 inch laptop and flashguns. Featuring a signature yellow interior, the bag is designed to allow the user to easily find accessories. “We designed this bag with both the professional and amateur photographer in mind, and we added features that allow maximum protection for photography equipment.  The ACPRO2000 offers digital photographers peace of mind that their cameras and accessories are safe, secure and easily accessible.” said Tom Sperazza, President of Norazza. The Ape Case PRO2000 can be purchased at Walmart.com for $139.99.

The new Peli Soft bag range have padded inserts and are made from water resistant nylon ensuring that your equipment is always protected. The Peli Soft Bag range includes rolling and backpack cases, tripod and light stand cases, and bags to protect DSLR’s, lenses and accessories. All Peli Soft Bags include a 5 year limited warranty, with pricing starting at £24.99.

Think Tank Photo have introduced three new rolling bags which provide more protection and security for transporting heavy and expensive photography gear. The Airport Airstream is a new, small roller complies with international air travel guidelines and accommodates up to a 400mm lens and multiple DSLRs and lenses. Airport Security V2.0 and Airport International V2.0 are new versions with new and enhanced security features. “With all of these rollers we’ve listened to photographer fears and designed in strong, customizable features that allow them to use this rolling camera bag not only as a means of transporting equipment from one site to the next, but for storing it securely during the shoot,” said Doug Murdoch, Think Tank Photo’s founder and lead designer.

The Think Tank Photo Skin Collection is a new series of thin, flexible bags designed to fit on Think Tank Photo belts or regular belts. Their ability to be compressed when empty frees up valuable space in your cases, especially when in transit. “The Skin series was designed in direct response to feedback from professional photographers who have to lug their gear into the field,” said Doug Murdoch, Think Tank Photo co-founder and lead designer. “For some of them, having bags that compress to preserve room and yet still allow quick access is more important than padding. With the Skin series they have the same ‘Lock or Rotate’ functionality as our breakthrough modular systems but without the extra protective padding.” The 5-piece Skin Set includes the Skin 50, Skin 75 Pop Down, Skin Double Wide, Skin Strobe, and the Skin Chimp.

Hahnemuhle will announce four new 60” wide papers at the WPPI 2008 show. Photo Rag Ultra Smooth, Photo Rag Baryta, Daguerre Canvas and Monet Canvas will all be available in the 60” size. Hahnemuhle will be selling sample rolls of the two new Canvas products at the WPPI show for $5 each. “We are pleased to present these new products to the digital printing community,” said Martin Kerver, President of Hahnemuhle USA. “We understand the complex and ever- expanding needs of our customers and are committed to meeting the quality standards that have made us the preferred choice for fine art printing.”

The Sekonic Prodigi Colour C-500 & C-500R is the world’s first colour meters designed for digital and film colour control.

Main Features
• Four built in sensors that measure colour temperature
• Wireless triggering feature compatible with the PocketWizard® (only in C-500R)
• Digital and Film compatible
• Illuminance measurement
• Measured and indicated values
• Preset white balance/colour compensation function
• Memory function
• User friendly design

JP Distribution has announced the arrival of a line of new HiLite Bottletop covers to enhance the ever popular HiLite range. Simply slip the elasticated bottletop cover over the HiLite background to produce an instant change of colour. They also come complete with a train. The new HiLite Bottletop covers are available in Black, Grey, Chromakey Blue and Chromakey Green, with prices starting at £54.99.

The new SanDisk FlashBack Adapter backs-up your laptop data onto an SD memory card.The FlashBack Adapter fits into the ExpressCard slot of your PC, automatically and continuously backing up and encrypting critical data. SanDisk’s FlashBack Adapter will start shipping worldwide in Q2 and has a suggested retail price of $29.99 (memory card sold separately).

Manfrotto has unveiled a new range of carbon fiber tripods, called the CX series. Three models are available - the 190CXPRO3, 190CXPRO4 and 190CX3. The Manfrotto CX family introduces redesigned locking levers, new leg angle selectors, and re?engineered magnesium and aluminum castings. The new CX PRO models feature Manfrotto’s innovative and award-winning Q90° (Quick Center Column System). The 190CXPRO4 ($325) and 190CXPRO3 ($300) feature all carbon fiber tubes, including a tri-faceted center column, while the simpler 190CX3 ($250) features carbon fiber tubes paired with an aluminum center column and aluminum top plate. All Manfrotto CX tripods will be available March 2008.

Hahnemuhle has announced the addition of two new canvas inkjet products to its Digital FineArt collection. Daguerre Canvas 400gsm is a specially coated artist canvas made of poly-cotton with a tactile surface texture which makes it perfect for fine art photo printing. Monet Canvas 410gsm is a genuine artist canvas made of 100% cotton with a special coating that is ideal for fine art printing. Both papers will be available by the end of March in 17”, 24”, 36”, 44” and 60” rolls, as well as A3 size 20 sheet boxes.

Lastolite have announced a set of three Ezybox Hotshoe Mask Covers to further enhance the popular Ezybox Hotshoe range. The set which is available for the 38cm and 60cm versions comprises of three different shaped diffuser panels that will allow you to be more creative with lighting in the studio or on location. A set of 3 Ezybox Hotshoe Mask Covers in the 38cm size costs £39.99, with the 60cm retailing at £42.99.

The Fantasea Line FL-18 is a new underwater housing for the Nikon Coolpix L15, L16 and L18 compact cameras. The FL-18 is depth rated to 60 meters/200 feet, has a double O-ring seal on all controls, anti-glare hood over LCD screen, removable flash diffuser and a lens port with a 46mm thread. As with all other Fantasea Camera Housings, in the event of accidental water leakage, the Coolpix camera inside is insured.