The Nikon D60 digital SLR is the first camera to feature in the “Eye-Fi Connected” program. The Nikon D60 will detect when an Eye-Fi Card is inserted and automatically adjust its power timer settings to ensure that photos upload effortlessly for sharing and storing. “This is our first announcement with a camera manufacturer, and it’s exciting to work with such a prestigious innovator in traditional, digital and wireless photography,” said Jef Holove, CEO for Eye-Fi. “Our work with Nikon is another vital step in our mission to make taking, saving and sharing digital memories as automatic and effortless as possible.” Beginning this Spring, Eye-Fi will also offer users access to “my Picturetown,” Nikon’s online digital photo storage and sharing service.

BODA DRY is a fully weather proof line of camera bags created for professional photographers. BODA DRY is available in two sizes - the primary bag holds up to 4+ lenses, batteries and all the necessary accessories.  BODA DRY JR, is simply a smaller version and will hold 2-3 primary lenses. In the near future, BODA will be releasing a third size of the BODA DRY which will be called the MINI BODA DRY.

The new Hydrophobia 300-600 rain cover from Think Tank Photo is the first rain cover specifically designed to be pre-mounted for quick deployment. When the weather threatens, simply unroll the rain cover over the rest of the lens and body, securely protecting both. The Hydrophobia rain cover fits onto a 300 f2.8, 400 f2.8, 500 f4, and 600 f4 lens. The fabric used on the Hydrophobia is ten times as waterproof as normal fabric.

Crumpler is launching a new line of photo bags at the PMA show in Las Vegas next week. They are:

The Industry Disgrace - designed for professional photographers carrying heavy camera equipment. It features a breathable air mesh base strap, ergonomic neoprene neck pad with grip print, double length adjustment feature on neck strap and an extra strength attachment strap.
The Cork & Fork - a new protective photo equipment bag - spacious, padded photo backpack designed to slot inside Crumpler’s brand new carry-on roller luggage piece, The Period Charmer, making it an easy travel companion. It also works as a highly functional stand alone piece.
The Rufous Whistler - a limited edition version of Crumpler’s most popular photo bag model, The 5 Million Dollar Home. It features an external pocket, two hidden internal side pockets, a padded and brushed nylon-lined main compartment, configurable dividers, etc.

Crumpler is an Australian designer of specialty bags that are trendy, fun and stylish.

Transcend has released a new 32GB, 133x speed CompactFlash card. Transcend’s 133x CF cards achieve fast read/write speeds of up to 45MB/16MB per second on average. They also feature built-in ECC (Error Correction Code) to automatically detect and correct errors during data transfer, which prevents data corruption and missing files. The Transcend 32GB 133X CompactFlash Card will cost €169.

The new Quick Pod DSLR is the the world’s first handheld extendable tripod for DSLR cameras. The DSLR version extends to 53” and converts to a monopod to hold camera equipment weighing up to 6 lbs. “Families on vacation and You Tubers will all benefit by making picture taking and movie making easier”.  “Professionals are using the Quik Pod® for photo and lighting solutions.” commented inventor Wayne Fromm. Prices for the various versions of the Quik Pod start at $24.95.

The new Olympus Type M+ xD-Picture Card is up to 1.5 times faster than Type M xD-Picture Cards when used with Olympus digital cameras. Type M+ the only xD-Picture Card that supports the exclusive Olympus Panorama, 3D and Art modes. Available as M-XD1GMP (1GB) and M-XD2GMP (2GB), Type M+ xD-Picture Card also enable longer movie recording times in 640X480/SHQ (30fps) mode.

The 8Gb PNY Optima Compact Flash is a new high capacity card for digital SLR cameras. The PNY Optima card offers a minimum writing speed of 9MB/sec and is compatible with SLR cameras only. The PNY Optima Compact Flash 8GB costs £89.88 in the UK and is available in PNY retail and retail channels, including Argos.

CameraLabs have reviewed the Joby Gorillapod SLR Zoom, a portable tripod which attaches to SLR cameras with lenses and can support up to 6.6 lbs / 3 kg.

“We’ve been using the Gorillapod SLR Zoom for over four months now and found it to be an invaluable accessory. Like earlier Gorillapods though, it can take new owners a short while to stop treating it like a normal tripod. Sure you can bend the legs out and stand it on the floor, but with a working height of just 20cm or so, you’ll be shooting pets-eye views unless there’s a ledge or table nearby.”

Website: CameraLabs - Joby Gorillapod SLR Zoom Review

CameraLabs have reviewed the Canon WFT-E3A Wireless File Transmitter, which provides wireless transfer and back-up for the EOS 40D DSLR.

“It’s already fun to see the live view from the 40D and focus its lens from your computer with the standard USB connection, but to do the same with the camera on a tripod at, say, the bottom of your garden without a cable in sight is undeniably cool stuff. Obviously this has fairly specialist applications. Time-lapse or HDR work spring to mind, as does studio-based macro-photography, or perhaps astro-photography without getting cold.”

Website: CameraLabs - Canon WFT-E3A Review

The new Manfrotto ModoPocket is an ultra-compact support for small point-and-shoot digital cameras. Folding completely flat, ModoPocket can fit anywhere and is compatible with all small digital cameras featuring a standard ¼” tripod thread. The Manfrotto ModoPocket costs $30.00 and is is available in the US through Bogen Imaging dealers.

The Kata Digital Photo Series is a completely new line of camera backpacks, cases and pouches. The Kata Digital Photo Series combines a number of technologies found in other Kata product lines to create a lightweight, ergonomic and protective line of carrying solutions. To identify which carrying solution is suitable for a specific digital camera and gear, visit the Online Kata Bag Chooser at http://www.kata-bags.com/katabagchoosers/

National Geographic has added seven new models to its Earth Explorer Camera Bag collection. The Earth Explorer collection featuresan environmentally friendly design coupled with cutting-edge ergonomics and performance. The new additions to the National Geographic Earth Explorer collection include three pouches, two camera straps, a small sling bag, and a large shoulder bag.

Mamiya have released an IR Photo filter for the Mamiya ZD Digital back. The IR Photo Filter YD401 is a clear filter that allows the transmission of infrared light as well as visible light rays. “Unlike specialized IR cameras or modified systems the Mamiya ZD Digital Back can be transformed from standard digital to IR digital, simply by changing the user-replaceable sensor filters.” said Jeff Karp, Mamiya Product Marketing Manager. The Mamiya IR Photo Filter is available in mid-January 2008, price to be announced.

Two new Mamiya Lens Mount Adapters allow the use of Hasselblad V-series medium format lenses on Mamiya 645AF series cameras. “The adapters provide the mechanical interface and precise flange-to-film plane distance required for proper focusing of Hasselblad lenses,” said Jeff Karp, Mamiya Product Marketing Manager, “allowing the photographer to use their existing Hasselblad V series lenses on the high-precision Mamiya 645AFD II. The adapters come in black (#404) or silver (#405) and will be available in January 2008.

The new JOBO Energy PREMIO battery has been developed specifically for use with digital SLRs, compact digital cameras and camcorders. They provide a constant capacity across many charging cycles (300 to 500 depending on usage). Jobo PREMIO batteries do not have a memory effect, are high current capable and quick charge capable. JOBO is also showing its range of mobile image storage devices and digital picture frames at PMA 2008.

The NewerTech USB 2.0 Universal Drive Adapter connects any hard drive to any computer for easy file transfer. It’s useful for upgrading an internal hard drive, backing-up and storing file archives, and for data access from stored backup drives. The adapter provides a USB 2.0 transfer speed of up to 480Mbps and is also backwards compatible with USB 1.1. The NewerTech USB 2.0 Universal Drive Adapter costs $29.95 and is compatible with Mac OS 9.2 or higher including Mac OS X, Linux 2.4.X, and Microsoft Windows 2000/XP.

The Eye-Fi wireless memory card now allows photo uploads directly into iPhoto. The new downloadable Mac upgrade will enable iPhoto to automatically import photos uploaded wirelessly to the Mac. It will also allow Mac users to use the Safari 3 browser to access the Web-based Eye-Fi Manager for managing card settings and upload preferences. The downloadable upgrade is free to current Eye-Fi Card users and will be included in new Eye-Fi Cards. The Eye-Fi Card retails for $99.99 USD.

The FOZI Tripod is a credit card size plastic (polypropylene) folding tripod you can always carry in a wallet, purse or handbag. It snaps from 2 dimensions to 3 to hold the camera in 4 different positions. The FOZI tripod works for both centre and offset lens compact cameras and mobile phone cameras, by changing the position in the tripod. Travellers will now be able to take “anywhere, anytime” shots which are not possible without a tripod. The FOZI Tripod comes in 6 colours, and a 5-pack of different colours. It costs AUD$5.95 posted within Australia or AUD$8.95 sent AIRMAIL to USA, UK, Canada or NZ.

New Kodak Professional Grade CD-Rs and DVD-Rs will safely store images, videos and data for up to 100 years. The discs combine superior recording quality with durability that will protect images, sound and data for 100 years. Only archival Kodak 24K Gold Preservation CDs last longer. “We are introducing these new, professional grade discs for those who can’t take a chance on short-lived silver CD-Rs.,” said Steve Mizelle, President of KMP Media. Also announced is a new Kodak Archival Jewel Case, specifically designed for storing important CDs and DVDs. Price and availability for the Kodak Professional Grade discs to be announced.