Manfrotto has announced its new 290 collection, featuring a completely renewed range of tripods, kits and monopods. The Manfrotto 290 Xtra tripod (pictured) boasts a completely new style and 4 leg angle positions. Available in aluminium and carbon-fibre versions, the new 290 Xtra comes with a dedicated shoulder bag. The new 290 Dual bridges the 290 and 190/055 tripod ranges. Maintianing the sturdy construction of the 290 range, the Manfrotto 290 Dual also features an innovative 90° centre-column mechanism. This feature, alongside the 4 leg angle positions, enables ground-level shooting. The updated, more compact and lightweight 804 3-way head features new retractable levers with rubber handles. Last but not least, the new 290 collection includes an updated version of the Manfrotto 290 Monopod boasting new rubber legwarmers and an angled wrist strap, together with an upper disc with integrated ¼” and 3/8” attachment. Prices start from £49.95.

Toshiba today announced the development of the world’s first 16-die stacked NAND flash memory utilising Through Silicon Via (TSV) technology. Claimed to provide the ideal solution for low latency, high bandwidth and high IOPS/Watt in flash storage applications - including high-end enterprise SSDs -, this new flash memory achieves an I/O data rate of over 1Gbps. The prototype will be shown at Flash Memory Summit 2015, to be held from 11-13 August in Santa Clara.

Fotodiox has added five new bi-colour models to its innovative FlapJack LED Edgelight series. “The world of imaging is in constant flux, and it’s our goal to continually improve our ideas,” said Bohuš Blahut, filmmaker and marketing director for Fotodiox. “We’re particularly proud of the design of the FlapJack LED Edgelights, and when our customers told us they wanted these in bi-colour, we listened." A perfect solution for filling in shadows, giving glamour portraits a beautiful glow or expertly lighting run-and-gun video shoots, the five newest models of bi-color FlapJack LED Edgelights have a fully adjustable color temperature between 3200K and 5500K. Each model of single-colour and bi-colour FlapJack LED Edgelight comes complete with a lithium-ion battery, battery charger, AC adapter, car adapter and mounting ballhead – all in a fitted case with a handle. Prices start at $179.95.

DJI today released their most affordable video drone to date - the DJI Phantom 3 Standard. Designed specifically for first-time pilots, the DJI Phantom 3 Standard includes intelligent flight functions that make cinematic shots easy to capture. Using a standard Wi-Fi connection, the DJI Phantom 3 Standard allows pilots to see what their camera sees in near real time in HD, capture photos, start / stop record for video and adjust camera settings all from the updated DJI Go app. With a newly designed and integrated camera, the DJI Phantom 3 Standard records up to 2.7k HD video at 30fps using a 94-degree distortion-free lens. The camera also shoots still images at 12 megapixels in both DNG raw and JPEG formats. The remote controller (also pictured above) is an updated version of DJI’s previous Phantom 2 Vision+ controller, with an integrated Wi-Fi range extender and wheel to angle the camera. The DJI Phantom 3 Standard is immediately available for purchase at £649 / €919 / $799.

OGIO will showcase and launch its newly designed collection of action camera bags at Outdoor Retailer Summer 2015. The new range includes the Hogo, Backstage and Access, three varieties "carefully designed  to offer the utmost in protection, comfort and organisation." The Hogo ($40) is a soft case with top charger storage area, front e-reader pocket, and zip stash pocket; fitting up to three cameras. The Baclstage ($200) is a larger bag with front padded easy access pockets to store camera, remote or housings, dual side pockets with compressions traps, tablet/hydration ready main compartment, ventilated air mesh back panel and adjustable yoke shoulder harness. The Access ($90) is a mid-sized adventure backpack with multiple storage compartments, an additional adjustable and removable storage compartment, laptop sleeve with dual zippered pockets, a ventilated air mesh back panel and a zip stash pocket. All three models are available now thorugh the website below.

Think Tank Photo have announced four new Roller Flair customisation kits that enable owners of Think Tank rollers to outfit their wheels, ties, and handle wraps in one of four colours: blue, green, orange and red. Each Roller Flair kit includes two wheels; 10 Easy Grip Zipper Pulls; one padded Handle Wrap; and an Installation Guide. Think Tank Photo's Roller Flair kits are available for $35 each.

To celebrate the launch of a new "mystery monitor," Colour Confidence is inviting professional photographers to register their interest for the chance to win the mystery monitor on launch day along with an X-Rite i1Display Pro. The company has not yet revealed the make and model of the monitor but say the 27” display features an "impressively wide-gamut" IPS panel and reproduces 99% of the Adobe RGB colour space. The winner of the mystery monitor competition will be announced on 1st September when the monitor officially launches.

Samsung have announced the industry’s first 1μm-pixel-based 16 megapixel CMOS sensor designed for use in mobile devices. The S5K3P3 imager takes advantage of Samsung’s ISOCELL technology to deliver image quality that is on a par with sensors featuring slightly larger, 1.2μm photosites. The new sensor reduces the camera module’s overall height by 20 percent, offering designers the ability to develop thinner-than-ever smartphones and tablets. Samsung’s new S5K3P3 image sensor is available today to original equipment manufacturers.

BenQ has partnered with Adobe to launch a new promotion for creative professionals. Those purchasing a new BenQ 24” PG2401PT colour critical monitor can now get a one-year membership to Adobe Creative Cloud Photography (worth £102). The Creative Cloud Photography plan combines the creative power of Adobe Photoshop CC with the management and enhancement tools within Adobe Lightroom CC. This new BenQ / Adobe offer is available to purchase through leading photography retailers and is distributed exclusively by Colour Confidence in the UK, Poland, France, the Nordics and Spain.
 

Fantasea have announced an upcoming release of an underwater housing for the brand new Sony RX100 IV digital compact camera. Providing full access to all essential camera controls and functions, the Fantasea FRX100 IV housing is depth rated to 60 metres, and features a shock-resistant construction, ergonomic design and double O-ring protection. Free extras include a hand-strap, moisture detector and port cover. Also compatible with the Sony RX100 III, the Fantasea FRX100 IV underwater housing will be available from September 2015 at an estimated retail price of $500.

Metabones have issued a firmware upgrade for four of their Canon EF to Micro Four Thirds adapters. Applicable to the Canon EF to Micro Four Thirds Speed Booster  S Adapter  (model number MB_SPEF-M43-BM2, pictured), the Canon EF to Micro Four Thirds Speed Booster Adapter (model number MB_SPEF-M43-BM1), the Canon EF to Micro Four Thirds T Speed Booster  ULTRA 0.71x Adapter  (model number MB_SPEF-M43-BT4) and the Canon EF to Micro Four Thirds T Speed Booster  XL 0.64x Adapter  (model number MB_SPEF-M43-BT3), Firmware Version 1.7 enables auto focus on Panasonic Micro Four Thirds camera bodies and fixes a couple of bugs.

Metabones Canon EF to MFT Speed Booster Adapter Firmware V1.7 for Mac OS
Metabones Canon EF to MFT Speed Booster Adapter Firmware V1.7 for Microsoft Windows

The Booq Python catch collection is now available in the United Kingdom. The Python catch’s unconventional design features rugged, sustainable material, customisable organisation and enough space to accommodate two SLR cameras, up to four lenses and a 15" laptop. Its main compartment features three primary densely padded dividers and four padded subdividers that users can configure to fit their gear of choice. The interior flap offers transparent pockets so users can store accessories without losing track of them. For extensive outdoor conditions, a rain cover with reflective elements provides protection and visibility in low light situations. The Python catch is available for £220.

Peak Design have embarked on a Kickstarter campaign to launch their first in a planned line of bags dubbed The Everyday Messenger. Product development was started over a year ago when professional photographer Trey Ratcliff approached the company with a challenge to design a bag that accommodated photo gear, but also the implements of everyday life. The Everyday Messenger expands from 13.5L to 20.5L, utilising a system of 22 foam panels that expand and contract cleanly, without losing shape. The exterior is built from a 500D synthetic canvas with wax coating and DWR finish, which sheds water and provides rugged durabiity. The Everyday Messenger’s interior is constructed with several removable high-density compression-molded EVA foam inserts that fold to adapt to a wide range of cameras, lenses and accessories, without creating pockets of “dead space” found in typical camera bags. The new bag features a proprietary closure mechanism designed to allow blind, one-handed operation, and both semi and full lock engagement. The Everyday Messenger is finished with an internally-padded seatbelt-style shoulder strap that allows a huge range of adjustment with no hanging “tail” of extra webbing. For more information, visit the website below.

After a successful Kickstarter campaign, the Miggo AGUA all-weather quick-draw camera bag is now available to pre-order from the Miggo website. Manufactured in three sizes, the IPX3-standard storm-resistant case enables you to comfortably carry your camera close to your body in any weather - and draw it quickly and with ease at the right moment to capture a perfect shot. The camera is attached to the bag with quick-release buckles, including a failsafe connection. This solution eliminates the need for the original camera strap because the AGUA's strap is used to carry the camera itself. By taking advantage of the pre-sale offer, you can buy the CSC/Superzoom version for $54.99, the mid-sized SLR option for $59.99, or the pro SLR option for $69.99. Additionally, you can now purchase the also-new Speed Strap, Two-Way Speed Strap and Grip & Wrap Mini at a 10% discount.

JP Distribution have been appointed as the UK distributors of UKPro, the manufacturer of various GoPro accessories including cases, poles and lighting. San Diego based company Underwater Kinetics was founded in 1971 by Alan Uke who created hand held flashlights and accessories for the dive and industrial market. Now “UK” have over 160 individual products which are distributed in over 68 countries. UKPro is a division of Underwater Kinetics that is dedicated to GoPro accessories. The UKPro range of products will be available through JP Distribution with immediate effect.

Manfrotto have added the Off Road 20L Hiker Backpack to their Off Road Collection. Designed for transporting your gear while hiking outdoors, the Off Road 20L Hiker Backpack will hold a mid-sized SLR with lens and accessories, while providing a quick side access to your camera. Similar to the Off Road 30L Hiker Backpack, the 20L Hiker Backpack can be used to carry your personal gear and camera, or it can be converted into a total hiking backpack by unzipping the internal divider and removing the camera bag. The straps on the backpack are ideal for carrying the Off Road walking sticks and tripod, making the Off Road 20L Hiker Backpack the perfect choice for trekkers who wish to capture and record what they find on a hike, but don’t need the extra space the 30L Off Road Hiker Backpack gives. Available now through selected stockists, the 20L Hiker Backpack is priced at £129.95.

Sigma UK have announced a new dp0 Quattro kit, comprising the ultra-wide-angle dp0 Quattro and LVF-01 LCD Viewfinder. Featuring a 14mm F4 lens (equivalent to a 21mm lens on a 35mm camera) and a Foveon sensor, the Sigma dp0 Quattro (read review) is perfectly suited to landscape photography - while the addition of the Sigma LVF-01 LCD Viewfinder cuts off outside light and magnifies the LCD display 2.5 times, allowing photographers to check focusing and composition more easily. The new kit has a suggested retail priceof £999.99.

Toshiba today announced “T4KC3”, a 16-megapixel BSI CMOS sensor for tablet- and smartphone camera modules. This 1/2.7"-type chip has a pixel pitch of 1.12 microns, and allows 30fps recording at full resolution. Phase-Detection Auto-Focus achieves quick focusing, and makes it easier for mobile devices to capture high quality images and movies, the company says. “T4KC3” also incorporates Toshiba’s Bright Mode technology, which boosts image brightness up to four times and enables HD video capture at 240fps equivalent, and supports high dynamic range imaging. Additionally the new sensor incorporates 16Kbit OTP (one-time programmable memory), which can store lens shading correction data for four conditions at maximum, such as indoors and outdoors, daylight and sunset. Sample shipments are scheduled to start in September this year.

Manfrotto have launched the new Friction Arms Range, enriching its line-up of arms for photography and videography. Ideal for professional and advanced enthusiasts, these four new small-sized friction arms are available in two sizes; 15cm and 24cm. The range offers updated features, including an anti-rotation system, which keeps the equipment securely interlocked. This distinctive feature is available using Manfrotto friction arms in combination with the Manfrotto Nano Clamp 386B-1 and with the “Easylink” connection of the Manfrotto 190 series and Manfrotto 055 series. Made of high robust aluminium which ensures durability, the arms can carry a payload up to 3kg. Prices start at £64.95.

Calumet UK have launched a professional LCD viewfinder loupe designed for use with all DSLRs that have a screen size of 3 or 3.2 inches, including the Canon EOS 5D Mark III and the Nikon D810. Giving photographers a clear, magnified view of the DSLR’s LCD screen, the Calumet Foldable LCD Viewfinder offers three times magnification and the dioptre allows for lens focus adjustment. The integrated rubber eyecup provides a hood view of the display and is adjustable; simply flip up the eyepiece to switch to standard live view. The viewfinder loupe comes with a quick release mounting plate which simply clips onto the camera’s mounting plate. The Calumet Foldable LCD Viewfinder (£125) is available in store and online now.