Wacom today launched their first global promotion campaign - ‘Create more’. Targeting both professionals and experienced enthusiasts in the photography and illustration fields, Wacom offer a range range of high-quality content and downloads including free tutorials from professional artists on their website. From July 15th until December 31st artists can also benefit from a special value pack with free software and additional offers upon purchasing an Intuos Pro pen tablet. The ‘Create more’ campaign features eleven internationally recognised artists from around the world. Among them are Miss Led, an award-winning illustrator from London (pictured), Ben von Wong, a visual engineer and photographer from Canada, the Australian Illustrator Guy Shields, the German motion designer Robert Hranitzky, and Natalie Shau from Lithuania, who combines photography and illustration.

LPA Design, manufacturers of PocketWizard Photo Products, have started selling direct to USA dealers. “As we transition to our new sales and marketing approach, we are excited by the possibilities of working more directly with our Dealers and building closer relationships with the community of PocketWizard photographers,” said Heather Ambrose, Marketing Manager at LPA Design. “We’ve had a great partnership with the MAC Group over the past 14 years, as they’ve been integral in building the PocketWizard brand in the US market. We wish them continued success in the future.”

Taiwan based PhotoFast has announced the US availability of i-FlashDrive MAX, the World's smallest "Made-For-iOS" USB 3.0 flash drive, and the i-FlashDrive ONE app. Built with a Lightning connection, i-FlashDrive MAX can be plugged directly into iOS devices using USB 3.0 SuperSpeed, enabling anyone to quickly access, transfer and store hundreds of photos, videos and other files. The i-FlashDrive MAX USB 3.0 models come in 16 GB, 32 GB, 64 GB or 128 GB capacities, with retail prices beginning at $79.99. Both i-FlashDrive MAX and the i-FlashDrive ONE app offer enhanced security features, including an app and accessory USB lock and supported Touch ID.

Lumenati have launched their Kickstarter campaign for the CS1 "cinematic smartcase" which combines the technological features of a digital device (film-free shooting, instant sharing and an editing app) with the cool design, ergonomic ease and "natural narrative" of a classic Super 8 motion picture camera. The lightweight, portable unit allows anyone to frame and film a steady, stable shot with the pull of an intuitive trigger. A cold shoe allows filmmakers to attach lights, microphones and extra handles for sport shooting. The low-light, real-time viewfinder allows WYSIWYG capabilities even in bright light, a feature that is elusive to modern mobile devices. Conversion lenses can be swapped to shoot in wide angle, fisheye and telephoto. The fundraising campaign is now live on the website below.

SanDisk has launched te iNAND 7232 embedded flash drive for connected mobile devices. Available in capacities up to 128GB, the SanDisk iNAND 7232 solution enables manufacturers to introduce smartphones, tablets and other connected devices that feature ample storage to meet the needs of increasing consumer content while providing next-generation digital photography capabilities, the company says. The SanDisk iNAND 7232 boasts sequential write speeds of up to 150MB/s, a 25 percent increase from the previous generation product. This helps with 4K Ultra HD video capture, quick downloading via 802.11ac/802.11ad and raw image capture, and also enhances the performance of multi-camera and depth-sensors. Samples of the SanDisk iNAND 7232 are currently available to original equipment manufacturers in capacities of 32GB to 128GB.

Phottix has joined the MAC Group, a sales and marketing company representing an array of imaging brands in the US. "Phottix is the new standard for cutting-edge innovation and excellence in photographic TTL lighting triggering accessories," said Jan Lederman, MAC Group President. "Together, we are committed to changing the industry and making TTL flash solutions easy and accessible to everyone."

Responding to customer demand to provide more lenses for mobile phones, Lensbaby have announced a new Creative Mobile Kit featuring the LM-20 and LM-30 lenses, a new magnetic kickstand, an iPhone Mount and an improved iOS app for iPhone 5 and up. The new LM-20 lens is designed for LM-10 shooters that desire a larger sweet spot of focus, surrounded by subtle, gradually increasing blur. Lensbaby's new LM-30 creates images with a sharp centre image surrounded by reflections. Shooters can use the lens to transform interesting details into intriguing, abstract patterns, create a surreal mood or make a unique visual frame within a photo. The included kickstand is great for options such as taking a timed selfie, hands free viewing of photos or videos and propping up the phone on a desktop or airplane. The improved iOS app makes it easy to move the sweet spot of focus in both still and video mode. Photographers can also lock exposure and white balance, adjust sharpness, and more. The Creative Mobile Kit is available for $89.95, while the original LM-10 costs $59.95

The Canon Speedlite 430EX III-RT is a new system flash featuring a built-in radio receiver for wireless TTL operation. Other improvements - compared to earlier models of the 430EX range - include shorter recycling times and quicker firing, as well as a marked reduction in size and weight. The Canon Speedlite 430EX III-RT also includes an SCF-E2 Colour Filter which helps balance colour temperature when shooting in incandescent lighting, an SBA-E2 Bounce Adapter that helps soften light while helping suppress shadows, a built-in Catchlight panel, illuminated dot-matrix LCD, new control dial, light distribution options, multi-camera sync shooting, and remote shutter release. The guide number is 43/141 at ISO 100 (in metres/feet, respectively). Auto zooming from 24-105mm, Hi-Speed Sync and Second-curtain Sync round off the features list. The Canon Speedlite 430EX III-RT is available for an estimated retail price of £249.99/€349.99/$299.99..

A Denver-based startup called Lumenati is is launching a Kickstarter campaign to help fund the commercialisation of what they call "the world's first cinematic smartcase." The Lumenati CS1 "cinematic smartcase" will combine the technological features of a digital device (film-free shooting, instant sharing and an editing app) with the cool design, ergonomic ease and "natural narrative" of a classic Super 8 motion picture camera. The lightweight, portable unit allows anyone to frame and film a steady, stable shot with the pull of an intuitive trigger. A cold shoe allows filmmakers to attach lights, microphones and extra handles for sport shooting. The low-light, real-time viewfinder allows WYSIWYG capabilities even in bright light, a feature that is elusive to modern mobile devices. Conversion lenses can be swapped to shoot in wide angle, fisheye and telephoto. Going live on 13 July 2015, the campaign will enable early birds to buy the Lumenati CS1 at a 20% discount.

Kenro have announced the UK a new Sony fit for the Nissin Di700A with Commander Air1 Flash Kit (£239.94). The Nissin Commander Air1 can control 3 groups of Nissin Di700A flash (with a maximum of 21 NAS guns), making it an ideal controller for photographers who wish to simultaneously fire multiple strobes at various distances and without the need for cables. The Commander Air1 (pictured) is also available to purchase separately, for £59.94. "We're very excited about this new addition to the range," says Paul Kench, Kenro's managing director. "Sony is a major contender in the digital camera market - dominated by Canon and Nikon - and Nissin has recognized this by now making all their new flash systems compatible with Sony cameras."

Accessories being the lifeblood of the photography business, not to mention essential tools for photographers themselves, UK distributor Intro2020 offers a many and varied selection – covering 26 brands and product lines in all. Here’s part 2 of our round up of their new products for summer 2015…

Photography Blog was recently invited to view a comprehensive new line-up of photo products hitting the UK market from all over the world – courtesy of UK distributor Intro2020, which currently looks after 26 different brands and product lines.

Nikon UK today launched a new promotion offering UK and Republic of Ireland residents a free battery grip with purchases of selected Nikon digital SLR cameras. Those purchasing a Nikon D7200 are able to claim a free MB-D15 (pictured), whilst customers considering the Nikon D610 are entitled to a free MB-D14 battery grip. The promotion runs to 2nd September.

Barber Shop is a brand new collection of Italian leather bags and accessories for photographers, which includes 5 bags, 1 hand- and 1 wrist-strap, a single and a double bridle and two different sizes of leather organisers. Every single piece is handcrafted in Bassano del Grappa (Vicenza) by skilled artisans. As the company points out, "every detail of Barber Shop products is designed and tailored to fit the needs of photographers, without giving up style, elegance and the uniqueness of a hand-crafted product." The bags and accessories are now available on the new Barber Shop website.

MindShift Gear have launched a new line of dual-purpose photography backpacks. The First Light series addresses the most pressing needs of outdoor photographers who travel and trek, especially those who carry their 200mm to 600mm “Big Glass” lenses. These high-capacity backpacks come in three sizes and feature contoured, adjustable torso harnesses with 11 adjustment points for extreme comfort whether running through an airport or traversing a mountain. Designed to comply with airline carry-on size requirements, First Light backpacks are built with ballistic nylon bottoms for durability, and room for a laptop. The FirstLight 20L is available for $229.99, the FirstLight 30L for $279.99, and the FirstLight 40L for $329.99.

Yuneec International have just launched the Typhoon Q500 4K quadcopter, which offers 4K movie recording and 12-megapixel still image capture. The newest member of the Typhoon family offers up to 25-minutes of flight time while filming with its CGO3 4K camera.  The unit comes ready to fly with a standard ST10+ Personal Ground Station featuring a 5.5-inch touchscreen, while the 3-axis anti-vibration CGO3 gimbal camera comes with a fixed-focus UWA lens and is capable of recording Full HD videos at 120fps for slow-motion playback. Stills can be saved as DNG raw files or JPEGs. The Typhoon Q500 4K system is available for the suggested retail price of $1299.

SIRUI have announced a new range of adventure-proof tripods and new additions to their existing lines. The Wave & Wilderness series can be used in harsh environments without worrying about the ingress of dust and water. The legs are fitted with a set of special seals which, coupled with the CNC cut, forged aluminium casting that SIRUI is famous for, allow the tripod to be submerged to its shoulders in water. Extra height can be added by attaching the patented central column. The W Series are available at £599.99 (W-1204) and £699.99 (W-2204). Besides the Wave & Wilderness line, SIRUI has enhanced its Travel T0X line with two new models, aimed at those needing a lightweight, compact travel tripod without compromising stability. Weighing in from just 930g, with a maximum working height of 147cm and a closed size of 40cm, these new tripods are supplied with a C-10X ballhead in matching colour with Arca-style QR plate and a slim carrying bag and are priced from £169.99, with the 8-layer carbon version (T-024X) being available from £269.99.

Canon have filed a patent that suggests the company may be working on a 35mm full-frame compact system camera. The patent, which was filed on 13 December 2013 and published a few days ago, describes an adapter which would allow Canon EF and EF-S lenses to be mounted on an as-yet-nonexistent full-frame Canon mirrorless camera. Of course, patented solutions do not always end up being implemented in a commercially available product (far from it); but still - this could mean that Canon are considering to launch an FF-CSC to compete with the likes of the Sony A7R II.

Source: Egami via CR

Atomos have released AtomOS6.4 for their Shogun external recorder/monitor, which enables users of the Sony FS700 and FS7 (pictured) to take the RAW 4K-DCI feed from the SDI output on the camera and record directly to 4K-DCI ProRes or DNxHR. Other new features include anamorphic de-squeeze, pre-roll recording, custom time-lapse capture, additional LUT capabilities, playlist generation, expanded metadata tagging and the activation of the Genlock terminal on the back of the Shogun to allow for synchronised playout and playback.

Transcend today announced the Transcend StoreJet 35T3, its latest 3.5" external hard drive featuring storage capacities up to 8TB and USB 3.0 interface. Designed for users with high-capacity requirements, the StoreJet 35T3 delivers real-world transfer rates of up to 200 MB/s, fast enough to transfer a 4.7GB movie in 24 seconds. The new Transcend drive features a unique One Touch auto-backup button that other 3.5-inch external hard drive brands do not include. The One Touch backup system allows users to instantly backup and synchronize data with their notebook or desktop PC. For added value, the StoreJet 35T3 includes a free download of the exclusive Transcend Elite data management software that helps users manage data and increase productivity. With this convenient software, users can easily perform incremental backups, secure confidential information, and much more. Transcend's StoreJet 35T3 external hard drives are available in 3TB, 4TB  and 8TB capacities and carry a three-year limited warranty.