The mecablitz 64 AF-1 digital is the new, top-of-the-range flash unit from Metz, featuring a zoomable tilt-swivel head and a secondary flash tube for on-axis fill. The guide number is 64 in metres at ISO 100 at the 200mm flash head position (translating into a GN of 43 @ 50mm). Key highlights include a new large, auto-rotating, full-colour touchscreen; HSS, servo, automatic and TTL flash modes; 1st and 2nd-curtain synchronisation; a modelling light and a newly-developed motorised zoom mechanism that makes the mecablitz 64 AF-1 digital capable of properly illuminating focal lengths ranging from 24 to 200mm. The flash also incorporates a new RAPID function, enabling photographers to shorten recycle times in fast paced situations. The Canon and Nikon versions are already available for £375, with versions for Olympus/Panasonic/Leica, Pentax and Sony expected to hit the shelves after Photokina 2014.

The swivelCard is a new type of "smart" business card, which was developed with professional photographers in mind. Made of regular paper, this revolutionary card doubles as a USB drive when folded in a certain way, and provides a link to your online portfolio when inserted into a USB port on your computer. What's more, a nifty analytics system allows you to access helpful information about your cards and how they are being used through a back-end software interface. Plus, remote access to your swivelCard gives you many opportunities to continue interacting with the card's recipient. "With the back-end interface you'll be able to log in to your account and remotely make changes to the destination," the inventors say. "This can be done individually for each specific card." For more information, visit the project's Kickstarter page.

LockCircle has announced the LockPort A7 and LockPort GH4 accessories for the Sony A7S and Panasonic Lumix GH4 compact system cameras. Developed to help avoid damaging the cameras' miniHDMI connection ports, the LockPort A7 and LockPort GH4 allow you to use stronger standard HDMI cables and feature a solid ultra-low base clamp which fits every plate, head, sliding plate and support out there. Both products will be available in "survival kits" (with spare parts) at the website below.

PocketWizard today released a new update to its ControlTL firmware for both Nikon and Canon versions of its MiniTT1 and FlexTT5 radios. Firmware version 3.700 for Nikon includes compatibility with the recently released D810 (pictured), D610, D4S and other Nikon cameras. Additionally, firmware version 6.700 for Canon now provides TTL compatibility with the Canon 1D X, 6D and T4i as well as other recently released Canon cameras.. Any current owner of the ControlTL system can easily install this version via USB and update for free using PocketWizard Utility version 1.54 or later.

The EIZO ColorEdge CG247 monitor is now available in the United Kingdom. The ColorEdge CG247 is targeted at professionals in photography, prepress and post-production. It features a new 10-bit wide-gamut IPS panel that reproduces 99% of the Adobe RGB colour space and comes with a built-in calibration sensor for self-calibration. Additionally it has a 3D LUT (look-up table) that adjusts colour individually on an RGB cubic table. Connectivity options include HDMI, DVI and DisplayPort, as well as two upstream and two downstream USB ports. The EIZO ColorEdge CG247 is available in the UK from Colour Confidence for £1257.60.

Datacolor today announced SpyderCHECKR 24, a precise and versatile camera colour calibration and white balance target for photo and video colour control for on-the-go professional photographers and videographers. Spectrally engineered with 24 pigment patches, SpyderCHECKR 24 offers the accuracy of a full size, large patch photo target in a thin, compact design. “The biggest advantage of the system is that camera calibration is not limited to raw files but can also be applied to JPEGs and video too,” said Lee Varis, professional photographer and digital imaging artist. “For imaging professionals who shoot a combination of still and motion, especially site photography and videography, SpyderCHECKR is a game changer.” The SpyderCHECKR 24 is available immediately for €42 / $49 at photo and video retailers or online at the website below.

Ikelite has launched an underwater case for the Sony RX100 III digital compact camera. This housing provides controls for all important camera functions including the rear dial and front control ring. A sensitive shutter lever makes it easy to half-depress the trigger for focusing and metering. An included flash diffuser improves lighting quality when the camera's built-in flash is used. The housing port is designed to accept 3.0-inch diameter colour filters, and wide angle or macro options with 67mm threads. The Ikelite Housing for the Sony Cyber-shot RX100 III is available for order through any Authorised Ikelite Dealer, priced at £424.99/$550.00.

GoRigIt have launched a Kickstarter campaign in an effort to raise funds for their first product release, a phone case with a built in GoPro attachment. "With the GoRigIt case, your iPhone and GoPro become one," the company says. "We’ve made a way for you to see what you’re shooting, ensuring you’re getting the shots you want without hindering any of the functions of your iPhone!" Allowing users to fully utilise the GoPro app by either attaching their phone directly to the GoPro or attaching their phone to any other GoPro mount, the GoRigIt case enables GoPro owners to see what the camera is recording, manage GoPro settings, review what they have captured and effortlessly share their movies on social media platforms. Additionally, the GoRigIt case protects your iPhone so that it can go almost anywhere you would want to take your GoPro. Interested readers are encouraged to visit the project's Kickstarter page for more details.

Spider Camera Holster has launched two new accessories: the SpiderPro Medium Lens Pouch and Memory Card Organizer.. Compatible with the SpiderPro single and dual-camera holster systems, the Medium Lens Pouch accommodates all small (or short) professional zoom lenses with hood attached. Its unique design allows the user to easily insert the lens with the lens hood still connected, thereby saving time and hassle during use. The pouch’s side opening gives clearance for users to gain a firm and comfortable grip of the lens while swapping. The Spider Holster Memory Card Organizer (pictured) allows for photographers to carry as much memory possible, hands free and with maximum convenience, without having to shuffle through gear bags or sifting through various pockets. Designed for easy access, its fold-out compartment holds 6 Compact Flash memory cards and 3 smaller Secure Digital memory cards – all instantly available, hands free, right at your hip.The base SpiderPro Medium Lens Pouch will carry an MSRP of $65.00. The SpiderPro Memory Card Organizer will carry an MSRP of $35.00. Both accessories will be available for direct purchase through the company website

Connected Data have launched their Drobo Mini with Solid State Disk drives delivering as much as 80% more performance compared to a Mini configured with traditional spinning hard drives. Featuring four 2.5” SSD bays with an mSATA accelerator option; the Drobo Mini connects via Thunderbolt or USB 3.0 and protects data without user intervention, even in the event of multiple SSD drive failures. If a drive does fail, Drobo Mini automatically repairs itself and returns to a protected state while providing full access to data without performance being affected. Additional security is provided with battery backup that protects against data loss in the event of a sudden power outage ensuring that all data in flight is protected until power is restored. The Drobo Mini with SSD is available today in three capacity bundles of 1TB, 2TB and 4TB starting at an MSRP of $1,199 through the website below.

The new BounceLite is a mini-softbox/bounce-card combination for your hotshoe-mounted flash. Currently raising funds on Kickstarter, this ingenious light modifier attaches directly to the flash head and comes with a filter cassette for colour temperature modifying gels such as CTOs and CTBs. The entire BounceLite Collection includes the BounceLite itself, the filter cassette, neoprene case, mounting pads, a filter wallet and two sets of gels. Interested readers are encouraged to visit the project's Kickstarter page.

ProAm USA has just launched a Kickstarter campaign to help fund the commercialisation of its latest innovation, the CarryOn Jib. Billed as the most compact, yet full-sized crane on the market, the ProAm USA CarryOn Jib features a 360-degree, lockable bearing base with built-in bubble level to provide smooth, fluid motion. Every joint features oil impregnated brass bearings to ensure smooth rotations. The crane’s coated steel cables that connect to the camera platform provide automatic leveling, while the platform can be swapped out for an optional 75 mm bowl mount. The CarryOn Jib Kickstarter campaign offers a number of varying donation levels, from a supportive $5 donation to the $799 level, which gets generous backers the four-section eight-foot CarryOn Jib with bag, quick-release plate, sandbag, tripod and full 7” HDMI LCD kit.

Apple today updated its MacBook Pro with Retina display with faster processors and double the memory in both entry-level configurations. The 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display now features dual-core Intel Core i5 processors up to 2.8 GHz with Turbo Boost speeds up to 3.3 GHz and 8GB of memory, up from 4GB in the entry-level notebook. The 13-inch model can also be configured with faster dual-core Intel Core i7 processors up to 3.0 GHz with Turbo Boost speeds up to 3.5 GHz. The 15-inch model features faster quad-core Intel Core i7 processors up to 2.5 GHz with Turbo Boost speeds up to 3.7 GHz, 16GB of memory, up from 8GB in the entry-level notebook, and can be configured with quad-core Intel Core i7 processors up to 2.8 GHz with Turbo Boost speeds up to 4.0 GHz. The top-of-the-line 15-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display has a new, lower starting price of £1,999 / $2,499. Apple today also lowered the starting price of the non-Retina 13-inch MacBook Pro by £100 to £899 / $1,099.

The new Lima from Pompidoo is a mid-sized camera bag for a modern woman-photographer or a keen amateur. Available in three vibrant colours – Aqua Dreams, Fiesta Dreams and Nougat Dreams –  the Lima bag can hold up to 1.8kg of weight and one of the following gear sets: a compact camera; a CSC or a mid-sized dSLR camera with lens attached; and one additional lens. Pompidoo Lima bags are available from €199.

Lastolite has just intoduced the Out of Focus Background range. Lastolite Out of Focus backgrounds enable photographers to create the out of focus look instantly whether in the studio or in a client’s home, regardless of the aperture of the lens used. The Out of Focus Backgrounds are available in two reversible options, Summer Foliage & City Lights (pictured) or Autumn Foliage & Seascape. Measuring 1.2m x 1.5m (4’ x 5’) the Lastolite Out of Focus backgrounds are available now and priced at £118.95.

Chugai Photo Chemical Co. Ltd of Tokyo, Japan and C. R. Kennedy & Company Pty Ltd of Melbourne, Australia, are planning to relaunch a range of Ilford branded inkjet papers. The two companies purchased the Ilford trademarks and associated assets related to consumables for inkjet printing and other coated products after Ilford Imaging Switzerland had gone bankrupt last year. The soon-to-be-relaunched product range, which consists of a large proportion of the previous Ilford inkjet media line-up, will continue to be exclusively distributed in the United Kingdom by Tetenal. Chugai and C. R. Kennedy have established a joint venture called Ilford Imaging Europe, which is tasked with managing the relaunch and supplying distributors with Ilford products. Do note that this company is not to be confused with Ilford Photo, a UK-based firm that produces black-and-white photographic film, papers and chemicals.

Kenko Tokina USA has announced a new series of Hoya filters featuring an antistatic coating. Acting like a force field around the filter to repel dust, the hardened, antistatic layer is water-repellent, stain- and scratch-resistant, and cleans easily when smudges or fingerprints are introduced to the surface. The Hoya EVO Antistatic filters utilise a lightweight, one-piece, low-profile aluminium frame to house the glass. This one-piece design allows the filter to maintain perfect parallel alignment to the sensor plane for maximum sharpness, while the low-profile frame eliminates vignetting when used on ultra-wide-angle lenses. The Hoya EVO Antistatic series of filters consist of a Protector, UV, and Circular Polarizer in common sizes ranging from 37mm to 82mm. These filters are intended solely for the USA distribution.

CASE Remote - formerly known as CASE - is a light, small, easy-to-use and smart wireless camera controller, which enables you to wirelessly control DSLR camera from your mobile devices. Developed by CheeringTech, CASE Remote slots into your camera's hot-shoe and offers remote live view, touch focus, exposure control, interval shooting and wireless file transfer. The second round of financing is currently ongoing on IndieGoGo. "The purpose of this campaign is to give many of you who missed out on the first one the chance to hop in, and to give original backers a way to add funds for shipping or choose additional perks," the company says. You can check out the project's IndieGoGo page by following the link below.

Website: CASE Remote on IndieGoGo

The new MPortable is billed as the world first portable wireless SSD (solid state drive) designed with photographers in mind. Built to withstand "severe shaking and dropping," the MPortable drive is capable of automatically transmitting photos from a connected camera and supports various image file types including most raw image file formats. "With write speeds of 200MB/second and read speeds of 400MB/second, the MPortable [SSD] easily outperforms virtually all USB flash disk technologies used by photographers," says Bond Wong, an engineer working for MAJC IT, the Zhuhai, China-based company that developed the device. Interested readers are encouraged to pay a visit to the project's IndieGoGo page.

The iPatch Case is a smartphone case with an integrated lens cap for the built-in camera. "Before iPatch, the only way to protect your always-on camera was with a piece of tape. Not exactly high-tech," the inventors say. "Our case blocks the camera but not the all-important sensors on your phone. You’ll notice a tiny opening on the front iPatch cover – that allows for the phone’s proximity and light sensors to remain fully functional while completely blacking out the camera." The comercial launch of the iPatch Case is financed through a crowdfunding campaign on HeadFunder.