The QuickSpot honeycomb grid from Harbor Digital Design (HDD) offers photographers an easy and inexpensive way to produce dramatic lighting effects, like a snoot. Available with Lee gel filter packs, and in both a 1/4 and 1/8 inch grid, the QuickSpot is a versatile tool for the strobist, and thanks to HDD’s custom fit adapters, requires no Velcro or straps. The QuickSpot is compatible with the entire line of Harbor Digital Design accessories, including the Ultimate LightBox and Small Dome Diffuser. The list price of the QuickSpot is $44.95 but the manufacturer’s online shop is currently offering it for $34.95.

Lowepro’s Adventura range comprises five lightweight, affordable camera bags featuring a toploading design. The series starts with the TLZ 15 and 25; protective and compact camera bags easy to carry and use. The 120, 140 and 170 bags have a streamlined design packed with practical features all specifically designed to be used on a variety of occasions including family events, out on a walk or on holiday. The biggest of the bunch, the Lowepro Adventura 170, accommodates a DSLR with attached standard lens plus 2 additional lenses or flash.

Website: Lowepro Adventura Bags

WD has just introduced its My Book Live home network drive. The device’s built-in DLNA media server makes it a fast, simple solution for users who wish to view videos, music and images on any Mac or PC connected to the home network and stream digital media to a television set, the company says. Compatible with the Apple Time Machine, the WD My Book Live incorporates Gigabit Ethernet technology for speeds up to three times faster than that of traditional USB 2.0 drives. The My Book Live is available in capacities of 1TB and 2TB, priced at $169.99 and $229.99, respectively.

Joby has launched the Gorillapod Video, a compact and highly adaptable video support system. Videographers can bend, wrap, stand or hang the tripod – even attach the powerful magnetic feet to metal surfaces for stability. The omni-directional video head enables you to follow the action with smooth 360° pan and 135° tilt. The design includes a durable aluminum handle that can be adjusted for right- and left-handers, and locks down for compact storage. The Gorillapod Video supports up to 325 grams and weighs 79.5 grams. The recommended retail price is £29.99 and the product will be available in the UK from mid November 2010.

In a bid to demonstrate the resilience of its SD card range, Samsung UK is launching a worldwide search for 100 messages that will be loaded onto SD cards and launched in paper planes from space. There are 100 planes to personalise and members of the public are encouraged to submit details that can be uploaded onto each card like pictures of themselves, family and friends, greetings for the person that finds it and something which expresses themselves. Once all the SD cards have been filled, they will be slotted into specially designed, bright paper planes which will include greetings in several different languages. The SD cards will then be launched as a flotilla of 100 paper planes into the atmosphere from space. Interested readers should check out the website below.

Kingston today announced it is shipping its first 32GB microSDHC Class 4 card. Bundled with a small USB reader for convenient data transfers, the card is backed by a lifetime warranty; and is available for £97.50. Kingston says the card has been tested on the latest crop of smartphones, and can store more than 19,000 five-megapixel digital photos in JPEG format.

WD’s My Passport Essential and Essential SE portable hard drives and My Book Essential external hard drive now feature USB 3.0 connectivity and up to 3 terabytes of storage. Equipped with WD SmartWare visual backup software for automatic, continuous backup, these drives provide users the extra space they need to store or back up their files and, when connected to a SuperSpeed USB 3.0 port, can transfer data at speeds up to 150 MB/s. The smallest of the bunch, the WD My Passport Essential portable drive, is available in a 500GB capacity priced at $99.99, whereas the WD My Passport Essential SE drives comes in 750GB and 1TB capacities at prices ranging from $129.99 to $169.99. The WD My Book Essential external hard drive is available in capacities ranging from 1TB to 3TB, and are priced from $129.99 to $249.99.

Fantasea Line has released a new underwater housing specifically designed for the Canon PowerShot A490 and A495 digital compact cameras. Depth rated to 60 metres / 200 feet, the Fantasea Line FA-490/495 housing provides photographers with access to all camera controls and functions. The housing features double O-ring seals on all controls, anti-glare hood over LCD screen, removable flash diffuser and a 46mm threaded lens port, designed to be compatible with a wide range of lens accessories. Available now for $240.95.

DeluxGear has announced the new Lens Guard, a padded cover that fits snugly over the end of the lens to protect lenses and filters. Its water-resistant inner core is made of 6mm thick closed-cell neoprene and is encased in a tough 2mm santoprene outer cover. This combination absorbs impact and prevents scrapes, scratches, dents and cracks to lenses. A built-in tether connects the Lens Guard to your lens, camera strap or camera body. The Lens Guard, which can be used with or without filters or lens caps, is priced at $14.99, with a duo-pack available for $24.99.

The Pro Line Apollo 300 and Apollo 180 Creative Kits are two new all-in-one studio kits. The Pro Line Apollo 180 Kit is perfect for those who are new to photography, while the Apollo 300 kit is for those with a larger studio area, or who simply want more power. The Apollo 180 and 300 Creative Kit are available for £299.99 and SRP £499.99 respectively.

Epson has announced the launch of its Signature Worthy line of high-quality fine art and photography media in the UK. The Signature Worthy range, which has been available for more than one-and-a-half years in the USA, includea Epson’s highest-quality cut-sheet media products. When used in combination with Epson’s Stylus Pro print technologies and UltraChrome inks, the Signature Worthy media will deliver Digigraphie-approved results allowing fine art and photographic artists to produce limited, certified editions of their original works. “We have a reputation for our image quality and Digigraphie capabilities and are confident that the new Signature Worthy brand will help reinforce our position as a leader in high-quality photographic and fine art image reproduction,” says Martin Johns, market development manager, Epson UK.

Wiesbaden-based Foolography has released new GPS modules for the Nikon D3100, D5000, D7000 and D90, which enable these cameras to include location data captured by any Bluetooth GPS receiver in the EXIF. The Foolography Unleashed Dx000 module (pictured) fits into the GPS socket of the first three Nikons, while the Foolography Unleashed D90 attaches to the side of the Nikon D90. These small modules include Bluetooth 2.0 compliant radios that can receive data from Bluetooth GPS devices, and pass them on to the cameras for geotagging purposes. The new Foolography Unleashed modules are priced at €149 each, including 19% German VAT. This is €50 less than the price of the existing Foolography Unleashed D200+ module, which attaches to the front of the Nikon D200, D300 and D300s models.

Kingston has released its CompactFlash Ultimate 600x memory cards. Available in 16GB and 32GB capacities, the Kingston CompactFlash Ultimate 600x cards support UDMA mode 6 and offer read and write speeds of up to 90MB/sec. Backed by a lifetime warrenty, the cards are priced at £170.85 (32GB) and £97.55 (16GB). For added peace of mind, the price of theCF Ultimate 600x cards include free downloadable data recovery software from MediaRECOVER.

JP Distribution, the exclusive UK distributor for Westcott, has announced a new range of collapsible umbrellas. The 43“ umbrellas fold down to just 14.5“ enabling them to fit easily into almost any bag or backpack. Available in three different styles – optical white satin (£19), soft silver (£19) and optical white satin with a removable black cover (£22), this umbrella range can be used as shoot through diffusers, or to bounce a light source. Intertested readers should contact Johnsons Photopia for their nearest dealer on 01782 753304.

Lastolite has announced a new range of light modifiers and other accessories. These include the TriGrip Difflector, the world’s first dual purpose reflector panel which can be used as both a diffuser and a soft silver bounce reflector, the Strobo, a compact and simple to use, creative light modifying system which fits directly onto a battery operated flash, the Micro Apollo MkII, an ultra portable, collapsible softbox with two layers of diffusion, the Umbrella TriFold, an ultra compact shoot-through umbrella which packs down to just 8 inches long, as well as several new additions to the Lastolite Ezybox Hotshoe range. Further product information and exact availability dates will be released in the coming weeks, the manufacturer says.

Enlight Photo has announced the Frio, a cold shoe with a unique dual lock system. The Frio lets any hot shoe accessory (most flash units, some microphones, LED light panels etc.) be mounted to any support with a 1/4?-20 standard stud, including various tripods, monopods, light stands and clamps. Featuring Enlight Photo’s ‘Slip-n-Click’ technology, the dual lock system of the Frio gives photographers the assurance that their gear is safe during every photo shoot, on location and in the studio alike. The Frio will officially be launched in October. Pricing to be confirmed.

The Z-Finder EVF is a new electronic viewfinder for HDSLR cameras. The Z-Finder EVF is a 3.2” high resolution monitor that allows you to operate the DSLR camera with the correct form factor for video, providing better resolution and enhancing the stability. The Zacuto Z-Finder EVF monitor resolution is a true 800×480 making the resolution 56% greater than on-board DSLR camera screens. The Z-Finder EVF is currently in prototype and will be available in February 2011.

Think Tank Photo has just upgraded its Urban Disguise series shoulder bags. The Urban Disguise V2-0 bags are larger than their predecessors, and feature multiple pockets, YKK lockable zipper sliders, a comfortable, padded shoulder strap, and a seam-sealed rain cover. Five models will be available come October, three of which include special laptop / netbook compartments. “This design concept is the culmination of years of observation of photojournalists and other photographers who have jury-rigged their bags to decrease their public exposure,” said Think Tank Photo founder and lead designer Doug Murdoch.  “Whether you are a professional who wishes to maintain a lower profile in dangerous situations or a serious amateur who wishes to lessen the risk of having your gear ripped off, the Urban Disguise’s low profile allows you to carry the right gear with less fear.”

Think Tank Photo has completely redesigned its line-up of Digital Holsters. Available in early October in five sizes, their expandable “Pop Down” section allows them to hold lenses of two different vertical heights with the hood in position or with it reversed. A feature new to V2.0 is the built-in side attachment system compatible with most Modular, Skin, or Multimedia components. The Digital Holsters also feature a side pocket for holding memory cards, a soft flap to cover the camera’s LCD, a shoulder strap, and an externally accessible seam-sealed rain cover in every model.

Kata has launched a new range of light-weight, protective holsters Available in five different sizes and two colours, the Kata Grip DL holsters can be attached to an ordinary belt or photo harness system and also feature a top handle for easy carrying, together with a shoulder strap. Each Grip holster also comes with a Kata rain cover for added protection. Pricing varies between £24.95 for the smallest Kata Grip-10 DL, ideal for a compact or bridge camera, and £69.95 for the largest Kata Grip-18 DL designed to accommodate a pro DSLR with 70-200 f2.8 lens attached (see picture above).