Newpro has announced the availability of new accessories from Cullmann and Pedco. These include a a complete Cullmann monopod and ball & socket combination comprising a Cullmann Magnesit 550 monopod and CB7.3 ball & socket head (£99.99) and the new Ultraclamp 2.5 kit from Pedco (£34.99). The individual prices are £71.51 for the monopod and £57.00 for the CB7.3 head, so the new Cullmann combination offers a saving of £28.52. The Ultraclamp 2.5 kit (pictured) is a combination of the original UltraMount ball & socket head and a brand new Clamp unit with jaws that have an opening aperture from 1” to 2.5” wide. This is then suitable for mounting cameras, camcorders, spotting scopes etc. on larger or wider objects than the original Ultraclamp can accommodate.

Website: Newpro

The Sinar p-slr adapter lets DSLR users attach their camera bodies to Sinar view cameras, and use them as digital backs. This allows superior perspective control, selective focus and focal plane tilting and gives DSLR users an opportunity to use high-resolution digital Rodenstock lenses. The Sinar p-slr can be used with all Canon and Nikon single lens reflex cameras currently on the market. Thanks to the quick locking adapter supplied with the Sinar p-slr, the format can be changed from vertical to horizontal with only a few motions and within seconds. A positioning- and centering aid serves for the exact positioning of the camera on the optical axis. This upgrading set will be available as of August 2010 and it can be ordered right now at the price of 1980 Swiss Francs (not including the Value Added Tax).

Website: Sinar p-slr

Innova Art promises to offer “truly astounding adventures in image making” at this year’s Photokina. Highlights on the Innova Art stand (C31, Hall 6.1) include an exhibition of Josh Cole’s ‘Physical Graffiti’ portfolio, demonstrations of the company’s Jetmaster Display System as well as its Décor Art ES papers and IFA-36 Photo Canvas Ultra Gloss media, and more. Innova Art will also feature in the “See me, feel me, print me”exhibition in Hall 2.2, which will be showcasing various inkjet paper manufacturers papers. This special exhibition encourages visitors to compare and contrast image output on a range of digital fine art papers, including papers from Innova Art where visitors will be encouraged to scrutinise the products of nine specialist paper manufacturers and even to try them out via the on-site printshop.

Sigma has released an APS-C lens hood adapter for use on the Sigma 50-500mm f/4-6.3 DG OS HSM telezoom, nicknamed the “Bigma”. This hood adapter extends the length of the lens hood and provides more effective shading when used with digital cameras with an APS-C size image sensor. As of July 2010, the HA1030-01 adapter will be supplied with all APO 50-500mm DG OS HSM lenses. For UK customers who have already purchased the lens, the hood adapter will be available free of charge through Sigma Imaging (UK) Ltd. Note that this applies to the “OS HSM” version of the lens.

Apple today unveiled a 27-inch LED Cinema Display with a resolution of 2560x1440 pixels. Featuring a built-in iSight video camera, microphone and speakers, powered USB 2.0 hub, and universal MagSafe connector, the new LED Cinema Display includes an ambient light sensor that automatically adjusts the display brightness based on external lighting conditions. Available from september through the Apple Store, the 27-inch LED Cinema Display has a suggested retail price of $999.

Apple’s new Mac Pro line promises up to 50 percent greater performance than the previous generation. Featuring the latest quad-core and 6-core Intel Xeon processors, all-new ATI graphics and the option for up to four 512GB solid state drives, the new Mac Pro is the most powerful and configurable Mac ever made, the company says. The quad-core version will cost £1999, the 8-core configuration will be available for £2799, while configure-to-order options include 12-core versions using 2.66GHz and 2.93GHz Intel Xeon processors. Availability is slated for August.

Color Confidence has announced that the launch of the PChOOD range of monitor hoods has been “one of their most successful product launches yet”, with “unprecedented post-launch customer interest”. The complete PChOOD range offers a selection of monitor hood solutions in a variety of sizes and designs for both PC and Macintosh, including the PChOOD Pro, the PC Laptop Hood and the Mac Laptop Hood. “The PChOOD range offers a definitive selection of monitor hoods which reduce glare and shield unwanted light from any monitor display and so improves on-screen colour consistency” Comments Simon Prais, Technical Director Colour Confidence. The PChOOD range is now in stock now and is available direct from www.ColorConfidence.com

A new adapter from German accessories manufacturer Novoflex enables aperture control, stop-down metering and aperture-priority shooting with G series Nikon lenses on Canon EOS SLR bodies. According to Cameratown, the secret to this is a lever on the side of the adapter, which allows the user to control the aperture on G series lenses that lack an aperture ring. This is not the first Canon-to-Nikon mount adapter out there, but the majority of older models would only allow shooting with older Nikkors that do not carry the G designation. The new Novoflex adapter lets Nikon fans who have been waiting in vain for Nikon to release an affordable 20+ megapixel DSLR to buy a Canon EOS 5D Mark II and use their existing F mount lenses on it, and also allows current Canon users to purchase Nikon lenses that have no Canon equivalent - such as the 14-24mm f/2.8 ultra wide zoom pictured above - for their Canon SLR cameras. In the EU, you can order the Novoflex EOS/NIK NT adapter directly from the manufacturer for €169. In the US, Novoflex adapters are marketed by HP Marketing Corp.

Via Cameratown

Litepanels has introduced the MicroPro Hybrid, billed as the first professional LED light to combine continuous output and a “Flash” feature in a single fixture. The Hybrid’s “Continuous Mode” provides luminous, wrap-around soft output that beautifully complements any motion-enabled DSLR camera’s video capability. The “Flash” feature produces a 400% brighter burst, which is perfect for illuminating a variety of still images. Readers requiring further information should call 01293 583300 or visit the website below.

Website: Litepanels

Kenro, the official UK distributor for Benro tripods, has recently launched the FlexPod Series. FlexPods are available in four different models, two made from eight-layer carbon fibre and two constructed in high rigidity aluminium alloy with a 1.5mm wall thickness. Each FlexPod tripod features a quick-switch centre column that can easily be moved from vertical to horizontal including any position in between. The angle of this centre column can be locked into place with a single twist of the set-knob. Each model comes complete with an in-built spirit level plus a centre column hook from where an additional weight can be suspended for increased stability.

The Eye-Fi Geo X2 is the world’s first wireless memory card to include geotagging. With a 4GB capacity, the Eye-Fi Geo X2 card integrates with Macintosh environments and applications, such as MobileMe and iPhoto. The card’s unique embedded Wi-Fi technology will upload photos straight to the user’s computer and/or photo sharing accounts, such as Facebook, Flickr and Picasa, without the need for wires and worrying. Geotagging, just one of the features on offer, will then show the pictures on a map and make albums searchable by location. Priced from £49.99 to £119.99, the Eye-Fi X2 range of cards is available from high street stores, including Jessops, and online from sites, such as Amazon.

SparkPlug has developed a tiny LED flash that plugs into the dock connector on the iPhone, lighting the scene for photos or video. The flash itself is small enough to be attached to a key-ring and draws minimal power from the phone.  The built-in touch sensor detects a finger press on the back of the module, turning on a 96 lumen beam of light, which can also be used as a flashlight.  The flash is designed to fit through the opening in most iPhone cases for the dock cable, so there is no need to remove your case. The SparkPlug Flash is available through the website below priced at $14.95.

Website: SparkPlug Flash

Lexar has added the 128GB Echo SE backup drive to its Echo line of portable backup solutions. The Lexar Echo SE is an ultra-portable drive that easily plugs into a computer’s USB port to perform automatic backup of files, at read speeds up to 28MB/s and write speeds up to 10MB/s. The drive is interoperable between Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Windows 7, as well as Mac OS X operating systems, allowing data to be seamlessly accessible whether using a PC or Mac computer. More than 15 percent shorter than other 128GB backup drives, the Lexar Echo SE provides a way to easily backup data, with the reduced risk of accidental in-drive damage. Other capacities include 16GB, 32GB and 64GB.

After many requests Black Rapid has designed a strap specifically for women. The Black Rapid RS-W1 Women’s Strap provides comfort and speed of the R-Strap whilst adding a bit of elegance to help blend with dress apparel during formal events. In the UK, the RS-W1 is available from JP Distribution, at a price of £65.

Hama has introduced a new mini-pod that can be clamped on the handlebars of a bicycle or motorbike so that you can record your ride on video. The bracket is designed for all profiles up to three centimetres in diameter and can be instantly fixed and loosened, similar to a cable tie. The Hama Bike pod comes complete with a small ball-head and ¼-inch thread, all for €14.99.

Seagate today unveiled the newest addition to its GoFlex family of hard drives — the GoFlex Home network storage system. When the GoFlex Home device is connected to a wireless router, an entire household can centrally store, easily access and continuously back up files wirelessly from both Windows and Mac OS X operating systems on the home network. Families photos, movies and music to most network connected DLNA devices, such as game consoles or a GoFlex TV HD media player, from any room in the house. The GoFlex Home network storage system can be purchased on Seagate.com and select retailers for a suggested retail price of $159.99 for 1TB and $229.99 for 2TB.

Sharp has introduced the VR-100BR1 triple-layer write-once Blu-ray Disc, the world’s first medium that conforms to the BDXL format specification, the new multi-layer recordable Blu-ray Disc format. This specification extends the storage capacity of Blu-ray Discs to 100GB, twice the 50GB storage capacity of existing dual-layer discs. The new Sharp VR-100BR1 expands the range of applications for Blu-ray Discs to include recording and saving long-duration HD videos and HDTV programmes. Availability is slated for 30 July, pricing to be announced. Note that there is no guarantee that this disc will function when used in equipment or PCs not supporting the BDXL format.

The LaCie XtremKey is a rugged USB key that offers “industrial-strength” protection for your data. Available in capacities of up to 64GB, the LaCie XtremKey is shielded inside a 2mm metal pipe casing. Sealed with wear-resistant screw threads and a rubber O-ring, it is watertight up to 100 metres. The LaCie XtremKey is also resistant to 5-metre drops, fierce heat (200 °C) and bitter cold (-50 °C). Equipped with the Hi-Speed USB 2.0 interface, the LaCie XtremKey will be available in August through the LaCie Online Store, LaCie Corner, and LaCie Reseller+ starting at £42.99 for the 8GB variant..

Gary Fong has announced an extension of its Flip-Cage line with the introduction of the Pro-Series designed to accommodate larger point-and-shoot cameras. The Flip-Cage provides protection from accidental drops or general wear and tear and swings out to provide a stable table-top platform that locks a point-and-shoot camera in a vertical or horizontal orientation, enabling the photographer to step out from behind the lens and become part of the shot, or to capture macro photographs. Accommodating cameras up to 3” x 4-1/4” x 1-3/4”, the new Flip-Cage Pro-Series is available for $19.95.

The Benro A-150EXU Digital Tripod Kit is a lightweight and robust tripod that comes complete with a precision matched ballhead featuring a bubble level and a quick-release plate. Weighing in at only 2.2lbs, the Benro A-150EXU can support cameras up to 4.4lbs. A standard wing-nut style centre column locking collar provides ease of use and extra strength, and quick lock four-section aluminium legs makes set-up and packing fast. Pricing to be confirmed.