M-ROCK is introducing the fifth generation of its premium camera, camcorder and lens bags, camera laptop & roller bags, camera backpacks and slings. M-ROCK designers focused on what they consider to be the two most critical jobs a camera bag is built to do; protect the delicate equipment and be convenient to use. The M-ROCK range separates itself into eight sections with the flagship category being the SLR camera bags.

Color Confidence has launched two powerful product bundles for the photographic market, which deliver a complete, accurate capture-to-monitor-to-print solution. The Color Confidence Profiler Photo consists of the Color Confidence Profiler and the X-Rite ColorChecker Passport. “Both ensure that photographers can capture their shots, view their digital images and print them with absolute peace of mind when it comes to colour accuracy and is a further example of our striving to be a true one-stop-shop for all things photographic.” said Geoffrey Clements, Managing Director of Color Confidence. Both packages are in stock and available now.

GearGuard is a new a series of camera and equipment security devices that provide photographers with a theft prevention system for their gear. The flagship products in this new line include the GearGuard Camera Body Lock and the GearGuard Bag Lock, both of which are designed to safeguard a camera from the constant snatch-and-grab threat faced by photographers. Both the GearGuard Camera Body Lock and the Bag Lock (which is sold as a set of two units) are available for $9.95.

A free software update is now available for the X-Rite ColorChecker Passport. Version 1.0.2 is fully compatible with Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 3, improves color extraction for better profile accuracy, and improves patch detection. X-Rite’s ColorChecker Passport device is a powerful “capture to edit” color solution for any photographer looking for more accurate, consistent color and creative flexibility in their digital photography Raw workflow.

Transcend today announced the StoreJet 25D2-W, a portable hard drive designed to complement Mac computers. The StoreJet 25D2-W offers a capacity of 500 gigabytes for synchronisation and backup using software such as Mac OS X Time Machine or Transcend’s StoreJet Elite software for Windows. Under its seemingly delicate case is an internal hard drive suspension system that helps prevent damage caused by accidental slips or falls during travel. For further piece of mind, the drive features anti-slip rubber feet. Backed by a 3-year warranty, the Transcend StoreJet 25D2-W is available now.

The new Hoodman HoodCrane is a versatile tool that serves to keep the HoodLoupe on a 3” screen. Using the camera’s hot shoe as an anchor point, the HoodCrane locks onto the HoodLoupe for perfect hands-free viewing, then when the viewfinder needs to be used for shooting stills or just a less critical view of the LCD screen is needed, the HoodCrane just swings away. The HoodCrane is available now from Newpro UK priced at 89.99 pounds.

The new Kata Pro Light Beetle-282 photo backpack is now available in the United Kingdom. Able to accommodate up to 3 DSLR bodies with 4-6 lenses and other accessories as well as a 17” laptop, the Kata Pro-Light Beetle 282 has been designed to comply with the strictest regulations regarding carry-on baggage (though Kata still recommends checking with your airline, due to “constantly changing” regulations). The Beetle-282 is also compatible with Kata’s Insertrolly, so can easily be transformed into a rolling bag. The suggested retail price for the photo backpack is £269.95 including value added tax.

SanDisk is now shipping in volume its 1GB SanDisk SD “write once read many” (WORM) cards to Japan’s police force. Using the SanDisk SD WORM card, law enforcement officers can create unalterable, permanent photographic records that serve as resources during investigations or as potential evidence during trials. Officers simply insert the card into an SD WORM-compatible digital camera and begin capturing images. Later, they can transfer the images to a computer while maintaining unchangeable originals on the WORM card - ensuring that the justice system has access to evidence of indisputable accuracy. The SanDisk SD WORM card is available worldwide in a 1GB capacity, with pricing dependent upon the quantity ordered.

Newpro has taken delivery of three newly designed Cullmann ball & socket heads and a Magnesit monopod. The Cullmann CB2 head (£24.99; load capacity: 1kg) features a reversible top section so you can use it either as a standard 1/4” thread ball & socket head or as a flash shoe mount for off-camera flashes (see illustration above). The CB7.1 ball head (£39.00) has both 1/4” and 3/8” threads, and is suitable for use with most cameras and camcorders up to a maximum weight of 4kg. The CB7.3 (£57.00) features the same specifications as the CB 7.1 head but comes complete with a quick release system and a quick release plate. Finally, the Cullmann Magnesit 560 (£79.99) has a 4-section leg and ranges from a closed size of 46cm up to an extended length of 160cm.

Website: Newpro

Lexar has just introduced the Lexar Multi-Card 24-in-1 USB Reader. Featuring five slots and supporting 24 memory card formats, the newest reader is an all-in-one solution enabling concurrent downloads and card-to-card file transfer. Boasting a unique pop-up design, which allows the card slots to be protected when not in use, the Lexar Multi-Card 24-in-1 USB Reader comes equipped with a Hi-Speed USB 2.0 cable. The recommended retail price for the reader is £29.99.

The SD Association has announced two new high-speed performance symbols for the fastest SDXC and SDHC devices and memory cards. The first symbol (UHS-I) identifies products with businterface speeds up to 104 Megabytes per second for greater device performance. The second symbol (UHS Speed Class 1) identifies SD memory cards and products with a performance option allowing real-time video recording.

Transcend has launched its first 64GB Class 10 SDXC memory cards. Featuring transfer rates of up to 25 megabytes per second, Transcend’s new Ultimate SDXC cards are capable of storing 640 minutes of Full HD video footage, the company says. The cards come with a lifetime warranty.

Toshiba is collaborating with Trek 2000 to promote the former’s new SDHC memory card, which features wireless capabilities. The two companies have established an industry forum called the “Standard Promotion Forum for Memory Cards Embedding Wireless LAN”. Toshiba’s new, Wi-Fi enabled 8GB memory card can recognise and communicate with the same type of card in another camera, and allows users to upload and download photographs to and from a server without any need for a cable connection or a card reader. Supporting raw data transfer and the IEEE 802.11b/g wireless LAN standard, Toshiba’s new product looks set to become a major competitor to Eye-Fi’s well-established line-up of Wi-Fi enabled memory cards.

Gary Fong today released an addition to its line-up of Puffer Pop-Up Flash Diffusers with the introduction of the Sony and Konica Minolta Puffer. Now available for all Sony and Konica Minolta cameras equipped with a pop-up flash, the Puffer softens the harsh light of an on-camera flash to eliminate shadows and create professional-style diffused lighting. Affixing directly to the camera’s hot-shoe, the variable-position Puffer is adjustable for centre positioning on all Sony or Konica Minolta cameras, regardless of size. The Puffer does not interfere with flash operation and ensures that all camera modes remain functional. When not in use, the Puffer stores flat and stows easily in a camera bag or even a photographer’s pocket. The Konica Minolta and Sony Puffer Pop-Up Flash Diffuser is available for $19.95.

Website: Gary Fong

PackshotCreator has recently introduced its first workstation for creating in-house product pictures and 360° animations. The new product, PackshotOffice, brings together touch technologies and visual creation: it features a Surface Acoustic Wave touch screen, a ligthbox to place the products in, and a user-friendly interface that allows an easy control of the image capture and management process. Featuring a continuous uniform light with a colour temperature of 6,500 °K, the PackshotOffice measures 24"x24"x28” and comes complete with a digital camera and a 17” or 19” touchscreen.

Website: PackshotCreator

Lexar has created a video offering a look into the Lexar Quality Labs, facilities with more than 800 digital cameras and memory card devices, to ensure performance, quality, compatibility, and reliability. The short movie shows how Lexar memory cards are tested to withstand intense temperatures, vibrations, impacts and other external shocks. To view the video on YouTube, follow the link below.

A Peek Inside the Lexar Quality Labs

Stealth Gear is set to launch what they describe as “the very first UK camouflage pattern designed by photographers for photographers”. Craig Derbyshire, managing director of Stealth Gear, said, “the current marketplace is saturated with camouflage patterns specifically for hunting, but these are not UK patterns and most of them are designed in the USA for their countryside”. Developed over a twelve month period, the new pattern that mimics the colours of the UK countryside will be officially launched in July 2010, with gloves and camera covers being the very first products available online.

Website: Stealth Gear

Addonics has announced a family of CFast adapters which instantly connects a CFast media to any SATA port inside a desktop PC, rack mounted system or notebook computer. The new adapters include a CFast HDD adapter and a SATA CFast adapter. Additionally, Addonics has also launched its own brand of CFast cards, available in 8GB and 32GB capacities.

Apple has just unveiled a completely redesigned Mac mini, featuring up to twice the graphics performance, a new HDMI port, and a new SD card slot. The new Mac mini features a compact aluminium enclosure just 7.7-inches square and 1.4-inches thin. A removable panel provides quick access for memory expansion, while the new HDMI output connects the Mac mini to an HDTV and the new SD card slot enables easy transfer of photos and videos from a digital camera. The Mac mini comes standard with a 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 320GB hard drive, 2GB of RAM, Snow Leopard and iLife for £649. A more powerful version boasting 4GB of RAM and two 500GB Serial ATA hard drives can be yours for £929. Prices include VAT.

Transcend has released its first HD Media Player, the DMP10, featuring full support for popular media formats and high-resolution digital video/audio output. With the Transcend DMP10 HD Media Player, users can simply connect a USB storage device to playback digital media their Full HD 1080p digital content in the comfort of their living room. The player supports the most popular HD file formats, including MKV, AVI, WMV, RMVB and M2TS, and its colourful user-friendly menu interface and wireless remote control makes locating and playing media files fast and simple, the company says. The Transcend DMP10 will be available shortly, price to be confirmed.