Panasonic has developed a new technology, enabling electrical control of the near infrared (NIR) light sensitivity of the same pixel in an organic CMOS image sensor. This technology allows for switchning between modes of colour imaging and NIR imaging frame by frame, without the mechanical IR cut filter required for conventional image sensors. The sensitivity of all the pixels in the image sensor, which has directly stacked organic films, is simultaneously controlled by changing the applied voltage to the organic films. This technology also enables global shutter operation, the company says. Panasonic will present some part of these technologies at the international academic conference: ISSCC (International Solid-State Circuit Conference) 2017.

The new Sony HVL-F45RM is a radio-controlled flash unit with a guide number of 45 (in metres at ISO 100/21°). The radio capabilities of the HVL-F45RM allow it to be used as a transmitter or a receiver at up to 30m (approximately 98 feet). Additionally, unlike optical flash systems, radio-control flashes do not require a direct line-of-sight between components to function properly, while also minimising any impact that bright sunlight has on signal transmission and control. The Sony HVL-F45RM flash has a battery life of up to 210 bursts, and can tilt up to 150° vertically, a complete 360° horizontally and up to 8° downward. A new large, bright and highly visible LCD display, an LED light, dust and moisture resistant design; and a revamped menu system round off the list of features. Available from March, the Sony HVL-F45RM flash unit will be priced at approximately £420.

Fantasea and AOI have just released the UWL-09F wide-angle conversion lens for compact, mirrorless and SLR underwater housings. According to the manufacturer, the UWL-09F offers unmatched quality with 5 multi-layered precision optic elements. The combination of a super wide field of view (130 degrees) and zero minimal focus distance provide unlimited opportunities for image framing and creative compositions, including close-focus wide-angle images. The lens barrel is made from durable aluminium alloy with black coating. The dome is covered with hard coating as well, protecting it from easily getting scratched or damaged. The lens features a 67mm thread mount, compatible with most housings available in the market today. The base of the mount is covered with a rubber ring, providing a firm grip of the lens during installation and removal. Non-corrosive front and rear lens caps are included in the box. A quality padded carrying case allows safe storage and transportation. Weighing in at 1033g/36.4oz, the Fantasea UWL-09F wide-angle conversion lens is depth rated to 60m / 200ft. Available now, the lens carries a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $799.95.

Yuneec has announced significant upgrades to its flagship professional small Unmanned Aircraft System (sUAS) platform, the H920, creating the H920 Plus (pictured) and improved ProAction handheld grip. The H920 Plus includes the ST16 Pro Ground Station which operates on an Android platform with an integrated transmitter, flight controls and large 7-inch screen display with a HD 720p video downlink for real-time flight footage and an HDMI uplink for distribution to external monitors, command/control centers, or broadcast trucks. The refined main control system now allows pilots to not only save settings but also select various mission task modes: Orbit Me, Point of Interest, Journey, Curve Cable Cam as well as waypoints, providing a bevy of programed options for high-end commercial use. Yuneec will offer its CGO4 – developed in close cooperation with Panasonic – with a 16-megapixel FourThirds sensor, 14-42mm lens, an all-new histogram, 4K 30FPS/ 100 Mbps video resolution as the H920 Plus core camera. The drone is outfitted with a carbon-fibre fuselage and arms and six rotors, quick-disconnect props and a 360-degree, 3-axis gimbal coupled with retractable landing gear that provides an unobstructed view from any angle. The camera and gimbal are capable of a 20° up-angle for upward-looking inspections. The ProAction Grip is a dual-grip ground handle that allows users to capture ultra-stable and remarkably steady footage.  The H920 Plus is available now and will be offered in a variety of configurations with prices ranging from $2,499 to $3,999. The ProAction handle and CGO4 bundle is available now for $1,500.

UK Optics have launched two new monopods and a monopod stand. Features include soft rubber fast-release twist locks, detachable rubber and spiked feet, ¼” and 3/8” camera screw threads and 8x layered carbon-fibre leg sections. Weighing in at 368 grams, the Novo MP-10 monopod has a maximum load capacity of 15 kilograms, extends to a height of 1650mm, folds down to 530mm, and retails for £54.99. The robust Novo MP-20 (£79.99) weighs 420 grams, has a load capacity of 20kg, and extends to a maximum height of 1820mm. The Novo VD-01 (£79.99) is a universal monopod stand that screws onto the bottom of the MP-10/20 monopod, and provides the stability required for fluid panning.

UK Optics have announced their new Novo T-Series tripod kits - a range of four-section tripods manufactured from a class-leading 8x layered carbon fibre material. Key highlights include soft rubber fast release twist locks, possible leg angles of 23/50/85°, and reversible legs offering a smaller carrying profile. Detachable rubber or spiked feet come as standard and a short tube is also included for low ground level shooting at a working height of just 245mm. The top spider and the head mount are made from a lightweight but extremely tough aviation.grade aluminium. A ball-and-socket head is included with each of the tripod kits (with legs-only versions also being available). The Novo T-Series kits ship with a padded carrying bag.

COOPH have just introduced their newest leather accessories including a camera strap, a memory card holder and a wrist strap. Made from 100% genuine, vegetable-tanned, Italian leather and expertly hand-crafted in Hungary, these accessories are available in a range of colours and sizes. Outfitted with a nifty SD card holder, the Leather Strap (98cm, 108cm and 120cm) can be yours for €59. Made from padded, natural materials, the COOPH wrist strap (€69) combines durability with style. Last but not least, the leather Card Holders (€69) are compact and offer space to store and organise up to four SD cards and three credit cards.

ONA have announced the launch of a new bag for compact system cameras, a new lens pouch and a leather wrist strap. Handcrafted with full-grain leather and antique brass hardware, the Leather Bond Street ($219, pictured) is ONA's most compact bag to date. Designed specifically for CSCs and instant cameras, the Bond Street adapts the style and function of the company's existing Bowery bag into a smaller silhouette that holds a camera and 1-2 lenses. The Bond Street features a closed-cell foam padded interior, a removable padded divider, and a zip pocket sized to fit your smartphone, batteries or other small items. The Beacon lens case ($149) combines the silhouette of a vintage lens case with the function, style and flexibility of ONA’s camera bags. The Beacon is designed to protect up to four lenses and small accessories, utilising a close-cell foam interior and customisable padded dividers. For added flexibility, the Beacon can also hold select camera bodies, 360° and action cameras and small tripods. It features two large zippered openings, a small accessories pouch and a removable strap to protect your lenses in a suitcase. Finally, the Kyoto camera wrist strap ($49) is handcrafted from full-grain premium leather left over from the material used to make ONA’s premium camera bags. Lined with suede; the strap is intended for camera kits up to 6 pounds and has been stress-tested to 10lbs.

Pakk, a new player in the camera accessories market, has just launched its new photo bag. ‘I was so fed up of trying to find a camera bag that I wanted, a bag that could hold the gear I needed without being embarrassed to wear it. On top of that I hated carrying two bags, my camera bag and my everyday bag, I thought surely there must be a better way,’ commented Pakk founder Adam Bodini. ‘After years of searching I started working with a design team and a range of photographers to start creating something built for their needs.’ Weighing in at 1.3 kilograms, the Pakk bag has a capacity of 30 litres, and offers quick camera access, a removable, padded camera insert, secret pockets, an expandable tripod / water bottle pocket and a padded laptop sleeve holding up to a 15" MacBook. The Pakk camera bag is available for £199.

Lexar today announced doubled capacity for the Lexar Professional 3500x CFast 2.0 memory card. The new 512GB capacity card provides write speeds up to 445MB/s, for professional videographers to capture lots of footage and keep shooting. “As professional imaging technology continues to advance, it’s crucial that memory storage formats keep pace with ever-evolving data needs,” said Jennifer Lee, senior director of product marketing, Lexar. “When shooting 200fps on a high-end, production-level camera, it’s easy to fill up an entire 256GB card with content in just 17 minutes.3 Comparatively, the new Professional 512GB 3500x CFast 2.0 card can capture up to more than twice that time.” The new card capacity will be available in Q1 of 2017 with an MSRP of £1,732.99.

Tenba's new Cineluxe Collection delivers a unique level of speed, versatility, protection and performance in video camera bags. The first to bring the “doctor bag” style opening to backpacks and rolling cases, Tenba’s new collection features novel "FlexCore" dividers, a waterproof bottom panel, and a selection of protective padded wraps and pouches that allow sensitive equipment to be safely stored alongside larger cameras and rigs. There are seven models available in the range, including four shoulder bags (£160-£240), two backpacks (£250-£270) and a rolling case (£320). The new Tenba Cinelux range is available now from all good photo retailers and the full collection will be on display at BVE at Excel London, 28th February - 2nd March, Stand M39.

Fantasea and AOI have released a selection of new, high-quality macro conversion lenses for underwater photography. The lenses mount on the underwater housing's lens port and can be installed and removed during the course of the dive. The range includes the UCL-05LF +6 Macro Lens - a +6 dioptre close-up lens with 4 elements arranged in 3 groups -, the UCL-06LF +12 Macro Lens - a +12 dioptre close-up lens with 6 elements in 4 groups, pictured -, and the UCL-09F +12.5 Super Macro Lens, a +12.5 dioptre close-up lens with 5 elements in 2 groups. All of these conversion lenses are depth rated to 60 metres. The UCL-05LF +6 Macro Lens is available for $199.95, the UCL-06LF +12 retails for $249.95, and the UCL-09F +12.5 Super Macro Lens sells for $359.99.

AirSelfie, the first pocket-sized flying camera that communicates with your smartphone, is now available to pre-order. The device is composed of four powerful propellers and a tiny video camera with a 5-megapixel sensor, and can fly vertically up to a height of 66 feet allowing users to take aerial selfies of themselves and their friends. The device connects to the most popular smartphones, including iPhone (6, 6s, 7 and 7 Plus), Huawei P9, Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge via WiFi. “People have the impression that flying cameras are costly, difficult to operate and unwieldy,” says Edoardo Stroppiana, co-founder of AirSelfie. “AirSelfie redefines the space with a device that's small, light and easy to use. We have succeeded in developing a great product, and we can’t wait to share it with our growing base of AirSelfie enthusiasts.”

Adorama has announced Orlit, a brand new line of TTL flash solutions for photographers. The line consists of the Orlit Rovelight RT 610 TTL Wireless Monolight, the first monolight to ship with the Canon RT radio system built in ($699.95, pictured); the Orlit RT-600C TTL Speedlight for Canon ($169.95), ideal for Canon users who want to use the unique Canon 600EX-RT wireless radio system; and the Orlit TR-611C and TR-612N TTL transceivers ($69.95 each), which enable shooters to achieve a more extensive and powerful lighting solution with wireless control for Orlit Canon and Nikon systems. The Orlit Rovelight RT 610 TTL Wireless Monolight is a 600Ws mains flash that brings professional radio-based and infrared remote flash options to Canon RT users, who can now use the Canon 600EX-RT as a master and the Orlit RT610 as the slave. It also works with Nikon wireless systems. The Orlit RT-600C TTL Speedlite is a versatile Canon RT/ETTL compatible speedlight, which a can act as a master to up to five independent groups or slave unit for remote power control. This flash has a guide number of 160 (in feet at ISO 100, at 200mm zoom), and a zoomable tilt-swivel head. Like the Orlit Rovelight, the Orlit RT 600C user interface features a clear LCD display with a simplified but extensive menu system, with future technologies incorporated via firmware updates. Designed for Canon and Nikon cameras, respectively, the Orlit TR-611C and TR-612N TTL transceivers can trigger one or more receivers for studio flash and speedlights. Featuring direct group access, multi-group triggering, stable signal transmission, and sensitive reaction, photographers can achieve wide flexibility and control over their strobist setups. And with the Orlit TTL Transceivers, high speed synchronization is available for most Orlit camera flashes, with a max speed up to 1/8000s.

YongNuo have released the YongNuo YN600EX-RT II radio-controlled flash. First announced in November 2016, the YN600EX-RT II is compatible with Canon's wireless radio RT system and can work in tandem with the Canon 600EX II-RT and the Canon 430EX III-RT flash units, as a master or slave. Additionally, it supports the optical wireless TTL exposure metering and triggering systems of both Canon and Nikon; a major improvement over the original YongNuo YN600EX-RT model. Like its predecessor, the new flash has a zoomable tilt-swivel head, a guide number of 60 (in metres at ISO 100/21°) at the 200mm flash head setting and a USB port for firmware updates. It offers high-speed flash synchronisation up to a shutter speed of 1/8000s, recycle times as fast as 2 seconds after a full discharge (with fresh batteries), and support for an external power supply. The YongNuo YN600EX-RT II is available now for $114.95 on Amazon.

Spider Holster's newest product, the SpiderLight, is a camera holster system designed for compact system cameras. Lightweight, durable and versatile; the SpiderLight’s camera holster slips onto any belt. In its lower position, the Spider Holster's two-position lock secures your camera each time it’s placed in the holster. In the upper position, the lock disengages for quick and easy access to your camera. Additionally, SpiderLight is available in a Backpacker Kit ($125) giving users the ability to holster the camera on any backpack or messenger bag strap. The Backpacker kit is also compatible with GoPro accessories and cameras.

Coptrz, the world’s first company offering continuous personal development to drone pilots, has been awarded the Civil Aviation Authority’s (CAA) National Qualified Entity (NQE) status. This entitles the company to deliver CAA-approved training to potential drone pilots, including both a theory and a practical test. “Basic training is just the beginning,” says managing director Steve Coulson. “We believe that one certificate doesn’t set you up to be a drone pilot. That’s why we also offer training on all aspects of running a business: marketing, pricing strategy, making money from drones, and using specific software packages, plus specific jobs - such as surveying, 3D mapping, or using a drone to inspect the inside of a tank or a cellular tower.”

Currently seeking funding on Kickstarter, the brand new Udee backpack combines the functionality of a photo bag with that of a standard daypack. Boasting a total of 19 features, the Udee backpack offers a dedicated photo gear compartment, a notebook pocket, a LED safety light (in the Pro version), a USB charging port, a separate power bank pocket, an earphone port, and more. Udee also has an anti-theft feature, so you can rest assured knowing your belongings are safe. The backpack improves weight distribution with clever design features, including an S-shaped belt, X-shaped back support structure, and PE material. Interested readers are encouraged to pay a visit to the project's Kickstarter page.

MMD, a brand license partner for Philips Monitors, announced the BDM4037UW, a 40-inch Philips Brilliance 4K Ultra HD LCD monitor. This screen is the largest 4K curved computer monitor currently on the market and features a 10-bit panel with a resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels and 178°/178° viewing angles. Connectivity options include a DisplayPort, four USB 3.0 ports, two HDMI connectors and a VGA port. The new Philips BDM4037UW display, with an RRP of £589, is available now.

Dell have just announced the World's first 32-inch 8K display. Scheduled to hit the shelves in March, the Dell UltraSharp 32 Ultra HD 8K monitor offers a staggering 33.2 million (7680x4320) pixels, a resolution of 280ppi and a 10-bit panel with more than 1 billion colours and 100 percent Adobe RGB colour space coverage. Plus its near borderless display gives customers 32 inches of screen real estate in a highly compact package. The monitor boasts four USB 3 ports plus two DisplayPort 1.4 connectors. Available from 23 March 2017, the Dell UltraSharp 32 Ultra HD 8K monitor can be yours for $4,999.