Toshiba Europe has launched a new range of entry-level USB 3.0 flash memory USB drives with capacities of 16GB, 32GB and 64GB. Launched under the TransMemory brand, the new SuperSpeed U303 ‘it’s mini!’ range of drives transfer content twice as fast as USB 2.0 alternatives, while still offering backwards compatibility with Hi Speed USB 2.0 and USB 1.1 standards. Shipment of the new TransMemory U303 USB drives will start at the end of this month.

The new Pictools photographic accessory family includes the Pictools PTEF-SE-AF lens adapter for mounting Canon EF/EF-S lenses to Sony E-mount camera bodies, the PT51RK42 5-in-1 reflector kit, the PTFBD80 & PTFBD120 folding beauty dish and the portable PTSLK80 flash lighting kit. The Pictools PTEF-SE-AF lens adapter ($94.99) supports both APS-C and full-frame cameras, and provides auto focus via electronic contacts that also transmit aperture signals and exposure data between your Canon lens and your Sony NEX camera. The Pictools PT51RK42 kit ($94.99) comprises a 42" disc, a 5-in-1 reflector set, 6’ stand, reflector holder and carrying case. The Pictools Foldable Beauty Dish (31ˇ version: $199.99, 47" variant: $259.99) is billed as the most robust and complete kit of its kind on the market today, featuring 16 spring-loaded ribs, a steel base and a Bowens-compatible speed ring. Directional control of the light is accomplished using the included grid which attaches quickly to the provided Velcro lip. Finally, the Pictools PTSLK80 Speedlite Lighting Kit includes a Tri-Flash bracket that permits the mounting of up to 3 speedlites on the included light stand, plus a 31” silver lined Octa Umbrella Soft Box for $98.99.

Polaroid has launched a new, fully automatic TTL flash unit for Canon, Fujifilm, Nikon, Olympus, Panasonic, Pentax and Sony cameras. The Studio Series Digital PL-108AF flash has a guide number of 18 (in metres at ISO100/21°) and comes with a tilting flash head with precise light control, red-eye reduction capabilities and an AF assist light. It also includes quick settings such as Auto Focus, TTL metering and automatic shutter speed for simple shooting. The Polaroid studio series digital auto focus flash line models are now available from $48.95 – $53.99 on Amazon

G-Technology have announced a partnership with Atomos, a manufacturer of smart 4K and HD video production tools, to develop solutions that help creative professionals save time in the content creation process. "At Atomos, we are committed to creating easy-to-use products that merge the complicated steps in the content creation process,” said Jeromy Young, CEO and Co-founder, Atomos. “By partnering with G-Technology, the most well-known and respected storage brand in the media and entertainment industry, we’re extending our capabilities even further, helping our users quickly transfer and store their most precious work.” The new prototypes will be on display at Cine Gear, June 3-4, in Hollywood at the G-Technology booth #S315A and the Atomos booth #S137.

Leica Camera has announced that the Leica S-Adapter L for the Leica SL compact system camera is now available.The S-Adapter L allows the use of 16 Leica S-Lenses with focal lengths from 24 to 180mm (including six central shutter lenses), in addition to the system’s own lenses, the Vario-Elmarit–SL 24-90mm f/2.8-4 ASPH. and the Leica APO-Vario-Elmarit-SL 90-280mm f/2.8-4. The Leica S-Adapter L is available now from Leica stores and authorised Leica dealers in the UK at a suggested retail price of £950. Another new addition to the range of accessories and equipment for the Leica SL camera system is the AA-SCL4 Audio Adapter, which is scheduled to be available at the end of June 2016 for an SRP of £120.

The Elinchrom EL-Skyport Plus HS transmitter is now available to Sony users. This will give them the ability to control and visualise power settings for all their compatible Elinchrom lights and the capability to shoot at speeds up to 1/8000s in Hi-Sync mode. The ODS (Over Drive Sync) enables users to fine tune the Skyport Plus HS transmitter’s trigger signal to optimise exposure at high shutter speeds whilst gaining up to 2 more f-stops of light. Moreover, users can control the modelling lamp and power of each flash unit directly from the Skyport transmitter, which instantly shows the updated settings. The Elinchrom EL-Skyport Plus HS is available for $249.95 / €249 / £199.

Western Digital today expanded its line of SanDisk-branded mobile storage solutions with the new SanDisk Ultra Dual Drive USB Type-C flash drive. The newest generation drive features a new retractable design, faster speeds and capacities of up to 128GB. “By 2020 we expect that 44 percent of all mobile phones sold worldwide will include a USB-C connector, that’s about 800% growth over the next four years,” said Ken Hyers, director, Wireless Device Strategies, Strategy Analytics. “At this rate of anticipated growth, we expect to see more and more solutions like the SanDisk Ultra Dual Drive USB Type-C flash drive that offer consumers a way to move and access their content between devices with varying connectors.” The SanDisk Ultra Dual USB Type-C Flash Drive is now available worldwide at Amazon and other leading retailers. The new offering comes in capacities of 16GB, 32GB, 64GB and 128GB with UK RRP of £10.00, £13.00, £21.00 and £39.00, respectively.

Transcend has launched  its brand new StoreJet Cloud 110 and StoreJet Cloud 210 Personal Cloud Storage products. Allowing users to access all of their data wherever they might be - while storing it all at home -, Transcend’s StoreJet Cloud offers a centralised 4TB and 8TB storage capacity, automatic data backup, fast transfer speeds and media streaming. With a stable Internet connection, users can freely access all personal files stored on their StoreJet Cloud through Transcend’s exclusive StoreJet Cloud web link and iOS or Android app. Transcend’s StoreJet Cloud also allows multiple personal accounts to be created by family members and friends. Each account is individually maintained and securely protected. StoreJet Cloud also offers a one-touch backup function when a USB flash drive or external hard drive is connected to the rear USB 3.0 port. For Mac users, StoreJet Cloud works with Apple Time Machine, enabling fast and easy backup.

World-famous guitarist and lifelong stereoscopy enthusiast Brian May has announced the upcoming launch of a virtual reality and 3D stereo image viewer designed for smartphone users. The new OWL VR Smart Phone Kit takes the existing OWL Stereo Viewer and, through use of a simple but ingenious adaptor, enables its use with a smartphone not only to view online 3D images, but also those taken by the user. Manufactured from high-grade polypropylene and fully collapsible to a thin flat configuration, the OWL is supplied ready for use in seconds. Its carefully positioned high-quality lenses, plus fully adjustable focus, present every user with the ideal optical geometry for perfect viewing of side-by-side 3D photos. The OWL Smart Phone VR Kit will be available from mid-June for £25.

PolarPro, a manufacturer of professional-grade accessories for action cameras, drones and smartphones; has announced a partnership with OtterBox to offer 7 accessory modules as part of the new OtterBox uniVERSE Case System. Designed for the latest iPhone 6 models, the protective OtterBox case offers the ability to expand the iPhone’s features with swappable modules, each of which attach seamlessly to the case using a slotted rail. One of the seven accessory modules offered by PolarPro is a multi-coated clip-on fish-eye conversion lens ($29.99) compatible with both front- and rear-facing cameras, which attaches directly to the OtterBox uniVERSE case. A snap-on lens cap safeguards the lens when not in use.

Lensbaby today announced limited early availability of the Circular 180+ lens for use with GoPro Hero cameras through Kickstarter. Attaching to the current waterproof housing on GoPro Hero cameras, the Circular 180+ captures a 185 degree field of view, wider than the human eye can see. “I wanted a lens that would give me the perspective of our Circular Fisheye lens for DSLRs in a small, rugged package so I wouldn’t have to worry about my gear when I’m in the wild,” said Craig Strong, Lensbaby Co-Founder and CCO. “A good circular fisheye, and this is a great one, makes adventures more adventurous. GoPro shooters are all about exploration, making this the perfect Go-Pro add-on.” Lensbaby’s goal is to raise at least $30,000 through this campaign to help fund lens production and to guarantee availability by this August.

The new Broncolor Siros L is a highly mobile, battery-powered monolight offering up to 440 full-power flashes, constant colour temperature over the entire control range and very short flash durations. From the sales launch, Siros L will be available in two power levels, 400 Joules and 800 Joules. The 400 J version (pictured) has a t0.1 flash duration of 1/400 s and a t0.5 flash duration of 1/1200 s when used at maximum energy (1/6200 s and 1/11,300 s, respectively, when fired at its minimum energy setting), with recycle times ranging from 0.03 s to 1.9 s. The 800 J version has a somewhat longer flash duration (t0.1=1/250 s at full power) and a longer maximum recycle time, but its higher output allows you to use an aperture setting as small as f/45 at a distance of 2m when the Broncolor P70 reflector is attached. The 25-Watt LED modules offer a bright modelling ligt with a colour temperature of 3000 K. The 400Ws Siros L will be available for $2095, while the 800Ws version can be had for $2395. Both prices include a carrying bag. The Broncolor Siros L (both versions) will also be available in an outdoor kit, priced at $4195 and $4795, respectively.

Canon are offering up to £50/€70 cashback on selected items in the UK and Ireland, plus the chance to win a three-night break in Dubai for two people. Eligible products include digital SLR cameras such as the EOS 760D (pictured), EOS 750D, EOS 700D and EOS 100D, CSCs (EOS M3 & M10), digital compact cameras, camcorders, printers, lenses and the Speedlite 430EX III-RT flash. The offer runs to 31 August 2016.

The Fujinon XF2X TC WR is a new 2x teleconverter extending the telephoto reach of two X-mount lenses, the Fujinon XF50-140mmF2.8 R LM OIS WR and XF100-400mmF4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR. Available next month, the Fujinon Teleconverter XF2X TC WR features an optical construction of 9 elements in 5 groups. In addition, thanks to the unified design when mounted to a compatible lens, the teleconverter is weather and dust-resistant and operates at temperatures as low as -10°C. Phase detection AF is still available when using the XF50-140mmF2.8 R LM OIS WR with the teleconverter mounted. With the XF100-400mmF4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR lens, photographers can use CDAF. The camera’s optical image stabilization performance is unaffected by the addition of the teleconverter. The Fujinon XF2X TC WR will be on sale in the UK from the end of June with a suggested retail price of £349.

Verbatim has announced a new 100GB Blu-ray disc with an average lifetime of more than 1,000 years. Incorporating titanium for added longevity, the Verbatim MDISC Blu-ray disc preserves stored data by engraving the information into a ‘rock-like’ recording layer resistant to light, temperature, and humidity. The disc is compatible with any BDXL-capable Blu-ray drive. With no more than 1 failure per 100,000 discs expected after more than 1,000 years at 25°C and 50% relative humidity, data can be reliably stored for centuries on MDISC in a typical home or office filing cabinet, the company claims. In comparison, standard Blu-ray, DVD or CDs have an average lifetime of over 25 years. Verbatim’s 100GB BDXL MDISC is sold in a 5 pack for £89.99 or in single units priced at £23.99.

X-Rite has announced partnership with SmallHD, the creator of durable production monitors for creative professionals. Within the framework of this partnership, SmallHD will bundle X-Rite OEM i1Display Pro (pictured) with their first-ever line of daylight-viewable, FullHD display models 1703HDR, 2403HDR and 3203HDR. “We are very excited to have our OEM i1Display Pro bundled across the new line of SmallHD Production-Monitor displays to enhance viewing accuracy. The announcement aligns with SmallHD's recently released larger daylight-viewable HDR production monitors,” said X-Rite Vice President of Product Marketing Chris Winczewski. “The partnership with SmallHD demonstrates our focused commitment for the expansion of X-Rite’s photo and video products into the video, filmmaking and broadcast markets.”

LockCircle has announced a special cinematic production cage for the Leica SL (Typ 601) camera. The Metal Jacket features an exclusive “Asymmetrical Cage Design” and offers multiple mounting options for accessories like viewfinders, 4K HDMI Recorders, monitors and more. The Metal Jacket cage integrates the MultiPort HDMI / USB 3.0 / Audio / Controller Interface port savers for camera protection, and comes in “Classic Black” anodised finish, hard anodised “Dura-T (Tactical Grey)” and “Dura-K (Kant Titanium Brown)” versions. Weighing in at 225 grams (7.9 ounces), the LockCircle Metal Jacket for the Leica SL (Typ 601) has several threads to mount the AC tape measurement (titanium pin) hook at the exact sensor focal plane.

COOPH has added a new garment to its catalogue of specialist photography gear – the Field Jacket. Made from EtaProof, a 100% cotton fabric from Swiss weaving mill Stotz, the COOPH Field Jacket holds a variety of inner and outer pockets to stash photographic accessories and even has a quick access pocket to store a smartphone. Ulrich Grill, founder of COOPH and a professional photographer himself, said: “We are pretty stoked to add this all-year jacket to our growing range of photography apparel. The Field Jacket is hardwearing and feature-packed, but it doesn’t look like your typical photographer’s vest. That was planned. We partnered with the finest mill in Europe to help realize our idea – and I’m eager to see people wearing the jacket.” The COOPH Field Jacket is available for €398.

Fantasea Line has launched the new FG9X underwater housing for the Canon PowerShot G9 X camera. The housing provides full access to all camera buttons with clearly labeled controls and features a new touch-screen technology, providing access to essential contact points on the camera's touch-sensitive screen. Depth rated to 60 metres, the Fantasea FG9X offers a moisture detector, double O-ring protection and an M67 thread on its lens port. The Fantasea FG9X housing is now available for $400.

Samsung has unveiled its newest memory card globally – the EVO Plus 256GB microSD card. Offering the highest capacity for a microSD card in its class, the Samsung EVO Plus 256GB microSD memory card delivers fast speeds of up to 95MB/s and an expanded memory storage for use in premium smartphones and tablets, 360-degree video recorders, action cameras, and drones. Samsung will offer the EVO Plus 256GB microSD card with a limited 10-year warranty in more than 50 countries, including the USA, Europe, China, and other regions starting in June 2016.