SanDisk today launched the iXpand Flash Drive, a mobile storage device designed to help people free up space on their iPhone and iPad with up to 128GB of additional capacity. The iXpand Flash Drive features a Lighting connector and a USB 3.0 connector for faster transfer speeds, plus a completely redesigned app to easily manage photos and videos. The new drive also includes encryption software that password-protects files. The iXpand Flash Drive is available in 16GB, 32GB, 64GB and 128GB capacities, with MSRPs of £34.99/$49.99, £44.99/$69.99, £59.99/$89.99 and £89.99/$129.99, respectively.

Pelican Products have launched their newest Pelican Air cases, engineered to maintain the same standard of durability as the classic Pelican Protector in a much lighter package. Available in six long-form, travel-ready sizes, Pelican Air cases are constructed of lightweight HPX2 resin, which rebounds to stress without breaking. With the busy traveler in mind, the 1535 Pelican Air case complies with overhead bin standards and the 1615 Pelican Air case (pictured) complies with current airline check-in size regulations. Pelican Air cases are available through select dealers, distributors and retailers starting 1 May 2016.

The Sigma MC-11 mount converter is now available in the UK. Enabling Sony NEX camera users to attach Sigma's SA- and EF-mount lenses to their camera bodies, the adapter incorporates the digital data necessary to provide fast and smooth AF for compatible lenses as well as image stabilisation and functions of the camera that help control peripheral brightness and correct transverse chromatic aberration, distortion, and more. In addition, since Sony E-mount camera bodies do not require mechanical integration with lenses for aperture control, the Sigma MC-11 makes the lenses fully compatible with the automatic exposure control of Sony E-mount camera bodies. The Sigma MC-11 mount converter is available for £219.99.

DJI has announced it will offer its Micro Four-Thirds Zenmuse X5R camera for use with the Osmo image stabilisation system. “When we launched the Osmo, we reimagined motion,” said Senior Product Manager Paul Pan. “With the DJI Osmo RAW, we’ve gone even further. Now, creators and filmmakers will no longer have to choose between image quality and image stability, no matter from what perspective they’re shooting.” Gimbal motors will ensure image stability on three axes, with pan and tilt functions accessible either by using the Osmo’s thumb stick or through the DJI GO app. Users can also control the X5R’s focus and aperture from within the iOS or Android app or via an optional DJI Focus unit. Also available for the Osmo system is the Micro Four-Thirds X5 camera and gimbal, called the Osmo Pro. Pricing and availability of the Osmo Pro and Osmo RAW will be announced shortly, the company says.

Miggo has launched a Kickstarter campaign to help fund the commercialisation of its Pictar smartpone case. Billed as "probably the best iPhone camera-grip ever built," Pictar brings SLR-style controls - such as a physical shutter release and an exposure compensation wheel - as well as a tripod socket, a "smart wheel" and a zoom ring, to a number of currently available iPhone models. The new accessory is designed to communicate with the iPhone via a dedicated camera app which unlocks key features inaccessible on the native app to iPhone users. Each of the physical controls found on Pictar drive a specific function or setting and does so using high-frequency dual tone sounds. Each physical control is assigned a specific tone, and with each turn of a dial, press of a button or turn of a wheel, Pictar emits a sound that – when detected by the app – generates a corresponding action. The high-frequency dual tone (18,500 – 20,000 khz) is inaudible to the human ear and significantly increases battery life when compared to Bluetooth connectivity. Interested readers are encouraged to pay a visit to Pictar's Kickstarter project page.

DJI have introduced the Matrice 600 (M600), their next-generation aerial platform for professional aerial photography. The M600 integrates DJI’s new A3 flight controller and features Lightbridge 2 video-transmission technology that offers high frame rates and HD live-streaming capability at distances up to 5km. The 6-rotor system has a maximum payload of 6kg, allowing it to carry the full range of DJI’s Zenmuse gimbals, the Ronin MX 3-axis gimbal and the Zenmuse X series cameras. It has actively cooled motors for more reliable flight, and its landing gear is retractable for full 360°, unobstructed imaging. The M600 will fly up to 36 minutes with a Zenmuse X5 camera attached and up to 16 minutes with a larger camera, such as a RED Epic. The M600’s retail price, including the integrated A3 flight controller with Lightbridge 2 and a full set of batteries, is €5,299.

Available in four different sizes, the new Zeiss Lens Gear Rings make the acclaimed Zeiss Loxia, Milvus and Otus lenses compatible with follow focus systems. Made of premium aluminium with a hardened surface coating, the Zeiss Lens Gear Rings slide onto the relevant lens and attached to the focus ring of the lens simply by turning the two counteracting rings. “This means the ZEISS Lens Gears can be attached in a flash – and you don’t even need any tools to do so,” explains Christophe Casenave, Product Manager at ZEISS Camera Lenses. “They fit on the different lenses of various diameters precisely and securely.” The ZEISS Lens Gears are supplied with a rubber-covered band, the GumGum, which features an adhesive surface. This means the inner diameter can be reduced accordingly, thus supporting other lens sizes. The GumGum also protects against scratches and other damage to the focus ring of the lens. Available from 21 April 2016, the new Zeiss Lens Gear Rings are priced from €150-€180 including VAT.

The Polaroid SelfieDisc IR remote shutter control accessory for SLR cameras allows photographers to remotely snap a photo as well as start and stop video recordings. The compact button design attaches to the front of most Canon, Nikon, Pentax and Sony SLR cameras and offers extended remote shutter control via the Polaroid SelfieDisc Android/iOS app. Available as a free download, the app photographers control over their camera’s timer and shutter delay, allowing them to manage time-lapse and stop-motion animation photoshoots via a smartphone or tablet. The Polaroid SelfieDisc is now available from Amazon for $29.99.

The Ilford GALERIE Prestige Gold Fibre Gloss paper has received a TIPA award in the inkjet photo paper category. The TIPA panel particularly liked the fact that the GALERIE Prestige Gold Fibre Gloss was reminiscent of a traditional fibre-based darkroom paper and was ideal for reproducing black-and-white prints. In previous years, the GALERIE Prestige Gold Fibre Silk, GALERIE Prestige Smooth Pearl and Gloss and GALERIE Prestige Mono Silk papers have also been awarded this accolade.

Lexar have announced the Lexar microSD Reader, which features a Lightning connector for quick transfer of files to an iPhone or iPad. “Users who are looking to capture more content in real time while on the move can find it challenging to manage that content, especially in an iOS device,” said Steffi Ho, product marketing manager, Lexar. “Shooters can now take advantage of the large screens and connectivity of their iOS devices by editing and uploading content captured on their action sports and aerial cameras wirelessly. Users no longer need to wait until they’re back in front of their main computer at home or in the office to upload content captured on-the-go.”

Think Tank Photo are set to release seven strong soft-sided video cases. The largest, the Video Rig 24 rolling case ($519.75, pictured), holds a fully assembled 24” video rig and features inset channel aluminium tubing for added strength and durability. The mid-sized bag, the Video Transport 20 ($429.75), holds a video camera body, four to six lenses (detached), shotgun microphone, small monitor, 4K recorder, audio recorder, additional accessories, and up to a 17” laptop in a padded sleeve. The smallest, the Video Workhorse 19 shoulder bag ($229.75), holds a professional camcorder or video cameras up to 19” and features striated aluminium and arched twinwall reinforced struts to create a collapse-proof lid.

Fotodiox have announced that three new products will be launching from the show floor at the 2016 NAB Show in Las Vegas: the Flapjack LED Ring Light ($359.95), the FlapJack LED Wand ($349.95) and the CamDolly Cinema System ($3,995.00, pictured). Billed as the industry’s first truly portable and modular dolly system for professional-grade video and film equipment, the CamDolly Cinema System includes everything a filmmaker needs to build five different dolly modes, or "protocols" – each designed to create a specific type of shot.. A single person can move all of the system's components to a shooting location with ease, and assemble the CamDolly into one of its five protocols in under 15 minutes. The constant-source FlapJack LED Ring Light is compatible with 15mm and 19mm rail systems or any ¼-20 thread mount runs on industry standard Sony NP-F style batteries or AC power, and comes with a custom-fitted travel case. The FlapJack LED Wand comes with a pistol grip handle that allows the user to more easily position the light for various shots, or even perform artistic light painting for long-exposure shooting. Like the Ring Light, the Wand is fully adjustable between Daylight and Tungsten colour temperatures and comes with a custom-fitted travel case. All three products will be available from 16 April 2016.

Manfrotto have announced their new Off Road Stunt Bag Collection. Dedicated to action camera lovers, the range includes several new products that securely organise action photo-videography equipment: the Manfrotto Off Road Stunt Backpack (available black and grey/red), the Manfrotto Off Road Stunt Case (available in Small and Medium) and the Manfrotto Off Road Stunt Roll Organizer. Prices start from £34.95 for the Stunt Case, £34.95 for the Stunt Roll Organizer and £119.95 for the Off Road Stunt Backpack.

Tenba today announced a sneak peek of the new Cineluxe video camera bag collection at the upcoming NAB Show. The first to bring the “doctor bag” style opening to backpacks and rolling cases, Tenba’s new collection features novel "Flex-Core" dividers, a waterproof “Body Armor” bottom panel, and a selection of protective padded wraps and pouches that allow sensitive equipment to be safely stored alongside larger cameras and rigs. Each bag includes a WeatherWrap rain cover and trolley straps to piggyback onto larger rolling cases. Cineluxe bags will be available in July.

Benro have added two new tripod kits to their video lineup. The new Pro versions of the Benro BV4 (8.8 lb payload capacity) and BV6 kits (13.2 lb payload capacity) incorporate the eighth generation two-stage aluminium tripod. This professional tripod is a double tandem leg design that uses an adjustable, removable spreader, a metal 75mm bowl, oversized quick positive leg locks and dual spike feet with pads, making this kit perfect for heavy loads and rigged cameras. Both kits are designed for more demanding filmmakers and videographers - allowing for precise control over the counterbalance, pan drag and tilt drag. Both sizes will be on hand for live demonstrations at NAB this week (Central Hall Booth #C1307).

Intro 2020 has been appointed the sole UK distributor of Cullmann products. Cullmann tripods include a range of flexipods available in three sizes and three colours, plus mini tripods, full size tripods and the top of the range Titan 935 tripod, a large photo/video tripod that supports 21kg of equipment. Tripod prices start from £13.99 and rise to £399.00 for the Titan 935 model. The Cullmann bag range includes the Sydney PRO Action zoomster, the Ultralight Sport and Lima backpacks and two more traditional camera bags – the Ultralight PRO Maxima 120 and 300. There are also two messenger-style Madrid bags and the new Sydney Maxima 425+ Pro bag. Cullman bags start from £35.99.

Intro 2020 has been appointed sole UK distributor of Beastgrip Pro, the World's first universal lens adapter and camera rig system for smartphones. Featuring an adjustable lens mount with spring loaded clamps, the Beastgrip Pro is a modular rig system with a removable lens mount assembly and handle. It comes with industry-standard photography mounts and an ergonomic grip, allowing users to attach all kinds of photography gear and take a better shot. There are 3 kits in the product range, including the basic Beastgrip Pro Rig (£139.99), the Beastgrip Pro Rig plus Wide Angle Lens (£169.99) and the Beastgrip Pro Rig plus Wide Angle and Fish-eye lenses (£199.99).

The Metz mecablitz 26 AF-2 is a new flash with a guide number of 26 (in metres at ISO 100/21°). Features include a wide-angle diffuser (24mm), up to 85mm illumination with the included telephoto diffuser, a vertically tilting reflector for an indirect flash and an adjustable LED video light, which creates additional illumination when shooting video. Depending on the camera, the Metz 26 AF-2 also offers wireless TTL flash. To ensure that the unit is always up to date, firmware updates can be downloaded via USB. The flash will be available from the end of this month.

Manfrotto has won five accolades and an honourable mention at the 2016 Red Dot Awards. The award winning products include the XPRO Monopod, Pixi Evo, Lykos LED, Compact Xtreme and Digital Director, with the honourable mention going to the D1 Drone Backpack (pictured).

Lexar today announced their Professional XQD 2.0 USB 3.0 reader. With its compact, portable design, the new memory card reader can easily slip into a pocket or bag, and offers a simple plug-and-play design with a USB 3.0 connector so content can be securely transferred on the go. For versatility, the reader is backwards compatible with USB 2.0 devices at USB 2.0 speeds. The Lexar Professional XQD 2.0 USB 3.0 Reader will be available in late April with a MSRP of £29.99.