Bowens is set to launch Comodo Orbit, a new camera stabilisation device designed to provide photographers and cinematographers across the world with a radical new ‘single shot’ cinematic option. Orbit enables users to shoot a scene in a single take using just one camera moving ‘fluidly - almost like flying- around the subject’ and has been developed by Bowens to spearhead its Comodo camera rig and grip range. Comodo Orbit, which incorporates a unique patented twin-grip capability, "allows one camera operator to hand-off the rig to another operator smoothly and seamlessly, making the camera appear to fly through windows and small spaces in a way no other rig can do," says Tim Haskell, Bowens Business Development Manager. "“We believe this product has potential for virtually all users of DSLR/mirrorless cameras and small/medium camcorders." Orbit, which will retail at £999 , will be showcased at the UK’s largest broadcast Tech Show – BVE at London’s ExCeL venue.

Ricoh is planning to exhibit four new reference products at CP+ 2014. Among these is a completely new medium-format DSLR camera - tentatively named the Pentax 645D 2014 - boasting the "latest, super-high-resolution CMOS image sensor" and an articulated LCD screen; a new medium-format ultra-wide zoom lens; a Q-mount telemacro lens and an interesting film duplicator that "produces digital duplicates of silver-halide-film images in combination with a digital SLR camera and a dedicated flash unit." Judging by the product shot - see gallery after the jump - this essentially means a focusing rail combined with a macro bellows, film holder and diffusor screen

Preston Vance has launched a Kickstarter project to help fund the commercialisation of Flekt, a new flash modifier that softens the hard light emitted by your camera's pop-up flash. Flekt has three main parts; the magAttach hot-shoe adapter, an ignitor reflector that attaches to the front of the magAttach and redirects the light from the pop-up flash 180 degrees back, and an array of attachments that soften the light and bounce it back toward your subject. The first attachment is called the cFlekt, an accessory designed around a modified concave reflection principle, which attaches magnetically to the magAttach and can utilise white, silver and gold removable reflectors. While we are not entirely convinced that Flekt would indeed turn your humble in-camera flash into a studio-quality light source as claimed by the manufacturer, it could surely come in very handy when using your pop-up flash as an on-axis fill light, for example. If you are intrigued by the concept, check out the project's Kickstarter page for more information.

MeFOTO today announced the SideKick360, a smartphone adapter that provides mobile photographers and filmmakers with camera support allowing them to make sharp photos, videos time-lapse sequences and long exposures. Available in a dozen different colours, the SideKick360 features an aluminium Arca Swiss style quick-release base that works natively with MeFOTO full size tripods as well as any Arca Swiss style quick-release clamp. The adapter's flexible ball joint allows for 360-degree rotation letting users position the smartphone vertically to capture photos and horizontally for video mode or anywhere in between. The new MeFOTO SideKick360 will be available from 1st March for $49.

Sony Japan has announced the SPA-TA1 accessory, which allows its QX series lens-sensor modules to be attached to a variety of tablets. Sold in six different sizes, the Sony SPA-TA1 attachment will be available in Japan for 3675 yen, starting April 2014.

Source: Sony Japan

Designed to be discreet, comfortable and lightweight; Tamrac's new Apache series includes three rugged messenger bags offering superior organisation and equipment protection. The Apache 2 Photo Messenger holds and protects a compact DSLR camera with 18-55mm lens attached, an extra lens, a small flashgun, accessories and personal items. The Apache 4 Photo Messenger holds an SLR with lens attached, 1 or 2 extra lenses, a 10” tablet and accessories. The Apache 6 Photo Messenger protects an SLR camera with lens attached, 2 or 3 extra lenses, flashgun, tablet or laptop and accessories. Prices start at £59.99.

International Camera Accessories, manufacturers of the hüfa lens cap clip, have named UK-based Intro 2020 as their newest authorised international distribution partner. The line of hüfa products will join Intro 2020’s 24 other brands of premium photo accessories for hobbyists and professionals, including Tamron and Samyang lenses, Hoya and Cokin filters, Velbon and Slik tripods, Tamrac bags, Phottix, Azden, Lensbaby, Lenspen and many others.

Booq has added a new camera bag to its Python Collection. Designed to keep either a mirrorless camera with a large lens or a compact DSLR with a small lens safe from impact and the elements, the Python mirrorless is crafted with durable water-repellent 1680 denier ballistic nylon. A densely padded all-around interior compartment stores your tablet, while a removable padded divider not only shields your gear, but allows you to organize a lens, charger, or any other equipment at the bottom of the bag. The Python mirrorless is available today for $80 at booqbags.com.

Charles Waugh, inventor of the SlingShot camera phone mount, has launched another Kickstarter campaign to launch his latest product, the PocketShot folding universal smartphone mount. The PocketShot has a cradle that holds the phone and a handle that provides advanced capabilities. Sporting a ¼-20 threaded insert in its base, the Cradle will mount onto any tripod, monopod, suction cup etc. Moreover, it also has pop-out legs that transform it into an instant table-top tripod. Interested readers are encouraged to visit the product's Kickstarter page.

See exactly what the new Fujifilm X-T1 compact system camera looks like in the flesh, and read our first hands-on impressions of this exciting new camera.

Check out our extensive hands-on gallery of photos of the Fujifilm X-T1 compact system camera with the XF 18-55mm and 56mm f/1.2 lenses, and including the new battery grip and flash accessories.

Inspired Photo Gear has unveiled a new product called the Faith SpeedLight Stand. "Let’s face it, light stands are a bit basic and strobists the world over are forced to purchase accessories to even mount their speedlight or umbrella," the company says. "The new Faith SpeedLight Stand raises the standards of the humble light stand with its quick-erect system, integrated umbrella holder, cold shoe, concealed spike for soft ground & all new water based stabilisation system and carry bag, all as standard." Weighing in at 540g, the Faith SpeedLight Stand has a maximum load capacity of 2,500g and a full height of 180cm, while folding down to 41.5cm. The Faith SpeedLight Stand retails for £49.99 and is available from Inspired Photo Gear.

Adorama has recently enhanced its Slinger collection with nine new BigBag camera bags. The BigBag range comprises lighting bags, video bags and tripod bags of various sizes available from $29.95 for lightweight, modest options, to $179.95 for more heavy duty and versatile offerings. Click through / read on for more information on each individual BigBag.

Phottix has launched a Nikon version of its Mitros+ TTL flash, which features built-in radio triggering and power control functions. Unlike optical or infrared flash syncing solutions, radio triggering does not require direct line of sight and tends to work well indoors and out, at night and in broad daylight, over relatively long distances. The Mitros+ offers all of these triggering modes plus a 3.5mm sync port. As to basic flash functionality, the Phottix Mitros+ has a guide number of 58 (in metres), high-speed and second-curtain synchronisation modes, a zoomable tilt-swivel flash head with 24-105mm coverage (14mm with a wide-angle diffuser), an AF assist light and a quick flash mode. Three sets of flash and function information can be saved in the Mitros+’s memory and be quickly recalled when needed. The Mitros+ TTL Transceiver Flash for has started shipping to international retailers and is available now for $449,99 at the website below.

ProAm USA, a manufacturer of production equipment for film and video enthusiasts and professionals, has just announced the Taurus Jr. camera crane/jib. A heavy-duty, dual-arm jib system, the Taurus Jr. extends three feet from the fulcrum and supports camera rigs up to 20 pounds. Modelled after the Taurus XL, the ProAm USA Taurus Jr will be available in mid-February for $299. “A crane that can support up to 20 pounds for under $300 with features like built-in tilt, pan brake and manual tilt control is practically unheard of,” states Jennifer Melancon, vice president, ProAm USA.“The value is unbeatable.” Availability is slated for mid February,

Fotospeed has announced the PhotoSmooth Pearl 290, a natural white, instant-dry 290gsm inkjet paper. This resin coated, heavyweight paper is offered as a replacement for the widely acclaimed, and now discontinued, Ilford Galerie Smooth Pearl paper; with free sample packs available to current Ilford cutomers in the United Kingdom.

Kowa has alunched two digiscoping adapters, one for DSLR users and one for Samsung Galaxy S4 owners. The TSN-PA7 works seamlessly with Kowa’s TE-10Z 20-60x Zoom and TE-11WZ 25-60x PROMINAR Wide Zoom eyepieces. “The previous D-SLR option for the TSN-880 and TSN-770 Series Scopes did not allow for digiscoping with an eyepiece,” says Sales Manager Miles Takahashi, “the TSN-PA7 is a great option for our TSN-880 and TSN-770 scope users who are looking to fill that void.” The TSN-GA4S Samsung Galaxy S4 Adapter comes with 55mm and 41mm adapter rings as a standard package (compatible with the TE-11WZ, TE-10Z and TE-17W eyepieces, BD42-XD, BD32, YF and SV Series binoculars). Additional 43mm, 45mm, and 50mm adapter rings are available for purchase to ensure compatibility with the entire Kowa lineup of binoculars and spotting scopes.

Samyang has announced a dedicated filter holder for its 14mm f/2.8 ED AS IF UMC lens. Available in two versions, Standard and V-DSLR, the Samyang SFH-14 solves the common problem of mounting the filters on a lens that does not have a filter thread because of its unique optical construction. The holder comes with double slideways to use one or two filters at the same time, both vertically and horizontally. The filters designed for this holder are manufactured by Cokin. Three filters are available, an 8-stop ND filter, a graduated neutral density filter and a graduated blue filter, each measuring 161x139x3mm. The holder sells for €32, and the filters are priced from €63-€68.

Verbatim has announced a Store ‘n’ Go Nano USB drive and a Tablet microSDHC memory card. Equipped with a micro USB adapter, the Verbatim Nano USB drive comes in capacities of 8GB (€9.99), 16GB (€15.99) and 32GB (€27.99). The micro USB adapter packaged with the Nano USB Drive can be used independently whenever required. The Tablet microSDHC card comes with an SD card adapter. The top-of-the-range 32GB microSDHC Card (€29.99, colour coded red) has a Speed Class 10 and UHS-I Speed Class 10 rating delivering ample capacity and optimised performance for HD video use. Alternatively, customers can opt for a 16GB (€15.99, blue) or 8GB (€8.99, green) microSDHC Card, also with a Speed Class 10 rating.

Case Logic has launched a new collection of bags and cases for SLR camera users. The Reflexion range comprises two messenger-style cross-bags, available in small or medium, and a full backpack. All bags in the collection feature a rugged, anti-slip bottom to stabilize them in cars and on ledges, whilst also offering protection from dirt and wet surfaces. Available in a number of colours, the cross-bags also incorporate a  protective stash pocket that can store a 10.1-inch tablet or, in the case of the medium bag, a 13-inch laptop.

Lexar will become an official supplier for the FIA World Rally Championship in 2014. This agreement will see Lexar provide a range of memory solutions to the championship promoter and its audio-visual production team to enable broadcast of the rallies to a global audience of 600 million viewers.  High-speed Lexar CompactFlash and microSD cards will capture on-board video from each World Rally car, whilst Lexar USB drives will be used to transfer stored data and video between locations.