The Blackmagic Micro Cinema Camera is an interchangeable-lens Full HD action cam with a Micro Four Thirds lens mount and a Super 16 sized sensor. The unique feature of this new camera is the built in expansion port that provides access to many of the camera’s unique functions via radio model aircraft remote controls and other common remote control solutions. The expansion connector includes 4 PWM channels for using all brands of control gear, or custom wiring, as well as a single S.Bus connection which can accept up to 18 channels of control using the single cable. Offering 13 stops of dynamic range, 12-bit raw image recording, and a choice of a 60fps rolling shutter or 30fps global shutter; the Blackmagic Micro Cinema Camera will be available in July for $995.

The Blackmagic Micro Studio Camera 4K is a tiny Ultra HD and HD studio camera claimed to deliver "dramatically better quality" than the biggest and most expensive studio cameras used today. Small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, the Blackmagic Micro Studio Camera 4K comes equipped with a broadcast grade Ultra HD sensor and features a built-in colour corrector, talkback, tally indicator, PTZ control output, B4 lens control output, and an MFT lens mount. When used for regular HD, the extra sensor resolution completely eliminates any colour loss from the sensor’s bayer pattern so customers get full bandwidth RGB HD colour and superior sub pixel anti-aliasing. The camera also features 6G-SDI output and a program return input that allows it to be controlled remotely from a switcher using Blackmagic’s SDI control protocol. The Blackmagic Micro Studio Camera 4K will be available July for $1,295.

The Technical Image Press Association (TIPA) member magazines recently convened for their General Assembly to vote for the best photo and imaging products launched by the industry in the last 12 months. Among the winners are the Canon EOS 7D Mark II (Best Digital SLR Expert), the Fujifilm X100T (Best Premium Camera), the Fujifilm X30 (Best Expert Compact Camera), the Leica T (Best Design), the Lytro Illum (Best Imaging Innovation), the Nikon Coolpix P610 (Best Superzoom Camera), the Nikon D5500 (Best Digital SLR Entry Level), the Nikon D810 (Best Digital SLR Professional), the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark ll (Best CSC Expert), the Panasonic LX100 (Best Photo/Video Camera Expert), the Panasonic FT6 (Best Rugged Camera), the Panasonic GM5 (Best CSC Advanced), the Pentax 645Z (Best Medium Format Camera), the Pentax K-2 (Best Digital SLR Advanced), the Ricoh WG-M1 (Best ActionCam, pictured), the Samsung NX1 (Best CSC Professional), the Sony A5100 (Best CSC Entry Level) and the Sony A7S (Best Photo/Video Camera Professional).

Canon are developing a new proprietary video format for the efficient recording of high-image-quality 4K, 2K and HD video footage. Mainly targeting professional-use 4K video camcorders, Canon's new XF-AVC format promises greater workflow efficiency and convenience during the production process. Canon will employ XF-AVC primarily in the company's 4K-compatible professional-use video camcorders, such as the XC10 (to go on sale in mid June 2015) and EOS C300 Mark II (to go on sale in early September 2015).

The Canon XC10 is a new 4K digital camcorder that can also shoot high-resolution stills courtesy of a 1"-type 12 megapixel CMOS sensor. The camcorder comes with a fixed-mount 10x wide-angle zoom lens with a 35mm equivalent focal range of 27.3-273mm for movies and 24.1-241mm for still photos. The sensor has a claimed dynamic range of 12 stops - very impressive for a 1"-type imager. Offering slow- and fast-motion recording, multiple picture settings with a variety of looks, and interval shooting for time-lapse still photography, the Canon XC10 4K Digital Camcorder records cinematic H.264 4:2:2/8-bit MXF 4K (UHD) 3840 x 2160 movies to an internal CFast card or Full HD 1920 x 1080 video to an SD card at multiple frame rates up to a maximum of 305Mbps/29.97P in 4K and 50Mbps/59.94P in Full HD. Other features include Wi-Fi connectivity, a vari-angle LCD screen, dedicated microphone and headphone jacks, and a rotating handgrip. The Canon XC10 is scheduled to be available in June 2015 for an estimated retail price of $2,499.00 with SanDisk 64GB CFast memory card and card reader.

The Canon EOS C300 Mark II is a new 4K video camera featuring an advanced imaging engine with dual DIGIC DV5 processors, new professional codecs and outstanding dynamic range of up to 15 stops. Equipped with an 8.85 megapixel Super 35mm Cinema CMOS Sensor, the Canon EOS C300 Mark II uses a new Canon XF-AVC Codec that allows 10-bit 4:2:2 4K image data to be recorded internally. The new imaging sensor maximizes the amount of light that falls on each photosite through a wider pixel pitch, enhancing the EOS C300 Mark II camera's sensitivity, supporting ISOs up to 102,400.The Canon EOS C300 Mark II Digital Cinema Camera is expected to be available in September 2015 for an estimated retail price of $20,000.

Panasonic UK has launched three promotions on its imaging products. Running until 2nd June, the deals include a cashback offer and two value-added promotions. You can claim upto £200 (€250) cashback on Panasonic’s 4K imaging products including the HC-X1000, HC-WX970, HC-VX87 and HX-A500 camcorders as well as the LX100, GH4 (pictured) and FZ1000 cameras. Additionally, the company is extending warranty on selected camera and camcorder models up to 5 years. Thirdly, you can claim a free selfie stick with the purchase of selected Lumix cameras including the Lumix GF7, TZ57 and SZ10.

YouTube has added support for 360° spherical videos, including those created with the Ricoh Theta m15 camera (pictured). "With the announcement of YouTube’s 360 degree spherical video support, the world of content sharing is much more accessible worldwide," Ricoh says. Theta users simply create their 360 videos, upload MP4 video files generated with Windows and Mac software and share with family and friends

Canon UK and Irelad today launched its spring promotion allowing customers to claim up to £100/€120 cashback on selected products. These include three dSLR cameras, seven lenses, two flashes, three compact cameras, two digital camcorders and four printers. Those that purchase two products in Canon’s cashback offer can also claim a free hdbook photo book worth £99/€120. The offer runs from 5th March 2015 to 6th May 2015 for eligible products purchased from UK or Republic of Ireland retailers.

has announced an updated version of its Braun Master Action Camera. Version II offers faster speed, better battery life, HD Slow Motion, Time Lapse and image stabilisation. Footage is captured via the Panasonic 16MP high sensitivity CMOS sensor and ultra-sharp glass f/2.8 lens. The camera is waterproof down to 60m with its special housing (included), and comes with built-in stereo microphones and a 2in LCD screen. The suggested retail price is £249.95 for the camera and a wide range of bundled accessories.

The Activeon DX is a compact Full HD / 60fps action camera that comes with an 8-element f/2.8 lens and a variety of accessories including an underwaterhousing that is water-proof up to 196 feet. The camera has a 12-megapixel imager. a body-integral LCD monitor, a WiFi module and an ultrawide lens with a 152-degree angle of view. The Activeon DX is powered by a 1200mh Li-ion battery which is capable of providing up to 120 minutes of recording time when recording video at 1080p/30fps.

The Sony Handycam FDR-AXP33 is a compact 4K camcorder featuring Balanced Optical SteadyShot technology. This powerful image stabilisation system keeps 4K video exceptionally smooth and stable, the company claims. About 30% smaller and 20% lighter than the existing FDR-AX100, the new FDR-AXP33 can record 4K video at a bit rate of 100 megabits per second, and sports a manual ring and button that can be assigned to functions like zoom, focus and exposure. The EVF boasts three times the detail of predecessor models such as the HDR-PJ810 and 820. The FDR-AXP33 also features an ISO-compatible Multi Interface shoe which accepts a variety of add-ons and expands the creative opportunities for the videographer. There's even a built-in projector with auto keystone adjustment and a 50-lumen brightness. The Sony Handycam FDR-AXP33 will be available in February, priced at £1,079.

The Sony FDR-X1000VR is a wearable action camera that can record 4K footage at 30/25/24fps, Full HD at 120/100fps and 720p HD video at up to 240fps. In an Action Cam first, the FDR-X1000VR can capture high-bitrate recordings at up to 100 megabits per second,provided you have a microSDXC UHS-I Class 3 memory card inserted.. Newly-enhanced advanced SteadyShot ensures footage is clear and stable –– great for aerial shots with Action Cam rigged on a drone. The high-quality stereo microphone now features new Wind Noise Reduction. With the free Action Cam Movie Creator application, you can overlay GPS data to see your exact route and use the Video Merge function to simply bring together the best of your videos. You can also add favourite music to the edited video. Built-in Wi-Fi connects the camera with the new RM-LVR2 Live-View Remote. This waterproof wrist-mount accessory lets you check shooting angles, start/stop recording, review recorded footage and delete any scenes you don’t want. The new Action Cam FDR-X1000VR from Sony will be available from April, priced at £359.

Canon has revamped the LEGRIA HF R-Series lineup of camcorders with the announcement of three new models, the LEGRIA HF R68, LEGRIA HF R66 and LEGRIA HF R606. The new LEGRIA HF R-Series camcorders all feature a 57x Advanced Zoom, along with Zoom Framing Assist functionality. Simply hold the dedicated search button and the camcorder automatically pans out to help you relocate your subject, before zooming in again. To help you fit more into every shot – such as big groups at family gatherings, or sweeping vistas on holiday – the LEGRIA HF R68 (£349.99 / €369.99) includes a new Wide Attachment lens which can be quickly mounted on the camera to shorten the focal length to 26.9mm (eq), widening the camcorder’s overall view. With slow motion recording you can cut speeds by 1/2x – ideal for capturing and reliving every detail of a child’s first goal – or speed up events by up to 1200x using the camcorders' time lapse movie recording feature. The LEGRIA HF R66 (£329.99 / €349.99) and HF R68 incorporate NFC technology, and the LEGRIA HF R606 (£249.99 / €269.99) is compatible with FlashAir memory cards.

Kenro has announced the UK availability of two new Braun action cameras. The Braun Jumper 720p ActionCam HD (£49.50) is a 5-megapixel model capable of recording HD videos. The camera incorporates a 90-degree ultra-wide lens and a built-in microphone, and comes with a waterproof housing (up to 3m). The battery recharges via USB and lasts up to 70 minutes. The other camera (Braun Champion Full HD ActionCam, £110.22) shoots 1080p videos and features a 120°, f/2.9 lens as well as a 5-megapixel CMOS imager. It boasts integrated Wi-Fi functionality and a waterproof housing usable up to a depth of 45m. Operating time is 60 minutes with Wi-Fi and 110 without. Both cameras are available immediately.

As part of the ongoing Panasonic cashback promotion, if you purchase a Lumix camera or camcorder from a participating retailer between 28th November and 1st December, you will be eligible to claim cashback up to £200 (€240). To claim the cashback on qualifying Lumix, Lumix G camera and camcorder models (Panasonic Lumix HC-X920, HC-W850, HC-V750, HC-V550, HC-V250, DMC-GH4, DMC-GH3, DMC-G6, DMC-GX7, DMC-GM1, DMC-LX7, DMC-LF1, DMC-FZ200, DMC-FZ72, DMC-TZ60), participants must complete the online registration form at the website below.

JVC has announced its new 4KCAM product line and unveiled three hand-held 4K camcorders at the Content & Communications World (CCW) show. The JVC GY-LS300 ($4,450; pictured) is a Super 35mm camcorder that records to non-proprietary SDHC and SDXC media cards in a variety of image formats including 4K Ultra HD, Full HD with 4:2:2 sampling, SD, and Web-friendly proxy formats. It features a Micro Four Thirds  lens mount and JVC’s unique Variable Scan Mapping technology that maintains the native angle of view for a variety of lenses. The JVC GY-HM200 ($2,995) is a versatile, full-featured 4K Ultra HD camcorder with HD streaming and a 1/2.3-inch BSI CMOS imager. It also features a built-in 12x zoom lens with optical image stabilliser. Last but not least the economical JVC GY-HM170 ($2,495) features a heavy duty body with professional control layout and comprehensive video profile settings for professional use. Keeping with JVC’s commitment to native file workflows, the camera records 4K Ultra HD as H.264 files, and can record HD and SD footage in a variety of resolutions and frame rates. Other features include an integrated 12x optical zoom lens with two ND filters, built-in stereo microphone and 3.5mm audio input, and live 4K UHD output through a built-in HDMI connector.

Canon UK has just launched its winter cashback offer, which enables you to receive up to £80 cashback on a selected range of Canon products including DSLRs, lenses, compact cameras, camcorders and printers. The offer runs from 29st October 2014 to 21st January 2015 for eligible products purchased from UK or Republic of Ireland retailers. Click through / scroll down for a list of all eligible cameras, lenses, printers and accessories.

Canon today announced the Canon EOS C100 Mark II digital video camera. Designed for economical film and video productions such as documentary and remote broadcast crews, wedding and event coverage, indie film productions, as well as film schools and business and government users, the new EOS C100 Mark II Digital Video Camera features advanced image processing, AVCHD and MP4 1920x1080/60p recording, uncompressed YCbCr output from HDMI, and many other new and enhanced capabilities for improved picture quality, operability, and convenient handling. Weighing in at 2.5 pounds, the Canon EOS C100 Mark II boasts a Super 35mm 8.3 megapixel CMOS imager, a large-size detachable eyecup, a 68-degree tilting 0.45-inch 1.23 megapixel electronic viewfinder and an innovatively hinged 3.5-inch 1.23 megapixel OLED display panel. The new hinge design ─ which folds the panel shut when stowed, protecting the OLED surface ─ opens 180 degrees to reveal function keys and a joystick. The panel can open even further to 270 degrees to deploy against the side of the camera to provide monitoring for directors and other production personnel. Additional design improvements on the camera body include 17 assignable recessed function buttons, dual SD card slots with a transparent cover, and a simplified battery insertion and removal release. The Canon EOS C100 Mark II is scheduled to be available at the end of December 2014 for an estimated retail price of $5,499.

Panasonic UK has announced its Christmas 2014 cashback offer. Included in this promotion is the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 compact system camera (with a cashback amount of £100 / €120), the Lumix DMC-TZ60 travel compact, and the HC-V550 camcorder (each with a cashback amount of £30 / €35). This promotion will run to 12th January 2015. To claim the cashback on qualifying Lumix, Lumix G camera and camcorder models, participants (aged 18 or over only) must complete the online registration form at the website below. The last date for registration will be 27th February 2015.