Olympus have released a new firmware upgrade, version 1.2, for the 10 megapixel Olympus E-3 DSLR camera, which improves the consistency of the auto white balance setting.

Website: Olympus E-3 Firmware Upgrade 1.2

Sigma have released a new firmware update, version 1.03, for the DP1 compact camera. The new Sigma DP1 firmware version offers the following improvements:

- ISO 50 has been added into the ISO setting.
- Grid Display mode shows Display Icons.
- Shorten the pre-flash time in the Red-eye reduction flash mode.

Website: Sigma DP1 Firmware Update 1.03

Here’s something for all the brides-to-be - Kodak is introducing a new Single Use Camera in a distinctive design especially for the wedding market. Available in packs of 10, the Kodak Wedding Single Use Camera features elegant white roses on a silver body and uses 800–speed film. To mark the launch, Kodak is offering a saving of £40 on each 10 cameras pack (instead of £80, customers will only pay £40). The offer is available from June 12 until August 31, 2008.

The Nikon Coolpix P80 represents Nikon’s first attempt at a super-zoom compact camera, with its 18x lens offering a focal range of 27-485mm. Whilst not quite as wide or long as the 20x Olympus SP-570 UZ that we reviewed on Monday, nevertheless the Nikon P80 should be able to handle almost everything that you throw at it. Nikon have included their VR (Vibration Reduction) image stabilisation system and an extensive ISO range of 64-6400 to help combat camera-shake, and there’s a full range of creative exposure modes for full control over the pictures that the P80 produces. Priced at around £275 / $350, Mark Goldstein discovered if the new Nikon Coolpix P80 can compete with similar models, and also Nikon’s own entry-level DSLRs.

Website: Nikon Coolpix P80 Review

The HP DreamColor Display is a new color-critical computer professional display with a range of more than 1 billion colors. The result of a technology collaboration between HP and DreamWorks Animation, the DreamColor Display achieves more than 64 times the colors available on mainstream LCDs. Reds, blues and greens are visibly deeper, blacks are four times darker and whites are adjustable. “The new DreamColor display packs a list of significant advances into one amazingly powerful display, enabling an unprecedented level of color management and fidelity in our production process.” said Ed Leonard, chief technology officer, DreamWorks Animation. The HP DreamColor Display is now shipping worldwide $3,499.

ACDSee Photo Editor 2008 is an easy-to-use digital design and layout software application. New features include faster processing times, more custom creative tools and options for resizing, cropping and masking. “ACDSee Photo Editor 2008 has all the tools, inspiration and clear instruction users need to turn digital photos into truly captivating keepsakes.” said Mark Franklin, executive vice president for ACD Systems. ACDSee Photo Editor 2008 is available for a free 30-day trial and for purchase for $49.99.

In 2007 the DSLR camera market grew by 40% in North America, compared to the point-and-shoot market, which grew by 24%, according to a new InfoTrends report. “Consumers who are upgrading to DSLRs are no longer just hobbyists, but also include families with young children who are looking for cameras with no shutter lag. A profitable DSLR market is able to support research and development (R&D), and we expect innovation in DSLRs that may cause consumers to regularly upgrade their camera body,” commented Mette Eriksen, Director of InfoTrends’ Digital Photography Trends Service. InfoTrends predicts that entry-level DSLRs will become fancy point-and-shoot cameras with interchangeable lenses during 2008.

The fifth edition of the PhotographyBB Online Magazine includes a a new multi-issue series on HDR (High Dynamic Range) photography. “We are also beginning to feature a lot of thought provoking articles for the photographer to consider. Sometimes they are edgy, sometimes they are profound, but always - they are good food for the photographer’s brain.” commented Dave Seeram, Editor and Publisher. PhotographyBB Online Magazine is available as a free download in either PDF or ZIP formats.

Pentax UK are offering £100 off the new 14.6 megapixel Pentax K20D DSLR camera and lens kit. There’s also £50 cashback available on any Pentax K200D Digital SLR camera and lens kit. The cashback can be claimed on purchases of any Pentax K20D or K200D camera and lens kit (excludes body only purchases) by residents in the U.K. and Ireland between 11th June and 31st August 2008.

Website: Pentax UK Cashback Promotion

Sony are developing a back-illuminated CMOS image sensor which increases sensitivity twofold and produces low noise levels. This improved performance has been achieved by illuminating the backside of the silicon substrate, in contrast to conventional CMOS image sensors based on front-illumination technology. The 5 megapixel sensor features 1.75µm square pixels, can achieve 60fps, and will be used in Sony’s consumer digital video camcorders and digital still cameras. In May OmniVision revealed an 8 megapixel sensor using the same back-illuminated technology.

AKVIS SmartMask 2 is an efficient masking tool that saves you time on complex selections. Version 2 features a new selection tool that effectively replaces popular selection tools such as lasso, quick mask and selection brush with three unique selection modes, Sharp, Soft, and Complex. It also makes selection easier with the introduction of keyboard hot-keys and pop-up hints. AKVIS SmartMask 2 costs $120 / €90. A 10 day trial version is available.

Nikon have released a new firmware update, version 1.1, for the Nikon P80 digital camera. Firmware update 1.1 adds the following improvements:

- When shooting with the Vibration reduction item in the setup menu set to On, vibration reduction did not always function in the following situations. This issue has now been resolved
When the camera was turned on or when it recovered after being set to standby mode (activated by the auto off function), with the electronic viewfinder display enamelled by pressing the monitor button
When the camera was turned on, or with recovery from standby mode (activated by the auto off function) with the camera connected to a television or other video device via the supplied audio/video cable (EG-CP14)

- When shooting with the Distortion control option set to On, excessive correction was sometimes applied. This issue has now been resolved.

Website: Nikon P80 Firmware Update 1.1 (Windows)

Website: Nikon P80 Firmware Update 1.1 (Mac)

TrustedReviews have reviewed the ColorMunki from X-Rite, which delivers an easy, quick and affordable solution for matching colors from display-to-print.

“The results, using an Epson R800 and a variety of papers were really impressive, producing much better colour prints, especially on third party papers, such as Ilford Gallerie, Imgaes matched the monitor version much closer, though the nature of the two viewing media - LCD and ink/paper - will never allow an absolute perfect match.”

Website: TrustedReviews - ColorMunki Photo Review

Website: Read our ColorMunki Photo Review

Just as we predicted, the Canon EOS 1000D is a new entry-level, 10 megapixel DSLR camera with Live View mode. With the lightest body of any digital EOS camera, the Canon 1000D offers a 7-point wide area AF system and up to 3fps continuous JPEG shooting. “The EOS 1000D is a small camera with a big idea: the supreme adaptability and image quality of the EOS system, in an accessible, affordable package,” said Mogens Jensen, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging Europe. “For anyone ready to take the next step in creative photography, the Canon 1000D offers the perfect entry point to the world of D-SLR.” The Canon EOS 1000D is available from the end of July priced at £499.99 / €649.99 body only and £579.99 / €749.99 with the 18-55mm IS lens. Canon USA are launching this camera as the Canon Rebel XS in July, with pricing said to be around $200 below the Rebel XSi.

The Canon Speedlite 430EX II is a high-powered compact flashgun with a guide number of 43. Replacing the Canon Speedlite 430EX, the Speedlite 430EX II features an inbuilt wide panel to allow coverage suitable for wide angle lenses to 14mm. Used in Manual mode, the Speedlite 430EX II offers settings in 1/3 stop increments for increased precision of operation. The Canon430EX II is available from the end of July 2008 priced at £209.99 / €279.99.

The Epson Stylus S20 is stylish, compact and affordable printer with individual ink cartridges. The Epson S20 uses Epson DURABrite Ultra Ink, with individual ink cartridges from £5.99 each. Epson’s PhotoEnhance technology automatically enhances colour settings to improve the overall tones and contrasts. Mark Robinson, Senior Product Manager at Epson UK, commented: “The Epson Stylus S20 offers a competitive price for customers seeking an easy to use, high-quality printer, for everyday printing needs.  However, Epson has not sacrificed any of its core technologies; the Stylus S20 benefits from Epson DURABrite Ultra Ink and delivers laser-like text and superb photos.” The Epson Stylus S20 costs £39.99 and will be in available July 2008.

CameraLabs have reviewed the Olympus Zuiko Digital 25mm 1:2.8, a tiny new Four Thirds lens equivalent to a focal length of 50mm.

“Ultimately most DSLR owners consider a standard focal length lens at some point for their collection, and for Four Thirds owners, that means something with a focal length of around 25mm. The pancake hits that particular nail on the head while additionally boasting very slim dimensions and light weight. As a standard lens alone we can recommend it, but if you have one of the smaller Olympus bodies and value portability, then it’s an unbeatable choice. Indeed we’d say it’s mandatory if you bought an E-4xx for its compact dimensions.”

Website: CameraLabs - Olympus Zuiko Digital 25mm Review

Microdia have launched a 64Gb compact flash card, enough capacity to store 19,000 20Mb images! Unveiled at the Australian PMA show, the 64Gb Microdia 300 Xtra Elite card offers read/Write transfer rates of up to 45MB/sec (300x rated) and is compatible with UDMA-enabled digital SLR cameras. Microdia’s 64Gb compactFlash will be available in Australia from July, but there’s no word yet on either price (presumably huge) or worldwide release dates.

Website: Microdia - 300 XTRA ELITE Cards

The Gorillapod Go-Go from Joby is the newest addition to its award-winning product line of Gorillapod tripods. Handheld devices, from cell phones, to MP3/MP4 players, to PDAs, to digital cameras, can be attached anywhere using the Gorillapod Go-Go. This minature tripod is made up of ball-and-socket joints and covered with rubberized rings to provide extreme gripping capability. The Joby Gorillapod costs £26.99 including VAT.

Hasselblad is now accepting submissions for the 2009 Hasselblad Masters Awards. For 2009, winners will be chosen from submissions in each of the following ten categories: architecture, editorial, fashion/beauty, fine art, general photography, nature/landscape, portrait, product, up and coming, and wedding/social. Submissions for all categories will be accepted from any established professional photographer, using any large and medium format camera. The closing date for submissions is 1st January 2009.