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.

Final year graduate students from the University of Kent have organised an exciting photography exhibition which will take place at Trumans Brewery in London’s East End. The venu and time are F Block T5, Brick Lane from the 12th to 16th June, 10am to 7pm. One of the students, Helen Ives, says, “The focus has been on development of individual and intuitive photography where we have been encouraged to develop our own personal practice.  Our exhibition at Free Range, Brick Lane, will bring to fruition our energy, imagination and passion for photography”. The high standard of work has attacted generous sponsorship from various sources including PhotographyBLOG, University of Kent, West Kent College, Blake Friedmann, dstl, Westfield, Francis Lincoln, Maison Mignon, Mediatek, Chirotic and Windsor Print. This is the inaugural year of this top-up degree based at West Kent College, Tonbridge. For further information please visit their website: http://www.the-exhibitionists.com

Fujifilm have released a new firmware update, version 1.0.3, for the Finepix F480 camera. The firmware (Ver.1.02 to Ver.1.03) update fixes the following issues.

- After taking pictures of the scene under bright condition, such as the picture of sun, occasionally next picture may be shot with underexposure condition.

Website: Fujifilm F480 1.03 Firmware Update

Regularly backing up your data is important for everyone, but especially so for photographers. Losing either all your memories or your means of income is a frightening prospect, yet numerous studies have revealed that relatively few of us have a daily backup routine. Enter NTI Shadow 3, an award-winning and simple-to-use backup software application which is compatible with Windows and Mac platforms. NTI Shadow can continuously monitor and backup all changed files, or be scheduled for a certain time. The latest version includes backup to any optical media, including Blu-ray, useful now that the HD-DVD vs Blu-Ray debate has finally been resolved. Best of all, NTI Shadow 3 is available for just $29.99, so there really is no excuse to start backing up your photos right now. Jon Canfield guides you through the process in our NTI Shadow 3 review.

Website: NTI Shadow 3 Review

Stop press: NTI are running a special promotion until June 8th, where NTI Shadow 3 is completely free!

Website: NTI Shadow 3 for Free

DSLR Doctor have published their top 10 tips for taking fantastic photos after dark with your DSLR camera.

“The best shooting mode to use for night photos is also the scariest for many DSLR owners – Manual exposure mode. The main reason for using this particular mode is that it’s usually the way to access the Bulb setting, which in turn allows you use shutter speeds longer than 30 seconds. Also, you’ll often find that the exposure suggested by the camera in Aperture or Shutter priority modes doesn’t give the most appealing results. Using Manual mode, you can quickly experiment with different shutter speed and apertures, finding the best combination for the subject that you’re shooting.”

Website: DSLR Doctor - Take Better Night Photos

Camera thieves have been apprehended after an Eye-Fi card uploaded pictures of them. Owner Alison DeLauzon looged onto her Eye-Fi account after her camera had disappeared while on vacation, only to find her holiday snaps uploaded along with photos of the two men who had stolen her camera kit. The wireless Eye-Fi SD card inside her Canon compact had automatically logged onto an available unsecured network and uploaded the images without the thieves even realising!

Website: Reuters - Lost cameras “phone home” to catch thieves

The new Oregon Scientific ATC5K and ATC3K are hands-free, waterproof action cameras. The ATC action cameras easily strap on to just about anything - a helmet, arm, leg, bike, canoes and more. “We’ve taken Oregon Scientific’s heritage in making award-winning electronic products for the home to the great outdoors, creating one-of-a-kind, affordable all-terrain cameras that action enthusiasts of all kinds will enjoy,” says Bill Uzell, Executive Vice President for Oregon Scientific. The ATC3K will be available in July for $149.99 and the ATC5K in August for $199.99.

World renowned social photographer Larry Herman is taking his “Waged London” exhibition on a national tour, sponsored by Ilford Photo. The tour will commence in autumn and will appear at a number of specially selected colleges and galleries across the UK. “I am genuinely excited by the chance to exhibit some of my work in progress from Waged London to students across the UK. It is always an honour to help educate and inspire a new generation of young and creative minds who, potentially, could become the great photographers of tomorrow.” commented Herman.

Douglas Kirkland: Creative Inspiration is a new video course from lynda.com featuring one of the most renowned photographers of the 20th Century. Kirkland shares his insights on photography craft and technique, gleaned from 50 years photographing the entertainment industry. “Douglas Kirkland brings a lifetime of photography experience to this video course, having created some of the most iconic celebrity images of the last half-century,” says Lynda Weinman, CEO of lynda.com. Members of the lynda.com Online Training Library receive on-demand access to this entire course, while non-members can access 10% for free.

Steves Digicams have reviewed the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S780 entry-level camera, which offers 8 megapixels, 3x optical zoom lens and 2.5 inch LCD screen.

“The S780 captures nice photos outdoors. The exposures were descent, some instances looked a little bright (over exposed), and the color saturation is nice and vivid. The 3x optical zoom lens, with a 35mm equivalent of 35-105mm, is great for shooting landscape and portrait photography on the wide end, and the zoom end it good for singling out an individual or for framing your landscape shots. It is not, however, enough to bring your distant objects much closer. On the wide end of the zoom you will notice some barrel distortion and some slight chromatic aberrations (purple fringing) throughout the range.”

Website: Steves Digicams - Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S780 Review