DxO Optics Pro v5.1 is now available for both Windows and Mac platforms. Version 5.1 offers considerable improvements in stability and extra features, including a more flexible Pace Interlok protection that doesn’t require installation of an Interlok driver. DxO Optics 5.1 also now supports 3 new cameras and 35 new DxO Modules, including the Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi/450D and Nikon D60. In addition, to celebrate DxO Optics Pro’s 4th birthday, and the arrival of version 5.1, all customers purchasing an upgrade to DxO Optics Pro v5.1 and activating it before 1st July 2008 will receive DxO Film Pack for free.

DPNow are giving away an Olympus E-520 twin-lens kit in their latest monthly prize draw. All you need to do to enter is subscribe to their email newsletter.

Website: DPNow - Win a twin-lens kit Olympus E-520 DSLR

The Sanyo Xacti HD1010 is an ultra-compact, full 1920 x 1080 high-definition digital camcorder with a 300fps slow-motion video mode. The HD1010 features “Face Chaser” face detection technology for both video and stills and 7fps sequential shooting for superb action photography. There’s also a 10x optical zoom lens (38-380mm range), image stabilizer, 2.7 inch widescreen LCD screen, and simultaneous shooting of 4-megapixel still images and HD movie clips. The Sanyo HD1010 will be available in the USA in July 2008 for $799.99.

Flip Video Mino is a tiny camcorder that provides high-quality, portable, and easy-to-use video. The Flip Mino weighs just over three ounces and is smaller than most mobile phones. With 2GB of on-board flash memory, Flip Video Mino allows consumers to capture up to 60 minutes of high-quality video. In addition to quickly posting videos on sharing and social networking sites, you can also email videos and video greeting cards. The Flip Video Mino costs $179.99 and is available now.

The web-based digital photo application RocketLife has beaten four of it’s main rivals, CVS, Kodak EasyShare Gallery, Shutterfly and Snapfish, in a recent Infotrends study. In a test of independent consumers, RocketLife “outscored the other four platforms on all eight of the attributes on which InfoTrends obtained consumer evaluations.” Users felt that one of RocketLife’s greatest advantages was the speed and ease of getting started. “In our comparative sample, the majority of people placed more photos in their RocketLife book and got more accomplished within the same time period using RocketLife.” said Alan Bullock of InfoTrends.

Novatron, best known for its professional photographic lighting equipment, has been acquired by OmegaSatter. Also in the professional photographic lighting accessory segment with its GaryFong Inc., FlashFrame, Wein, and Polaris products, OmegaSatter commented: “Novatron has perfect synergy with OmegaSatter. We are a manufacturer and we market and sell our products to the same customers as Novatron. OmegaSatter has coveted a strong, high quality brand and presence in the professional photographic lighting market and Novatron is the perfect fit.” Novatron products are available to order from OmegaSatter immediately. The company expects to be in full production in July.

PCMag have reviewed the Kodak ESP 3 All-in-One Printer, which claims to save up to 50 percent on everything you print.

“When Kodak announced its first generation of all-in-one (AIO) printers last year, including the EasyShare 5300 All-In-One, it wasn’t content with simply offering printers that held their own on speed, output quality, and features. It also claimed a low cost per page—a claim that got a lot of attention. Now Kodak’s introducing its second wave of AIOs, starting with the ESP 3 All-In-One Printer ($129.99 direct). The obvious question is, what is Kodak doing for its second act? The answer: More of the same.”

Website: PCMag - Kodak ESP 3 Review

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The smc PENTAX-DA 17-70mm/F4[IF] SDM is a new standard zoom lens designed for exclusive use with Pentax DSLR cameras. The 17-70mm lens covers the focal-length range from 26mm wide angle to 107mm telephoto in the 35mm format, and features the smooth and quiet SDM autofocus system with built-in supersonic motor. Other highlights of the Pentax 17-70mm lens include a minimum focusing distance of 0.28 meters over the entire zoom range and a Quick-Shift Focus System for instant switching to manual-focus operation. The smc PENTAX-DA 17-70mm/F4[IF] SDM will be available in mid-July for £449.

Fujifilm have reduced the price of the FinePix S5 Pro DSLR camera to just £499. First launched at Focus on Imaging in 2007 for £999.99, Fujifilm are now running a special summer promotion on the S5 Pro. Awarded the EISA European Advanced Camera of the Year 2007-2008, the FinePix S5 Pro is a benchmark DSLR camera, offering a wealth of features. Visit your local dealer to find out more about the Fujifilm S5 Pro promotion.

The Epson Stylus NX400 is the flagship model of a new generation of all-in-one printers. “Whether printing book reports, driving directions, presentations or party invitations, the Epson Stylus NX400 turns ordinary projects into amazing output. Its versatility, high-performance, durability, and affordable price make it the best solution for everyday home printing needs.” said Kristi Lanzit Fox, product manager, Consumer Ink Jet Printers, Epson. The Epson Stylus NX400 is now shipping and will be available for an estimated street price of $99.99.

Places Of Wonder and Discovery is the first book from OUR PLACE, the world’s largest ever World Heritage photography project. Launched at Photokina in September, Places Of Wonder and Discovery is the first of a series of 10 books based on the collection. All OUR WORLD photographers use the Panasonic Lumix DMC L1, L10, FZ50 and LX2 digital cameras.

MAGIX Xtreme Photo & Graphic Designer 2 provides image editing, graphics and website creation in a single unified program. New features include non-destructive real-time image editing, one-click montages of panorama images, beautify faces and add facial expressions, and optimization and editing of RAW images. MAGIX Xtreme Photo & Graphic Designer 2 will be available from June 9th for £39.99.

Tanscend has launched a transparent version of its 7 inch T.photo 710C digital photo frame. The transparent frame offers a simple and pure look, making it perfect for setting on an office desk or mounting on a living room wall. Also available in a black and gold color scheme, the T.photo frame includes a convenient picture-clock and calendar, alarm, and built-in MP3 player with speakers. All Transcend digital photo frames come with a two-year warranty.

This year’s Digital Photo and Imaging show takes place at the Business Design Centre, Islington, London on 26th and 27th June 08. Peartree will be demonstrating the Leaf AFi camera system and Leaf Capture software, plus the Broncolor Lighting system. Leaf and Peartree experts will be on hand throughout the show to answer any questions on the Leaf and Broncolor solutions. The Digital Photo and Imaging Show is free if you register online, or it costs £12 admission at the door.

Digital Foci has launched a Custom Framer Program for its Image Moments 8 digital photo frame. Available immediately, all PPFA (Professional Picture Framers Association) members will receive a free Adapter Ring Kit ($10 value). Digital Foci’s Custom Framer Program will help framers create unique options for their customers. Image Moments 8 ships with a standard black frame with 3 interchangeable mats (cream, gray, and black) and is priced at $199.

17 college students from around the USA have been chosen as winners in the first MyShot08 photo contest. Entrants were challenged to create innovative and aesthetically striking photo specialty products using web-based templates in three categories: photo books, greeting cards and calendars. Contest judges reviewed more than 200 submissions. Jenee’ Jones, a junior photography major at Virginia Commonwealth University, won “best of show” honors and will receive a prize package that includes a trip to a photo shoot with lead contest judge and professional photographer George Kamper.

LG have introduced 3 new, 6x speed Blu-ray drives - the BE06, GBC-H20L and GBW-H20L. LG’s new line-up offers SecurDisc capabilities, providing data protection and content access control on all current optical formats, and LightScribe, which creates direct-to-disc labels. The external LG BE06 drive costs $379.95, whilst the internal LG GBW-H20L costs $279.95 and the LG GBC-H20L $199.95.

The-Digital-Picture have reviewed a new professional EF lens, the Canon EF200mm f/2L IS USM.

“The Canon EF 200mm f/2.0 L IS USM Lens is at its release the shortest fixed-focal-length (prime) lens to have Image Stabilization. This IS implementation is rated by Canon for a state-of-the-art up-to-4-stops of improvement - and I find the improvement to be as-rated. After a long day of physical labor (around the house), and after well over 250 shots taken handheld (this is a heavy lens), I could still take sharp handheld shots at 1/5 sec with this lens as demonstrated in the sample comparison below.”

Website: The-Digital-Picture - Canon EF200mm f/2L IS USM Review

PCMag have reviewed the Casio EX-Z9, a new 8.1 megapixel digital camera with a 3x zoom lens, 2.6-inch wide LCD and 23 scene modes.

“The 8.1-megapixel Casio Exilim EX-Z9 surprised me. In my experience, Casio’s point-and-shoot cameras have suffered from poor image quality. My opinion was reinforced most recently by the EX-S880, a slim and sleek camera that took dull and dark pictures. I was expecting more of the same from the $150 (street) EX-Z9, but much to my delight, picture quality was improved.”

Website: PCMag - Casio EX-Z9 Review