Apple have just released the Digital Camera RAW Compatibility Update 2.1 for Mac OS X 10.4.11 and OS X 10.5.2. This update extends RAW file compatibility for Aperture 2 and iPhoto ’08 for the following cameras:

Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi/Kiss Digital x2/450D, Epson R-D1, Leaf AFi 7, Leaf AFi 6, Leaf AFi 5, Pentax K200D and the Pentax K20D

Website: Apple Digital Camera RAW Compatibility Update 2.1

Seefile 4.5 is the latest digital asset management software from SeeFile Software. SeeFile runs as webserver software on any OSX Mac, replacing FTP servers with a web interface. “My customers are able to review and download proofs if I allow them to, upload their own graphical files to the same folders, and communicate approvals with a click. It’s a phenomenal way to handle a range of client communication issues…” commented Igor Perchuk, president of Image Source Productions. SeeFile 4.5 is priced from 499 to 5,495 Euro, depending on the number of user licenses.

The Art of Black & White Photography is a new book that highlights the creative aspects of black and white photography. Author Torsten Andreas Hoffmann focuses on image composition and image capture, as well as on the digital workflow. Topics include overcoming clichéd photos , pictorial tension between elements and conversion to black and white from color. The Art of Black and White Photography costs $44.95 USD / £27.99 GBP.

Sigma are offering a free upgrade service to Canon EOS 40D users experiencing problems with the 120-400mm and 150-500mm lenses. When the Canon 40D digital SLR is in AI Servo AF mode and the OS function is switched ON, the number of continuous frames per second will decrease. This issue affects all Sigma APO 120-400mm lenses with a Serial Number lower than 1011001, and all Sigma APO 150-500mm lenses with a Serial Number lower than 1007001.

Ricoh have released a new firmware update for the Ricoh R8, a 10 megapixel digital camera with a 7.1 wide-angle zoom lens. The new firmware update, version 1.20, improves the accuracy of exposure at continuous shooting with full-press.

Website: Ricoh R8 Firmware Update 1.20

PhotoReview have reviewed the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX520, a new 10 megapixel camera with 5x, 25mm wide-angle lens.

“The 10.1-megapixel Lumix DMC-FX520 is Panasonic’s first digital camera with a 3-inch touch-screen LCD and a very compact camera for its advanced range of functions. While the touch screen may excite some buyers, photographers are more likely to be attracted by the P, A, S and M shooting modes and the wide-angle Leica DC lens, which supports 5x optical zoom and covers a focal length range of 25mm to 125mm (35mm equivalent).”

Website: PhotoReview - Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX520 Review

TrustedReviews have reviewed the BenQ C850, a new 8 megapixel compact camera with 3x zoom lens and Super Shake Free system.

“The C850’s major weak point is its AF system, and it really is very poor indeed. With a well-lit high-contrast target it is fine, and focuses quickly and accurately. However I found that even a slight lack of texture was enough to confound it, even in good light. Its low light performance is exceptionally poor, failing to focus at all in a room lit brightly enough for reading, and since it lack and AF assist lamp.”

Website: TrustedReviews - BenQ C850 Review

The new BenQ T850 is the world’s slimmest 8 megapixel camera, measuring less than 15mm thick. Sporting a 3x optical zoom lens, ISO 1600 and a stainless steel body, the diminutive BenQ T850 also features a large 3 inch touch-screen LCD. Almost all camera functions can be accessed and engaged by using one of three simple finger movements: tap, circle, swipe. The price and availability of the BenQ T850 are still to be announced.

The Olympus mju 850 SW digital camera is now available in two new colours, Crystal Blue and Lemon Yellow, and as part of a Summer Kit, complete with flip flops, an air bed and a sun screen. The shockproof, waterproof and freezeproof mju 850 SW offers 8 megapixels, a 2.5 inch LCD and 3x optical zoom lens. The Olympus mju 850 SW Summer Kit is available now in a limited European supply for £229.99.

Nikon have released a new version of ViewNX, a file browser which ensures quick access to images for instant viewing. Version 1.1.0 of Nikon ViewNX includes support for Windows Vista SP1 and Mac OS Leopard. Also configuration of the Navigation Palette has been changed to consist of Folders, Metadata, and Quick Adjustment palettes.

Website: Nikon ViewNX 1.1.0 (Windows)
Website: Nikon ViewNX 1.1.0 (MAC)

Nikon have released a new version of Nikon Transfer, a download utility which allows images to be simultaneously downloaded to two locations. Version 1.1.0 of Nikon Transfer includes support for Windows Vista SP1 and Mac OS Leopard.

Website: Nikon Transfer 1.1.0 (Windows)
Website: Nikon Transfer 1.1.0 (MAC)

The new OmniBSI image sensor is turned upside down so that it collects light through the backside, optimizing light absorption and increasing image quality. Conventional front side illumination (FSI) image sensors limit the amount of light reaching the pixel. Backside illumination (BSI) reverses the arrangement of layers so that the metal and dielectric layers reside below the sensor array, providing the most direct path for light to travel into the pixel. OmniVision claim that thier 1.4 micron BSI pixel surpasses all the performance metrics of 1.4 micron, and even most 1.75 micron, FSI pixels. OmniVision is currently demonstrating an 8 MegaPixel, OmniBSI CameraChip sensor, and expects to start sampling first products before the end of June.

The write speed of the new LaCie d2 Blu-ray Drive has been doubled to 4x. Other improvements include an updated aluminum alloy case and software suite. The LaCie d2 Blu-ray drive records, rewrites and reads 25 gigabytes (GB) or 50GB BD-R (recordable) and BD-RE (rewritable), as well as DVD±RW DL and CD±RW. The LaCie d2 Blu-ray Drives are available now at the suggested retail price of $649.99 / £469 excl VAT.

Lastolite have added two new HiLites to its family. The new 8’ x 7’ version which provides extra height or width to shoot larger groups or for more animated poses will also have an optional vinyl train available that simply Velcro’s to either edge. The smaller 4’6” x 3’6” version offers an extremely portable solution for quick head and shoulder shots when combined with the 1109 or 1116 support system. They can also be used as a softbox and true to the Lastolite tradition, they collapse into a blue bag.

TrustedReviews have reviewed the Fujifilm FinePix J10, a new 8 megapixel entry-level model in the brand new J Series of digital cameras.

“The Fujifilm FinePix J10 is a nice-looking little camera, and is competitively priced compared to its main rivals. It is a bit short on modern features though, and some of the controls are very fiddly and annoying to use. It also has a major image quality problem with very visible vignetting at wide-angle zoom settings. Add to this its poor low-light focusing ability and I’m afraid it’s not looking good for Fuji’s new ultra-compact.”

Website: TrustedReviews - Fujifilm FinePix J10 Review

The Epson Stylus Photo R2880 is a new professional A3+ photo printer. The new 8-ink R2880 printer uses advanced UltraChrome K3 with Vivid Magenta pigment inks and a refined look-up table to more accurately match colours. The Epson R2880 is able to achieve 85 percent of Pantone gamut using only eight ink cartridges. “The Stylus Photo R2880 replaces the iconic Stylus Photo R2400. It represents the pinnacle in photo printing for professionals and enthusiasts that require the superior image quality of Epson’s large format printers but with a smaller footprint to print smaller production runs.” commented Mark Robinson, Senior Product Manager at Epson. The Epson Stylus Photo R2880 costs £569.99 / $799.99 and will be available in June 2008.

Epson has introduced a new print plug-in for Adobe Photoshop, available now as a free web download. The Epson print plugin splits the printing workflow into three steps; image selection, layout selection/definition and printer settings and previewing. Mark Robinson, Senior Product Manager at Epson UK commented: “The new Epson plug-in provides an invaluable tool for the keen photographer, allowing them to increase their efficiency when printing a wide variety of projects.” The Epson print plug-in supports the Epson Stylus Photo 1400, R1800, R1900, R2400, R2880 and Stylus Pro 3800 printers.

The Sigma AML-1 is a new close-up lens for the Sigma DP1 compact digital camera. The AML-1 fits to the optional Hood Adapter HA-11 and enables focusing between 20cm and 33cm. The lens construction of 2 elements in 1 group provides correction for colour aberration and distortion and delivers a high level of optical performance. The Sigma AML-1 costs £44.99 and will be available in June.

The Fantasea Line FS-600 is a new underwater housing for the Nikon Coolpix S600 digital camera. The FS-600 housing is depth rated to 60 meters/200 feet and features a double O-ring seal on all controls, anti-glare hood over LCD screen, removable flash diffuser and a 46mm threaded lens port. In the event of accidental water leakage, the Nikon Coolpix S600 inside is insured.

You can now get 20% off Filter Forge, a high-end plugin for Adobe Photoshop which allows you to build your own filters. The key features of Filter Forge include a visual filter editor and a free online library of user-created filters which currently contains over 4500 textures and effects. The 20% discount is available now and is applicable to all 3 editions of Filter Forge.