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.

recolorST and recolorLE are two new Photoshop plugins for selectively modifying and adjusting the color contrast of an image. recolorST can be used for so different tasks as color equalization, color enhancement or the removal of color stains and bleaches. recolorST blends or replaces the colors of the edited region with those of a chosen color scale palette. recolorST is priced at EUR 24, and recolorLE is distributed as unrestricted freeware.

Ilford Photo has extended its film process and print services to include scanning of film negatives to CD plus reprints and enlargements. Customers can now choose prints at sizes from 4” x 6” up to 10” x 15”. FP4 Plus, HP5 Plus, XP2 Super and SFX 200, as well as B&W films from other manufacturers, such as Kodak TRI-X, T-MAX, 400CN and Fuji Neopan, can be processed. Ilford have also launched a service offering traditional photographic prints produced from digital files such as jpegs and tiffs.

Photo Iconic is offering a discount of £243 off its Mont Blanc Adventure photography course. Taking place from July 1st-7th, you’ll be able to the summit of Mont Blanc from a fantastic position. The Mont Blanc Adventure course is available for a last-minute discount cost of £1,287 per person.

The Pentax Gear Up Rebate offers big savings on individual products or a K20D or K200D system. For example, you can save $375.00 on a system including a K20D body, an smc PENTAX DA*16-50mm lens, an smc PENTAX DA*50-135mm lens, a BG 2 Grip and an AF-540 FGZ Flash. This offer runs from May 22 through July 26, 2008. Accessories included in this rebate must be purchased at the same time as a K20D or K200D on the same receipt to receive full rebate.

WD’s My Passport Studio portable hard drives are now available for Mac users. My Passport Studio portable drives are offered in capacities of 320 GB and 250 GB, feature FireWire 400 and USB 2.0 interfaces, and include a soft drawstring carrying bag for protection. “We designed the My Passport Studio portable drives to work seamlessly with Apple’s Time Machine, making this drive an ideal storage solution for creative pros on-the-go who require high performance storage to back up and carry their massive amounts of digital content,” said Jim Welsh, vice president and general manager of WD’s branded products and consumer electronics groups. The My Passport Studio portable drive with 250 GB capacity is $159.99 and 320 GB is $219.99.

Jalbum 8.0 offers entirely new capabilities for photo editing and improved organization of photos. It now covers the whole work-flow from organizing and editing of photos to publishing photo albums online, and it’s still free. “Adding photo editing to Jalbum is a natural step, since most users want to use one tool for their photo management. Answering 25,000 user e-mails gives me a good idea of what our users are looking for” says David Ekholm, Jalbum’s founder. Jalbum consists of freeware album creator software, free hosting and a creative community.

PopPhoto have reviewed the new Canon EF-S 55-250mm lens, which incorporates a 4-stop Image Stabilizer to combat image blur caused by camera shake and slow shutter speeds.

“A natural for globe-trotting vacationers and soccer parents, this is the obvious second lens for Canon EOS 40D and Rebel XSi owners. Clearly it and the 18-55mm IS make an attractive team that promises sharp pictures in dicey light across an amply wide 13.9X zoom range. And you can’t beat that price.”

Website: PopPhoto - Canon EF-S 55-250mm Review

Nikon UK has increased its spring cashback offer on the Nikon D60 by 50%, with up to £90 / €120 off. For purchases made between 22nd – 28th May 2008, there’s a £60 (€75) saving on the D60 single lens kit, and £90 (€120) on the D60 twin lens kit. Look out for the promotional voucher which will be available in selected national newspapers over the bank holiday, as well as selected stores across the country and on the Nikon website.

The Sony MicroVault Click is a new range of USB sticks incorporating a neat ‘click’ design to uncover and retract the USB connector. MicroVault Click Excellence is designed with business professionals in mind, offering up to 31MB/s read and 11MB/s write speeds. The colourful mid-range MicroVault Click line-up offers Hi-Speed USB 2.0 data transfer and storage capacity from 2GB up to 16GB. The MicroVault Click and Click Excellence ranges are available from May 2008 and come with 5 years European warranty.