Canon has released a new firmware update, v1.1.2, for the 1Ds Mark III DSLR camera. This firmware update incorporates the following improvements:

  1. Includes the following new features that were frequently requested by customers to the new firmware.
      - Direct selection of AF points by the Multi-controller is added to C.Fn III-9.
      - Alternate access to Exposure compensation is added to C.Fn IV-3.
  2. Improves the stability of AF accuracy in AI servo AF when shooting extremely low-contrast subjects.

Website: Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III Firmware Update 1.1.2

Canon has released a new firmware update, version 1.2.3, for the EOS-1D Mark III DSLR camera. This firmware update incorporates the following improvements:

  1. Includes the following new features that were frequently requested by customers to the new firmware.
      - Direct selection of AF points by the Multi-controller is added to C.Fn III-9.
      - Alternate access to Exposure compensation is added to C.Fn IV-3.
      - With the camera’s External Speedlite control menu, Flash function settings can be used to set the Wireless setting and Zoom.
  2. Improves the stability of AF accuracy in AI servo AF when shooting extremely low-contrast subjects.

Website: Canon EOS-1D Mark III Version 1.2.3 Firmware Update

The SeaLife DC800 is a new 8 megapixel digital camera that can be used down to 200 feet underwater. The DC800 features a wide-angle optical lens with 4x optical zoom, 2.7-inch LCD screen, auto focus up to 2 inches (5 cm) and a video mode for capturing high-resolution digital video with sound. “With its new features and upgrade in technology geared towards the scuba diver and underwater enthusiast, the DC800 is sure to add a new dimension of fun in and out of water.” said Joe Ifi, SeaLife’s director of sales and marketing. The SeaLife DC800 is available now at a suggested list price of $549.95.

AKVIS Sketch 7 converts photos to realistic pencil and watercolor drawings. Version 7 offers special effects that make the final photo more impressive, including creating a blend of the final drawing and the original image. AKVIS Sketch 7 is available as a stand-alone application, as well as a plugin to a photo editor. AKVIS Sketch 7 Home License costs $72 USD / 55 Euros.

Ilford Photo has announced a special initiative in support of ultra large format (ULF) film photographers as part of their “Defend the Darkroom” campaign. Taking place from mid-April to 30th June 2008, this window allows photographers to order ILFORD PHOTO ULF sheet film products from a select group of dealers without the worry of meeting minimum order quantities. Susan Harlin (work pictured) commented: “ULF may be a fairly specialist method of black and white photography but its practitioners are highly passionate and the medium is enjoying a resurgence with a new generation of photographers now being drawn to its benefits.”

Megapixel.net have just reviewed the Fujifilm S8000fd digital compact camera, which offers an 18x zoom lens equivalent to 27mm-486mm.

“The Fujifilm FinePix S8000fd is a very versatile camera. For shutterbugs interested in a large zoom but not in a lot of photographic rigmarole, the snapper will take fine pictures without leaving the auto mode. On the other hand, the unit has plenty of flexibility for lenseslingers who demand more control over what they’re shooting.”

Website: Megapixel.net - Fujifilm S8000fd Review

Website: Read our Fujifilm S8000fd Review

DSLR Remote Pro v1.7 for controlling Canon EOS cameras and PSRemote v1.6 for controlling Canon PowerShot cameras are now available. Both applications feature Photo booth mode, which allows sitters to see themselves pose in front of the camera. Support for the Canon EOS 450D/Rebel XSi, including remote live view display with auto-focus, has been added to DSLR Remote Pro v1.7. DSLR Remote Pro costs US $95 and costs PSRemote 1.6 costs US $49.

The new DXG-569V HD camcorder shoots 1280x720 pixel video at 30 fps and 5 megapixel still images. Featuring a a light-weight slim design, the DXG-569V HD has a large rotational 3” TFT screen, 32Mb of memory and additionally functions as a digital voice recorder. The DXG-569V HD is available now in silver and black for $169.99.

Steves Digicams have reviewed the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ4, an 8 megapixel update of Panasonic’s TZ2 camera.

“The image quality from our outdoor images are excellent for a camera in this category. Our photos show good overall exposure and natural color saturation. The Leica 10x zoom lens offers a 35mm equivalent focal range of 28-280mm, and is an outstanding feature on this camera. The wide end gives you an extra wide field of view that is great for landscape and large group photography, giving you the ability take pictures that most other digicams can’t. This does give you a more than average amount of barrel distortion however. On the zoom end, you have the ability get very close to objects that are way off in the distance.”

Website: Steves Digicams - Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ4 Review

DxO Optics Pro v5.0 now supports the Samsung GX-20 DSLR camera. Support for the GX-20 camera body and an initial selection of lenses has been added. DxO have also implemented 22 additional DxO Correction Modules for a variety of Nikon lenses, including the 16-85 f/3.5-5.6 and 80-200mm f/2.8. DxO Optics Pro v5 is available in Standard and Elite versions for £99 and £199 respectively.

The 2008 TIPA Awards have just been unveiled. Billed by TIPA as the “Most Coveted Photo & Imaging Awards in Europe”, this year’s winners include the Sony A200, Canon EOS 450D, Nikon D300 and Nikon D3 in the various DSLR categories, the Sigma DP1 for “Best Prestige Camera”, and Casio’s 60fps EX-F1 for “Best Imaging Innovation”. Visit the link below to see all 36 winners.

Website: TIPA Awards 2008

Vanessa Winship from the UK has been named as the Sony World Photography Awards Photographer of the Year. Her entry in the Portraiture category has beaten thousands of submissions to win the esteemed title, accompanied by a $25,000 cash prize. Vanessa Winship said, “Many, many thanks, and these are actually for the little girls of Eastern Turkey.” Vanessa Winship received her award from Honorary Board Member Elliott Erwitt at the Palais des Festivals in Cannes.

Nikon have released a new firmware update, version A 1.10 / B 1.11, for the D3 DSLR camera. This version replaces the firmware update released on April 15th that was temporarily withdrawn on April 18th, because it corrupted images captured with continuous shooting at 9 fps and RAW 14-bit recording option.

Samsung are offering up to £100 off the new 14 megapixel GX20 DSLR camera. Buy the GX-20 single (18-55mm) or twin (18-55mm and 50-200mm) lens kit and get £100 cash back. Buy the GX-20 body-only kit and you will be eligible for £75 cash back. This offer is valid in the UK from 1st May until 31st July 2008.

The new WR-100 is both a standard cable release and a wireless remote shutter release with a range of up to 100m. The WR-100 includes a built-in Li-ion battery pack and a dedicated charger and international power adaptor. Models are available for Canon 3 pin and single jack cameras, Pentax, Samsung and Contax single jack, Nikon 10 pin and Olympus cameras, priced at £39.95.

Casio have released a new firmware update, version 1.02, for the Casio EX-F1 camera. The two improvements offered by this update are shorter start-up time and high-speed zoom support during FHD movie recording.

Website: Casio EX-F1 Firmware Update 1.02

Imaging Resource have reviewed the Spyder3 from Datacolor, a new monitor calibration device aimed at photographers needing the most accurate colour for digital editing.

“I’ve always trusted a Spyder to calibrate my main monitors. And at first I was resistant to employing yet another Spyder. Things were fine, why screw them up? But the Spyder3 is a significant improvement over its predecessors. There are the technical improvements like its increased light sensitivity, not to mention the unique seven detector color engine it shares only with the Spyder2. But the improvements I most appreciate are the user ones like the more flexible USB cord, the smaller colorimeter (which is easier to place on an LCD) and the faster and more efficient software.”

Website: Imaging Resource - Spyder3 Review

The Kodak ESP 5 is a small and sleek all-in-one printer featuring a large 3 inch colour LCD display. The ESP 5 has memory card and USB slots to allow users to view, edit and print with or without a computer. It uses Kodak’s pigmented inks that come in a simple two-cartridge setup – a full black cartridge (£6.99) and a five-ink colour cartridge (£9.99). “We are focusing on delivering easy-to-use products that provide superb-quality and save up to 50 percent on everything you print compared to similar consumer inkjet printers.” said Enrico Bradamante, Kodak’s Director of Inkjet Systems, Europe. The Kodak ESP 5 AiO Printer costs £129.99.

Canon USA has announced a call for entries for the third annual Canon Photography In The Parks Photo Contest. You can enter the competition from April 22nd to September 30th 2008 by submitting images from any park or monument in America. The theme for this year’s contest is “Inspirational Nature Images”. The winner of the Photography In The Parks contest will receive a trip to a park of their choice, and a full suite of Canon photographic equipment.

Production of Canon’s EF lenses has just passed the 40 million mark. EF lenses for Canon EOS-series AF (autofocus) single-lens reflex cameras were first made in 1987 at the company’s Utsunomiya Plant. Canon’s proprietary EF lens, born in March 1987 along with the EOS SLR camera system, marked a new direction in the future of AF systems. Canon’s current EF lens lineup comprises more than 60 models, with two new high-performance L-series telephoto lenses being added this Spring.