The AgfaPhoto DV-5000Z is a new compact digital video camera that’s no bigger than most still cameras. The DV-5000Z features a Micron CMOS sensor with five megapixel resolution and videos are taken in 16:9 wide screen format. Up to four hours and 20 minutes of film in HD format can fit on an 8Gb SDHC memory card, plus there’s a 3x optical zoom and 2.5” rotating and pivoting LCD display. The new AgfaPhoto DV-5000Z will be available in Russia from the end of April at the recommended retail price of 249 Euro.

Carl Zeiss have announced a limited special edition of lenses in three different focal lengths for the Hasselblad V system. This special series covers three of the most popular focal lengths of this system: the wide-angle classic Distagon T* 4/50 ZV, the universal macro lens Makro-Planar T* 4/120 ZV and the Sonnar T* 4/180 ZV, popular for portrait photography. Each lens receives a certificate with the edition number and is delivered with a leather case and an attractive presentation box. The lenses of the ZV Classic series will be available from May.

Filter Forge Freepack 3 - Frames is a free plugin comprised of seven effect filters, each capable of framing any photo in a creative way. For example, Painting Frame generates realistic wooden frames with paint flaking off, and Film Frame produces a black film-like vignette. Additionally, starting on April 12th 2008, a 20% discount is available for all editions of Filter Forge.

Nikon is introducing the latest version of my Picturetown, a smart and state-of-the-art photo sharing and storage service. New features include the ability to upload RAW (NEF) files viewable as JPEGs, a new rating system, and full-screen slideshows. My Picturetown’s new features will launch end of April 2008. Two gigabytes of storage will be free with the option to purchase up to 200GB through a my Picturetown Gold Account.

Version 6 of AKVIS Noise Buster offers a new improved algorithm for noise suppression. A new Microdetail parameter has been added, which reveals small detail without bringing back the suppressed noise, and there’s a new Unsharp Mask option. The Macintosh version of Noise Buster is now compatible with Photoshop Elements 6. AKVIS Noise Buster sells for $49 USD. Registered users can upgrade to version 6 for free.

Bron, the Swiss lighting experts, have announced their latest promotional offers to help celebrate 50 years of broncolor. From April 1st to 15th June 2008, if you buy two Grafit A2 or A4 power packs you will receive the second power pack of the same type with 50% discount.

The Nikon P80 is a new 10 megapixel digital camera with an 18x zoom lens, which provides a focal range of 27-486mm. Incorporating image stabilisation for clear, blur-free results, the Nikon P80 also offers manual control of exposure (shutter and aperture) and a high sensitivity rating of up to ISO 6400. Kazuhiro Okano, Assistant Manager Consumer Products comments: “The Coolpix P80 has it all: powerful lens, manual and automatic modes and advanced technology in a compact and ergonomically-designed body. Anyone looking for a versatile, high quality camera that is easy to carry around will be thrilled with the results.” The Nikon P80 will be available from 25th April for $399.95 / £299.

The Nikon S52c and S52 are new 9 megapixel digital cameras with 3x zoom lenses and lens-shift image stabilisation. Both the S52c and S52 feature an elegant wave-surface design, EXPEED image processing engine, and 3 inch LCD monitor. The Nikon S52c model additionally offers Wi-Fi connectivity. “The COOLPIX S52 offers a unique combination of style and technology. We have ensured that the high exterior quality of these cameras matches the advanced innovations inside. We expect that the choice of colours will suit men and women alike, and are confident that those looking for advanced features will love the S52c’s WI-FI connectivity.” commented Kazuhiro Okano, Assistant Manager Consumer Products, at Nikon Europe. The Nikon S52c will be available in May for $249.95, and the Nikon S52 will be available from 25th April for $279.95.

WD’s My Passport Essential portable USB hard drive is now available in 10 fresh new colours. My Passport Essential Drives are simple to use, light and easy to carry, and require no power adapter. “Our striking new color selection gives our customers an opportunity to express their unique style, while securely storing and carrying the massive amounts of rich content generated by higher resolution cameras, HD videos and music,” said Jim Welsh, vice president and general manager of WD’s branded products and consumer electronics groups.  The price of the WD Passport Essential USB Drive with 320 GB is $179.99 USD, 250 GB capacity is $149.99 USD, and 160 GB is $119.99 USD.

The Sun Online is offering 100 digital photo prints for just £2. The Sun has partnered with CeWe Color, Europe’s biggest photo company, and their full range of services is also available at The Sun Online website. Select the pictures you want to see in print from your computer and your pictures will be posted back to you in three working days. The offer end date is 22nd April 2008.

Ricoh have released a new firmware update, version 2.01, for the GR Digital II compact digital camera. Version 2.01 improves the exposure at multi-shot with using recommended flash from Sigma (EF-530 DG SUPER / EF-530 DG ST).

Website: Ricoh GR Digital II Firmware Update 2.01

Viewsonic have introduced 10 customizable digital photo frames that offer a stylish and affordable gift for mothers, starting at $139. The 7-, 8- and 10-inch photo frames feature stylish, interchangeable bezels allowing consumers to customize the frame to their home decor. “The digital age has become ubiquitous, but people still want a way to display their content in the ‘old fashioned’ way,” said Steve Woo, vice president and general manager of VTV Consumer Electronics Products Division, ViewSonic Americas. “ViewSonic brings its award winning heritage in high-quality display technology to this category, making these frames an obvious, affordable choice for gift giving this spring.” The ViewSonic frames are currently available with estimated street prices of $139 for the 7-inch, $149 for the 8-inch and 10-inch models starting at $179.

Flickr pro members can now upload personal video clips and share them with friends, family and the world. The new video uploading feature will support up to 90 seconds of personal video footage, and members can organize and share videos just like they do photos. “Video on Flickr is an extension of what Flickr is already doing with more than 2 billion photos worldwide – providing a place where people capture and share life’s daily moments,” said Kakul Srivastava, general manager of Flickr at Yahoo!. “Digital media has led to a new behavior emerging in the market and people are much more likely to shoot short video clips, essentially “long photos,” with their digital still cameras and mobile phones.”

Adobe TV is a free online video resource for expert instruction and inspiration about Adobe products. Adobe TV features four channels, each targeting a specific audience: Photographers, Designers, Video Professionals, and Developers. “Adobe TV is the online video source for anyone with wants to see how Adobe tools are being used to create stunning work,” said Bob Donlon, executive producer for Adobe TV. “It brings together experts from Adobe and the creative community to inspire and teach how to get the most from the software that is empowering the delivery of high-impact print, online, video and mobile communications.” Adobe TV is immediately available online at http://tv.adobe.com .

onOne Software’s Plug-in Suite 4 for Adobe Photoshop combines full versions of six essential software tools. Available in early May Plug-in Suite 4 includes Genuine Fractals 5 Print Pro, PhotoTools 1.0 Professional Edition, PhotoFrame 3.1 Professional Edition, Mask Pro 4.1, PhotoTune 2.2 and FocalPoint 1.0. “We are pleased to be able to offer this affordable full suite of onOne Software products to the photographic and graphic arts communities,” said Craig Keudell, president of onOne Software. “Plug-in Suite 4 contains all the tools needed to quickly and easily improve workflow and overall image quality at a tremendous savings.” The new Plug-In Suite 4 will be available in early May to new users for $499.95 – a savings of $799.75 if purchased separately.

HP Upline a new subscription service to back up, access, share and store digital content over any Internet connection. A limited plan of HP Upline is available to anyone in the United States at no cost for one year. “With increasingly more personal and business content being housed on PCs, the easy-to-use and affordable HP Upline service protects and shares everything from memories in digital photos to critical business documents,” said Ulf Claesson, vice president and general manager, Personal Systems Group, HP.

Celebrity photographer Rankin has tested the Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III in an exclusive UEFA EURO 2008 shoot for Canon. “What you’re hoping for with any new Canon camera is that it will be even better than the one before – and the EOS-1Ds Mark III has achieved that: the resolution is higher; the operation is much simpler.” Rankin commented. To watch Rankin in action with the EOS-1Ds Mark III visit http://www.canon-europe.com/rankin/

The third edition of the free PhotographyBB Online Magazine has just been published. This edition of PhotographyBB features more Photoshop Tutorials, thought provoking articles, and an interview with an experienced HDR (High Dynamic Range) photographer. PhotographyBB Online Magazine is available for free download in either PDF or ZIP formats.

Nikon have just released a firmware update for the Nikon D40 entry level DSLR camera. The following issue has been resolved in version 1.11.

Shooting times were not always accurately recorded within the image data for images captured in bursts of continuous shooting.

Website: Nikon D40 Firmware Update 1.11 (Windows)

Website: Nikon D40 Firmware Update 1.11 (Mac)

The HP 2133 Mini-Note PC is a new full-function, mini-notebook PC priced starting under $500. Taking on the popular Asus Eee, the Mini Note features a large 8.9-inch diagonal WXGA display, full QWERTY keyboard, anodized aluminum shell, Wi-Fi, and weighs around 2.5 pounds. The HP 2133 Mini-Note PC starts at $499 and will be available later this month.