Canon have released a new firmware update, version 1.0.8, for the Canon EOS 40D digital SLR camera. This firmware update incorporates the following improvements and fixes.

  1. Fixes a phenomenon in which Image Stabilization operation emits a sound when certain buttons are pressed, with the EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS lens attached to the camera.
  When pressing the shutter button halfway down or pressing the AF-ON button, the IS operation sound is normal. (This phenomenon will not affect the durability of IS unit parts)

  2. Fixes a phenomenon in which the Image Stabilization operation emits a sound from the lens when IS lenses are attached to the camera.

  3. Fixes a phenomenon in which a part of the image looks unnatural when reviewed on the LCD.
  Depending on the color of the background, the edges of some objects in the image may appear to have a jagged edge and look unnatural. (Even if the image played back on the camera’s LCD is affected by this phenomenon, the actual image data is not affected.)

  4. Corrects errors in the Spanish and Norwegian menu screens.
  Spanish: In the metering timer setting of the Live View Function setting, the units for 10 and 30 minutes are in singular form “minuto”; they have been corrected to “minutos”.
  Norwegian: Picture Style was described as “Bildetype”; it has been corrected to “Bildestil”.

Website: Canon EOS 40D Firmware Update 1.0.8

Sigma will be releasing a new firmware update for the DP1 compact camera on 11th April, plus a new version of SigmaPhoto Pro. The new firmware version, 1.01, will offer the following improvements:

- The grid display mode for picture taking is added to the LCD monitor.(It cannot be used in MF mode and movie mode).
- Improved stability of the camera’s operation.
- Coloring at the corners of the image generated under a specific condition of the DP1’s RAW image has been improved.

Website: Sigma DP1 Firmware Update 1.01

Panasonic have a wide and varied range of digital compact cameras, so it would be easy to overlook the rather unassuming Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ10. That would be a real shame, however, as thie LZ10 has a surprising number of attractive features that make it well-suited to beginners and more experienced photographers alike. 10 megapixels, a 5x, 30-150mm Leica zoom lens, optical image stabilizer and 2.5 inch LCD screen top the specifications list. The new Intelligent Auto mode caters for complete beginners, whilst Aperture-priority, Shutter-priority and full Manual modes will instanly pique the interest of any serious photographer. Best of all, this rare combination of features is available for less than £175 / $225, making the Panasonic LZ10 something of a bargain as well. Mark Goldstein discovered if the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ10 could be one of the sleeper hits of 2008…

Website: Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ10 Review

Adobe has revised the terms and conditions for the recently launched Photoshop Express beta, following criticism from users. In Adobe’s own words, “The original terms of service implied things Adobe would never do with the content within Photoshop Express.” Now Adobe has retained only those limited rights that allow them to operate the Photoshop Express service. The revised terms of service will take effect on April 10th.

Arup Ghosh has been named the Sony World Photography Awards Amateur Photographer of the Year. As well as the title, Ghosh wins a $5,000 cash prize donated by headline sponsor Sony. Eight other category winners were also selected from 25,934 amateur submissions. Judge Mary Ellen Mark commented, “The calibre of amateur photography is outstanding – far higher than I had imagined - and in many cases reaching professional standard.”

PNY Technologies has launched the Lady Attaché, a pretty floral design USB flash drive aimed at women. The PNY Lady Attaché is no bigger than a lipstick and can discreetly fit into a make-up or travel bag. “We’ve learnt from our retail experience that women are driven by design, shape, capacity and of course price.  Our Lady Attaché enables women to embrace technology for everyday functions.” says Laure Lapègue, Flash Media Category Manager for PNY Technologies. The Lady Attaché is is available in 2GB and 4GB format with a warranty of 2 years.

Two digital cameras from Samsung have been chosen by Russia’s Energia as their “outer space digital cameras”. The un-named DSLR and NV cameras will be taken on board the Soyuz spacecraft and used on the international space station on April 8th. The cameras will be used to record daily life in space for 10 days, and the camera’s capabilities will be tested in the outer space environment for about 7 days. To pass the complicated and rigorous test process, the cameras underwent a certification process, including an intense shock and vibration test, which started in February of 2007 and lasted a year.

ATP is launching a long-term global promotional partnership program with Panoramio, a geotag-oriented photo sharing website. This partnership will be kicked off with a co-hosted world wide photo contest which will focus on geotagged photos. Panoramio users can submit photos tagged with GPS location data in four categories, with prizes including the ATP PhotoFinder, the world’s first on-the-go geotagging device.

DIWA member LetsGoDigital have reviewed the new Canon 1Ds Mark III, a 21.1 megapixel full-frame digital SLR camera with 5fps continuous shooting and 45 AF points.

“The new division of the buttons, the large monitor, the more compact battery and the decrease in weight are all excellent improvements. What I regret is the fact that you have less control over the auto focus field that is actually used and that you have to purchase a costly module in order to be able to use GPS. I had to almost search to come up with some criticism. Other than these there is not really one thing worth arguing about.”

Website: LetsGoDigital - Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III Review

onOne Software’s new Liquid Resize software is a ground-breaking way to resize images. Liquid Resize uses a technique known as “seam carving” to reduce the distortion that typically occurs when manipulating the aspect ratio of an image. The product preview version of Liquid Resize is now available as a free download. A full-featured Photoshop plug-in version of Liquid Resize is expected to be available in the middle of 2008.

LFI International have a very interesting interview with Dr Andreas Kaufmann, the new CEO of Leica, who abruptly replaced Steven K.? ?Lee in rather mysterious circumstances. The entire interview is available to download as a PDF.

“LFI: Do you regret having made StevenLee CEO?
Kaufmann: I never judge my decision in that way. We always make mistakes when we make decisions, but sometimes there’s no way around them. If it appears to be running off in the wrong direction you simply have to correct it. And, of course, you will have learned something new. There’s been a lot of movement within the company, and a lot of it is thanks to Steven Lee. As to whether we made the right choice in replacing him… I have no idea, but a choice had to be made. I hope it was the right one.”

Website: LFI International - Leica’s Revised Plans

Calling all Canon compact owners. Wired.com has a great guide to using the Open-Source CHDK (Canon Hacker’s Development Kit), a supplementary firmware version which gets more out of your camera. You can add exciting new features including RAW mode, a live histogram and long exposures for night photography.

Website: Wired - Supercharge Your Camera with Open-Source CHDK Firmware

Sigma have released a new firmware update, v1.07, for the Sigma SD14 DSLR camera. Improvements include:

  1. Exposure time of Bulb Mode is increased from 30 seconds to 2 minutes (It is only available when the camera is set to Extended Mode).
  2. Accuracy of the Evaluative Metering has been improved.

Website: Sigma SD14 v1.07 Firmware Update

The PhotoVoice Photographers’ Lecture Series continues with legendary British fashion and celebrity photographer John Swannell. Held at the Royal Geographical Society in London on Tuesday 8th April, Swannell will be talking about his extraordinary life in pictures and signing copies of his latest book Nudes, 1978 - 2006. He has also offered himself up as a raffle prize - the lucky winner of which will enjoy a one-off opportunity to spend a day with him in his studio. Tickets cost £10 in advance or £15 on the door.

LaCie have announced a new triple interface version of their Hard Disk, Design by Neil Poulton. The new external hard drive offers USB 2.0, eSATA, and Firewire 400 connections and capacities of 500GB, 750GB and 1TB. The sleek and compact device is fashioned in a black-mirrored finish and includes a unique blue LED strip that creates a rich ambient glow. “We are very excited to offer the new triple interface Hard Disk, Design by Neil Poulton,” said Lise Manteau, LaCie Desktop Hard Drive Product Manager.  “The USB-only version announced late last year has been very popular.  With this new product offering, we are now able to reach customers who prefer faster transfer rates with FireWire 400 and eSATA 1.5Gbit connectivity.” Prices start at at $149.99 for the 500GB version.

MXI Security’s new 8GB Stealth MXP and Stealth MXP Passport USB drives allow you to carry an entire Operating System and work environment on a portable security device. Both drives feature a unique sliding mechanism and ergonomic design, protecting the USB connector and biometric reader. The MXI Security Stealth MXP product family also includes 512MB, 1GB, 2GB and 4GB capacity devices.

Canon has raised £27,205 for the British Red Cross from sales of the red Canon PowerShot A460 digital camera in selected Tesco stores. Selling over 5000 units, Canon donated £5 from the sale of each camera. The money raised will be spent on essential British Red Cross services in local communities in the UK.

The new Iomega REV 120GB Backup Drive is the third generation of Iomega’s award-winning REV technology. The REV 120GB Backup Drive provides smart, sensible backup for small and medium-sized businesses, remote work groups and others. “The REV 120GB drive delivers more native capacity, near instantaneous random access to files, faster backups and restores, and the portability of ruggedized removable cartridges—all at a better value than entry-level tape products and with a higher comfort level of data protection than standard desktop hard drives.” said Tom Kampfer, president and COO, Iomega Corporation. The Iomega REV 120GB Backup Drive is now available worldwide as an external USB 2.0 model for $499.99, and as an internal SATA interface model for $479.99.

Smithsonian Magazine has announced the 50 finalists for its fifth annual photo contest. The grand prize winner and the five category winners will be featured online and in a print issue of Smithsonian Magazine this summer. For the first time, this year’s photo contest has a new people’s choice category in which visitors to Smithsonian.com can vote for their favorite photo. Smithsonian magazine has a worldwide circulation of more than two million.

The-Digital-Picture have reviewed the Sigma 150mm f/2.8 EX DG HSM Macro lens.

“Even though I’m not enamored with the Sigma 150mm f/2.8 EX DG HSM Macro Lens’s AF performance, it is still a good medium length telephoto lens - which also has many uses. I would avoid actions sports, but portraits are a good use - especially on a full frame body. The f/2.8 aperture produces a nicely-blurred background at this focal length.”

Website: The-Digital-Picture - Sigma 150mm f/2.8 EX DG HSM Macro Review