Sigma have released an official statement about the much-anticipated but long-delayed DP1 compact camera, explaining that having to “change the entire image processing pipeline” is the reason for the release date slipping. First announced at the Photokina 2006 show way back in September 2006, the Sigma DP1 is the first ever compact camera to feature an APS-C size sensor, therefore promising better image quality than normal compacts with smaller sensors. Further details were then released at the PMA show in March 2007, but since then news of the DP1 has been scarce. Sigma also say that the DP1 specification will be different to what has previously been published, although no details have been provided. Alpha testing of the final design was begun at the start of November, but Sigma aren’t promising a final release date just yet. Fortunately for Sigma, the DP1 is still the only compact on the horizon to promise a larger image sensor, so it could turn out to be the photographer’s compact of choice for 2008 (rather than 2007…).

The Wacom Bamboo is a new range of affordable pen tablets aimed at more casual users who can’t justify the relatively high price of the Intous3 range. Available in two editions, the Bamboo and Bamboo Fun, the primary difference between them is the inclusion of a mouse on the latter, and more importantly, the addition of an eraser on the pen. Most serious digital photographers use a graphics tablet for Photoshop and other imaging applications, but does the Wacom Bamboo range offer enough incentives to persuade the rest of us to give up our mice? Jon Canfield took the Wacom Bamboo and Bamboo Fun for a test drive to find out.

Website: Wacom Bamboo Review

Nikon have released an update for the Nikon D3 DSLR camera which provides Nikon D2X Picture Controls. This is a set of three optional Picture Controls, one for each of the three D2X/D2XS Color mode settings. When these optional Picture Controls are registered with the D3, color reproduction simulating that of images captured with the D2X and D2XS is possible.

Nikon have released an update for the Nikon D300 DSLR camera which provides Nikon D2X Picture Controls. This is a set of three optional Picture Controls, one for each of the three D2X/D2XS Color mode settings. When these optional Picture Controls are registered with the D300, color reproduction simulating that of images captured with the D2X and D2XS is possible.

The Nikon D80 Dbook covers digital photography basics, taking pictures, image optimization, lenses, accessories, and much more. Comprised of 620 digital pages in Acrobat format, the Nikon D80 Dbook offers clickable examples and digital images that explain before-and-after situations. The Nikon D80 Dbook is available now for $44.95 USD, £27.99 GBP.

Popular Science has selected the Fujifilm FinePix F50fd digital camera as the recipient of a 2007 Best of What’s New award in the Gadget category. The editors of Popular Science singled out the FinePix F50fd as “the first camera that can detect faces —to optimize focus, exposure and color—even if people are turned to the side or looking up or down.” “We are excited and proud to receive this honor from Popular Science,” said Bill Drysdale, vice president and general manager, Electronic Imaging Products, FUJIFILM, U.S.A.  “Their recognition of the technical innovations in our FinePix F50fd, further reinforces Fujifilm’s culture of photography.”

Award winning marine photographer Kos Evans is to exhibit her work at the Earls Court Boat Show in London. The exhibition, “Against the Elements”, will feature some of Evans’ most breath-taking photography from the last 25 years. The Earls Court Boat Show takes place at Earls Court from 1st to 9th December 2007.

VRMAG is an online travel, photography and technology magazine supported with stunning 360-degree virtual reality panoramas from some of the world’s top photographers. Re-launched this week, the latest issue of VRMAG features contributions from around 29 of the world’s top panoramic photographers. “This is an influential publication within the VR community, and a key forum for users to exchange ideas and see the full potential of this medium. We are very pleased to welcome Marco and his team back.” said Dominique Pouliquen, REALVIZ CEO.

The Olympus FE-300 is the new top-of-the-range model in Olympus’ entry level FE series of digital cameras. Sporting a mainly metal build and retailing for around the £200 / $300 mark, first impressions of the new slim-line FE-300 from Olympus are good. On paper at least the Olympus FE-300 seems to have it all: 12 megapixel resolution, face detection technology plus high ISO functionality (an impressively broad range from ISO 50 up to ISO 6400) alongside a standard 3x optical zoom and 2.5-inch, high resolution screen. So, the question is, have the Olympus FE-300‘s good looks and numerous features been delivered at the expense of operation and performance? Gavin Stoker took it all the way to Japan to find out.

Website: Olympus FE-300 Review

Christmas isn’t even here yet, but already the rumour-mill is starting ahead of January’s CES and PMA trade shows, where the new cameras for 2008 will be unveiled. First rumour up is the Pentax K20d and Pentax K200D, logically-named successors to the K10D (pictured, first announced in August 2006) and the K100D (first announced in May 2006). The K20D will allegedly have a 14 megapixel sensor, instantly pushing it ahead in the resolution race, with a new 14 bit RAW A/D processor, improved shake reduction and 3 inch screen. The cheaper K200D will feature a 10 megapixel Sony sensor, 12-bit image processor, 11 AF points and 3fps continuous shooting. It all sounds perfectly feasible, although the original Chinese website from which this info is derived is rather worryingly bereft of details. Still, this should be enough to whet the appetites of all Pentax owners and would-be DSLR purchasers until the official announcement is made on January 24th (again, an unconfirmed rumour).

Website: Engadget - Pentax rumored to be readying K20D, K200D DSLRs

Website: Photography Bay - Pentax K20D and K200D

Canon has released a new firmware update, version 1.1.3, for the EOS-1D Mark III DSLR camera. This firmware update incorporates the following improvements and fixes.

  1. Increases transmission speed when using high-speed SD cards.
  2. Fixes a phenomenon involving not being able to release the shutter.
  3. Improves AF tracking in specific conditions.
  4. Corrects errors in the Spanish and Korean menu screens.

Website: Canon EOS-1D Mark III Version 1.1.3 Firmware Update

The Metz 48 AF-1 flashgun is the world’s second USB TTL Flashgun, which allows firmware updating via the internet. Following on from its big brother, the 58 AF-1, the Metz 48 AF-1 has a guide number of 48 and can be used with Canon, Nikon, Olympus, Panasonic, Pentax, Samsung and Sony DSLRs. The 48 AF-1 is supported by a full swivel reflector system, including an extractable reflector card and a diffuser.

DxO Labs have announced three new products which help overcome the limitations of ever shrinking pixels used in high resolution, small form factor camera modules. DxO’s technologies offer enhanced depth of field or EDoF, with industry-best image processing technology, including anti-aliasing demosaicing, sensor and pixel level noise compensation and DSC-class auto exposure and auto white balance. “Despite the performance limitations of today’s ever shrinking pixels, we believe that with the application of DxO imaging technologies in embedded platforms such as camera phones, image quality equivalent to that of digital still cameras can be achieved,” said Jerome Meniere, CEO of DxO Labs.

PhotoVu have added support for Mac OS X Leopard, iPhoto ‘08 and .Mac Web Gallery to their wireless digital picture frames. “Our PhotoVu customers who use the Mac OS X Leopard operating system and iLife ‘08 recognize PhotoVu as ‘the’ premium digital picture frame to accurately and seamlessly display their life’s photos directly from a iPhoto ‘08 digital picture library or from their .Mac Web Gallery using RSS.” said Robert Jordan, Partner, PhotoVu. Customers with a current software update plan can access the new version of software starting today.

The Lite-On EZ-DUB DVD writer has been redesigned to create a compact, more elegant appearance. Two new touch sensitive buttons on the top of the unit are used for for duplicating a disc and backing up files from a computer. “The new EZ-DUB is still the easiest way users can quickly duplicate discs or backup computer files but its elegant exterior also adds to the overall décor of an office or workstation,” says Christine Hsing, marketing manager at PLDS.  “Functionally, the EZ-DUB drive uses SmartWrite technology to optimize write speed and disc quality for added time-saving operation.”

Beating off competition from over 200 entries, ten finalists have the chance of being crowned Young Fashion Photographer of the Year at Clothes Show Live 2007. The overall winner will receive a set of fantastic prizes including £2000 worth of prize money, £1000 worth of Nikon photographic equipment, £1000 donated to her college art department plus an internship with leading Fashion Photographer Will Whipple. “I cannot believe I am part of such an amazing event like the Clothes Show Live. I’m so excited that my photograph is be to mounted at the show and that key industry figures will be looking at my work!” commented finalist Joanna Briggs, 19 from Stafford College (entry pictured). The judging panel will announce the winner at 1pm, Tuesday 11th December 2007.

TrustedReviews have reviewed the Canon IXUS 860 IS, an 8 megapixel camera which offers a 28mm 3.8x wide-angle zoom lens with optical Image Stabilizer.

“The Canon IXUS 860 IS is an expensive camera for an 8MP pocket compact, but it justifies it with stylish design, exceptional build quality, class-leading performance and outstanding picture quality. Its wide zoom range provides greater versatility than most other compacts, and it turns in excellent results in virtually any situation. It is certainly one of the best compact cameras on the market, and will no doubt make a welcome gift for many this Xmas.”

Website: TrustedReviews - Canon IXUS 860 IS Review

Website: Read our Canon IXUS 860 IS Review

Megapixel.net have reviewed the HP R742 camera, which features an all-metal body, 3x optical zoom, 7 megapixel sensor and 2.5 inch LCD screen.

“But, as is always the case, the R742’s photos — those captured under good lighting conditions — print better than they look on a monitor. And, with its 7-megapixel resolution, the HP R742 has little difficulty producing crisp and pleasant 5 x 7 inch (11 x 17 cm) prints. And, in view of its economical price, and its simplicity of use, that may well be ideal for many casual photographers.”

Website: Megapixel.net - HP R742 Review

Nikon have announced a new, improved version of Capture NX, its main image editing application. Nikon Capture NX 1.3 adds support for RAW NEF images taken with the new D3 and D300 DSLR cameras. Nikon have also released a trial version of Capture NX 1.3.

Image Doctor 2 is a new Photoshop plug-in from Alien Skin Software that restores and retouches photos. Image Doctor’s unique software algorithms can save what would be the perfect photo from the trash bin while saving you hour upon hour of Photoshop work trying to fix it. Image Doctor 2 is available now for $199, or $99 to upgrade from a previous version.