Olympus have released firmware updates for all of their DSLR cameras, with the exception of the brand new E-3. Improved focusing accuracy when using the EC-20 Teleconverter is included in all the updates, and the E-510 also gets improved image stabilisation at slow shutter speeds.

The Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR is a general-purpose lens developed specifically for users of entry-level digital SLR cameras. This 3x zoom lens covers 27-82.5mm and incorporates a Silent Wave Motor for fast autofocus and Vibration Reduction for enhanced low-light performance. The Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR will be available at the end of November 2007 for £179.99 / €270.00 / $199.

Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo X2 now provides fully integrated support for the Microsoft HD Photo file format. “We’re pleased Corel has integrated HD Photo in Paint Shop Pro Photo X2 to provide their customers with an easy-to-use file format with industry-leading features,” said Kostas Mallios, general manager of the Rich Media Group at Microsoft. “HD Photo offers the ability to retain all of the rich data from RAW files in a convenient, finished file format.”

Canon have released a new firmware update, version 1.0.5, for the Canon EOS 40D digital SLR camera, which offers a 10.1 megapixel sensor, 6.5 fps continuous shooting and 3 inch LCD screen. This firmware update (Version 1.0.5) incorporates the following improvements and fixes.

  1. When playing back images just after recovering from Auto Power Off, the display now shows the last image played back.
  2. During remote shooting, images are now displayed on the camera’s LCD monitor right after they are taken.
  3. Corrects a warning message in Korean that appears when updating the firmware.
  4. Corrects errors in the Spanish menu screens.
  5. Corrects a phenomenon that prevented printing with some print systems.
  6. Corrects a rare phenomenon in which file numbers or image numbers were sometimes skipped.

Website: Canon EOS 40D Firmware Update 1.0.5

Retrevo is the first ever matchmaking service between consumers and electronics, using artificial intelligence to find the perfect product match. Retrevo provides real-time, impartial recommendations on which products offer the best value, combined with both user input and expert reviews. “Americans will spend upwards of $48 billion on consumer electronics this holiday season—but not without first getting overwhelmed by the vast range of products with far too many complex features,” said Vipin Jain, Retrevo’s president and CEO. “Retrevo cuts through that clutter to help you find the right match for your needs. Up-to-the-minute independent information is amassed and translated into unbiased answers that can be easily understood by all consumers, technically savvy or not.”

The Samsung TruDirect SE-S204S allows consumers to create DVDs and burn digital content through a PC without the need for a hard drive. Similar to VCR recording, users can connect a digital device such as a digital camera, and then connect the Samsung TruDirect SE-S204S to the computer to burn DVD movies directly. “The TruDirect SE-S204S enables users to easily and efficiently turn their digital videos or photos into DVDs in the easiest and fastest way ever.” said Richard Aguilera, western regional sales manager, Samsung Storage Division. The TruDirect SE-S204S is shipping now for $159.99.

Due to the incredible demand for digital SLR cameras and the change in price point, the very nice people at Sigma are offering a £200 cash back on purchases of the SD14 camera. This limited offer is timed to coincide with the festive season and is available on cameras purchased between 1st November 2007 and 29th February 2008.

The Jobo PDJ105 and PDJ100 digital photo frames both feature a 10.4” high-resolution LCD display with Acrylic frame design and modern black trim. Each new JOBO digital picture frame features a 640 x 480 pixel resolution with a contrast ratio of 300:1. Both models feature USB 2.0 high speed capability and support all popular memory cards such as CF, SD, MMC, MS and xD. The 512 MB internal memory of the new JOBO PDJ105 model can store up to 5,000 pictures. The JOBO Photo Displays are available for $239 (PDJ105) and $209 (PDJ100) respectively.

The Tokina AT-X M35 PRO DX is a new prime macro lens for crop-sensor DSLR cameras. Available in Nikon and Canon mounts, the Tokina AT-X M35 offers a 35mm focal length, equivalent to 54mm on a Nikon camera and 56mm on Canon. The new lens also has a constant aperture of F/2.8, consists of 9 elements in 8 groups and accepts 52mm filters. Currently announced only in Japan, the Tokina AT-X M35 PRO DX lens will be available in December 2007 for 68,000 Yen.

The Tokina AT-X 116 PRO DX is a new wide-angle zoom lens for crop-sensor DSLR cameras. Available in Nikon and Canon mounts, the Tokina AT-X 116 offers an unusual 11- 16mm focal length, equivalent to 17-25mm on a Nikon camera and 18-26mm on Canon. The new lens also has a constant aperture of F/2.8, consists of 13 elements in 11 groups and accepts 77mm filters. Currently announced only in Japan, the Tokina AT-X 116 PRO DX lens will be available in February 2008 for 90,000 Yen.

PCMag have reviewed the Epson V500 Photo, a 6400dpi scanner featuring Epson ReadyScan LED technology for low energy consumption.

“I don’t generally use sports metaphors in reviews, but sometimes there’s no better way to put it. A case in point is the Epson Perfection V500 Photo ($249.99 direct). Epson has knocked one out of the park with this scanner. It offers high-quality scans for both prints and film and features an LED light source that eliminates warm-up time. Like almost any flatbed scanner, the V500 can handle all-purpose scanning, but it’s focused on photos. This makes it most appropriate for anyone (short of a professional photographer) who needs to scan a backlog of prints and film (including slides) to digital format.”

Website: PCMag - Epson V500 Photo Review

Steves Digicams have reviewed the new Samsung NV15, a 10 megapixel digital camera with a refined Smart Touch User Interface, up to ISO 3200 and faster Advanced Shake Reduction system.

“The stylish new NV15 displays Samsung’s inspired engineering, with its sleek, textured aluminum case. This model is very lightweight and was a pleasure to use. Samsung has certainly packed a lot of features into this durable, diminutive camera, continuing to offer point-and-shoot simplicity when using the NV15’s various Scene and Auto modes. This model is also updated with Advanced Shake Reduction and Face Detection technologies. So, you have a camera that is simple enough for beginners, yet still offers something for the more technical users to enjoy tinkering with.”

Website: Steves Digicams - Samsung NV15 Review

Steves Digicams have reviewed the Olympus Stylus 830, a weatherproof digital camera offers a 5x optical zoom lens (36-180mm) and 8 megapixel resolution.

“When shooting outdoors it produced images that were sharp, well exposed, and had very vivid color. There was no evidence of chromatic aberrations or pin-cushioning, although I did notice a little barrel distortion at the wide end of the 5x optical zoom; very common among consumer models. The new sensor-shift IS feature allows you to use much lower shutter speeds and ISO settings while still eliminating camera shake, and keeping noise levels down.”

Website: Steves Digicams - Olympus Stylus 830 Review

The Canon Powershot SX100 IS ultra-zoom compact camera went relatively unnoticed amongst the vast number of new products that Canon recently announced as part of their Autumn 2007 lineup. The first model in a brand new series of cameras, the Canon SX100 IS is intended to bridge the price gap between the cheaper Powershot A-series cameras and the more expensive Powershot S5 IS. The Canon Powershot SX100 IS relies on AA batteries, just like the A-series, and has an 8 megapixel sensor and optically stablised 10x zoom lens, just like the S5 IS. Canon are targeting the family market who want a compact camera that covers all eventualities, so does the SX100 IS deliver the goods? Read our in-depth review to find out.

Website: Canon Powershot SX100 IS Review

Nikon UK has announced that for the first time its new professional Digital SLR cameras, the D3 and D300, will be accompanied by Capture NX, Nikon’s award winning software package. The latest version of the software, Capture NX v1.3 will give professional photographers the creative freedom to develop and enhance shots, particularly when shooting in RAW format. Initial shipments of the new cameras will come with a product key that will unlock a downloaded trial version of Capture NX 1.3 available from the web site. A CD ROM version will be bundled with D300 and D3 from December. This is a limited offer that forms part of the initial launch campaign. The response to the offer has been extremely positive and Nikon expects the software offer to run well into 2008.

The Saitek Photo Mouse is the first customisable mouse that allows you to display your favourite photos. The ideal way to personalise a mouse, simply print out the desired photograph, cut it to size using the template provided, and slide it under the transparent cover. The photo will be illuminated with the integral white spotlight when the computer is turned on. “Saitek’s Photo Mouse is a great opportunity for computer users to add some fun to their surroundings,” says Jignisha Patel, Saitek Marketing Executive. “The Photo Mouse makes an ideal gift for any family member, colleague or friend, for any occasion.” Saitek’s Photo Mouse is available now for £12.99.

Following discussions with the Stock Artists Alliance, Getty Images has announced significant changes to its $49 “web-resolution” license. The major changes include a three month term limit, maximum usage size of 180x150 pixels and limits on distribution. SAA Executive Director Betsy Reid says the organization’s leaders are pleased the direct dialog led to “an improved license product that resolves many of the concerns raised by photographers and our coalition. It expands new licensing opportunities in a growing market for very small digital uses where this type of product makes sense.”

The free “The Good, the Bad, the Ugly” Adobe Photoshop online training course features portrait retouching tips and techniques from expert Russell Brown. “This fun and exciting class features all of the professional techniques that anyone using Adobe Photoshop needs to know to make their portraits better than real life,” said Siotha Vest, xTrain’s Director of Training. Dr. Brown provides several insider secrets for retouching portraits such as whitening teeth and eyes, enhancing eyelashes, reducing 5 o’clock shadow, removing wrinkles, and color correcting skin tones.

Steves Digicams have reviewed the Fujifilm Finepix F50fd compact digicam, which has a 12 megapixel sensor, Dual Image Stabilization, and Face Detection 2.0 technology with a a new Automatic Red-Eye Removal feature.

“The indoor portrait shots also turned out very well. If you stay within the range of the flash, it produces very natural skin tones, and well exposed images. When shooting in auto mode you are not able to change the white balance from auto which did have a little problem when shooting at the local pool (as do most cameras, including some pro-level dSLR’s) but did pretty well under normal lighting. When using higher ISO settings the flash is capable of lighting up even some larger rooms, but once the ISO is over 400 the noise levels become apparent when viewing the image on your computer at less than 100%, and could start to show in your smaller prints.”

Website: Steves Digicams - Fujifilm Finepix F50fd Review

Website: Read our Fujifilm Finepix F50fd Review

CNET have reviewed the Pentax Optio S10, which is a 10 megapixel camera with digital Shake Reduction, Face Recognition and DivX video format.

“Unlike many budget models we’ve seen lately, such as the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T2, Pentax strikes the right balance between noise suppression and sharpness in the S10. It produces nicely sharp photos with relatively little image noise, and which remain usable up to and including ISO 400—about a stop beyond the usual. It displays very good color, with generally neutral-to-cool white balance, even exposures and a broad dynamic range.”

Website: CNET - Pentax Optio S10 Review