Fantasea Line have introduced a new underwater case for the Nikon Coolpix P5100 compact camera. The FP-5000 housing, previously released for the older P5000 camera, is totally compatible with the newer model. The FP-5000 is depth rated to 60 meters/200 feet, has a double O-ring seal on all controls, anti-glare hood over LCD screen, and built-in diffuser. As with all other Fantasea Camera Housings, in the event of accidental water leakage, the Coolpix camera inside is insured.

Sony have introduced three new 300x high speed compact flash cards. With UDMA (ultra direct memory access) support, the new media achieve data transfer rates of 45MB/s during write operation. The Sony CompactFlash 300x cards are available in capacities of 2GB, 4GB and 8GB. The 300x cards come complete with a 5 year warranty. The new Sony CompactFlash 300x cards will be available from October 2007, pricing to be announced.

Getty has confirmed that they are revising their controversial $49 Web Use stock image license, in response to pressure from more than 50,000 artists from 17 different trade associations. Announced 2 weeks ago, the $49 / £39 images are available across virtually all of Getty’s editorial and creative collections. In talks with Getty Images last week, the Stock Artists Alliance (SAA) made clear that the announcement of a term reduction to three months was a positive move, but falls short of addressing their serious concerns. SAA is now ongoing an increasingly productive dialog with Getty Images specifically around the $49 license.

Pure Digital Technologies is giving away a million Flip Video camcorders to nonprofit organizations worldwide over the next five years. The Flip Video Spotlight program will enable non-profit organizations and other qualified non-governmental organizations to use video to promote their causes. “We believe video can help change the world,” said Jonathan Kaplan, Chairperson and CEO of Pure Digital Technologies. “Non-profit organizations do incredible everyday work that the public rarely sees.  Imagine the impact that video would make if every on-the-ground staff member or volunteer had both a camcorder and the ability to broadcast their message to the world.” The massive camcorder giveaway will be kicked off tomorrow at the Clinton Global Initiative in New York City.

e-Photographia have reviewed the Canon EOS 40D digital SLR camera, which offers a 10.1 megapixel sensor, 6.5 fps continuous shooting and 3 inch LCD screen.

“It only took a few shots to notice the difference in focusing. Focusing is faster and very accurate. I took more than 500 shots that night, some of them in burst mode with 6.5 fps, and the AF system proved to be equal to that of Canon 1-series cameras. The central point worked well even without flash. I can’t think of a single other camera in this class with such a great AF system.”

Website: e-Photographia - Canon EOS 40D Review

Website: Read our Canon EOS 40D Review

Imaging Resource have reviewed the Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-W80, which offers 8 megapixels, 3x optical zoom lens, metal body, 2.5-inch LCD screen and an eye-level viewfinder.

“The W80 is a compact bargain, including the hottest technology Sony has introduced in its 2007 lineup. It has a Bionz processor, face detection technology, High ISO and Super SteadyShot one-two punch, in-camera editing and HD output signal. It does give away detail to hold onto color at higher ISO settings, but most users won’t mind that tradeoff, particularly if 4x6 prints are the game you want to play.”

Website: Imaging Resource - Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-W80 Review

CNET have reviewed the 8 megapixel Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX55 digital camera, which offers a 28mm wide-angle LEICA DC lens (28-100mm), optical image stabiliser, face detection and intelligent scene selection.

“Panasonic’s Lumix DMC-FX55 is a beautiful little camera. It has a clean, simple, and solid design that should appeal to most camera buyers. But in the world of cameras, beauty is only body-casing deep and it’s what happens inside the camera that really counts. Unfortunately, the images that are captured and processed inside the DMC-FX55 fall a little short of the competition. That means that while it does include a lot of nice features, photographers who value image quality first should look elsewhere for a sleek, shiny pocket camera.”

Website: CNET - Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX55 Review

Website: Read Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX55 Review

Megapixel.net have reviewed the Casio EX-V7, the world’s slimmest digital camera with a 7X optical zoom lens (equivalent to 38-266mm on a 35mm film camera).

“The Exilim EX-V7 is yet another innovative camera from Casio. Very compact, it manages to offer a better than average zoom with CCD stabilization, a large resolution and even offers movie modes with stereo sound. The EX-V7 is generally simple to use — albeit too many of its functions depend on the menu, slowing down the selection of settings — and is responsive to both the shutter release and its other external controls.”

Website: Megapixel.net - Casio EX-V7 Review

Website: Read our Casio EX-V7 Review

Our Portfolios section is back! The 72nd PhotographyBLOG Portfolio has been submitted by sh00.

“sh00, 19 year old photographer from France. As an urban exploration fan, I have most of the time a camera with me. All kinds of photos do interest me. More on my photoblog www.sh00.fr, regularly actualized. These pictures have been taken in La Rochelle’s harbor and in Marseille, France.”

Website: sh00

The Lacie 2big Triple two-disk RAID hard-drive is now available. Featuring three inerfaces - FireWire 800, FireWire 400 and Hi-Speed USB 2.0 - the 2big Triple is ideal for digital editing and graphic design. “Professional ergonomics, RAID flexibility, plug and play, and two hot-swappable drives are key components of the 2big family,” said Marie Renouard, LaCie Product Manager.  “Add in triple interface with USB cross-platform compatibility, and FireWire 800 for speed demanding applications, and you have a device that was not only designed well, but is an ideal solution for creative professionals.” Offered in 1, 1.5 and 2 terabyte versions, the 2big Triple features a new natural cooling heat sink metal design, The LaCie 2big Triple is available in October starting at $399.

Ernesto Fernandez, one of Cuba’s greatest photographers, is featured in the ‘Cubanismo’ exhibition which opens this week at the Capital Culture gallery in London. Fernandez is considered one of the four greats of the “Epic” period of Cuban photography. An exhibition of Black and White fine art photographs of Cuba from the 1930s to the modern day, Cubanismo runs from Thursday September 27th - Saturday November 3rd 2007. The gallery is open Mon-Fri 11.00am-6.00pm.

DIWA member LetsGoDigital have reviewed the Samsung NV11 camera, featuring a Schneider lens, Smart Touch user interface, 2.7 inch high definition LCD, 10 megapixels and 5x optical zoom lens.

“I liked the Samsung NV11 in practice. Although I had to get used to the unique way of operation via the touch-buttons and the LCD display, the camera turned out to be convenient in use. The image quality is good and the possibilities are extensive. The beginner can, without a doubt, take the first picture without any problems and for the experienced user it’s a camera to be creative with.”

Website: LetsGoDigital - Samsung NV11 Review

Imaging Resource have reviewed the Nikon Coolpix S200 digital camera, which offers 7.1 megapixels, 3x zoom lens (38-114mm), electronic Vibration Reduction to help combat camera shake, ISO 1000 and a 2.5 inch LCD screen.

“A streamlined feature set and an equally sleek design will appeal to snapshooters who appreciate simplicity as well as style. However, its feature set may be a little too meager for more advanced users. The Nikon S200’s image noise issues and the use of electronic rather than optical Vibration Reduction won’t be of much use for those who like to shoot in low light without a flash. But the camera is easy to use, it’s stylish, highly portable and at low ISOs, the Nikon Coolpix S200 can produce some decent images, and good quality prints up to 8x10.”

Website: Imaging Resource - Nikon Coolpix S200 Review

DCResource have reviewed the new Kodak Z712, which is positioned as an alternative to a DSLR, offering a 12x zoom lens (36-432 mm) and 7.1 megapixels.

“Kodak’s EasyShare Z712 IS offers a big lens, image stabilization, a nearly complete set of manual controls, and a ton of scene modes, all for less than $250. Competing models from the likes of Canon, Panasonic, and Sony, cost anywhere from $100 - $200 more than the Z712. While it’s not the best ultra zoom on the market, the EasyShare Z712 is certainly one of the best values.”

Website: DCResource - Kodak Z712 Review

CNET have reviewed the Fujifilm A900, which offers 9 megapixels, a 4x optical zoom lens and ISO 800.

“Without a doubt, the Fujifilm FinePix A900 is one of the weirdest little cameras I’ve ever reviewed. On the surface it seems like an ordinary budget point-and-shoot camera, but underneath it packs a strange mish-mash of features and design quirks. Nearly everything about it, from its 9-megapixel resolution to its bizarre jog dial, simply feels…off.”

Website: CNET - Fujifilm A900 Review

Adobe Photoshop Elements 6 is the latest version of the No. 1 selling consumer photo-editing software. The new Photomerge feature combines the best facial expressions and body language from a series of shots to create a single cohesive group shot. Guided Edit mode helps walk users through the steps of improving a photo. Online galleries based on Adobe Flash provide an interactive experience for friends and family. Photoshop Elements 6 for Windows has an estimated street price of £69.99, or as a bundle with Premiere Elements 4 for £99.99. Photoshop Elements for the Macintosh platform is expected in early 2008.

Adobe Premiere Elements 4 is a major upgrade to the best-selling consumer video-editing software. New features include an Organiser to help find and sort video clips, one-click movie themes and an improved easy-to-use interface. “Video editing is a part of that process and users demand ease, speed and the ability to make professional-quality movies that grab the attention of viewers.  Premiere Elements new user experience does all the heavy lifting, with templates and drag-and-drop effects that will leave a lasting impact and the ability to make every day tasks easier like direct upload to the Web in Adobe Flash® Player compatible video, the ‘YouTube ready’ format.” said John Loiacono, senior vice president of Creative Solutions at Adobe. Premiere Elements 4 for Windows has an estimated street price of £69.99, or as a bundle with Premiere Elements 4 for £99.99.

The Association of Photographers (AOP) have joined in the protest against Getty Images plans to sell web stock images for $49. Photographers who currently have work with Getty will see a cut of around 95% on a like for like basis as a result of the new license. One AOP member shared their recent sales figures: ‘I had three web sales on Getty’s Stone brand last month, grossing $3361.00. Better than $147!’ This member would have to sell these images around 23 times to break even under the new web use model. The AOp have joined with partner organizations in calling for Getty to remove RM image collections from this business model.

Ricoh have released a new firmware update, version 1.20, for the R7 digital camera, which includes the following changes.

- Improve accuracy of the AF algorithm.
- Modified the following phenomenon. If you set F3:2 in picture quality/size, and if you take a picture with [WB-BKT] or [CL-BKT], a recording area will shift to the bottom and instead, the slight black line will be recorded in the top of the image.

Website: Rioch R7 v1.20 Firmware Update

The BenQ T800 is a 8 megapixel digital camera with a 3.0” touch screen LCD display. Measuring just 14.9mm in depth, the T800 has a 3x smc PENTAX optical zoom lens, Face Tracking function and maximum sensitivity of ISO 2000. Available in red, black, silver and white, the BenQ T800 is planned to be available in Latin America, Europe and Asia Pacific starting from early October.