The Kingston DataTraveler 100 USB Flash drive features a capless design and a new, “thumb-action” slide positioned on the side. “The DataTraveler 100’s new thumb-action, retractable design reduces the drive’s overall size, which allows for easy and unobtrusive transport in a pocket or attached to a keychain,” said Joe Teng, Flash product manager, Kingston. The Kingston DataTraveler 100 is available in capacities up to 8GB, ranging from $19 to $116 in the USA.

Dynamic Learning: Photoshop CS3 is a new book from O’Reilly provides essential information and training in Photoshop CS3. The book is split into thirteen lessons and also a DVD with Digital Classroom video tutorials. “The video tutorials really make these books unique,” explains author Jennifer Smith. “We’re excited to be able to connect directly with our readers with the included videos. Readers can complete the exercise on their own, and then view the video tutorials to watch the authors work through complex topics.” Dynamic Learning: Photoshop CS3 costs $44.99 USD, $58.99 CAD, £31.99 GBP.

PicaJet.com is giving away a free 12-month subscription to Shutterbug photography magazine, worth $60. All you have to do is purchase PicaJet FX digital picture management software, costing $59.95. PicaJet’s offer ends on August 1st, 2007.

DWF START is a new free forum-based service for photographers who are planning to start careers in wedding photography. Application for free memberships to DWF START are now being accepted. Digital Wedding Forum has also changed its name to DWF Pro, and currently boasts 4,400 members.

FotoFlexer is an online photo-editing suite for photo-sharing sites such as Facebook.com and Photobucket.com. “We created FotoFlexer because we were frustrated with the inability to easily edit photos in online communities,” said Neil Warren, a co-founder. Fotoflexer is a free product - visit http://www.fotoflexer.com to try it out.

DCViews have reviewed the Nikon D40x DSLR, which features a 10.2 megapixel sensor, producing 3,872 x 2,592-pixel images, 3D Colour Matrix Metering II system and 2.5 inch LCD screen.

“The new 10-megapixel sensor provides a lower base sensitivity and now includes the full ISO range from ISO 100 to 3200. Noise characteristics remain the same with low noise up to ISO 800 and excellent detail in highlight and shadow areas. The D40’s already excellent dynamic range has been improved to eight and a half stops on the D40X. This may not be directly noticeable in day to day picture situations but in certain high contrast situations it could prevent the sky from washing out, which would mean the difference between getting a white blob or a nice blue sky.”

Website: DCViews - Nikon D40x Review

Website: Read our Nikon D40x Review

DigitalCameraInfo have reviewed the Nikon Coolpix S500, a 7.1 megapixel camera with a 3x zoom lens (35-105mm), Vibration Reduction to combat camera shake, ISO 2000 capability, 2.5 inch monitor and One-touch portrait button.

“The Nikon Coolpix S500 retails for $299 which is right in the range of where it should be as a slim and sturdy point-and-shoot digital camera. This model was released alongside the Nikon S200, which was targeted to be the more budget-oriented camera. It costs $50 less and its features are worth at least that much less. Between the two cameras, I’d still go for the S500 mostly because of the optical image stabilization and much better LCD resolution. However, don’t expect too much in terms of image quality from the S500; noise levels up to ISO 800 are acceptable, but the S500’s dynamic range, color accuracy, and video performance are disappointing.”

Website: DigitalCameraInfo - Nikon Coolpix S500 Review

DCResource have reviewed the Nikon Coolpix P5000 camera, which offers 10 megapixels, 3.5x zoom lens (36-126mm), Vibration Reduction to combat camera shake, ISO 3200 capability and a 2.5 inch LCD screen.

“The Nikon Coolpix P5000 is a good compact camera that had a few too many corners cut, in my opinion. It offers a lot of features for both beginners and enthusiasts, but at the same time it’s lacking features that would make it a true D-SLR companion. Throw in a movie mode bug and a totally bizarre noise (and not the photo kind) in record mode and you’ve got a camera that I’m not jumping up and down about. It’s worth a look, but if you’re expecting a compact D-SLR, you might want to lower your expectations.”

Website: DCResource - Nikon Coolpix P5000 Review

DPReview have reviewed the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H7, a new addition to Sony’s range of ultra-zoom compact digital cameras offering 8 megapixels, 15x optical stabilized zoom lenses, ISO 3200, face-detection and HDTV output.

”...if you want a genuinely affordable big zoom camera for snapping the family that you can leave on ‘full auto’ all the time - and you rarely print your pictures bigger than 6x4 inches - the H7 is (at as little as $350 online) certainly worth a closer look.”

Website: DPReview - Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H7 Review

The Fujifilm F47fd is the latest in Fujifilm’s range of advanced compact digital cameras. Exclusive to Dixons in the UK, the Fujifilm F47fd is essentially the same as the F40fd model, except for a slightly larger 9 megapixel sensor. The Fujifilm F47fd also Fujifilm’s proprietary Real Photo Processor II, Super CCD HR VI and hardware-based Face Detection, plus ISO 2000 sensitivity at full resolution and a 3.0x optical zoom lens. The Fujifilm F47fd is available now at Dixons for £179.89.

The Fujifilm F45fd digital camera is a new ocean-blue version of the F40fd. Produced exclusively in the UK for Argos, the Fujifilm F45fd shares exactly the same specification as its sister model, including ISO 2000 sensitivity at full 8.3 megapixel resolution, 3.0x optical zoom lens, Face Detection and 300 shot battery life. The Fujifilm F45fd is available now at Argos for £199.99.

The Fujifilm A825 is a new, charcoal grey version of the previously announced A820 model. Exclusive to Comet in the UK, the Fujifilm A825 has exactly the same specification as its sister model, including a Fujinon 4x optical zoom lens and ISO 800 sensitivity at full resolution. The A825 also features Fujifilm’s acclaimed Super CCD HR sensor and RP Processor. Comet are currently selling the new Fujifilm A825 for £89.99.

Reuters are reporting that Canon are investing 55 billion yen / $451 million in a new Japanese factory to double its production of image sensors. More interestingly, the new factory will apparently be making CMOS chips for both Canon’s DSLR and compact camera ranges. “The CMOS chips will be used in both single lens reflex (SLR) models as well as in some compact models. Canon’s compact cameras have to date used a different type of image sensor called a charge-coupled device (CCD)” commented Reuters. Up to now the company have exclusively used CCD sensors for their compacts and CMOS for their DSLRs. This could mean an increase in image quality if Canon chooses to use larger CMOS sensors in its compacts, plus the decision will directly affect Sony, who currently supply CCD sensors to Canon.

Website: Reuters - Canon to build $451 mln factory for key camera part

The Canon iPF610 24” large format printer has just appeared on Canon USA’s website. Available in August 2007, the Canon iPF610 features a Reactive Ink system consisting of four highly colorfast dye inks - Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black - plus two channels of pigment-based matte black. The iPF610 is aimed at the graphic design market, producing full-bleed posters, clear text documents and crisp line drawings easily and quickly. More news on pricing to follow.

Don McCullin will be presented with the Centenary Medal of The Society at The Royal Photographic Society Annual Awards. The Centenary Medal is awarded in recognition of a sustained, significant contribution to the art of photography. the RPS Annual Awards 2007 are being held at The Royal Institute of British Architects, London W1 during the evening of Thursday 4th October.

ReaConverter 5.0 allows users to convert images, as well as edit them, creating high quality photos and drafts. ReaConverter 5.0 comes in Lite, Standard and Pro editions and runs under Microsoft Windows 98/ME/2000/XP/2003 Server/Vista. A free 15-day trial version is available.

ePhotoZine have reviewed the new Olympus E-410 DSLR camera.

“Well, it’s been an almost indecently short time between updates to the E-410 and the main difference is the Live View is now in colour and the image quality is a little better. Handling is exactly the same, with just one button changing function. Being small it is harder to hold more comfortably and securely than a Nikon D40x or a Canon EOS 400D, but the build quality is a lot better than either of those two.”

Website: ePhotoZine - Olympus E-410 Review

Website: Read our Olympus E-410 Review

PrinterInfo have reviewed the Panasonic KX-PX20, an easy-to-use, dye-sub home photo printers with print life of up to 100 years and a 3.6 inch colour LCD screen.

“For the money, users can do much better with other compact photo printers, dye sub or inkjet. The expensive cost per print and poor image quality alone makes this a poor buy next to models such as the Sony FP90 and The Epson PictureMate Flash. But the lack of wireless compatibility, single memory card slot, and lack of optional battery go well beyond this to make the PX20 simply not worth the cost, unless the consumer is wed to Panasonic products.”

Website: PrinterInfo - Panasonic KX-PX20 Review

The Fujifilm IS Pro is a new infrared DSLR camera based on the S5 Pro model. The IS Pro records light from the ultraviolet (UV), visible and infrared (IR) portion of the spectrum (approx. 380nm - 1000nm). There are several system packages available for the Fujifilm IS Pro digital SLR, ranging in price from $2599.95 body only to $4999 for a kit including a Zeiss 50mm Macro lens. The Fujifilm IS Pro is currently only available in the USA.

Nikon UK will offer a two year warranty as standard on all camera bodies from 1st September 2007. The new warranty applies to all Coolpix and DSLR cameras purchased on or after 1st July 2007. Nikon customers are required to register their product to take advantage of the two year warranty. “The introduction of the two year warranty from September 1st demonstrates Nikon’s commitment to all our customers. We are confident that this will be a distinct benefit to all users and reinforces the confidence we have in the quality and durability of our products.” commented Mark Evans, Service Manager - Imaging, Nikon UK.