Panasonic has previewed the AU-EVA1, a new 5.7K cinema camera, at Cine Gear Expo 2017. Positioned between the Panasonic Lumix GH5 4K mirrorless camera and the VariCam LT 4K cinema camera, the EVA1 contains a newly designed 5.7K Super 35mm-sized sensor for capturing true cinematic images. By starting at a higher native resolution, the 5.7K sensor yields a higher resolving image when downsampled to 4K, UHD, 2K, and even 720p. The increased colour information results in a finer, more accurate finished image. Additionally, like the VariCam lineup of cinema cameras, the EVA1 contains V-Log/V-Gamut capture to deliver high dynamic range and broad colours. V-Log has log curve characteristics that are somewhat reminiscent of negative film and V-Gamut delivers a colour space even larger than film. The EVA1 will also import the celebrated colourimetry of the VariCam line. Ideal for indie filmmakers, the EVA1 records to readily-available, lower-cost SD cards. The camera can record in several formats and compression rates, and offers up to 10-bit 422, even in 4K. As a professional video production tool, the EVA1 offers dual balanced XLR audio inputs and 4K-capable video outputs in both HDMI and SDI. In a future firmware upgrade, EVA1 will offer 5.7K raw output to 3rd party recorders. The EVA1 will ship this autumn for under €8,000 (body only).

The Samyang AF 35mm F2.8 FE is a new full-frame auto focus lens for Sony's E-mount compact system cameras. The optical formula comprises 7 elements in 6 groups, including one HRI and two aspherical lens elements, plus an iris diaphragm with 7 rounded aperture blades. Weighing in at around 85 grams, the Samyang AF 35mm F2.8 FE lens takes 49mm screw-mount filters and offers a close-focus point of 35cm (as measured from the sensor plane). Available from July, the lens carries a suggested retail price of £279.99/$299.95.

The summer edition Lomo'Instant Automat Cabo Verde is the first new edition of the Lomo’Instant Automat instant film camera (read review) since it burst onto the photography scene last year.

The Lomo'Instant Automat features a 35mm (eq.) lens with a 43mm filter thread, a simple 3-step zone-focusing system, a built-in flash with a guide number of 9 (in metres), an LED frame counter, unlimited multiple exposures, automatic shutter speed and aperture settings, and an exposure area of 62mm x 46mm.

Inspired by beautiful beaches on volcanic islands, the Lomo’Instant Automat Cabo Verde is available for £139.

Firmware version 3.0 for the Leica SL-System is now available for download. The update significantly reduces the time required for saving DNG raw image files to SD memory cards and enhances the speed, accuracy and handling of the autofocus system. Video and photo exposure settings are now independent of each other, no longer needing to be adapted when switching from one mode to the other. By making these settings separate of each other, the new firmware makes shooting photo and video faster and more convenient, speeding up a mixed-media workflow.  Photographers also now have the options to capture photos exclusively with the electronic shutter. This enables completely silent exposures in a shutter speed range from 1s to 1/16,000s. Version 3.0 also includes built-in automated firmware updates for the Leica Vario-Elmarit–SL 24–90 mm f/2.8–4 ASPH. and Leica APO-Vario-Elmarit-SL 90–280 mm f/2.8-4 lenses, for further performance optimisation. In total, the new firmware update brings 31 improvements to the photo and video functions.

Venus Optics have announced the Laowa Magic Format Converter (MFC), the World’s first Fujifilm GFX adapter with optics allowing the expansion of the image circle of Canon/Nikon full-frame lenses to match the size of the medium-format sensor. The MFC has a focal length multiplier of 1.4x and reduces the maximum aperture by one stop. It opens up a lot more ultra-wide angle lens options for the new Fujifilm GFX camera and increases the compatibility of full-frame lenses with medium-format cameras. The Laowa Magic Format Converter (MFC) will come in 2 variants, Canon EF to Fujifilm G & Nikon AI to Fujifilm G. They are expected to start shipping in July 2017. Pricing will be announced later.

Lomography today announced the addition of a new additional focal length to the Neptune Convertible Art Lens system, called the Naiad 3.8/15 Art Lens. Presently raising funds on Kickstarter, the Neptune Convertible Art Lens System is a prime lens kit for every photographer who has ever lamented the size and weight of high quality prime lenses. It comprises a base element which mounts to a wide range of film and digital cameras, and four front lens elements of fixed focal lengths: the Thalassa 3.5/35, the Despina 2.8/50, the Proteus 4.0/80 and now the Naiad 15mm. Available as an add-on, from now until the end of the campaign, on 7th June, backers will be able to purchase the lens for just $249 – saving 45% on the estimated retail price.

Fujifilm will release the E-mount version of the Fujinon MK50-135mm T2.9 telephoto zoom cinema lens in July 2017. Offering a fast maximum aperture of T2.9 across the entire zoom range plus a 9-bladed iris diaphragm, the lens is compatible with E-mount cameras with a Super 35mm / APS-C sensor, and an X-mount version is also in the works. The lens design is optimised for shooting movies, minimising focal and optical axis shift while zooming and focus breathing – negative traits that are typically observed in still lenses for digital cameras. The lens also features three rings to enable manual and independent adjustment of focus, zoom and aperture. The expected user price is £3,300+VAT.

LPA Design has announced the new FlexTT6 Transceiver for Canon. With new under-the-hood technology, it is compatible with the Canon 5D Mark IV, 1D X Mark II, 80D, 77D, T7i and T6 cameras, along with Canon’s 600 EX II-RT and 430 EX III-RT flashes. “Owners of newer Canon cameras can now access the remarkable wireless TTL technology pioneered and patented by PocketWi zard,” comments Karen Marshall, CEO of LPA Design. “Our engineering team was able to conquer the challenges presented by faster camera sensors with this hardware solution.” The FlexTT6 is forward, backward and cross-compatible with the PocketWizard family of wireless radios. This includes compatibility with the FlexTT5 as a receiving radio, as well as the entire line of Plus radios, the MultiMAX, MiniTT1, AC3 ZoneController and Control TL receivers. The new FlexTT6 for Canon will be available at retail and on line in the US and Canada starting June 8, 2017.

Canon today announced the Canon EOS C200, the latest addition to their Cinema EOS range. As the first Cinema EOS camera to support the new raw recording format – Cinema RAW Light – the EOS C200 provides the same flexibility in colour grading as Cinema RAW in a smaller file size, enabling filmmakers to record internally to a CFast 2.0 memory card. Newly developed Canon Dual DIGIC DV6 processors provide the ability to record internally 4K UHD/50P MP4, 4K DCI RAW and continuous 120fps High Frame Rate in Full HD without crop. At the same time, advances in Dual Pixel CMOS Auto Focus technology and a new touch screen LCD monitor provide smooth AF operation and effective tracking. Supporting up to 15-stops of dynamic range with Cinema RAW Light and up to 13-stops of dynamic range in MP4 (Canon Log / Log 3), the camera is capable of capturing both highlight and shadow details. An ISO range of 100 to 102,400 guarantees excellent performance, even in difficult lighting conditions, such as when quickly switching between locations. The built-in optical ND filters of up to 10 stops provide further flexibility and convenience. Integrated Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity allows for browser remote control and the ability to transfer files via FTP. Available from August, the new EOS C200 will set you back $7,499 with an LM-V1 LCD Monitor, LA-V1 LCD Attachment, GR-V1 Camera Grip and HDU-2 Handle Unit; or $5,999 without these accessories.

The Nikon Coolpix W300 is a new rugged compact camera with a 16-megapixel sensor, a 24-120mm equivalent lens, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS and 4K video recording capabilities. Built to withstand even the toughest outdoor elements, the Coolpix W300 offers a waterproof (100ft. / 30m), freezeproof (14F / -10C), dustproof and enhanced shockproof (7.9ft. / 2.4m) camera body, increased grip area and ergonomically improved shutter button placement (as compared to its predecessor, the Nikon Coolpix AW130). Additional outdoor-friendly features include the ability to go off the beaten path with Points of Interest (POI) and mapping functions, as well as an altimeter and depth gauge. The camera also has a dedicated button to activate an LED light for illumination, and a new Active Guide function to easily display location and altitude data at a glance. The Nikon Coolpix W300 will be available in Summer 2017 in orange, yellow and black for a suggested retail price of $389.95.

The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 28mm f/1.4E ED is a new "Gold Ring" wide-angle prime for Nikon DSLR cameras with FX size sensors. With a fast f/1.4 maximum aperture and a nine-bladed blade rounded diaphragm, it offers a shallow depth of field with a pleasing bokeh and excellent low-light performance. The body of the lens is composed of lightweight magnesium alloy, and features dust and water drop resistant sealing to withstand the elements, combined with a fluorine coating to resist dirt and smudges. The optical construction of the lens consists of 14 elements in 11 groups, with three aspherical elements that virtually eliminate coma, aberration and distortion, with two ED glass elements that minimize chromatic aberration. The lens also uses Nikon’s Nano Crystal coat to reduce instances of ghosting and flare. The AF-P DX NIKKOR 10-20mm f/4.5-5.6G VR and AF-S Nikkor 28mm f/1.4E ED will be available in late June for a suggested retail price (SRP) of £2,079.99/€2,479.00/$1999.95.

Nikon today introduced a new fisheye zoom for DSLR cameras with FX size sensors. The new lens design provides a creative circular 180-degree vertical / horizontal angle of view on full frame cameras, and zooms to a non-circular fisheye view (180-degree diagonal angle of view) on the long end of the focal range. The lens can also be used on DX-format cameras for a distinctive point-of-view and extreme wide-angle applications. The AF-S Fisheye Nikkor 8-15mm f/3.5-4.5E ED is also the latest in Nikon’s Gold Ring Series of premier lenses and features a next-generation design for high-resolution Nikon DSLR cameras. It is also Nikon’s latest lens to use an electromagnetic diaphragm for consistent exposure during high speed shooting, or smooth exposure control while capturing video. The optical formula of the Fisheye NIKKOR 8-15mm consists of three ED elements to reduce chromatic aberration, while two aspherical lens elements minimize coma, even at the widest aperture, and enable a more compact lens size. Additionally, the front lens element is coated with Nikon's non-stick Fluorine coat to help resist dirt, fingerprints and smudges, while the company's exclusive Nano Crystal Coat helps reduce ghost and flare. The Nikon AF-S Fisheye Nikkor 8-15mm f/3.5-4.5E ED is available now for a suggested retail price of £1,299.99/€1,549.00/$1249.95.

The Nikon AF-P DX Nikkor 10-20mm f/4.5-5.6G VR is a new, stabilised UWA zoom for DSLRs with DX size sensors. The lens features the equivalent of 3.5 stops1 of Vibration Reduction (VR) performance, to help capture sharp images while handheld or in challenging light. Additionally, it utilizes Nikon’s Pulse Motor technology for super-fast and quiet AF operation- which is especially useful when recording video. The optical formula contains three aspherical elements for excellent image quality with minimal distortion even at the widest focal length. The AF-P DX Nikkor 10-20mm f/4.5-5.6G VR zoom will be available in late June for a suggested retail price of £329.99/€389.00/$309.95.

After more than 1,800 entries lass summer, Jessops are bringing back their #ShareYourSummer campaign. From 1 June – 2 August, the company is offering 9 budding photographers the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to showcase their work in 56 nationwide store windows on major UK high streets and shopping centres, plus an invite to an exclusive Jessops and Sony event, where the overall winner will be announced and set to receive an incredible £3,000 prize. Rob Murray, Marketing Director at Jessops comments: “Now running in its second year, our Share Your Summer campaign is designed to give photographers from all walks of life the opportunity to exhibit a photo they are really proud of across 56 Jessops shops in major UK cities, shopping centres and high streets. It is clear that the nation’s passion for photography is ever-present with people posting photographs daily on social media. However, it is rare that anyone would ever get the opportunity to share an exceptional image any further than this. We want everyone to have the opportunity to have their very own exhibition where all are invited to view it.”

Photographer Linda Köhler-Sandring set the Bounce-wall Speed Shooting record on Saturday, 27 May 2017: in only 7.092 seconds, the she shot 888 professional outdoor portraits in Zingst, Germany. With the help of an assistant and the right Sunbounce equipment, Linda Köhler-Sandring achieved what no one else has done before: Using the "mobile portrait studio,” consisting of a Bounce-Wall and a Mini Sun-Bouncer Black-hole as a neutral background, she took successive pictures of Zingsters and visitors in just a few minutes. The Berlin-based photographer was delighted with her success: "The Sunbounce Speed Shooting was a significant event for all of us! We didn’t know if we could really do it. It was quite a feat for the whole team. All the more reason we are happy to have sent home beautiful portraits with so many people.”

Garmin have announced the VIRB 360, a compact, rugged and fully spherical 360-degree camera. The waterproof VIRB 360 is an easy-to-use device that captures high-quality video up to 5.7K/30fps with sound, courtesy of four built-in microphones, as well as 15-megapixel spherical stills. Taking advantage of its built-in GPS and numerous other sensors, the VIRB 360 provides owners with customizable G-Metrix data overlays in a captivating 360-degree augmented reality setting. “The VIRB 360 lets you relive personal experiences and share them with your friends – from a different point of view, every single time,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin vice president of global consumer sales. “VIRB 360 owners will no longer need to worry about trying to capture the perfect angle or setting up the perfect shot. The camera’s easy-to-use feature set will make even the most inexperienced users look like experts.” The Garmin VIRB 360 has a suggested retail price of $799.99 and is expected to be available in June.