The CompactFlash Association (CFA) announces the CFexpress Family of high-performance removable storage based on PCIE and NVM Express. CFexpress is the next evolution in an open standard format for a broader set of applications, such as professional imaging, personal computing, servers, IoT and industrial. The PCIE Gen 3 Interface Provides a max theoretical interface speed of 1.0GB/sec per lane of PCIE. This speed enhancement enables a new generation of higher performance cards to meet requirements for professional video recording.

Pinout is a smart, versatile gadget which allows you to control your Nikon DSLR via a smartphone. It supports GPS, timer control, multi-camera control, time-lapse, HDR, bulb ramping, sensor-based functions and more. Three different kits are available ranging in price from $34.99 to $128.99.

The LAOWA 12mm f:2.8 Zero D is a new ultra wide angle lens for full frame cameras. The Laowa 12mm F/2.8 ZERO-D lens will be available in Canon EF, Nikon AI, Sony A, Pentax K and Sony E mounts from  the end of November 2016 and will cost £899.99 in the UK. 

Phase One Industrial has introduced the iXU-RS aerial camera series, featuring a breakthrough central lens shutter design. The new shutter technology is based on an innovative direct drive concept with electronic charging that enhances exposure speed to as fast as 1/2500s, while guaranteeing half a million exposures, an unprecedented shutter life span. The Phase One iXU-RS aerial camera series is available now.

The Blackstone and the Firefly versions of the Irix 15mm f/2.4 lens are now available to buy. The Irix 15mm f/2.4 lens is an ultra-wide-angle lens for full frame DSLR cameras. Blackstone is the premium version, with a durable body made with aluminium-magnesium alloy that ensures foolproof protection of the lens, even in extreme situations. Both versions are available for Canon EF and Nikon F cameras now. By the end of September there will be also a Pentax K mount available.

Recommended retail prices are:

695 EUR for Irix Blackstone

475 EUR for Irix Firefly

Canon has today unveiled a newly designed PIXMA inkjet line-up. Canon offers something for everyone with its entry-level PIXMA TS5050 series, mid-range PIXMA TS6050 series, PIXMA TS8050 series and its top-of-the-range PIXMA TS9050 series - all of which are up to 40% more compact than previous models.

Akvis Software has released Noise Buster 10 for Windows and Mac OS. Akvis Noise Buster reduces both luminance and colour noise in digital images without blurring the edges of objects. Some of the improvements in the latest version of the program include a redesigned interface with support for UHD displays, a new Remove Moiré check-box, new Crop and Smudge tools, a range of presets, an innovative noise reduction algorithm that provides advanced capabilities for better processing, and more. The software is available as a standalone application and as a plug-in to Adobe Photoshop and other image editors.

Sony has launched a new 4K action camera with a 1/2.5"-type 8.2-megapixel CMOS imager, new Zeiss Tessar lens and Balanced Optical SteadyShot image stabilisation. The Sony FDR-X3000R comes supplied with Sony’s latest Live-View Remote, which is approximately 30% smaller than its predecessor and can be attached to mount accessories such as the optional Handlebar Mount (VCT-HM2) using the supplied mount adaptor. This may also be worn like a wristband or attached to various optional accessories such as Shooting Grip (VCT-STG1) or the new Finger Grip (AKA-FGP1) with the key advantage being control of shooting settings including power on/off and start/stop recording, without having to touch the camera itself. Users can capture high-bitrate recordings in 4K at 100Mbps, Full HD at 50Mbps in the XAVC S format. The new FDR-X3000R will start shipping in November 2016 priced at approximately £500 / €660.

Panasonic has announced the HC-X1, a lightweight and compact professional camcorder that supports 4K 24p, UHD 60p/50p, FHD 60p/50p multi-format recording and HD super slow-motion. Key features include 2-channel XLR Audio, Wired/Wireless remote control, triple manual rings, timecode, ND Filters and twin SD card slots. Additionally the X1 offers Live HDMI output along with a 24-480mm equivalent lens, 5-Axis O.I.S., dual-codec recording and IR shooting. It is also equipped with a 1.0-type sensor (9.46 megapixels at 4K24p/8.79 megapixels at UHD, FHD) and a 4-Drive Lens System that individually drives each of the four lens groups to minimise the drive range of each lens group. The lens barrel features Triple Manual Rings for zoom, focus and iris operations. There are a total of 13 user buttons, nine on the body and four on the LCD touch panel. These user buttons can be customised as needed. The Panasonic HC-X1 will be available in December at $3199.99.

Leica has re-announced the Leica APO-Macro-Elmarit-TL 60mm f/2.8 ASPH. lens, which offers a maximum reproduction ratio of 1:1. Like the existing Summilux-TL 35mm f/1.4 ASPH., the APO-Macro-Elmarit-TL 60mm f/2.8 ASPH. is fully compatible with the bayonet mount of the Leica T, as well as the L-mount of the Leica SL-System. The Leica APO-Macro-Elmarit-TL 60 mm f/2.8 ASPH. is scheduled to be available from mid-September at a suggested retail price of £1,800 including VAT ,in a choice of black or silver anodised finish. An optional lens hood will be available for £80.00.

Sony today launched two new photography-focused smartphones. The Xperia XZ is a metal-backed 5.2" phablet with a Full HD screen, a 23-megapixel primary camera with a 1/2.3"-type Exmor RS imaging chip, a separate Laser AF sensor and an RGBC-IR (red-green-blue-clear-infrared) external white balance sensor, which accurately adjusts the white balance based on the light source in the environment. Additionally, the Xperia XZ provides a 13-megapixel front camera with a 22mm equivalent UWA lens and a top sensitivity setting of ISO 6,400. The Xperia X Compact is a more reasonably sized handset with a 4.6" 720p display, the same 23-megapixel main camera and "triple image sensing tecnology" as the Xperia XZ, and a 5-megapixel secondary camera for the selfie brigade. On both phones, the main camera module offers a start-up time of 0.6 seconds and Predictive Hybrid AF technology to intelligently predict and track subjects in motion. The Xperia XZ will launch globally in October 2016, whilst the Xperia X Compact will be available from September 2016.

Tamron have announced the upcoming launch of the SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2 telephoto zoom lens. This second-generation lens builds upon the success of the SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD, which was announced in December 2013, but promises to deliver superior optical performance with today’s high resolution DSLRs and to add improvements to several features including the speed and accuracy of the Vibration Compensation and auto focus systems. The design incorporates an upgraded optical construction (21 elements in 13 groups, including 3 low-dispersion lens elements) and a metal lens barrel. The minimum object distance has been reduced to 2.2m from 2.7m in the previous model. A new FLEX ZOOM LOCK mechanism enables the locking of the zoom ring at any position, while the Vibration Compensation system has been upgraded to offer three distinct image stabilisation modes; Standard, Panning and VC Mode 3, which prioritises the stabilisation of the captured images and forgoes the stabilisation of the viewfinder image. Additionally, an electromagnetic diaphragm system, which has been a standard feature for Canon-mount lenses, is now employed in the Nikon version too. Two exclusive, separately sold teleconverters, which perfectly match the optics of the new SP 150-600mm G2 offer 1.4x and 2.0x magnification to extend the lens' reach to 1,200mm. The Canon and Nikon mount models will be launched in the second half of September, with a Sony version being released at a later date. In teh US, the lens will be available for $1,399.

Canon today unveiled the XC15 - a compact 4K video camcorder with stills capability. Following in the footsteps of the XC10, the XC15 combines the best elements from its predecessor with new features and functionality, including an MA-400 microphone adapter with dual XLR inputs for professional audio capture, quick autofocus and a 24p frame rate option for cinematographers. The camera can record UHD (3840 x 2160) 4K footage at 25p or 24p to an internal CFast 2.0 card at up to 305Mbps, or Full HD to an SD card at up to 50Mbps. Other highlights include an ability to record with Canon Log, providing the same 12 stops of dynamic range as seen in Canon’s EOS C500 cinema camera; an option to extract 8.29MP still images when used in 4K recording mode; a built-in ND filter; and an ISO range from 100 to 20,000. The Canon XC15 features a 1"-type CMOS sensor and Canon’s DIGIC DV5 image processor, and a fixed-mount 10x optical zoom lens, plus built-in dual band Wi-Fi for Live View and easy remote control through a browser or smart device. The XC15 is available from September 2016 with a suggested retail price of £2,409 including VAT.

Canon today announced two new flagship models in their Cinema EOS system – the EOS C700 (EF/PL) and EOS C700 GS PL. Created with cinematographers and high-end broadcast production professionals in mind, both models come equipped with a Canon Super 35mm CMOS sensor with a maximum pixel count of 4.5K  (EOS C700 GS PL at 4.2K). The EOS C700 cameras capture creative slow-motion 4K video footage internally with high frame rates of up to 59.94P/50P and 2K up to 200p/240p (sensor crop mode), or 4K raw up to 100P/120P, to the optional dockable Codex raw recorder. Supporting Canon Log 3, Log 2 and Log Gammas, the EOS C700 (EF/PL) is capable of recording up to 15 stops of dynamic range (14 stops with the EOS C700 GS PL). Additionally, the EOS C700 EF’s Dual Pixel CMOS AF is incredibly effective at locking onto and tracking a subject allowing the camera operator to concentrate on framing the shot, making it easier for news reporters to film accurately on the move. Designed for fast-moving subjects and action scenes, the EOS C700 GS PL is the first Cinema EOS camera with a global shutter (hence the GS designation), which is free from the distortions typical of rolling shutters, such as wobble/jello, skew and smear. The EOS C700 (EF/PL) is available from December 2016 for £28,839. The EOS C700 GS PL is available from Q1 2017 with a recommended retail price of of £30,789.

Hasselblad has launched the Hasselblad ‘4116 Collection’ - a range of products and collaborations to celebrate the brand’s 75th anniversary. The company has teamed up with Motorola for the ‘Hasselblad True Zoom’ – a
10x optical zoom Moto Mod compatible with Moto Z smartphones. Offering a physical shutter, Xenon flash and zoom, the ‘Hasselblad True Zoom’ instantly snaps on to the Moto Z smartphone using magnets. The mod allows users to shoot raw images which can be edited using Hasselblad’s Phocus software. Furthermore, Hasselblad and Alpa have formed a collaboration allowing optimised integration of all ALPA technical cameras with both Hasselblad digital backs from H System and CFV as well as Hasselblad HC/HCD lenses in existing and future products. Last but not least, Hasselblad has fostered a relationship with Swedish accessories brand, Sandqvist, creating functional, stylish camera bags to accent the Hasselblad range of offerings. The Sandqvist x Hasselblad collection consists of three high quality bags, created by Hasselblad and Sandqvist, and will be launched at Photokina in September.

Polaroid has added an ultra-compact and lightweight Polaroid LED photo studio colour box light to its range of power LED lighting options. Weighing in at just two pounds, the Polaroid LED photo studio colour box features an LCD display and infrared remote control with attachable handgrip and quiet buttons to accommodate any photography scenario. The new product is available for $119.99 on Amazon.

The Lomographic Society has launched a Kickstarter campaign to help fund the commercialisation of the Lomo'Instant Automat instant film camera. 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. The Lomo’Instant Automat will retail at prices starting from $/€149, but Lomography is offering Kickstarter backers up to 35% off the camera and all sorts of exclusive extra goodies including a suite of add-on conversion lenses.

DxO have announced major updates to the DxO ONE camera, including Wi-Fi Remote Control and new accessories. Wi-Fi Remote Control will be available to all existing users free of charge via a forthcoming 2.0 software update. The new accessories include an ultra-compact Stand, waterproof Outdoor Shell and a snap-on Optical Adapter. The DxO ONE camera for iPhone and iPad retails for for £399 / 499 €.