Photography Blog attended yesterday’s European launch of the new Hasselblad H6D medium format camera in London, upgrading the previous H4 and H5 models, and got to spend some time with, and take some exclusive hands on photos of, both the 50MP and 100MP versions – outwardly identical apart from their model numbers, but inwardly quite different.

Introducing the new digital medium format camera in its two iterations – the company’s first launch this year – Hasselblad’s CEO Perry Oosting told those in attendance that this was “a completely new electronic platform. We started from scratch and are very proud to launch our first product of 2016.”

Intro 2020 has been appointed sole UK distributor of Beastgrip Pro, the World's first universal lens adapter and camera rig system for smartphones. Featuring an adjustable lens mount with spring loaded clamps, the Beastgrip Pro is a modular rig system with a removable lens mount assembly and handle. It comes with industry-standard photography mounts and an ergonomic grip, allowing users to attach all kinds of photography gear and take a better shot. There are 3 kits in the product range, including the basic Beastgrip Pro Rig (£139.99), the Beastgrip Pro Rig plus Wide Angle Lens (£169.99) and the Beastgrip Pro Rig plus Wide Angle and Fish-eye lenses (£199.99).

The Metz mecablitz 26 AF-2 is a new flash with a guide number of 26 (in metres at ISO 100/21°). Features include a wide-angle diffuser (24mm), up to 85mm illumination with the included telephoto diffuser, a vertically tilting reflector for an indirect flash and an adjustable LED video light, which creates additional illumination when shooting video. Depending on the camera, the Metz 26 AF-2 also offers wireless TTL flash. To ensure that the unit is always up to date, firmware updates can be downloaded via USB. The flash will be available from the end of this month.

The British Journal of Photography (BJP) is inviting photographers to be a part of a nationwide public exhibition entitled Portrait of Britain. Visible on the nation's high streets, roadsides and in transport hubs across the length and breadth of the country throughout September 2016, the exhibition will be showcased on JCDecaux digital screens. Photographers may submit portraits of family, friends, themselves or simply people they find interesting. The photos must have been taken after 1 January 2010 and depict subjects living in the UK. Portraits can be shot using any camera model, film or digital, and images may be portrait, landscape or square in format. The submission deadline is 20 June 2016. The BJP will select 100 images for the exhibition.

Hasselblad have launched an all-new medium-format camera. Rather than an improvement on the existing H-series cameras, the H6D range has been completely rebuilt with new technical components and an all new electronic platform. The H6D range introduces the H6D-100c, a 100MP option (pictured), and the H6D-50c with a 50MP CMOS sensor. The new models feature a wider range of shutter speeds from 60 minutes to 1/2000th of a second, increased ISO range and a faster shooting rate along with a USB 3.0 Type-C connector. The high-definition rear touchscreen LCD delivers a pin-sharp live view experience and Wi-Fi as standard, a HDMI connector, for external monitor connectivity, completes the tool set. Built-in dual card slots allow enhanced media capability; a CFast slot allows for high-speed capture and an SD card slot enables maximum compatibility. Additionally, the H6D-100c brings 4K video capability to the medium-format world. The Hasselblad H6D-50c is priced at €22,900. The H6D-100c will be available for €28,900.

Epson. today introduced its next-generation Expression Home XP-430 Small-in-One ultra-compact printer. The new device supports Wi-Fi CERTIFIED and Wi-Fi Direct for printing without a router or wireless connection, and comes equipped with Epson Connect to print and scan from a tablet, smartphone or computer. The Expression XP-430 features a high-resolution 2.7" colour LCD screen and built-in memory card slots for easy PC-free photo printing, scanning and copying. The XP-430 Small-in-One is now available for $99.99.

Macphun Software have today launched a major update to Tonality, their award-winning black-and-white photo editor for Mac. Users will now have access to a free preset library, created by professional photographers from around the world. Additionally, Macphun have teamed up with 500px to allow users to easily export images directly from Tonality to the global online photography community. Raw image file support has been extended to include files generated by the Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark II, the Fujifilm FinePix HS50EXR 100, the the Leica Q (Typ 116), Leica SL (Typ 601) and Leica M Monochrom (Typ 246), the Nikon D300S, the Panasonic DMC-G7, the Sony A700, Sony RX100 III and the Sony RX10 II. To celebrate the update, Macphun are offering a 50% discount and a free batch processing in the MAS version of Tonality for one week only (7th14th April).

Ricoh have added a number of new, full-resolution sample images to their Pentax K-1 gallery. Originally comprising four photographs, the expanded gallery now contains 7+2 pictures including a demonstration of the camera's pixel-shift super-resolution and skin tone adjustment technologies, and a newly added image captured at a sensitivity setting of ISO 400/27°.

Website: Ricoh Imaging Japan

At the 2016 NAB Show in Las Vegas, Canon U.S.A. will showcase its full line of professional 4K and high-definition imaging equipment for video content creation and still photography at booth C4325. Additionally, there will be presentations and panel discussions throughout the show featuring Canon Explorers of Light, ASC members, and other emerging voices in imaging culture. A unique, immersive event, 8K Ride Experience showcases Canon’s innovation in current, emerging, and future technology by providing a simulated journey through a realistic, panoramic landscape powered by Canon 8K imaging technology. “The NAB show is Canon’s opportunity to show our valued customers and the industry our latest technology as well as the multitude of ways that Canon digital imaging solutions can help them achieve their vision,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, president and COO, Canon U.S.A. “NAB is an amazing show for us to connect with professionals in all aspects of video creation, editing, and distribution.”

Huawei have launched the new P9 and P9 Plus smartphones with dual-camera modules featuring lenses designed in collaboration with Leica. One of these modules is a conventional 12-megapixel smartphone camera that takes 12-megapixel colour photos through a 27mm (eq.) f/2.2 lens, while the other boasts a 12-megapixel monochromatic sensor. Users may opt to use the two camera modules in tandem - in which case the device combines the two images to create one colour photograph with superior detail and low noise - or use the second camera on its own to take high-quality black-and-white photographs with no Bayer interpolation involved. The P9 supports auto focus based on three focusing technologies – laser, depth calculation and contrast detection – and automatically selects the one that yields the best result in any given environment. The Huawei P9 offers a 5.2" Ful HD display and comes with either 3GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage (€599) or 4GB of memory and 64GB of storage capacity (€649). The Huawei P9 Plus (€749) has a larger frame with a 5.5-inch screen and comes with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage, plus dual-IC Rapid Charge.

Nikon have announced the addition of four new photographers to their ambassador programme. The newest additions include wildlife photographer Joel Sartore (pictured), celebrity and portrait photographer Matthew Jordan Smith, Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist Deanne Fitzmaurice and commercial and portrait photographer Joey Terrill. “Nearly three years after the foundation of the programme, Nikon Ambassadors have worked to educate and empower photographers while continuing to celebrate their passion and love for photography through the power of visual storytelling,” said Mike Corrado, NPS Manager, pro relations and product marketing, Nikon. “These new additions all define what it takes to be considered one of Nikon’s most elite photographers, with unparalleled commitment to both their craft and the imaging industry.”

Lomography has introduced a new lens for its “art” range of lenses designed to work in conjunction with digital cameras.

The Daguerrotype Achromat, like several other Lomography lenses will be launched via a Kickstarter campaign to get it launched before becoming available for regular purchase in shops once the required funding has been achieved.

It is based on an optical design dating back to 1839, where a Chevalier Achromat lens was mounted on a Daguerrotype camera. The main characteristic of the lens is that at wide apertures it produces a soft effect.

The new lens has a focal length of 64mm, making it ideal for a number of subjects including portraits. The maximum aperture is f/2.9, and it will be available to buy in Canon EF and Nikon F mounts - you can also use it with other cameras via mount adapters.

Lenses bought via Kickstarter are likely to start shipping in August, with availability in normal shops some time after that.

The Lomographic Society has launched a Kickstarter campaign to help fund the commercialisation of its new Daguerreotype Achromat 2.9/64 Art lens. The Daguerreotype Achromat 2.9/64 Art Lens has been designed by Lomography’s technicians based on an 1839 design – and condensed into a bold brass lens for modern analogue and digital cameras – available in Canon EF OR Nikon F mounts. "Photographers and videographers can delve into an extensive variation of moods and special effect: silky soft focus at f/2.9, crisp sharp shots from f/5.6 onwards, and a focal length of 64mm," the society says. The Daguerreotype Achromat Lens works with a Waterhouse Aperture Plate system, which allows full creativity with depth of field and bokeh effects. The Daguerreotype Achromat 2.9/64 Art Lens is available through Kickstarter, where in addition to exclusive offers and prices, backers can secure their own Daguerreotype Achromat Lens from the first-ever batch – estimated to start shipping in August of this year.

Manfrotto has won five accolades and an honourable mention at the 2016 Red Dot Awards. The award winning products include the XPRO Monopod, Pixi Evo, Lykos LED, Compact Xtreme and Digital Director, with the honourable mention going to the D1 Drone Backpack (pictured).

Lexar today announced their Professional XQD 2.0 USB 3.0 reader. With its compact, portable design, the new memory card reader can easily slip into a pocket or bag, and offers a simple plug-and-play design with a USB 3.0 connector so content can be securely transferred on the go. For versatility, the reader is backwards compatible with USB 2.0 devices at USB 2.0 speeds. The Lexar Professional XQD 2.0 USB 3.0 Reader will be available in late April with a MSRP of £29.99.

Harman Technology, owner of the Ilford brand, is opening a new ordering window for Ultra Large Format (ULF) photographers. “This programme enables us to further support the world of film photography that uses and values our conventional products” said Giles Branthwaite, Director of Sales and Marketing at Harman technology. “Through running the ULF programme each year, we are able to satisfy the strong demand for specialist film formats. Whilst manufacture is not easy, we have been rewarded by increased demand year on year ensuring we will continue to address and care for this market.” Films available for this year are Ilford FP4 PLUS, HP5 PLUS, and Delta 100 Professional. Orders must be placed no later than Friday 27th May.

Panasonic has introduced a new compact system camera which sits in between the GX(single digit) and the GF ranges in terms of who it is aimed at.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX80 features a 16 million pixel sensor and a Venus Engine was has been tweaked to work specifically in this camera. For the first time in a G series camera, the optical low pass filter has been removed which boosts the sensor’s capability to record fine detail.

As with several other Lumix cameras recently released, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX80 features the ability to record 4K video which also facilitates 4K photo modes.

The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-GX80 is a new interchangeable lens camera that combines modern design and 4K performance. The GX80 (also known as the GX85 in some regions) offers a range of innovative features, including 4K PHOTO and 5-Axis Dual I.S. (Image Stabiliser), plus a sturdy ergonomic grip. The LUMIX DMC-GX80 features a 16 megapixel sensor with no low-pass filter. The Panasonic DMC-GX80 is available in Black, Silver and Tan and will be available from May 9th 2016.

Tamron USA announced that its new Mobile Learning Center Tour will commence on 14th April in Fairfield, NJ. The new fully-equipped and customised Tamron vehicle will travel around the USA through December 2016, making over 70 official stops at authorised Tamron retailers. The Tamron vehicle will pull into the parking lot and set up for a full day of education to help people with their photography questions, see the latest in Tamron products, and provide valuable tips and tricks on subjects attendees frequently photograph. Each day will feature team members leading free seminars under the Tamron Mobile Learning Tent - "Travel & Nature Techniques," "The Art of Macro," and "Light Like a Pro." Attendees are encouraged to bring their cameras so that after each seminar, they can try out Tamron lenses on subjects such as birds of prey or other animals brought to the event by local conservationists and sanctuaries.

Think Tank Photo have just released a new addition to their Retrospective camera shoulder bag line. The Retrospective 6 fits a DSLR or gripped DSLR with short lens attached, one to two additional lenses and an 8” tablet or flash in the front pocket, or one to two Compact System Cameras with lenses attached, one to four extra lenses and an 8” tablet or flash in the front pocket. Weighing in at 2.6 lbs (1.2 kg), the Retrospective 6, is now available in Sandstone, Black, and Pinestone, priced at $154.75. In addition, the existing Retrospective 5, Retrospective 5 Leather, Retrospective 7, Retrospective 7 Leather, Retrospective 10, Retrospective 20, Retrospective 30, and Retrospective 30 Leather are also available in the new Sandstone colour.