Sony will release a firmware update for their A7 II cameras on 18th November, adding uncompressed 14-bit raw image capture and activating the 117-point focal-plane phase-detection autofocus sensor on the camera for A-mount and third-party AF lenses. In addition to these feature upgrades, the MOVIE button can now be assigned to a custom button. The new firmware, version 2.0, will be available for download through Sony’s e-support website.

The Sony A68 A-mount camera features Sony’s unique 4D FOCUS system that delivers extraordinary AF performance under any shooting conditions, even in lighting as low as EV-2. The A68's AF system has 79 autofocus detection points including 15 cross points and a dedicated F2.8 AF sensor point for dimly-lit scenes. Other key features include a 24MP APS-C Exmor CMOS image sensor, ISO 100-25600, BIONZ X image processor, Full HD movies in the XAVC Sv format, OLED Tru-Finder with 100% frame coverage, a 2.7-type LCD monitor that  tilts up to 135 degrees upwards or 55 degrees downwards, and in-body image stabilisation. The price and availability of the new Sony A68 are still to be announced.

Inventor Thomas Larson has launched a Kickstarter campaign to raise funds for a highly portable stick-on macro lens for cell phones. Available in two versions, offering 4x and 8x magnification, the MPL Macro conversion lens comes in a convenient coin-sized case, and enables users to take compelling close-up shots with their smartphone's built-in camera. Compatible with nearly all phones and tablets, the universal MPL Macro lens attaches to your smart device without any adhesives. "This is a project I started as an undergrad two years ago, and have been able to finance solely through crowdfunding and direct sales (no investors or grants)," Thomas says. "I use the extra funds from crowdfunding and sales to work on less commercially viable mobile microscopes that I hope will have an impact on education and world health." Interested readers are encouraged to pay a visit to the project's Kickstarter page.

Kodak Alaris has introduced a canvas texture photographic paper which enables pro labs to produce luxurious prints with a canvas look and feel. Additionally, the new Kodak Professional Endura Premier Canvas Paper can also be used to create enlargements, photo gifts and a classic surface for books. The emulsion used for the canvas paper creates accurate and natural looking skin tones and increases the colour gamut for stronger, brighter and more vibrant colours including clean whites and rich blacks.“We continually strive to create new products in response to user demand. With the growing trend of wall art and photo books, we saw an opportunity to offer a canvas texture paper which combines the premium quality of silver halide paper, but looks like canvas,” said Lee Palmer, General Manager & Vice President Kodak Alaris Imaging-Consumer, EAMER. “Kodak Professional Endura Premier Canvas Paper has received a very positive response from a number of customers who are highlighting it as part of their new product catalogue.”

Today, the Corel Photo team has released the latest update to its photo-processing and organisation software,AfterShot Pro 2.3. This update adds an improved Send to External Editor feature that offers easy integration with Photoshop. For Photoshop CS6 users no longer eligible for raw file compatibility updates from Adobe, AfterShot Pro 2.3 provides an affordable and subscription-free option to decode the latest raw image file formats. "With AfterShot Pro 2.3, we're inviting Photoshop users to add AfterShot to their photographic workflow and take advantage of the speed and power AfterShot has to offer," says Greg Wood, Senior Product Director of the Corel Photo team. To celebrate the release of this update, Corel is making the switch to AfterShot Pro even easier with a special 3-day offer. Visit the website below and enter coupon code ASP23 at the checkout to get 50% off the original purchase or upgrade price of Aftershot Pro & AfterShot until Friday, 6th November.

DJI have launched the DJI Manifold, a high-performance embedded computer designed specifically for photo/video drones. “With the Manifold, we are entering a new era of smarter, faster and more powerful aerial platforms. Manifold opens up for aerial and ground technology to intelligently work together to solve complex problems,” said Michael Perry, DJI’s Director of Strategic Partnerships. “We are excited to see what applications our developer community will come up with for this new platform.” The Manifold runs on Canonical’s Ubuntu operating system and supports CUDA, OpenCV and ROS. With a Quad-core ARM Cortex A-15 Processor and an NVIDIA Kepler-based GPU, the Manifold provides powerful image processing and efficient parallel computing.Equipped with USB, Ethernet, HDMI and a variety of other connection ports, it enables the use of a wide range of sensors, monitors or interfaces. The Manifold is available globally for purchase from the Official DJI Online Store for GBP 409.

Manfrotto has announced the BeFree One, the most compact travel tripod in the BeFree range. Outfitted with an ultra-compact aluminium ball head and quick-release plate, the Manfrotto BeFree One features sturdy aluminium leg locks, a patented leg angle selector and foldable legs for easy transport. Offering a load capacity of 2.5kg, the 4-section BeFree One folds down to 32cm from a maximum height of 130cm. The tripod is available in three colours, priced at £124.95 including a padded shoulder bag.

Manfrotto has announced Lastolite By Manfrotto, a co-branding project that will involve Lastolite’s entire range of products. This project kicks off with the launch of the Ezybox Speed-Lite 2 mini softbox (£49.99, pictured) and three new collapsible perspective backgrounds (£169.99) - Stone Steps/Winter Trees, Stone Archway/Grecian Steps and Evening Street/Ivy Archway. The light and easy-to-use Ezybox Speed-Lite 2 is an improved version of the existing Ezybox Speed-Lite. Featuring removable internal and external diffusers, the Ezybox Speed-Lite 2 is suitable for on- and off camera use and weighs approximately 30% less than its predecessor. A new silicone strap and ratchet knob allows users to customise the fitting according to their specific flash unit, ensuring a secure fit.

The Lomographic Society has launched two limited-edition Diana film cameras. The Diana F+ Cortina is a medium format camera, whilst the Diana Mini Monte Rosa is a 35mm snapper that can shoot both 24x24mm square-format and 18x24mm half-frame images on standard 35mm film. Both new models have been inspired by beautiful snowy landscapes and "the adrenaline rush of winter sports," the company says. The Diana F+ Corinta sells for £89, while the Diana Mini Monte Rosa will set you back £99. Both models are available from the Lomography Online Shop.

Nikon have released a firmware update for the Nikon D810 full-frame digital SLR camera. Version C1.10 adds an external recording control option to the setup menu. If the camera is connected via HDMI to a third-party recorder that supports the Atomos Open Protocol, selecting On allows camera controls to be used to start and stop recording. The firmware upgrade also incorporates various bug fixes and modifications to certain help texts.

Colour Confidence today announced the UK and European availability of the Rogue FlashBender 2 Mirrorless Soft Box Kit. Specifically designed for small flashguns typically used with compact system cameras - such as the Nikon SB500, the Nissin i40 and the Olympus FL-600R -, the new FlashBender 2 Mirrorless Soft Box Kit includes a FlashBender 2 Micro Shapeable Reflector and a Micro Diffusion Panel. The kit has been optimised to handle the light output from smaller flash units. The Rogue FlashBender 2 Mirrorless Soft Box Kit is available for £39.95
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