At a recent event held at Pinewood studios near London, we were able to sample Sony’s upcoming Alpha 7R II. The original α7R was a compelling camera that proved you didn’t need to cart around something size of a Nikon D810 to get super high resolution images. Its successor improves on the original in several key areas. It packs an even higher resolution sensor, but is also now capable of 4K video recording. Autofocus performance has been boosted as well, with Sony claiming the new camera to be up to 40% faster to focus than the original α7R. The α7R II also incorporates an advance in-body image stabilisation system, plus an improved OLED viewfinder.

At a recent event held at Pinewood studios near London, we were able to sample Sony’s upcoming RX10 II and RX100 IV cameras. Both come equipped with new-generation 1-inch Exmor RS sensors for improved image processing speed and 4K video recording. Each camera boasts significantly quicker burst shooting speeds, as well as super-fast 1000fps recording for slow motion video clips. The RX10 II and RX100 IV also receive a faster maximum shutter speed and an improved OLED viewfinder.

Sigma have announced a new wide zoom for full frame cameras, featuring a constant maximum aperture of f/2. The Sigma 24-35mm f/2 DG HSM Art lens has 18 elements in 13 groups and an iris diaphragm with 9 rounded blades. The lens incorporates large-diameter aspherical lens elements, which require advanced technologies to manufacture; one FLD (“F” Low Dispersion)* glass and seven SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass elements, of which two are aspherical lenses. With a minimum focusing distance of 28cm and a maximum magnification ratio of 1:4.4, this lens is suitable for close-up shooting, environmental portraits with an attractive bokeh and deep-focus landscape photography. The Sigma 24-35mm f/2 DG HSM Art lens features a hypersonic AF motor for quiet and fast focusing, and promises to deliver the same outstanding optical performance as the fixed-focal-length lenses in the manufacturer's Art line. The lens will be available in Canon, Nikon and Sigma fit. The exact launch date and pricing have yet to be communicated.

Nikon have been formally recognised as the Best Photography Brand at the annual Which? Awards ceremony 2015. The Japanese company won the Award as during Which? testing over the last year, the brand’s digital compact and SLR cameras have been top-scoring. “To win the Which? Best Photography Brand award is a tremendous reflection on the performance and reliability of Nikon products and the service we provide to our customers,” says John Walshe, Managing Director at Nikon UK. “We are absolutely delighted to be recognised by Which? and to have achieved 9 Best Buys and to be in the top spot for appliance reliability ratings too.”

The Tekniq camera bag is the first modular bag for photographers, allowing them adjust the size of their bag to match the equipment and gear they need. When you purchase a Tekniq, you are not just buying one camera bag but three for the price of one. With the ability to go from a large to small-sized camera bag, the Tekniq’s modularity and unique strap system allow the bag to be a backpack, sling bag, messenger bag, or shoulder bag. The Tekniq camera bag also offers additional features, including a lens cap clip, tripod holder, rain jacket, and tablet pocket. Now available on Kickstarter, the Tekniq bag can be yours for $179 with an early-bird discount.

Cascable is an iOS-based remote control app that works with a number of Wi-FI capable Canon digital SLR cameras. "Whether you’re on iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch, your primary exposure adjustments and focus/shutter release are front and centre," Cascable says. "Advanced autofocus, timer and drive controls are just a tap away. " Unlike other apps, Cascable supports downloading and exporting full resolutions photos — including raw files — from your camera, and with second screen support via AirPlay or HDMI you can view your photos on the big screen. Other innovations include an Apple Watch app that puts your camera’s shutter right on your wrist and a set of calculators to help with the tricky exposure calculations needed for astrophotography and neutral density filters. Cascade is currently available on the iTunes App Store for the promotional launch price of $19.99.

Women Can Build, an impactful photography exhibition of WWII-era and modern-day strong factory-working women, also known as ‘Rosie the Riveters’, has been extended by popular demand through 30th June at Los Angeles Union Station. The “modern Rosies” featured in the Women Can Build exhibition work for global transit equipment manufacturing companies with U.S. factories, including Siemens, New Flyer Industries, Nippon Sharyo, and Kinkisharyo. In addition to the manufacturing “Rosies”, included in the exhibition are Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda Solis, California Assembly Speaker Toni G. Atkins, former Los Angeles County Federation of Labor Executive Secretary-Treasurer Maria Elena Durazo, and former Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority General Manager Dr. Beverly Scott. The exhibition is part of the greater Women Can Build project launched by Jobs to Move America.

HDRsoft have released the plugin edition of Photomatix Essentials. Providing all the power and simplicity of the standalone edition, the new plugin is tightly integrated with Adobe Photoshop Elements. Adding the ability to process photos that have already been opened in Photoshop Elements, the Photomatix Essentials Plugin is designed for photographers who want an easy-to-use introduction to HDR imaging. The plugin is available for Photoshop Elements version 10 and above on both Windows ( XP / Vista / 7 / 8) and Mac OS X (Mac OS 10.7 or later).

Macphun today announced a major update to their black and white photo editing software, Tonality. The application, which uses a proprietary 16-bit raw processing engine, advanced imaging algorithms and a comprehensive set of unique digital darkroom features, now sports a new Luminosity Mask control for creating even more dramatic photos, and brings support for Photos for Mac, the latest version of Lightroom CC and a number of new raw image file formats. As with the original version, Tonality is offered in a standard version sold exclusively from the Mac App Store (SRP: £13.49; introductory price: £9.99) and a “Pro” version (SRP: £49.99; introductory price: £39.99) sold on the company’s website. The Pro version offers advanced features and the ability to run as either a standalone or as a plug-in to host applications such as Adobe Lightroom or Adobe Photoshop. Photographers who originally purchased the standard version of Tonality should launch the Mac App Store and choose “Updates” to automatically get the new software. Users of the Pro version should launch the standalone Pro app and choose the menu item Tonality Pro > Check for Updates to automatically get the new software.

DxO today introduced the DxO ONE, a smartphone-controlled, raw-capable camera module featuring a 1"-type sensor and a 32mm (eq.) f/1.8 lens with a 6-bladed aperture diaphragm. The 20.2-megapixel DxO ONE is a premium camera that attaches to your iPhone or iPad via the Lightning connector, turning the smartphone/tablet display into the camera’s viewfinder. A free iOS app enables control of the individual settings on the DxO ONE camera, including aperture, shutter speed (from 15s to 1/8000s), and ISO (from 100 to 51200). In addition to an Auto mode, the DxO ONE app offers various capture modes, including multiple Scene modes, Speed, Aperture Priority, or full Manual mode – and the user interface automatically adapts to the selected mode for a unique user experience. For the ultimate in noise-free image quality – even in very low light – users can choose to capture images in DxO’s new SuperRAW format. A SuperRAW file is the result of 4 raw frames captured in quick succession. When the DxO ONE camera is connected to a Mac or PC, the DxO Connect companion software automatically merges the four images together using the very latest in spatial and temporal noise reduction. The DxO ONE also records videos at 1080p/30fps or 720p/120fps, and swivels ±60° enabling creative perspectives. The DxO ONE is available for pre-order at £499, with delivery planned for Q4 2015.

Photography Blog recently sat down with Canon UK’s Product Intelligence Professional David Parry to hear more about the features of the new Canon PowerShot G3 X camera, due out in mid July.

Want to see exactly what the new Canon PowerShot G3 X compact camera looks like in the flesh?

Check out our extensive hands-on gallery of photos of the Canon PowerShot G3 X compact camera, which features a large 1.0-type CMOS sensor and a 25x optical zoom with an effective focal length of 24-600mm.

The Canon PowerShot G3 X is Canon’s first superzoom compact camera to feature a 1.0-type back-illuminated 20.2 MP CMOS sensor. Other key features of the Canon G3 X include a 25x, 9 blade f,/2.8-5.6 aperture zoom lens, continuous shooting at 5.9 shots a second, Full HD movies with variable frame rates from 24p up to 60p, a 3.2” tilt touch screen, dust and drip-proof body, and wi-fi and NFC connectivity. The Canon PowerShot G3 X retails for £799 / $999.

The Ricoh GR II is a new compact camera with an APS-C sized 16-megapixel imager, 18.3mm f/2.8 lens, Wi-Fi and NFC. Providing a range of smartphone-support functions, including wireless image transfer and remote shooting; the Ricoh GR II comes with an improved white balance algorithm and enhanced noise management, as well as new creative tools including six effect modes and wireless flash support.The GR II’s high-speed AF system captures a subject in focus in a mere 0.2 seconds,thanks to the optimisation of its lens drive mechanism and AF algorithm and the high-speed readout of image data obtained by the image sensor.

MeFOTO has launched a new BYOT (Build Your Own Tripod) service for its RoadTrip Travel Tripod. Now, photo enthusiasts can choose from an array of 12 colours to design a unique tripod that reflects their individual style. The MeFOTO Build Your Own Tripod lets you design a unique, creative tool in the colour of your choice. The BYOT service is available now and starts at $249 (which includes free shipping) in the US only.

Lasersoft has announced a new, paid upgrade for its SilverFast software, which incorporates a printer calibration tool. The ICC printer calibration utilises a flatbed scanner, whose colours are first adjusted with SilverFast’s patented auto IT8 calibration method, as a measuring device for profiling the printer. Users simply print a test chart using their printer and scan this chart with their IT8 calibrated scanner. SilverFast then calculates an ICC profile for their printer and the paper and ink combination. Those who already have SilverFast 8.5 for their scanner can purchase the upgrade for $99.

Think Tank Photo’s new Trifecta backpacks are specifically designed for the working pro’s three workhorse lenses: their ultra-wide, mid-range, and telephoto zooms. The Trifecta 8 Mirrorless Backpack accommodates a medium to large compact system camera with lens attached, 2–5 additional lenses, up to an 8” tablet, plus personal gear. The Trifecta 10 DSLR Backpack fits a standard size SLR body with lens attached, 2–4 additional lenses, up to a 10” tablet, plus personal gear. Both backpacks sling for side access from both the left and right. The rear panel opening offers complete access to gear. The additional top compartment fits lunch or other essentials, while the included tripod attachment strap secures a tripod to the front panel. BOth models include a seam-sealed rain cover.

Sony have issued firmware upgrades for their A6000 (pictured), A7S, A7R and A7 compact system camera models. Available now as free download from the Sony website, firmware version 2.00 reduces the time between switching on the camera to viewing a picture on the LCD screen or OLED viewfinder by 30%, and enables high bit-rate movie recording at 50p/25p in PAL and 60p/30p/24p in NTSC in XAVC S format. You can download the updates from the website below.