Ricoh has launched the Pentax K-3 II digital SLR camera. Following in the footsteps of the award-winning Pentax K-3, the new model delivers exceptionally high-resolution images supported by state-of-the-art technologies including an enhanced shake reduction system — the most highly effective in the K series — and a newly developed super-resolution technology; the Pixel Shift Resolution System. This innovative system delivers super-high-resolution images with far more truthful colour reproduction and much finer detail, while significantly lowering the level of high-sensitivity noise. Like its predecessor, the Pentax K-3 II also features: an APS-C-size CMOS image sensor with approximately 24.35 effective megapixels; an AA-filter-free design for high-resolution image reproduction; a high-performance 27-point AF system; high-speed continuous shooting at approximately 8.3 images per second; and a dustproof, weather-resistant construction ideal for capturing shots outdoors. It even incorporates a GPS module for the accurate recording of shooting locations and simplified, high-precision tracking of celestial bodies, to eliminate the need for an optional GPS unit. The body-only price is £769.99, and the camera is also going to be available in a number of kit configurations from 22 May 2015.

Zeiss has announced their first full-frame autofocus lenses for Sony's E-mount cameras. "The Batis family of lenses is the first time we have launched autofocus lenses for Sony's full-frame E-mount cameras which are Zeiss through and through – in other words exclusively developed and distributed by us," says Dr. Michael Pollmann, Product Manager at Zeiss Camera Lenses. The lenses feature an OLED display that shows the distance between the camera system and the plane of focus, as well as the depth of field. The Zeiss Batis 2/25 and 1.8/85 lenses will be available for purchase in April and start shipping in July 2015. The 25mm lens comprises 10 elements in 8 groups, and offers a maximum reproduction ratio of 1:5.2. The Zeiss Batis 1.8/85 is an 85mm telephoto prime comprising 11 elements in 8 groups. The recommended retail prices are $1,299/€1092 for the Zeiss Batis 2/25 and $1,199/€1008 for the Zeiss Batis 1.8/85.

Nikon has posted a firmware update for its professional Nikon D4S digital SLR camera. Version 1.20 adds full support for the SB-500 flash unit, improves AWB consistency and removes the limit on the number of shots that can be taken in a single burst when a continuous-release mode is selected in M and S modes. The new firmware also changes how focus points are displayed in the viewfinder if the camera is rotated between portrait and landscape orientation, and fixes bugs. Click through / read on for the details.

The Polaroid Zip, one of the smallest and lightest portable printers ever made, is now available worldwide. Connecting wirelessly to any smartphone or tablet, the Polaroid Zip mobile printer allows users to instantly print 2x3-inch colour photos from virtually any image on their Apple or Android device. Approximately the size of a smartphone, the Polaroid Zip weighs just 186g (.41lbs) and can be taken anywhere. The device measures 2.91” x 4.72”, just less than one inch thick and boasts a striking high-gloss finish augmented by the iconic Polaroid logo. Despite its wealth of features, the only physical control is a power button which has been seamlessly integrated into the unit’s simple design. The Polaroid Zip mobile printer features a free app for iOS and Android and connects to mobile devices via Bluetooth 4.0 or NFC. The Polaroid Zip is currently available for $129.99 in the US at Photojojo.com and online at B&H Photo, and internationally on Amazon.

ReaConverter 7 Lite is a free version of ReaConverter, ReaSoft's batch image conversion and editing program for Windows. The Lite edition supports 5 most popular formats: BMP, GIF, JPEG, PNG, TIFF both for reading and for writing, and all editing options of the full version including colour and position alteration, watermarks, retouching and other features. The full version supports over 400 image file formats and offers a range of automated functions not found in ReaConverter 7 Lite.

Joining the existing Explorer and Athena ranges, the new Hiker line-up from Nest includes three shoulder bags and two backpacks. All of these bags are available in a camouflage 600D waterproof nylon version as well as a black 210D waterproof rip-stop nylon edition which has a stylish patterned finish. The Hiker 10, 20 and 30 shoulder bags offer an integrated padded shoulder strap and rain cover. The Nest Hiker 100 backpack has two sections, one for camera gear and one for everyday items. The Hiker 200 is a dedicated photo backpack with a separate compartment for a 15" notebook. Pricing starts at £49.99 for the shoulder bags and £99.99 for the backpacks.

Yongnuo has announced a new full-frame 35mm prime with auto focus. The Canon-mount Yongnuo YN35mm F2 lens has a minimum focus distance of 25cm, and a maximum magnification of 0.23x. The optical construction features 7 elements in 5 groups and an iris diaphragm witrh 7 rounded blades. The lens takes 52mm filters, and will be available from Yongnuo's Amazon and eBay stores.

Adobe today announced a major update to its Creative Cloud Photography plan with the release of an all-new Adobe Photoshop Lightroom CC. This is a subscription-based desktop application that boasts a number of new features including HDR Merge, Panorama Merge, Face Recognition, advanced video slideshows and various performance/GPU enhancements. Automatically synced with Lightroom CC on the desktop, Lightroom on mobile devices lets users access and edit their catalogue of photos across a full range of iOS and Android devices. This release includes a major enhancement for Android with DNG raw file support on compatible Lollipop-enabled devices. The Adobe Creative Cloud Photography plan (£8.57/$9.99 per month) includes Lightroom CC across desktop, Web and mobile, Photoshop CC and Photoshop Mix (for iPhone and iPad). All products are also available as part of Creative Cloud complete plan.

Totally Rad! announced today the launch of Replichrome III: Archive, a new collection of presets for Adobe Lightroom and Camera Raw. While Replichrome I and II concentrated on modern and semi-available films, Replichrome III: Archive introduces photographers to 22 different films and 183 different presets, based on rare, expired, discontinued and eclectic films from across the world. “With Replichrome III, we wanted to give photographers a palette of choices that they wouldn’t have access to anywhere else,” said Doug Boutwell, CEO of Totally Rad! Inc. “We tracked down these expired and outdated films for years, and recreated the vintage looks with Replichrome III: Archive. Offering more unique choices than ever, if photographers are looking for timeworn, perfectly weird and rare, dramatic looking film, then Replichrome III is for them. We’re excited to offer emulations of this kind, which can’t be found on the market today.” Replichrome I and II are available now for $99 each. For a limited time, Replichrome III: Archive will be available at a discounted price of $69.

The Royal Photographic Society (RPS) has announced four bursaries to help students and other photographers to realise projects across the still and moving image. These include the Joan Wakelin Bursary, the Short Film Award, the Postgraduate Bursary and two Environmental Awareness bursaries. Click through / read on for more information.

Manfrotto are running a series of pop-up events across Britain in April and May. At these events, Manfrotto will be your local photographic store for one day offering customers the chance to come along to free photography talks, take advantage of special discounts and exclusive offers plus free demonstrations and the chance to view all of their latest products. Click through / scroll down for a list of dates and locations.

The winners of the Event Photography Awards 2015 were announced at a cocktail party in the Barbican’s Garden Room. Professional photographer Miles Willis scored a double win for his artful capture ‘Portrait of a flyman at Hackney Empire’, taking home both the ‘Behind the Scenes’ category title and the overall accolade of ‘Best Event Photograph of the Year 2015’. Amateur talent Ocean Belcher, from New Zealand, transported judges to a passionate rendezvous between two lovers at a party, as they found themselves lost in the music surrounding them. Her image was named winner of the ‘Music Events’ category. Other winners on the night included Antony Alexandrou in ‘Private Events & Weddings’, Martin James in ‘Corporate Events’ and in ‘Experiential & Trade Shows’, and Steve Fleming in the ‘Sporting Events’ category, who wowed judges with the grueling drama and beautiful scenery captured in his photograph of two cyclists tackling The Fred Whitton Challenge in the Yorkshire Dales (above). All the winning photographs will be displayed, with the help of sponsor Perton Signs, at Square Meal’s Venues & Events Live exhibition at Old Billingsgate in September 2015.

Broncolor has launched the new FT System, an advanced addition to the existing family of Broncolor continuous lights and Para products. The Broncolor Para is a true parabolic light bank that provides focus and the control to create a sculpted soft and beautiful effect not possible with a simple umbrella or reflector. As part of the Broncolor family, the new Para HR (Heat Resistant) reflectors support the most powerful lighting options and the new Para FT (Focusing Tube) lamphead design allows the use of HMIs, tungsten heads and strobe heads in parabolic light banks that can be setup in just minutes.The broncolor HMI FT1600 is dimmable, and provides constant colour at all times. New heat-resistant materials make it possible for both the 88 HR and 133 HR Paras to handle the high output from the new HMI 1600W FT and 2000W tungsten-halogen light sources. The new Para 88 HR and Para 133 HR kits will be available in June 2015. The complete broncolor FT System will be shipping September.