Delix Software has released version 1.1 of Alayer, an iOS app that promises to "give anyone unprecedented control over the aesthetics of their [smartphone] photos." Now you can clone/duplicate the photo you are working with as a new layer, and choose from  over 100 presets and 15 different blending modes to manipulate the image. Alayer is available for $0.99 on the iTunes App Store.

The Society of International Nature and Wildlife Photographers has launched its newest competition entitled ‘Celebrating Nature.’ The challenge this month is to enter stunning images that reflect the beauty of nature and capture the true essence of the world around us. The judges will be looking for  a strong and interesting narrative as well as the highest technical skills. The deadline for entries is 31st December.

TeoreX has updated iResizer, a simple yet capable utility designed to resize pictures and remove undesired objects. Version 2.4 adds a feature enabling users to automatically resize their photos for Instagram without cropping. You only need to mark areas on the photo you would like to preserve, and run Instagram resizing. iResizer is available for Windows and Mac OS, priced at $19.99.

DxO Labs have just launched version 4.5 of their photographic film emulation software, DxO FilmPack. This update adds Agfa Scala 200X and Kodak Ektar 100 film renderings, provides new creative looks, and improves its palette of special effects. "Thanks to DxO Labs’ exclusive calibration technologies, the two new film renderings achieve an unrivaled level of quality and fidelity," the company claims. "DxO Labs perfectly reproduced the grain, quality, and style of these two films by following a rigorous scientific process: taking carefully-controlled photos with the analog films; developing the photos using two renowned professional photo development laboratories; and carefully scanning, digitizing, and analyzing the developed shots." This upgrade is free for all owners of DxO FilmPack 4, as well as for photographers who acquired a DxO FilmPack 3 licence on or after 1 March 2013.

DxO Labs have released version 9.1 of its image processing software, DxO Optics Pro. This update enhances the application's PRIME denoising technology that restores the finest details in images even at the very highest sensitivities; provides support for eight new cameras; integrates the features of new DxO FilmPack v4.5 in plugin mode; and includes a new Export to Facebook option. This upgrade is free for all owners of DxO Optics Pro 9, as well as for photographers who acquired a DxO Optics Pro license on or after 1 September 2013.

The MAC Group has announced a Winter Holiday instant rebate of $25 for US customers that purchase one or more PocketWizard MiniTT1 and/or FlexTT5 radios. Likewise, purchasers of PocketWizard PlusX and/or Plus III radios are eligible for a $15 mail-in rebate for each radio they buy. The instant rebate is available only for new inventory purchased from authorized PocketWizard Dealers in the US. The promotion will run throughout this month.

The Society of Wedding and Portrait Photographers (SWPP) have announced the winners of their ‘Love’ photographic competition. Gilchrist Yeo from Johor, Malaysia was chosen as the overall winner from over 240 images entered, for his photo reproduced above. Phil Jones The Societies CEO says “The image portrays a beautiful feeling off togetherness and harmony between two people who are very much in love." The runners-up are Elizabeth Ann Roberts from Inverness, and Leighton Bainbridge from County Durham.

The Kolor Panobook 2013 is a new book containing the best entries from this year's Kolor panoramic photography contest. This 240-page hardback offers breathtaking landscapes, cityscapes, beaches, buildings, people, and street scenery, taken by day and by night. The book is available for €34,90 at the website below.

Tenba has reintroduced three vintage bag designs for a new generation of photographers. The Tenba Classic collection includes three models: the P211 courier bag, the P415 briefcase camera bag, and the Tenba 2 camera bag. These bags feature the same fine tailoring and uncompromising materials and hardware as when they were first launched up to thirty-four years ago. "These benchmark Tenba bag designs have been highly sought after for their legendary quality, great looks and high performance," said Peter Waisnor, Marketing Manager of Tenba. "After fielding thousands of requests for these bags from around the world, we decided it was time to bring them to a current generation of photographers." Tenba Classic bags began shipping on December 1st at a suggested retail price of $59.95 for the Tenba 2, $89.95 for the P211, and $169.95 for the P415.

Fujifilm has announced the discontinuation of its black and white instant film, FP-3000B. While the company admits that they have recently witnessed a "dramatic rise" in the popoularity of "many instant film products," the demand for this particular film has declined. Fujifilm says that it "will continue to market the colour instant film, FP-100C plus the full range of Instax cameras and associated films."

Canon Japan has just announced the Canon EOS M2 compact system camera. Promising "greatly improved" auto focus performance courtesy of a new Hybrid AF II system, the Canon EOS M2 also boasts on-board Wi-Fi and an 8% smaller body by volume. Other highlights include an 18-megapixel APS-C sized CMOS sensor, DIGIC 5 processing engine and a continuous shooting speed of 4.6 frames per second. Availability is slated for Mid-December, with pricing to be communicated. Canon Europe have confirmed that the EOS M2 will not be available in Europe.

Source: Canon Japan

Manfrotto is giving away THREE fantastic new Pro Bags bags, each worth £150!

The 3 lucky winners are: Ian Clowes, A Rowlands and Natalie Merino.

MANFROTTO PROFESSIONAL BAGS COLLECTION

MANFROTTO LAUNCHES LATEST RANGE OF PROFESSIONAL CAMERA BAGS FOR TOP PHOTOGRAPHERS - The highest protection for professional camera equipment.

Manfrotto UK has launched its latest Professional bags collection aimed at top photographers. With this collection of 16 camera bags in five styles, Manfrotto provides professional camera equipment the best protection on the market.

For more information or to view or buy Manfrotto products online visit: www.manfrotto.co.uk

Xsories have launched a new range of pocket-sized digital projectors that allow you to share your videos, photos and other images. Comprising three units, the line-up includes a £349:99 'Pro' model that measures 10.5x10.5x3.1cm and a LED lamp providing 80 lumens of illumination. The projector has a resolution of 854x480 pixels and an image size of up to 305cm on the longer side. The range also includes the medium-size, £259:99 'X-Project' model and the tiny, £239:99 X-Project Micro (pictured), which is not much larger than a smartphone.

Ilford Imaging Switzerland GmbH announced that the company is again facing liquidity issues and is no longer able to honour its full financial obligations. The Managemant Team is working closely with the Swiss state and the appropriate authorities in order to minimise the negative impact on all parties involved. Do note that Ilford Imaging, which develops and manufactures consumables for inkjet printing and other coated products, is not to be confused with Ilford Photo, a UK-based company that produces black-and-white photographic film, papers and chemicals.

From now until 24th December Wacom Europe will publish daily questions by GoSee on their Cintiq Info Channel from all fields of the creative world. Clues for the correct answer can be found on gosee.us. Users enter the draw to be in with a chance of winning daily prizes including the new Intuos Pro, Cintiq 13HD and Inkling by typing in the comments field below the original question post. The main prize is a new creative mobile tablet - the Cintiq Companion. The Christmas campaign ‘The Creative Year 2013’ with Wacom and GoSee will integrate the Wacom Europe Facebook channel ‘Wacom Creatives Europe; as well as Wacom Europe’s Twitter account.

Toda Seiko has announced a diagonal fisheye lens for Fujifilm X-mount and Sony E-mount cameras. The Toda Seiko 12mm f/7.4 is a manual-focus lens with a fixed aperture, seven-layer muticoating and 4 lens elements in 4 groups. Weighing in at 220g, the lens has a total length of 58.5mm and maximum diameter of 65mm. In Japan, the Toda Seiko 12mm f/7.4 Diagonal Fisheye lens will be available for 24,800 yen.

Via Digital Camera Japan

Fujifilm has been declared one of the top 100 global innovators in the prestigious Thomson Reuters list. Peter Wigington, Marketing Manager for Fujifilm Photo Imaging Group commented on the announcement: "It is a huge honour for Fujifilm to be named as one of the world's most innovative companies and this accolade is testament to the quality of the products we design and manufacture." 2013 is the second successive year Fujifilm has received the accolade.

Adorama today announced the return of its “Deal of the Day” holiday sales event. Beginning Thanksgiving Day and ending Christmas Eve, shoppers can visit Adorama.com for substantial savings on select electronics, computing, photography and video products. “The Adorama ‘Deal of the Day’ sales event is designed to not only provide steep discounts for our customers but to also bring some excitement to the online shopping experience – every day brings a new surprise that truly benefits the shopper. Plus, with our team of pros hand-selecting each featured product, customers will be presented with an outstanding deal on the industry’s most exceptional and in-demand gear and gadgets,” comments Ahron Schachter, director of strategic planning,