Lowepro has announced a new range of shoulder bags. The Lowepro Format camera bags are available in five sizes, and offer streamlined dessigns with a variety of options for both photo and video gear, multiple pockets, interior padding, weather-resistant fabric and YKK zippers. The Lowepro Format 160  fits an SLR camera with attached kit lens and 2 extra lenses, as well as a selection of other accessories and personal devices, all for £29.99. The Format 140, 120, 110 and 100 are progressively smaller designs priced between £17.99 and £24.99. “Our new Format series addresses the protection and carrying needs of today’s new photographers and enthusiasts who like variety in their imaging gear,” said Mark Regan, Country Manager for Lowepro UK.  “These bags are designed to accommodate multiple devices – from DSLRs to CSCs to camcorders – and make it easy to adjust the fit to suit a particular shooting style or photo adventure.”

The Art of iPhone Photography by Bob Weil and Nicki Fitz-Gerald is a new title from Rocky Nook. The book explores how 45 of today's most creative iPhonegraphers from around the world conceived, composed, and edited some of their finest and best-known pieces—all in their own words. In addition, it includes explanations for the practical use of nearly a hundred photography apps that you can use to take, edit and share photos with your iPhone. The 352-page volume is available for $44.95.

The Zeiss Touit 2.8/12 lens has been honoured by the European Imaging and Sound Association (EISA). At this year's ceremony for the coveted EISA Awards, the international jury selected the Touit 2.8/12 lens as the “European Compact System Lens of the Year 2013 – 2014”. Since its launch, the Touit 2.8/12 has already received the iF product design and red dot product design awards in addition to the EISA Award.

The Tiffen Company has launched its Steadicam Curve for GoPro competition. A “Best in Show” at CE Week 2013 (Dealerscope), Steadicam Curve for GoPro is a stealth camera stabilising system designed for action-packed, one-handed GoPro camera shoots. Compact enough to fit in your back pocket, the Steadicam Curve weighs in at a mere ¹/₂lb. The new contest is asking participants to submit their favourite Curve colour – black, silver, red, purple or blue – and share for a chance to win a Curve in their favorite hue. To take part, visit the website below.

Lynda.com has released a new, 33-minute video entitled The Creative Spark: Nick Onken, Travel and Lifestyle Photographer, which is available to the public for free until 30th August. Viewers will be able to watch Nick photograph a fashion model in New York, tour Guatemala with him through his work with Pencils of Promise, and listen to him telling his story about becoming a photographer. You can watch the video over at Lynda.com's Facebook fan page.

Lowepro has introduced two new camera bags. The new Photo Sport Shoulder bags offer photography enthusiasts a lightweight carrying solution for any DSLR or CSC kit with an adjustable and removable camera insert that transforms the bag into a fully functional day bag. “Our new Photo Sport Shoulder takes its inspiration from our award-winning Photo Sport designs,” said Mark Regan, Country Manager for Lowepro UK. “To make this travel-friendly shoulder bag a ‘sport’, we added durable ripstop nylon for lightweight resiliency, thick webbing straps for a comfortable and secure fit on the body, plus a storm-flap closure for extra moisture protection around the camera box." Available in two sizes, the Photo Sport Shoulder bag is priced at £57 (12L) and £65 (18L).

Transcend today announced the introduction of 128GB 600x and 64GB 300x SDXC UHS-I cards. Offering transfer speeds of up to 90MB/s and 45MB/s respectively, these memory cards provide both the storage capacity and the operational speed required to save, store and transfer large numbers of high-resolution photos and HD videos with ease. "Combining high capacity with full support of the Ultra-High Speed Class 1 specification, the new SDXC UHS-I memory cards effectively ensure ample storage space for capturing professional-quality images and high-definition videos, while offering enhanced camera response and significantly faster data transfers," the company says. The new 128GB 600x SDXC UHS-I card is currently available for a suggested price of $279, and the 64GB 300x SDXC UHS-I card is available for $109.

The European Imaging and Sound Association (EISA) has recognised the Samsung NX300 and Galaxy NX compact system cameras with two prestigious awards. The 20.3-megapixel NX300 has been named the 'European Compact System Camera of the Year 2013-2014,' while the Android-powered Samsung Galaxy NX (pictured) has been awarded the 'European Photo Innovation 2013-2014' title.

This year, Sony has won two photography-related EISA awards. The company's flagship camera, the Alpha SLT-A99, has been recognised with the 'European Advanced Camera of the year 2013-2014' title, while the Cyber-shot DSC-HX50 superzoom (pictured) has scooped up the 'European Compact Camera of the year 2013-2014' award. Beyond photography, the company has also received accolades in the television, HT receiver and tablet categories.

Canon has been honoured with three product awards by the European Imaging and Sound Association (EISA). The Canon EOS 100D has been awarded the ‘European SLR Camera 2013-2014’, the EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x lens (pictured) has been named ‘European Professional Lens 2013-2014’ and the Canon EOS 6D has won the ‘European Advanced SLR Camera 2013-2014’ award. “Offering first-class products that enable creative expression is what drives Canon, so we’re honoured to receive these awards,” said Steve Marshall, Product Marketing Director, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon Europe. “By offering truly innovative products and technologies, our vision is to help photographers at all levels take the next step in their imaging journey. These products are a great example of that vision, and this recognition from the EISA judging panel is a testament to their outstanding quality.”

The European Imaging Sound Association (EISA) has recognised the Nikon D7100 digital SLR camera with the ‘European Camera of the Year’ award. Marina Gurevich, Product Manager for Consumer DSLRs at Nikon Europe, said: “We are very proud to receive this important award from EISA for our enthusiast-level DX format D7100. Since launching the camera in February this year, it has earned rave reviews – which we believe is down to its impressive resolution, professional-level 51-point autofocus system and a combination of powerful features in a durable body.”

Panasonic has received EISA awards for its Lumix DMC-GH3 compact system camera and the new version of its Lumix G Vario 14-140mm f/3.5-5.6 Asph. / Power O.I.S.lens. Established in 1982, the European Imaging Sound Association (EISA) is a multimedia association that tests consumer electronic products. The Lumix GH3 won the ‘European Photo-Video Camera 2013-2014’ award for its versatility as a high class still and video camera, while the updated Lumix G Vario 14-140mm lens was named the ‘European Compact System Zoom Lens 2013-2014.'

The European Imaging & Sound Association (EISA) has honoured two Olympus cameras with leading awards. The Olympus PEN E-P5 has won the European Advanced Compact System Camera 2013-2014, and the Tough TG-2 (pictured) took the accolades in the European Travel Camera category. The EISA is an organisation representing 50 leading camera, imaging and audio magazines in 20 European countries. Each year it selects outstanding products and technologies from a wide spectrum of audio-visual product categories.

Tamron has today announced that the European Imaging and Sound Association (EISA) has presented Tamron with two European Lens awards for 2013-2014. The Tamron SP 90mm F/2.8 Di MACRO 1:1 VC USD (read review) has won the “European Lens 2013-2014” and the Tamron SP 70-200mm F/2.8 Di VC USD (read review) has won the “European Zoom Lens 2013-2014.”

Tamron USA now offers 3-business-day repair service turnaround for photographic lenses. Now, all lenses received in the company's system by noon EST are estimated the same day and moved onto the next stage. Lenses under warranty are repaired and shipped back to the customer within three business days. Out of warranty lenses are repaired and shipped back within three business days of the customer's approval of the repair estimate.

Travel Photographer of the Year (TPOTY) founder and professional photographer Chris Coe is to lead a special photographic workshop in Morocco, in conjunction with cazenove+loyd. The seven-day adventure (April 27th – May 3rd 2014) takes participants to Marrakech and the High Atlas Mountains, where Chris will teach them about the craft of composition, while showing them how to capture the essence and atmosphere of Morocco in their photographs. Prices  start at £1,975, to include all photography tuition, accommodation, full board meals, guiding and internal transfers. International flights and travel insurance are not included. For further information on the itinerary or to book a place, visit the website below.

Think Tank Photo’s new outdoor photography camera bag company, MindShift Gear, has released its multi-purpose Contact Sheet. Designed for photographers who work in wet or dirty environments and who need a clean, dry work area, this 3.5’ x 5’ waterproof ground tarp provides a barrier from the elements. The 3.5’x5’ Contact Sheet stuffs into a mesh pouch for easy transportation and storage. MindShift Gear's Contact Sheet is available for $39.99.

RotaryView has launched the first free online marketplace for 360° images today. The database contains thousands of commercial 360° shots, along with RotaryView's 360° mobile app and prosumer technologies – giving small-to-medium sized businesses a set of free and low-cost tools to achieve the professional look for online product sales. “We’ve been in the commercial 360° image space for over fifteen years and decided the whole system needed a reboot to catch on with the masses,” said RotaryView CEO and co-founder Gev Rotem.  “With RotaryView, you don’t need professional equipment; we make it simple and affordable.  We’ve even built up a community of 360° images populated by photographers, retailers, resellers and big name brands – all around the idea of sharing 360° photography to help everyone sell more products.”

From 19th August, the Met Museum in NYC will be hosting an exhibition of portraits by Julia Margaret Cameron, one of photography's earliest masters. Cameron (1815-1879) blended an unorthodox technique, a deeply spiritual sensibility, and a Pre-Raphaelite–inflected aesthetic to create a gallery of vivid portraits and a mirror of the Victorian soul. The showing of 35 works is drawn entirely from the Metropolitan’s own collection, including major works from the Rubel Collection acquired in 1997 and the Gilman Collection acquired in 2005. The photographs will be on display until 5 January 2014 at the Howard Gilman Gallery.