In support of the Gary Sinise Foundation, a non-profit charitable organisation dedicated to improving the lives of American veterans, Geo Tactical Solutions (GTS) has teamed up with Canon USA to launch the “Actions Speak Louder than Words” photo contest. GTS will be donating $1 to the foundation for every photo entry and vote submitted. The contest runs until 7 December 2012 and three winners will be selected based on photo entries that receive the highest number of votes at the end of the contest. The first prize is a Canon PowerShot G1X camera, the second prize is a PowerShot Elph 110 HS, while the third place winner will receive a $50 Amazon gift card.

Unified Color Technologies has released HDR Express 2. Boasting a more streamlined workflow, image stacking and new de-ghosting algorithms, HDR Express 2 is powered by the company’s Beyond RGB technology, which allows colour and brightness channels to be adjusted independently thus preventing the telltale colour shifts often associated with HDR images. “Unlike other photo editing software, the new HDR Express 2 features “Adaptive Tone Mapping” algorithms that further improve contrast, colour, and detail retention in the highlight areas of large dynamic range images, while also maintaining optimal contrast and colour in darker areas of the image,” the company says. HDR Express 2 can be used as stand-alone HDR software or a plug-in to Adobe Photoshop Lightroom and Apple Aperture. It accepts JPEGs and TIFFs as well as most of the major manufacturers’ raw file formats. HDR Express 2 is available immediately at a special introductory price $84 through 12 November 2012, after which it will be available for the regular price of $99. Current Unified Color customers can upgrade to HDR Express 2 for $59.

Nikon has released five full-resolution sample photos taken with the 24-megapixel Nikon D5200 digital SLR camera. Taken at sensitivity settings ranging from ISO 100/21° to ISO 400/27°, these Nikon D5200 samples were captured with a variety of lenses including the AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G (read review), AF-S DX Nikkor 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR (read review), AF-S DX Micro-Nikkor 40mm f/2.8G and AF-S DX Nikkor 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR (read review). All of these sample images were shot as 14-bit/channel NEFs and all of them are presented in JPEG format,

Website: Official Nikon D5200 Samples

Canon has added two new image stabilised offerings to its EF lens line-up. Combining a useful focal range with a premium quality L-series construction, the Canon EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM also features a new macro function which also optimises the placement of lens groups during macro photography, allowing shooting at a maximum magnification of 0.7x. A dust- and moist-resistant construction enables the lens to be used in less than ideal weather conditions, when coupled with a similarly sealed camera body. The EF 35mm f/2 IS USM (pictured above) is Canon’s first-ever 35mm prime to feature optical Image Stabilisation, with a claimed four-stop advantage when shooting hand-held. Intelligent detection of panning motion is also supported, with Panning IS mode automatically engaged to enable photographers to capture movement with greater accuracy. The Canon EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM and the Canon EF 35mm f/2 IS USM are expected to be available in December for approximate retail prices of $1,499.00 / £1499 and $849.99 / £799, respectively.

Want to see exactly what the new Nikon D5200 DSLR camera looks like in the flesh?

Check out our extensive hands-on gallery of 46 photos of the Nikon D5200, including both the read and black versions.

The Nikon D5200 is a mid-range digital SLR with a brand new Nikon-developed 24.1 megapixel sensor, which different to the one in the D3200, principally offering greater dynamic range.

The Nikon D5200 is a new mid-range DX-format DSLR camera. The 24.1 megapixel Nikon D5200 succeeds the D5100, featuring a new EXPEED 3 image processor, ISO range of 100-6400 which is extendable to 25600, 3-inch vari-angle LCD monitor, Fulll 1080p HD movies, 5fps burst shooting, 39-point AF system, 2,016-pixel RGB metering sensor, the Scene Recognition System and a new generation GUI Design.

The optional WU-1a Wireless Mobile Adapter can transmit images from the D5200 to an Apple or Android smart device control your camera remotely from your smart device, while the new WR-R10 Wireless Remote transceiver and WR-T10 Wireless Remote transmitter let you control key camera functions from a distance.

Available in three colours, black, red and bronze, the Nikon D5200 will cost £719.99 / €899.00 body only, or £819.99 / €1029.00 with the 18-55mm VR lens. Sales start in December 2012.

JP Distribution has announced the UK availability of the Gepe Card Safe Extreme “All In One” memory card protector. Developed for the transport, safekeeping and optimal protection of your memory cards, the Card Safe Extreme accommodates four CompactFlash, four SD, eight microSD cards and two Memory Sticks. Like all other Card Safes it protects memory cards against dust, humidity, shock and electrostatic charge. In addition, it is water- and “climate proof” and comes with a stainless steel pin and a connector to fix it at the belt or camera bag. The Gepe Card Safe Extreme “All In One” memory card protector is available for £18.99

Samsung UK today announced the availability of its new, Android-powered Galaxy Camera. Hitting the shops on Thursday, 8th November, the Samsung Galaxy Camera is a sixteen-megapixel superzoom camera with a 4.8” high-definition capacitive touchscreen, 21x optical zoom, optical image stabilisation, and Android 4.1 Jelly Bean operating system with Wi-Fi and 3G/4G connectivity. The 4.1-86.1mm f/2.8-5.9 lens offers an angle-of-view range equivalent to that of an imaginary 23-483mm lens on a 35mm camera body. The Samsung Galaxy Camera can be yours for £399.99.

Athentech has released Version 3.0 of its Perfectly Clear app for Apple’s iPhone and iPad devices. This update introduces a completely redesigned interface, integrated noise removal, new Beautify filer and a one-click fix for the “purple haze issue” - essentially a particularly bad case of lens flare - that occurs when the iPhone camera is pointed toward the sun or some other bright source of light. Perfectly Clear 3.0 for iPhone and iPad is available on iTunes for $2.99.

Delkin has added a lightweight and affordable monopod and a full-size tripod to the Fat Gecko product line. Both made of carbon fibre material, the Fat Gecko Monopod and Tripod are billed as the lightest, most durable, and inexpensive carbon fibre products currently on the market. Featuring a folded height of 16” and maximum height of 57”, the monopod is able to hold up to 30lbs without bending. Its unique 5-section design also allows the monopod to set up and break down in a matter of seconds. the company says. The Fat Gecko Tripod (pictured), which folds down to 22” and reaches 67” when fully extended, can also hold up to 30lbs and weighs only one pound. Retail price for the Fat Gecko Tripod is $119.99, while the Fat Gecko Monopod is priced at $69.99.

Panasonic has announced upcoming firmware updates for its Lumix G X Vario 12-35mm f/2.8 Power O.I.S. and 35-100mm f/2.8 Power O.I.S. Micro Four Thirds lenses. The firmware upgrade will enhance auto focus performance on the Panasonic GH3, with the camera set to 240fps recording. You will be able to download the updates in the middle of December, 2012.

Somerset-based start-up Phlib have launched a new 3D magnetic frame. Like their other frames, you get the option of 27 single photos or the ‘photo explosion’, which is 1 image split into 27 pieces and spread over the entire frame. Photos are held to a sleek, metal, skeleton frame by tiny but powerful magnets. The novelty of the 3D Phlib frame is that it fits into the corner of the room (two walls and the ceiling).

Website: Phlib

Witness, a four-part documentary series from award-winning filmmaker Michael Mann, debuts this Monday, 5th November at 9:00p.m.ET/PT on HBO with Witness: Juarez. The film follows combat photographer Eros Hoagland as he explores Juarez, Mexico, the “murder capital of the world” where drug violence has left over 10,000 dead. Presented in four parts – Juarez, Libya, South Sudan and Rio – Witness focuses on three determined photojournalists: Eros Hoagland, who explores the gang- and drug-related violence in both Juarez, Mexico and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Michael Christopher Brown, who chronicles escalating ethnic tensions in the wake of Muammar Gaddafi’s ouster last year in Libya; and Véronique de Viguerie, who follows the “Arrow Boys” and their struggle against General Kony in South Sudan. Between these three, their photos have appeared in Time, Newsweek, The New York Times, The Atlantic, Paris Match, The Guardian and many other publications.

ChromaLuxe has launched customisable ChromaLuxe Flex Frame for the iPhone 4/4S, recently released iPhone 5 and the Samsung Galaxy SIII. This new camera phone cover allows users to print personalized images on high definition interchangeable inserts crafted from ChromaLuxe’s HD Metal Prints. The Flex Frame’s two-piece cover features a hard-shell design that snaps together for a secure fit that can protect a phone from daily bumps and bruises. A raised bezel keeps the screen elevated from surfaces. Additionally, the antimicrobial additive in each HD photo print insert and select covers helps reduce up to 99.9% of harmful bacteria levels. the company says. ChromaLuxe Flex Frames are available through various retail photo labs, including Walgreens.com and GiftsForYouNow.com.

G-Technology has announced the winners of its Driven Creativity 2012 awards. Taking the top spot is “A Fox Tale,” by a group of four students headed up by Julien Legay. This animation team will receive a grand prize of €5,000 as well as a G-Technology 8TB G-RAID with Thunderbolt for their project that focuses on “the poetic and artistic side of Asia.” The winning piece, along with the category winners and runners-up, was showcased at a special exhibition last night at Shoreditch Studios, London.

FotoDC are gearing up for the 5th annual FotoWeek DC festival this month. Held across the Washington, DC region from 9-18 November, this year’s FotoWeekDC festival sees the addition of the new FotoWeekEDU programming and the launch of the FotoPage portfolio profile system. Other highlights include FotoWeekCentral, the focal hub of the Festival, FotoWeek By Night, a series of evening slideshow events, and the new and updated FotoPage and FotoPartner web modules which offer individual photographers and local partners exposure on the greatly expanded FotoDC.org website.

Profoto has announced a new line of softboxes. The company’s RFi softboxes are available in 12 sizes and four models: rectangular, square, octagonal and strip. The “RF” in RFi stands for “recessed front”. The recessed front minimizes stray light. It is also used for mounting the optional Softgrid. The Softgrid is a clever tool that creates an even more directed light, which in turn allows for even more precise light shaping. Other optional tools include the Flat Front Diffuser and the Stripmask. You will not need to worry about what strobes you are using either, as the new speedring adaptors make the RFi softboxes compatible with more than 20 different flash brands.

Olympus UK are really excited to announce the launch of our latest offer, the PEN 1-2-3 Offer.

It’s as simple as it sounds:

Step 1 - Buy any PEN E-PL5 or E-PM2 kit from an authorised Olympus dealer and get a FREE 8GB FlashAir Card, which will allow you to take advantage of the new smart phone app, Olympus Image Share.

Step 2 - Purchase a PEN Portrait Zoom Kit for just £99, saving £250 on the RRP of £349.99.

Step 3 - If you’ve completed steps 1 & 2 you can then claim a 15mm Body Cap lens (RRP £69.99) absolutely FREE!

Visit http://olympusuk.sales-promotions.com/ for more information.