The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ20 is a new compact camera featuring a 16-megapixel CCD imager, 25-525mm equivalent lens with optical image stabilisation, and a 3” LCD screen with a resolution of 460,000 dots. The lens unit comprises of 12 elements in 9 groups including 3 aspherical lens elements with 5 aspherical surfaces. In addition to Panasonic’s “intelligent Auto” function, the Lumix LZ20 also features a manual exposure mode that will likely appeal to more experienced photographers. Pricing and availability to be confirmed.

Diptic, a photography app developed by Peak Systems, is currently available for free as the App Store App of the Week. The app has been designed to quickly and easily combine multiple photos to create a new collage. It offers over 52 frames to choose from and the user is able to tweak brightness, contrast and saturation, adjust border colour, width and curvature. Once created, the image can be saved or shared via email, Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, Tumblr or Posterous. Diptic will return to its normal price of $0.99 once the promotion ends on 19th July.

Website: Diptic on iTunes

The LensBling range from BlackRapid comprises a series of rear lens caps that allow photographers to quickly and easily differentiate between lenses they own. Made to fit either Nikon or Canon lenses of numerous sizes, the LensBling rear caps feature bright, bold and raised labelling that allows easier visibility. Marketed by JP Distribution, the BlackRapid LensBling will retail at £8.50 each.

OmegaBrandess has partnered with DeluxGear to introduce a new line of protective covers for camera lenses. The new patent-pending Lens Bumper absorbs impact and prevents scrapes, scratches, dents and cracks to the lenses, for a fraction of the cost of the lens itself. The Lens Bumper is encased in a tough 0.08” santoprene outer cover, and its cushiony, water-resistant inner core is made of 0.25” thick closed cell neoprene. This combination was first introduced with DeluxGear’s Lens Guard product - but unlike the Lens Guard, the Lens Bumper gives you the added convenience of keeping this protection on your lens while shooting, and of keeping your lens hood on your lens, too. Lens Bumpers come in 7 sizes, with suggested list prices ranging from $24.99 for the Small and Medium, to $74.99 for the “Giant.”

Manfrotto Distribution has unveiled the latest models in the Kata D-Light Camera Bag line. Among the new models are new versions of the classic Kata DR Digital Rucksacks and new creations with the D-Light Lite Shoulder Bags, D-Light Gearpack Backpacks and the D-Light HandsFree Waistpacks. “These new products add key styles to popular categories of our already successful D-Light line of camera bags” said Doug Feldner, Category Manager, Kata & National Geographic Brands. “As with all D-Light products, these additions make Kata’s Lightweight Protection Technology available at price points that are perfect for beginning or advanced photography enthusiasts.” Click through / read on for the details.

The Children’s Eyes On Earth International Youth Photography Contest, Festival and Exhibition 2012 aims to raise awareness of environmental issues through the eyes of young people and their photographs. Anyone aged 17 or under may enter the contest and all entrants must submit at least one image illustrating the theme “I Love Nature” and one image illustrating the theme “I Fear Pollution”. Entries will be assessed by an international judging panel, with a special “Your Choice” prize being awarded by public vote. The deadline for entries is 5 September 2012. As always, we suggest that you read the rules before entering your work. For more information, visit the website below.

O’Reilly’s latest title, Photoshop CS6: The Missing Manual by Lesa Snider is now available in the United Kingdom. “This edition features all new screen shots, new and updated practical techniques, as well as a new chapter on video editing,” notes Snider. “It’s simply the most comprehensive yet conversational, Photoshop book on the market and I’m incredibly proud to have it available upon ship date of the software.” The 888-page volume sells for £38.50.

AKVIS has released AKVIS MultiBrush 6.0, the latest update to its photo retouching software. The new version adds new options to the Clone Stamp: Flip Horizontal, Flip Vertical and Scaling; fixes bugs in both the Windows and Mac versions, and adds compatibility with Adobe Photoshop CS6. Version 6.0 is a free upgrade to existing users.

Lowepro, which has received dozens of requests for advice on what you can and can’t take in to the London Summer Games, has provided some guidelines on what’s allowed. Emphasising the importance of checking the rules for the specific event you are going to, Lowepro advises that photographers take one soft-sided bag (max 25 litre capacity) which must fit within the maximum dimensions of 30cm x 20cm x 20cm. They also mention that according to the Restricted Items list from the officials for the Olympics, no ‘large photographic or broadcast equipment over 30cm in length’ is allowed. The reason given by organisers is that long lenses, tripods and umbrellas could all interfere with others’ viewing experiences. DSLRs and compact cameras are permitted but do note that tripods and monopods must also fit within the size restrictions.

JP Distribution has announced two new straps from BlackRapid. Designed specifically for left-handed photographers, the BlackRapid RS-Sport L and RS-Sport 2 L each feature an integrated underarm stabiliser that holds the shoulder pad in position on the right shoulder. Priced at £75, the R-Strap is worn diagonally across the torso from right shoulder to left hip, and adjusts to fit most photographers.

Idan Shechter, founder and owner of camerasize.com, has just launched a new website that allows users to visually compare camera sensor sizes. “Sensor sensor sizes like 1/2.33” or 1” didn’t really give me a good idea how small the sensor of the camera really is,” Idan says. “So I’ve decided to create a new web app that will allow me and others to really understand how large / small a specific sensor is in relative to other sensors.” You can try out the new web app for yourself at the website below.

Website: CameraImageSensor.com

Samsung has issued a firmware update for the Samsung NX20 compact system camera. Version 1.01 adds support for external microphones and a number of new menu languages, fixes a few bugs related to Wi-Fi compatibility and other areas, and adds a new new menu item called Horizontal Calibration. You can download the firmware update from the website below.

Website: Samsung

Casio has added three new 16-megapixel compacts to its Exilim range, including the EX-N1, EX-N10 and EX-N20. Each of these models features a 26-130mm equivalent zoom lens, a 2.7” rear LCD screen and HD video recording capabilities. The three cameras are identical to each other except for their outer appearance. The EX-N1 is offered in three “casual” colour variations — blue, pink and white — as well as black and red, with ceramic-like gloss finishes. The EX-N10 features a “dressy” quilted design pattern engraved into the design on the inner surface of the clear case coating. Three colour variations are offered: vivid pink, gold and black. Finally, the EX-N20 features a surface with a textured, leather-like finish. Three colour variations—brown, blue and red—are available. Pricing to be confirmed.

Corel has released Corel Cinco for Painter, a new companion app that enables users to control Painter 12’s desktop with an iPad. “Cinco integrates seamlessly into the Painter user’s workflow and allows them to work faster by quickly accessing their favorite and most used tools with the tap of a finger,” the company says. Corel Cinco for Painter is available as a free English iPad (iOS 5.0.1 and higher) app for a limited time only in selected Apple App Stores worldwide. Users will also need Painter 12.2 (Windows or Mac version) with the latest updates installed.

Fujifilm has published a fifteen-page brochure that includes detailed specifications for 5 XF lenses, a lens roadmap and a few other accessories. The roadmap is the same as the one that was released back in June but the brochure goes one step further by revealing the detailed specs of the two lenses that will go on sale this autumn, including the Fujinon XF 14mm f/2.8 R and the XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 OIS. The former is an ultra-wideangle prime with an angle of view of 89 degrees and an optical formula that comprises 10 elements in 7 groups, including 2 aspherical and 3 “abnormal dispersion” elements. The latter is a standard zoom boasting optical image stabilisation as well as 14 lens elements arranged in 10 groups. Each lens features an iris diaphragm with 7 rounded aperture blades.

Pforzheim-based Mocapo today released Griddin, their new real-time effects camera app for the Apple iPhone. The app combines “Photoshop-like” real-time effects with the possibility to generate individual distortions with your finger - based on a customisable ImageGrid. Griddin is available now on iTunes for $0.99.

Ho Chi Minh City based software development company Not A Basement Studio has just released a free version of its collage making app, Fuzel. “Whatever it is that you love, Fuzel helps you take their photos, put them together in your own layouts, retouch them individually with gorgeous photo filters, complete them with beautiful frames and captions, then share them with your loved ones on Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, or just email,” the company says. The paid version, now renamed Fuzel Pro, offers a number of extra colours, frames and layouts for $0.99.

Sigma USA has revealed the estimated street price and availability of the Sigma APO Macro 180mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM lens. Announced in January, the new APO Macro 180mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM is billed as the world’s first 180mm f/2.8 macro lens with a 1:1 reproduction ratio. In addition to the faster maximum aperture, the new lens also offers optical image stabilisation and a quiet “hypersonic” AF motor. Three “F” Low Dispersion (FLD) glass elements, which have a performance equal to fluorite glass, are included to provide correction for colour aberrations, while the Super Multi-Layer Coating is claimed to reduce flare and ghosting. The Sigma APO Macro 180mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM will be available in the United States on July 27 for the street price of $1,699.

iStabilizer has released a camera dolly for smartphones. Equipped with a built-in iStabilizer Mount, Dolly works with most mobile devices or digital cameras measuring up to 2.75” wide. The adjustable arm measures 11” high and secures the phone in numerous angles and positions. Dolly is also outfitted with four large wheels that generate smooth, fluid movements over most shooting surfaces. The apparatus is available now for $59.95 via the website below.