Olympus have released a firmware update for the OM-D E-M5 compact system camera. Version 1.2 incorporates the following improvements:

• Improved sleep recovery operation
• AF target is indicated while using C-AF+TR in sequential shooting mode L
• M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-50mm 1:3.5-6.3 underwater support has been added
  When using underwater macro or underwater wide mode the lens will move automatically in tele or wide setting

You can download and install the firmware update using the Olympus Camera Updater application.

The new WebRotate 360 Product Viewer v3 features a simple 360° photography publishing software integrating various product presentation capabilities for both mobile and desktop browsers. “It’s a unique 360 product viewer with hot-spots and deep zoom capabilities that runs well in web browsers without Flash and on devices such as iPad and iPhone,” says Business Development Manager Irina Berry. Click through ! scroll down for more information including links to a few samples posted on the company’s website.

Wacom has unveiled two Cintiq pen displays, the Cintiq 24HD touch and Cintiq 22HD. The Cintiq 24HD touch closely replicates the experience of working with two hands when using traditional materials such as paints, markers and clay and provides a natural input experience for all related activities including concept sketching, illustration and especially 3D activities. The Cintiq 22HD, on the other hand, offers a pen-on-screen experience that delivers the natural feel, response and results derived from working with traditional brushes, pencils and pens. Both the Cintiq 24HD touch and Cintiq 22HD support Wacom’s Art Pen and Airbrush accessory pens to deliver natural brush effects within Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator (CS3 and above) as well as Corel Painter (10 and above). The Cintiq 22HD ($1999) will be available in the latter part of July and the Cintiq 24HD touch ($3699) is expected to ship in August.

Nikon has announced the upcoming release of a weather sealed 800mm f/5.6 Nikkor lens with auto-focus capabilities. Compatible with both FX and DX digital SLR bodies, the new lens will boast the longest focal length of any AF Nikkor to date. Nikon’s new 800mm lens is scheduled to be on display at Photokina, 18-23 September 2012. The full specifications, release date and suggested retail price have not yet been determined. Judging by the number of controls on the lens barrel, we fully expect the lens to a offer a focus limiter, Vibration Reduction with different VR modes, full-time manual focus override and perhaps a few other functions (e.g. on-lens AF-Lock and AF-On buttons or a Focus Preset feature etc.). Do note however that the appearance of the final version of the lens might differ from the picture above.

Lexar has announced its support for the new XQD memory card format. This is a major change versus the company’s original stance on the matter - you may recall that in January, Lexar said that they had “no plans to release XQD memory cards in the near future.”  The company now views the XQD standard as “one of the most logical ways to increase interface speed beyond that of existing CompactFlash technology.” Expected to be available in the third quarter of 2012, Lexar XQD cards will offer high-speed performance in a range of capacities. At present, the only camera that can actually make use of an XQD card is the Nikon D4 but Lexar expects more “XQD-based camera models” to hit the market in the coming months.

Magix has announced the release of PhotoStory on DVD MX and PhotoStory on DVD MX Deluxe. Magix PhotoStory on DVD MX (Version 11) allows users to transform their photos and movie clips into video slideshows with text, music and special effects, create interactive DVDs, and more. In addition, they can export their shows to USB sticks and memory cards, and share them online. PhotoStory on DVD MX Deluxe additionally supports HD output and comes with advanced design options, templates and an expanded effects library as well as customisable zooming and panning actions, and many further extras. Magix PhotoStory on DVD MX and Magix PhotoStory on DVD MX Deluxe are available now for £39.99 and £69.99 respectively from Amazon and PC World.

DxO Labs have released an update to DxO Optics Pro 7. The newest version adds support for the Olympus OM-D E-M5 (pictured) and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ150 and GF5, Additionally, more than 300 new camera/lens combinations have been added since the previous version. These modules support additional Canon, Minolta, Nikon, Olympus, Panasonic, Sigma, Tamron, Tokina, and Zeiss lenses for numerous Canon, Nikon, Olympus, Panasonic, Pentax, and Sony cameras.

Tabletop Photography by Cyrill Harnischmacher is a new title from Rocky Nook. In this book, the author guides readers through a variety of exposure and lighting techniques, and covers how to achieve excellent results using small flash units. Topics covered include lighting setups, reflectors, diffusers and other accessories, softboxes and umbrellas, strobe flashes, multi flash exposures, product and food photography, and more. The 144-page volume can be pre-ordered now for $24.95, with an electronic version available for $11.95.

G-Technology, in conjunction with a number of creative professionals in photography, film and music, is hosting the first ever European Creatathon and is looking for participants. The event, which takes place on Wednesday 18th July 2012 simultaneously in London and Berlin, is a one-day challenge and G-Technology is inviting aspiring photographers, film-makers and musicians to The Future Gallery in London to collaborate on high quality content that will benefit the local charity, Film & Video Workshop, that provides training and facilities for filmmakers and animators. You can sign up at the website below.

Phix software has released MonoPhix HD 1.2, a major update to its black-and-white photography app for the iPad. The new version incorporates better support for multitasking, support for the new iPad’s retina display, a new mode allowing tonal adjustments, colour filters, vignetting and the ability to share your pictures on the new Phix filter and photo sharing service. MonoPhix HD 1.2 is available on iTunes for $1.99.

Corel has posted a free update to Corel Painter 12. Version 12.2 offers new flow maps, multi-touch support for Wacom Intuos5 touch pen tablets and Cintiq 24HD touch interactive pen displays, and vertical docking for palettes. The update can be downloaded from Corel’s website.

Canon has unveiled a new Wi-Fi enabled Compact Photo Printer called the Canon Selphy CP900. “The addition of Wi-Fi connectivity offers users the flexibility and convenience to print from a variety of situations without sacrificing the overall quality of the output,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, executive vice president and general manager, Imaging Technologies & Communications Group, Canon U.S.A. The Canon Selphy CP900 Compact Photo Printer can produce a high-quality 4 x 6-inch image in approximately 47 seconds. An added feature of the printer is a new 2.7-inch screen with double the overall resolution of any other similar Canon Compact Photo Printer to date. The estimated selling price of the Selphy CP900 Compact Photo Printer is $99.99.

Canon today announced three Photo All-In-One printers – the PIXMA MG4220 Wireless, PIXMA MG3220 Wireless and PIXMA MG2220. Each new printer uses the FastFront feature for easy changing of ink and paper from the front of the printer and can also produce borderless edge-to-edge 4x6-inch photos in approximately 44 seconds at a maximum colour resolution of 4800x2400 dpi. A new feature for these affordable printers is My Image Garden software combining various tools to help consumers organise memorable photos and create new photo projects. There is also a new Facebook application, Print Your Days, allowing users to easily access and customize their photos stored on the social networking site. The estimated selling price is $129.99 for the MG4220, $79.99 for the MG3220 and $69.99 for the PIXMA MG2220.

Canon U.S.A. has issued a statement saying the front rubber grips on a certain batch of its EOS Rebel T4i / EOS 650D digital SLR cameras may turn white after a short period of time. The phenomenon is caused by a substance called zinc bis (N,N’-dimethyldithiocarbamate), which is a by-product of a chemical reaction between the rubber accelerator and other substances. (The company says the quantity of rubber accelerator used in the affected production lots was slightly higher than usual.) In addition to the colour change, the substance may, in rare cases, cause allergic skin reactions to develop when it comes into contact with your skin. Click through / scroll down to read the product advisory, which also contains instructions on determining whether your camera is affected or not.

We’ve teamed up with Lovecases.co.uk to offer one lucky winner the opportunity to win a Hama Daytour 180 SLR camera backpack.

The lucky winner is Nick Board. Congratulations!

This bag has been designed by professional photographers, for professional photographers. The spacious interior, with highly logical and functional layout shows that this bag has been tested on the road for hours, where every single detail and layout has been meticulously thought through. The backpack is comfortable to wear, and provides easy access to your equipment so you’ll never miss your shots.

Check out Lovecases’ camera cases and dslr camera bag range.

Earth’s Beauty Tours have announced a new photography workshop on the Isle of Arran on the west coast of Scotland. Taking place from 2-7 April 2013, this workshop is designed for everyone interested in landscape photography. The price (£1,195) includes five nights’ accommodation on a non-sharing basis, breakfast, packed lunch and three-course dinner, return ferry crossing from Ardrossan to Arran, éne-to-one and group tuition and all transport during the course, tutorials on image processing and more. For more information and to register visit the website below.

PQ Blackwell is looking for photographers to test its new tailor-made book service, MILKbooks, during the month of July. Participants will get the benefit of exclusive design templates and tools specially created by Geoff Blackwell and his team of award-winning designers and editors. The test offer is being backed by a promotion of 8 free books for every 10 purchased during July. PQ Blackwell will also reward “early-adopter” photographers with a unique code that entitles them to 10% discount on all purchases for the next 10 years. To register, visit the website below.