The Sony A57 is a new digital system camera with a 16-megapixel sensor, semitransparent mirror, high-resolution electronic viewfinder and continuous shooting speeds of up to 12 frames per second. Successor to the Sony A55, the new SLT-A57 is an attractively priced A-mount camera that shares the ergonomics and many of the premium features found on the enthusiast-focused Sony SLT-A65. The 15-point AF system with 3 cross sensors ensures fast TTL phase-detection autofocus. Newly-enhanced Object Tracking AF keeps faces or other selected objects in sharp focus – even if your target’s obscured momentarily by another passing object. Sony is also touting the new Auto Portrait Framing feature of the SLT-A57: Using face detection and the rule of thirds, the camera identifies your subject’s position, trimming the scene to create tightly-framed pictures in portrait or landscape orientation. Also capable of recording Full HD 50p video, the Sony A57 will be available in April for $700.

Rocky Nook’s newest title, Mastering the Fuji X100 by Michael Diechtierow, is now available in the United Kingdom. Released to the US market less than a month ago, this book guides readers through the features and capabilities of the Fujifilm X100, teaching readers about optimising focus, influencing dynamic range, which film simulation is best, and much more. The 192-page volume is available in the UK for £22.99.

The Hüfa Lens Cap Holder is now available in the UK through JP Distribution. Realising that photographers often run into the problem of not knowing what to do with their lens caps when they are not on the lens, International Camera Accessories have created the Hüfa Lens Cap Clip to keep the cap close to the DSLR camera lens and within reach of the user at all times. Made of durable plastic, the Hüfa Lens Cap Clip fits most camera bags and all types of DSLR neck strap. The UK retail price is £9.99.

Starting Your Career as a Photo Stylist is a new title from Allworth Press. This guide, written by Susan Linnet Cox, provides readers with in-depth information on fashion styling, food styling, and six other areas of specialisation. Interviews with seasoned professionals offer personal insights into what it takes to thrive in the industry, and the accompanying business forms will help stylists get a head start on building their businesses. The 256-page paperback will be available from April, priced at $19.95.

Lowepro has lanched its brand new Event Messenger Series, designed for enthusiast photographers using Compact System Cameras (CSCs) right through to DSLR outfits. The Event Messenger’s ‘Grab-and-Go’ design features a wide-access main compartment, together with a Dual-Mode Flap – which allows the photographer to quickly switch from maximum security mode to quiet close mode by unfolding or folding the fasteners under the flap. The quiet close feature is ideal for capturing shots during an event where discretion is required, the company says. There are three models in the series, with pricing ranging from £34.99 to £55.99.

Lowepro has launched a new large-capacity outdoor backpack based on the award-winning design of the Flipside series: the Flipside 500 AW. Designed to protect, store and carry a pro camera body, up to 500mm f/4 lens, plus additional pro-sized equipment in a padded and spacious main compartment, the Lowepro Flipside 500 AW features a Hideaway Tripod Mount attachment system that includes a foot holder, plus sturdy buckle and strap to secure a standard-size tripod or monopod to the front of the pack. The Flipside 500 AW is available for £149.99.

Lowepro has launched its new Pro Roller Lite AW Series – a lightweight duo of rolling bags, suitable to be used as carry on with most airlines. Each roller measures less than 115cm, yet features a roomy and deep main compartment designed for pro-sized camera bodies, lenses and accessories. Padded and adjustable dividers make it easy to configure equipment in a variety of set-ups, depending on the scope of a shoot or assignment. Another key feature is Lowepro’s ProTech Trolley System of rails that angle out of the back of the roller via a smooth, telescoping handle. When not in use, the streamlined handle is covered by a magnetic flap for secure yet easy access. The series is available in black and in two sizes: Pro Roller Lite 250 AW (£259.99) and Pro Roller Lite 150 AW (£219.99).

Talenthouse has issued a new Creative Invite to photographers, encouraging them to submit their finest portrait photograph for the chance to receive an exclusive feature on viewbug.com. The winning photograph will be featured and promoted on ViewBug’s website and social media channels, providing global exposure for the winner. In addition, the winner will receive a 16 GB iPad 2. One runner-up, as selected by guest judge Robert Caplin - recognised for his work with famed magazines including National Geographic and Time - will have their submission featured on ViewBug’s social media channels. The deadline for entries is 15 April. The winner will be announced on 7 May 2012. As always, we suggest that you read the official rules and submission guidelines before entering your work.

Website: Talenthouse

With the launch of the new iPad, Apple has introduced an iOS version of its iPhoto software. As you’d expect, iPhoto for iOS incorporates multi-touch features so you can use simple gestures to sort through hundreds of photos and find your best shots, enhance and retouch your images using fingertip brushes. “iPhoto gives you full control over colour, exposure and contrast, and you simply touch the parts of the image you want to change,” the company says. “In addition to posting photos to Facebook, Flickr and Twitter, you can beam photos between your iPhone and iPad; stream photos and slideshows to your Apple TV with AirPlay; and use iCloud to publish photo journals to the web and share your stories with friends and family in a whole new way.” iPhoto for iOS is available now for £2.99/$4.99 through the iTunes App Store.

The second issue of the bi-monthly Photographer’s i Magazine, which is billed as “the world’s first interactive, multimedia tablet magazine for photographers,” is out now. This edition - available for $5.99 after downloading the free Android/iOS app - serves up over 150 full “pages” of text, photography, audio and video from internationally acclaimed professional shooters such as: Michael Yamashita, Douglas Dubler, Gregory Heisler, Lucas Gilman, Michael Freeman, Heather Angel and more. To download the magazine app, click one of the links below. (Note that this is strictly a tablet-only app - it won’t work on a smartphone.)

Photography education and gaming site PhoozL has released the iPad versions of its innovative quiz app for mobile: PhoozL IQ. Featuring large images and updated quiz questions, “PhoozL IQ for iPad” is a fun, quiz-type game that allows photo enthusiasts of all levels (amateur to pro) to test their photo knowledge while learning more about photography. The app comes in two flavours: a free version with fewer and easier questions and a Pro (paid) version with double the number of questions, challenge, and overall learning. The iPad edition is an 8MB download, compatible with iOS 4.3 or later.

The Master Photographers Association (MPA) has announced a national portrait seminar tour. Led by MPA president Paul Cooper (pictured) and sponsored by Epson who will show the workflow to fine prints, the seminars are presented by Colin and Linda Buck and each features a top regional name. After morning coffee, at 11.30am the guest photographer will stage a live studio portrait shoot with a chance for hands-on participation. During the lunch break you can use the studio, outfitted with Elinchrom lights. The cost of attendance is £15 for MPA members/guests – £20 for non-members. Click through / scroll down for the exact seminar dates and locations.

On its official blog, Carl Zeiss has posted a teaser about the upcoming launch of a brand new ultra-wideangle (UWA) lens for SLR cameras. The detailed specifications have not been revealed yet, but Zeiss says the new lens will have an integrated hood and still be able to accept normal screw-in filters via a giant 95mm thread. The new Carl Zeiss ultra-wideangle lens will be available from May for a variety of mounts.

Website: The Official Carl Zeiss Blog

Sigma has launched an “SD1 Point Support Programme” for customers who had purchased the Sigma SD1 dSLR before the announcement of a major price reduction in February. Under this programme, Sigma will provide points that can be exchanged for a selection of their products worth up to approximately JPY400,000. Points were allocated based on the current market price of each product as of 8 February 2012. Those interested in taking advantage of this offer will need to register before 31 May. Unsurprisingly Sigma SD1 Merrill owners, who have purchased the camera after the price reduction, are not eligible to participate.

How to Create a Successful Photography Business by award-winning pro photographer Elizabeth Etienne is a new book from Allworth Press. Covering everything from expenses, pricing, and profits to client relations, branding, and marketing; the author reveals a number of insider tips that can help you build a flourishing photography business. The 240-page paperback is available for $19.95.

Sigma has issued a firmware update for the Sigma SD1 digital SLR camera. According to the company, Version 1.05 brings users the following benefits, improvements and fixes:

  * It is not necessary to run “Update Lens Information” in order to update the lens information in the camera.
  * Accuracy of Auto Focus is improved.
  * Accuracy of evaluative metering is improved in the backlight or low light conditions.
  * Various bugs have been corrected to achieve more stable operation.

Website: Sigma SD1 Firmware Download

Limited to just 1000 pieces, the Lomo LC-A+ Silver Lake edition celebrates the heritage behind the Lomo LC-A+, the little camera credited with starting the analogue “toy” camera movement. It comes adorned in genuine brown leather and packaged in a specially designed wooden collector’s box. Every camera is numbered and comes with a certificate of authenticity. Featuring a “Minitar 1” 32mm f/2.8 lens, a hot-shoe for an external flash and a multiple exposure switch, the Lomo LC-A+ Silver Lake takes standard 35mm film cartridges and is available for €379.00.

Process for iOS allows users to create their own photo effects and presets. “Built on Core Image and OpenGL, Process is made for speed,” the developers say. Every adjustment made in Process is applied non-destructively and instantaneously. These adjustments can be grouped as “processes” or presets, which are essentially custom effects. Both outlandish, unique effects, as well as quick common fixes can be saved, and shared with others. Process 1.1.1 is available on iTunes for $3.99.