Serif has just launched MoviePlus X6, a desktop movie editor which allows entry-level users and enthusiasts to create movies from video clips captured on a camcorder, digital SLR or compact camera, smartphone or other pocket recording device quickly and easily. Users simply select from one of 20 professionally-designed themes, and import their own videos. Each theme contains customisable titles and credits plus matching transitions and effects. Other new features in MoviePlus X6 include the Video File Converter for easily converting video files, or batches of files, from one format to another and a re-designed Properties pane for a faster workflow. New colour and lighting adjustments allow users to adjust white balance, vibrancy, exposure, shadows and clarity to their movie clips and still images. Further creative effects can be applied using the new 3D Adjustment Tool – users can flip, reverse, and spin their movies along any axis. The new version also allows users to upload their work directly to Facebook. MoviePlus X6 is compatible with Windows 7/Vista/XP and retails at £61.27.

HannsG has unveiled a new 27-inch widescreen LCD monitor with a resolution of 1920x1080 pixels, built-in speakers and HDMI connectivity for £199. The wall mountable HannsG HL272 boasts a response time of 5 milliseconds (‘typical, 2ms GtG) and an energy star rating of 5.2, and comes with HMDI 1.4, VGA and DVI-D input ports. Other notable specifications include a screen brightness of 300cd/m² and a static contrast ratio of 1:1000. The HL272, along with the entire HannsG HL LED monitor series, is available from Misco.co.uk Every HannsG monitor is supplied as standard with a 3 yr manufacturer’s warranty.

The Fine Art Society Contemporary has announced an exhibition entitled Resistance: Working Against the Camera. All of the artists selected for the exhibition resist the normal parameters of the photographic medium, either by inventing their own cameras, destroying them or creating unique camera-less photograms. The list of exhibiting artists include Steven Pippin (UK), Idris Khan (UK), Adam Fuss (US), Rob and Nick Carter (UK), Christopher Bucklow, Janet Laurence (Australia) and Edgar Lissel (Germany). The exhibition opens to the public on 18 April and runs until 5 May 2012. The Fine Art Society is located at 148 New Bond Street, London W1S 2JT.

Want to see exactly what the new Canon EOS 5D Mark III DSLR camera looks like in the flesh?

The Canon EOS 5D Mark III is a new 22 megapixel DSLR that replaces the immensely popular Mk II model, released back in 2008. Among the many new features are a new 22 megapixel sensor, Digic 5+ processor,  61-point auto-focus system, 3.2 inch LCD screen, and improved video capabilities.

Check out our extensive hands-on gallery of photos of the Canon EOS 5D Mark III camera.

Photo accessory makers Gura Gear have launched two photo backpacks devised by acclaimed wildlife photographer Andy Biggs. The lightweight and durable Kiboko 22L+ fits a couple of camera bodies and a number of lenses, including a 500mm f/4, plus any laptop up to 15” in size. The bigger Kiboko 30L backpack accommodates multiple SLR bodies - including pro cameras with portrait grips and L-brackets - and practically any size lens up to an 800mm f/5.6. Both Kiboko backpacks feature a unique butterfly flap access system which ensures easy access to multiple bodies, lenses, and all your photo accessories without exposing all your prized gear. The Kiboko 22L+ is available for $379, while the Kiboko 30L can be yours for $429.

Website: Gura Gear

Pentax Ricoh has announced the new Pentax K-5 Silver Special Edition, comprising a silver Pentax K-5 camera body and matching 40mm f/2.8 XS pancake lens. Available only as a limited edition of 1,500 sets worldwide, the package will be available in April 2012 for $1599.95 exclusively through the Pentax Web Store.

Via their Facebook fan page, Samyang have confirmed that they are working on a 24mm tilt/shift lens. According to the company, their first perspective control lens is expected to launch in the middle of the year. Specifications, pricing and the exact launch date have yet to be communicated. (For a demonstration of what a tilt/shift or perspective control lens can do, check out our review of the Nikon PC-E Nikkor 24mm f/3.5D ED, a highly regarded product in this category.)

Via PR

Sony Japan has posted a notice on its website saying there is a shortage of supply of the new Carl Zeiss Sonnar T* 24mm f/1.8 ZA lens due to unexpectedly high demand. Featuring Sony’s DMF (Direct Manual Focus) technology and a near-circular diaphragm with 7 blades, the Carl Zeiss Sonnar T* E 24mm f/1.8 ZA offers a similar angle of view as a 36mm lens on a 35mm body. With its f/1.8 maximum aperture the Sonnar T* E 24mm f/1.8 is currently the fastest native E-mount AF lens in the entire NEX system. No wonder it has generated so much interest - but given its eye-watering price tag of $999.99, the high demand has caught even Sony by surprise.

Source: Sony Japan via PR

Ilford and Tetenal are exhibiting a range of products at the Focus on Imaging show at Stand C10. Both Ilford and Tetenal staff are on hand to answer any questions you may have as well as tell you about the companies’ new product offerings. In addition, you can purchase the full GALERIE range from both Jacobs Photographic (Stand L10) and Premier Ink (Stand L5), both of whom are running special promotions at the show.

Canon Japan has posted a number of full-resolution sample photos taken with the Canon EOS 5D Mark III digital SLR camera. There are 15 samples in total, although about half of them are marked as “Coming soon” at present. However, the other eight EOS 5D Mark III sample photos can be enjoyed in their full 22-megapixel glory. The sample pictures were taken at various ISO speeds ranging from ISO 100/21° to ISO 3200/36°, using a variety of Canon L lenses. Additionally there are three EOS 5D Mark III sample movies, each complete with a “making of” video. Note that unlike the stills, the movies have been downsized for the Web.

Canon Japan has posted a sample movie captured with the new Canon EOS 5D Mark III digital SLR camera. The sample video - most of which was shot on location in Budapest, Hungary - is 3 minutes and 25 seconds in length, and is available to watch at the website below. Do note that the movie has been optimised for the Web - you can watch it at resolution settings of 960x540 or 480x270 pixels, but not in HD.

The Canon EOS 5D Mark III is a 35mm full-frame digital SLR camera with a 22-megapixel sensor, 61-point auto focus system, enhanced weather sealing and Full HD video with manual control. The EOS 5D Mark III’s movie mode has been refined to offer an enhanced range of high bit-rate video compression options, with intraframe (ALL-I) and interframe (IPB) methods both supported. Variable frame rates range from 24fps to 60fps, and the incorporation of SMPTE timecode support provides greater editing flexibility and easier integration into multi-camera shoots. The addition of a movie mode switch, recording button and headphone socket offers greater usability. Other highlights include a native sensitivity range of ISO 100-25,600 (expandable to ISO 102,400), a 63-zone metering system, stills shooting at up to 6fps, a new Creative Photo button, dual CF and SD memory card slots, a silent shooting mode and a continuous silent mode. The Canon EOS 5D Mark III will be available from end of March 2012, priced at £2999.99 / €3569.99 / $3499.95.

Designed for use with the new Canon EOS 5D Mark III digital SLR camera,.the BG-E11 battery grip doubles the battery life with two additional LP-E6 batteries, with the added flexibility of using AA batteries as an emergency back-up. Duplicate AF start, Focus point and AE-lock controls in addition to a second Multi Controller and Control Dial make shooting in portrait orientation more comfortable and intuitive. Made of durable magnesium alloy, the Canon BG-E11 offers the same high standard of weatherproofing as the EOS 5D Mark III.

The Canon Speedlite 600EX-RT is a weatherproof TTL flash unit with integrated radio-frequency triggering. Using one master 600EX-RT or the new ST-E3-RT radio-frequency wireless Speedlite transmitter, up to 15 600EX-RT flash units - positioned up to 30m away - can be remotely triggered. Importantly, the Speedlite 600EX-RT also retains support for standard infra-red wireless flash control. The zooming flash head covers a similar angle-of-view range as a 20-200mm lens, and the 600EX-RT boasts a guide number of 60 (in metres at ISO 100/21°) at the 200mm setting. The Canon Speedlite 600EX-RT ships with a bounce card, a diffuser that allows the flash to be used with ultra-wideangle lenses down to 14mm, a new colour filter adapter and two colour gels. Powered by four AA/LR6 batteries, the Canon Speedlite 600EX-RT features a bounce-and-swivel head and a range of custom flash coverage options.

The Canon Speedlite Transmitter ST-E3-RT is a weatherproof radio-frequency flash trigger for reliable off-camera flash control. With the ST-E3-RT, photographers can control compatible Canon Speedlite flashguns -  such as the new 600EX-RT - over distances up to 30m, even without direct line of sight. Additionally, the transmitter can also be used for camera triggering - any EOS camera fitted with a Canon ST-E3-RT can be triggered from a second unit or from a compatible Speedlite flashgun. Part of the E-TTL II flash system, the Canon Speedlite Transmitter ST-E3-RT features an easy to read back-lit LCD control screen and is powered by two AA/LR6 batteries.

The Canon WFT-ET7 is a new wireless file transmitter for a wide range of EOS models. For those who need to transfer their images quickly and easily, for example, photojournalists or sports photographers, the new Canon WFT-E7 provides enhanced versatility through high-speed Wi-Fi and support for wired connectivity over Gigabit Ethernet. Additionally, the WFT Server function of the WFT-E7 allows the camera settings to be accessed and controlled through a web page on any internet-enabled device, such as smartphones, tablets or laptops. Camera settings can also be changed remotely via EOS Utility, allowing photographers to control and trigger the camera over a wired or wireless LAN connection.

The new Canon GP-E2 hot-shoe mounted GPS unit is compatible with the Canon EOS-1D X, EOS 7D (via cable only)  and new EOS 5D Mark III digital SLR cameras. Capable of tagging photos with longitude, latitude and altitude data as well as the direction in which the shot was taken, the Canon GP-E2 also features a GPS logger function that allows photographers to track their route by downloading GPS data at regular intervals, whether the unit is attached to the camera body or stored in its case. For improved accuracy and precision when recording the time of image capture, photographers can also synchronise the clocks of their cameras with the global atomic clock via UTC information downloaded from the satellite. The Canon GP-E2 is powered by a single AA battery.