The Focus on Imaging 2012 photography show, being held this week in Birmingham, UK, has proven to be very popular indeed. Despite the dire state of the economy, photographers have been attracted by major new products from Canon, Nikon, Fujifilm, Olympus, Sigma and Tamron, not to mention the likes of LowePro, Wacom, Samyang, Gitzo and Tokina. Retailers like CameraWorld and Jacobs were also swamped with people looking for a show bargain - the Panasonic GF3 compact system camera complete with a 14-42mm kit lens for just £199 caught our eye. The last day of Focus 2012 is tomorrow, so you still have the chance to pay a visit.

Failing that, if you can’t make the show in person, then simply sit back and enjoy our extensive gallery of photos of some of the key products of Focus on Imaging 2012.

In addition to the incredibly popular 5D Mark III, Canon were also showcasing the flagship EOS-1D X DLSR and some of their new compact camera models at Focus 2012.

We caught up with the new PowerShot SX40 HS, SX260 HS, SX240 HS, the waterproof D20 and the IXUS 510 HS. In addition, the 200-400mm f/4 L lens made a brief appearance behind closed doors, apparently one of only two such lenses in the world.

Want to see exactly what the new Sigma SD1, DP2 and DP1 Merrill cameras look like in the flesh?

The Sigma SD1 is a rebranded and crucially much cheaper version of the original SD1 DSLR, while the brand new DP2 and DP1 Merrill are compact cameras with fixed 30mm and 19mm lenses that incorporate the same 46 megapixel Foveon sensor as the SD1.

Check out our extensive hands-on gallery of photos of the Sigma SD1, DP2 and DP1 Merrill cameras.

The integrated photo book module within Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 4 is the result of close co-operation between Adobe and Blurb, the latter said in a statement. The integration offers a seamless experience by providing the tools to create professional-quality photography books, coupled with a direct link to Blurb.com for printing, marketing and distribution. “The Lightroom 4 integration has enabled us to reach a whole new set of professional and enthusiast photographers who are just now discovering Blurb for the first time,” said Eileen Gittins, founder and CEO of Blurb. “The feedback from this discriminating group has been consistent: they are blown away by the quality we offer.” Users will automatically receive a 20% discount on their first Blurb book created within - and ordered through - Lightroom 4. This offer is valid through 31 December 2012.

Adobe has just released Lightroom 4 for MacOS and Windows. Major enhancements versus the previous version include refined technology for superior shadow and highlight processing, the ability to create photo books, additional local adjustment controls, and enhanced video support. Now, native video support gives photographers the capability to play, trim and extract frames from video clips shot on DSLRs, point-and-shoot cameras and smartphones. Video-specific presets and many standard Lightroom image adjustment controls can be applied to video clips, and adjusted videos can be exported as a H.264 file or published directly to Facebook or Flickr. The estimated street price of Adobe Lightroom 4 is $149 for new users or $79 for upgrades. In the UK, Lightroom 4 is now available for £86.57 ex VAT for the full version and £49.24 ex VAT for the upgrade. A Student and Teacher edition is available for £49.24 ex VAT.

The Honestech nScreen Deluxe device enables users to stream videos and images stored on their PCs, laptops, smartphones and tablets to a TV, monitor or projector using a wireless network. The device works with Windows XP, Vista, and Windows 7 systems.  An update that supports Mac OS for streaming and mirroring will be available later this month. The Honestech nScreen Deluxe can be purchased for £129.99 including VAT from Amazon UK. The scope of delivery includes a HDMI cable to connect the nScreen Deluxe to your HDTV set. Free mobile apps are available in the Android Market and iTunes.

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.