DxO Optics Pro v7.2.1 is now available for Mac and Windows. The new version adds support for 5 new cameras, including the Canon G1X, Sony NEX-7, Nikon 1 J1, Nikon 1 V1 (pictured) and Olympus E-P2. Moreover, more than 300 modules have been added to the Optics Modules library. This upgrade is free for all owners of DxO Optics Pro 7 as well as for photographers who acquired a licence for DxO Optics Pro 6 on or after 1 September 2011.

Aptina has announced the launch of the 8-megapixel AR0833 image sensor with Aptina A-PixHS technology. Aptina’s new A-PixHS technology brings together a back-illuminated pixel design and an advanced high-speed sensor architecture to enable a number of innovative features. The new 1/3.2” format 1.4-micron pixel sensor has the speed to capture the full 8 MP sensor resolution at 30 frames per second or the simultaneous capture of 8-megapixel stills and Full HD video. Additionally, the AR0833 is “HDR-ready” for still and video applications capturing difficult high range scenes when coupled with an HDR processor. Designed primarily for use in camera phones, the new sensor may also find its way to pocket camcorders and entry-level digital compact cameras.

Sony UK is now listing the Sony Alpha SLT-A35 as discontinued. Announced on 8 June 2011, the Sony A35 is a lightweight sixteen-megapixel system camera featuring a semi-transparent mirror, Xtra Fine EVF and full-time continuous auto-focus. Sony has not yet announced a successor, but the discontinuation of the A35 could indicate that a new model might be just around the corner.

Via PR

Rocky Nook has re-published Adrian Schulz’s “Architectural Photography: Composition, Capture, and Digital Image Processing”, a step-gy-step guide to the photography of buildings and interiors. This second edition has been extensively revised and includes 80 new images and illustrations, as well as an expanded chapter on shooting interior spaces. Also included is an updated discussion of post-processing techniques and the latest technical developments in the world of photography. The 240-page book is available for £34.50 in the UK, $44.95 in the US and €36.00 in the euro zone.

The European paper industry association - CEPI - is offering photographers the chance to win cash prizes at their photo competition, “Paper Moments”. Entries will be judged by a panel of high-profile judges who will consider a range of factors including composition, originality, interpretation of the brief and the practical usability of the photographs. The overall winner will receive €1,500, while the 2nd and 3rd place winners will be awarded €750 and €500, respectively. The winning entries will be exhibited during the European Paper Week which will take place in Brussels 13-15 November. Photos may be submitted until 31st May via the website below.

Visitors to the Focus on Imaging trade show will have a chance to see the Olympus OM-D in the flesh and watch a performance by dancers James and Ola Jordan. The four days of the show (4-7 March) will also see a packed schedule including talks by a number of experienced Olympus photographers and the editorial teams of several of the leading photography magazines. Confirmed speakers include Neil Buchan-Grant, Gabrielle Motola, Nick Mason, Rob Spay, Steve Gosling and Jim Saunders. James and Ola will be performing Sunday, Monday Tuesday at 12 and 2pm.

Mastering the Fuji X100 by Michael Diechtierow is a new title from Rocky Nook. 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 for $29.95.

The book Redwood Saw by Richard Rothman is a photographic narrative comprising landscapes, seascapes, portraits, and nudes shot in and around the small coastal town of Crescent City, California. “Redwood Saw is a book about the human loss of innocence, the worldly loss of wildness, and the consequential loss of freedom and hope that attend these conditions and that mark our times,” the photographer says. Richard Rothman will deliver a lecture about the book, followed by a book signing, on Wednesday 7th March at the School of the International Center of Photography (1114 Avenue of the Americas at 43rd Street).

Manfrotto will showcase a number of pioneering photographic products at the forthcoming Focus on Imaging trade show. These will include the full range of Manfrotto tripods, bags, clothing and LED lights, the Gitzo Systematic Tripod range, Kata and National Geographic Bags and Lastolite products. Visitors can take advantage of a range of exclusive promotional activities when purchasing Manfrotto products at the fair. These include the brand’s new Gitzo Scrappage Scheme, which offers a saving of up to £100 when scrapping an old camera support. Additionally, there will be the chance to win limited-edition Manfrotto products daily through a ‘Guess-N-Win’ competition and everyone can take advantage of a 15% discount online product voucher only available at the stand. Focus on Imaging is taking place from 4-7 March 2012, with Manfrotto occupying stand N10-11.

Intro2020 has announced the UK launch of the Cotton Carrier System, which eliminates the strain and pain placed on a photographer’s neck and shoulder when carrying one or two cameras. According to the company, the Cotton Carrier camera slings, camera vests and camera holsters will appeal to news photographers, sports photographers, wedding photographers and “active” photographers including mountain bikers, mountain climbers and snow boarders. The Cotton Carrier System comprises a vest (£139.00), a vest+holster combination for a two-camera setup (£169.99, pictured) as well as a range of accessories (from £46.00).

Sigma UK has announced a reduction in the suggested retail price of the 105mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM lens. Previously set at £799.99, the MSRP of the lens has now been lowered to £649.99. Featuring a Super Multi-layer Coating to reduce flare and ghosting, a HyperSonic Motor (HSM) for quiet auto focus and Sigma’s own Optical Stabiliser (OS) to combat motion blur resulting from shaky hands, the Sigma Macro 105mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM boasts nine rounded diaphragm blades for a pleasing bokeh and a splashproof construction for problem-free outdoor use.

LPA Design, manufacturers of PocketWizard Photo Products, have announced the new PocketWizard Plus III. Featuring 32 channels and Selective Quad-Zone Triggering that enables photographers to remotely trigger flashes and/or cameras in groups or individually, the PocketWizard Plus III Transceiver is compatible with all other PocketWizard radios and virtually every popular flash and professional digital SLR camera system. It also communicates with all PocketWizard-enabled photo gear including select Profoto, Dynalite, Norman and Photogenic flash systems and Sekonic light meters. The new Plus III will be demonstrated at the PocketWizard WPPI 2012 Booth #621 in Las Vegas, NV as well as in the JP Distribution booth at Focus on Imaging Show in Birmingham, UK, March 4-7, 2012.

Offering a 16% greater printing capacity from a unit that is 20% smaller than its predecessor, the Citizen CY Dye-Sub Photo Printer enables users to save space in retail environments such as small kiosks while delivering more prints per roll of media. Features include easy-to-install ribbons that can be automatically identified by the printer and a double buffer that enables full speed output with no delay between prints.  The CY also features a drop-down front door that allows easy access when changing media and offers the potential for the printer to be built-in to its environment. For further information contact Citizen System Europe via the website below.

PinPoint, a camera-mounted focus assist system developed by DeluxGear, is now available from OmegaBrandess. Outfitted with an activator button, PinPoint emits a narrow, green light beam to help the camera’s AF system acquire focus in a dark environment. Once the camera focuses, the user then releases the activator button on the PinPoint and takes the shot. PinPoint helps with low light conditions, monochromatic surfaces, picking subjects out of a crowd, and so on. The device PinPoint comes with two universal mounting options so it can be used with all SLR cameras, the company claims. Powered by two AAA batteries, PinPoint (list price: $169.99)comes with a velvet bag for easy storage and a one-year warranty.

For Dummies have just announced a brand extension in their line of books and products – the new For Dummies eLearning Center and eLearning Kits. Designed to reflect the increasing interconnectedness of traditional learning materials with interactive online components, the eLearning Kits feature a full-colour printed book and an interactive eLearning course on CD that corresponds with the book. Among the first such bundles is the brand new Digital SLR Photography eLearning Kit For Dummies by Mark Holmes. “This complete dSLR photography course includes a wealth of information on such topics as how to set your camera’s exposure controls, composition do’s and don’ts, and how to apply what you’re learning so you take better pictures,” the publisher says. The 304-page paperback and accompanying CD ROM is available for $34.99 / £24.99 / €28.00.

In celebration of Ansel Adams’ 110th birthday, Nik Software is offering 10% discount for a duration of 10 days on all products available in the Nik Software webshop. The promotion starts today and runs through 29th February2 and is valid exclusivly for purchases through the webshop and only for customers from Europe, Middle East and Africa.

Millican’s current collection features several bags that might be of interest to photographers. These include “Mark” the Field Bag (£95, pictured), “Stewart” the Courier Bag (£150), “Stephen” the Waistpack (£75) and “Dave” the Rucksack (£165), all of which are named after the entrepreneurs’ friends. Designed - and partly manufactured - in Cumbria, England, Millican bags are distinguished through their casual style, weatherproof canvas exterior, wide shoulder straps and multiple pockets for cables/lenses/batteries and memory cards. For more information, head to the website below.

The winner of this year’s Prix Pictet will be announced in London by Honorary President Kofi Annan. The theme of the competition, which will be judged by an internationally recognised panel of experts chaired by Professor Sir David King, is power. The jury is looking for photographs of the highest artistic quality, which most powerfully contribute to public awareness of issues involving sustainability, with a particular focus on the chosen theme. The winner will be named in October. For more information, visit the website below.