Canon has announced two new PowerShot SX models, including the Canon PowerShot SX240 HS and SX260 HS, both of which come with 25-500mm equivalent zoom lenses and 12.1-megapixel sensors. Other features the two cameras have in common include high-speed shooting; Full HD video recording; advanced Multi-area White Balance; Manual, Tv and Av shooting modes; a Smart Auto mode that can recognise up to 58 different scenes; Intelligent IS and a 3” PureColor II G LCD screen. The Canon PowerShot SX260 HS additionally features a built-in GPS module with included Map Utility software and GPS logger function. The SX240 HS will be available from March at a price of £299.00/€349.00. The SX260 HS is also expected to start shipping in March, priced at £329.00/€379.00/$349.99.

Canon has unveiled the latest range of PowerShot A series models featuring 16-megapixel sensors. The AA battery powered Canon PowerShot A810 (£89.00/€99.00/$109.99) and A1300 (£109.00/€119.00/$119.99, pictured) feature 28-140mm equivalent lenses and 2.7” displays, with the PowerShot A1300 also boasting an optical viewfinder. The Canon PowerShot A2300 (£119.00/€139.00/$149.99) has a similar lens and a feature set comparable to that of the A810 but runs on a proprietary Li-ion battery. The PowerShot A2400 IS (£129.00/€149.00/$159.99) is almost identical to the A2300 but offers the added benefit of intelligent image stabilisation. The Canon PowerShot A3400 IS (£149.00/€169.00/$179.99) is a touchscreen model with 5x optical zoom and Intelligent IS, while the range-topping PowerShot A4000 IS (£169.00/€189.00/$199.99) offers 8x optical zoom, intelligent image stabilisation and a 3” LCD screen. All six models come with Canon’s enhanced Smart Auto mode on board, which can recognise up to 32 different scenes, and all of the new cameras in the A series are capable of recording HD videos in addition to capturing sixteen-megapixel stills.

The Canon PowerShot D20 is a water-, shock, freeze- and dustproof 12.1-megapixel compact camera with a stabilised, 28-140mm equivalent zoom lens and built-in GPS. The camera’s Intelligent Image Stabiliser automatically analyses the scene and selects the optimum settings from seven different modes (Normal IS, Panning IS, Macro IS, Dynamic IS, Powered IS, Dynamic & Macro IS, and Tripod Mode). Canon’s enhanced Smart Auto feature can detect up to 32 different scenes, while the on-board GPS module comes with a logging feature as well as an integrated map utility that allows users to share their geotagged images through Google Earth. In addition to capturing twelve-megapixel stills, the Canon Powershot D20 can also record Full HD videos and output them to any compatible HDTV using its HDMI port. The PowerShot D20 is available from May, priced at £349.00/€399.00/$349.99.

The ultra-slim Canon Selphy CP810, successor to the popular CP800 compact photo printer, offers a number of improvements including expanded creative features and improved usability. For enhanced viewing and operation, the Selphy CP810 features a tilting 2.7” colour LCD screen and one-button printing. The improved Auto Image Optimizer function increases the quality of the print output compared to the quality of the original digital image, recognising scenes and improving the subject by making specific adjustments. In addition, a selectable Smooth Skin effect evens out skin blemishes for more flattering portraits, and manual brightness adjustment can be applied to fine-tune the prints produced. The Canon Selphy CP810 will be available from May 2012, priced at £99.00/€109.00.

Canon U.S.A, has added three new all-in-one printer/copier/scanner devices to its Pixma range. The Canon Pixma MX512 ($149.99, pictured) and Pixma MX432 ($99.99) feature 802.11n Wi-Fi connectivity with AirPrint support, and printing speeds of approximately 9.7 ipm for black-and-white documents and approximately 5.5 ipm for colour. The Pixma MX512 additionally features a Dual Function Panel for easy navigation through menus, an Ethernet port for increased connectivity and a 2.5-inch TFT screen for easy viewing of menus and images. The Canon Pixma MX372 Office AIO printer, which comes without Wi-Fi functionality, provides output at approximately 8.7 ipm for black-and-white documents and approximately 5.0 ipm for colour. All three printers can produce a 4”x6” borderless photo in approximately 46 seconds.

Tamron has announced the development of a new fast, optically stabilised, splashproof standard zoom for full-frame cameras. The Tamron SP 24-70mm F/2.8 Di VC USD will feature the manufacturer’s Vibration Compensation (VC) technology and an ultrasonic focus motor for quiet AF operation. The optical formula comprises 17 lens elements in 12 groups, including three low-dispersion, two high-refractive-index and three glass-moulded aspherical elements as well as a hybrid aspherical element; and an iris diaphragm with nine rounded aperture blades. As the world’s first 24-70mm f/2.8 lens with VC technology, the Tamron SP 24-70mm F/2.8 Di VC USD will be available in Canon and Nikon fit. A special A-mount version with no Vibration Compensation will be marketed to Sony DSLR users. Pricing and availability to be communicated.

The HANNSapple Digital Photo Frame, which was exclusively available from Hannspree’s London concept store, is now available to buy online. Featuring a shiny red exterior and classic apple detailing, the HANSapple has a 7 inch LCD screen with a resolution of 800x480 pixels and contrast ratio of 500:1, dual SD-MemoryStick memory card slots and USB port. In the UK, the HANNSapple digital frame is available from Misco for £34.99. In Ireland, you can buy the frame from Xtravision.

X-Rite has announced a four free webinars for the month of February. The first online seminar, starting Thursday at 11am EST and hosted by Joe Brady, is entitled “Editing Portraits in Photoshop & Getting Prints Back that Match Your Display!” In this webinar, Joe will share some of his favourite techniques, tips and tricks for adding shape, direction and finish to portraits. Other topics for February include “Image Edits and Enhancements in Lightroom 3”, “For the Birds! Nature Photography with Maxis Gamez” and “Edit & Enhance Landscape Images in Photoshop.” Click through / read on for the exact webinar dates and times.

Gitzo has announced the refined and improved Systematic range of modular, professional tripods. New construction and bonding techniques have almost doubled maximum payloads by distributing weight more efficiently to the 6X carbon fibre legs, which also feature the G-Lock system for greater power and ease of leg section locking. In addition, design details on the distinctive new triangular top casting make changing centre components even faster and safer. Each Systematic Series has 3-section, standard 4-section and long 4-section tripods, with Series 3 and 5 also offering an extra-long 4-section model and Series 5 featuring the “iconic” giant 6-section tripod alongside an ultra-compact 6 section model. For more information, visit the website below.

The fifth International Garden Photographer of the Year (IGPOTY) exhibition will launch at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew on 3rd March. The display showcases the best garden, nature and outdoor photography from around the world, illustrated through the new competition categories that were introduced last year. Over 90 stunning images will feature in the exhibition, which is open daily until 9th April.

Travel Photographer of the Year award winner Lorne Resnick has announced additional dates for his Art of Travel photography workshop series. These workshops provide photographers with an opportunity to expand their knowledge in some of the most beautiful places on Earth. Workshop locations include Cuba, Kenya, Monument Valley and Death Valley. For more information, visit the website below.

Following the passing of Sigma’s founder, Michihiro Yamaki, his son has been appointed as the company’s Chief Executive Officer. Kazuto Yamaki joined Sigma 18 years ago and has since worked as Corporate Planning Division manager, Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer.

Hasselblad has launched Hasselblad tv – a new multi-language online video platform for professional and aspirational photographers. The website offers viewers a range of channel options, including education and training videos, product information, global news and events plus peer videos submitted by Hasselblad photographers worldwide. Chris Russell-Fish, Hasselblad’s Global Sales and Marketing Director said: “This initiative is very much a work in progress and it’s a ‘call to action’ to photographers worldwide. We want everyone, from students to leading professionals - from those who rent Hasselblad cameras and those who own them - to submit their videos.” Hasselblad tv is accessible on PC or Mac computers as well as iPhones and iPads via the website below.

Lensbaby has launched a new set of macro photography accessories for its lens bodies and optics. The Lensbaby Macro Converters are available as a kit containing one 8mm converter and one 16mm converter, which can also be stacked together to make a 24mm converter. The existing Lensbaby Macro Kit (which features a +4 and +10 macro filter) can also be used in conjunction with the Macro Converters with the Double Glass, Single Glass, Plastic and Soft Focus Optics for an even closer capture. The new Lensbaby Macro Converters are available now for $50 from the website below.

At the CP+ trade show, Kenko Tokina will be showing a mock-up of its newest full-frame lens, the Tokina SD 70-200mm f/4 (IF) FX. This constant-aperture telephoto zoom features a ring-type ultrasonic focus motor and optical image stabilisation. Measuring 168x80mm (length x maximum diameter), the Tokina AT-X Pro SD 70-200mm f/4 (IF) FX lens is a bit thicker but nearly 5mm shorter than Canon’s popular EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM. Additionally, the Tokina lens can focus somewhat closer (its close-focus point is at a distance of 1m from the sensor plane), although its maximum magnification is unknown at the time being. The release date and MSRP have not yet been revealed either.

Source: Kenko Tokina

Kenko Tokina has announced yet another mirror lens for Micro Four Thirds. Measuring only 66x66mm (length x diameter) and weighing in at only 300 grams, the Tokina 300mm f/6.3 is a lot more compact than the longer but slower Kenko 400mm f/8, which was also announced recently. Like its bigger brother - and the vast majority of mirror lenses -, the Tokina 300mm f/6.3 is a manual-focus lens with a fixed aperture. The lens takes 55mm filters, focuses down to 0.8m and offers a maximum reproduction ratio of 1:2. The recommended retail price has not been revealed yet.

Source: Kenko Tokina

From 17th February until 31st March, Daniel Blau’s London gallery will host an exhibition entitled, Photographer’s Own - Paper Negatives from the 1850s. “The paper negative had its heyday for a brief period in the early days of photography until c. 1860,” the organisers say. “For their beauty, zeitgeist, rarity and provenance they rank amongst the greatest treasures of photography.” The Daniel Blau gallery is located at 51 Hoxton Square, London N1 6BP and is open from Tuesday to Saturday 11 to 6pm.

Mod, a manufacturer of stylish camera straps and accessories, has announced several new product lines for compact and SLR cameras. The new product ranges include ECO straps, compact camera straps and bags, drop-in pouches for SLR cameras, strap wraps, neck pads and quick release adaptors. Made from recycled billboard vinyl, the environmentally friendly ECO straps are available for $19.95-$47.50 depending on model. The compact camera pouch and strap is $22.50, the drop-in pouch sells for $26.50,  the strap wrap - which keeps your extra batteries, memory cards etc. on hand - costs $19.95, the neck pad - which provides extra padding for your basic camera strap - can be yours for $9.95, while the quick release adaptor retails for $12.95.

The Light of Venice by photographer Jean-Michel Berts is the fifth volume in Assouline’s popular The Light of.. series. This time Berts guides readers through Venice, relating through black-and-white images and journal entries the emotions the city evokes. The 132-page hardback is available through the publisher’s website for $65/€50/£40.