The independently curated MA Photographic Studies 2011 Exhibition, organised by the University of Westminster, showcases the work of 13 graduates from the University’s MA photography course. Taking place in the Ambika P3 gallery in the heart of the West End, addresses a diversity of themes, from the personal and public to the photographic. Exhibiting photographers include Matthew Fagg, Paula Gortázar, Tam Hare, David Kilian Beck, Deirdre King, Davide Maione, Javier Marquerie Thomas, Bethan Mills, Tom Need, Mari Rustan, Alexandra Serrano, Gosia Sobieszek and Clement Verger. The exhibition opens to the public on 8th September and runs until the 12th.

Black Rapid has rolled out a revised version of its RS-4 camera strap. To match the other BlackRapid R-Straps, the RS-4 Ballistic camera will now be manufactured from ballistic nylon rather than the ripstop nylon of the previous version. Apart from the change in material, the RS-4 is exactly the same as the original and will maintain its current SRP of £60.

OmniVision has recently launched the super-tiny 8-megapixel OV8850 CMOS image sensor featuring a 1.1-micron OmniBSI-2 pixel architecture. The chip, which is 20% smaller than the 1/3.2” imagers used in camera phones, is claimed to offer “a 20 percent improvement in peak quantum efficiency in all colour channels, a 35 percent improvement in low-light sensitivity and a 45 percent increase in full-well capacity in an extremely compact and power-efficient package,” said Per Rosdahl, senior product manager at OmniVision. Besides its advanced pixel design, the OV8850 also features advanced imaging functions, such as an on-chip temperature sensor, two phase lock loops, context switching, and alternate row exposure for high-dynamic-range (HDR) video and still image capture. The OV8850 fits in an 8.5 x 8.5mm autofocus camera module with a build height of 4.7 mm. Sampling will begin in August, with mass production expected in the first calendar quarter of 2012.

Sigma has issued a firmware update for the Sigma SD1 digital SLR camera. According to the company, version 1.02 does the following:

Corrects various bugs to achieve more stable operation.
Corrects the phenomenon of camera freeze when in Custom White Balance Mode.
Improves image quality at high sensitivity (ISO 3200, ISO 6400), only for raw image files.

Website Sigma

Chainfire has released an app that allows you to remotely control your Canon EOS digital SLR camera via USB using a smartphone or tablet running Android 2.3.4 or later. Currently in Beta, the DSLR Controller app does not require you to hook the camera up to a computer - all you need is a compatible DSLR (the app has been tested with the Canon EOS 600D, 550D, 60D, 50D, 7D, 5D Mark II and 1D Mark IV models), a compatible smartphone* or tablet and the right USB cable. Features include the display of the Live View feed with histogram, grid overlay etc., LV autofocus by touch, and the ability to remotely change a large number of settings on your camera. As this is a Beta version, you should expect intermittent freeze-ups and error messages, the developers say. The DSLR Controller Beta app can be purchased and downloaded now from the Android Market.

*Note that apparently the only compatible smartphone is the Samsung Galaxy S2, with the 2.3.4 KG series firmware (or newer). The app should work with most Honeycomb-powered tablets though, Chainfire says.

Via Rob Galbraith

The Ricoh GXR A12 is a new GXR system lens mount unit that accepts Leica M lenses. Featuring an an APS-C size CMOS sensor, the GXR A12 is compatible with both the Leica M mount and many more types of mounts if a conversion adapter is used. The A12 also offers a newly developed focal plane shutter as well as an electronic shutter, a number of lens correction functions to accommodate the different lenses, and a focus-assist function to improve the accuracy of manual focusing. The Ricoh GXR A12 will be available from September 9th, priced at $649, with the Soft Case B SC-75B at $65 and the Soft Case T SC-75T at $35.

Canon has collaborated with one of Hollywood’s most influential directors, Ron Howard, to select the eight winners of the “Project Imagin8ion” contest from 96,362 submissions. Launched in May, the contest challenged photographers to submit their most imaginative images based on a series of eight separate movie themes, each one a core tenet of storytelling, to ultimately inspire a short film byRon Howard. The film, which will be shot using Canon DSLR products, goes into production in September and will premiere later this year in New York City..Click through / read on for more information including a full list of category winners.

Genius has just launched an upgraded version of its G-Pen F610 graphic tablet. The ultra-slim, 6"x10” wireless graphic-design tablet works with any screen size and comes with a pen that boasts two buttons and 1024-level pressure sensitivity, allowing graphic artists - including photographers performing post-processing tasks - the subtlety of more pressure levels. Since the pen battery can last up to one year, the odds of a “power outage” during important work projects are highly unlikely. The pen also comes with a holder that protects the device and its tip, and keeps it handy for use. The Genius G-Pen F610 carries a suggested retail price of $99.90.

Flickr has announced that it has reached another milestone - the 6 billionth photograph was uploaded to the site on Monday by user eon60. The photo, which depicts a Montbretia flower, was taken with a Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 digital compact camera. “Over the last few years Flickr has seen consistent growth, with uploads increasing over 20% year-over-year,” Flickr said in a statement.

A new iPhone app by Swedish company Dear Future Astronaut, called Photo Stats,p analyses all photos from your camera roll and creates infographics based on the extracted metadata, visualizing how, when and where you take photos with your camera phone. After users start the application on their iPhone, it extracts time, date and location data from the photos on the camera roll, as well as other photo properties such as size, exposure, ISO, photo application used etc. Statistical data are then transformed into a cool infographic which can be viewed on the device as well as shared with friends on social networks or via email. Currently, Photo Stats is available on iTunes at an introductory price of $0.99.

SmartMargin has just launched PortfolioProof, an online portfolio management application for photographers. PortfolioProof allows creative professionals to create multiple portfolios which automatically generate secure, interactive and attractive galleries. Each portfolio is configurable so users can allow all registered users to access it or limit it to the specific client. Once installed on the customer’s Web server, PortfolioProof can be linked to an existing website or kept entirely private. In the latter case, the photographer can simply send each client a username and a password plus a link to the portfolio. The software normally sells for $149, but is on promotion until Sunday, 7th August allowing you to purchase a licence for $99. Note that you need a Web server with PHP version 5 or higher, MySQL Database and GD Components in order to be able to install and use PortfolioProof. If you are not comfortable with FTP, mySQL and file permissions, SmartMargin can install PortfolioProof for you for an extra fee of $30.

Angle of View is a new field-of-view calculator and sensor size database app for iOS. Targeted at amateur and professional photographers and anyone who uses cameras on a regular basis, Angle of View enables users to determine the equivalent millimetres between five customisable sensor sizes simultaneously. The main screen of Angle of View is a colour-coded display showing angles (in degrees) and distances (in feet or metres). The user sets a chosen sensor, focal length, and distance-to-subject combination via gestural controls, and the app updates its graphical and numerical displays in real-time when the gesture is performed. The app is available on iTunes for $1.99.

Between Friday 5th August and Friday 30th September 2011, Manfrotto UK is offering savings of up to £20 across its 290, 190 and 055 Series tripods when purchased with any Manfrotto head. Specifically, customers buying any Manfrotto 290 Series tripod may claim £10, those buying a Manfrotto 190 Series tripod are entitled to £15, while photographers who purchase any Manfrotto 055 Series tripod will receive £20 cash back, subject to the condition that they also buy a Manfrotto head. All claims must arrive by 31st October in order to qualify. For full promotion details and to download the cashback redemption form, visit the website below. NB: The promotion is open to UK residents and valid on items purchased through authorised UK dealers only.

Responding to popular demand, Tenba has added a Photo/Laptop Daypack and Photo/Tablet Daypack to their Discovery collection, and a Photo/Laptop Daypack and Photo Sling Bag to their Vector collection. The Discovery Mini Daypack has a front, padded photo compartment that fits a DSLR camera body with 2-3 lenses and accessories, plus a rear sleeve that fits an iPad or similar tablet up to 10 inches. The Large size Daypack will fit a laptop up to 15 inches and fits an expanded camera system of 1-2 DSLR camera bodies and 4-6 lenses. The Vector Photo Sling Bag combines the ease-of-use and accessibility of a camera shoulder bag with the all-day carrying comfort of a backpack. Finally, the Vector Photo/Laptop Daypack (pictured) fits a laptop up to 15 inches, plus 1-2 DSLR camera bodies as well as 3-4 lenses. The new Discovery and Vector bags are available now at SRPs ranging from $79.95 to $139.95.

Leica has issued a firmware update for the Leica S2 and Leica S2-P digital SLR cameras. Version 1.0.1.8 changes the auto-bracketing procedure in that it is now enough to press the shutter release once for the full bracketing sequence Additionally, the new firmware update brings customisability to the menu-control button. New S2 and S2-P cameras will be supplied with the latest firmware, while existing owners can download the update from the website below.

Website: Leica Owners’ Area

Leica M9 owners who like the discreet look of the new Leica M9-P but are not willing to fork out $7,995 for a new camera can take advantage of a new service announced by Leica. Through the North American Headquarters in Allendale, NJ, Leica will be offering a “Sapphire Glass” upgrade package ($1,295) and a “Top Cover and Sapphire Glass” upgrade package ($1,995). The first package offers the replacement of the M9 monitor cover with the M9-P’s scratch-resistant, sapphire crystal cover, while the second includes the replacement of the monitor glass and the replacement of the top deck and base plate. Interested customers are encouraged to schedule appointments starting 8 August 2011 for upgrades from 3 October 2011 through Leica Camera. All upgrades will be performed by specifically trained technicians and will be a part of Leica’s regular repair service. Customers taking advantage of either service will also receive a one-year warranty extension.

Instaview by RogueSheep is a new third-party Instagram app that allows Mac users to view photos and participate within the Instagram community. The Instaview application allows users to create one or more stream windows showing Instagram photos. The stream shown in each window is configurable as well as the size and frame of the window itself. Streams can display their photos either in an automatic slideshow mode or by direct user navigation. Controls on the window overlay allow users to browse information about the photo including the location, contributor, caption, timeframe of the photo, number of likes and comments. The program is available at the introductory price of $4.99 exclusively through the Mac App Store in the Social Networking category.

Smartfish has released two computer accessories that might be of interest to photographers working on location. The Smartfish Mouse Pad Travel Pouch ($14.95, pictured) provides a smooth 9” diameter surface work area, and zips up to stow and protect your mouse and accessories while not in use. The tiny Smartfish Whirl Mini Notebook Mouse ($49.95) features an ambidextrous design, 800-dpi hi-def laser sensitivity, 2.4MHz wireless connectivity and extra long battery life. Both products are available through the website below.