The Sony NEX-FS100 is is an interchangeable-lens camcorder featuring a Sony E mount and a Super 35mm (approximately APS-C) sized Exmor CMOS sensor. “This new sensor is designed with outstanding exposure latitude and sensitivity” for high-definition footage that’s free of “image artifacts typical of HDSLRs”, Sony claims. Capable of 1920x1080 60P recording at 28Mbps, the Sony NEX-FS100 NXCAM Super 35 camcorder enables HDMI output with Embedded Time code for 4:2:2, and also offers simultaneous recording to an optional HXR-FMU128 flash memory unit and an SD or MS memory card, providing instant backup for peace of mind. The Sony NEX-FS100 NXCAM Super 35 digital camcorder carries an MSRP of $5,850.

Sony have also unveiled the HXR-NX70E, the world’s first dust proof and rain proof professional HD camcorder. The NX70 incorporates an ‘Exmor’ R CMOS sensor to deliver superior quality low-light footage and offers enhanced manual controls. Both the NEX-FS100 and the HXR-NX70E will be available between July and September.

Source: Sony

DxO Labs have released a new version of DxO Optics Pro, adding support for the Canon EOS 600D and 1100D, as well as the Olympus E-PL1. Version 6.5.6 is a free upgrade to everyone who purchased DxO Optics Pro since 1 July 2009. The company also announced the addition of 50 new DxO Optics Modules, covering numerous Canon, Nikon and Fuji cameras.

Apple has issued an update for Apple Aperture 3. Version 3.1.2improves overall stability and performance, and fixes a few bugs related to importing iPhoto 9 libraries.

Website: Apple Aperture 3.1.2: Release Notes

Nikon has released a firmware update for the Nikon Coolpix P100 digital superzoom camera (read review). Version 1.2 resolves an issue with the rear display. To quote Nikon, “when the monitor was turned on by pressing the power switch or shutter-release button, or by rotating the mode dial, after the camera had entered standby mode with the auto off function with the Welcome screen set to any option other than None (default setting), monitor display was completely black with only information displayed.  Further, when the shutter-release button was pressed halfway with this monitor display, the view through the lens was displayed, but the display included a significant amount of noise.”

Website: Nikon Coolpix P100 Firmware Update

Nikon has updated its View NX 2 software to version 2.1.2. The update applies to Windows users only. The new version fixes a bug with Nikon’s My Picturetown.

Website: Nikon ViewNX 2

Nue York: Self-Portraits of a Bare Urban Citizen is an upcoming exhibition of photographs by New York and Paris-based commercial and fine art photographer, Erica Simone. From the streets to the subway, and from Bowery to the Bronx, Simone publicly bares all, raising the philosophy behind “just being”, as well as playing with the idea of “counter-fashion” — that without clothing, people could not possibly socially interpret each other. Opening on 14th April at the Dash Gallery, 172 Duane Street, New York City, the exhibition will run for two weeks.

The Nissin Di866 Professional Speedlite is now available in a Sony fit. With a guide number of 60 (in metres at ISO 100) the Di866 features Nissin’s original ‘My TTL’ user adjustable TTL light output level and is firmware upgradable thanks to an onboard USB port. It also features high speed synchronisation and a fill in sub-flash, which is activated while the main flash is bounced and also has a built-in wide angle diffuser and catch-light reflector.

SoFoBoMo.org has announced a group event called Solo Photo Book Month, encouraging photographers all around the world to make solo photo books in PDF form, in 31 days, start to finish. Conceived in January 2008 by Paul Butzi, the first Solo Photo Book Month was organised in spring 2008. This year, the challenge can be completed during any 31-day period between 1 July and 31 August 2011. The book must take the form of a PDF file, which can be uploaded to the SoFoBoMo website.

Lastolite has just launched the Triflector Speed-Lite, a beauty lighting accessory for Ezybox Hotshoe users. The kit includes three reflective panels and a stand, which in turn incorporates an overhead arm to support the Ezybox Hotshoe. Bundled with a carry case, the Triflector Speed-Lite is available now at £265.

The new 4GB and 8GB Class 10 Kingston microSDHC cards are now shipping, priced at £8.91 and £14.90 + VAT, respectively. Joining the previously released 16GB Class 10 card, these speedy memory cards guarantee a minimum sustained write speed of 10MB/s. In addition to the Class 10 cards, Kingston currently ships the microSDHC card in a Class 4 specification as both a standalone and part of the Multi-Kit in capacities up to 32GB. The cards are backed by a lifetime warranty and 24/7 live technical support.

Nikon’s new FSB-8 digital camera bracket has been specifically designed to connect the new Nikon Coolpix P300 digital compact camera with the manufacturer’s range of Fieldscopes, spotting scopes and EZ Micro products. By positioning the FSB-8 bracket between the camera and a Nikon scope, P300 owners can use the camera to take close-up shots of birds and wildlife. Bundled with a long cable release, the Nikon FSB-8 bracket will be available from April at an RRP of £119.99.

Sony has announced the winners of the Sony World Photography Awards Open contest. Beating competition from over 51,000 submissions from 148 counties, the ten category winners are Edina Csoboth from Hungary, Marek Troszczynski from Poland, Wolfgang Weinhardt from Germany, Raghuranjan Sarkar from India, Chumlong Nilkon from Thailand, Chan Kwok Hung from Hong Kong, Andiyan Lutfi and Hubert Januar from Indonesia, James Chong from Singapore, and Carlos Henrique Reinesch from Brazil. Featured above is Edina Csoboth’s entry, which finished first in the Fashion category.

Peter Wallis is the very lucky winner of a fantastic Olympus XZ-1 premium compact camera, worth £399.99 / $499.99.

Thanks to everyone who took part and stay tuned for another great giveaway very soon…

This contest closed at 12 midday GMT on Monday 21st March 2011.

Shooting wide open with a fast lens was becoming a luxury in the digital age. The fortunate few can afford super fast pro lenses on SLR’s whilst only the dedicated search out old prime optics and adapters for their systems. Now the beauty of F1.8 is available on a compact from a classic photography brand that really knows about optics. It boasts a larger than average sensor and a lens that delivers edge to edge sharpness even wide open, providing opportunities for depth of field control only previously dreamt about. So confident are Olympus about the edge sharpness that the XZ-1 shoots near maximum aperture even on auto settings which is more than can be said for many system cameras that default to smaller apertures sacrificing any chance of that wonderful bokeh. Don’t believe the hype? Check out our Olympus XZ-1 review.

Due to an even better than expected reaction to the Olympus XZ-1, they are in very short supply, so here is you chance to get you hands on one of the few available - absolutely free!

For more information on Olympus products please visit: www.olympus.co.uk

ExpoImaging today announced availability of the Rogue Grid, the newest addition to its Rogue FlashBender product line. Weighing just 3.5 ounces, the Rogue Grid is uniquely designed to produce three different honeycomb grid angles. A 25? grid and a 45? grid align and stack to create a 16? grid, producing three distinct levels of spot lighting control in a compact and lightweight package. The Rogue Grid is available now for $49.95.

Travel Photographer of the Year (TPOTY) and the Royal Geographical Society (RGS) have announced the schedule of events that will accompany this year’s TPOTY exhibition. The exhibition itself will be held from 6th May to 10th June, and will be complemented by three days of informative and entertaining lectures and workshops, where travel and photography lovers can learn from renowned experts and immerse themselves in images, geography, history, and photographic technique. Priced at £55 per day, these include Exploring Photography and Travel (14th May), Wild Day (15th May) and People & Culture Day (5th June). A three-day ticket to cover all the events costs £140. Admission to the TPOTY exhibition itself is free. Click through / read on for more information.

JP Distribution today announced the new range of Parabolic Umbrellas from Westcott. The line includes a White Diffusion, a White/Black and a Silver model, with each being 7’ in diameter and weighing in at 2.5 pounds. These parabolic umbrellas are constructed using 16 durable fibreglass ribs composite that offer added strength and durability over standard steel or aluminium frames, the company says. Each model costs £110 including VAT and a heavy-duty nylon carry case.

A group of photographers have got together to run some charity print auctions in aid of the disaster relief effort in Japan, and are now looking for both interested art buyers and more photographers who would be happy to offer some of their work for the cause. Photographers willing to join are required to pay the cost of a single print and list it on eBay for sale. People interested in buying the prints - and help Japan doing so - are also encouraged to visit the project’s website.

Website: Photos for Japan

Magnum Photos and Caseable have teamed up to create a line of limited edition laptop cases with select Magnum images. Interested readers are encouraged to vote for their favourite pictures on the Magnum Photos Facebook page. The top 3 images will be printed on Caseable cases. Voting is open until the end of April.

Website: Magnum Photos - Facebook