The Sony MRW-F3 is a compact memory card reader, which can be used to transfer photos and videos from a Memory Stick or SD memory card to a PC or play them back on a Sony Bravia TV. The F3 features a simple, single card slot that can accept a wide range of Memory Stick, SD and MMC media formats, including higher-capacity SDXC cards or high-speed UHS-I SD cards. This memory card reader is joined by the MRW-EA7, MRW-S2 and MRW-T2 that connect to any spare USB port via a short cable connection. The new range of memory card readers by Sony is available now.

Reallusion has released Colour Fashion, a new photography app for the Apple iPhone. Colour Fashion is a touch-optimised colouring tool that helps you easily re-colour your photos by using a smart colour masking technology. The app can deal with subtle regions such as fluffy hair or complicated shapes, while giving users the flexibility to quickly switch colour over the masked area. Colour Fashion is available now onthe App Store for $0.99.

Canon U.S.A. has announced two new large-format printers. The 44-inch imagePROGRAF iPF8300S and 24-inch imagePROGRAF iPF6300S will be showcased at the Wedding & Portrait Photographer International (WPPI) Convention at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, February 21-23, 2011 in the Canon booth, number 401. The Canon imagePROGRAF iPF8300S will have a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $4,995 while the imagePROGRAF iPF6300S will have an MSRP of $2,995. Both models are expected to begin shipping in April.

Pic Transfer is an app that allows users to transfer multiple pictures and videos between their iOS / MacOS devices. The application works over Wi-fi and Bluetooth and does not require an internet connection. Version 3.2 now supports photo albums and very large photo libraries. Pic Transfer sells for $0.99 in the App Store.

Nik Software has released a free technical update for Viveza 2. Version 2.004 improves interaction with other Nik Software products and addresses activation conflicts that some customers have recently reported, the company says. The update is recommended for all Viveza 2 users, and is available as to registered users at the website below.

Website: Nik Software Updates

Bibble Labs have just released Bibble 5.2.1, with support for Canon’s 600D and 1100D. The update also fixes a number of bugs found in previous versions of Bibble 5, and is a free upgrade for all Bibble 5 customers. New users can get Bibble 5.2.1 Pro for $199.95 and Bibble Lite for $99.95. The program runs under Linux, MacOS and Windows.

Leaf today released Leaf Capture 11.4.5, which includes support for tethered and portable Leaf SensorFlex technology for the Leaf Aptus-II 12R, the Leaf Aptus-II 12 and the Leaf Aptus-II 12 for AFi/HY6. Leaf SensorFlex technology enables photographers to crop on the fly and cut down on a given file size by using only part of the CCD sensor. Using pre-defined dimensions, SensorFlex automatically crops the margins around the captures “to preserve full image quality and pixel integrity”. The latest version of Leaf Capture now empowers photographers of all Aptus-II 12 digital backs to match image dimensions to the requirements of each specific shot. Capture speeds, burst lengths and file sizes are all improved according to the image dimension chosen. Leaf Capture 11.4.5 is free and available now for download from the Leaf website.

Ohanaware has released HDRtist Pro, a more advanced version of its freeware HDR imaging tool HDRtist, for MacOS X. HDRtist Pro is able to wield and manipulate 128-Bit floating-point images and can work with multiple exposures, single raw image files. The program is available to purchase from the Ohanaware online store today for $29.99.

PinPoint is a laser-aided system, which helps photographers combat focus hunting by allowing them to assist a camera’s AF system and make sure that the camera focuses on what they want it to, even in low-contrast conditions. When the photographer is ready to take the photo, he or she presses the activator button and PinPoint emits a narrow pulsing green light beam. The camera’s auto focus then quickly zeroes in on the light to acquire focus.The photographer can control the length of time the light is visible. PinPoint helps with low light conditions, monochromatic surfaces, picking subjects out of a crowd, macro photography, or when a photographer’s field of view is obscured. Made by DeluxGear, PinPoint will be unveiled at their distributor, International Supplies’, booth #732 at the 2011 WPPI show.

Apple has issued a Camera RAW compatibility update to add support for six new digital cameras. These include the following models:

Canon EOS Rebel T3 / 1100D / Kiss X50
Canon EOS Rebel T3i / 600D / Kiss X5
Olympus E-5 (pictured)
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ100
Pentax K-r
Pentax K-5

Blurb has announced its association with Anne Geddes in the creation of My First Five Years, the first personalised print?on-demand version of her popular keepsake journal to record a baby’s journey during its early years. The 80?page book features photos from Anne Geddes’ latest book Beginnings, and offers many journal pages for parents to document the precious moments of their baby’s first five years.  The book can be personalised with a baby’s name on the cover and the gift?giver’s name and message to mum or baby on an internal page. Available exclusively on the Anne Geddes website, My First Five years sells for £27.54.

The Induro Adventure AKP tripods feature non-rotating aluminum alloy legs with a quick flip lock system. The new Induro AKP series consists of three models - the compact four leg section AKP0, and the heavy-duty three leg section AKP1 and AKP2, with prices ranging from $164 - $219 depending on the model.

The Induro QRT Series Quick Release Clamp is designed for monopods, tripod heads and equipment that do not have a Quick Release System. The same solid support and locking system found on Induro heads can now be attached to any 1/4-20 or 3?8-16 threaded tripod, monopod or accessory mount. The Induro Universal QRT Quick Release Clamp is available in two sizes for $75.

Fantasea Line is introducing the Fujifilm 3D W3 Camera & Housing Set for capturing 3D underwater stills and videos. Retailing for $1,099.95, this system includes the Fujifilm 3D W3 and an underwater housing, which provides the photographer with a fun and creative 3D photography and videography experience.

iStockphoto today added a new collection of “editorial use only” stock images to its website. “iStock images are already used for editorial purposes around the world,” said Kelly Thompson, COO of iStockphoto. “By offering more editorial images, we are now able to provide a treasure trove of new content that provides real-world representation of the topics a large number of our customers cover. Editorial images also represent a tremendous new opportunity for our contributors.”

iExplore has kicked off a new contest for those who love to document their travels with photographs. The “Photo Safari Contest” winner, as judged by nine award-winning travel photographers, media writers, and popular vote, receives a $9,000 “Classic Kenya Safari” for two. You can enter the contest by submitting your best shot to the website below. The deadline for submissions is 22nd April. as always we suggest that you read the rules and regulations before entering your work.

Induro has announced its new PHT-Series 3-way panheads with folding handles. Comprised of magnesium alloy precision machined components, the new heads offer front and side tilt, and horizontal panning movements along with secure locking handles/knobs. Common features include smooth movements thanks to special bearing inserts, a built-in bubble level, patent-pending folding handles that simplify tripod packing and transport, a secure dual quick release locking system with a snap-in style quick release plate, and three fully graduated scales. The PHT0, PHT1 and PHT2 tripod heads differ from each other mainly in terms of size, weight and load capacity, the latter of which ranges from 5kg to 12kg.

Website: Induro PHT Series Panheads

At the annual Panasonic Europe Convention, held today in London, we grabbed some hands-on time with the new WA10 / DC10 dual cameras and the TA20 mobile camera. Born out of last year’s take-over of Sanyo, the WA10 and DC10 are a natural addition to Panasonic’s dual camcorder/camera range, while the TA20 is styled very much like a chunky mobile phone. None of the samples on display were functional, but our photo gallery gives you some idea of the design of the new Panasonic WA10, DC10 and TA20.

Gary Fong has unveiled two new Lightsphere Collapsible product bundles. The Lightsphere Collapsible Basic Kit includes the Lightsphere Collapsible, the White Dome, the AmberDome, the ChromeDome and the Gel Kit and retails for $119.95. The Pro Kit ($169.95, pictured) contains everything included in the Basic Kit and adds the PowerSnoot (with PowerGrid), a chrome-plated snoot with a grid that allows you to “achieve high-fashion, dramatic lighting effects, maximize strobe efficiency and gain directional control using regular speedlight equipment”.