Trailblazer Media has announced the launch of the “Photography Trainer” app for iPhone and Android. Photography Trainer is designed to teach photographers how to operate their D-SLRs when they’re out with their cameras and taking pictures. The app is an interactive step-by-step guide on how to set the camera to capture photos with impact – users tell it the type of subject being photographed and the lighting they’re in, and the app guides them on how to set items like shutter speed, aperture, ISO, focus and so on. In other words it helps users get out of “Auto Mode” to allow for more creative photography.Photography Trainer is available for iPhone, iPod Touch, and Android devices for $0.99 by searching on “Photography Trainer” in the App Store or Android Market.

Uma Paro, Como Hotels’ Bhutanese retreat, is offering the chance to explore the Kingdom of Bhutan, camera in hand, guided by experienced Bhutanese photographer Ugyen Wangchuk. This seven night trip is an in-depth exploration with guided tours each day visiting different parts of the country taking in two distinctly different valleys, Paro and Punakha. Each day Ugyen will help the group, up to 12 people, discover the culture, villages, temples, wildlife, history and Himalayan scenery that go to make up Bhutan. Taking place from 2-9 November 2010, the photography tour ‘Bhutan Through a Lens’ costs £3,360 per person, including 7 nights in Uma Paro and 2 nights in Kathmandu. The tour is organised by Indian Explorations.

Oregon Scientific has launched the ATC9K All-Terrain Video Camera, a waterproof and shock-resistant Full HD video camera can be strapped to a helmet, handlebars, surfboard or snowboard. A laser pointer also helps users line up the camera, while a built-in G-sensor measures the force of gravity during acceleration, deceleration and hang time. Apart from recording Full High Definition video at up to 60fps, the ATC9K also captures 5-megapixel still photographs.The ATC9K All-Terrain Video Camera is currently available for the suggested retail price of $299.99 at the website below. Through September 30th, ATC fans can also participate in a video competition to win a Grand Prize package valued at $750.

Website: Oregon Scientific

PocketWizard has released firmware updates for the FlexTT5 transceiver and the MiniTT1 transmiter for Canon. ControlTL firmware version 5.1 now offers compatibility with the AC3 ZoneController. This new firmware also adds compatibility with the Canon EOS Rebel T2i, extends compatibility with the EOS 7D and EOS 1D Mark IV, and fixes bugs. In order to update your ControlTL firmware, you first need to download the PocketWizard Utility from the PocketWizard website.

Tether Tools has launched the Tether Table Aero series, a new product line designed to help professional photographers meet their tethered photography needs. The Tether Table Aero, available in various sizes and finish options,  is a unique laptop podium support system designed for photographers who shoot tethered or need a stable work surface available during a photo shoot. The lightweight, versatile table attaches to any studio light stand or tripod. The Tether Table Aero is available for purchase online at TetherTools.com and in select retail locations.

Datacolor has announced a price reduction on select products from its Spyder line of calibration solutions. The company will now offer the SpyderCube colour balancing solution for $49, down from $59; the Spyder3Elite display calibration solution for $229, down from $249; and the Spyder3Studio SR complete colour management system (pictured) for $539, down from $599. In addition to the reduced prices, throughout the month of August Datacolor will be offering a limited time $50.00 mail-in rebate with a purchase of a Spyder3Studio SR made at any participating reseller or online.

Leica has released a firmware update for the Leica M9 digital rangefinder camera. Version 1.138 improves automatic white balance in artificial light coming from energy-saving and traditional incandescent light bulbs and ensures better compatibility with SDHC memory cards. On top of that the new firmware update fixes bugs with user settings, date formats and the Auto Power Off feature.

Website: Leica M9 Downloads

Sigma has announced that its new, optically stabilised APO 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM lens, which contains the company’s new “F” Low Dispersion (FLD) lens glass, is now available in the United States. Constructed of 22 elements in 17 groups, the lens has a filter thread size of 77mm and has an iris diaphragm with 9 rounded blades for smooth bokeh. Two FLD glass elements, which have the performance equal to fluorite glass, and three SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass elements provide excellent correction of colour aberration, the company says. Supplied with a tripod collar and a petal type lens hood, the Sigma APO 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM weighs in at 1,430 grams and is available in the United States for the MSRP of $2,470.

The LizardQ panoramic camera rig allows you to take 360°x180° HDR panoramic images quickly and effortlessly. Comprising a robotic camera mount, a precision aligned fish-eye lens, an on-board GPS receiver and an optional Canon EOS 5D Mark II digital SLR camera, the LizardQ device can capture highly detailed panoramas in less than a minute. Processing of the source images - including stitching, exposure blending and tone mapping - is automatic using the included Windows/Mac compatible software, supplied on an USB stick. At the capture stage, the camera takes enough pictures at different exposure settings to produce an output image with a claimed 30 stops of dynamic range, when so desired. The “bare-bone” version of LizardQ - which does not include the Canon EOS 5D Mark II camera - costs €22,100; while the complete system - which comes complete with the camera, memory card, tripod, AC adapter, battery and an Apple iPod Touch for remote controlling the device - will set you back €25,440. If these prices are too steep for you, you can also hire the device, with or without an expert operator.

Website: LizardQ

Sanyo has just introduced the Sanyo VPC-CA102YL Dual Camera Xacti, a waterproof Full HD digital video camera that can also take 14-megapixel still photos. Using the widespread MEPG-4/H.264 format to record video, the Sanyo VPC-CA102YL is small enough to be carried in a pocket, backpack, or purse. The camera uses a proprietary “double-range zoom” feature for zoom operation while filming video with 12x zoom available from wide angle to telephoto for capturing distant objects (equivalent to 40mm to 480 mm zoom in a 35mm film camera). In addition, the High-Speed Sequential Shooting mode enables capturing up to 22 photos at 7 frames per second. Waterproof down to a depth of 10 feet, the Sanyo VPC-CA102YL Dual Camera Xacti will be available for purchase later this month with an MSRP of $349.99.

Kolo is running a monthly photo contest, with August’s theme being Nature. The submission deadline for this month’s competition is 31 August, and each entrant may submit up to ten photographs. The winners will be announced on 10 September. Note that participating photographers will grant Kolo a non-exclusive, fully-paid and royalty-free, worldwide licence to publish any of their photos submitted to the competition.

Website: Kolo Photo Contest

HP is to collaborate with the fourth edition of the Brighton Photo Biennial, which will present New Documents, curated by the internationally renowned photographer, editor and curator Martin Parr. The company is organising a prize draw, which gives participants the chance to win anexclusive tour with Conor Kilroe, the Head of Print of the Biennial Print Studio,free ticket to the Brighton Photo Biennial Opening Weekend, from 1st-3rd October 2010 – including invitation to limited-access Artist Talks, Panel discussions, the BPB private launch and party – and a Martin Parr book. Note that this prize draw is open to residents of the UK and Ireland only.

Website: Brighton Biennial Bonanza

15 August 2010 has been declared the next World Pentax Day. Photos taken that day with any Pentax digital camera can be uploaded to the PentaxForums User Photo Gallery from 15 to 31 August. Those who wish to upload their photographs must first register at PentaxForums. Each member may submit up to three images.

Travel Photographer of the Year (TPOTY) is introducing a new award this year. TPOTY has teamed up with the Young Photographers Alliance to offer a new Young Photographer Alliance Award in order to help people passionate about photography to get a good grounding which will enable them to pursue photography as a career. Additionally, the existing Young Travel Photographer of the Year (Young TPOTY) competition - themed ‘Big World, Small World’ in 2010 - has been divided into two age groups, 14 and under, and 15-18, with prizes for each group. Finally, the TPOTY judges will give a special award to one young photographer. This award will be given to the most interesting entry from a photographer aged 25 years and under who has entered either the New Talent or Young Travel Photographer of the Year categories. As part of their prize, the winner will be mentored by an experienced professional photographer through a place on the YPA mentoring programme. Entry for Young TPOTY is completely free.  Images can be uploaded at www.tpoty.com.

Ricoh has issued firmware updates for the Ricoh CX1, CX2 and CX3 cameras. Version 1.25 for the CX1 and version 1.15 for the CX2 fix issues with printing to PictBridge compatible printers and corrects a bug with distortion correction. Firmware version 1.11 for the Ricoh CX3 improves the accuracy of flash adjustment, and fixes bugs with autoexposure bracketing and distortion correction.

Website: Ricoh CX1 Firmware 1.25
Website: Ricoh CX2 Firmware 1.15
Website: Ricoh CX3 Firmware 1.11

Datacolor has just announced the winners of its Real New York photography competition. Hundreds of photographers participated, submitting entries that captured the pulse of the city, from the bustle of Manhattan to the calm of Central Park. The contest’s first and second place winners, Richard Brown of Seattle, Washington and Tom Duggan of New York, New York were selected for their photos entitled, “Up with Color” and “Fishing.”  Mr. Brown, the contest’s first runner up, received a Lensbaby Composer, while second runner up Mr. Duggan was awarded a $250 gift certificate to B&H.

Epson has introduced its new line of Artisan® all-in-ones – the Artisan 835 (pictured) and Artisan 725. The flagship Artisan 835 boasts a 7.8-inch smart touch panel, a 3.5-inch colour LCD, built-in fax, and a 30-page Automatic Document Feeder, while the Artisan 725 features an enhanced touch panel for easier navigation. Both feature 2.5 times faster wireless connectivity with Wi-Fi n2, wireless printing from an Apple iPhone and the world’s fastest 4”x6” photo print speeds, according to Epson. The Artisan 725 ($199.99) and Artisan 835 ($299.99) will be available in mid-August through major computer, office and electronic superstores, a variety of retail stores across the U:S:A:, and Epson’s retail site.

Website: Epson Store

The Samsung PL90 is a new 12 megapixel camera featuring a built-in USB connector. Removing the need for additional wires or cords, the PL90’s Auto-install intelli-studio software provides instant access to any computer via the USB connector. The PL90 also features a 4x zoom lens, 2.7 inch LCD screen, VGA movies, Samsung’s Smart Auto (Still & Movie) technology, Perfect Portrait System, and Smart Album feature. The Samsung PL90 will be available in September 2010 for $149.99 / £129.99.