The Transcend TS-RDP7 is a muti-function card reader and also a USB hub. Inheriting the advantages of Transcend’s current card readers, the RDP7 supports some of today’s most popular memory cards and includes a useful Photo Recovery Tool. Available in black or white, the Transcend TS-RDP7 has three integrated USB ports, so not only does it bridge the gap between your computer and memory cards, but also allows you to add multiple.USB 2.0 peripherals. Note though that the TS-RDP7 does not support Compact Flash and xD-Picture cards.

Website: Transcend UK

AKVIS Software has released AKVIS Magnifier v.3.0 for Windows and Macintosh, an efficient tool to resize digital images. AKVIS Magnifier enlarges digital pictures to super-high resolution producing stunning enlargements and poster-size prints, the developer says. The algorithm keeps edges smooth, sharp and clearly defined, while improving image appearance by removing unwanted noise and compression artifacts. The program is available as a plugin to a photo editor, as well as a standalone edition. Version 3.0 offers a new interface and improved compatibility. Support for 64 bit has been added to the plug-in version (now compatible with Adobe Photoshop CS4 64 bit); and the software is now compatible with Adobe Photoshop Elements 8, Mac OS Snow Leopard and Windows 7. Upgrade for registered users is free. For new users, AKVIS Magnifier Home License (plug-in or standalone) sells for $129 or €99, downloadable from akvis.com.

Transcend has launched its Ultimate Class 10 SDHC cards. Part of Transcend’s “Ultimate” line of powerful high-speed memory cards, the new Class 10 SDHC cards easily outperform current Class 6 cards, with enhanced transfer speeds of 20MB/s and massive capacity of up to 16GB. Compared to Class 2 cards that only guarantee write speeds of 2MB/s, or Class 6 versions that start at 6MB/s, the new Class 10 SDHC cards boast 16MB/s write and 20MB/s read speeds that help process data quickly and prevent lag when recording 1920x1080 Full HD videos at 60fps. Transcend Ultimate SDHC cards are available in high-capacity sizes ranging from 4GB to 16GB. The 16GB SDHC card can store over 88 hours of standard quality video (MPEG-4 video at 384 Kbps), or 240 minutes of HD video (AVCHD at 9 Mbps).

Hireacamera.com has announced a January Sale with up to 15% off advertised prices from the website. Hireacamera.com has been supplying photographers, videographers and film makers equipment on short term rental for over 6 years and has some coveted cameras in its assortment, including the Nikon D300s and the Canon EOS 7D. The company will be present at the SWPP Convention from 15th - 17th January at the Novotel, Hammersmith where they will be announcing further new products for 2010.

Hama has released the new Vario Pro flash reflector. The Vario Pro flash reflector only measures 6.5 by 7.5 centimetres when folded and, with a width of just half a centimetre, it is extremely flat. It can be attached to almost all types of flash units by means of hook-and-loop tape and can stay there permanently. When unfolded, it offers a reflecting surface that measures 6.5 by 11.5 centimetres, which can even be angled by 45 or 90 degrees. The RRP is €29.99.

Issue #23 of the PhotographyBB Online Magazine has been released, and is available as a free download. This edition provides the readers with tips and techniques for shooting in winter weather such as keeping your gear safe from the elements while still allowing you to get those stunning winter shots. Readers will also learn how to shoot abstract bokeh shots, where the name of the game is shooting creatively, out of focus. PhotographyBB’s in-depth look at the new Lightroom 3 Beta release covers the differences in the new and improved Develop Module. By way of download in either PDF or ZIP formats, PhotographyBB is a free resource for amateur and intermediate level photographers.

Website: PhotographyBB

Delkin has announced four new 420X PRO cards capable of transfer speeds up to 63MB/s. The new UDMA enabled flash memory comes with a San Diego based customer service team as well as a lifetime warranty, and is available in capacities of 8GB, 16GB, 32GB and 64GB. Every card is manufactured with high grade NAND flash, advanced controller design, and quality control guidelines based on ISO:9001 standards.  Additionally, built-in Error Correction Code automatically detects and corrects any errors that might occur during data transfer.  Delkin’s 420X CF cards are fully compliant with current CompactFlash specifications with support for UDMA mode 6. These high-speed cards are able to instantaneously store high-resolution images and HD video, the company claims. The 420X PRO cards from Delkin are priced from $129.99 to $399.99 depending on capacity and can be purchased in camera shops and distributors worldwide, as well as the company’s website.

Website: Delkin

Panasonic Europe has announced the Lumix DMC-FS30 and FS33 models with 8x optical zoom. Apparently, these are the same cameras as the DMC-FH20 and FH22 announced a few days ago by Panasonic USA. They are equipped with a 28-224mm equivalent zoom lens with optical image stabilisation in a sleek and compact body. Comprising 9 elements in 7 groups, including 3 aspherical lens elements, this is one remarkable lens. The two camera models differ by the LCD screen only – the FS33 features a 3” touch-sensitive screen, while the FS30 includes a 2.7” wide LCD - just like the FH22 and FH20, respectively. The newly adopted, 3” touch-screen LCD on the FS33 provides intuitive control thanks to a hybrid operation combined with the four major operation buttons. Both models feature Intelligent LCD, which detects the lighting condition and controls the brightness level of the LCD in 11 fine steps, to offer a display with the most appropriate clarity in any situation. A High-angle mode makes the LCD screen extremely easy to view when the camera is held high, such as when shooting over a crowd. Both cameras are capable of shooting 720p HD video with Class 6 or faster SD cards. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS30 and FS33 are also compatible with SDXC cards. They will be available from mid February in a choice of silver, black, blue or violet for the FS30, and silver, black or red for the FS33. Prices are to be confirmed.

Tamron has just announced a free new learning programme that’s specifically targeted at first-time DSLR camera owners. Starting on 18 January 2010, and every Monday for 12 weeks, Tamron will release an entertaining and informative one-minute episode of “DSLR Know-How with Tamron” on YouTube that’s designed to bring picture-takers up to speed in getting the most out of their equipment. “Once the ‘DSLR 101’ series is posted, we will follow it up with a ‘202’ and ‘303’ series covering more sophisticated techniques, creating, in effect, a unique easy learning center,” says John VanSteenberg, Tamron’s Senior Education Manager. The Tamron YouTube videos can be found on the TamronVids Channel.

Website: TamronVids Channel on YouTube

Kodak has received three prestigious 2010 Innovations Awards from the International Consumer Electronics Association. Only one of these went to a product announced at CES 2010, namely, the Kodak Slice touchscreen digital camera, while the other two were awarded to the Kodak Zi8 pocket camcorder and the Kodak Easyshare S730 digital photo frame (pictured),  both of which had been released back in 2009. Meanwhile, Popular Mechanics awarded the new Kodak Pulse digital frame with its Editor’s Choice Award.

General Imaging, the worldwide exclusive licensee for GE digital cameras, has unveiled four new snappers, including a touch-screen model with 8x optical zoom and image stabilisation. The latest additions to the company’s Power Series, the GE E1486TW and E1480W are 14-megapixel compacts sporting a 3” display, 28-224mm equivalent zoom lens with optical image stabilisation, and HD movie recording capabilities. In addition, the E1486TW (pictured) offers an innovative touch-screen control with gesture support. The GE E1486TW and E1480W are priced at $179.99 and $149.99, respectively and will ship this spring. The Smart Series has also been expanded with two cameras, the GE A1255 and a1455. Both are equipped with 5x zoom lenses and 2.7” LCDs. The GE A1255 is a 12-megapixel camera that carries an SRP of $89.99, whilst the GE 1455 is a 14-megapixel model that goes for $99.99. Both cameras will ship this spring, and are available in a variety of colours including black, silver and red.

Pandigital has introduced the 8” Pandigital Photo Mail LED Digital Photo Frame – a next-generation, wirelessly connected digital photo frame that conveniently accepts photos emailed from family and friends. The Pandigital Photo Mail does not require Wi-Fi to do this, as it will connect through AT&T’s wireless network - just like Isabella Products’ Vizit -, and is expected to be available in the US early this year. The frame itself is affordably priced at $149.99 (SRP), but this price only includes the first 300 photos emailed to it with no service fee to the customer. If you wish to send more photos to the frame - which has its own e-mail address! - you will have to purchase additional photo allotments from Pandigital. Thankfully, the Pandigital Photo Mail LED Digital Photo Frame can also be loaded with photos in more traditional ways – namely via its card reader that can read CF, SD/MMC, xD and MS/MS Pro memory cards.

Ortery Technologies has released Photosimile 5000, a PC-controlled desktop photography studio that integrates a 28 x 28 x 28” light box with a Canon SLR camera and powerful workflow software to simplify and automate business photography. The device features 6500K bulbs, an automated camera positioning system and built-in turntable that holds up to 25lbs. The camera and light box connect to a PC via USB. Photosimile 5000 software controls the studio, camera location, turntable movement, camera settings, picture taking and processing workflows. Simply place an item inside, compose using Preview, Zoom and Crop commands in the software. Click Snap and the picture automatically downloads to the PC screen in seconds, Ortery claims. Additionally, Ortery Real3D, included in Photosimile 5000 for image composition, creates full spherical, hemispherical and cylindrical animations with mouse control, image tagging and deep zoom capabilities to 14X, with the resulting product animations being allegedly comparable to interacting with the physical product. Photosimile 5000 runs on Windows XP, Vista and Windows 7. The press release makes no mention of the price, but don’t expect the Photosimile 5000 to be cheap.

Concord Keystone has announced the 4U2ReUSE Solar Sling tote bag that can charge digital cameras, media players and other mobile devices on the go, using solar power. In order to accomplish this, the Solar Sling has been equipped with a flexible solar panel and a battery pack with USB connectors. Made from 100% certified recycled PET, the environmentally responsible bag/charger is currently being showcased at CES in Booth 15747.

The Sanyo Xacti VPC-CS1 is a new Full HD, Slim Type Dual Camera that can capture both still photographs and Full HD videos. Billed as the world’s smallest, lightest and thinnest super-slim consumer-use Full HD video camera with a zoom lens, the Xacti VPC-CS1 represents an new style of Dual Camera in the Sanyo Xacti line-up. The video format used is MPEG-4 AVC / H.264, and the VPC-CS1 is undergoing official certification to support iFrame, a next generation video format. The Sanyo Xacti VPC-CS1 has a 3-megapixel sensor, but as a stills camera, it records interpolated 8-megapixel digital photographs on the memory card. Other highlights of the new Sanyo include a 38-380mm equivalent zoom lens, digital image stabilisation, face tracking Eye-Fi and SDXC compatibility and a mini HDMI port. The Sanyo Xacti VPC-CS1 will become commercially available next month at an MSRP of $299.99.

Sanyo has announced the SDXC-compatible Sanyo Xacti VPC-SH1 hybrid stills/video Dual Camera with a wide-angle lens and Full HD capture. Breaking with the vertical pistol grip design of earlier Xacti Dual Cameras, the Sanyo VPC-SH1 sports a more traditional camcorder look and incorporates a 35mm equivalent wide-angle lens, which is something new on a consumer-use Full HD video camera, Sanyo claims. The video format used for this model is MPEG-4 AVC / H.264, and the VPC-SH1 is undergoing official certification to support iFrame, a next generation video format that has been designed to allow users to easily import, edit and share high quality video. The new Xacti has a 4-megapixel sensor, but as a stills camera, it produces interpolated 10-megapixel photographs. The Sanyo Xacti VPC-SH1 Dual Camera will go on sale in February 2010.

Isabella Products’ Vizit digital photo frame, which receives images over the AT&T mobile network from anywhere in the world, will now feature LIFE.com photos, the largest collection of professional photography on the web today. This expansive photo collection contains millions of extraordinary images, many of which are now accessible to Vizit users through an RSS feed on the frame owner’s VizitMe.com account. With over 3,000 new photos added to LIFE.com each day, Vizit users can enjoy some of the world’s most incredible images on their own touch-screen digital photo frame, and create a personal collection of them. The Vizit ultra-thin photo frame comes in contemporary finish options, designed to complement your home or office and is wall mountable. Available in charcoal with black or rosewood accents or silver with white or teak accents, it measures 10.9” wide x 7.4” high x .65” deep, and features a 10.6-inch, LED-backlit, 800x600 touch-sensitive screen. The suggested retail price is $279 and requires a monthly or annual photo plan. Vizit will be available in early 2010 at VizitMe.com and other online retailers.

Supported by a strategic relationship with Summit Global Group, a longtime Polaroid partner, and The Impossible Project, the manufacturer of classic film for Polaroid film cameras, Polaroid will offer a completely redesigned, modern version of the Polaroid OneStep camera, the PIC 1000. Announced at CES 2010, the PIC 1000 will be available in a range of fun colours and use classic Polaroid Color 600 Instant Film to produce the brand’s classic white border instant pictures. The Polaroid Color 600 Instant Film will work with both classic and new Polaroid cameras and will be offered in packs of 10 pictures. The “new classic” PIC 1000 camera and instant colour film will be available later this year. Polaroid is also showing off its digital offerings, including the latest ZINK-enabled products, such as the 12-megapixel Polaroid 3”x4” Instant Digital Camera and the Polaroid 3”x4” Instant Mobile Printer.

Plustek is showing off its newest products, including its latest 35mm film scanner, at CES 2010. The film scanner in question is the recently launched Plustek OpticFilm 7600i (pictured)  dual-platform film scanner for both PC and Mac users, which boasts an optical resolution of 7200x7200dpi, an infrared channel for hardware-based dust and scratch removal, and a new white LED light source for more vivid results and precise colour rendering. Other Plustek products on display at CES include the MobileOffice D428 a duplex colour scanner and the MobileOffice D450, an the MobileOffice D428 ($349), a Windows 7-ready duplex color scanner capable of scanning items up to credit card-thick, the MobileOffice D450.

Sony has unveiled two new “bloggie” branded cameras that capture 5-megapixel still photos and Full HD video in MP4 format. Styled in a choice of four vibrant colour finishes, the Sony PM5/PM5K features a rotating lens that swivels 270 degrees to capture life from any angle. The PM5K also includes a special 360 Video lens adapter: just slip it on and start shooting panoramic videos that can be ‘unwrapped’ for PC viewing using supplied PMB software and 360 Video Player application. Featuring a ‘pistol grip’ vertical styling, the Sony CM5 (shown at left) boasts a high-quality 5x optical zoom lens, plus a swivel 6.2cm LCD screen that flips out for comfortable shooting and viewing. The CM5 also sports an HDMI connector. After shooting, both cameras link directly to your PC or Mac via the built-in USB connector that tucks away snugly when not in use. The embedded PMB Portable software launches automatically when your bloggie is connected to your computer, letting you view, select and upload clips to media sharing sites like Picasa and YouTube. The cameras’ battery is automatically charged while it’s connected to the computer. The Sony bloggie PM5, PM5K and CM5 Mobile HD Snap Cameras will be available from Feburary 2010, priced at $169.99, $189.99 and $199.99 respectively.