Pentax has announced an instant rebate programme on the Pentax Optio W80 and Optio P80 digital compact cameras. U.S. customers who purchase a W80 can save $30 instantly through 21 November. Those who buy a P80 receive $20 instantly through 2 January. The Pentax Optio W80 is Pentax’s most water-, shock-, dust- and cold-proof digital camera ever, while the Pentax Optio P80 features HD video capture in a slim, lightweight body with a 27.5-110mm equivalent 4x zoom lens. The rebates are valid on U.S. purchases only.

Website: Pentax Instant Rebate Announcement on Facebook

The new Baryta FB from Hahnemühle is a fiber-based, 100% alpha-cellulose paper that features a whiter, smoother, glossier surface than other offerings in the Baryta line. This bright white paper with its ultra-smooth surface texture, glossy coating and substantial, 350gsm weight, corresponds to classic silver-gelatin baryta media in both structure and feel.

Website: Baryta FB 350gsm

Ohanaware announced the immediate availability of a free update to their new HDR Photography software HDRtist. HDRtist is easy to use HDR software that creates HDR (high dynamic range) photos and tone maps them in a single step. Version 1.1 includes some bug fixes, speed gains and a new feature, Automatic Image Alignment.  At a click of the button, HDRtist is able to align images. This feature allows HDR photographers to shoot HDR images without a tripod. HDRtist requires a Power Macintosh G5 or Intel based Macintosh computer, running Mac OS X v 10.4 or later. It is recommended to have at least 1 GB of RAM.

Website: HDRtist

Plustek’s new, high-resolution dedicated 35mm film scanners are now available from Jessops. The Plustek OpticFilm 7400 and the Plustek OpticFilm 7600i are the successors of the OpticFilm 7300 and 7500i (read review), respectively. Both feature 7200x7200dpi hardware resolution, multisampling, software-based smart removal of defect and auto adaptive contrast optimisation. Additionally, the OpticFilm 7600i has an infrared channel for hardware-based dust and scratch removal. Both scanners boast a new white LED light source for more vivid results and precise colour rendering. The OpticFilm 7400 comes bundled with SilverFast SE Plus, whereas the OpticFilm 7600i can be bought with either SilverFast 6.6 SE Plus (Multi-Exposure) or SilverFast 6.6 AI Studio.IT8 (Multi-Exposure), the latter of which offers fully automated IT8 calibration. The OpticFilm 7400 is available for £199, the OpticFilm 7600i SE for £269, and the OpticFilm 7600i AI for £379 from Jessops.

Aptina has announced the launch of the MT9F001 camera image sensor whose high resolution, high speed snapshot and HD video modes, flexible interface and pre-processing options reflect the new “must have” features manufacturers are looking for in their premier cameras. The new 14-megapixel camera sensor captures high quality, full HD video (1080p/60fps), and features electronic image stabilisation too. The MT9F001 will be in mass production in the first quarter of 2010.

Website: Aptina

The Ricoh GXR is a completely new kind of digital camera - the World’s first “interchangeable unit camera system”. The GXR’s lens, image sensor, and image processing engine are all integrated into an individual camera unit, so the camera body itself does not contain an image sensor, unlike conventional DSLRs. The camera units are then changed by using a slide-in mount system to attach them to the GXR body. Since the image sensor is not exposed when lenses are changed, it’s virtually impossible for dirt and dust to get inside. The Ricoh GXR is also the World’s smallest and lightest digital camera with interchangeable lenses, even smaller than the Micro Four Thirds cameras from Panasonic and Olympus.

Two camera units are being launched with the GXR. The A12 50mm F2.5 MACRO camera unit uses a 12.3 megapixel APS-C size CMOS sensor, while the S10 24-72 mm F2.5-4.4 VC camera unit features a 10 megapixel 1/1.7-inch CCD sensor. The innovative Ricoh GXR will be available in December priced at £419 / €459 / $550 for the body, £600 / €670 / $550 for the 50mm camera unit, £330 / €370 / $440 for the 24-72mm camera unit, £239 / €269 for the external flashgun and £219 / €249 for the electronic viewfinder. There are no kits available on launch, with more camera units promised for 2010.

We were at the first ever press launch of the GXR last week in London, and can exclusively bring you some full-sized Ricoh GXR photos (see story above), plus hands-on product shots in this article’s gallery.

Interested in how the new Ricoh GXR compares to one of is main competitors, the Panasonic GF1? Well, wonder no more - we have a gallery of photos comparing the GXR to the GF1, and also to Ricoh’s CX2 compact camera. Carry on reading to find out just how small the Ricoh GXR actually is in the flesh…

Learn all about the intriguing Ricoh GXR digital camera. Ricoh have kindly allowed us to share an official GXR product slideshow with you, with lots of in-depth details on the approach, design and vision for their new flagship camera system. Carry on reading to find out more about the Ricoh GXR…

Red Bull Reporter is currently looking for a photographer to report from the Red Bull Manny Mania Final 2009 Skateboarding event this November. Taking place in Ireland, the event will have a jam session format to reflect the way skateboarding happens naturally and also to encourage the best tricks. If you think you’ve got what it takes to take part in this assignment, head to the website below.

Website: Red Bull Manny Mania Final 2009

Nikon Inc. today announced the launch of a new integrated marketing campaign that includes the first ever “Nikon Festival” to celebrate, inspire and harness the current popularity of content creation shared through social media. Nikon is challenging budding filmmakers to upload 140 second short-form video with the theme “A Day through Your Lens” to the festival’s website. As videos are uploaded, they can be automatically shared with entrants’ social networks, including Twitter and Facebook, allowing instantaneous campaigning for views and votes. Festival entrants will have the opportunity to win one of two awards: an audience award and a judges’ award. The winning video selected by the Festival judges will be awarded $100,000 and Nikon equipment.  Additionally, the video getting the highest average rating and most audience views will be awarded the $25,000 Audience Award and Nikon equipment.

Website: Nikon Festival

Adobe has introduced the Photoshop.com Mobile for Android software, extending Adobe digital imaging technology to users of the Google Mobile operating system. The release comes less than a month after the launch of Photoshop.com Mobile for iPhone, which quickly established itself as one of the “Top Free” applications on the Apple mobile platform. The Android application equips consumers with quick and easy image-editing tools, color adjustments and instant photo-sharing capabilities. After making edits on their Android device, users can upload photos from their phone to their Photoshop.com account to view and retrieve their images at a later time from any Internet-connected computer.The Adobe Photoshop.com Mobile for Android application is available as a free download from the Android Market. The application is currently available in the U.S. and Canada only.

Update: Adobe Photoshop.com Mobile is now available in all countries with Android Market.

Website: Photoshop.com Mobile for Android

LeicaShots.com is a recently launched website that features a new Leica photographer every day. Every photographer showcases only one example of their work. “Each photographer tells a little bit about the photo he/she submits, as well as telling us why they use a Leica,” says LeicaShots founder Martin ‘Marty’ Buchman. “Our featured photographers have given many interesting reasons as to why they’re Leica shooters.”

Website: LeicaShots

The Cranberry DiamonDisc is an archival DVD using high-tech, diamond-hard material. Unlike conventional recordable DVDs and CDs, the Cranberry DiamonDisc has no adhesive layers, dye layer or reflective layer to deteriorate - thereby avoiding “data rot”. Allegedly, the DiamonDisc is environmentally stable and remains unaffected by UV and changes in temperature and humidity. Playable on most regular DVD drives that exist today, the Cranberry DiamonDisc is now available to consumers for less than $30 each.

Website: Cranberry DiamonDisc

Lowepro has launched the Photo Runner 100, billed as “a carrying solution that combines the agility of a beltpack with the utility of a shoulder bag”. The Photo Runner 100 features a fast-access, side-opening lid that opens wide, allowing the user to work right out of the roomy main compartment with ease. Adjustable, protective and padded dividers offer multiple ways to load gear into the Photo Runner 100—vertically with a DSLR with attached standard zoom lens and an additional lens or accessory—or, horizontally with a DSLR with attached lens up to 80-200mm f/2.8.

Website: Lowepro Photo Runner 100

Lowepro has announced the launch of the Magnum DV AW series, designed for the videographer who needs to work right out of the bag. The wide, dual-winged lid of the Magnum DV AW opens from the center, providing fast access to gear plus extra security with double zippers, a quick-release buckle and a hook/loop closure. Two roomy side pockets and a fast-access front pocket provide plenty of space for accessories, props and personal items. A wrapped and padded centre grab handle, trolley sleeve and handcart straps offer multiple ways to transport a heavy load. The Magnum DV AW series includes the Magnum DV 4000 AW and the Magnum DV 6500 AW, both in Black. Both meet most airline carry-on size requirements.

Website: Lowepro MAgnum DV AW Series

Corel has announced a range of Christmas promotions in the UK. There is a £90 cashback offer on CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X4, a £20 discount on Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo X2 Ultimate and a similar price reduction on Corel’s VideoStudio Pro X2. Furthermore, Corel’s promotions extend to other products in its software range such as Corel Painter 11, Corel Painter Essentials 4 and Corel WordPerfect Office X4. Corel’s Christmas offers are available at Corel’s Store and through leading retailers across the UK including Amazon and Misco.

Website: Corel Store (UK)