iPhoto ‘09: The Missing Manual by David Pogue and J.D. Biersdorfer is a new book billed as “the book that should have been in the box”. This book’s opening chapters are a guided tour through all the ways iPhoto lets you group your pictures-by events, in albums, or even based on who’s in the picture and where it was taken. It also covers iPhoto’s beefed-up editing suite, including its increasingly Photoshop-like adjustments palette. iPhoto ‘09: The Missing Manual costs $34.99 USD / £26.99 GBP, or $27.99 USD as an eBook.

Canon today announced the launch of Canon Live Learning, a new on-site education programme targeted towards photographers who currently use or are interested in Canon EOS gear. Canon Live Learning (CLL) will offer high-quality classes and workshops conducted by a number of the industry’s leading professional photographers, Canon’s Explorers of Light. CLL will consist of two distinct educational opportunities: EOS Essentials and EOS Extras. EOS Essentials is ideal for photographers who are interested in learning how to get the most out of their EOS and other photography equipment. EOS Extras provides participants with an opportunity to take part in a weekend of instruction on location at an interesting site with a Canon Explorer of Light. Click through / read on for exact dates and locations across the US.

LaCie has announced upgrades to two of its network solutions, the LaCie 2big Network and the LaCie 5big Network. The product upgrades include improved performance, enhanced features, comprehensive backup support, and significant capacity expansion. The LaCie 5big Network takes advantage of a Gigabit Ethernet connection and features five hot-swappable drives that support seven RAID modes. Now, with the latest capacity advancements, the 5big Network includes a 10TB model. The 2big Network is a two-bay RAID device that provides up to 4TB of professional storage. Its upgrade includes features such as Windows Active Directory Support (ADS) and local backup. The LaCie 2big and 5big Network will be available through the LaCie Online Store, LaCie Reseller+ or LaCie Storage Partner starting at the suggested retail price of $319.99 for the 2big Network and $799.99 for the 5big Network (excluding VAT).

LaCie has announced upgrades to two of its network solutions, the LaCie 2big Network and the LaCie 5big Network. The product upgrades include improved performance, enhanced features, comprehensive backup support, and significant capacity expansion. The LaCie 5big Network takes advantage of a Gigabit Ethernet connection and features five hot-swappable drives that support seven RAID modes. Now, with the latest capacity advancements, the 5big Network includes a 10TB model. The 2big Network is a two-bay RAID device that provides up to 4TB of professional storage. Its upgrade includes features such as Windows Active Directory Support (ADS) and local backup. The LaCie 2big and 5big Network will be available through the LaCie Online Store, LaCie Reseller+ or LaCie Storage Partner starting at the suggested retail price of $319.99 for the 2big Network and $799.99 for the 5big Network (excluding VAT).

Jessops have introduced the Wrap-Up camera case, which is available in a variety of colours and patterns. These include Dalmatian, Pink Dots, Black and Quilted Black. The new wrap mounts to the camera via the tripod socket and even stays on during shooting.  When you’ve got the shot you want you can quickly wrap up the camera and move onto the next location. The Wrap-Up camera case costs £10 and can be purchased in store or online at www.jessops.com.

Bogen Imaging have announced a special offer on a range of Manfrotto Photo monopods. Those who buy a Manfrotto Photo 334B, 679B, 680B, 681B, 682B or 685B monopod in May or June will get a Manfrotto 234 head worth £16.95 free of charge. Consumers that purchase either the Manfrotto 694CX or 695CX Photo monopod can claim a Manfrotto 234RC head (pictured) worth £26.95 free of charge. The offer is available at participating dealers only.

Futuresource Consulting says the US photobook market is on track for healthy growth in 2009, with demand projected to reach nearly 17m units this year, up from close to 12.5m in 2008. In value terms, this means the US photobook market is set to exceed $500 million this year. Although online remains the channel of choice for most consumers, with current and forthcoming product launches like the Kis photobook kiosk, duplex printing equipment from Kodak, Fuji and Noritsu, and a number of new software features from companies like Lucidium, HP, Rocketlife and DNP, there is now a growing emphasis on developing the retail angle.

Wiley Photography Challenge is a series of themed photography contests that are accepting entires from today through 31 July. The three themed rounds will include: “Travel” (May 2009), “Bliss” (June), and “Celebrations” (July). Winners will be awarded cash and other prizes, including a $500 Grand Prize, Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 2 software, SmugMug Pro membership, Wiley books and more. The challenge is open to US and UK residents who are at least 13 years old at the time of entry.

Website: Wiley Photo Challenge

Serif has released a new photo editor called PhotoPlus X3 Digital Studio. Key new features include raw image processing, HDR, support for 48-bit colour photographs, new effects such as realistic metal and glass effects, and Microsoft HD Photo support. Resources such as the new Black and White Studio offer full control over the mood and style of greyscale images.  In addition, PhotoPlus X3’s improved filter gallery gives users the opportunity to enhance images with effects including kaleidoscope and page curl. PhotoPlus X3 retails at $79.99 and is available today directly from Serif.

ddisoftware has announced Qimage 2009.250, a major revision of its professional photographic printing software, Qimage. New features include a “menu cheater” that allows direct access to dozens of commonly used functions that previously required drilling down into menus, and powerful new photo album functionality for the Studio Edition that allows users to organise photos into user defined photo albums. Behind-the-scenes tweaks include a new installer that allows users to install both program files and application data in user-selectable folders, automatic checks to ensure that saved printer setups are compatible with updated print drivers, and other time saving enhancements. The Qimage Lite Edition costs $34.95, the Professional Edition can be yours for $49.95, while the Studio Edition is $89.95.

Website: Qimage Latest Version

MAGIX Xtreme PhotoStory on CD & DVD 8 is now available in the UK. The program, which has already been launched in the USA, lets you liven up your pictures in just three steps: select images, add effects and music, and enjoy the show. Slideshows can be burned not only as DVDs with decorative menus, but also uploaded directly from within the program to YouTube. MAGIX Xtreme PhotoStory on CD & DVD Deluxe is available at £29.99 inc from all major UK retailers and online partners including Amazon and PC World.

JOBO has introduced a 9mm thick digital photo frame, the JOBO NANO 7, as part of a new series of digital frames. The JOBO NANO 7, which features a 7” LCD, will be available in three different versions – Basic, Pro and Media. The JOBO NANO 7 Pro and Media versions feature touch activated buttons on the front of the frame. The NANO Media version features multimedia capabilities including viewing digital photos in slide shows along with music and video with audio. The resolution of the NANO 7 Basic is 480x234 pixels, whereas the Pro and Media versions come with an 800x480-pixel screen.The NANO 7 offers Dual-Mini-USB 2.0 high speed capability for connecting a card reader or USB jump drive and supports SD and MMC memory cards. The JOBO NANO 7 Basic, Pro and Media will be available in June with an AC adapter, remote control and manual for €74.90, €94.90, and €119 MSRP, respectively. The JOBO NANO 8 Media (8 inch) and NANO 10 Media (10 inch) models will be available later in July 2009 for €139 and €199 respectively.

Photo Iconic has launched a new range of photography courses, designed to appeal to photographers, journalists, writers and authors. These new courses will teach participants how to shoot to a brief and illustrate a story which appeals to picture buyers and editors. After participants are taught how to shoot like a pro, with lots of practical opportunities and advice, plus repeated feedback, they’ll get the opportunity to photograph an actual event under the watchful guidance of the tutors. There are two courses for 2009: ‘A Country Life’ (July 4th-5th) covers the Heveningham Hall Country Fair, while ‘Sea to Table’ (September 26th-27th) explores the coastal villages and seafood beloved by Suffolk ‘foodies’. There is also the option to come back on the third day to review the images taken at the event and receive advice and feedback on composition, editing and picture selection. Each course also includes the option of a dinner at the 16th century Crown Hotel in Framlingham. Each course costs £345 for the first two days (to include the Suffolk produce dinner, but excluding accommodation), and the optional feedback day costs £95.

Website: Photo Iconic

Viewbook.com has released an updated version of its online image presentation service and a refreshed website “to further empower visual creatives around the globe”. Designed for photographers, designers and graphic artists, Viewbook allows visual creatives to be organised, display and present their work simply and stylishly. Viewbook’s features also extend to presentation creation and client delivery, as well as online image archive and flexible presentation formats. In the coming months, more new features are planned, such as plug-ins for use with Adobe Lightroom2 and Apple Aperture.

Website: Viewbook

Pentax Germany says on its website that the new K series Pentax DSLR is coming on the 20th of May. We have already told you about a teaser campaign launched by Pentax Japan that puts the announcement date on the 21st. The discrepancy is apparent only, as Japan and Germany are in two very different time zones. From the countdown running on the German website, one can deduce that the new Pentax DSLR will be unveiled at 4pm CET on the 20th, which is 0:00 on the 21st in Japan. The official name of the product is unknown, but it is widely expected that the new DSLR will be called the Pentax K-7. TeKaDe, which bills itself as “Germany’s and Austria’s Number One Pentax Shop” expects the camera to become commercially available at the end of June / beginning of July, and puts the price at around €1,500.

Website: Pentax DSLR Countdown

  The Pentax K-7 has been announced.

The Epson Stylus SX215 is a compact all-in-one with individual inks designed for printing photos and documents. The Epson SX215 features memory card slots and a 3.8cm LCD viewer and uses Epson DURABrite Ultra Ink. Richard Aplin, Product Manager, Epson UK says: “The Epson Stylus SX215 is perfect for your everyday printing, scanning and copying needs. It gives you outstanding text quality and lab-quality photos, as well as intuitive PC-free functions and cost-effective individual inks.” The Epson Stylus SX215 will be available on 1st July, 2009 for £99.99.

The new Epson Stylus SX115 is a compact printer, scanner and copier with individual inks. Offering the highest printing resolution in its class, the Epson SX115 features Epson’s DURABrite Ultra Ink, an advanced pigment-based ink technology. Richard Aplin, Product Manager, Epson UK says: “This product is the perfect solution for people who need a simple and compact all-in-one at home. Printing documents, lab-quality photos, web pages, emails and homework is quick and easy. The Epson Stylus SX115 is a cost effective all-in-one that does not compromise on quality.” The Epson Stylus SX115 will be available on 1st July, 2009 for £69.99.

The new Epson Stylus SX115 is a compact printer, scanner and copier with individual inks. Offering the highest printing resolution in its class, the Epson SX115 features Epson’s DURABrite Ultra Ink, an advanced pigment-based ink technology. Richard Aplin, Product Manager, Epson UK says: “This product is the perfect solution for people who need a simple and compact all-in-one at home. Printing documents, lab-quality photos, web pages, emails and homework is quick and easy. The Epson Stylus SX115 is a cost effective all-in-one that does not compromise on quality.” The Epson Stylus SX115 will be available on 1st July, 2009 for £69.99.