Olympus have released a firmware update for the ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 9-18mm 1:4.0-5.6 lens. Version 1.1 improves the auto-focus operation under certain conditions.

Website: Olympus 9-18mm Lens Firmware Update

dxomark.com has published RAW measurement results for the Sony A700, A300, and A200 DSLR cameras. There’s also a newly-published review of the A700 which includes findings about the camera’s internal RAW processing implementation. www.dxomark.com is a free online resource that delivers key objective sensor performance metrics measured directly on the RAW image for a variety of cameras.

Ever wondered what to do with your old memory cards? Photochaining could be the answer. The PhotoChaining blog is a continuous project where people practice the art of leaving memory cards in public places to be picked up and used by others, who then do likewise. Still in its infancy, 19 memory cards have been found and displayed on the site so far.

Website: Photochaining

Flash Renamer is a batch renaming tool that’s currently being given away free. Normally Flash Renamer costs $20 to register, but to celebrate its 10th birthday, developer RL Vision are giving it away for free until the end of this week. This is the latest version (v6.2) - the only limitation is that it cannot be upgraded in the future.

Website: Flash Renamer Offer

Shapeways Photoshaper allows anyone to turn digital photographs into 3D printed objects. Based on the contrast of the picture the Shapeways Photoshaper automatically creates a depth-layered 3D object that can be printed. The Shapeways Photoshaper 3D photo is produced and delivered globally within 10 days, and costs between $40-50 (USD), including shipping.

David Brunetti is the overall winner of the 2008 Fujifilm Distinctions Awards. David’s winning image, ‘Mother’, is part of a series of portraits of the Rroma community in Romania. Like the other 3,000 submissions to Distinctions 2008, David’s image was taken on Fujifilm professional film. Entries to the 2009 Distinctions Awards can be submitted from 1 April 2009.

Gary Walsh has scooped the top prize in the 2008 Fujifilm Envisage Photography Awards, and also claimed the two runner-up awards in the finals. The Award means Gary wins £1000 for the client who commissioned the winning image. The Fujifilm Envisage Photography Awards are designed to help members of Fujifilm’s Envisage marketing programme to generate more sales leads and therefore more profits for their studio.

The SAMPLE 09 exhibition explores artists’ use of creative printing to enhance their work. A new collection of photographs by emerging and established photographers and artists from around the globe, SAMPLE 09 presents samples of work created by clients of London printing studio theprintspace. The exhibition will run until March 31st at theprintspace, London.

Panasonic have released a new firmware update for the DMC-LS85 camera. Version 1.1 includes the following changes:

- Improved the stability of playing back videos and images,when the AV cable is connected.
- Added a feature to change the volume of the shutter sound, and the volume is controlled by adjusting the sound volume of menu operations.

Website: Panasonic DMC-LS85 Firmware Update 1.1

LaCie’s new itsaKey, iamaKey and PassKey USB drives are shaped like keys. The itsaKey and iamaKey offer up to 8GB of flash memory. Alternatively, the PassKey has a built-in microSD card reader. The three USB keys are built with sturdy metal, and the Gold SIP connector on the iamaKey is both water- and scratch- resistant. The LaCie Keys are available now starting at £9 / $9.99.

The Lowepro D-Wrap is a new point-and-shoot camera wrap-style case. Lowepro’s D-Wrap includes a built-in plate with threaded key that attaches to the camera’s tripod socket. The stretchy and abrasion-resistant neoprene cover wraps around the camera body and shuts securely with a Velcro closure. The Lowepro D-Wrap will be available in spring 2009.

Lowepro Toploader Pro AW is a new toploading camera bag series. Toploader Pro AW is built for the pro photographer who requires fast access, agility and flexibility while on assignment. Toploader Pro AW bags come in three sizes and work with Lowepro’s Topload Chest Harness (sold separately), offering hands-free access while on the job. The Lowepro Toploader Pro AW series will be available in late spring 2009.

The Lowepro Pro Roller x-Series is a new range of camera roller bags. Designed with airport-compatibility and extra security in mind, the Pro Roller x-Series features a 3-digit combination lock and one retractable security cable. A camera backpack is built right into the hard case and serves as a dual carrying option. The Lowepro Pro Roller x-Series comes in three sizes (x100 and x200 can be taken aboard airlines as a carry-on bag in most instances) and will be available in late spring 2009.

Ansel Adams photograph “Grass and Rain” will be available as a digital reproduction from April 16th. The eighth image in this new series of Ansel Adams Archival Replicas, “Grass and Rain” is described as an “often overlooked” image that is “a really wonderful image to hang in one’s home or office.” The Archival Replicas range in size from 7 by 9” to 30 by 38” and cost from $79 to $999, depending upon size, mounting, matting and framing. Grass and Rain will be available in sizes up to 20 by 24” with larger prints offered on request.

World exclusive! We’ve published 41 sample photos taken with a production version of the brand new Olympus E-620 DSLR camera. There are 27 full-size JPEG images at the best quality setting, an ISO sequence from 100-3200, and 8 images shot with some of the new Art Filters. The Olympus E-620 is the world’s smallest and lightest DSLR camera with built-in image stabilisation. An Olympus UK spokesman hinted at a possible UK launch price for the E-620 of £650 with a kit lens (US price already confirmed as $699 body-only).

Website: Olympus E-620 Photos

RED have been titillating forum users this week with more details of its upcoming DSLR camera system. Founder Jim Jannard has revealed a new set of primes lenses (pictured) - 18mm T1.9, 21mm T1.9, 65mm T1.9 120mm T1.9 140mm T1.9 and 14mm beginning. Also revealed is the first shot of a possible DSLR camera configuration (click the continue link below to see it).

Olympus have publically stated that 12 megapixels is enough for a DSLR camera. In an interview with CNET, Akira Watanabe, manager of Olympus Imaging’s SLR planning department, commented that “Twelve megapixels is, I think, enough for covering most applications most customers need,”. Watanabe went on to claim that contrast-detection autofocusing in DSLRs will soon out-perform the traditional phase-detection system. Of course, both of these claims are directly in line with Olympus’s current approach to its DSLR camera development…

Website: CNET - Olympus declares 12 megapixels is enough

Mothers and Children is a new National Geographic book that captures the bond between mothers and their children. World-famous contributors Annie Griffiths Belt, Sam Abell, Jodi Cobb, Joel Sartore and more have contributed 65 beautiful photographs from around the world. Mothers and Children will be available from March 17th for $20 (hardcover).

Canon has been voted the most trusted camera brand in Europe for the ninth consecutive year. In a survey by Reader’s Digest, the world’s best-selling monthly magazine, consumers in 13 out of 16 European countries voted for Canon.  Respondents rated each brand on the following four criteria: Quality, Excellent value, Strong Image and Understands customer needs.