Adobe has added RAW file support for 7 digital cameras to Lightroom 2.2, including the Canon EOS 5D Mark II and Panasonic DMC-LX3. The Lightroom 2.2 update also includes several refinements such as enhanced performance of the local adjustment tools. In addition, Adobe’s Camera Profiles are now available natively within Lightroom 2.2 and are provided automatically as part of this release.

Panasonic have released a firmware update for the DMC-G1 camera. Version 1.1 improves the usability of the AE Lock and MF Assist features, and you can now make colour adjustments to the LCD and the LVF (Live View Finder). Additional performance updates are also included in this new firmware.

Website: Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 Firmware Update 1.1

Serif Digital Photo Suite 2009 is a new feature-rich photography software suite. Combining AlbumPlus X3, PanoramaPlus 3 and the QuickFix Studio, Digital Photo Suite 2009 offers photographers of any level of experience an affordable, fast and easy way to organize, fix, enhance and share their photos. Serif Digital Photo Suite 2009 retails for $49.99 and is available now.

D90 Remote and D300 Remote allow you to control the Nikon D90 or Nikon D300 cameras from a PC. Developed by Breeze Systems, the D90 Remote and D300 Remote software applications also display live images on a PC screen, take a series of photos and print them out, and shoot time lapse sequences. D90 Remote and D300 Remote are available now priced at $95 each.

Kodak have unveiled four new digital cameras - the Z980, M380, M340, M320 models. The Kodak Z980 has a market-leading 24x zoom image-stabilised lens (26-624mm), 12 megapixels, 3 inch LCD screen, and detachable vertical grip, available for $399.95 from Spring 2009. The new Kodak M380 camera boasts a 10 megapixel sensor, 5x optical zoom, and 2.7 inch LCD ($179 from March 2009), while the Kodak M340 offers a 10 megapixel sensor, 3x optical zoom, and 2.7 inch LCD. Finally the Kodak M320 features a 9 megapixel sensor, 3x optical zoom, and 2.7 inch LCD. UK pricing and availability for all four new Kodak cameras is still to be confirmed.

The new Kodak Zx1 is a compact digital camera that captures High Definition video. The Zx1 features 720p HD video at 60 or 30 fps, 2 inch LCD screen, weather-resistant design and easy uploading to YouTube. The Kodak Zx1 will be available in five colours (black, red, pink, blue and yellow) from Spring 2009 for $149.95. UK pricing and availability still to be confirmed.

Capture One 4.6 is a new release with improved performance and additional camera support. Processing, Browsing, Folder viewing and Color Editor have all been improved, and the new Camera Controls tool allows users to remotely control key camera settings. New supported cameras include the Phase One P 65+, Canon G10, Nikon D3X and Olympus E-30. Capture One 4.6 is a free service release to existing Capture One 4.x owners.

The Clickfree Transformer Cable automatically backs up your photos to any external hard drive. The Transformer USB cable instantly turns any external hard drive into a Clickfree automatic backup device, completely eliminating the hassle and confusion of installing and configuring backup software. The Clickfree Transformer Cable has a retail price of £49.99 and is available now.

The Picture Porter 35 from Digital Foci is a new high-capacity portable photo manager. Featuring a 3.5 inch color screen, built-in hard drive with capacity starting at 160GB, and a multi-format memory card reader, the Picture Porter 35 can copy 1GB of data in about 2 minutes. Available in Summer 2009, Picture Porter 35 will be available in 160GB and higher capacity configurations (price tbc).

As 2008 has just ended, we thought it would be a great idea to round-up all of our accessory reviews from the past year. There are 9 in-depth reviews, including printers, colour calibrators, graphics tablets, hard drives and portable storage devices. You should be able to find the right accessory for you from this round-up.

Our seventh and final Christmas guest writer, Michael C. Johnston from The Online Photographer, shares a festive tale with you all.

Back when I was editor-in-chief of Photo Techniques magazine, one of my duties was to sort through the many letters the magazine received to find a few short ones to print. As happens at any magazine, among the many ordinary inquiries were a variety of epistolary missiles from an always-entertaining assortment of cranks and crackpots. One enigmatic correspondent, for instance, once sent us a perfectly mediocre drugstore snapshot of a field with a nondescript tree stump in the middle distance. One the back was written, “I thought this was a pretty nice stump.”

During one period that lasted half a year or so, we received a succession of long, rambling, often angry letters from one particular reader, one after each issue was published.

Our sixth Christmas guest writer, commercial photographer Keith Cooper from Northlight Images, shares his top tips for becoming a professional photographer.

So you want to be a Pro Photographer?

Many people wonder about their futures and whether it’s a good time to become a professional commercial photographer?

I often get asked about what it takes - so here are some of my answers. Remember I’m a commercial photographer (so no weddings or portrait work) - If you want to be a wedding photographer then ask one of them :-)

As the end of 2008 quickly approaches, we thought it would be a great idea to round-up all of our software reviews from the past year. There are 16 in-depth reviews, covering everything from the big daddy of digital imaging (Adobe Photoshop CS4) to specialized black and white conversion software (Nik Silver Efex Pro). You should be able to find the right software for you from this round-up.

Our fifth Christmas guest writer, long-time professional photographer Philip Dunn from PhotoActive, shares his top tips for taking great photos of mixed light.

Ever wondered how to create those wonderful atmospheric exterior photographs where golden light from a house window streams into the cold, blue light of the street? You must have seen them – National Geographic photographers use this technique all the time when taking pictures of villages or towns. Advertising photographers use it when photographing hotels and guest houses. It’s a really old trick to make the place look cosy and inviting – the front door is often left open so that yellow light spills out onto the doorstep.

As the end of 2008 quickly approaches, we thought it would be a great idea to round-up all of our point and shoot compact camera reviews from the past year. There are 16 in-depth reviews in total of cameras that are great for beginners looking to get into photography, or just something easy-to-use for family snaps. You should be able to find the right point and shoot compact camera for you from this round-up.

Serif PhotoPlus X2 is a full-featured image editing application at an entry-level price. Taking on the likes of Adobe Photoshop Elements and Corel Paint Shop Pro, PhotoPlus X2 allows you to organise and open RAW files, correct common camera flaws and photo problems, makeover portrait photos, apply powerful artistic effects, print a range of layouts, create web graphics, and share photos digitally. Serif PhotoPlus X2 Digital Studio retails for £59.99 / $79.99. Jon Canfield discovers if PhotoPlus X2 is a realistic alternative to the market leaders.

Website: Serif PhotoPlus X2 Review

Our fourth Christmas guest writer, one of Britain’s most accomplished large format photographers, David Ward from Light & Land, shares his top tips for taking great photos of winter landscapes.

Many people dream of the long, languorous days of summer, with its gentle, warm zephyrs. But, as a landscape photographer I dream of the short days of winter, preferably with snow and ice. Despite what you may think this isn’t simply a case of me being contrary. No, honestly, it isn’t! For me there are many compelling reasons why landscape photography is a more worthwhile experience in winter.

As the end of 2008 quickly approaches, we thought it would be a great idea to round-up all of our ultrazoom compact camera reviews from the past year. There are 12 in-depth reviews in total of cameras that offer at least a 10x optical zoom lens, allowing you to get much closer to the action without having to change lenses. You should be able to find the right ultrazoom compact camera for you from this round-up.

Our third Christmas guest writer, photography website editor Ian Burley from DPNow, considers if the days of the SLR camera are numbered.

SLR cameras are special, aren’t they? The first time you pick up an SLR, peer through the viewfinder and release the shutter, if was the same for you as it was for me (all those years ago!) , it was a watershed experience;  rather like driving a car for the first time. The viewfinder, the mechanical whirr, clunk and click of the mirror and shutter operating in tandem, and the reassuring interchangeability of the lens, they all add up to a feeling that never goes away. An SLR has purpose, a mechanical assuredness, almost infinite potential. It’s exhilarating and satisfying in use and makes one look down upon compact cameras with a sense of diluted respect.

But is the SLR camera era under threat? Will many of us never fulfil long-cherished ambitions to own an SLR? Might existing SLR users abandon their old reflex passion… for something new?

As the end of 2008 quickly approaches, we thought it would be a great idea to round-up all of our advanced compact camera reviews from the past year. There are 26 in-depth reviews in total of cameras that offer at least aperture/shutter-priority modes, which is surprising given the recent trend to de-feature compacts in order to sell more entry-level DSLRs. You should be able to find the right advanced compact camera for you from this round-up.