Ricoh have released a new firmware update for the Ricoh R8, a 10 megapixel digital camera with a 7.1 wide-angle zoom lens. The new firmware update, version 1.26, modifies the following phenomenon:

- If you make the [Level Compensation] in the playback mode to a captured image with [N640] (pic. quality / size) and with [Date Imprint], the numbers of date in the picture may blur.

Website: Ricoh R8 Firmware Update 1.26

We’ve just published sample photos taken with a production version of the new Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1, the World’s first Micro Four Thirds camera. There are 40 full-sized JPEGs and 6 RAWs for you to download. Our full Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 review will be published very soon…

Website: Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 Sample Images

Adobe Configurator is a new utility that enables you to create your own panels for Photoshop CS4. Configurator makes it easy to drag and drop tools, menu items, scripts, actions, and other objects into a panel design, then export the results for use inside Photoshop. Configurator is free for anyone to use, and a full 30-day tryout version can be downloaded now.

Canon have updated four of their software programs for Windows and Mac OS X. The updates add new features and support for the EOS 5D Mark II camera. The latest versions are:

- Digital Photo Professional 3.5.1
- EOS Utility 2.5.1
- Picture Style Editor 1.4.1
- WFT Utility 3.3

Website: Canon Software Updates

In 2007 the DSLR market grew by 40% compared to the point-and-shoot market, according to new research from InfoTrends. The market will grow 16% in 2008 and will not peak until 2012. InfoTrends’ research indicates that first time buyers will be drawn to ease of use, mainstream retailers (rather than specialty stores), small models, colors, and low prices. Repeat buyers will find features such as increased light sensitivity and reduced image noise, automated geo-tagging, and wireless technology appealing.

Kingston Technology have announced a 64Gb version of their DataTraveler 150 USB flash drive. “The new 64GB DataTraveler 150 takes transportable storage to the next level with big capacity in a small package,” said Jaja Lin, Flash business development manager, Kingston. Kingston’s DataTraveler 150 is fully compatible with Windows Vista, XP and Windows 2000 as well as Mac OS X 10.3 (and above) and Linux 2.6 (and above).

Canon USA have asked their customers not to cash rebate checks, following the bankruptcy of the company responsible for processing them. This affects mail-in rebate checks for Canon-brand printer and video products dated on or before November 14, 2008. Canon will be posting details on where to mail your rebate claim material and how to exchange your check for a new check that you will be able to cash.

The new Casio EXILIM Pro EX-FH20 compact camera is all about raw speed, offering a continuous shooting rate of up to 40fps, and movie recording at 1000fps. In direct comparison, most other cameras in its class can shoot at up to 3 fps for stills, and 30fps for video. Admittedly there’s a drop in quality to attain such fast shooting - from 9 to 7 megapixels for stills, and down to 224×56 pixel movies - but the bridge-style EX-FH20 still has a number of tempting features. In addition to the sensible 9 megapixel resolution, there’s a 20x, 26-520mm ultra-zoom lens, 3 inch LCD screen, 1cm macro mode and RAW file support. Is the Casio EX-FH20 the ultimate ultra-zoom camera? Gavin Stoker found out…

Website: Casio EXILIM Pro EX-FH20 Review

Nikon have released a firmware update for the SB-900, their top-of-the-range Speedlight flash gun. The following improvements have been made in version 5.02

- With uninterrupted shooting with the SB-900 set to i-TTL mode, images captured just before the flash ceased firing were sometimes overexposed.
This issue has been resolved.  By resolving this issue, metering precision has been further increased and the number of times the flash fires has also been increased.

- When the SB-900, set to TTL auto flash mode, is used with a camera supporting the Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS), flash mode automatically changes to A mode according to camera communication status.  That flash mode was previously maintained, but it has been modified so that TTL auto flash mode is restored once the SB-900 again recognizes the camera as a CLS-compatible camera.

Website: Nikon SB-900 Firmware Update 5.02 (Windows)

Website: Nikon SB-900 Firmware Update 5.02 (Mac)

Half of all the American consumer photographs taken in the film era are in danger of being lost forever, according to a new study. GfK Custom Research North America discovered that 75% of Americans know their photos won’t last forever and 85% want their great-grandchildren to see those photos, yet preservation still isn’t a top priority. Americans have taken nearly 550 billion non-digital photos in their lifetimes, yet only about half (55.4%) have tried to preserve even some of them. “Clearly Americans are conflicted about their photos,” said Jim Timony, Senior Vice President, GfK Media and Communications. “While we are certainly dedicated to recording our personal histories and most of us want to share our memories with future generations, many people stop short of attempting to preserve their photos digitally.”

Think Tank Photo are offering free bags or belts when you buy a roller, Airport backpack, or modular set. The offers are

- buy an Airport roller, get a free Lightning Fast DSLR flash modular bag
- buy an Airport backpack, get a free Chimp Cage modular bag
- buy a Modular Set or Skin Set, get a free Pro Speed Belt

All purchases must be from a US retailers or directly from Think Tank Photo. Send in your coupon and sales receipt, and Think Tank Photo will send you the free gift.

HP is running a series of free seminars, in collaboration with Magnum Photos, with workshops on the new HP Designjet Z3200 Photo Printer. The HP Photography and Printing Master Class Road Show will visit seven cities from London to Dubai between now and February. Each seminar will feature an inspirational presentation by a Magnum photographer followed by workshops focusing on the Z3200. Participating Magnum photographers include Thomas Hoepker, Alessandra Sanguinetti, Donovan Wylie, Patrick Zachmann, Carl De Keyzer and Martin Parr.

The Master of Professional Studies in Digital Photography degree is designed for working professionals looking to improve their skills in digital image capture. Starting in Autumn 2009, the one-year course takes a unique approach by combining web-based education with a summer residency. “This program is ideal for anyone who has a deep passion for exploring the confluence of photographic aesthetics and digital technology but can’t relocate to New York for a full calendar year of study. Ideal candidates include working photographers, photographic educators and fine artists” commented Katrin Eismann, photographer, author and chair of the MPS in Digital Photography Department. The online information session for the program will take place on Monday, December 8, from 6:30-8:30pm.

CanvasRus are offering 3 for 2 and 15% off their range of canvas prints. Just quote CHR258 at the shopping cart page and 15% will automatically be deducted from your order. CanvasRus guarantee delivery before Christmas for all orders placed by 15th December, and you can take advantage of their two Christmas offers up to the end of December.

Website: CanvasRus

Cameratown has just published a review of three different video editing software packages capable of handling high-definition, AVCHD video files, and priced under $100. Ron Risman compares Sony Vegas Movie Studio 9 Platinum Edition, Pinnacle Studio Plus Version 12, and Corel VideoStudio X2 with the goal of helping you choose the right software for the task at hand. The review includes over 100 minutes of free video demonstrations, allowing you see how easy it is to edit your high-definition video clips.

Website: CameraTown - Head-to-Head! Three AVCHD Video Editing Packages Under $100

PhotoFrame 4 from onOne Software adds realistic film and darkroom edge effects to your images. You can also add artistic edges like torn paper, brush strokes or create full-on layouts with backgrounds, textures and adornments. Photo Frame 4 includes over 200 new frames developed by pro photographers, a frame library with library management options, updated user-interface, and new output options for added user control. Jon Canfield tested out the Pro version of PhotoFrame 4.

Website: PhotoFrame 4 Pro Review

What Digital Camera are holding an auction of photography equipment to raise money for Children in Need. Prizes up for grabs include the new Adobe CS4 (pictured), Canon EOS 30D DSLR and Samsung and Fujifilm compacts. You have until the close of Midnight (GMT) on Wednesday 19th November to submit your bid.

Website: Bid for a bargain in WDC auction for Children In Need

Kenro has added two new compact camera cases to its ‘City Case’ range. The first new design is finished in stylish leatherette material, and the second new model comes in two fashionable colours, metallic pink and blue. These cases are made from a lightweight, padded material that offers excellent protection. The new Red and Black Leatherette City cases retail for £9.10 and the Padded Metallic City cases for £9.05.

Nikon is offering up to £50 / €65 off the D60, their 10 megapixel entry-level DSLR camera. The cash back offer is available on all lens combinations purchased between 17th November and 31st March 2009. You can save £30 / €40 on the D60 single lens kit and £50 / €65 on the double lens kit. All claims must be made by 30th April 2008 in order to qualify. More information about the cashback offer and details about how to submit a claim can be found at www.nikon.co.uk/cashback

Kodak has filed complaints against Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics for infringement of Kodak digital camera patents. The patents in question cover technology related to image capture, compression and data storage and a method for previewing motion images. “We’ve held discussions with both companies in an attempt to resolve this issue and have not been able to reach a satisfactory agreement. Consequently, we must take this legal action in order to ensure that we protect the interests of our shareholders and existing licensees of Kodak digital camera patents.” said Laura G. Quatela, Chief Intellectual Property Officer, and Vice President, Eastman Kodak Company. Kodak did not disclose the amount of damages it is pursuing.