Version 8.1 of Portrait Professional retouching software introduces batch-processing for large volumes of portraits. Portrait Professional software has been trained using 1000s of portraits to perform skin tone improvement, facial sculpting and lighting correction, remove wrinkles, spots, glare and skin imperfections without removing the underlying texture of skin. Portrait Professional 8.1 will be demonstrated at PhotoKina in September and available for sale from October 2008.

The Artisan 800 and 700 are new flagship inkjet all-in-ones from Epson. The premium Epson Artisan 800 model features Wi-Fi Fax, an Automatic Document Feeder (ADF), Ultra Hi-Definition photos, 4800 dpi resolution scanning, a 7.8-inch smart touch panel and 3.5-inch LCD screen. The Epson Artisan 700 lacks the fax capability of its big brother and has a smaller 2.5-inch LCD and 2400 dpi resolution scanning. Both models offer Wi-Fi and Ethernet networking and use six-color Ultra Hi-Definition Claria ink. The Epson Artisan 800 costs $299.99 and the Artisan 700 $199.99.

The LaCie Network Space is a new networked attached storage (NAS) and media server. Designed specifically for easy home and small office use, the Network Space is available in capacities of 500GB to 1TB. “The Network Space is a simple, easy-to-use solution right out of the box for customers wanting easily accessible network storage for multiple computers or UPnP media players,” said Christa Dabilly, LaCie Product Manager.  “Whether you want to localize storage for images and files or want the ability to access music files through any local iTunes player, this device is a perfect NAS solution for local use.” The LaCie Network Space will have a starting suggested retail price of $149.99.

The Nikon D90 is the world’s first DSLR camera that shoots High Definition video. Replacing the D80 model, the new 12.3 megapixel Nikon D90 can shoot 1280x720 pixel, 720p video at 24fps with mono-sound for up to 5 minutes. Compared to a camcorder, the larger image sensor on the D90 offers higher image quality, a shallower depth of field and better ISO performance in low-light conditions. The D90 also offers advanced features such as Live View, Scene Recognition, Active D-Lighting, Picture Control and an ISO sensitivity range of 100-6400. There’s also a 3-inch LCD screen with 170? viewing angle and 920,000 dots, viewfinder with 96% frame coverage, Live View shooting with new Face Priority mode, and 850 picture battery life. The Nikon D90 will be available in September for £699.99 / €959.00 / $999.95 body only, or £849.99 / €1164.00 / $1,299.95 with the new 18-105mm F/3.5-5.6G ED VR kit lens. Nikon also unveiled the GP-1, a new GPS device that allows you to geo-tag your photos (price and availability to be confirmed). We have exclusive pictures of the D90 in action from yesterday’s UK press launch.

The AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-105mm F/3.5-5.6G ED VR is a new lens designed to partner Nikon’s D90 DSLR. The Nikkor 18-105mm lens offers a focal length equivalent to 27 to 157.5mm in 35mm format, built-in Vibration Reduction and Silent Wave Motor, and features a single ED glass element and one aspherical lens. The AF-S DX Nikkor 18-105mm F/3.5-5.6G ED VR lens will be available from September 2008 for £199.99/ €274.00 / $399.95.

The new SanDisk Extreme III 30MB/s Edition SDHC card sets a speed record of 30 megabytes per second, a 50% speed boost from previous 20MB/s cards. The Nikon D90 is the first DSLR camera to support SanDisk Extreme III 30MB/s Edition SDHC cards at increased performance. When placed in SanDisk’s new ImageMate Multi-Card USB 2.0 Reader/Writer, still images and video can be transferred from the new SanDisk Extreme III card to a computer up to 30MB/s. The SanDisk Extreme III SDHC 30MB/s Edition cards are expected to be available worldwide in September, priced at $64.99 for the 4GB card, $109.99 for the 8GB card, and $179.99 for the 16GB card.

Eye-Fi and Nikon have collaborated to deliver enhanced integration of Eye-Fi wireless memory cards with the new Nikon D90 DSLR. The D90 detects when an Eye-Fi card is inserted and manage its power settings to ensure that photos upload for sharing and storing. In addition, the Nikon D90 includes an Eye-Fi menu that allows users to turn the wireless function on or off. “This is a great example of how a non-wireless camera can be optimized for the Eye-Fi card to create the best experience possible. Together, we continue to find ways to make taking, saving and sharing digital memories as automatic and effortless as possible.” said Yuval Koren, chief product officer and co-founder of Eye-Fi.

Add a splash of colour to your home with the new Sony DPF-D100 and DPF-D80 digital photo frames. The 10.2-inch DPF D100 and 8-inch DPF-D80 both feature a high quality SVGA screen (800x600, 4:3 format), smart orientation sensor, 256MB memory and support for MS, MS Duo, SD, CF and xD memory cards. The supplied wireless remote makes it easy to adjust settings and switch between slideshow, clock and calendar display modes. The Sony DPF-D80 and DPF-D100 digital photo frames will be available from October 2008.

Samsung are offering up to £100 off the new 14 megapixel GX20 DSLR camera. Buy the GX-20 single (18-55mm) or twin (18-55mm and 50-200mm) lens kit and get £100 cash back. Buy the GX-20 body-only kit and you will be eligible for £75 cash back. Purchasers of the GX-10 twin or single lens kit are eligible for £50 cash back. This offer is valid in the UK from until 30th September 2008.

Ilford will unveil new and improved Galerie inkjet papers at this year’s Photokina show. Galerie Smooth Pearl and Smooth Gloss now feature the next generation of controlled nano technology coated on a redesigned base, offering sharper images with a higher colour gamut. Galerie Graphic is a new range that includes self adhesive vinyl for wall graphics, backlit transparency material for lightboxes and pop-up display media. “ILFORD continues to listen closely to what the professional photography and wide format markets are demanding,” said Andrew Stewart, Sales and Marketing Director, ILFORD Imaging Switzerland GmbH. “Photokina is the perfect platform to showcase the company’s range of new innovations and to once again, show our dedication and support to the industry,” he concluded.

The JOBO Mirage L is a new 15-inch digital picture frame with a real glass display. When turned off, the JOBO Mirage L functions as an elegant mirror. It features 1GB of internal memory capable of storing up to 4,000 pictures, 1024 x 768 pixel resolution with a contrast ratio of 400:1, support for SD, MMC, MS, MS Pro, CF, xD memory cards, and includes a wireless remote control. The JOBO Mirage L will be available in September 2008 for $359.

Adobe Photoshop Elements 7 is a new version of the best-selling consumer photo-editing software. Available for Windows, Photoshop Elements 7 features a new Scene Cleaner which creates the ideal photo by letting users simply brush away unwanted subjects. The new Smart Brush helps users apply incredible effects to a specific area of a photo with a single stroke. Also, a new selection of Online Albums, based on Adobe Flash technology, offers users a richer interactive experience. Adobe Photoshop Elements 7 will be available in October 2008 for for £65 ex Vat / $99.99. A Photoshop Elements 7 and Premiere Elements 7 bundle will be available for £95 ex Vat / $149.99.

We didn’t have long to wait since last week’s leak before Canon made the EOS 50D DSLR official. As per the leaked spec, the new Canon 50D has a 15.1 megapixel CMOS sensor, with an extensive ISO range of 100-12800, which matches the Nikon D700 / D3. Continuous shooting speed of 6.3 frames per second, Canon’s latest DIGIC 4 image processor, improved Integrated Cleaning System, 9-point AF, 14-bit image processing, a new Live View mode with Face Detection, and a 3.0” Clear View VGA LCD complete the 50D’s headline features. The Canon EOS 50D (body only) is available from the end of September 2008 priced at £1199.99 / €1599.99 / $1399.00, or £1499.99 / €1949.99 / $1599.00 with the 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM lens.

The Canon EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS is a new 11x zoom lens. Offering an equivalent focal length of 29-320mm, the EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS is designed exclusively for use with EOS cameras featuring an EF-S lens mount. The EF-S 18-200mm features a 16 element, 12 group construction, close focusing distance of just 45cm, and 4-stop optical Image Stabilizer. The Canon EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS is available from the end of September 2008 priced at £549.99 / €729.99 / $699.00.

The Canon PowerShot SX110 IS is a new 9 megapixel digital camera with 10x optical zoom lens. The Canon SX110 IS replaces the previous SX100 IS model, and features a focal length of 36-360mm with optical Image Stabilizer, 3-inch LCD screen, more compact and lightweight body, and 20 shooting modes including Easy Mode and full manual control. The Canon PowerShot SX110 IS is available from September 2008 priced at £239.00 / €309.00 / $299.99.

The Canon A2000 IS, A1000 IS and E1 are three new additions to the PowerShot range of digital cameras. Replacing the PowerShot A580 and PowerShot A720 IS respectively, the 10 megapixel PowerShot A1000 IS and PowerShot A2000 IS are around 25% smaller than their predecessors. The 10 megapixel PowerShot E1 has been designed by women for women bringing feminine style to the range. All 3 models offer a new Easy Mode which sees all shooting settings chosen automatically by the camera. The Canon PowerShot A2000 IS is available exclusively from Jessops in the UK from September 2008 for £199.99, available in gunmetal and silver - it will cost $249.99 in the US. The Canon PowerShot A1000 IS is available from September 2008 priced at £169.00 / €219.00 / $199.99, available in Blue, Brown or Silver. The Canon PowerShot E1 is available exclusively from Argos in the UK from September 2008, available in White, Pink or Blue - it will cost $199.99 in the US.

The new Canon Selphy ES3 and ES30 compact photo printers offer stylish, updated designs with new creative photo printing options. The Canon ES3 has a 3.5-inch LCD screen and offers 1 GB built-in memory. The cheaper Canon ES30 model has a smaller 3-inch screen. Both models offer rapid image viewing and function selection with Canon’s Easy-Scroll Wheel, a more intuitive button layout, and a handy integrated power adaptor. Unique Easy Photo Packs combine ink and media for simple operation and protection from dust, and new Gold and Silver Easy Photo Packs add sparkle to prints. The Canon SELPHY ES3 is available from the end of September 2008 priced at £189.00 / €239.00 / $199.99. The Canon SELPHY ES30 is available from September 2008 priced at £139.00 / €179.00 / $149.99.

The new Canon Pixma iP4600 and iP3600 printers feature an enhanced ChromaLife100+ enabled ink set for stunning prints. The new system expands color reproduction, especially in red areas, and produces a more neutral black to improve contrasts. Both the iP4600 and iP3600 offer simple-to-use software, individual ink tanks, and faster print speeds to deliver high-quality photo prints. The Canon PIXMA iP4600 and PIXMA iP3600 printers will produce a 4 x 6 inch lab quality, borderless photo in approximately 20 and 41 seconds, respectively. The Canon iP4600 will be available for $99.99, and the Canon iP3600 printer will cost $79.99.

The new Canon Pixma MP980 and MP620 all-in-one printers offer a personal digital darkroom and office productivity machine in one inkjet device. The PIXMA MP980 is the first AIO printer to include a separate gray and photo black ink for truly neutral black-and-white photo printing. Both models have a sleek modern styling, smaller footprint and curved exterior to fit the décor of any home or office. The Canon MP980 and Canon MP620 both feature Canon’s new Auto Photo Fix and Auto Scan Mode, plus the built-in convenience of Wi-Fi or ethernet connectivity. The PIXMA MP620 Photo All-In-One printer will cost $149.99, and the PIXMA MP980 will cost $299.99 / £279.00 / €362.10.

The Olympus SP-565 UZ is a new 10 megapixel camera with a massive 20x optical zoom. Equivalent to 26-520mm, Dual Image Stabilisation helps to prevent blur caused by camera shake. The SP565 UZ also offers a 2.5 inch LCD screen, P/A/S/M exposure modes, Advanced Face Detection, and xD-Picture Card and microSD Card compatibility. The Olympus SP-565 UZ will be available in late September 2008 for £349.99 / $399.99.