Leica USA is starting its Leica M8 Upgrade Service on October 1, 2008. Options range in price from $330 for a Vulcanite leatherette body, to $1,450 for a silent shutter and sapphire LCD cover glass. All upgrades to the silent shutter will receive a free $150 Leica voucher that can be used toward the purchase of any new serialized Leica product. Leica M8 owners are encouraged to schedule their upgrade in advance, beginning on August 1, 2008.

A new range of ball heads for series 1,2 and 3 Gitzo tripods has just been launched. The new Gitzo ball heads use a completely new concept and design, including a ‘Bubble Sphere’, a hollow sphere with an ultra thin wall that uses exclusive cutting-edge technology to reduce weight. In addition, the new heads feature a complete and unique levelling system and an exceptional maximum load capacity. Prices start at £129.99 for the Series 1 - GH1780, up to £269.95 for the Series 3 GH3780QR.

The new Gitzo Systematic Head is a low profile tripod head aimed at wildlife, landscape, sport and fast action photographers. The Gitzo Systematic head features a hydraulic locking system, which allows faster control, great locking speed and exceptional smoothness. It can support payloads up to 25Kg and is provided with a bag hook as well as an attachment for standard tripods. The new Gitzo Systematic heads are available now in two versions, the GH5380S for £239.95, and the GH5380SQR for £289.95.

See a demonstration of the HP MediaSmart Server and find out from Windows Home Server experts how it’s the perfect solution for digital photography enthusiasts. HP and Microsoft are holding two free live webinars on July 17th and July 22nd 2008. The HP MediaSmart Server webinars cover the following topics:

- Conveniently centralize files and access them from any Internet-connected computer
- Share photos and video clips with HP Photo Webshare
- Automatically backup and protect the digital memories on home PCs running Windows XP and later operating systems
- 500GB and 1TB capacities available with room for massive expansion
- Powered by Microsoft Windows Home Server
- AMD Live! 64-bit Sempron Processor for fast file access and timely backups

PhotoReview have reviewed the Kodak ESP 5, a small and sleek all-in-one printer featuring a large 3 inch colour LCD display.

“Unlike the EasyShare 5300, which we reviewed in October last year, Kodak’s latest ‘All-in-One’ (AiO) printer, the ESP-5, doesn’t have messages proclaiming you can ‘Save up to 50%’ on ink costs plastered on its top panel. This is probably because the price of consumables has risen since last year. Nevertheless, the ESP-5 is clearly targeted at price-driven snapshooters who want a multi-function printer that is cheap, easy to use and reasonably versatile.”

Website: PhotoReview - Kodak ESP 5 Review

TrustedReviews have reviewed the Sony Cyber-shot H50, a new 15x ultra-zoom digital camera.

“Despite the problematic handling, the Sony H50 churns our reasonable results, once you’ve spent most of the morning setting it up. Colours and exposures are generally pretty good and Dynamic Range Optimiser makes a good job of evening out contrast in more extreme conditions. At times the sharpening algorithms can be a little over enthusiastic though, with some halo effects occasionally appearing. The effects of fringing further compound this, which is slight but noticeable when images are viewed at 100% on screen, especially at the image edges. However central sharpness is good and images look crisp and respectable at normal viewing size.”

Website: TrustedReviews - Sony Cyber-shot H50 Review

Website:  Read our Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H50 Review

The Samsung NV100HD is a new 14.7 megapixel, 28mm wide-angle lens digital camera. The NV100 HD (called the TL34HD in the USA) features the updated Smart Touch 2.0 user interface, which uses a touch-screen interface to provide fast access to creative settings as well as intuitive control of images - for example, a simple X on the screen signifies delete. 720p resolution video can be recorded at up to 30 frames per second and viewed on the 3.0-inch, 460K pixel LCD screen. The NV100HD also features a highly sensitive ISO 3200 mode and Samsung’s Perfect Portrait System. The Samsung NV100HD is priced at £229 and will be available from August 2008 in the UK. In the US, the Samsung TL34HD will be available in September 2008 at an MSRP of $329.95.

The Samsung NV9 is a 10.2 megapixel digital compact camera with a 5x optical zoom lens. The NV9 (called the TL9 in the US) features an inbuilt MP3 player and a Portable Multimedia Player (PMP), MJPEG Movie recording at 30fps, and retro Mini-Dashboard status gauges which provide information about the camera’s battery and memory status. The NV9 also offers Samsung’s new Perfect Portrait System (incorporating Face Detection, Blink Detection, Smile Detection and Beauty Shot). The Samsung NV9 is priced at £179 and will be available from August 2008. In the US, the Samsung TL9 will be available in September 2008 at an MSRP of $279.95.

The Samsung L310W is a new 13.6 megapixel compact digital camera. The stylish L310W (called the SL310W in the US) features a 28mm 3.6x wide optical zoom lens, intelligent 2.7” LCD screen, and the new Perfect Portrait System (incorporating Face Detection, Blink Detection, Smile Detection and Beauty Shot). The Samsung L310W is priced at £199 and will be available September 2008. In the US, the Samsung SL310W will be available in September 2008 at an MSRP of $229.95.

The Samsung L201 is a new ultra-compact and stylish 10 megapixel digital camera. The L201 (called the SL201 in the US) has a slim, metal body design, 3x zoom lens, 2.7-inch LCD screen, plus Face Detection and Auto Contrast Balance technologies. Available in classic black and silver as well as three eye-catching new colours – pink, turquoise and lime green - the Samsung L201 will be launched in August 2008 for £129. In the US, the Samsung SL201 will be available in September 2008 at an MSRP of $169.95.

The Samsung S1070 is a new 10 megapixel entry-level digital camera. Highlights of the S1070 include a 3x optical zoom lens, Intelligent 2.7-inch LCD screen, Face Detection and Digital Image Stabilisation. The Samsung S1070 is priced at £99 and will be available from September 2008. All Samsung cameras include a two year warranty.

HP has unveiled 2 new compact photo printers, the Photosmart A630 and A530, and the 5-ink Photosmart D5460 printer. The A630 model has more than 300 creative features and the largest touchscreen available on any portable photo printer. The A530 includes an adjustable display and prints photos up to 5 x 7 inches in size. The affordable D5460 features a 1.5-inch color display, memory card slots, an auto-engaging photo tray and the ability to print photos and text directly onto CDs and DVDs. The HP A630 and A530 will be available in August priced at $149 and $99. The HP Photosmart D5460 Printer is available now for $99.

Panasonic has been rated as the most reliable camera manufacturer by Which? members for the second year running. Panasonic’s digital cameras were rated at 97% overall reliability, and 94% for their digital camcorders. “We are delighted with the results of the Which? report – not only to retain the accolade we received last year, but to receive additional recognition demonstrates our commitment to the imaging market.” commented Mark Robinson, Product Manager Lumix, Panasonic Consumer Electronics UK Ltd.

Kingston has increased the capacity of its microSDHC memory card line-up to 8GB. Kingston 8GB microSDHC cards can store more than 1,500 digital songs, more than 4,000 images from a 5MP cameraphone, or up to eight hours of video. “Our 8GB microSDHC cards are so roomy that mobile users can easily move entire digital libraries from a PC to their mobile phones — and beyond.” said Wendy Lecot, Flash card business manager, Kingston. The new Kingston microSDHC 8GB card has a suggested price of $58.

Steves Digicams have reviewed the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS20 camera, which offers a 4x, 30-120mm lens and 10.1 megapixel, 1/2.33-inch sensor.

“The Panasonic Lumix FS20 is an incredibly easy to use and stylish 10-megapixel model. The wide 4x optical zoom and iA shooting mode, gives anyone the ability to take great pictures. The only drawback to this camera is the noise that seems to be present in the dark areas of all the photographs. With a MSRP of US$300, this is a nice camera with excellent features.”

Website: Steves Digicams - Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS20 Review

Website: Read Our Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS20 Review

The Kodak C913 is a new entry-level, 9 megapixel compact digital camera. The C913’s 9.2 megapixel sensor creates prints up to 30 × 40 in. (76 × 102 cm) in size, whilst more megapixels means you can crop and still get a great picture. The C913 also features a 3x zoom lens (36-108 mm), 2.4 inch LCD screen, HD picture capture, Blur reduction mode and Kodak’s Perfect Touch technology. The Kodak EasyShare C913 will be available in September 2008 for $119.95.

Sigma have released a new firmware update, version 1.04, for the DP1 compact camera. The new Sigma DP1 firmware version offers the following improvements:

- A customizing function has been added to the Digital Zoom button.
- The ft (feet) indicator has been added to the scale bar in MF mode.

Website: Sigma DP1 Firmware Update 1.04

Olympus have released a new firmware update, version 1.1, for the SP-570 UZ camera, which features a 20x zoom equivalent to 26-520mm. Version 1.1 includes the following changes:

- Improves response while zooming.
- Corrects a part of Swedish languages.

Website: Olympus SP-570 UZ Firmware Update 1.1

Dust-Aid Platinum, Dust-Wand and Dust-Cloth MF are three new sensor-cleaning products from Dust-Aid. Dust-Aid Platinum is a dry sensor cleaning solution that allows for safe cleaning of DSLR sensor filters using specially fabricated platinum extruded silicone to remove dust particles. The Dust-Wand kit is a wet cleaning option with multiple wands, clips and Ultra Clean sensor cleaning liquid. Dust-Cloth MF introduces an advancement in sensor cleaning wipes with micro fiber cloths.

Following a recent stock-image agreement between Getty and Flickr, PhotoShelter’s CEO Allen Murabayashi has cautioned photographers to carefully scrutinize the details of Getty’s contract terms. According to Murabayashi, photographers who sign-up to the deal will agree to exclusive sales rights and cede as much as 80% of every sale to Getty. “Over the past two years, Getty has approached us on multiple occasions with a similar partnership deal. We rejected Getty because we felt it was bad for photographers on many fronts and would not allow us to accomplish our mission of providing diversity to buyers and commercial independence to photographers, by sharing with them a greater percentage of every sale.” commented Murabayashi. The PhotoShelter Collection is a global stock photography marketplace where photographers from 130 different countries contribute over 4,000 new images daily for rights-managed and royalty-free licensing.