Casio have released a new firmware update for the EX-Z9 digital camera. Version 1.02 includes the following improvements:

1.  Adds support for 16GB SDHC memory cards.
2. Fixes a problem with scrolling of a displayed image.
  * Item 2 limited to when “Off” is selected for the confirmation tone setting.

Website: Casio EX-Z9 Firmware Update 1.02

TrustedReviews have reviewed the Pentax V20, a new 8 megapixel camera with a 5x zoom lens and 3 inch LCD screen.

“Pentax has made a lot of improvements in the performance of its compact cameras recently, but unfortunately the V20 seems to be something of a step backwards. The startup time is a little slow at just over three seconds, but it does shut down more quickly in just over two seconds. The performance bottleneck is once again the autofocus system, which is very slow, and as a result the shot-to-shot time in single shot mode is approximately 3.5 seconds, even shooting in good light with a high-contrast target.”

Website: TrustedReviews - Pentax V20 Review

Viveza from Nik Software allows you to selectively control color and light in photographic images without the need for complicated selections or layer masks. Based on the innovative U Point technology, you simply place a point on the image where you want to make changes and then adjust easy-to-use sliders for brightness, contrast, color and more. Priced at $249.95 / 249.95 Euros, Viveza isn’t cheap, but it does promise to save you a lot of time and effort and achieve better results at the same time. Jon Canfield shows you how to use Viveza in our latest review.

Website: Nik Software Viveza Review

The price of DSLR cameras is steadily falling, according to a recent report by Futuresource Consulting. The average selling price of DSLRs in Europe has dropped by 1.6% (20 Euros) in the past ten weeks, to just over 1,250 Euros. The largest decreases have been in the in the 6-7 megapixel segment, with the Nikon D40 (pictured) now 7% cheaper than 10 weeks ago. Interestingly the recently launched Olympus E-420 is already 4.5% cheaper. “...large like for like price declines did have a significant impact on the market in 2007, with overall digital camera shipments growing 25% globally. In terms of 2008 growth the DSLR market outlook looks particularly strong, with Futuresource projections showing growth of 19% to 8.9m units, equating to €5.4Bn worldwide, this despite the credit crunch.” commented James Wells, Futuresource Consulting.

You can purchase a Hasselblad H3DII-31 Kit at a special price of $17,995 when you register for the free online publication of Victor by Hasselblad. The Hasselblad H3DII-31 is a Medium Format DSLR camera system including a 31 megapixel sensor, and the kit is comprised of the H3DII-31 camera body, viewfinder, and 80mm lens. The offer runs from June 1st - August 31st 2008, while stocks last.

World-renowned photographer Rick Sammon is giving a free webcast called “10 Key Ingredients for Cookin’ Digital Pictures” on June 26th. Rick will share his top digital photography tips and favourite photo philosophies. Attendance is limited, so register now at http://oreilly.com/go/pictures

Bogen Imaging are holding their second free webinar, which focuses on selecting the right tripod and head. This course will provide photographers with useful tips and tricks when it comes to identifying which support products fit their needs. Participants will also have a chance to win one of two prizes which total over $800, including a Manfrotto tripod and head and a Gitzo tripod and head. The Selecting the Right Tripod and Head webinar will be held on June 27th from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. (EDT).

RansenScan is a new software utility speeds up the scanning of photo and postcard collections. It uses automatic image extraction, so that you can place several photos on a scanner and RansenScan will extract each image in a single scan. RansenScan also offers has immediate printing functions included - you can print the images directly from the program, without going to any intermediate software. RansenScan works with any Twain-compatible scanner, and is available now at $29.95.

Hahnemuhle’s FineArt Baryta and FineArt Pearl inkjet papers are now available in 60” rolls. Available in July 2008, the introduction follows a recent growth in popularity of large format printing. Other products in the FineArt Collection will follow, and in autumn 2008, Hahnemuhle will additionally debut 64” wide roll formats.
 

Version 3 of the Firefox web browser now supports colour management for photos with embedded ICC profiles. Unfortunately, as Rob Galbraith points out, it’s not turned on by default, so check out Rob’s article below for details of how to enable it. Apple’s Safari web browser also supports ICC colour management.

Website: Download Firefox 3

Website: Rob Galbraith - Firefox 3, released today, supports colour managed web browsing

Camera Dojo have reviewed the Airport International, a rolling carry-on backpack from Think Tank Photo.

“I have mentioned this before with reviews of the other Think Tank Photo products I use but it needs to be mentioned again, you will simply not believe the quality of the construction of these products. You look at RC-Fuse zipper which actually melts (fuses) the thread with the plastic coil to create an exceptionally durable zipper, or the thought that goes into adding just the right amount of structural support to keep the entire system stable without adding extra weight, or even just the overall construction and you know you do not have an El Cheapo bag you sniped off eBay for $20.”

Website: Camera Dojo - Think Tank Photo Airport International Review

Carl Rytterfalk has reviewed the Sigma AML-1, a new close-up lens for the Sigma DP1 compact digital camera.

“I should have had TWO lenses or even three and stacked them, that would probably give very nice macros. Right now you don’t get close enough for that type of photography with only one lens. For movies and portraits such as the ones above it’s a wonderful solution and gives you new views - plus that the extreme OOF is perfect for videos.”

Website: Carl Rytterfalk - Sigma AML-1 Review

Shutterbug have reviewed the Microtek ArtixScan M1 flatbed and film scanner, which features 4800 dpi optical resolution and 4.4 maximum optical density.

“Any photographer with a collection of film images in different format sizes should consider the Microtek ArtixScan M1 Pro. In the past there were compromises, like not enough optical resolution to scan 35mm film, or the need to pay a very high price for a higher-resolution scanner. This new ArtixScan is competitive in performance with dedicated multi-format film scanners at a fraction of their cost.”

Website: Shutterbug - Microtek ArtixScan M1 Review

DigitalCameraInfo have reviewed the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ8, a new 8 megapixel, 5x zoom digital camera.

“Image quality isn’t the best, with poor resolution scores, and the flash is terrible. It has great manual controls for users who are looking to learn more about photography, but these features might not be enough to overcome the LZ8’s problems. It’s your choice: either fork over a little more for a camera that produces better images, or take the lower price for an adequate camera with some shortcomings.”

Website: DigitalCameraInfo - Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ8 Review

The Sony HVL-F58AM is a new flashgun with an innovative Quick Shift Bounce system that offers more creative ways to achieve lighting, flash and bounce angles. The flash head can pivot 90 degrees left and right on a horizontal axis in addition to the conventional up and down vertical adjustment. With this system, the camera and flash unit can keep the same orientation regardless of portrait or landscape shooting. The HVL-F58AM features a maximum guide number of 58 at 105mm and ISO 100, and recycles in as little as five seconds. The HVL-F58AM flash unit will ship in September for about $500.

The new Sony HDR-CX12 camcorder can record both full 1920x1080 HD video and 10 megapixel photos. The CX12 (called the HDR-CX11E in Europe) is also the first high-definition camcorder with both Smile Shutter and face detection technologies, and also features a Carl Zeiss 12x optical zoom lens and Super SteadyShot optical image stabilization. The Sony HDR-CX12 camcorder will be in stores early August for about $900.

The new WD My Book Mirror Edition hard drive automatically stores valuable personal content twice to maximize data safety. Available in 1 TB and 2 TB capacities, the My Book Mirror Edition automatically uses RAID 1 mirroring for extra protection, making it an ideal storage solution for photographers. The full capacity of the drive can be utilized by converting the drive to RAID 0 (Striped). WD’s My Book Mirror Edition dual-drive storage systems are available now, priced at $289.99 for the 1TB version and $549.99 USD for the 2TB version.

Fujifilm have launched a new 310x speed CompactFlash card, currently the fastest in the World. Using a specially designed controller and the latest SLC flash memory chips, the Fujifilm 310x card achieves sustained write speeds of 46.5MB/sec. The Fujifilm 310x CompactFlash card will be available in the UK from the end of July 2008, priced at £49.99 (4GB), £119.99 (8GB) and £209.99 (16GB).

The C905 Cyber-shot from Sony Ericsson is a new 8 megapixel camera-phone. The complete with face detection auto-focus, smart contrast and image stabilizer includes a Xenon flash, face detection auto-focus, smart contrast and image stabilizer, and is also GPS-enabled for geo-tagging of photos. “The C905 Cyber-shot has been developed to make us all better photographers! That means making it easier to take great shots and never missing that magic moment…the 8.1megapixel C905 is a viable alternative to a digital camera.” said Sven Totté, Head of Imaging Marketing at Sony Ericsson. The C905 Cyber-shot will be available in three colours (Night Black, Ice Silver and Copper Gold) in selected markets from Q4 2008.

Sony Ericsson’s World View 2008 mobile camera phone competition is one of the biggest in the world. Now in its third year, more than 70,000 entries from around the world were entered in 2007. The People’s Choice prize will be awarded to the person who receives the most votes from the public around the world, with a trip of a lifetime worth £5,000/€6,250 up for grabs. The Experts’ Choice winner, chosen by Sony Ericsson’s panel of elite photography judges, will receive a trip worth £10,000/€12,500.