Picaholic offers photographers a cutting edge website that marries design, web standards, and usability. The newly re-designed service offers full screen video backgrounds, streaming audio and large images, all without compromising speed. For a low monthly fee, Picaholic members gain unlimited access to their CMS (content management system) and have full control over their site. Founder Avishai Ungar said, “A good flash website requires a graphic designer, a flash action-scripter and a backend developer. We have built a modular application, which enables us to add new features and technology on a daily basis. This means our clients sites are always using the latest and best of breed technology.”

Kodak has updated its Easyshare Software to version 7, which now offers tagging and star-ratings. Kodak EasyShare Software v7.0 allows you to give your pictures tags, star ratings and captions, transfer all your tags to sites like Flickr, or Microsoft and Adobe programs, and keep track of all your photos quickly and easily. Kodak EasyShare Software v7.0 is available now as a free download.

Website: Kodak EasyShare Software v7.0

Ilford is re-introducing its Galerie pre-mounted boards in Smooth Pearl and Gloss surfaces. Images up to 20” x 24” (50cm x 61cm) can be produced, printing directly onto a rigid substrate in one easy operation. With pre-mounted boards, images can be created off the printer and placed straight into a frame. “The market for pre-mounted boards is growing and ILFORD is one of the few companies in the photographic market to offer such a product line,“ said Andrew Stewart, Sales and Marketing Director, ILFORD Imaging Switzerland GmbH.

Image Keyworder now includes a customized ‘Alamy Mode’ for users submitting images to the UK-based photo agency Alamy. Contributors can work on batches of images, speeding up the workflow for getting their images online. Image Keyworder comes bundled with a thesaurus comprising over 40,000 terms, including synonyms, alternate forms, spelling variations and singulars and plurals. An Image Keyworder license for two computers costs just US$79.99 including a 12-month thesaurus subscription valued at US$39.99.

CameraTown have reviewed RocketLife.com, which allows users to create professional quality photo books in just a few minutes.

“Rocketlife.com offers free software that makes it incredibly fun, fast, and easy to create one-of-a-kind photo books or gifts. While there are plenty of photo sharing sites already on the market that allow you to upload photos and create photo gifts, there are very few, if any, that make it as simple and quick as Rocketlife.  If you have ever tried to create your own photo book, you know how labor intensive it can be.  Thanks to Rocketlife’s new software, that has all changed – no more waiting to upload, dragging and dropping each and every photo, and having to remember yet another username and password. In this video review / demonstration I will take you along as I create a complete 28 page photo book in under 5 minutes.”

Website: CameraTown - RocketLife Review

The Mac OS X 10.5.3 update released yesterday has added RAW file support for the following cameras:

Hasselblad CFV-16, Hasselblad H3D-31, Hasselblad H3D-31II, Leaf Aptus 54S, Leaf Aptus 65S, Nikon D60, Olympus E-3, Pentax *ist DL2, Pentax *ist DS2, Pentax K100D Super, Sony DSLR-A200 and the Sony DSLR-A350

Mac OS X 10.5.3 also addresses compatibility issues with Aperture 2 and the Time Machine backup feature.

Website: Mac OS X 10.5.3 Update

Apple have just released the Digital Camera RAW Compatibility Update 2.1 for Mac OS X 10.4.11 and OS X 10.5.2. This update extends RAW file compatibility for Aperture 2 and iPhoto ’08 for the following cameras:

Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi/Kiss Digital x2/450D, Epson R-D1, Leaf AFi 7, Leaf AFi 6, Leaf AFi 5, Pentax K200D and the Pentax K20D

Website: Apple Digital Camera RAW Compatibility Update 2.1

Seefile 4.5 is the latest digital asset management software from SeeFile Software. SeeFile runs as webserver software on any OSX Mac, replacing FTP servers with a web interface. “My customers are able to review and download proofs if I allow them to, upload their own graphical files to the same folders, and communicate approvals with a click. It’s a phenomenal way to handle a range of client communication issues…” commented Igor Perchuk, president of Image Source Productions. SeeFile 4.5 is priced from 499 to 5,495 Euro, depending on the number of user licenses.

The Art of Black & White Photography is a new book that highlights the creative aspects of black and white photography. Author Torsten Andreas Hoffmann focuses on image composition and image capture, as well as on the digital workflow. Topics include overcoming clichéd photos , pictorial tension between elements and conversion to black and white from color. The Art of Black and White Photography costs $44.95 USD / £27.99 GBP.

Sigma are offering a free upgrade service to Canon EOS 40D users experiencing problems with the 120-400mm and 150-500mm lenses. When the Canon 40D digital SLR is in AI Servo AF mode and the OS function is switched ON, the number of continuous frames per second will decrease. This issue affects all Sigma APO 120-400mm lenses with a Serial Number lower than 1011001, and all Sigma APO 150-500mm lenses with a Serial Number lower than 1007001.

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 1.20, improves the accuracy of exposure at continuous shooting with full-press.

Website: Ricoh R8 Firmware Update 1.20

PhotoReview have reviewed the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX520, a new 10 megapixel camera with 5x, 25mm wide-angle lens.

“The 10.1-megapixel Lumix DMC-FX520 is Panasonic’s first digital camera with a 3-inch touch-screen LCD and a very compact camera for its advanced range of functions. While the touch screen may excite some buyers, photographers are more likely to be attracted by the P, A, S and M shooting modes and the wide-angle Leica DC lens, which supports 5x optical zoom and covers a focal length range of 25mm to 125mm (35mm equivalent).”

Website: PhotoReview - Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX520 Review

TrustedReviews have reviewed the BenQ C850, a new 8 megapixel compact camera with 3x zoom lens and Super Shake Free system.

“The C850’s major weak point is its AF system, and it really is very poor indeed. With a well-lit high-contrast target it is fine, and focuses quickly and accurately. However I found that even a slight lack of texture was enough to confound it, even in good light. Its low light performance is exceptionally poor, failing to focus at all in a room lit brightly enough for reading, and since it lack and AF assist lamp.”

Website: TrustedReviews - BenQ C850 Review

The new BenQ T850 is the world’s slimmest 8 megapixel camera, measuring less than 15mm thick. Sporting a 3x optical zoom lens, ISO 1600 and a stainless steel body, the diminutive BenQ T850 also features a large 3 inch touch-screen LCD. Almost all camera functions can be accessed and engaged by using one of three simple finger movements: tap, circle, swipe. The price and availability of the BenQ T850 are still to be announced.

The Olympus mju 850 SW digital camera is now available in two new colours, Crystal Blue and Lemon Yellow, and as part of a Summer Kit, complete with flip flops, an air bed and a sun screen. The shockproof, waterproof and freezeproof mju 850 SW offers 8 megapixels, a 2.5 inch LCD and 3x optical zoom lens. The Olympus mju 850 SW Summer Kit is available now in a limited European supply for £229.99.

Nikon have released a new version of ViewNX, a file browser which ensures quick access to images for instant viewing. Version 1.1.0 of Nikon ViewNX includes support for Windows Vista SP1 and Mac OS Leopard. Also configuration of the Navigation Palette has been changed to consist of Folders, Metadata, and Quick Adjustment palettes.

Website: Nikon ViewNX 1.1.0 (Windows)
Website: Nikon ViewNX 1.1.0 (MAC)

Nikon have released a new version of Nikon Transfer, a download utility which allows images to be simultaneously downloaded to two locations. Version 1.1.0 of Nikon Transfer includes support for Windows Vista SP1 and Mac OS Leopard.

Website: Nikon Transfer 1.1.0 (Windows)
Website: Nikon Transfer 1.1.0 (MAC)

The new OmniBSI image sensor is turned upside down so that it collects light through the backside, optimizing light absorption and increasing image quality. Conventional front side illumination (FSI) image sensors limit the amount of light reaching the pixel. Backside illumination (BSI) reverses the arrangement of layers so that the metal and dielectric layers reside below the sensor array, providing the most direct path for light to travel into the pixel. OmniVision claim that thier 1.4 micron BSI pixel surpasses all the performance metrics of 1.4 micron, and even most 1.75 micron, FSI pixels. OmniVision is currently demonstrating an 8 MegaPixel, OmniBSI CameraChip sensor, and expects to start sampling first products before the end of June.

The write speed of the new LaCie d2 Blu-ray Drive has been doubled to 4x. Other improvements include an updated aluminum alloy case and software suite. The LaCie d2 Blu-ray drive records, rewrites and reads 25 gigabytes (GB) or 50GB BD-R (recordable) and BD-RE (rewritable), as well as DVD±RW DL and CD±RW. The LaCie d2 Blu-ray Drives are available now at the suggested retail price of $649.99 / £469 excl VAT.

Lastolite have added two new HiLites to its family. The new 8’ x 7’ version which provides extra height or width to shoot larger groups or for more animated poses will also have an optional vinyl train available that simply Velcro’s to either edge. The smaller 4’6” x 3’6” version offers an extremely portable solution for quick head and shoulder shots when combined with the 1109 or 1116 support system. They can also be used as a softbox and true to the Lastolite tradition, they collapse into a blue bag.