Sigma Photo Pro 2.3 includes new image processing code, which provides better auto white balance performance. Sigma Photo Pro is an exclusive software package for displaying and manipulating your Sigma digital camera images on your computer. Sigma plan to release Photo Pro 3.1 for Windows and Macintosh soon, which also provides the better Auto White Balance algorithm. Until then, they recommend that you use Sigma Photo Pro 2.3 for optimum image quality. Available for both Windows and Macintosh operating systems, Sigma Photo Pro 2.3 is available for download now.

Website: Download Sigma Photo Pro 2.3

Adobe have released Camera Raw 4.3.1 for both Windows and Mac platforms. Version 4.3.1 includes the following changes:

- Compressed raw files from the Nikon D100 were read incorrectly in Camera Raw 4.3
- A possible artifact in Camera Raw 4.3 raw file support for the Olympus E-3 has been corrected

Website: Adobe Camera Raw 4.3.1 (Windows)
Website: Adobe Camera Raw 4.3.1 and DNG Converter (Windows)

Website: Adobe Camera Raw 4.3.1 (MAC)
Website: Adobe Camera Raw 4.3.1 and DNG Converter (MAC)

Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 1.3.1 will be released next week, according to a blog posting by Adobe’s Tom Hogarty. Version 1.3.1 of Lightroom will fix the same RAW issues as Adobe Camera RAW 4.3.1, plus fix a number of bugs (click the Continue link to view them).

MemoryMixer 2 scrapbook software turns your digital memories into a virtual multimedia memory experience. Digital camera owners and traditional scrapbookers alike can save their creations into a virtual album. “Our new scrapbooking software appeals to anyone who takes digital pictures,” says Lane Hill, COO, Lasting Impressions for Paper, Inc. “It’s a great option for people who want to actually do something special with all of those photos piling up in folders on their computer. It’s an easy way to quickly ‘show-off’ photos and feel proud of what you’ve done.” MemoryMixer 2 is available now for $79.95.

Northlight Images have posted their first impressions of the new Canon 1Ds Mark III, a 21.1 megapixel full-frame digital SLR camera with 5fps continuous shooting and 45 AF points.

“Does the 1Ds3 obsolete lenses? Well, I tried the garage doors photo with my 24-70 2.8L and it shows up a slight lack of edge detail and softness that I just didn’t notice much with the 1Ds. That’s bad then? Well it depends - were the shots I took with the 24-70 sharp enough for the work I was using it for? - easily. So, will I carry on using it? yes, it’s a very useful lens for travelling round with. Will I be looking for Canon to bring out an even better 24-70 2.8L IS? most definitely.”

Website: Northlight Images - Canon 1Ds Mark III First Impressions

A brand new 40 second TV spot in the UK highlights just how hard-wearing the Olympus Mju 790SW camera is. Mark Thackara , General Manager Consumer Marketing, comments “What is the point in having a camera if you are afraid to take it out in many classic photo situations in case it gets damaged? The Tough is a product that looks great, can take excellent photographs but can also take life’s knocks.” London agency, The Red Brick Road, spent two freezing autumn days in glamorous Epping Forest shooting the ad, which you can watch at http://tinyurl.com/35q4gv

The onOne Software Everything Bundle includes six Adobe Photoshop software plug-ins for $499.95, more than 60% off the normal price. Genuine Fractals 5 Print Pro, PhotoTools 1 Professional Edition, PhotoFrame 3 Professional Edition, Mask Pro 4.1, Intellihance Pro 4.2 and PhotoTune 2.2 are included for $499.95. “Never before have we offered such a discount on the complete line of onOne Software products and the holidays are the perfect time for us to do so. And it’s the perfect time for those not familiar with our award-winning plug-ins to turbo boost their Photoshop productivity.” said Craig Keudell, president of onOne Software. In addition, for those wishing to purchase just one product from onOne Software, they will receive 20% off the original purchase price.

JAlbum 7.4 makes it easier for users to share their albums and features a redesigned user interface. Other new features include password protecting albums hosted on myjalbum.net, support for Windows Vista and a sharing function. JAlbum have also announced a partnership with Bagsnatcher, a European company which prints your images on a variety of fabric products.

The Photoshop CS3 Photo Effects Cookbook teaches you to to cook up amazing results quickly and easily. “Day can be turned to night, skin can be transformed to wood or stone, and that image of your pet dog can sport a knowing, but subtle grin,” explains author Tim Shelbourne. Packed with 53 easy-to-follow recipes, inspirational digital imagery, and authoritative information and advice, Photoshop CS3 Photo Effects Cookbook costs $29.99 USD / £21.99 GBP.

The Delkin Devices 16GB UDMA CompactFlash Pro memory card offers fast read/write speeds-up to 305x (45MB/sec sustained transfer speed capability). Photographers using UDMA-enabled cameras such as the Canon 1Ds Mark III, Nikon D300 and Nikon D3X can maximize the full benefits of their camera investment. “Delkin’s complete UDMA solution for professional photographers is unmatched by any other manufacturer. Besides our CompactFlash PRO cards, we offer UDMA enabled ExpressCard and CardBus adapters, and a FireWire reader for the fastest download speeds to the computer” said Eric Richter, Delkin’s Marketing Manager. The price of the Delkin Devices 16GB UDMA CompactFlash Pro card is $399.99.

VSO Software has added support for RAW files from the Nikon D300 digital camera (.NEF Raw format). VSO Image Resizer, PhotoDVD and PhotoOnWeb all now support the Nikon D300.

StudioLine Photo Classic 3 Plus is an integrated solution for professional image management and editing. Photo Classic 3 Plus offers a clear user interface, optimized workflow, non-destructive image editing, rapid keywording and efficient search functions, and professional tools for image optimization. StudioLine Photo Classic 3 Plus costs £42 for a download version or £49 for a CD version. The “Christmas Special” of £21 or £28 will apply until December 31, 2007. The update is available immediately and is free for registered users of StudioLine Photo Classic 3.

The new Fantasea Line FL-14 underwater housing for the Nikon Coolpix L14 camera is depth rated to 60 meters/200 feet. The FL-14 features a double O-ring seal on all controls, anti-glare hood over LCD screen, and removable flash diffuser. In the event of accidental water leakage, the camera is insured for the first year. The suggested retail price of the FL-14 is US $245.

PCMag have reviewed the Eye-Fi Card, the world’s first wireless SD memory card for digital cameras.

“When I first told people about the Eye-Fi Card ($99 list), I was greeted with little enthusiasm. “So what,” they said, “it’s not that hard to transfer photos from your camera to your PC.” But then, when I actually showed these naysayers how the Eye-Fi Card works, their interest was measurably piqued. You go out and take pictures. You return home, turn on your camera and, within 20 to 30 seconds, your images (JPEGs only) begin uploading wirelessly—in full resolution—to your hard drive and your favorite photo-sharing sites. All you need is a Wi-Fi connection, a camera that accepts SD cards, and a PC or Mac. It’s really that simple.”

Website: PCMag - Eye-Fi Card Review

DPReview have reviewed the Fujifilm F50fd compact digicam, which has a 12 megapixel sensor, Dual Image Stabilization, and Face Detection 2.0 technology with a a new Automatic Red-Eye Removal feature.

“In spite of the minor flaws and the slightly pedestrian feature set, despite the fact that Fujifilm has actively narrowed the gap between its Super CCD sensor and conventional CCD compacts by squeezing too many pixels in - and despite the fact that there is little if any real benefit to the resolution hike, the F50fd is still one of the better pocket cameras on the market. At ISO 400 it’s basically in a class of its own (something you’re more likely to see in larger prints, admittedly), but once you get over ISO 800 the Super CCD advantage brings diminishing returns on this sensor.”

Website: DPReview - Fujifilm F50fd Review

Website: Read our Fujifilm Finepix F50fd Review

Nikon have released a new version of ViewNX, a file browser which ensures quick access to images for instant viewing. Version 1.0.3 of Nikon ViewNX adds a long list of new features and enhancements, including thumbnails and playback of movie files from Nikon cameras and a fix for IPTC information that has been embedded using a third-party application. Click continue to view full details and download links.

The new Belkin Bluetooth USB Adapter features Kodak Picture Upload Technology, allowing you to save, print, and share high-quality photos from your camera phone. You can easily share pictures on your favorite sites such as Kodak Gallery, MySpace.com, and Facebook. “With our new Bluetooth USB Adapter with KODAK Picture Upload Technology, you can now wirelessly transfer full-resolution photos from your camera phone directly to your PC whenever you walk nearby.” commented Chris McGugan, Vice President of Product Management, Belkin. The Belkin Bluetooth USB Adapter features Kodak Picture Upload costs $49.99 and is currently available in the US, with launches in Canada and Europe to follow at a later time.

The new LaCie Hard Disk, Design by Neil Poulton is a compact desktop hard drive that emits a bright blue line of light from underneath. Available in capacities of 320GB, 500GB, 750GB and 1TB, this is a fanless drive that can connect to any universal high-speed USB 2.0 interface. “This user-friendly, trendy looking device offers maximum storage capabilities for a desktop drive that is one of the most compact designs on the market today.  The integrated blue LED adds a science fiction dimension not common with other drives.” said Lise Manteau, LaCie Desktop Hard Drive Product Manager. The Hard Disk, Design by Neil Poulton is available now in Europe, followed by North America and Asia, prices starting at $119.99.

ExpressDigital’s Darkroom software has been expanded with the release of 18 ExpressDigital Templates, border kits created for professional photographers. These high quality sport template kits are specifically designed to showcase the power of Darkroom. “We are pleased to be offering ExpressDigital Templates,” said Graham McFarland, Founder and CEO of ExpressDigital.  “We have always recognized borders as a great way to help photographers increase their sales by adding additional value to traditional photos.” ExpressDigital Templates are now available for sale for $195 per kit.

RocketLife.com revolutionizes the way that consumers create all types of personal photo products online. It puts an end to the frustration of creating photo products online by instantly creating artistic designs and collages in a matter of seconds. “By the time other photo web sites have uploaded just a few of your photos, RocketLife.com has already created every item in the catalog, including a stunning photo book, ready to order.  The beautiful pages filled with your photos are professionally laid-out with dramatic themes and graphics, saving hours and hours of your valuable time,” said Michael Moore, CEO of Visan. RocketLife.com software can be downloaded for free.