Akvis have updated their ArtSuite application to Version 12.0. This release adds a new Passe-Partout frame, a Presets panel with ready-to-use Akvis frame presets, an improved Halftone effect, and some bug fixes. The standalone version also adds support for a number of new raw image file formats.

Kodak and its licensee, C+A Global, today unveiled the Kodak Printomatic instant-print camera that effortlessly captures and instantly prints high-quality full-colour photos right from the camera body. The Kodak Printomatic features a 10-megapixel sensor, a built-in flash and an integrated battery, alongside a 2”x3” photo printer. “The Kodak Printomatic is a contemporary camera with a wonderful balance of digital and analog technology,” says Steven Overman, President of Kodak’s Consumer and Film Division and Kodak Chief Marketing Officer. “It’s an accessible device for anybody who wants to create a lasting memory in a tangible, colourful way.” Available from late September, the Kodak Printomatic is priced at $69.99. The camera comes with a USB cable, a Quick Start Guide, a 10-pack of Kodak ZINK Photo Paper and a microSD memory card.

Prinics have announced the availability of the portable Kodak Photo Printer Mini through their North American distributor, C+A Global. Retailing for just $99.99 and available for purchase on Amazon, the easy-to-use mobile printer comes in black, white or gold models. The Kodak Photo Printer Mini supports iOS devices via Wi-Fi connection and Android devices via Wi-Fi or NFC One Touch. Through advanced fade-proof dye printing technology, the printer produces quick-drying black and white or colour 2.1x3.4” photos that will last up to 10 years thanks to humidity- and fingerprint-resistant properties.

Sigma have announced a paid service for installing the Rear Filter Holder FHR-11 on the SIGMA 14mm F1.8 DG HSM | Art for Canon. The Rear Filter Holder FHR-11 will be available in the UK towards the end of September for a Suggested Retail Price of £34.99 including VAT. The Rear Filter Holder FHR-11 and installation service by Sigma Imaging UK is £59.99 including VAT.

The Society of International Nature and Wildlife Photographers (SINWP) has announced the winners of the Wonders of Wildlife photography competition. Malcolm Blackburn from Derbyshire, England was chosen as the winner for his image entitled Zebras at Dawn. "It was taken just after 6:00 am after a dry spell which produced the dust in the shot," Malcolm says. "It was taken on my Canon 5D Mk3 and the Canon 100-400mm Mk2 lens at 400mm. Exposure was 1/500 at f8 and 640 ISO.’’ The runners-up include Ian Stone from Kent and Lawrence Eagling from County Antrim, Northern Ireland.

The Photographer’s Guide to the Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS70/TZ90 by Alexander S. White is a new title from White Knight Press. A follow-up to the author’s earlier guides, the Photographer’s Guide to the Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS70/TZ90 explains all operations, features, menus, and controls of the camera in clear language, providing guidance not only about how to accomplish various tasks with the camera, but when and why to use certain features. The book includes a full discussion of the video recording abilities of the ZS70 camera, which offers manual control of exposure and focus during movie recording, and provides ultra-high definition 4K recording of motion pictures. It also explains the camera’s features for extracting still images from 4K video and using the Post Focus and Focus Stacking features to produce sharply focused images after a shooting session. The book is available for $9.99 in PDF, Kindle, and ePub formats. The paperback version is available for $24.95.

Sony have just unveiled VENICE, their first full-frame digital motion picture camera system. The camera combines a newly developed 36x24mm full-frame sensor and compatibility with a wide range of lenses, including anamorphic, Super 35mm and full-frame PL mount for a greater range of expressive freedom with shallow depth of field. The lens mount can also be changed to handle E-mount lenses for shooting situations that require smaller, lighter, wider and more characteristic lenses. A new colour management system and wide colour gamut gives users more control and greater freedom to work with images during grading and post-production. VENICE also has more than 15 stops of latitude to handle challenging lighting situations. Additionally, it is the film industry's first camera with a built-in 8-stage glass ND filter system. The VENICE CineAlta digital motion picture camera system is scheduled to be available in February 2018.

The Fujifilm X-E3 is a rangefinder style, ultra-compact mirrorless camera which boasts outstanding image quality and enhanced handling. The X-E3 utlises a 24.3MP X-Trans CMOS III APS-C sensor and the X-Processor Pro high-speed image processing engine. The Fujifilm X-E3 will be available from September 2017 in Black and Silver, with an RRP as follows:

X-E3 body £849

X-E3 + 23mmF2 kit £1149

X-E3 + 18-55 kit £1249

X-E3 Case £74.99

X-E3 Metal Hand Grip £119.00

The Fujinon GF 45mm F2.8 R WR lens will be released in November 2017. The Fujinon GF 45mmF2.8 R WR is a highly versatile wide angle lens with a focal length equivalent to 36mm (on a 35mm format) and maximum F2.8 aperture. Thanks to its compact and lightweight design (weighing only 490g), this lens is ideal for street and documentary photography. The Fujinon GF 45mm F2.8 R WR lens will be available in November 2017, with an RRP of £1699.

The Fujinon XF 80mm F2.8 R LM OIS WR Macro is the first 1.0x magnification mid-telephoto macro lens for the X Series range. This lens features a focal length equivalent to 122mm (on a 35mm format), a maximum aperture of F2.8. The lens supports hand-held shooting thanks to a powerful image stabilizer and ultra-lightweight design. The Fujinon XF 80mm F2.8 R LM OIS WR Macro will be available in November 2017, with an RRP of £1249.

Fujifilm X Raw Studio is a brand new RAW conversion system. Fujifilm X Raw Studio enables users to quickly and easily convert RAW files with outstanding image quality. Exceptional image quality is retained, as the X Raw Studio system utilizes the X Processor Pro in the camera instead of the CPU in the computer. This new software is due to be available from late November 2017.

Free upgrades for the Fujifilm X-Pro2, X-T2, X100F and X-T20 cameras will soon be released in November and December 2017.  These updates will provide support for “FUJIFILM X RAW STUDIO”, improve studio flash controller usability compatibility, introduce a new AF tracking algorithm and include other functional and operational updates

The firmware updates are due as follows:

Late November : X-T2, X-T20

Late December : X-Pro2, X100F

Fujifilm has added the GF 250mm F4 R LM OIS WR lens and GF 1.4X TC WR teleconverter to the G Mount lens roadmap. The GF 250mm F4 R LM OIS WR is a telephoto prime lens with a focal length equivalent to 198mm. The GF 1.4X TC WR is a high-performance teleconverter capable of multiplying the focal length by 1.4x.

Fujifilm has added the XF 8-16mm F2.8 R LM WR and XF 200mmF2 R LM OIS WR lenses to the latest X Mount lens roadmap. In addition, the release date of the “MK Series for X Mount version” will now be 2018 rather than 2017, as previously communicated.

Fujifilm is collaborating with Magnum Photos on a major new project exploring the subject of "HOME". An exhibition of the work will tour to seven cities around the world starting in March 2018, and be accompanied by a photobook.