Venus Optics have announced the Laowa Magic Format Converter (MFC), the World’s first Fujifilm GFX adapter with optics allowing the expansion of the image circle of Canon/Nikon full-frame lenses to match the size of the medium-format sensor. The MFC has a focal length multiplier of 1.4x and reduces the maximum aperture by one stop. It opens up a lot more ultra-wide angle lens options for the new Fujifilm GFX camera and increases the compatibility of full-frame lenses with medium-format cameras. The Laowa Magic Format Converter (MFC) will come in 2 variants, Canon EF to Fujifilm G & Nikon AI to Fujifilm G. They are expected to start shipping in July 2017. Pricing will be announced later.

Lomography today announced the addition of a new additional focal length to the Neptune Convertible Art Lens system, called the Naiad 3.8/15 Art Lens. Presently raising funds on Kickstarter, the Neptune Convertible Art Lens System is a prime lens kit for every photographer who has ever lamented the size and weight of high quality prime lenses. It comprises a base element which mounts to a wide range of film and digital cameras, and four front lens elements of fixed focal lengths: the Thalassa 3.5/35, the Despina 2.8/50, the Proteus 4.0/80 and now the Naiad 15mm. Available as an add-on, from now until the end of the campaign, on 7th June, backers will be able to purchase the lens for just $249 – saving 45% on the estimated retail price.

Fujifilm will release the E-mount version of the Fujinon MK50-135mm T2.9 telephoto zoom cinema lens in July 2017. Offering a fast maximum aperture of T2.9 across the entire zoom range plus a 9-bladed iris diaphragm, the lens is compatible with E-mount cameras with a Super 35mm / APS-C sensor, and an X-mount version is also in the works. The lens design is optimised for shooting movies, minimising focal and optical axis shift while zooming and focus breathing – negative traits that are typically observed in still lenses for digital cameras. The lens also features three rings to enable manual and independent adjustment of focus, zoom and aperture. The expected user price is £3,300+VAT.

LPA Design has announced the new FlexTT6 Transceiver for Canon. With new under-the-hood technology, it is compatible with the Canon 5D Mark IV, 1D X Mark II, 80D, 77D, T7i and T6 cameras, along with Canon’s 600 EX II-RT and 430 EX III-RT flashes. “Owners of newer Canon cameras can now access the remarkable wireless TTL technology pioneered and patented by PocketWi zard,” comments Karen Marshall, CEO of LPA Design. “Our engineering team was able to conquer the challenges presented by faster camera sensors with this hardware solution.” The FlexTT6 is forward, backward and cross-compatible with the PocketWizard family of wireless radios. This includes compatibility with the FlexTT5 as a receiving radio, as well as the entire line of Plus radios, the MultiMAX, MiniTT1, AC3 ZoneController and Control TL receivers. The new FlexTT6 for Canon will be available at retail and on line in the US and Canada starting June 8, 2017.

Canon today announced the Canon EOS C200, the latest addition to their Cinema EOS range. As the first Cinema EOS camera to support the new raw recording format – Cinema RAW Light – the EOS C200 provides the same flexibility in colour grading as Cinema RAW in a smaller file size, enabling filmmakers to record internally to a CFast 2.0 memory card. Newly developed Canon Dual DIGIC DV6 processors provide the ability to record internally 4K UHD/50P MP4, 4K DCI RAW and continuous 120fps High Frame Rate in Full HD without crop. At the same time, advances in Dual Pixel CMOS Auto Focus technology and a new touch screen LCD monitor provide smooth AF operation and effective tracking. Supporting up to 15-stops of dynamic range with Cinema RAW Light and up to 13-stops of dynamic range in MP4 (Canon Log / Log 3), the camera is capable of capturing both highlight and shadow details. An ISO range of 100 to 102,400 guarantees excellent performance, even in difficult lighting conditions, such as when quickly switching between locations. The built-in optical ND filters of up to 10 stops provide further flexibility and convenience. Integrated Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity allows for browser remote control and the ability to transfer files via FTP. Available from August, the new EOS C200 will set you back $7,499 with an LM-V1 LCD Monitor, LA-V1 LCD Attachment, GR-V1 Camera Grip and HDU-2 Handle Unit; or $5,999 without these accessories.

The Nikon Coolpix W300 is a new rugged compact camera with a 16-megapixel sensor, a 24-120mm equivalent lens, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS and 4K video recording capabilities. Built to withstand even the toughest outdoor elements, the Coolpix W300 offers a waterproof (100ft. / 30m), freezeproof (14F / -10C), dustproof and enhanced shockproof (7.9ft. / 2.4m) camera body, increased grip area and ergonomically improved shutter button placement (as compared to its predecessor, the Nikon Coolpix AW130). Additional outdoor-friendly features include the ability to go off the beaten path with Points of Interest (POI) and mapping functions, as well as an altimeter and depth gauge. The camera also has a dedicated button to activate an LED light for illumination, and a new Active Guide function to easily display location and altitude data at a glance. The Nikon Coolpix W300 will be available in Summer 2017 in orange, yellow and black for a suggested retail price of $389.95.

The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 28mm f/1.4E ED is a new "Gold Ring" wide-angle prime for Nikon DSLR cameras with FX size sensors. With a fast f/1.4 maximum aperture and a nine-bladed blade rounded diaphragm, it offers a shallow depth of field with a pleasing bokeh and excellent low-light performance. The body of the lens is composed of lightweight magnesium alloy, and features dust and water drop resistant sealing to withstand the elements, combined with a fluorine coating to resist dirt and smudges. The optical construction of the lens consists of 14 elements in 11 groups, with three aspherical elements that virtually eliminate coma, aberration and distortion, with two ED glass elements that minimize chromatic aberration. The lens also uses Nikon’s Nano Crystal coat to reduce instances of ghosting and flare. The AF-P DX NIKKOR 10-20mm f/4.5-5.6G VR and AF-S Nikkor 28mm f/1.4E ED will be available in late June for a suggested retail price (SRP) of £2,079.99/€2,479.00/$1999.95.

Nikon today introduced a new fisheye zoom for DSLR cameras with FX size sensors. The new lens design provides a creative circular 180-degree vertical / horizontal angle of view on full frame cameras, and zooms to a non-circular fisheye view (180-degree diagonal angle of view) on the long end of the focal range. The lens can also be used on DX-format cameras for a distinctive point-of-view and extreme wide-angle applications. The AF-S Fisheye Nikkor 8-15mm f/3.5-4.5E ED is also the latest in Nikon’s Gold Ring Series of premier lenses and features a next-generation design for high-resolution Nikon DSLR cameras. It is also Nikon’s latest lens to use an electromagnetic diaphragm for consistent exposure during high speed shooting, or smooth exposure control while capturing video. The optical formula of the Fisheye NIKKOR 8-15mm consists of three ED elements to reduce chromatic aberration, while two aspherical lens elements minimize coma, even at the widest aperture, and enable a more compact lens size. Additionally, the front lens element is coated with Nikon's non-stick Fluorine coat to help resist dirt, fingerprints and smudges, while the company's exclusive Nano Crystal Coat helps reduce ghost and flare. The Nikon AF-S Fisheye Nikkor 8-15mm f/3.5-4.5E ED is available now for a suggested retail price of £1,299.99/€1,549.00/$1249.95.

The Nikon AF-P DX Nikkor 10-20mm f/4.5-5.6G VR is a new, stabilised UWA zoom for DSLRs with DX size sensors. The lens features the equivalent of 3.5 stops1 of Vibration Reduction (VR) performance, to help capture sharp images while handheld or in challenging light. Additionally, it utilizes Nikon’s Pulse Motor technology for super-fast and quiet AF operation- which is especially useful when recording video. The optical formula contains three aspherical elements for excellent image quality with minimal distortion even at the widest focal length. The AF-P DX Nikkor 10-20mm f/4.5-5.6G VR zoom will be available in late June for a suggested retail price of £329.99/€389.00/$309.95.

After more than 1,800 entries lass summer, Jessops are bringing back their #ShareYourSummer campaign. From 1 June – 2 August, the company is offering 9 budding photographers the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to showcase their work in 56 nationwide store windows on major UK high streets and shopping centres, plus an invite to an exclusive Jessops and Sony event, where the overall winner will be announced and set to receive an incredible £3,000 prize. Rob Murray, Marketing Director at Jessops comments: “Now running in its second year, our Share Your Summer campaign is designed to give photographers from all walks of life the opportunity to exhibit a photo they are really proud of across 56 Jessops shops in major UK cities, shopping centres and high streets. It is clear that the nation’s passion for photography is ever-present with people posting photographs daily on social media. However, it is rare that anyone would ever get the opportunity to share an exceptional image any further than this. We want everyone to have the opportunity to have their very own exhibition where all are invited to view it.”

Photographer Linda Köhler-Sandring set the Bounce-wall Speed Shooting record on Saturday, 27 May 2017: in only 7.092 seconds, the she shot 888 professional outdoor portraits in Zingst, Germany. With the help of an assistant and the right Sunbounce equipment, Linda Köhler-Sandring achieved what no one else has done before: Using the "mobile portrait studio,” consisting of a Bounce-Wall and a Mini Sun-Bouncer Black-hole as a neutral background, she took successive pictures of Zingsters and visitors in just a few minutes. The Berlin-based photographer was delighted with her success: "The Sunbounce Speed Shooting was a significant event for all of us! We didn’t know if we could really do it. It was quite a feat for the whole team. All the more reason we are happy to have sent home beautiful portraits with so many people.”

Garmin have announced the VIRB 360, a compact, rugged and fully spherical 360-degree camera. The waterproof VIRB 360 is an easy-to-use device that captures high-quality video up to 5.7K/30fps with sound, courtesy of four built-in microphones, as well as 15-megapixel spherical stills. Taking advantage of its built-in GPS and numerous other sensors, the VIRB 360 provides owners with customizable G-Metrix data overlays in a captivating 360-degree augmented reality setting. “The VIRB 360 lets you relive personal experiences and share them with your friends – from a different point of view, every single time,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin vice president of global consumer sales. “VIRB 360 owners will no longer need to worry about trying to capture the perfect angle or setting up the perfect shot. The camera’s easy-to-use feature set will make even the most inexperienced users look like experts.” The Garmin VIRB 360 has a suggested retail price of $799.99 and is expected to be available in June.

The updated version of Think Tank Photo's TurnStyle sling bag series offers a new stabiliser strap that holds the bag steady while actively shooting and tucks away when not in use. The TurnStyle 5 ($74.75) fits a compact system camera body plus two to four lenses, and an 8-inch tablet. The TurnStyle 10 ($84.75) fits a standard size DSLR plus one to two lenses, and an eight-inch tablet. The TurnStyle 20 ($99.75) fits a standard size DSLR plus one to three lenses, and a 10” tablet. These new version releases come in the traditional Charcoal and in a new colour, Indigo Blue. “This new version of our popular TurnStyle sling bags reinforces their reputation as the ideal ‘grab and go’ camera bag,” said Doug Murdoch, Think Tank Photo’s CEO and lead designer. “One thing we’ve learned from serving professional photographers for so long is that they always need one, pre-conformed gear kit that gives them access to their core gear. The TurnStyle is that bag.”

Think Tank Photo has announced the new StreetWalker Rolling Backpack V2.0 ($299.75), featuring the ability to switch from a backpack to a roller. The bag will fit two DSLR bodies with lenses attached (including a 200-400mm f/4), and a 15” laptop, and offers a tripod mount on the front panel. Also released are upgraded versions of all three classic StreetWalker backpacks. The StreetWalker HardDrive V2.0 ($229.75) fits two bodies with lenses attached or a gripped body with a 200–400mm f/4 attached, a 15” laptop and a 13” tablet. The StreetWalker Pro V2.0 ($199.75) accommodates two bodies with lens attached or a 400mm f/2.8 unattached, and a 10” table. And, the StreetWalker V2.0 ($169.75) fits one gripped DSLR with 70–200mm f/2.8 attached, one standard DSLR with 24–70mm f/2.8 attached, a 16–35mm f/2.8, and a 10” tablet. “With the release of the new StreetWalker Rolling Backpack and the new versions of the three classic StreetWalker backpacks, we made three of the best pro-level backpacks in the photo industry even better,” said Doug Murdoch, Think Tank Photo’s CEO and lead designer. “The one thing we’ve heard over and over since they first launched is how comfortable and durable they are. Now, with the hybrid rolling backpack and the upgraded core backpacks, we’ve integrated even more photographer feedback to expand their functionality.”

As the first of its kind, the international E1|R1 Photo Award for professional photographers seeks the most beautiful and powerful photographs in the environment of the European long-distance paths, E1, for hikers, and R1 for cyclists. Entrants may submit photo series with at least three and at most four motifs to one of 4 categories including, “Culture and Landscape”, “Man and Nature”, “Sky and Earth” and “Animal and Nature”. The submission window opens on 1 December 2017 and closes on 31 March 2018. The winners in each individual category, the overall winner, as well as the winner of the prize for the promotion of young talent (chosen by the company Olympus) will be selected by a professional jury.

The Best of LensCulture, Vol. 1 is a new title from Lens Culture and Schilt Publishing. This book features 161 contemporary photographers from all over the world, discovered during of four of LensCulture’s annual competitions. Not only are these photographers geographically diverse, but their work encompasses many different genres — from portraits to street photography, photojournalism, personal stories, documentary, fine art, fictional narratives, poetic beauty and abstraction. The 288-page paperback is available for £22.50 | $29.95 | €25.00.

Apparent Software has released a new edition of ImageFramer, a well-known image framing application for Mac OS X. Version 4.0 introduces dozens of improvements, including an Adobe Photoshop Lightroom plug-in, batch processing, integration with Apple Photos, and the capability to export and import frames and design templates. "With ImageFramer 4, we focused on improving the workflow for photographers," said Jacob Gorban, Apparent Software's Founder. "We developed an Adobe Photoshop Lightroom export plugin, Apple Photos editing extension, and a built-in Batch Processing module. Additionally, exporting and importing of custom designs eases collaboration between ImageFramer customers." ImageFramer is available in three pricing tiers: US$29.95 for ImageFramer Lite, $39.95 for ImageFramer Standard and $69.95 for ImageFramer Pro.