Today LaCie announced the next evolution of its 2big professional 2-bay RAID storage solution. Now with Thunderbolt 3 technology, the LaCie 2big Dock delivers fast speeds and up to 20TB of storage, making it a powerhouse tool for photographers and videographers. More than storage, the LaCie 2big Dock is a powerful docking station that helps photographers and videographers simplify their workflows. Front-facing SD and CF Card slots allow the pro to directly ingest files off memory cards from a drone, DSLR, GoPro and other devices into Adobe Lightroom or Premiere Pro. The USB 3.0 hub charges a phone or connects a shuttle drive or digital camera to offload footage or files. Via DisplayPort, professionals can connect the LaCie 2big Dock to high-resolution 720-1080p or even 4K displays. Dual Thunderbolt 3 ports can also power a compatible laptop while simultaneously daisy-chaining up to five additional Thunderbolt or one USB-C drive. Plus, the USB 3.1 port enables universal compatibility with USB-C and USB 3.0 computers via the included adapter cable. The new LaCie 2big Dock will be available in 12TB, 16TB or 20TB capacities through LaCie Resellers this summer. It will be showcased for the first time at the NAB Show in Las Vegas next week.

A new firmware update for the Fujifilm GFX 50S camera will be released in late May 2017. It will "will add (a) new function for computer tethering via Wi-Fi and improve operability in exposure compensation and autofocus performance in difficult scenes." In our Fujifilm GFX 50S review, we noted that exposure compensation was difficult to set and that the auto-focusing system was often a little sluggish, so it will be very interesting to see what imrpovements Fujifilm can make via this firmware update.

The Fujifilm Instax Square SQ10 is a square format hybrid instant film camera that combines digital imaging technology with square film prints. The SQ10 is the first camera in the INSTAX series to be equipped with the newly developed hybrid INSTAX system – a digital image sensor and image processing technology integrated with the existing INSTAX system. These technologies allow the SQ10 to take brighter photos in low-light conditions (indoor and night scenes) and close-up shots from a distance as close as 4 in \10 cm with new functions including automatic exposure control, facial recognition, and auto-focus. 

The INSTAX SQUARE SQ10 will be available in May 2017 in the U.S. and Canada for USD $279.95 and CAD $369.99. In the UK, the camera will hit the shelves at the end of May, priced at £249.

INSTAX SQUARE Film will also be available in May 2017 in the U.S. and Canada for USD $16.99 and CAD $15.99. In the United Kingdom, the film will have an expected retail price of £8.99.

The Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 8-18mm f/2.8-4 ASPH. is a new wide zoom for Micro Four Thirds cameras. Equivalent to a 16-36mm lens in a 35mm system, the Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 8-18mm f/2.8-4 ASPH. covers a variety of photographic genres and shooting situations, from interiors and landscapes to environmental portraiture and street photography. The non-rotating 67mm filter thread allows users to mount a variety of creative filters such as polarisers and ND grads. Comprising 15 elements in 10 groups, the lens system features an aspherical ED (Extra-low Dispersion) lens, three aspherical lenses, two ED lenses and an UHR (Ultra High Refractive Index) lens. The use of these lenses effectively suppress spherical distortion or chromatic aberration to achieve high resolution and contrast from centre to corners. The Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 8-18mm f/2.8-4 ASPH. will be available from the end of May (RRP £1049).

Panasonic today announced the pocket-friendly Lumix DC-TZ90 travelzoom camera boasting a 20.3-megapixel sensor, a 24-720mm equivalent lens, a flippable 3" monitor, a high-resolution 0.2" EVF and a host of unique Panasonic features including 4K Photo, which allows users to capture unmissable moments at 30fps and extract stills at 8-megapixel equivalent resolution. Plus, there are also a range of other useful functions which utilise 4K technology. Post Focus means you can change the point of focus after shooting, while Focus Stacking enables changing the depth of field after shooting by combining multiple images. Incorporating Panasonic’s DFD (Depth From Defocus) technology, the TZ90 boasts a 0.1 second AF speed. You can also employ burst shooting at 10 (AF-S) fps or 5 (AF-C) fps. A range of AF functions include Touch AF, 49-point AF points and Low Light AF help to lock on focus in a wide variety of different conditions. For those who are concerned with manual focusing, there’s lots of help on board for that too, including Focus Peaking and MF assist. The Lumix DC-TZ90 will be available from June (RRP £399).

Fujifilm has unveiled an updated lens roadmap for the GFX 50S lens system. New additions include a telephoto prime lens and tele converter. With the addition of the two new lenses, the GF lens lineup has now expanded to a total of eight lenses.

The Fujinon GF 110mm F2 R LM WR is a new medium telephoto lens for the Fujifilm GFX 50S 43.8×32.9mm format digital camera. Available from June, this lens has a focal length equivalent to 87mm in 35mm terms, and offers fantastic bokeh thanks to its large maximum aperture. The optical formula comprises 14 elements in 9 groups, including 4 ED lens elements, and an iris diaphragm with 9 rounded blades. The aperture ring has a C position (command dial mode) that allows the lens aperture value to be changed via the command dial on the camera body to suit the photographer’s preference. A locking mechanism has been added to the A (Auto) and C positions to prevent unintended movements of the aperture dial. In terms of construction, the lens has been sealed in nine areas, allowing the user to shoot in dusty environments and in light rain outdoors.

Fujifilm today announced that it will release the dust- and weather-resistant Fujinon GF 23mmF4 R LM WR medium-fromat lens in June. With a focal length equivalent to 18mm in 35mm terms, this super wide-angle lens is optimal for shooting landscapes and architecture with the Fuji GFX 50S 43.8×32.9mm format digital camera. The optical formula comprises 15 elements (including two aspherical lenses, one super ED lens, and three ED lenses) and an iris diaphragm with 9 rounded aperture blades. The aperture ring has a C position (command dial mode) to allow the lens aperture value to be changed via the command dial on the camera body. A locking mechanism has been added to the A (Auto) and C positions to prevent unintended movements of the aperture dial. Nano GI coating has been applied to the lens to minimise ghosting and flare.

XP Distribution, the specialist distributor for X-Rite’s range of colour management products aimed at the photographic and video markets, today announced it is offering one lucky winner a six day all expenses paid trip to Naples and the Amalfi coast. The all-expenses paid trip includes flights, daily travel, accommodation and sustenance as well as a packed activity schedule including an exploration of historical Naples, Capri and the iconic Faraglioni coastline, as well as Sorrento, Positano and Procida. Roman Martin, hobbyist turned professional landscape, nature, wildlife and people photographer, will be the on-hand expert running the workshop, leading the photo walks and providing tuition. Any European resident can enter X-Rite’s free giveaway by filling in the application form at the website below.

The Lomography Simple Use Film Camera is no ordinary disposable camera — it’s preloaded with a choice of three funky films so that you can give your shots stand-out style. Users can produce classic analogue prints with Color Negative ISO 400 (£15.90), drench their shots in moody monochrome with Black & White ISO 400 (£15.90), or tint their images purple with LomoChrome Purple ISO 400 (£19.90) — a unique colour-shifting film exclusive to Lomography. Additionally, the Lomography Simple Use Film Cameras loaded with Color Negative film or LomoChrome Purple film come with three different Colour Gel flash filters. These yellow, magenta and cyan filters can be mixed and matched to produce six different hues when applied to the cameras' built-in flash.

Bits&Coffee, the creators of batch image converter program BatchPhoto, have launched a free online and mobile version of the program, called BatchPhoto Espresso. The app can perform common operations, such as Convert, Resize, Crop, Rotate, Touch-Up or Apply Effects. Special effects, such as black & white, sepia, charcoal, swirl, and negate, can also be applied to images. BatchPhoto Espresso can be accessed from any computer or device connected to the Internet at the website below.

Sinchi has launched a new photo competition to celebrate the strength and beauty of indigenous cultures. Participants are invited to submit up to 6 photos with accompanying captions, welcoming submissions from both remote and urban indigenous communities. The competition runs from 1st April to the 31st May, and the entry fee is €10 for every photo entered. The winner for the best story entry will receive €1,000, three runners-up will be awarded €200 each, while the photographer submitting the best individual photo will win a cash prize of €300.

Alpine Labs have launched the compact and adaptable Spark camera remote. Currently available at a pre-­sale discount on Kickstarter, Spark has three distinct shooting modes. It can be used as a quick infrared trigger from 30’ away, as a wired trigger via a camera’s trigger port, or as a more powerful app based camera controller (iOS & Android). “Spark adapts to whatever situation you are shooting in and the three control modes are what make that possible. Its kind of like the swiss army knife of triggers,” commented Greg Horváth, Alpine Labs CEO. With the ability to control a wide variety of DSLRs and compact system cameras, Spark opens the world of wireless camera control for users of Sony, Fujifilm, Hasselblad, Pentax, Olympus, Canon, Nikon etc. bodies. The manufacturer's suggested retail price is $59, but backers on Kickstarter can receive a Spark unit for $44.

DJI has introduced a new addition to the Phantom family of drones. The new Phantom 4 Advanced model improves on the original Phantom 4, giving photographers a 1"-type, 20-megapixel sensor and a mechanical shutter. The drone’s upgraded camera is capable of shooting 4K video at 60 frames per second. The more powerful video processing now supports H.264 4K videos at 60fps or H.265 4K at 30fps, both with a 100Mbps bitrate. The Phantom 4 Advanced+ version offers a 5.5-inch 1080p screen integrated into the controller. In addition, creators can now do more with the Phantom 4 Advanced’s increased storage capacity using a 128GB microSD card and a flight time extended up to 30 minutes. The retail price of the Phantom 4 Advanced and Phantom 4 Advanced+ is 1,469 GBP (1,549 EUR) and 1,699 GBP (1,849), respectively. Availability is slated for 30th April.

Adobe have released an update to Lightroom CC. Version 2015.10 / 6.10 adds support for raw image files generated by the new Canon EOS M6 (pictured), EOS 77D, EOS 800D and Pentax KP; incorporates 22 new lens profiles, and fixes a number of bugs. In order to install the update, select Help > Updates in the Adobe Creative Cloud app.

Adobe have released ACR 9.10 and DNG Converter 9.10. The latest update of Adobe Camera Raw adds support for the new Canon EOS M6, EOS 800D and EOS 77D, and the Pentax KP (pictured), incorporates 22 new lens profiles, and fixes bugs. To install the update, simply select Help>Updates to use the update mechanism in the Adobe Creative Cloud app.

Source: Adobe Blogs

PhotoShelter have just published their latest publication, The Photographer’s Guide to Instagram Hashtags. The guide is a curated list of searchable and submittable hashtags professional photographers should be using to get their work out there. Inside, you’ll get the rundown on 11 genres including travel, street, black and white, landscape, fine art, and more. Available as a free e-book, The Photographer’s Guide to Instagram Hashtags can be accessed via the website below.

Website: PhotoShelter

Nikon have released eight sample images taken with the new Nikon D7500 digital SLR camera. Captured using a variety of lenses including the AF-S DX Nikkor 16-80mm f/2.8-4E ED VR, the AF-S DX Micro Nikkor 85mm f/3.5G ED VR, the AF-S Nikkor 20mm f/1.8G ED, the AF-S Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G ED, the AF-S Nikkor 300mm f/4E PF ED VR and the AF-S DX Nikkor 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR; these Nikon D7500 samples were shot at sensitivity settings ranging from ISO 100/21° to ISO 3,200/36°.

Website: Official Nikon D7500 Sample Images