The XCD 3.5/120mm Macro is a new lens for the Hasselblad X1D medium-format camera. Weighing in at 970g, the Hasselblad XCD 3.5/120mm Macro lens offers a maximum reproduction ratio of 1:2 and a minimum object distance of 43cm, as measured from the image plane. Like the other XCD lenses, XCD 120mm Macro lens has an integral central shutter offering a wide range of shutter speeds and full flash synchronization up to 1/2000th of a second. Over the next 12 months, Hasselblad will also launch the XCD 35-75mm Zoom, XCD 65mm, and XCD 22mm Wide Angle lenses. By the beginning of 2018, Hasselblad X1D users will have access to seven dedicated XCD lenses and all twelve HC/HCD lenses using the XH lens adapter. Prices will be announced at launch.

The Sony Xpreria XZ Premium is a new smartphone with a 19-megapixel imager, a 25mm (eq.) f/2 lens, laser-assisted auto focus and 960fps video recording capability at 720p HD resolution for ultra-slow-motion playback. For the first time ever in a smartphone, Xperia XZ Premium features a 4K (2160x3840-pixel) 5.5” HDR display that uses Sony’s BRAVIA TV technology to give you an immersive 4K HDR viewing experience in the palm of your hand. Additional improvements have been made to the Bionz for mobile processing engine meaning it detects moving objects more precisely to enable Predictive Capture. Clarity, detail and texture are also improved hanks to the redesigned G lens with high optical clarity. The Xperia XZ Premium is available globally in in Luminous Chrome and Deepsea Black from late Spring 2017. Pricing to be confirmed.

The LG G6 is a new smartphone with a 5.7-inch QHD+ (2,880x1,440-pixel resolution, 2:1 aspect ratio) FullVision display, dust- and waterproof construction and dual rear cameras. There's a wide-angle camera-lens module with a 30mm (eq.) f/1.8 lens and optical image stabilisation, and an ultra-wide module with an 11mm (eq.) f/2.4 lens. Each module features a 13.megapixel sensor. Additionally, the phone has a 5-megapixel front-facing camera with an 18mm (eq.) f/2.2 lens. The G6 provides a Square Camera function which divides the 2:1 ratio display into two identical squares. The LG G6 can also take perfectly square photos in 1:1 ratio, ideal for Instagram, Snapchat and other social media apps. Users can also choose other ratios, such as 4:3, 16:9 and 2:1. Users can also take pictures in 1:1 ratio in one window, while checking, editing and uploading pictures in another window immediately after shooting. What’s more, users can create animated GIFs by combining between 2 and 100 photos from the gallery. Pricing and availability have yet to be confirmed.

Lexar today announced the new 256GB capacity Lexar Professional 1000x microSDXC UHS-II (U3) memory card. Designed for sports camcorders, tablets, and smartphones, the Professional 1000x microSDXC UHS-II card has read transfer speeds up to 150MB per second and write speeds up to 90MB/s. The 256GB capacity card is also verified to be compatible with GoPro cameras, and comes with a microSD UHS-II USB 3.0 reader (pictured). The new card capacity will be available in Q1 of 2017 with an MSRP of £357.99.

DNP today introduced their new WPS Pro Wireless Print Server. Designed exclusively for the company's DS40, DS80, DS620A, DS-RX1HS and DS820A dye-sublimation printers, the WPS Pro allows photographers to print directly from Wi-Fi compatible capture devices without the need for cables, memory cards an internet connection. This enables event photographers to roam, capture and wirelessly print candid shots taken at the company picnic, local pet store or sporting event; and perfect for the wedding photographer to capture and print the memories of the rehearsal dinner and wedding reception. The WPS Pro features an easy-to-read 7” touchscreen display that allows users to easily monitor print jobs, printer status, and see remaining print counts. A single WPS Pro can connect with two DNP photo printer models for speed/redundancy or for an increased range of print size options. “Wireless tools are an important part of our customer’s increasingly flexible workflow,” said Katsuyuki Oshima, President of DNP Imagingcomm America Corporation. “The WPS Pro expands the functionality of our printers, optimises photographer workflows, and provides new opportunities for our customers to upgrade their offerings.”

CamFi has announced that the new version of its app, CamFi 3.0, adds wireless tether support for Sony cameras. "CamFi is the only wireless camera controller which can support Canon, Nikon and Sony currently. The support for other camera brands will be added in the future," Said Mark Ma, CEO of CamFi. "We hope we can bring something new for the photography industry." CamFi 3.0 supports file transfer as well as live view, and wireless camera control including ISO, shutter speed, aperture and remote image capture. Furthermore, the new version adds support for the newest DNP wireless printer server, allowing the user to print the photo over Wi-Fi immediately after shooting. Last but not least, CamFi supports multiple camera control, which can be used to create a bullet time effect.

Version 1.8 of slimRAW, a fast CinemaDNG compressor which saves storage space and reduces storage bandwidth requirements for CinemaDNG raw video production, is now available to download. This update adds 7:1 CinemaDNG raw compression to the previously available choice of 3:1, 4:1, 5:1 and variable-bitrate raw compression. The new compression level is targeted at the latest generation of CinemaDNG raw cameras with resolutions going beyond 4K. It allows for 25% smaller raw files compared to 5:1 compression. Coupled with the CinemaDNG downscale abilities of slimRAW, 7:1 compression enables CinemaDNG raw proxies at up to 28:1 reduction of raw data footprint. slimRAW is available for Microsoft Windows and Apple OS X.

The LG X power2, a new smartphone with 5.5" HD In-cell touchscreen, 13-megapixel main camera and integrated 4,500mAh battery, will be unveiled at Mobile World Congress 2017 in Barcelona, Spain. The camera features Zero Shutter Lag to eliminate the annoying delay between the time the shutter button is pressed and the image is captured. There's also a front-facing 5-megapixel camera unit with a wide-angle lens and a soft-light LED flash. The camera's Auto Shot mode automatically triggers the front camera’s shutter when a face is detected. Gesture Shot and Gesture Interval Shot read and respond to hand signals, eliminating the need to press the shutter button which is a common cause of blurry photos. And with Quick Share, users can immediately post images to their favourite social media site with just one tap. The LG X power2 will roll out beginning in March in the Latin America followed by key markets in United States, Asia, Europe and other regions. Pricing will be announced at the time of availability.

Lifestyle photographer Kate Hopewell-Smith and her partner Brent Kirkman have launched a new photography training school called Training byLumiere. Kate & Brent have created a brand new 6-month Foundation Programme, plus a range of workshops throughout the year. The Foundation Programme – for which the next intake is September 2017 - focuses on learning and growing the skills needed to fast track into a confident business owner and photographer. This modular programme covers a range of topics including Business Foundations, Branding and Marketing, Lighting, DSLR Filming, Post-production, Selling and more. For full details of both the Foundation Course and programme of workshops throughout the year, visit the website below.

Ricoh has announced the development of a new 50mm lens for Pentax K-mount cameras. According to the company, this will be a high-performance Star (★)-series full- lens with a high resolving power, high contrast and beautiful bokeh. A mock-up of the lens is currently on display at the CP+ 2017 trade show, which is being held at the Pacifico Yokohama convention centre in Japan.

European accessory manufacturer 84.5mm Camera Filters has launched a new line of reverse graduated neutral density filters. These 100x150mm filters are hand-made from CR-39 Organic glass and can be used with standard “XL” filter holders. Available in two sizes, Reverse ND4 and Reverse ND8, are available for €59.95 each.

The Fantasea UWL-09F wet wide angle conversion lens for compact, mirrorless and SLR underwater housings is now available to purchase. According to the manufacturer, the UWL-09F offers unmatched quality with 5 multi-layered precision optic elements. The combination of a super wide field of view (130 degrees) and zero minimal focus distance provide unlimited opportunities for image framing and creative compositions, including close-focus wide-angle images. The lens barrel is made from durable aluminium alloy with black coating. The dome is covered with hard coating as well, protecting it from easily getting scratched or damaged. The lens features a 67mm thread mount, compatible with most housings available in the market today. The base of the mount is covered with a rubber ring, providing a firm grip of the lens during installation and removal. Non-corrosive front and rear lens caps are included in the box. A quality padded carrying case allows safe storage and transportation. Weighing in at 1033g/36.4oz, the Fantasea UWL-09F wide-angle conversion lens is depth rated to 60m / 200ft. Available now, the lens carries a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $799.95.

Panasonic will exhibit at the upcoming Photography Show (stand D41) held at the NEC in Birmingham from 18th – 21st March. The hotly anticipated Lumix GH5 will be making its first appearance at a consumer trade show, allowing visitors to see the camera for potentially the first time. Additionally, a number of Lumix G Ambassadors and professional photographers will be speaking at the Behind the Lens theatre and the brand new Video Theatre. The company has also teamed up with Camera World and London Camera Exchange to give visitors the chance to secure exclusive show offers on the Lumix and Lumix G range (available from their stands at D21 and E51 respectively).