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).

The Lomography F²/400 is a limited-edition colour negative film from the Lomographic Society. "In 2010, we bought the last ever Jumbo Roll of original 400 ASA film from some renowned Italian filmmakers," Lomography said in a statement. "Then, ever the ones to experiment, we left the film to age like fine wine in oak casks in the Czech Republic. Thankfully, our crazy instincts were rewarded — seven years later, we went back to discover that this fantastic film still produces refined colors with a beautifully unique tone. It’s a one-of-a-kind colour negative with an X-Pro feel and Tungsten overtones, and we’re so excited to share it with you! There’s a only a very limited amount of this film available, so make sure you don’t miss out." You can buy the Lomography F²/400 colour negative fIlm i 135 format for £/€/$5.90, or save 10% by buying packs of five (or 15% by purchasing a 10-roll bundle) from the Lomography Online Shop.

Opening for entries on 1 March 2017, the Leica Oskar Barnack Award is one of the industry’s most prestigious photographic competitions. To participate, entrants must submit a self-contained series of between ten and twelve images, in which the photographer perceives and documents the interaction between people and their environment in a creative and ground-breaking style. Series of photographs captured in 2016 and 2017, or work from long-term projects including at least some photographs taken in this period, are eligible for submission. The winner in the main category will be honoured with a cash prize of 25,000 euros and Leica M-System equipment (a camera and lens) valued at an additional €10,000. The winner of the Newcomer Award will receive a cash prize of 10,000 euros and will also receive a Leica rangefinder camera and lens. In addition to the two main categories, a further ten submissions to the competition will each be honoured with prizes of €2,500. Photographers interested in taking part can submit their applications and photographic projects online, with a closing date of 10 April 2017.

Sony have just announced the World’s fastest SD card. Offering read/write speeds of up to 300MB/s and 299MB/s, respectively, the new SF-G series memory cards are available in 32GB, 64GB or 128GB storage capacities. The blazing-fast write speed allows for a shorter buffer clearing time, while the ultra-fast read speeds enable users to transfer large volumes and files to a computer very quickly, contributing to a more efficient workflow. In conjunction with the SF-G series, Sony are introducing a new memory card reader, model MRW-S1, which offers a built-in SuperSpeed USB (USB3.1 Gen.1) standard A port for cable-free PC connection, so that your files can be copied faster than copying through the integrated SD slot. The new SF-G series SD cards will be available in stores in March 2017 and the MRW-S1 card reader will be available in April 2017.

Fujifilm have unveiled the MK series of new cinema lenses, offering a fast maximum aperture of T2.9 across the entire zoom range plus a 9-bladed iris diaphragm enabling a shallow depth-of-field as well as a beautiful bokeh effect. The lenses are compatible with E-mount cameras with a Super 35mm / APS-C sensor and the X-mount used in Fujifilm’s X-Series of digital cameras. The lenses feature three rings to enable manual and independent adjustment of focus, zoom and aperture. The Fujinon MK18-55mm T2.9 standard zoom lens will be the first MK lens to be released in early March 2017, priced at $3,799.95. In summer, this will be followed by the launch of the Fujinon MK50-135mm T2.9, a telephoto zoom lens offering a focal length range of 50-135mm. Both lenses have the same front diameter (85mm), length (206.3mm), and weight (980g), but the 18-55mm lens can focus closer (85cm vs. 120cm in regular mode, and 38cm vs. 85cm in macro mode).

Transcend have released their new Ultimate UHS-I U3M Video Speed Class 30 (V30) microSD memory cards. These MLC-based memory cards reach transfer speeds of up to 95MB/s and offer optimum protection with capacities up to 128GB, ideal for 4K Ultra HD recording. The cards are not only Temperature proof, capable of enduring extreme temperatures ranging from -25°C to 85°C, but are also waterproof, static proof, X-ray proof and shock proof, offering users comprehensive data protection. In addition, built-in Error Correcting Code automatically detects and corrects transfer errors. The Ultimate UHS-I U3M microSD cards are offered in 16GB, 32GB, 64GB, and 128GB capacities and carry Transcend's Limited Lifetime Warranty.

The Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG HSM OS Contemporary telephoto zoom lens boasts and optical image stabiliser, fast AF and a dust- and splash-proof construction. Highly versatile, the 100-400mm F5-6.3 Contemporary also features Sigma’s unique macro function (with a maximum reproduction ratio of 1:3.8), and a push/pull zooming mechanism for ease of use. The all-new Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG HSM OS Contemporary lens supports Canon, Nikon and Sigma mounts and works with Sigma’s MC-11 Sony E-mount converter. The Nikon variant features a brand new electromagnetic diaphragm. Pricing and availability for the lens will be announced later.

The Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 DG HSM OS Art is a new stabilised standard zoom for full-frame cameras. Featuring a brand new optical stabiliser and highly efficient and fast AF system, the revamped 24-70mm F2.8 Art covers a wide range of shooting scenarios, the lens includes three SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass elements and four aspherical elements to reduce chromatic aberration. The Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 DG HSM OS Art supports Canon, Nikon and Sigma mounts and works with Sigma’s MC-11 Sony E-mount converter. The Nikon version features the brand new electromagnetic diaphragm. Pricing and availability will be announced later.

The Sigma 135mm F1.8 DG HSM Art is an ultra-fast standard telephoto prime lens for Canon, Nikon and Sigma cameras.. Ideal for events such as concerts, indoor sports, conferences, weddings and studio/location portraiture; the Sigma 135mm F1.8 DG HSM Art is highly capable of isolating your subject from the background. Its new large hyper sonic motor (HSM) provides ample torque to the focus group for optimal speed while the acceleration sensor detects the position of the lens for compensation focus groups for factors including gravity, producing faster and more responsive AF. Equipped with a focus limiter, the 135mm F1.8 Art can be easily optimised for a variety of camera-to-subject distances. Pricing and availability for the Sigma 135mm F1.8 Art lens will be announced later.

The Sigma 14mm F1.8 DG HSM Art is the World’s first f/1.8 ultra-wide-angle lens. Boasting outstanding image quality from centre to edge, the 14mm F1.8 Art features the largest glass mold (80mm) in the industry, offering photographers an ultra-wide prime with virtually no distortion, flare or ghosting. Three lens elements are made with FLD (“F” Low Dispersion) glass, which is equivalent to calcium fluorite in performance, and four SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass elements, which reduce chromatic aberration. The all new Sigma 14mm F1.8 DG HSM Art lens supports Canon, Nikon and Sigma mounts and works with Sigma’s MC-11 Sony E-mount converter. The Nikon mounts feature the brand new electromagnetic diaphragm. Pricing and availability for the lens will be announced later.

LUUV have announced that their Indiegogo- and Kickstarter-backed products - solidLUUV (pictured) and ultraLUUV ACTION - are now available to purchase. solidLUUV is a revolutionary steadycam that works with all cameras, smartphones, compact & 360° cameras, up to 500g. The vibration dampening technology in solidLUUV has pushed industry innovation to into a new space. ultraLUUV ACTION is the first stabiliser of its kind, combining the solidLUUV mechanical and the electronic ACTION GIMBAL, which produces stabilisation normally reserved for steadycams 10 times the price. ultraLUUV ACTION is perfect for filmmakers who demand high quality with every shot. The double stabilisation combined with the finger-tip control system makes it easy to use and enables the user to create footage so fluid, viewers think it is filmed with a drone. The compact steadycam is particularly well suited for high-speed recording and for challenging terrain, which makes it very reliable in one-shot situations.
 

The LockPort D500 DUAL is a new product developed to protect the fragile HDMI/USB outputs on the Nikon D500 digital SLR camera. Highly requested by professional D500 users, the LockPort D500 plate is designed to fit easily every head, baseplate, sliding plate, support out there using the original camera screws already there. Now available, the LockPort D500 DUAL HDMI/USB 3.0 protector for the Nikon D500 retails for $139/€129.