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.

SIRUI will be introducing their new R-3213X tripod at The Photography Show taking place at the NEC in Birmingham (18-21 March 2017). Designed for photographers and filmmakers who want to remain flexible in all circumstances, this triple-application tripod is supplied with a centre column, a large mounting plate and a 75mm half bowl adapter - all of which are interchangeable at any time. Robust and stable, the R-3213X is well suited for studio work and can quickly be set up to a tall working height and easily support large, heavy camera equipment. The unique feature of the RX series, including the R-3213X, is the removable mounting plate. It can be removed and swapped for either a centre column or the 75mm half bowl adapter. This means that you can raise the height of the tripod to it’s maximum height of 1790mm with the centre column or, using the 75mm half bowl adapter, attach and use any 75mm half ball fluid head for video work.

Canon Japan have released 4 full-resolution sample images taken with the new Canon EOS 77D digital SLR camera. Captured using a variety of lenses including the Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/4-5.6 IS STM, EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM, EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM and EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM; these Canon EOS 77D samples were taken at sensitivity settings ranging from ISO 100/21° to ISO 400/27°.

Website: Canon Japan

Canon Japan have published four high-resolution sample photographs taken with the new Canon EOS 800D digital SLR camera. Captures using an array of lenses including the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM, EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM, EF-S24mm f/2.8 STM and EF-S10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM; these Canon EOS 800D samples were all shot at a senstiviy setting of ISO 100/21°.

Website: Canon Japan

Canon Japan have posted seven full-resolution sample images and one reduced-resolution sample video captured with the new Canon EOS M6 compact system camera. Taken with a variety of lenses including the EF-M15-45mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM, the EF-M18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM, the EF-M11-22mm f/4-5.6 IS STM and the EF70-200mm f/4L IS USM; these Canon EOS M6 samples were all shot at a sensitivity setting of ISO 100/21°.

Website: Canon Japan

At The Photography Show, taking place from 18-21 March, at the  Birmingham NEC, the all-new VR & 360° Theatre will offer fascinating insights into an exciting new visual technology through a series of expert talks and hands-on demonstrations. Digital artist and videographer, Nick Driftwood will offer advice on the camera technology needed to film and photograph a 360° field-of-view effectively, while Olympus Visionary, John Nasarri will take to the stage to share his pioneering 360° interactive wedding service – photography accompanied by ambient sound landscapes, video and photo slideshows. Drone and UAV specialists, Aerial Motion Pictures will demonstrate the world of interactive 360° tours with a view from above The Photography Show and will advise on the value that this can bring to businesses and how interactive images can be taken to the next level. Further sessions include: A different view, how to easily incorporate 360° tech into your workflow (Rick Bronks), From VR to 3D (Darius Heydarpour), Photo-based VR: where can it take you? (David Burden), Virtual reality for the creative mind (Drew Gardner) and 360° product photography made simple (Andrew Dibben and Ben Neenan).

Intro 2020 has been appointed distributor of B&W's impact-resistant polypropylene cases. The full range consists of 11 different sized cases, most of which are available in black and yellow colourways. Two models are designed for drones and the two largest cases feature a telescopic handle and smooth running wheels. There is also a range of accessories including cubed foam inserts, shoulder straps, lid pockets, mesh bags and a backpack system. B&W's outdoor cases have been designed to survive a temperature range of -30°C to +80°C. They are stackable and 100% waterproof - they have been tested up to a depth of 5 metres and are also dustproof and robust, carrying a 30-year warranty. Prices start at £32.99 SRP for smallest case, the Type 500. The price for the largest case in the range, Type 6800 is £400.

Manfrotto have announced a distribution partnership in the UK with Shoulderpod. Consisting of the G1 Grip, S2 Handle Grip, R2 Pocket Rig and the X1 Pro Rig; the Shoulderpod range is designed to be a modular system. The G1 is a professional grip for mounting your smartphone on any tripod or rig. Fully adjustable for holding any smartphone model, it also works as a portable stand for holding your camera when on the road. The S2 is the first professional handle grip with three functions. It works as tripod mount, filmmaker handle, and traveller stand. It is a solid and portable solution for holding your smartphone camera and fits most devices thank to the adjustable mechanism. The R2 is a multifunctional and compact rig that makes adding external microphones, lights or batteries to your mobile camera easy when on the move. The X1 (pictured) is an advanced production rig that allows you to add professional microphones, light and extra batteries to your mobile camera. It can be quickly constructed for use as a handheld system, or for use with a tripod. Designed to slip easily into your backpack, the X1 is a fully adjustable system that will is fully compatible with other photo and video equipment, allowing you to turn your smartphone into a professional photo or video taking tool. Prices start from £24.90.

ON1 has released the first major update to ON1 Photo RAW 2017. The application offers one of the fastest ways to cull photos making it easy to tag, rate, make color and tone adjustments, or add effects to photos. The non-destructive workflow utilises sidecar files to store edits and allows photographers the ability to edit and adjust photos locally, in the cloud, or on file servers. This also allows photographers to access their photos from multiple computers and/or allow colleagues to access and edit the same photos from where they left off. Version 2017.0.2 includes support for over a dozen new cameras - including the Olympus SH-2, E-M5 MKII and E-M1 MKII, the Pentax K5 II, the Nikon D5600, the Panasonic DMC-FZ2000, DMC-G2, DMC-G5, DMC-LX15 and DMC-TZ80, the Leica M10 and Leica TL, and the Canon EOS 500D -, improved raw processing results, updated support for Fujifilm camera files, better highlight recovery, and other performance tuning and bug fixes.