Manfrotto have annouced the new Pro Light 3N1 Camera Backpack. This three-in-one carrying solution comes in two versions that can be carried in 3 different ways and holds 3 types of gear by configuring its flexible internal dividers: photo, video or drone equipment. This multi-purpose backpack is designed for professional gear, i.e. models like the Canon 1Dx mark II or Nikon D5, Canon EOS C100/300 and the DJI Phantom 4 or 3DR Solo. Both versions feature a padded device protection pocket (for a 10” tablet in the Manfrotto Pro Light  3N1-26, and a 15” laptop in the 3N1-36). The Pro Light 3N1-26 and 3N1-36 backpacks are available from £149.95.

Want to see exactly what the new Sony A6500 compact system camera looks like in the flesh?

Check out our hands-on gallery of photos of the Sony A6500 compact system camera.

Want to see exactly what the new Sony Cyber-shot RX100 V compact camera looks like in the flesh?

Check out our hands-on gallery of photos of the Sony Cyber-shot RX100 V compact camera.

Leica today announced the 'ONA for Leica' collection of high-quality camera bags. Featuring six distinctive models crafted by ONA, the 'ONA for Leica' collection includes a special edition of ‘The Bowery for Leica’ camera bag, the ‘Prince Street for Leica’ shoulder bag, the 'Brixton for Leica' bag, the 'Camps Bay for Leica' rucksack, the 'Berlin II for Leica' bag and the 'Roma for Leica,' a practical insert with five compartments, which transforms almost any standard bag into a camera bag. The 'ONA for Leica' collection is scheduled to be available from November 2016 from Leica Stores and Boutiques. Pricing will be confirmed from the date of availability.

Leica has launched a new special edition M-mount camera – the Leica M-P (Typ 240) “Grip” Set by Rolf Sachs. This exclusive kit, consisting of a Leica M-P (Typ 240) camera, an SF 40 flash, a special carrying strap and a Summilux-M 35 mm f/1.4 ASPH. lens, is strictly limited to 79 sets and will be available exclusively at select Leica Stores and Boutiques starting in November. 

Today Ricoh announced the launch of the Ricoh Theta SC. Developed as the standard-class model of the popular Ricoh Theta series, the Theta SC camera provides effortless usability for first-time 360-degree camera users and a range of basic features. While retaining the same level of image quality provided by the high-end Ricoh Theta S, this mid-class model allows users to easily transfer captured 360-degree images to smartphones and tablet computers, and also lets them to upload their images to the theta360.com dedicated website and for easy sharing over a variety of social media networks. The Ricoh Theta SC is available in four colours (blue, beige, pink and white), priced at £249.99/$299.95. The camera is expected to hit the shelves in early November 2016. In the US, the Ricoh Theta SC is already available to pre-order.

Manfrotto have unveiled their Advanced & Street selection aimed at compact system camera owners. Built of high-quality materials to be functional, durable, rugged and lightweight; this new collection comprises five models including the Advanced Compact 1 backpack, the Street CSC backpack, the Street CSC Messenger bag, the Advanced Compact 1 shoulder bag and the Street CSC shoulder bags. All models feature zipper covers designed to stay close to the body, making it hard for anyone other than the user to open them. The two Advanced bags come with a rain cover that creates a barrier between the wet outside and equipment inside the bag in tough weather. The Advanced and Street CSC range is available from £39.95.

Designed specifically for compact system camera users, the new Lensbaby Trio 28 features three selective-focus optics in one compact lens design. The Twist optic gives photographers a large sharp central area of focus surrounded by twisty, swirling bokeh, the Velvet has a sharp yet dreamy central area of focus with delicate glow from edge to edge, whilst the Sweet optic creates a sharp central sweet spot of focus surrounded by gradually increasing blur. The Lensbaby Trio 28 has a focal length of 28mm and a fixed aperture of f/3.5. The lens will go on sale on 26 October 2015, priced at $280.

TomTom has announced the availability of its Bandit Action Camera Software Development Kit (SDK). The TomTom Bandit is an action camera with integrated GPS, accelerometer, gyro and pressure sensors that record video and data in an MP4 video file. This action data is used to tag interesting moments, called highlights, which allow users to quickly find their best moments from hours of recorded video. Developers can now start building upon the Camera Media Server API which includes a live viewfinder, video manipulation, file management, transcoding capabilities, and much more – all by connecting to TomTom Bandit. With accompanying libraries for both iOS and Android, developers will be able to integrate TomTom Bandit technology into their applications. Peter Frans Pauwels, Co-founder of TomTom said: “The TomTom Bandit action camera is a great example of how we translate high-end technology into an easy-to-use consumer product. With the TomTom Bandit SDK we are now making this unique technology available to developers in an easy way.”

OmegaBrandess has announced a new addition to the Gigapan line of robotic camera mounts. The Gigapan EPIC Pro V provides horizontal rotation up to 360° and vertical panning up to 180° continuously while the camera is in the video recording mode. In addition, it provides the ability to pan on two axes, enabling diagonal movement in a fluid motion with speed control. In conjunction with the video panning mode, a motion time-lapse mode is available. When using this feature you select the beginning and ending positions, the duration of the time-lapse, and the number of images you would like to shoot. This also lets you move on two axes enabling a horizontal rotation up to 360°, vertical rotation up to 180°, or diagonal movement. This functionality requires a still camera connected via a GigaPan remote shutter release cord. The Gigapan EPIC Pro V is available for $995.

The Imaging Alliance has announced the winners of its prestigious Visionary Photographer Award for 2017. Drew Geraci, James L. Niehouse, Corey Rich and Benjamin Von Wong will be honoured for their visionary achievements at The Imaging Alliance’s Celebrate Imaging event on the eve of CES 2017 on Wednesday, 4 January 2017. The awards ceremony, which will showcase the winners’ imaging achievements, will take place at The Foundry, at the SLS Hotel.

Phase One have released a major XF Camera System update. Available now and free to all XF Camera System owners,Feature Update #3 greatly advances the features of the world’s first full frame medium format CMOS sensor. The IQ3 100MP system now includes complete Electronic Shutter integration -- the world’s first in medium format photography. The update also adds significant improvements for studio and flash photography applications such as advanced flash controls with the in-camera Profoto Air Remote enabling Profoto TTL metering. Furthermore, a post-capture Flash Analysis Tool has been added to ensure unparalleled control. In addition to the feature update, Phase One also introduced the new XF V-Grip ($1490, pictured), providing advanced ergonomic capabilities and control options.