Sekonic today introduced the new Sekonic SpeedMaster L-858D exposure meter. Equipped with a 2.7" touchscreen, the new model offers flash duration measurement and has the capability to measure the brief flash bursts of High Speed Sync (HSS) for precision flash exposure control. Filmmakers and landscape photographers will appreciate the L-858D’s increased sensitivity for both incident and reflected-spot measurements giving them the ability to obtain extreme low light level readings. The L-858D also offers optional wireless triggering modules for Elinchrom, Phottix and PocketWizard radio triggering devices. The Sekonic SpeedMaster L-858D light meter will be on display at the Photokina show in Hall 4.1, Booth E-010.

Nikon today revealed a new line of KeyMission action cameras that encourage users to discover, capture and share their personal missions from an entirely new perspective. Previewed at CES 2016, the rugged KeyMission 360 is the first Nikon camera capable of full 360° video in 4K resolution, providing users a unique way to create engaging content like never before. Introduced today is the new Nikon KeyMission 170 (pictured), an adventure-ready camera capable of capturing both stills and 4K video through its UWA lens, as well as the KeyMission 80, a compact and lightweight camera for capturing the spontaneous moments of everyday life. The KeyMission 170 is waterproof (33 ft.), shockproof (6.6 ft.) and freezeproof (14°F) without a housing, and comes with a 170° lens and 8.3-megapixel imager. The KeyMission 80 has a 12-megapixel main camera with an 80° lens plus a front-facing secondary camera with a 90° lens, and is waterproof to 3.2 ft, shockproof to 6 ft and freezeproof to 14°F. The KeyMission 360, KeyMission 170 and KeyMission 80 will be available for suggested retail prices of £419.99/$499.95, £329.99/$399.95 and £249.99/$279.95, respectively.

The YI M1 is a new compact system camera with a 20.2-megapixel FourThirds sensor, a Micro FourThirds lens mount, a 3" touchscreen, an 81-point CDAF system, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth LE connectivity and 4K video recording capabilities. Made in China, the YI M1 offers a mostly touchscreen-based user interface and comes in a single-zoom kit (￥2199, with a 12-40mm f/3.5-5.6 standard zoom) and a double-lens bundle (¥2999 including the camera body, the afore-mentioned standard zoom and a 42.5mm f/1.8 portrait lens). US and European pricing and availability will be announced soon by YI Technology. To view the YI M1 in person at Photokina 2016, visit booth A-032, Hall 09.1.

Sony has just announced the new Sony Alpha A99 II full-frame interchangeable-lens camera. Featuring a Sony A lens mount, a 42.4-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor, 4K video recording and a 5-axis in-body image stabilisation mechanism providing a 4.5-step shutter speed advantage; the new Sony A99 II boasts a newly developed "4D Focus" system capable of full-time auto focus. Sony's Hybrid Phase Detection AF System is enabled by combining a precision 79-point dedicated phase-detection AF sensor with 399 focal plane phase detection AF points to produce a 79 hybrid cross AF-point array. These cross points are promising to deliver incredibly precise autofocus performance and advanced subject tracking of any moving objects right across the image. A new front-end LSI works with the image sensor and BIONZ X image processing engine, as well as a newly designed shutter unit, to enable continuous shooting at up to 12fps with AF/AE tracking, all whilst harnessing the sensor’s full resolution. Thanks to a large buffer and sophisticated data processing, these shots can be viewed immediately after shooting even when in high speed continuous shooting mode. In addition to being designed for faster response, the new shutter unit is also more durable and has passed endurance tests in excess of 300,000 shutter actuations. The camera enables internal 4K movie recording featuring full pixel readout, without pixel binning, in its Super 35mm recording mode. Frame rates from 1 fps to 120 fps (100 fps) can be selected in 8 steps for quick-motion and slow-motion recording. The new Sony ɑ99 II will start shipping in November, priced at approximately €3600.

Live from Photokina! The Sony A99 II is a 42.4 megapixel compact system camera that can shoot at 12fps. Aimed at professional sports, action and wildlife photographers, the Sony A99 II also offers 5-axis image stabilisation and 4K video recording. Using the Sony A-mount, the A99 II can shoot up to ISO 102,400 and down to -4EV low light with 4.5 stops of image stabilisation. It offers 4K full pixel readout without any pixel binning with both 35mm full-frame and Super 35mm cropped modes.

The price? 3600 Euros, $3100 US dollars...

Sony is demonstrating its full range of digital imaging offerings at Photokina 2016. Located in Hall 5.2, the Sony booth will be open from 10:00 on Tuesday 20th September until 18:00 on Sunday 25th September. In addition to showcasing the full product line-up including the newly announced A99 II camera, Sony is offering a full programme of live talks and demonstrations. At these free talks, world-renowned photographers and filmmakers will be sharing their insights as well as their own personal and professional experiences of using Sony cameras and lenses. As part of the programme, there will also be a series of live action shows which attendees are invited to photograph including a celebration of Samurai sword artistry, professional break dancers and acrobats.

Panasonic have issued a firmware update for the Panasonic Lumix GX80 compact system camera. Version 1.1 adds an automated focus stackign function, whichenables users to take multiple images of the same frame with different areas in focus, then combine all or selected focus areas into one image. This firmware upgrade also adds other improvements to enhance the operability of the GX80. The Focus Bracket menu now has a Sequence function, which allows users to set the bracket images to be shot farther and closer from the initial focus position, or farther away. Also, Flash Mode can nowbe set to "forced-off" when using the built-in flash. You can download the firmware update from the website below.

Website: Panasonic Support

Want to see exactly what the new Panasonic GH5 compact system camera looks like in the flesh?

Check out our extensive hands-on gallery of photos of the Panasonic GH5 compact system camera and the three new Leica lenses. Panasonic are also showing early prototypes of an audio accessory and a battery grip for the GH5.

Hasselblad has unveiled a new modular concept camera with a 75-megapixel square-format sensor. Part of the company's 4116 Collection which celebrates Hasselblad's 75th anniversary, the Hasselblad V1D 4116 Concept is described as "a study created to explore the Hasselblad heritage to find new ways of designing innovative cameras for the future." Inspired by the classic Hasselblad V, the new camera can be outfitted with displays, viewfinders, external controls, hangrips and other accessories. With the V1D being completely modular, left-handed photographers can also configure the camera perfectly for their needs, with the rotary dial controls for aperture and shutter speed placed on either the left- or right-hand side. Given that the Hasselblad V1D currently exists as a concept model only, there is no word on availability or pricing.

Fotospeed is launching a selection of square-format inkjet papers. Available from October, the papers come in three sizes, 8"x8", 10"x10" and 12"x12"; and three finishes, Fotospeed PF Lustre 275, Fotospeed Platinum Etching and Fotospeed Platinum Baryta. “We are committed to encouraging photographers to print their images,” says Toby Herlinger, Sales & Marketing Director at Fotospeed. “Fotospeed truly believe in the power and difference that a printed image makes. Getting images out of social media and giving strangely shaped images a way of getting printed easily, makes sense to us. We’ve done the same with panoramas in the past, and we’re excited to give photographers an easy and cost effective way to print high quality, square images.” The square paper format will provide medium format users with a cost effective solution to having to cut from larger sheets of paper, will give Instagram users the chance to print their images easily, and will enable anyone whose photo would be better suited to a square an easy way to create that print without any wastage. Pricing for the new papers has yet to be confirmed.

Fotospeed, the UK’s premier photographic paper brand, is launching a new fine art paper. Offering a wide tonal range and deep blacks, the water-resistant. instant-dry Platinum Gloss Art Fibre 300 will be added to Fotospeed’s existing Fine Art range, and will be available in Octobere in A4, A3, A3+, and A2 sizes and in 24”, 36”, and 44” wide 15-metre rolls. Made from 100% alpha-cellulose pulp, Platinum Gloss Fibre 300 is a heavyweight exhibition quality paper, and lends itself particularly well to black-and-white shots or shots with very vibrant colours. Fotospeed will be attending Photokina from 20-25th September 2016. A first look at the Platinum Gloss Art Fibre 300 paper will be available at their stand A035 in Hall 3.1.

Want to see exactly what the new Panasonic LUMIX DMC-G80 compact system camera looks like in the flesh?

Check out our extensive hands-on gallery of photos of the Panasonic LUMIX DMC-G80 compact system camera.

Want to see exactly what the new Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FZ2000 compact camera looks like in the flesh?

Check out our extensive hands-on gallery of photos of the Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FZ2000 compact camera.

Want to see exactly what the new Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LX15 compact camera looks like in the flesh?

Check out our extensive hands-on gallery of photos of the Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LX15 compact camera.

The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-G80 is a compact system camera featuring 4K technologies, improved 5-Axis Dual Image Stabilisation and a splash/dust proof design. ThePanasonic DMC-G80 (also known as the Panasonic G85) features an updated Image Stabilization system – the 5-axis Dual I.S. MK II. By incorporating new gyro-sensor technology, the O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer, 2-axis) and B.I.S. (Body Image Stabilizer, 5-axis) are able to work in perfect harmony and with outstanding accuracy. The 16.0-megapixel Digital Live MOS Sensor and new Venus Engine combine to allow users to shoot vibrant, true-to-life high quality images with excellent resolution, high contrast, impressive colour reproduction and max. ISO 25600 high sensitivity. To withstand the demands of heavy field use, the DMC-G80 adopts rugged design with a full die-cast magnesium front frame. It also features splash and dustproof construction thanks to the careful sealing on every joint, dial and button.

The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FZ2000 is a new flagship hybrid bridge camera. Incorporating a 20x optical zoom lens, a 1.0 inch MOS sensor and unlimited 4K video recording in MOV/MP4, the Panasonic FZ2000 (also known as the Panasonic FZ2500) offers high-performance photography and outstanding video recording. The LUMIX FZ2000 features the newly-developed LEICA DC VARIO-ELMART lens system which has a 20x optical zoom (35mm camera equivalent: 24-480mm) and F2.8-4.5. The LUMIX FZ2000 boasts exceptional video recording performance which has never been seen in a bridge camera. It is capable of unlimited  4K video recording (Cinema 4K: 4096x2160 / 24 fps and QFHD 4K: 3840x2160 / up to 30 fps) in MOV/MP4  and Full HD video at an ultra-high bitrate of 200 Mbps (ALL-Intra) or 100 Mbps (IPB). The LUMIX FZ2000 incorporates a 1-inch High Sensitivity MOS Sensor with 20.1-megapixel high resolution. This large MOS Sensor improves S/N ratio, resulting in dramatic reduction of noise – even when shooting at ISO 12800.

The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LX15 is a premium pocket-sized 4K camera with a fast lens to capture sharp images anytime, anywhere. The new Panasonic LX15 (also known as the Panasonic LX10) camera offers an exceptional F1.4 high-speed lens and a 1-inch large MOS sensor; all in a sleek, stylish pocket-sized body. The LUMIX LX15 includes the newly-developed F1.4-F2.8 LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMILUX lens system with 3x optical zoom (35mm camera equivalent: 24-72mm). The 1-inch MOS sensor with its 20.1-megapixel resolution realises high-quality image recording with stunning details. Taking advantage of 4K technology, users can enjoy both 4K PHOTO and 4K VIDEO. The 5-Axis Hybrid O.I.S. + (Five Axis Optical Image Stabilizer Plus) effectively compensates for handshakes occurring in virtually any direction, enabling smooth photo and video recording.

Panasonic have announced that they are developing the successor to the GH4 compact system camera. The Panasonic GH5 will be released in the first half of 2017. The Lumix GH5 will feature 6K/30p 18mp, 8mp/60fps burst photo, 10-bit 4:2.2, 4K/60p and more. In collaboration with Leica, 3 new lenses will also be released - the 8-18mm, 12-60mm, 50-200mm Hybrid f2.8-4.0 Leica Zoom Lens series.

Dr Andreas Kauffman from Leica appeared onstage to elaborate upon Leica's long-standing relationship with Panasonic. He commented that “We have learned how to become friends during the last 15 years”. Leica and Panasonic renewed their partnership in 2016, and are working on many new products, including the three new lenses that have been announced today.

Profoto and Sony today announced their collaboration to expand markets for professional photographers and serious amateurs. This cooperation promises enhanced compatibility across Profoto flashes and light-shaping tools and Sony's interchangeable-lens cameras. “Profoto is very pleased to enter into this partnership with Sony, a front runner of groundbreaking digital imaging. This collaboration between two industry leaders in photography and light shaping provides a unique platform that will enable future innovations for the world’s best and most ambitious photographers. We are happy to announce the first step, the highly sought-after Profoto AirTTL for Sony α users,” says Anders Hedebark, CEO of Profoto. The Profoto Air Remote TTL-S (pictured) is a small, wireless radio transmitter that can be attached to your Sony camera’s hotshoe. The remote offers full TTL and HSS capability with Profoto’s Pro-10, D2, B1, and B2 flashes. The Air Remote TTL-S will be available in early 2017.

The Samyang XEEN 16mm T2.6 is a new professional video-cine lens. The 16mm is a specific angle that is loved by most of the directors of photography around the globe for its usage for wide, yet emotional, scenes in film and videos. Samyang has released XEEN 16mm T2.6, inheriting the renowned image quality of Samyang’s wide angle series. This launch expands the XEEN line up to seven lenses from 14mm to 135mm.