Panasonic has announced the HC-X1, a lightweight and compact professional camcorder that supports 4K 24p, UHD 60p/50p, FHD 60p/50p multi-format recording and HD super slow-motion. Key features include 2-channel XLR Audio, Wired/Wireless remote control, triple manual rings, timecode, ND Filters and twin SD card slots. Additionally the X1 offers Live HDMI output along with a 24-480mm equivalent lens, 5-Axis O.I.S., dual-codec recording and IR shooting. It is also equipped with a 1.0-type sensor (9.46 megapixels at 4K24p/8.79 megapixels at UHD, FHD) and a 4-Drive Lens System that individually drives each of the four lens groups to minimise the drive range of each lens group. The lens barrel features Triple Manual Rings for zoom, focus and iris operations. There are a total of 13 user buttons, nine on the body and four on the LCD touch panel. These user buttons can be customised as needed. The Panasonic HC-X1 will be available in December at $3199.99.

Leica has re-announced the Leica APO-Macro-Elmarit-TL 60mm f/2.8 ASPH. lens, which offers a maximum reproduction ratio of 1:1. Like the existing Summilux-TL 35mm f/1.4 ASPH., the APO-Macro-Elmarit-TL 60mm f/2.8 ASPH. is fully compatible with the bayonet mount of the Leica T, as well as the L-mount of the Leica SL-System. The Leica APO-Macro-Elmarit-TL 60 mm f/2.8 ASPH. is scheduled to be available from mid-September at a suggested retail price of £1,800 including VAT ,in a choice of black or silver anodised finish. An optional lens hood will be available for £80.00.

Sony today launched two new photography-focused smartphones. The Xperia XZ is a metal-backed 5.2" phablet with a Full HD screen, a 23-megapixel primary camera with a 1/2.3"-type Exmor RS imaging chip, a separate Laser AF sensor and an RGBC-IR (red-green-blue-clear-infrared) external white balance sensor, which accurately adjusts the white balance based on the light source in the environment. Additionally, the Xperia XZ provides a 13-megapixel front camera with a 22mm equivalent UWA lens and a top sensitivity setting of ISO 6,400. The Xperia X Compact is a more reasonably sized handset with a 4.6" 720p display, the same 23-megapixel main camera and "triple image sensing tecnology" as the Xperia XZ, and a 5-megapixel secondary camera for the selfie brigade. On both phones, the main camera module offers a start-up time of 0.6 seconds and Predictive Hybrid AF technology to intelligently predict and track subjects in motion. The Xperia XZ will launch globally in October 2016, whilst the Xperia X Compact will be available from September 2016.

Tamron have announced the upcoming launch of the SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2 telephoto zoom lens. This second-generation lens builds upon the success of the SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD, which was announced in December 2013, but promises to deliver superior optical performance with today’s high resolution DSLRs and to add improvements to several features including the speed and accuracy of the Vibration Compensation and auto focus systems. The design incorporates an upgraded optical construction (21 elements in 13 groups, including 3 low-dispersion lens elements) and a metal lens barrel. The minimum object distance has been reduced to 2.2m from 2.7m in the previous model. A new FLEX ZOOM LOCK mechanism enables the locking of the zoom ring at any position, while the Vibration Compensation system has been upgraded to offer three distinct image stabilisation modes; Standard, Panning and VC Mode 3, which prioritises the stabilisation of the captured images and forgoes the stabilisation of the viewfinder image. Additionally, an electromagnetic diaphragm system, which has been a standard feature for Canon-mount lenses, is now employed in the Nikon version too. Two exclusive, separately sold teleconverters, which perfectly match the optics of the new SP 150-600mm G2 offer 1.4x and 2.0x magnification to extend the lens' reach to 1,200mm. The Canon and Nikon mount models will be launched in the second half of September, with a Sony version being released at a later date. In teh US, the lens will be available for $1,399.

Canon today unveiled the XC15 - a compact 4K video camcorder with stills capability. Following in the footsteps of the XC10, the XC15 combines the best elements from its predecessor with new features and functionality, including an MA-400 microphone adapter with dual XLR inputs for professional audio capture, quick autofocus and a 24p frame rate option for cinematographers. The camera can record UHD (3840 x 2160) 4K footage at 25p or 24p to an internal CFast 2.0 card at up to 305Mbps, or Full HD to an SD card at up to 50Mbps. Other highlights include an ability to record with Canon Log, providing the same 12 stops of dynamic range as seen in Canon’s EOS C500 cinema camera; an option to extract 8.29MP still images when used in 4K recording mode; a built-in ND filter; and an ISO range from 100 to 20,000. The Canon XC15 features a 1"-type CMOS sensor and Canon’s DIGIC DV5 image processor, and a fixed-mount 10x optical zoom lens, plus built-in dual band Wi-Fi for Live View and easy remote control through a browser or smart device. The XC15 is available from September 2016 with a suggested retail price of £2,409 including VAT.

Canon today announced two new flagship models in their Cinema EOS system – the EOS C700 (EF/PL) and EOS C700 GS PL. Created with cinematographers and high-end broadcast production professionals in mind, both models come equipped with a Canon Super 35mm CMOS sensor with a maximum pixel count of 4.5K  (EOS C700 GS PL at 4.2K). The EOS C700 cameras capture creative slow-motion 4K video footage internally with high frame rates of up to 59.94P/50P and 2K up to 200p/240p (sensor crop mode), or 4K raw up to 100P/120P, to the optional dockable Codex raw recorder. Supporting Canon Log 3, Log 2 and Log Gammas, the EOS C700 (EF/PL) is capable of recording up to 15 stops of dynamic range (14 stops with the EOS C700 GS PL). Additionally, the EOS C700 EF’s Dual Pixel CMOS AF is incredibly effective at locking onto and tracking a subject allowing the camera operator to concentrate on framing the shot, making it easier for news reporters to film accurately on the move. Designed for fast-moving subjects and action scenes, the EOS C700 GS PL is the first Cinema EOS camera with a global shutter (hence the GS designation), which is free from the distortions typical of rolling shutters, such as wobble/jello, skew and smear. The EOS C700 (EF/PL) is available from December 2016 for £28,839. The EOS C700 GS PL is available from Q1 2017 with a recommended retail price of of £30,789.

Hasselblad has launched the Hasselblad ‘4116 Collection’ - a range of products and collaborations to celebrate the brand’s 75th anniversary. The company has teamed up with Motorola for the ‘Hasselblad True Zoom’ – a
10x optical zoom Moto Mod compatible with Moto Z smartphones. Offering a physical shutter, Xenon flash and zoom, the ‘Hasselblad True Zoom’ instantly snaps on to the Moto Z smartphone using magnets. The mod allows users to shoot raw images which can be edited using Hasselblad’s Phocus software. Furthermore, Hasselblad and Alpa have formed a collaboration allowing optimised integration of all ALPA technical cameras with both Hasselblad digital backs from H System and CFV as well as Hasselblad HC/HCD lenses in existing and future products. Last but not least, Hasselblad has fostered a relationship with Swedish accessories brand, Sandqvist, creating functional, stylish camera bags to accent the Hasselblad range of offerings. The Sandqvist x Hasselblad collection consists of three high quality bags, created by Hasselblad and Sandqvist, and will be launched at Photokina in September.

Polaroid has added an ultra-compact and lightweight Polaroid LED photo studio colour box light to its range of power LED lighting options. Weighing in at just two pounds, the Polaroid LED photo studio colour box features an LCD display and infrared remote control with attachable handgrip and quiet buttons to accommodate any photography scenario. The new product is available for $119.99 on Amazon.

The Lomographic Society has launched a Kickstarter campaign to help fund the commercialisation of the Lomo'Instant Automat instant film camera. The Lomo'Instant Automat features a 35mm (eq.) lens with a 43mm filter thread, a simple 3-step zone-focusing system, a built-in flash with a guide number of 9 (in metres), an LED frame counter, unlimited multiple exposures, automatic shutter speed and aperture settings, and an exposure area of 62mm x 46mm. The Lomo’Instant Automat will retail at prices starting from $/€149, but Lomography is offering Kickstarter backers up to 35% off the camera and all sorts of exclusive extra goodies including a suite of add-on conversion lenses.

DxO have announced major updates to the DxO ONE camera, including Wi-Fi Remote Control and new accessories. Wi-Fi Remote Control will be available to all existing users free of charge via a forthcoming 2.0 software update. The new accessories include an ultra-compact Stand, waterproof Outdoor Shell and a snap-on Optical Adapter. The DxO ONE camera for iPhone and iPad retails for for £399 / 499 €.

Venus Optics have launched a teaser campaign for a new E-mount lens. So far the company hasn't disclosed any details, but the silhouette of the new product hints at another wide-angle lens joining the existing Laowa 15mm f/4 Macro and 12mm f/2.8 Zero-D offerings. However, this lens was apparently designed specifically for Sony cameras, whereas the 12mm and 15mm Macro lenses are also available in Canon, Nikon and Pentax fit.

Canon have announced their plans for Photokina 2016. The Japanese manufacturer's stand will feature the new Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, the full Pixma range of printers and hdbooks – a service that professionally prints and binds personalised photo books. Visitors to the stand in Hall 12 can step into an immersive world of inspiring images - at the heart of the stand is a 180° screen experience, where Canon’s new brand campaign, City Surfing, will be shown. A live seminar programme will equip people with the knowledge to capture those exciting images through different photography styles and techniques. The presenters include Canon Ambassador Thorsten Milse, as well as sports photographer Samo Vidic. “Canon’s aim is to inspire and enable photographers to capture, store, print and share their lives through the universal language of imagery,” said Alessandro Stanzani, Executive Vice President of Consumer and Professional Imaging, Canon Europe. “At Photokina, we’re excited to be showcasing our smart imaging products and hope to inspire photographers in their pursuit of the shot.”

Sony today introduced a new full-frame lens for their E-mount camera system. Boasting a maximum reproduction ratio of 1:1, the Sony FE 50mm F2.8 Macro lens features ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass to effectively compensate for axial chromatic aberration at close focus, allowing it to create consistently sharp photos. Weighing just 236g, the lens offers a 0.16m minimum focusing distance and a near-circular aperture that produces beautiful bokeh effects. The dust- and moisture-resistant Sony FE 50mm F2.8 Macro lens will be available in Europe in October priced at approximately £500 and €660.

Vivid-Pix, a software company with a focus on photography, has announced that its easy-to-use Land & Sea software is now available to purchase. The software provides users with the ability to enhance pool and snorkel photos with a single click. “In the world of seemingly unlimited apps, it is hard to imagine that something so unique and broadly needed for improving photos would just now be coming to light,” said Rick Voight, Vivid-Pix CEO.  “However, Land & Sea is here now, and it is a great way for consumers to vividly, and in great detail, re-live and share their summertime memories of camping, visiting local and distant parks and forests, or cooling off at a nearby pool or beach.” The Mac/Windows version costs $24.99, and the iOS edition is available for $4.99. Land & Sea+ for iOS provides SCUBA depth image improvement and other features with a $19.99 in-app additional purchase.

Wix.com has announced three of its photographers won the opportunity to shoot the covers of Brides and Condé Nast Traveler, and assist a celebrity photographer on a cover shoot for Vanity Fair. Wix and Condé Nast teamed up for the #LookStunning campaign to award global photographers the chance to turn their passion into a once-in-a-lifetime career opportunity. Nicholas La will be shooting the cover of Condé Nast Traveler, Max Montgomery has won the chance to shoot the cover of Brides, and Tony Salvagio will be the assistant to the photographer for a cover shoot of Vanity Fair. "We host millions of photographers on the Wix platform and wanted a way to showcase their talents. Incredible photographers from all over the world took part in the campaign and the entries were nothing short of spectacular. We are enormously proud of these photographers' accomplishments, and can't wait to see the results," said Omer Shai, CMO of Wix. "Wix thrives on creativity in all forms, and we love the passion of our communities. Helping connect an artist, or any user, to new opportunities related to their interests through, and beyond, our platform is what we strive for every single day."

Skyline Group, the exclusive distributor of Genesis brand in Europe, has announced a number of new Base line products including a professional cine tripod (CVT-20 Kit), a carbon photo tripod (C1 Kit), an aluminum photo tripod (A3 Kit), L-shaped quick-release plates in Arca-Swiss standard and a monopod stand (S-1 Stand). The Genesis Base CVT-20 Kit includes an aluminium tripod with 3-section legs and metal feet spikes plus a VF-7.5 head which can be tilted within the range of +90° and -75°. The CVT-20 Kit comes with two spirit levels: one is used to level the head, while the second levels the tripod. The C1 Kit is an ultra mobile kit which weighs as little as 1.42 kg. The kit includes the Genesis Base C1 carbon-fibre tripod and BH-34 ball head. The A3 Kit includes the Genesis Base A3 aluminium tripod, and BH-34 ball-head. Click through / read on for the details.

Anthropics Technology have released PortraitPro Body - the industry’s first dedicated full-body retouching software. According to the company, "PortraitPro Body’s cutting-edge technology is based on academic research into human appearance and on extensive training in human body shape and beauty." The program is available in two editions, PortraitPro Body Standard ($39.95) and PortraitPro Body Studio ($59.95). The standard version is a standalone applicationç whilst the studio edition additionally includes a Photoshop/Lightroom plug-in, handles camera raw files, supports conversion between different colour spaces and provides support for embedded colour profiles.