The Imaging Alliance, a newly formed non-profit organisation representing the imaging industry, has announced it is offering the Portraits of Love programme to the Children’s Cancer Association (CCA). Alliance members Canon, Fujifilm, Nikon, Sony and Shutterfly have donated cameras, printers and photobooks to the CCA that will enable their families to capture and print memorable moments with their loved ones. “Portraits of Love is all about offering joy to loved ones in times of need, so working with an organisation like CCA aligns perfectly with our mission,” explained Michelle Tramantano, program director of The Imaging Alliance. “Families faced with such challenges know just how precious life is, so we hope that our contribution of cameras and photo books will allow them to capture and treasure precious moments with their loved ones.” For more information, visit the website below.

Tamron have announced the imminent launch of the Sony version of their SP 90mm F/2.8 Di MACRO 1:1 USD lens.The construction of the lens includes an all-metallic barrel, with large switches reconfigured for smoother function. Tamron have incorporated a new standard of Moisture-Proof & Dust-Resistant construction, plus Tamron’s Fluorine coating which is applied to the front element to help repel water and oil. Users can update firmware, customise autofocus positions and adjust the mechanical setup and preferences of the lens by simply attaching it to the optional TAMRON TAP-in Console and connecting it via USB to a PC. Unlike the existing Canon and Nikon variants, the Sony version lacks Vibration Compensation (optical image stabilisation), as Sony's compatible camera bodies incorporate built-in image stabilization functionality. Availability is slated for 25th August. Pricing has yet to be confirmed.

The European Imaging and Sound Association (EISA) have honoured Sony with 5 awards in their 2016 round-up. The full-frame Sony RX1R II (pictured) has been chosen as this year's "European Premium Compact Camera," the A7S II has won the "European Photo & Video Camera 2016-2017" category, the A6300 has received the "European Prosumer Compact System Camera 2016-2017" award, while the Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM lens took the title of "European Professional Compact System Lens 2016-2017." (The fifth EISA award went to an in-car HD player.)

Canon has been honoured with four product awards from the European Imaging and Sound Association. The EOS 80D (pictured) has been named the ‘European DSLR Camera 2016-2017’, while the EOS-1D X Mark II took the title of ‘European Professional DSLR Camera 2016-2017’ and the EF 35mm f/1.4L II USM and the imagePROGRAF PRO-1000 received awards for ‘European Professional DSLR Lens 2016-2017’ and ‘European Photo Printer 2016-2017’ respectively. “At Canon, we understand photography doesn’t end with the press of a shutter, and are consistently striving to produce high-quality products that help novices and professionals alike to get the best from their photographs,” said Steve Marshall, Product Marketing Director, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon Europe. “Be it capture, print, store or share, every element matters, and we’re committed to ensuring Canon quality comes through at every step. Each of the awards we’ve received demonstrate our dedication and commitment to creating pioneering products and once again we’re extremely proud to have been recognised by the esteemed EISA panel.”

Fujifilm have announced that two of their products, the X-Pro2 mirrorless camera (pictured) and the Fujinon XF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR lens, have been crowned winners at the recent 2016 EISA awards. The X-Pro2 has been named "European Professional Compact System Camera 2016-2017," whilst the XF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR has won the "European Compact System Zoom Lens 2016-2017" category.

The Nikon D500 has won the European Prosumer D-SLR Camera 2016-2017 award, presented by the European Imaging and Sound Association (EISA). The jury praised the camera's high continuous shooting speed of 10 frames per second, 153-point auto focus system and newly developed DX type sensor. "Build quality and handling are superb with a large, bright viewfinder and tilting rear touchscreen display," the EISA said. "The ability to record 4K video and Nikon’s new SnapBridge connectivity rounds off a hugely impressive digital SLR."

Ricoh have issued a firmware update for the Pentax K-70 digital SLR camera. Version 1.10 adds full support for the HD Pentax-DA 55-300mmF4.5-6.3ED PLM WR RE lens and makes it possible to modify the ISO sensitivity setting between shots when using the multiple-exposure drive mode. You can download the firmware upgrade from the website below.

Website: Latest Pentax K-70 Firmware Update

Hama has announced a new backpack for outdoor photographers. The Treviso 130 weighs in at 950 grams and accommodates a system camera with accessories including a tablet PC, and features an additional compartment for personal items. The camera compartment is accessible from three sides – right, left and rear. Three adjustable interior dividers hold your camera snugly in place and at the same time allow for neat, organised storage. Charging cables, batteries, memory cards, cleaning cloths and other small items can be stowed in two further mesh pockets. Other convenient features include a rain cover stored in the back panel, padded shoulder straps with a chest strap and and integrated tripod holder. The Hama Treviso 130 photo backpack is available for €89.00.

Sony has issued a firmware update for the Sony A7R II full-frame compact system camera. Version 3.30 adds support for the manufacturer's new proprietary radio-controlled lighting system and improves the stability of the camera while shooting still images (by regulating the internal temperature). You can download the firmware upgrade from the website below.

Website: Sony A7R II Firmware Version 3.30 for Windows | Sony A7R II Firmware Version 3.30 for MacOS

Datacolor has announced the release of Spyder5CAPTURE PRO, the next generation of its popular colour calibration solutions for photographers, designers and imaging professionals. The bundle features all the essential products needed to manage colour from image capture to post production, including SpyderLENSCAL, SpyderCHECKR, SpyderCUBE and Spyder5ELITE. “We know how important colour accuracy is for photographers, but we also know it can be time-consuming.” said Heath Barber, Imaging Market Manager, Datacolor. “Spyder5CAPTURE PRO reduces editing time by providing users with a fast and seamless workflow from capture to post-production by combining our leading colour management tools in one convenient and cost-effective package.” For a limited time, Datacolor and participating photography resellers are offering Spyder5CAPTURE PRO at an introductory price of $269.99 if purchased by 30 September 2016.

Think Tank Photo has released its Shape Shifter expandable backpack in three new configurations. The Shape Shifter 15 V2.0 ($249.75) is designed to hold a 15” laptop plus one DSLR and three lenses. and the Shape Shifter 17 ($279.75) is designed to hold a 17” notebook plus one to two DSLRs and three to four lenses. The all-new Naked Shape Shifter ($219.75), which also accommodates a 17” laptop, allows photographers to attach four to seven Skin Pouches or Lens Changers inside to create a highly customised modular backpack.

Akvis have announced a major update to Akvis Retoucher, an image restoration program for Mac and Windows. Version 8.0 adds a History Brush tool, an innovative image retouching mode for correcting small defects, several new setting options, support for 4K and 5K displays, and more. The software runs on Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, 10 and on Mac OS X 10.6-10.11.

Nikon today announced the addition of two new telezoom lenses with stepper motors to their DX lens line-up. The Nikon AF-P DX Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED (400 grams, £299.99/€369.00/$349.95) and AF-P DX Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED VR (415 grams, £349.99/€429.00/$399.95) offer a 35mm equivalent focal range of 105-450mm and ultra-fast, near-silent auto focus allowing users to capture fleeting moments with ease. Both models feature an optical formula comprising 14 elements in 10 groups (including an ED glass element) and a 7-bladed iris diaphragm. The VR version adds Vibration Reduction - Nikon's proprietary optical image stabilisation system - for sharp hand-held shots at critical shutter speeds. The lenses can focus down to 3.7 feet (1.1m) at all zoom positions, for a maximum magnification of 0.22x, and take 58mm screw-on filters. Availability is slated for next month.

The Nikon D3400 is a new entry-level digital SLR camera with an APS-C sized 24-megapixel sensor and SnapBridge support. Using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), SnapBridge creates a connection between a camera and a compatible smart device, making it possible to wirelessly and automatically transfer images from the camera to your smartphone or tablet. SnapBridge users can also access Nikon Image Space, a free online image sharing and storage service. The Nikon D3400's other main claim to fame is an improved battery life, which is rated to 1200 frames per charge; up from 700 in the existing D3300. The new model continues to offer an 11-point AF system, a 3" rear screen with a resolution of 921,000 dots, a continuous shooting speed of 5fps, as well as Full HD video capture at 60fps and an EXPEED 4 image processor. The Nikon D3400 will become available next month, bundled with the AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR lens for £489.99 / €599 / $649.99; as well as in a double-zoom kit (with the afore-mentioned AF-P 18-55mm lens plus the new AF-P DX NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED telezoom) priced at $999.95. In the UK and Ireland, the camera will also be available in a body-only configuration for £399.99 / €489; and in an 18-55mm non-VR kit for £469.99 / €579.

The Nikon AF-P DX Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G and AF-P DX Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR lenses, which were first announced back in January, will become available in the US in September 2016. The AF-P DX Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G and AF-P DX Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR utilise stepping motors to drive AF for fast and quiet focusing, and boast a retractable-barrel design for enhanced portability. When shooting video footage, the stepping motor allows you to smoothly shift focus from subject to subject with practically no drive noise. Each lens incorporates 2 aspherical glass elements to correct various types of aberration, and the VR version additionally offers up to four stops of vibration reduction. The VR function can be turned on or off using the menu on compatible camera models (Nikon D3300, D3400, D5300 and D5500). The Nikon AF-P DX Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G standard zoom will be available for $199.95. The AF-P DX Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR will retail for $249.95.

Corel have released PaintShop Pro X9, introducing a range of new features and enhancements that promise to help anyone working with images start (and finish) their personal and professional projects faster than ever. The Interactive Gradient Fill tool allows users to save time creating gradients with new interactive colour nodes, while the enhanced photo workflow enables photographers to work faster than ever with a simplified user experience that streamlines many common tasks. Extending its camera support, PaintShop Pro X9 now works with 15 new camera raw profiles. This update also adds support for Windows Real-Time Stylus, which brings pressure sensitivity and more to specific touch-enabled 2-in-1 devices like Microsoft's Surface series. Also introduced today, the PaintShop Pro X9 and VideoStudio Pro X9 Photo Video Bundle brings together a complete photo, design and video editing package for creative professionals. Suggested retail pricing for PaintShop Pro X9 is $79.99 / €69.99 / £59.99. SRP for PaintShop Pro X9 Ultimate, which includes PaintShop Pro X9 plus a collection of add-ons worth more than $200, is $99.99 / €89.99 / £79.99. The PaintShop Pro X9 and Video Studio X9 Photo Video Bundle sells for $129.99 / €99.99 / £89.99.

CosySpeed has added two new models to its Camslinger Streetomatic series of camera bags. Designed for compact system cameras but also suitable for DSLRs and superzooms, the Camslinger Streetomatic bags can be worn comfortably around the hip or like a traditional sling bag over the shoulder. The new Streethunters Edition is limited to 100 bags and has been released in partnership with the international street photography website streethunters.net and German children’s aid organisation Terre des Hommes. €10 from the sales of each Streethunters Edition Camslinger Streetomatic will be donated to Terre des Hommes projects that help unaccompanied minor refugees in Europe. The other new model is the Camslinger Streetomatic Black, which joins the existing Streetomatic Blue and Khaki models.

Samyang has announced the upcoming release of the full-frame Samyang AF 14/2.8 FE auto-focus UWA lens for Sony E mount cameras. The optical formula comprises 14 elements in 10 groups including 3 aspherical glass elements and an iris diaphragm with seven rounded aperture blades. On a full-frame camera body, the Samyang AF 14/2.8 FE lens offers an angle of view of 113.9 degrees, making it the widest rectilinear lens designed for Sony E-mount cameras. The lens is compatible with both phase-detect and contrast-detect AF systems. The Samyang AF 14/2.8 FE will be globally available from September, priced at €699.