Leica has released firmware update 2.0 for the Leica Q full-frame compact camera. This version adds an option to shoot in raw-only mode, expands the shutter speed range to include speeds of up to 120 seconds, introduces an optimised EVF mode that makes navigation even easier than before, improves upn the spirit level display, adds three optimised auto focus functions and brings a number of other improvements. Leica Q owners can download the firmware update from the Leica website, or visit their local Leica Store or Leica Customer Care in the UK, for a complimentary firmware update service.

Samyang have announced the global availability of the Samyang AF 50/1.4 FE auto focus lens. Specifically designed to work in harmony with full-frame compact system cameras in Sony E mount, the Samyang AF 50/1.4 FE is the first AF lens in Samyang’s history and is compatible with both phase-detect and contrast-detect auto focus systems. The optical formula comprises 9 elements in 8 groups, including 3 aspherical glass elements, and the lens takes 67mm screw-on filters. The Samyang AF 50/1.4 FE standard prime for Sony will be globally available from August for €579.

Adobe have released Version 9.6.1 of Adobe Camera Raw (ACR). This update adds support for raw files generated by the new Fuji X-T2 compact system camera (pictured), and fixes a couple of bugs related to uncompressed DNGs files converted from Fuji X-E2 RAF files and panoramas created from two HDR DNG source images. This version of ACR is available through the update mechanism in Photoshop CC and the Creative Cloud application.

Leica has announced that its presence this year at photokina 2016 in Cologne will be focused on professional photography and the needs of professional users. At the Leica stand in Hall 2.1, which has been completely redesigned, visitors to the show will be able to find information and comprehensive advice on a broad spectrum of Leica professional tools and services. In addition to the Leica S medium-format system, the focus at the show will be on the mirrorless Leica SL-System, the Leica M rangefinder system and the company’s world-renowned precision lenses. As ‘Official Photography Partner of photokina 2016’, Leica Camera AG will also be staging a unique exhibition in Hall 1. The exhibition will display 15 series of photos with a total of approximately 400 pictures by Alex Webb, Ara Güler, Bruce Gilden, Ellen von Unwerth, York Hovest, Jacob de Boer, Per-Anders Pettersson, Patrick Zachman, Jens Umbach, Roger Ballen, Helge Kirchberger, Christian Steinwender, Fred Mortagne, Kurt Hutton and the two winners of the Leica Oskar Barnack Award 2015, JH Engström and Wiktoria Wojciechowska. The Leica Gallery in Hall 1 will be open to visitors every day from 10am to 6pm.

Western Digital has announced product updates to the G-DRIVE, G-RAID, G-SPEED Studio and G-SPEED Shuttle product lines. The G-DRIVE with Thunderbolt (up to $699.95/£535.00 + VAT) now offers up to 245MB/s transfer rates with the option to utilise USB 3.0 connectivity. The G-RAID with Thunderbolt (up to $1,499.95/£1,145 + VAT) removable dual-hard drive RAID 0, 1 or JBOD storage system featuring both Thunderbolt 2 and USB 3.0 connectivity now provides transfer rates up to 480MB/s in RAID 0, suitable for the most demanding creative projects, including multistream HD, 2K and compressed 4K video workflows. Additionally, the G-SPEED Studio and G-SPEED Shuttle lines also benefit from various enhancements, including a new 80TB option for the G-SPEED Shuttle XL with Thunderbolt. Click through / read on for the details.

White Knight Press have released their newest camera guide book, Photographer’s Guide to the Sony DSC-RX10 III. This publication, by Alexander S. White, is a complete guide to the operation of the Sony RX10 III. The book covers all of the features that are new for this model, including its high-quality zoom lens with an optical reach of 600mm; its Zoom Assist feature, which lets a photographer instantly pull back the zoom lens for a wide view before zooming back to a telephoto shot; and its additional controls, including a Focus Hold button on the side of the lens and a third Custom button, which is available for programming by the user. In three appendices, the book discusses accessories for the RX10 III, including cases, power sources, remote controls, microphones and external flash units, and includes a list of websites and other resources for further information. The book is available now for $9.99 in ebook formats or for $24.95 in a paperback edition.

Billed as the ultimate backpack for cameras and accessories, the Wolffepack Capture is now seeking funding on Kickstarter. Wolffepack’s unique system swings your camera bag swiftly round to your front without unstrapping, for rapid and easy access, while the top of the bag opens in a clean one-handed single movement allowing the custom-designed and removable padded camera pod to naturally open in an ‘aperture action’. This presents the camera in the perfect position to grab, shoot and replace. The customisable loading system stores away your belongings exactly how you need them - the camera pod docked and locked safely in one section, your day gear and belongings tucked away in the other. Alternatively, the two compartments can be converted into one large space. Stowing the bag to your front means you can work cleanly and safely without ever needing to put your backpack down. Interested readers are encouraged to pay a visit to the Wolffepack Capture's Kickstarter page to find out more.

Version 1.6 of slimRAW, a fast CinemaDNG compressor which saves storage space and reduces storage bandwidth requirements for CinemaDNG raw video production, is now available. This update adds a 5:1 constant bit rate CinemaDNG raw compression as well as two modes of variable bit rate lossy CinemaDNG compression in addition to the previously available 3:1 and 4:1 options. There is also a new widely compatible logarithmically encoded lossless compression mode, which offers further space savings while still keeping the original image quality untouched.

Sun-Striper's new Rotaball camera straps are now available to purchase. Each of the seven Rotaball models has a Rotaball Connector and a Blokker, a newly developed pin that blocks the connector at the camera to prevent the camera from being unscrewed by anyone not authorised to do so. A stainless steel mono-multi ball bearing allows the camera to pivot freely and without obstruction. The rubber washer with its Snakeskin structure provides the safest connection to the strap. Rotaball straps can bear loads of up to five kilograms in camera and lens weight. A steel cable is invisibly woven into five of the RotaballL models (PRO, TRAVELER, DPH, TPH and BPS). This safety tool protects your gear from theft caused by cutting, burning or melting the straps. All Steel-Wire-Protected Sniper-Straps come with a €1,000 insurance policy, valid for one year from the day of purchase.

Tamron USA has launched its fifth My Photo Exhibit photo contest. Offered exclusively to Tamron USA lens users, the My Photo Exhibit competition gives one lucky winner the opportunity to win his/her choice of any Tamron lens. Entrants will create a 3D virtual exhibit showcasing 8-14 of their best images in a travel theme on Tamron’s unique photo sharing exhibit site, MyPhotoExhibits.com. Tamron judges will select the winning exhibit based on overall image quality and originality of the collection. The winning exhibit will be featured on the Tamron USA website and in the Tamron eNewsletter. The deadline for submissions is 30 September 2016.

Yesterday, we reviewed the new Canon EOS M10 camera. Today, we're giving it away!

Yes, we are really giving you the chance to win the very same Canon EOS M10 compact system camera that we reviewed, complete with an EF-M 15-45mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM lens and a red Face Jacket.

And the lucky winner is Jess M Woods! Congratulations!

Serif have published a sneak peek video detailing what’s new in Affinity Photo v1.5, projected to be available in the Mac App Store in early autumn. New features include andvanced HDR exposure blending, a novel way to edit 360 degree images, an entirely new workspace for tone mapping, batch processing, focus stacking and macros. All these functions will also be included in the Windows version of the software. “This will be the fifth major update we’ve pushed out since the launch of Affinity Photo – all free of charge to people who’ve bought the app,” says Serif Managing Director Ashley Hewson. “We’re committed to continuing to develop features that cement the position of Affinity Photo as the most indispensable image editing tool for pros, whether they’re using Mac or PC.” Click through / scroll down for the sneak preview.

Shanghai-based Nicovr has launched an IndieoGoGo campaign for the Nico360, an intriguing little device billed as "the World's smallest consumer 360° virtual reality camera." The diminutive Nico360 lets everyone record and share their moments in 360-degrees anytime, anywhere. Offering a resolution of 32.7 megapixels (and stills capture in Adobe DNG raw format), the Nico360 VR camera allows 360-degree LIVE VR video streaming with image stabilisation on platforms like YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Periscope, Snapchat, Twitter and more. The waterproof device weighs in at 109 grams, measures 1.8"x1.8".and comes with 32GB of internal storage plus a microSD card slot. The WiFi- and Bluetooth-enabled Nico360 is now available for pre-order, priced at $149.

The Phottix Odin II TTL flash trigger is now available in Sony fit. Offering a wireless range of up to 332 ft (100m), the Odin II features High-Speed Sync and Second-Curtain Sync, as well as TTL  and manual control. Supporting 32 channels and 5 groups, the Odin II offers photographers a way to personalise their Odins and prevent triggering from other units. By entering a 4 digit ID number, a photographer's Odin II receivers will only trigger by transmitters using the same ID. The intuitive Navigation wheel offers easy and fast navigation and control over settings. The Phottix Odin II TTL Flash Trigger for Sony is available for $209-95.

Canon today introduced five next-generation Maxify wireless inkjet printers. The MAXIFY MB5420, MB5120, MB2720, MB2120 and iB4120 printers offer improved functionality, such as increased print speeds, management information base (MIB) support, and select models offer larger LCD screens. Each printer also features cloud printing capabilities. “Since the launch of the MAXIFY brand of printers, Canon has been unwaveringly committed to supporting small and home office business professionals with products and services they need to improve the workflow for their business,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, president and COO, Canon U.S.A. “The new generation of MAXIFY printers further solidifies this commitment with the incorporation of feature sets that are specifically designed to help the business owner nurture and grow their business.” Click through / read on for the details.

Leica Camera has today announced that the APO-Summicron-M 50mm f/2 ASPH. is now available in a silver anodised version. This lens is characterised by extremely high contrast rendition – at maximum aperture and throughout the aperture range. The use of a floating element in its design ensures that this quality is also maintained at close shooting distances. Eight lens elements are employed to achieve this outstanding optical performance. Three of the lenses are made from glass types with anomalous partial dispersion or apochromatic correction, and two have a high refractive index. The Leica APO-Summicron-M 50 mm f/2 ASPH. (silver anodised) is scheduled to be available at the end of this month at a suggested retail price of £5,900.

A treasure trove of photographic memorabilia from brands including Leica and Nikon, will be offered as part of the Robert White Collection Sale, taking place at Bonhams on 19 September 2016. Jon Baddeley, Bonhams Global Director of Collectors’ Sales, said: “As one would expect from a man who made cameras and photography his life’s work, the pieces collected by Robert White are rare, of immense quality, and are of historical significance. From the Leicavit MP, no. 294 – which is in completely original condition to how it was made some 50 years ago – to a Leica III that comes complete with a very large wooden dummy model for shop displays in the early 1930s. Robert certainly had an eye for quality.” Further lots featured in the sale include a black Leica M2 with matching lens, estimated at £5,000-6,000; a black M3 no.993634, estimated at £1,800-2,200, and various modern Leica M anniversary cameras with matching lenses. The sale is set to raise more than £2 million for charity.

LumeJet Print Technologies have just launched their online printing service. Offering a range of printing sizes up to and including one metre (39”) long panorama prints, as well as premium-quality lay-flat photo books via partners, LumeJet are promising to deliver a faithful reproduction in print of what a photographer has graded on their display. Additionally LumeJet’s innovative photonic print technology, designed and developed in the UK, produces ultra-high quality printed output on traditional silver halide papers by using a brand new RGB, digital print head. “This true 400dpi continuous tone resolution, with much reduced flare and pixel cross talk, has been emphatically endorsed by a number of professional photographers that we have shown our print output to so far,” says Paul Anson, Co-Founder of LumeJet. “Some have commented that it is the highest quality photo print they have ever seen, and I believe this is now the breakthrough moment for LumeJet. By offering our breathtaking quality and high-end professional services through a convenient web platform, we can ensure that creative photo artists can bring their work to life, from anywhere, without compromise.”

Use This if You Want to Take Great Photographs by Henry Carroll, a new title from Laurence King Publishing, is due to be released at the end of this week. Designed to help people get creative with their camera, this book is a unique new photo journal featuring over 100 fun and thought-provoking photo prompts that will guide users through the fundamentals of creative photography. The 128-page paperback is priced at £12.95.