Panasonic has issued  a firmware upgrade for five of its Micro Four Thirds lenses. Version 1.1 for the Leica DG Macro-Elmarit 45mm F2.8 Macro ASPH Mega OIS, Lumix G X Vario PZ 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 ASPH Power OIS, Lumix G Vario HD 12-32mm F3.5-5.6 Mega OIS and Lumix G Vario 35-100mm F4.0-5.6 ASPH Mega OIS, as well as version 1.2 for the Lumix G Vario 45-150mm F4.0-5.6 ASPH Mega OIS add compatibility with the new Dual I.S technology introduced in the Panasonic Lumix GX8 compact system camera.

Triggertrap have completely rewritten their iOS app, Triggertrap Mobile. This update introduces the single most requested feature: Night Mode, which changes the colours of the user interface to a darkness-friendly colour scheme, making Triggertrap Mobile ideal for high-speed photography in the studio, light painting in the garden, and for astrophotography in the field. These colours are designed to work with screen brightness turned right down, minimising the amount of light coming from the phone - with the added benefit of maximising battery life.

Transcend has released a duo of industrial-grade wide-temperature SDHC memory cards featuring SLC NAND Flash technology for superior reliability. The Transcend 8GB and 16GB SDHC100I cards provide transfer speeds of up to 20MB/s and operate effectively from -40°C to 85°C. Compliant with SD Specification Version 3.0, these new memory cards carry a Class 10 speed rating and guarantee higher stability in data retention and longer endurance than cards equipped with MLC flash chips to meet the demanding standards of industrial-grade applications. Additionally, Transcend SDHC100I memory cards feature multiple built-in technologies for optimum protection, including Error Correction Code (ECC) that helps detect and correct potential transfer errors, S.M.A.R.T. function to efficiently monitor the health conditions of the cards, power failure protection to timely protect cards from damage in the event of abrupt power failure, and wear-leveling algorithm to select the block with the lowest erase count for the next write.

Leica today issued a new firmware update for the Leica SL compact system camera. Version 1.2 optimises image quality at sensitivity settings ranging from ISO 50/18° to ISO 400/27°, provides a greater degree of flexibility when entering WLAN passwords, and improves the quality of the live view feed when using the EVF. Additionally, the firmware update enables users to activate a loupe (magnifying) function with a press of the AE lock button when using Leica M and R lenses to facilitate manual focusing.Finally, the firmware update offers an improvement in the Leica Log Gamma curve (L-Log) for video, enabling its use for in-camera 8-bit recording. The use of L-Log enables greater leeway for post-production color grading of videos recorded on the Leica SL, the company says. To access the firmware update, registered camera users can log into the Leica owner’s area of the Leica website.

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Pixelmator have announced a major update to their Pixelmator app for iPhone and iPad. Version 2.2 fully supports the iPad Pro and the new Apple Pencil and allows you to open and edit 16K images. The update also adds 3D Touch support on iPhone 6s, a collection of artist-designed Basic brushes, a new Auto-straighten feature, and more. Pixelmator for iOS 2.2 is available today as a free update from the iTunes App Store.

Jessops has just opened the doors of its newest shop in Cambridge. Located at 15 Fitzroy Street, the new store offers try-before-you buy product displays, one-to-one photography tuition, an on-site lab for photo products made in-store within the hour, and the latest cameras and photographic accessories. New services on offer at the the Cambridge store include the Jessops Rental Service, a Trade-In offering and sensor cleaning.

Manfrotto has launched a new compact and foldable Lastolite by Manfrotto EzyBounce bounce card. Featuring a secure fixing system, the Lastolite by Manfrotto EzyBounce is made from impact resistant ABS (glass re-enforced plastic) and fits all standard flashguns available on the market. With a wide white surface for maximum reflection when opened (18x19cm), the card collapses to a third of its original size when closed (11x7cm). The Lastolite by Manfrotto EzyBounce bounce card has a RRP of £24.95.

Hoya have anounced a new filter line. The new Fusion Antistatic filters feature a new antistatic coating that acts like a force field around the filter to repel dust. Perfect for environments where dust is common, these filters require less frequent cleaning and maintenance than traditional filters. Additionally, the hardened, antistatic top-layer is water repellent, stain and scratch resistant and cleans easily when smudges or fingerprints are introduced to the surface. Made in Japan, the filters feature a lightweight, low-profile aluminium frame to house the glass. The low-profile frame eliminates vignetting when used on wide-angle lenses. Fusion filters are available in UV, Circular Polariser and Protector versions and in sizes from 37mm through to 82mm. Prices start from £26.99 for the 37mm protector filter.

Canon USA has issued a product advisory to owners of the Canon Speedlite 600EX-RT flash and ST-E3-RT wireless transmitter. The company has discovered that with certain units, wireless flash shooting with radio transmission will not work in some setting modes when 7 or more units are linked. Photographers owning one or more of the affected flashes and/or transmitters are encouraged to contact Canon to have their unit(s) inspected and serviced for this phenomenon at no cost.

SeaLife announced the expansion of its permanently sealed waterproof camera line with the introduction of the new Micro 2.0. Durable and compact, measuring in at 4 inches wide with a 2.4" colour LCD screen, the new Micro 2.0 features a Sony CMOS image sensor capable of recording 16-megapixel stills as well as Full HD movies at 60fps or HD videos at 30fps. Offering a built-in 130° fisheye lens, the SeaLife Micro 2.0 can also be fitted with an optional 10x Macro converter for close-up shooting. Like its predecessor, the Micro HD, the new Micro 2.0 can be used above or below the surface down to 200 feet, while its on-board wireless module connects the camera to any iOS / Android smartphone or tablet using the free SeaLife Micro Cam app. The 32GB model retails for $499.95, and the 64GB version can be had for $549.95.

Nevercenter has released Version 2.8 of  CameraBag, a Mac/Windows program which allows you to edit your raw images, add a variety of user-configurable filters to your photos and simulate the look of classic film stocks. New features in this update include five types of histogram, the ability to zoom and see your image at full resolution and an all-new Photos extension for OSX El Capitan users.

Ricoh have released the highly anticipated Pentax Tethered Capture Plug-In for use with Adobe Lightroom. Enhancing the tethered capture capabilities of thePentax 645Z medium-format dSLR camera (pictured), the new plug-in enables files to easily be uploaded into Adobe Lightroom during a studio session, where they can readily be viewed, shared and edited. “Since Lightroom is already the de-facto standard for many photographers to edit and develop their images, this new plug-in is especially welcome,” said Chris Knight, a New York-based portrait photographer. “Using Lightroom, I am able to quickly share photos with my clients, who are even able to view and comment from remote locations.”

Alien Skin Software has introduced Exposure X for OS X and Windows. Designed to streamline routine editing tasks, Exposure X is a digital imaging app that helps photographers quickly organise, edit, and enhance their photos. It can be used as a plug-in to Photoshop and Lightroom, or as a complete standalone photo editor. The program offers non-destructive editing, so a photographer’s original photo is never touched and changes can always be undone. Additionally, using proprietary algorithms Exposure X handles raw image files from a wide range of cameras. Exposure X is available now from Alien Skin Software for $149. Owners of any version of Exposure may upgrade for $99.

Really Right Stuff have announced the PG-01 compact gimbal head. This patent-pending modular head is perfect for shooting both single- and multi-row panoramas. The PG-01 is designed to support smaller camera setups, such as CSCs or SLRs with lenses up to a 70-200mm f/2.8 tlezoom. An option for an integrated levelling base makes it the smallest, complete gimbal system for its load capacity. Depending on configuration, the Really Right Stuff PG-01 Compact Pano-Gimbal Head retails for $180-$435.

Toshiba have announced the European availability of high-speed microSDHC and microSDXC cards designed for use in action cameras and mobile devices. The Exceria PRO M401 microSD cards are water, shock and x-ray proof, and work across an operating temperature range of -25°C to +85°C and can safely store data at temperatures from -40°C to +85°C. Supporting write speeds of up to 80MB/s and read speeds of up to 95MB/s, the new microSD cards comply with UHS Speed Class 3 specifications and come in 16GB, 32GB and 64GB capacities.

Olympus Ambassador and Principal Educator Damian McGillicuddy will open four Academies around the UK. The McGillicuddy Training Academies are situated in Gateshead in the North East, Royston in the East, Birmingham in the Midlands and Chester, the flagship Training Academy which is Damian McGillicuddy’s own studio, in the North West. The Academy courses have been created around a practical, hands-on experience, designed for all skill levels and held in a working studio. The courses and workshops cover a range of genres from still life to beauty, traditional portraiture to studio lighting. One of the important aims of the McGillicuddy Academies is to make sure that everything learnt during their workshops can be repeated as soon as photographers get back to their home or studio. To celebrate the launch of the McGillicuddy Training Academies, Olympus will run a special promotion on all new OM-D cameras - £100 off the 'Get to know your OM-D' workshop, now only £49. Promotional vouchers will be included in all OM-D camera boxes, with full terms and conditions.

Polar Pro have launched their PowerGrip H2O, the World’s first underwater-charging, battery-integrated extension pole system for GoPro (pictured); and the compact three-in-one hand grip, extension pole and mini tripod dubbed the Trippler. Initially funded through a Kickstarter campaign, the PowerGrip H20’s built-in 6,700 mAh Lithium battery provides up to 12 hours of shooting and with the add-on Waterproof Live Charging Kit users can even live-chargean action camera down to 99 feet underwater. Carrying an MSRP of $99.99 for the base model, and $149.99 with the underwater live-charge kit/LED light combo, the PowerGrip H2O is available via PolarPro’s website. Originally offered as a stretch goal for the PowerGrip H2O Kickstarter campaign, the Trippler is a lightweight, three-on-one accessory for smartphones, GoPro or other compact cameras. In its base configuration, the Trippler functions as a compact hand grip small enough to fit into just about any purse, camera bag or backpack, but with a with a simple twist, the telescopic extension turns the Trippler from a 7.5 inch grip to a 28 inch selfie stick. The Trippler is retailing for $49.99.