DJI today released their most affordable video drone to date - the DJI Phantom 3 Standard. Designed specifically for first-time pilots, the DJI Phantom 3 Standard includes intelligent flight functions that make cinematic shots easy to capture. Using a standard Wi-Fi connection, the DJI Phantom 3 Standard allows pilots to see what their camera sees in near real time in HD, capture photos, start / stop record for video and adjust camera settings all from the updated DJI Go app. With a newly designed and integrated camera, the DJI Phantom 3 Standard records up to 2.7k HD video at 30fps using a 94-degree distortion-free lens. The camera also shoots still images at 12 megapixels in both DNG raw and JPEG formats. The remote controller (also pictured above) is an updated version of DJI’s previous Phantom 2 Vision+ controller, with an integrated Wi-Fi range extender and wheel to angle the camera. The DJI Phantom 3 Standard is immediately available for purchase at £649 / €919 / $799.

OGIO will showcase and launch its newly designed collection of action camera bags at Outdoor Retailer Summer 2015. The new range includes the Hogo, Backstage and Access, three varieties "carefully designed  to offer the utmost in protection, comfort and organisation." The Hogo ($40) is a soft case with top charger storage area, front e-reader pocket, and zip stash pocket; fitting up to three cameras. The Baclstage ($200) is a larger bag with front padded easy access pockets to store camera, remote or housings, dual side pockets with compressions traps, tablet/hydration ready main compartment, ventilated air mesh back panel and adjustable yoke shoulder harness. The Access ($90) is a mid-sized adventure backpack with multiple storage compartments, an additional adjustable and removable storage compartment, laptop sleeve with dual zippered pockets, a ventilated air mesh back panel and a zip stash pocket. All three models are available now thorugh the website below.

Photo Productions are offering a large discount for new professional customers. "ForAugust 2015 we're giving a huge 30% off every single album - and that's in addition to the usual 15% trade discount, and a further 10% discount if you want to provide your own design," the company says. Open to professional photographers only, the offer is valid on all eight sizes of their Premium Photobooks, and expires on 11.59pm on 31st August.

The AF-S Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR is Nikon's first full-frame professional standard zoom with vibration reduction and electromagnetic aperture control. Offering up to four stops of image stabilisation, the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR is constructed of 20 elements arranged in 16 groups - including a number of aspherical and ED glass elements as well as a new ASP/ED element - and features an iris diaphragm with 9 rounded aperture blades. Nikon's exclusive nano crystal coating is also employed to reduce flare and ghosting. The lens has a minimum focus distance of 38cm and a maximum reproduction ratio of 1:3.6, and is equipped with a Silent Wave Motor for fast and quiet auto focus. Just like its predecessor, the new lens is gasketed and sealed to provide a degree of protection against the elements. The AF-S Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR lens will become available later this month, at an MSRP of £1,849.99 / €2,499.00 /$2,399.95.

The AF-S Nikkor 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR is a new super telephoto zoom lens for Nikon's FX-format digital SLR cameras. The optical construction featurs 19 elements in 12 groups (including three ED glass elements) and a 9-bladed iris diaphragm with electromagnetic aperture control for maintaining consistent exposures during high-speed continuous shooting. The lens has a close-focus point of 2.2m (measured from the sensor plane), and a maximum reproduction ratio of 1:4.5. The Vibration Reduction (VR) feature offers up to 4.5 stops of image stabilisation, and features the latest Sport VR mode for shooting subjects that move quickly and unpredictably. Weighing in at approximately 2300g including the supplied tripod collar, the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR will become available next month, at a manufacturer's suggested retail price of £1,179.99 / €1,599 / $1,399.95.

The AF-S Nikkor 24mm f/1.8G ED is a new ultra-wide-angle lens for Nikon's 35mm film and digital SLR cameras. Featuring 12 elements in 9 groups (including two ED glass and two aspherical elements, and lens elements with Nano Crystal Coat) plus an iris diaphragm with 7 rounded blades, the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 24mm f/1.8G ED has a minimum focus distance of 23cm and a maximum  reproduction ratio of 1:5. Compatible with standard 72mm screw-on filters, the lens measures 83.0x77.5mm and weighs in at 355 grams. Supplied with an HB-75 bayonet hood and a CL-1015 lens case, the AF-S Nikkor 24mm f/1.8G ED will go on sale next month, priced at £629.99 / €849 / $749.95.

Corel have released Version 2.2.1 of AfterShot and AfterShot Pro. This update adds raw image file support for 10 new cameras, including the Fujifilm X-T10, X-Q1, X-Q2 and X-A2, the Samsung NX30 and NX300, the Olympus OM-D E-M5 II (pictured) and XZ-10, plus the Nikon D5500 and D7200. In addition to the new cameras, AfterShot Pro 2.2.1 also includes a variety of usability improvements based on our users’ feedback.

Issue 43 of David Noton’s Chasing the Light Online Magazine is now available. In this month's Behind the Lens feature anf Video Blog, David recounts his photographic adventures in the Lot Valley of France. Then in Part 9 of his Low Down series on Exposure, David deconstructs slow shutter speeds: when and why they are desirable, how they are achieved, and how slow we need to go. In the magazine's How It's Done feature, Dutch landscape photographer Bas Meelkere tells the tale of a rather dismal photo trip to Austria, which nevertheless turned out to be fruitful. In The Storyteller, seasoned wildlife photographer Chris Weston explores the tales of five iconic animal species that have been close to extinction – and where they are now. And in the second instalment of Jeremy Horner’s Sense of Space column he visits the island of Madagascar. Donote that the full contents of the magazine is available to full f11 subscribers only. Non-members can purchase individual issues of the magazine at a price of £4.20.

Think Tank Photo have announced four new Roller Flair customisation kits that enable owners of Think Tank rollers to outfit their wheels, ties, and handle wraps in one of four colours: blue, green, orange and red. Each Roller Flair kit includes two wheels; 10 Easy Grip Zipper Pulls; one padded Handle Wrap; and an Installation Guide. Think Tank Photo's Roller Flair kits are available for $35 each.

The Fujifilm X-T1 IR is the first X-series camera to feature advanced infrared technology. Able to to see light from the ultraviolet (UV), visible and infrared (IR) portions of the light spectrum (approximately 380nm – 1,000nm), the Fujifilm X-T1 IR is aimed at technical experts, law enforcement, medical research and scientific communities. The Fujifilm X-T1 IR (Infrared) will be available in October 2015 for USD $1,699.95 USD \ CAD $2,099.99.

To celebrate the launch of a new "mystery monitor," Colour Confidence is inviting professional photographers to register their interest for the chance to win the mystery monitor on launch day along with an X-Rite i1Display Pro. The company has not yet revealed the make and model of the monitor but say the 27” display features an "impressively wide-gamut" IPS panel and reproduces 99% of the Adobe RGB colour space. The winner of the mystery monitor competition will be announced on 1st September when the monitor officially launches.

Samsung have announced the industry’s first 1μm-pixel-based 16 megapixel CMOS sensor designed for use in mobile devices. The S5K3P3 imager takes advantage of Samsung’s ISOCELL technology to deliver image quality that is on a par with sensors featuring slightly larger, 1.2μm photosites. The new sensor reduces the camera module’s overall height by 20 percent, offering designers the ability to develop thinner-than-ever smartphones and tablets. Samsung’s new S5K3P3 image sensor is available today to original equipment manufacturers.