Sigma has revealed the suggested retail price and launch date of the full-frame Sigma 24-35mm F2 DG HSM Art lens. Featuring a constant maximum aperture of f/2, the Sigma 24-35mm f/2 DG HSM Art lens has 18 elements in 13 groups and an iris diaphragm with 9 rounded blades. The lens incorporates large-diameter aspherical lens elements, which require advanced technologies to manufacture; one FLD (“F” Low Dispersion) glass and seven SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass elements, of which two are aspherical lenses. With a minimum focusing distance of 28cm and a maximum magnification ratio of 1:4.4, this lens is suitable for close-up shooting, environmental portraits with an attractive bokeh and deep-focus landscape photography. The Sigma 24-35mm f/2 DG HSM Art lens will become available in late July for £949.99 / $999.00. (In the UK, this launch date is valid for Sigma- and Canon-mount versions of the lens only. The availability of the Nikon variant has yet to be communicated.)

Sigma UK have announced a new dp0 Quattro kit, comprising the ultra-wide-angle dp0 Quattro and LVF-01 LCD Viewfinder. Featuring a 14mm F4 lens (equivalent to a 21mm lens on a 35mm camera) and a Foveon sensor, the Sigma dp0 Quattro (read review) is perfectly suited to landscape photography - while the addition of the Sigma LVF-01 LCD Viewfinder cuts off outside light and magnifies the LCD display 2.5 times, allowing photographers to check focusing and composition more easily. The new kit has a suggested retail priceof £999.99.

Want to see exactly what the new Panasonic LUMIX DMC-GX8 compact system camera looks like in the flesh?

Check out our extensive hands-on gallery of photos of the Panasonic LUMIX DMC-GX8 compact system camera, which features a new 20.3-megapixel sensor, including a side-by-side comparison with the previous DMC-GX7 camera.

Want to see exactly what the new Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FZ330 compact camera looks like in the flesh?

Check out our extensive hands-on gallery of photos of the Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FZ330 superzoom camera, which features a 25x optical zoom lens with an effective focal length of 24-600mm.

The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-GX8 compact system camera offers Panasonic’s first Dual I.S (Image Stabiliser), a 20.3-megapixel sensor, large tiltable LVF and 4K capability. The LUMIX DMC-GX8 integrates a 20.3-megapixel Digital Live MOS Sensor to achieve superior image quality. With the combination of a Lens Optical Image Stabiliser and a Body Image Stabiliser, even severe hand shake can be corrected to provide consistently blur-free images. The Venus Engine image processor with a quad-core CPU also enables high speed signal processing at 8 fps (AFS) / 6 fps (AFC).

UK Pricing:

DMC-GX8AEB-K  (Black kit with 12-35mm/F2.8 lens) - £1699.00
DMC-GX8AEB-S (Silver kit with 12-35mm/F2.8 lens) - £1699.00
DMC-GX8HEB-K (Black kit with 14-140mm lens) - £1399.99
DMC-GX8HEB-S (Silver kit with 14-140mm lens) - £1399.99
DMC-GX8KEB-K (Black kit with 14-42mm lens) - £1099.00
DMC-GX8KEB-S (Silver kit with 14-42mm lens) - £1099.00
DMC-GX8EB-K (Black, body only) - £999.99
DMC-GX8EB-S (Silver, body only) - £999.99

The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FZ330 is a new super-zoom camera with a LEICA DC lens boasting an F2.8 aperture throughout its 25-600mm zoom range. With the new addition of Panasonic’s latest 4K technologies, the DMC-FZ330 will put 4K shooting in the palm of your hand. The LUMIX DMC-FZ330’s 12-megapixel High Sensitivity MOS sensor and new Venus Engine maximise the sensitivity and speed of image processing. The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FZ330 will be available in August for £499.99.

Panasonic is developing the LEICA DG 100-400mm / F4.0-6.3 telephoto zoom lens. Offering an effective focal range of 200-800mm in 35mm terms, this is the first LEICA DG zoom lens in the lineup. The LEICA DG 100-400mm / F4.0-6.3 will have a splash/dust-proof design, POWER O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer), and excels in size and weight. Details of the product specifications, the date of release and the price of the LEICA DG 100-400mm / F4.0-6.3 are yet to be advised.

Panasonic is developing a LUMIX G 25mm F1.7 single focal length lens. This lens is a 50mm (35 mm camera equivalent) single focal length lens with large diameter. Details of the product specifications, the date of release and the price of the Panasonic LUMIX G 25mm F1.7 are yet to be advised.

Panasonic is developing a new technological function called ‘Post Focus’ which enables photographers to select alternative parts of the image they want to be in-focus with easy one touch operation. The function has been developed by further innovating via Panasonic’s existing 4K Photo technology and not only prevents out-of-focus misshots but also offers greater creative freedom in all areas of photography.

Bridges of Paris is a new large-format photography book by photojournalist Michael Saint James. Boasting over 350 original images of Paris and the bridges that lay at its heart, the book features glorious portraits of each bridge as well as intimate riverside moments. Themes explored in the book include Paris bridges as destinations, the history of Paris as told by the bridges, experiencing a ‘Parisian State of Mind,’ and much more. “My passion for Paris and my art compelled me to spend a full year living in the city. I was able to develop an intimate relationship with the culture, people and bridges that Paris has to offer,” says Saint James. “I hope my book helps people experience a new culture with an open mind.” The 280-page hardback is available for $85 from Amazon.

Canon have partnered with the British Red Cross for this year’s Humanitarian Citizenship Awards photography competition. “Our competition theme this year is ‘Celebrating your community’. Often, humanitarian action starts at the heart of communities, and we are asking young people to reflect this in their photography,” said Robin Wells, youth development co-ordinator at the British Red Cross. “Through this theme, we want to encourage young people to celebrate their own communities, and the contributions made by communities and individuals within them.” There are two age categories, 17 and under, and 18 to 25. The overall winners in both categories will each receive an EOS 760D plus lens. The British Red Cross is accepting entries at the website below.

Toshiba today announced “T4KC3”, a 16-megapixel BSI CMOS sensor for tablet- and smartphone camera modules. This 1/2.7"-type chip has a pixel pitch of 1.12 microns, and allows 30fps recording at full resolution. Phase-Detection Auto-Focus achieves quick focusing, and makes it easier for mobile devices to capture high quality images and movies, the company says. “T4KC3” also incorporates Toshiba’s Bright Mode technology, which boosts image brightness up to four times and enables HD video capture at 240fps equivalent, and supports high dynamic range imaging. Additionally the new sensor incorporates 16Kbit OTP (one-time programmable memory), which can store lens shading correction data for four conditions at maximum, such as indoors and outdoors, daylight and sunset. Sample shipments are scheduled to start in September this year.

Manfrotto have launched the new Friction Arms Range, enriching its line-up of arms for photography and videography. Ideal for professional and advanced enthusiasts, these four new small-sized friction arms are available in two sizes; 15cm and 24cm. The range offers updated features, including an anti-rotation system, which keeps the equipment securely interlocked. This distinctive feature is available using Manfrotto friction arms in combination with the Manfrotto Nano Clamp 386B-1 and with the “Easylink” connection of the Manfrotto 190 series and Manfrotto 055 series. Made of high robust aluminium which ensures durability, the arms can carry a payload up to 3kg. Prices start at £64.95.

Night Photography and Light Painting: Finding Your Way in the Dark, 2nd Edition is a comprehensive reference book by Lance Keimig. This new edition presents the practical techniques of shooting at night alongside theory and history, illustrated with clear, concise examples, charts and images. From urban night photography to photographing the landscape by starlight or moonlight, from painting your subject with light to creating a subject with light, this book provides a complete guide to digital night photography and light painting. The paperback version is available for £21.99 / $34.95.

Calumet UK have launched a professional LCD viewfinder loupe designed for use with all DSLRs that have a screen size of 3 or 3.2 inches, including the Canon EOS 5D Mark III and the Nikon D810. Giving photographers a clear, magnified view of the DSLR’s LCD screen, the Calumet Foldable LCD Viewfinder offers three times magnification and the dioptre allows for lens focus adjustment. The integrated rubber eyecup provides a hood view of the display and is adjustable; simply flip up the eyepiece to switch to standard live view. The viewfinder loupe comes with a quick release mounting plate which simply clips onto the camera’s mounting plate. The Calumet Foldable LCD Viewfinder (£125) is available in store and online now.

Wacom today launched their first global promotion campaign - ‘Create more’. Targeting both professionals and experienced enthusiasts in the photography and illustration fields, Wacom offer a range range of high-quality content and downloads including free tutorials from professional artists on their website. From July 15th until December 31st artists can also benefit from a special value pack with free software and additional offers upon purchasing an Intuos Pro pen tablet. The ‘Create more’ campaign features eleven internationally recognised artists from around the world. Among them are Miss Led, an award-winning illustrator from London (pictured), Ben von Wong, a visual engineer and photographer from Canada, the Australian Illustrator Guy Shields, the German motion designer Robert Hranitzky, and Natalie Shau from Lithuania, who combines photography and illustration.

LPA Design, manufacturers of PocketWizard Photo Products, have started selling direct to USA dealers. “As we transition to our new sales and marketing approach, we are excited by the possibilities of working more directly with our Dealers and building closer relationships with the community of PocketWizard photographers,” said Heather Ambrose, Marketing Manager at LPA Design. “We’ve had a great partnership with the MAC Group over the past 14 years, as they’ve been integral in building the PocketWizard brand in the US market. We wish them continued success in the future.”

Taiwan based PhotoFast has announced the US availability of i-FlashDrive MAX, the World's smallest "Made-For-iOS" USB 3.0 flash drive, and the i-FlashDrive ONE app. Built with a Lightning connection, i-FlashDrive MAX can be plugged directly into iOS devices using USB 3.0 SuperSpeed, enabling anyone to quickly access, transfer and store hundreds of photos, videos and other files. The i-FlashDrive MAX USB 3.0 models come in 16 GB, 32 GB, 64 GB or 128 GB capacities, with retail prices beginning at $79.99. Both i-FlashDrive MAX and the i-FlashDrive ONE app offer enhanced security features, including an app and accessory USB lock and supported Touch ID.