Benro today announced the expansion of their S-Series with the S7 Video Head and Tripod Kits. The S7 video head offers a maximum load capacity of 7kg, a 65mm flat base, a 4-step counterbalance, independent pan and tilt locks and a 501 compatible QR6 plate. The flat base provides much needed versatility for mounting on sliders, jibs and half ball adapters. Available in carbon-fibre and aluminium versions, the S7 Tripod Kit includes an S7 Video Head plus a tripod that folds down to 29cm and extends to 161cm.

X-Rite has launched the X-Rite ColorChecker Classic Mini ($70), which has been specifically designed to help photographers specialising in capturing fine art and heritage artwork. Measuring 6.3cm x 10.6cm, the ColorChecker Classic Mini offers users a flexible solution for situations where a more lightweight colour chart is required. When dealing with valuable and often delicate artwork, the ColorChecker Classic Minican be positioned against the delicate surface of the painting whilst it is being photographed. Each of the 24 colours represents the actual colour of natural objects and reflects light just like its real-world counterpart. Since they exemplify the colour of their counterparts and reflect light the same way in all parts of the visible spectrum, the squares will match the colours of representative sample natural objects under any illumination, and with any colour reproduction process. The ColorChecker Classic Mini can also be used to create a white balance with your digital camera to guarantee precise, uniform, neutral white under any lighting condition.

DxO have released DxO OpticsPro 10.4, DxO FilmPack 5.1.2 and DxO ViewPoint 2.5.4 for Mac and Windows. These new versions add support for the Nikon D7200 and the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II (pictured). To further improve workflow, the DxO OpticsPro interface now offers a new “Reset” button that lets users cancel in just one click all of the manual corrections made to an image and to return to the default preset corrections, and includes support for several DxO optics modules offering support for Konica Minolta, Nikon, Olympus, Sigma, Sony, Tamron, Tokina, and Zeiss lenses for many Nikon, Olympus, Panasonic, and Sony cameras.

Garmin has announced two HD action cameras, the VIRB X and the VIRB XE. Waterproof to 50 metres, theVIRB X and XE boast a plethora of built-in sensors and wireless functionality options, which can be utilized through the new G-Metrix feature for a wide array of data overlays and a richer viewing experience. The VIRB XE is designed to shoot professional HD footage at 1440p/30fps and 1080p/60fps with super slow-mo, image stabilisation and different zoom levels. The VIRB X shoots crisp HD footage at 1080p/30fps and 720p/60fps with slow-mo and zoom options. Both versions can capture 12-megapixel stills, and the XE version has a Pro Mode with more advanced manual camera adjustments such as white balance control, sharpness control, colour profile control, ISO and exposure compensation. The Garmin VIRB X will have a suggested retail price of $299.99, and the VIRB XE will have an SRP of $399.99.

The Epson SureColor P800 is a full 17-inch wide borderless printer with unique Epson MicroPiezo AMCTM printhead technology. Key highlights include an all-new Epson UltraChrome HD eight-colour ink set, an advanced Black-and-White print mode for professional-level neutral or toned black-and-white prints and the ability to print on fine art and roll papers and create panoramas over 10 feet long (requires a separately sold roll paper adapter). Connectivity options include Ethernet, USB, Wi-Fi as well as Google Cloud Print and Apple AirPrint support. The SureColor P800 will be available for purchase in June for $1,295.

Want to see exactly what the new Sony Cyber-shot HX90V camera looks like in the flesh?

Check out our extensive hands-on gallery of photos of the Sony Cyber-shot HX90V camera.

Want to see exactly what the new Sony Cyber-shot WX500 camera looks like in the flesh?

Check out our extensive hands-on gallery of photos of the Sony Cyber-shot WX500 camera.

Tamron USA has launched the national 2015 Tamron Tailgate Tour. The fully equipped Tamron van is back by popular demand with all new free mini-seminars, hands-on experiences with the latest Tamron technology, portfolio review opportunities and a new evening seminar programme. The tour will work with local photo retailers to deliver an education programme including free mini-sessions under the Tamron Tailgate Learning Tent - "Achieving Perfect Exposure"12:00 - 12:45pm, "Portfolio and Image Review" 1:00 - 2:30pm and "Understanding Your Digital Darkroom" 3:00 - 3:45pm. For those looking for even more tips to creating better photographs, Tamron will offer a two-hour evening seminar entitled "The Field Guide to Inspired Photography: See It, Capture It, Work It" taught by experienced Tamron tech team photographers.  The cost of the seminars will be $25 and will include a welcome bag with a reporter notebook and lens cleaning cloth. For more information and to find out when the Tamron Tailgate Tour will be in your area, visit the website below.

Panasonic is planning to release a new firmware update for the Lumix DMC-GH4 compact system camera. Version 2.2 adds a new [Anamorphic(4:3)] mode which enables video recording in 3328 x 2496 pixel resolution with an anamorphic lens at a frame rate of either 23.98, 24, 25 or 29.97 fps. Anamorphic lenses are used to create a cinemascope aspect such as 2.39:1 or 2.35:1. Panasonic discovered that cinematographers had been experimenting with the 4K PHOTO mode 4:3 aspect ratio in the LUMIX GH4 and vintage anamorphic cine lenses to achieve the classic Hollywood look of anamorphic film capture. Thanks in part to its Micro Four Thirds format and 4K recording ability, firmware Ver.2.2 for the LUMIX GH4 enables videographers to capture and un-squeeze a 3356x2496 image in post-production. In addition, 4:2:2 / 10 bit HDMI output is also available. A further enhancement of the new firmware is the addition of a very high shutter speed of 1/16,000 sec. when using the GH4's electronic shutter. The new firmware is scheduled to be released in late April.

The Sony Cyber-shot HX90 is an 18-megapixel superzoom camera with a 25.750mm equivalent lens and a pop-up OLED viewfinder. Other key features include a fast, intelligent AF system with an improved spatial object detection algorithm, a control ring around the lens, a tiltable LCD screen plus on-board Wi-Fi and NFC. The camera can record full HD 60p650p moives usin the XAVC S codec. The Sony Cyber-shot H90V model ($430) additionally features a GPS module that automatically tags your shots and clips with location information to enjoy on a map using PlayMemories Home. The cameras wil be available from June.

The Sony Cyber-shot WX500 is an 18.2-megapixel digital compact camera with a 25-750mm equivalent zoom lens and a tilting LCD screen. Other highlights include a fast, intelligent AF system with an improved spatial object detection algorithm, a control ring around the lens, plus on-board WiFi and NFC.  Available from June, the Sony WX500 carries a manufacturer's suggested price of $330.

The Blackmagic URSA Mini is the World's lightest handheld Super 35 digital film camera with a 4K or 4.6K sensor. Key features include up to 15 stops of dynamic range, switchable global or rolling shutter, a large 5" fold-out monitor and dual raw and Apple ProRes recorders. The Blackmagic URSA Mini is available in 4 models, customers can choose either EF or PL lens mounts and 4K or 4.6K image sensors. Prices for the Blackmagic URSA Mini start at $2,995 for the 4K EF model.

The Blackmagic Micro Cinema Camera is an interchangeable-lens Full HD action cam with a Micro Four Thirds lens mount and a Super 16 sized sensor. The unique feature of this new camera is the built in expansion port that provides access to many of the camera’s unique functions via radio model aircraft remote controls and other common remote control solutions. The expansion connector includes 4 PWM channels for using all brands of control gear, or custom wiring, as well as a single S.Bus connection which can accept up to 18 channels of control using the single cable. Offering 13 stops of dynamic range, 12-bit raw image recording, and a choice of a 60fps rolling shutter or 30fps global shutter; the Blackmagic Micro Cinema Camera will be available in July for $995.

Blackmagic Design has introduced a high-resolution electronic viewfinder specifically designed for the Blackmagic URSA and Blackmagic URSA Mini digital video cameras. Featuring a Full HD OLED display, the Blackmagic URSA Viewfinder has been designed to meet the needs of high-end cinematographers. The display has been matched with precision glass optics, has an adjustable dioptre and built-in digital focus chart. When used with Blackmagic URSA cameras, the electronic viewfinder can also display overlays for things like recording status, camera settings, battery life and more. There’s even a built in sensor that helps preserve the life of the OLED screen by only turning the viewfinder on when needed. The Blackmagic URSA Viewfinder will be available in July for $1,495.

The Blackmagic Micro Studio Camera 4K is a tiny Ultra HD and HD studio camera claimed to deliver "dramatically better quality" than the biggest and most expensive studio cameras used today. Small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, the Blackmagic Micro Studio Camera 4K comes equipped with a broadcast grade Ultra HD sensor and features a built-in colour corrector, talkback, tally indicator, PTZ control output, B4 lens control output, and an MFT lens mount. When used for regular HD, the extra sensor resolution completely eliminates any colour loss from the sensor’s bayer pattern so customers get full bandwidth RGB HD colour and superior sub pixel anti-aliasing. The camera also features 6G-SDI output and a program return input that allows it to be controlled remotely from a switcher using Blackmagic’s SDI control protocol. The Blackmagic Micro Studio Camera 4K will be available July for $1,295.

The Blackmagic Video Assist is a portable, all in one professional monitor and video recorder that can be used with any SDI or HDMI camera. Durable and lightweight, the Blackmagic Video Assist features a bright 5" full HD monitor and touchscreen with a 135º viewing angle. Customers can record broadcast quality 10-bit 4:2:2 video onto fast, inexpensive and widely available SD cards in Apple ProRes and DNxHD file formats. The Blackmagic Video Assist includes 2 standard LP-E6 battery slots allowing hot swapping of batteries while in use, and it can be powered using the 12V DC input. The Blackmagic Video Assist is available in July for $495.

Blackmagic Design has announced a new high-performance 4.6K sensor for its URSA high-end digital video cameras. The new Super 35 image sensor features high resolution of 4608 x 2592 at 120 frames per second and 15 stops of dynamic range for images that rival those shot on many traditional motion picture film stocks. That means customers can now use URSA to get the most epic cinematic shots with more detail in the shadows and highlights than ever before. Videos are recorded as 12-bit lossless Cinema DNG raw files to preserve the maximum amount of image data and quality. The Blackmagic URSA 4.6K will be available in limited volumes from June, and increasing to full supply in July and August.

Canon USA has reduced the MSRPs of over 30 EF lenses and teleconverters. "It’s a great time to expand your creative reach, because we’ve just made 33 of our high-performance EF lenses more affordable," the company says. "With an exciting selection of our best lenses to choose from, the right lens at the right new price awaits!" Click through / scroll down to see the updated price list.