Ricoh has announced the launch of the HD Pentax-DA 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6ED DC WR lens for Pentax K-mount digital SLR cameras. With a 35mm equivalent focal range of 24.5-130mm, the HD Pentax-DA 16-85mm f/F3.5-5.6ED DC WR features the PENTAX-exclusive HD coating to deliver sharp, clear images even in difficult  lighting conditions, an ED (Extra-low Dispersion) optical element to effectively compensate for chromatic aberrations; and aspherical optical elements to minimise colour bleeding. The lens is equipped with the Pentax-developed Quick-Shift Focus system, which allows the user to instantly switch to manual-focus operation after the subject is captured in focus by the camera’s AF system. The optical construction comprises 16 elements in 12 groups and a rounded diaphragm to produce a smooth bokeh. The lens features a weather-resistant construction with eight special seals to effectively prevent the intrusion of water into the lens interior. Available from the end of next month, the HD Pentax-DA 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6ED DC WR will sell for RRP of £599.99.

DxO Labs have released DxO OpticsPro 10, the new version of its flagship software. DxO OpticsPro 10 adds DxO ClearView, a new feature that eliminates atmospheric haze in a spectacular fashion. This new version also enhances the PRIME (Probabilistic Raw IMage Enhancement) denoising technology that can improve image quality of up to one full stop over the best noise reduction algorithms currently on the market. In addition, DxO OpticsPro 10 can now integrate DxO ViewPoint’s geometrical corrections. After the DxO ViewPoint plugin is activated, a dedicated palette lets photographers directly correct perspective problems and volume deformation in raw and JPEG images. Finally, DxO OpticsPro 10 now supports DNG files converted using Lightroom or Adobe DNG Converter (so long as the original raw file is also supported), for an easier workflow with Adobe products). DxO OpticsPro 10 is now accessible via two new editions, ESSENTIAL ($129/£99/€129) and ELITE ($199/£159/$199), both of which support all of the equipment calibrated by DxO. The two editions differ in terms of the number of features available.

DxO Labs have released DxO FilmPack 5, a major new version of its photographic film rendering application. This update adds 16 new high-fidelity film renderings including Adox CHS 100 II, Bergger BRF 400 PLUS, Foma Fomapan 100 Classic, Fujifilm Neopan 400, Ilford Pan 100, Fuji Superia X-Tra 400 (pictured), Kodak Portra 400, and Adox Color Implosion. Other novelties include a fully-redesigned user interface and added support for raw format in order to even more faithfully restore colours. Additionally DxO FilmPack 5 offers a new Micro-contrast tool that brings out relief as well as details in images. Using a multi-scale filter that blurs the details while preserving the marked contours in an image, contrast is visibly reinforced — ideal for increasing the intensity of a landscape photo or giving portraits a strong look, particularly in black & white. The Blur tool has also been simplified and now offers two new modes: Vignetting, for applying an effect along the perimeter of the image and thus directing attention to a subject; and Soft Focus, for reproducing an artistically blurry effect that is ideal for portraits. DxO FilmPack 5 is immediately available as a plugin for DxO OpticsPro in the DxO online store.

DxO Labs have released DxO ViewPoint v2.5 for Mac and Windows. The software fixes even the most complex perspective problems, and easily restores the natural shape to subjects situated on the edges of images. As a plugin, DxO ViewPoint now integrates perfectly with DxO OpticsPro: its features are readily accessible in a new dedicated palette that brings together all of the tools for correcting perspective problems and volume deformation. Its interface has also been redesigned for the most comfortable possible user experience while still keeping the same visual tools as in the standalone application version (which allows for ultra-precise placement of anchor points). Photographers can then apply their corrections to any raw or JPEG image being processed. This upgrade is free for all owners of DxO ViewPoint who acquired a license on or after 1 August 2013.

Mylio is an integrated system for organising, editing, and protecting all of your photos and videos stored on your various devices. The subscription-based service brings your pictures together from Facebook, Flickr, SD cards, your camera roll, computers and hard drives into a common place where you can work with them. It automatically replicates your pictures to your phone, notebook and tablet, so you can work on your pictures wherever you are, even when there is no Internet access. Additionally, Mylio automatically protects your pictures so that they are safe even if your computer is stolen, your phone is lost, or your house burns down. The basic plan (JPEG only, simple editing, three devices, up to 50,000 images) is $50 per year. The standard plan (JPEG and raw, full editing, five devices, up to 100,000 images) costs $100. The advanced plan (multi location, workflow, 10 Devices, up to 500,000 images) incurs an annual fee of $250.

Today, onOne Software released Perfect Photo Suite 9, an updated version of its photo editing and effects software for Windows and Mac OS X. Among the key enhancements in Perfect Photo Suite 9 are a new Smart Photo feature that lets you re-edit your photos — with previous settings intact — after saving and closing them, an overhauled Browse module, improved masking and selection tools, integrated noise reduction, a new Quick Mask brush, up to 2x faster processing and a new Lens Flare filter. Perfect Photo Suite 9 is available in two versions: Premium and Basic. The Premium edition has an introductory price of $139.95. The Basic edition is $79.95. Owners of earlier versions of the Perfect Photo Suite can upgrade to Premium for $99.95.

The Vanguard Alta CA 234AGH is an aluminum tripod that combines 4-section aluminum legs with the GH-30 pistol grip head.

OmegaBrandess has announced the acquisition of the assets of the Gigapan hardware division of Gigapan Systems. Gigapan, which was formed in 2008 as a commercial spin-off of successful research collaboration between a team of researchers at NASA and Carnegie Mellon University, manufactures Gigapan EPIC Robotic Mounts. Part of a fully integrated solution, the Gigapan EPIC and EPIC 100 are compatible with a broad range of point-and-shoot cameras and small DSLRs to capture Gigapans, quickly and accurately. The EPIC Pro is designed to work with DSLR cameras and larger lenses, features advanced technology to deliver stunning performance and precision. OmegaBrandess is now in the process of transitioning the operation to their facility in Hampstead, MD where they plan to be in full production as soon as possible.

Bowens has been appointed exclusive UK distributor for the LED Light Cube, billed as the world’s first high-end, portable and interlocking LED flash and constant light source. Australian developers and manufacturers IC12 say the unit’s zero recycling time outperforms any camera or radio trigger in the market today. “The key Light Cube features are unique in the marketplace right now,” said Nathan Oxley, Managing Director at IC12. “We developed this product after documenting photographers’ ongoing and very real frustrations with their hardware limitations. Our engineers worked for fifteen months to deliver this hybrid light, which now enables both photographers and videographers to capture their moments without concerns about flash recycling times.” The new LED Light Cube will be available for £430 excl. tax.

Canon UK has just launched its winter cashback offer, which enables you to receive up to £80 cashback on a selected range of Canon products including DSLRs, lenses, compact cameras, camcorders and printers. The offer runs from 29st October 2014 to 21st January 2015 for eligible products purchased from UK or Republic of Ireland retailers. Click through / scroll down for a list of all eligible cameras, lenses, printers and accessories.

Epson today announced the Epson SureColor P600 13-inch photo printer. Designed for creative professionals, fine artists and advanced amateur and pro photographers, the SureColor P600 combines an advanced MicroPiezo AMC printhead with next-generation Epson UltraChrome HD pigment inks driven by enhanced AccuPhoto HD imaging technology to produce exhibition-quality black-and-white prints with "never before seen" pigment black density and "stunningly vivid" colour prints. The Epson SureColor P600 also offers new ease-of use features and capabilities, such as a 3.5-inch tilting colour LCD and a variety of connectivity options including USB, Wireless n, Wi-Fi Direct and Ethernet. Currently on display at PhotoPlus Expo, the new printer will be available for purchase in Q1 2015 through authorised resellers for $799.

Corel today released CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X7 – Small Business Edition. “Marketing is key to the success of any small business, but it doesn’t have to break the bank,” said Gérard Métrailler, Vice President, Product Management, CorelDRAW. “CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X7 – Small Business Edition gives business owners an easy and affordable way to create their own professional marketing collateral and grow their business while minimising costs.” The suite provides access to three full licences of CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X7 with a single purchase. It is priced at £699 (excl. VAT) and is available in both a box and download version at the website below.

Samsung announced today that it is now shipping its EVO 16GB and 32GB memory cards in twin packs. There are four new twin packs available in time for Christmas, including the EVO Micro SD Twin Pack 32GB (£44.95), the EVO Micro SD Twin Pack 16GB (£28.95), the EVO SD Twin Pack 32 GB  (£47.95) and the EVO SD Twin Pack 16GB (£28.95). Both EVO cards boast Ultra High Speed (UHS-I) Grade 1 level performance and offer read speeds of up to 48MB/s.

Vanguard are showcasing their latest award-winning products at the annual PDN PhotoPlus International Conference + Expo. Their latest tripods, heads and bags are currently on display at the Javits Convention Center (booth #1045) in New York City. The newest additions include the Havana, Oslo, Sedona and Reno bags, and the Alta CA and Espod CX series tripods. Click through / scroll down for more information.

Gary Fong have today introduced their Studio-To-Go range, which is exclusive to the Gary Fong e-store. There are four Studio-To-Go Kits to choose from, each offering the ability to create dramatic studio-like lighting effects in practically any location. These include the Studio-To-Go Wedding & Event Kit, the Studio-To-Go Portrait Kit, the Studio-To-Go Fashion & Commercial Kit and the Studio-To-Go Flash Kit. “The new Studio-To-Go systems are the most complete kits we’ve ever offered. The contents of each were carefully tested and selected to closely replicate the compact systems I use when traveling all over the world photographing and teaching lighting,” Gary Fong said. “Each Kit is supported with countless tutorials to help users master the many techniques. The ultimate goal is to give photographers the confidence to control the light versus the light controlling the photographer.” The Studio-To-Go Wedding & Event Kit is available for $423.95, a $100 savings versus purchasing products separately. The Studio-To-Go Portrait Kit is available for $529.95, a $130 savings. The Studio-To-Go Fashion & Commercial Kit is available for $544.95, a $150 savings. The Studio-To-Go Flash Kit is available for $1021.95, a $250 savings.

Ricoh have announced the Ricoh Theta M15, a 360-degree camera with built-in Wi-Fi and video recording capabilities. The new model can capture up to 3 minutes of spheircal video footage with no stitch lines. Just like its predecessor, the new Ricoh Theta M15 can also record 360° stills, which can then be shared on the theta360° website. The new camera will be available in a variety of colours from 14th November, priced at £269.99.

The Outdoor Photographer of the Year (OPOTY) 2014 Competition is now open for entry. This year, there are 6 categories including "Light on the Land," "Wildlife Insight," "Light the Adventure," "At the Water's Edge," "Small World" and "Under Exposed." There is an £8 fee for entry into each category. You can enter as many categories as you like, but each entrant is limited to eight images per category per entry fee – you can enter a category more than once if you wish to submit more than eight images to a category. Photographers aged 18 or under can enter their pictures in the "Young OPOTY 2014" contest free of charge. The closing date for entries is 14th December. The overall winner of OPOTY 2014 will be off to the Arctic on the Fjällräven Polar dog sled expedition in spring 2015. As always we suggest that you read the terms and conditions before entering your work. Photograph: At The Water's Edge by David Baker

The organisers are reminding interested photographers that there is still time to enter this year’s South West Coast Path photo contest. Amateur and professional photographers are encouraged to enter their best pictures of the Coast Path in this annual photo competition, which closes on 31 December 2014. Prizes include a One Night Luxury Spa Break at Carbis Bay Hotel & Spa, Cornwall and a gift voucher towards products from the website of the contest's professional judge, David Noton.

Macphun Software have launched the Macphun Marketplace, and with it, a selection of creative preset and texture packs from some of the world’s leading photographers. Designed to work within Macphun Intensify Pro and Macphun Tonality Pro, these packs promise to give photographers the chance to achieve a similar look and feel in their images as some of finest photographers in the world. “The great photographers often become synonymous with a specific genre or style of photography,” said Paul Muzok, CEO of Macphun. While we can’t teach everyone to recreate those images overnight, implementing a preset or texture from one of your favourite or inspirational photographers can give you that look and feel straight away. “The features in Tonality Pro and Intensify Pro are designed to give the user more creative enhancements than ever before, and these preset packs enhance that capability, all in a simple click.” Preset packs are priced at $5 for 5 and $10 for 10. New sets of presets and textures will be available each month on the Macphun Marketplace along with helpful training materials.