Nikon has released an update to the 64-bit Windows edition of its new Capture NX-D software. According to the company, when the 64-bit Windows version of the application was used to create JPEG-format files converted from raw (.NEF/.NRW), TIFF, or JPEG images using the Convert Files... or Run Batch Process... option in the File menu, a gray band was sometimes visible at the bottom of the images when they were opened in the 64-bit Windows version of Capture NX-D. This issue has been resolved in version 1.0.1.

Website: Nikon

The new BounceLite is a mini-softbox/bounce-card combination for your hotshoe-mounted flash. Currently raising funds on Kickstarter, this ingenious light modifier attaches directly to the flash head and comes with a filter cassette for colour temperature modifying gels such as CTOs and CTBs. The entire BounceLite Collection includes the BounceLite itself, the filter cassette, neoprene case, mounting pads, a filter wallet and two sets of gels. Interested readers are encouraged to visit the project's Kickstarter page.

Zeiss has announced the availability of a firmware upgrade for the E-mount version of its Touit Makro Planar 2.8/50mm T* lens. This update addresses two issues including AF hunting in continuous auto focus mode and "clearly noticeable shutter release delays when pressing the release button with activated flash." Note that you cannot install this firmware update yourself - you will need to send the lens, together with a completed copy of Zeiss' delivery note, to the Zeiss Service address nearest to you.

Canon India has posted a teaser ad on its Facebook page. The advert, reprinted above, promises "something big" for your camera (if your camera happens to be a Canon, of course). This could be something literally big, such as a new full-frame telephoto lens, or a brand new accessory that represents a technological breakthrough - there's no way to tell yet, although speculations abound.

Via Photography Bay

Update: Everyone guessed wrong.. the BIG thing mentioned in the ad is the Canon PhotoMarathon, the biggest photography competition in India.

The 36-megapixel FX imager of the new Nikon D810 has achieved a DxOMark Sensor Score of 97, which is higher than those of its predecessors, the Nikon D800 (95) and D800E (96); prompting DxO Labs to declare it the"new leader" in their database. "It’s an outstanding score with excellent colourr depth and an extremely wide dynamic range at base ISO for the most subtle tonal gradations in highlights and shadows," DxO Labs said in a statement. "The low-light score of 2853 ISO is also excellent however it’s somewhat behind the best in that category."

Website: DxOMark

ProAm USA has just launched a Kickstarter campaign to help fund the commercialisation of its latest innovation, the CarryOn Jib. Billed as the most compact, yet full-sized crane on the market, the ProAm USA CarryOn Jib features a 360-degree, lockable bearing base with built-in bubble level to provide smooth, fluid motion. Every joint features oil impregnated brass bearings to ensure smooth rotations. The crane’s coated steel cables that connect to the camera platform provide automatic leveling, while the platform can be swapped out for an optional 75 mm bowl mount. The CarryOn Jib Kickstarter campaign offers a number of varying donation levels, from a supportive $5 donation to the $799 level, which gets generous backers the four-section eight-foot CarryOn Jib with bag, quick-release plate, sandbag, tripod and full 7” HDMI LCD kit.

Apple today updated its MacBook Pro with Retina display with faster processors and double the memory in both entry-level configurations. The 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display now features dual-core Intel Core i5 processors up to 2.8 GHz with Turbo Boost speeds up to 3.3 GHz and 8GB of memory, up from 4GB in the entry-level notebook. The 13-inch model can also be configured with faster dual-core Intel Core i7 processors up to 3.0 GHz with Turbo Boost speeds up to 3.5 GHz. The 15-inch model features faster quad-core Intel Core i7 processors up to 2.5 GHz with Turbo Boost speeds up to 3.7 GHz, 16GB of memory, up from 8GB in the entry-level notebook, and can be configured with quad-core Intel Core i7 processors up to 2.8 GHz with Turbo Boost speeds up to 4.0 GHz. The top-of-the-line 15-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display has a new, lower starting price of £1,999 / $2,499. Apple today also lowered the starting price of the non-Retina 13-inch MacBook Pro by £100 to £899 / $1,099.

Building on the features of the PowerShot SX510 HS, the new PowerShot SX520 HS digital camera incorporates a 42x otical zoom with optical image stabilisation, a 16-megapixel CMOS imager, and a dedicated movie button that enables users to easily record 1080p Full HD videos. Upgraded from its predecessor, the PowerShot SX520 HS features Canon's Creative Shot mode that uses a combination of lighting, colour and composition from the original image to create unique, artistic images. The PowerShot SX520 HS digital camera will be available in September 2014 for an estimated retail price of £299.00/€359.00$399.99.

The Canon PowerShot SX400 IS is a CCD-based, 16-megapixel digital compact camera with 30x optical zoom and 720p movies. The camera has a Smart AUTO mode that identifies an ideal image setting by intelligently selecting from one of 32 pre-defined modes for still shots and 21 scenes for video, while the updated grip design improves handling comfort. The PowerShot SX400 IS digital camera's High Speed AF, also upgraded from the previous model, helps to reduce lag time so that the perfect shot can be captured quickly and with ease. The PowerShot SX400 IS digital camera will be available in August 2014 in black or red for an estimated retail price of £259.00/€315.00/$249.99.

Sony Professional has launched a "business" camcorder with a 1"-type sensor and 12x optical zoom. Equipped with a 13.2×8.8mm, 20-megapixel Exmor-R branded CMOS imager and a 29-348mm equivalent Carl Zeiss T* lens, the Sony XDCAM PXW-X70 camcorder weighs in at 1.4kg and measures 180.9×287×130.3mm. Supporting multiple video recording formats, the Sony XDCAM PXW-X70 features an XLR terminal, dual memory card slots as well as HDMI and 3G-SDI interfaces, and records video at up to 1080p resolution at up to 60fps, with Sony promising 4K recording capabilities via a future firmware upgrade. In addition, the Sony XDCAM PXW-X70 has an integrated Wi-Fi module and supports NFC, making it possible to control the camera via your smartphone. Availability and pricing have yet to be confirmed.

Source: Sony Professional - Japan

Phase One Industrial today released Phase One iX Capture, an image capture and raw conversion application designed specifically for aerial photography. The software enables operators to track each capture and utilize real-time feedback to be confident that each image has been captured correctly. Dov Kalinski, General Manager of Phase One Industrial said, “Our new iX Capture application has been designed to boost efficiency — enabling inflight picture review, ensuring high quality image results and streamlining the inflight capture process." Compatible with the Windows 8.1 operating system, the Phase One iX Capture application was created for use exclusively with Phase One aerial cameras. It is a free application available immediately from the website below.

Canon broadcast lenses were the most widely used broadcast lenses covering the matches of the recent World Cup in Brazil, the company said in a statement. Furthermore, the professional photographers tasked with capturing the events utilised Canon DSLR cameras and lenses more than any other brand. Throughout the tournament, approximately 70 percent of imaging professionals chose Canon DSLRs and lenses to capture and share the memorable moments of the matches, the company claims. At each of the 12 stadiums that hosted football matches in Brazil, Canon Professional Service had teams of technical and professional representatives providing imaging professionals with access to product support, equipment maintenance, and product loans.

Blackmagic Design has released version 1.9 of its Camera software which includes new “heads up display” on-screen metering that provides customers with histogram, peak audio meters and recording time remaining for the Blackmagic Production Camera 4K (pictured). The update is available now free of charge from the Blackmagic Design website. Existing customers can download this update now and install it onto their camera from either Mac or Windows computers using a simple USB cable connection to the camera. Once the update is complete, customers can view the new on-screen menus by simply swiping their finger up from the bottom of the capacitative touch screen.

The new Lima from Pompidoo is a mid-sized camera bag for a modern woman-photographer or a keen amateur. Available in three vibrant colours – Aqua Dreams, Fiesta Dreams and Nougat Dreams –  the Lima bag can hold up to 1.8kg of weight and one of the following gear sets: a compact camera; a CSC or a mid-sized dSLR camera with lens attached; and one additional lens. Pompidoo Lima bags are available from €199.

Lastolite has just intoduced the Out of Focus Background range. Lastolite Out of Focus backgrounds enable photographers to create the out of focus look instantly whether in the studio or in a client’s home, regardless of the aperture of the lens used. The Out of Focus Backgrounds are available in two reversible options, Summer Foliage & City Lights (pictured) or Autumn Foliage & Seascape. Measuring 1.2m x 1.5m (4’ x 5’) the Lastolite Out of Focus backgrounds are available now and priced at £118.95.

Iridient Digital has released version 2.4.4 of Iridient Developer. This update adds raw image file support for the Samsung NX3000 and also includes support for automatic lens corrections based on raw image metadata for all Samsung NX mirrorless models. This release is a paid upgrade for users who originally purchased a license prior to 1 November 2012. Upgrades are available for the discounted price of $45. New licenses can be purchased for $75.