SanDisk has announced the availability of its new SanDisk Extreme PRO SSD. With sequential read speeds of 550 MB/s and write speeds of up to 520 MB/s, the SanDisk Extreme PRO is available in capacities up to 1TB. SanDisk’s nCache Pro technology utilises a two-tiered caching architecture to optimise speed and endurance for heavy workloads, efficient multi-tasking, and responsiveness on desktops and laptops alike. Offering an industry-leading 10-year limited warranty, the SanDisk Extreme PRO SSD comes in capacities of 240GB (MSRP $189), 480GB (MSRP $369), and 960GB (MSRP $599).

Kenko Tokina USA has announced its new CFL series of SLIK carbonfibre tripods with newly developed S.R.L. Speed Release Locks. These fast, easy-to-use lever locks are spring-loaded to hold each section of the tripod legs securely. There are six models in this series, ranging from compact feather-weight tripods for backpacking to larger tripods for use on location with heavier equipment. Click through / scroll down for the details.

Samsung invites consumers to #DITCHtheDSLR at Ditch Day on New York’s Times Square today from 12pm – 6pm ET. Attendees have the opportunity to trade-in a DSLR in exchange for a new Samsung NX30 (pictured). The event features several unique shooting stations where consumers have the opportunity to experience the full line of mirrorless and SMART cameras in a variety of scenarios. Additionally, a group of Samsung #Imageloggers are on hand discussing their experiences since ditching the DSLR in favour of Samsung’s NX cameras and offering up tips for how to capture great images. The Samsung Ditch Day event is taking place on Times Square, between 42nd and 43rd streets, in front of the NASDAQ marquee.

Adobe have released Camera Raw 8.5 Release Candidate for Photoshop CS6 and CC. This update adds support for the Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark II, the Fujifilm FinePix S1, the Nikon 1 J4 and V3, the Olympus OM-D E-M10 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 cameras, fixes an issue with reading lossless compressed Nikon raw files from nine older Nikon dSLRs, and adds profiles for fourteen lenses from Fuji, Nikon, Sigma and Tamron.

Website: Adobe Labs

The Society of International Nature and Wildlife Photographers (SINWP) have announced the winners of their ‘Water’ themed contest. Kutub Uddin from Bognor Regis, West Sussex, has been named as the overall winner for his image entitled, "Raining" (see above). "The picture was taken at morning in my garden Bognor Regis, West Sussex, England, with a Sony a77 & a Sony 100mm macro lens," Kutub says. The runners-up are Mara Acoma from County Durham and Gerald Davies from Port Talbot.

Adorama has expanded its Flashpoint ZeroGrav line with the Flashpoint ZeroGrav III hybrid DSLR/digital video stabiliser featuring a jib-like arm for low angle shots. "Using a dynamic spring-powered arm supporting a gimballed aluminium alloy monopod, ZeroGrav combines the best of gimbal-based camera stabilisation systems to offer a unique, silky-smooth approach to filming," the company says. The jib-like arm on the ZeroGrav III can be rotated vertically, putting the camera on the bottom and the counterbalance on the top, for low-angle shots. The camera is attached directly to the platform or by means of a quick-release adapter. Positive locking levers and micrometer-geared adjusting knobs on a clearly marked calibration scale ensure the slightest changes in equipment weight won’t affect the shot. The Flashpoint ZeroGrav Stabiliser III is now available for Ł300.

Aberystwyth University student Gregory Dash has created a new digital version of the classic Diana camera. Despite looking like a classic film camera, the digital Diana houses a 1/3” CMOS sensor and can take pictures of up to 12 megapixels. It also has a plastic lens, replicating the look of photos taken on the original camera but with the benefit of digital features including built it photo filters, and some manual controls. “We’ve already developed a working prototype and just now need to raise the funds to cover the costs to purchase the materials for the cameras," Greg says. Cameras will cost £65 each, with production limited to 1000 units. The project is currently raising funds via Indiegogo.

Lexar today expanded its Professional Workflow line to include 512GB and 256GB USB 3.0 storage drives. Designed for use with the Lexar Professional Workflow Hub, the Professional Workflow DD512 (pictured) and DD256 offer read transfer speeds up to 450MB per second and write speeds up to 245MB per second. Additionally, the drives include an LED capacity meter that allows users to see available storage space at a glance. Designed to enable fast transfer and back up of raw images, high-res photos, and HD, 3D, and 4K video, the drives can also be removed from the hub and used individually. The Lexar Professional Workflow DD512 and Lexar Professional Workflow DD256 are available now with MSRPs of £99.99 and £144.99, respectively.

Apple has announced OS X Yosemite. “Yosemite is the future of OS X with its incredible new design and amazing new apps, all engineered to work beautifully with iOS,” said Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior vice president of Software Engineering. The company is introducing the OS X Beta Programme, which gives customers early access to Yosemite and invites them to try out the release and submit their feedback. Mac users can participate in the OS X Beta Programme for Yosemite this summer and download the final version for free from the Mac App Store this autumn.

Apple has unveiled version 8 of its iOS operating system. This update adds some interesting enhancements to the Photos app, including automatic and manual horizon straightening, intelligent cropping, and a suite of smart editing tools. Another new photo feature is iCloud Photo Library, which gives you access to all of your photos and videos anytime, anywhere, across your enabled devices. iOS 8 will be available this autumn for iPhone 4S and newer, iPod touch 5th generation and newer, as well as iPad 2 and later devices.

Phase One has announced the immediate availability of the Schneider Kreuznach 40-80mm f/4.0-5.6 leaf shutter zoom lens. Designed specifically for the Phase One 645 camera platform, the Schneider Kreuznach 40-80mm f/4.0-5.6 is the latest result of close optical collaboration between Schneider Kreuznach, Phase One and Mamiya Digital Imaging. Featuring 15 elements (including 2 aspherical ones) in 11 groups, the new 40-80mm f/4.0-5.6 complements the existing Schneider Kreuznach 75-150 mm f/4.0-5.6 leaf shutter zoom lens. The Schneider Kreuznach 40-80mm LS f/4.0-5.6  is priced at €6.990 / $8,990.

Win one of two Manfrotto Professional Backpack 50 worth £219.95!

The two lucky winners are Jan Enkelmann and Michelle Bosomworth. Congratulations!

All the gear you want, protected and with you all the time! Built to carry pro DSLRs, lenses, flash, a laptop, tripod and accessories, Manfrotto Professional Backpacks are designed to function as a work station on the ground while you're shooting, and thanks to their Camera Protection System (CPS) and Exo-tough multi-layered construction, they ensure the maximum level of protection for your gear.

Product Features

The Professional Backpack 50 is designed to hold a pro DSLR with battery grips, attached 70-200 F/2.8 lens, additional camera body, 5 extra lenses, flash, tablet, 15” laptop, tripod and accessories. With a removable rain cover to protect your gear from the elements, and including detachable straps on the front and side of the bag for attaching a tripod, you can be sure this bag suits your every need!

CPS - Camera Protection System
Exo-tough multi-layered construction for higher protection
Bag opens completely, with flap serving as field mat
Side pockets for personal accessories
Front flap with pockets for accessories and a tablet
Padded adjustable shoulder straps + padded back system
Specialised tripod base for Manfrotto tripods
Tripod connects to front or side with detachable straps. Hidden side pocket for additional tripod
Carry options: shoulder strap, Easy Grip handle or slung over trolley handle
Top access for fast draw
Sturdy TPU feet keep bag off the ground and serve as shock absorbers

To find out more please visit http://www.manfrotto.co.uk

We're giving away 5 Eye-Fi Mobi 8GB wireless memory cards, worth £41.99 each!

The 5 lucky winners are: Barrie Bullock, colin baker, juergen hefele, Darren Stone and keren curran. Congratulations!

Eye-Fi Mobi adds the convenience and the connectivity of mobile devices to high quality digital photography. Photos and videos can now be transferred quickly, easily and wirelessly to a smartphone or tablet, making them immediately available for sharing with the rest of the world via social media or email.

Thanks to Eye-Fi Mobi, the cumbersome transfer of photos from the camera to smartphone or PC is a thing of the past, so now photographers only need to focus on making unforgettable photos. Juggling a multitude of devices is no longer necessary: the high quality photos from the camera can now be shared instantly via social media. Replace the camera’s standard SD card with an Eye-Fi Mobi card to make the pictures appear on your iOS or Android™ device in two simple steps.

To find out more please visit http://en.eyefi.com/

We're giving away 10 copies of Xara Photo & Graphic Designer 9, worth £69.99 each!

The 10 lucky winners are: Terry Wells, Poul P. Phillipsen, Sue Cook, Toni Arnott, chris nichol, Rebecca Herbert, Mark Clancy, Kirsty Hall, Gregg Carter and julie macmillan. Congratulations!

With Xara Photo & Graphic Designer 9 you can optimize your images and add your own special touch.

Perfect your photos using the retouch feature or design creative photo collages. Make your images stand out from the crowd with custom graphics and personalized logos.

Xara Photo & Graphic Designer 9 combines the best of photo and graphic design in one interface. The program contains a vast selection of powerful graphic design tools that are perfect for beginners and pros alike:

Flawless images

• Optimize the contrast, colour, and sharpness of your images

• Correct converging lines, cropping, red-eye effect, etc.

• Remove distracting elements from photos, e.g. road signs, people standing in the way, imperfections, etc.

Creative freedom

• Select image elements and reposition them freely anywhere you like

• Use photo filters for creative image effects

• Create panorama montages from several individual images

Graphic design

• Design logos, decorations or custom fonts

• Create spatial effects using the powerful 3D tool

• Insert gradients, shadows, and transparency effects for a realistic look

To find out more please visit http://www.magix.com/gb/xara-photo-graphic-designer/detail/

Nikon UK today announced that its Ambassador scheme has expanded to include two more photographers. Kate Hopewell-Smith followed her passion for photography after a career in marketing and now specialises in lifestyle photography, reflecting her love of capturing images of people. Bob Martin (pictured) is a multi-award winning sports photographer with a career that spans over 30 years and has taken him to some of the world’s major sporting events, including London 2012 where he was employed as Photo Chief. Kate and Bob join the five strong team of Ambassadors: John Wright – commercial photographer who specialises in fashion and celebrity, Ross Hoddinott - wildlife and landscape photo expert, Mark Seymour - multiple award-winning wedding photographer, Kirsty Mitchell – fine art photographer who is nearing the end of her stunning Wonderland collection and Mark Pain – Chief Sports photographer on the Mail on Sunday with a host of awards under his belt.

The Asus ProArt PA328Q is a 32" Ultra HD monitor featuring a 16:9-aspect-ratio WLED display with a resolution of 3840x2160 pixels. Each PA328Q is factory-calibrated (Delta <2) and provides 100% coverage of the sRGB colour space. In addition, it supports a 14-bit internal lookup table and offers 10-bit display colour for over a billion onscreen colours. Connectivity options include 4 USB 3.0 ports, 1 HDMI 2.0 terminal, 1 DisplayPort, 1 HDMI 1.4 connector and 1 Mini DisplayPort. Built-in Picture-in-Picture (PiP) and Picture-by-Picture (PbP) functionality let you view content from two different sources simultaneously, with the ability to switch video between sources easily. Pricing has yet to be communicated.

Issue 29 of David Noton’s Chasing the Light online magazine is now available. In this month's Behind the Lens and accompanying Video Blog, David relates the second part of his Iceland trip he undertook in March 2014. For the second part of his Low Down on Planning, he analyses what needs to be considered when planning an individual shoot: where, when, transport, packing and preparation. Renowned pro Ross Hoddinott has a brand new column, Hoddinott’s Hangout, with the inaugural installment presenting a travelogue of his recent trip to the Galapagos Islands, which includes some of the great wildlife shots he captured in that special environment. And in The Bizz, former picture researcher/editor and current freelance keyworder Juliet McGrory reveals the dark art behind captioning and keywording your images successfully. Please note that the full contents of Chasing the Light online magazine is available to f11 subscribers only. Non-members can purchase individual issues of the magazine at a price of £4.20.

Olympus is to release beautifully crafted special editions of its OM-D E-M10 compact system camera. Featuring luxury accessories, textures and colours, the E-M10 Limited Edition is available in a specially created shade of green (pictured), black or orange. Accessories include an exclusive genuine-leather shoulder strap and an ‘OM-D’ lens cap that exactly matches the grip and strap. The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Limited Edition will be available through selected stockists exclusively at Harrods – from late June 2014, for £749.