Corel's new AfterShot Pro 2 software is billed as the industry’s fastest raw converter and photo management application. Available for Linux, MacOS and Windows, Corel AfterShot Pro 2 features 64-bit processing, 26 new camera profiles, workspace enhancements, a complete range of HDR imaging tools (currently Windows only), easier batch processing, manual redeye removal, local contrast enhancements, Athentec noise removal algorithms and better performance with TIFF files. AfterShot Pro 2 is available now in English, German, French, Dutch, Italian and Japanese. Suggested retail pricing is $79.99 / €69.99/ £57.99.

DxO Labs have released DxO Optics Pro 9.5 for Mac and Windows. This version offers a new image transfer feature that lets users process their raw  photos from Adobe Lightroom. The upgrade also adds support for 4 new cameras including the Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark II, the Nikon 1 V3, the Panasonic Lumix GH-4, and the Sony A6000; and adds 165 new camera-lens combinations to the ever-growing library of DxO Optics Modules.

Panasonic has released a firmware update for its GX7 compact system camera. According to the company, version 1.3 incorporates the following improvements/fixes:

"Connection problem with Apple iOS devices via Wi-Fi is fixed."
"Improved stability of startup process in the use of UHS-I compliant SD memory card."

Joint update service for FourThirds

Olympus has posted a firmware update for its OM-D E-M10 compact system camera. According to the company, version 1.1 incorporates the following improvements and fixes:

• Image stabilisation compensation while shooting videos has been stabilised.
• A 0-second setting has been added to Anti-Shock mode.

You can update your camera's firmware via the free Digital Camera Updater utility.

Olympus has issued a firmware update for the OM-D E-M1 compact system camera. Version 1.4 incorporates the following improvements:

• AF response when using FourThirds lenses has been improved.
• Stabilisation of shooting in C-AF has been improved.
• Shooting images when using the remote control function of the smart phone application "OLYMPUS Image Share" now supports Art Filters, custom self timer, zoom operation when using the electric zoom, Digital Tele-converter, and Release mode.

You can update your camera's firmware via the free Digital Camera Updater utility.

Butterfleye today unveiled a smart camera with Active Eye Intelligence that lets you see and hear what’s happening in your home when you are away. " When you are nearby, butterfleye becomes your personal photographer, capturing candid moments that might otherwise be missed," the company says. The smart, social and connected Fukk HD camera features Active Eye Intelligence that automatically captures pictures and videos throughout the day and uploads them to the Cloud, where they can then be accessed via an iPhone and shared on social networks including Facebook, Instagram and Vine. butterfleye now available to pre-order, for $199.

The Microsoft Surface Pro 3 is a 12" tablet featuring 4th-generation Intel Core i3, i5 or i7 processor options, click-in keyboards, and a multiposition kickstand. The display boasts a resolution of 2160x1440 pixels and an aspect ratio of 3:2. Connectivity options and ports include Wi-Fi 802.11ac/802.11 a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0, USB 3.0, Mini Display Port and a microSD memory card slot. The Windows 8.1 powered Microsoft Surface 3 Pro is capable of running desktop software suites and features two 5-megapixel camera modules. Pricing starts at £639/$799.

Booq has unveiled the latest addition to their Boa collection, Boa flow graphite. The bag's weatherproof ballistic nylon exterior is equipped with water-repellent coating to endure even the most hazardous weather conditions. To keep you fully covered, a rain cover with reflective elements makes you visible in low light conditions. A malleable interior compartment allows you to enhance or collapse the main and bottom compartment, making room for a DSLR, large headphones and other necessities. A back laptop compartment has been densely padded to fit up to a 17” MacBook or PC, meanwhile a plethora of exterior pockets keep all other fundamentals safely tucked away and easily accessible. Boa flow is available now for $225.

Manfrotto has launched a new Pro Light Collection; the lightest bag collection available in the Manfrotto range. The new bags feature Manfrotto’s CPS (Camera Protection System) which has been specifically engineered to provide maximum protection at the core of the bag by using 3D shock absorbing foam to give the highest level of safety and resistance. The collection also features Advanced Harness System and gecko EVA foam harness straps which allow the Pro Light bags to be extremely comfortable to wear. Furthermore, the anatomic shape is designed to perfectly fit the body of the camera, while the removable waist strap ensures stability. The Manfrotto Pro Light range includes a total of 33 items.

The fourth annual IdeasTap and Magnum Photographic Award is now open to all photographers aged 16+ worldwide. Aimed at identifying, showcasing and celebrating documentary photographers, the competition offers prizes including £5,000 cash, £1,500 project funding, mentoring from Magnum photographers and the chance to work at Magnum’s offices. The winners of the 2013 award will be announced on Thursday 22 May 2014. The deadline for entries is 17 July 2014.

Apple has released a Digital Camera RAW Compatibility Update for iPhoto '11 and Aperture 3. Version 5.05 adds support for raw image files generated by the Nikon D4S, the Canon EOS 1200D and PowerShot G1 X Mark II (pictured), and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10. You can download the update from the website below.

Website: Apple Digital Camera RAW Compatibility Update 5.05

SWPP & WPPI have entered into a partnership to offer members joint membership of both photographic organisations. SWPP members are now able to access previously exclusive WPPI competitions, be enrolled as a WPPI member and gain discounted rates to WPPI’s annual Las Vegas Convention. Phil Jones, CEO of The Society of Wedding and Portrait Photographers said, “This is a terrific opportunity for our members to share in the benefits of another world leading organisation and have the opportunity to attend a Las Vegas Convention’.

During the months of May and June, X-Rite will be attending nine open days and roadshows across the United Kingdom. At these events, they will be demonstrating the full range of X-Rite colour management solutions for photographers, including the new ColorTRUE App, designed for achieving accurate colour on your mobile devices. Click through / scroll down for the details.

AKVIS has announced a new additional frame pack for its ArtSuite software. The brand new Beauty Pack includes 50 hand painted frames which can be used to decorate your blog or photo album. With the release of the new product, 15 themed packs are now available for use in ArtSuite: Travel Pack, Fantasy Pack, Wedding Pack, Baby Pack, Spring Pack, Summer Pack, Autumn Pack, Winter Pack, Halloween Pack, Christmas Pack, Saint Valentine Pack, Chinese Horoscope, Sports Pack,Pirates World, and the new Beauty Pack. Do note that the frame packs can only be used in the AKVIS ArtSuite Standalone program, which sells for $69. The new Beauty Frame Pack is $15.

The NEC MultiSync EA244UHD is a 24-inch Ultra HD monitor featuring a wide-colour-gamut panel with 14-bit gamma processing. Offering the latest DisplayPort connectivity, as well as a range of DVI and HDMI inputs, this monitor has a resolution of 3,840 x 2,160 pixels. Those using a multiscreen configuration will also benefit from the ControlSync harmonisation feature that matches brightness, white point temperature, energy saving and other settings, as well as the ability to turn up to six synchronised displays on and off with one button. The new NEC MultiSync EA244UHD display will become available in June

EyeEm has announced its inaugural Global Photography Festival & Awards. Held in Berlin on 12-13 September 2014, the EyeEm Global Photography Festival & Awards include a global photo competition open for all photographers, from novice to professional. Judges include renowned photography director Anna G. Dickson from The Huffington Post, New York Times photographer Daniel Krieger, Olivier Laurent from TIME magazine, and Stephen Mayes, member of the founding management team at Getty Images. Participants will have the opportunity to win cash and non-cash prizes, as well as have their work exhibited at the Berlin Holzmarkt and published in a book. Categories include The Portraitist, The Explorer, The Illusionist, The Architect, The Street Photographer, The Illuminator, The Speedster, The Naturalist, The Storyteller and The Stylist. For more information, visit the website below.

B&H has started taking pre-orders for the Sony Alpha A7S full-frame compact system camera. Available from July, the 4K-capable Sony A7S sells for $2498 in a body-only configuration, which is only $200 dearer than the Sony A7R. The Sony A7S is a new 12.2-megapixel compact system camera with a 35mm full-frame sensor, 4K movie recording, a sensitivity range of ISO 50 to 102,400 (extendable to ISO 409,600)  and an improved auto focus system that remains operational down to light levels as low as -4EV. Using data read-out from every single pixel of the 35mm full-frame sensor, the Sony A7S records 4K movies (24p and 25p) that are free from aliasing and jaggies. The camera's professional video functions include XAVC S Full HD recording at 50Mbps, time code and optional XLR audio inputs.

Website: B&H