Olympus has announced firmware updates for the OM-D E-M1 compact system camera (read review), the M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-50mm f/3.5-6.3 EZ lens (read review) and the Stylus XZ-2 premium compact camera (read review). Firmware version 1.1 for the Olympus OM-D E-M1 improves Live Bulb image quality while noise reduction is on, enhances AF operation including C-AF, improves image stabilisation in the Sports and Children scene modes, and corrects chromatic aberration caused by the Panasonic Lumix G Vario 14-140mm f/3.5-5.6 lens. Firmware update 1.3 for the Olympus Stylus XZ-2 improves AF performance when you use a single target in a low-light situation. Finally, the firmware upgrade for the 12-50mm lens improves stability when using electronic zoom in combination with Panasonic cameras. As usual those updating their firmware should use the company's free Digital Camera Updater utility.

onOne Software has now released Perfect Photo Suite 8, which had been announced back in September. Key new features include the Perfect Enhance module for essential photo adjustments, the Perfect Eraser with content-aware fill technology, the Perfect Batch processing utility for applying workflows to multiple images at once, and a re-engineered Perfect Effects module with twice as many filters, customisable presets, and integrated FocalPoint technology. The new Perfect Photo Suite 8 will be available 26th November in three editions: Premium, Standard, and an edition for Adobe Lightroom & Apple Aperture. Perfect Photo Suite 8 for Adobe Lightroom & Apple Aperture works with Lightroom, Aperture, Photoshop Elements, and as a standalone application. It is available for $129.95; upgrades are $79.95. The Standard Edition works as a complete standalone photo editor and is available for $79.95.

Hahnemühle FineArt have launched a new corporate design including a revamped logo and a redesigned website. "The goal of the development: to create an up-to-date range of information and modern easy-to-use dialogue platforms," the company said in a statement. "The new website is charged with emotions, technically up to date and open for dialogue with the users." To visit the new Hahnemühle website, follow the link below.

Kenko Tokina USA has announced the availability of the Tokina AT-X 11-16mm f/2.8 Type-II lens for Sony's A-mount cameras with APS-C sized sensors. This compact ultra-wideangle zoom, which features 13 elements in 11 groups and a 9-bladed iris diaphragm, will go on sale in January 2014. The main features include an angle-of-view range of 104° to 82°, a minimum focus distance of 30cm, a maximum reproduction ratio of 1:11.6, and a one-clutch focus mechanism that allows the photographer to switch between AF and MF simply by snapping the focus ring forward for AF and back toward the lens mount for manual focusing.

The Lomography Online Shop now carries the Harman TiTAN Pinhole Camera, which takes pinhole photos on 4x5" sheet film. Made of lightweight yet heavy-duty ABS plastic, this large format camera features two2 tripod mounts, built-in spirit levels, and accessory mount. Priced at €240, the Harman TiTAN Pinhole Camera comes bundled with an interchangeable 72mm wide-angle cone. Separate cones of 110 and 150mm are also available. 

Manfrotto today introduced the redesigned website of the Manfrotto School of Xcellence (MSoX), its dedicated online educational platform. New additions include a Picture of the Day feature, a section called Five Golden Rules where MSoX photographers draw up their own, personal ‘golden rules’ regarding photography or videography, plus Interviews, News and Events. In addition, the Manfrotto School of Xcellence will continue providing reportages through this platform, as well as announcing upcoming webinars, tutorials and workshops given by the most important personalities in the global photography industry.

Mastering the Nikon Coolpix A by Darrell Young is a new ebook from Rocky Nook. Exploring the features and capabilities of the camera in a way that far surpasses the user’s manual, this ebook guides readers through the camera features with step-by-step setting adjustments, colour illustrations and detailed explanations for each option. The 375-page ebook is available for $12.95.

For a limited time, JP Distribution will be offering the Sekonic L-478DR and L-478D light meters in a bundle with a five-degree spot finder and new meter/spot finder case. All three items are offered at a discount of 15% off the regular individual pricing SRP.

Fantasea Line has officially released the FG16 underwater housing for the Canon Powershot G16 digital compact camera. The Fantasea FG16 maintains full access to all camera controls and functions while providing waterproofing down to depths of 60 metres / 200 feet. A complete system of dedicated accessories, including conversion optics, flash and video lighting sets, will be available for the housing. The Fantasea FG16 is available now for $575 / €530.

Website: Fantasea

Datacolor will be hosting a month long holiday giveaway during the month of December. Beginning 1st December, daily prizes will be awarded through the Datacolor website with a new door opening each day to reveal the featured prize. “For the second year in a row, we’re partnering with some of the industry’s most recognisable brands in an effort to make the holiday season for many imaging professionals even brighter,” said David Tobie, global product technology manager for Datacolor. “Not only is this a fun way for us to close out the year, but it provides digital imaging specialists of all skill sets the opportunity to start the New Year with a gear bag full of cool new gadgets.” Photographers are encouraged to enter the Datacolor Happy Holidays Giveaway by visiting the website below.

On Monday, Leica finalised the acquisition of Sinar Photography, the Swiss manufacturer of view cameras, lenses, digital backs and shutter systems. Marketing, product management, support, development and production will remain in the hands of Sinar in Switzerland. Sales and distribution of the product portfolio will be handled by Leica and the worldwide dealer network of Sinar Photography. Leica now possesses a complete product portfolio from a medium format digital camera system to digital view cameras and, as a result of the takeover, is now the only full-range provider of digital camera systems in formats larger than 35mm full frame. The financial details of the transaction have not been disclosed.

Lomography has unveiled a transparent collector's edition of its do-it-yourself film camera - the Konstruktor. Like the regular version, the transparent collector's edition  takes about 1-2 hours to build, but unlike its cousin, it cannot take pictures. "It looks absolutely fantastic on any coffee table or bookshelf, and will act as a perfect conversation starter and centre piece for your upcoming holiday parties," the company promises. The Lomography Konstruktor Transparent Collector's Edition is available as a standalone product for €59, or as part of a special gift bundle that also includes a fully functioning, garden variety Konstruktor.

The Societies have announced that Bowens will be sponsoring their annual 20x16” Print Competition. Phil Jones, The Societies CEO says, "Bowens are great supporters of the 20x16” Print Competition and have sponsored the 1st prize for the last four years. We are delighted to say that the Mosaic Bi-Colour LED Panel will be awarded to the overall winner at our Awards Night on the Saturday 18 January during our Convention." For full details on The Societies 20x16” Print Competition visit the website below.

The Traveling Photographer: A Guide to Great Travel Photography by Sandra Petrowitz is a new title from Rocky Nook. In this 224-page volume, the author combines theoretical information, practical advice, and helpful suggestions for taking successful pictures while travelling - whether you are exploring an exotic location, enjoying your annual summer vacation, or simply visiting your local park. Beautifully illustrated with photographs from all over the world, this guide is on sale now, priced at $32.95,

Nokia UK today announced the availability of the Lumia 1520, its first 'phablet' with a 6” high-definition display. The Nokia Lumia 1520's 20-megapixel camera carries the 'PureView' branding, although its 1/2.5-type sensor is considerably smaller than the 1/1.2-type imager of the PureView 808 or the 1/1.5-type sensor of the Lumia 1020. Other highlights include a Zeiss-branded 26mm (eq.) f/2.4 lens, dual LED flash with three selectable modes of operation, a 3400mAh battery with integrated wireless charging and a Full HD display with a resolution of 368ppi. The Nokia Lumia 1520 will be on sale from O2 retail, Vodafone on-line, Carphone Warehouse, Phones4u and widely available from independent retailers via Micro-P from 6th December priced from approx. £38 per month on contract.