Apple's new iPad mini with Retina display is now available fot purchase in the UK. This new tablet offers a 7.9" backlit IPS panel with 2048x1536 pixels for a resolution of 326ppi. The built-in "iSight" camera module has a 5-megapixel sensor and a five-element lens with an aperture of f/2.4. In addition to capturing 5-megapixel stills, the iPad mini with Retina display can also record Full HD videos.iPad mini with Retina display Wi-Fi models will be available for a suggested retail price of £319 for the 16GB model, £399 for the 32GB model, £479 for the 64GB model and £559 for the 128GB model. Wi-Fi + Cellular models will be available for a suggested retail price of £419 for the 16GB model, £499 for the 32GB model, £579 for the 64GB model and £659 for the 128GB model.

Apple has issued a new Digital Camera Raw Compatibility Update to MacOS X Mavericks. Version 5.01 adds support for the following cameras to Aperture 3 and iPhoto '11: Canon PowerShot G16, Canon PowerShot S120, Fujifilm X-A1, Nikon Coolpix P7800 (pictured), Nikon D610, Olympus Pen Lite E-PL6, Panasonic LUMIX DMC-GX7, Panasonic Lumix DMC-LF1, Sony Alpha A3000 ILCE-3000 and Sony Alpha NEX-5T.

Website: Apple Support

Capture the Magic: Train Your Eye, Improve Your Photographic Composition by Jack Dykinga is a new title from Rocky Nook. In this book, the author teaches the art of creating interesting, well-composed images. Examples of strong images are juxtaposed against flawed images, illustrating how to create a successful composition. Topics covered include light and shadow, lens choice, framing, negative space, and many more. Filled with 130 full-page colour photographs, the 188-page volume is available for $39.95.

Kenro, the UK and Ireland Distributor of Benro products has launched a new range of Cool Walker Messenger Bags. The bags open quickly allowing rapid access to photo gear and small pockets at the front of the bag are great for the easy retrieval of mobile phones, wallets and other small accessories. The front and back pockets are large enough to store books, papers or magazines and the centre storage compartment is removable, allowing the bag to be used as a regular shoulder bag if required. This series comes in two variations, the M100N with a price of £82.20 and the M200N costing £88.68.

Lytro announced today Lytro 3D, a collection of features that enable pictures which have been processed for Perspective Shift to be viewed in 3D. With the release today of Lytro Desktop 3.1 for Mac and Windows available for download at Lytro.com and Lytro Mobile 1.2 for iOS, Lytro images can be viewed in Presentation Mode as 3D images and, by connecting to a 3D-capable TV over HDMI or Apple AirPlay, the 3D experience "can be extended to the living room for everyone to enjoy," the company says. “The beauty and power of Light Field technology is that we are able to continue to expand on how living pictures are experienced, first with Perspective Shift and now 3D,” said Jason Rosenthal, CEO, Lytro. “Lytro remains committed to delivering new ways to make visual storytelling more immersive and engaging through innovative software and hardware.”

PicStop has launched a new photography competition. The theme of the contest is “Travel” and each entrant may submit up to three photos, complete with titles and descriptions. Images must be in JPEG format and must not exceed 300 kilobytes in size. The deadline for entries is 28 February 2014. The first prize is an Apple iPad mini 16GB Wi-Fi worth £299.99. As always we suggest that you read the terms and conditions before entering your work.

Website: PicStop

The inaugural Andrew Carnegie Lecture at the University of Edinburgh, entitled "What Photography Is," will be delivered by leading art historian James Elkins on Thursday 16 January 2014. The lecture series will continue with separate events taking place at the Universities of St Andrews, Glasgow and Aberdeen later in 2014. Professor Chris Breward, Principal of Edinburgh College of Art said: “It is a privilege to host this series of events commemorating the enormous contribution Andrew Carnegie made to higher education in Scotland. By allowing the University access to key arts practitioners and researchers, the lectures will allow us to develop and enhance the research culture of Edinburgh College of Art as a whole, and contribute to a wider global arts agenda.” Tickets are free and available to book online at the website below.

Epson has announced its first Japanese-inspired media, Japanese Kozo Paper Thin. Fabien Nicol, product manager, Epson Europe, says: “The introduction of Epson’s Kozo paper comes at a time when designers and artists are increasingly looking to use fresh and alternative media in conjunction with technology to create original and stunning pieces of fine art. Our Kozo paper fulfils this requirement by being printer-friendly while combining the appeal of light weight, strength, translucence and deep colour saturation.” Part of Epson's SignatureWorthy range of media, the Japanese Kozo Paper Thin is a lightweight and translucent 34gsm paper designed to perform with UltraChrome HDR and UltraChrome K3 inks. The Kozo paper will be available from 7 December 2013, priced from £66 per 10m roll.

Canon has posted a teaser ad on its South Korean website, hinting at a new, white digital SLR camera. The ad depticts an SLR camera underneath a white sheet. As of writing, it is unclear whether Canon is planning to release a completely new model or a white variant of an existing camera.

Website: Canon South Korea

Adobe has posted Lightroom 5.3 and Adobe Camera Raw (ACR) 8.3 as "release candidates." These updates add full or preliminary support for fifteen new cameras and digital backs including the Canon PowerShot S120, the Fujifilm XQ1 and X-E2, the Nikon 1 AW1, D5300, D610 and Coolpix P7800, the Olympus OM-D E-M1 and Stylus 1, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM1, the Phase One IQ260 and IQ280, the Sony A7, A7R and RX10. Additionally, they contain new profiles for one Canon, four Nikon, one Sigma and two Sony lenses.

Website: Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 5.3 RC

Website: ACR 8.3 RC for Photoshop CC

Website: ACR 8.3 RC for Photoshop CS6

Blackmagic Design has released DaVinci Resolve 10, available now for download free of charge for all existing DaVinci Resolve customers. This edition is a major upgrade that includes innovative on set tools, new editing features, support for OpenFX plug-ins and more. New editing features include full multi track editing with 16 channels of audio per clip and unlimited video and audio tracks in the timeline. Other new editing features include extensive ripple, roll, slide and slip clip trimming support which display dynamically on the timeline and viewer. Colour correction features have been upgraded in DaVinci Resolve 10, including support for industry standard OpenFX plug ins with an unlimited number of plug ins per clip. There are now unlimited power windows per corrector node and the new Gradient PowerWindow lets colorists quickly add a gradient across the image.

Elgato today announced Thunderbolt Drive+, a fast and ultra-portable storage solution for Thunderbolt and USB 3.0. By combining server-grade Plextor SSD technology, bus-powered operation, and a solid metal enclosure, Elgato Thunderbolt Drive+ is available immediately for £429.95 (256 GB) and £759.95 (512 GB).