Nikon has posted firmware updates for the DX-format Nikon D7000 as well as the FX-format Nikon D3, D3S (pictured) and D3X DSLR cameras. Unlike the more comprehensive firmware updates issued for the Nikon D3200, D600, D800 and D4, this upgrade simply adds support for the new AF-S Nikkor 800mm f/5.6E FL ED VR lens.

Website: Nikon D7000 Firmware Update A1.03 / B1.04
Website: Nikon D3 Firmware Update A2.03 / B2.03
Website: Nikon D3S Firmware Update A1.02 / B1.02
Website: Nikon D3X Firmware Update A1.01 / B1.02

Issue 26 of Landscape Photography Magazine is now available for purchase. This month’s edition includes advices on using circular polarisers, a guide to underwater landscapes, a review of the book Ireland’s Coast by David Hay, a test of the Canon EOS 6D camera, an article on whether pro gear is really worth the money it costs, and much more. and much more. Do note that the full contents of Landscape Photography Magazine are available to subscribers only.

Pentax has launched a new spotting scope kit that will enable users to attach any Pentax digital SLR camera for digiscoping purposes. The PR-80 EDA spotting scope (£1,249.99) features a double-ED objective lens and FBMC (Fully Balanced Multi Coating) on all lenses with enhanced light transmission and resolution values for superior colour, contrast and brightness. The PR-80 EDA lit is argon-purged, fully water- and dustproof, and unusually compact. The adapter that will allow for the attachment of a DSLR is currently under development. By means of this adapter, the spotting scope can be “converted” into a high-power telephoto lens. The estimated focal length will be around 1500mm, the company says.

Tamron USA has launched its third My Photo Exhibit annual photo contest. Offered exclusively to Tamron USA lens users, the My Photo Exhibit competition gives one lucky winner the opportunity to win one of seven Tamron lenses (among them the Tamron 18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD, pictured). Entrants will create a 3D virtual exhibit showcasing 8-14 of their best images in a travel theme on Tamron’s unique photo sharing exhibit site, MyPhotoExhibits.com. The deadline for submissions is 30 September 2013.

Manfrotto School of Xcellence (MSoX) has announced two exclusive, free webinars for April. This Thursday, Victoria Hillman will be hosting an online seminar exploring her work as a wildlife and landscape photographer. This webinar begins at 4 p.m. BST. The second event will take place on 30th April (also starting at 4 p.m.) will see commercial, editorial and advertising photographer Drew Gardner present a range of his work, exploring lighting and technical details including a breakdown of each set, how it was lit and the equipment that was used.

Fujfilm North America will increase prices for consumer and professional photographic film as well as one-time-use cameras by approximately 20%, effective 1 July 2013. “The price increases are a result of the continuing decline in demand for film products, the high costs of production, and the increased expenses associated with raw materials, including silver and petro-chemicals, and energy,” the company said in a statement. “Under such circumstances, and despite efforts to maintain production costs, Fujifilm is unable to absorb these costs entirely and must implement price increases at this time.”

Schneider Kreuznach has launched a completely new series of full-frame lenses, the “Xenon full-frame primes.” Developed specifically for video enabled DSLRs (but also usable on professional cine cameras), the series initially comprises three fixed focal lengths: T2.1/35mm, T2.1/50mm and T2.1/75mm. The lenses support 4K Ultra HD video resolution and can also be used for stills photography. Cinematographers will be pleased to learn that they are all compatible with standard professional cine accessories like rigs, follow focus or matte boxes. Each Schneider-Kreuznach Xenon full-frame prime lens features a maximum aperture of T2.1, an iris diaphragm with 14 rounded blades, an M95 filter thread, robust cine-style lens mechanics and a focus ring with a 300° angle of rotation. For more information, visit the website below.

iStockphoto founder Bruce Livingstone has launched a new digital licensing cooperative called Stocksy. Under its brand new business model / compensation plan, photographers will receive a 50% royalty on each transaction and 100% on extended licenses; what’s more, 90% of all pro?ts will be divided among members at year’s end. Photographers who are accepted into the cooperative also receive equity and have a real say in how the business is operated. “We wanted to create a marketplace for photographers that was not only democratic, but fair and sustainable,” Livingstone says. “There’s no reason these artists shouldn’t be able to earn a living from what they produce.”

Canon has posted a firmware update for the Canon Pixma MG6320 printer. According to the simultaneously released product advisory, Version 2.010 fixes a phenomenon where the touch screen on the printer “may sometimes not respond.” You can download the firmware update from the website below.

Website: Canon Pixma MG6320 Product Page

Panasonic and Rankin Film Productions (RFP) have released the first “GH3-minute movie,” entitled Hertz. Three weeks ago, we wrote that Panasonic had partnered with RFP to produce three 3-minute films using three Lumix GH3 cameras. The partnership represents a unique way of promoting the camera and aims to further demonstrate the credentials and benefits a CSC has for “harnessing the creative visions of up-and-coming talent,” Panasonic says. Click through / scroll down to watch Hertz, the first “GH3-minute movie” in the series.

Mastering the Nikon D600 by Darrell Young is a new title from Rocky Nook. This book explores the features and capabilities of the camera in a way that far surpasses the user’s manual, the publisher claims. It guides readers through the camera features with step-by-step setting adjustments; color illustrations; and detailed how, when, and why explanations for each option. Every button, dial, switch, and menu configuration setting is explored in a user-friendly manner, with suggestions for setup according to various shooting styles. The 568-page volume is available for $40.

The Olympus Stylus TG-2 and the Olympus PEN Lite (E-PL5) cameras have each been hounoured with a Red Dot design award in the “Entertainment Technology and Cameras” category. The shock, frost, crush and waterproof Stylus TG-2 convinced the jury with its “combination of brawn and brains,” whereas the Olympus E-PL5 (pictured) won over the jusrors thanks to its “cutting-edge technology in a compact design matched with exceptional user-friendliness.” A third Red Dot design award was bestowed in the “Life Science and Medicine” category to the Olympus THUNDERBEAT system. The awards will be conferred on 1 July 2013 as part of the annual Red Dot gala.

Yesterday we reported that a set of “never-before-seen” colour photographs portraying inmates in the Dachau concentration camp had surfaced on the Vintage Everyday blog; with the remark that the original source of the photographs was not specified. Since then, we’ve managed to trace back the images to the copyright owner, which happens to be the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum (USHMM). The photos were apparently taken by Alexander Zabin, an “American soldier from Malverne, Long Island, New York, serving with the 4th Auxiliary Surgical Group in the US Third Army when he visited Dachau in mid-May 1945.”

Manfrotto Lighting has launched the new Hotrod Octa & Strip Box Grids. These new light modifying grids for the Hotrod Octa and Strip Softboxes provide a controlled direction to the light which can be positioned without having to worry about light spilling onto the background. They attach to the softbox using the included diffuser panel and hook and loop tape. Available for both sizes of Hotrod Octa and strip softboxes, the grids are priced from £52.92-£63.00.

PhotoShelter has partnered with ASMP to release their latest guide, The Photographer’s Guide on Copyright. Filled with insights and resources, the guide features in-depth interviews that will help photographers navigate U.S. copyright law, register their images and protect their work from infringement. You can download The Photographer’s Guide on Copyright from the website below.

Website: Photoshelter

Focal Press has announced the upcoming release of two new books for entry-level photographers by acclaimed author and travel photographer, Michael Freeman. “Digital Image Editing & Special Effects” ($24.95) is a tactical guide that walks readers through the basics of image processing to the powerful capabilities of today’s photo-editing software; “Black & White Photography Field Guide” ($15.95) is Freeman’s latest addition to Focal Press’ Field Guide series, offering advice on lighting, shooting, conversion and post-production. Both new books are currently available for pre-order and will be on shelves at major book stores by 15th May.

Panasonic has issued a firmware update for the Lumix DMC-GH3 compact system camera. As promised earlier, Version 1.1 enables users to connect their camera to a PC over Wi-Fi by inputting the computer’s name, and add a 60p, 28Mbps Full HD video recording mode for MP4 movies. The firmware update also enhances AF speed and continuous shooting performance when using the camera in AF-C mode in conjunction with the 14-42mm, 40-150mm and 45-175mm lenses; and incorporates a number of bug fixes and improvements.

Website: Panasonic Japan