Addonics today announced an internal and external reader/writer that allows you to use mSATA SSDs or CFast cards as removable media on any computer. The Addonics External Reader/Writer comes bundled with mSATA and CFast adapters. The adapters convert the mSATA or the CFast media into a 1.8” micro SATA storage device that can be inserted into the open slot of the Reader/Writer. The Addonics Internal Reader/Writer mounts directly in the 3.5” drive bay of any system and connects via the SATA port or SuperSpeed USB 3.0 port. Like the external version, the Internal Reader/Writer comes bundled with two adapters for the mSATA SSD and CFast card and converts the mSATA or the CFast media into a 1.8” micro SATA SSD that can be inserted into the open slot of the reader/writer. A model with two slots is also available to accommodate two media. MSRP starts at $55 for the single-slot internal model with SATA interface.

58 North has announced that the free iPad digital photo book app, Pholium, now offers the highest-quality hardbound photo book printing capabilities. By including QR codes in Pholium photo quality printed books, viewers can experience the same interactive sound and video contained in the eBooks. When a user hovers over a QR code with any smartphone or tablet, they are instantly directed to the multimedia content. “Printed photo books are great, but they are limited to whatever is on the page,” said Robert Sinclair, co-founder of 58 North. “With this update, we’re giving life to printed photo books and allowing our users to tell and share a richer story through multimedia assets.” The lay-flat printed Pholium books are available with glossy or matte finished image wrap covers and can contain up to 158 photos, audio captions and video links.  The up to 80-page printed books start at $42 (8-inch) and $47 (10-inch). Shipping is included.

500px and Wave have launched a new photo contest. Wave is a smart online application for invoicing, accounting and payroll that helps small businesses (such as photography studios). The winner of this week’s photo contest will receive a $500 gift card and exposure on Wave’s social media channels. The theme is “Storefronts” and photographers have until Sunday 17th March to submit their work. Note that you need to have a 500px profile in order to enter the competition.

Franzis Verlag, a German publishing house, introduced its HDR Projects Platin software for the first time to an international audience at the Focus on Imaging 2013. HDR Projects Plating features an extensive array of functions and flexible editing methods for high-quality results, the company says. Highlights include seven HDR imaging algorithms, selective HDR for precise results, “exceptionally natural” and realistic rendering of high-contrast scenes, adjustable smoothing for the removal of unwanted halos and more. HDR Projects Platin is a stand-alone software optimised for MacOS 64-bit and Windows 32-bit and 64-bit operating systems and sells for £99 including VAT.

BlackRapid has teamed up with Tether Tools to create the new TabStrap for tablet users. Comprisign a BlackRapid Metro strap, connector and bracket that integrates with a Wallee tablet case, the TabStrap enables users to comfortably wear a tablet and free up their hands during events such as wireless tethering photo shoots, trade-shows, meetings, educational platforms and more. The system currently supports all iPad models and Galaxy Tab 10.1 tablets. The complete TabStrap kit retails for $89.90.

A company called Hink is promising to release an entirely new kind of flash for photographers, which will supposedly “change the way we use flash in our images.” To say details are sparse is an understatement - all we know is that the product is “going to be out before Christmas and in the public eye by June.” The company has set up a teaser page on Facebook to raise awareness of the new brand but hasn’t revealed much about the project except that it’s code-named “Spacefish.” Reacting to reader feedback about the scarcity of tangible information, Hink commented that “[t]here’s not a lot we can reveal just yet without potentially jeopardising our product.”

Stock photography agency Dreamstime has launched a “Camera” section that collects together and enables detailed searching of all of the company’s images where the camera/equipment details were available in the exchangeable image file format (EXIF) metadata. More than eighty percent of Dreamstime’s collected images retain EXIF information, with more than 2,000 different camera models catalogued. This new camera section offers value to photographers who can now see the different camera models that are most frequently used in stock photography and spot trends between certain cameras and types of subject matter. They can also review and compare the images produced by cameras that are at certain price point levels or possess particular technological features, aiding them with purchasing decisions, the company says.

The Samsung NX1100 is a new 20-megapixel NX system camera with built-in wireless connectivity. In an unusual move, the NX1100 was not announced by Samsung themselves but by B&H Photo Video, which is currently accepting pre-orders for a kit comprising the camera body - in either black or white -, a 20-50mm f/3.5-5.6 ED II lens, an external flash and a DVD-ROM version of Adobe Photoshop Lightroom. Headline specifications are similar to those of the NX1000; including a 20.3 megapixel APS-C sized CMOS sensor, 8fps continuous shooting, a 3-inch/921k-dot rear display, Full HD video recording at 30fps, and integrated Wi-Fi. With the free Samsung Smart Camera app, you can instantly back up the images, share them directly to social media sites and use a smartphone as a remote viewfinder and shutter release. The Samsung NX1100 bundle is available to pre-order for $699.

Spider Holster has just launched the Spider Monkey Holster for photographic accessories. This is a compact yet durable holster clip that easily attaches to any belt or camera bag loop allowing photographers to hang their most-used equipment for quick-draw accessibility. The scalable Spider Monkey accessory system eliminates the need for photographers to carry an added shoulder bag by hanging their most oft-used tools right on their belt. The durable Spider Monkey Base clip and tab are built for long-term use, with the ability to securely hold camera accessories weighing about one pound including flashes, light meters and battery packs. The Spider Monkey Tab attaches to the accessory with a robust adhesive tab (which removes cleanly after use) and an additional Velcro attachment band for ultimate security. Attendees of the WPPI Expo (March 11-13, 2013 MGM Grand, Las Vegas, NV) can visit Spider Holster in booth #330 for a hands-on demonstration. The base Spider Monkey system, with holster clip, adhesive tab and the Velcro attachment loop will carry an MSRP of $17.

As the exclusive distributor for Phottix products in the United States, OmegaBrandess has just launched the Phottix Mitros TTL flash for Canon. Functions include built-in IR triggering with Master and Slave modes, AF assist light, 180 degree turn in both directions, auto/manual zooming flash head, high-speed and rear-curtain sync, and “fast recharge times.” The Phottix Mitros TTL Flash includes a USB port for firmware upgrades and a 3.5mm sync port. The E-TTL capable Phottix Mitros has a guide number of 190 (in feet at ISO 100/21°) and runs on four AA batteries. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price for the Mitros TTL Flash for Canon is $349.99.

Akvis has released Version 3.5 of Akvis HDRFactory, an application that creates HDR images from a series of photographs taken at different exposures. This edition adds the new Crop tool which helps to remove unwanted areas and reduce image size, fixes bugs and incorporates support for raw images from the Canon EOS 6D, EOS 600D, EOS 1100D and PowerShot S100. Registered users of HDRFactory can upgrade to the newest version free of charge, by downloading and installing the new version.

Samsung UK today announced that the brand new Samsung NX300 camera will come bundled with Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 4. Recently launched at CES, the NX300 is the latest model in Samsung’s NX range. Key specifications include a twenty-megapixel imager with on-sensor phase detection AF sensors, an articulated OLED touchscreen and Wi-Fi connectivity. Other highlights include a sensitivity range of ISO100/21°—ISO25,600/45°, a maximum shutter speed of 1/6000 sec,  8.6fps continuous shooting, a 5-way manual key interface and i-Depth, an easy and simple way to adjust the depth-of-field of an image using the NX Series’ unique i-Function system. Shipping in March, the Samsung NX300 will come with a copy of Lightroom 4, which normally sells for more than £100.

Ritz Camera & Imaging have unveiled their Pro-Advantage programme at the 2013 Wedding & Portrait Photography Conference and Expo.The Pro-Advantage programme is a recognition programme designed around a photographer’s necessities. Members will be given special processing and printing benefits as well as back stage passes to many special events, experiences and opportunities. Additional benefits include exclusive discounts on hard goods, exclusive 50% off on any photo excursions, invitations to meet and greet professional photographers, camera and accessory rental packages and more. WPPI attendees have the opportunity to sign up for the Ritz Pro-Advantage programme and be entered into a raffle where they can win one of four different prizes including two airline tickets to any location in the US, an Olympus OM-D E-M5 and 12-50 lens, Pentax K-30 with 18-135 WR zoom, or a Mefoto trans-functional tripod.

Pentax Ricoh has issued a firmware update for the Pentax K-5 II and Pentax K-5 IIs digital SLR cameras. Version 1.03 improves overall stability and exposure accuracy when using AA batteries.

Website: Pentax Japan

ACDSystems have released Version 15.2 of ACDSee and Version 6.2 of ACDSee Pro. These updates add support for the Canon Powershot S110, EOS M, EOS 6D, PowerShot G15 and PowerShot SX50 HS, the Nikon 1 V2, D5200 and D600, the Olympus XZ-2 iHS, E-PL5 and E-PM2, the Panasonic GH3, the Pentax K-5 II, K-5 IIs and Q10, the Samsung EX2F, the Sony SLT-A99V, NEX-6, NEX-5R and DSC-RX1. The new versions also incorporate bug fixes and performance improvements. For more information see the ACDSee Pro 6.2 and ACDSee 15.2 release notes.

Pentax Ricoh Imaging Americas has announced consumer mail-in rebates on its 645D medium-format system as well as select Limited series lenses when bundled with the K-5 IIs dSLR. The rebates, valid through 31 March 2013, range from $250 to $500. Photographers who buy a 645D camera body will receive a free D-FA 55mm lens and a $500 Pentax VISA prepaid card on the purchase of the D-FA 25mm and HD 90mm lens when bought at the same time as the body. Those purchasing the K-5IIs camera body will receive a $250 Pentax VISA prepaid card on the purchase of FA 31mm, 43mm and 77mm Limited series lenses when biught at the same time as the body. To print a mail-in rebate form, visit the website below.