The Fujifilm XF1 is a 12-megapixel premimum compact with a 2/3-type sensor and a 25-100mm (eq.) f/1.8-4.9 lens with Optical Image Stabilisation. The camera’s EXR-CMOS sensor features Fujifilm’s three switchable sensor modes (SN - high ISO and low noise, DR - dynamic-range priority, and HR - resolution priority) which can be selected according to the subject. The quick read time of the CMOS sensor, coupled with the high-speed EXR processor, accelerates all operations - start-up in 0.55 seconds, focus acquisition in as little as 0.16 seconds, and minimum shot-to-shot time of 0.8 seconds. The Fujifilm XF1’s slim-line lens is constructed of 7 lens elements in 6 groups (four aspherical and three extra low dispersion), the first with a highly variable profile and a high refractive index, and the second an aspherical element with an extremely high refractive index. The Fujifilm XF1 will cost £399.00 in the UK. The Black version is exclusive to Jessops for two weeks from October 18th. All the versions are then generally released from Oct 29th with the Black and Tan versions available through the Fujifilm retail network, while the Red version will be exclusive to Dixons.

The Worlds’ biggest photography show, Photokina, starts on Tuesday 18th September in Cologne, Germany.

Lots of exciting new cameras and photography products will be unveiled in the next few days as the manufacturers finalise their Autumn 2012 ranges. The Photography Blog team will be at Photokina to bring you all the breaking news, including tomorrow’s Press Day when several manufacturers are making announcements.

So make sure to regularly visit Photography Blog this week for all the very latest news from Photokina 2012.

You can view all of our Photokina news on this page: http://www.photographyblog.com/category/photokina_2012/

The Samyang 10mm f/2.8 ED AS UMC CS is an ultra wide-angle prime lens designed for use with cameras that have APS-C / DX sensors. It will be manual focus only and gives an equivalent focal length of 15mm (or 16mm in the case of Canon EOS) in 35mm terms. A prototype of the Samyang 10mm f/2.8 ED AS UMC CS lens will be showcased at Photokina and it will be available at the end of 2012.

iStabilizer, creator of universal lightweight and compact tripods, steady cams and mounts for mobile devices and digital cameras, announces the iStabilizer Monopod smart phone camera mount and extension. Using iStabilizer’s patented universal Mount, the Monopod works with most mobile devices or digital cameras measuring up to 2.75” (7cm) wide. Collapsed, the Monopod measures approximately 14” and weighs under a half pound. iStabilizer’s Monopod is available now for $34.95 at the website below..

The Syngenta Photography Award, a new international competition that aims to stimulate dialogue around key global challenges, is now open for submissions.  In its inaugural year, the theme is “rural-urban”, exploring the relationship and tensions between rural and urban environments. The Award has two categories. The Open Competition welcomes photographers of all levels, from professional to amateur. In addition, professional photographers are invited to compete for a Professional Commission by submitting an original proposal that is related to this year’s rural-urban theme. The closing date for entries is 15 January 2012.

The Royal Photographic Society has announced the recipients of its annual awards. Steve J Sasson, widely acknowledged as the inventor of the digital camera, which he developed while working for the Eastman Kodak Company in 1975, received the Progress Medal. New York photographer Joel Meyerowitz, who was an early exponent of colour photography from 1962 received the Centenary Medal. Kathy Ryan a New York photo editor, author, teacher, mentor and exhibition curator, received the award for Outstanding Service to Photography. The call for nominations for the 2013 Awards will be open from 30 September 2012.

Tether Tools have launched a new line of tablet and smartphone mounts for photographers, videographers and musicians. The Rock Solid line is a premier collection of arms, brackets and clamps for the photography, film, audio and music industries, priced from $8.ö5 to $58.95. In addition to individual Rock Solid products, the company will also be offering two kits priced at $86.89 and $240.85. Rock Solid products and kits are available at the website below.

The 5th Annual International Loupe Awards are now open for entries. Featuring Amateur, Open and Medium Format sections, with 3, 8 and 3 categories respectively, the International Loupe Awards are open to professionals, amateurs and students, and are judged by 25 leading photographers from around the world. The deadline for entries is 31 October 2012.. Late entries accepted until 15th November (late entry fees apply).

The current president of Pentax Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation, Ned Bunnell, will retire effective 30th September. From 1st October Noboru Akahane will be appointed President of the “Americas,” in addition to his current role as president of Pentax Ricoh Japan. “Given the market opportunity, North America is very important to our business,” Akahane explains. “There are a core group of Pentax and Ricoh fans here and we are confident to deliver high-quality products that will not only satisfy our current customers but also attract new customers through innovation and support of Ricoh’s global brand.”

The Guardian has announced a new photography masterclass entitled Photography with the iPhone. Hosted by Richard Gray - the UK’s first lecturer in mobile photography - and three other leading British iPhoneographers, the event will take place on 24th September will give participants key insights into the techniques and apps used by some of the most successful mobile phone photographers in the United Kingdom.. The tuition fee is £69 including VAT. For more information and to book your place visit the website below. (Illustration: Tube Readers by Richard Gray)

Website: Guardian Masterclasses

We have spent some quality time with the brand new Nikon D600 full-frame digital SLR camera to deliver you a hands-on preview. You can read our initial impressions below.

Update: Since publishing this hands-on report, we have completed our full review of the Nikon D600.

Nikon has released a spectacular sample movie shot on the new Nikon D600 full-frame digital SLR camera, accompanied by a “behind-the-scenes” video that was also recorded with the D600. Shot on location in various places across the globe, the sample movie demonstrates the capabilities of the camera very well; though you must remember that the average user - equipped with nothing but the camera itself, an assortment of lenses and a tripod, with no access to all the accessories (cranes, specialised mounting rigs etc.) and vehicles used by the creators of the sample movie - will hardly be able to shoot such professional videos on their vacations. Nevertheless, “Chasing the Light” is a truly enjoyable movie, available to watch at reduced resolution on the Nikon Imaging website.

Website: Nikon Imaging

Want to see exactly what the new Nikon D600 full-frame digital SLR camera looks like in the flesh? We have put together a gallery of hands-on photos for your perusal.

Nikon has posted 10 full-resolution sample photos taken with the Nikon D600, a new 35mm full-frame digital SLR camera sporting a 24.3-megapixel sensor. Captured at sensitivity settings ranging from ISO 100/21° to ISO 3200/36°, with a variety of lenses including the AF-S Nikkor .24-85mm f/3.5-4.5G ED VR, 85mm f/1.8G, 24-70mm f/2.8G ED, 200-400mm f/4G ED VR II (with teleconverter), 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II, 14-24mm f/2.8G ED, Fisheye-Nikkor 16mm f/2.8D and PC-E Nikkor 24mm f/3.5D ED; the Nikon D600 samples are all presented in JPEG format (though some of them were shot as 14-bit NEFs). To view and download the sample photographs, visit the website below.

Website:, Nikon D600 Samples

The Tamron SP 70-200mm F/2.8 Di VC USD is the most compact full-size, high-speed telephoto zoom lens. Equipped with VC (Vibration Compensation) image stabilization, and USD (Ultrasonic Silent Drive), the Tamron 70-200m F/2.8 lens is currently under development with no launch date or price set. It will be available for Nikon, Canon and Sony mounts.

The Tamron SP 90mm F/2.8 Di MACRO 1:1 VC USD is a redesigned version of the classic 90mm macro lens. Equipped with VC (Vibration Compensation) and USD (Ultrasonic Silent Drive) with completely redesigned optics, the Tamron 90mm F/2.8 Macro lens is currently under development for Canon, Nikon and Sony mounts, with price and availability to be announced.

The Nikon D600 is a new full-frame digital SLR camera featuring a 24.3-megapixel FX format sensor, newly developed Multi-CAM4800 39-point AF system, 14-bit analogue-to-digital conversion.and a glass prism optical viewfinder with 100% frame coverage. Compatible with lenses up to f/8 combined open aperture and sensitive down to -1 EV, the new AF system enables users to take well-focussed shots even in challenging light conditions. Weighing in at 760 grams without a battery, the Nikon D600 also boasts the title of the smallest FX format DSLR camera Nikon has ever crafted. Other highlights include a shutter unit designed for 150,000 actuations, an ISO range of 100–6400, extendable up to 25,600 and down to 50; dual SD card slots with SDXC and UHS-I support; a dual-axis virtual horizon; in camera HDR exposure blending; and a Multi-area D-Movie mode offering Full HD video capture at a variety of frame rates and the ability to output an uncompressed live video stream at 1080p to external recorders.

The Nikon D600 body will be available from 18 September 2012 for £1955.99 /  €2385.99 / $2,099.95. It will also be sold in a kit with the 24-85mm lens for £2443.99 / €2981.99 / $2,699.95.

The optional WU-1b Mobile Adapter is a wireless mobile adapter that allows images to be transferred directly to any smartphone or tablet, and enables the camera to be controlled remotely via the smart device. This will be available on September 18 for £64.99 / €79.00 / $59.95.

The Nikon 1 Nikkor 18.5mm f/1.8 is a fast, 50mm equivalent “standard prime” for Nikon 1 System cameras. Compatible with the Nikon 1 J1, J2 and V1 compact system cameras, the 1 Nikkor 18.5mm f/1.8 is currently the fastest CX-format lens in Nikon’s line-up. Equipped with high-quality glass, including an aspherical glass element, this 1 Nikkor lens delivers edge-to-edge sharpness even at maximum aperture, the company claims. Supplied with a front and rear lens cap, the Nikon 1 Nikkor 18.5mm f/1.8 lens is available from 1 November 2012, priced at £179.99/ €219.00. A lens hood and a soft case are available as optional extras.

Apple has posted half a dozen full-resolution sample photos taken with the new Apple iPhone 5. The images are 3264×2448 pixels each and depict subjects as varied as landscapes, children, and macro. You can download all the iPhone 5 samples from the website below.

Website: Apple

The Apple iPhone 5 is a new smartphone with a 4-inch, not-quite-HD (1136x640-pixel) Retina display, 8-megapixel sensor, f/2.4 lens with sapphire crystal cover and a new “dynamic low light” mode. Weighing in at 112 grams, the Apple iPhone 5 is 20% lighter and 18% thinner than the iPhone 4S. It’s also claimed to be “40% faster” at capturing photos, and its screen offers “44% more colour saturation.” The iPhone 5 features Apple’s version of a “sweep panorama” mode, which enables users to capture a 28-megapixel panoramic image with ease. Other photo/video related highlights include a new Shared Photo Stream feature, improved face detection, enhanced movie stabilisation and the ability to take photographs while recording a video clip. The Apple iPhone 5 will be available in 16GB, 32GB and 64GB versions, priced at $199, $299 and $399, respectively, all on a 2-year contract. The first 9 countries/markets - including the UK, the US, Canada, Australia, France, Germany, Japan, Singapore and Hong Kong - will get the iPhone 5 on 21st September, with pre-orders starting as early as this Friday.