The Multiblitz XLITE is a new extremely versatile monolight for the modern photo studio. Flash output can be controlled over 5 f-stops in 1/10 increments from 30 to 500 Ws, features a built-in radio receiver, and is equipped with the larger V-type bayonet. Pricing for the Multiblitz XLITE starts at 749,00 €.

Seim Effects “EXposed” is a new film about seeing and photographing light. Created by award-winning photographer Gavin Seim, the goal of EXposed is to teach photographers how to not only photograph light, but how to truly see it through 4 hours of educational materials about using light contained in 14 organized chapters. EXposed is available for download now for $89.

A UK startup company has launched a new service to bring postcards back up to date. Cards In The Post upgrades the experience of creating a postcard, making it as quick and easy as sending a status update. Uniquely, it works with the services already in wide use, like Facebook, Instagram and Google.

The Liquid Image Ego is a mountable HD video camera with built-in Wi-Fi. Designed with extreme sports enthusiasts in mind, the Ego includes a multi-directional mounting system with a quick release lever, tripod mount. It records in four modes: Full HD 1080p video at 30 fps; a ‘High Action’ HD 720p video at 60 fps (for capturing fast action with less blurring); 12-megapixel still photo; and a continuous Photo mode. The lens itself is a 136 degrees wide unit, enabling the camera to shoot at a wider angle. The Ego is Wi-Fi enabled allowing users to view footage in real time and stream to their smart phones, tablets, or computers.

The Ego is available in five colours, Black, Red, Blue, White and Yellow and has an RRP of £159.99. It will be available in the UK from August 2012.

The second International Photographic Competition supported by BergHind Joseph is now open for entries. This year the competition will again be asking for images on the theme of leadership, but with a specific twist to reflect the world we live in. The three categories are Leadership in a time of change and uncertainty, Leadership through inspiration and Leadership and success.

Canon announced today the first photography-inspired film festival in history.  Eva Longoria, Jamie Foxx, Biz Stone, Georgina Chapman and James Murphy will direct short films under the tutelage of two-time Academy Award winner Ron Howard. The “10” in “Imaginat10n,” represents ten storytelling elements and ten films that will ultimately be produced, five of which will be directed by our creative icons to be showcased at a special Canon “Project Imaginat10n” Film Festival in 2013. The other five film directors will be announced at a later date.

Bespoke Camera Straps are designed and handmade by professional photographer Tim Irving. The strap is made from military-grade cord and is very strong (a single strand will hold over 600 pounds), it has no buckles or bits of plastic, just a cord and two stainless steel split rings (covered by a leather tube, to avoid the camera from rubbing against the split ring). The strap has a great feel, its cylindrical shape rolls instead of digging in. Suitable for any camera with traditional strap lugs, it comes in several colours. More details from Tim’s blog. (http://timirving.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/my-bespoke-camera-strap.html)

EyeTime 2012 invites students and young professionals or enthusiasts to submit a collection of their photography comprised of up to three digital images. Sixteen finalists will be selected in each category: Emerging Talent and Future Voices. The competition is free to all entrants

Samyang have announced three new VDSLR lenses designed specifically for shooting video. The new Samyang 14mm T3.1 ED AS IF UMC, 24mm T1.5 ED AS IF UMC and 35mm T1.5 AS UMC lenses all include follow-focus gearing and decoupled aperture which allow the focus and aperture to be quietly changed whist filming. Initially available in Canon and Nikon mounts, the new lenses are due for release in August / September 2012, priced from £329.99 to £529.99.

The Manfrotto ML840H is the largest and most powerful LED light in the range. The ML840H incorporates a ‘‘ball head to hotshoe’’ system that allows it to be pivoted, angled and turned to direct the light as required. The new Manfrotto ML840H is available now and retails at £249.95.

The Nikon 1 J2 is a new, 10.1-megapixel compact system camera offering a novel Creative Mode, a metallic body and high-resolution LCD screen. Retaining the headline features of its predecessor, the Nikon 1 J2 comes with a CX-format CMOS sensor, Advanced Hybrid Autofocus system, EXPEED 3 image processing engine, 10fps continuous shooting with AF (and 60fps without), plus Full HD movie recording. Priced at $549.95 including a 10-30mm kit lens, the Nikon 1 J2 will be available in white, black, silver, pink, red and orange starting September 2012.

The Nikon 1 Nikkor11-27.5mm f/3.5-5.6 is a new compact standard zoom for the Nikon 1 system. Constructed of 8 elements in 6 groups, the Nikon 1 Nikkor 11-27.5mm f/3.5-5.6 lens has an angle-of-view range of 72° to 32°20’‘, equivalent to that of a 30-75mm lens in a 35mm system. Available from September 2012 for £179.99/€217.00/$189.95, Nikon’s new 11-27.5mm lens will be offered in back and white, and will be compatible with the Nikon 1 J2 as well as the Nikon 1 V1 and Nikon 1 J1.

The Nikon Coolpix L610 is a new AA battery powered, 16-megapixel travelzoom camera with 14x optical zoom and Full HD video recording capabilities. Featuring a back-illuminated CMOS sensor, 25-350mm equivalent lens with two ED glass elements and Vibration Reduction, the Nikon Coolpix L610 comes with a dedicated movie record button, mini HDMI port and a 3-inch rear screen boasting a resolution of 460,000 dots. Priced at $249.95/£199.99/€249.00, the Nikon Coolpix L610 will be available in red, black and silver beginning September 2012.

Great Photos – Simple Cameras by Bernd Daub is a new title from Rocky Nook. Centred around the idea that with simple camera techniques, traditional film, and some imagination we can create ambitious artwork; the book teaches us how to focus our attention on the motivation behind our chosen image and develop a strong impact without the need for high-tech equipment. The print version of Great Photos – Simple Cameras is now available for pre-order priced at $34.95, with an electronic version selling for $14.95.

Pentax Ricoh Imaging Americas have announced that Bloomingdale’s will carry the Marc Newson designed Pentax K-01 compact system camera. Through August and September 2012, the K-01 will be featured for sale in Bloomingdale’s “Check it Out” national catalogue series and will also be available for purchase online. And beginning October 2012, the K-01 will also be available at 11 different Bloomingdale’s locations across the U.S.A.

Nikon has posted firmware updates for the Nikon 1 J1 and Nikon 1 V1 compact system cameras. Version 1.20 (for both models) incorporates the following modifications and fixes:

• The exposure control program used with shooting in Smart Photo Selector mode, or still image shooting mode with Exposure mode set to P Programmed auto or Scene auto selector, has been revised for faster shutter speeds to prevent blurred subjects.
• Auto white balance performance has been increased.
• Exposure accuracy with ISO sensitivity set to Auto 100–3200, Auto 100–800, or Auto 100–400 has been increased with shooting using the optional Speedlight SB-N5 to photograph subjects at close distances.
• The following issues have been resolved.
  - An error message was sometimes displayed during interval timer shooting, preventing capture of the specified number of shots.
  - When the camera was turned on by releasing the retractable lens barrel lock on applicable lenses, there was sometimes a slight delay before the shutter could be released.

Website: Nikon 1 V1 Firmware Update 1.20
Website: Nikon 1 J1 Firmware Update 1.20