The 14-megapixel Fujifilm FinePix XP50 is the latest model in the XP series of all-weather compact cameras. Waterproof to a depth of 5m, shock resistant and freezeproof down to -10 degrees Celsius, the FinePix XP50 has a 28-140mm equivalent zoom lens and a 14.4-megapixel CMOS sensor optimised for rapid response times. Available in black, blue, green, orange and silver, the FinePix XP50’s exterior has also been updated for both a more stylish appearance and an improved, easy-to-hold surface. Other highlights incluse sensor-shift image stabilisation, a Motion Panorama mode, a “super-bright” 2.7-inch rear screen, Full HD video recording and a mini HDMI cable connection port.

The Fujifilm FinePix T400 is a entry-level, 16-megapixel camera with 10x optical zoom and CCD-shift image stabilisation. The camera offers a 28-280mm equivalent zoom range, a Motion Panorama mode, Smile & Shoot and Blink Detection modes as well as Face Recognition. A dedicated movie recording button makes it easy to record videos in 720p HD quality. The FinePix T400 also has in-camera movie editing features to allow users to edit their movie footage without having to upload to a computer or use complicated movie editing software. Additionally, Fujifilm claims that AF speeds have been “dramatically improved”, shutter lag has been reduced and the start-up time shortened. Further improvements have been made to the 3.0-inch LCD screen, which is now brighter and easier to see. The Fujifilm Finepix T400 will be available in five colours, including Pink, Purple, Blue, Silver and Black.

The Fujifilm FinePix F770EXR is a compact, 16-megapixel travelzoom camera with 20x optical zoom. The 25-500mm equivalent focal range is capable of tackling a vast range of subjects from wide-angle landscapes through to tightly cropped wildlife pictures. In addition to this wide-reaching zoom range, the FinePix F770EXR boasts an improved 16-megapixel EXR-CMOS sensor, faster start-up and shot-to-shot times, enhanced GPS functionality and stylish design touches. The AF speed has also been improved, with Fujifilm claiming focus acquisition times as short as 0.16 seconds. Other highlights include a full range of manual controls, raw file capture and Full HD movie recording capabilities.

The Fujifilm FinePix F660EXR is a new, 16-megapixel travelzoom camera. Building on the success of the FinePix F600EXR, the new camera boasts an improved, high-contrast, 460,000-dot LCD screen and innovative face tracking to ensure users never miss their intended target. The 16-megapixel Fujifilm EXR-CMOS sensor has also been redesigned to deliver a 30% reduction in digital noise and smoother tones in both highlight and shadow areas at higher ISO settings. In addition to the new features and enhancements, the F660EXR also retains the 24-360mm equivalent superzoom lens, manual controls, raw file capture, film simulation modes and Full HD movie recording capability of its predecessor.

Olympus UK has extended its cashback offer on the Olympus XZ-1 premium compact camera. The cashback offer is running in the UK (£40) and Ireland (€40) until 29th February 2012 and is valid on purchases of the XZ-1 from authorised UK and Ireland stockists. For more information, visit the website below.

AdvaSoft has announced the upcoming release of AntiCrop, a new photography app for the Apple iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. Launching on 17th January, AntiCrop uses intelligent content-aware filling algorithms and innovative image straightening techniques that promise no apparent loss of resolution or quality when rotating or expanding a photo. Created by the developers of TouchRetouch, AntiCrop will sell for $0.99. Click through / scroll down for a video demonstration of the app in action.

The Sinar eShutter, which was announced in September 2010, is now available to view camera users worldwide. This electronically controlled precision shutter is completely integrated into the Sinar System and can also be used with any other view camera system. Coinciding with the product launch, Sinar announced a promotion aimed at customers who have decided to purchase Sinar eShutter lenses and those who wish to upgrade their existing lenses with the new Sinar eShutters. To find out more about this promotion, visit the website below.

Formerly in beta as GadgetTrak Serial Search, the recently launched CameraTrace service gives users a chance to find images taken with a stolen camera based on its serial number alone. CameraTrace now provides premium services including the ability to register a camera and receive real-time notifications when new images are found. Also included in the one-time $10 premium service fee is a metallic “Lost & Found Tag” with a unique serial number that provides an easy way for someone who finds a lost camera to get in touch with the owner. The tag also serves as a warning to would-be-thieves that the device is registered with the system.

Website: CameraTrace

Tamron USA has announced a series of photography seminars for 2012. Targeted at beginners and enthusiasts, the 2-day “Beyond the Kit Lens” seminars are focused on the choices that can be made when shooting. Topics that will be discussed include lens choice, focal length, distance to your subject, aperture and shutter speed. The cost of the seminar is only $59. Click through / scroll down for a list of participating retailers as well as a “Beyond the Kit Lens” video released by Tamron.

The 11th edition of the online Landscape Photography Magazine is out now. This issue offers inspirational articles by Slawek Stazczuk, Andy Hemingway, Tom Grubbe, Dan Andre Knutsen-Oey, Dimitri Vasiliou, David Hay, Mike Bell and others. The magazine also features an interview with Lee Pengelly and some stunning images of Saddleworth moor in England. Note that the full contents of Landscape Photography Magazine are available to subscribers only. The annual subscription is £6.00/$9.50.

Iridient Digital has released RAW Developer 1.9.4 for MacOS X. This update adds support for the Panasonic DMC-GX1 and Leica V-Lux 3 digital cameras and also includes improved default colour profiles and curves for several other models, minor performance improvements and several bug fixes. You can download Iridient RAW Developer 1.9.4 from the website below.

Bob Books have launched The Vintage Boudoir Studio Photo Shoot competition in collaboration with Julia Boggio Studios. Running until 29th February 2012, The Vintage Boudoir Studio Photo Shoot competition offers UK residents a chance to take centre stage at a 1940s style studio photo shoot, with a vintage make-up artist and hair stylist all on hand to recreate that retro Hollywood studio look. Once you’ve had your shoot you’ll have the opportunity to choose your favourite portrait and the team at Julia Boggio Studios will create for you a large framed pin-up portrait of you as a centrepiece for your home. The winner will also receive 10 retouched digital images, plus a free Bob Books photobook. To enter the competition, visit the website below.

Neil Maughan and Andy Sloan are the two lucky winners of a fantastic new Manfrotto Lino Pro Photo Vest.

To celebrate the new Manfrotto range of Lino Pro Apparel, Manfrotto is giving away TWO Pro Photo Vests for Photography Blog readers! Each Manfrotto Pro Photo Vest is worth £380 RRP!

The Pro Photo Vest is the ultimate photo working tool combined with the comfort and sleek design of an everyday vest. This dynamic shooting vest compliments your shooting experience while comfortably holding and supporting your camera gear and accessories.

This contest closed on Saturday 31st December 2011.

For more information or to buy Manfrotto products online visit: www.manfrotto.co.uk

Manfrotto - Imagine More

The winners of the December 2011 Photography Blog Competition have been announced. The theme for December was “Ice” - you can view all of the entries in this gallery. Here are the 5 winners:

1st Place
Stalag-Ice by nrshapiro

Prize: X-Rite ColourChecker Passport
Kindly donated by X-Rite
http://www.xritephoto.com/

The Samsung DV300F is a new compact camera with Dual LCD technology and Wi-fi connectivity. The DV300F features a a 1.5-inch front LCD screen display, 16 megapixels, 5x optical zoom and a bright f2.5 lens with a 25mm wide-angle setting. The Samsung DV300F will cost £179.99.

SLR Magic has announced the HyperPrime CINE 50mm T0.95 lens for the Leica M mount. Slated for a September release, the SLR Magic HyperPrime CINE 50mm T0.95 is claimed to be optimised for wide-open performance. The optical formula comprises 12 elements arranged in 7 groups, including 7 “Tantalum” glass elements, complete with an iris diaphragm boasting a dozen rounded blades for a pleasing rendering of the out-of-focus areas. Weighing in at 975 grams, the lens features a non-rotating, 62mm filter thread, a distance scale with depth-of-field markings, and a minimum focus distance of 70cm.

Filmed and edited by Hungarian videographer Péter Dancsó, Budapest Timelapse 2012 is one of the most spectacular time-lapse videos we have seen in a long while. The movie, which was shot over several months using a Canon EOS 550D digital SLR camera and an assortment of Samyang, Sigma and Tokina lenses, includes extensive tone-mapped sequences created through multiple exposure blending and other HDR imaging techniques. In his blog post, Péter remarks that he was very much aware of the somewhat un-film-like colour boost this would give to the footage, but says that the effect reminded him of the vivid, highly saturated look of MGM’s 1939 classic, The Wizard of Oz, most of which was filmed in three-strip Technicolor. Compiled from around 50,000 source images, Budapest Timelapse 2012 is 4 minutes and 22 seconds in length, and includes both day and night scenes, panning and zooming effects, and even a reversed sunset sequence. Post-processing was done using Photomatix, Adobe Lightroom, Premiere, After Effects, and Red Giant Looks, the videographer says.