Responding to popular demand, Tenba has added a Photo/Laptop Daypack and Photo/Tablet Daypack to their Discovery collection, and a Photo/Laptop Daypack and Photo Sling Bag to their Vector collection. The Discovery Mini Daypack has a front, padded photo compartment that fits a DSLR camera body with 2-3 lenses and accessories, plus a rear sleeve that fits an iPad or similar tablet up to 10 inches. The Large size Daypack will fit a laptop up to 15 inches and fits an expanded camera system of 1-2 DSLR camera bodies and 4-6 lenses. The Vector Photo Sling Bag combines the ease-of-use and accessibility of a camera shoulder bag with the all-day carrying comfort of a backpack. Finally, the Vector Photo/Laptop Daypack (pictured) fits a laptop up to 15 inches, plus 1-2 DSLR camera bodies as well as 3-4 lenses. The new Discovery and Vector bags are available now at SRPs ranging from $79.95 to $139.95.

Leica has issued a firmware update for the Leica S2 and Leica S2-P digital SLR cameras. Version 1.0.1.8 changes the auto-bracketing procedure in that it is now enough to press the shutter release once for the full bracketing sequence Additionally, the new firmware update brings customisability to the menu-control button. New S2 and S2-P cameras will be supplied with the latest firmware, while existing owners can download the update from the website below.

Website: Leica Owners’ Area

Leica M9 owners who like the discreet look of the new Leica M9-P but are not willing to fork out $7,995 for a new camera can take advantage of a new service announced by Leica. Through the North American Headquarters in Allendale, NJ, Leica will be offering a “Sapphire Glass” upgrade package ($1,295) and a “Top Cover and Sapphire Glass” upgrade package ($1,995). The first package offers the replacement of the M9 monitor cover with the M9-P’s scratch-resistant, sapphire crystal cover, while the second includes the replacement of the monitor glass and the replacement of the top deck and base plate. Interested customers are encouraged to schedule appointments starting 8 August 2011 for upgrades from 3 October 2011 through Leica Camera. All upgrades will be performed by specifically trained technicians and will be a part of Leica’s regular repair service. Customers taking advantage of either service will also receive a one-year warranty extension.

Instaview by RogueSheep is a new third-party Instagram app that allows Mac users to view photos and participate within the Instagram community. The Instaview application allows users to create one or more stream windows showing Instagram photos. The stream shown in each window is configurable as well as the size and frame of the window itself. Streams can display their photos either in an automatic slideshow mode or by direct user navigation. Controls on the window overlay allow users to browse information about the photo including the location, contributor, caption, timeframe of the photo, number of likes and comments. The program is available at the introductory price of $4.99 exclusively through the Mac App Store in the Social Networking category.

Smartfish has released two computer accessories that might be of interest to photographers working on location. The Smartfish Mouse Pad Travel Pouch ($14.95, pictured) provides a smooth 9” diameter surface work area, and zips up to stow and protect your mouse and accessories while not in use. The tiny Smartfish Whirl Mini Notebook Mouse ($49.95) features an ambidextrous design, 800-dpi hi-def laser sensitivity, 2.4MHz wireless connectivity and extra long battery life. Both products are available through the website below.

Joensuu, Finland-based SofColor has released Color Correction Engine V4, a smart and customizable colour correction solution to fix white balance, exposure and contrast issues in digital photographs automatically. Color Correction Engine V4 comes with a completely rewritten error detection algorithm, a totally redesigned colour correction workflow and the option to enable or disable automatic white balance, exposure and contrast corrections separately. The program is available immediately as part of SoftColor’s Automata, Server Automata, PhotoEQ, Toolbox applications. Version 4 is a free upgrade to existing customers.

X-Rite has announced a number of free webinars for the month of August. There are three topics including “Raw Colour Power with Adobe Lightroom and the ColorChecker Passport”, “Everyday Imaging Miracles with Suzette Allen” and “Beyond Monitor Calibration - Get Prints That Match Your Display!” Click through / read on for webinar dates and times.

PhotoGrid is a new iPhone/iPad app by independent developer James Janke. The application uses your device’s photo library to create beautiful photo mosaics. You can use your entire library or select specific albums. Available on iTunes for $0.99, PhotoGuide is compatible with the Apple iPhone 3GS/4, iPod touch (3rd and 4th generation), and iPad.

Serif today launched a free video editing application called MoviePlus Starter Edition. With this program, you have two options to edit a film: you can use the simple Storyboard to create a movie quickly and easily, or explore the flexible Timeline which allows up to three video and three audio tracks at once. Users can create smart and fun fades, wipes and other transitions from one scene to the next for a stylish finish. Enthusiasts wanting to achieve the Hollywood look can easily add titles, captions and credits, sound effects and music as well as cool video effects like picture in picture. It’s also simple to add a bit of animation for scrolling credits or exploding titles. There is plenty of on-screen help too, thanks to Serif’s ‘How To’ tab which offers step-by-step illustrated topics. Serif MoviePlus Starter Edition can be downloaded free of charge from the website below.

Panasonic has released firmware updates for the Lumix DMC-FT3/TS3, TZ20/ZS20 and TZ22 compact camera models. Version 1.2 (for all models) improves the accuracy of the built-in GPS unit, while the DMC-TZ20/ZS20 and the DMC-TZ22 also benefit from “enhanced picture detail”. The firmware upgrades can be downloaded from the websites below.

Website: Panasonic DMC-TZ20/ZS10 Firmware update service
Website: Panasonic DMC-TZ22 Firmware update service
Website: Panasonic DMC-FT3/TS3 Firmware update service

Photo Guide is an easy-to-use and simple-to-understand guide to photography for Android and iOS devices. Released by Self Study Apps, Photo Guide teaches beginners about what lenses, f-stops and camera-to-subject distances to pick for portraiture, sports, landscapes and other applications. Additionally, it offers a number of tips on composition and framing. Photo Guide requires Android 2.1 or higher / iOS 4.2 or later, and is available for $1.99 through the Android Market and the iTunes App Store.

Nik Software has just released version 1.2 of Snapseed, its image editing app for iOS. The new version adds universal compatibility with all current iOS devices, including the Apple iPod touch, iPhone 4 and of course the iPad & iPad 2. Those who have already purchased the previous, iPad-only version can simply log on to their iTunes account with their iPhone/iPod connected and sync their apps to have Snapseed on all of their iOS devices.

Website: Snapseed on iTunes

Travel Photographer of the Year (TPOTY) has announced its first Festival of Photography & World Travel at the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG). This is going to be a 3-day event featuring an impressive line-up of speakers from the worlds of photography, film and TV, travel and exploration. Tickets are priced at £55 per day or £140 for all three (with discounts for Society members and students). Click through / scroll down for more details.

Canon has announced that a number of action sequences in the highly anticipated feature film, Captain America: The First Avenger were captured with its EOS 5D Mark II digital SLR camera. Action scenes shot with the DSLR include a car chase and crash, and a high-speed motorcycle pursuit. The comparatively small size of the camera enabled the crew to mount it on the interiors and exteriors of moving vehicles to capture dramatic action shots. The camera’s size also ensured that it was “invisible” to the film cameras shooting the same scene from a distance. Previously, the Canon EOS 5D Mark II cameras and EF lenses were used for action shots in the blockbuster hit “Iron Man 2”.

Brighton-based photographer and teacher Jerry Lebens has announced two new photography courses for September 2011. The first one, Beyond Auto: Getting more from your DSLR camera (£80), is targeted at beginners and comprises four evening classes held on 5, 12, 19 and 26 September. The second one is a one-day studio lighting workshop entitled, Let there be light (£150), taking place on Sunday. 25 September. Both courses will be held in The Gallery, Lewesiana, 85 High Street, Lewes, East Sussex BN7 1XN.

Stealth Gear has launched a new line of high-quality square filters. Made of lightweight organic glass and packed in soft bags for protection, the Stealth Gear filters fit the Cokin P-system. There are 10 filters available, including 3 neutral density filters, 3 graduated filters (neutral grey, blue and brown), a circular polariser, a sunset filter and 2 star filters. A modular lens hood, filter holder, wide-angle filter holder, filter box and adapter rings complete the system. For more information, head to the website below.

Kingston Europe has announced the launch of a USB 3.0 SuperSpeed compliant memory card reader/writer. The Kingston USB 3.0 Media Reader supports multiple card formats including the newer high-capacity SDXC. Other formats supported inlclude CompactFlash Type I & II (up to UDMA 6), microSD(HC/XC) and MemoryStick PRO, Duo, PRO Duo and M2. The device comes with a three-foot USB 3.0 cable and is also backwards compatible with USB 2.0. The Kingston USB 3.0 Media Reader has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of £17.77+VAT.

Photography Blog and Manfrotto UK have given away TWO fantastic new Manfrotto Compact Series Photo Tripods, each worth £49.95!

The two winners are Paul Rose and Derek Jones.

The Compact Photo Kit is the most compact full size support in the market. The five section legs and the unique reversible column provide maximum compactness for storage and transportation, and yet, when fully extended it is a full size tripod with no compromise on height. The quick action intuitive ball head allows you to simply and quickly set the position of your camera in any situation so you don’t lose the right moment.

The contest closed at 11.59PM GMT on Sunday 31st July 2011.

For more information on Manfrotto products please visit: www.manfrotto.co.uk
Manfrotto – Imagine More