The new BosStrap is a camera sling system that offers a unique approach that relies on a 1-1/2” wide nylon belt to distribute the weight of the camera on your shoulder, and a BosTail that remains attached to the camera. A TriggerLoc on the BosStrap attaches to a metal ring on the BosTail.  In use the camera slides smoothly up to your eye; at rest the camera sits at your hip.  BosStraps use the left camera strap lug as an attachment point which is safer than attaching to the tripod socket, the company claims.  Since there is no screw to remove from the tripod socket, moving between hand-held shooting and a tripod is easy. The BosStrap System includes the BosStrap and one BosTail for $39.95. BosTails are also available separately for $6.95 each.

The Pentax 645D medium-format digital SLR camera has been selected as Camera of The Year at the Camera GP Japan 2011 Awards. The annual Camera Grand Prix Awards are one of the most prestigious camera awards in Japan and are sponsored by the Camera Journal Press Club (CJPC), a group of photography writers from the top 11 photo and camera magazines in Japan. The panel concluded that, as the first medium-format digital SLR camera launched by Pentax, the 645D represented “the perfect combination of many advanced and photographer-friendly features”, including an extra-large CCD image sensor housed within a highly dependable dust-proof, weather resistant body.

Lowepro has launched its brand new Compact Courier Series, consisting of the Compact Courier 70 and 80. Ideal for compact system cameras, the Compact Courier Series is a lightweight and flexible carrying shoulder bag solution. Both bags feature padded interiors with contrasting brushed tricot lining,  a built-in memory card pocket on the outside flap, a built-in microfiber cleaning cloth to protect a lens and LCD screen from dust and smudges, an extra-wide dual-zippered opening for easy access to the main compartment, hook/loop fasteners on the flap;,  an adjustable shoulder strap, a built-in belt loop, sturdy hardware; and durable water-resistant materials that protect from impact and moisture. The Compact Courier 80 and Compact Courier 70 (pictured) are available in Black (with Red piping) and Grey (with Arctic Blue piping) both sizes are $39.99.

The BenQ P1410 digital compact camera is BenQ’s first model to feature a 7x optical zoom. Other features include a fourteen-megapixel imager, a clear 460k-pixel 3” LCD display, powerful double anti-shake system, special shooting effects and an ultra-slim casing. Powered by BenQ’s latest HDR II image enhancement technology, the P1410 is able to self-adjust the darkest and the brightest parts in a photo in order to faithfully reproduce the wide range of brightness levels present in an outdoor scene under extreme lighting conditions. The camera can also capture HD movie clips at a resolution of 1280x720 pixels. The new BenQ P1410 digital camera will be available worldwide in May 2011. Price to be announced.

The Nauticam NA-XZ1 is an underwater housing for the Olympus XZ-1 advanced compact camera. This housing puts all of the important controls on the camera within easy reach. Shutter Release, Zoom, Movie Record, and both control dials are placed for easy access. The housing back is sealed with an easy to operate rotary latch that securely locks in place. A safety release button must be pressed in order to begin rotating the clasp, eliminating the chance of accidental opening. The housing body is machined from solid aircraft grade aluminium, then hard anodised making it impervious to salt water. Depth rated to 100 metres, the Nauticam NA-XZ1 is available now for $950.

Jill-e Designs has been chosen by Canon U.S.A. to create a high-fashion, high-function bag ideal for photographers on the go. The new Canon Deluxe Gadget Bag, available in rich, black faux leather, has been exclusively designed for a Canon DSLR photography set-up. The new bag features padded walls, configurable dividers, plenty of pockets, secure straps and “head-turning good looks”. The Canon Deluxe Gadget Bag by Jill-e Designs, priced at $109.99, is available exclusively at the Canon Online Store.

In June, Think Tank Photo will release its redesigned Speed Demon V2.0, Speed Freak V2.0, and Speed Racer V2.0 as shoulder bags in its new Speed Convertible Series. Each Speed Convertible bag features a “disappearing” belt that tucks away into the sides of the bag. Other features include a flip-top lid that folds away from the body for rapid and convenient access to gear, a fully padded shoulder strap, built-in modular rails for attachment of Think Tank’s Modular, Skin or Multimedia components, and a soft kidney-shaped design. The smallest bag, Speed Demon V2.0, can carry a standard size DSLR with a standard zoom lens attached (hood reversed) and a wide angle zoom lens beside. The medium size Speed Freak V2.0 also carries a standard size DSLR with a zoom lens attached and is tall enough to accommodate a 70–200 f2.8 lens in the bag. The Speed Racer V2.0, the most spacious of the series, effortlessly fits in the main compartment a pro size DSLR with a standard zoom lens attached and a separate 70–200 f/2.8 telezoom.

Canon has issued a firmware update for the Canon EOS 600D digital SLR camera. Version 1.0.1 clarifies the feature guide description of the digital zoom function for movie-shooting and fixes a bug which, in rare cases, prevented computers from recognising the camera when connected via a USB cable. The firmware upgrade can be downloaded from the websites below.

Website: Canon EOS 600D Firmware 1.0.1 - Mac Version
Website: Canon EOS 600D Firmware 1.0.1 - Windows Version

Sony’s newest Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo HX card boasts data transfer speeds of up to 50MB/sec. 1.6x faster than previous Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo HX cards – and available at the same price – it’s quicker than today’s fastest commercially available UHS-I SD cards when used with devices by Sony, the company claims. Available in capacities from 8GB to 32GB, the newest Memory Stick is optimised for sustained burst shooting with today’s high-resolution cameras. The card is backed by a 10-year warranty by Sony and comes with free File Rescue and x-Pict Story software.

ScanCafe has recently launched service for editing and transferring consumer video tape content onto DVD. This is not an automated process, the company says. The tapes are digitised by a technician, using studio quality equipment, and then reviewed and edited in detail, by hand, to address the many issues that plague old tapes: Once the video tape’s contents are digitised and repaired, they are assembled and authored onto an advanced, “Hollywood-quality” DVD, complete with special effects, manual scene selection and manual trimming. The price for each video tape (up to two hours in length) is $14.99. Formats supported include VHS, S-VHS, VHS-C, Betamax, VHS HiFi, Hi 8, Digital 8, and MiniDV.

Burrard-Lucas Photography has launched a Landscape Photography Contest. This competition is open to participants worldwide, and there is no entry fee. Entrants may submit a maximum of three images to the contest The deadline for entries is 31 July 2011. The main prize is a Canon EOS 60D digital camera. Additionally, the winner will also receive a $100 gift voucher from Amazon, while two runners up will be presented with a $25 voucher each. For more information, visit the website below.

Website: Burrard-Lucas Photography - Landscape Photography Contest - 2011

Alamy launched its German website today. Billed as the world’s largest independent stock photo website, Alamy sees this as “an important milestone in understanding how to roll out its unique blend of a massive digital inventory and strong customer service to other languages and regions”. The company has recruited a German speaking customer service team and is currently inviting applications from candidates with experience in sales.

Website: Alamy.de

Jaybilizer today introduced the new, easier-to-balance version 2.0 Jaybilizer HDSLR camera stabiliser. Constructed of high quality steel and aluminium, the Jaybilizer HDSLR 2.0 makes the process of balancing the camera much easier with both side-to-side and forward and backward infinitely adjustable sliding balance plates with external locking screws. The Jaybilizer HDSLR 2.0 is available for purchase for $249 plus S&H from the website below.

The Rollei Designline 4083 is an 8-inch digital photo frame featuring a 4:3 aspect ratio and a resolution of 800x600 pixels. Functions include a slide show with 15 different transition effects, plus a clock and a calendar. Available in a choice of black or white, the Rollei Designline 4083 features an SD card slot and comes with a remote control. The frame will be available at the end of this month for €59.95.

Jessops has launched a new, limited-time promotion on the Canon EOS 500D Twin Lens Kit. The kit, including the body, 18-55 & 75-300 mm lenses, will be available for a 20% reduced price of £599, together with a free Activity Camera (worth £50) and £50 of photo processing vouchers. The offer will run until stocks last.

The London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) has confirmed that Nikon UK Limited has become a licensee of London 2012. In addition to producing a licensed range of Sport Optics, including binoculars, telescopes and laser rangefinders for spectators and competitors, Nikon UK has also been appointed as Sole Supplier of Sport Optics for use by officials at a number of Olympic and Paralympic sports including Sailing, Archery, Shooting and Athletics.

Manfrotto has kicked off what it calls a “global conversation on how to share and express imagination through better images” by issuing the Imagine More Global Manifesto. This manifesto is just a single part of the Imagine More Initiative which includes a contest, “designed to give people across the globe a chance to re-define 21st century creativity, walk the red carpet and be recognised at the 2011 Venice Film Festival”. It is a user-generated process that involves consumers from the United Kingdom, the United States, China, France, Germany, Italy and Hong Kong. The first part of the contest from now until May 31, 2011, will aim to define the ten basic principles of imagination through user-generated tweets. The five best tweets will be coupled with tweets from celebrity talents to complete the manifesto text. The second part of the contest, from June 1- 15, 2011, gives more visual social recorders the opportunity to express and share their imagination by uploading their best photos to manfrottoimaginemore.com, Facebook and Flickr. Two winners – one from each part of the contest - will receive an exclusive trip to Venice for the next Film Festival.

NAVTEQ have issued a statement revealing that map and location data for the built-in GPS unit of the Olympus Tough TG-810 digital compact camera are supplied by them. The TG-810 features GPS functions and an electronic compass to record the location data of the shot. By simply activating the GPS functionality, the camera can display landmarks on the monitor and identify the country/region of the shot being taken. Integrated within the TG810 are NAVTEQ maps and Points of Interest (POI), so users can link every photo they take with the exact POI on the NAVTEQ map, the company says.