Panasonic have released a new firmware update for the 14-140mm lens. Version 1.4 adds the following changes:

- Improved stability of O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) and AF (Auto Focus) in movie recording.

Website: Download Panasonic 14-140mm Firmware Update 1.4

The Environmental Photographer of the Year 2011 photographic competition is now open for entries. The Environmental Photographer of the Year is calling for entries that deal with some of the most important challenges of our time, and this year a new video category has been introduced to further raise awareness of environmental and social issues. The competition will run until 31st July 2011, with judging taking place throughout August and September.

Sort Shots iPad Edition 2.2 allows users to import images while retaining previously assigned metadata/EXIF keywords automatically. Instantly find and view photos by simply tapping on a word. It’s the first iPad app to utilize EXIF/Metadata keywords/tags with Apple iPhoto and Aperture. Additionally, File Transfer Protocol, file renaming and a search feature have been added. Sort Shots - iPad Edition 2.2 costs $4.99 USD.

Natural Habitats by Massimo Vitali comprises seventy photographs, spanning from 2004 to 2009. Vitali first worked as a photojournalist in the 1970s and then later as a camera operator. In the more recent past, his interests have turned to artistic photography. Since 2007 Vitali has modified his perspective, shifting between an architectural background.

The Book of Destruction is a new exhibition by the award-winning German photographer, Kai Wiedenhöfer. Opening at the Mosaic Rooms in west London on 28 January 2011, Wiedenhöfer witnesses and records the destruction of Gaza’s buildings and the injuries inflicted on its inhabitants during the Israeli offensive in 2009, known as Cast Lead.

Tthe PrintJinni for Epson mobile printing App is now available for free. PrintJinni for Epson allows you to preview and print to any Epson wireless all-in-one from an Apple device. In addition, this latest version of PrintJinni for Epson utilizes the iPad’s larger screen size and rotational capabilities while providing a more intuitive interface.

ProShow Web is an all-new service for creating instant video slideshows online. ProShow Web works by intelligently mixing photos, videos and music together into a unique video slideshow. ProShow Web is available now in Free, Plus and Premium accounts.

PIKLIO is a unique, easy to use online application for the creation of exceptional high quality personal photo products. PIKLIO users can store an unlimited number of photos securely without any loss of resolution quality in their own assigned virtual space. This easy and fun to use internet application requires no software download - everything stays online.

The Best View of Heaven is from Hell by Bran Symondson is a new photo exhibition documenting the Afghan National Police (ANP). As a serving soldier in the British Army, Bran Symondson became fascinated by the Afghan National Police (ANP), their ethos and their daily existence in the war with the Taliban. When he was given the opportunity to return and document these characters as a civilian photographer in 2010, he was able to capture a unique perspective on the current conflict.

Comic Life 2 is the latest version of plasq’s award winning photo comic creation software for Mac OS X. Comic Life offers advanced balloon control and text flow, predefined and freeform shapes, integrated Facebook uploader and an enhanced user interface that preserves the ease of use. Comic Life 2 is available through plasq.com for $29.95.

TiltShift Video 1.2 applies the popular Tilt-Shift effect directly to videos recorded with an iPhone 3GS/4 or 3rd or 4rd Gen iPod touch. Available for $1.99 on the App Store, the TiltShift Video app allows the users to process their videos with the tilt-shift effect, giving a miniature look to them.

GeoLogTag 3.2 is a popular photo geotagging solution for iOS. It offers an all-in-one geotagging solution for photos taken with any digital camera. Version 3.2 of GeoLogTag now supports geotagging of SmugMug photos. Mac and Flickr geotagging was already available in earlier versions.

JVC will exhibit a new 4K consumer camcorder at CES 2011 in January. Offering approximately four times the resolution of Full HD, JVC have developed the world’s first LSI for high-speed processing of Full High-Definition video and stills on one chip. The LSI enables shooting and recording Full HD, including both 2D and 3D images, and also ultra-high-resolution 4K2K images.

Canon have released a firmware update for the EOS 60D DSLR camera. Firmware version 1.0.8 incorporates the following fix:

  1. Fixes a phenomenon in which captured images may become overexposed when using the camera’s built-in flash or an external Speedlite in combination with the lenses listed below:*
    a) EF300/4 L IS USM
    b) EF28-135/3.5-5.6 IS USM
    c) EF75-300/4-5.6 IS USM
    d) EF100-400/4.5-5.6 L IS USM

Website: Download Canon EOS 60D Firmware Update Version 1.0.8

Nikon have released a firmware update for the Coolpix P7000 camera. Version 1.1 includes the following changes:

  * Image recording time at image quality settings that include NRW (RAW) has been reduced.
  * Lens control has been optimized to reduce the frequency with which the “Initializing lens. Cannot focus.” message is displayed.
  * An issue that, in some rare cases, prevented zoom operation has been resolved.
  * An issue that caused the monitor display to exhibit a loss of detail in highlights (blown highlights) when the shutter-release button was pressed halfway with Active D-Lighting enabled has been resolved.

Website: Download Nikon Coolpix P7000 Firmware Update Version 1.1 (Windows)

Website: Download Nikon Coolpix P7000 Firmware Update Version 1.1 (MAC)

Fujifilm have released a new firmware update for the FinePix REAL 3D W3 camera. Version 1.10 fixes the following issues:

- In [HD][1280] movie recording mode, Economy mode ([HD][1280]E) can be selected.
In this Economy mode, movie quality for long period is optimized.
For long continuous recording of 3D HD movies, Economy mode setting is recommended.
* SD memory card with class 6 (6 MB/s) or better is recommended.

Website: Download Fujifilm FinePix REAL 3D W3 Firmware Update 1.10

Apple have released version 3.5 of the Digital Camera Raw Compatibility Update. This update adds RAW image compatibility for the following cameras to Aperture 3 and iPhoto ‘11:

  * Canon PowerShot G12
  * Leica D-Lux 5
  * Leica V-Lux 2
  * Nikon D7000
  * Nikon COOLPIX P7000
  * Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2
  * Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2

Website: Download Apple Digital Camera Raw Compatibility Update 3.5

The 80 megapixel Leaf Aptus-II 12 digtal camera back has now begun shipping. The Leaf Aptus-II 12 is the most versatile digital camera back ever made, allowing you to take your photography further - capturing the highest resolution, highest quality, single-shot images possible. The Leaf Aptus-II 12 and Leaf Aptus-II 12R support a wide range of camera models including Phase One and Mamiya 645DF cameras, Hasselblad H1/2, Hasselblad V, Contax, HY6/AFI, and a large selection of technical view cameras via adapters.

Shape Collage creates picture collages from photos on your computer or from the web to make collages in less than a minute. With just a few mouse clicks photos are automatically and intelligently placed into any shape a user a wants. Users can design their collages in custom shapes - like a heart shape for a romantic touch or holiday shaped collages like a Christmas tree, Santa, or a Snowman.