The 18-megapixel Canon EOS 60D is a replacement for the 50D featuring a vari-angle LCD screen and Full HD video capture with full manual control including a variety of user-selectable frame rates. The Canon 60D can shoot 18-megapixel stills at up to 5.3 frames per second for up to 58 frames in a row (in JPEG format). Boasting a 9-point, all cross-type autofocus AF system, the EOS 60D also features Canon’s iFCL metering system, first introduced with the EOS 7D, with a 63-zone Dual-Layer sensor. An Integrated Speedlite Transmitter provides in-camera control of multiple EX flash units for more creative lighting. The new 3-inch LCD monitor has a 3:2 aspect ratio, a 1,040k dot resolution and full articulation for overhead shots or ground-level photography. The Canon EOS 60D’s standard ISO range of 100-6400 is extendable to 12800. The EOS 60D is available from October priced at £1099.99 / €1309.99 / $1,099.00 for the body only. It will also be sold in four different kits ranging from £1199.99 to £1999.99 depending on the bundled lens.

Update: We have added a gallery of large product images provided by Canon. Click through / scroll down to view the photos.

Canon has launched the Canon EF 8-15mm f/4L Fisheye USM, a zooming fisheye lens offering both circular and full frame images. A zoom-lock mechanism on the lens body allows the range to be limited to the focal length that ensures the best possible full-frame view without unsightly vignetting around the edge. ‘C’ and ‘H’ markings can be found next to the zoom operation ring, indicating the wide-angle zoom position where vignette-free shooting is possible with APS-C and APS-H sensors, respectively. Constructed of 14 elements arranged in 11 groups, the Canon EF 8-15mm f/4L Fisheye USM features Canon’s Super Spectra Coating on every lens element. The inner surface of the front element also features Canon’s SubWavelength Structure Coating (SWC), which uses tiny cone-like structures, shorter than the wavelength of visible light on the surface of the lens element, to gradually slow light down until it is at the same speed as it travels through glass, removing the risk of flare occurring before the light reaches the sensor. A ring-type ultrasonic motor provides quick and accurate focusing when shooting and enables a full-time manual focus functionality. The Canon EF 8-15mm f/4L Fisheye USM is available from January 2011 priced at £1499.99 / €1789.99 / $1400.00.

The Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM is a compact L-series telezoom lens featuring optical image stabilisation, two ultra-low dispersion elements and Canon’s Super Spectra coatings. An eight-blade circular diaprhragm offers excellent bokeh, while AF is fast and quiet thanks to a ring-type ultrasonic motor. As with all Canon L series lenses, full time manual focus override is possible, allowing photographers to manually focus, even when the AF motor is engaged. As befits an L-series Canon lens, the EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM offers exceptional build quality including environmental protection. Canon’s new Fluorine Coating also makes cleaning the lens easier, preventing smears or streaking. The Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM lens is available from October priced at £1599.99 / €1909.99.

The Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM & EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II USM super-telephoto lenses feature completely redesigned optical systems and the latest iteration of Canon’s image stabiliser. Operation of IS mode 2 has been improved when shooting panning motion and a new third IS mode has been added, assisting users when quickly switching between subjects by activating the IS unit only during exposure. Both lenses have 16 elements in 12 different groups, using high performance fluorite lens elements that correct chromatic aberration. The optical elements also feature Canon’s latest Super Spectra Coatings, optimised for both the position and type of each lens element. A SubWavelength Structure Coating (SWC) reduces ghosting caused by light bouncing back from the imaging sensor. The EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II USM is claimed to be the lightest lens in its class due to a 28% reduction in weight compared to its predecessor. Both lenses will be available from December, priced at £7499.99 / €8929.99 (Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM) and £11499.99 / €13689.99 (Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II USM).

Canon today announced the development of two new super-telephoto lenses – the Canon EF 500mm F/4L IS II USM and the Canon EF 600mm F/4L IS II USM (pictured). Each will include the highest quality components, featuring high-specification image stabiliser technology alongside the use of optical materials such as fluorite, to correct aberrations ensuring high resolution images rich in detail and contrast. The redesigned, lightweight bodies will provide added mobility alongside enhanced protection against dust and water, the company says. The new lenses will be displayed for the first time in Europe during Photokina 2010.

Canon today unveiled two lens extenders designed for its L-series telephoto lenses. Intended for photojournalists, nature and sports photographers who need to get close to distant and challenging subjects, the Extender EF 1.4x III and Extender EF 2x III increase the focal length of a lens by a factor of 1.4x and 2x, respectively. The Extender EF 1.4x III features seven lens elements in three groups, and the Extender EF 2x III features nine lens elements in five groups. All optical elements use Canon’s Super Spectra coating, reducing ghosting and flare. For convenient transport, the 225g Extender EF 1.4x III and 325g Extender EF 2x III are supplied with a soft case (LP811) and Extender Cap EII. Both teleconverters will become available in December, and both will be priced at £549.99 / €659.99.

Canon has announced an update for its EOS Movie Plug-in for Final Cut Pro. Scheduled to be available for download from mid-September, Canon’s EOS Movie Plug-in E1 for Final Cut Pro version 1.1 adds support for the Canon EOS 60D digital SLR camera. The plug-in will allow users to view metadata and EXIF data for movie files. It will also provide support for multi-core processing, allowing even faster conversations with the latest generation of Macs.

AKVIS has released a Photo Kiosk version of AKVIS Sketch, a program which converts digital photos into pencil sketches and watercolour drawings. Thanks to this, those who are not familiar with photo-editing can convert their photos into drawings and then print them immediately. One license ($750) permits the installation of the software on five digital photo stations.

Website: AKVIS

The 31st issue of PhotographyBB Online Magazine is available for download. This edition features an in-depth look at lighting techniques for corporate and industrial photography, along with an exploration of light modifiers and their uses in portrait photography. Additionally, this issue looks at how and when to break photography’s “sacred” composition rules. PhotographyBB Online Magazine is available as a free download at the website below.

Website: PhotographyBB Online Magazine

The free Alamy Photo Collection iPad app is a gallery of “breathtaking and intriguing” imagery sourced from Alamy’s large network of photographers and international agencies. Alamy’s CEO, James West says “The Alamy Photo Collection app is beautifully simple - it’s free, it looks great, it’s updated every day, and it brings the Alamy brand to an exciting new device for a global audience of photography enthusiasts.”

Website? Alamy Photo Collection

365 Photography Days tells the story of award-winning, freelance photographer Phil Gould, as he travels the globe in search of adventure. It is also a practical guide to photography techniques with hints and tips from an expert. Each day of the journey includes a photo tip, giving advice about everything from lighting techniques and camera settings, to groupings that work and images that sell. The 488-page hardback is going to be available priced at £25.

Nik Software today announced HDR Efex Pro, a completely new HDR imaging toolkit “designed to help photographers quickly and easily achieve the full spectrum of HDR enhancements from the realistic to artistic”. Key features include U Point powered selective tools for fast precise enhancements of contrast, shadow, structure and saturation adjustments, a proprietary tone mapping technology enabling a wide range of HDR styles and capabilities, automatic image alignment and reduction of “ghosts”, integrated video-based help system including education on HDR photography techniques, and more. The suggested retail price of HDR Efex Pro is $159.95. The software will be available in the fourth quarter of 2010.

Gitzo has launched a promotion for UK residents to receive a free tripod bag with every Gitzo Series 1 and Gitzo Series 2 Traveler. When you buy a Gitzo Series 1 Traveler you will and get a GC1201T or a GC2240T. Those that purchase a Gitzo Series 2 Traveler will get a GC3320 and a GC5210 free of charge. Running until the end of September, the promotional offer is available from all authorised UK Gitzo 5 Star dealers.

Website: Gitzo

Paperless Post has partnered with Magnum Photos to offer a range of greeting cards imprinted with Magnum’s iconic images. Paperless Post is a website where users design and send cards digitally without sacrificing the traditions of classic, custom stationery. The website is free to join, and there are 25 free stamps included with sign-up. The Magnum collection features some of the most important fine art photographs from the 20th century - you simply select a photo you like, add a personal message and have the card delivered to the recipient immediately.

Website: Paperless Post Magnum Collection Samples

The BenQ E1420 and 1430 HDR cameras are two new 14-megapixel models with 3x optical zoom, 720p HD video and in-camera HDR imaging functionality. The E1420 and E1430 both come with blink detection, smart scene recognition, “Love Portrait” and “Beauty Enhancer” modes, and a 3-inch, 230,000-dot monitor on board. The E1420 comes in “Elegant Gray” and E1430 in “Cool Blue”. Both will be available in China and Asia Pacific in August, Europe in September, and Latin America in October.

Blurb will host a free webinar covering the company’s PDF to Book workflow. Topics covered include camera white balance and profiles using X-Rite’s Color Checker Passport, monitor calibration and profiling using ColorMunki Photo, creating and using custom printer profiles, soft-proofing in Adobe Photoshop, converting images to the Blurb CMYK profile, setting up InDesign for Blurb books, pre-flight and uploading a PDF book to Blurb. Webinar times include 1pm EDT and 3pm EDT today, plus 1pm and 3pm EDT on 2nd September.

Website: Blurberati Blog

Color Confidence has confirmed the availability of the new NEC SpectraView Reference 241W and 271W monitors. The new screens feature a 3D Look Up Table (LUT) for precise colour space emulation and excellent colour mixture, 14-bit LUT for each RGB channel, Digital Uniformity Control for consistent colour across the entire screen, built-in SpectraView profiler software and more. NEC MultiSync versions of both of these models are also available in the form of the PA241 and PA271, which also offer superb levels of colour accuracy and many of the functions and features of the SpectraView models, the company says.

Website: Color Confidence Monitor Showroom

The new JVC Picsio GC-FM2 and GC-WP10 pocket video cameras feature Full HD video, 5-megapixel stills, a 3-inch touch screen and compatibility with Eye-Fi cards for Wi-Fi connectivity. Users can select from four different recording resolutions: Full HD 1080 (1920 x 1080/30p), HD 720 (1280 x 720/60p), iFrame (960 x 540/30p) and Quarter High Definition (960 x 540/30p). The new PICSIO cameras also offer time-lapse recording, which reduces hours-long segments to mere seconds. The GC-FM2’s special conveniences include a slide-out USB connector, so no connecting cable is needed, while the GC-WP10’s claim to fame is that it’s waterproof to a depth of 10 feet. The JVC Picsio GC-FM2 will be available in early September for $179.95. The GC-WP10 will hit the shelves in late September for $199.95.

Gary Fong has introduced its new tripod adapter for the iPhone 3GS and the iPhone 4. The new Gary Fong iPhone adapter affixes to most tripods as well as the Gary Fong Flip-Cage lineup of camera stands, enabling shooters to steady their iPhones. The adapter features a 1/4-20 female tripod socket, and is constructed of rugged industrial strength plastic to safely stow inside a backpack or pocket. The Gary fong tripod adapter for the iPhone is available for $19.95.

Website: Gary Fong