Nikon has released firmware updates for the Nikon Coolpix S3000 and S4000 digital compact cameras. Version 1.1 for the S3000 and version 1.2 for the S4000 both address an issue related to the EN-EL10 battery. The issue was that when the battery was inserted in the camera and charged, charging sometimes did not stop after the designated amount of time had passed.

Website: Nikon Coolpix S3000 Firmware 1.1
Website: Nikon Coolpix S4000 Firmware 1.2

MonoPhix HD 1.0 is a completely new app for the iPad that allows you to turn any picture on your iPad into a high quality, high contrast monochrome image. The outcome is fully customisable by using multiple, “Lightroom-like” sliders, the developers say. Featuring a real-time preview of your changes, high-speed filters, separate tools for dodging and burning and more, MonoPhix HD 1.0 for iPad is available on the App Store priced at $1.99.

Website: MonoPhix HD 1.0

Panasonic has anounced the price of the recently-introduced Panasonic Lumix FX70/FX75. The new super-slim digital camera, which has a 24-120mm equivalent Leica DC Vario-Summicron 5x zoom lens, a 14-megapixel imager and a touch-screen interface, will be available in mid-July 2010 in black and silver for a suggested retail price of $299.95.

Camera Bits has unveiled a bundle of new improvements for users of its Photo Mechanic photo browser and workflow tool. Version 4.6.4 offers faster browsing and new support for raw files captured by the Olympus E-P2 and E-PL1 cameras as well as various Phase One models, and recognition of extended range ISO values (Lo and Hi) for certain Nikon digital SLR cameras. The new version also enables new advanced workflows when combining Photo Mechanic’s unique “variables” and “code replacements” features, such as the ability to split still images from movie files during ingest to aid the import of video clips into Final Cut Pro using Canon’s EOS Movie Plugin-E1.

Website: CameraBits Downloads

SanDisk has launched a professional photography contest on the SanDisk Extreme Team Facebook page. The submission deadline is 31 July, 11:30pm PT. Entries are accepted in four different categories – Nature, Wedding/Events, Action and Fashion. The grand prize winner will be offered a one year spot on the SanDisk Extreme Team and the grand prize winning photo will be exhibited in the “Winner’s Circle” gallery showing during the PhotoPlus Expo in New York City. The four finalists, the winners of each category, will each receive a $1,000 cash prize and their photos will be featured in the online Winner’s Circle gallery. Eight runners-up will receive $250 worth of SanDisk memory cards, and their photos will be featured in the online Winner’s Circle gallery.  The winners will be announced on or around 31 October.

Website: SanDisk Extreme Team Facebook Page

The Sony A290 and A390 are two new 14.2-megapixel DSLR cameras targeted at the entry-level market. The main difference versus the existing Sony A230 and A380 is a redesigned right-hand grip (one of our most important criticisms levelled against the previous generation of Sony’s entry-level DSLRs concerned the rather uncomfortable handgrip). As regards the A290, the 14-megapixel sensor is also a novelty, given that the A230 had a 10-megapixel imager. In virtually all other areas, the Sony A290 and A390 are identical to their respective predecessors, with the A390 boasting Live View with fast autofocus (though no movie mode), and the A290 trading in Live View for a bigger optical viewfinder. Available this summer, the Sony A290 and A390 are priced at €450 and €500, respectively, including a Sony DT 18-55mm SAM kit zoom in each case.

The three lucky winners of our fantastic Manfrotto Joystick Head competition have been selected.

These new joystick heads offer a uniquely ergonomic way of quickly unlocking, moving and locking the camera, so you can frame and reposition freely to get the perfect photo.

Travis Jarvis has won a 327RC2 Joystick Head.

Johny Johnson and Graeme Arnold have each won a 324RC2 Joystick Head.

Congratulations to the three winners and thanks to everyone for taking part.

PictoColor has released its iCorrect OneClick iPhone App. Using OneClick app you can take a picture, fix the colour and exposure if needed, and email or upload the photo to Facebook in a few simple steps. The software has a Preview screen that allows you to easily compare the corrected photo with the original. iCorrect OneClick iPhone may be purchased at the Apple iTunes/iPod store for $2.99.

Website: OneClick

The Distagon T* 2,8/25 manual-focus lens from Carl Zeiss is now available in a ZF.2 version for Nikon SLR cameras. This version has an electronic interface (CPU) that supports all exposure modes of the camera like shutter priority, aperture priority and program mode, as well as manual mode (even with camera bodies without AI-coupling lever). The new Distagon T* 2,8/25 ZF.2 is available at a retail price of €755.46 (excluding VAT).

Blurb today launched Blurb for Good, a platform that enables citizen philanthropists and nonprofit organisations to create and use books as a means to generate awareness, goodwill and monies for social causes. Anyone and any organization can join Blurb for Good at the initiative’s website. Blurb for Good authors can set up a unique page in the Blurb Bookstore to help promote their cause, and their books will be featured in a special section of the Bookstore reserved for cause-related books. Moreover, Blurb will provide contributions to qualified authors who are raising money for registered non-profit organisations in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. The illustration above is the cover of Spirit, a Blurb book by Scottish photographer John G. Moore, whose proceeds went to a Glasgow hospital.

BeFunky today introduced a suite of one-click photo enhancement tools. These tools fix the common problems of over or underexposure, digital noise, poor color quality and fuzziness. BeFunky also added four new art effects to its portfolio: watercolour, underpainting, gouache and pointillism. It’s free to use BeFunky.com’s editing and effects tools. Users can also upgrade to premium and professional subscription services starting at $4.95 a month that offer more capabilities like higher resolution output and full screen workspace.

Website: BeFunky

WD today introduced its new high performance My Book Studio LX external hard drive, which offers a high-speed FireWire 800 interface and features a sleek new, cool-to-the-touch aluminium case. In addition to FireWire, the My Book Studio LX drives also support USB 2.0. Offering automatic, continuous backup and 256-bit hardware-based encryption, the WD My Book Studio LX is available in capacities of 1TB and 2TB, with the manufacturer’s suggested retail price ranging from $199.99 to $269.99 depending on the model.

Samsung has issued a firmware update for the Samsung NX10 mirrorless interchangeable-lens system camera. Available today, version 1.15 improves stability, offers faster SD card read / write speeds and adds features like user selectable manual focus assist and an EVF selection function in the AMOLED display menu. The firmware is currently available on the Samsung UK website for users to download.

Website:  Samsung UK

Spider Holster has announced several newly-created cross-platform adaptors. The first of these new offerings includes a collection of kits which enable photographers to quickly connect the SpiderPro holster to popular professional-grade belt systems, including Think Tank Photo’s Pro Speed Belts and Steroid Speed Belt. Current SpiderPro owners also have access to a new simple modification that facilitates use with Lowepro’s Street and Field Series. Plus, owners of Arca-Swiss-style ballheads and tripods can now purchase a new double-dovetail quick-release plate for a faster transition. The adaptors range in price from $12.99 to $39.95.

The Minox DC 1222 is a 12 megapixel compact camera with a 28-112mm equivalent Minoctar lens and HD movie recording capabilities. In keeping with Minox’s traditions, the Minox DC 1222 is a small and lightweight camera that measures only 95x55x19mm, and weighs in at just 114 grams. The 4x zoom lens has a maximum aperture of f/3.0 at the wide end and f/5.8 at maximum telephoto. Compatible with SD and SDHC memory cards, the Minox DC 1222 is available priced at €149.

Apple has officially launched the iPhone 4, which features a back-illuminated 5-megapixel CMOS sensor, a LED flash and 720p HD video recording. The extra slim smartphone actually has two cameras - the second one being a front side unit that allows one to take self-portraits simply, albeit in VGA resolution only. The main, rear-facing camera is capable of shooting 5 megapixel stills and HD movies at 30 frames per second, and features tap focus - in other words, you can tell the camera what to focus on by simply tapping the subject on the iPhone’s 3.5”, 326ppi Retina Display. Two things that are basically standard features on today’s compact cameras but are missing from the Apple iPhone 4 are optical zoom and image stabilisation. The iPhone 4 makes do with a fixed lens, offering only 5x digital zoom (which is still an improvement over the iPhone 3Gs). Geotagging, on the other hand, is on board for both photos and videos. Available from 24 June, the iPhone 4 comes in two versions (16GB and 32GB), priced at $199 and $299, respectively.

Adobe today announced the immediate availability of Lightroom 3 for Windows and Macintosh. First released as a public beta in October 2009, the final version of Lightroom 3 introduces a completely redesigned performance architecture that better handles growing image libraries. The 64-bit capable Lightroom 3 includes new features that optimise workflows and allow images to be shared in creative ways, including support for DSLR video files and tethered shooting on select cameras. In the UK, a full boxed copy costs £198, while the upgrade for existing customers is £63 (excluding VAT). In the U.S.A., the estimated street price is US$299 for new users with an upgrade price of US$99 for qualified registered Lightroom users.

Website: Adobe Photoshop Lightroom

PMA, which has traditionally been held in the first quarter of the year, will take place on 8-10 September in 2011. “Based on input from key suppliers and trade groups, the PMA show is changing dates to better serve the photo industry,” says Ted Fox, executive director and CEO, PMA. “The proximity of early September dates makes PMA 2011 the ideal kickoff for the holiday selling season.” 2011 also marks the show’s return to Las Vegas from Anaheim, California, which gave home to the event this year.