Kodak has announced the discontinuance of Kodak Professional Tri-X 320 for medium format. The American company cites “significantly decreased sales volumes” as the main reason for taking this decision. Based on current sales, these products are expected to be available in the market through March 2010. Importantly, Kodak Professional Tri-X 320 film remains available in sheet format (4x5”, 5x7” and 8x10”). Kodak Professional Tri-X 400 film is not affected by the decision in any way.

The Canon PIXMA iP2702 is a new stylish and easy-to-use home printer. The Canon iP2702 includes Canon’s FINE technology which offers grain-free printing at resolutions of up to 4800X1200dpi with a 2pl droplet size. The Canon PIXMA iP2702 is available from March 2010 priced at £45.00 / €49.00 RRP inc. VAT.

The Canon PIXMA MX870, MX350 and MX340 are three new all-in-one printers with Wi-Fi connectivity. The devices also feature improved print and copy speeds, a fully integrated Auto Document Feeder, as well as Canon’s FINE printing technology. The PIXMA MX870 is available from March 2010 priced at £199.00 / €219.00 RRP inc. VAT. The PIXMA MX350 is available from March 2010 priced at £149.00 / €169.00 RRP inc. VAT. The PIXMA MX340 is available from March 2010 priced at £99.00 / €109.00 RRP inc. VAT.

Canon has announced three new imagePROGRAF large-format inkjet printers in Japan. The imagePROGRAF iPF8300 is a 44-inch wide printer, capable of producing prints of up to B0 size, whereas the iPF6350 and iPF6300 are for prints up to 24-inch wide. Claimed to deliver improved ink ejection accuracy, these new imagePROGRAF printers from Canon offer a wider color gamut with over 90% coverage of Pantone colours.

Via Norhtlight Images

Canon has just unveiled the Canon EOS 550D (called the Canon EOS Rebel T2i in North America); a consumer-grade 18-megapixel digital SLR camera that can shoot 1080p high-definition videos. Canon’s advanced DIGIC 4 image processor and 18MP sensor support standard ISO settings of 100 – 6400 (expandable to 12800), while enhanced in-camera noise reduction technology boosts performance in low light conditions. The system’s 14-bit image processing produces smooth tonal gradation and natural looking colours for high quality prints and on-screen display. The EOS 550D / Rebel T2i also supports high-speed, continuous shooting at 3.7 frames per second. A 7.7cm / 3” Clear View LCD screen with 1,040k dot resolution and anti-reflective coating makes it possible to view the scene and your captured your images in bright conditions and from a variety of angles. The EOS 550D body only is available from 24th February 2010 priced at £799.99 / €899. In the USA, the Canon EOS Rebel T2i is expected to hit the shelves in early March priced at $799.99.

Canon have added four new PowerShot cameras to their lineup - the SX210 IS, SD3500 IS, SD1400 IS and SD1300 IS models. The Canon PowerShot SX210 IS ($349.99) features a 28mm wide-angle lens with 14x optical zoom, image stabilization and 3.0-inch wide LCD screen. The Canon PowerShot SD3500 IS ($329.99) is a 14 megapixel compact with a 3.5-inch wide LCD touch screen and 24mm ultra-wide angle, 5x zoom lens. The Canon PowerShot SD1400 IS ($249.99) features a 28mm wide-angle lens with 4x optical zoom lens and 14 megapixels. The Canon PowerShot SD1300 IS ($199.99) is a 12 megapixel camera with 4x zoom and 2.7-inch screen. The Canon PowerShot SX210 IS will be available in late March, and the other 3 models in late February.

The 12.1-megapixel Canon Digital IXUS 105 - called the Canon PowerShot SD1300 IS in North America - boasts classic IXUS styling, combining a slim and chic body with a 28-112mm equivalent, optically stabilised zoom lens. The IXUS 105 features a Smart Auto mode with Smart Flash Exposure and Scene Detection Technology plus Face Detection, FaceSelf-Timer and Auto Red-Eye Correction. A 2.7” rear screen and VGA movie recording at 30 frames per second round off the features list. The Canon IXUS 105 will be available from March 2010 priced at £189 / €219.

The 14-megapixel Canon Digital IXUS 130 - called the Canon PowerShot SD1400 IS in the U.S.A. - is the slimmest IXUS model to date. A 28-112mm equivalent, optically stabilised zoom lens is on board to help you take sharp photos and 720p HD videos. A 2.7” PureColor II G LCD features a new tempered glass layer, providing improved visibility during shooting and playback. Smart Shutter mode provides inventive ways to control the shutter using Face Detection Technology, enabling the user to trigger the shutter using a smile or a simple wink of an eye. Combined with FaceSelf-Timer, the IXUS 130 provides an easy way for users to get the picture they want. A new optional, ultra-slim and lightweight waterproof case (WP-DC37) is available for the IXUS 130, allowing users to protect their camera and shoot underwater to depths of up to 40m. The Canon IXUS 130 is available from March 2010 priced at £279 / €309.

The 14-megapixel Canon Digital IXUS 210 - known as the Canon PowerShot SD3500 IS in North America - boasts a 24-120mm-equivalent ultrawide-to-telephoto lens and a 3.5” touch-sensitive rear screen. By using large and easy-to-press on-screen icons while shooting, users can swiftly access commonly-used camera functions, while a simple-to-navigate touch menu system aids swift access to other camera settings. Touch AF allows the user to focus on their subject by simply ‘touching’ it on the screen.  If the subject is moving, the camera’s integrated Servo AF/AE will automatically track it, maintaining both focus and exposure for the perfect shot. 720p HD video, Smart Auto technology with Smart Flash Exposure, Face Detection and Face Self-Timer plus a range of Eye-Fi connected functions round off the features list. The Canon Digital IXUS 210 is available from early March 2010 priced at £349 / €389.

After the stir caused at the SWPP Convention in London in January, Aaduki have announced that the “Aaduki Boys” will also appear at the Focus on Imaging show. Nik Stewert, Marketing and Business Development Manager said, “The Boys caused a few eyebrows to be raised in Hammersmith to say the least. Everyone was talking about them and to say there were a lot of photographs taken of them is an understatement. Visitors and exhibitors alike were keen for a quick snap with the lads!!” Dressed in pre-branded underwear they will be helping to highlight the event itself as well as the Aaduki brand. Aaduki is an insurance company that offers a specialist service to photographers and video makers to insure cameras and other equipment.

This year marks the centenary of the first infrared photographs that have appeared in print. Professor Robert Williams Wood, the man who took the first published infrared photographs, had to sensitise his own photographic plates to infrared light, as there was no commercially produced infrared emulsion available at the time.

Minox has launched the Minox Digital Classic Camera 5.1, a minature replica of a classic 35mm rangefinder camera that has a five-megapixel sensor inside. Featuring a 2” rear monitor, the Minox 5.1 can be outfitted with a detachable eye-level optical viewfinder and a host of other accessories. Apart from taking 5mp still photographs, the camera is capable of shooting video in AVI format. All data are stored on external SD cards, while power is supplied by a removable Lithium-ion battery. The Minox DCC 5.1 has a fixed-mount, fixed-focal-length lens that accepts an optional chrome-plated brass lens cap and an add-on teleconverter. Focus can be set to 0.5m, 1m and infinity. The suggested retail price is €199.

Olympus has announced a range of official accessories for the new Olympus PEN E-PL1 digital camera. These include black and wine-red front & body cases made of genuine leather that are large enough to accommodate an Olympus PEN E-PL1 with attached M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 9–18mm f4.0–5.6 or M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14–42mm f3.5–5.6 lens; white, black or brown body jackets that protect the body without hiding its attractive design; a casual camera bag targeted at women; and a wrapping cloth that allows the camera and lens to be carried inside the user’s everyday bag or briefcase. These accessories are scheduled to go on sale in March, at prices ranging from 2,400 yen for the wrapping cloth to 9,000 yen for the front & body case.

On 23 March, Swann Auction Galleries will hold an auction featuring important photographs from the Stephen White Collection and other fine works by distinguished artists. One of the many highlights includes renowned American photographer Alfred Stiegletz’ Going Home by Ferry (estimate:  $50,000 to $75,000). Other noteworthy pieces include Andrew Russell’s Golden Spike (estimate:  $30,000 to $45,000), Lewis W. Hine’s Spinner, Cotton Mill (see above; estimate:  $12,000 to $18,000), Walker Evans’ Country Store (estimate:  $15,000 to $25,000), Andrew J. Russell’s Golden Spike Ceremony with Flag and Camera, (estimate:  $20,000 to $30,000) and Commanding half-plate daguerreotype of Henry Clay, the “Great Compromiser” (estimate:  $20,000 to $30,000). The collection also includes classical landscapes by master photographer Ansel Adams, as well as works by celebrated photographers Horst P. Horst, Mario Giacomelli and Helmut Newton. Swann Auction Galleries are located at 104 East 25th Street in New York.

Canon have announced the development of the EOS E1 video plug-in for Apple’s Final Cut Pro. This new plug-in allows simple and easy transfer of video content from Canon’s EOS DSLR cameras directly into Final Cut Pro.

The UP-Rise series is Vanguard’s newest line of high-quality photo-video bags, which has an ability to expand in size to accommodate changing lens and gear needs. One easy zipper motion enables expansion; it shrinks back down when the extra room is no longer needed. Other features include removable rain coats and multiple pockets for extra memory cards and lens caps. Available in messenger, zoom, shoulder, sling and backpack styles, UP-Rise bags are available at street prices of $49-149. Vanguard has also announced its Sydney eries shoulder bags, which are light in weight but feature thick padding for reliable protection. Featuring a Rapid Access System and a customisable interior, Vanguard’s Sydney shoulder bags are available for $49-89. Finally, the manufacturer’s weatherproof and lightweight Pampas series shoulder bags have a roomy interior with thick padding and a protective wall that deters theft.  They are available at street prices of $29-69.

Vanguard has just announced the Espod Plus family of aluminium tripods. Photographers can get their cameras in position quickly with Espod Plus’ unique, ergonomic leg angle release button, enabling effortless adjustment to 25, 50 and 80-degree angles. With load capacities ranging from 2 to 3kg, Espod Plus tripods come equipped with reversible centre columns and three-way pan heads, priced from $79 to $109

Vanguard has announced a range of semi-elliptical, heavy-duty ball heads that automatically adjust and increase tension to handle off-centre load. Vanguard’s patented Combination-Friction Forces Control feature enables extreme tension and friction control via an ergonomic grooved dial located on the main adjustment knob. Both are independently adjustable but positioned side-by-side on the same axis for convenient fine-tuning. This combination of precise tension and friction forces control increases the strength to provide outstanding security. Compatible with numerous Arca quick release plates, the new ABH series ball heads offer maximum load capacities of 20-40kg, and are priced from $199 to $299.