Autoexposure, autofocus and auto white balance might all be old news, but Sony is now offering an auto-everything solution in the form of the Sony Party-shot IPT-DS1 “personal photographer” - an innovative camera dock that pans 360 degrees and tilts 24 degrees, automatically detects faces, adjusts composition[!] and takes photos for you. The Party-shot camera accessory uses the camera’s BIONZ image processor with its face detection and Smile Shutter features to take photos without the user needing to snap the shutter button. Compatible with the newly announced Sony DSC-WX1 and DSC-TX1 Cyber-shot digital cameras, the Party-shot camera accessory is mountable on nearly any tripod, so you can set it up in a convenient location in your home, especially when you are entertaining. With two AA batteries, the Party-shot camera accessory captures photos for up to 11 hours. The Party-shot camera accessory will be available for about $150 from September onward. Do you think the Sony Party-shot will be the star of the next party you throw? Or do you think it’s going to take the last bit of fun out of photography? Let your voice be heard by leaving a comment below!

Ricoh has released a function-enhancing firmware update for the Ricoh GR Digital II professional digital compact camera. Version 2.40 gives the GR Digital II a number of functional enhancements, including the following:

(1) When you playback a still image, you can enlarge it with a single push by pressing the ADJ. lever.
(2) You can set the zoom ratio for the on-push zoom with the ADJ. lever.
(3) You can choose a setting option of the ADJ. lever and the Up-down dial in playback mode.
(4) You can change the functions between the ADJ. lever and the Up-down dial in M mode.
(5) When you switch from a shooting mode to the playback mode, the camera shows the last picture you played back last time.

This firmware upgrade also includes a fix to the following problem: when using long time exposure, the orientation information (horizontal or vertical) of the image may not be recorded correctly.

Website: Ricoh GR Digital II Firmware Update
Review: Read our in-depth review of the Ricoh GR Digital II

RCP-Technik GmbH & Co. KG has announced three new digital compact cameras, the Rollei Flexline 140, the Rollei Flexline 200 and the Rollei Flexline 250, the last of which features sensor-shift image stabilisation.  The stabilised, twelve-megapixel Rollei Flexline 250 is made from high-quality, rugged aluminium, has a 34-170mm equivalent 5x Apogon zoom lens and is available in either a black or silver finish for €199 RRP. In contrast to its bigger brother, the Rollei Flexline 200 (€165.95) has digital stabilisation - read: ISO boost - only, and makes do with a 4x zoom, but also boasts a twelve-megapixel sensor. Finally, the entry-level Rollei Flexline 140 (€129, pictured) is an ultra-slim ten-megapixel model with a 4x zoom and digital stabilisation.

Getty Images have announced two new Web & Mobile image products featuring very small file sizes designed specifically for online and mobile use. These new Web & Mobile products enable customers to license high volumes of compelling, high quality and simple to use imagery at appropriate prices for the digital element of their campaigns and communications. For more information on these new products, visit www.gettyimages.com/webandmobileimages.

The twelve-megapixel Pentax Optio P80 is the latest model of the popular Optio P series of digital compact cameras, and features HD video capture in a slim, lightweight body with a 27.5-110mm equivalent 4x zoom lens. Other highlights include shake reduction (though not of the mechanical kind), extra-quick face detection, smile capture and an Auto Picture mode that automatically selects the scene mode it thinks is best for any given shot.Pentax have allegedly improved the Face Detection AF & AE function on the P80 to now capture subject faces from an angle; and a more responsive version of the Auto-Tracking AF function helps keep an active subject in constant focus. The Optio P80 will be available in Black, Pearl and Mint in September 2009 at $199.95 USD.

The 10-megapixel Pentax Optio E80 is an entry-level digital camera with HD video capture, user-friendly features and large control buttons. Highlights inlcude a 2.7”, 230.000-dot LCD, a 32-96mm equivalent 3x zoom lens, face detection, and 720p video recording at 15 frames per second with shake reduction and sound. The Pentax Optio E80 features an upgraded version of Pentax’s Auto Picture mode, which automatically and instantly selects the most appropriate shooting mode for a given subject or scene. The camera is powered by a pair of AA-sized batteries, which can be bought almost anywhere. Available in Silver or Black, the Pentax Optio E80 can be purchased from September 2009 at $129.95 USD.

The 10-megapixel Pentax Optio WS80 is a new rugged, dust- and waterproof camera with a 5x zoom lens and the ability to record high-definition video. The Pentax Optio WS80 can withstand depths up to five feet (1.5 metres) for up to two hours, and sports features like extra-quick face detection, smile capture, shake reduction and an Auto Picture mode similar to the iAuto mode of other manufacturers’ digital cameras. Available in two eye-catching color options, black with orange accents or white with purple accents, the PENTAX Optio WS80 will ship in September 2009 for $249.95 USD.

DXG USA has unveiled the new DXG Luxe line of high-definition “couture camcorders” that combine high-quality video recording with fashionable design. The DXG-Riviera features a chic, quilted pattern with silver or bronze details and crystal accents in three colours. The DXG-Soho comes in a hip pink or blue argyle pattern with stylish leather accents. Both models record high-definition (720p) video, take 8-megapixel still photos (apparently interpolated from 5 megapixels) and feature a 3-inch LCD screen—all on a compact form factor only 1 1/2-inches thick. Neither camcorder has optical zoom though. The DXG Riviera and the DXG Soho models each retail for $149.99.

Sony today announced two new Cyber-shot cameras (the Sony DSC-TX1 and DSC-WX1 models) which, owing to their “Exmor R” back illuminated CMOS sensor technology, allegedly provide approximately twice the sensitivity of cameras with traditional image sensors. This should theoretically improve low-light performance and result in cleaner images with less noise. “Conventional image sensor architecture has required wires and other circuit elements to be positioned above the light sensitive photo-diodes, limiting the imager’s light gathering capability.  Positioning these elements behind the photo-diodes, Sony’s ‘Exmor R’ image sensors can gather more light, resulting in approximately twice the sensitivity compared to conventional sensors,” Sony claims. Moreover, the Sony WX1 and TX1 can also capture six separate images in less than a second and combine the shots into a single image of “extraordinary detail” and “low noise”. The Sweep Panorama technology, first seen in the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX1 is also on board, and the new TX1 and WX1 models also feature a burst rate of 10 frames per second. The Sony TX1 is an ultra-compact 10-megapixel camera with a 4x zoom lens and a touch panel, while the Sony WX1 (pictured above) is also a 10-megapixel model, but it comes with an intriguing 24-120mm equivalent f/2.4-5.9 Sony G lens.

Southern California photography instructor Ralph Velasco seeks the World’s Worst Photographer and is offering a Grand Prize Photography Learning Package as bait. Valued at over $1,000, the package consists of two private classes, five One on One PhotoWalkingTours, and more. Three runners up will each receive a single 2-hour, small group PhotoWalkingTour in Orange County and participation in both of Velasco’s classes with a small group, a package valued at over $135 each. Velasco encourages people to nominate any who they think has most room for improvement and would most likely benefit from his services. To find out how to nominate someone, read his full press release regarding this deliberately provocative offer after the break.

In the run-up to IFA 2009, AgfaPhoto has announced three new slim-design compacts, the AgfaPhoto OPTIMA 1, the AgfaPhoto OPTIMA 100 and the AgfaPhoto OPTIMA 102. The AgfaPhoto OPTIMA 1 is a 12-megapixel, 5x zoom model with a 28-140mm equivalent lens and a 2.7” rear screen with 230,000 dots. The AgfaPhoto OPTIMA 100 has a 10-megapixel sensor, a 3x zoom lens and a similar 2.7” LCD. The AgfaPhoto OPTIMA 102 (pictured) boasts 12 megapixels, a 3” display, “YouTube video format” and 3x optical zoom. All OPTIMA cameras offer a beauty shot mode, a voice memo function and, apparently a live histogram. The cameras range from 129 to 179 euros (MSRP, including German VAT) and will be available in September.

Camera Bits today announced that it offers a 15%-plus discount, which includes two-year upgrades, to any qualifying student, teacher, school administrator, school or district that purchases Photo Mechanic Version 4.6. Photo Mechanic is a photo browser and workflow solution that is claimed to be the most popular photo editing software used by educational institutions, the U.S. military, photojournalists and major newspapers and news organizations including The Associated Press. “We are thrilled to help students, educators and institutions of all sizes experience Photo Mechanic,” said Dennis Walker, founder and president/CEO of Camera Bits. “It has become the industry standard for photographers to sort, manage and edit multiple images, and we believe that students should have the opportunity to learn about digital photography and photojournalism with the same tools they will be using as professionals.”

Website: Camera Bits

Novoflex, a German manufacturer of high-quality accessories, has announced the availability of a new range of adapters that allow photographers to mount a multitude of older lenses on Micro FourThirds cameras, such as the Panasonic G1 / GH1 and the Olympus PEN E-P1. Adapters are available for the following lenses: Canon FD, Contax/Yashica, Leica M, Leica R, M42, Minolta MD / MC, Minolta (Sony) A, Nikon F, Olympus OM, Pentax K and T2. The adapters for Minolta (Sony) A, Nikon F and Pentax K mount lenses provide aperture control even for those lenses that do not have an aperture ring. These adapters are therefore more expensive (costing €169) than the others (priced between €89 and €149). All adapters allow infinity focus and stop-down TTL exposure metering. According to Cameratown, the new MicroFourThirds adapters are available now from HP Marketing Corp. dealers in the USA.

Website: Novoflex

Epson has issued a free firmware update for its P6000 and P7000 Photoviewers, which enables tethered shooting with the Nikon D90, D300, D700, D3, D3X and Canon EOS 40D, 50D, 5D Mark II, 1D Mark III and 1Ds Mark III cameras. The new firmware allows images to be captured directly onto the Photoviewer by remotely controlling the firing of the camera shutter up to a distance of seven metres from the camera body. Once a photograph has been taken, the image can be immediately previewed on the Photoviewer’s screen. Photographs are saved to both the camera memory card and the Hard Disk Drive of the Photoviewer, bypassing the process of transferring images whilst simultaneously backing up all photos.

Website: Epson Firmware Update

More than 40 different Schneider lenses for view cameras, ranging from 24mm to 1100mm, are eligible for instant rebates through 30 September 2009. The amount of the rebate varies between $200 and $400 depending on lens purchased. The offer is valid on 45 different Schneider lenses in the Apo-Symmar, Apo-Tele-Xenar, Fine Art, Macro-Symmar, Super-Angulon, Super-Symmar, Apo-Digitar and Macro Apo-Digitar designs.  Photographers should contact or visit any participating Schneider dealer found on the list at the website below. After getting a price quote from a dealer that meets their needs, photographers then tell or give the dealer the Instant Rebate Code Number 27686.

Website: Schneider Optics

‘How to Market Your Photos’ by Rohn Engh is a new eBook / eCourse on CD. The eCourse consists of 21 units and pulls together new strategies that successful photographers are using to take advantage of the Internet as a tool to make more sales. “Photobuyers have learned to circumvent the large stock agencies and use search engines to go directly to a photographer’s website who has the exact picture they need,” Engh says. “The secret to getting this photobuyer traffic is in knowing how to position yourself.” Engh’s e-Course, ‘How To Market your Photos,’ is priced at $89.95, and he is having an Early Bird sale up until 7 August making the eCourse available at $69.95.

Website: How to Market Your Photos

International Garden Photographer of the Year (IGPOTY) has revealed the results of its Early Bird Competition, which was announced earlier this year. The theme of the 2009 contest was “In Full Bloom”, and the jury announced five talented photographers as winners: Anne Gilbert for her entry “Flowering Fruits’ (see above), Sharon Perrett for her work, ‘What a Beautiful Morning’, Sheila Sim for her image, ‘Kew Gardens’, Ariann Isaakson for the photo, ‘Summer Heat’ and iRon Tear for a photograph entitled ‘‘Bluebell Field’.

Website: IGPOTY Early Bird Competition 2009 Winners

Epson America today announced the Epson Perfection V500 Office scanner that effortlessly combines the productivity features of a document scanner and the image quality of a photo scanner into a compact package. The Epson Perfection V500 Office inherits some of the features, functions and characteristics of the existing Epson Perfection V500 Photo scanner, such as a resolution of 6300dpi, a transparency unit for film scanning and Digital ICE Technology for dust and scratch removal in film scans. What the new scanner adds is a 30-page automatic document feeder with scan speeds of up to three pages per minute, which makes for quick document scanning and thus for certain users eliminates the need for separate document and photo scanners. The Epson Perfection V500 Office will be available in September 2009 for an estimated street price of $350.

Toshiba have announced the launch date of the world’s first 64GB SDXC Memory Card capable of operating at the world’s fastest data transfer rate for reading and writing to a flash memory card. The new card is compliant with the new SD Memory Standard, Ver. 3.00, UHS104, boasting a maximum write speed of 35MB per second, and a read speed of 60MB per second. Mass production will start in the spring of 2010. Note that SDXC Memory Cards are interoperable only with an SDXC host device, which implements the exFAT file system, and do not work with existing SD and SDHC host devices.

Zacuto has announced the ZGrip iPhone Jr., a more affordable version of the ZGrip iPhone Pro handgrip for shooting stable video using the iPhone 3Gs. The iPhone 3Gs snaps into the iPhone cradle which is attached to the handgrip. The ZGrip iPhone Jr. has a ¼ 20” thread on the bottom so you can mount it to a tripod. It also has a ¼ 20” thread on the top for mounting accessories such as a light. The ZGrip iPhone Jr. will be available for $69 including a lifetime warranty, but by pre-ordering it until 15 August 2009, you can get a $10 instant rebate.