LaCie’s new itsaKey, iamaKey and PassKey USB drives are shaped like keys. The itsaKey and iamaKey offer up to 8GB of flash memory. Alternatively, the PassKey has a built-in microSD card reader. The three USB keys are built with sturdy metal, and the Gold SIP connector on the iamaKey is both water- and scratch- resistant. The LaCie Keys are available now starting at £9 / $9.99.

The Lowepro D-Wrap is a new point-and-shoot camera wrap-style case. Lowepro’s D-Wrap includes a built-in plate with threaded key that attaches to the camera’s tripod socket. The stretchy and abrasion-resistant neoprene cover wraps around the camera body and shuts securely with a Velcro closure. The Lowepro D-Wrap will be available in spring 2009.

Lowepro Toploader Pro AW is a new toploading camera bag series. Toploader Pro AW is built for the pro photographer who requires fast access, agility and flexibility while on assignment. Toploader Pro AW bags come in three sizes and work with Lowepro’s Topload Chest Harness (sold separately), offering hands-free access while on the job. The Lowepro Toploader Pro AW series will be available in late spring 2009.

The Lowepro Pro Roller x-Series is a new range of camera roller bags. Designed with airport-compatibility and extra security in mind, the Pro Roller x-Series features a 3-digit combination lock and one retractable security cable. A camera backpack is built right into the hard case and serves as a dual carrying option. The Lowepro Pro Roller x-Series comes in three sizes (x100 and x200 can be taken aboard airlines as a carry-on bag in most instances) and will be available in late spring 2009.

Ansel Adams photograph “Grass and Rain” will be available as a digital reproduction from April 16th. The eighth image in this new series of Ansel Adams Archival Replicas, “Grass and Rain” is described as an “often overlooked” image that is “a really wonderful image to hang in one’s home or office.” The Archival Replicas range in size from 7 by 9” to 30 by 38” and cost from $79 to $999, depending upon size, mounting, matting and framing. Grass and Rain will be available in sizes up to 20 by 24” with larger prints offered on request.

World exclusive! We’ve published 41 sample photos taken with a production version of the brand new Olympus E-620 DSLR camera. There are 27 full-size JPEG images at the best quality setting, an ISO sequence from 100-3200, and 8 images shot with some of the new Art Filters. The Olympus E-620 is the world’s smallest and lightest DSLR camera with built-in image stabilisation. An Olympus UK spokesman hinted at a possible UK launch price for the E-620 of £650 with a kit lens (US price already confirmed as $699 body-only).

Website: Olympus E-620 Photos

RED have been titillating forum users this week with more details of its upcoming DSLR camera system. Founder Jim Jannard has revealed a new set of primes lenses (pictured) - 18mm T1.9, 21mm T1.9, 65mm T1.9 120mm T1.9 140mm T1.9 and 14mm beginning. Also revealed is the first shot of a possible DSLR camera configuration (click the continue link below to see it).

Olympus have publically stated that 12 megapixels is enough for a DSLR camera. In an interview with CNET, Akira Watanabe, manager of Olympus Imaging’s SLR planning department, commented that “Twelve megapixels is, I think, enough for covering most applications most customers need,”. Watanabe went on to claim that contrast-detection autofocusing in DSLRs will soon out-perform the traditional phase-detection system. Of course, both of these claims are directly in line with Olympus’s current approach to its DSLR camera development…

Website: CNET - Olympus declares 12 megapixels is enough

Mothers and Children is a new National Geographic book that captures the bond between mothers and their children. World-famous contributors Annie Griffiths Belt, Sam Abell, Jodi Cobb, Joel Sartore and more have contributed 65 beautiful photographs from around the world. Mothers and Children will be available from March 17th for $20 (hardcover).

Canon has been voted the most trusted camera brand in Europe for the ninth consecutive year. In a survey by Reader’s Digest, the world’s best-selling monthly magazine, consumers in 13 out of 16 European countries voted for Canon.  Respondents rated each brand on the following four criteria: Quality, Excellent value, Strong Image and Understands customer needs.

Canon USA have issued a service notice about the abnormal mirror operation of the EOS-1D Mark III and EOS-1Ds Mark III DSLR cameras. The mirror does not operate even if the shutter button is pressed and the following message appears frequently on the camera’s LCD monitor: ‘Err 99 Shooting is not possible. Turn the power switch to and

again or re-install the battery’. Canon USA are providing free repairs to affected products.

Canon USA have issued a service notice about the autofocusing accuracy of the EOS-1D Mark III and EOS-1Ds Mark III DSLR cameras. If an AF point other than the center AF point is used, focus may become soft. Canon USA are providing free AF accuracy checks and adjustments to affected products.

Leica have ended production of the R9 camera. In an article by L.Camera Forum, Leica have informed dealers that they have run out of stock of all R9 cameras and R Lenses. Hinting at a new Leica R10 model, a spokesman commented “they are working hard on making a generation change possible for the current R-System”.

Website: L.Camera Forum

Website: Leica R9

Photoshop CS4 Channels & Masks One-on-One is a new book that provides step-by-step lessons on masking and the alpha channel. Authors Deke McClelland and Tim Grey provide text lessons, DVD-video demonstrations, and real-world projects. Photoshop CS4 Channels & Masks One-on-One is available now for $49.99, £38.50, 40 €.

Nikon’s F-mount lens-mounting system is 50 years old. The longest standing lens mount for 35mm-format SLR interchangeable lenses and cameras, the Nikon F-mount was first employed on Nikon’s earliest SLR camera, the Nikon F, released in June 1959. No other camera manufacturer has been able to sustain its original lens mount for such a long period of time.

Official sample images from the Sigma DP2 compact camera are now available. 17 images taken by four different photographers can be downloaded at the full 1760x2640 pixel resolution. Disappointingly, none of the images use an ISO speed faster than 200, and some of the have been “retouched by the photographer”. The Sigma DP2 is a compact camera with a 14 megapixel Foveon X3, APS-C sized sensor, 41mm lens with an aperture of f/2.8 (f4 on the DP1), and the “TRUE II” image processing engine.

Website: Sigma DP2 Sample Images

Olympus’ Micro Four Thirds System camera, originally shown as a prototype at Photokina last year, will be launched this summer. Olympus are showcasing exactly the same mockup under glass at this week’s PMA show, with the addition of a label simply stating “Launching this summer”. No further details have been revealed.

Sony have revealed that they will be releasing 6 new DSLR lenses this year. The full line-up is: Super telephoto lens, 28-75mm f/2.8 (both for full-frame), 55-200mm f/4-5.6 DT, 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 DT, 50mm f/1.8 DT and 30mm f/2.8 DT (DT lenses are for smaller sensor cameras). No pricing or launch dates are available yet.

The Name Your Dream Assignment contest has just been officially launched. The contest is now open for submissions and voting for a month, until midnight on April 3th. The winner will be announced on or around April 17th. The Name Your Dream Assignment is a chance for photographers to go anywhere in the world on assignment. The winner will get a $50,000 cash award plus lots of goodies including a Lenovo ThinkPad W700 notebook computer with Windows Vista, specially designed for photographers.

Website: Name Your Dream Assignment