Apple has updated its iMac and Mac mini desktop lines with faster processors and twice the memory. The entire iMac line comes with faster Intel Core 2 Duo processors up to 3.06 GHz, NVIDIA GeForce 9400M integrated graphics, double the memory and up to one terabyte of storage. Apple also announced that its AirPort Extreme 802.11n Wi-Fi Base Station and Time Capsule now feature simultaneous 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz dual-band networking. The new iMac and Mac mini lines are available now.

The Sony Cyber-shot HX1 is a new super-zoom compact camera featuring a 9.1 megapixel ‘Exmor’ CMOS sensor. Offering a 20x optical zoom range (28-480mm), the Sony HX1’s G lens was originally developed for the Sony Alpha DSLR family. The Sony HX1 can also shoot 1080/30p HD movies, provides continuous shooting up to 10 frames per second, has a 3.0” tilt-angle LCD screen, and offers a new ‘Sweep Panorama’ mode which captures extra-wide landscapes. The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX1 digital compact camera will be available from the beginning of May 2009.

The Pentax X70 is a new super-zoom compact camera with a 24x optical lens (26-624mm). Coupled with the Intelligent Zoom function, the X70’s range can be extended to approximately 150 times (for an approximate focal length of 3900mm!). The X70 incorporates a 12 megapixel sensor, image-sensor-shift shake reduction system, continuous shooting up to 11 frames per second (at 5 megapixels), 1280x720 pixel HD movies, 2.7-inch LCD monitor,and Aperture-Priority AE, Shutter-Priority AE and Metered Manual modes. The Pentax X70 will cost £369.99.

The smc PENTAX-DA15mm F4 ED AL Limited is a new ultra-wide angle lens. When mounted on a Pentax DSLR, the Pentax DA 15mm F4 lens offers the equivalent to a 23mm angle of view in the 35mm format. The smc PENTAX-DA15mm F4 ED AL Limited will be available in April for £569.99 / $649.95.

The Sigma 10-20mm F3.5 EX DC HSM is a new super-wide angle lens offering a maximum aperture of F3.5 throughout the entire zoom range. Two ELD (Extraordinary Low Dispersion) glass elements and a SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass element provide excellent correction of color aberration. Four aspherical lenses provide correction for distortion and allow compact and lightweight construction. The incorporation of HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor) ensures a quiet and high-speed AF as well as full-time manual focusing capability. The Sigma 10-20mm F3.5 EX DC HSM will be available in Sigma, Canon, Nikon, Pentax and Sony mounts.

The Sigma 18-50mm F2.8-4.5 DC OS HSM is a new standard zoom lens for DSLRs with APS-C / DX size sensors. It incorporates Sigma’s Optical Stabilisation system which works with the anti-shake function of Sony and Pentax DSLRs. The Sigma 18-50mm F2.8-4.5 DC OS HSM offers a large aperture of F2.8 at 18mm wide angle, faster than most standard kit lenses, and the HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor) ensures quiet and high speed auto-focusing. The Sigma 18-50mm F2.8-4.5 DC OS HSM lens will be available in Sigma, Canon, Nikon, Pentax and Sony mounts.

The Sigma 50-200mm F4-5.6 DC OS HSM is a new high-performance telephoto zoom lens. It incorporates Sigma’s Optical Stabilisation system which allows the use of shutter speeds approximately 4 stops slower than normal. The lens is also compatible with the anti-shake function of Sony and Pentax DSLRs. The Sigma 50-200mm F4-5.6 DC OS HSM will be available in Sigma, Canon, Nikon, Pentax and Sony mounts.

The Kodak EasyShare Z915 is a new compact digital camera with an image-stabilized 10x zoom lens. The Z915’s Smart Capture feature automatically detects the scene being shot and adjusts the camera settings to capture the best image. A 2.5 inch LCD display and use of AA batteries completes the headline specs. The Kodak Z915 will be available in red, blue, black and gray in April for $199.95 in the US, and £179.99 from May in the UK.

The Sony DPP-FP97 and DPP-FP67 are two new compact photo printers. Both models produce 4 x 6-inch photo prints - the DPP-FP97 in about 45 seconds, and the DPP-FP67 in about 63 seconds. The Sony DPP-FP97 comes with frame, scrapbooking and calendar templates, an auto touch-up feature, 3.5-inch LCD screen, HDMI-out port, plus a software keyboard for quick type messages and personalized greeting cards. In May, the DPP-FP97 digital photo printer will be available for about $200, and the DPP-FP67 model for about $120.

The final versions of Lightroom 2.3 and Camera Raw 5.3 are now available. Adobe Lightroom 2.3 and Camera Raw 5.3 provide raw file support for the Nikon D3X and Olympus E-30 cameras, and Lightroom 2.3 addresses several issues including a solution to a memory leak. Adobe Lightroom 2.3 and Camera Raw 5.3 are both available now as free updates for eligible customers.

Leica have released a new firmware update, 2.004, for the M8 and M8.2 cameras. It adds support for new lenses and also a discrete mode / delayed shutter-cocking action to the M8 model.

Website: Leica M8 Firmware Update 2.004

Apple have just released the Digital Camera RAW Compatibility Update 2.5 for Mac OS X 10.4.11 or Mac OS X 10.5.3 or later. This update extends RAW file compatibility for Aperture 2, iPhoto ‘08, and iPhoto ‘09 for the Nikon D3X and Epson R-D1x cameras. It also addresses issues related to specific cameras and overall stability.

Website: Apple Digital Camera RAW Compatibility Update 2.5

The second annual Photography.Book.Now competition is now open for entries. The contest celebrates self-published photography books and the photographers behind them, with a grand prize of $25,000 on offer. Entries will be accepted in three categories – Fine Art, Editorial, and Commercial. “Photography.Book.Now offers photographers of all backgrounds a wonderful opportunity to showcase compelling work in book form. The three categories celebrate the photography book as an experience that is more than just the sum of its parts.” commented Darius Himes, lead judge. The closing date is 16:00pm BST on the 16th July, 2009.

The Magnum Expression Photography Award is a new international competition which aims to emphasise the value of storytelling through the use of imagery. The theme of this year’s Expression Photography Award is “communities”. From March 16th to September 30th 2009, participants will be able to submit eight to 15 images, a biography and statement about their project via Magnum’s website. The winner of the Magnum Expression Photography Award will receive an HP Designjet Z3200 Photo Printer and supplies and a $10,000 grant. The 19 finalists and overall winner will be announced later in the year.

M-ROCK has introduced its new Adventure line of bags for outdoor photographers.The M-ROCK Adventure series includes laptop compatible backpacks and gadget bags with detachable roller trolleys; sling bags-turn-backpacks, several DSLR Gadget and top load holster bags; point-and-shoot digital camera bags; and attachable lens pouches for additional carrying capacity. In addition, M-ROCK is introducing a series of full-featured Modular System bags. Consisting of five bags and a support belt of varying sizes and shapes, M-ROCK’s modular bags give users the freedom and flexibility to create a modular system that is specific to their shooting style.

The JOBO PDJ120 is a new limited edition 12 inch digital photo frame. The PDJ120 features a stylish snow-white acrylic border, internal memory capable of storing up to 800 pictures and convenient remote control access. The JOBO Photo Display PDJ120 will be available this month for $259.

Delkin’s Fat Gecko is a new accessory that mounts a camera to almost any surface. The Fat Gecko is a dual suction cup mount with three attachment options - the suction cup mount, clamp-style handlebar mount, and strap bicycle mount. Fat Gecko’s suction cups are so strong they can hold more than a five pound camera, or the equivalent of a full size SLR with a standard lens. The double knuckle design and 2” extender allow for 360° tilt, 360° turn and 360° rotation to capture all of the best filming angles in any activity. Fat Gecko will be available for sale in March 2009 for $89.99.

The new Lensbaby 0.42x Super Wide Lens converts Lensbaby optics from a 50mm focal length to an ultra-wide 21mm focal length. Compatible with all Lensbaby lenses, the Lensbaby 0.42x Super Wide Lens simply screws onto the front of any Lensbaby lens via its standard 37mm screw thread. “Many Lensbaby users are shooting with cropped-sensor digital cameras, and are looking for a wider angle of view. With this new 0.42x Super Wide Lens, we are offering the widest angle-of-view yet for selective focus lenses in one of the lightest, most compact 0.42x conversion lenses available.” commented Lensbaby President and Co-Founder, Craig Strong. The Lensbaby 0.42x Super Wide Lens is available now for $79.95.

Canon has released a new firmware update, v1.1.4, for the 1Ds Mark III DSLR camera. This firmware update (Version 1.1.4) incorporates the following fixes.

  1. Corrects a phenomenon in which a displayed image becomes pitch-black if it is zoomed in on during Live View shooting.
  2. Corrects a phenomenon in which “busy” may continue to appear on the camera if the USB cable is disconnected during USB communication.
  3. Changes the error indications that are displayed on the camera. The error indications are further clarified to make the causes of errors easier to identify, and so that adequate support can be provided to our customers.

Website: Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III Firmware Update 1.1.4

Canon has released a new firmware update, version 1.2.5, for the EOS-1D Mark III DSLR camera. This firmware update (Version 1.2.5) incorporates the following fixes.

  1. Corrects a phenomenon in which a displayed image becomes pitch-black if it is zoomed in on during Live View shooting.
  2. Corrects a phenomenon in which “busy” may continue to appear on the camera if the USB cable is disconnected during USB communication.
  3. Changes the error indications that are displayed on the camera. The error indications are further clarified to make the causes of errors easier to identify, and so that adequate support can be provided to our customers.

Website: Canon EOS-1D Mark III Version 1.2.5 Firmware Update