AgfaPhoto has introduced the new OPTIMA range of compact digital cameras. The 10 megapixel AgfaPhoto OPTIMA 1438m is equipped with a 32mm wide-angle lens, 23 scene modes, metal body, 4x optical zoom and a 3 inch display. The 10 megapixel AgfaPhoto OPTIMA 1338mT features a 3 inch touchscreen display, metal body, 3x optical zoom and 24 scene modes. The 8 megapixel AgfaPhoto OPTIMA 8328m offers a PASM mode, 3x optical zoom and a 2.7” LCD display. The AgfaPhoto OPTIMA 1438m is available for $209.95, the OPTIMA 1338mT for $199.95 and the OPTIMA 8328m for $139.95

The AgfaPhoto sensor 830s and 530s are two new digital cameras featuring a large red sensor shutter button. The AgfaPhoto sensor 830s offers an 8 megapixel resolution and a 3x optical and 5x digital zoom. The AgfaPhoto sensor 530s has a 5 megapixel resolution and a 3x optical and 8x digital zoom. Both models are equipped with a CMOS sensor, 2.4-inch TFT display, Face Tracking and maximum sensitivity of ISO 800. The AgfaPhoto sensor 830s and 530s are available in black, bronze, rosé and royal blue for $89.95 and $69.95 dollars respectively.

General Imaging have revamped their compact digital camera range with no less than nine new models. The range, which will arrive in the UK from April, offers new features including auto scene detection, pan-capture panorama, and optical image stabilisation. Each camera in the 2009 collection features at least 9 megapixels of resolution, with seven models boasting 12 or more. The new range will be arriving in the UK from April, with the E models under £150 and the A models under £100. The nine models are:

Available April
GE A950: 9 megapixels, 5x zoom, 2.5 inch screen
GE A1150: 11 megapixels, 5x zoom, 2.5 inch screen
GE A1250: 12 megapixels, 5x zoom, 2.5 inch screen
GE E1255W: 12 megapixels, 5x zoom, 3 inch screen

Approx availability, May
GE E1250W: 12 megapixels, 5x zoom, 3 inch screen

Approx availability, June
GE A1050: 10 megapixels, 5x zoom, 2.5 inch screen

Approx availability, July
GE G3WP: 10 megapixels, 4x zoom, 3 inch screen

Approx availability, August
GE E1276: 12 megapixels, 7x zoom, 3 inch screen

Approx availability, November
GE X3: 12 megapixels, 12x zoom, 2.7 inch screen

Shortcut Software will be showcasing SILKYPIX Pro at this week’s PMA show in Las Vegas. SILKYPIX Pro is a new RAW software program aimed at the advanced photographer. It is not a replacement for the already existing SILKYPIX Developer Studio 3.0, but will be sold in parallel. SILKYPIX Pro will be available for purchase later this year (around summer time). Shortcut Software’s PMA Booth is # V245.

The new Billingham 07 Series camera bag range builds on the success of the PressTop bags. New features include front tabs, leather colour and the inclusion of Billinghams wands in the top. The bags are constructed from Billingham’s FibreNyte material, a 21st century synthetic alternative for traditional canvas. Available in Black with black leather and Khaki with chocolate leather, the Billingham 07 Series is available in 3 sizes, starting from £229.99.

MAGIX has released a new set of freeware tools, including a photo editor and slideshow maker. MAGIX FunPix Maker can transform any photo with the help of hilarious effects, while MAGIX Slideshow Maker allows you to upload your photos to YouTube. MAGIX Xtreme Print Studio creates interesting covers for your discs. Music Maker for MySpace is the final free software application.

The PanTouch Clear 10.4-inch is the world’s slimmest digital photo frame. Just 1/3-inch thick, the PanTouch Clear 10.4-inch frame can easily be hung on a wall as well as fit neatly and unobtrusively in any other location. It features an eye-catching LCD that appears to be “floating” in the surrounding glass, 1024x768 resolution, integrated Wi-Fi and 2GB of storage space. The PanTouch Clear 10.4-inch will be available in May for $229.99.

The Epson R-D1xG is a new 6 megapixel rangefinder digital camera. An updated version of the original R-D1 and R-D1s models, which were discontinued in June 2007, the RD1xG retains the same 6 megapixel APS-C CCD sensor. It additionally offers a larger 2.5 inch LCD screen, SDHC card support, EDiART image processing and a handgrip. The Epson R-D1xG will be available in Japan on April 9th. Epson have already provided a photo gallery showing what the R-D1xG is capable of. The Epson R-D1xG is only being released in Japan.

Website: Epson Japan

Website: Epson R-D1xG Gallery

The Olympus E-3 DSLR will be used in Space as part of the “Olympus Space Project”. Dr. Koichi Wakata, astronaut of JAXA, (Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency) will use the Olympus E3 to photograph the Earth from the “Kibo”, the Japanese experimental module within the ISS (International Space Station). Pictures of Earth taken with the E-3 will be posted on Olympus’ web sites and shown at photo exhibitions.

Epson Signature Worthy Hot Press and Cold Press Papers have been released for the fine art market. The new Signature Worthy Hot Press and Cold Press Papers yield richer blacks, smoother tonal transitions and an expanded color gamut. The Hot Press papers offer a smooth surface and Cold Press papers offer a textured surface. In addition, Hot Press and Cold Press Bright offer a bright white point, while the Hot Press and Cold Press Natural offer a warm white point. The Signature Worthy Hot Press and Cold Press fine art cut sheet papers will be available in late April, with roll paper versions available later in 2009.

Unibind Smart Calendar creates fully assembled, personalized calendars with no equipment needed. The Unibind patented Smart Calendar guide trays ensure perfect alignment and its unique adhesive permanently seals all paper types. The finished product is a professionally bound hanging wall calendar. Smart Calendars will be available from March 1st 2009.

The LG W2442PA-BF is a new affordable 24 inch HD monitor. The W2442PA-BF features DVI and HDMI ports, 10,000:1 contrast ratio, response time of 2ms and built-in speakers. “Given the current economic climate in which consumers have become increasingly aware of their spending, affordable monitors with high-end features such as the W2442PA-BF, are appealing as users don’t need to sacrifice on specifications or quality.” commented Soyeon Shin, IT marketing manager, LG Electronics.

Panasonic have released a new firmware update for the DMC-FS15 camera. Version 1.1 offers a “Performance improvement at the time of the slide show enforcement”.

Website: Panasonic DMC-FS15 1.1 Firmware Update

Extend the functionality of your Hasselblad camera system with new software and firmware versions. Phocus 1.1.3 for Mac and 1.0.2 for Windows adds full digital APO Correction for the HTS1.5. The Capture Info tool in Phocus has been extended with fields for HTS parameters, extension rings and converters. Support for ISO 800 on the H3DII-39 and ISO 1600 on the H3DII-31 is available via a new camera firmware update, plus full integration with H-series cameras and the HTS1.5.

The MemoryKick MediaCenter is the world’s first full-featured, high-speed, compact portable storage device that fits right into your pocket. It combines the best features of Photo Banks, MP3 players, Memory Card Readers, and Video Players in one lightweight and stylish device. The MemoryKick MediaCenter is available now in 6 colours in the US for $249.95 for the 30Gb version, $299.95 for 60Gb, and $399.95 for 120Gb.

Popular photography website Steve’s Digicams has been bought by Internet Brands, a leading internet media company. “We are excited to be part of this powerful platform and look forward to the continued growth in content, technology, and community that Internet Brands will bring to Steve’s Digicams.” said Dannee Saylor, CEO and Editor of Steve’s Digicams. A press release from Internet Brands reveals that they bought four websites, including Steve’s Digicams, for $2.8 million in December 2008.

The Jobo Giga Vu Sonic and Giga one Sonic are two new portable image storage devices. The Giga Vu Sonic features a download speed of up to 1GB in 30 seconds, RAW decoding, four hard disc capacities up to 250 GB, a 3.2 inch color display and numerous picture functions. The cheaper Giga one Sonic offers transfers up to 1GB of data in less than one minute, a long-lasting battery, four hard disc capacities up to 200 GB, a 1.8 inch LCD display and convenient operation via five easy-to-use buttons. Prices start at €329 for the Jobo Giga Vu Sonic, and €189 for the Jobo Giga one Sonic.

Adobe has released an update for Photoshop CS4. The Photoshop 11.0.1 update addresses key issues reported by customers that may impact performance. The update also includes the following enhancements: the ability to correctly recognise 3D textures edited by plug-ins; improved quality of Auto-Blend Layers (Stack Images); and fixes for issues that can be caused by corrupt fonts or when pasting formatted text. The Photoshop 11.0.1 update is available as a free download for existing Photoshop CS4 customers, or through the Adobe updater via the application itself.

Website: Adobe Photoshop CS4 11.0.1 Update

Win 2000 Euros in the Voies Off 2009 photography competition. For the past 13 years, the Voies Off Prize has been awarded for an artist’s high-quality work and insightful vision, with around twenty different nationalities represented. The mailing of application forms deadline for this year’s Voies Off is March 30th 2009.