HP Baryte Satin Art Paper delivers the look and feel of traditional argentic baryte papers. HP Baryte Satin Art Paper is designed with an acid buffered fiber base substrate, an authentic baryte smooth surface coating and a high-performance inkjet layer, which delivers long-lasting prints and exceptional image quality. HP Baryte Satin Art Paper is optimized for black and white and color prints, portraits, vintage photo reproductions, restorations and style renderings. Expected to be available worldwide ffrom Oct. 1, 2008, pricing for HP Baryte Satin Art Paper starts at $130 for a 610mm x 15.2m roll.

Samsung have introduced NaBee, a wirelss USB connection for digital cameras. Samsung NaBee allows for a simple, high-speed wireless communication between a digital still camera and PC. Plug the miniature dongle into the camera USB connector, and its matching dongle into the PC and it connects just like a standard USB cable. NaBee will be available in December 2008.

Nikon have just released a firmware update, version 1.11, for the 10 megapixel Nikon D80 DSLR camera. Version 1.11 resolves an issue which, in rare cases, causes the battery indicator to blink whilst shooting regardless of the level of charge in the battery.

Website: Nikon D80 Firmware Update 1.11 (Windows)
Website: Nikon D80 Firmware Update 1.11 (Mac)

Pentax’s Sales & Marketing Director of Imaging Systems, Mr. Toshiaki Iue, who recently joined the company in July, has stated that “Pentax’s relationship with Samsung is not perfect – there are some issues”, but went on to say that the two companies would continue their technology partnership for at least the near future. In a wide-ranging round-table interview held at Photokina, Mr Iue candidly answered questions on a wide range of topics, including Pentax’s future plans for their long-delayed digital 645 medium format camera, the potential impact of Micro Four Thirds, and their relationship with parent company Hoya.

The new AgfaPhoto DC-1338sT camera has a 3” touch screen LCD display. A gentle touch – either with a finger or a stylus – of the display is all it takes for the user interface to open. The AgfaPhoto DC-1338sT also features a 3x optical zoom, 10-megapixel resolution, sensitivity up to ISO 3200 and 22 scene modes. The AgfaPhoto DC-1338sT will be available from the end of October for 179 euros.

Kodak has introduced two new all-in-one printers, the ESP 9 and ESP 7. Featuring an intelligent paper tray system which automatically adjusts settings based on paper type, size and amount, the Kodak ESP 9 and Kodak ESP 7 also offer Wi-Fi printing and a 10” one-touch control panel on the ESP 9. Both models promise to save consumers up to £75 a year on ink, compared to other leading consumer inkjet printers. The Kodak ESP 7 and ESP 9 AiO printers will cost £199.99 and £299.99 respectively, available from November.

Ilford Galerie Graphic is a new inkjet paper for professional photographers seeking more specialised media. Available in rolls from 17” to 44”, the Galerie Graphic product line includes Self adhesive vinyl, backlit transparency material, pop-up display media, heavyweight matt paper and ultra white pearl and gloss finishes. Ilford Galerie Graphic will be available in the UK from October 1st through JP Distribution.

Canon USA is revamping its Canon Professional Services (CPS) program in early 2009. The new CPS program, which will require all existing members to reapply, will offer three levels of membership – Silver, Gold and Platinum. “A day without a camera is a day without revenue. It is with this sense of urgency that Canon U.S.A. is upgrading the level of service provided by our CPS program to better support our Canon professionals in the field,” stated Yuichi Ishizuka, senior vice president and general manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A., Inc. CPS Silver level membership will be offered free-of-charge. CPS Gold level membership will have an annual fee of $100, and CPS Platinum $500.

Leaf and Sinar are expanding their strategic alliance to include sharing of digital imaging technology. The first step of the planned cooperation will provide access for Sinar AG to the new Leaf AFi-II medium format system. “Our intention is to combine the extraordinary image quality and digital technology of Leaf products with Sinar’s vast knowledge and experience in creating superior medium format cameras,” said Dov Kalinski, general manager of Leaf. “As we expand our strategic cooperation with Sinar, we expect to see more new products that enhance the offerings of both companies.”

The Gorillapod Focus from Joby is a unique, bendable tripod engineered to support SLR cameras with larger telephoto lenses. The Gorillapod Focus provides the stability of a standard tripod at a fraction of the size and weight – only 1.1 pounds (500g). It uses a stainless steel screw for maximum strength to support 11 pounds (5kg) of gear. The new Joby Gorillapod Focus costs $149.95.

The Complete Collection includes all of the latest versions of Nik Software’s products available at a discounted price of $599, a saving of $450 if purchased separately. All products now include Nik’s patented U Point technology for precise control of selective editing functions. “The Complete Collection offers photographers an opportunity to buy all Nik Software products at substantial savings,” said Michael J. Slater president and CEO of Nik Software. “And with U Point technology fully integrated into all of our plug-in products, photographers can do even more with their images and have complete selective control within all Nik products,” Slater concluded. Each of the software products in the bundle installs as a plug-in filter for either Adobe Photoshop or Apple Aperture 2.1.

Lexar has increased the speed of its professional Compact Flash memory cards to 233x. The Lexar Professional 233x CF memory cards are now UDMA-enabled and capable of minimum-sustained read and write speeds of 35MB per second, a considerable improvement over the previous read and write speeds of 20MB per second. “The new Lexar Professional 233x CF cards provide the reliability, speed, and capacity photographers require to shoot continuously and confidently, while improving post-production workflow capabilities.” said Greg Agustin, senior product marketing manager, Lexar. The new cards are also complemented by the line of Lexar Professional UDMA-compatible high-speed card readers.

Lexar has introduced a Kodak branded 16GB SDHC Card. The new 16GB Kodak SDHC High-Speed Card is speed-rated at 60x, capable of minimum sustained read and write speeds of 9MB per second. “The KODAK SDHC High-Speed Card is an excellent choice for not only Kodak cameras, but all SDHC-compatible digital cameras. The strength of the KODAK brand paired with Lexar’s high-speed, high-capacity capabilities enables users of the card to experience the enhanced benefits of today’s digital cameras.” said Manisha Sharma, director of product marketing, Lexar. The 16GB Kodak SDHC Card will be available in October.

The Pentax AF160FC is a new auto macro flash designed for use with Pentax DSLR cameras. This new accessory flash unit utilises the automatic exposure-control system of Pentax’s DSLRs, producing uniform lighting on close-up subjects. The Pentax AF160FC has a maximum guide number of 16 and features a single control dial on the back panel to simplify flash-mode changes and discharge-level adjustments. Price and availability of the Pentax AF160FC to be announced.

Pentax has announced the development of a 15mm F4 lens and a 1.4x rear converter. The Pentax DA* 15mm F4 ED AL Limited is an ultra-wide lens designed for exclusive use with Pentax DSLRs. The Pentax 15mm F4 Lens will be available in Spring 2009. The Pentax-DA 1.4X RearR Converter SDM is the first rear converter equipped for autofocus operation of Pentax DSLRs. A marketing date has yet to be announced, along with pricing for both products.

Capture One 4 Pro allows photographers to enhance and develop RAW digital files with excellent color and detail reproduction. New features include lens enhancement tools, Skin Tone tool, and a redesigned Styles feature. Capture One Pro customers can upgrade to Capture One 4 Pro at no extra cost. For new customers, it is 399 USD and 299 EUR. Phase One have also unveiled a new lineup of high-quality lenses, including 28mm f4.5, 45mm f2.8, 80mm f2.8, 120mm f4.0, 150mm f2.8, and a 75-150mm f4.5 zoom. A new 80mm leafshutter lens, vertical grip, and additional accessories for the Phase One 645 camera system will be available in Spring 2009.

The Ricoh R10 is a new 10 megapixel digital camera with a 7.1x, 28-200mm wide-angle zoom lens. Improvements when compared to the previous R8 model include a larger 3 inch HVGA LCD screen, electronic level to ensure straight horizons, Easy shooting mode for beginners, addition of a Function button, the ability to alter the flash intensity, and Auto level compensation. The R10 retains the same Smooth Imaging Engine III image processing engine, CCD-shift vibration correction, face recognition and 1cm macro mode. Available in silver, bronze or black, the Ricoh R10 will be available in mid-October 2008 in the UK for £199.99.

Update: We have a gallery of photos of the Ricoh R10 - click the continue link below…

Lensbaby are launching an entire new system of selective focus lenses - the Composer, Muse, and Control Freak. The Lensbaby Composer is based on a ball and socket configuration that delivers smooth selective focus photography with greater precision. It retains its position after being bent and is easy to use even with one hand.  Photographers do not squeeze the lens to focus, but can simply tilt the lens to a desired angle and then focus with a barrel focusing ring. The new Muse and the new Control Freak replace the current Original, Lensbaby 2.0, and Lensbaby 3G lenses, which will be phased out immediately. In addition, each of the three lenses features the new Lensbaby Optic Swap system. The Lensbaby Composer costs $270 / £164.99, the Control Freak will cost $270 / $170, and the Lensbaby Muse $100 / £64.99 with the Plastic optic installed.

Update: We have a gallery of photos of the Lensbaby Composer - click the continue link below…

Tamron have announced the development of a 15x, 18-270mm digital SLR zoom lens, providing the world’s biggest zoom ratio. The new Tamron AF18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC LD Aspherical (IF) MACRO has an equivalent focal length of 28-419mm on cameras with APS-C sized image sensors, and is equipped with a Vibration Compensation (VC) mechanism. The 18-270mm Di II VC allows close focusing down to 0.49m (20 inches) from the subject with a maximum magnification ratio of 1:3.5. The Tamron 18-270mm lens will be available in Canon and Nikon mounts. Availability and price are to be confirmed.

Update: We have a gallery of photos of the Tamron 18-270mm lens from Photokina - click the continue link below…

The Leica D-Lux 4 is a new 10 megapixel compact camera with a 24-60mm lens. Sound familiar? It should - the Leica D-Lux 4 is essentially a re-branded version of Panasonic’s DMC-LX3 camera. The only difference seems to be a more square-looking optical viewfinder (an optional accessory). Otherwise the Leica D-Lux 4 offers all the things that we liked about the LX3, but only available in black and costing substantially more at £590.

Update: We have a gallery of photos of the Leica D-Lux 4 - click the continue link below…