Adobe Photoshop CS4 has just been announced, and we’ve got an in-depth review of all the key new features. Jon Canfield has been testing CS4 out for the past few weeks, putting the latest version of Adobe’s imaging powerhouse through its paces. Find out exactly what Photoshop CS4 has to offer and whether you should upgrade by reading our review.

Website: Adobe Photoshop CS4 Review

Adobe Photoshop CS4, the professional industry standard for digital imaging, has been announced this morning. Photoshop CS4 leverages the power of the latest hardware to extend imaging possibilities and offer faster, more flexible ways to accomplish core tasks like image adjustments and masks. Content?Aware Scaling adds a revolutionary technology that enables users to intelligently size and scale images with a simple drag of the mouse. New Auto?Align and Auto?Blend modes generate composites based on extended depth of field and 360 degree panoramas now with seamless tones and colors. Adobe Bridge CS4 features faster start?up performance and speedier transfer of images to Photoshop CS4. Photoshop CS4 Extended includes all the new features of Photoshop CS4 plus the ability to paint directly on 3D models and surfaces, merge 2D files onto 3D images and animate 3D objects. Estimated street price for Adobe Photoshop CS4 is £485 and £755 for Photoshop CS4 Extended.

We have an in-depth review of all the key features new to Adobe Photoshop CS4.

The Samsung HZ1 compact superzoom camera is announced today. Boasting a 10x zoom lens and compact dimensions, the Samsung HZ1 is the world’s first superzoom to offer 24mm equivalent wide angle. The lens’ physical focal length range is 4.2-42mm, which translates into 24-240mm in 35mm terms. The Samsung HZ1 offers dual image stabilisation, face detection, a traditional mode dial for quick adjustment of settings and is also capable of recording HD video at 720p. The full specifications of the HZ1 are yet to be confirmed.

We have a gallery of photographs of a non-working prototype of the new HZ1, taken today in the Samsung booth at Photokina - click the continue link to see the gallery.

The Pentax K-m is a new entry-level DSLR camera offering simplified, user-friendly operation, and an easy-to-manoeuvre compact, lightweight body. The 10 megapixel Pentax K-m (also known as the K2000) includes a built-in anti-shake system, dust-removal, Auto Picture mode and 3.5 frames per second continuous shooting speed. The Pentax K-m / K2000 will retail at £399.99 with the new smc DA-L 18-55 lens or £499.99 with the smc DA-L 18-55 and 50-200mm lenses.

Update: Click the continue link to see a gallery of pictures of the new Pentax K-m DSLR, live from the Photokina show floor.

The Pentax smc DA-L 18-55mm / smc DA-L 50-200mm are the first two lenses in Pentax’s new and ultra-lightweight smc DA-L zoom lens series. The smc Pentax-DA L 18-55mm F3.5-5.6AL lens is a compact, standard zoom lens with a focal length of 27.5-84.5mm, weighing only 700 grams. The smc PENTAX-DA L 50-200mm F4-5.6ED lens is a super-compact, ultra-lightweight telephoto zoom lens with a focal length of 76.5-8307mm. In order to keep weight and price as attractive as possible, Pentax has adjusted the construction of these zoom lenses. Unlike other Pentax lens series these two lenses are equipped with synthetic bayonets and do not the Pentax Quick-Shift focal system. Initially, both new lenses will be offered only as a kit with the Pentax K-m which will be available in November 2008. The Pentax K-m / K2000 will retail at £399.99 with the new smc DA-L 18-55 lens or £499.99 with the smc DA-L 18-55 and 50-200mm lenses.

Pentax have added two high-performance interchangeable lenses to the premium DA Star series. The smc Pentax-DA* 60-250mm F4ED[IF] SDM is a versatile telephoto zoom lens offering a high zoom ratio (92-383mm), while the smc Pentax-DA*55mm F1.4 SDM is a compact medium-telephoto lens offering a large maximum aperture and a focal length of 80mm. The smc PENTAX-DA* 60-250mm F4ED[IF] SDM will retail at around £899.99. Price to be confirmed on the smc PENTAX-DA*55mm F1.4 SDM Lens.

Olympus has announced that it has begun development of a Micro Four Thirds System camera. Olympus are giving away few details about their new camera, other than the dimensions, which at 4.7 x 2.5 x 1.2” (119 x 64 x 31mm) makes it much smaller than the Panasonic G1. It will also use the same Four Thirds sensor as their E-System models. Product name, launch date and retail price are to be confirmed.

Today at Photokina Olympus showed us a completely new type of camera built around the recently announced Micro FourThirds standard. The concept is that of a compact camera with electronic viewfinder and small interchangeable lenses (the Micro FourThirds mount is some 6mm smaller in diameter than the ‘regular’ FourThirds mount, making it possible for the lenses to be even smaller). This second ‘design model’ looks quite different to Panasonic’s recently announced G1 and Lumix HD offerings, both of which have the same Micro FourThirds mount, being considerably smaller at 119x62x31mm and more Point&Shoot-like in its design. Olympus say they are planning to release this model in the course of 2009, but declined to comment on what lenses are being developed to go with it. It also seems likely that the new camera could be outfitted with interchangeable external viewfinders, possibly both optical and electronic, although this is again something that remains to be confirmed.

We have a gallery of product shots of the new camera - hit the continue link below to see them…

Olympus have announced the development of a new Four Thirds E-System DSLR camera, tentatively called the Olympus E-A1. Positioned between the E-520 and E-3 as a mid-level advanced amateur model, introduction of the new E-A1 camera is expected in the first quarter of the year 2009.  It will inherit some features from the E-3 such as the high-speed AF system using 11-points-full twin cross sensor and the built-in image stabilization mechanism. Other features include a new and updated feature to replace the current splash- and dust-proof function. The developed E-A1 camera will be exhibited at Photokina.

Today at 12midday CET, Olympus unveiled a non-working prototype of a new mid-range FourThirds DSLR that will slot in between the existing E-520 and E-3 models. We have some close-up shots of the mock-up – complete with a 14-54mm f/2.8-3.5 lens mounted - for you to scrutinise. The new camera will inherit some of the features of the E-3, including the fast 11-point AF system, LiveView delivered on a hinged monitor, body-integral image stabilisation and a very similar user interface. Other than hinting at changes to the weatherproofing, Olympus have not provided much information on exactly what will differentiate this product from the E-3. The planned release date is Spring 2008.

We have a gallery of product shots of the new camera - hit the continue link below to see them…

We’ve published 30 sample photos taken with the new Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1, the World’s first Micro Four Thirds camera. Taken yesterday at Panasonic’s pre-Photokina press event, I spent the afternoon shooting with the diminutive G1 in a variety of setups, including outdoors at a park, inside the Toyota Formula One factory, and a studio setup complete with racing girls and the Toyota drivers (including Jarno Trulli). These pictures were taken with a pre-production camera (firmware version 0.4). Note that we’ve resized the sample images to VGA resolution at Panasonic’s request. Hit the continue link below to see just what the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 is capable of…

Website: Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 Photos

World Exclusive! The Panasonic Lumix G HD camera has been unveiled ahead of Photokina. Shown as an advanced prototype under glass, we were among the first journalists to see the Panasonic G HD, identical to the G1 except for added video capability. A small Record Video button has been added to the rear grip of the Lumix G HD, and a large mic/speaker on top of the camera. No specific details were given about the particular High Definition mode that will be employed. The Panasonic Lumix G HD will be launched in Spring 2009. Click the continue link to see a gallery of pictures of the hot-off-the-press Panasonic Lumix G HD.

Update: We’ve now added in-hand photos of the three prototype lenses planned for release sometime in 2009 - the 20mm pancake, 7-14mm wide-angle, and 14-140mm telephoto. Seeing these tiny lenses in the flesh, especially the 20mm pancake, really shows what the Micro Four Thirds system is capable of.

The AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G is a new Nikon standard prime lens. Helping to celebrate 75 years and 45 million lenses, the Nikon 50mm f/1.4 includes an ultra-compact Silent Wave Motor to ensure fast, whisper-quiet operation, ultra-fast f/1.4 maximum aperture and the ability to focus as close as 1.5 feet. The Silent Wave Motor also enables autofocus in cameras without a built-in motor such as the Nikon D40 and Nikon D60. The AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G lens will be available at the beginning of December 2008 for $439.95 / £279.99 / €383.00.

iLovePhotos has announced the official release of its public beta. iLovePhotos is free desktop software for Macs that uses facial detection, visual tagging, automated sharing, and intelligent slide show technology to manage your digital photos. Alongside the launch of its public beta, iLovePhotos has also introduced a new Flash-based version of its Mac application. Users can access the online software from any Mac or PC without downloading any software.

Leica have released a new firmware update, v2.000, for the M8 camera. It adds support for SDHC cards up to 32GB capacity, and a new “AUTO-ISO” function with setting options for maximum ISO values and the slowest shutter speed.

Website: Leica M8 Firmware Update v2.000

Delkin have expanded the versatility of their sensor cleaning product line by offering new SensorSafe Wands in three sizes. In addition, the Delkin SensorVac is improved with an ergonomic design and more powerful suction. “Photographers have a financial investment in their digital SLRs, and an emotional investment in the images they produce,” said Martin Wood, Delkin’s CEO.  “The SensorScope System enables photographers to maintain the quality of both those investments.” The SensorScope System is the only complete sensor cleaning kit on the market to clean all types of dry and wet sensor contaminants for digital SLR camera sensors.

Adobe have just released Photoshop Lightroom 2.1. This release candidate version for Mac and PC adds support for 4 digital cameras, including the Nikon D700 and Nikon D90, and fixes quite a lot of bugs.

Website: Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 2.1

The GE A1030 is a new addition to General Imaging’s A-series camera range. The A1030 features face detection, blink and smile detection, image stabilisation, in-camera panoramic stitching, MPEG4 movie with sound and red-eye removal, as well as 14 different scene modes. The slim-styled 10 megapixel A1030 has a 2.5 inch LCD screen, 3 x optical zoom and is powered by AA batteries. The GE A1030 will be available in silver, black and red, price and release date to be confirmed.

The new GE E1055W camera offers 10 megapixels, wide-angle 5x zoom lens and a 3-inch LCD screen. Advanced features include face, blink and smile detection, in-camera panoramic stitching, image stabilisation, red-eye removal and a movie recording capability. The 22.5mm slim, lightweight aluminium body and sleek, stylish and intuitive design ensure the camera is attractive, practical and easy to carry. The GE E1055W will be available in silver, black and red, price and release date to be confirmed.

The Minox DC 1033 is a new 10 megapixel digital camera with 5x zoom lens. Small on the outside at 94 x 55 x 24mm, the DC1033 also offers a 2.7-inch LCD screen and 1/2.3“ CCD image sensor in its silver-anodized aluminum body. The new MINOX DC 1033 will be available in the UK for £199.00.

The Minox DCC Leica M3 retro digital camera is soon to be available in gold. The new gold edition of the 5 megapixel Minox Leica M3 has a striking design of black and gold, with the camera packed and presented in a quality dark, satin-lined wooden box with brass hinges. Just like the silver edition, the gold version looks just like the original full size Leica M 3. The Minox DCC Leica M3 will cost £319 in the UK.

The BenQ E1050 is the world’s slimmest camera with a 3-inch LCD screen. With a thickness of only 16.8mm, the 10 megapixel E1050 boasts a large 3-inch LCD screen, 3x optical zoom lens, and ISO 3200. Additionally, BenQ E1050 comes with in-camera “Red-Eye Remover” function and 32 shooting modes which range from standard auto and video to more customized settings such as “Museum,” “Party,” “Beach” and “Fireworks”. Price and availability of the BenQ E1050 to be announced.