Photography News

Canon has just released a firmware update for its EOS 5D Mark II full-frame DSLR fixing specific bugs with video recording, live view and flash settings.  Click the link below to be directed to Canon's official website and link for download.

Nikon released updates for its View NX and Camera Control Pro software to improve and fix minor bugs.  Nikon also launched Picturetown 3D, an image conversion tool used to view 3D images on a dedicated 3D digital photo frame.  However Picturetown 3D is only currently available to registered users in Japan.  Links for download and press release to follow...

Nikon Corporation and its president, Makoto Kimura, are pleased to announce the annual 33rd Nikon Photo Contest International starting on September 1, 2010.  This digital photography only competition will run until November 30, 2010 allowing participants to submit two photos to either two categories: an open category or a themed category this year called “Energy.”  Overall winner will receive the company’s digital D3S SLR (valued at $5,200) and two lenses and category winners will receive the company’s D300S (valued at $1,700) with flash guns and lenses.

Adobe released the final update versions of Photoshop Lightroom 3.2, Camera Raw 6.2 and DNG Converter 6.2 available for immediate download on their website.  The latest updates provide RAW support for 16 new cameras including the Canon EOS 60D and Sony Alpha NEX-5.  These versions also fix a few bugs and add more than 120 lens profiles. 

Canon has launched the EF 8-15mm f/4L Fisheye USM, the first zooming fisheye lens offering both circular and full-frame images.  This new lens ensures the best possible full-frame view without vignetting around the edge by using a zoom-lock mechanism on the lens body allowing the range to be limited to the focal length.  The lens is covered in Canon's Super Spectra Coating and the inner surface  features Canon's SubWavelength Structure Coating (SWC).  For more information on this lens, stop by Canon's official website.

The new plastic body shelled Canon EOS 60D DSLR replaces the EOS 50D featuring an articulating 3-inch LCD screen, 18-megapixel CMOS sensor, and an amazing gain of an 1080p H.264 video with an in-camera movie editing feature.  The ISO ranges from 100 to 6,400 expandable to 12,800, and supports RAW image processing within the camera itself.  60D's body only goes for $1,100 or $1,400 with the 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS zoom lens. Press release after the jump...

Nikon has announced their latest DSLR, the D3100, that can record full 1080p HD videos. Following the popular D3000, this 14.2 megapixel camera has a 3.2 inch screen and a wider ISO range: 100-3200 expandable to 12800.   The camera will be available soon at retail outlets for $699 with the 18-55mm VR lens.  Who's planning on getting one?  Would love to hear your review!

Adobe released Photoshop Express for Apple's iPhone and iPad, a FREE application, enabling users to view, edit and share photos.  Formerly known as Photoshop.com Mobile, you may download this application from Apple's App Store for new users and/or as an update for existing users.  This is also available for download in the Android Marketplace.  Does anyone have this app?  Would love to hear your reviews!

The Times and Canon announced their 9th annual Times' Young Photographer of the Year Award.  This free competition is open to those who between the ages of 18-26 and must be a United Kingdon or Ireland resident.  Deadline is midnight of August 31, 2010.

Famed fashion photographer, Mario Testino dedicates a book to his favorite muse, Kate Moss by publishing a book aptly titled "Kate Moss by Mario Testino" through Taschen publishings.  Priced at $500 a piece, this limited edition book has only 1,500 copies and is also signed by Testino.