An exciting September!

The rumours are coming thick and fast this week, and we're getting all excited in the run-up to PhotoKina in Germany on the 22nd.

Various sources are suggesting that Canon might finally let us have the long-awaited EOS 5D replacement around the 17th, while Panasonic is possibly set to unveil a new DSLR camera on September 12th which will, according to NetworkWorld, offer "unique features to set a new trend in digital SLR photography."

A number of reliable sources are stating that Wednesday, September 10th will see the launch of Sony's first full-frame professional DSLR, the A900.

We're hoping it's the refined version of the impressive prototype we saw back in February at PMA.

So while the weather gets bleaker, the outlook on new kit is looking pretty good...

Jessops launch Jpics
Jpics is a new online and in-store developing and printing service from Jessops.

The new service enables you to upload your photos for printing, track your order and gives you the option of having your prints delivered to your home or local Jessops store.

As well as print ordering, the Jpics service also lets you create photobooks, calendars and other photographic products from the comfort of your own computer.

For more information pop into your local Jessops, or visit the Jessops website and click on 'Photos'.

FinePix F60fd announced
The successor to the F50fd, the FinePix F60fd, launches in just a few weeks.

With a larger, 3" screen and new Scene Recognition technology this is an evolution of the popular range.

The camera features a 1/1.6" 12MP Super CCD sensor, Dual Image Stabilisation and 3x optical zoom. The new Scene Recognition technology detects the scene that you're looking at and optimises the camera settings accordingly, perfect for new photographers. For the more creative, the F60fd also retains the option of full photographic control. The Fujifilm FinePix F60fd will be available from September.

Fujifilm UK

Animal photography seminars
For those unable to attend Calumet's London Zoo event in October (see yesterday's post) you'll be pleased to hear that Ben Osborne will be holding a series of seminars around the UK.

The "Walk Into The Wild with Ben Osborne" seminars cover the basics of photography as well as tips on photographing wildlife and landscapes.

Seminar locations include Manchester (23rd Sept), Bristol (25th Sept), Belfast (30th Sept), London (6th Oct), Nottingham (14th Oct), Birmingham (16th Oct) and Liverpool (17th Oct).

Full details and prices at Calumet

Join the expert at London Zoo
If you want to get hands-on expert advice on your wildlife photography make a date for October 7th or 8th as Shell's Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2007, Ben Osborne, will be running the 'Calumet Goes to the Zoo Part II' event at London Zoo.

Throughout the day Ben will guide you through the techniques needed for photographing animals in captivity: which lens to use, framing and composition, capturing movement and using available light for the best effect.

The course costs £117.50 and there are only 30 places available. Last year the event sold out early, so be quick if you want to secure your place.

More information about this event and other upcoming events on Calumet's event calendar

Bryan Adams exclusive
Being a famous musician helps when you want to photograph other famous people. Amy Winehouse, Wayne Rooney and even Her Majesty The Queen have all found themselves in front of the lens of Bryan Adams.

Discover how Bryan got into photography, the kit he uses and his top tips on how to become a better photographer exclusively in the September issue of Digital Camera - on sale now.

Also in the latest issue...
Buy the September issue now

New compacts from Nikon

Nikon has announced a new range of Coolpix compact cameras. There are a number of great new additions - the most interesting of which, the 13.5-megapixel P6000, features GPS geotagging, meaning that your exact location is recorded whenever you take a photo.

When uploading the image to Flickr or other supporting sites, your shot will automatically get placed on the map of the world.

There's also RAW support and a wide-angle 4x zoom lens.

Also in the line-up is the Coolpix S60, a 10-megapixel model with touch-panel control and Vibration Reduction.

Take a look at Nikon's new Coolpix line-up here.

Great North Run Exhibition
The BALTIC will be playing host to Beat Streuli's exhibition of photographs from the Great North Run. The exhibition is a celebration of the world's largest half-marathon and features Beat's candid photos of the runners and spectators at the event.

The exhibition runs from 10th September until 26th October at the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art in Gateshead

More exhibition details...

Digital Depot launches new Imaging Academy site

Photography retailer Digital Depot has launched its Imaging Academy website, detailing all its new workshops and seminars throughout the year.

There is a huge range of photography subjects on offer, covering such topics as bird photography, the Canon EOS 400/450D and nude/fine art photography.

Take a look at the new site and get signed up for some of the great courses on offer here.

To celebrate the site's launch, the Imaging Academy is also giving away some free mini workshops; take a look at the site to see the courses available.

I want my camera back!

www.iwantmycameraback.com was set up when its owner had his camera bag stolen.

The idea is simple - if you're buying a lens or body second hand, you can search for its serial number and find out whether it's been stolen.

Hopefully, as more users submit details to the site, it'll become a valuable resource for anyone buying kit on eBay - or even for a second-hand camera shop that wants to know that the equipment it is buying is legitimate.

It's free to use, and if someone finds - or buys - your equipment, they can contact you via email to let you know.

The site's still in its infancy, but take a look - and help it grow!

Own a Nikon D3? Get its buffer expanded!

Nikon has announced that it's offering a buffer memory expansion service for the Nikon D3.

Nikon-authorised service departments can now upgrade your D3 to offer a massively increased number of frames within a single burst of continuous shooting - great for sports photography in RAW (NEF) format.

Shooting 12-bit compressed NEF files in the DX format, for example, increases from a burst of 36 shots to a whopping 87 shots in a single burst.

It's not a cheap modification - cost is around £350 in the UK - but it's an essential upgrade if you shoot action.

For more details on cost and timing, click here.

Upcoming Photographic Course at Park Cameras

Park Cameras Fashion and Beauty Lighting Workshop with Jon Gray - 17th September 2008.

Be guided through a range of photographic lighting techniques designed to maximise the impact and results often associated with fashion and beauty photography by Jon Gray. Utilising the very latest Bowens equipment Jon will ensure that you have the chance to sample at first hand the results that can be achieved through using dedicated lighting equipment.

For more details and how to book your place on the course, please click here.

Calumet Photographic announces exciting Autumn events

An insight into the world of Glamour
Glamour photographer Emma Delves Broughton reveals her techniques.
24th September, Manchester
17th September, Drummond Street

Fashion & Beauty Lighting
Learn clean, white high-key and deep, black low-key moody lighting techniques.
25th September, Manchester
30th September, Drummond Street

Walk into the Wild
Explore the world of landscape and wildlife photography with award-winning photographer Ben Osbourne.
23rd September, Manchester
25th September, Bristol
30th September, Belfast

Konstam Exhibition
The first annual Konstam Award encourages photographers to push the boundaries of food photography.
11th September – 18th September, Drummond Street

For more info, click here.

Get the best from your lenses
Thinking about taking your photography further? One way to increase your creative options is to invest in a new lens. This month Digital Camera helps you choose the best lens for your subject and how to make the most of them with practical techniques.

Also in the new issue...

Adobe releases Lightroom 2

After a long Beta process, Adobe has finally announced immediate availability of its Lightroom 2 software.

With new enhancements such as dual-monitor support, advances in non-destructive image correction and streamlined search and photo library organisation capabilities, Lightroom 2 looks to be a compelling upgrade from the first version.

Most of the changes are in response to requests from users of the original project, and Adobe has worked hard to satisfy the needs of photographers.

Lightroom 2 is also Adobe's first 64-bit application, supporting both OS X and Windows Vista 64-bit operating systems.

The application costs £175 - find out more here.

New workshops from the RPS

The Royal Photographic Society has announced six new photography workshops for its 2008 programme. Last year's events attracted over 400 participants, and they're open to non-members and members of the Society.

New workshops include:

Introduction to Camera and Darkroom Skills (City of Bath College, Bath)
Introduction to Wedding Photography (Lacock Abbey, Wiltshire)
Digital Photo-books (RPS Headquarters, Bath)
Photography Weekend (with Cheltenham Photo Studios, Cheltenham)
Wedding Photography (Lacock Abbey, Wiltshire)
Digital Printing Workshop (RPS Headquarters, Bath)

Visit www.rps.org/workshops for more information, or to book a place, call 01225 325733 or email reception@rps.org.

RPS announces 2008 International Projected Image Exhibition

The Royal Photographic Society is inviting amateurs, students and professional photographers worldwide to submit digital files and slides for consideration for the 2008 International Projected Image Exhibition.

The competition has four categories:

Open Slide
Open Digital
Nature Slide
Nature Digital

For each category, there will be awards of one Society Gold medal, two Silver medals, and three Bronze medals plus ribbons. A Photographic Society of America (PSA) medal will be awarded in both the Nature categories for the best overall exhibitor, in addition to the individual RPS medals.

The deadline for entries is 2nd September 2008.

Visit www.rps.org for your entry form, or email reception@rps.org.

Kata unveils new camera holsters

Bogen Imaging has announced it is adding 7 new holster and pouch-style camera bags to its range of Kata protective case.

The DPS range is designed to provide a protective carrying solution, whatever the size of your kit.

The new DH-421, retailing for £19.95, is designed to fit more compact cameras, from ultra-slim to bridge models.

For DSLR users, the Kata DH-423 and Kata DH-425 both provide protection for small to medium DSLRs with a standard or zoom lens attached. These retail for £24.95 and £29.95 respectively.

Each pouch comes in an attractive yellow-black finish and features Thermo-Shield Technology (TST) RIB Structural Protection for storage of cameras and accessories like memory cards and batteries.

For more information, call 01293 583300 or visit Bogen Imaging.

DCM's Mark Sparrow on BBC Radio Wales this Sunday

Digital Camera magazine's resident kit expert Mark Sparrow will be live on Radio Wales this Sunday.

Tune in to Adam Walton's show, Mousemat, on the 27th at 5pm.

Mousemat is a guide to the world of new media; computers, the web, gadgets and games. Mark will - of course - be talking about all things Digital Photography.

You can listen in many areas on FM: 93-104, on medium wave on 657 & 882 AM, channel 0117 on digital satellite, channel 719 on Freeview and via channel 931 on Digital cable.

If you're not around on Sunday, you can catch the show using BBC iPlayer Radio at a later date.

Panasonic unveils new camera line-up

Panasonic has announced a number of impressive new compacts. The DMC-LX3 is the compact for professional photographers, with a bright F2.0 24mm LEICA lens, manual focus and the ability to choose different 'digital film' types.

Then there's the Lumix DMC-FX150; its fixed 28mm lens and 14.7mp sensor ensures wide, croppable shots.

There's manual control for creative shots and the FX150 records in RAW, providing more control over your photos.

Next up is the FX37, a 10.1mp compact with a superb 25mm to 125mm equivalent range.

For an even greater range, the DMC-FZ28 bridge camera packs a whopping 18x optical zoom and sensitivity up to ISO6400. It's perfect for sharp shots of distant subjects.

All cameras feature a new 'intelligent auto' mode, providing highly reliable point-and-shoot results.

Find out more about the new Lumix line-up here.

Build your own accessories
We all know that photography isn't exactly a cheap pursuit. We've already brought you such thrifty ideas as Making a flash diffuser from a milk carton and Using a plastic bag as a rain cover. It seems we're not the only ones saving you a few bob. Paul Mutton's website has designs for you to Download, print and make your own lens hoods. That should help you save some pennies up for your next D-SLR.

Do you have thrifty ideas or equipment tips? Share your knowledge in the forum

Photography and the law
In the August issue of Digital Camera our resident legal expert, Linda Macpherson, answers your legal questions including whether the police have the power to have you delete photos, and whether you can take photos of private property from the street. You'll find the answers inside the latest issue.

Do you have a legal question about your photography? Email your questions to us at Digital Camera.

International Garden Photographer of the Year

In association with the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew, photographers have the opportunity to win over £20,000 cash and equipment - as well as exposure in a major exhibition at Kew Gardens in summer 2009.

One finalist will win the title of ‘Garden Photographer of the Year’ and an under 16 finalist will win ‘Young Garden Photographer of the Year’.

There's an entry fee of £10, which enables you to submit your photos any time up until the 31st January 2009.

Categories include Plant Portraits, People in the Garden and 2009's special theme, World Botanic Gardens.

For more information, take a look at igpoty.com.

Remember, too, that we've a wide range of categories in our free to enter Photographer of the Year 2008 competition. You've until September 31st to get your images in - submit them here.

How many pixels can you fit in a compact camera?
14.7 megapixels if you're Samsung's NV100HD. This new compact camera has a 28mm lens on the front and a 3" touch screen on the back and comes with the ability to record 720p high definition video with optical and digital stabilisation built in.

The camera enables amateur photographers capture the moment with Samsung's Perfect Portrait System. The system has a number of interesting modes: 'Blink Detection' fires off a number of shots when the camera detects people have their eyes shut. If your nearest and dearest are feeling a bit grumpy then the 'Smile Mode' takes a picture when (or if) the camera detects a smile.

The NV100HD will be available in August for £229.

Samsung Digital Camera - UK

Hama announces Omega Carbon Tripod series for Semi-Pros

Accessory maker Hama has just announced that it's releasing two carbon-fibre tripods, designed to be strong and stable yet lightweight.

The Omega Carbon III has an adjustable height from 71 to 202cm and weighs under 3kg - great for high angle shots. It's available for £249.99.

If that's overkill for your needs, the The Omega Carbon II has an adjustable height of 68 to 174cm and weighs 2.5kg including the tripod head making it the perfect travel companion. A hook on the end of the extendable central column can is ideal for hanging your camera bag, providing extra stability and keeping your belongings off a muddy floor.

The Carbon II is available for £199.99 now.

Fujifilm and Mencap's Snap! photography awards

The Proud Camden gallery played host to a night of celebration, as winners of Mencap’s Snap! photo competition 2008 came together on Wednesday 18th June for the glittering awards party.

Snap! is Mencap’s photo and story competition, now in its sixth year. The competition, run by the UK’s leading learning disability charity, showcases the talents of people with a learning disability through photographs and inspiring stories to increase understanding of learning disability by those closest to it.

If you, or someone you know has a learning disability and would like to be involved in next year's Snap! competition, head over to www.mencap.org.uk/snap.

Test drive an Olympus E-System D-SLR

If you’ve ever dreamt of the glamour and excitement of Monaco or the fast and furious Monza motor racing circuits, then Olympus' latest Test Drive promotion is for you.

One lucky customer will win a VIP trip for two to a European Grand Prix during the 2009 season. You'll also win overnight accommodation, a close-up view of the team in action - and of course, the best view of the race from the McLaren VIP Club suite.

Simply ask a salesperson to demonstrate any of the current E-System range cameras and you'll be in to win.

The promotion will run throughout the summer with the cut off date for entries being 12th September 2008.

Casio's Exilim Pro EX-F1 gets an upgrade

Casio's EX-F1 high-speed camera just got all the more impressive. It can already take 60 frames per second at 6 megapixel quality and record pre-roll images from before you press the shutter.

Now, Casio has added pre-roll to video, too; Firmware 1.10 includes the ability to start recording video up to five seconds before you press the record button!

This means that even if you don't react until a couple of seconds after something happens, you can still record it.

Firmware 1.10 will be available from Casio's website on July 8th.

Take better child portraits
Have you photographed children, but with disappointing results? In the July issue of Digital Camera we've got useful tips on producing stunning child portraits.

Ben Birchall joins Digital Camera reader, Jenny Martin, and her kids at home in County Clare for a masterclass in taking child portraits. Ben shows Jenny how to set up her camera, the best lens for her dynamic subjects and useful tips to transform simple snaps into portraits to be proud of.

It's your last chance to buy the July issue so if you want to learn the secrets to great child portraits order your copy before stocks run out.

Ricoh GX-200

This week, Ricoh has announced the GX200 compact. Replacing the GX100, it features the same 24 to 72mm wideangle lens, full manual control and an optional electronic viewfinder.

It's intended to challenge the dSLR market, with RAW support, a 12 megapixel sensor and the ultra low-noise Smooth Imaging Engine III processor.

Little details such as an electronic spirit level and the ability to shoot in 4:3 (square) mode for large-format style framing make this new compact a sure winner.

There are a range of accessories available, too, including a Teleconverter lens or 19mm wide angle lens.

We've had limited hands-on with the GX200 so far, but if the superb build quality is anything to go by, this could be Ricoh's best compact yet.

Look out for a full review in Digital Camera magazine soon - meanwhile, you can find out more at the Ricoh website.