Apple has announced details of the forthcoming versions of its iOS operating system for iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch. With these devices ranking among the most used on popular photo-sharing sites, it comes as no surprise that several new features in iOS5 are specifically aimed at photographers. These including additional camera features for the iPhone/iPod Touch and iPad2, such as the ability to overlay thirds gridlines, and wireless syncing of photographs between iOS devices using Apple's new iCloud service. (00:54 GMT)

Pentax has launched an add-on GPS module for its recent DSLRs that allows simple geotagging of images. The O-GPS1 unit attaches to the camera's hotshoe, allowing the camera to add latitude, longitude, altitude, UTC capture time and direction as image metadata. This data can be used to place images in mapping software such as Google Earth or as a means of file organization and retrieval. K-5 and K-r users also gain access to the 'Astrotracer' feature that predicts the movement of celestial objects and uses the sensor shift mechanism to track this movement to give astrophotographs with single points, rather than star-trails. The O-GPS1 unit will be available from mid June at a recommended price of $249.95/£229.99. (01:12 GMT)

The Sony World Photography Awards have started accepting entries for the 2012 competition. The award categories have been revised for the latest competition and are split between 'professional' and 'open' categories. Submitted photos must be taken during 2011 and can be submitted at any point between now and Jan 4th 2012. Enthusiast photographers are welcome to enter either the professional or open competitions but not both. 2012 sees the introduction of a youth competition in which photographers under the age of 20 can submit images that suit the themes: 'environment,' 'portrait' or 'culture.' The latest competition also sees the addition of six moving image categories. (21:21 GMT)

Nikon is promoting its latest US TV advert starring Ashton Kutcher, pointing out that the spot was filmed using the D5100 it promotes. This isn't the first time such a claim has been made, of course - Olympus promoted its PEN series of mirrorless cameras with adverts shot using its product. Still, it makes clear what's possible with the latest generation of 1080p-shooting DSLRs, if you're an award-winning director of photography with access to professional actors. (19:54 GMT)

Sigma has announced the pricing and availability of the stabilized versions of its 120-300mm F2.8 telezoom lens. The 120-300mm F2.8 EX DG OS APO HSM will have an MSRP of $4,700. The lens, which features Sigma's latest FLD low-dispersion glass is available now in Canon, Nikon and Sigma mounts. (19:42 GMT)

Just Posted: Our review of the Nikon Coolpix P300. The P300 is interesting in the way it straddles camera classes - offering enthusiast camera features such as twin control dials and PASM shooting modes but built around a smaller sensor than its apparent peers. This smaller sensor and inability to record Raw files mark it out from the likes of the Canon S95 and Samsung's EX1 but, then again, so does its much more affordable price tag. So does this leave the P300 with the right balance of price and capability or leave it falling short of expectations? Read our concise review to find out... (23:41 GMT)

Fujifilm is to update the firmware of its X100 large-sensor compact camera to address some of the criticisms raised in our review. The statement from Fujifilm Japan says: 'Fujifilm is planning to release a new version of firmware in the near future. The new firmware will include and respond to some of functionality posted by dpreview.' We will, of course, revisit our review in the light of these changes, when the update becomes available. (18:58 GMT)

Canon has updated the firmware for its EOS-1D Mark IV and EOS 5D Mark II digital SLRs. Firmware versions 1.1.0 and 2.0.9 respectively both improve read/write speeds with UDMA 7-compatible CF cards, and also correct minor bugs and menu language errors. The firmware will be available for download from Canon's regional websites. (09:45 GMT)

Just Posted: Our review of the Sony DSLR A580. With all the progress Sony has been making with its mirrorless and 'translucent' mirror technologies, it's easy to overlook the company's continued development of its two-sensor liveview DSLRs. The A580 is the latest (and possibly last?) in a line that started with the promising but quirky A350. The A550 was a big step forwards for these feature-packed enthusiast DSLRs and the A580 takes this progress further with the addition of Sony's excellent 16MP sensor. Offering all the usual Sony processing cleverness - such as sweep panorama, in-camera HDR and multi-shot noise reduction - the only apparent cloud in its sky is the existence of the less expensive, full-time liveview sister model, the SLT A55. So, with an in-house competitor threatening to steal the A580's liveview crown, can its more conventional DSLR design offer the best of both worlds? (23:39 GMT)

Hasselblad has announced a camera capable of producing 200MP images based on shifting its 50MP sensor. The H4D-200MS uses an extension of the company's sensor-shift, multi-shot (MS) technology to create a 200 megapixel file from six images taken at slight offsets. It can also use the four-shot mode used by the H4D-50MS that shifts the sensor by one pixel in each direction to capture all colors at each position. The latest approach adds 1/2pixel offsets to increase the captured resolution to 200MP. The H4D-200MS is available for €32,000 or as a €7,000 factory-return upgrade for H4D-50MS owners. (19:39 GMT)

Leica has announced the V-Lux 30 superzoom compact featuring an image-stabilized wideangle 16x zoom lens (24-384mm equivalent). The camera also offers 1080i Full HD movie recording in the AVCHD format, 10fps continuous shooting at full 14.1MP resolution, built-in GPS, and can generate 3D images. Rounding off the features set is a 3" touch-sensitive screen. The V-Lux 30 comes complete with Adobe Photoshop Elements 9 and Adobe Premiere Elements 9 software, and will be available from June 2011 at a price of £550. (10:21 GMT)

Datacolor has introduced an app for the Apple iPad that allows you to use its Spider3 color calibration system to calibrate the tablet's screen. The free SpyderGallery app can be used with both the iPad and iPad2 and allows all the images on the device to be viewed within a single color-corrected gallery. The app requires you to own the Spyder3 calibration tool (Express, Pro or Elite) and have access to a WiFi network. It is available for download now from the Apple's App Store. (01:15 GMT)

We've just published the third in a series of articles by Uwe Steinmueller of Digital Outback Photo on the art of HDR photography. The third chapter (of what will eventually become Uwe's next E-book) covers HDR workflow essentials. Future chapters will cover advanced HDR techniques. For now, enjoy this exclusive third part of what we hope will develop into a useful manual for anyone interested in getting more of the dynamic range they see in the scenes they photograph into the images and prints they produce. (19:06 GMT)

Nikon has announced it is suing Sigma for infringing two of its patents relating to image stabilized lenses. The company says it had attempted to negotiate a resolution but concluded 'filing a lawsuit was the only way it could protect its intellectual property.' Japanese website DCWatch is reporting the disagreement as relating to Japanese patents 3,755,609 and 3,269,223, which cover 'zoom lens that can shift the image' and equipment 'provided with an ultrasonic motor and vibration detector,' respectively. News agency Reuters reports Nikon as seeking around 12.6 billion Yen ($154m). Due to the ongoing legal process, Sigma declined to comment. (17:09 GMT)

Sigma has stressed the differences between recommended selling prices (MSRPs) and the 'street' price that most consumers will be expected to pay. In the light of the dissatisfaction expressed about the SD1's recommended price, the company has pointed out that the camera's body-only street price will be around $6,899. The company also announced that its DP2x large-sensor compact is now available for a street price of $699. (18:06 GMT)

ACD Systems has released the final version of its ACDSee Pro 4 image editing, browsing and organization software. ACDSee Pro 4 increases the level of control offered in terms of image editing - including lighting and contrast enhancement (LCE) tools to improve highlight and shadow characteristics in raw conversions, maximizing the use of the camera's captured dynamic range. This builds on the range of non-destructive edits that can be easily applied, without affecting the original file or the need to import the images into a database. There are also tools for correcting vignetting and chromatic aberrations, as well as the batch processing options and engagement with external editing tools that were already a part of ACDSee. (00:45 GMT)

Just posted! Our hands-on preview of Sigma's flagship SD1 DSLR. With its unique 15MPx3 Foveon X3 sensor that captures full color detail at each pixel location, the SD1 caused a something of a stir when it was first announced at Photokina 2010, and possibly an even bigger one when its eye-watering price was revealed recently. We've been lucky enough to get hold of a rare pre-production camera, and have prepared a hands-on preview detailing its design and operation. (09:39 GMT)

Sigma has announced details of the pricing of its SD1 APS-C 15x3MP DSLR, saying it is aiming at users currently shooting medium format. The camera, based on the technology of Sigma's sensor development company Foveon, captures information about three colors for each of its 15 million pixels, rather than just one color per pixel in conventional, 'Bayer' designs. This gives 46 million pieces of color information. It is the company's first move away from the 4.7x3MP sensors used in its existing DSLRs and DP-series fixed lens large sensor compacts. The SD1 features the ability to shoot at 5 frames per second, offers a 3.0" 460,000 dot LCD screen and an 11-point AF system. It is based around the company's own SA lens mount. Cameras will available from the end of June at a price of $9,700 in the US and £6,199.99 (inc VAT) in the UK. (07:00 GMT)

Samsung has published the second in a series of articles explaining the development of lenses for its NX mirrorless camera system. The article features video and interviews with a range of the people involved in the planning, design and development of lenses (and various aspects of the NX system). Also included in the article is an image of what appear to be design studies for the NX system - including some retro/futurist, seemingly Hasselblad-inspired mockups. If you have any interest in the NX system, the piece gives an interesting insight into the possibilities the company is considering. (from PetaPixel) (18:04 GMT)

Lexar has launched a high-speed CF and SD card reader, capable of transferring data at up to 500MB/sec. The USB 3.0 device allows compatible computers to take advantage of the increased speeds of the latest UDMA Compact Flash cards as well as the emerging ultra high speed interface (UHS-I) SDXC cards. The device also allows full-speed copying from one card to another, even if your computer communicate with the device at its full speed. The reader features a pop-up design that protects the card slots if you throw it in your bag. It will sell for around $49.99 in the US and £39.99 in the UK. (19:54 GMT)

Flash accessory specialist Gary Fong has launched a version of its 'Puffer' flash diffuser for Micro Four Thirds cameras. The Micro Four Thirds Puffer clips into the hotshoe of the Panasonic GF and PEN E-PL series cameras and hangs a diffuser in front of the pop-up flash. The intent is to mitigate the harsh, direct lighting that can spoil portrait images with on-board flash, though it is likely to further limit the already low-powered internal flash output. (19:43 GMT)

Canon has posted a firmware update for its EOS Rebel T3i / 600D digital SLR. Firmware v1.0.1 clarifies the on-screen feature guide description of the digital zoom function in movie mode, and fixes a bug relating to computer connectivity via USB. The firmware is available for immediate download from Canon's website. (09:12 GMT)

Just Posted: Our in-depth Fujifilm X100 review. The X100 has been an object of fascination and desire amongst photography enthusiasts since it was unveiled at Photokina last September. The camera marries elegant retro looks with an advanced viewfinder and a well-respected sensor. A 35mm equivalent F2 lens completes this modern interpretation of the classic fixed-lens rangefinder concept. However, despite the undeniable attraction of the camera, it won't come as shocking news to hear that it's not an unqualified success. As a result, we've taken a little longer than usual over our review, partly because it's a camera that requires some time to really appreciate it. Mainly though, we wanted to rigorously assess which drawbacks prove to be truely significant after extensive real-life use, and which ones you can be charmed into forgiving. (22:22 GMT)

Nikon USA has announced that its Coolpix S4100 and S6100 models will continue to be available to American customers. This follows a statement from Nikon Japan that the recently-introduced S4100 was being withdrawn as a result of component shortages following the earthquake and tsunami in Japan. The withdrawal only affects certain markets, says Nikon USA, and confirmed both models will continue to be available in 'The Americas.' We have not yet heard about European availability. (22:19 GMT)

Panasonic has announced the DMC-G3 Micro Four Thirds mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. The G3 uses a brand new 16.6MP sensor, producing 15.8MP images and features a considerably downsized body compared to its predecessors. It pushes further towards touch-screen control in an attempt to make the camera ever-more accessible to beginners. We've had a final production standard G3 and have prepared a hands-on preview with both studio test shots and real-world samples. (08:00 GMT)

Panasonic has introduced the Lumix DMC-FH7 digital compact camera (DMC-FS22 in Europe). Featuring a Leica 4x zoom lenses starting at 28mm and 720p HD video recording, the 16Mp FH7 comes with a similar feature set to the 6-month-old FH5 but boasts a 3" touch-sensitive LCD screen. Pricing and availability have yet to be announced. (08:00 GMT)

Phase One has launched Media Pro, a digital asset management program. The package has evolved from software originally created by iView Multimedia and later sold as Microsoft Expression Media. Now called Media Pro, the Phase One version provides a flexible way of cataloging, organizing and accessing stored media. Media Pro includes the raw image rendering engine from the company's Capture One software, allowing Raw files to be previewed (including any adjustments made in Capture One). Media Pro is designed to be independent of platform or software, to allowing use with the best contemporary processing tools, minimising the the likelihood of you having to re-catalog your media in the future. (18:31 GMT)

Just Posted: Our improved studio comparison tool, with five additional cameras. As something of a trailer for our forthcoming in-depth review, we've added Fujifilm X100 samples in both Raw and JPEG. The Samsung NX100, Nikon Coolpix P300, Canon 5D Mark II and Sony DSLR A900 have also joined the list of available cameras. But the biggest change is that we've updated our comparison tool to make it more flexible: you can now create your own comparisons of up to four cameras, even if they haven't been fully reviewed. You can then copy the URL from the address bar of your browser, allowing you to easily share or bookmark your chosen comparisons. (01:09 GMT)

Japanese accessory maker U.N has announced a retractable lens cap for the Olympus XZ-1. Using a design similar to Ricoh's LC-2, the U.N unit features a custom-machined mounting ring that uses Allen bolts to secure it to the front of the camera. The company describes the unit as craftsman-made but a spokesman said they believed they could make enough for customers outside Japan. These can be bought direct from the company using PayPal, at a cost of ¥7350 (around $90), including shipping. (From DC.Watch) (01:48 GMT)

Samyang Optics has announced it has started shipping its 35mm F1.4 lens in Canon and Nikon mount, as well as the 8mm F3.5 CS VG10 Fisheye lens for Sony's NEX-VG10 camcorder. The 35mm lens is available €399 for Canon's EF mount and €419 for the Nikon's AE mount. The 8mm fisheye lens is available for €299. (16:48 GMT)

ABSoft has announced an upgraded version of its Neat Image Pro noise reduction plug-in for Adobe Photoshop and Apple Aperture. There are also standalone versions of the software for Mac OS and Linux systems. Version 7 includes a redesigned user interface, support for 32-bit images and and a 'Smart Profile' system to improve noise profiling. Priced at $69.90 it is available for immediate download as a plug-in or a stand-alone application for Windows, Mac and Linux. A simpler version, 'Neat Image 7 Home' with limited features is also available for $39.90. (17:54 GMT)

The PMA has cancelled its 2011 trade show and convention. The show, which was re-branded as CliQ 2011 earlier this year, had been scheduled for September 6-11 in Las Vegas, Nevada, a move away from its traditional spring timing. The show will instead take place alongside the 2012 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas as PMA@CES in January next year. The move is likely to give increased importance to the PDN PhotoPlus International Conference + Expo in late October. (21:42 GMT)

Olympus has announced the LS-20M pocket camcorder with built-in 24 bit/96 hHz Linear PCM stereo sound recording (or perhaps one of its sound recorders with built-in video). Capable of recording full 1080p HD videos, it features a 2" color LCD, an additional 1.46" data LCD, two microphones and HD output. It also includes the company's 'Magic filter' processing effects. The camcorder will be available from June 2011 at a suggested retail price of $299.99. (17:15 GMT)

Seagate has announced the world's first 3.5" external hard drive with 1TB platters. The move represents a 30% increase in storage capacity over the previous limit of 750GB per platter. The first product to be launched is the 3.5-inch Barracuda desktop hard drive with 3TB of storage on 3 disk platters, offering greater storage for photographers struggling with the space demands of video, and making it easier to establish large-capacity RAID arrays for data security. (18:39 GMT)

Just posted: Tamron 18-270mm F3.5-6.3 sample gallery. We've borrowed a Canon-mount version of Tamron's latest comparatively-compact DSLR superzoom lens and taken the opportunity to shoot with it in a variety of situations. The Tamron 18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD, to give it its full name, is an image-stabilized 15x zoom for APS-C sensor cameras, available in Canon, Nikon and Sony mounts. Despite the impressive zoom range, when un-extended the lens is a mere 3.5" (89mm) long, making it an appealing travel and general-use lens for DSLR owners. This latest version is one of the first to include Tamron's piezoelectric autofocus drive motor. (00:12 GMT)

Sony has published the instruction manual for a camera called the NEX-C3 on its Czech website. The manual shows the camera as being smaller than the existing NEX-5 model but with a 16MP sensor and a series of Picture Effect modes including Toy Camera and Retro Photo. The camera retains a similar button arrangement to the NEX-3 and 5 but appears to offer greater control over the function of those buttons than the existing models. The manual was placed on a password-protected directory but with the login details publicly posted elsewhere on the site. (00:28 GMT)

Japanese software developer Ichikawa Soft Laboratory has released a limited beta version of its Silkypix Developer Studio Pro 5 raw conversion software. This provides an opportunity for users to test and provide feedback for the forthcoming final version. The beta version supports a wide range of cameras including the recently released Nikon D5100 and Fujifilm X100. (19:03 GMT)

Getty Images has acquired image copyright identification company PicScout. PicScout has a series of image identifying and copyright association technologies. These allow photographers and copyright holders to find unlicensed image use and to make associations back from an image to the copyright holder, to make it easy for would-be users to legitimately licence an image. Getty Images explains the acquisition will provide its contributors with more tools for protecting the copyright of their images and provide licensing information for their content. (18:09 GMT)

Phase One has updated its Capture One PRO 6 and Express 6 Raw workflow software. Version 6.2 brings additional features and extends RAW support to cameras including the Nikon D7000, Canon EOS 600D/Rebel T3i and 1100D/Rebel T3, Fujifilm X100 and Samsung NX series cameras. The update is available for immediate download from the company's website. (17:57 GMT)

Print-on-demand publisher Blurb has launched a free app for Apple's iPhone that allows users to compile photos, videos and audio to create visual stories. The launch marks the company's first foray into non-printed media collections and away from its exiting print-on-demand business. The company has announced its fourth annual international Photography Book Now competition with a chance to win a US $25,000 cash prize. Category winners will receive $5000 from Adobe amongst other goodies. Entries need to be submitted before July 14, 2011. (19:18 GMT)

Nikon has formally announced the AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G lens for both DX and FX DSLRs. The lens, whose details had previously been revealed by the company, features a totally new optical formula featuring an aspherical element - an unusual feature for this type of optic. The 50mm F1.8G features a built-in AF-S focus motor to allow autofocus with all Nikon DSLRs. The company says it expects the lens to retail for around $219.95/£199/€229 including a lens hood, pitching it around the same level as the Nikkor AF-S 35mm F1.8G and making it an accessible (if slightly short) portrait lens for owners of Nikon's APS-C DSLRs. (04:03 GMT)

Adobe has released Photoshop Lightroom 3.4 and Camera Raw 6.4. These are final versions of updates that were originally posted as 'release candidates' on the Adobe Labs site, and are available for immediate download. The latest versions provide final RAW support for thirteen additional cameras including the Canon EOS 600D/T3i and 1100D/T3, Nikon D5100 and Fujifilm X100, alongside profiles for over 25 more lenses. The updates also address a number of issues reported via customer feedback. (16:12 GMT)

Since we released the major upgrade of our product database pages four weeks ago, we have been hard at work fixing bugs, refining details and addressing your feedback. We’ve reached the point where all the major issues have been addressed and everything is running along smoothly. Our development team will be moving on to work on other new features, but first we wanted to give you an update on what’s been done over the past few weeks. (00:51 GMT)

Just posted: Our in-depth review of the Nikon D5100. Sitting between the entry-level D3100 and the upper mid-level D7000, the D5100 is a hard camera to categorise. It combines the user-friendly ergonomics of the D3100 with the impressive 16MP CMOS sensor of the D7000, but throws in a couple of neat tricks of its own, including an articulated LCD screen, and a set of all-new 'Effects' modes. So is the Nikon D5100 just an entry-level camera with delusions of grandeur, or is it a wolf in sheep's clothing? Read our 23-page in-depth review to find out. (01:48 GMT)

Canon has posted a firmware update for its EOS 7D digital SLR. Firmware v1.2.5 fixes bugs relating to stills and video recording with specific CF cards and image stabilization with specific lenses in custom setting mode. The latest version also improves read/write speeds when using UDMA 7 compatible CF cards. The firmware is available for immediate download from Canon's website. (17:30 GMT)

Canon has released an updated version of its Digital Photo Professional raw conversion software. Version 3.10.1 extends support to the EOS Rebel T3i / 600D and EOS Rebel T3/1100D DSLRs. The update also fixes a number of bugs and offers lens abberation correction support to additional Canon lenses.The update can be downloaded from the DSLR support pages of individual cameras from Canon's website. (17:32 GMT)

Nikon has posted a firmware update for its D7000 digital SLR. Firmware v1.02 brings a host of bug fixes and improvements relating to noise reduction, movie playback and editing, and RAW processing with Capture NX 2 or ViewNX 2. The firmware is available for immediate download from the company's website. (16:37 GMT)

Panasonic has released firmware updates for its Lumix DMC-TS3/FT3, DMC-TZ20/ZS10 and DMC-TZ22 GPS-enabled digital compact cameras. The latest version for all cameras improves location tagging accuracy of European landmarks. The updates are available for immediate download from Panasonic's website. (16:49 GMT)

Ricoh has posted a firmware update for its GXR system, covering the A12 28mm, 50mm macro, P10 28-300mm and S10 24-72mm equiv. zoom lens units. Version 1.36 rectifies a minor bug related to the Cross Process scene mode in all units. The update also rectifies additional minor bugs for the A12 28mm and 50mm equiv. units. The single firmware file will make appropriate changes for each unit and is available for immediate download from Ricoh's website. (17:19 GMT)

Fujifilm has issued a firmware update for its X100 larger sensor compact. The update, to firmware v1.01, corrects a glitch by which the camera wouldn't turn back on if shut down while ISO bracketing in Quick Start mode. No other corrections are mentioned by the manufacturer. The update is available from the Fujifilm website. (19:53 GMT)