Canon today released update firmware (v1.2.3) for the EOS-1D Mark III. This update adds the ability, using C.Fn III-9, for the user to directly select AF points by using the Multi-controller, provides alternate access to exposure compensation using the C.Fn IV-3 and with the camera's external Speedlite control menu, Flash function settings can be used to set the wireless setting and zoom. This update also improves the stability of AF accuracy in AI servo AF when shooting extremely low-contrast subjects.

Canon has released firmware version 1.1.2 for the EOS-1Ds Mark III digital SLR, as well as firmware version 1.2.3 for the EOS-1D Mark III digital SLR. Available now via Canon Japan's website, the updates incorporate a number of new features and improvements. EOS-1Ds Mark III: This firmware update (Vers...

As part of its campaign to 'Defend the Darkroom', ILFORD PHOTO - the highly respected monochrome brand of HARMAN technology Limited ? has announced a special initiative in support of ultra large format (ULF) photographers. From mid-April until the 30th June 2008, photographers may order ILFORD PHOTO ULF sheet film products from select US and Canadian retailers without the worry of meeting minimum order quantities. Read full story for additional details.

Review (Summary): "The Ricoh GR Digital II is the second compact digital camera that we've reviewed recently which has a 28mm fixed focal length lens, putting it it direct competition with the Sigma DP1. The lens on the GR Digital II is a stop faster, offering a maximum aperture of f/2.4, but unlike the DP1 which uses a large APS-C sized sensor, Ricoh's camera is based upon a much smaller 1/1.75-inch CCD sensor with 10 megapixels. ...

With wide-format print shops looking for ways to increase market share and delve into new and profitable high-end markets, LexJet introduces Sunset Select Gloss Canvas SUV and Sunset Select Satin Canvas SUV, which are compatible with solvent, low-solvent, and UV-curable printers (SUV). The paper is a cotton/poly blend and offers extremely wide color gamut and high Dmax. Sunset Select Gloss Canvas SUV and Sunset Select Satin Canvas SUV are both available in 54 in. x 75 ft. and 60 in. x 75 ft. rolls, as well as a 30 in. x 30 ft. sample roll, and come with LexJet?s 30-day money-back guarantee.

Lenovo today announced the availability of the IdeaPad U110 consumer notebook PC, the star of Lenovo's IdeaPad entertainment and fashion-oriented notebook collection and winner of three Best-of-Show awards at the 2008 Consumer Electronics Show. The Lenovo IdeaPad U110 weighs less than 2.5 lbs and features VeriFace™ Face Recognition, 120GB hard drive, up to 3GB of memory, Intel® Centrino® processor, WLAN, Ethernet, external DVD burner, and even Bluetooth on select models. Select models of the notebook will be available in red and black on Lenovo's website today. Pricing on the new Lenovo U110 starts at $1,899.

SeaLife today announced an underwater digital camera that will bring all the true colors of the water and the world to your photographs. Sleek, modern design meets high-tech functionality in SeaLife's new DC800 8-megapixel camera, producing ultra-clear images down to 200 feet underwater. The DC800 features a 4x optical zoom with focus as close as 2", video mode, and a fast shutter response time. The DC800 will also accept SeaLife's Digital Pro Flash accessory for optimal brightness and color. The camera is available at dive and photo shops nationwide at a suggested list price of $549.95.

Review (Summary): "... With its 14mp (2652x1768x3 layer) Foveon sensor, the same as in the SD14 SLR camera, along with the latest TRUE (Three-layer Responsive Ultimate Engine) processor algorithms the camera can produce some stunning results for a compact. The sensor is some seven to twelve times larger than regular compact cameras. ...

Review (Summary): "Because of its size-4.4-by-3.1-by-3.1 inches-and hefty looks, the eight megapixel digital camera, which sells in the range of $300 to $400, could be mistaken for a DSLR by a casual observer. And because of the unit's rich feature set, the operators of the camera can have the kind of hands-on control of their photography that makes DSLRs so attractive. ...

Canon today released updated firmware (v1.1.2) for the EOS-1Ds Mark III. This update adds the ability, using C.Fn III-9, for the user to directly select AF points by using the Multi-controller and provides alternate access to exposure compensation using the C.Fn IV-3. This update also improves the stability of AF accuracy in AI servo AF when shooting extremely low-contrast subjects.