Just posted: Our Panasonic GH2/14mm F2.5 samples gallery. Panasonic's latest video-focused Micro Four Thirds camera features an entirely new 18MP multi-aspect-ratio sensor and has been released alongside a 14mm F2.5 pancake lens. We've got hold of production examples of both and have taken them out shooting to get a flavor of how they perform with a variety of lighting conditions, subject distances and apertures. Rather than shooting the same scene at all ISO settings, we've shot an outdoor scene at ISO 160 to ISO 800 and indoors 1600 to 12,800 to give a more realistic impression of what you can expect in situations you might actually encounter. (15:55 GMT)

Ricoh has announced a firmware update adding functions to its GR Digital III camera. In response to user feedback the firmware adds High Contrast Black & White and Cross Process shooting modes and, 4x screen magnification as against the current 2x. It also adds options for resetting various customized settings to the factory defaults. The firmware will be available soon from Ricoh's website. (09:39 GMT)

Samsung has posted firmware updates for the NX10 and NX5 interchangeable lens cameras adding key features from the recently released NX100. Version 1.20 offers compatibilty with the i-Function feature of the newly introduced 20mm and 20-50mm lenses. It also adds support for the GPS10 GPS module and improves AF performance. There is also a 'distortion compensate' function to correct lens distortion. The updates are available for immediate download from Samsung's website. (13:36 GMT)

Sony has announced the world's first 1/2.8" 16MP Exmor-R back illuminated sensor for mobile phones. Offering the smallest unit pixel size of 1.12μm, it will also be incorporated into what is claimed to be the smallest and thinnest mobile phone lens module. The sensor is capable of recording full HD 1080p30 videos and offers continuous shooting speed of 15fps. The company has also announced a similar 1/3.2" 8.13Mp sensor with a corresponding 28mm lens module. Both start shipping from 2011. (13:36 GMT)

Panasonic has announced firmware v1.3 for its Lumix G Vario HD 14-140mm / F4.0-5.8 ASPH/ Mega O.I.S. is now available for download. Announced at Photokina 2010, the update that promises to improve the lens' AF speed can be downloaded via Panasonic's website. (10:15 GMT)

A special edition of the Leica M9 rangefinder has been included in Dallas based luxury retailer Neiman Marcus' Christmas fantasy gifts list. The 50-piece ostrich-leather-covered limited edition costs $17,500 and sits alongside other specialist gifts including a life-size gingerbread playhouse, His & Hers houseboat and a $6000 Ukulele. (09:54 GMT)

One of the few real surprises at Photokina 2010 was Sigma's announcement of its forthcoming SD1 DSLR, and that at its heart would be a new Foveon sensor that would offer 15.4x3MP resolution rather than the existing 4.7x3MP. We spoke to Sigma Chief Operating Officer Kazuto Yamaki, Foveon Vice President for Technology and Operations, Shri Ramaswami and its Vice President for Strategic Marketing, Rudy Guttosch about the work that's gone on. (08:57 GMT)

Just posted! Our samples gallery from the Canon PowerShot S95. We have just received a production sample of Canon's latest enthusiast compact and have put together a gallery of sample shots to give you an impression of the image quality of this premium compact. The gallery includes a mix of shots using various ISOs and apertures, shot under a variety of lighting conditions to give a feel for what you can expect. (10:22 GMT)

Fujifilm has updated its MyFinePix Studio image editing software to version 2.0 extending support to 3D images and videos taken with its W1 and W3 3D compact cameras. (10:27 GMT)

Panasonic is set to extend its Lumix digital camera brand to include mobile phones. A teaser campaign on the company's Japanese site indicates that the first Lumix-branded phone will be announced at CEATC electronics trade show in Tokyo on October 5. Its processor has been branded as Mobile VenusEngine and it will offer microSD/SDHC slots. (11:42 GMT)

Sigma has released an updated version of its Photo Pro image-editing software for immediate dowload extending RAW support to the DP1x compact camera. (10:33 GMT)

Phase One has announced a guaranteed trade-in scheme for customers wishing to upgrade to newer products. Within 6 months of a new product being launched, existing customers can receive up to 90% of their original purchase price against digital backs and up to 50% against camera bodies and lenses. (15:36 GMT)

Kingston has announced the Ultimate 600x (90MB/s) UDMA CompactFlash memory card in 32GB and 16GB capacities. The fastest CF card from the company to date, it complements HD movie recording capabilities and continuous shooting speeds of the latest UDMA-enabled DSLRs. Kingston joins the list of manufacturers making 600x cards including a 64GB version from Sandisk. (10:21 GMT)

Nikon has released a firmware update for its Coolpix P90 superzoom. Version 1.1 fixes a minor bug that occurs when the camera is in set to manual focus mode with Distortion Control function enabled. (09:33 GMT)

Just posted! Our Samsung NX100 preview samples gallery. We were given a pre-production Samsung NX100 at Photokina last week and had a chance to shoot with the camera and the new 20mm pancake lens over the weekend. Unfortunately the German autumn skies were rather gray but we'll update this gallery with a few blue sky shots the next time we get to see the sun again here in London. In any case this gallery should give you an idea of what the NX100 has to offer in terms of image quality and help shorten the waiting time for the full review. (11:09 GMT)

Cosina has announced Voigtländer-branded adapters to connect Nikon F and Pentax K mount lenses with Sony NEX-5 and NEX-3 camera bodies. They provide only a mechanical connection between the lens and body, so only lenses with a manual aperture ring will be fully compatible. Priced at ¥19,800 (~ $235), the F mount adapter is currently available, while the Pentax version will start shipping from October 10, 2010. (10:33 GMT)

German based Foolography has released versions of its bluetooth geotagging modules for the Nikon D3100, D5000, D7000 and D90. The company's Unleashed modules slot into the GPS/cable release socket of Nikon's DSLRs and collect and embed location date from external bluetooth GPS receivers. The Unleashed Dx000 module fits the D3100, D5000 and D7000, while the Unleashed D90 fits only that specific model. They join the company's existing module for the D200 and upwards, and are both available now at retail price of €149. (16:30 GMT)

Video accessory maker Redrock Micro has announced the microEVF electronic viewfinder for video-enabled DSLRs. The device attaches to the hot shoe and is compatible with any camera that provides an HDMI output while recording. It features a 1.2m dot LCD display with an LED backlight promising low power consumption, and the flexible eye-piece can be moved in various directions. The external viewfinder can also be used in combination with multiple external monitors. The microEVF will be priced at $595, and the release date that is yet to be confirmed. (09:30 GMT)

ACD Systems has announced beta versions of its ACDSee Pro image workflow software for both Mac and PC. The forthcoming beta of version 4 for PC features metadata viewing and managing tools aimed at speeding workflow as well as improved geotagging support and enhanced raw conversion. Meanwhile a beta of version 1.4 for Mac is now available. (13:27 GMT)

Japanese software developer Ichikawa Soft Laboratory has released updated versions of its Silkypix Developer Studio Pro and Basic raw conversion software, extending support to the recently released Nikon D3100 DSLR. (10:39 GMT)

Panasonic has released firmware updates for its Lumix DMC-TZ10, DMC-FP1, DMC-FP2 and DMC-FP3 digital compacts. Version 1.2 for the TZ10/ZS7 improves the camera's GPS measurement speed. The latest firmware versions for the FP1, FP2 and FP3 improves the performance of the red-eye removal function. The updates are available for download from Panasonic's website. (09:06 GMT)

Just posted! Our preview samples gallery featuring Olympus' brand new telezoom for the Micro Four Thirds system, the M Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm F4-5.6. This compact lightweight lens is designed to complement the company's Pen series cameras, and is due in the shops at the end of next month. Click through to get a flavor of its capabilities and image quality. (10:48 GMT)

Photokina 2010: Pentax has announced its 645D medium format digital camera will start shipping globally from December 2010. The camera will sell at a retail price of $9999.99 for the body in the US. In the UK, it will be priced at £9000 for the body and £10000 for the kit with the DFA 55mm 645 SDM lens. The first digital version of the company's 645 medium format camera system, it features a 40MP, 44 x 33mm CCD sensor, 921k dot 3.0" LCD and is compatible with the existing 645 system lenses. (12:00 GMT)

Photokina 2010: Hasselblad has introduced the H4D-31 medium format camera with a 31Mp sensor. It features the 'True Focus' AF system of the the H4D series and offers an optional CF-lens adapter to mount the company's V-System lenses (also available as part of a kit). The company has also introduced the CFV-50 medium format digital back with a 50Mp sensor. The H4D-31 camera and CFV-50 digital back are available at retail prices of €9,995 and €11,990 respectively. Furthermore, Hasselblad has also updated its Phocus image processing software to version 2.6. (09:15 GMT)

Photokina 2010: Hasselblad has announced upgraded versions of its 120mm macro and 50mm HC series medium format lenses. Both the HC Macro 120-II and HC 50mm-II have been optimised for higher resolution shooting and deliver better close range performance. The company will also release a firmware upgrade for the H4D series of medium format cameras later this year which brings in a number of additional features in response to customer feedback. (10:15 GMT)

Just posted! Our preview samples gallery from Olympus's latest DSLR, the E-5. In amongst all of the hustle and bustle of Photokina, we've managed to find time to take Olympus's new professional flagship out and about on the streets of Cologne to bring you a preliminary samples gallery. It includes shots taken across the full ISO range, and we've even tried out the new 'Dramatic Tone' art filter. Click through to take a look. (10:18 GMT)

Photokina 2010: Sensor developer Aptina has launched a 16Mp APS-C CMOS sensor capable of full 1080p HD video at 30fps. The MT9H004 sensor uses the company's latest DR-Pix technology increasing signal-to-noise ratio under low-light conditions, delivering better image quality in high ISO photographs. The sensor can produce full resolution images at 10fps and is intended for use in DSLRs. The company has also announced a 14Mp CMOS sensor with full 1080p HD video recording capabilities for compact and hybrid cameras. Both sensors are scheduled to enter mass production in the first quarter of 2011. (08:27 GMT)

Photokina 2010: Datacolor has announced the SpyderChekr color reference tool. The device consists of a set of 48 color patches and calibration software, which allows photographers to generate camera color profiles and perform more precise in-camera white balance. The results can then be applied to a raw workflow based on software programs such as Adobe Photoshop Lightroom and Camera Raw. SpyderChekr is available as a standalone product or as a bundle with the company's SpyderCube color balance device at retail prices of $129 and $169 respectively. (13:48 GMT)

Photokina 2010: Samyang has updated its 14mm F2.8 lens for Nikon F mount with an electronic interface. The manual focus lens' electronic contacts allows full support of automatic exposure modes of Nikon DSLRs and includes lens-related data in the EXIF. The AE 14 mm f/2.8 ED AS IF UMC is designed for full-frame cameras, but works with APS-C cameras as well. (09:12 GMT)

Photokina 2010: Samyang has released a version of its 8mm F3.5 Fish-eye lens optimised for filmmakers. Designed for APS-C Canon and Nikon video-enabled DSLRs, the V-DSLR 8mm F3.5 Aspherical IF MC Fish-eye CS features the same optical construction as the still photography version, but has been adapted to the Follow Focus system for smoother focusing. (09:12 GMT)

Photokina 2010: Lensbaby has introduced the 'Tilt Transformer' adapter that allows Nikon lenses to be mounted on Micro Four Thirds or Sony NEX cameras to give tilt effects. In addition, the company has also announced the 'Composer with Tilt Transformer' that allows users to mount the company's Optic Swap system lens and accessories on the Tilt Transformer. Priced at $250 and $350 respectively, they are available now for Micro Four Thirds cameras, followed by the the Sony version later this year. (10:51 GMT)

Photokina 2010: Lowepro has announced it has redesigned the Street & Field modular carrying system. The series is designed for photographers who require quick access to swap and store gear. The company has redesigned what it calls its 'core' system that comprises of a Technical Belt, Light Utility Belt, Vest and Harness and has added new components including the Lens Exchange Case 200 AW lens case, Audio Utility Bag 100 audio gear bag and Laptop Utility Backpack 100 AW. (15:00 GMT)

Photokina 2010: Panasonic has announced the DMC-GH2 Micro Four Thirds camera. The successor to the GH1 continues with its 'hybrid' stills/video philosophy but adds a host of tweaks and improvements, foremost of which is a brand new 18Mp multi-aspect ratio sensor offering 16Mp output and an ISO range of 160-12800. The GH2 also inherits many features from the DMC-G2, including a revised control layout and touch-screen control. We've had a pre-production GH2 in the office for a few days, so click through to read all about it in our hands-on preview. (08:00 GMT)

Photokina 2010: Sigma has announced the SD1 digital SLR, which uses a brand new 46Mp 1.5x crop Foveon X3 sensor (4800 x 3200 x 3 layers). Designed as the company's flagship camera, the SD1 has a weatherproof magnesium alloy body, 3" 460k dot LCD, and new 11-point twin-cross AF system. Image processing is in the hands of a 'Dual True II' engine that promises improved speed and image quality, and the camera is compatible with the full range of Sigma lenses. (06:00 GMT)

Photokina 2010: Ricoh has announced the GR Lens A12 28 mm F2.5 wideangle prime module for its GXR system. Its 18.3mm F2.5 lens (28mm-equivalent) employs an exotic nine element / six group design, including two aspherical elements, one special low-dispersion glass element, and several high-refraction-ratio elements, promising high image quality across the frame. This fourth module for the interchangeable unit system also features a 12Mp APS-C CMOS sensor, a faster GR Engine III processor and 720p HD video recording. It also comes with a manual focus ring for focus precision and an electronic level. (06:00 GMT)

Photokina 2010: Leica has announced the D-Lux 5 premium compact camera. Successor to the D-Lux 4, it sports a feature list uncannily similar to the Panasonic LX5, incuding a 10Mp 1/1.63" inch sensor, 24-90mm equiv lens and 460K dot 3.0" LCD. Like the LX5 it can record 720p AVCHD Lite videos, offers multiple aspect ratio recording via a switch on the lens barrel, and allows fully manual control. Registered owners will be able to download a copy of Adobe Lightroom to process the camera's DNG raw files. Priced at £630, it will be available from October 2010. (08:00 GMT)

Photokina 2010: Four years after the V-Lux 1, Leica has launched its second superzoom compact camera in the shape of the V-Lux 2. Bearing more than a passing resemblance to the Panasonic DMC-FZ100, it offers a similar feature set including a 24x zoom lens (25mm - 600mm equiv.), 14.1 MP CMOS sensor and 460K dot 3.0 inch tiltable LCD. Priced at £675, it also allows full 1080p AVCHD video recording, and offers continuous shooting speeds of 11 frames per second at full resolution. (08:00 GMT)

Photokina 2010: Adobe has released version 9 of its Photoshop Elements image-editing software. Both the Windows and Mac versions feature an updated Spot Healing Brush (adapted from Photoshop CS5's Content Aware Fill tool), improved Photomerge options and direct upload tools. The 'Organizer' which was previously only available with the Windows version is now included for Mac OS. The software is available now at a retail price of $99.99, and US users can also install the Photoshop Elements 9 'Plus' at an additional fee of $49.99 per year, which adds 20GB of online storage and backup facilities. The company has also released version 9 of its Premiere video-editing software for Windows, which is now for the first time for Mac users. (09:42 GMT)

Photokina 2010: Panasonic has released three lenses, the Lumix G 14mm F2.5 ASPH wideangle, Lumix G Vario 100-300mm F4-5.6 Mega OIS telephoto zoom, and Lumix G 12.5mm 3D lens. The 14mm F2.5 is an ultra-compact 'pancake' prime that will be available from mid-October at £349.99, whereas the 100-300mm F4-5.6 brings ultra-telephoto capability to the Micro Four Thirds system for the first time (from early November, at £549.99). The 12.5mm incorporates dual optical units for shooting 3D images designed for viewing on Panasonic's Viera 3D TVs, and will be in shops late November at £249.99. We've had the two 'conventional' lenses in the office alongside the GH2 and have incorporated 'first look' pages into our hands-on preview - follow the link to find out more. (08:00 GMT)

Photokina 2010: Sony has announced a firmware update for its NEX-3 and NEX-5 APS-C mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras. Version 03 addresses a number of widely-expressed concerns about the user interface as well as allowing autofocus using the 14 Sony SAM and SSM lenses with built-in focus motors. It also allows the aperture to be set for video shooting. Given that the update aims improve many of the things we criticized in our review, we will update our review to reflect the changes as soon as we've properly tested the camera's revised behavior. (08:00 GMT)

Photokina 2010: Panasonic has announced a series of firmware and software updates. Version 1.3 for the Lumix G Vario HD 14-140mm F4-5.6 ASPH Mega OIS promises improved autofocus speed and reduced lens startup time, while Version 1.1 for the DMC-G2 adds compatibility with the new interchangeable 3D lens Lumix G 12.5mm / F12 (H-FT012) announced today. 3D is also the name of the game with the Version 1.1 update to the company's PHOTOfunSTUDIO 5.0 HD Edition software, which also adds compatibility and features for images shot with the 12.5mm lens. (08:00 GMT)

Photokina 2010: Sigma has introduced the APO Macro 150mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM lens with optical image stabilization. It inherits many of the features of its predecessor, the 150mm F2.8 EX DG HSM, including Sigma's Hypersonic Motor for fast and silent autofocus, and a 1:1 maximum magnification ratio. Three SLD elements are used in its 19 element / 13 group design to minimize aberrations, and a 9-blade circular diaphragm promises attractive rendition of out-of-focus regions of the image. (06:00 GMT)

Photokina 2010: Sigma has unveiled the 120-300mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM, a revised version of its fast telezoom featuring optical image stabilization and weather-resistant construction. The lens also offers ultrasonic-type HSM autofocus with full-time manual override, and employs both 'F' Low Dispersion and Super Low Dispersion glass to minimize chromatic aberrations. It employs a 9-bladed rounded diaphragm for attractive bokeh, and is fully compatible with Sigma's 1.4x and 2.0x teleconverters while maintaining autofocus. (06:00 GMT)

Leica has announced a special edition of its M9 rangefinder in a titanium finish. Designed by automobile designer Walter De'Silva, it features an attached metal finger loop covered with leather for carrying and shooting purposes and a special lens hood with four slits to prevent obstruction of the viewfinder. The Titanium edition will be available at a suggested retail price of just £19,800. (08:00 GMT)

Leica has announced its X1 compact camera will be available in black from October 2010, alongside the current steel gray option. It will come with the same price tag of £1,395, and offers a range of optional accessories. The camera features a 12.2 Mp CMOS sensor, 35mm-equivalent F2.8 semi-wideangle lens and and a 2.7 inch LCD. (08:00 GMT)

Sony has issued a press release about the new product developments it's showcasing at Photokina 2010. Highlights include a firmware update for the NEX series (covered in a separate news story), a prototype of a new camera that will incorporate the latest Translucent Mirror technology, accessories for A-mount cameras including a flash and vertical grip, and upcoming lenses for both A and E mounts. (08:00 GMT)

Photokina 2010: Sigma has announced two flashes, the first of which is the EF-610 DG Super. This adds advanced features such wireless TTL and modelling flash to the basic spec of the EF-610 DG, i.e. a maximum guide number of 61m (ISO 100, 105mm setting) and a bounce and swivel head. It's designed to work with the latest TTL autoexposure systems of all popular digital SLR systems, but also includes a manual flash mode with output adjustable by up to eight stops. (06:00 GMT)

Photokina 2010: Sigma's second flash of the day is the EF-610 DG ST. Designed to work with the latest TTL autoexposure systems of all popular digital SLR systems, it has a maximum guide number of 61m (ISO 100, 105mm setting) and a bounce and swivel head. There's also basic manual control available, with a choice between full and 1/16th power output. (06:00 GMT)

Photokina 2010: Olympus has released firmware updates for three of its SWD lenses. The latest firmware versions of the 14-35mm 1:2 SWD, 12-60mm 1:2.8-4.0 SWD and 50-200mm 1:2.8-3.5 SWD improves sequential shooting speed with the recently released E-5 digital SLR. The updates can be accessed via the company's Digital Camera Update software application. (10:27 GMT)

General Imaging has released the DV1 pocket camcorder capable of shooting full HD videos. (09:19 GMT)