Nikon Inc. announced the new Nikon 1 V3, a compact addition to the Nikon 1 Advanced Camera with Interchangeable Lens System. The V3 sports a Hybrid AF system and claimed world’s fastest continuous shooting frame rate at 20 frames-per-second (fps) with full autofocus, a speed that outpaces even proD-SLR cameras. The V3 has an 18.4-megapixel CX-format image sensor, a new EXPEED 4A image processor, 1080/60p Full HD video capabilities, built-in Wi-Fi connectivity and a new touch-panel tilting LCD display.

Los Angeles Center of Photography (LACP), the first ever non-profit photo center in Los Angeles, proudly announces the grand opening of their new facility in Hollywood at 1515 Wilcox Ave., at the corner of Sunset Blvd., Hollywood, CA. This star-studded event will attract photographers, industry luminaries as well as past and present students and illustrious faculty of the LACP (formerly The Julia Dean Photo Workshops, JDPW.) Attendees will celebrate the opening of the new location, as well as the new nonprofit status of LACP. More details to be announced as the date approaches.

The GX7 is the latest model of Panasonic’s GX series and replaces the GX1. This Micro Four Thirds (MFT) camera has a new sensor with 16MP resolution and a lot of modern features, such as the WLAN system. The camera design has a stylish, somewhat retro look and design.

While you as the photographer own the copyright to images you create, this does not negate the privacy rights of any recognizable individual in your photo. Knowing when you can sell or lease that image with or without a model release is important. In this article we cover that ground as well as the impact of social media and new technology on privacy rights and model releases.

In a joint announcement, Bowens, PocketWizard and Sekonic have aligned to create a complete wireless triggering solution for electronic flashes that will be first introduced in the U.S. market. Now most Bowens Gemini monolights will accept an optional PocketWizard module, which enables photographers to wirelessly trigger their flash with industry-standard, and widely used PocketWizard radios and Sekonic light meters.

Lowepro has launched a trio of rolling camera bags that maximize the amount of pro-sized gear photographers can pack, protect and transport: the Pro Roller x-Series AW.
At the core of this new design is Lowepro’s patent-pending MaxFit System of adjustable, interior dividers. This micro-fitting structure makes it easy to closely pack pro bodies, large lenses and all essential accessories in a deep and roomy interior while maintaining superior protection in a streamlined form factor.

Featured will be a combination of modern, “user” Leica cameras, lenses, and accessories, accompanied by a substantial number of rare and vintage lots. Prominent among the 500 plus lots will be a Leica A Elmax, a Leica 72 18x24, a Leica M9 Hermes outfit, a screw-mount 50mm Summilux f1,4, a Leica M4-2 Safari, a Leica M7 Titanium, a mint black Nikon SP, a black enamel 50mm Summilux f1.4, a Nikon rangefinder Copy Stand, a 50mm Micro-Nikkor f3.5 for the Nikon S, and many modern Leica M and R system lenses.

The Ray Flash 2 is a great on-axis fill light for use with on-camera flash. Quick to attach and easy to adjust, the Ray Flash can be used with TTL flash settings and is significantly moreaffordable than a powered macro ring flash. It provides a large, even distribution of light on small objects. The new adjustable mount attaches quickly and securely to different size speedlights by means of a new spring-loaded clamp design. The center column of the Ray Flash 2 slides up and down to accommodate variations in camera and speedlight heights. Ray Flash 2’s lower profile is thinner than the original, making it even more portable for location photographers.

The Nikon 1 AW1 is the first digital compact system camera that can be used for diving or other active sports without an additional protective case. Protected by a stainless steel front cover, all function elements, card slots, and interfaces are protected by sealed covers. While the 1 AW1 can be used with all lenses of the Nikon 1 system, using it underwater and in similar adverse conditions requires the use of special lenses. Nikon offers a standard kit lens with a focal length of 11-27.5mm (29.7-74.25mm, 35mm film equivalent) that is protected by sealing gaskets and therefore can be used underwater. The second underwater lens is the 1 Nikkor AW 10mm f/2.8.

Based on the legendary image-maker Art Wolfe’s popular lecture series, The Art of the Photograph (Amphoto Books, ISBN: 978-0-7704-3316-1, $29.99) is Wolfe’s story of his own artistic discovery and experiences as a professional photographer shooting in the field. Utilizing his formal training as an art instructor, Wolfe teaches readers how to explore the elements of design to make compelling and emotionally engaging photographs. Together, Art Wolfe and Rob Sheppard offer the kind of simple yet eye-opening advice that can instantly change anyone’s photos. Extraordinary photos of the world’s cultures, wildlife, and varied landscapes round out this essential curriculum to provide the most thorough and imaginative volume on composition.—From liner notes supplied by the publisher.