Sigma has issued a firmware update (Version 1.02) for its Sigma SD1 digital SLR camera.

Firmware version;

• Corrects various bugs to achieve more stable operation.
• Corrects the phenomenon of camera freeze when in Custom White Balance Mode.
• Improves image quality at high sensitivity (ISO 3200, ISO 6400), only for raw image files.

Sigma SD1 Firmware 1.02

Canon has several new lens and speedlite rebates available, you can save up to $160 for a single purchase. The instant rebates are valid in the US through September 3, 2011. Check out the deals below:

Lens rebates:

Check out the new Amazon mail-in rebates on select Tamron digital SLR lenses for Nikon, Canon, Pentax, and Sony mounts, including $150 back on their groundbreaking 18-270mm macro zoom lenses (this is my favourite walk-about lens on my APS-C Canon DSLRs) that deliver the equivalent of 15x optical zoom.

Sony has promised more professional NEX cameras, and now it is coming. It is hard to say that the NEX-7 would be used by professionals as their first camera but still it can easily accompany the professional cameras in places where you have to be silent and don't want to get too much attention.

Sony NEX-7 Specifications:

Here are the real specs of the upcoming Sony A77 (updated). I have to say that the specs are really amazing. I am sure the 24MP APS-C sensor will be used by the next Nikon DSLRs, like the long-waited D400.

• 24.3 MP Exmor HD CMOS sensor
• 19 points AF sensor with 11 cross-type sensors
• ISO 100-16,000 (expandable ISO 50)
• 1920 x 1080 60p/24p AVCHD 2.0
• P/A/S/M manual controls while recording video
• 1200 zone metering
• New Bionz processor
• 12 fps
• 1/8000 Max Shutter Speed
• TrueBlack 921k 3-way tilt LCD
• 3 million dot OLED viewfinder
• Smart teleconverter function with 1.4x and 2.0x option
• Built-in flash
• Built-in GPS
• Battery life with over over 500 shots
• Magnesium alloy body
• Dust and Moisture proof
• Multi Frame NR
• SD card

Photos of Sony A77:

Chainfire has created a  tethered shooting application for Android 3.0-powered tablets and smart phones, that can be used with Canon DSLRs. DSLR Controller doesn't require you to tether your camera to a computer. It uses a USB connection to provide a high level of control over Canon DSLRs.

The app offers a wide range of control options, including touch focus, histogram, bulb capture and changing the shooting settings. Features like Time lapse, video recording and image playback are expected to be available on the following versions. Nikon DSLRs will also be supported in the future. Beta version is available for purchase for US$8.50 from the Android Market.

Ricoh has announced a Leica M-mount unit for its modular GXR camera system. The GXR Mount A12 includes a 12MP APS-C CMOS sensor and it can fit a wide range of M-mount lenses. It is also possible to have more choice when used in combination with an adapter. The module will be available in September, with a price tag of $649.

Ricoh GXR Mount A12 specification

Panasonic published firmware updates for its TZ20/ZS10, FT3/TS3 digital cameras.

Panasonic DMC-TZ20/ZS10 firmware version 1.2 :

Improvement of GPS measurement accuracy.

Download and Instructions

Panasonic DMC-FT3/TS3 firmware version 1.2:

Improvement of GPS measurement accuracy.
1. Enhancement of picture detail.

Download and Instructions

Day by day, iOS devices are becoming a real photographic tool, not by the small camera on it but by its applications. Angle of View is a field-of-view calculator and sensor size database app. It enables users to determine the equivalent millimetres between five customisable sensor sizes simultaneously. The user sets a chosen sensor, focal length, and distance-to-subject combination via gestural controls, and the app updates its graphical and numerical displays in real-time when the gesture is performed. You can download the application on iTunes for $1.99.

Press Release

Photo Stats, a new iPhone application by Dear Future Astronaut, analyses all photos from your camera roll and creates infographics based on the extracted metadata, visualizing how, when and where you take photos with your camera phone. The app extracts time, date and location data from the photos on the camera roll, as well as other photo properties such as size, exposure, ISO, photo application used etc. Statistical data are then transformed into an infographic which can be viewed on the device as well as shared with friends on social networks or via email.

Currently, Photo Stats is available on iTunes at an introductory price of $0.99.

Press Release