Adobe has released the Photoshop Camera Raw plug-in version 3.2, which adds support for select Panasonic, Hasselblad, Konica Minolta, Leaf, Leica, and Nikon (D2Hs, D70s, D50) cameras.  Along with the 3.2 release is a new DNG ("Digital Negative") raw format converter.

Nikon has issued a service advisory for its D2H, D70, and N55 digital SLRs, which in some circumstances have known electrical problems.  If your D2H, D70, or N55 is locking up or will not autofocus, Nikon will repair it free of charge even if it is out of warranty.

Update: Two weeks after our first posting, Olympus makes the announcement official. See the article at DPreview for full details.

A dutch website yesterday released some information about a new “entry level” DSLR from Olympus utilizing the 4/3 system.  Also included was information about a macro lens with a 35mm focal length (70mm in 35mm equivalent) capable of doing 2:1 (35mm equivalent).  I’m sure we’ll have some more information soon, so watch this space.  Also of interest is the un-official Olympus 4/3 lens chart - which now shows some 3rd party (Sigma) lenses planned or available for this new mount.

Today I found a page on the unofficial 4/3s website about this camera.

Fantasea is unveiling a suite of new products at this year’s upcoming DEMA convention in Las Vegas, including the first ever consumer housing for a WiFi digital camera (the Nikon P1 and P2).  Other products include a Nikon SB-800 flash housing, Nikon Coolpix S1, S2, S3, L1 camera housings, a Nikon DSLR D50 housing, and a Canon DSLR 350D.  Later on this year, they will have a housing for the Sunpak PZ40X NE-1 iTTL, an iTTL-compatible flash for Nikon digital SLRs.  Fantasea will be in DEMA booth 3012.

The brand-new Scientific Photography Forum is dedicated to discussion about using digital images as a scientific tool for recording data, communicating to peers, and supporting education/outreach projects for the public.  While everyone is encouraged to post there, the forum is specifically designed to promote discussions among scientists, conservationists and educators that use or would like to use digital photography in their work. 

Stay tuned.  Moderator Dr. James B. Wood will kick start the forum by posting several ways he uses photography in his work.  If you’re using photography in your work as a scientist, conservationist, or educator, please tell us how you use your work!

The Nature, Wildlife and Pet Photography Forum is running the first of its photo contests, with both daily and monthly winners.  Daily winners receive name recognition, and monthly winners receive a small B&H Photo gift certificate.  Additional proceeds from the first contest will go toward a Hurricana Katrina fund.

Be sure to read the terms and conditions carefully, as NWP retains rights to use your photo for advertising and promotion.

LAUPS and NCUPS (SEA 2005) have issued a last call notice for their 2005 photo contests.  The deadline for SEA 2005 is October 7 (postmark), and for LAUPS, September 23.  Both of the contests have fantastic prizes, and are worth entering.  Good luck!

More information: [LAUPS Photo Competition] [NCUPS Sea 2005 Contest]

Wetpixel user triswebb received a reply from Amphibico about a new housing for the new Sony HDR-HC1:

We have had a great success with our new Phenom FXZ1 housing… Our engineers are designing [the housing for the Sony HDR-HC1, and it] should be available this fall. October or November. Cost will be $1995US for the basic Dive Buddy EVO HC1, consumer version one electronic grip, manual white balance, we will also have a pro version available in December cost around $2800US have a second electronic grip with added manual focus and also have auto/on /off exposure. Both will have access to the manual white balance. We will have a preview on our site in about 2 to 3 weeks.

Underwater Digital Video Made Easy by Steven M. Barsky, Lance Milbrand, and Mark Thurlow is the latest book from Hammerhead Press of Ventura, California.  The authors are professional cameramen with a combined total of over 37 years in the field of underwater video production. Some topics covered are:

- Camera Selection
- Accessories
- Shooting Topside in the Marine Environment
- Lighting Underwater
- Maintenance
- Housing Selection
- Editing
- Travel
- Shooting Underwater
- Gear Set-Up

Continue reading for a press release and complete informatoin about the new book.

Nikon has recently released a limited SDK to Adobe which provides the conversion information for the “as-shot” white balance as recorded in the Nikon NEF file.  This is a relief for Nikon shooters who wish to use Photoshop CS2 but it is not a complete solution for other 3rd party sofware companies, as the data is still encrypted.  Read the full article for the press release from Nikon and click the discussion link to see what our members have to say on this topic.