Leica has released a firmware update for the M8 cameras. The 6-bit coding and the correction profiles of the new Leica M lenses LEICA NOCTILUX-M 50mm/f0.95 ASPH. and LEICA SUPER-ELMAR-M 18mm/f3.8 ASPH. have been implemented. Version 2.004 makes the Discreet-Mode available on all LEICA M8 cameras. At the lower end of the Menu list a new menu point „Advance“ has been added with the options „Standard“ and „Discreet“.

Lensbaby has announced the new 0.42x Super Wide Lens, which converts your Lensbaby lens’s focal length from 50mm to 21mm. Specifically designed for compatibility with the Lensbaby Optic Swap System, this 0.42x is lighter and sharper than any other comparable product on the market. The 0.42x has an inherent macro capability, letting you as close as 2.75” (7cm) from the front of the lens. The 0.42x Super Wide Lens is available now for $79.95.

Sony has announced new portable photo printers - the DPP-FP97 and DPP-FP67. Both models produce 4 x 6-inch photo prints. The DPP-FP97 model prints photos in about 45 seconds, and the FP67 model prints photos in about 63 seconds. A variety of creative prints that come with the DPP-FP97 make customizing memories and creating on-the-spot, one-of-a-kind gifts a snap. This model comes with frame, scrapbooking and calendar templates so you can personalize your photos.

Sony has announced the new flagship of the Cyber-shot range - the HX1. Offering cutting edge performance and a powerful 20x optical zoom range, the compact HX1 fits effortlessly into a weekend bag or small travel case. It’s an ideal companion for anyone who needs top-flight imaging performance and advanced shooting functions without the bulk of packing a digital SLR and all its accompanying lenses. The Cyber-shot DSC-HX1 digital compact camera is available from the beginning of May 2009.

Sigma has launched the new 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM lens. The SIGMA 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM incorporates Sigma’s original anti-shake compensation function, with a 13.8 times zoom ratio. As opposed to having an anti-shake function in the camera body, this lens’s Hybrid Optical Stabilizer provides not only an anti-shake function for the camera body, but also compensates for image shaking in the view finder as the Optical Stabilizer is built in to the lens.

Sigma launches the new 24-70mm F2.8 EX DG HSM Lens. This standard zoom lens features the latest optical design, providing an overall length of 94.7cm /3.7inch. It is ideal for general photography such as snapshots, portraiture and landscapes. The Super Multi Layer Coating reduces flare and ghosting. ELD (Extraordinary Low Dispersion) glass, two SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass elements and three aspherical lenses provide excellent correction of all types of aberrations.

Sigma has announced the new SIGMA 50-200mm F4-5.6 DC OS HSM. This compact high-performance telephoto zoom lens incorporates Sigma’s own Optical Stabilizer function. The lens incorporates SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass in the front lens group and is equipped with an inner focusing system to provide high image quality throughout the entire zoom range.

Sigma has announced the new SIGMA 18-50mm F2.8-4.5 DC OS HSM. The F2.8 lens incorporates Sigma’s Optical Stabilisation function. For Sony and Pentax mount, the built-in OS function of this lens can be used even if the camera body is equipped with an anti-shake function. As compensation for camera shake is visible in the view finder, the photographer can easily check for accurate focus and ensure there is no subject movement.