The medium format S system was 'the biggest risk Leica has ever taken,' says Stephan Schulz, the company's head of Professional Imaging. But, with the latest S 'our goal is to become market leader,' he says. We spoke to Schulz about his strategy to give professionals faith in the system and how the new Hasselblad adapter will help the company regain the professional market it lost in the 1980s. He also explains why only people with no experience of medium format see the Nikon D800 as a threat to the 37.5MP 'S.'

Photokina 2012: Fujifilm has been showing off the way its X-Pro1's hybrid viewfinder will behave when used with zoom lenses - which we demonstrate in a video. It has also moved to quell suggestions that its XF lenses are ready for a full-frame X-mount camera. 'It would not work - XF lenses could not be used with a full-frame sensor,' said Hiroshi Kawahara, operations manager of Fujifilm's product planning division. He also drew our attention to the way X-Pro1 users will be able to use the hybrid viewfinder with zoom lenses - a feature that will be added in a forthcoming firmware update.

The tech-elves over at iFixit.com have published a complete teardown of the new iPhone 5, barely hours after the handset first became available. Obviously, we're most interested in the camera, which according to Apple, will give improved image quality over its predecessor. Although a teardown doesn't reveal much about how the new device will actually perform, it's interesting to see everything reduced to its component parts. Click through for more information and a link to the complete teardown. But be warned - the more squeamish among you may prefer to look away.

Low weight, portability and ease of use are not words and phrases used to describe the average mid-size tripod, but the Tamrac ZipShot is designed to satisfy all three requirements. Unlike conventional 'telescoping' leg tripods, the ZipShot is constructed of thin, circular aluminum legs that are segmented in four places and strung together via a hefty elastic band. When the two maroon safety bands are released, the tripod's legs will fall, snapping into place in an instant. Is this lightweight, easy-to-assemble tripod the answer to a travelling photographer's prayers? Read our quick review to find out. 

'I think Canon has a different approach to us. With the D600 we are really concentrating on the photographic features and we're trying to give the best photographic package that we can' says Dirk Jasper, product manager for professional imaging at Nikon Europe. We spoke to him about Nikon's latest full frame SLR, and he explained some of the choices that went into the creation of the D600, including who it's designed for and how it's different from the competition. Click through to read the full interview.

'Once you use the Galaxy Camera you won't be able to go back to a conventional camera,' says Samsung's VP of Sales and Marketing, Sun Hong Lim. We spoke to him to discuss Samsung's Galaxy Camera that combines the camera of its WB850F with the capabilities of its Galaxy SIII smartphone, to create one of the first true camera/smartphone hybrids. He explains why connectivity will be a keyword in the era of cloud computing and why he's not interested in low-end compact cameras. Click here to read the full interview.

Adobe has reported that earnings for its current quarter will remain flat or decline as customers have signed up for its Creative Cloud subscription services at a faster than expected rate. Adobe's Q4 earnings forecast range of 53-58 cents per share on revenue of US $1.075 to $1.125 billion falls shy of analysts' estimates and reflects what the company says are 25,000 additional Creative Cloud subscribers. (via Reuters)

Iceland is a destination filled with once-in-a-lifetime photographic opportunities. Professional photographer Erez Marom shares his experiences of shooting this remarkable landscape in all its winter glory. Read what it's like to venture into ice caves, shoot sunsets across a glacier lagoon and experience the northern lights in a locale like no other.

Responding to the swift and negative reaction to its just-announced Lunar mirrorless camera, Hasselblad's business development manager, Luca Alessandrini, forcefully defended the venerable camera maker's new partnership with Sony in an interview with the British Journal of Photography. Alessandrini also says that the decision to use the NEX-7 Sony sensor for the first Lunar camera doesn't preclude the company from making sensor modifications for future models.

Apple has released version 1.1 of iPhoto for iOS, with support for images up to 36.5MP (on the third-generation iPad) and full resolution photo import via iTunes File Sharing. Other additions include six new Ink Effects and the ability to create tag albums by adding custom tags to photos. You can upload video to Facebook and set location and friend tags. iPhoto for iOS v1.1 requires iOS6 and is free to existing v1 users or can be purchased for $4.99 from Apple's App Store.

Pentax hasn't been idle in 2012, and just before the opening of Photokina, it refreshed its popular K-5 DSLR, releasing two new models, the K-5 II and the K-5 IIS, which lacks an anti-aliasing filter, for greater detail resolution. Barnaby Britton caught up with John Carson, Sr. Manager of Sales & Marketing at Pentax Imaging USA, and asked him about the new DSLRs, the tiny Q, and why designers love the K-01.

Leica has announced that it is in discussions with Sir Jonathan Ive - chief designer at Apple - about designing a unique, one-of-a-kind version of its new M rangefinder. In a statement to the British Journal of Photography, Leica has confirmed that the intention is for the resulting camera to be auctioned for charity in summer 2013. Sir Jonathan Ive is one of the most well-known industrial designers in the world, and is responsible for the design of some of Apple's most iconic products, including the iMac and iPhone. 

Photokina 2012 is proving a busy show for Leica, with two new M models, the 'M', which succeeds the M9, and offers live view and movie mode, among other refinements, and the ME - a cut-down model, which offers the same functionality as the M9 at a more affordable price. Barnaby Britton caught up with M product manager Jesko von Oeynhausen at the Leica stand.

Fujifilm has released firmware version 2 for the X-Pro1 mirrorless camera, that it promised before Photokina. The update improves aspects of the camera's operation that we criticised in our review, most notably focusing, both auto and manual. Firmware updates for each of the lenses are also required, and downloadable from Fujifilm's website. We've quickly tested the firmware and seen substantial improvements in both manual focus operation and autofocus speed - indeed we'd recommend all X-Pro1 owners install it. Click through for more details.

Sony and Hasselblad have announced a partnership that will result in an E-mount camera, a compact camera and a product for the DSLR segment. Hasselblad says the aim of the partnership is to 'cultivate new markets for photo enthusiasts and consumer digital imaging products' and will begin with an E-mount camera, called the Hasselblad Lunar. The use of the words 'DSLR segment' implicity doesn't rule-out the possibility that Hasselblad will adopt Sony's SLT system (or simply re-brand one of its models).

Photokina 2012: Hasselblad plans to release a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera utilizing Sony's E-Mount. The Hasselblad Lunar, which is expected to cost around €5000 (~$6500) appears to share a lot of technology with Sony's recent NEX-7 model, including the same 24.3MP CMOS sensor, OLED 'True Finder' EVF, and the 'TriNavi' navigation system. The Lunar, which is set for launch in the first quarter of 2013, will be available 'in a choice of standard models plus a variety of exclusive hand grips and precious materials on special order.' [Updated with images of mockups]

Bag maker Think Tank has announced two new products. The Airport Navigator is a rolling pilot's case that allows access to your gear from both the top and front. It is designed to hold two pro-size bodies and three to six lenses, two flash units, an iPad and laptop. The company has also announced a new line of CityWalker messenger-style shoulder bags. These come in three sizes, each capable of holding a standard-size camera body and medium range zoom. Both the Airport Navigator and CityWalker bags are to be released in November.

Google announced that it has acquired Nik Software, the San Diego-based maker of standalone and plug-in image editing tools. While Nik has a wide portfolio of products for photographers, industry insiders agree that the impetus behind the move was to acquire Snapseed, Nik's mobile image editing and sharing app. In light of Facebook's earlier acquisition of the highly popular Instagram app, the acquisition of one of its rivals is seen as an effort to make Google+ more attractive to mobile photographers. Financial terms have not been disclosed and neither Google nor Nik has commented on what this means for the rest of Nik's product line.

Photokina 2012: Leica has announced its latest M series rangefinder - the 24MP CMOS Leica M. The company says all future M models will also simply be called the 'M'. The latest model (referred to as 'Typ 240') becomes the first of its rangefinders to feature live view, and offers a choice of magnified view or focus peaking for precise through-the-lens focusing, allowing Leica to promise compatibilty with R-mount lenses. It also becomes the first M capable of movie shooting - capturing 1080p footage at 25 or 24 frames per second. It includes a 920k dot LCD with smartphone-style Gorilla Glass cover, and accepts the same plug-in EVF as used by the X2. Availability is scheduled for early 2013 with a retail price of $6,950 in the US and £5100 in the UK.

Photokina 2012: Leica has announced a more affordable rangefinder: the Leica M-E. Built around the familiar full-frame 18MP CCD, the company describes the M-E as being a stripped-back camera, offering just the basics required for photography. Its core specifications are essentially the same as the M9's, including an ISO range of 160-2500, 0.68x magnification viewfinder, and the same 230k dot 2.5" screen. It'll be available from Leica dealers later this month with a retail price of $5,450 in the US and £3900 in the UK.

Photokina 2012: Leica has announced its latest S series medium format camera body. The new model retains its predecessor's 37.5MP resolution but has improved image processing, a sensitivity  range of ISO 100-1600, a 2GB image buffer and 166MB/s transfer rate. A new predictive AF system and 920k dot resolution rear LCD panel round out the highlights, along with an internal GPS module. The camera will be available in December for a retail price of US $21,950. Three new lenses for the system have also been announced; the Super-Elmar-S 24 mm f/3.5 ASPH, Vario-Elmar-S 30-90 mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH and TS-APO- Elmar-S 120 mm f/5.6 ASPH. tilt/shift lens.

Just Posted: Our hands-on preview of Canon's enthusiast-grade full frame DSLR, the EOS 6D. The 6D features a newly-developed 20.2MP CMOS sensor and a magnesium alloy body. To distinguish it from the more expensive 5D Mark III, the 6D features a simpler, 11-point AF system with a single cross-type focus sensor. It also features a smaller, 97% coverage viewfinder. What do these, and a handful of other, omissions mean for the 6D and how to it match up to Nikon's D600? Read our hands-on preview to find out.

Just Posted: Our Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH3 preview. The GH3 builds on the success Panasonic had with its GH2. With more rugged magnesium alloy construction and a new 16MP sensor, it offers plenty for stills photographers but it's the video specifications that make it a stand-out. Panasonic has been asking video professionals what they wanted out of a camera. Is the GH3 the camera they've been asking for? Read our hands-on preview to find out.

Just Posted: Our hands-on preview of the Olympus PEN E-PL5 and PEN E-PM2. The two baby PENs, the Lite and Mini have done a good job of offering some of the least exensive mirrorless cameras on the market but have, until now, relied on an ageing 12MP sensor. Now the OM-D's 16MP sensor makes its way into both the latest PEN Lite (the E-PL5) and the PEN Mini (the E-PM2). They also gain touch screens and a series of other updates. Read our preview to find out more, which includes a small gallery of real-world samples from the E-PL5.

Just Posted: Our Fujifilm XF1 hands-on preview. Fujifilm has starting making cameras worth taking seriously with its X-series, both at the compact camera and interchangeable lens end of the spectrum. The XF1 uses the 2/3"-type sensor from the XS1 and X10, and builds it into an attractive, retro-styled compact body with a usefully fast lens that includes a retracting mechanical zoom ring. How does it stack up against its rivals? Read our preview to find out.

Just Posted: Our Canon PowerShot G15 hands-on preview. It would have been easy to assume the small-sensor PowerShot G series was at an end when Canon introduced the 1.5" sensor G1 X, but the G15 continues the 1/1.7" sensor tradition and looks back to the series' beginnings with the addition of a bright lens. The 28-140mm equivalent, F1.8-2.8 lens offers a pretty impressive specification in anyone's book (it's over a stop brighter than the G12, all the way through the range). So is the camera to stand up to the enthusiast camera onslaught? Read our preview to find out our early thoughts.

Just Posted: Our Canon PowerShot S110 hands-on preview. Canon's latest enthusiast 'shirt-pocket' compact looks very similar to last year's S100, but gains a touchscreen and built-in WiFi connectivity at the expense of its predecessor's GPS. But the S110 is entering a more-crowded market place, with larger-sensored rivals now available. So what does it offer to stay competitive? Read our preview to find out more about it.

Photokina 2012: Canon has announced the EOS 6D, a smaller, lighter and more affordable full frame DSLR for enthusiast photographers. The 20.2MP camera uses a newly-developed sensor and features an 11-point autofocus system with a single cross-type sensor. Canon says it will focus in lower light than any of its previous cameras. The 6D becomes the company's first EOS model to include GPS and Wi-Fi, to make sharing images easier. It uses its large sensor to offer a native ISO range of 100-25,600, expandable to 50-102,400.

Photokina 2012: Panasonic has unveiled the DMC-GH3, its most movie-orientated Micro Four Thirds camera yet. The GH3 is built around a new 16MP sensor, which the company promises will offer improved image quality. In addition the camera, which now features a larger and weather-sealed magnesium alloy body, is packed with videographer-friendly features. These include 3.5mm mic and headphone sockets, 60p/60i/30p/24p output, All-I or IPB compression options (at up to 80 or 50 Mbps respectively) and timecode support. There will also be the option of a battery grip to allow shooting for longer periods.

Photokina 2012: Olympus has refreshed its PEN series with the PEN Lite E-PL5 and PEN Mini E-PM2 16MP touch-screen mirrorless cameras. Both models feature the 16MP sensor and TruePic VI image processor first seen in the OM-D E-M5. Both cameras also gain 460,000 dot, touch-sensitive rear LCDs, with the ability to focus and shoot by touching the screen. They can also shoot at 8 frames per second. The E-PL5 offers a mode dial, an extra button, flip-up LCD and E-P3-style screw-on front grip over the PEN Mini. The E-PL5 will cost $699 with the 14-42mm retractable zoom, while the E-PM2 will cost $599 with the same lens.

Photokina 2012: Olympus has unveiled the XZ-2 enthusiast compact camera with a 12MP 1/1.7" back-illumination CMOS sensor and touch-screen. The XZ-2 features the same 28-112mm equivalent F1.8-2.5 lens as the XZ-1 but adds a more modern sensor, screw-on hand grips, tilting touch-screen and a two-mode control dial around the lens. In one mode the dial features click-stops, allowing control over discrete features such as aperture or exposure compensation, but flip the switch on the front of the camera and the ring rotates smoothly, and switches to controlling zoom or manual focus. The XZ-2 will sell for around $599/£479.99.

Photokina 2012: Canon has refreshed its G-series enthusiast compact with the G15, and created the implausible SX50 HS. The G15 is a successor to the G12 and is built around a 12MP, 1/1.7" CMOS sensor. Its lens also gets an upgrade - retaining its 28-140mm range but now with a maximum aperture of F1.8-2.8. It loses the G12's articulated screen but gains a higher-resolution, 920k dot panel. Meanwhile the SX50 HS features a remarkable 24-1200mm equivalent 50x zoom, thanks to its smaller 1/2.3" CMOS sensor.

Photokina 2012: Canon updates its S series with the PowerShot S110. The S110 is a gentle refresh of the S100, gaining Wi-Fi capability and a touchscreen, alongside an updated 12MP CMOS sensor. It retains the stabilized 24-100mm equivalent, F2.0-5.9 zoom, Digic 5 processor and GPS capability from its predecessor. The only visual change from the S100 is the loss of the ridge grip on the camera's front. The S110 will cost around $449 and will be available in black or white.

Leica has announced the D-Lux 6 - a fast-lensed compact designed for enthusiast photographers. It's Leica's reworking of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7, and shares that model's key features; a super-fast F1.4-2.3 24-90mm equivalent lens in front of a 10.1MP 1/1.7" CMOS sensor. It has an aperture ring around the lens, records FullHD movies at 60fps, and accepts a high resolution plug-in electronic viewfinder, the EVF3.

Photokina 2012: Leica has revealed the V-Lux 4 - a 24X superzoom with an impressive constant F2.8 lens and high-resolution electronic viewfinder. That fast lens means that it should be easier to capture high-quality images at the full extent of the zoom, without having to use high ISO settings. It also has a 1.3m dot equivalent electronic viewfinder and a 460k dot, 3" articulated screen. The V-Lux 4 can also shoot at 12 frames per second and can capture 1080p video at 60fps or 720p at up to 120fps.

Photokina 2012: Fujifilm has launched the XF1, a 12MP pocketable enthusiast compact camera. The XF1 features classic styling, a 25-100mm equivalent, F1.8-4.9 image-stabilized lens and a fairly large 2/3" CMOS sensor. The XF1 uses Fujifilm's EXR technology to offer improved noise or dynamic range modes at 6MP output. The camera features aluminium construction with a synthetic leather grip in one of three colors, and has a unique retracting mechanical zoom ring. Fujifilm promises fast response times and rapid focusing.

Photokina 2012: Samsung has announced two lenses for its NX mirrorless camera system, a 12-24mm F4-5.6 ultra-wideangle zoom and a 45mm F1.8 short telephoto prime. With angles of view equivalent to 18.5-37mm and 69mm respectively, both are billed by Samsung as lightweight and portable, and feature the company's unique i-Function control system. The 45mm also uses a stepper motor for fast and quiet autofocus.

Photokina 2012: Olympus has launched two lenses for the Micro Four Thirds system, including the M.Zuiko Digital ED 60mm 1:2.8 Macro, and announced it is developing a 17mm F1.8 fast prime. It has also made an unusual 15mm F8 'body cap lens' that's just 9mm thick. The final lens is a special edition black version of its existing high-end 12mm F2.0 prime. The 60mm Macro will cost around $499/£429, and the black 12mm F2.0 will be $1099/£849.

Photokina 2012: Panasonic has formally announced the Lumix G X 35-100mm F2.8 lens, a fast telephoto zoom for Micro Four Thirds cameras such as the co-announced DMC-GH3. The metal body is dust- and splash-proof to match the GH3, and both zoom and focus are internal. The lens also features 'Power OIS' optical image stabilization, and uses Panasonic's Nano Surface Coating to minimize flare and ghosting.

Photokina 2012: Sigma has announced it will brand its lenses in three categories and has introduced a new lens in each of the categories. The 'Contemporary' range will cover compact, flexible zooms, such as the new, smaller 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC OS Macro designed for APS-C DSLRs. The 'Art' range will include lenses such as primes, wide-angles and macros, and a new 35mm F1.4 DG HSM covering a full-frame imaging circle. Finally, the 'Sports' range will encompass Sigma's telephoto primes, telephoto zooms and superzooms, such as the new 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM.

Lexar has announced its Professional 256GB SDXC UHS-I memory card, offering the industry's highest storage capacity to date in an SDXC card. In addition to providing longer recording times for HD video capture, the Class 10 card offers a guaranteed read speed of 60MB/s, enabling faster transfers of video files and high resolution images to a computer. It will become available in October with a retail price of  $899.99 in the US and £670.99 in the UK.

Photokina 2012: Panasonic has promised two new lenses for its Lumix G Micro Four Thirds system, a fast 42.5mm F1.2 'portrait' lens and a 150mm F2.8 telephoto. Both lenses will include optical image stabilization, but there are no further details at present. Both are slated for release in 2013-2014.

Photokina 2012: Phase One has announced the 645DF+ camera platform and Schneider Kreuznach 28mm LS f/4.5 Aspherical lens. The 645DF+ supports more than 50 digital backs and 80 lenses and can be used both with a focal plane or leaf shutter lenses, leading Phase One to call it 'the world's more versatile camera platform for high end photography.' The 645DF+, which will also be sold under the Mamiya brand name by Mamiya Leaf, can shoot at shutter speeds of up to 1/4000th of a second and can sync with strobes at up to 1/1600th with leaf-shutter lenses such as the Schneider 28mm. The lens offers a 102° field-of-view (equivalent to around 17.5mm in 135 terms) and will focus down to 35cm. The camera and lens command prices of around $5990/€4290 each and will both be available from October 2012.

Photokina 2012: Hong Kong lens maker SLR Magic will be showing four prototype lenses for mirrorless cameras at Photokina - 25mm T0.95, 35mm T0.95, 35mm T1.4, and 23mm F1.7 designs. The SLR Magic HyperPrime 23mm F1.7 has been completely redesigned from the previous version, and will be introduced in February 2013 at an MSRP of US$399 in Micro Four Thirds, Sony E and Fujifilm X mounts. The SLR Magic CINE 35mm T1.4 will be made in the same mounts, and go on sale in December 2012 for US$279. Meanwhile the 25mm T0.95 and 35mm T0.95 are based on the existing 50mm T0.95 design, and will cost US $649 and US $1,249 respectively. All will feature manual focus and aperture control.

Just Posted: Our review of the Sony Alpha SLT-A57. The A57 replaces the A55 which co-launched Sony's translucent fixed-mirror SLT lineup. While the A57 retains the same 16MP resolution of its predecessor, it inherits an impressive host of features from more recent NEX and SLT models. A 10fps full resolution burst mode, manual focus 'peaking' and class-leading 1080p60 video headline the specs of a beginner-friendly DSLR that, on paper, stacks up very well against the competition. At a street price of $700 with kit lens, is the A57 a compelling alternative for users looking for an affordable and versatile DSLR? Read our in-depth review to find out.

Photokina 2012: Samyang has announced that it will be showing a protoype of a 10mm 1:2.8 ED AS UMC CS lens at Photokina. With its 15mm-equivalent, 110 degree angle of view, it will be the widest-angle rectilinear prime lens for APS-C/DX format SLRs. As usual for Samyang, focusing will be manual only. The lens is expected to go on sale towards the end of 2012.

Just Posted: Sample images from the Nikon D600 24MP full frame DSLR. We got the chance to go shooting with the D600 in New York and have prepared a real world preview samples gallery. We grabbed a series of shots covering a range of subjects in a variety of lighting conditions to give a taste of the camera's image quality. As always original, out-of-camera, JPEGs can be downloaded for closer examination. We hope to add to the gallery as soon as we get some more time. [Updated with full ISO range series]

Just Posted: Our hands-on Nikon D600 preview. The D600 is the much-rumored, long-awaited and much-in-demand enthusiast-level full-frame DSLR. The D600 combines a 24MP full-frame sensor with a feature set that seems to build from the familiar and well-regarded technologies on the D7000. It also gains a dash of D800, for substantially less money. We've been getting-to-grips with the D600 for a while and have prepared a hands-on preview article, looking at exactly what the D600 offers for $2100/£1955/€2149.

Photokina 2012: Tamron has announced the SP 70-200mm F/2.8 Di VC USD, a fast telephoto zoom lens that features optical image stabilization and an ultrasonic-type autofocus motor. Designed for both full frame and APS-C cameras, it's billed as the smallest in its class. It features moisture-resistant construction, and has a circular aperture diaphragm for pleasing rendition of out-of-focus backgrounds. It'll be available in Canon, Nikon and Sony mounts towards the end of 2012, but pricing is not yet available.

Photokina 2012: Nikon has announced the D600, the smallest, least expensive full frame DSLR on the market, aimed directly at enthusiast photographers. The D600 is built around a 24MP, 36x24mm, CMOS sensor and crams many of the features of the more expensive D800 into a distinctly D7000-esque body. It features a 100% coverage viewfinder and 39-point autofocus system, nine of which are cross-type points. It can capture 1080p HD video at 30, 25 or 24 frames per second and can stream uncompressed footage out over its HDMI port. There's also an optional Wi-Fi unit allowing the camera to be controlled remotely from an Android or iOS device. The D600 will have a list price of $2,099 body only, or $2,699 with the 24-85mm F3.5-5.6 lens and will be available from September 18th.