Keeping your camera and lens clean might be a tedious job, but it is an essential one to keep images spotless and at their best. New from Dr Optic is a range of Optical Cleaners, Microfibre Cloths and lens wipes aimed at this task and for a very low cost.

Overall Rating 4 / 5

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Expanding its memory card lineup, Sony has introduced a range of new SD/SDHC cards to the market. File Rescue software has been incorporated for added peace of mind, and x-pict story can be downloaded for easier and more creative slideshows. Available in a range of sizes from 2GB to 32GB, the cards are available now.

Overall Rating 4 / 5

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stm is probably unfamiliar to most photographers. An Australian brand, the company looks set to make waves in the UK with its latest lineup. The scout laptop shoulder bag, comes in a khaki green canvas which looks and feels durable and stylish. Available in three sizes, the bag can support 11, 13 and 15inch screens, within its water resistant, lightweight build.

The bag is comfy to carry, with its padded shoulder strap, and the bulky buckle and internal Velcro compartments lend added security. There’s no room for any photo kit you might have with you, but for those times when you just need your laptop, this is ideal.

Overall Rating 4 / 5

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From Stealth Gear, the latest line of Extreme clothing for photographers looks better than ever. It doesn’t come cheap, but for £89 for the trousers and £199 for the smock, photographers receive clothing that is Teflon-treated to repel water, dirt and stains. It also boasts an airflow system to ensure your skin can still breathe under all that protection. The outfit is waterproof and windproof on the darker areas (and some of the other areas), covered with lots of zips and pockets to ensure your kit is as dry and comfortable as you are.
The new Extreme Smock addresses the problem of access to your camera and lens, with a larger front pocket that uses a popper and zip system to allow you to drop your camera directly inside. On the rear, a Sit Anywhere Sheet unzips and folds down to create a dry seat on the move.
The new Extreme Trousers 2 also feature a host of zipped pockets and compartments, as well as adjustable ankle and waist fasteners to keep all unwanted weather conditions out. The zips are positioned so that photographers can bend and shoot in any position and get immediate access to cards, lenses and more.
While the Stealth Gear outfit is costly, if you’re an outdoors photographer who’s shooting in all-weather conditions, it’s an invaluable asset to own. The construction is second to none and will offer ultimate protection for both you and any equipment you have on you while out on a shoot.

Overall Rating 4 / 5

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New from Lastolite is the TriFlip 8:1 Kit, aimed at photographers who need lighting systems on the go, or who work without an assistant. The kit comprises of one 30” TriGrip 2 stop diffuser, a set of 30” TriFlip covers containing white, silver, soft silver, gold, sunlite and sunfire reflective surfaces, as well as a black surface. Also included is an 

air-cushioned lighting stand, bracket and a carry case.

Designed to help photographers set up and direct their reflector or flash head wherever they want, the lightweight and foldaway design is perfect for those who shoot on location and need to move positions rapidly. It’s easy to set up and the seven surface reflectors mean you’ll never be missing the colour you really need.

Priced at just £185 (£90 for the non-deluxe option), this kit will last photographers while they are learning the ropes of studio and outdoor lighting, and is also easy to integrate into a larger setup once skills develop.

Great for photographers on the move, and well priced too. The carry case is an added bonus for keeping kit tidy and portable

Overall Rating 5 / 5

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New from Lastolite is the TriFlip 8:1 Kit, aimed at photographers who need lighting systems on the go, or who work without an assistant. The kit comprises of one 30” TriGrip 2 stop diffuser, a set of 30” TriFlip covers containing white, silver, soft silver, gold, sunlite and sunfire reflective surfaces, as well as a black surface. Also included is an
air-cushioned lighting stand, bracket and a carry case.

Designed to help photographers set up and direct their reflector or flash head wherever they want, the lightweight and foldaway design is perfect for those who shoot on location and need to move positions rapidly. It’s easy to set up and the seven surface reflectors mean you’ll never be missing the colour you really need.

Priced at just £185 (£90 for the non-deluxe option), this kit will last photographers while they are learning the ropes of studio and outdoor lighting, and is also easy to integrate into a larger setup once skills develop.

A practical, hardwearing but low-cost and lightweight solution for a first-time reflector and lighting setup, which can be added to as the photographer progresses.

Overall Rating 4 / 5

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With the launch of the iPad, the new digital addition of DCE can now be viewed via this or your iPhone. Featuring every page of the current addition, as well as a host of back issues, this new technology will appeal to those who want their features and camera reviews on the go. Simply download the app, and receive a free issue of DCE! Your favourite magazine is now at your fingertips.

Overall Rating 5 / 5

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Combining both the tripod and the tripod head, these new setups from Giottos have been cleverly designed so that the legs can be collapsed through 180 degrees, giving photographers the ultimate in creative flexibility. Available in both aluminium and carbon-fibre designs, the new tripods can support up to 4kg in kit.

Overall Rating 4 / 5

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In the age of digital photography it can be tempting to take hundreds of shots, in the hope of getting one which you are happy with. The Art of Seeing is a DVD aimed at helping photographers compose a great image, looking at lens choice, framing options and elements that make up a great shot.

Filmed with Canon EOS DSLR users in mind, photographers using other systems will still be able to pick up some great hints from the film, although you might resent paying out the £20 if you’re not an EOS shooter.

Easy to follow and well produced, this video will help to unleash your creative potential.

Overall Rating 3 / 5

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Providing a low-cost solution for home office scanning needs, the new CanoScan LiDE 100 from Canon is the entry-level addition to its scanner range. Lightweight, the scanner feels a little too breakable on first inspection, but the duotone matte and gloss black finish add a touch of design class.

On the front of the product are four clearly labelled buttons: Copy, Scan, PDF and Email. Each of these depresses with a decisive action and a small click lets users know their touch has been registered. Canon has also incorporated a clever design into the scanner lid, which allows large books to be placed underneath and scanned. This ‘Z-lid’ works very effectively and the double hinge system is something we’d like to see on all scanners going forward.

Setting up is remarkably simple, as the scanner is powered via the provided USB. Once you have connected the scanner, no more leads or accessories are required. Canon has also provided consumers with software including ArcSoft PhotoStudio, MP Navigator EX and ScanGear, which aims to streamline your scanning process.

Once set up, scans can be completed in under 30 seconds for a full colour document at 300dpi. This lessens with black-and-white reproductions and with lower-resolution copies, making it an efficient worker. The PDF and email functions also worked well.

As with most lower-end products, the CanoScan is simple and straightforward. There are no bells or whistles, and this is reflected in the costing. If you have a collection of 35mm scans you want digitising, then the LiDE 100 isn’t for you. If, however, you want a simple scanner for black-and-white and colour documents that will serve you well from day to day, then the CanoScan LiDE 100 should be near the top of your shopping list.

Overall Rating 4 / 5

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