Accessory Power has announced a new universal charger that will charge not only AA and AAA rechargables but a large number of proprietary Li-ion batteries too. ChargeALL is compatible with over 100 different digital camera batteries, according to the company’s claims. Moreover, the charger has an LCD panel that lets you monitor progress and reports if a battery has gone bad. No word on pricing yet.

The new QUICKFLASH batteries from tecxus Ltd. promise the fastest flash recycle times ever. The Hongkong-based company claims that their new ready-to-use AA rechargeables have been developed specifically for use in flash units, and that their new technology allows faster recycling than “ordinary” batteries. The new QUICKFLASH rechargeables come in a capacity of 2100mAh and will become available in May.

Website: tecxus Ltd.

Fantasea Line has announced the FSD-770 underwater housing for the Canon Digital IXUS 95 IS digital camera. Depth rated to 60 metres, the FSD-770 is also compatible with the Digital IXUS 85 IS and 80 IS. The Fantasea FSD-770 housing has a double O-ring seal on all controls, anti-glare hood over the LCD screen, removable flash diffuser and a 46mm threaded lens port.

Black Rapid has appointed California Sunbounce as its European distributor of its innovative R-STRAP. The German firm is making the bold claim that the R-STRAP is the world’s most comfortable and quick-to-use camera strap for SLR users. Instead of looping around your neck, the R-Strap operates like a sling, sliding across your body. A locking mechanism connects the R-STRAP to the tripod socket located on either the camera body or the lens.

Bogen Imaging has announced the launch of four new Manfrotto Baby Lightweight Stands. The new Baby Lightweight Stands are extendable to between 240cm and 385cm, with various payloads between 4kg and 10kg and all feature the new Quick Stack System (QSS) patented by Manfrotto. Available in four models: the 1051BAC and 1052BAC can hold loads of up to 4kg and 5kg respectively and have collars and spider casting made of Adapto, the technical polymer specifically developed by Manfrotto that’s 50% lighter than aluminium; the 1004BAC and 1005BAC (9kg and 10kg respectively) in aluminium. They all feature a 3/8’’ screw top fixing with a 1/4’’ adapter. Read on for more information, including prices.

Kaiser Fototechnik has just introduced ProDisk, a universal tool for managing white balance, exposure and colour. The ProDisk combines a grey card, a white balance filter and a colour checker in a slim folding plastic housing. The grey card and the colour checker are normally placed within the scene and are helpful tools for exposure metering or a follow-up colour comparison. When doing a manual white balance the translucent white balance filter with its special surface pattern needs to be held in front of the lens. The Pro Disk is available in two sizes, ProDisk mini and ProDisk II.

The MSRP is €59.99 for the ProDisk mini and €69.99 for the ProDisk II.

Western Digital’s MyBook family of external hard drives has been expanded to include 2TB capacities. Yes that’s two terabytes - currently the largest available capacity in a single-drive system. The new 2 TB My Book family includes: My Book Studio Edition, My Book Mac Edition, My Book Home Edition and My Book Essential Edition models. All of these are available now except for the Mac Edition 2TB, which is forecast to hit the shelves next month. Estimated pricing ranges from $329.99 to $379.99, depending upon drive model.

Canon have revealed the Canon Speedlite 270EX flashgun, the successor to the Speedlite 220EX. The Japanese giant timed this announcement to coincide with that of the Canon EOS 500D digital SLR, marketed as the Canon EOS Rebel T1i in North America. The Canon Speedlite 270EX is a compact and lightweight external flash unit intended for use with Canon EOS SLRs and select PowerShot models. The guide number is 27 in metres, though the ISO speed at which this number is valid is not specified. The flash is claimed to recharge almost as quickly as its predecessor despite being powered by just two AA batteries, and enables bounce shooting in four positions between 0 and 90 degrees. A zooming head, a quick-lock mechanism and a metal mounting foot complete the picture.

The recommended retail price of the Canon Speedlite 270EX is £149.99 / €169.99 including VAT. Availability is forecast for early May.

Camera Armor have just unveiled the Seattle Solo DSLR bag, which is the latest addition to their dry bag Seattle Series. The Seattle Solo DSLR bag provides watertight transport for one camera body with lens attached, keeping dirt, dust, sand and water out. Other features include an adjustable, padded shoulder strap and an external accessory storage pouch for memory cards and other small accessories. The Camera Armor Seattle Solo DSLR bag is available now, with the price hovering around the £60 mark.

The TrekPod GO! PRO is a new all-in-one monopod, tripod and hiking staff. “The TrekPod GO! PRO is a multi-tool for photographers on the go,” said Jim Clark, CEO of Trek-Tech. “It offers photographers the capability to do more and carry less. Because of its size and footprint, it can get into places large tripods can’t go, like soccer games and museums. It also takes you outdoors and travels easily.” Weighing 28 ounces, the TrekPod GO PRO comes complete with the MagMount PRO quick release ball head system which is rated for cameras up to 13.5 lbs. The TrekPod GO! PRO is available now for $229.99 / £149.99 inc vat.

Epson GS Canvas Gloss is a new fine art paper for the Epson Stylus Pro GS6000 printer. The GS Canvas Gloss is a stretchable, polyester/cotton blend canvas that provides a consistent and smooth glossy printing surface that allows for a wide color gamut and deep rich blacks, while still offering the traditional look and feel of artist canvas. Epson GS Canvas Gloss is available mow in a range of roll sizes from 24 inches by 75 feet, up to 60 inches by 75 feet, starting at $199.

Pixel Sunscreen 2.0 from Think Tank Photo is a collapsible sun shade for laptop computers that completely blocks peripheral light. This portable spring loaded sunscreen instantly pops open for quick access, with an overhead cover that extends beyond the top of the sunscreen. Pixel Sunscreen 2.0 folds down into a small, round portable package that is easy to transport and deploy quickly. The Think Tank Photo Pixel Sunscreen is available now for $69.

Nikon’s EDG fieldscopes are a new Nikon Sport Optics brand that can be used with Nikon’s DSLR and compact cameras. The Nikon EDG 85/85-A and EDG 65/65-A models offer unparalleled optical and mechanical performance and a compact, stylish and waterproof design. A combination of a Nikon DSLR, Digital Camera Zoom Attachment FSA-L2 and an EDG Fieldscope enables super-telephoto photography or digiscoping. Seven new compatible eyepieces have also been introduced making it possible to use the fieldscopes in a variety of applications under various climatic conditions. Nikon EDG Fieldscopes will be available in Summer 2009, prices to be announced.

The new Lastolite 2408 camera bracket allows the camera to be flipped between vertical and horizontal while retaining the flash position. The handle is extendable and has the option of hotshoe or spigot fixing. The 2408 is the ideal partner for the Ezybox Hotshoe and the new range of Off Camera Cords. The Lastolite 2408 camera bracket is available at £59.99 inc VAT.

LaCie’s new itsaKey, iamaKey and PassKey USB drives are shaped like keys. The itsaKey and iamaKey offer up to 8GB of flash memory. Alternatively, the PassKey has a built-in microSD card reader. The three USB keys are built with sturdy metal, and the Gold SIP connector on the iamaKey is both water- and scratch- resistant. The LaCie Keys are available now starting at £9 / $9.99.

The Lowepro D-Wrap is a new point-and-shoot camera wrap-style case. Lowepro’s D-Wrap includes a built-in plate with threaded key that attaches to the camera’s tripod socket. The stretchy and abrasion-resistant neoprene cover wraps around the camera body and shuts securely with a Velcro closure. The Lowepro D-Wrap will be available in spring 2009.

Lowepro Toploader Pro AW is a new toploading camera bag series. Toploader Pro AW is built for the pro photographer who requires fast access, agility and flexibility while on assignment. Toploader Pro AW bags come in three sizes and work with Lowepro’s Topload Chest Harness (sold separately), offering hands-free access while on the job. The Lowepro Toploader Pro AW series will be available in late spring 2009.

The Lowepro Pro Roller x-Series is a new range of camera roller bags. Designed with airport-compatibility and extra security in mind, the Pro Roller x-Series features a 3-digit combination lock and one retractable security cable. A camera backpack is built right into the hard case and serves as a dual carrying option. The Lowepro Pro Roller x-Series comes in three sizes (x100 and x200 can be taken aboard airlines as a carry-on bag in most instances) and will be available in late spring 2009.

The new Joby Gorillapod SLR-ZOOM Ball Head is designed to work with the Gorillapod SLR-ZOOM flexible camera tripod. The ball head featuresa a precision-machined aluminum housing and all-metal ball for durability and smooth movement, is capable of 360-degree panning and 90-degree tilt and supports up to 3 kg (6.6 lbs). It also includes a quick-release bubble level clip.

The new Vanguard Alta Pro tripod makes photography possible at virtually any angle. Unlike traditional tripods, the Alta Pro’s Multi-Angle Central Column (MACC) System allows users to move the central column as needed from zero to 130-degree angles in variable vertical and horizontal positions. Its Instant Swivel Stop-n-Lock (ISSL) System feature allows photographers to securely reposition the central column in one simple movement. The carbon-fibre Alta Pro is available in three models. Alta Pro 283CT holds equipment up to 17.6 lbs. and has three leg sections that extend to 66 inches. With three leg sections extending to 65 inches, Alta Pro 263AT is made of strong aluminum alloy and holds up to 15.4 lbs. Alta Pro 264AT, made of solid aluminum alloy, extends to 61 inches and holds up to 15.4 lbs. The Vanguard Alta Pro will be available at the end of April 09, priced at around 389 euros.