The Olympus XZ-1 high end digital compact camera has received a Red Dot award from a jury of internationally renowned designers. Conceived by Takeshi Nohara and Kensei Ito, the design of the Olympus XZ-1 manages to be functional and classy at the same time, thanks to clean lines and a number of well-executed ideas such as a multi-purpose click-stop dial around the lens housing and a rear control wheel encircling the four-way pad. Founded in 1955, the Red Dot Design Award is one of the most prestigious international design competitions in the world.

Review: Read our in-depth review of the Olympus XZ-1

Geekaphone has published a five-part series on using the Apple iPhone as a photographic tool. Written by Steve Russell, the series comprises four in-depth articles and a photo gallery. In Part One, Russell takes a look at how the iPhone compares to a DSLR camera. Acknowledging that in “some ways, comparing the camera in the iPhone 4 to a high end DSLR is like comparing a hamburger from the local pub to an 18 oz. porterhouse from Peter Luger’s Steak House in New York”, he starts with the limitations of the camera phone before moving on to the advantages. Part Two and Three examine a few photo editing and photo management apps, .while Part Four is a review of Takayuki Fukatsu’s QuadCamera app and three Jelly Lenses. You might not agree with every argument Steve puts forward in these articles, but the series does make for a good read.

Ricoh are releasing a major firmware update for the GXR and GR DIGITAL III cameras. The “Target follow function” automatically continues to adjust to the target position, so that the subject is in focus at precisely the moment you want to shoot. The firmware updates can be download from Ricoh’s website on 28th of March at 1:00AM (CET).

Here are two suggestions for ways to help the Japan Earthquake victims.

What Digital Camera and Amateur Photographer have launched a joint appeal for victims of the Japan Tsunami. They are giving away over £22,000 of camera gear in a premium rate phone draw (UK residents only). Cameras, lenses, printers, accessories and a Charlie Waite picture are up for grabs.

Website: What Digital Camera - Japan Tsunami Appeal

Alternatively, the photographer Wynn White is giving away prints in return for donations. The “Give Help, Get Art” initiative is raising money for the Japanese Earthquake victims - anyone who donates at least $50 through this site will receive a special photographic print from Wynn.

Website: Give Help, Get Art

Committed to improving the quality of photography, The Societies have announced that for the first time, they will be attending: the UK’s ultimate consumer electronics event: The Gadget Show Live. The Societies manage eight internationally recognised photographic organisations, including the Society of International Fashion and Glamour Photographers, the Society of International Nature and Wildlife Photographers, the Society of International Travel and Tourism Photographers, the Society of International Media and Press Photographers, the Society of Wedding and Portrait Photographers, the Society of International Sport and Leisure Photographers, the Society of International Commercial and Industrial Photographers, and the Society of International School and Event Photographers. At The Gadget Show Live, the Societies will be providing speakers for the 200 seat Photographic Workshop Theatre. Visitors to the stand (J11) will also have the chance to enter The Societies free prize draw for a Fujifilm Finepix HS10 (pictured).

The Sony NEX-FS100 is is an interchangeable-lens camcorder featuring a Sony E mount and a Super 35mm (approximately APS-C) sized Exmor CMOS sensor. “This new sensor is designed with outstanding exposure latitude and sensitivity” for high-definition footage that’s free of “image artifacts typical of HDSLRs”, Sony claims. Capable of 1920x1080 60P recording at 28Mbps, the Sony NEX-FS100 NXCAM Super 35 camcorder enables HDMI output with Embedded Time code for 4:2:2, and also offers simultaneous recording to an optional HXR-FMU128 flash memory unit and an SD or MS memory card, providing instant backup for peace of mind. The Sony NEX-FS100 NXCAM Super 35 digital camcorder carries an MSRP of $5,850.

Sony have also unveiled the HXR-NX70E, the world’s first dust proof and rain proof professional HD camcorder. The NX70 incorporates an ‘Exmor’ R CMOS sensor to deliver superior quality low-light footage and offers enhanced manual controls. Both the NEX-FS100 and the HXR-NX70E will be available between July and September.

Source: Sony

DxO Labs have released a new version of DxO Optics Pro, adding support for the Canon EOS 600D and 1100D, as well as the Olympus E-PL1. Version 6.5.6 is a free upgrade to everyone who purchased DxO Optics Pro since 1 July 2009. The company also announced the addition of 50 new DxO Optics Modules, covering numerous Canon, Nikon and Fuji cameras.

Apple has issued an update for Apple Aperture 3. Version 3.1.2improves overall stability and performance, and fixes a few bugs related to importing iPhoto 9 libraries.

Website: Apple Aperture 3.1.2: Release Notes

Nikon has released a firmware update for the Nikon Coolpix P100 digital superzoom camera (read review). Version 1.2 resolves an issue with the rear display. To quote Nikon, “when the monitor was turned on by pressing the power switch or shutter-release button, or by rotating the mode dial, after the camera had entered standby mode with the auto off function with the Welcome screen set to any option other than None (default setting), monitor display was completely black with only information displayed.  Further, when the shutter-release button was pressed halfway with this monitor display, the view through the lens was displayed, but the display included a significant amount of noise.”

Website: Nikon Coolpix P100 Firmware Update

Nikon has updated its View NX 2 software to version 2.1.2. The update applies to Windows users only. The new version fixes a bug with Nikon’s My Picturetown.

Website: Nikon ViewNX 2

Nue York: Self-Portraits of a Bare Urban Citizen is an upcoming exhibition of photographs by New York and Paris-based commercial and fine art photographer, Erica Simone. From the streets to the subway, and from Bowery to the Bronx, Simone publicly bares all, raising the philosophy behind “just being”, as well as playing with the idea of “counter-fashion” — that without clothing, people could not possibly socially interpret each other. Opening on 14th April at the Dash Gallery, 172 Duane Street, New York City, the exhibition will run for two weeks.

The Nissin Di866 Professional Speedlite is now available in a Sony fit. With a guide number of 60 (in metres at ISO 100) the Di866 features Nissin’s original ‘My TTL’ user adjustable TTL light output level and is firmware upgradable thanks to an onboard USB port. It also features high speed synchronisation and a fill in sub-flash, which is activated while the main flash is bounced and also has a built-in wide angle diffuser and catch-light reflector.

SoFoBoMo.org has announced a group event called Solo Photo Book Month, encouraging photographers all around the world to make solo photo books in PDF form, in 31 days, start to finish. Conceived in January 2008 by Paul Butzi, the first Solo Photo Book Month was organised in spring 2008. This year, the challenge can be completed during any 31-day period between 1 July and 31 August 2011. The book must take the form of a PDF file, which can be uploaded to the SoFoBoMo website.

Lastolite has just launched the Triflector Speed-Lite, a beauty lighting accessory for Ezybox Hotshoe users. The kit includes three reflective panels and a stand, which in turn incorporates an overhead arm to support the Ezybox Hotshoe. Bundled with a carry case, the Triflector Speed-Lite is available now at £265.

The new 4GB and 8GB Class 10 Kingston microSDHC cards are now shipping, priced at £8.91 and £14.90 + VAT, respectively. Joining the previously released 16GB Class 10 card, these speedy memory cards guarantee a minimum sustained write speed of 10MB/s. In addition to the Class 10 cards, Kingston currently ships the microSDHC card in a Class 4 specification as both a standalone and part of the Multi-Kit in capacities up to 32GB. The cards are backed by a lifetime warranty and 24/7 live technical support.

Nikon’s new FSB-8 digital camera bracket has been specifically designed to connect the new Nikon Coolpix P300 digital compact camera with the manufacturer’s range of Fieldscopes, spotting scopes and EZ Micro products. By positioning the FSB-8 bracket between the camera and a Nikon scope, P300 owners can use the camera to take close-up shots of birds and wildlife. Bundled with a long cable release, the Nikon FSB-8 bracket will be available from April at an RRP of £119.99.

Sony has announced the winners of the Sony World Photography Awards Open contest. Beating competition from over 51,000 submissions from 148 counties, the ten category winners are Edina Csoboth from Hungary, Marek Troszczynski from Poland, Wolfgang Weinhardt from Germany, Raghuranjan Sarkar from India, Chumlong Nilkon from Thailand, Chan Kwok Hung from Hong Kong, Andiyan Lutfi and Hubert Januar from Indonesia, James Chong from Singapore, and Carlos Henrique Reinesch from Brazil. Featured above is Edina Csoboth’s entry, which finished first in the Fashion category.