Digital Camera News, 3/12/08

Ricoh Caplio GX100 firmware updated

Late last week, Ricoh released updated firmware, version 1.18, for its advanced compact Caplio GX100 model.

The latest version corrects some manual-mode anomalies, improves flash control, and fixes some minor issues with JPEG file creation from RAW images.

Visit Ricoh's support site to download the new version.

Euro-spec Olympus 1020 sports wild designs

If you're looking for an inconspicuous compact camera, look elsewhere.

In a press release earlier this week, Olympus Europe announced a special edition of its µ (say "mju") 1020 – the Stylus 1020, for us in the States – compact camera for the European market.

The 5,000-unit limited-release model comes clad in white, with three colorful skins created by Romanian artist Matei Apostolescu allowing the user to change the look of the camera quickly and easily. Other than the obvious cosmetic differences, the special edition µ 1020 features the same tech specs as the recently unveiled regular model, including a 7x zoom and 10.1 megapixel resolution.

No word on pricing, but if you're in North America it looks as though the new mju won't be coming in Stylus form to a store near you any time soon, at least.

Think Tank Photo launches new line of rolling bags

California-based equipment bag maker Think Tank Photo has unveiled a line of airport-friendly, pro-level gear haulers featuring three new/revamped models.

The newest offering from the company is the compact Airport Airstream. The Airstream, which complies with international carry-on restrictions and guidelines, holds multiple SLR bodies/lenses and can even be set up to accommodate up to a 400mm lens. An optional divider also adds storage for laptops up to 15 inches.

All three models in the Airport series, which also includes the Airport Security V2.0 and Airport International V2.0 roller bags, now feature added security features, including a pair of cable locks and TSA-approved luggage locks.

Additionally, the bags all come equipped with Think Tank's Security Plate service: shooters simply register their bag's serial number with Think Tank and in the event that the bag is lost or stolen, Think Tank will contact the owner free of charge if they receive word that bag has been recovered. Security Plate may not do much to help recover the bag the more quickly – it's not a tracking system – but if you've ever had your gear disappear, you know that any help in getting it back is often worth the investment.

Pricing for the Airport Airstream has been set at $289. The International V2.0 and Security V2.0 are priced at $329 and $369, respectively.