There's yet another update to LR Classic - to version 15.3.

According to the Adobe website, this includes background Al feature processing, performance improvements, a new Al culling model, PSB file sync support, film-inspired presets, support for opening images in Firefly Boards, support for newly released cameras and lenses, bug fixes, and more.

Hard to keep up with all the updates!

Nikon announced on 31 March a firmware update to v5.32 for the Z9.

Nikon's Download Centre explains the update does the following:

• • Changed the way the aperture was adjusted on a lens when the standby timer expired.

• • Fixed an issue where the camera would sometimes stop responding if a picture was zoomed in during filtered playback while FTP upload was in progress.

A link to the firmware is here:

https://downloadcenter.nikonimglib.com/en/products/589/Z_9.html

An update to LR Classic was made available today. This is to v15.2.1.

According to the usual blurb, this update includes "critical fixes".

This has loaded without a problem on my Mac system

Yet more updates to Lightroom were released on 20 February.

LR Classic to v15.2, Desktop to v9.2 and Mobile to v11.2

Brief highlights (courtesy of The Lightroom Queen)

Assisted Culling (Classic & Desktop) - improvements for Group shots
Send/Share to Firefly (Classic & Desktop) - you can add a prompt to edit the photo using a variety of AI models.
Topaz Gigapixel / Generative Upscale (Desktop) - an alternative method to using Super Resolution.

Crop (iPhone and Android) - there are new pop-ups for social media aspect ratios.

Oxnard, California – February 17, 2025 – Ultralight Camera Solutions (ULCS) has released three new accessories designed to solve recurring challenges in underwater photography: the Camera Dome Weight Trim Kit, the Stabilizing Plate for Video and Still Photography, and the AC-AQD04 Quick-Release Adapter.

All three products were developed in direct response to requests from dealers and photographers who identified specific gaps in the underwater camera accessory market.

"We had dealers asking for these solutions," says Ken Kollwitz, Owner of ULCS. "These products exist because people kept running into the same problems, and there weren't good options available, or the existing options had significant drawbacks."

Camera Dome Weight Trim Kit: Adjustable Trim for Any Dome Port

The Camera Dome Weight Trim Kit addresses a fundamental challenge in underwater photography: achieving proper balance when using dome ports of different sizes and materials.

Acrylic dome ports create upward buoyancy, causing the front of the camera housing to rise underwater. Glass dome ports, particularly larger ones, add significant weight to the front of the housing. Both conditions affect a photographer's ability to maintain proper trim and control.

The ULCS kit mounts to the bottom of a camera housing and allows photographers to add adjustable weight where needed. The design accommodates different dome sizes and materials without damaging the protective rubber pad on the camera housing base, a problem that occurs with similar products from other manufacturers.

"Only one other brand offers a comparable solution, but it destroys the rubber pad on the bottom of their housings," Kollwitz explains. "We wanted to give photographers using different camera systems an option that works without causing damage."

The adjustable design allows photographers to customize the weight configuration for their specific dome port setup. Price: $129.95 USD.

Stabilizing Plate: Keeping Camera Systems Steady During Deployment

The Stabilizing Plate for Video and Still Photography provides stability for camera systems during staging and deployment, particularly on boats in rough conditions.

Heavily rigged underwater camera systems, with multiple strobes, arms, and accessories attached, tend to tilt and rock when placed on deck, increasing the risk of equipment damage and complicating pre-dive preparation.

Kollwitz identified the need for this product after observing the challenge repeatedly in the field. While other manufacturers offer similar stabilizing solutions, the ULCS plate is designed to be more universal in application and priced lower than competing products. The plate works with both video and still photography configurations and accommodates a range of camera housing sizes. Price: $177.95.

AC-AQD04 Quick-Release Adapter: Simplified Equipment Changes

The AC-AQD04 is a 4-inch quick-disconnect arm designed for fast, one-handed attachment of underwater lights, strobes, snoots, and other equipment.

The adapter features a push-button release mechanism and compact design that streamlines underwater photo and video setups. Built with fewer moving parts than competing quick-release systems, it can be operated with one hand and is fully serviceable for field maintenance and repair. "There are other brands making similar products, but ours has fewer moving parts, can be used with one hand, and photographers can service it themselves," says Kollwitz. "We also plan to use this as a starting point for other quick-disconnect products."

While designed primarily for underwater photography, the AC-AQD04's simple, reliable mechanism makes it potentially suitable for applications beyond diving. ULCS has provided samples to professionals in the cinema industry for evaluation. Price: $44.95.

Field-Tested by Underwater Photography Professionals Andrea Michelutti, underwater photographer and ULCS Brand Ambassador, has been testing the new accessories in real-world shooting conditions to validate their performance and functionality.

All three products are now available through authorized ULCS dealers and at ulcs.com.

Retra have made a firmware update available through the usual download App channels including now the Google Play Store for Android users. This is for the Pro Max II. The update primarily allows the new App to connect to the Maxi strobe.

The update also adds a Pilot Light Toggle Function.

The firmware update includes v2.17 for the Pro Max, v2.4 for the Prime+ and v2.4 for the Pure.

It also includes v4.2 for the ProX/PrimeX (renamed 3.13) and firmware 4.5 (renamed 4.3) for PRO/Prime 2nd generation.

Nikon have announced a firmware update to the Z9.

Version 5.31 now available from the usual Nikon Download Centre.

There's an update to Adobe Lightroom Classic to from v15.1 to v15.1.1

As far as I can tell, the update only contains bug fixes.

INON INC. releases the ZD Front Mask for Osmo Action 6, made specifically for the official Osmo Action 60m Waterproof Case (OA6J12) on December 26, 2025.

Also, the ZD Front Mask for Osmo Action 6 Grip Set has been released, enabling use of the DJI Osmo Action 6 with an optional underwater light.

Attaching the INON ZD Front Mask allows the use of the underwater semi-fisheye conversion lens UFL-GR140 ZD (*1) which can deliver wide and quality view with its large-aperture optics across more wide-angle FOV settings on Osmo Action 6.*

Also, the wide variety of INON close-up lenses (UCL-G165ll ZD, UCL-G100 ZD, UCL-G55 ZD) now allows Osmo Action 6 users to enjoy macro imaging that wouldn’t be possible with the camera alone.

(*1) The UFL-G140 ZD is not compatible as it causes vignetting at most FOV settings.

ZD Front Mask for Osmo Action 6

-- Release date:      December 26, 2025

--JAN/EAN:             4570018121296

ZD Front Mask for Osmo Action 6 Grip Set

-- Release date:      December 26, 2025

--JAN/EAN:             4570018121302

*For information on the Front Mask and lens vignetting, please refer to the attached PDF.
Please note that vigorous camera movement may still cause the lens hood or Focus Stick to appear in the frame, even when marked as “usable.”

Inon announces their latest housings for Canon EOSR6 Mark IIl to be released in January 2026.

The EOS R6 Mark lll upgrades the Mark II with a higher-res 32.5MP sensor, vastly better video features, a CFexpress slot, improved IBIS, longer battery life, and enhanced autofocus with Registered People Priority.

The housing comes with standard highly accurate TTL converter and vacuum leak sensor (PAT.P).

As same legend X-2 housings, made from carefully designed aluminum alloy providing compact, light weight yet durable and offering intuitive controls including INON unique MRS system to control camera lens controls by magnet attraction.

X-2 R6 Mark lll

-- Scheduled release:            January, 2026

--JAN/EAN:                              4570018121319

Marelux announced dedicated housings for the Sony A6700, Canon R50, Panasonic GH6/GH7, and Panasonic S1R II.

Marelux

Marelux

Marelux

Yet another update to Adobe Lightroom to v15.1

Adobe list the new or revised features as:

December 2025 release (version 15.1)

FEATURE UPDATES

• Edit in Photoshop now supports the PSB file format. 

• View higher-quality embedded previews while reviewing your images before import.

• Export images directly to the PSB format for very large files that exceed PSD limits. 

• Tethered capture support added for additional Leica cameras. 

• Sidecar writes is optimized when saving small edits such as Ratings, Flags, Labels, etc. 

• Critical bug fixes. 

Nikon's flagship mirrorless camera, the Z9, may not be the newest on the block but nevertheless, Nikon continue to issue significant firmware updates.

Version 5.30 was released today and is available, as usual, from the Nikon Downloads Centre.

The following is Nikon's list of changes......

Still Photography

• • Subject detection is now available when [Single-point AF], [Dynamic-area AF (S)], [Dynamic-area AF (M)], or [Dynamic-area AF (L)] is selected for [AF-area mode].

• • Extended the dimensions of focus areas available with [Wide-area AF (C1)] and [Wide-area AF (C2)] AF-area modes.

• • Added [Flat Monochrome] and [Deep Tone Monochrome] Picture Controls. Also added support for “Flexible Color” Picture Controls.

• • Added [Reset focus after shooting] to [Auto capture]. Also added [Face] to subject detection type options.

■ Video Recording

• • Subject detection is now available when [Single-point AF] is selected for [AF-area mode].

• • Extended the dimensions of focus areas available with [Wide-area AF (C1)] and [Wide-area AF (C2)] AF-area modes.

• • Added [Flat Monochrome] and [Deep Tone Monochrome] Picture Controls. Also added support for “Flexible Color” Picture Controls.

• • Added [Reset focus after shooting] to [Auto capture]. Also added [Face] to subject detection type options.

• • Selecting [ON] for [Hi-Res Zoom] in the [VIDEO RECORDING MENU] now displays a focus point on the detected subject in the shooting display.

■ Playback

• • Added [Date] to [Filtered playback criteria] in playback menu and playback “i” menu.

• • Added [Loop playback] in the video playback “i” menu.

• • Added [Auto-rotate during playback] to the playback menu.

■ Controls

• • Added an [Active subject detection options] item to the [CUSTOM SETTINGS MENU] in positions of a10 and g6.

• • The a14 [Max. aperture Lv during MF] item is now a15 [Maximum aperture Lv] in the [CUSTOM SETTINGS MENU].

• • Added a [Focus limiter setting] item to the [CUSTOM SETTINGS MENU] in position of a17.

• • [Focus limiter] and [Cycle subject detection options] are added to the roles assignable via f2 [Custom controls (shooting)] and g2 [Custom controls] in the [CUSTOM SETTINGS MENU] and separate settings can now be saved to [Recall shooting functions] and [Recall shooting functions (hold)]. In addition, a magnification option of [400%] has been added to [Zoom on/off].

• • Added [Jump to the source image] as an assignable role to f3 [Custom controls (playback)] in the [CUSTOM SETTINGS MENU].

• • Added a [Cycle image area using built-in TC] item to the [CUSTOM SETTINGS MENU] in position of f11.

■ Network

• • You can now add descriptive text to existing network profiles using [Connect to FTP server] in [NETWORK MENU].

• • Added [Sync date and time with NTP server] to [Connect to FTP server] > [Options] in [NETWORK MENU].

• • Added [Overwrite copyright info] to [Connect to other cameras] in the [NETWORK MENU].

• • The master camera can now detect and connect to remote cameras on the same network.

• • Added [USB streaming (UVC/UAC)] to [USB] in the [NETWORK MENU].

■ Other Changes

• • Made improvements to the autofocus operation and its reliability including subject acquisition during still photography.

• • Direct measurement of white balance is now available also for still photography via applications, such as NX Tether.

• • Voice memo recording is now available with external microphones.

• • Changed the specifications for uninterrupted video output to HDMI devices such as external monitors when recording ended.

• • The headphone volume level can now be adjusted in the “i” menu during video recording.

• • Videos no longer rotate automatically with the camera when [Auto-rotate pictures] is set to [ON] in the [PLAYBACK MENU].

• • Added [Flat Monochrome] and [Deep Tone Monochrome] Picture Control options to [RAW processing (current picture)] / [RAW processing (multiple pictures)] in the [Retouch] menu. Also added support for “Flexible Color” Picture Controls.

• • The speed at which the camera cycles through focus points using the multi selector or sub-selector no longer slows down when changing direction.

• • The tonal characteristics have been changed when [ON] is selected for Custom Setting g14 [View assist] in the [CUSTOM SETTINGS MENU].

• • Fixed typos in the monitor display when pressing a control to which [Shooting menu bank] had been assigned using Custom Setting g2 [Custom controls] in the [CUSTOM SETTINGS MENU] while either [Histogram] or [Wave-form monitor] was displayed during video recording.

Adobe have just released an update to v15 of Lightroom Classic to v15.0.1.

This contains a few bug fixes.

The update has loaded without an issue on my system.

Adobe have announced further updates to Lightroom. Classic goes to 15.0, Lightroom to 9.0 and Mobile to 11.0

These are the main new features:

• Classic & Desktop: 

  • AI-Powered Assisted Culling

  • AI-Powered Visual Similarity Stacking

  • Point Color - Variance is a really useful new slider in Point Color

  • AI Reflection Removal has been updated for better results

  • AI Dust Removal feature added

• Classic:

  • Filtering Criteria now includes Likes/Comments

  • Zoom while Cropping finally arrives!

  • Edit in Photoshop -  you can now select different settings for SDR and HDR photos

  • ACR Sidecar Files: new sidecar file (*.acr), so the *.xmp files are now smaller again if you use Denoise or Super Res

  • 4K Video Export is supported

• Desktop: 

  • Color Labels are added (previously only in Classic)

  • Adaptive Landscape Presets for seasons are added

  • Batch Rename is added

• Desktop Local mode:

  • Show Photos in Subfolders 

• Mobile/Web:

  • Quick Actions - Blemishes added for facial retouching

Retra have released a new firmware update for ProMax II strobes to v 3.6.

Full details are available through the usual app stores.

The update also covers the Flash Pro Max to v2.17, Prime+ and Pure to v2.4. This includes bug fixes and a number of performance improvements.

Nikon have announced a firmware update to the Z8. Version 3.10.

Available as usual from the Nikon Download Centre/Center

A few changes to the recently announced v14.5 have just arrived - now v14.5.1

Adobe report the changes as follows:

This update includes bug fixes reported by the community, along with new cameras and lenses.

• P: LrC 14.5 Edit in Photoshop does not work when opening RAW photos 

• P: Unable to relaunch after File>New Catalog/Switching catalogs, or relaunching with certain plugins

• P: Deleting a photo from a selected group takes you to the first photo, not the next 

• P: Compare mode "Down arrow" destroys selection

And here's the link: https://community.adobe.com/t5/lightroom-classic-discussions/lightroom-classic-14-5-1-is-now-available/td-p/15476347

A major upgrade, v2.0, has just been announced by Nikon to the Z6III.

Bird tracking is one of the improvements most featured in the media but unless you are planning to photograph loons diving underwater, the following link might give you a better idea of just how much is contained in this update:

https://downloadcenter.nikonimglib.com/en/download/fw/571.html

Yet another update to Lightroom for Classic users - to v14.5 - was released on 12 August . This has all sorts of tweaks especially to the Generative Remove tool.

It uploaded and ran on my Mac Studio without a hitch......

Full details are here:

https://lightroom.adobe.com/home?promoid=LH4XT66T&locale=en-US&mv=other&mv2=tab

INON INC. releases two new ZD Front Mask on August 5, 2025,: the ZD Front Mask for Ace Pro 2, designed to fit the official Dive Case for Insta360 Ace Pro2, and the ZD Front Mask for Osmo Action 5 Pro, made specifically for the official Osmo Action 60m Waterproof Case.

Attaching the INON ZD Front Mask allows the use of the underwater semi-fisheye conversion lens UFL-GR140 ZD (*1) which can deliver wide and quality view with its  large-aperture optics across more wide-angle FOV settings on Ace pro 2 and Osmo Action 5 Pro, as well as the compact UFL-G140 ZD.*

Also, the wide variety of INON close-up lenses (UCL-G165ll ZD, UCL-G100 ZD, UCL-G55 ZD) (*2) now allows Ace pro 2 and Osmo Action 5 Pro users to enjoy macro imaging that wouldn’t be possible with the camera alone.

INON also releases the 4D Light Grip in late September, which can be mounted onto the housings of various action cameras.
This highly versatile grip allows users to attach both an action camera and a light at the same time.

(*1) Lens hoods included with UFL-GR140 ZD shipped before Augst 5, 2025 may be visible in footage.

　　Please use the updated "Lens Hood II (for UFL-GR140)" which is available for separate purchase.

(*2) UCL-G100 and UCL-G55 shipped on or after August 5, 2025 will come with newly designed Focus Stick that helps prevent interference when used with AcePro2 and Osmo Action 5 Pro.
For existing UCL-G100/UCL-G55 users, updated Focus Stick II is available for purchase to replace the original Focus Stick.

INON_ActionCamera_Compatibility.pdf

Please note: a further update to the firmware files was released on 31 July. Pro Max firmware is now v2.17 - the version from the previous day was 2.15.

Retra have announced updates to firmware on a number of their strobes.

Pro Max II to v3.1

Pro Max to v2.17

Prime+ to v2.4

Pure to v2.4

The updates include bug fixes and performance improvements. Full details are set out in the usual App Store update pages.

Canon has released new major firmware for the EOS R5 Mark II for the second time in a week. This update fixes an issue where video could not be recorded correctly when using a memory card larger than 2TB with the [Pre-recording] setting enabled.

This firmware (Version 1.1.1) includes fixes for the following issues identified in Version 1.1.0:

1. Fixes an issue where video could not be recorded correctly when using a memory card larger than 2TB with the [Pre-recording] setting enabled.

This firmware also incorporates the following changes introduced in Firmware Version 1.1.0:

1. Improves security features. A password must be set initially.
• Adds the ability to review the history of any changes made to the password, network information, or other settings.
*For more information, please refer to the 'Setting a Password' section in the Advanced User Guide on cam.start.canon.

2. Enables firmware updates to be performed when the camera is connected to the internet and new firmware is made available on Canon servers.

3. Adds the ability to automatically detect Flicker at 100 or 120 Hz during Live View display.

4. Adds the ability to register focus position as a presets on the CR-A100 Camera Remote Application. This ability makes it easier to focus on subjects at the intended distance when the application is used with Robotic Camera System CR-S700R.

5. Adds the ability to select [Case Special] to expand Servo AF characteristics which is effective for subjects located behind a net in sporting events, such as badminton or volleyball.

6. Adds support for the Software Development Assistance Kit (EDSDK/CCAPI).

7. Adds a function that simultaneously protects images when they are rated.

8. Improves image stabilization control for lenses compatible with Peripheral Coordinated Control.

9. Adds the ability to use up to 8TB of CFexpress cards.
Note
- Cards larger than 8TB require low-level formatting by the camera.
- Cards larger than 8TB are treated as 8TB cards.
- Cards larger than 2TB cannot be used for firmware updating.

10. Adds to lower the image capture frame rate to help prevent overheating when connected to CR-A100 in extended remote shooting.

11. When transferring images with voice memos via FTP, the transfer order priority has now changed with voice memo (Wav) file being sent first followed by image file.
If a voice memo is added to an image queued for transfer, the image and voice memo are now sent last.

12. Adds the ability to set the number of shots captured in pre-continuous shooting mode.

13. Adds the ability to set [Airplane mode] to shooting button customization.

14. Adds the ability to enable [Exposure Simulation] when a flash unit is attached.

15. Improved AF tracking during video capture for subjects that are difficult to focus on.

16. Fixes an issue in which Err70 may occur when enlarging an image after shooting with [Blackout-Free Display] set to "On" and [Servo 1st image priority/One-Shot AF release priority] set to "Release priority".

17. Fixes an issue in which Err70 may occur during Bluetooth communication due to interference from other Bluetooth devices.

18. Fixes an issue in which Err70 may occur when repeatedly shooting in the "High-speed continuous shooting +" mode.

19. Fixes an issue in which Err70 may occur immediately after startup when shooting with the electronic shutter.

20. Fixes an issue in which Err70 may occur during video recording in "FHD239.8P/200.0P".

21. Fixes an issue in which Error 70 may occur while filming in video mode with frame rate set to “50.00P” and [Movie Digital IS] set to “On” or “Enhanced”.

22. Fixes an issue in which Err70 may occur during shooting when both [Pre-recording] and [Auto send] to image.canon are set to "Enable".

23. Fixes an issue in which the camera may stop functioning properly when [Image Review] is set to "Off" and the monitor entered low brightness mode after pre-continuous shooting.

24. Fixes an issue in which video recording may not be possible when using Remote Live View shooting in EOS Utility while outputting via HDMI.

25. Fixes an issue in which large RAW image files may not be transferred via Camera Connect.

26. Fixes an issue in which a horizontal line may appear momentarily in the viewfinder.

27. Fixes an issue in which the camera may not connect to Wi-Fi 7-compatible routers.

A firmware update is available from the Nikon Download Center/Centre for the Nikon Z6III. This is an update to v1.11 from v 1.10.

As far as I can see, the update, in keeping with a dot.xx version, is minor and no super-dooper new features are involved.

The link is here:

https://downloadcenter.nikonimglib.com/en/download/fw/564.html

Adobe have announced an update to version 14.4 to Lightroom

Amongst the new features the Adobe website explains:

Reflection Removal on Desktop

Shooting through a window or glass door? Use Reflections Removal to eliminate glare and surface reflections from your image, leaving behind a clean, crisp final photo. You can even adjust the Quality setting to control your final resolution—great for balancing speed and precision.

People Removal

Crowded backgrounds? The new People Removal feature automatically detects and removes extra or unwanted people from your shot. Whether you're on the desktop or mobile app, it's easy to clean up your photo so your main subject shines.

View and Update AI Edit Settings

Stay in control of your edits. Now, when you apply AI-powered tools like Denoise, Remove, or Lens Blur, an AI Edit Status icon will show up. If anything changes that might affect your results, the icon turns yellow so you'll know it's time to reapply or tweak your settings. It's an easy way to keep your edits looking their best with no guesswork needed.

Tether Capture with Fujifilm Cameras

Lightroom Classic now has native support for tethered capture using Fujifilm cameras.

Performance Improvements

Enjoy faster, smoother, and more accurate performance across tools and adjustments, making interactive editing feel quicker and more responsive. Key improvements include improvements in Crop Rotation, Brush, and linear gradient in the Masking panel.