British Photographic Industry News February & March 2022

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FEB / MARCH 2022 • £5

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The Photo Trade Reboots!

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IN THIS ISSUE…

ICON RE-IMAGINED

CONTENT CREATORS

MINILAB REPORT

BUSINESS ADVICE

For Leica the ‘M’ in M11 stands for ‘maverick’, as its rangefinder series is redefined once again, an iconic design evolving while staying true to the original

We learn how Vitec Imaging Solutions is expanding its audio technology capabilities with a trio of brands now including Audix alongside Rycote and JOBY

A visit to Fujifilm Independent Retail Partner The Photo Studio to discover that installing a new CX 3240 Creative Duplex Printer has tripled its business

We round up all the talking points for the trade, in order to steer a clear course to profit and prosperity in a retail climate that continues to be unpredictable

HURRY, THE CLOCK IS TICKING...

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& London Photo Show

Full Convention: Wednesday 16 – Saturday 19 March FREE* Trade Show Dates: Thursday 17 – Saturday 19 March Venue: Novotel London West Hammersmith, W6 8DR

MEET 1,000S OF PHOTOGRAPHERS AT EUROPE’S LARGEST CONVENTION AND TRADE SHOW We are committed to ensuring that your company will find great value in working with The Societies of Photographers.

The Societies have been running successful events for the last 20 years, and for the last 19 years we have ran the largest photo Convention in Europe.

Key reasons to exhibit at the 2022 London Photo Convention Don’t get left behind This is a great opportunity to launch your company into the New Year by showcasing your products and services. This event takes place before any other industry show in 2022.

Meet your customers Network with over 10,000 industry specialists and photographers who are looking to make informed decisions on which kit and services to invest in.

Refine your strategy Gain invaluable market insight by speaking to the people who are going to be using your products and services. Find out what they expect and how you could expand your client base.

Raise your profile Join a highly targeted and integrated visitor campaign reaching in a excess of a million contacts and maximise your brand exposure in the photographic industry.

REGISTER TODAY FOR YOUR FREE TRADE SHOW TICKETS.*

Attend The Societies 2022 London Photographic Trade Show for FREE* NOW IN IT

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19TH

All the latest photographic equipment, products and services YEAR! will be on show, and attendees will be able to watch demonstrations from leading manufacturers on their products.

All the major players in the industry will be exhibiting, so it’s a good opportunity to meet the key personnel behind the latest photography equipment.

Many of the 100+ brands exhibited will also be offering special deals on their products and services, exclusive to the show with Park Cameras and Camera Centre UK the main supporting dealers.

Register today to secure your FREE tickets to the 2022 Trade Show for yourself and staff.

The Convention is supported by the majority of the leading photographic companies in the UK including: Sony, Canon, FujiFilm, Epson and Photomart to name a few.

You can exhibit from just £999 (+VAT) for the three-day show. Call us today to find out more 01745 356935 or email info@thesocieties.net

thesocieties.net/convention/

Open to all from aspiring to pro...

Put the dates in your diary now

*Pre-register before 28 February 2022 for FREE and avoid £10 entry fee to Trade Show.

Editorial | February / March 2022

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Photographic British

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EDITOR Gavin Stoker Tel: 020 8274 0578 Tel: 07990 974 367 ART EDITOR Michael O’Connell EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES Please direct all editorial requests, news and press releases to info@bpinews.co.uk

Gavin Stoker, Editor gavin@bpinews.co.uk @GavinStoker

ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES Please direct all advertising enquiries and sponsorship opportunities to gavin@bpinews.co.uk Publisher’s Office: 31 New Road, Richmond, Surrey TW10 7HZ. Legacy Media Ltd accept no ultimate responsibility for accurate reproduction of digital artwork created by third parties. Insurance and carriage of products submitted for inclusion in reports rests with the owner. News, data, prices, interviews and opinion are printed in good faith E&OE. Content including advertising artwork created by Legacy Media Ltd or its agents is ©2022 Legacy Media Ltd.

oth metaphorically and literally, now we’re past January’s gloom and well into February itself, with fresh life squeezing itself out of the ground and buds getting ready to bloom.

After a period during our prolonged pandemic that saw several familiar faces in the trade decide it might be a good time to take retirement or do something else, there’s a very welcome re-booting of the photo trade too, with us reporting this issue on fresh faces in key roles; either as a result of expansion, acquisition, taking on new products and brands, or as a reaction to a new way of doing business and marketing we’ve all had to adapt to.

While we have new faces for you this month, with a couple of exceptions big product releases have been a little thin on the ground at the start of 2022. The CES show in the States that used to result in an avalanche of news isn’t about cameras any more, but, on a positive note, the Societies Convention that also used

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to kick-start the year for the UK trade is still ahead of us and upcoming this March – at a sufficient distance from the re-emergent The Photography Show, itself scheduled for this September, to make attendance worthwhile. See the advert opposite if you’re considering exhibiting at the last minute too.

While demand for fresh innovations may be there, we’re still hearing of hold ups and issues with availability, either as regards finished products or the components to make them, with scheduled campaigns and launches getting moved back as a result. Of course this affects every part of the infrastructure of the photo industry: retailers and manufacturers can’t sell what they don’t have, and don’t want to promote or advertise what they can’t get. However, this might create opportunity for those who are able to move faster on a local level than the global players. Those retailers dealing in existing and second hand goods, which most camera shops have pivoted towards, are obviously less affected.

As political manoeuvring and scandal, on top of Covid and Brexit, continues to dominate our headlines, along with an impending cost of living crisis, red tape and tax rises, we can’t pretend there aren’t challenges still to be overcome.

Still, as we learn to live in an altered world that was always far from ideal, BPI News can help steer you towards beacons of light, hope and positivity.

After all, we’re still in this together… see you back here for our April issue!

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CANON INTRODUCES CINEMA EOS & EOS R MASH-UP The photo stalwart has thrown all its weight behind its full frame EOS R photography system of late, so it is not so much of a surprise it has chosen to combine this product line with its broadcaster-targeted Cinema EOS series and launch the EOS R5 C hybrid cinema camera. Tell curious customers whose work straddles both disciplines that the camera once again features the expected full frame CMOS sensor, Digic X processor and RF lens mount, these three elements combining to allow 8K video capture plus 45 megapixel stills at burst speeds of up to 20fps. Dependent on memory card and battery capacity the manufacturer also states that users can enjoy hours of filming in highest quality 8K thanks to the device’s internal cooling system.

Canon’s Dual Pixel CMOS AF system also makes an appearance, as does Eye AF and up to ISO 51,500 light sensitivity.

As well as new hardware, Canon users also get a new firmware update for the EOS C70, which is claimed to offer enhanced image quality, plus new Frame and Interval recoding options, such as stop

frame animation and time-lapse video.

Availability for the EOS R5 C is from this March at a body only £4,499.99 SRP. www.canon.co.uk

STRONG VISITOR PRE REGISTRATIONS TEMPT TRADE BACK TO EXHIBIT The Societies London Photo Show and Convention, with its new calendar slot of Wednesday March 16th to Saturday 19th, reports a late flurry of trade stand exhibitors signing up for its three-day stand package for £999 + VAT. Likewise, as restrictions are eased, The Societies’ CEO Colin Jones reports

Photographic British

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strong visitor pre registrations numbers pointing to a busy, well attended event with 100+ brands and a full schedule of demonstrations at the Novotel in London’s Hammersmith.

Take a look at the inside front cover for key reasons to exhibit. To avoid missing out, it’s strongly advised to get in touch direct on 01745 356935 or via info@thesocieties.net In the meantime for more details and to register your staff and key customers, head to the following: https://thesocieties.net/convention/

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News

SILKY NIKKORS TEASED BY NIKON Since full frame mirrorless is where all the market action is currently, Nikon has announced a spring arrival for a new super telephoto prime lens – the first of its spec to join the Nikkor Z family – in the Nikkor Z 400m f/2.8 TC VR S (right).

Exceptional image quality and phenomenal AF performance is the pitch to your customers here, whether shooting at 400mm or a 560mm with the activation of its built-in teleconverter.

The lens is also said to be the first to feature a new ‘Silky Swift’ Voice Coil Motor (VCM) focusing system which translates as autofocus claiming to be both quieter and faster, with subject acquisition and tracking spot on. In addition the product’s centre of gravity is said to be towards the rear to allow for more stable operation.

Controls can be customised and functions assigned to the lens’ FN ring. Such performance isn’t inexpensive though, with a suggested price of £13,499 at retail.

The slightly more affordable second new full frame lens option in the Nikkor Z 2875mm f/2.8 (left), at £949 SRP, has sales starting early 2022 and boasts a wide angle to telephoto zoom range as well as a constant fast aperture. Nikon recommends that it’s ideally suited to photographing street scenes and landscapes as well as portraiture, while it adds that it’s also well suited to video. The zoom range can cover wide establishing shots and medium shots, with focus breathing suppressed.

Thirdly, Nikon has announced the development of the Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S (below), a top-line ‘S’ series super telephoto prime lens, again for its full frame mirrorless cameras and which it says will support the ambitions of photographers ranging from advanced amateurs to professionals.

H&Y COMES CAP IN HAND Hong Kong based photography filter specialist H&Y has unveiled a Magnetic Holder Cap for its signature Magnetic Filter System – claimed as the firstever patented magnetic system ever designed for square filters – with said cap purported to provide strong protection for the lens when the holder is in use. The cap is made from lightweight yet tough aircraft grade machined aluminium according to H&Y, with magnets embedded on the sides of the cap to provide a strong and solid magnetic force.

This also means

the system can be operated when wearing gloves, or with one hand.

Specialist retailers are directed to distributor PhotoTEQ to order the £25 SRP product in the UK (www.phototeq.com) hyfilters.net

No pricing or proposed release date was available at the time of writing.

In related Nikon news, though the product itself is only just out, Ver.1.10 firmware for the Nikon Z 9 flagship mirrorless camera (shown here with the new Nikkor Z 400mm lens) was released last month, a tweak which is said to greatly improve the duration for high speed continuous shooting. For example if shooting High-Efficiency Raw + JPEG Basic files at 20fps, duration improves from three seconds to 15 seconds. Nikon promises a future firmware update for the same camera will add a variety of video functions plus further improved operability for both stills and video. www.nikon.co.uk

DNP hits the hot spots The dye sub print specialist has introduced a mini Wi-Fi hotspot integrating a photo printing management interface, exclusively designed for DNP printers. When connected to one or a pair of printers, the Wireless Connect Module WCM-2 enables users to print photos remotely from iOS and Android mobile devices as well as Mac OS and Windows computers.

DNP suggests this gizmo is an ideal tool for photographers looking to output prints at onsite events or during studio sessions, adding that the WCM-2 can also be easily integrated into selfie kiosks. In addition to its primary function, the WCM-2 can provide Internet access to enable simultaneous printing and sharing of photos on social networks. www.dnpphoto.eu

BPI News is your mouthpiece to reach peers in the photo trade, so use it. Send ad bookings & press releases to info@bpinews.co.uk @bpi_news

BPI News | February / March 2022 5

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‘20’ IS PLENTY TIPA MAKES FOR SIGMA ITS MARK Alert your L-Mount and Sony E-mount system camera owning customers seeking a ‘sharp, wide angle optic that isn’t going to weigh them down’ to the fact that the optical specialist has announced the Sigma 20mm F2 DG DN | Contemporary lens. The pitch here is that this is a well-constructed, portable and high performance prime lens. Sigma adds that it’s well suited to astrophotography and landscape photography, and, unlike its existing 20mm f/1.4 Art series lens, has a filter thread for added convenience.

Weighing a more than manageable 370g, it measures just 72.4mm in length. The lens construction includes three high precision glass moulded aspherical lens elements, one SLD element and one FLD element, to suppress a range of optical aberrations.

The suggested retail price of £649.99 for the new 20mm is described as “very competitive” by the manufacturer, with availability promised from February 25th. www.sigma-imaging-uk.com

Covid axes Japan’s CP+ trade show As we went to press, and with two weeks until it was originally due to open its doors, news broke that Japan’s annual photo show CP+ had been axed as an on-site, in-person exhibition for 2022, and was instead going to be an online-only affair for late February. Organisers and exhibitors cited the on-going Covid-19 pandemic as the reason for the last minute cancellation and the desire to put safety first,

TIPA – the Technical Image Press Association – of which BPI News is a member, and which celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2021, has been in touch to tell us it has struck up a partnership with the respected DXOMARK, the French tech company which offers state of the art, independent image quality assessment of digital cameras, lenses and smartphone cameras.

The new association gives TIPA members access to DXOMARK’s test reports and in depth image quality metrics, based on rigorous scientific and objective measures and protocols, which can be used by all TIPA member publications to support their own product reports and assessments. The French firm employs 120 people, of whom 100 are engineers,

who have been performing thousands of tests each year for over a decade in the company’s 16 state of the art laboratories. www.dxomark.com www.tipa.com

X rated addition from Ricoh Ricoh may have been relatively quiet as late as regards own branded photo gear, but all that changes with the unveiling of a new addition to its long running 360-degree Theta camera range in the Theta X. The latest iteration features a 2.25-inch colour touch screen, the ability to use an external memory card, Bluetooth connectivity said to have been improved with the ability to connect wirelessly with a smartphone, plus a swappable battery. With built-in stabilisation, it can also automatically stitch together videos for users in real time, while boasting an output resolution for its 360 still images the equivalent of 60 megapixels. Video in the round is captured at an equivalent 5.7K resolution at 30fps. For more X rated facts, head to the URL below. www.ricoh-imaging.eu

with the outbreak having also resulted in the two previous proposed events being affected.

The event’s official website describes it as ‘the world’s largest camera video equipment show’ – under normal circumstances at least – ‘held with the aim of contributing to the development of technology, culture, and industry in the field of camera imaging.’ www.cpplus.jp

Published for over 35 years, BPI News is your industry’s only dedicated title aimed at retailers, distributors, minilabs and manufacturers 6 February / March 2022 | BPI News

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BPI News Product Focus

EXCITING NEW BRANDS & FACES FOR TRANSCONTINENTA UK Meet three new faces and three new product lines at ever-expanding distributor Transcontinenta UK this month

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ith the UK arm of the Netherlands based distributor Transcontinenta having launched pre-pandemic, it has batted away challenges to enjoy swift growth since. At the start of this year it expanded further to take on exclusive UK and Ireland distribution for the Hahnel, Leofoto and Zhiyun brands.

They say everything comes in threes, and, as well as the three new product lines, Transcontinenta UK also has three new joiners. They are: David Holley, who takes up the role of Sales Manager for Hahnel/Leofoto; Marketing Coordinator Chris Watts; plus Graham Crump, who will be handling Specialist Sales for the AV channel.

PRODUCTS TO RE-BOOT YOUR SALES Specialist retailers seeking a steer on which products from the brands to order in first, are directed to Hahnel ProCube 2 chargers and Extreme batteries.

Voted ‘accessory of the year’ by a host of familiar photography magazines, the cube shaped chargers not only look great and take up minimal desk space – while allowing for one or two camera batteries to be charged simultaneously – there are also options dedicated to the various key brands; including Canon, Nikon, Sony,

Gleaming the cube: Hahnel’s ProCube 2 chargers not only look fantastic, they can cleverly charge specific camera batteries or be used for charging regular AAs too. Hahnel can also supply the camera batteries, via its Extreme batteries range

Olympus, Panasonic and Fujifilm, with attention grabbing colours to differentiate them. The versatile, cableless cubes feature a high-end LCD display, are supplied with interchangeable UK, EU and US plugs, come with a 12V car lead, plus feature the versatility of an AA tray that allows for 4xAA batteries to be charged together.

Also capable of turning customers’ heads with their contemporary packaging is Hahnel’s Extreme battery line up, offering lithium ion batteries for a host of big name camera brands. As well as boasting an ultra high, long lasting capacity, these cells promise extra durability in extreme conditions, can withstand more than 500 charge/ discharge cycles, plus are drop proof (from heights of three metres) and shockproof with it. Hence the ‘extreme’ tag.

Worth highlighting from the second newly added brand is the Zhiyun Weebill 2 Gimbal (left), a professional three axis stabiliser for mirrorless cameras and DSLRs, including the likes of the Canon 5D and Nikon D850, with a maximum payload of 4.16Kg. Robust

build quality, classic structure and sling grip design aside, of particular note here is an integrated 2.88-inch flip-out touch screen allowing for high quality monitoring. A powerful ‘Infineon’ sensor also promises stability and precise compensation for any jitter, providing a smoother and quicker response for the stabiliser. The standard version of the Weebill 2 also includes a mini tripod that the whole set up can be mounted on, if desired, while it also supports extensions in the shape of pro accessories.

There are currently four packages available, including the Weebill 2 and tripod on its own, plus the Weebill 2 Combo, which adds a sling grip handle and carrying case. Third and fourth options come via the Weebill 2 Pro and Weebill 2 Pro+ packages, which add various transmitters and focus/zoom control motors.

Thirdly, available through selected distribution partners are Leofoto Ranger Series tripods, compact outdoor and travel ready options that come complete with heads, or as a set of legs only. This line up includes the ultra compact grey and blue liveried carbon fibre LS-362C, which folds up to 26cm in length yet can support a maximum load of 45Kg while weighing just 1.1Kg itself.

For full details on any of the new brands, Zhiyun, Hahnel or Leofoto, as well as full details of the full portfolio from Transcontinenta, please visit the website at www.transcontinenta.co.uk, or speak direct with Transcontinenta UK on 0203 966 5947 or info@transcontinenta.co.uk

CONTACT DETAILS FOR THE NEW RECRUITS ARE: David Holley (above left)

T: 07976 256055 E: d.holley@transcontinenta.co.uk

Chris Watts (middle)

T: 07824 047336 E: c.watts@transcontinenta.co.uk

Graham Crump (on right)

T: 07530 410268 E: g.crump@transcontinenta.co.uk

The long and the short of it: Leofoto’s Ranger tripods come in a wide range of sizes and cover all possible creative possibilities

Don’t miss out! New Hahnel, Zhiyun and Leofoto ranges are now available direct from Transcontinenta UK. Get in touch to order NEVER MISS AN ISSUE! Read BPI News online at issuu.com/bpinewsonline

BPI News | February / March 2022 7

News

Holdan Limited has been back in touch to announce a newly distributed lens offering. The Samyang AF 135mm f/1.8 FE is a fast aperture prime telephoto for full frame Sony E-mount cameras. It tells us it’s been introduced to meet the demands of many people who have used the existing MF 135mm f/2.0 lens, introduced back in 2015.

Offering your photographer and videographer customers the possibility of achieving a narrow depth of field and beautiful ‘bokeh’, Samyang’s new lens claims

to be optimised for portraits, astrophotography, landscapes and shooting video. Features include a Focus Lock Button, Custom Switch plus Samyang’s new Focus Range Limiter switch.

With the manufacturer’s announcement of the new AF 135mm f/1.8 FE, its auto focus f/1.8 FE series now includes 24mm, 35mm, 45mm, 75mm and 135mm focal lengths, completing its line up from wide angle to telephoto.

Contact sales@holdan.co.uk for more. www.holdan.co.uk

Rotolight seeks to illuminate creativity As of last month, Rotolight has partnered with Sony and photographic events company The Creativity Hub to offer the latter’s guests the opportunity to get hands on with what it boasts are the world’s most powerful and innovative LED lighting products – most notably its recently announced Rotolight AEOS 2 (below) and NEO 3 lights (middle), along with its flagship Rotolight TITAN (right).

The partnership is due to kick off with a ‘Roaring Twenties’ event at Knowle Hall near Birmingham, a venue and occasion which promises ‘glamorous get ups and plenty of post-war opulence’, allowing image makers to push their creative skills to the limit.

“It’s the perfect partnership,” enthuses Rotolight CEO Rod Aaron Gammons. “We can’t wait to get our leading LED lights into creatives’ hands to see what they produce from the extensive list of unique upcoming events.”

It tells us Sony will also be attending with its latest mirrorless cameras and lenses which visitors can also try out.

“Working in partnership with Rotolight changes the game,” adds The Creativity Hub’s Director Naomi Lane.

“We will be able to provide quality cinematic lighting with endless possibilities to consistently ensure a premium look to all our customers’ images.”

Both the NEO 3 and AEOS 2 lights were introduced off the back of recent successful Kickstarter campaigns. The former is described

by Rotolight as the brightest LED on-camera light ever made, while the AEOS 2 is claimed to be the thinnest and lightest 1x1 panel ever produced, at under 1.4Kg in weight.

It’s also said to be a whopping 140x more powerful than the first generation AEOS. www.rotolight.com

Concrete evidence of creativity

Have photographer customers seeking a ‘heavier’ subject matter to inspire them?

Brutalist architecture and its stark, bold shapes has its fans for sure, but generally speaking the visual aesthetics of the construction medium of concrete – the most widely used human-made material – are a little unloved. Hoping to change the public perception and ‘bring concrete to life’ however is a global ‘Concrete In Life’ photography competition, organised by the Global Cement and Concrete Association and which claims to have received more than 13,500 entries worldwide, competing for a top prize of $10,000.

Agung Lawerissa has been named the overall winner for a photograph of children playing football on the shore in front of the Merah Putih Bridge (above), which connects the Leihitu Peninsula and the Lei Timur Peninsula in Indonesia.

“I took my photo in the city of Ambon, Indonesia,” says the winner. “I was interested in capturing this moment because there was a group of children playing soccer in the sand at low tide with Merah Putih bride in the background.

The bridge was built to speed up the travel time between Patimura Airport on the Lei Hitu Peninsula, Central Maluku in the north and Ambon City Center on the East Lei Peninsula in the south. It is a great honour to win the Concrete in Life 2021 competition and tell the story of how concrete is bringing communities together in my country.” For more concrete creativity, visit the URL below. gccassociation.org/concrete-in-life-2021/

Pic: Mario Pereda

SAMYANG’S PRIME MOVER

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BPI News Product Focus

LEICA’S M11: A RANGEFINDER LIKE NO OTHER The premium brand has issued its latest premium priced rangefinder, updating the still current M10-R with the even more impressive M11. BPI News attended the Zoom call to discover more

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e’ve all got used to Leica making cameras like no one else does in the industry.

Now it’s writing a new chapter in its 100+ years history with the latest iteration of its full-frame digital ‘M’ series rangefinder, the Leica M11.

“The Leica M today is a maverick, out there on its own; a rangefinder is a completely different photographic experience,” suggests Leica UK MD Jason Heward. Available in a choice of silver or black for £7,500, more newsworthy is the fact that this is the highest resolution M camera ever produced, at 60 megapixels.

“At 60MP you have the same dynamic range as the M10-R,” Leica’s Robin elaborates. “If dropping down in resolution you are gaining one stop of dynamic range,” further highlighting that the camera’s M-DNG setting gives the best ratio of resolution and dynamic range. Further tech includes a dual layer filter glass said to get the best from M series lenses and reduce flare when shooting into the light, along with a new Maestro III processor. This provides “a good amount of speed if needed”, according to Robin.

Resolution aside, a further first is that the M11 is the first M series camera to feature 64 GB internal memory, so images can be backed up from SD card to internal memory while shooting, if desired. The camera also features an electronic shutter

LIKE THE ‘OG’, BUT BETTER Leica Akademie tutor and product specialist Robin Sinha drills further into the M11’s appeal, telling us that the inner workings of the camera have been “entirely reinvented and rebuilt” and that it “builds on the ‘M’ series’ iconic design while staying true to the original.”

Compared with its predecessor the top plate is now slightly slimmer, emphasizing the rangefinder window, while the look of the faceplate is minimal, featuring just the lens release button and image field selector. The rear of the camera is likewise ‘cleaner’.

Consistent with the design of Leica’s SL2 and Q2, the graphical layout of its interface has been redesigned, with the camera offering a 2.3-million dot resolution 2.95-inch touch screen. For the first time in its series there is no baseplate; but Leica insists the extra space provided by this “bold move” allows for the M11’s larger, highcapacity battery, storing 64% more power than before. One press of a silver lever releases the battery, while the camera also provides USB-C connectivity and is the first M camera to be certified as a ‘made for iPhone and iPad accessory’. A bundled Leica Fotos cable automatically launches the

The Leica M today is a maverick, out there on its own; a rangefinder is a completely different photographic experience” Leica UK MD Jason Heward A classic redefined: Leica’s new M11 full frame digital rangefinder, in either silver or black, builds on the series’ iconic design while staying true to the original

app of the same name on the user’s Apple device. The app itself has also been upgraded – it’s now Leica Fotos 3.0 – with new features as of January this year including the fact that it’s now a universal app for iPhone and iPad, users can mark favourite photos and filter their gallery, plus update camera firmware from the app.

STRIPPED BACK TO WHAT’S IMPORTANT Additionally worth noting is that the M11 in black is 20% or 110g lighter than the silver, thanks to an aluminium top plate instead of brass.

Though the highest resolution achievable by the camera may be its headline 60MP, users can conserve memory capacity by quickly dropping down to one of three resolution settings – the other two being 36 or 18MP – leading Leica to uniquely describe its chip as a “triple resolution sensor”.

option for the first time. “You can shoot wide open without the image over exposing,” promises Robin. “It also helps with discretion as with the electronic shutter there is no sound.”

As well as the new camera and a new version of Leica’s app, there is a further bit of new hardware in the Leica Visof lex 2 (left) electronic viewfinder.

With a full metal ‘boxy’ design, it offers a 3.7MP resolution and a new 45° clickable position. “In terms of comfort this one takes it to the next level,” promises Robin.

Finally, new available accessories to sell alongside the camera include leather protectors and carrying straps.

In a practical move, photographers still have access to the M11’s battery and SD card when such accessories have been fitted. According to those who’ve used it, it all adds up to a uniquely tactile and rewarding experience. www.leica-camera.com

Leica M11 at a glance: 60MP full frame sensor, touch screen LCD, aluminium or brass camera body (black or silver) @bpi_news

BPI News | February / March 2022 9

BPI News Extra

SIGMA UK EYES GROWTH POTENTIAL

The UK branch of the Japanese lens specialist is undertaking a ‘root and branch’ review – pledging to plant a tree every time one of its cameras or lenses is sold in 2022, and another each time a camera or lens is registered for its free extended warranty. BPI News digs for more…

T

he photo trade may be collectively hoping 2022 is the year we’ll see green shoots of growth, or re-growth, now that certain surface aspects of the pandemic are easing.

The proactive Sigma UK, however, is taking things a step further by literally sowing seeds for the future.

It’s announced a working partnership with Eden Reforestation Projects that sees the manufacturer pledge to plant a tree for every camera and lens it sells throughout 2022, plus an extra tree each time one of its cameras or lenses is registered for its free extended warranty via sigma-imaging-uk.com/warranty

TREE-MENDOUS NEWS FROM SIGMA All this is not only good news for the photo trade; it’s good news for the environment too. For those not in-the-know, Eden Reforestation Projects operates across a number of countries globally – including Madagascar, Mozambique and Nepal – and says it has already planted and protected hundreds of millions of trees.

This obviously reduces soil erosion, slows down the rate at which our planet is warming due to human activity, and, it claims, provides fair employment to people living in impoverished communities.

Sigma UK’s Marketing Manager Tim Berry says the project has been very well

You sell ‘em, they’ll grow ‘em: Sales of Sigma’s camera bodies and lenses will help the environment throughout 2022, with a pledge to plant a tree for a sale of each, in places like (clockwise from top) Kenya, Madagascar and Nepal

received by customers, who are delighted to have the chance to make a positive impact on the environment. “We’re keen to raise awareness of the project whenever we can, and are hugely thankful to retailers for their help in doing this.”

FROM LITTLE ACORNS TO MIGHTY OAKS It’s clear that Sigma is a company that takes both its ethical and environmental responsibilities seriously. Planting a tree for each sale aside, virtually all manufacturing takes place in its own factory in Japan, thus avoiding a

need for long distance high carbonemitting supply processes. A study in 2019 of ethicalconsumer.org of 12 key camera brands moreover found Sigma topping the list for its ethical and environmental record.

“We think it’s fantastic that UK customers can get a tree planted when they buy a Sigma lens this year and another when they register for a free extended warranty,” concludes Sigma UK’s General Manager Paul Reynolds.

“We hope this tree planting initiative will get photographers thinking about what else they can do, locally and globally, to look after our incredible natural world.

It’s good for the environment and good for the communities doing the planting.

It really is a win-win all-round.”

A video on Eden Reforestation Projects can be watched via www.youtube.com/watch?v=35qoSj1rmcg

All of Sigma’s lenses come with the benefit of a three-year limited warranty. Visit www.sigma-imaging-uk.com 10 February / March 2022 | BPI News

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BPI News Product Focus

MAKE IT PERSONAL WITH DPS GROUP & EPSON

Add personalised gifts and promotional goods services to your offering, by contacting official reseller the DPS Group and installing Epson’s recently introduced SC-F100 A4 dye sub printer or its larger SC-F500 cousin

R

estrictions on our lives may be easing, but time spent living through the pandemic has prompted many of us to re-think and re-configure the ways in which we do business. Is there something we should change, or add?

Adding the facility to produce personalised photo products and photo gifts in-house to sell direct to customers and clients may seem an obvious one; after all this is a market that has been in growth for a while. But, if you’ve ever considered this being something that could expand your customer base, it very much feels like now is the time to act. Especially in light of the recently released Epson SureColor SC-F100 dye sublimation A4 printer, available now via official reseller to the photo trade, the DPS Group.

Its manufacturer’s first ever A4 dye sub, this affordable high-quality device is described as the perfect choice for small businesses and start-ups looking to expand their product offerings into the promotional goods sector.

Ideal for use in shop scenarios where space is at a premium, the SC-F100 can deliver a plethora of personalised gifts. These include mugs, key fobs, phone covers, lanyards and other popular small merchandise items.

With consistent quality provided via a PrecisionCore MicroTFP print head, the printer is also claimed to meet the needs of textile producers who want to create bespoke products like cushions, aprons and small bags.

Bang up to date, the SC-F100 is equipped with Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi Direct, plus Ethernet, USB 2.0 connectivity and a 2.4-inch tilting LCD screen. With inks, driver and consumables from the Epson range – including its DS Transfer General Purpose A4 sheets – all designed to work together, the dye sub provides retailers with a fuss free beginning-toend printing solution. Additional peace of mind comes via a one-year, or 6,000 sheet, warranty – whichever is first.

“Epson’s new SC-F100 is simply brilliant,” DPS Group MD Maneesh Patel confirms. “It’s compact, versatile and

Small wonder: Epson’s new SC-F100 is its first ever A4 dye sub, the compact footprint and affordable cost making it ideal for any business wanting to expand into the production and selling of small merchandise items, including mugs, key fobs and phone covers

“Epson’s new SC-F100 is simply brilliant. It allows users to produce and sell a range of photo merchandise on the premises – with no need to involve a third party.”

DPS Group MD Maneesh Patel delivers a low cost of ownership yet consistent high quality output, allowing users to produce and sell a range of photo merchandise on the premises.

There’s no need to involve a third party to fulfil orders for a custom-enticing range of personalised photo gifts.”

A SUREFIRE HIT WITH SURECOLOR The latest compact printer follows on from the still current larger format SC-F500, first launched in 2019 and which Maneesh describes as “hugely successful”. Despite its 24-inch design, it still maintains a relatively compact footprint, yet extends the possibilities for personalised printed goods to include the likes of T-shirts and cushions, as well as phone covers, mugs and mouse mats.

As with the SC-F100, very affordable refillable 140ml ink bottles can be used, and the DPS Group reassures that no specialist knowledge is required on behalf of the user to set up, operate or maintain the printer. In short, the SC-F500 has been built with ease of

use, productivity and efficiency in mind, in order that any businesses using it can be agile and responsive to customers’ needs. For example, there is the ability to switch between cut sheets and roll media, while easy-to-use software helps users accurately calculate print costs.

Interested parties are strongly advised to get in touch about installing the Epson SureColor SC-F100 and SC-F500 via sales@dpsb.co.uk or by calling 020 8466 7230. www.thedpsgroup.co.uk www.dpsb.co.uk

A lot of bottle: The existing Epson SC-F500 is a larger format 24-inch printer, again suitable for the production of photo gifts, including mouse mats, cushions and T-shirts. Both printers utilise very cost effective refillable 140ml ink bottles

Want to produce photo gifts? Contact the DPS Group about Epson’s SC-F100 & SC-F500 on 020 8460 3690 or email sales@dpsb.co.uk

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BPI News | February / March 2022 11

BPI News Product Focus

NOW LISTEN CLOSELY: VITEC GROUP ACQUIRES AUDIX The Vitec Imaging Solutions division of the international provider of hardware and software seeks to accelerate in-house development and manufacturing for its audio brands including Rycote, JOBY and now Audix

I

t’s been a busy start to the year for the Vitec Group – international provider of hardware and software – and its Vitec Imaging Solutions division, which regular BPI News readers will recognise for the various big name brands that sit under its umbrella, including Manfrotto and JOBY. With our trade expanding its focus to include not just photographers but also ‘content creators’ – videographers recording vlogs or podcasters needing quality audio gear – the big news this month is that Vitec has agreed to acquire microphone brand and audio capture specialist Audix, based in Portland in the USA, and its affiliates.

Vitec says the acquisition continues its ‘mission’ to marry great audio and video together for all types of creators, with Audix described as a highly respected brand focusing on premium, professional vocal and instrument microphones, designed for studio, commercial and live applications, with its cutting edge audio technology designed and manufactured in the US.

A TRIO OF BRANDS WITH POWERFUL SYNERGY As part of the acquisition, Oregon based Audix will become its Vitec Imaging Solutions’ Audio R&D Centre of Excellence, the plan being that this will accelerate in-house microphone product design, development and manufacturing across all Vitec audio brands. With the acquisition of Audix, and the microphone market itself worth an estimated $1 billion, Vitec’s audio capture strategy is now structured around its three core brands: Audix, Rycote and JOBY. While Rycote’s windshields and mounts will continue to be made in the UK, the promise is that its broadcast microphones will benefit from the additional manufacturing facilities in the US, to better serve the US market.

In timely fashion the JOBY range is expanding as we go to press, with

The Audix brand will significantly increase our total addressable market, advance our audio technology capabilities and, most importantly, bring great people with intimate knowledge of the audio industry.”

Vitec Imaging Solutions Divisional CEO Marco Pezzana

A ‘hit’ combination: by adding Audix to a product offering that already includes expertise from JOBY and Rycote, Vitec Imaging Solutions offers a one stop shop to content creators looking for a premium audio performance

new additions including professional on-camera microphones and solutions for podcasters and gamers described as innovative. Going forward, development of JOBY microphones will move to the US to hopefully accelerate its process of innovation in what it believes is the largest content creator market.

Vitec Imaging Solutions Divisional CEO Marco Pezzana believes: “The Audix brand will significantly increase our total addressable market, advance our audio technology capabilities and, most importantly, bring great people with intimate knowledge of the audio industry.” of audio quality are directed to a justannounced line up of exciting new products from JOBY, which form part A SOUND CHOICE: NEW of its inter-connectable eco system.

FROM JOBY These include the innovative Wavo AIR (main image, opposite page), a super Retailers looking to stock a range of compact, featherweight and easy to use products that will appeal to vloggers wireless lavalier kit boasting broadcast and podcasters who want to take their quality sound, that’s ideal for use with productions to the next level in terms

News in brief from the Vitec Group this month: acquisition of the Audix brand and consolidation and integration 12 February / March 2022 | BPI News

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Vitec Imaging Solutions Advertorial either mobile phones or mirrorless cameras. It’s claimed that this can also cover distances that cannot be covered via built-in microphones or attached shotgun mics. The kit comes with a purpose built lavalier microphone and windjammers plus a wide range of helpful accessories including a belt clip and dedicated cold shoe mount.

Suggested retail price is £214.95, with further mounting options available via a Wavo AIR Expansion Kit at £42.95 SRP.

Also available in the series is the Wavo POD (below), a high quality large diaphragm USB microphone, described as gateway hardware for those streaming audio and which enhances the streamer’s voice providing a warm and clear tone said to be close to professional broadcast channels. The mic can also be used to record voiceovers for YouTube videos, with the mounted capsule capable of creating both omni (360°) and cardioid

(directional) recording patterns, to match the user’s recording needs. A 3.5mm jack is provided for headphone monitoring and there is a volume and gain knob with a one-click integrated mute function.

The device is supplied with a functional pop filter and a desk stand, allowing for multiple recording angles, while a second pop filter can be purchased separately if required. Connectivity is ‘plug and play’ with Mac or PC or any USB type C equipped device.

Next up is the Wavo PRO, an oncamera directional shotgun microphone described as the premium microphone in the JOBY line up and capable of delivering broadcast quality audio when paired with the latest camera gear. The shock mount design here is in collaboration with Rycote, while it offers active noise reduction and works in tandem with an iOS and Android compatible smartphone app, offering

Riding the (air)waves: a compact and high quality range of JOBY ‘Wavo’ audio products has been introduced so retailers can benefit from the rapid growth in video blogging and podcasting globally

full control and remote monitoring of sound. With the option of mono or dual track recording, there is also an input for a secondary additional microphone if desired. It’s also worth mentioning that the Wavo Pro delivers what’s claimed as an industry first of on-board processing, plus a competitive performance in a compact from factor.

Upping the ante further is the Wavo PRO DS (above), for those content creator customers of yours who are seeking a functional microphone package with a premium sound and finish straight out of the box. This model starts with Wavo PRO technology and construction and simplifies the controls interface. Charged via USB-C cable, it’s designed to be fitted to the user’s choice of camera hardware and be ready to roll from the get go. This is the model for creators who don’t feel ready to ‘deep dive’ into audio settings and refined adjustments but nevertheless want a punchy, clean sound with either mono or stereo recordings. On-board front and back LEDs communicate the battery level and sound metering, avoiding voice clipping and providing convenient visual feedback for the creator.

Finally the Wavo Lav PRO (above) is for those seeking a big sound, yet a small footprint from a high quality lavalier wearable microphone. Omnidirectional, users can capture sound no matter the direction of the head, with the intentionally long black cable designed to work harmoniously with the Wavo PRO for the best interview type recording set up. Again the promise is broadcast quality with crisp, warm and natural voice recording, with a durable aluminium mounting clip provided to keep the Wavo Lav PRO locked in place.

For more on all these brands, please head to audixusa.com, vitecgroup.com, joby.com and rycote.com

with existing audio brands in JOBY and Rycote. Plus new Wavo microphone range announced by JOBY @bpi_news

BPI News | February / March 2022 13

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BPI News Extra

NEW FACES & PRODUCTS AT MAC GROUP EUROPE Proactive distributor MAC Group Europe is expanding its team – and its product range with it.

BPI News gets the scoop

T

here are two fresh faces this year at MAC Group Europe, plus exciting new products via an updated Tenba Fulton Collection to add to your stock, or invest in for your own photography.

Joining the team is Danny Dullforce as Product Marketing Manager and Helen Clayton as Digital Marketing Executive.

Danny has an abundance of knowledge and firsthand experience in the industry having worked in retail, sales and marketing. Now responsible for the MAC owned Tenba and Shimoda brands he will be working on developing the bag category in the business, working closely with sales and retail partners to cater for the needs of content creators.

The distributor tells us that the appointments are part of its business growth strategy and a desire to work more effectively with its partners, supporting them in jointly generating interest that engages and resonates with consumers to the point of purchase, through all channels.

Helen joins as Digital Marketing Executive. Helen is an experienced digital marketeer, having worked with a variety of clients in consumer & service driven industries. Helen will work closely with the Product Marketing team to deliver the MAC Group digital strategy, as consumer research and buying behaviour continues to evolve.

PACK ANIMALS Fittingly, Danny joining MAC Group coincides with a new update to Tenba’s popular Fulton v2 backpack range, the premise and sales pitch for which is based on Tenba’s three rules: keep it low profile and lightweight, keep it secure, plus don’t draw the wrong kind of attention.

Not only is there a new, larger 16L model added to the collection, but there is also a new All Weather Black Camo available in all three sizes (the other two being 10L and 14L). This new All-Weather design is made using super hydrophobic, water-repellent nylon designed to give your customers’ gear the ultimate protection no matter what the conditions. The front tablet/ laptop accessory pocket also adds a rubberised zipper designed to keep the rain out and equipment dry. If this is not enough protection, the Fulton v2 All Weather backpack is supplied with

A full range of options with Fulton backpacks: The All-Weather Black Camo (above), demo of how the pack can be transported atop a rolling case (top right), and the three pack sizes, including olive and plain black colours, shown below

Tenba’s signature removable & reversible Dual Sided WeatherWrap.

Further prograde features of the backpacks include: secure rear camera access so nothing can surreptitiously be removed from the front or sides while the wearer is travelling; tripod/monopod support via a reinforced side pocket; a padded tablet sleeve and an expandable roll-top opening for when extra cargo needs transporting – and all the while weighing less than 1.4Kg. All three sizes additionally offer a main compartment that can fit a DSLR or mirrorless camera, with room to add lenses, flashguns or video accessories including microphones, monitors and a compact form of lighting. DJI Mavic or other compact drones can also be transported in the packs.

Add to this an airflow harness, adjustable dividers and a new rear trolley strap for added convenience, and it’s clear that Tenba’s Fulton v2 backpacks offer more appeal than ever. Suggested pricing ranges from £85 for the 10L backpack in black or olive (and £100 for the All Weather black camo pack in the same size), to £125 for the black camo backpack in the largest size 16L. For more info and to order in Tenba stock contact MAC Group Europe direct now on 01902 255 500. www.macgroupeu.com

With spring on the way, now is the perfect time to order in the Tenba Fulton v2 collection. Call 01902 255 500 to meet expected demand

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BPI News | February / March 2022 15

Minilab News

FUJIFILM’S NEW PRINTER ACTS AS PANDEMIC BOOSTER BPI News learns how, in partnering with Fujifilm and installing its new CX3240 Creative Duplex Printer, Tewkesbury’s The Photo Studio has not only seen business boosted and its orders doubled, but in some cases tripled…

P

hoto printing and gifting is booming in the UK. According to recent research from industry watchers Futuresource Consulting on behalf of Fujifilm, the market value for such products is set to grow to £330 million by 2024, an increase of 57% compared with 2018.

Unsurprisingly, switched-on photo retailers are now looking to equip their businesses so as to take advantage of this growing demand and stay ahead of the curve, as well as capitalise on key calendar dates, like Father’s Day and Christmas, and increase their product capabilities.

One such business is Tewksbury based minilab and Fujifilm Independent Retail Partner The Photo Studio. Dedicated to photo printing and requiring state of the art equipment to meet all of its customers’ needs, with its current print solution near the end of its working life, it was time for a major upgrade.

Naturally it turned to Fujifilm.

“As photo printing technology has moved on so much since I last introduced a printer to the studio, it made sense for me to get the latest innovation available,” reasons The Photo Studio’s owner and director Nick Jones, who as well as digital and film printing offers a range of photo gifts plus restoration services. “Given that I trust Fujifilm products and the support that comes

Pic: Jack Boskett

Given that I trust Fujifilm products and the support that comes with them, it made sense to go for their CX3240. It allows us to maintain the high quality finish our customers are used to.”

Nick Jones, owner, The Photo Studio (above) with them, it made sense to go for their CX3240 as soon as it was available.”

He adds: “While being capable of very quick printing, it was also a great choice because it allows us to maintain the high quality finish our customers are used to. This is particularly important to ensure we can meet demand for high demand products like mugs, photo books and greetings cards.”

A VITAL UPGRADE, SEAMLESSLY INTEGRATED TO SATISFY DEMAND Outstanding in his field: Nick picked up an ‘Outstanding Achievement’ award from the Fujifilm UK team last year at its Fujifilm Partner Conference

Because of its speed of output, high volume print capability and advanced features – as well as the fact that it could be delivered and installed quickly –

the newly launched Fujifilm CX3240 Creative Duplex Printer has proved to be the ideal fit for The Photo Studio.

Products that do well for the store and which can be easily produced with the aid of the minilab include calendars and folded cards, with the automatic double-sided printing facility being key to operations. In addition, Nick and his team are able to use the machine for high quality photo books and benefit from borderless printing – particularly useful when introducing new products including personalised postcards.

While its compact footprint ensures that it can be installed in most shops, even those tight on space, Fujifilm promises that another benefit of the CX3240 is that users can follow straightforward

To discover how Fujifilm can inspire ideas and help boost the profile and bottom line of your own store or minilab, get in touch 16 February / March 2022 | BPI News

www.bpinews.co.uk

Fujifilm Advertorial

Pic: Jack Boskett

video instructions and have the printer up and running in under an hour.

“The assembly aspects were very simple,” business owner Nick Jones confirms. “All that remained was for the Fujifilm technical team to remotely install the relevant software to the store’s server for the machine to be fully integrated with our existing kiosk and dry lab equipment. Since travel restrictions and delays to work scheduled have been commonplace throughout the pandemic, not having to wait for an engineer to come out before we could start operations was particularly helpful.”

Having supply of the raw materials on hand from Fujifilm has also been crucial to the business, as demand for photo gifts has skyrocketed.

“Since integrating the machine I’ve needed to order roughly two to three times as many supplies for the studio from Fujifilm and in the future I can only envisage this increasing even more,” Nick adds. “It is remarkable that the system can print so much and in so short a timespan, all the while taking up very little floor space in the corner of my shop.

And I’m comfortable in the knowledge that we’re prepared for the busy gifting seasons to come throughout the year.”

Product Specialist for Fujifilm Imaging Solutions UK, Mark Wade concludes: “The CX3240 was launched to support our Independent Retail Partners like The Photo Studio in expanding their product portfolio and increasing

Pic: Nicholas Jones

Since integrating the machine I’ve needed to order roughly two to three times as many supplies for the studio from Fujifilm and in the future I can only envisage this increasing even more”

Pic: Nicholas Jones

Get creative: newly launched and newly installed at The Photo Studio, the Fujifilm CX3240 Creative Duplex Printer is allowing the store to do more of what they already do well with

output, particularly as demand for personalised photo gifts is on the rise.

“Other retailers looking to diversify their offering with printing can meet requirements with this high quality, high volume print offering in the CX3240. It is now easier than ever to discover new business and revenue possibilities ahead of key trading periods where gift cards, photo books and calendars are at their most popular.”

GET IN TOUCH For more information on how the CX3240 can be integrated into your own retail space, and to learn how becoming a Fujifilm Independent Retail Partner can set you up to maximise profit from photo gifts and photo printing services, get in touch with Fujifilm direct via photoimaging_uk@fujifilm.com or visit www.fujifilmphotoservices.co.uk

with Fujifilm Photo Print Services at photoimaging_uk@fujifilm.com or by visiting www.fujifilmphotoservices.co.uk @bpi_news

BPI News | February / March 2022 17

News

WORLD-CLASS PHOTOGRAPHY SHOWCASED It’s that time again: direct photographer customers seeking inspiration to the fact that the World Photography Organisation has unveiled the National Award winners for its Sony World Photography Awards 2022. The National Awards program is an initiative set up by the WPO and the manufacturer to support local photographic communities across the globe. The WPO tells us 61 countries took part this year and that over 170,000 images were entered into the Open competition, from which the National Awards winners were selected. A new component to this year’s awards is a Latin America National Awards initiative, attempting to shed light on talents from Central America, South America and Mexico.

All National Award winners receive Sony digital imaging equipment and will be included in the Sony World Photography Awards exhibition and book. We’ll have to wait until the April 12th 2022 reveal for the full list of winners in each awards category – including Student, Youth, Open and Professional – however. In the meantime the curious should direct their

Montsho, by Tshabalala Bongani.

Winner, National Awards, Portraiture

browser to the below URL for more. www.worldphoto.org

PUNKS NOT DEAD, SAYS 3 LEGGED THING The British tripod specialist has announced the Punks Trent 2.0, described as an ultra tall magnesium alloy monopod at 6.5ft tall at full extension. Aimed at photographers and filmmakers alike, it’s available as a standalone monopod, or in a kit with the brand’s own Docz monopod foot stabiliser. Bringing it into line with the manufacturer’s recently ‘refreshed’ Punks 2.0 tripods, the Trent 2.0 features rugged new leg locks that combine knurling with a central rubber grip. This is claimed to improve leverage in damp conditions, or when the user is wearing thick gloves. Said to be able to support loads of up to 30Kg while only weighing just over 700g itself, the monopod has an SRP of £79.99 if bought standalone.

The kit version, however, is a suggested £119.99.

3leggedthing.com

BPI News online

Le Mont.Saint-Michel at Sunset, by Cigdem Ayyildiz.

Winner, National Awards, Landscape

Rolling Boil, by Foteini Zaglara.

Winner, National Awards, Creative

Giant Tusker, by Mohammad Mirza.

Winner, National Awards, Natural World & Wildlife

Milky Way & Circle, by Mituhiro Okabe.

3rd Place, National Awards, Creative

Pay a visit to our magazine’s website where you can find page turn-able and downloadable digital editions dating back almost a decade; an archive collection which provides a living history of our ever-evolving industry like no other. For example, back in 2014 we were reporting from the first ever The Photography Show and looking ahead to another Photokina taking place the same year.

Fast-forward 8 years… and ‘TPS’ has assumed the mantle of the biggest photo show in Europe, while the latter’s disappeared entirely. How times change!

Visit our site to not only read a digital version of the latest magazine on your phone or tablet, but to also access a database described by one publisher as ‘demonstrating a continuity of excellence’. www.bpinews.co.uk

BPI News is your mouthpiece to reach peers in the photo trade, so use it. Send ad bookings & press releases to info@bpinews.co.uk 18 February / March 2022 | BPI News

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Product of the Month

PRODUCT OF THE MONTH: SONY A7 IV

Can the electronics behemoth’s latest full frame mirrorless appeal equally to stills photographers and videographers as it intends?

A

s everyone knows, Sony makes sensors for most digital cameras on the market. Straight from the source is the newly developed 33-megapixel full frame chip that forms the heart and lungs of the latest generation of its popular A7 series.

Despite it being a mirrorless camera, with lens attached such as the 14mm f/1.8 prime that came with our review sample, it’s a chunky beast and not especially compact and lightweight.

Moreover its professional looks mark users out as professionals themselves or at least prompt the striking up of conversations with passers by; so not the most surreptitious example for street photography and reportage.

A SOLID CHOICE As with anything Sony, build quality and attention to detail cannot be faulted, and that’s been the same since the launch of its first full frame mirrorless A7 a decade back – although so much has come since, it feels like longer ago than that. Differences are subtle compared with the Mark IV’s previous iteration, meaning any user will immediately feel on familiar ground as they lift the camera from its box.

While there are plenty of bells and whistles on show here it does however remain affordably within reach of the keen amateur as well as the pro wanting an alternative to a DSLR. Especially one who wants to shoot video alongside stills, with 4K resolution video footage at up to a cinematic 60fps being delivered, and at durations of up to an hour.

While there are plenty of bells and whistles on show here it does however remain affordably within reach of the keen amateur as well as the pro wanting an alternative to a DSLR”

Back in black: The latest iteration of Sony’s A7 full frame shooter comes with a newly developed 33 megapixel sensor delivering creative scope for the keen amateur or professional

Wide appeal: with stacks of detail delivered whether we’re shooting stills (actual sample images taken with 14mm lens shown) or video, the A7 IV has all bases covered

This camera is about doing everything equally well without compromise.

Thus although once again it features an EVF rather than optical viewfinder, we’d be hard pressed to tell the difference with an eye pressed up against it. It also features the convenience of a flip-out-andtwist 3-inch 1.03 million dot resolution backplate LCD, which here is also a touch screen. Again, there’s an air of familiarity, with anyone who is used to scrolling, through, selecting and enlarging images on their smartphone able to quickly get to grips with operation here.

FAST AF Sony claims the A7 IV’s auto focus capability is based on the performance of its flagship Alpha 1 model, with a latest generation Bionz XR processor

on board to ensure that everything zips along without hold up, with, in practice, the camera feeling as though it quickly becomes an extension of our own arm and eye. Certainly there’s nothing in the way of lag, thereby making us feel like it is keeping up with us, or our compositional subjects.

As with any tilt and twist LCD screen, on the Sony A7 IV this comes in handy when attempting shots and videography from what would otherwise be awkward angles, or if using the screen in bright winter sunshine, whereupon it can be angled to ensure the view’s less obscured and clearer to view. Menu screens are clear and logically laid out, while there’s the ability to tap the screen and move the focus point around manually if desired.

On this camera we generously get vacant slots for two SD media cards, hidden under a sliding flap on the grip.

This ensures they are easy to access even when the camera is fixed to a tripod.

The camera feels solid in the palm and interestingly Sony says construction is of recycled plastic (‘Sorplas’) this time around. You certainly wouldn’t feel any difference compared with previous generations though. With battery life good for a respectable 600 images, this is another compelling package from the electronics giant. www.sony.co.uk

Published for over 35 years, BPI News is your industry’s only dedicated title aimed at retailers, distributors, minilabs and manufacturers NEVER MISS AN ISSUE! Read BPI News online at issuu.com/bpinewsonline

BPI News | February / March 2022 19

Business Advice TALKIN’ ‘BOUT A RETAIL REVOLUTION

As we get stuck into 2022 in earnest, it’s worth re-capping that the pandemic has masked a quiet revolution in retail, the seeds of which were sown even as most of our shops were shut. Now restrictions have eased, on the surface it’s ‘business as usual’. But in fact, for anyone paying attention, it’s anything but…

T

he past 12 years we’ve weathered the financial crash, the credit crunch, Brexit, a pandemic, and now we’re bracing for a cost of living crisis. It seems hard to recall a time when we haven’t

gone about our lives and our business conquering one challenge without being immediately confronted by the next. And how has the photo industry responded during this time? By discontinuing point-

and-shoot sub-£500 digital compacts now that everyone can achieve similar results via their smartphone and, instead, increasingly focusing – no pun intended – on the luxury and pro-end camera markets,

Got your own ideas about how the photo industry can counter the challenges arising from the pandemic, 20 February / March 2022 | BPI News

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The changing face of retail explored Building relationships with our existing customer base while trying to explore other compatible avenues is key. As we’ve found before in previous financial crises, customers are still prepared to spend money on doing the things they love – and that includes photography” easier than ever in this Internet age.

Obviously what said buyers are missing out on is the dedicated face-to-face knowledge imparted by a camera shop proprietor with many years of service under their belt – but, then again, a scroll through customers’ online ‘reviews’ can generally enable us to suss out whether the product is up to scratch, even if we can’t determine if it’s an exact match for our personal requirements. Given all of the above, building relationships with our existing customer base while trying to explore other compatible avenues is key. As we’ve found before in previous financial crises, customers are still prepared to spend money on doing the things they love; in fact despite everything they’re determined to seek pleasure where they can – and that includes photography.

REACTING TO & ANTICIPATING CHANGING HABITS

with products routinely released costing several thousand pounds. It’s clear our market for hardware is not currently a mass market. The average consumer is not going to be paying those prices, so we’ve seen specialist retailers increasingly focusing on buying and selling second hand gear, along with, of course, seeking higher margins from the sale of printed matter and personalised photo gifts, as well as accessories. At the same time as shooting on film has seen something of a resurgence, some retailers have even pivoted completely from being camera sellers to minilab businesses.

Major manufacturers of new goods have either forced retailers’ hands, or responded by in turn selling direct to the consumer – something that’s

The rise in cases of Omicron at the close of last year may have partly scuppered the chance for our high street retailers to bounce back, with consumers thinking twice about venturing into town (and analysts suggesting 25% fewer shoppers for Christmas 2021 compared with Christmas 2019), but the relaxing of restrictions in early 2022 and a general weariness in the general populace after the past two years means that it does feel like we’re rowing back to normality, or at least a subtly altered version of it. With more of us now working from home at least some of the time – and perhaps only popping into the office once or twice a week, or even month – it’s no surprise home delivery services continue to be popular, despite the shortage of truck drivers and long delays at UK ports, the latter largely due to new red tape and complex paperwork required between the EU and UK. Frictionless trade it is not.

At the same time, surveys indicate that consumers are expecting their goods to be delivered quicker than ever; in some cases the same day their order is placed, indicating the of influence of Amazon Prime on the customer mindset, making even the offer of ‘click’ to buy online and ‘collect’ in store a little passé. Still, in an age where people are looking to save pennies where they can, spending £1.50 on a parking ticket while nipping to the local camera shop is preferable

to a fiver spent on postage. And the vast majority of independent retailers, without the resources to match Amazon’s delivery network and distribution hubs throughout the country – or its ability to charge a premium yearly fee for quick turnaround – should either partner with another courier service, or perhaps look to other means of adding value to a purchase.

A RETAIL REVOLUTION Like most things in this pandemic age, those businesses best equipped to survive the trials and tribulations of a retail revolution (that is happening alongside and within it) are to a greater or lesser extent reliant on emerging technologies, including monitoring customers’ spending habits to increase the possibility of frequent followon sales. ‘Knowing your customer’ involves a deeper dive than was ever previously possible from an over-thecounter sales chat. That said, there is little in the way of substitute for faceto-face interaction when it comes to relationship building, so it’s not hard to propose that a mixture of personal contact plus online interaction through newsletters and social media updates is the ideal approach for 2022. If customers aren’t dropping by the store with the regularity that they used to, it stands to reason that you need to find some way of maintaining contact, letting them know what you have for sale and how they can get hold of it – without becoming looked upon as just another spam email in their inbox.

While we’ve witnessed the world of retail changing at pace these past two years, some tried-and-tested approaches remain solid fallbacks. As ever, seasonal promotions to get additional footfall and increased spend are still valid ‘no-brainers’ when it comes to trying to entice new custom. Whether it’s Valentine’s Day, Easter or Mother’s Day, all these events are absolute gifts on which to hang a special offer or two. They’re concepts that allow you to refresh and re-engage with passersby via your literal shop window, as well as the home page of your website – and again a combination of the two ‘platforms’, working in tandem and with one driving spend and attention to the other, is the way to proceed.

or care to share what’s working for you (without giving away trade secrets)? Then do get in touch direct via info@bpinews.co.uk @bpi_news

BPI News | February / March 2022 21

Product of the Month 2

PRODUCT OF THE MONTH 2: NIKON Z 9

Can Nikon’s most advanced mirrorless camera it’s ever made justify the expectations of both its manufacturer and intended audience?

W

ith a built in battery grip at its base, along with a full sized handgrip proper, the Z 9 is a bit of a beast. OK, so it’s not quite as chunky as a comparable full sized, full frame professional grade DSLR would be, but still… a ‘compact’ system camera this is not. Twin the body with the Nikkor Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S telephoto zoom we were generously sent for review and it’s positively gargantuan.

Of course big lenses require a comparably sizeable body and mount, plus a camera offering market-leading power and punch was never going to be one to slip unobtrusively into a handbag.

Also, with reports suggesting that Nikon has slipped into fourth place for worldwide sales behind Canon, Sony and Fujifilm (the latter’s placing largely due to success of its Instax snapshots), it feels like it’s high time for Nikon to make a decisive statement of sorts. So is the much hyped / much anticipated Nikon Z 9 it?

CHUNKY MONKEY Nikon views the flagship Z 9’s intended audience as comprising pro fashion and commercial photographers who will benefit from the added detail its 45.7 megapixel full frame CMOS sensor can deliver, as well as landscape and wildlife photographers. Also included in its catchment are sports snappers

It feels like it’s high time for Nikon to make a decisive statement of sorts. So is the much hyped / much anticipated Nikon Z 9 it?” and photojournalists, who surely don’t require a whopping resolution, but will nevertheless still benefit from a generous 493-point auto focus system with 3D tracking that the manufacturer claims is its most sophisticated implementation to date, along with capture speeds of up to 120fps with full auto focus and exposure metering. It’s clear this one’s a bit of a powerhouse from the fact that more than 1,000 full resolution Raw images can be captured at 20fps in one burst. Yes, the £5,299 body-only asking price here is not cheap, but it seems like the Z 9 is a workhorse capable of putting many miles on its clock. The camera feels as solid and well-built when held in the palm as we’d expect for that sort of outlay, and while it is indeed a chunky example of a mirrorless camera, Nikon insists its body is 20% smaller than its own D6, while, incredibly, exceeding that DSLR’s robustness.

NOT JUST STILLS BUT VIDEO TOO Photojournalists and commercial photographers may occasionally get called upon to capture moving footage,

and here the Z 9 is no slouch either. In fact, perhaps with last summer’s Tokyo Olympics originally in mind, or the winter games currently taking place, the camera has been blessed with being able to record 8K 30P footage for up to a movie-length 125 minutes at a time, which unsurprisingly is currently the longest duration for mirrorless cameras. Even the ‘basics’ are full frame 8K video at between 24fps and 60fps, or 4K video at 24fps to 120fps, plus time-lapse movies in-camera.

As we’d expect, this camera is feature packed and as button festooned as they come, but the slightly smaller size when compared to a pro DSLR does help avoid that feeling that reaching certain controls is a bit of a finger or thumb stretch. In gripping the camera with both hands, most of the essentials are within reach, and will feel immediately familiar to anyone who’s handled a pro, or even semi pro, class of DSLR. Nikon was reluctant for a long while to step away from DSLR and focus the majority of its attention on mirrorless, but the Z 9 would suggest that its eventual change of heart is beginning to pay off. www.nikon.co.uk

Published for over 35 years, BPI News is your industry’s only dedicated title aimed at retailers, distributors, minilabs and manufacturers 22 February / March 2022 | BPI News

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GROW YOUR BUSINESS ON OUR PAGES With the photo trade back in bloom, it’s time to ‘spring into action’ and share your products and services, telling the rest of the photo industry what you can do for them.

The next issue is our April / May cover edition!

To book an advertorial feature that we write and design, based on your brief... or to place an advert on a page like this one... get in touch with BPI News editor Gavin Stoker now.

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Copy deadline for our next issue is March 21st, 2022. www.bpinews.co.uk

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