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Canon’s product boom! New camera and lens line-up & Photography Show plans revealed
Sigma goes mirror-less at CP+ Japan and launches exciting new Art and Contemporary series lenses
Paper fortune! Fotospeed shines light on Metallic packs & Kaiser straps at The Photography Show
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EDITORIAL | March 2016
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Spring into The Photography Show…
s I type this The Photography Show is find exclusive interviews and revelations – the looming large with Easter following specifics of which you’ll be able to chew over immediately after, at which point, with the teams in person on the show floor. hopefully, the weather will brighten and Or, should you not be attending, you’ll at least cameras and tripods will be broken out of now know what you’re missing and will be winter storage and put back into active use. able to follow up and investigate afterwards. The exhibition itself is another way of taking Talking of avoiding missing anything… the temperature… of the photographic be sure to follow BPI News on our various social industry as a whole. Audited attendance media and e-publishing platforms. figures over the last two years have stated Of course there’s the website at Gavin Stoker, 30,000+ visitors over the four days – and www.bpinews.co.uk which acts as a portal to Editor naturally it will be interesting to see whether the current and previous editions hosted at gavin@bpinews.co.uk that number moves up, down or stays the issuu.com. Or head straight to the latter and @GavinStoker same this year. Initial thoughts are positive simply type ‘BPI News’ into the search bar to ones. The big names in Canon, Nikon, Sony, Olympus, read our e-edition. We’re also on Twitter @bpi_news, so Fujifilm, Panasonic et al are back this year as exhibitors be sure to click the ‘follow’ button there too. Typically our and Britain’s best-known photographer David Bailey is in e-edition is uploaded onto the Internet up to a week before conversation – so plenty to draw the crowds, whether you’re print copies begin to land on desks or doormats, so it’s well a devotee of the gear, or a student of the art. worth checking out to get the ‘scoop’ first. Unsurprisingly then, as our cover flash indicates, this is In the meantime enjoy the edition of BPI News you hold our Photography Show preview edition, in which we’ve in your hands (or swipe through via your screen) and we’ll canvassed exhibitors big and small to find out what they’ll see you back here next month for an extensive report on be showcasing, where they’ll be showcasing it, and why you The Photography Show as well as our annual BPI News should pay attention. Over the following 32 pages you’ll Awards (your vote counts – see page 22!).
CONTENTS 04 THE PHOTOGRAPHY SHOW PREVIEWED The final exhibitors announced & last minute preparations detailed as Europe’s biggest annual photo show throws open its doors 06 CANON’S BOOM: NEW PHOTO & VIDEO BONANZA The 1D X Mark II, EOS 80D, G7 X Mark II, PowerShot SX 720 HS and EF-S 18135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM lens unveiled
16 AT THE VANGUARD OF THE TRADE FOR 30 YEARS Vanguard is celebrating the big 3-0 this year. CameraWorld’s Tony Stent tells us about his longterm partnership with its bags and tripods New Fujifilm UK General Manager Theo Georghiades - Page 30
18 PLENTY TO LOOK AT FROM KENRO The leading distributor has a new product brochure bundled with this issue and new agency in Saramonic to showcase 20 PROMEDIAGEAR VIA JUST LTD We take a look at gimbal heads and sliders aimed at videographers plus a flexible flash bracket for demanding photographers 22 BPI NEWS AWARDS NOMINEES We welcome the trade to vote on their ‘Product of the Year’ and BPI News ‘Campaign/Promotion of the Year’
10 NEWS The latest gear launched to coincide with the CP+ Show in Japan, which in all likelihood you’ll be able to touch and try for the first time at TPS
27 JOIN THE CEWE PHOTOBOOK CLUB The print specialist reaches out to consumers, professionals and retailers via stand H135, and shares its photobook range
14 SIGMA OFFERS ‘GAME CHANGERS’ AT THE NEC Talking of the big show, Sigma has a fistful of new cameras and lenses to exhibit, including its first mirror-less models
30 TALK OF THE TRADE We catch up with new Fujifilm UK boss Theo Georghiades who discusses his new appointment and future plans for the firm
Subscriptions, back issues & BPI News online Overseas annual subscription £50 (Cheques payable to Legacy Media Ltd). For details email info@bpinews.co.uk. View current and back issues online at www.bpinews.co.uk
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BPI News | March 2016 3
NEWS
All set for the big show We’ve filled this issue with manufacturer, distributor and supplier’s plans for their stands at The Photography Show… but here are a few extras from some of the other leading players on the show floor, pulling out all the stops to welcome crowds of an expected 30,000 across the four days and attract them to their respective displays:
Olympus
image-space.co.uk events site for details. You will be able to pre-book some sessions before the show but we will reserve some to do on the day. There will be a chance to see the camera on the main stand but we just wanted to make things a little bit special to celebrate our 80th year in imaging.”
“THIS YEAR we are trying something a little different by letting anyone interested in the PEN-F book a sit down session away from the hurly burly of the stand in special consulting rooms,” Marketing Manager Mark Thackara tells BPI News of its plans for 16 out - Canon 1 17/02/2016 12:38 stand BPI E31.March “Check our binoculars.pdfwww.olympus.co.uk
Nikon THE PHOTO stalwart will be showcasing recent product launches in the flagship D5 and D50 DSLRs, as well as latest Coolpix cameras and Nikkor lenses on stand C11. Central to the stand is the Nikon School, where a host of prominent photographers will be giving talks, including wedding
and lifestyle specialist Kate HopewellSmith, fine art wildlife photographer David Yarrow, along with Bob Martin and Leon Neal. The stand will also play host to speakers including ‘Game of Thrones’ stills photographer Helen Sloan and wildlife photographer Richard Peters. www.nikon.co.uk
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NEWS Sony “WE’RE PRETTY confident that we should be able to get the new A6300 in time for the show and we’ve built that into our stand design”, says Sony Alpha Product Manager James Loader. “The new 70-200mm is probably only going to be behind glass. But certainly the 24mm, 70mm and the 85mm we’re working on being there and having plenty of stock for people to be able to come up and try first hand. “The way we’ve approached the show this year is to try and
Panasonic
The electronics giant is following its pugilistic displays of 2015 with an Olympic themed stand (D41) this year – tying in with its long running sponsorship of the Olympic Games and partnership with the British Olympic Association. Providing an eye-catching bit of theatre, athletes from a range of sporting backgrounds including basketball, gymnastics and BMX will perform hourly in the specially designed sports arena within the Panasonic stand, with live commentary from Lumix G pro photographer ambassadors. Recently announced Panasonic cameras including the Lumix TZ100, TZ80 and new Leica DG 100-400mm telephoto lens will also be demonstrated. It has also teamed up with retailer exhibitors CameraWorld and London Camera Exchange to offer exclusive show offers on its gear. www.panasonic.co.uk
Lumix National Trust POS Description
©National Trust Images/Matthew Antrobus
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©National Trust Images/Matthew Antrobus
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Making a return… More recently confirmed exhibitors at the show include RED Europe Ltd, Hobby Mounts, Panzer Cases, Zenfolio, Lomography, TomTom Bandit Action Camera, Samsung memory products A3 Poster Adobe. and software giant Show organisers Future also recently confirmed that the Video Theatre was making a comeback this year for those making the transition from stills to ‘movies’ or parties interested in 4K technology. A programme has been set in place for to take a speCial piCture you need to go to speCial plaCes Now you and your family can discover hundreds of new special places with the National Trust and capture every stunning detail with the award-winning new LUMIX FZ200 or FZ72.
Promotional period: 22/08/2013 – 31/12/2013. Promotional terms apply, please see panasonic.co.uk/promotions *Leica is a registered trademark of Leica Microsystems IR GmbH. ELMARIT is a registered trademark of Leica Camera AG
T48046 Panasonic_A3_Poster.indd 1
©National Trust Images/Matthew Antrobus
Complimentary 12 month national trust membership with the lumiX FZ200 or FZ72
21/08/2013 13:54
to take a speCial piCture you need to go to speCial plaCes Now you and your family can discover hundreds of new special places with the National Trust and capture every stunning detail with the award-winning new LUMIX FZ200 or FZ72.
• Complimentary National Trust Membership Campaign POS
the show to give visitors a different view of the videographer’s world. Last but not least the Mobile & Social Stage programme has now been confirmed. The team tell us they’ve got sessions planned giving specific tips on smartphone photography and becoming ‘Insta-famous’, plus stories from Wobbler photographers who swear by using mobiles and who claim they’ve captured some of their best shots with them. www.photographyshow.com
Fujifilm THE PHOTO giant will have a photo imaging section to its stand (E21) on which it will be exhibiting its Fujifilm Smartlab, incorporating three Frontier-S DX100 printers and the Fujifilm Imagine kiosk, as well as the Fujifilm DL650 Drylab and the Fujifilm Imagine Kiosk offering 12-inch wide printing. Also on show will be the Frontier-S DX100 Event photography package as shown at The Societies Trade Show (see pages 16 and 17, BPI News Feb), the Fujifilm Digital Photo Zone DPX100, a standalone instant print solution with two Frontier-S DX100 printers and the Fujifilm Imagine kiosk with Epson 6000 24-inch wide format printer. “We’ll also be incorporating a large shop area with wall and counter displays showing the many and varied ways of using your photos,” Marketing Manager Peter Wigington tells us. “We will also be showing the range of new drylab and silver halide medias we manufacture. Our Fujifilm Imagine software support team has a large stand area and will be on hand for
incorporate a bit more of a dynamic shooting subject on the stand (D51) to showcase the key selling points of the new products, like the auto focus system on the A6300 and improved EVF borrowed out of the A7R Mark II.” Acting as a live subject for photographers wanting to test out the Sony kit and fast 8fps capture modes, will be the UK’s only allfemale professional cycling team – a first for The Photography Show! “Hopefully this is going to draw people into the stand. We will have the ability to shoot them in motion and demonstrate the cameras’ slow motion capabilities.” www.sony.co.uk
the whole show to offer practical advice and solutions to all our retailers attending the show who use Fujifilm Imagine software across their in store, online and mobile platforms.” Camera and lens wise, Fujifilm says it will have ‘plenty’ of new X-Pro2, X-E2S, X-T1 and X70 cameras to touch and try, along with its XF-100mm lens. It is further offering a loan service that lets visitors try out one camera body and one lens for the day. In addition there will be X-Pro2 demo sessions with its Fujifilm photographer ambassadors and a free ‘photowalk’ on the Saturday. For more on show plans, see our interview with new General Manager Theo Georghiades on page 30. www.fujifilm.co.uk
Hang Tag
Promotional period: 22/08/2013 – 31/12/2013. Promotional terms apply, please see panasonic.co.uk/promotions *Leica is a registered trademark of Leica Microsystems IR GmbH. ELMARIT is a registered trademark of Leica Camera AG
21/08/2013 13:56
T48046 Panasonic_A4_Cling.indd 1
21/08/2013 13:59
A4 Cling
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BPI News | March 2016 5
PREVIEW
CANON’S BOOM: NEW PHOTO & VIDEO BONANZA AT THE PHOTOGRAPHY SHOW Not content with launching 10 new photo products at CES, followed by the surprise announcement of the 1DX Mark II weeks later, photo giant Canon launches a further five new products with May 2016 availability… all in time for its stand D141/E131 appearance at The Photography Show
T
he big news from Canon this month its new top-of-the-range DSLR in the EOS-1D X Mark II – but in fact there is a whole handful of interesting new gear to investigate, with the UK getting its first chance at The Photography Show. First up, the pro-grade Mark II is all about the speed: namely 14fps with full AF/AE tracking and 16fps in Live View mode. It also features a new 20.2 megapixel CMOS sensor, 4K video capture up to 60P, an ISO range expandable up to 409600 equivalent, plus a 61-point AF system with 41 cross-type points. The result is a camera that its maker hopes will be ‘an essential companion’ for virtually every professional photography specialism. With May availability promised, SRP is £5,199.99 Pitched at enthusiasts and semi pros, as well as videographers, the second new DSLR is a replacement for the 70D in the EOS 80D, which Canon UK Product Intelligence Professional David Parry describes to BPI News as “a much more immersive experience” than its predecessor. “We want to give enthusiasts something that will push them,” he reasons. Standout features include a new sensor, ISO10016,000 light sensitivity, extendable
BPI News Editor Gavin Stoker inspects the 80D’s viewfinder
L to R: Canon UK’s David Parry, Neale Conroy, Didi Goddard and Daniel Benjamin show off the new additions to the manufacturer’s lens and camera line up for spring 2016
to ISO25,600, Digic 6 processor, new flicker detection feature and 7fps burst mode, along with a re-designed mirror box assembly. ‘Which is very similar to what we’ve done with the 1D X Mark II, in that in going for a gear mechanism it’s made it a lot smoother and a lot quieter. It also allows you to control the mirror better to minimise black out time. What’s great about the sensor and processor now is that with these two working together you’re getting a buffer rate of 110 JPEGs or 25 Raws, whereas on the 70D it was 65 Jpegs and 16 Raws.” David outlines his favourite feature as the camera’s 45-point, all cross type AF system, suggesting that it was the same as that found on the old 1D Mark IV. With the 80D being marketed as a camera that adapts to your needs, Canon suggests that the camera will successfully auto focus in moonlight. In terms of videos, it’s 60P Full HD
being offered here rather than 4K, with the manufacturer noting that the previous 70D model was popular with bloggers. The 80D also has a new headphone jack. Naturally it’s Wi-Fi and NFC equipped and the design is otherwise very similar to the 70D, but with a deeper grip and more tactile feel. “The physical appearance of it is very similar to the
is the G7 X Mark II, which, says its maker, has witnessed a lot of changes – chief among them the introduction of a Digic 7 processor – the first appearance of this upgraded processor in the Canon range. It is claimed to be 14x faster than Digic 6. Speed aside, it is also said to improve subject detection and tracking – offering a one stop advantage over
“We’re going bigger and better at The Photography Show this year with a lot larger stand. It will be the first chance for people to get their hands on the new products, from the 1D X Mark II to the 80D” 70D as you’d expect; the users seem to be happy with the button layout and the last thing people want to do is have to completely re-learn a new camera,” David Parry reasons. The 80D arrives April at £999.99 SRP. The third new camera product
the plain old G7 X. Attendant features to note are 8fps capture speed for up to 19 Raw frames, time lapse movies, picture style modes and improved grip, which is again aimed at making the camera more tactile. Canon has also thought about the videographer
Head to stand D141/E131 at The Photography Show to check out new launches in the 1D X Mark II, 6 March 2016 | BPI News
CANON NEWS SPECIAL
See Canon’s latest big hitter in the 1D X Mark II at The Photography Show
with regard to this model too: there’s a new ‘silent switch’ by the lens to enable smooth and quiet use (without any audible clicks). “We’re expecting image quality to have a one stop advantage over the G7 X because the IS system has changed: we’ve got dual sensor IS system inside here, which not only uses information that it gets from the lens but information that it gets from the sensor as well,” explains Canon’s David. Availability is from April at £549.99 SRP. The fourth camera release is the new PowerShot SX 720 HS, which is being pitched as very much a travel camera, thanks in part to its 40x optical zoom power. Other features to note are 20.3 megapixel maximum resolution and the ability to capture Full HD movies at 60P. The pitch here
is that this is a great all-rounder, and naturally comes with the modern connectivity options of both Wi-Fi and NFC. SRP is £299.99 with, again, April availability. “This range has really evolved over the years to become more and more powerful. It’s a very popular camera for travel and super zoom users. This one has gone up from a 30x optical zoom to a 40x optical zoom – which is a huge range – whilst the physical size has hardly changed at all. The lens system now has more ultra dispersive glass inside it than any other camera of its type. We’ve managed to miniaturise it to fit in a camera this size, which is a big step forward. And we wouldn’t do this unless we could achieve the best image quality possible – so it’s very exciting.” Canon UK Product Marketing Manager Daniel Benjamin concludes: “The good news is that Canon is in a really good position in the market. For overall photo we’re still the number one brand and for DSLR and lenses we’re number one both in volume and value. What’s interesting is that, with the PowerShot G7 X, we’ve now got the number one best selling product in the premium camera market and not only is that market growing, but we’ve also maintained the number one position. Even in the sub 20x zoom category we’re still doing well with the number one position there. This is a new year in which consumer confidence is up, so it’s a good start.”
Meet Canon’s experts in person and examine all the new products on stand D141/E131 at The Photography Show. www.canon.co.uk
Stylish 2016 additions include two shades of the SX 720 HS travel zoom (above left) and enthusiast targeted G7 X Mark II in studious black
GREATER ZOOM POWER FOR STILLS & VIDEO SLOTTING alongside the new DSLR releases is the EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM lens – the first lens, says Canon to have ‘Nano USM’ technology – plus Power Zoom adapter the PZ-E1. Canon says the new lens is designed for people to shoot stunning movies and stills, particularly sports – whereas the adapter seems to signify the manufacturer is looking to satiate its audience of videographers in particular. The PZ-E1 features electrical contacts, which ‘talk’ to the lens – which in turn talks to the camera and allows users to adjust zoom speed. It’s also compatible with
Canon’s Camera Connect app. “This is something we haven’t made before, so it is pretty exciting,” notes David Parry. “What’s good is that you can control it remotely using Wi-Fi. The latest version of our app gives you the ability to zoom in or out remotely, which is pretty cool. You can alter the speed of the zoom to tailor it to the kind of effect you want to get, or flick the setting back to manual zoom.” The EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM lens arrives April at £439.99 SRP, whilst the PZ-E1 follows in May at £129.99.
Bigger & better at The Photography Show “We’re going bigger and better at The Photography Show this year with a lot larger stand,” Canon UK Product Marketing Manager Daniel Benjamin tells BPI News. The brand will also be premiering its own live stage with talks from leading photographers and videographers – including Andy Rouse, Simeon Quarrie, Lara Jade and Christian Anderi. “It will be the first chance for people to get their hands on the new products, from the 1DX Mark II to the 80D. We’ll have all the product managers there and all the experts. We’ll also be focusing on additional services with a CS100 Connect Station demonstration, plus we’ll be promoting things like Irista online photo storage. “At The Photography Show, we’ll have two stands linked with a ‘lens bridge’ and behind that will be our live stage. We’ll be showcasing our photographer ambassadors, we’ll be doing workshops, and really
bringing things to life at the show. Before and after, we’re doing a lot of work to really create the hype – because this is pretty important in order to drive the imaging market. “On our left hand stage there will be the chance to touch and try our core product. And then the right hand side will be effectively our solutions side, so we’ll be looking at the 5DS and 5DS R workflow, we’ll have the connected home, we’ll be showcasing all the HD books and we’ll have a dedicated Canon Professional Services technical area – we’ll have guys there to hopefully answer all the questions from end users. “We’ll also have a 4k display set up with the C300 Mark II so everyone can see what the image quality is like. We will also have a couple of dealer rooms. This all highlights the investment we’re putting into the imaging market and how we can help it grow.”
EOS 80D, G7 X Mark II, PowerShot SX 720 HS and EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM for yourself! BPI News | March 2016 7
Kodak Express members gather to exchange ideas and hear the latest initiatives from Kodak Alaris and distributor Tetenal Well over a 100 people gathered from all over the UK and Ireland at the Hilton Hotel on the outskirts of Leicester on a typically dreary Sunday on the last day of January for the inaugural KEXchange event for members of the Kodak Express network of photographic retail stores. THE NIGHT BEFORE THE MORNING AFTER Many store owners had chosen to save themselves an early Sunday morning start and gathered at the hotel the night before and had dinner with members of the Tetenal and Kodak Alaris teams and drinks in the hotel bar afterwards. This informal get together helped to reinforce the feeling that this was a real network of businesses working together for the benefit of all. PRESENTATIONS The gathered crowd were keen to hear the latest news from Kodak Alaris Imaging EAMER General Manager Lee Palmer who delivered a well received presentation regarding the photo market in general and specifically Kodak Alaris’s initiatives and activities to ensure the Kodak Express network remains at the heart of their business, particularly here in the UK & Ireland. There were also presentations from Paul Davey of Kodak Alaris, Mike Piggin and Craig Bird from Tetenal and a particularly insightful 30 minute session from Jenny Johnston of PhotoValue on how retail stores can maximise the sales opportunities offered through Facebook advertising.
8 March 2016 | BPI News
DEDICATED SESSIONS After a hearty complimentary lunch, visitors were split into 3 to take part in group sessions. All stores took part in all three sessions including a general Q & A with members of the Kodak Alaris and Tetenal management teams, a training session on the new features of the KODAK MOMENTS APP and how it can benefit individual Kodak Express stores. Finally there was a visit to Tetenal’s HQ located just a couple of minutes away from the venue. Visitors were surprised to see that a coach and driver had been laid on to transport them to and from Tetenal’s premises which all added to the feeling of togetherness. Tetenal have transformed their Kodak showroom into a bright modern store setting with lots of ideas on how to display products together with some eye-catching graphics and new product lines. TRANSFORMATION The transformation seemed to have the desired effect with many store owners highlighting this as their favourite part of the day. In addition, people were equally impressed by the long wallpaper graphic covering over 7mtrs of Tetenal’s upstairs office space illustrating how the low tack self adhesive wallpaper product can add another profitable product line to stores owning a large format printer. ROUND UP The day was rounded up by Tetenal MD Mike Fawcett and Kodak Alaris Business Director Paul Austin conducting a prize draw with rewards to the value of almost £5000. Token House, Phoenix Photographic, Stait Photography and Foto Station being the lucky recipients to round off what was a fantastic event.
THE STORE OWNERS VIEW “It really was a huge step forward for the network” Dave Rasch, Phoenix Photographic
“If we’re all prepared to work together we will have the best network in the UK. Congratulations to all who organised the event” Trevor Brown, Colorgrafix
“Had an amazing time at KEXchange 2016. Great fun catching up with so many KEX’s. The main thing I’m taking away is that WE individually make up the network and it’s heartening to see Kodak Alaris sees us as a valuable part of their plans for the future” Hanif Kapedia, Quality Photos
“Thanks to Kodak and Tetenal for a very informative day of knowledge sharing. We are really looking forward to re-launching the shop under the Kodak Express banner” Robert Wilson, Rapture Photographics
“We very much enjoyed KEXchange. It was good to meet everyone and hear about what is happening this year” Danielle Ellam, Alta Image
THE KODAK EXPRESS DIFFERENCE - BE A PART OF IT Being part of the Kodak Express network means you don’t lose the identity of your business. Our branding and merchandising is there to support you as an individual business owner, giving you a framework to help build your business. With brand owner Kodak Alaris and distributor Tetenal working in harmony, you have access to a wealth of marketing support materials through our online library.
You also have your own Account Manager and a marketing support team who can work with you individually rather than a one size fits all approach. All this together with the world famous Kodak brand sitting above your door gives you a great advantage in the world of Photographic retail. Contact Tetenal to learn more about joining the Kodak Express network.
Official Distributors to the Kodak Express Network TEL 0116 289 3644
e-mail : phil.barker@tetenal.uk.com or mike.piggin@tetenal.uk.com
BPI News | March 2016 9
NEWS
NIKON ‘SHAKES UP’ PREMIUM COMPACTS THAT’S THE BOAST for a new ‘DL’ range of products on the way, comprising three new zoom cameras that, unusually, boast model numbers based on their respective lens power. So we have the new Nikon DL24-85 f/1.8-2.8 (£549.99 or £669.99 with EVF), the Nikon DL18-50 f/1.8-2.8 (£679.99 or £799.99 with EVF) and Nikon DL24-500 f/2.85.6 (21x zoom, at £749.99 SRP). Each of these compacts features a oneinch CX format sensor, with the ability to capture 20.8MP stills and
4K/UHD video at 30p/25p. They also boast a hotshoe each and accessories including optional DF-E1 tiltable EVF with eye sensor. Showcasing the fact that these are premium products, each features a signature gold Nikkor lens ring. The cameras are further Nikon SnapBridge compatible for connecting to smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth, and
availability is from June. “Nikon is entering the premium compact market with not one, but three impressive cameras that are guaranteed to excite photographers not willing to compromise on their images,” promises Nikon UK Senior Product Manager Tim Carter. In addition there are four new ‘regular’ Coolpix compacts - again Snapbridge compatible. These are the B700 (£359.99 SRP), A900 (£329.99), B500 (£219.99) and A300 (£129.99). The 60x optical zoom Coolpix B700 and 35x optical zoom A900 both offer supertelephoto capability and
4K UHD video recording, while the B500 combines 20-megapixel CMOS sensor with a 40x optical zoom. The slender A300 comes equipped with an 8x optical zoom. Availability was promised this April as we went to press. www.nikon.co.uk
SONY CLAIMS ‘WORLD’S FASTEST AF’ THE ELECTRONICS behemoth has unveiled the Wi-Fi and NFC compatible A6300 mirror-less camera, with the boast of the world’s fastest AF speed (0.05 seconds to lock on to a moving subject) and the highest number of AF points (425 phase detection AF points). It also has a newly developed 24.2 megapixel APS-C sensor, Bionz X processor and 4K video recording. UK pricing is £1000
body only, £1100 with 16-50mm lens or £1750 for 16-70mm Zeiss lens kit. It’s available this March. Talking of which, it also has a new ‘G Master’ trio of interchangeable lenses in the 24-70mm constant f/2.8 standard zoom, 85mm f/1.4 prime (both arriving in March) and a 70-200mm constant f/2.8 telephoto zoom (coming May). Designed for stills and video equally, “the new G
Master brand represents the finest and most impressive group of lenses that Sony has ever brought to market,” says Yosuke Aoki, Vice President, Digital Imaging, Sony Europe. “With our knowledge of what the future will bring for digital imaging, we have designed these lenses and can ensure that the G Master brand will inspire and ‘wow’ photographers and videographers for years to come.”
www.sony.co.uk
NEW TAMRON PRIME PAIR VIA DISTRIBUTOR Intro2020, Tamron has announced what’s claimed to be the world’s first 85mm f/1.8 lens with Vibration Compensation for full frame DSLRs in the SP 85mm f/1.8 Di VC USD, which adds to the existing 35mm VC lens and 45mm VC lens launched
last year – with the second new lens for this month being a new SP 90mm f/2.8 Di VC USD macro lens. The latter is being pitched as the ‘rebirth of a classic’ as it features enhanced VC image stabilization for hand held macro shots. The lenses come in Canon and Nikon fits
immediately, with a Sony mount arriving at a later date. Launch date is late March for the 85mm, at a price still to be confirmed, whilst the improved 90mm is £580 SRP and is available now. www.tamron.co.uk www.intro2020.co.uk
A LUMIX G LENS FOR ALL SEASONS
SIGMA’S FLASH GEAR
PANASONIC has unleashed a new Lumix G Vario 12-60mm f/3.5-5.6 Power OIS lens (24-120mm in 35mm terms, or a 5x zoom) compatible with its Lumix G camera line up. To offer optimal performance of autofocus in fast shooting and 4K-modes, the splash and dust proof lens incorporates an inner focus drive system and stepping motor, delivering a 240 frames per second focusing speed and a claimed smooth and silent operation. Priced at £439 SRP, it’s available May.
NOT CONTENT with launching its own mirror-less cameras and new lenses this month (see page 14), Sigma also has a new flash to go with them in the multi-function clip-on EF-630 electronic flash. Designed to work with DSLRs, release date and price is still to be decided. Among the diverse features is TTL exposure control as standard as well as high-speed sync, rear-curtain sync and wireless flash functions. It also boasts an auto zoom function, bounce-flash function and catch-light panel. The rear LCD offers an intuitive user interface, claims Sigma, whilst an optional accessory is the FD-11 flash USB dock to enable future firmware upgrades.
www.panasonic.co.uk
www.sigma-imaging-uk.com
BPI News is your mouthpiece to the industry. Send your news to info@bpinews.co.uk 10 March 2016 | BPI News
BPI NEWS EXTRA
ANSMANN AT PEAK PERFORMANCE Ansmann has found a new trade partner in Peak Development. BPI News hears how the two teams will be supporting you by working together…
H
aving parted company with its previous distributor last summer, camera battery and power specialist Ansmann UK has been successfully dealing with the trade direct. Now, news reaches us that the ink is wet on a strong new trade partnership with Peak Development Ltd. We asked the teams involved to tell BPI News readers more. “Peak Development have been supporting and working in the UK photography market for over 20 years dealing with an increasing retailer and specialist customer base,” says Robert Baseley, Managing Director of Peak Development. “As the market changes it’s important that our customers get both best value & best service from an increasing portfolio of products that serve their customers in the best way. We are proud to add the full Ansmann range of Power & Accessory products to our portfolio and look forward to working with our customers and the team at Ansmann in the years to come.” As those in the trade will already be aware, Peak Development Ltd (Peak) is an award-winning specialist
distributor of accessories, add-ons and enhancements for today’s digital devices. “Since 1993 we have worked in partnership with our customers and suppliers to provide quality products and services into the Retail, Etail, OEM and Industrial sectors,” notes Robert. “Our goal at Peak is to deliver a 360-degree vision of the digital accessory market. To take our customers ‘All Around the Digital Device’, with a focused range of products and services that add real value to their business. “The Peak Development difference is the way we do business. We give each of our suppliers the focus they deserve, and we give each of our customers a level of service that goes way beyond a simple product and price: from bespoke delivery agreements, to repacking and re-labelling, in-store POS and marketing support.”
‘High quality, reliable products…’ Paul Channell, Managing Director of Ansmann UK comments: “Since 2000, Ansmann has grown to become an established name in the UK photo
All of Ansmann’s extensive battery range comes with a huge five year warranty - giving both you and your customers peace of mind and steady sales
The best selling Ansmann Powerline Vario charger is a 5 star product winner from both AP and WDC - now available from Peak Development Ltd
market. We have developed a reputation for high quality, reliable products backed up by some of the longest warranties around. Customer service has always been our highest priority and we have been offering professional advice and fast deliveries
If you would like further information or have any concerns about this change please call Mike or Peter on 0870 609 2233. Ansmann products meanwhile can also be found on the CameraWorld stand D21 at The Photography Show.
“The Peak Development difference is the way we do business. We give each of our suppliers the focus they deserve…” to most UK postcodes. Our range of products covers many aspects of home and professional power devices and we are happy to supply over 400 items to our customers.” “As regards our partnership with Peak Development Ltd (Peak), supporting customers with the best service and the right range has always been our aim and we have teamed up with Peak to offer the same keen prices as we have always done and a delivery service you have come to expect. We feel that with Peak supplying Ansmann products, customers will gain the added benefits of dealing with both expert, award-winning companies. “Our teaming with Peak is an exciting time for both companies. It enables us to offer an even wider range of products and services to the photo market via one source, meaning added savings to photo stores.”
How this partnership helps Ansmann customers: • Enjoy the same great Ansmann trade prices from peak • Same great delivery service • Add more products to your basket to save carriage costs • One source for digital media and battery/charger accessories • Dedicated photo trade team with expert advice • Additional ranges to enhance your store • Regular market updates (top 20 best battery sellers, for example) Contact Peak Development Ltd for Ansmann products on 01489 796 979, email sales@peak-uk.com or visit www.peak-uk.com
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
Contact Peak Development Ltd for Ansmann products on 01489 796 979, email sales@peak-uk.com or visit www.peak-uk.com
| March SUPPORTING YOU WORKING BPI NewsBY 2016 11
NEWS
BPI NEWS PRODUCT FOCUS
NOTHING AMATEURISH ABOUT THESE WINNERS BOTH MANUFACTURERS and retailers came out on top at this year’s Amateur Photographer awards, held last month. Olympus took home prizes for both its Tough TG-4 and OM-D E-M5 Mark II cameras – both, incidentally, nominated in our own BPI News Awards for 2016 (see page 22) – for Consumer Compact Camera of the Year and Premium Compact System Camera respectively. The Leica Q (Typ 116) was Premium Compact Camera of the Year and Canon’s PowerShot G5 X bagged Enthusiast Compact Camera and its 5DS R Premium DSLR Camera of
the Year. Reader Product of the Year was the Nikon D5500, whilst overall Product of the Year was bagged by the Sony Alpha 7R II. Sony’s RX10 II bridge camera also won a gong in its product class, whilst the Fujifilm X-A2 and X-T10 took home Consumer CSC and Enthusiast CSC of the Year respectively. Retailers rewarded with ‘Good Service’ awards included CameraWorld, Calumet, Clifton Cameras, Grays of Westminster, Digital Depot, Jessops, LCE, Park Cameras, Wex Photographic, Mr Cad and SRB Photographic.
DNP’S ‘BEST ALL-INONE PHOTO KIOSK’
If you want to add photo finishing to your retail business’ offerings, look no further than the SnapLab + DP-SL620 combo from DNP
RETAIL LEGEND BROUGHT TO BOOK THE TRADE (and photo press) was also out in force last month for the launch of ‘Gray’s of Westminster – The Legend and the Legacy’ – a book commemorating 30 years of the ‘exclusively Nikon’ store. You’ll remember our interview with Gray Levett from our Dec/Jan edition of course, in which he shares tales of his adventures in the photo trade, music business and more. Complete
with an introduction by Kazuo Ushida, President of the Nikon Corporation of Japan, the 208-page full colour hard book, authored by Gillian Greenwood, can be purchased direct from the Grays of Westminster website, priced at £30.
www.graysofwestminster.co.uk/ books/legend-and-legacy.php
L to R: Gray Levett with John Walshe, General Manager of Nikon UK
INVESTING in any lab service for your photo business is a big decision. However DNP has made that decision easier with the launch of a combined printer, software and order terminal. The SnapLab + DP-SL620 marries its 6-inch DS620 printer to a 10.1-inch order terminal, the DS-T mini, to provide the complete package (see also advert opposite). The idea is that, for a small initial investment, you can start your photo business right away. Advantages of the DP-SL620 include its tiny footprint of 0.11 square metres, plus the fact that the DS620 printer is equipped with a rewind feature to optimise media consumption. Part of this optimisation is the ability to print multiple print sizes from a single set of media. Indeed the DP-SL620 can produce prints in nine different sizes up to 6x9-inches (15x23cm) – with the ability to offer your customers a square format to print Instagram snaps. Formatting photos is easy too, thanks to an on-screen step-by-step guide, whilst the device has the ability
to utilise both wired and wireless connections. DNP believes that as the growth of printing from mobile phones becomes more widespread, the demand for instant prints from photo kiosks, such as this set up, is also growing. Additonally, there are other opportunities presented by such instant print services – including ID photos and event photography. Plus, if you did want the option of generating more sales, there is the ability to add DNP’s DS80 or DS80DX printer. By bolting these on you gain access to value added products including prints up to 8x12-inches, double side prints, photo books, calendars and greetings cards. Whilst DNP won’t be exhibiting at The Photography Show, the brand’s Tim Andrews will be attending as a visitor on Tuesday 22nd March. Contact Tim via tandrews@dnpphoto.eu if you’d like to arrange a meeting to discuss any of the above. For a demonstration of the SL620, please visit Tetenal UK on stand D101. sales@dnpphoto.eu www.dnpphoto.eu
To bag one of the very last exhibitor spaces, don’t dawdle. Email Richard Macey now via richard.macey@futurenet.com 12 March 2016 | BPI News
All you need is… DP SL 620’s all-in-one printing system
Design bb&b - Photos: iStock, DNP
NEW
As easy as 1-2-3
A great potential
Let’s “party print”
The winning formula
f The right combination of DS620 Printer, DS-TMini Order Terminal and an integrated editing Software within a single Dye-sublimation compact kiosk system.
f A tiny footprint, for multiple value added products in a variety of formats and finishings with high quality prints.
f As an option, the ideal solution for events without dedicated laptop.
f A little initial investment for any retail environment. f Small shops, photo retailers, event photographers, you can start your photo business right away!
DNP PHOTO IMAGING EUROPE sales@dnpphoto.eu www.dnpphoto.eu
PREVIEW
SIGMA OFFERS ‘GAME CHANGERS’ AT THE NEC
Sigma announced a batch of exciting new products at CP+ in Japan as we went to press, with the trade being able to get a first UK hands-on at The Photography Show stand F51. Here’s what to expect…
N
ow there is even more reason to visit the Sigma stand (F51) at The Photography Show – namely a host of new products on display, freshly announced at the CP+ show in Japan. Sigma UK tells us that it hopes to have samples in time to showcase in Birmingham. In a first for the manufacturer, exciting additions include a pair of mirror-less interchangeable lens cameras from Sigma in the sd Quattro and the sd Quattro H, both featuring the ‘Quattro’ generation of its Foveon X3 direct image sensor and building on the concept of the Sigma SD1 Merrill. Whereas the Sigma sd Quattro
Sigma has introduced its first ever mirror-less system camera in two iterations - the sd Quattro and the sd Quattro H, both featuring the ‘Quattro’ generation of its Foveon X3 direct image sensor
format zoom lens in the 50-100mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art, supplied with a petal type lens hood. As expected, fits will be provided for Sigma,
“Catch up with all the new Sigma products, try them out for yourself and chat with the Sigma team at The Photography Show stand F51” features an APS-C sensor and claims ‘medium format image quality’ with 39 megapixels, the sd Quattro H features an APS-H chip measuring 26.6x17.9mm and delivers a high resolution of 51MP. Other key features include a 2.36 megapixel electronic viewfinder with 100% coverage, dual monitors – a 1.62 megapixel 3-inch LCD, plus a second ‘sub monitor’, showing number of shots remaining plus aperture, shutter speed and ISO – all encased in a tough magnesium alloy body. Design is both splash and dust proof, with release date and pricing still to be advised as we went to press. DSLR users meanwhile should be directed to the new releases comprising Sigma’s second f/1.8 APS-C
Canon and Nikon mounts, and Sigma sees the audience as not just photographers but videographers also – with the lens featuring a tripod socket and inner focus/inner zoom mechanism. The key pitch to customers here is that the Japanese made ‘Art’ series lens covers the focal lengths of three prime lenses in one package: 85mm f/1.8, 105mm f/1.8 and 135mm f/1.8. Described as ‘a true game changer’, the optic is said to be ideal for delivering portraits with subtle bokeh effects, and claims a new standard for zoom lens image quality. Official release date and pricing is yet to be set. The second new lens is the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN, again
made in Japan, and which slots into the manufacturer’s ‘Contemporary’ product category. The selling point here is that this is an ultra bright compact, lightweight standard lens available for both Micro Four Thirds and Sony E-mount in March. Accessories include a supplied extra long lens hood. This prime lens offers a focal length of around 50mm, an angle of view similar to human vision, and obviously thanks to the f/1.4 brightness, allows for attractively flattering shallow depth of field effects when capturing portraits or still life images. To be precise the lens offers a 35mm equivalent focal length of 60mm when twinned with a Micro Four Thirds camera and 45mm on the Sony E-mount system. Interestingly, a stepping motor has been incorporated to allow for an auto focus performance described as both quiet and exceptionally quick. This is obviously a useful feature when shooting videos, and the Sony fit lens is also compatible with Sony E-mount Fast Hybrid AF. “All new Sigma lenses are evaluated with our own ‘A1’ MFT measuring system, they’re made in Japan and feature a brass bayonet mount – factor in cutting edge technological knowhow and what’s not to like?” Enthuses Sigma General Manager Graham Armitage.
and Sigma EOS (Canon) mount interchangeable lenses with the popular Sony mirror-less E-mount camera bodies. The mount is said to feature its own lens control data and is specially tuned for smooth AF operation during stills photography. Obviously this converter is ideal for use by customers who chop and change between different camera systems, depending on the subject being photographed. As a further bit of cleverness, the LED display on the converter tells users whether the attached lens is compatible or not. Again, suggested pricing and a release date was yet to be set. You can of course catch up with all the new products, try them out for yourself and chat with the Sigma team at The Photography Show stand F51. www.sigma-imaging-uk.com
Sigma on Sony
This one new 50-100mm Art series lens covers the focal lengths of three prime lenses in one
Also newly announced this month is a Two new CP+ products include the 30mm Mount Converter MC-11, which allows standard lens (top) and Mount Converter photographers to use Sigma SA mount (bottom)
All lenses sold via Sigma UK come with the benefit of a 3 year limited warranty 14 March 2016 | BPI News
PREVIEW
GREEN PRODUCTS ‘ON SHOW’ FROM PHOTOXPORT & NORITSU Want to find out how just how easy it is to produce and sell high profit photobooks? Head to Stand A31 in Hall 5 at The Photography Show to discover Noritsu dry labs for yourself…
P
hoto books are often presented as a great untapped source of potential revenue for photo retailers and minilabs. PhotoXport MD Derek Fieldhouse, who will be debuting the newly launched in the UK Noritsu Green duplex machine at The Photography Show, believes that the trade only needs to witness the process involved to be sold on the idea. “So we’re going to be actually producing A4 photo books on the stand on a fairly regular basis, to show its versatility and its capability,” Derek enthuses. “We’ll be creating a real buzz and saying to people ‘here you go: you can have the machine in your shop and generate a superb print quality from it’. And what it does do, which is what I think really hits the mark is that a person can walk in and 15 or 20 minutes later they’ve got a good quality book. “Everybody likes photo books but there’s a gap in the market for getting them instantly. It’s an impulse purchase. I think there is a market here and the best way to develop that is by supplying product to the customer. Whereas in Germany photo books have grabbed a major part of the market, the UK has got some way to catch up. A
Derek (far right, front) and his team are ready for you at the show!
3 NORITSU GREEN DRY LABS TO CHOOSE! Get started with the entry-level Noritsu Green Simplex dry lab. “It offers the same output capacity as a Fuji or Epson – but we believe it’s significantly cheaper,” Derek says. There is also a duplex version that offers double sided prints and adjustable paper platen that can accommodate around 36 different paper types, including third party papers.
The Photography Show will see the exclusive debut of the newly launched ‘HPT’ kiosk – something that PhotoXport MD Derek Fieldhouse tells us his minilab customers have been requesting for quite some time!
instant quality photo book at a price point attractive to end user customers will fly out the door”.
Your leading supplier PhotoXport supplies multi site retailers and leading independents. In terms of which Noritsu machine you should be going for, Derek reveals that its Green II dry lab offers duplex printing, albeit it’s a semi automatic one. “It’s a semi automatic one, whereas the fully automatic option is the Green standard (see panel on right for full details of both). The stand will be populated with all three Noritsu machines. We’re going to run the Green II and the Green standard and Simplex will also be there for people to lift the top up and inspect it. And the Green standard will be producing the books – when it’s in operation people can really begin to see what you can do with it. The print pops out the front then it pulls it back in again and drops into the tray… that’s when the penny drops, which you don’t really get
just from looking at a brochure. I think that this is an opportunity for people that will open a few doors!” Fortunately you’ll soon have the opportunity to see the Noritsu machines in action first hand yourself at The Photography Show; simply head to stand A31 for a chat and demo with Derek and the PhotoXport team. The event will also see the exclusive debut of the newly launched ‘HPT’ kiosk – something that Derek tells us his minilab customers have been requesting for quite some time, for which the official launch will be later in the year in Japan. “Noristu offers very open architecture software in that its machines connect easily to most input and output devices,” he reveals. “It’s probably the most accessible, workable connectable system on the planet – and now we’ve got a great kiosk as well to bundle with the system to make the installation easier. It’s beautiful too; state of the art.”
The next step up is the Noritsu QSS Green standard edition. This automatically offers duplex printing on different surfaces from different paper manufacturers, allowing for photo book production. Watch a promo video at: youtu.be/0BPCnR5Zpvo Top of the range meanwhile is the Noritsu QSS Green II. With the industrial build of a wet lab, yet with a dry lab engine, it’s built for a hammering and to produce millions and millions of prints. This has all the key features of the popular D1005HR and over 3000 prints can be produced before new paper needs loading. See the video at: youtu.be/0BPCnR5Zpvo
www.photoxport.com
To book a demo with Derek please call now on 0116 2675907, and be sure to pay a visit to stand A31. BPI News | March 2016 15
PREVIEW
AT THE VANGUARD OF THE TRADE FOR 30 YEARS
Appearing on stand H31 at The Photography Show, tripod and bag specialist Vanguard World is celebrating its 30th anniversary. Long-term Vanguard dealer and CameraWorld Director Tony Stent raises a glass…
V
anguard World, né Vanguard, is celebrating three decades of trading as a global business this year – a milestone for any business; just as long in the trade is CameraWorld Director Tony Stent, who has stocked and sold the brand for quite some time. Who better then to ask for an honest appraisal of the Vanguard range, and to cast his mind back to its 1986 launch? BPI News: When did your interest in photography begin? Tony Stent: Working with my father on a Saturday at his shop, PhotoCine. Before that he was a press and wedding photographer. I’ve been in photo retail since then. I’ve been very lucky in the companies I’ve worked for. When they disappeared, we started our own and carried on having fun.
Q. Vanguard began in 1986. What are the strongest memories of the 80s for you and the major changes of the past 30 years? A. Pre-recession, the photo trade was extremely buoyant; 1986 was the dawn of auto focus and the Minolta 7000. That was a massive turning point – before that everything was manual focus. I was at City Camera Exchange at the time and that’s when I met my CameraWorld co-director Jason (Mitchell). It was a time of excitement. Digital photography though is clearly the biggest milestone – with the current milestone being mirror-less models. Everything is getting smaller – including bags and travel tripods. Tripods are important because it extends the range of the cameras, and there are many types of photography you can’t do without a tripod. Plus,
KEY VANGUARD SELLERS: VEO TRIPODS & BAGS The VEO 265CB Carbon Fibre Travel Tripod won N-Photo’s Gold Award. Its standout feature is the small ball head that outperforms many other travel tripods and its max load of 8kg. It also achieved ‘Highly Recommended’. The innovative VEO 37 Shoulder Bag is an Amateur Photographer Testbench Gold Award winner and features a unique internal tripod carrying system.
occasionally, it’s fun to slow down and compose your photograph and take time. Q. And what about your thoughts on the Vanguard brand itself? A: A whole new quality range of Vanguard bags and tripods has come along. When we looked at the value, build quality and features we realised they were for us, and they’ve been very successful, particularly since the launch of the VEO range (see panel). They were exactly what we were waiting for. The VEO bag designs are cleverly thought out and well made. I think the VEO 37, which allows you to put your tripod in the shoulder bag, is a real innovation. In the past you’ve had to tie a tripod on the side of your bag. But once you have a VEO tripod small and light enough to fit inside your camera bag you’re much more
“A whole new quality range of Vanguard bags and tripods has come along. When we looked at the value, build quality and features we realised they were for us, and they’ve been very successful.” – Tony Stent, CameraWorld likely to have it with you! More bags should have a pocket inside for a travel tripod. I’m very impressed with my dealings with the company too. It is the support from Vanguard UK that we appreciate and the fact that we’re able to work together as a team when they bring good new products to market. It’s the service and dealer support that makes for the perfect relationship.
Here are a number of key products that retailers should be stocking
The VEO AM-264TR Monopod With Tri-Foot for added stability has been awarded Amateur Photographer’s Testbench Gold Award and the What Digital Camera Gold Award as ‘the most featured-packed monopod on the market at a sensible price’. The VEO 235AP Aluminium Travel Tripod is believed by Vanguard to be the first true travel tripod with a pan-head. The smooth operational motion and 3.5kg load capacity makes it perfect for photographers and birdwatchers who want to take their spotting scope on holiday. BINOCULARS Thanks to the Japanese HOYA ED
Glass, Vanguard’s award winning Endeavor ED II are perfect for observing the wildlife at dusk and dawn. The magnesium alloy chassis is waterproof and fogproof and there’s a Limited Lifetime Guarantee. Xcenior 41T Aimed at the jet-setting photographer who wants to take their studio with them anywhere in the world, this carry-on friendly trolley is both secure and customisable. Well padded, it has an inner mesh bag to keep gear in place.
Supreme Case Described as virtually indestructible, the rugged Supreme Series hard cases are O-ring sealed, waterproof up to a depth of five metres and airtight, as well as being built to withstand temperatures of -40°C to 95°C. Havana An Amateur Photographer Test Bench winner with a ‘timeless’ design that is discreet, spacious and comfortable. Converts into a messenger bag if required simply by removing the insert.
For more info or to view the wider range, please visit www.vanguardworld.co.uk or stand H31 at The Photography Show 16 March 2016 | BPI News
w w w.v a n g u a r d wo r l d . co. u k
TOWN OF KASTRO SIFNOS, GREECE
Š Josh Bender
Join us in celebraang Vanguard's 30th birthday with the award winning VEO colleccon at:
Stand # H31
VEO 265CB
VEO 37
*VEO tripod not included
VEO AM-264TR
PREVIEW Three new high quality video supports bearing the Kenro branding all come with a handy carry case and 6 year warranty
PLENTY TO LOOK AT FROM KENRO The leading distributor announces a plethora of new products: own brand video tripods and heads, a new agency in Saramonic offering high quality audio products for videographers, plus a number of additions to the Takeway range. All are to be found on stand G53 at The Photography Show
I
n fact there’s so much new to talk about that this is merely ‘part one’ of our Kenro new product focus – with the second installment to follow in our April issue. Kicking off proceedings is a trio of Kenro own brand video tripods – which follow on from its travel tripod line up announced in the second half of 2015. There are also two separately available video heads (the Kenro VHO1F with 5Kg max load and VHO2F with 8Kg max load), for those videographers who may already own a set of legs. Naturally both boast a smooth, fluid action for panning shots. Like the travel tripod sets before them, the advantage of the three latest video kits – the Kenro Twin Tube Video Tripod Kit, Kenro Standard Video Tripod Kit and Kenro Video Monopod Kit (Aluminium) – is that they are supplied with everything ‘ready to go’, fold up to a nice compact size and there is even a durable good quality carry case provided for each. Main shared features include a ball action head, whilst the Video Monopod and Standard Tripod feature a padded foam handgrip
and maximum load capacity of 5Kg each. The pro-grade Twin Tube kit meanwhile features twist lock legs and a higher load capacity of 6Kg. The added pitch is that each of the tripods offers a good weight bearing capability and they come with the piece of mind of a six-year warranty.
Now hear this…. High quality, yet low cost products suitable for everyone wanting to achieve better sound for their DSLR or smartphone movies… that’s the pitch behind the Saramonic range of audio accessories for videographers, the second new offering via Kenro this month. And it’s one that provides you with an opportunity to expand your customer base. “If the audio isn’t good when shooting video, whether on your phone on DSLR, then it jars a lot more than the image… so having high quality audio is key,” advises Kenro MD Paul Kench. The accessibly priced Saramonic range is firmly pitched at the enthusiast – whilst also being suitable for professionals. The hot Saramonic items to stock include the SR-AX100 Universal
“Improved audio for video is obviously a big growth market. People are filming on their phones and cameras, but are often let down by the results. Here the results are on a whole different level”
Audio Adaptor for DSLRs & Camcorders. This features a universal attachment for cameras and camcorders via a standard hot shoe. No batteries are required and inputs include one stereo 3.5mm (1/8) mini jack input to connect a stereo microphone. There are also two mono 3.5mm (1/8) mini jack inputs to connect mono microphones. “The range runs good, better, best,” explains Paul Kench, “Moving from the entry level AX100, through the AX101 and then on to the AX107. There are also a few products specific to certain manufacturers, such as Black Magic cinema cameras.” The ‘better’ option in the Saramonic SR-AX101 Passive
For more info see www.kenro.co.uk, browse the brochure bundled with this issue, 18 March 2016 | BPI News
KENRO NEWS SPECIAL
Kenro’s newly expanded range of Takeway products includes the gooseneck style T-FN01 Flex Neck - not only for use with cameras but also smartphones and tablets for maximum flexibility and saleability
2-channel XLR Audio Adaptor features two balanced XLR inputs and one 3.5mm (1/8) auxiliary mini jack input. It also features one stereo 3.5mm (1/8) mini jack output. It’s camera/camcorder mountable and is constructed from a plastic chassis with a tripod socket. No batteries are required. The third and top-level adaptor from Saramonic is the SR-AX107 2-channel Active XLR Audio Adaptor. This is a two-channel XLR audio adaptor with pre-amplifiers
Kenro’s new Agency in Saramonic provides high quality audio products for everything from pro DSLRs to action cameras and iPhones - helping videographers achieve a better sound performance
and phantom power, ideal for use with any DSLR with a built-in microphone jack. The smartphone and tablet user meanwhile is being targeted with the SRSPM1 Smartphone Microphone for iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch. This professional microphone, specially designed for Apple products, boosts the audio performance when compared with the phone’s built-in mic. Its shotgun design reduces unwanted sound from back and sides. A further alternative, for anyone recording interviews, is the Saramonic SR-LMX1 Lavalier Microphone for Smartphones. This is a clip-on omnidirectional microphone for iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch and Android devices. A mic clip is included for securing the microphone to clothing
as well as a pop up shield and ‘dead cat’ to avoid wind noise. Further products include the SR-WM4C Wireless Microphone system, with detachable and flexible antenna which can be rotated 360 degrees for best sound. “Improved audio for video is obviously a big growth market. People are filming on their phones and cameras, but are often let down by the results. With a wireless microphone, something like a ‘what’s in the box’ YouTube video is not only made easier to put together, but the results are on a whole different level” What’s more the Saramonic range puts great sound within reach of the keen amateur, enthusiast and even professional, with prices starting from £39.96 for the entry level SRAX100. The AX101 is just under £80 and the top of the range SR-AX107 is £159. The smartphone products are just as keenly priced. For example the iPhone compatible SRSPM1 retails for a suggested £17, while it’s just under £28 if you want a microphone to boost the sound of your action camera (the Saramonic SRACM1 Professional Stereo Microphone for GoPro Action Cameras).
Supported by Takeway Kenro has expanded the range of supports available from the Taiwanese Takeway brand, described as “very good indeed” by Kenro.
New here is the R1 Ranger Clampod, an even more compact version of the original T1 Clampod, designed for use with action cameras or phones and for affixing to handlebars or any flat surface. It’s constructed from aerospace grade aluminium alloy and nylon and weighs just 73g. Clamp body load capacity is 3kg. There are plentiful new accessories too, including the gooseneck type T-FN01 Flex Neck for recording at creative angles, or the T-RC03 adaptor/quick release clip for using the R1 with action cameras. For smartphone or tablet users, there are further adaptors for the T-FN01 in the T-TH01 and T-PH02. “These Takeway products allow people to film outdoors and in situations which they wouldn’t otherwise be able to,” confirms Paul Kench. “We’ll be offering the full accessory range.” The original T1 is still continuing, joined by a T1 Plus Clampod kit, which adds a G1 ‘quadpod’ (possessing four legs rather than the usual three, for extra stability) to the mix. This is constructed from high-grade stainless steel and has a load bearing capacity of 3Kg. It’s also available to purchase as a standalone product by existing T1 owners. To open a Trade Account, call the Kenro Sales Office on 01793 615836 or email sales@kenro.co.uk
The new R1 Ranger clamp from Kenro can be affixed to any flat surface or even the handlebars of your bike to achieve action footage par excellence!
or meet Paul Kench and the team at The Photography Show on stand G53, Hall 5. BPI News | March 2016 19
PREVIEW
GET INTO GEAR WITH PROMEDIAGEAR VIA JUST LTD Stand A56 is the place to head for at The Photography Show, where distributor Just Ltd will be showcasing the ProMediaGear product line. BPI News gets a preview of what you should be looking out for in the range to stock and to sell
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e’ve featured distributor Just Ltd several times in BPI News – and each time it manages to surprise us with an inventive new line of photographic tools. The ones to focus on this time – if you’ll forgive the pun – are the ProMediaGear branded products (a US manufacturer), specifically their Sliders, Gimbals, Flash Brackets and general accessories, which comprise Plates, Brackets and Clamps. In other words, steady sellers on which there is the chance for the canny photo retailer to make a good margin.
alumiunium) and less expensive, and can cope with a maximum 9.1kg load capacity. Ball bearings affording a super smooth operation. Next up are three sliders from the ProMediaGear range – primarily designed for those customers shooting video
Flash on the cam
Two heads are better than none There are two Gimbal Heads currently being offered in the ProMediaGear range – the excitingly named Katana and Tomahawk models – the former designed for use with a camera with a heavy telephoto lens attached (load capacity up to 22.68Kg), whilst the latter is more compact, lighter (made from
for maximum creative flexibility. It’s also machined from a solid block of lightweight aircraft quality aluminium – meaning that the slider feels substantial yet portably lightweight with it. In all cases it can be used as a tabletop slider by utilising the foldable legs on each side, or the slider can be attached to a tripod on standard threads in the middle, or outside edges, on both tracks.
with their DSLRs. These are the ProMediaGear Slider 36-inch, 32inch and 24-inch with Heavy Duty Carriage and Case. The pitch here is that this is the world’s first slider with both a curved and straight track
Further ProMediaGear accessories to check out include the BBX Boomerang Flash Bracket. Ultimate flexibility and ease of use is the promise here, being an option for photographers wanting to eliminate subject shadows in portrait or bounce flash photography. A rotating system described as unique locks the flash at a 90° position so that the flash remains upright above the lens – whether the camera is in the landscape or portrait position. The bracket is said to be so lightweight and comfortable that the camera can be held comfortably in
The ProMediaGear ‘Katana’ Gimbal Head (left) and ‘Tomahawk’ Gimbal Head (right) are designed for heavy and medium weight cameras and lenses respectively, so one to pitch at the enthusiasts
The pitch for the BBX Boomerang Flash Bracket is ultimate flexibility and ease of use, it being a real option for photographers wanting to eliminate subject shadows in portrait or bounce flash photography.
the right hand as if no bracket was attached. Again, construction is of aircraft quality aluminium. Apart from the Gimbal heads, Sliders and Flash Bracket described above, there are sundry other accessories in the ProMediaGear range, including several adapters for use with a Profoto B2 (light) head and a bracket plate adapter for straps or ‘camera carrying devices’. Visit the below URL to find out more, make contact with MD Peter Brodgen and the Just Ltd team at the show, or call direct on 01793 855663. Interested members of the trade not able to make it along to The Photography Show should head to www.cameraclean.co.uk to check out the products online and watch demonstration videos, which bring the various propositions to life.
Recommended ProMediaGear products from Just Ltd: Katana and Tomahawk Gimbal Heads, Sliders & BBX Flash Bracket 20 March 2016 | BPI News
PREVIEW
THE DPS GROUP: PLENTY OF ‘SOLUTIONS’ ON SHOW
Stand B142 is the location of Beckenham based print solution suppliers Digital Photo Solutions – also known to BPI News readers by its umbrella organisation, the DPS Group. BPI News hears why its stand at The Photography Show is a must visit and why its Epson SureLab D700 offering is a must try/buy…
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he best attended stands at The Photography Show – or, for that matter most exhibitions – tend to be the ones that employ a bit of ‘theatre’ to attract the attention of the browsing crowds. The DPS Group – having celebrated its 10th anniversary last year and appearing at the event as Digital Photo Solutions – is no exception. To this end its stand will include Datacolor’s ‘Digital Imaging Training Theatre’, offering up a selection of free seminars to help people improve their photography. Sessions here include ‘Retouching Tips and Tricks’, ‘Getting Your Images to Look The Same In Print As On Screen’ and ‘Getting It Right In Camera’. As well as expert knowledge being imparted for free, exclusive show offers are another big draw to stand B142 – and the DPS Group is running these too on Canon and Epson printers, Wacom tablets and colour management equipment. The latter, as we covered in our
Dec/Jan issue of BPI News, is yet another string to the DPS Group’s bow. The boast is that, via its on-site or remote profiling service, it can match any type of inkjet media to any type of printer – even third party papers – thereby ensuring top-notch professional colour management and consistent, accurate results. “For inkjet printers, we can create printer profiles for customers without visiting your premises,” offers DPS Group MD Maneesh Patel. “We can supply a set of instructions and a special test file containing over 1000 colour squares.” Alternatively, by visiting your store to carry out the profiling, the DPS Group’s expert team can ensure a smooth integration of your chosen printer into the wider workflow. It can provide advice on colour management then and there – setting you up for success, and saving valuable time, media and money. Please chat to the team at The Photography Show to see what
Make sure you drop by and chat to the DPS Group team on stand B142 at The Photography Show, where you’ll be able to chat with the team about print requirements and grab enticing deals on the likes of the Epson D700, shown on this page
your options are – and how they can help. If you’re not at the NEC, then contact DPS Group Technical Sales Manager Dave Harrison on 020 8460 3690 for colour management info and a quote.
Sharp output & sales via the Epson D700 One of the flagship printer models for the DPS Group at The Photography Show – and of great interest to the photo trade in particular – is the Epson SureLab D700. You name it, this machine can print it – including photos, cards, invitations, flyers, promotional leaflets and more… on a wide range of media and formats, including glossy, lustre and matte roll paper. For the latter you can choose from 102 to 210 mm wide and 89 to 1000mm in length. Another selling point here is the printer’s compact size. Because of this it can fit into a photo kiosk and is durable too, in that most of its component parts are permanent. As one would expect from Epson, the D700 offers a print quality and colour consistency that is inline with the brand’s professional graphics printers. It’s a six-colour inkjet printer boasting a wide colour gamut and the ability to deliver sharp looking prints, thanks, in part, to its Micro Piezo print head. Its professional UltraChrome D6-S ink – also available via the DPS Group – has been formulated for premium
“The Epson SureLab D700 offers a print quality and colour consistency that is inline with the brand’s professional graphics printers…” – Maneesh Patel, MD the DPS Group glossy photo prints, produced at high production speeds by a busy mini lab. Boasting a low cost per print, it has a high resolution of 720dpi x 1440 dpi and is, moreover, reliable and low maintenance with it. Digital Photo Solutions is part of The DPS Group – for further details please visit www.thedpsgroup.co.uk www.thedpsgroup.co.uk www.dpsb.co.uk
Meet the DPS Group on stand B142 at TPS, or call Gary Crawley now about the Epson D700 on 020 8466 7230 BPI News | March 2016 21
BPI NEWS AWARDS 2016
NOMINATE YOUR BPI NEWS AWARD WINNERS NOW!
As we’ve done for the past three years, we’re inviting the trade to get in touch and help us to decide who should be the recipients of hallowed BPI News Awards. Send your choice to info@bpinews.co.uk now!
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he past 12 months have seen some seriously good products hitting the UK photographic market as well as some sterling work from marketing teams to promote their products – either via advertorials in BPI News, or as
part of wider campaigns and promotional pushes across specialist press, social media and even the nationals on occasion. As ever, though we’re presenting a full list of deserving nominees culled from the past year’s worth of coverage in BPI
News magazine, we’re only after one winner in each of our two categories – namely ‘Product of the Year’ and ‘Promotion of the Year’. As last year we’ll be handing out framed certificates to both finalists and winners to hang in boardroom or outhouse. So now is the opportunity to galvanize your sales force and fan base and get ‘em voting!
To refresh your memory – here is an issue-by-issue summary presenting the nominees – let’s call them ‘finalists’ - in question: APRIL 2015 PRODUCT FINALIST: Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II PROMO FINALIST: The Photography Show or CEWE 3D printing MAY 2015 PRODUCT FINALIST: Sigma 24mm f/1.4 DG Art lens PROMO FINALIST: Profoto B2 TIPA win or Fujifilm’s ‘Introducing Mr Appy’ JUNE 2015 PRODUCT FINALIST: Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF7 PROMO FINALIST: Nedis 4-page pull-out special or Rotolight’s Neo LED ‘like using the force’ JULY/AUGUST 2015 PRODUCT FINALIST: Olympus Stylus Tough TG-4 PROMO FINALIST: The PMA ‘re-born in the USA’ or Mitsubishi ‘Plentiful print options to dye for’ or Intro2020 4-page new products pull-out SEPTEMBER 2015 PRODUCT FINALIST: Sigma Dp0 Quattro PROMO FINALIST: New DNP wireless ‘hotspot’ or PermaJet ‘adds fibre to your retail diet’ or Photo-Me by Starck design OCTOBER 2015 PRODUCT FINALIST: Fujifilm X-T10 PROMO FINALIST: Kodak Alaris ‘Kodak Moments’ App or Introducing the DPS Group NOVEMBER 2015 PRODUCT FINALIST: DNP all-in-one photo kiosk PROMO FINALIST: Fujifilm Christmas promotion or Tetenal Kodak Express Newmarket revolution DECEMBER 2015/ JANUARY 2016: PRODUCT FINALIST: Canon PowerShot G5 X PROMO FINALIST: Dealers heap praise on Ansmann, or Grays of Westminster 30th anniversary or Return of the Macgroup
Email your votes:
Simply send us your two favoured choices (one ‘Product of the Year’ and one ‘Promotion of the Year’) from the entire list on the right to info@bpinews.co.uk
FEBRUARY 2016 PRODUCT FINALIST: Sony A7R II PROMO FINALIST: The DPS Group & Epson or Nikon ‘Blows shooting possibilities wide open’ or PhotoXport ‘ whole country going green’ MARCH 2016 PRODUCT FINALIST: Fujifilm X-Pro2 PROMO FINALIST: Kenro ‘plenty to look at’ or Canon booms: new product bonanza
Don’t lose your right to vote! Email us your two top choices to info@bpinews.co.uk 22 March 2016 | BPI News
MINILAB NEWS printing, photo gifts, and video transfers. “Sixteen years ago the biggest print we did in store was A4! Now we have an Epson 9900 44-inch, so it’s A0. “
New printers provide fresh opportunity
FDIS STORES SAY ‘YES’ TO SUCCESS WITH FRONTIER-S Fujifilm’s Frontier-S DX100 drylab printer is back in the news this month, as a couple of new winning partnerships are formed – and the manufacturer gears up to exhibit at The Photography Show (stand E21)
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here comes a time in any minilab’s lifespan when, after many years of loyal service, it has to step aside to make way for the latest and greatest update – typically more compact, more efficient and more profitable. With this in mind Salisbury Photo Centre became the latest FDIS store to install a new Drylab to replace their ageing but well loved Frontier 340. With new equipment to get to grips with, brand new FDIS signage ready to go plus a shop fit to manage it was a busy time for owner Ian Scott, an FDIS member since August 2000.
technological advancements that the trade has witnessed over those years,” recalls Ian. “When we started, digital was at the early stages for the high street photo lab. But I used to work for a professional photography company, where I was lab manager, printing up to exhibition sizes, so had already gained experience with large format printing and high-end digital cameras. “Business has been good. Salisbury had four interdependent photo labs plus Boots when we started; now it’s just us and Boots. We try to offer a helpful, polite efficient
important if you want them to come back and tell friends about their favourite photolab – and we’ll go the extra mile here, even if it means working late myself.” Asked how he has managed to survive where other businesses have failed, Ian puts this down to his ability to offer more services than the competition, learning new skills along the way: for example canvas
Installing two new Fujifilm Frontier-S DX100 drylab printers in order to be able to offer its customer base an instant print service has inspired Ian to give the whole store a makeover to match. “That has meant more late nights but ‘no pain no gain’ as they say,” he laughs. “The combination of the latest Fujifilm Imagine kiosks DX100 instant printers is fantastic. Customers have loved the prints, which prompted us to go the whole hog and get the Frontier DL650 Drylab as well so that we could print up to 12-inch wide. With the Fujifilm Imagine software installed, which will let us offer the best service in town, I think we are complete. The dry lab’s panoramic printing capabilities will let me corner that end of the market, which I think it is neglected by a lot of labs. Further possibilities include selling a print and frame as a package, whilst being able to put art paper through the dry lab is a distinct advantage. It enables us to be able to offer bigger quantity discounts to local artist and photographer customers who already make a lot of fine art prints.” Ian notes that the most profitable jobs for his lab are when he prints and frames up a whole exhibition for people. “Then going to the private view gives me the best satisfaction. In fact we’ve just done one with 40 photos, which will be on show in May. We also print the invites and posters for that gallery – so that’s additional revenue. We’re out there encouraging people to print – not
“Salisbury Photo Centre has been in business for 16 years now and we have managed to tackle all the technological advancements that the trade has witnessed over those years” - Ian Scott (shown above) “Salisbury Photo Centre has been in business for 16 years now and we have managed to tackle all the
service, making sure everything is done on time and correctly. Customer satisfaction is most
Fujifilm’s mighty Frontier-S DX100 at The Societies Trade Show. It was even used to deliver prints into trade award winners’ hands mere seconds after having their picture taken!
Boost your print sales in 2016! Get in touch with Peter direct on 01234 572138 or via pwigington@fuji.co.uk BPI News | March 2016 23
MINILAB NEWS just for our benefit, but really for theirs too.” If you’d like to talk about adding Fujifilm Frontier-S DX100 dry labs to your own business model, the man to talk to is Fujifilm Marketing Manager Peter Wigington, who has the following advice for fellow FDIS members – which is equally applicable to the trade as a whole: “One of the secrets to running any business is listening to customer needs and addressing them, diversifying the business if needed, keeping on top of new services to offer to the customers, always getting the jobs done on time, being polite, friendly and helpful, and having good staff who have the same customer service values. Never sit back - keep pushing the business in this fast moving world we live in. Put yourself in the customer’s shoes and think would you use your photolab yourself?”
Frontier-S & you: a winning partnership Fujifilm recently ran a competition in association with The Societies Convention (see report BPI News February), at which it was one of the key exhibitors, with the coveted prize a Frontier-S DX100 printer and Shiraz Carbon Rip software worth £3000 for a lucky member of the trade. The winner in question is Dilip Joshi of Dee Jay Photography. “We’re delighted that we had so many entries into the competition,” says Fujifilm’s Peter Wigington. “The Societies (SWPP) Convention attracts the very best advanced amateur and professional photographers each year and the Frontier-S DX100 makes such an excellent tool of the trade for so many of them. It’s always a thrill to
meet any prizewinner and Dilip was no exception. He was as excited as we are about how his new printer can help with his photography business.” Fujifilm increased its presence at this year’s show, with a larger stand and wide range of printers and software for photographers to try (see our image of Frontier-S printers on this spread, taken at the trade show). As trade members will be aware, the Frontier-S DX100 is the ideal printer not just for photo retailers and minilabs but also for wedding and event photographers wanting a standalone output device. Capable of printing up to 360 prints an hour at a variety of sizes from 5x3.5-inches all the way to 8x39inches, combined with the VIVIDIA 6-ink system, the Frontier-S DX100 delivers the flexibility, speed and, most importantly, the quality that photographers require to meet the ever increasing demands and expectations of their clients. “I am amazed and delighted to have won the Fujifilm Frontier-S DX100 printer, as I normally never win anything,” Dilip says on receiving his prize. “I spent a considerable amount of time researching this printer and went to the SWPP show
L to R: Dilip Joshi receives his prize of a DX100 from Fujifilm’s Peter Wigington
to find out more. I really wanted to have a printing solution which could offer ‘on the job’ prints, without compromising on image quality or taking too much of my time to output. I’ve been shooting weddings
for some time now and the next obvious step is for me to be able to print selected images on the day. I now have this option and I’m very much looking forward to using it as part of my photography kit.”
Say ‘Yes’ to success with Frontier-S
“We had been producing panoramic prints before, but we saw an opportunity with the Fujifilm printer,” says Paul Felton of Takethatphoto.co.uk, sports market specialists since 2007 shooting up to 30,000 photos in a weekend, with as many as 15 staff on site at major events. “With older machines it was harder to produce panoramic team shots on site, but the Frontier-S DX100 made it easy.” Takethatphoto uses two Frontier-S DX100 printers, making 12 x 8” prints as well as team panoramics, after a long history of successful use of dye sub systems. With Fujfilm sponsorship Paul and his team are also the official photographers at the Master Photography Awards 2015/16 on October 18th.
See: fujifilm.eu/uk/products/photofinishing
Get the wider picture when it comes to choosing the best printer for your photography business
• Footprint 46cm(w) x 43cm(d), only 23kg • 6 dye based ink colours • Print size 5", 6", 8": max size 8" x 39.4"(1000mm) • Gloss, Lustre, Fine Art Matte & Silk paper finishes • Fujifilm’s long history of photo printing know-how and back-up
Call 01234 572138 and speak to Peter Wigington today
dx100-panoramicquarter-felton.indd 1
Fujifilm has been extensively marketing the Frontier-S DX100 drylab in the specialist photo press, as this advert from Master Photography magazine shows
28/08/2015 11:30
SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING PUSH Photofinishing hardware aside, naturally Fujifilm continues to push its Fujifilm Imagine software and Mr Appy character – who will again be in evidence at The Photography Show, as part of a new marketing strategy for 2016. This involves Fujifilm staying in touch with its FDIS members via key social media platforms – namely Facebook and Twitter – and sharing special banner artwork for promotions revolving around the likes of Valentines Day and Mothers Day. “This is all happening to
encourage people to share the posts,” says Peter Wigington. “We are also scheduling regular posts to gain likes, increase awareness of Fujifilm Imagine, click and collect and much more. We want to showcase to consumers what they can do when they download the mobile app and utilise Fujifilm Imagine. “Consumers are changing the way they purchase, which is why this is important to FDIS retailers. They are spending more time on mobile platforms and there
is a rise in social e-commerce, with the addition of ‘buy’ buttons on social media platforms. The more we all share the page, get more impressions and increase awareness, the more people will download the app and purchase
from their nearest FDIS stores. So please like/share the Facebook page and follow us on Twitter!”
Boost your print sales in 2016! Get in touch with Peter direct on 01234 572138 or via pwigington@fuji.co.uk 24 March 2016 | BPI News
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The perfect picture A members only partnership with the market leader in photo imaging. Providing a modern marketing solution for photo retail within your business. The perfect solution to increase your profit margins from photo retail.
For more information For more information the benefits of FDIS membership or to please call on 01234 572138 or request a brochure please call Peter Wigington visit www.fdisphotoretailers.com on 01234 572138 or email pwigington@fuji.co.uk
PREVIEW
L to R: Toby and Ben Herlinger with new Signature papers at The Photography Show
TAKE HEED OF FOTOSPEED
EPIC PRINTING
A major supporter of The Photography Show returns with exciting new product launches in its Kaiser range, plus Fotospeed branded metallic papers, plenty of demos and talks to draw the crowds to stand G21
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alks from big name photographer ambassadors throughout each day are a key feature of Fotospeed’s stand at the NEC this year – but it will also have an exciting range of products new and old for visitors to touch, try and buy. Confirmed speakers are Landscape Photographer of the Year Andy Farrer, along with Doug Chinnery, Joe Cornish and Paul Sanders. As we discovered in February’s BPI News, a big push for Fotospeed Distribution this year is its Kaiser branded range of distributed products and photo accessories. Not only does this include funky ‘StarCluster’ LED lights for smartphones and mirror-less cameras (see page 26 BPI News February), but also a brand new Kaiser ‘Action Strap’ aimed at DSLR, bridge and mirror-less camera owners, that is described as ‘competitively priced’ circa £43 inc. VAT (SRP). See also carrier sheet.
Action packed! As the ‘Action Strap’ name would suggest, safe and convenient carrying and fast and easy access for taking photos or video is the pitch here. It boasts an ergonomic fit, and runs diagonally across the chest and back. A wide padded shoulder rest features a non-slip layer and quick release lock with 120° swivel joint. There is also an additional tether strap to keep the main strap in position during fast
There will be show offers on the Dome studio at the show, and there will also be Kaiser copy stands on display. “We cover everything from the giant products to the tiny products,” she adds.
Fotospeed’s Metallic Guru moves, and a coupling piece to attach to the tripod thread of the camera itself. With the camera being freely rotatable, strap length can be adjusted up to 61 inches – so it’s extremely versatile.
Dome of your own Another exciting Kaiser product is the ‘Dome’ studio light tent measuring 62x62cm – typically a best seller (SRP £40) at the Photography Show for the Fotospeed team, and the recipient of five star reviews in the past. The selling point is that this is ideal for any photographers who do their own product photography. “It’s perfect for people who want to take close up shots of jewelry or want to photograph items for selling on eBay,” advises Fotospeed’s Julia Walker, who is looking after the Kaiser brand.
In terms of Fotospeed’s products, one of the main focuses at the show will be on its Metallic photo quality papers, soft launched last year at the show. For those photographers seeking a surface that is just a little different for printing on, and with that added wow factor of a metal sheen, there are both Lustre and a Gloss finish packs currently available. “Anything that is going to jazz up printing a little bit people seem really interested in trying,” notes Julia. With a thickness of 275gsm, the inkjet papers are available in packs of 25. Also being focused on is the Fotospeed Signature range of fine art papers, promoted in the trade by big name photographer brand ambassadors including Joe Cornish, Charlie Waite, John Swannell and Trevor and Faye Yerbury.
Fotospeed ambassador Joe Cornish (see below) has been getting ever more adventurous with his fine art printing of late – taking an Epson Sure Colour P600 printer with Fotospeed Tubeless ink system and Fotospeed 4K inks into the great outdoors and to what Fotospeed describe as ‘crazy places’. The first part of the print tour took in the Lake District, climbing up mountains and taking in caves, along with fellow photographer Dave Kai-Piper – and then outputting the resultant images in situ onto Joe’s favourite Signature range paper, Smooth Cotton. It’s all about bringing the ‘buzz’ back to printing – which Fotospeed is working hard this year to do! A video of the photographers’ outdoor printing escapades is to follow.
TRADE CONTACTS: For Kaiser enquiries and orders, get in touch with Julia Walker in the Fotospeed office via Julia@fotospeed.com or 01249 714 555 – whilst out in the field is sales rep Peter Bowerman, reachable via 07802 903079 or peter@fotospeed.com.
For more information on the above products, please visit www.fotospeed.com and www.kaiser-fototechnik.de 26 March 2016 | BPI News
PREVIEW
JOIN CEWE’S PHOTOBOOK CLUB! The print specialist is reaching out to consumers, professionals and retailers on stand H135 at The Photography Show, exhibiting the broad range of sizes, formats and papers available for its CEWE PHOTOBOOK products, plus an exciting new pro solution
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t’s been a little while since we heard from print and presentation specialist CEWE in BPI News, but the company has been pro-actively pressing forward with innovative products including its CEWE PHOTOBOOK; the main thrust of its showcase at The Photography Show. At the UK exhibition it will be demonstrating its latest book creation to visitors, with expert staff on hand to talk attendees through its offering, which naturally includes an extensive choice of book sizes, formats and paper types. For example, its True Matte paper range, first launched two years ago and covered at the time in the mag, has been expanded. The properties of this media are that it has a unique finish, said to virtually eliminate shine and gloss. The pitch is that it is perfect for black and white photography, wedding shots and boasts an overall ‘more arty appearance’, according to CEWE. Furthermore, favourite photos can be displayed to their best effect on True Matte paper in the company’s XXL books, the biggest in the range and being described as ‘show stopping’. There’s a choice of creating a CEWE PHOTOBOOK with True Matte
paper in XXL Portrait (28 x 36cm) and XXL Landscape (38 x 29cm) sizes. Also available in True Matte are its Small Landscape (19 x 15cm) and Square (21 x 21cm) sizes. These smaller formats are not only handy and portable, they are also said to boast the same great quality finish. “The CEWE PHOTOBOOK range continues to develop to ensure we stay ahead of the competition in terms of offering the most popular formats at competitive pricing,” says CEWE’s UK MD Duncan Midwood. “The True Matte range for instance, which has been hugely popular since launch, is being widened now to include all popular formats. “But, as you would expect from CEWE, the development of the product range maintains our incredibly high quality and 100% no quibble guarantee – we’re very proud of both of these and know how important they are to all our customers. From the entry level format at only £6.99 to the XXL range which can run to well over £100, all formats undergo rigorous colour management and binding quality control throughout the manufacturing processes. As long as it is a CEWE PHOTOBOOK, then you
can expect the same great quality.”
New gift box & video options
For those looking to give a photo book as a gift, or simply keep their photo book safe and pristine, there is the option of CEWE’s new gift boxes, available in three sizes to accommodate Large, XL or XXL CEWE PHOTOBOOKS. Prices start at £8.99 SRP. Also worth investigating at the show is the company’s unique video feature that allows videos to be integrated amongst photographs. Simply insert the video files using the creation software and a QR code is generated. This appears on the printed page of the book. Recipients of the book then scan the QR code with their smartphone or tablet to watch the video.
Game-raising pro solutions All well as presenting the CEWE PHOTOBOOK at The Photography Show, a new solution for professionals will also be unveiled. The pitch here is that pro photographers will have the opportunity to purchase outstanding quality CEWE products with some added business benefits. There will also be a dedicated portal set up geared toward the wedding photography market. The professional solution comprises logo-free final product, across the entire range of formats and paper types. A presentation box is also available as an extra. The professional package also
“The CEWE PHOTOBOOK range continues to develop to ensure we stay ahead of the competition in terms of offering the most popular formats at competitive pricing.” – CEWE UK MD Duncan Midwood includes all CEWE Wall Art, from framed posters and canvas, to Gallery Prints and acrylics and includes the innovative CEWE 3D; allowing the creation of 3D wall art ‘like you’ve never seen before’ from standard 2D images Professional photographers wanting to investigate CEWE’s range will also get access to creator software with unrivalled functionality that allows and enables complete creative control, plus a dedicated customer service for any questions or queries relating to the professional offering, discounts for bulk purchases, plus an attractive loyalty programme for returning customers. Head to stand H135 at The Photography Show to find out what CEWE can do for your business and customer base. Trade partners should get in touch with Duncan Midwood at CEWE on 01926 463107.
For more info visit: www.cewe-photoworld.com/photo-books BPI News | March 2016 27
PREVIEW
PERMAJET ALL SET… FOR THE BIG SHOW!
PermaJet follows up its Best Professional Photo Paper win at The Societies Awards last month for its Titanium Lustre 280gsm with the addition of a new expert to its team and a public showcase at The Photography Show stand F91 this month.
F
ine art photo paper specialist PermaJet is inviting you to join its team at the bar at the NEC… the Print Bar that is, a feature of its new stand at location F91 in Hall 5, which it is insisting will be the destination for everyone passionate about print. Not only will the full range of PermaJet paper be presented for inspection in the dedicated print gallery space, complete with show-only deals, but it will also be hosting live demonstrations, workshops and consultations with leading lights in the photographic industry at the PermaJet Print Bar across the four days of The Photography Show. Matt Dowling, Director of the Freelancer Club, PermaJet lecturers Clive Haynes FRPS, Christine Widdall MPAGB, FBPR, EFIAP and Michael O’Sullivan FRPS, FIPF, plus pro photographer
Sample award winning Titanium Lustre 280gsm packs at the big show
Vicki Boulter FSWPP & FNPS will all be sharing their expertise and skills with attendees, and helping to place PermaJet in the forefront of consumers’ minds when they consider which inkjet paper range is the best fit for their images. A full list of workshops with timings can be found by directing your browser to: www.permajet.com/ thephotographyshow Talking of advanced levels of technical support, PermaJet also tells BPI News that it has appointed a new, advanced colour management expert, who will be dishing out advice free of charge to its customer base – including print labs, studios, and photographers seeking to acquire consistent and professional results on PermaJet inkjet media.
Fine art prints & expert advice The new face in the frame is Rob Griffith, who has been a colour management consultant, trainer, and writer for 15+ years, working with national museums, newspapers, publishing groups, fashion labels and advertising agencies. Rob’s wealth of advanced level knowledge has been brought into PermaJet, it says, to provide a level of support that distinguishes the company as market leaders. Rob will be travelling across the UK visiting PermaJet’s key photo lab customers who have invested in roll media and want to get the most
PermaJet’s Photography Show stand features a dedicated print gallery space open for inspection
The PermaJet team is waiting to greet you on stand F91 at the show, along with new team member Rob Griffith (right), who joins as resident printing expert
from a complete colour managed workflow. Rob will also be on hand to go through any issues with current set-ups, advising on how they can be overcome on an ongoing basis. “Our customers are becoming well informed about the basic standards required for photo quality printing,” says PermaJet’s Business Manager Steven Price. “We want to be able to provide the next level of support to set us apart from other inkjet brands and make sure our customers are constantly getting the very best results possible on PermaJet’s range of professional quality inkjet paper.” So, in fact, the entire PermaJet team in the UK will also be undertaking advanced training with Rob, something that Managing Director Robin Whetton believes is vitally important for the success of PermaJet. “It is important to continue the development of the PermaJet team so that we can strive for excellence in every aspect of the
business. By creating this advanced training programme, they will all be equipped to deal with more complex customer needs and advanced technical queries that are being increasingly presented to us.” As noted at the very start of our article, the PermaJet range of professional inkjet media has won numerous awards, most recently scooping the prestigious accolade of Best Professional Paper 2015 at The Societies Trade Awards (see also BPI News February, page 23). Backing up its extensive range of fine art papers is a team of skilled photographers and printers, who can boast advanced levels of technical knowledge which will benefit all users of PermaJet media, be it a home printer or professional print lab. To place an order call direct now on 01789 739200 or to view the whole PermaJet range, direct your browser to: www.permajet.com
BPI News is your mouthpiece to the industry. Send your news to info@bpinews.co.uk 28 March 2016 | BPI News
NEWS
PRODUCT OF THE MONTH
TETENAL PREPARES FOR THE PHOTOGRAPHY SHOW LEICESTER based photographic distributor Tetenal told BPI News that it was ‘in full swing’ with preparations for The Photography Show, as we went to press. Marketing Manager Craig Bird says that his team is ‘really excited’ by what they’ve come up with for stand D101. “Our emphasis will be very much on photographic retail hardware with a large proportion of the stand given over entirely to that area of our business,” promises Craig. “With the breadth of product we’ll have on the stand, we will be able to configure a range of hardware to suit virtually any photographic printing set-up, from high street retailers and multiples through to event photographers and studios. “In addition we’ll also be allocating space to some of our other key brands, including new papers from Ilford, plus SunBounce/ SunSniper with their exciting range of light manipulation products and camera straps suitable for professionals and keen amateurs.” In other Tetenal news it has added a new Epson SureColor SC-S40600 64-inch colour solvent printer to its showroom. Also installed is a new Caldera RIP, driving not only the new SC-S40600 but also Epson SC-P9000 and T3000 printers, providing Tetenal with a showroom able to demonstrate a full range of printing options across a variety of medias, including
Tetenal’s Leicester showroom is fully equipped to demonstrate a full range of printing options
Backlit Film. The trade can contact Jeremy Roy on 07879 882663 to arrange your own personal demonstration on any of the Epson SureColor range together with RIP solutions from Caldera and Shiraz. Lastly but by no means least, Tetenal has added Graphic Design Graduate Alexandra Cook to its marketing team. “Due to the high volume of design and artwork we do internally to promote our business and support our retail photographic stores, particularly Kodak Express, we needed to add to our creative team,” says Craig Bird. “We wanted someone who could hit the ground running with enthusiasm and new creative ideas. Alex has done just that and we’re very happy to have her as part of team Tetenal.”
FUJIFILM X-PRO2
A
rguably the release of the original X-Pro1 some four years back was the most ‘professional’ camera Fuji had put out since the re-badged Nikon 35mm DSLR bodies in the mid 00’s. It wasn’t perfect however, with response times leaving room for further improvement and subsequent Firmware upgrades. Nevertheless it showed Fuji was serious about its fledgling X series of interchangeable lens compacts that, until now, had reached its peak with the X-T1. That camera was impressive enough to make us forget all about the X-Pro1 – until we got a hands on preview of the new X-Pro2 just before Christmas, and a review sample to play with last month.
www.tetenal.co.uk
DISCOVER PRAKTICA WITH DIREKTEK
Luckily even without any lens attached (we were using the 35mm), the camera feels substantial enough to achieve the body only asking price of £1300 SRP. Selling points here include its four section weather sealed magnesium construction, whilst the de rigeur rangefinder
type design with top plate knobs and dials also signifies that this is a serious bit of kit for those serious about their photography. Basically Fujifilm hasn’t broken what worked the first time around and the camera is still a bit of a brick – reassuringly so, some might feel. Part of the reason for its comparable heft (500g with card ‘n’ battery) is what it makes room for. All new 24-megapixel APS-C X-Trans CMOS II sensor aside, the most thrilling element is probably the hybrid viewfinder that gives us the natural view and sightlines of an optical viewfinder but includes electronic overlays of key shooting info; in other words it’s a best of both worlds shooting experience. At 0.48-inches it’s larger than most found on compact system cameras and so brighter also. Naturally there is also the option of the larger 3-inch, 1.62-million dot LCD below. Thankfully this time the X-Pro2 is so quick to respond and commit images to memory that you don’t really think – or notice – what the camera is doing. Which is kinda as things should be. You concentrate on communicating with your subject, getting them in focus and correctly framed – and let Fujifilm do the rest. www.fujifilm.co.uk
DISTRIBUTOR DirekTek is asking retailers to take a view on its new Discovery binocular offering from Praktica – described as a solid, multi purpose accessory for anyone on their travels. Featuring a roof prism design and multi coated optics, along with a durable rubber body the result is crystal clear images at an affordable price. Furthermore these binos are waterproof, fog-proof and ‘nitrogen purged’ to survive all conditions and come with a 25 year limited warranty. With 8x42 and 10x42 models available from DirekTek, trade prices start at £39. Get in touch on 01494 471100 or via sales@direktek.co.uk www.direktek.co.uk
BPI News | March 2016 29
TALK OF THE TRADE
THE MAN WITH THE GOLDEN ‘X’
BPI News hears from a familiar face in the trade: Fujifilm UK’s newly promoted General Manager Theo Georghiades. Having been with the brand 17 years, Theo discusses his new role and the brand’s plans for The Photography Show (Stand E21)
I
joined Fujifilm the 1st of September 1999 – I know the date well because it’s my Mum’s birthday. The funny thing was that the day I joined Fujifilm my Mum joined John Lewis. I was 23 and had done a degree in photography, which covered digital imaging, and graduated that summer. But my interest in photography started when I was eight years old and got my first Praktica camera. When I started secondary school I began doing my own black and white printing. So I’ve been a photography enthusiast and a bit of a geek since a very young age. I found my first job with Fujifilm in Customer Services via an ad in BJP. I thought of it as my first step into a very big photographic organisation. Fujifilm was very film orientated at the time, so I was dealing with retailers and labs; 1999 was very much the start of what was to be the digital boom. We had our Super CCD cameras designed by Porsche. We have always been innovative and forward looking. It was an exciting time! We had some big peaks with Fujifilm dominating the digital camera market in the UK and averaging a 35% share. We had very big partnerships with Dixons in the early years and the digital camera market was really buoyant. It wasn’t until 2009 that we started to see the big declines with smartphones booming. When camera phones first
appeared the quality was so bad it actually prompted people to buy a proper camera. When smartphones improved it got to the stage where people didn’t need to buy a compact camera at the low end because smartphones were pretty good.
Time for a change It was at Photokina in September 2010 that we felt it was time to slowly come away from the compact market and start aiming more at the enthusiasts. It was a brave move, but then again Fujifilm’s always had a very strong professional background – if you think back to Astia and Velvia and Provia, they were all high-end professional films. We used to have high-end 35mm SLRs, and medium format cameras as well. Nevertheless, going back into that segment was a surprise to a lot of people. Though it did attract attention immediately from those who remembered what we used to do. The X100 was the start of it – if we wanted to make the perfect photographers’ camera we almost had to start from scratch and the brainstorming started from there. And the response was absolutely phenomenal. We thought it was going to be great but it really put us on the map. From there we developed the X-Pro1 and started to build an interchangeable system, which was the birth of the X series.
“The Photography Show is going to be the first time the mass enthusiast market will get their hands on the X-Pro2, the X-E2S, the X70 and our XF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6R LM OIS WR lens. All the new products will be there.” The trade was supportive of our compact cameras, but it always does better with interchangeable lens products because if people walk into a camera dealer they want to buy ‘proper’ cameras. So when we came out with the X series they were over the moon and it gave them a new lease of life. Photographers making the switch from DSLR to CSC want to talk it through with a specialist. Compared with my previous role as Senior Business Manager, my responsibilities now cover a broader chunk of the business. It’s more about working with my marketing team regarding the direction we’re going in, making sure all our processes work from a logistics side. But one area I don’t want to lose focus on is the trade and our sales side, because ultimately we are a commercially minded business and have to make sure that end of the spectrum doesn’t get forgotten. And the relationships I’ve built up over the years are really important. The Photography Show is going to be the first time the mass
enthusiast market will get their hands on the X-Pro2, the X-E2S, the X70 and our XF100-400mm f/4.55.6R LM OIS WR lens. All the new products will be there, we’ll have the ability to touch and try, and will be providing subject matter for people to photograph. We will also have a gantry this time where people will be able to utilise the longer lenses at a higher level. It’s quite exciting for us to have five brand new products to share with people. We’ll have photographers on the main stages – I think it’s important to have a bit of ‘theatre’ because I think consumers don’t want to just look at a product – they want to take pictures of something and interact with people. We’re also going to have one of our photographers on the stand and on the gantry rather than just a Fujifilm member of staff. Enthusiasts love talking to a pro more than they love talking to me or any member of staff. Somebody who’s used the product in a professional capacity will be able to give them a much better overview of what that product can do.”
Want to share your story with the trade? Get in touch with us via info@bpinews.co.uk 30 March 2016 | BPI News
PUT YOURSELF IN THE PICTURE - THE EVENT FOR EVERYONE WHOSE BUSINESS IS PHOTOGRAPHY -
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