Pixel Magazine - 17th July 2012

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News Panasonic CEO to Deliver CES Keynote Kazuhiro Tsuga, incoming president of Panasonic, will deliver the opening keynote address at the 2013 International CES Exhibition.

Mr. Tsuga’s keynote is planned for 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, January 8, immediately following a State of the CE Industry keynote address by Gary Shapiro, president and CEO, CEA. www.ces.com

Photo-Me Sets New World Record Overseen by an official Guinness World Records adjudicator, seven people successfully squeezed inside a Photo-Me booth for over 5 seconds, awarding ‘Most People Crammed in a Photo Booth’ to Photo-Me International plc. The attempt took place at Kings Cross, where Photo-Me also gave commuters the chance to use the photobooth for free and win two first class return tickets from King’s Cross to Edinburgh. www.photo-me.co.uk

Pentax Ricoh Imaging to Distribute Ricoh With immediate effect, the distribution, sales and marketing of Ricoh camera products in the UK will transfer from Alpha Digital Services Ltd to Pentax Ricoh Imaging UK Ltd.The repair and service of Ricoh cameras will also transfer to Service Agent, Johnsons Photopia. www.pentax.co.uk

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Jacobs: so, What Happens Next?

Freitag, 11. Mai 2012 18:05:13

The industry shares its opinions on the closure of a major independent chain.

The closure of one of the UK’s largest independent camera and photographic retail chains has had a profound effect on the spirit of the industry. Along with scores of job losses, the sad decision to close this famiy run business has rocked the industry with uncertainty. The questions on everybody’s lips are why has this happened? And how can we stop it happening to more stores?

As previous Pixel Trade Award winners for Multiple Retailer of the Year, Jacobs have always been popular with Pixel’s readers and contributors, we have dedicated our special feature this issue, beginning on page 5, to sharing the trade’s thoughts about the closure of Jacobs, what this

says about the state of our trade and what it means for the industry going forward. Initially, this may seem to be quite a bleak picture, but it seems the opportunities fostered by the freeing up of Jacobs’ premises and staff are only just beginning to surface.

At the time of going to press, Pixel had heard from several sources that a number of key Jacobs staff, including Elliot Jacobs, have taken new roles at Calumet. According to many industry commenters, Calumet were one of the companies rumoured to be interested in buying out Jacobs’ stores from the administrators, although no bids or interested parties were ever confirmed. Calumet have declined to comment at this point.

Fifty Shades of Grey Pixel begins a campaign to uncover the “grey areas” putting pressure on UK retail.

If there’s one phrase guaranteed to rile the majority of photographic industry retailers, surely its “grey imports”. However, the definition of that phrase itself is a ‘grey area’, referring simultaneously to legal (but unethical) practices and to those which involve illegal tax avoidance.

Grey importing is notoriously rife in the photo industry, leading to steps by imaging brands to prevent their products being sold through unofficial channels. It’s thought that the dual names of Canon’s otherwise effectively identical Rebel (USA) and EOS (elsewhere) products is to prevent nonUSA customers importing the camera system at the super-competitive prices seen in America. But how can other manufacturers ensure their products are imported and distributed in the way they intend?

Indeed, is it their responsibility to do so?

In the UK, it’s illegal for manufacturers and distributors to dictate the prices at which their products are sold, which is designed to promote healthy competition and freedom of promotional

techniques. You can read more about this issue on pages 3 and 14. Pixel wants to know your opinions and experiences of grey importing and exporting.

Email your comments to editorial@pixelmagazine. co.uk with the subject Grey Imports, stipulating if you wish to remain anonymous.

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The Insider

Saying what you are thinking and asking the difficult questions. Each issue ‘The Insider’ reports back from the frontline of our industry.

The subject I am going to speak about in this issue may well be the most contentious, misunderstood and damaging aspect of our industry today. I have been trying to get to the bottom of it, but I have failed in my quest to do so. I have heard a lot of opinion but little can be fully substantiated as fact as far as I can see. The subject is, of course, ‘Grey Imports’. Even the use of the word ‘grey’ suggests something underhand and covert.

This is where I am currently in my personal understanding or misunderstanding. Goods are bought outside of the UK legitimately, then shipped to the UK, where they are primarily sold via the Amazon marketplace through a vast variety of retailers, promoted as being ‘shipped’ from the UK and not promoted as being ‘grey’ (if of course they are, which we have no true, factual knowledge about). I am sure that there are other online platforms that are offering the same service but there can be little doubt that Amazon is a major destination for these sellers and for buyers looking for the cheapest price. It therefore seems to me to be a good example of what is going on.

I hear rumour that the BBC’s ‘Panorama’ programme is clicking its way through this area of greyness to try and find out the truth for a future programme. I wish them luck because as far as I can see, hear and tell what our industry is involved in here is akin to the female Praying Mantis eating its male partner directly after mating. ‘Grey Imports’ is our industry destroying itself internally directly after manufacture.

There is an even greyer grey area, which I have also heard about, which is that established UK retailers are using pseudonyms to sell via the marketplace to clear stock and aid cashflow. Is this true? I don’t know but if it is it is only adding vicarious legitimacy to those ‘Grey Import’

retailers I hear so many complaining about.

Now I’m not putting blame on any particular faction, the information I have is both second hand and observational, however what I can clearly see is that if ‘Grey Imports’ are allowed to continue and dominate the market, we are in severe danger of not having a high street presence for photography in the future.

Each time I write a column, I hope to give some advice on how a particular issue could be addressed or questioned. This time I am asking you all to give me the answers, explain to me what is happening and suggest what is to be done. Do we need to call for government action? Do laws need to be passed? Do manufacturers need to speak out and up? Does Amazon need to flag to the customer who these retailers are and what they are doing? Does their need to be an industry marketing campaign informing customers on what they are buying and why the products are so cheap?

I am sure that you can add to these possibilities of action, if you can then please let the editor of Pixel, Laura Knight, know what you think by emailing her at editorial@pixelmagazine. co.uk. It may be the most important email you ever send with relation to our industry.

Hama and Golla Join Forces Finish fashion bags to be distributed by Hama in the UK. Hama (UK) Ltd have extended their wide range of mobile and computer bags and cases by announcing a new partnership with popular Finnish fashion brand Golla. The Golla cases take into consideration all aspects of the mobile lifestyle and display a variety of fresh and vibrant designs providing a solution for all users.

Petri Kähkönen, CEO of Golla said “We are happy to work with Hama UK as our new partner that will push our products to the best channels and give us the visibility that Golla deserves in the UK.”

Nick Grey, Managing Director of Hama (UK) Ltd added “Golla is already an established brand in the UK with a great selection of products covering a wide range of customer needs and offering value. At Hama we believe the Golla products compliment our other existing brands and will enhance our already extensive product portfolio.”

Hama will become a UK distributor for the brand with immediate effect and will be supplying the current 2012 range of products. Enquiries from both new and existing dealers are welcome. www.hama.co.uk

FOCUS

News BREAKING NEWS: Trevor Moore to Leave Jessops Just as Pixel went to press, Martyn Everett, Executive Chairman of Jessops, wrote to us to announce that Trevor Moore will be leaving the business at the end of July after almost three years as CEO. “In the coming weeks Trevor will be completing a thorough handover with me.

During his time at Jessops Trevor has built a strong management team and I will be stepping in as Executive Chairman to support the management team and to lead the business forward.

“I have no plans to appoint a replacement CEO and I will be building on the solid foundations established to date and working with our experienced management team to develop our business further. Trevor leaves on good terms and I would like to thank him for his leadership.”

Pixel will, of course, report further on this next issue and will speak to Martyn about this development at the first possible opportunity. www.jessops.com

Hasselblad Unveils 0% Finance Plan In a UK exclusive promotion Hasselblad is offering photographers the chance to buy an H4D System camera or CFV Digital Back at 0% finance in a new lease purchase plan – until the end of September 2012.

The offer comes just weeks after the company announced price reductions of up to 22% on a number of Hasselblad models, as part of a new campaign ‘to further support creative photographers’ access to the world’s most advanced camera system’.

The leasing option gives photographers the opportunity to spread the cost of repayment over 24 or 36 months.

The offer applies to H4D Cameras, CFV Digital Backs and all lenses and accessories, when bought with the camera.

Hasselblad believe this offer, which is available only to full time UK businesses users and sole traders, will be particularly attractive to professional photographers.

Photographers can now buy into the Hasselblad fully integrated H System with an H4D-31 camera for less than £8,000 and enjoy 0% finance. A document fee of £200 applies to the deal, plus a one-off ‘option to purchase’ payment of £50. www.hasselblad.co.uk/leasing

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SPECIAL REPORT

The End of an Era

After more than seven decades in business, Jacobs has ceased trading and closed its stores. One of the UK’s best loved camera chains and family retail businesses, Jacobs’ closure speaks volumes about the state of the UK’s high streets. Pixel asks the industry the important questions... ... namely, what happened to Jacobs, what will happen now, and perhaps most importantly, what does it say about the state of our trade?

Eddie Kerr, a partner at PFK, who were Jacobs’ administrators, said in his statements: “It’s desperately sad to see a family-run business such as Cecil Jacobs encounter problems. The company has a rich heritage and loyal customer base, but this has not been enough to see it through the ongoing economic slowdown.

“Our plan was to keep the business running in the short term and undertake an immediate review of the company’s estate, with a view to finding a buyer, if possible, for the going concern. Unfortunately, a buyer for the business failed to materialise.

“It is terribly sad. Unfortunately, this is an increasingly frequent situation, particularly in the retail sector, where trading conditions have never been tougher.

“We had hoped to sell on some of the stores but, unfortunately, the market is the same for everyone and is likely to remain this way until the economy starts to show some signs of recovery.”

Fellow PKF spokesman Andy Konieczko was quoted as saying: “The firm was forced into administration amid unremitting, ‘difficult trading conditions’. Jacobs fell victim to a ‘high street pain’ made worse by competition from online retailers and a drop in discretionary spending among consumers.

“There is no smoking gun. Jacobs bosses had hoped that blue skies were on the way but the opposite happened and we’ve ended up in a double-dip recession. For Jacobs, it was time to throw in the towel.

“It is fair to say that some Jacobs stores have performed better than others... A small number haven’t performed as well as they could have done.”

David K. Parkinson, Wilkinson Cameras said: “I am shocked to the core! A great business run well with passion for the trade and industry.

This has to send a huge message to all involved within the photo industry, retailers have to realise we can’t survive making these ridiculously tight margins and suppliers have to wake up take control and put some order into the market.

“We sell some great products with technology that blows your mind yet it always seems to be race to the bottom from both suppliers and retailers, I accept the market has changed and the internet has and will continue to change the

face of retail but photography like many other industries MUST take control of its own market place before it’s too late!”

David Holley, Hahnel commented: “It’s sad to see that yet another high street retailer has suffered and eventually succumbed to the economic climate, regardless of the type of product they sold, but of course it is especially upsetting for us all to see such a popular name in the camera trade close its doors. It does create concerns when such a high profile retailer in such good locations cannot sustain enough profits.

“That said, prime retail locations are very expensive at the moment and I wouldn’t be surprised if that was a factor in the decision to close. It’s also particularly sad because Jacobs were a family owned chain, but all businesses are under pressure at the moment, not just the small privately owned ones although these do seem to be the hardest hit.

“The camera trade seems particularly susceptible to internet competition, too, because products are directly compatible. A particular camera is that camera wherever you buy it from, so unlike many types of retail customers are able to just look the exact product they’ve seen in a store up online.

“I’ve personally always found Anthony Jacobs

great to deal with, he has a great attitude and was always willing to give business opportunities a chance. I’m really sorry it’s not worked out for him.”

Alistair Coyne, Divisional Manager, Midwich told Pixel: “I was as surprised as anyone about Jacobs as they were one of the largest and most established independents out there.

“I think it’s unfortunately a sign of the times that retail are finding it tough to sell versus the internet prices available. The market is down generally on photo and you really have to work hard to add value to any sale; adding accessories or creating product bundles is a good way of getting away from a single price for a camera or camcorder.

Paul Austin, Fujifilm said: “I can’t really comment on Fujifilm’s involvement as, obviously, the administration process is still ongoing. However, from a personal point of view I can say that I feel very sad that yet another family run business has been pushed into this position and had to close its doors despite doing their best and running a great store and service, when so many big companies, banks and PLCs are allowed to get away with all sorts and even run at a loss quarter after quarter. To my knowledge, Jacobs even posted a profit after tax but it was not enough to

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SPECIAL REPORT keep all their stores and considerable number of staff going, so it’s a terrible shame.

Word on the Street NB: the following comments are the personal opinions of Pixel’s forum members, and contain speculative statements, hearsay and opinions stated as fact that may not be accurate. The views contained in these comments do not reflect the views of Pixel magazine, its staff or contributors and a purely the thoughts of the forum member who posted them.

Panodia: The trouble with the photo trade is that suppliers always went for turnover not profit. How many reps have I met who have told me ‘turnover equals profit’? However as we all know, high turnover with low margin only works when the ‘wheels’ are turning.

Consequently, if the gearing is too high and the engine stalls, you go bust - a la Jacobs.

The difficulty in the photographic trade is how many dealers and suppliers have business qualifications? last one standing: However, let’s get back to the recent posts as to why they went.

Sorry all, but it’s back to selling at a profit (same old, same old, same old - I know) and when you go high street and on the web you lose the ability to do so, as who buys from someone who is more expensive on the web?

Not many.

I do grant that there is some (very small in my

opinion) customer loyalty but not much.

So if you lie down with dogs you get fleas. or you go kaput in this case.

If people do not start to sell at a realistic prices, then you need to look at other retailers and wonder if they will not go the same way? phototrade: Nail on the head there, LOS, but there will always be some fool to sell it cheap and others

“Most of the smart suppliers have been seeking business outside of the photo trade for years...” will follow. In the US lots of brown goods manufacturers have brought in minimum selling prices and apparently it has worked very very well for the indies! Surely this is what we need over here, and quickly before retail in the UK consists of Tesco and a few other HUGE players.

Panodia: Jessops don’t seem to realise that their competitors are not the likes of Jacobs or LCE, but Samsung and Apple.

What we are watching unfold is the last act of the photo trade as we know it. Consumers see

photography not as an ‘event’ such as holidays and weddings but as part of their everyday life which is played out online. Just think of how may pictures are now taken on phones!

Jessops may have won the battle but are fast losing the war, caught between the general public’s perception of photography and the decline of the high street. In my view Jessops’ own branding strategy will not be enough to save them, my guess would be that they will fall back on to the internet where fixed costs such as are easier to control.

I suspect that Canon and Nikon will open their own stores. The rest of the camera manufacturing community will trade across the web or join up with phone companies hoping that the historic brand footprint will be worth a few points. As for suppliers, most of the smart ones such as Kenro have been seeking business outside the photo trade for years, however I suspect we will see some suppliers go to the wall as well. twinshock: Who will the big names turn to now this chunk of their business has gone? Anyone else bet us Indies start to get better service from them, we have noticed a wee change already from one of them... Focus next year should be very interesting now?

IS minimum pricing what the UK needs in order to protect margins, or does it harm competition? Join our big grey debate and email your comments to the editor editorial@pixelmagazine.co.uk

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Innovative, Profitable Photo Site Lucidiom’s Photo Finale photo website is modern and intuitive. Consumers edit photos, order prints, create books, build cards and calendars and share everything with friends.

Retailers tailor products and services to match their brand and appeal to their market.

Retailers who combine the Photo Finale site with Lucidiom’s in-store kiosks and custom iPhone app can revive their entire digital imaging category in a matter of days.

Easy to Print Facebook Photos On Lucidiom’s APM photo kiosk, consumers can order anything from prints to books to specialty gifts. Now, they can order prints of their Facebook photos or use them alongside pictures from their camera and phone in a book, calendar or other creative product.

web and mobile all on the Lucidiom platform achieve efficient order fulfillment, streamlined configuration and are able to present a consistent branding message and product line.

Custom iPhone App for Stores The new iPhone/iPad app from Lucidiom is named and branded for each retailer. Users can sync their device to view photos they have stored online with that retailer, as well as upload new ones, share collections and order prints from online photos or from photos stored on the device. The app is designed to be custom branded for a store, which means a quick-to-market mobile solution for chains and large retailers and incredible power for a single independent retailer.

A Seamless Photo Centre Lucidiom’s seamless system of digital imaging ordering devices enables retailers to collect orders from consumers wherever they are: in store, online or on mobile. Retailers with kiosk,

Please contact Kevin Andrews on: kandrews@lucidiom.com • Direct 01279 874160 • Mobile 07791 951005 www.pixellive.co.uk 7 Lucidiom Finance Ltd, The Stansted Centre, Parsonage Road, Takeley, Essex CM22InPrint 6PU 7

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THE BUSINESS

Camera Market Retains Value GfK anaysis finds that Increased demand and consistent pricing made for improved sales in the first quarter of 2012.

After a difficult month in April 2012, May figures were helped by more encouraging sales. During the Jubilee week, we saw only a -5% decline. The only category in decline in value in May 2012 compared to last year was Standard Compact Cameras.

Advanced Zoom Compact Cameras reached new heights this month. Superzoom Cameras had their highest ever volume share of the Digital Cameras market (20.3%) and it was also the category with the highest growth in volume in May compared to May 2011 (up 53%). This is again a trend related to increased demand within the category, rather than price decreases. The average price of Superzoom cameras in May was £152, representing relative stability.

Despite a -3% volume decline, DSLR grew by 6% in value as the average price increased from £553 to £605 compared to May 2011, helped

News

by new products launched in recent months.

Compact System Cameras on the other hand continued to enjoy growth this month with 20% volume and 30% value uplift on last May. If we take into account that last year’s growth rate was significant, (125% in volume and 73% in value), the growth achieved this year becomes even more impressive.

Looking ahead, we would hope to have a better Q2 compared to Q1 because of the improved sales in May and with the Olympics still to come. Furthermore, there are still many opportunities for the industry, borne out by the increased demand for higher quality photographic products.

Analysis by Aline Marchal, Account Manager, Photo, aline.marchal@gfk.com 0870 603 8181 www.gfkrt.com/uk

The Cost of Payment

Following rumours that Panasonic would buy share in Olympus, experts’ eyes now turn to Sony...

Paying with cash is more common than a year ago and accepting customers’ payments by cash is, on average, 24 times cheaper for retailers than credit card payments.

Customers are using cash more often because it helps them manage their money, and shopping more often but spending less each time.

Cash was used 5.7 per cent more in 2011, accounting for 58 per cent of all transactions, but the cost of the average shopping basket fell to £10.45 from £12.93 in 2010.

The figures are from the BRC’s latest annual Cost of Payment Collection Survey which covers 2011 and includes results from around 9.4 billion transactions of all types. They add up to 59 per cent of total UK retail sales.

The survey also shows banks continue to levy unjustifiably high charges on retailers for handling card payments. The average cost to a retailer of having a credit or charge18/11/11 card Fuji Quarter Page Advert.pdf payment processed was 36.2 pence while for a debit card it was 9.6 pence. But the cost of

having cash transported and banked averaged just 1.5 pence.

Tom Ironside, BRC Director of Business and Regulation said: “But retailers are not cheerleaders for cash, they sell things! Paying is a necessary final stage. It should be easy for customers to do that in the way they want to and the cost to retailers should fairly reflect the costs banks face in processing those payments.

There can be no justification for such dramatic differences in charges. More efficient technology should result in charges going down, not up.”

Last month, a European Court ruling upheld a decision outlawing so-called interchange fees levied on retailers by MasterCard for processing credit and debit card payments from customers in other EU countries.

The BRC says its evidence shows fees levied on domestic card transactions are also unjustifiably high and it hopes the OFT will now 16:44:24 take similar action. www.brc.org.uk

CES Wins Award for Mobile Engagement The Consumer Electronics Association recently received top honours in EXPO Magazine’s Awards for its Follow Me App. Attendees with any web-based smartphone or tablet were able to download the app for free and use its features with or without an internet connection. Users had the ability to manage their schedule, access onsite navigation through interactive show maps, receive news alerts and special offers, download press kits, make travel arrangements and access market research.

Users could also download photos and videos from the galleries, receive the live #CES Twitter feed and become “friends” with others to send messages and share schedules. www.ces.com

PNY Expands Micro SD Gaming Range PNY Technologies has updated its Micro SD gaming range by extending both its catalogue of titles and device compatibility.

Through its continued partnership with Gameloft, a leading publisher of mobile games, PNY offers a complete HD game chosen from a number of the publisher’s recent releases with every Micro SDHC card bought. Titles available include Spiderman: Total Mayhem; Asphalt 6: Adrenaline; The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn; James Cameron’s Avatar and Fast & Furious 5.

The downloadable game is not only compatible with Android smartphones, but now because of new innovations, Android tablets equipped with a Micro SDHC port. www.pny.eu

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THE NEW WORLD OF IMAGING

The Rumour The Rumour is a round up of gossip and hints currently circulating the internet. The views here are not necessarily those of Pixel Magazine and have not been communicated through official channels, they are simply things we have heard from those who may know!

Rumour has it that... Sony’s new full frame DSLR will feature 1080p video in 24p and 60p – the first full frame DSLR to have the higher frame rate, which will be useful for slow motion. IIt’s also thought that this DSLR is also able to record stills without interrupting video - a feature previously exclusive to compacts. That 1080/60p will be exclusive to Sony at release, along with intense demand for full frame video from professional filmmakers.

The megapixel count is 24MP compared to the Sony sensor in the 36MP Nikon D800, making it a serious low-light competitor.

Via Sony Alpha Rumors Rumour has it that Nikon is working on an APS-C Mirrorless camera, if recent patent filings are anything to go by. Nikon’s 18-55mm f/4-5.6 lens patent 2012123118 appears to be for such a camera, which isn’t the Nikon 1 system as that has a sensor smaller than APS-C. As we all know, Patents do not guarantee new product introductions, but Nikon’s have been a fairly accurate lead for the last few years.

Via Egami Rumour has it that... 23rd July will be the announcement date for Canon’s entry into the mirrorless compact system market. Canonrumors has leaked an invitation to an announcement in the Czech Republic which ties in with other recent rumours that pointed to a Canon release of a new camera, thought to be a CSCm with three accompanying lenses and the same sensor as the G1X, originally thought to be happening the day after. Not long to wait now...

Via Canonrumors Rumour has it that... Apple is preparing to launch a “mini” iPad in the coming months. Rumours and even what’s thought to be a manufacturer’s mould have surfaced which appear to show an iPad at just over 7 inches - about two thirds the size of the most recent iPad, and slightly thinner. Two years ago, Steve Jobs said competitors’ 7-inch tablets were too small to be useful, but two years is a very long time in technology!

Via MacRumors

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In Tune with End Users Roland UK relocates as part of strategy to increase visibility in the audio and video industries

Roland UK have relocated their London showroom and offices to Metropolis Studios in a move that will see Roland Systems Group and Roland Music at the heart of the live music and production industry. The Metropolis Group is the most successful independent recording and production facility in Europe.

‘The move is part of our strategy to increase

Tim Walter MD Roland UK and Ian Brenchley MD of Metropolis

our visibility as a total solutions provider to audio and video professionals. Being in such an environment allows us to gain a better understanding of what our users want and how to best address our target markets’, commented Peter Heath, Business Development Director at Roland UK. ‘The move to Metropolis will help us toachieve our goal to develop our relationships with dealers and end users, providing the products they want with the features they need’.

To celebrate the move, Roland Systems Group held an opening ceremony where the new office was officially opened by Roland (UK) MD Tim Walter and Metropolis MD Ian Brenchley. The event highlighted new developments from RSG, including the iPad Application for the M-480 Live Mixing Console and the partnership with global communications technology specialist Talkpoint. www.roland.co.uk

Photo-Merchandise Growth Driven by Connectivity WiFi camera connectivity and mobile photography offers potential to the photo printing, gift and merchandise market.

The photo-merchandise market grew 11% in Western Europe last year, reaching €478 million at a time when the traditional photo print market is in decline.

Growth varies significantly by country and by product, with the fastest growing segment, canvas prints and other substrates, experiencing more than 30% growth in most markets, though this is offset to some degree by a declining poster sales market. Calendars, photo-cards, and single-image gifts were the next largest markets, and photo greeting cards are forecast to witness the strongest growth through the forecast period out to 2016, driven by mobile applications and services.

Calendars remain a seasonal product, with more than 90% of sales recorded between October to January, typically with consumers usually buying two or more copies. Photocards, driven largely by the UK and Benelux, are dominated by folded cards but this segment also includes postcards and announcements, which tend to be popular in France. Christmas is a key driver for cards, with 50 to 60% of volumes purchased for this season.

Most of the orders originate online, with consumers still preferring to create their products at home. Of these orders, a negligible share was ordered via mobile devices. While consumers are increasingly viewing photo websites using their tablets and smartphones, the creation and ordering process is almost entirely carried out using a laptop or desktop PC. Moving forward, non-PC devices including mobile devices and connected CE hardware are

anticipated to drive growth. A growing number of mobile phone apps could make this easier moving forward and the mobile technology works well for single image products. The mobile market presents a huge opportunity, with the continually expanding smartphone and tablet installed base providing many access points for photo services, which could culminate in onequarter of total online demand.

The photo-merchandise market in Western Europe remains localised and fragmented, with many local and national retailers and services playing a key role. Often specialising in one product segment, the mix of companies continues to shift with traditional photo brands still dominating, although commercial print houses and particularly photo-merchandise specialists such as PosterXXL, Moonpig, Planet Cards, Hello Canvas and Picanova are gaining share.

Joanna Wright, Senior Market Analyst, Futuresource Consulting www.futuresource-consulting.com

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www.pixellive.co.uk 11

Your Essential Guide to the Latest Launches

News Nikon Celebrates 20th Open Championship Nikon has announced a milestone in its company history as it celebrates its 20th year as patron of The Open Championship, the oldest major golfing tournament.

The world’s greatest golfers will compete in the 141st Open Championship, which this year will be hosted at the Royal Lytham and St Anne’s course in Lancashire.

To mark this anniversary Nikon will be hosting a number of local activities during the event, including the PGA Coaching Area which invites keen golfers to have their putting stroke analysed by a PGA professional. A Nikon Coolpix P310 compact camera, fast enough to capture 120fps, will be used to record their movement and which will then be evaluated by the coach in order to suggest improvements.

Nikon will also be hosting the Time Challenge Gallery competition, giving entrants the chance to win £6500 worth of Nikon prizes. www.nikonopengolf.co.uk

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Name: Bushnell Trophy Cam HD 2012 RRP: £269.99 (Trophy Cam HD 2012) and £349.99 (Trophy Cam HD Max 2012).

Release Date: Immediate Since starting the Trail Cam phenomenon with the first camera in 2007 Bushnell has pushed the technology year-on-year to greater heights.

The new 2012 models are now the most advanced trail cameras today, offering the most vivid viewing experience possible of wildlife.

The new 2012 models feature true HD video resolution, a new time lapse mode with two windows of image capture to capitalise on dusk and dawn movement. Hyper Night Vision provides for the brightest possible after-dark images, and the HD Max has upgraded no-glow black LEDs for absolute stealth. Also, the trigger speed has been reduced from an impressive 1second to 0.6 on the 2012 models.

The new models’ built-in temperature sensor self-regulates the passive infrared sensor for more consistent function in all conditions.

The time stamps are now more detailed than ever, the HD Max even adds barometric pressure, and the addition of GPS Geotag embeds each image with GPS coordinates for optimum tracking. www.bushnell.co.uk Name: VueScan Basic Edition RRP: Free!

Release Date: Immediate VueScan offers a full range of advanced features; including options for scanning faded slides and prints and automatically adjusting images to optimum colour balance that reduces the need to manually do it in Photoshop. It includes built-in IT8 color calibration of scanners, producing colours that look true to life, batch scanning and other advanced and powerful scanning and productivity features, including PDF output. The Basic Edition works in ‘Guide Me’ mode and customers needing additional scanning features can upgrade to the Standard or Professional Editions by simply buying a serial number that enables the features of these Editions.

VueScan is available in three editions, Basic Edition (free), Standard Edition Professional Edition. www.hamrick.com

THE LAUNCHPAD LAUNCH PAD

Name: Samsung WB100 RRP: TBC Release Date: TBC The WB100 is perfect for shooting dynamic images and capturing the smallest detail in stunning 16MP clarity.

The WB100 is the perfect travel companion, ideally designed to capture everything from the up-close detail of inspiring architecture, to impressive landscapes and scenery. The 26x Optical High Zoom lens and 22.3mm ultra wide-angle lens ensure flawless detail, while shaky shots are instantly altered with the Dual Image Stabilisation (OIS + DIS) function. With 720/30pHD video recording, users can enjoy high-quality playback on the latest highdefinition displays, whilst 3D photo capture and Live Panorama Mode bring 3D images and panoramic views to life.

Its easily-navigated menu screen makes it a versatile camera, designed to capture clear and beautiful photos with ease. Available in Black or Red, it is a stylish camera with a range of creative features including Smart Filter and Magic Frame, designed to enhance image quality along with the shooting experience. The soft hand grip combined with the metallic design gives it a sleek and seamless look. www.samsung.co.uk

Name: Samsung EX2F RRP: £429 Release Date: August

Name: Fujinon XF Lenses for the X-Pro 1 RRP: Various Release Date: Staggered

Samsung has unveiled the EX2F, the latest model in its growing range of Wi-Fi-enabled SMART cameras. Following the success of the EX1 with F1.8 lens, the new model is engineered to deliver even brighter photography thanks to its F1.4 lens, the brightest in any compact camera.

The EX2F comes with the advantage of being able to store and share images remotely using the WiFi functionality. The Full Manual Control is ideal for DSLR-owners looking for more portable equipment and for photographers looking for a step-up from their point-and-shoot.

The camera combines a number of features which deliver incredible picture quality in all conditions.

With the advanced F1.4 24mm Lens, the camera delivers clear images and video even in very low light conditions. These are easily controlled using the professional front wheel key and Dual Dials, which enable switching between parameters and modes quickly for greater manual control. The low-light capabilities of the EX2F are also added to by the 1/1.7” 12 Megapixel BSI CMOS sensor, which delivers clear, blur-free images.

Providing quality and creativity, 1080/30p Full HD Movie Recording with stereo sound allows users to capture video in high enough quality to enjoy on a Full HD TV. The EX2F also allows still 12 Megapixel photos and video to be captured simultaneously using the Dual Capture feature, so that any scene can be shot as both photo and video. www.samsung.co.uk

Additional lenses will soon be added to the Fujinon XF lens line-up for a wider range of photographic expression with the highly acclaimed interchangeable lens camera, the FUJIFILM X-Pro1.

Name: Lastolite Posing Tubs RRP: TBC Release Date: Immediate Posing Tub Cover increase the versatility of both the original and new Low Level Posing Tubs with the addition of Posing Tub Covers, These easy to fit covers are available in both White and Chromakey Green and are machine washable. Each Posing Tub can be used on their own or in conjunction with other posing tubs, creating a set of 8 for the ultimate group posing.

The set is designed to be nested in a ‘Russian Doll’ style for storage and portability and comes complete with its own carry case with shoulder strap. Each tub will support up to a 20 stone (280lb) adult.

The new Low Level Posing Tubs set consists of three tubs in a variety of sizes. These can be used on their own or in conjunction with our existing set of posing tubs, creating a set of 8 for the ultimate group posing. Each unit is covered with a strong, durable nylon fabric and padded for comfort. The set is designed to be nested in a ‘Russian Doll’ style for ease of storage and portability and comes complete with its own carry case with shoulder strap.

Each tub will support up to a 20 stone (280lb) adult. www.lastolite.com

From super wide to telephoto, users will be able to freely choose lenses that match their shooting style or purpose, bringing much greater versatility to the FUJIFILM X-Pro1.

Two new lenses will be arriving in autumn 2012, followed by five further lenses in spring 2013, providing a choice of 10 XF lenses, as illustrated by the above roadmap.

Further to the three single focal length lenses that are already available for the X-Pro1, in autumn 2012 Fujifilm will introduce a bright, super wide, 14mm F2.8 (21mm in 35mm equivalent) single focal length lens, and a bright, fast aperture, zoom lens that covers the shooting range of 18-55mm F2.8-4 (27-83mm in 35mm equivalent). An additional five lenses will then be added to the line-up in spring 2013, making a total of 10 lenses in the XF range.

Fujifilm aims to develop lenses that cover a wide range of focal lengths and that offer bright and high resolution reproduction from edge to edge, so that users can enjoy the full potential of the X-Pro1. www.fujifilm.co.uk

www.pixellive.co.uk 13

INSIDE TRACK Kodak Gallery Closes: Users Begin Move To Shutterfly 5 billion consumer photos to be transferred to photo sharing site.

Kodak Gallery, which officially closed last Monday, has begun the process of transferring 5 billion consumer photos to Shutterfly this week. Shutterfly acquired Kodak’s online gallery service in April.

‘The photos of the most active gallery users will get priority and should move within a couple of weeks,’ said Geoffrey Weber, Shutterfly’s chief information officer. Less active users probably will get their notification within a couple of months. www.shutterfly.com

Polaroid Introduces New Instant Camera New camera features Zink printing technology.

Polaroid introduced the Z2300 instant digital camera, featuring an integrated printer with ZINK Technology, enabling users to instantly capture, edit and in less than a minute print full color, 2-by-3-inch prints. Along with the ability to upload images to social media platforms, the Z2300 offers a 10 megapixel image sensor and 3-inch LCD display.

The Z2300 camera’s on-board editing suite allows you to review and crop your pictures right on the camera without transferring them to your PC. You can choose to automatically print every picture or wait for the perfect shot to avoid wasted prints.

The Polaroid Z2300 instant digital camera has a suggested retail price of US$159.99.

Fifty-sheet packs of 2-by-3-inch Premium ZINK Paper retail for $24.99, and 30-sheet packs sell for $14.99. Both are available for pre-order via www.polaroid.com.

Beginning July 2, 2012 instant photography fans can also enter a giveaway for a chance to win a free Z2300 before it hits store shelves.

Three winners will be randomly selected.

The sweepstakes ends July 22, 2012. Fans can view full sweepstakes rules and enter via Polaroid’s Facebook page, www.facebook. com/Polaroid. All entrants will also receive a $50 promotional code towards the purchase of a Z340 camera via www.polaroid.com.

Credits & Contacts

National Photography Month: How Did it Go? Now that June is over, Pixel and the PMA look back at promotional activities during National Photo Month.

“The ink is not yet dry on many of the NPM activities and we shall be publishing a full report shortly. In the meantime here are a few of my personal observations,” said Nihel McNaught, UK Direcor of PMA. “For activities in National Photography Month, we identified three target groups: youth, Family memory record keepers and enthusiasts.

“For the youth market the schools programme is proving very successful. This is an ongoing project with the awards and prize giving in November. Entries are coming in up to mid July.

The approach to the family record keeper market was spearheaded by Tony Hadley of Spandau Ballet and I was pleased and surprised by the positive reaction we had to Tony’s involvement. Tony’s participation on TV and 16

Toshiba Falls Foul of Antitrust Law

Major manufacturers charged with conspiring to fix LCD prices in the US. A jury in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California (San Francisco) has issued a verdict against Toshiba Corp. in the amount of US$87 million due to alleged antitrust practices in the LCD business, pertaining to Toshiba’s having conspired to fix the price of LCD displays in the USA. Given credits for settlements by other defendants, including Sharp, Samsung and LG, Toshiba expects that it will not have to pay any damages as a result of this verdict, even after trebling under U.S. antitrust laws.

This class action was filed in 2007.

Toshiba has consistently maintained that there was no illegal activity on its part in the LCD business in the United States, and Toshiba continues to hold that view. While Toshiba appreciates the jury’s time and effort, Toshiba

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local radio stations did him great credit and he proved a willing and enthusiastic ambassador.

On the print front the multiples Kodak Express, Fuji and Snappy Snaps all had heavyweight promotions.

The enthusiast market benefited from promotions and in store activities from the larger companies such as Jessops with their daily promotions, Wilkinson who ran a local radio campaign in Lancashire, London Camera Exchange with special NPM offers and independent camera stores from the Channel Islands through London and the midlands and up to the Shetlands all running promotions.

If I had one disappointment it was the lack of activity in the non-photographic consumer press. We didn’t manage to enthuse them enough to want to carry photo related stories.

Perhaps next time…. On the other hand papers such as the Independent and Guardian and the Express gave exposure to NPM which, although we had worked on them, we did not always expect them to carry information.

Watch this space for a more in-depth report. www.nationalphotographymonth.co.uk

believes that the jury’s verdict is in error as to the finding of wrongdoing. Toshiba plans to pursue all available legal avenues to correct that finding.

At this time, Toshiba does not plan to revise projections for fiscal 2012 business performance due to this matter. www.pmanewsline.com

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