Pixel Magazine 27th February 2012

ISSUE NO. 867

THE MAGAZINE THAT UNDERSTANDS THE WORLD OF IMAGING, PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE

THE INSIDER

Are cameras losing their identity? What does this mean for us?

3

THE NEWS

Movers, shakers, decision makers plus all the news 3-10 that’s fit to print THE BIG INTERVIEW

Rachel Banin, Sony UK, explains how the market 4-5 makes room for innovation.

THE BUSINESS

The views, facts and figures shaping imaging retail today

6-9

THE NEW WORLD OF IMAGING

The technology you can’t afford to ignore, which is 11-12 expanding our retail world LAUNCH PAD

The latest imaging products launched that you should not miss

15-17

INFOLAB

Every issue we bring you an essential update from the 18 printing frontline BEHIND THE COUNTER

If you’re hands on in retail we make sure that you are 18 kept up to date and informed

www.pixellive.co.uk

27/02/2012

THE PLACE TO B(V)E Pixel Magazine visits the Broadcast Video Expo for the fist time

Almost 16,000 visitors made their way to London’s Earls Court Two venue between 14th and 16th of February to attend BVE: The Broadcast Video Expo.

Packed with exciting stands, BVE played host to brands from the broadcasting, imaging and audio world, with three hundred free seminars throughout fourteen theatres on site over the three day show.

BVE has been organised by EMAP to offer a comprehensive mix of products and services for broadcast technology and creative content professionals, relating to all areas of these diverse sectors. From animation to AV, cloud computing, DVD duplication, finance, mobile TV, monitors, recordable media and much more.

Familiar names from our trade present at the show included Canon, Epson, Fujifilm, Manfrotto, Nikon, Panasonic, Sony and Tiffen to name just a few. From the retail arena, Park Cameras had a substantial

presence, selling equipment to the hugely relevant audience of BVE attendees.

The show appeared to be a huge success and registration is already open for next year’s event.

2013’s BVE will relocate to ExCel London.

See Pixel’s report from the event on page 11.

ID PHOTO MONOPOLY THREAT Join the campaign to defend high street photo stores from a decision by the Government which would effectively give the Post Office monopoly on ID photo printing.

The threat posed by the Post Office to high street photo retailers, some of whom derive up to half of their business from printing ID photos, is increasing as the DVLA employs a new policy.

In 2009, the Government awarded the contract for providing digital ID photos for driving licenses to the Post Office. Since April 2010, 750 Post Offices up and down the country have been able to capture images electronically and process applications for Drivers Licences on-line without the need for a paper portrait. Now, the DVLA is entering a new phase where all licences will have to be renewed every ten years. This, in effect, means the capturing of 2.4 million portraits each year, which could offer a substantial stream of income for photo retailers but instead is directing their customers elsewhere.

Whilst applications for licence renewal can be made at the designated Post Office by post, when a paper portrait will still be required, the DVLA highlights the on-line process in its application materials and seems to steer the applicant toward the PO rather than by post.

At the same time, the UK Border Agency is also steering applicants for residents’ permits for foreign nationals to the PO on-line process - will this lead to a similar Government contract for passport photos?

The printed photographic ID market accounts for up to £50m in revenue, yearly, for independent photo retailers. The loss of this market in its entirety to the Post Office could eventually lead to hundreds of store closures and the loss of up to 5000 UK jobs.

The Photo Marketing Association is leading the campaign to implore for the Government to reconsider the last Labour Government’s decision and to enable co-existence between the Post Office and the independent high street retailers so a sustainable business model can be developed. Through the campaign, there is currently an ‘Early Day Motion’ tabled by Austin Mitchell, Labour MP and Chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Photography.

Sign the petition, send a letter to your local MP and find material to share on your social networks via www.savethephotographers.co.uk.

Join the discussion at www.pixellive.co.uk.

www.pixellive.co.uk 1

2 www.pixellive.co.uk

THE INSIDER

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

continued bombardment of like for like cameras Each fortnight I sit down at my computer with letters and numbers for names, which screen and begin to write this column mean nothing to anybody within our trade let with little knowledge of how many of you alone to the uninformed consumer. All that these who read anything I write, agree or disagree launches lead to is confusion. Retailers are with what I have to say. That’s okay, because left without any strong sales story with which you’re reading it and that’s good enough for to sell a product and potential consumers are me. However, this time I am sitting down with left with a headache decision, which too often a sense of a mission rising up within me. A ends up being based on simplistic criteria such mission? That sounds pretty serious stuff I as colour and price. And when these become hear you exclaim (or perhaps mutter under the deciding factors where does that leave the your breath whilst sipping from a mug of tea retailer? It doesn’t matter if or coffee). Well, it is. I have you are an independent, a a question, which I need multiple or a mass channel answered and it’s a question retailer, price is a battle which which I expect a lot of you does nobody any good and would like answered.That’s “pink or yellow?” just becomes my mission, to get an answer a soul-destroying sell. to a simple question. Not We all want to sell product, much of a mission, you it’s our business but we want may think. Well, wait until to sell product we believe you’ve heard the question in, product which has a before you go jumping to unique selling point, a selling conclusions. My question is a narrative and something that big one, which affects us all helps us feel that we are within the imaging retail trade The good old days? serving our customers in an and it is a question, which I Above: The Olympus Trip Below: The Nikon F informed and beneficial way do not expect to ever get guaranteeing that they get an answer to. It is this ‘Why not only what they want but are manufacturers launching also the appropriate piece of so many cameras?’ Simple equipment for who they are question but who thinks and what they want to do with that there will be a simple it. It really is that simple, but answer? constant launching of generic Since January 1st 2012 products does not allow us there have been to the best to do this. Neither does the of knowledge (and let’s constant naming of cameras not get too pedantic about with interchangeable letters this now if I’ve missed one and numbers as monikers. X or two) over fifty cameras Pro 1, GX1, GF3, S30, K-01, launched by a variety of WX50, L310, P310, VS20, different manufacturers. Today, as I sit here OM-D, TZ30 what does it all mean? Where is writing this the date is 9th February, as they the excitement, passion and creativity of image say across the pond ‘You do the math!’ In my making past, present and future? Where is the last column I called out to the manufacturers to product, which the consumer can connect with? take a breather to allow those who are trying to Aspire to own? And where is the product, which sell their product to catch up. My request was they can look forward to owning? The life of the a fatal mistake. Just like a fighter who makes average model is short and rarely sweet in 2012. a mistaken jibe in the ring, I got pummeled.

The new launch is always better, faster, tougher No sooner had I made the plea than another than the last but is it needed by either the retailer avalanche of DSLRs, CSCs and compacts came or the consumer? The Olympus Trip stayed on flying towards me. Okay, I get the message. sale for seventeen years, the Nikon F for thirteen You are going to keep on putting that stuff out years, I’m sure you can see where I’m going there and we are just going to have to keep up with this! I’m no stick in the mud, I don’t live in with you. the past but I do understand when there is a That’s fine, I get the message but I would reason to look back to history and learn. still like to know why you are all doing this. I So once again I cry out to the manufacturers can understand cameras being launched that to take a breath and think about what you bring exciting new technological developments. are doing with all of these launches and while I can understand cameras being launched you take that breath why not help me with my for specific new-targeted markets. I can even mission and answer my simple question. That understand cameras being launched that is of course if you can, as I wonder if you even strengthen a particular brand’s standing in the know the answer yourselves. marketplace. What I can’t understand is the

FOCUS

News Corel Acquires Roxio Corel today announced that it has completed the acquisition of the Roxio business from Rovi Corporation. With this deal, Corel has expanded its product portfolio to include Roxio’s broad range of solutions, including Roxio Creator, the industry’s leading digital media suite and Roxio Toast, the leading media conversion software for Mac. Shawn Cadeau, Senior Vice President, Global Marketing at Corel commented “We want Roxio’s customers and partners to know that these products are an important addition to our portfolio and they will have a great home with Corel. We look forward to bringing together the best of what Corel and Roxio have to offer as we work to deliver even richer, more rewarding experiences to our customers.”

With this acquisition, Corel will take advantage of its global infrastructure to dramatically broaden distribution of Roxio products into new international markets.

In addition, the company will draw upon the complementary video, photo, audio, and disc burning technologies found in both Roxio and Corel software to further enhance Corel’s overall product portfolio. Corel also told Pixel that they see significant opportunities in combining the strengths of Corel’s and Roxio’s established retail and direct sales channels.

For more information please visit www. corel.com.

Sigma Announce New CEO Sigma have announced that Mr Kazuto Yamaki, previously Chief Operating Officer, has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer of the Sigma Corporation Kazuto Yamaki following the sad death of his father, Sigma CEO Mr Michihiro Yamaki.

Mr Kazuto Yamaki is now the sole director of Sigma Imaging (UK) Sigma commented: “Mr Kazuto Yamaki is dedicated to the Sigma Corporation that his father founded 50 years ago. A combination of experience, commitment and energy plus a genuine love of photography and consideration for the customer will ensure that Sigma’s future is in safe hands.”

Kazuto Yamaki joined the Sigma Corporation in 1993. His roles within the organisation have included Corporate Planning Division Manager, Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer. www.sigma-imaging-uk.com

www.pixellive.co.uk 3

GET CONNECTED Market leaders in compact camera and the talk of the 2012 Amateur Photographer awards, Sony also claim a significant stake in the gaming, display, mobile phone and tablet markets. Pixel finds out what the convergence of these markets means for Sony.

Rachel Banin Head of Personal Imaging and Sound, Sony UK Sony are one of a very select few brands who can offer an entire workflow for photographers, from compact through DSLR to display. Is there a deliberate effort by Sony to create loyalty across camera levels?

There’s a certain amount of conscious product development that goes towards creating cameras that will naturally lead the user to progress to other products, but there are other reasons for innovation throughout the range.

Photography is a mature market, but we see that comact system cameras and superzoom compacts are areas in which there is still the potential for growth, so they are areas which naturally attract new product development. The overall aim is to ensure the results are as good as possible at every level - even the entry level which can help to create that brand loyalty.

The advantage of having cameras at all levels is that technology trickles down from the professional models, through our NEX range and eventually to compacts. So, for example, a brand new sensor which we invest in and develop for our professional cameras can be adapted for use in other high end cameras, and then passed down through the range when it is superceded by the next version. It saves resources on development and helps to create familiarity and a good reputation for the technologies in question.

Do Sony make an effort to communicate this to consumers?

Yes, we’ve tried to put this message across through our television advertising over Christmas and throughout in-store materials. Essentially, the more consumers see of any of our technologies, the better it is for sales of all Sony products.

Winning so many awards for our translucent mirror technology was a real boost for all of our cameras and our most recent scoop of Amateur Photographer awards, which we’re very proud of, is sure to do the same.

Any Sony retailer can access point of sale materials and promotional resources ans we completely encourage them to do so. Obviously

4 www.pixellive.co.uk

there are varying levels of materials which we use for different sizes and types of retailer but the basic packs are available to anyone stocking Sony products.

We work with our retail partners on how they encourage consumers to evolve their hobby and step up through the range of Sony cameras. We do what we can in terms of support and advertising, the products do what they can to sell themselves and then the retailer has the opportunity to communicate the rest when they are engaging with their customer.

Recently we’ve seen a huge amount of product releases from camera manufacturers. Do you think there’s a need for as many new launches as we currently see?

Some might say the market is saturated, particularly for compacts and cameras, and I can see that point especially when you take the use of cameraphones into consideration. However, what we see is that if you can innovate, you can create new demand. Consumers are just as hungry for particular features as they are for an individual product, so if you bring out a model with an appealing new feature, some consumers who already own a similar product will choose to upgrade. We also find that consumers who have held off purchasing because a model wasn’t exactly right for them will suddenly find one that is just what they want, and this will be what makes them finally give a retailer their spend. You’ll always see demand if you can offer

The Sony PJ260

something new - that’s our experience.

How does having products in other relevant markets, such as televisions and mobile phones, affect your camera offering?

It’s very useful, because technologies and features from each different area crop up in others. Our imaging sensors, for example, are used in our cameraphones; sound technologies from various products are useful now that our cameras feature video recording, and of course we have the heritage of the Handycam which also helps our video offering.

But doesn’t having great cameras within your mobile phones threaten your compact camera sales?

I don’t think so. The experience of taking a photograph on a camera at any level is very different to that of a quick snap on a phone, and it’s something consumers still value. We do observe trends that are taking place and we can’t ignore that people are using phones as cameras - nobody can - but what we see is that cameraphones are used primarily for incidental snaps which are taken on the spur of the moment. For intentional photography, cameras offer a more satisfying experience and better features for a day out taking photographs.

There is enough demand for both, as we see it, and the CSC market is growing yet more on top of this.

Do you think this growth is related, then?

THE BIG INTERVIEW

It does seem to be. Entry level users are taking more pictures... in fact it’s been proven that more pictures are being taken, in general, than ever before and the majority of this increase seems to have been at the low end. What this means is that consumers are enjoying photography at this level, which is encouraging them to move up and this is why we have seen such growth at the enthusiast level. Superzoom compacts and compact system cameras offer these photographers more features and additional accessories, which is great for them and for retailers.

What about video, is that an area of growth for Sony?

It’s certainly a strong area for us. Sony invented the Handycam, of course, so that gives the video on our compact, CSC and DSLT cameras extra strength and capabilities. We do have evidence that professional videograpers are using DSLR and CSC cameras for their work so there’s a real challenge for manufacturers to step up to that. It’s a market which can grow and which we can grow within, so it’s very exciting.

And there’s no conflict between your camcorder and video-enabled camera sales?

No, for similar reasons to there being room in

“Even semi-professional video camera models do still offer more than a DSLR can, especially sound-wise.” the market for both cameraphones and low end cameras. There’s a different experiece to using a videocamera, and there is an audience for both types of videomaking. Whilst DSLR video is demonstrably good enough for professionals, true professionals and even semi-professional video camera models do still offer more than a DSLR can, especially when it comes to sound.

DSLRs offer the benefit of taking professionalquality stills as well, whereas camcorders are designed to be more comfortable fo long term use, which becomes important on a long shoot! There’s definitely room for both in the market. There’s no doubt that the technologies are converging but I don’t believe one will completely comsume the other.

How are you ensuring that your products remain relevant in this market?

Again, we believe that innovation will mean more new sales so for us it’s about looking to add functionality that users don’t already have. So in this instance, we have introduced models with a built-in projector (the PJ200 and PJ260). As with other cameras, the theory is that veen if a customer already has a particular item, if you can show them an upgrade with a new feature which is desirable to them, they will buy anyway.

The Sony NEX-7

It’s a familiar pattern we see with phones and tablets all the time.

was a shame that events out of anyone’s control affected business.

Speaking of tablets, are you encouraging imaging retailers to stock your new tablet model?

We’re not really, but we’re not discouraging them either and certainly wouldn’t restrict an imaging retailer from stocking the range. We can see how there would be a motivation to do so. We’ve really been looking at the whole ecosystem of taking pictures, viewing them, editing them, sharing and printing them which is evident from the release of our new PlayMemory service, which we unveiled at CES. This service links together our products from throughout imaging and display, enabling Sony camera users to share their uploaded photos to their Bravia television, for example, and incorporating media from other Sony products like their PlayStation 3. This is another way in which we can make the most of having products in all these areas, and encourage technology users to be loyal to the Sony brand so that they can get the most out of their interactive products.

What products are you particularly proud of?

For us, as a relatively new brand in the enthusiast and pro imaging market, we were overwhelmed by the response to the NEX range.

They’ve appealed to new photographers, to aspiring photographers and any of these might then progress on to the a77 or other higher end models. The NEX range seemed to go in a direction not many people expected and as such, they really appealed to customers who hadn’t quite found their ‘home’ with other cameras or brands. We’re in a great position to be able to make better photography more accessible and we’re really pleased that we’ve been acknowledged and accepted as the products these users want.

You’re not exhibiting at Focus On Imaging this year, why’s that?

We’ve certainly not ruled it out for the future.

The unfortunate truth is that it’s very difficult timing for us this year. 2011 was so difficult for everyone, packed with unexpected problems, natural disatsters, the state of the economy... in the latter half of the year we really suffered from stock shortages so it’s been difficult to commit to events but we do see the value of Focus. That said, we brought some of our best ever imaging products to market last year, so it

What’s coming up for Sony, any plans you can let us in on?

We’e just in the middle of finalising some big plans but unfortunately I can’t share too much about them just yet. We’ll keep you updated, of course. The next major phase for us is pushing the A77 and NEX 7 now tha stock is coming through. It’s been a difficult time for everyone and not being able to get hold of stock previously meant we didn’t make as much of a splash with these as we would have liked, so we’ll be doing that now that supply is resumed. We’re really hoping the worst of the impact of last year’s disasters is over now. 2011 was tough for us and our retail partners, and we want them all to have a better year this year. www.sony.co.uk

www.pixellive.co.uk 5

THE BUSINESS

News Former Olympus Executive Dies in Apparent Suicide Within a week of news breaking of arrests over the Olympus scandal, one of their top executives has been found dead in a park in Gurgaon, outside New Dehli. The appeared to have hanged himself from the iron railings of a boundary wall.

According to newspaper reports, Tsutomi Omori, 49, who was head of Olympus’s medical equipment business in India, was found by one of the park’s gardeners. It was also reported that police had found two suicide notes: one to Omori’s family, which was private and not released by the Embassy, and one which simply expressed regret in Japanese and said “I am sorry for bothering you”.

The arrests took place on Thursday 16th February and included four alleged accomplices from outside of Olympus as well as former Olympus Chairman Tsuyoshi Kikukawa, former auditor Hideo Yamada, and former Executive Vice President Hisashi Mori.

Investigators allege that the former executives hid up to 110 billion yen of investment losses in false accounting, which is against the law. The four alleged accomplices stand accused of advising the former Olympus executives on how to orchestrate the cover-up. www.olympus.com

Harman Support Pinhole Photography Festival Organised by photographer Kenny Bean, the Edinburgh Pinhole Photography festival, brings together six UK pinhole photographers for an exhibition at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh from 5th to 17th March.

During the festival over 300 children from local Edinburgh primary schools will take part in pinhole photography workshops with Kenny Bean.

Each afternoon the large festival darkroom opens its door for all pinhole photographers to be able to use as a base to develop images they have made of the Botanic Gardens or of the surrounding city, and make prints on Ilford paper as paper negatives and contact prints. There will also be a chance for photographers to test out the new HarmanTitan 5x4 pinhole camera and Direct Positive FB paper. For beginners unfamiliar with the art, and who want to give pinhole photography a go, there will also be an open drop-in workshop each day from 2-3pm.

Details on the festival can be found at www.pinholephotographyfestival.co.uk

6 www.pixellive.co.uk

Supply and Demand

Arun Gill, Research Analyst at Futuresource Consulting, examines the current state of the UK camera market and predicts areas for growth.

The overall digital camera market fell by 8% to 5.7 million units in 2011, which was fuelled by falling demand for Fixed Lens Cameras. Market value fell by 10% to £603 million, giving the UK market an ASP of £107.

Fixed lens camera volume accounted for 89% of total shipments and declined by 9% to 5 million units, fuelled by market saturation and the impact from smartphones.

Despite the negative performance for Fixed Lens Cameras overall, there was healthy growth for certain niche ‘lifestyle’ segments such as bridge cameras which grew by more than 35% in 2011 and cameras that are water and shockproof increased by more than 50%. The high zoom (>10x) segment is also growing, representing 25% of shipments in 2011 and, we expect, 50% by 2013.

The threat from Smartphones, which is currently mostly at the low-end of the market, is being fuelled by wireless/sharing capabilities, improving capture quality and growing penetration; Smartphone cameras with 8+ megapixels represented 30% of sales in 2011 and penetration reached 57% of the population.

Demand for Interchangeable Lens Cameras was lower than expected, due to supply issues caused by the Japanese Earthquake and floods in Thailand. Overall, the category grew by 5% growth to 0.64 million units, although growth was driven by demand for Compact System Cameras (CSC).

At 23% of total Interchangeable Lens Camera shipments in 2011, the UK CSC market led other leading countries such as France and Germany with 13% each; Europe lags behind Japan though, where CSCs accounted for 36% of shipments in 2011 and passed the 50% mark for the first time in December.

DSLR shipments fell by 4% in 2011 to 0.49 million units, following a poor fourth quarter due to limited supply of key Nikon models produced

in Thailand. While the CSC market also witnessed some supply issues in the first half of the year, production largely kept up with demand and volumes finished the year up 52% to 0.15 million units.

The shortages of Interchangeable Lens Cameras in 2011 resulted in price increases for affected models. For example, prior to the Thailand floods in October, the Nikon D7000 was selling for £830 in Jessops and £795 in both Pixmania and Amazon*. In the months following the floods (where shortages became apparent), prices rose 15% in Jessops, 13% in Amazon and 11% in Pixmania.** Looking forward, we expect the overall digital camera market to be flat in 2012 and witness a steady year-on-year decline thereafter, due to falling demand for Fixed Lens Cameras.

The market outlook for Interchangeable Lens Cameras is more positive. All of the major brands, bar Canon, either already have models on the market, or in Fujifilm’s case, have announced a launch date. Based upon current trends, Futuresource expect the CSC segment to overtake DSLRs by 2013/14, in terms of shipments and 2015/16, in terms of the number of devices in-use across the UK. www.futuresource-consulting.com *Prices are for the camera body only **Based on prices collected across the UK by Futuresource price checking systems

Retail Imaging Show Report Preliminary plans made for this year’s Retail Imaging Show.

The first of this years advisory meetings to discuss the Pixel Retail Imaging Show 2012 took place last week with an excellent representation of our industry. The overall mood was extremely positive both about the show and the industry in general with a willingness to embrace the new world of imaging and it’s associated products and a confidence borne of the expected launches, which Photokina has to offer.

The overall agreement was that this years show should benefit from being shortly after Photokina and that it would be the perfect opportunity for manufacturers to let retailers get their hands

on the latest kit. It was also agreed that the show should embrace new areas of interaction including education. Nigel McNaught, Director of UK Activities of the PMA also announced that the PMA will be working with Pixel in future, both with the magazine and the show.

A steering committee will be established over the coming weeks to progress ideas and thoughts voiced within the advisory meeting.

Watch www.pixellive.co.uk for updates.

Mark Pain - Sports Photographer of the Year 2011

BIRMINGHAM NEC 4-7 MARCH 2012 Trade registration: 01489 882 800 | Online registration via website or Focus App Non trade you’re welcome! Only £10 on site (£8 if pre-paid on-line) Tel: 020 8681 2619 - Fax: 020 8667 1590 - Email: info@focus-on-imaging.co.uk Image House, Coombe Avenue, Croydon CR0 5SD UK

www.focus-on-imaging.co.uk

S H A R E T H E P A S S I O N www.pixellive.co.uk 7

Claim an HLD-6 on redemption when you pre-order from selected stockists including all Olympus Elite Centres before 30th April 2012.

Terms & conditions apply.

Visit http://olympusOMD.sales-promotion.com for further details.

OM-D: CREATE YOUR OWN WORLD

A new digital SLR era is about to begin. Digital SLRs, which simply replaced film with an imaging device, did not change significantly in terms of size, weight and user interface. The revolutionary, new mirrorless camera, the OM-D, has an exceptionally light and compact body. Its Electronic Viewfinder enables photographers to check the Art Filter effect, colour temperature and exposure levels in real-time. When shooting, you can instantly create a truly unique world and preserve it in exceptional quality. The world will be transformed from something you see to something you take part in. The OM-D is a groundbreaking, new digital interchangeable-lens camera, perfect for people who want to take part, create, and share.

Available mid-April: See the OM-D first at Focus on Imaging or find out more at http://olympusomd.com

8 www.pixellive.co.uk

THE BUSINESS

Ambition Fulfilled

Pixel speaks to Jeff Scowen, proprietor of Jeff Scowen Photographic Wholesalers, about his contract with Mosaic Fulfillment Solutions Last year, Jeff Scowen signed a deal with Mosaic Fulfillment - a managed warehouse service - who now fulfil Jeff’s orders from their facilities in York. This reorganisation has allowed Jeff to concentrate his efforts on the areas of business he enjoys most and to fulfil his long term ambition of relocating to Lyme Regis.

Mosaic Fullfilment Solutions, handle.

It’s improved my quality of life. It has allowed me to move my home, which many know I have wanted to do for years and I can now work overlooking the sea rather than an industrial estate. I still work full time but it feels less strenuous now that I don’t have to commute.

Jeff, what has been the most significant impact that the employment of Mosaic has had on your business?

Primarily, it has allowed me to reduce overheads as I now no longer have to maintain and staff a warehouse. There are, of course, costs involved but as Mosaic also have other brands and companies within their facilities, they are able to offer me a much better rate than I would get for hiring a warehouse of my own, and they employ the staff within those facilities, so that’s something else I don’t have to do. Basically, they deal with all the staff, stock and warehousing, so for less than I would have to pay to do these myself, these areas are handled by experts who are doing a great job. Obviously this is only a good option for online businesses, it wouldn’t work for a bricks-and-mortar operation, but for those who are able to outsource an area of the business in this way, it’s a great solution.

And how much has this comfort cost you?

Actually the costs work out more or less the same. There are, of course, fees and expenses to be paid for this sort of operation, but you save many costs you would incur by doing it yourself.

The difference it makes in terms of quality is disproportionate though, because it allows me to make my sales and marketing better and improve other areas of the service, I won’t take my finger off the pulse and I have more time to dedicate to the things I am good at.

Take the advert I’ve just published in Pixel, for example, which I have had some great response to. I wouldn’t have had the time or capacity to come up with that idea when I was still ‘up to my eyeballs’ every day!

What other knock-on effects has this arrangement had?

Handing over this part of the business has really freed up my resources, my mind and my efforts.

I enjoy the marketing, buying and selling parts of my business, which is what makes me good at them, but the rest were more like chores to me.

This has allowed me to hand the parts of the business I find mundane over to experts.

What parts of the business are they?

They do the picking and packing, the stock work, and the bookkeeping. I have elected to keep my own accountant on, but everything else I have handed over to Mosaic. I liked the fact I could tailor their service to allow me to keep the parts I wanted but to use their expertise for the areas I felt safe letting a reputable company, like

What difference has this change made to your customers?

There were, of course, a few teething problems, but thanks to the patience of my customers and the cooperation of Mosaic, they were all ironed out fairly quickly. The benefits to my customers are that I now have time to be more on the ball when it comes to new products and resolving stock issues. Reduced overheads mean that we’re slightly more insulated from price hikes - a benefit which I can then pass on to my customers. All the warehouse work is now done by experts, so the accuracy and processes are improved, which is very helpful. I think fulfilment has really come of age… it’s something I’ve looked at doing at various points in the past but it has never seemed the right time, then Mosaic came to my attention and it has worked very well. I’m excited for the future and what I can now offer, with their help. www.jeffscowen.com and www.mosaic-fs.co.uk

News Canon: Official Partner of British Fashion Council Canon has been announced as the Official Imaging Partner for the British Fashion Council.

As part of this new agreement, Canon is continuing its sponsorship of London Fashion Week from 2012 to 2014, and for the first time will also support London Fashion Weekend and the British Fashion Awards.

The British Fashion Council and Canon are working together to create the Canon Studio, and will provide a photographers centre with a range of support services for all accredited photographers and videographers at London Fashion Week and the British Fashion Awards.

For more information, visit www.canon.co.uk

Manfrotto School of Excellence at Focus Manfrotto School of Xcellence (MSoX) - the online tutorial platform - will be making a physical appearance at Focus On Imaging.

The Manfrotto School of Xcellence experience at Focus on Imaging will include four days of talks, along with the chance to meet some of the UK’s top photographers.

Drew Gardner, Michael Freeman, Phil Coates and Jacob James, will also be among the photographers hosting oneto-one sessions to share their professional hints and tips. For this exhibition, Manfrotto has joined forces with online photographic website ePHOTOzine, whose members will also have the opportunity to experience an exclusive photo workshop with Drew Gardner on March 18th. www.manfrotto.co.uk

www.pixellive.co.uk 9

Š Dreamstime

10 www.pixellive.co.uk

THE NEW WORLD OF IMAGING

The Place to B(V)E Pixel reports from Broadcast Video Expo (BVE) 2012 at London’s Earls Court Two, 14th-16th February.

14th February 2012 saw Pixel’s first visit to the Broadcast Video Expo, affectionately known as BVE. Aimed at broadcast, video and audio experts, this is not a show that has previously fallen into Pixel’s calendar but, in today’s environment of converging technologies, it has become one of the most relevant exhibitions for our changing industry.

BVE calls itself “the event for content creation and delivery professionals from the UK and beyond,” and perhaps this is the most succinct term to sum up the nature of the visitors. The average BVE attendee was young - far younger than many other shows in our industry as there were a large number of students, fresh graduates and entrepreneurs carving their niche in the media world. The vast majority of attendees seemed to be imagemakers, either creative professionals or equipment operators (camaramen, to use an outdated but more recognisable term) although sound engineers were also catered for and clearly found the show relevant. It seemed that at BVE, the distinction amongst those imagemakers between photographers and filmmakers had completely disintegrated, as even those who emphasised one area of their profession explained that they also dabbled in the other, sometimes with further extentions such as graphic design, online media creation, etc... the list of compatible skill-sets seemed to grow with every new visitor we spoke to.

BVE was largely divided into small stands in tight rows. A few brands had larger exhibits, but none on the scale of the multi-block stands we see at Focus and larger exhibitions. There was certainly plenty to look at, with a total of 309 exhibitors across 13,347 square metres of hall. According to BVE organisers EMAP, they had just under 16,000 visitors across the three days that the show was on, 15934 to be exact,

Demonstrations at BVE 2012

Crowds at BVE 2012

although so soon after the event it’s not clear if these were unique visitors or whether this figure includes people re-entering the exhibition on separate days. What is clear is that the show buzzed with life and discussion at all times of day throughout the event, which is a testament to the enthusiasm of its visitors.

For such an integrated event, it seemed strange that BVE included a section called “The Production Show”, which was a separate area, divided from the main hall by a knee-high wall, with its own entrance. The effect was interesting and the area looked stylish, but there was no clear distinction between the stalls inside and those outside, or obvious reasoning as to why this had been done. That said, having to have their badges re-scanned to enter the area did not seem to put visitors off and the area was just as well-populated as the rest of the show.

Grant Scott, Editorial Director at Park View Publishing, commented “The show was a vibrant, passionate and exciting demonstration of where the future of image-making lies. The attendees were well-informed and eager to embrace both photography and filmmaking with no barriers in their minds as to whether or not it is possible to move easily between the two.”

As an exhibition thoroughly immersed in new media, it was refreshing to see that BVE was promoted with its own app, which we’re told had more than 4000 downloads.

There were also hundreds of tweets mentioning #BVE 2012: a true sign that BVE was reaching the interactive media audience it was designed for.

“BVE 2012 was a resounding success with an extremely positive response from visitors and exhibitors alike,” commented the organisers. “2013 will see BVE move to ExCeL London so you can expect an even bigger and better show with more exhibitors, more kit and more seminars.”

Next year’s BVE will move to ExCel London and will be held on 26-28 February 2013. www.bvexpo.com

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… the Canon EOS 650D (Rebel T4i) is to be announced in the next month. ‘Naysayers’ argue that Canon would have revealed the product at CP+ in Japan if it was imminent, but Canon do seem to have steered away from showbased product announcements in the last few years. A release of a successor to the 600D (T3I) is due any time now if Canon are sticking to their usual patterns.

Via Photography Bay Rumour has it that... Sony will be increasing the prices of some of their lenses in the US by amounts from $20 to $700. Beginning April 1st (but apparently not an April Fool’s joke), this seems to be an attempt to compensate for the fluctuation in the dollar/yen exchange rate.

Sony are currently offering cashback on some of the same lenses, so prices stand to hike quite sharply in real terms!

Via PhotoRumors Rumour has it that... Mattel is set to launch a new camera Barbie called Barbie Photo Fashion! The humanshaped 5-megapixel digital camera is the succession to Video Girl Barbie and features a camera built into her back with the LCD screen moved to her front. Barbie Photo Fashion can apparently store 100 photos, features a mini USB port on her lower back, and even comes with 15 builtin photo filters. Availability and pricing are not yet confirmed.

Via Engadget Rumour has it that... Panasonic will soon reveal a high end Micro Four Thirds interchangeable lens camera.

Ichiro Kitao, director of Panasonic’s digital stills camera business, told Amateur Photographer that the micro four thirds (MFT) sensor presents the best balance of camera size, lens size and pixel size for good image quality in a compact system camera.

“We will be restructuring the range of products that we offer to include a very high-end model,’ he explained. He went on to tell AP that at 60% of the size of APS-C sensors were ‘less than one step behind’ and that the other benefits of their system outweighed any disadvantage.

Via Amateur Photographer

www.pixellive.co.uk 11

THE NEW WORLD OF IMAGING

Bowens forms Video Subdivision Lighting manufacturer Bowens has formed a new subdivision to cater to the broadcast videography market. In a Pixel exclusive, division manager Tim Haskell explains the move.

International lighting equipment manufacturer Bowens International has launched Limelite - a new commercial subdivision created to service the growing videography and broadcast market.

Tim Haskell, the division’s business development manager and videography and broadcast specialist, will be heading the day-today operations of the new sub brand, and he spoke to Pixel about the decision to form this separate division.

“Limelite has been formed to deal with the burgeoning videography and broadcast marketplace,” explained Tim. “This enables us todiversify the product range whilst continuing to develop new lighting solutions for its traditional photographic market under the Bowens brand.”

Considering Bowens’ position as an established name in the marketplace, Pixel asked Tim why it was felt that a separate business division was warranted.

“It’s true that Bowens is a leading brand in the photographic lighting sector,” agreed Tim. “However, in the video and broadcast sector, Bowens is not nearly so well known and we felt that, in order to establish a brand presence in a fast-paced new market, we should introduce our products under a distinctive new brand.

12 www.pixellive.co.uk

By creating Limelite, we are differentiating our video and broadcast product while we continue to develop new and innovative products for our traditional photographic market under the Bowens brand. However, our Bowens brand heritage will not be excluded, as all Limelite products will feature a “by Bowens” tagline on the packaging, and literature.”

We also asked Tim how important Bowens thought it was to actively target this market.

“The video and broadcast market is definitely very important to Bowens’ development strategy going forward,” said Tim, “as it is full of new opportunities and technological developments which will allow Bowens to harness all areas of our electronics and mechanical engineering expertise to create new and exciting products.

“Since the introduction of the Canon EOS 5D MkII, we have recognised the increasing convergence in technology between the still and video imaging markets and it is this convergence that has led to Bowens developing a new brand for a market sector which is new to our business, while continuing to link the Limelite brand to all the heritage and brand values which are associated with Bowens. We think that photographers starting to use HD-DSLR cameras for video capture should have access

to lighting products that they trust and that is exactly what Bowens intends to deliver with its The Bowens Limelite M7 new Limelite brand.”

Lastly and, perhaps, most importantly. Pixel wanted to know what the development of this new subdivision would offer for Bowens’ retail partners.

“Many of our retail partners are photographic companies embracing the new opportunities offered by HD-DSLR cameras. As many of these retailers already sell Bowens products, we will be in a position to offer them a faster route to market for products aimed at the crossover HD-DSLR market, as well as at videographers, from a manufacturer with whom they already do business,” concluded Tim. Limelite already has its first product - the Limelite M7 7” Field Monitor which is built for use with HD-DSLR. This products and the Limelite brand will make its debut at Focus on Imaging at The NEC in March. www.bowens.co.uk

7

www.pixellive.co.uk 13

14 www.pixellive.co.uk

THE LAUNCHPAD LAUNCH PAD

Name: Minox DTC 600 RRP: £159 Release Date: TBC

Name: Nikon D800E RRP: £2689.99 Release Date: 12th April 2012

Small and compact, the new MINOX DTC 600 game camera features a “black filter” in front of the IR flash, rendering the flash invisible to animals and human beings. With a resolution of 8 megapixels the new DTC 600 features a powerful infrared flash, with a range of up to 15 meters, that produces reliable images even in unfavorable or low light conditions.The motion detector features environment adjustable sensitivity so the camera excludes all recordings of irrelevantly triggered motions www.minox.com

The Nikon D800E is a special edition of the D800, designed for those seeking absolute definition. Incorporating an optical filter with anti-aliasing properties removed in order to facilitate the sharpest images possible, this is an ideal tool for photographers who can control light, distance and their subject to the degree where they can mitigate the increased risk of moiré and false colour.

All other functions and features are the same as on the D800. www.nikon.co.uk

Name: Ricoh GXR Lens RRP:£449.99 Release Date: TBC The A16 2485mm F3.5-5. is the fifth camera unit in the GXR interchangeable unit camera system.

The new A16 24-85mm F3.5-5.5 brings together a newly developed 24-85 mm wideangle zoom lens, an APS-C size CMOS sensor, and the proven Smooth Imaging Engine IV to create a unit with high image quality, high power of expression, and high flexibility. A kit will also be available for £599.99 which will include the GXR body and the new lens. www.ricoh.co.uk

Name: Canon A Series PowerShots RRP: £89 - £169 Release Date: February - April 2012

Name: Roxio Easy VHS to DVD RRP: £59.99 Release Date: Late February

The six newest PowerShot A series models from Canon have been released to make HD video and high quality snapshots more accessible than ever before.

They include the PowerShot A810 and PowerShot A1300, (priced at £89.00 and £109, available April). These are compact “take anywhere” cameras that combine Canon’s leading image quality with simple, easy functionality that offers versatile support for shooting everything from family group shots to outdoor events.

The new PowerShot A2300 and PowerShot A2400 IS (priced at £129.00 and £119.00, available March) are ideal for style conscious users who want a camera to capture party shots and HD quality movies on nights out.

The new PowerShot A3400 IS (Priced at £149, available March) is Canon’s first PowerShot A series model to feature a 7.5 cm (3’’) touch screen LCD for flexible, intuitive control, and the PowerShot A4000 IS (priced at £169, available February) is the first PowerShot A series model to include a powerful 8x optical zoom lens that lets users get even closer to the action. www.canon.co.uk

For anyone who has precious memories on video tape, the new Roxio Easy VHS to DVD 3 Plus bridges the gap between old and new by making it simple to preserve and share VHS, Hi8 and V8 in today’s digital video formats. Users simply plug in their video camera or VHS player to their computer and the software guides them through the rest. New image enhancement tools remove noise, stabilise and colour correct your videos, plus users can add titles and credits, new menus, transitions such as wipes and dissolves, and fade-to-black.

New capabilities also make it easy to burn large videos across multiple DVDs if extra disc space is required. www.corel.com

Name: Panasonic Rugged FT4 and FT20 RRP: TBC Release Date: TBC

Name: Swann HD Pencam RRP: £63 and £45 (approx) Release Date: Immediate

Panasonic has launched the new DMC-FT4 into its rugged design FT series especially geared for active outdoor use. Featuring outstanding toughness to be waterproof to 12m, shockproof to 2m, freezeproof to -10 degrees C and dustproof reliability, the DMC-FT4 is equipped with built-in GPS system with over a million place names information, compass, altimeter and barometer for users who enjoy active outdoor adventures.

Panasonic also added the DMC-FT20 with a casual rugged design,featuring HD Video Recording and iA (Intelligent Auto) Mode. This new 16.1-megapixel DMC-FT20 further strengthens its toughness to be waterproof to 5m in addition to the freezeproof to -10 degrees C, shockproof to 1.5m and dustproof reliability. The FT20 is ideally suited for families and everyday use. www.panasonic.co.uk

HD PenCam and PenCam 4GB conceal a miniature video camera and DVR inside a real working pen, while HD PenCam is capable of capturing high definition AVI videos (1280 x 720) and high resolution JPEG images. Swann is offering two PenCam versions: one that accommodates up to a 16GB MicroSD card (HD PenCam) and the other with built-in internal storage (PenCam 4GB). Both versions switch between video and photo mode with a touch of a button, With the 4GB built-in memory, users can capture approximately 2 hours of video or 18,000 still images. www.swann.com

www.pixellive.co.uk 15

Your Essential Guide to the Latest Launches

Name: Canon EF Lenses RRP: TBC Release Date: Immediate

Name: The Olloclip RRP: TBC Release Date: Immediate

The new EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM zoom lens is an update to the popular EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM, while the new EF 24mm f/2.8 IS USM and EF 28mm f/2.8 IS USM are the world’s first wide-angle prime lenses to feature optical Image Stabilizer (IS) technology.

The new EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM features credesigned optics to provide improved performance – capturing greater detail at the maximum 70mm focal length.The redesigned optical system includes two Ultra-low Dispersion (UD) and one Super UD aspheric elements with Super Spectra coatings to reduce ghosting and flare, and fluorine coating to minimis the amount of dust, dirt and fingerprints that adhere to the front and rear of the lens.

The new EF 24mm f/2.8 IS USM and EF 28mm f/2.8 IS USM are the world’s first 24mm and 28mm fixed wide-angle lenses to feature optical IS technology. Offering an advantage of up to 4-stops over lenses without IS, both feature a wide f/2.8 aperture, allowing photographers to explore shallow depth of field, or to shoot in lower-light conditions. Wide apertures and IS technology also make each lens ideal for shooting fast-moving subjects, while Canon’s advanced IS technology is able to detect intentional panning movement and automatically switch from Normal IS mode to Panning IS mode. www.canon.co.uk

The Olloclip is quick-connect, 3-in-1 photo lens solution for the iPhone 4 and 4S. The Olloclip is easily portable, fitting in the palm of the hand, and has three different lenses: the Fisheye Lens captures approximately a 180° field-of-view; the Wide Angle Lens doubles the iPhone’s normal perspective and the Macro Lens applies roughly a 10X multiplier and is cleverly concealed within the olloclip by unscrewing the Wide-Angle lens.

Available in red or black, the Olloclip comes with a microfiber carrying case/lens cleaner, and is an add-on accessory that works with all iPhonebase apps, both in video and photo modes. www.olloclip.com

Name: Panasonic Lumix FX80 and LS6 RRP: TBC Release Date: Immediate

Name: SpyderPRINT and SpyderSTUDIO RRP: £299.99 and £449.99 Release Date: Immediate

Slim and Stylish, the new DMC-FX80 features a F2.5 Bright 24mm Ultra Wide Angle LEICA DC Lens. The Lumix FX series of cameras are renowned for their outstanding performance and sophisticated design, and the new slim and stylish DMC-FX80 is testament to the success of this range. It incorporates a high quality LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMARIT lens that boasts excellent brightness of F2.5, a 24mm ultra wide angle lens, 5 x optical zoom and the ability to record full HD video – and the FX80 is a serious photographic proposition.

Panasonic also announced the “smart and easy” 14.1-Megapixel LUMIX DMC-LS6, fwhich features O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) and iA (Intelligent Auto) Mode for great images, easily. The LS6 also features a high quality 26mm wide angle, 5x optical zoom lens (35mm camera equivalent: 26-130mm) with F2.8 brightness and O.I.S.(Optical Image Stabilizer). Running on AA batteries, the DMC-LS6 offers an easy-to-hold grip and is fashionably styled with the colour of the lens ring matching the body colour. www.panasonic.co.uk

SpyderSTUDIO is a complete colour calibration solution designed for photographers who need the highest level of colour control in the studio and flexibility in post-production. It provides everything for their workflow needs, from capture, to edit, to print for the utmost in accuracy and colour management. It includes printer profiling, professional monitor profiling and Camera RAW caibration. SpyderPRINT gives photographers full control of their printer output with the ability to create any number of custom profiles to ICC Standards. It provides a full assortment of tools to allow photographers to push the limits of advanced inkjet printers and enables them to to create gallery quality prints in colour and black and white. www.colorconfidence.com.

Name: Olympus SZ 31MR RRP: £299.99 Release Date: Late March

Name: Gitzo Systematic Series 2 Tripods RRP: £599 to £635 Release Date: Immediate

The new SZ-31MR compact camera has the lightest and smallest body of any compact with a 20-plus optical zoom, a Dual Engine TruePic V image processor and can capture 1080 Full HD movies and 16-Megapixel stills simultaneously.

It can also be used to record two movies in different modes (magic and original or full and small), as well as from different angles.To take a picture whilst recording a movie, the user simply taps on the touch-sensitive, LCD screen. The touch screen can also be used to reset the point of focus, shutter speed and zoom factor without interrupting movie recording.

The SZ 31MR features Magic Filters, which can be applied to photos and movies as well as Beauty Make-up Mode, which allows you to add 18 cosmetic effects to three people, including eyeliner, eye shadow and blusher. The camera also has Face Detection and Pet Detection, In-Camera Panorama mode Eye-Fi compatibility and a 3D shooting mode for still images. www.olympus.co.uk

Extending the range from Series 3, 4 and 5, Gitzo’s new Series 2 models makes Systematic’s professional levels of performance available in a more easily transportable tripod.

Built around the same top casting used in Series 3 and 4, Series 2 inherits its structural strength from the larger models which have recently been redesigned to give even higher levels of strength, stability, set-up speed and ease of use. The new models feature a secondary safety mechanism to secure valuable equipment, built in spike feet for stability and a redesigned top component which improves weight distribution and doubles the tripod’s payload. www.gitzo.co.uk

16 www.pixellive.co.uk

THE LAUNCHPAD LAUNCH PAD Name: The Sigma Merill Range RRP: TBC Release Date: TBC

Name: New Tokina AT-X 17-35mm lens RRP: £829.99 Release Date: Immediate

The SIGMA SD1 Merrill incorporates a full-colour 46 megapixel sensor, Dual TRUE II processing engine and DDR III buffer. The format takes its name from the late Dick Merill, who developed the sensor, if you were wondering! The 23.5×15.7mm full-colour FOVEON X3 direct image sensor featured in the SIGMA SD1 Merrill incorporates 46 effective megapixels and 44 recording megapixels, and captures all primary RGB colours at every pixel location with 3 layers, ensuring the capture of full and complete colour. To handle large volumes of colour data at high speed, the SD1 Merrill uses DDR III buffer memory technology. It features a continuous shooting speed of 5 frames per second and can capture up to 7 RAW images per sequence in continuous shooting mode. It adopts a lightweight yet solid magnesium alloy body along with buttons and connected parts sealed with O-rings, enhancing the durability as well as preventing dust and water from getting inside the camera.

SIGMA DP1 Merrill and SIGMA DP2 Merrill Sigma also announced the DP1 Merrill and SIGMA DP2 Merrill compact cameras, which incorporate a 46 megapixel sensor in a compact body. The full-colour FOVEON X3 direct image sensor ensures outstanding resolution and natural rendering with rich gradation as well as a three-dimensional feel, whilst the manual focus ring and custom QS (Quick Set) mode improve the user interface. The FOVEON X3 direct image sensor captures all primary RGB colours at each and every pixel location with 3 layers, ensuring the capture of full and complete colour. Since colour moiré is not generated, the use of a lowpass filter is not required, meaning both light and colour is captured with a three-dimensional feel. The DP Merrill series cameras are equipped with a hot shoe, allowing use of Sigma’s optional dedicated external flashgun, the EF-140 DG as well as SIGMA electronic flashguns for SD series such as EF-610 DG Super and EF-610 DG ST. www.sigma-dp.com/DP-Merrill

Designed for full-frame cameras, Tokina’s new AT-X 17-35mm F/4 lens has a focal length of 17mm at its widest, and opens up a spectacular 103.9 degree field of view which is great for shooting in tight situations but it’s just as effective at taking in wide expanses of space when used at 35mm.

This compact wideangle zoom has a bright constant F/4 aperture which makes viewing and auto focus possible in lower light situations, it weighs in at just 600g and will fit Canon EOS or Nikon-D cameras. www.tokinalens.com

Name: Canon PIXMA MG4150 RRP: £119.00 Release Date: March 2012 A new compact, web-enabled, All-in-One printer packed with clever features to suit students or families looking for an affordable, quality printer with the latest web features.

The PIXMA MG4150 comes in a stylish black design with enhanced functionality and connectivity features to make printing from smartphones and tablets easier than ever before. The MG4150 also features duplex printing functionality and environmentally responsible design features, as well as a range of smart software to enable users to get the most out of their printed documents and photos. www.canon.co.uk

Name: Sony SAL500F40G Lens RRP: TBC Release Date: April 2012

Name: Lensbaby Macro Converters RRP: TBC Release Date: TBC

The SAL500F40G is the longest fixed focal length G Lens from Sony to date and is ideal for wildlife, sports and demanding imaging applications that require extreme magnification. The lens includes 11 elements in 10 groups, including three ED glass elements. It’s the first G Lens from Sony to feature an advanced new coating process that ensures crisper, clearer images: Nano AR Coating process cuts internal reflections, resulting in images crisp and clear images with dramatically reduced lens flare and ghosting. Flare is reduced further by the carbon fibre lens hood lined with black velvet fibres to absorb incident light.

The focusing ring and front/rear joints are protected by interlocking seals that shrug off dust and moisture, even when shooting outdoors in driving rain or arid desert conditions. This weather-resistance has been included to make the SAL500F40G perfect for use with the SLT-A77 (alpha 77) that offers similarly rugged performance. Like all A-mount lenses, the SAL500F40G is compatible with the SteadyShot INSIDE image stabilisation system featured in all alpha cameras. www.sony.co.uk

These Macro Converters help Lensbaby photographers create close-up, dreamy and artistic photos while blurring out distracting elements.

The Macro Converters are available as a set containing one 8mm converter and one 16mm converter, which can also be stacked together to make a 24mm converter. The existing Lensbaby Macro Kit (which features a +4 and +10 macro filter) can also be used in conjunction with the Macro Converters with the Double Glass, Single Glass, Plastic and Soft Focus Optics for an even closer capture. www.lensbaby.com

www.pixellive.co.uk 17

INFOLAB

KODAK WITHDRAWS FROM CAMERA MARKET

The brand that made consumer photography what it is today has announced its withdrawal from the digital camera market.

Here are the facts you and your customers need to know.

Kodak, the company introduced the concept of the snapshot to its consumers with the Brownie and that pioneered the first digital camera in 1975 has announced that it is to withdraw from the camera market. The announcement last week came as a shock, but not much of a surprise, to many who have anticipated a closure of all or part of the business since it was announced that Kodak was to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.

It is thought that the brand will complete the phasing out of digital cameras, pocket video cameras, and digital picture frames by the end of June this year, and that Kodak will continue to focusing on recouping money from outstanding patent breaches, licensing out its current patents and on the inkjet photo printing market.

The statement, published by Kodak online, read “Kodak plans to phase out of the market for dedicated capture devices –

digital cameras, pocket video cameras and digital picture frames – during 2012 to focus its Consumer Business on desktop inkjet, online and retail-based printing – areas that offer the most significant opportunities for profitable growth. Kodak will continue to offer camera accessories and batteries, which are universally compatible with other brands.”

Kodak are currently reassuring customers that they will continue to honor all warranties, and provide technical support and service for our cameras, pocket video cameras and frames for the forseeable future.

However, it is evident now that the new digital cameras and a pocket video camera that were revealed at CES will probably never be launched to market. Kodak’s current range will not be disappearing from shelves though, as the brand has confirmed that it will continue to sell its remaining inventory. Kodak also reported that it will continue to support Pulse for those who already have supported products

Kodak’s Iconic Brownie

or who may buy them in the interim.

“Yes, Kodak will maintain the Pulse network solution and Share Button solution for customers who purchased the products as legally required by local country regulations,” said Kodak’s repsonse. www.kodak.com

BEHIND THE COUNTER

A CAMPAIGN TO CHANGE OUR WORLD

The PMA Save the Photographers campaign deals with an issue that could have an impact on almost every business in our industry. So why doesn’t our trade seem to be answering the rallying call?

As the Save The Photographers Campaign launched, several Pixel Live regulars passionately took up the torch and began to spread the word, only to be dismayed by the lack of repsonse from their peers.

Mark Amies : “If you think it is a thin response here, you want to see what happened over on Minilabhelp’s forum, now that was poor.

I have posted the story up on a few photographers’ forums and some of the response coming back have been beyond the pale. So many of them do not give a toss. They either have misread the situation or they simply do not care. They may care when their local friendly photo retailer shuts down though.

This is from MinilabHelp.com: “I have put a similar item on another forum and have received no replies. This was also in the BPI mag. I have emailed the contact there and received no info CREDITS & CONTACTS

either. The post office we have near us causes us lots of probs so I for one do not wish them to have any more of the service I provide. Local MP has been badgered by me.“ (Courtesy of nwj and Neil Taylor who runs the site.)

Last One Standing: So some feel “I do not do this service so it will not effect me,” I feel that this is very short sighted as everything that diminishes any business has a knock on effect. Less shops will mean less footfall, which means less interest by manufactures/distributors and less camera sales even in smaller diverse fields. We must not go to sleep on this as it will creep up on all of you and the moaning will start - “why did some one not do something earlier, its too late now!” It’s not hard to write to your MP, the links are there for you to find him/her. Do it now!

Scuba Dave: Thanks Guys this page makes more sense to

Editor: Laura Knight 01323 437946 l.knight@parkview-publishing.co.uk

Editorial Assistant Harriet Weston 01323 411601 h.weston@parkview-publishing.co.uk

Subscriptions Amelia Wellings: 01323 433708 a.wellings@parkview-publishing.co.uk

Editorial Director: Grant Scott 01323 437941 g.scott@parkview-publishing.co.uk

Managing Director/Publisher: Lee Mansfield 01323 411601 l.mansfield@parkview-publishing.co.uk

Production Design: Laura Knight 01323437964 l.knight@parkview-pubishing.co.uk

Sales Director: Simon Skinner 01323 433700 s.skinner@parkview-publishing.co.uk

Acounts: Clare Fermor Amelia Wellings 01323 433708 c.fermor@parkview-publishing.co.uk a.wellings@parkview-publishing.co.uk

18 www.pixellive.co.uk

me now. On the face of it I thought “what’s the problem?” as I’m staunchly ‘pro choice’.. well apart from grey imports as my new tack is to tell customers they are counterfeit goods, but thats a thread for another time. So if the Post office gets the monopoloy on the whole passport photo trade and then gets privatised they will be able to charge what they like.

Now I see why passions are running high on this thread as its a ridiculous state of affairs to be in!

Pete: [I have] posted the Facebook link on my page, not that I have many friends as I prefer quality over quantity and always have, but every little helps right?

It does, and if you are joining the campaign we want to hear from you! Talk to us on the forum at www.pixellive.co.uk, tweet @pixelmagazine and get involved!

Published by Life Media Group Park View House 19 The Avenue, Eastbourne, East Sussex BN21 3YD 01323 411 601 Printed by Gemini Press Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex 01273 464884

All material in this publication is strictly copyright and all rights reserved.

Reproduction without permission is prohibited. The views expressed in Pixel Magazine do not necessarily represent the view of Life Media Group LTD. Every care is taken in compiling the contents but the publishers of Pixel Magazine assume no reponsibilty for any damage, loss or injury arising from the participation in any offers, competitions or advertisment contained within Pixel Magazine. All prices featured in Pixel Magazine are correct at the time of going to press.

Copyright Life Media Group LTD 2012 ©

e

www.pixellive.co.uk 19

The ultimate all-in-one bridge camera

$! ,!+,!-!).- )!1 ,!! *" ,% #! (!, - ""!,%)# +,!(%/( +% ./,! . &%)# +!,"*,( ) ! .* ( . $ %.- '**&- .$! "! ./,!- 2 ( )/ ' ,,!' *+.% ' 4**( '!)- 5 */ '%)# .* 2 1%.$ ).!''%#!). %#%. ' **( -!)-*, ) '!)- *(+,%-! *" !'!(!).- %) '/ %)# "*/, -+$!,% ' !'!(!).- ) .1* '!)-!- "*, -/+!, ! #! .* ! #! -$ ,+)!-- ) ( 4%)# ' ,%.3 %.$ ,%#$. " ( 2%(/( +!,./,! /+!, ,* * ! "* /- *1) .* ( "/'' 0% !* ) $%#$ ,!-*'/.%*) .$!,!6- )* %( #! 3*/ )6. +./,!

Find out more at www.fuji.co.uk/x-s1

20 www.pixellive.co.uk

XS_1_ press ad_Pixel_240x330mm.indd 1

10/02/2012 11:16