ISSUE NO. 874
The magazine that understands the world of imaging, past, present and future
News Epson Celebrates 70th Anniversary Epson is celebrating its 70th year in business, having begun life in 1942 as a watch components manufacturer named Daiwa Kogyo in Japan. Since then, Epson has grown to become a globally recognised brand and leader in imaging and innovation. “Epson’s origins as a watch manufacturer are indicative of its commitment to products of quality and precision,” says Tony Petford, Managing Director at Epson UK.“We’ve pioneered exciting imaging technologies, and as the industry continues to change, we’re looking forward to showcasing future products and innovations.” The company started with nine employees operating in a modified storehouse used for miso - a traditional Japanese seasoning. The Epson brand was created in June 1975. www.epson.com
Park Cameras to Hold Photo Festival On Saturday 7th July, Park Cameras will bring the carnival atmosphere to their showroom in Burgess Hill. Building upon successful events in previous years, this year’s Olympic themed event is looking to be one of the biggest and best events yet. The Sussex-based photo specialist have a whole range of activities planned, including free seminars, equipment deals, spot prizes, demonstrations from key brands, free prize draws, the opportunity to touch and try the very latest in imaging technology and even a world record attempt! www.parkcameras.co.uk
®
www.pixel.co.uk
06/06/2012
June is... National Photo Month! The UK’s first nation wide event to promote the printed photograph is here.
National Photography Month 2012 is the UK’s first nationwide month long celebration of photography, organised by The Photo Marketing Association and Photo Imaging Council to help the public understand and appreciate the importance of photography as a medium to ‘capture and keep’ their treasured memories and life’s most important moments and to stimulate the photo trade. Companies and organisations across the
photographic world including Fuji Image Services, Asda, Canon, HP, Innova, Jacobs Cameras, Jessops, Lucidiom, Nikon, Pentax, Serif, Sony, Wilkinson Cameras, plus many others, are promoting the monthlong event with deals and publicity. In addition to holding the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and the beginning of the European Cup, June 2012 will be a celebration of the value of photography, to highlight the intense personal importance of the image as a vital part of human culture and family histories. Novices and keen photographers alike will be invited to take part in activities and events across the UK where they will be encouraged to develop the skills to capture and preserve our personal histories for future generations. www.nationalphotographymonth.co.uk
Currency Affairs
The effect that the Eurozone crisis has on currency value could make or break the UK’s recovery. Pixel investigates what this means for imaging on the high street. The fluctuation in value of the Euro, caused by the Eurozone crisis, may have an adverse affect on the UK’s hopes for an export-based recovery. Torrie Callander, Corporate Dealer at foreign exchange specialists Corporate FX explained the real impact this could have on the high street to Pixel. “The majority of imaging equipment comes from dollar-dominated markets. Wholesalers buy in dollars or yen, so when the pound is weak, this pushes up your prices. “Small retailers especially are unfortunately at the mercy of currency fluctuations. When prices are made higher by the strength of other currencies, you have the choice of either taking a hit on your margins or putting the prices up – neither of which is ideal.
“Another issue is that we have already have two rounds of quantative easing in the UK, and as Pixel goes to press, it will be being decided whether we... Continued on page 9
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.
become lazy? Has it become consumed 2012 is looking like a busy year for by the concept of price fighting as the only special events. The Diamond Jubilee, method of customer attraction? Is the concept the Euros, the Olympics, the Para-Olympics of suggestive and subliminal retail advertising plus hundreds of outdoor music festivals, are completely beyond them? So many questions, just a few of this year’s extras which we are I know, I know but I’m not being bombarded with hearing any answers. Not through in store displays, to any of these questions. I window displays, television, have not heard one answer press and radio advertising from any photo retailer that alongside mountains of explains why the retail photo branded merchandise and industry is so arrogant or associated recommended ignorant to explain why it buys in every retail outlet does not have to compete or I enter. All, that is except learn from its fellow retailers photo retailers. on the UK’s high streets. Once again I find myself I do hear that times are asking why it is that photo tough, that online business stores seem to feel that Should camera displays still look like this? is killing high street sales, that shelves full of silver, black grey imports are destroying margins, that the and the occasional colour boxes with lenses economy is to blame for poor sales, that the attached is all that they need to display in order rain has stopped people buying, that people are to encourage sales both as window displays using phones now to take pictures. I know that and in store promotions. For goodness sake all of this is true but when is the industry going where is your retail imagination, where is your to realise that most of these factors are relevant creativity and where is your desire to engage to every retail outlet on the high street to some with the potential customer? All of the events extent. The difference is that they are using I have outlined plus so many more that occur every tool at their disposal to try and create a throughout the year both regionally and buzz, a reason to buy, in short a reason to exist. nationally provide countless photo opportunities Are you doing the same? and yet photo retailers are ignoring the That’s my rant ended for now but don’t think possibilities to promote product on the back of that I won’t return to this subject if something them. Every other retail sector is fighting to get is not done to address this issue, it is too their messages across eager to use whatever important to ignore. We have enough charity help they can to encourage sales. Photography shops on our high streets and we don’t need is not. any more photo shops ending up that way. Why is this? Has the photo retail industry
Tiffen Extends Video Capabilities New partnership and software to offer more for filmmakers.
Tiffen has announced a global distribution partnership with Digital Film Tools, a developer of visual effects tools. Through this partnership, Tiffen aims to provide the creative community with access to visual effects products with special production bundles exclusive to Tiffen and DFT. The extensive list of visual effects plug-ins and production bundles, which can be purchased on the Tiffen web site includes exclusive combinations to offer creatives unprecedented effects capabilities, combining more than 70 years of artistry and technical expertise into one package. Tiffen has also announced that its award-winning digital filter suite − Tiffen Dfx v3 – now supports Apple Final Cut Pro X (10.0.4) and Motion 5 (5.0.3), offering further options for filmmakers. In addition, Tiffen have also revealed that the most recent release of Tiffen Dfx digital filter
A shot from Tiffen’s DFX Software
suite supports Adobe Creative Suite 6 software. A powerful plug-in for video/film editors and photographers, Tiffen Dfx v3 integrates seamlessly with Adobe After Effects, Adobe Premiere Pro and Photoshop, bringing its worldrenowned optical filter effects into software form. www.tiffensoftware.com
FOCUS
News Leica Opens New Facilities in Mayfair Leica Camera Ltd has opened extended retail premises encompassing three buildings in Bruton Place, Mayfair, providing Leica customers with a range of premium services, including Café Optik, a complimentary café-style area for Leica owners, and an exclusive professional photographic studio, Studio-S. At 27 Bruton Place, Leica’s Client Care team offers expert advice, light repairs for camera and optics customers, and sensorcleaning for Leica M- and S-System owners. Alongside this facility is Café Optik, providing a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, where customers are welcomed when visiting any part of the Leica complex. With convenient and efficient access for professional photographers, a new rental service is also available on the ground floor: Rental-S. This service incorporates rental of Leica’s high performance S-System, as well as hire of Studio-S. www.leica-camera.co.uk.
Hasselblad on Misson to Lower Cost of Ownership The cost of owning one of the world’s most coveted high-end cameras has been dramatically reduced, following the launch of a landmark global marketing initiative by Hasselblad. Leica have announced plans to cut the cost of ownership on a number of models – including a massive 22.9% off the entrypoint H4D-31 and 20.59% off the H4D-60. Under the revised pricing structure the H4D-31 (incl 35-90mm lens) has been reduced by 3,565 euros to 11,995 euros. The H4D-60 cost is down 6,200 euros to 23,900 euros. Chris Russell-Fish, Hasselblad’s global sales and marketing director said: “This is a groundbreaking move and very important for every photographer who aspires to own one of the best cameras in the world. For many, price has long been the biggest barrier to ownership. Now we have substantially reduced prices on six units, so photographers can now buy into our fully integrated H System capture solutions with an H4D-31 camera for less than 9,000 euros. This price reduction campaign is part of a dynamic marketing strategy for the company. We are determined that more of the world’s serious creative photographers will now have unprecedented access to a Hasselblad at a price they can afford.” The popular Hasselblad trade-in opportunity will also continue. www.hasselblad.com
www.pixellive.co.uk 3
4 www.pixellive.co.uk
THE BIG INTERVIEW
Get In on the Action Pixel quizzes X-Treme Video CEO Franck Bywalski on the overlap between the extreme sports and imaging accessories market, and the potential for growth this could offer to UK retailers.
Franck Bywalski
Tell us a bit about X-treme Video, as you are a new name to many Pixel readers. What are its origins? X-Treme Video was born out of the popularity of extreme sports, and of the need for special products and accessories which are adapted to the extreme sports use. The company idea was to offer specifically designed products to action sports fans in their own network of distribution, to bring all these inventions and developments together in one offering for extreme sports customers to find everything they need, and to bring these ranges to a wider variety of relevant retailers. We currently employ 40 people and distribute products worldwide from our base in Biarritz, south France. In 1994, X-Treme Video embarked on a new initiative to bring sports videos to sports retailers. Up until that time, these products were generally only available in video stores. This pre-empted the trend for crossover selling which is so commonplace today, and allowed our customers to be ahead of the curve in offering imaging products within their own setting. Then again, in 2002, X-Treme Video anticipated the move to DVD and delivered its entire catalogue of extreme sports titles in this new format. Today, X-Treme Video distributes over 1000 action sports films, both in DVD and digital format to the general public, as well as TV stations and business partners. X-Treme Video’s next step was to extended its product offering by introducing the GoPro camera to the sports retail network in Europe. The success of this venture was immediate, with action sports fans massively welcoming of this innovative and versatile product. Today, X-Treme Video is the exclusive distributor of GoPro in France. Since then we have reinforced our hightech offering by developing our own brand of accessories, XSories, with a line of audio, video and computing products specifically designed for sports and travel. The wide range of applications means these products can be successfully retailed in a variety of scenarios including sports shops, electronics stores, outdoor persuits stockists... there are no real limitations. Unlike many brands traditionally associated with imaging, our success depends upon
knowledge of trends in the sports industry as well as electronics. This year, for example, we have identified the concept of ‘wellbeing’ as a key new product category to introduce to the sports retail network, and as a result of this we have launched the EQ brand. EQ offers products and accessories designed to enhance mental and physical preparation, for athletes and people caring for their wellbeing when exercising, perhaps undertaking a new exercise regime, and so on. This stance allows us to see and sell into different markets, which has contributed to our diversification and success.
which offers product categories such as Audio, Video, Computing and Travel accessories, with innovative products specifically designed addressing the needs of people with an active lifestyle. Our focus products right now are the Silicon Covers, Trifolds and U-Shots, “black boxes”, named after the ones used in aeroplanes, because they are shock-proof, dust-proof and water resistant. Most recently we have developed the Aquanote: an integrated MP3 player built into waterproof headphones for swimming, and the Sonic Walk: a vest with integrated speakers on the shoulders.
What products are you actively promoting to retailers at the moment? We have an interesting balance of our own products and products which we distribute for other companies. Until last year, Xtreme Video was the exclusive distributor of GoPro in the UK and we’ve been distributing our current and inaugural XS range for a couple of years now,
As you are based in France, what is the impetus for you to bring your products to the UK? We actually started selling our products in the UK directly in 1997. Since its beginnings, X-Treme Video has developed a comprehensive client base all across the EU, with the distribution of action
www.pixellive.co.uk 5
sports videos. Throughout that time, the UK has always been one of the strongest territories in terms of sales. When X-Treme Video extended its product offer, with GoPro, and then GoPro’s owned-andoperated brands, it was a natural progression to offer these products to our retailers too. Historically, we pride ourselves on being successful in maintaining and developing strong relationships across different markets and sectors, so we are able to target a wide cross section of stores from mainstream electronic retailers to core specialist lifestyle retailers, whether it be a local surf shop or motor sports store. What products do you expect to be popular in the UK? We’ve actually been quite successful with sales of our DVD titles, traditionally in the UK. Then when we brought over the GoPro range, that sold well, and and now XSories has been successful for the past two years. This business has given us quite a comprehensive outlook on the type of products that will be well received by our UK customers, which has helped us to develop more products for successful introduction into this market. In the photography world, we’ve had good sales with the mini sport camera-related accessories like ushots, mini tripods, and silicone covers. Now we expect our Pro Series to allow us to reach a broader range of consumers on the professional photography market. We also feel the travel and computing segments of the range will easily complement the imaging products, as things like the travel adapters with USB port, the XKey (Iphone charger on a keyring format) or X-Hub (multiple SD card reader) have clear appeal to photographers and users of imaging products. How XSories products respond to current trends in the UK market? We believe that both in the electronic and action sports markets, there is a demand for innovative, versatile, compact products. This is what the XSories range is about. We’ve been nurturing the basic DNA of our company for 18 years now, which is action sports and the active lifestyle. We have a base line saying “accessories for an extreme life“ and
6 www.pixellive.co.uk
we genuinely are experts on the products we sell and the markets that we sell into. Other brands, some established, some new, cannot offer this positioning so we feel in a good position to be able to offer a beneficial relationship to UK retailers of many varieties, including imaging retailers, sports retailers, outdoor pursuits stores and so on. What opportunities do you feel are open to UK retailers, that perhaps some are not making the most of yet? Where is the growth potential here? There’s always growth to be had in bringing fresh new products with an added value to your customers. But, products have to be priced and marketed right to appeal to today’s consumers, who are inundated with products all the time, and there has to be margin for the retailer.
We have a comprehensive client base across the EU, and The UK has always been one of the strongest territories in terms of sales. We offer products with nice packaging, high quality and good pricing, but which also promote lifestyle, with products designed and thought to address the specific needs of action sports fans and travellers. This is something that consumers are still buying into, electronics for sports - particularly extreme sports - is a niche market which has particular considerations that need to go into the design and retail of each product, From our 18 years of experience in distribution and our ties with both the electronic and action sports markets, we are able to draw on knowledge of the potential audiences for these products and the retail environment in which they will be sold, in order to offer a comprehensive range with mass appeal. Why should the UK’s imaging retailers be expanding and diversifying the ranges they stock?
Technology is developing fast and we can see the trend moving to versatile and compact products, especially when it comes to cameras and their accessories. In extreme sports in particular, equipment has to be small, light and rugged to make it possible to attach it to a nike, board or helmet. So, we are bringing accessories to match that trend, our tripods and Ushots allow the greatest range of shooting options and our travel accessories are perfect to carry the gear in all conditions. We believe imaging retailers might want to include these products within their ranges in order to have a comprehensive offering for their customers, many of whom are now carrying some form of a filming or media device almost all the time. A traditional imaging store is still the first port of call for many when they think about any product to be used in the taking of photos, so it’s likely they might come to you and enquire about such product. Also, the imaging retailer has an ideal platform for selling accessories, as they find out about the customer’s needs and lifestyle when selling them a camera, so they’re in the perfect position to recommend accessories. The margins we offer are good, and this is a way to bring a new clientele, who could then possibly be interested in the higher ticket image capture devices. it’s really a concept that sits very well with the imaging offering. What lateral products will you bring to the UK, and why might these be of interest to imaging retailers? It does depend on each retailer’s offering and expected customer base, but generally an audio range is a perfect complement to the imaging, computing and travel markets. Consumers no longer distinguish between the technology they use for different purposes. Everything connects and interchanges, so it’s possible that any consumer will be listening to music on the same device that they use for taking pictures, or connecting to the internet whilst out and about. Increasingly mobile phones or tablets are now used for image editing and sharing purposes. They are popular with those into extreme sports because they’re perfect to watch raw footage after a surf, bike or skate session! How does the UK compare with the rest of Europe in this market? The traditional camcorder market has plummeted over the past few years, apart from brands like GoPro, which have come along with an innovative product, the mini camera, allowing people to share their lifestyle through media like YouTube and the social networks. This is a trend to be noticed all across Europe and worldwide, and one which will greatly affect imaging sales in the UK. The electronic accessories market is growing rapidly, however, and the action sports market is also becoming more mainstream at the same time, so it’s a good time for the distribution of imaging and electronic products to develop in this network, with the core participants setting the trend on a more specific usage of these products. It’s an exciting time for our offering. www.x-tremevideo.com www.xsories.co.uk
INPRINT The magazine that provides retail solutions for the print professional, distributed free with Pixel magazine.
Loxley made MPA partner Scotland-based Professional Lab enters trade collaboration with the Master Photographers Association. The Master Photographers Association has announced a new Trade Partnership with Loxley Colour laboratory of Cumbernauld, Scotland. The new deal extends across a number of areas mutually beneficial to both organisations and includes a high profile presence on the website (www.thempa.com) and in MPA’s publications. Trade Partnerships are a recent initiative by the Association developed due to a need in the photo industry for companies to work more closely with their suppliers to add greater benefits all round. Marketing manager Ashley Morrison said “Loxley Colour is delighted to have official Trade Partner status with the MPA. Our long history in the photographic trade and our drive to deliver high quality professional imaging fits perfectly with the MPA’s ethos of supporting professional photographers in the UK. “We look forward to further developing our already close bond with the MPA and its members, and remain focused on meeting professional photographers’ needs while we
Word Up Word Up is Pixel’s eye on people on the move in the imaging trade. Tony Edwards, a former buyer and rep for Photax, Yashica and Contax cameras and area sales manager for Actina, Sangers and Intro 2020 has become National Sales Manager for UK Optics Distribution. Joop Jansen has left Vitec and been appointed senior executive at rival Belgiumbased broadcast equipment company EVS. He replaces Pierre L’Hoest, EVS’s co-founder and former chief executive.
A Loxley Colour Display
develop and expand the already extensive range of formats we have available to display expert photography.” Chief Executive of the MPA, Colin Buck added: “We are delighted that Loxley Colour has come on board and have seen the great potential to work more closely with our members. As an organisation dealing with professionals it is important that we work with suppliers at the top of their field.” Other suppliers are invited to apply for Trade Partnership status, by contacting contact Linda Buck, linda@mpauk.com
Estelle Sexton has left her position in Consumer PR at Canon UK. Estelle is a good friend to the team at Pixel and we are looking forward to hearing what she does next, so watch this space. Initial reports suggest that Panasonic may make up to 7,000 job cuts at its headquarters in Osaka, in a bid to cut costs and streamline the organisation. The Japan Times said the cuts may begin as soon as July, and could all take place within the space of a year following Panasonic’s largest ever group net loss for the year ending March 2012.
www.pixellive.co.uk 7
16 www.pixellive.co.uk 8812www.pixellive.co.uk www.pixellive.co.uk www.pixellive.co.uk
THE BUSINESS
The Importance of Instant Prints are still the most valuable product in the consumer photo industry, say Futuresource Consulting. The Western European consumer photo prints market exceeded 11.5 billion prints in 2011, though this was a notable drop in volume from 2010. In a challenging marketplace, prints continue to be the most valuable product in the consumer photo industry. With the printing of photos being overpowered by the abundance of innovative electronic devices that give consumers the ability to access, view and share their photos at the touch of a button, the desire or need to own the physical copy is slowly diminishing. Retail channels are taking the biggest hit due in part to a decline in film processing, but positive growth is still being felt with online channels and instant kiosks. Last year, instant prints performed well, with growth fuelled by new installations and an upward trend to print selectively and in smaller volumes, with a further 3% growth expected in 2012. In addition, the growth in photobooks is posing a threat to online channels, but despite this the channel held up well for prints, reaching 2.3 billion units in 2011. Online mail order dominates, accounting for 70% of volumes in Western Europe, with online pick-up-in-store also growing in popularity, reaching nearly 700 million prints in 2011
with 75% share coming from Germany and Benelux. Consumers in France and the UK are also moving towards this channel, as services delivered by mass merchandisers increase. Looking to the competitive landscape, a number of key players are battling it out for top spot. CeWe Colour has positioned itself as the largest producer of prints in Europe across retail and online channels combined, whereas Photobox is the significant player in the dedicated online arena, and following the expansion of its services into Europe, remains the largest online brand. Digital media and additional printed products will continue to place competitive pressures on the prints market, but despite this the Western European market will still be worth in excess of 1.1 billion euros in 2016. Joanna Wright, Senior Market Analyst at Futuresource www.futuresource-consulting.com
Currency Affairs Continued from front page.
shall have another. Whilst this does theoretically make things easier on consumers, it makes the pound weaker, whilst the dollar gains strength against the weakness of Europe’s currency. “Online sellers manage to cut out margins by buying and selling direct, so however small these margins may be, it still enhances the advantage of online retailers in these difficult times for the high street. Essentially, goods just keep getting cheaper overseas (except in America) and more expensive here. High street retailers also can’t change their prices day to day to fit in with currency fluctuations in the same way that online retailers can. “The Eurozone crisis is making the dollar and the pound more valuable, which means that if you’re selling to Europe from the UK right now, prices are pushed up. However it’s a great time to buy in Euros, so if you’re buying from Europe or have the ability to, now is a good time to do so. “It’s difficult sometimes to work out how currency value fluctuations affect the man on the street, The main concern, really, is how it will affect the Government’s promised export-led recovery. 52% of the UK’s exports go to Europe, and these will be negatively affected by the exchange rate, which could severely hinder the contribution this sector makes to the recovery.”
Torrie recommends that those importing goods from abroad should look at hedging, to insure themselves and their bottom line against futurecurrency fluctuations. Hedging means taking a position on a market in advance of the date on which you need to take delivery of the product. Businesses hedge many variables such as petrol prices, interest rates, raw material prices and of course currency rates. Businesses do this for two main reasons: If you have ‘hedged’ a product at a certain price, you are protected from any adverse market movement. Secondly, if you have your costings fixed in advance and they are not then susceptible to market fluctuations, then you are able to budget more accurately. The most simple way to hedge is the forward contract. This means that you would secure an exchange rate today for a future point in time. For example, you might secure to buy $500000 that you will need to spend in September at a rate agreed today. This means that, no matter what the market rate does in the mean time, you have your 500K USD purchased for September at a fixed exchange rate. Of course, you could find that the rate you have agreed is unfavourable, but hedging provides a safety net against sudden unexpected market movements. www.corporate-fx.co.uk
News Midwich Acquires Harris and Russell Midwich has acquired the goodwill and customer list of Harris & Russell Limited. H&R, a family business, was founded in 1924 from its stocks and service origin supplying wireless sets, condensers, and valves into a distributor of branded consumer electronics products . A slowdown in demand led to a significant reduction in market share. In the circumstances, the company decided to close down and has disposed of its remaining assets to Midwich. Customers logging on to the Harris & Russell website will shortly see details of the MidwichHome contacts and a link through to the Midwich webpage. Account queries in respect of the former Harris & Russell business should continue to be directed to that company, although Midwich staff will help with the continued supply products, on-going product queries and returns matters. www.midwich.com
Canon Announces EOS C300 Firmware Update Canon has announced the availability of a new firmware update for the EOS C300 and the EOS C300 PL. The update, version 1.0.5.1.00, will add Genlock synchronisation for 24.00P, 24.00PsF, 23.98P and 23.98PsF signal inputs. In addition, the new firmware will add support for Korean language to the menus. The new firmware will be available from the end of May 2012 from http://software.canon-europe.com/
UK Optics to Distribute Samyang and Lensse UK Optics Distribution are the new UK distributors for SAMYANG lenses, fllters and converters along with Lensse camera image stabilisation units. Samyang lenses are made in Korea and have been available worldwide for 40 years. They combine high optical quality with modern design as well as precision and are intended for photographic professionals and enthusiasts. Lensse Camera Stabilisation Systems are an affordable range which include models to support phones right up to professional DSLRs. UK Optics are actively seeking new retailers for these ranges. www.samyang.co.uk, www.Lensse.co.uk
www.pixellive.co.uk 9
THE NEW WORLD OF IMAGING
Phone a Friend
The Rumour
The shift towards smartphones as cameras needn’t be bad news for imaging retailers. Pixel explores the evidence.
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!
being released into this new sector by the day Headline statistics like the recent news see our Launch Pad on page 12 for the launch that more than half of the UK’s under we picked for this issue out of dozens which 16s had ony ever used a phone to take pictures come to our attention every fortnight. What - never having picked up what their was once an interesting sideline could now parents would call a camera - need not occupy a whole wall of a store, and a good be as alarming for our trade as they range of phone photography accessories seem at first glance. could provide an influx of customers who Following online photo sharing don’t even own cameras. website Flickr’s reports that more More good news is that there’s plenty photographs are now posted from an of incentive for manufacturers to continue iPhone than any individual camera, it’s perhaps to develop their wares for use with phones, not surprising that photographic accessory as they also stand to profit from the manufacturers have identified phone corresponding apps. Joby, for example, photography as a growth market. has released a Gorillacam app to go with Selling smartphones themselves is not its Gorillapod, which add a self timer, an appealing prospect for all retailers, time lapse feature and burst mode to an but an area in which they can definitely iPhone. Is it just a matter of time before compete whilst securing themselves a there’s an iPhone version of every respectable margin is the photographic accessory? Hopefully! accessory for the phone being used as www.joby.com a camera, and there are new products Joby’s Gorillamobile
Rumour has it that... 4k video may soon be available on Smartphones. Two new 16MP sensors revealed by OmniVision could bring 4K video recording to compact cameras and smartphones, with a tiny format and the power to capture 12-bit RAW images. The limitations are down to the phones themselves, but new models with more image processing power could potentially combine with these to offer mindblowing video capabilities. Via Engadget
Sony “Killer” Sports App
Rumour has it that... Jessops’ primary shareholder, HSBC, has approached Zolfo Cooper about ‘financial planning & restructuring’. Zolfo, who are currently overseeing the administration of Clinton Cards have declined to comment, as has Jessops CEO Trevor Moore. Recently, the Sunday Times reported that Canon may be about to invest £10m in Jessops to help the retail chain, but this was denied by both Canon and Jessops, who called the report ‘rumour and speculation’. Via Retail Week
New application will link BBC sports coverage with Sony products.
Rumour has it that... Nikon’s D800 narrowly missed the title of being the first DSLR with built in WiFi technology. It appears that Nikon considered building wireless internet technology into the model, but was unable to achieve speeds it believed would be fast enough to satisfy pro photographers’ demands in the field. Nikon recently launched the D3200, which has an optional accessory that18/11/11 adds Fuji Quarter Page Advert.pdf 16:44:24 wireless capabilites. Via TechRadar
Sony has announced the BBC Sport app, which will sit alongside BBC News and BBC iPlayer on the Sony Entertainment Network, will be launching on Sony BRAVIA and PlayStation®3 (PS3™) devices in time for Wimbledon 2012, providing exciting new television content over and above that available on free-to-air television. The principal purpose is to deliver live sporting events where there are simultaneous activities or multiple camera angles, making it an ideal fixture to get front row seats to watch major sporting events coming to London this summer, including Wimbledon and the Olympics. Edd Uzzell, Sony category development manager for BRAVIA, believes the launch of BBC Sport app is one of the most exciting developments for the Sony Entertainment Network. “Televised sport is one of the biggest rating wins for broadcasters. This truly is a killer
app and will provide a substantial amount of additional sporting content that you can’t get through the current broadcasting model. We strongly believe this will kick-start more widespread usage of the connected television offering, providing sport fans using the app with in-depth big-screen coverage of their favourite events. The app will also have extensive penetration in the UK thanks to its availability on PlayStation 3,” says Uzzell. “Launching this app to millions of PS3 owners in the UK will be a very welcome addition to PlayStation’s universal entertainment credentials” added Alan Duncan, UK Marketing Director for Sony Computer Entertainment UK. In addition to the current BBC red-button function consumers with the BBC Sport app will have access to more interactive content and extra coverage of future sporting events. www.sony.com
C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
Frontier Series
DryMinilab Series
Epson Wide Format Printers
ASK Instant Printers
K
10 www.pixellive.co.uk
Call Fujifilm Photo Imaging on 012354 217724 or email photoimaging@fuji.co.uk
Quick Print Station
Xerox Phaser
ADVERTORIAL
EXPAND YOUR HORIZONS Unleash Your Creativity with new products from XSories
What are your customers doing this summer? They’re going outside. They’re camping. They’re hitting the beach. They’re attending one of the massive sporting events taking place in the UK this summer, or perhaps a music festival. They’re working, playing, surfing, hiking, riding, living… They’re not going out to take pictures. They will take pictures and shoot videos Some XSories products are already to share with their friends, but they’re established in the photography market. The not packing a camera and going out to look camera related accessories, such as mini for things to shoot… there’s enough going on tripods and U-Shots are already a hit with already. photographers, who depend upon XSories’ Photography shouldn’t be getting in the way innovative and hardworking designs to get the of what they set out shots and footage to do: shooting and they want. Now that sharing their photos more consumers should be an integral, are using more instinctive part of their advanced cameras experience that allows and accessories, the them to involve their XSories Pro Series friends and contacts allows those who want in any of the wealth of great photographic exciting things going results to take serious on around the UK this equipment out into summer. the field. After all, Consumers are faced photography itself is with a dizzying array of not their hobby – it’s sports-led marketing how they share their campaigns at the hobby with the world. moment, advertising By catering for all an active lifestyle which levels of photographers embraces living in the and consumers moment. In today’s with active lifestyles, social networking XSories creates society, that not only an ecosystem of means going out products which offers and enjoying 2012’s benefits to the retailer momentous events and their customer. but sharing your The beachgoer, for An example of XSories branding experiences with friends example, realises they and family. can play music whilst they dry off after a surf or All this is warming up to a ‘perfect storm’ of swim. The festival camper finds out that they conditions for sales of tough electronics which don’t need to leave their electronics at home, are designed with the active lifestyle in mind, as they can charge them in the sun. Once they built to join your customers on their adventures know they can have their camera with them, they can protect it from water, mud or sand, and then once they start loving the experience of taking pictures in every environment they can think of, their love and enthusiasm for photography will develop and grow. Born out of XSories’ love for extreme sports, their products, branding, packaging and advertising are all designed to share their passion and knowledge with the action sports community. Now, the versatility of photography and its integration into all sorts of lifestyles means that they have the ability to reach a whole generation of consumer, and to offer imaging retailers an entire catalogue of products which will appeal to the active consumer, this summer. This active generation of allowing them to liberate their creativity. enthusiast photographer needs products which Get out and grab your slice of the action this make their camera fit into their lifestyle and work summer! with them as they capture pictures and video of the things they are passionate about, and that is www.xsories.co.uk why the extreme equipment category is going to +33 559 43 86 06 be so important from now on. james@x-tremevideo.com
Born out of XSories’ love for extreme sports, all of their products, branding, packaging and advertising are designed to share our passion and knowledge.
www.xsories.co.uk
Product Highlights
Boom Box - when you’re small, you shout louder 3W of sound, pure and clean in the smallest format you can find. Compatible with MP3, Micro SD and USB flash drive. XKey Keep your iPhone charger at hand with this keyring-format charger. U-Shot and Trifold Pro The brand’s top sellers are now available in carbon with extended technical features to capture the image you want! Sonic Walk take a walk on the wide sound Share music or simply enjoy it in all conditions. For those who can’t live without music but need to stay connected to the world around them.
www.pixellive.co.uk 11
Your Essential Guide to the Latest Launches
Name: Leica M Monochrom RRP: £6120 Release Date: July Leica Camera AG has presented the world’s first digital camera designed exclusively for full-frame, 35mm black and white photography: the Leica M Monochrom. The Leica M Monochrom is a pure black and white rangefinder camera, using a newlydesigned 18 million pixel CCD specifically created for the capture of light in its purest form. With this new sensor, there is no Bayer Pattern filter (colour filter array), which means it never separates the light into colours, and subsequently there is no need for complicated colour algorithms. The 18 megapixel image sensor of the Leica M Monochrom is also perfectly matched to the superior performance of Leica M-Lenses. As the sensor does not ‘see’ colours, every pixel records true luminance values – as a result, it delivers ‘true’ black-and-white images that are significantly sharper than comparable exposures from a camera with a colour-sensitive sensor, and images that require very little or no further image processing. www.leica.com Name: Optrix Wide Angle RRP: TBC Release Date: TBC The Optrix Wide-Angle iPhone 4, 4S and iPod Touch case allows extreme sports enthusiasts to shoot, edit and upload HD videos using a 175 degree wide-angle lens. It is bump, splash and drop proof, making it ideal for extreme sports. The soft touch iPhone sled can be used as an everyday case, quick release and the full-screen a instant playback, editing and uploading. www.optrix.com.
12 www.pixellive.co.uk
Name: Benro Traveler Flat 2 RRP:Aluminium £282 to £306, Carbon Fibre from £492 to £552 Release Date: Immediate The ultra-compact flat design of the Traveler Flat 2 makes it the ideal tripod for photographers who are on the move. This innovative flat shape that makes the tripod more compact and portable when folded. Utilising magnesium alloy castings that are up to 30% lighter than aluminium, the Traveler Flat 2 incorporates a dust and water-resistant structural design and is lighter, shorter, more stable, stronger and quicker to set up than many tripods in its class. As an added bonus, each tripod features a detachable leg that can be unscrewed and used in conjunction with the removable extending centre column to convert into a full sized monopod. Six models are available, all featuring antirotation legs incorporating twist locks. Each tripod is supplied with a matched B Series ball head. Interchangeable spiked and rubber feet and high quality carry case are also included. www.kenro.co.uk
THE LAUNCHPAD LAUNCH PAD
Name: Pentax K-30 RRP: £599.99 (body only) Release Date: June This new mid-level model offers all the features of an SLR, packed in a compact, weather-resistant, dustproof and lightweight body for worry-free photography. Developed to help SLR beginners easily capture high-quality 16 megapixel images with the assistance of its shake-reduction technology, the PENTAX K-30 combines the size of an entry-level DSLR with features more commonly found in advanced models. These features include a weather-resistant, dustproof and cold-proof body and a glass prism finder with nearly 100% field of view. It also offers high-speed shooting of six images per second, a 1/6000 second high shutter speed, and a full-HD movie function. Together with a comfortable grip and a sporty, functional design, the K-30 guarantees a dependable, flawless performance every time. The K-30 is available in a choice of three colours: Crystal White and Crystal Blue, with brilliant, glossy finishes; and Classic Black, for a more traditional SLR look. www.pentax.co.uk
Name: Sony Alpha NEX-F3 RRP: TBC Release Date: June
Name: Fujifilm WCL-X100 RRP: TBC Release Date: TBC
The pocket-sized NEX-F3 features the same space-saving mirrorless design as other cameras in the E-mount family. Far bigger than the sensors found in point-and-shoot compacts, the 16.1 effective megapixel Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor captures stills and Full HD video (50i/25p). Self-portraits are simple too; just hold the camera at arm’s length and flip the LCD 180°, then press the shutter button, or use Smile Shutter for the best picture automatically. Shooting options in dim light or indoors are enhanced with the addition of a useful built-in flash. The NEX-F3 helps inexperienced photographers effortlessly craft top-quality portraits. Auto Portrait Framing identifies your subject’s position, trimming the scene to create beautifully composed, high-resolution portrait photos. NEX F-3 users can also enjoy high-quality close-ups with Clear Image Zoom, which doubles effective magnification of the lens. By Pixel Super Resolution Technology maintains superb image detail, tones and textures. Ideal for travel and everyday shooting, it’s a great way to boost The maximum focal length without carrying extra hardware. The NEX-F3 also takes the guesswork out of choosing from the generous range of functions on offer. Superior Auto mode intelligently recognises a wide range of scenes and subjects, adjusting settings with the skill of a seasoned photographer. www.sony.com
The WCL-X100 is a wide conversion lens designed specifically for the Fujifilm X100. The lens attaches directly on to the camera and increases picture taking versatility by multiplying the fixed focal length by 0.8x, converting it from 23mm (35mm in 35mm equivalent) fixed focal length to a 19mm wide angle (28mm in 35mm equivalent) Superb optical quality maximises versatility. The WCL-X100 has been engineered to ensure the Fujifilm X100’s supreme optical quality remains intact. Created by the same experts who designed the X100’s lens, the WCL-X100 delivers comparable image quality even at the f/2 wide aperture setting, retaining all the original optical characteristics, including the attractive bokeh effect. www.fujifilm.co.uk
Name: GoPro Dive Housing RRP: £49.99 Release Date: Immediate
Name: Pentax Optio LS465 RRP: £89.99 Release Date: June
The new GoPro Dive Housing features a large, flat glass lens that allows for maximum photo and video sharpness underwater in all resolutions. Waterproof to 197ft / 60m, the Dive Housing is ideal for any underwater filming scenario and is compatible with all HD HERO cameras, GoPro mounts and accessories. Included items: waterproof Dive Housing, protective lens cap, tether string and assorted mounting hardware. www.gopro.com
The new Optio LS465 not only offers a host advanced, user-friendly features but it also comes in eye-catching compact casing. The Optio LS465 is much smaller and lighter than conventional compact cameras without compromising on image quality. The LS465 weights just 104g, making its unique compact body the perfect pocket sized camera. The user can easily change the camera’s appearance to match their style, mood or occasion by simply attaching one of the 10 stylish acrylic inserts included with the camera. It features 16 effective megapixels, a 5X optical zoom lens with a 28mm wide-angle coverage, and full HD movie recording. The Optio LS465 is available in: Sapphire black, Ruby pink and Amethyst purple. www.pentax.co.uk
of
www.pixellive.co.uk 13
INSIDE TRACK
Company will be allowed to pay bonuses to key staff
Kodak Loses Apple Battle Apple and Research In Motion (Blackberry) reject Kodak’s claim that their smartphones infringe Kodak’s patents
RIM and Apple didn’t violate Kodak’s rights because the patent is invalid, U.S. International Trade Commission Judge Thomas Pender said. Kodak said it will appeal the findings with the six-member commission in Washington, which has the power to block imports of products that infringe U.S. patents. The judge’s recommendation “represents a preliminary step in a process that we are confident will conclude in Kodak’s favour,” Tim Lynch, Kodak’s chief intellectual property officer said. “Kodak has invested billions of dollars to develop its pioneering digital imaging technology, and we intend to protect these valuable assets.” The patent at issue relates to a technology invented by Kodak for previewing images on a digital device that is fundamental to how those devices take pictures. In the face of two separate challenges, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office confirmed the patent’s validity in December 2010. The final decision of the ITC, based on the deliberation of the full Commission, is expected by September 21, 2012. www.pmai.org www.kodak.com
PMA, the Worldwide Community of Imaging Associations, has relocated its world headquarters to 2282 Springport Road, Suite F., Jackson, Mi., 49202. Phone numbers and website address remain unchanged. “This new, more-efficient headquarters will allow PMA to serve our members more effectively,” says Jim Esp, executive director, PMA. “PMA is hitting the ground running with exciting upcoming events and programs, including this week’s Digital Conference at the Digital Show in Melbourne, NSW, Australia.” “The PMA team is just about to the size it needs to be and with better space our ability to operate more efficiently improves,” says Allen Showalter, international president, PMA. “The new space is outstanding and more suitable to the size of our team.” In January, the Jackson Community College Foundation announced it would purchase the 25-acre PMA headquarters site to establish a new North Campus for Jackson Community College. PMA had occupied its former 42,000-square foot headquarters, at 3000 Picture Place in Blackman Township, since its construction in 1980. Prior to that, PMA was located on Lansing Ave. in Jackson.
Kodak has lost a ruling in its legal fight against Apple Inc. and Research In Motion Ltd. over a patent for digital imagepreview technology used in RIM BlackBerry devices, and Apple iPads and iPhones. Kodak says Apple is the biggest infringer of its portfolio of digital camera patents, and is also a potential buyer of those same patents, which are worth as much as $2.6 billion that Kodak is counting on to pay its creditors. In court papers filed Monday, Kodak said “Apple’s decision to press its ownership claims now … should be seen for what it is, namely, a ploy calculated to prevent the debtors from using the [bankruptcy] sale process to obtain a fair price for Kodak’s digital capture portfolio (or to enable Apple to buy it on the cheap and extinguish its infringement exposure).” Buying the disputed patents or winning ownership of them could also allow Apple to avoid paying more than $1 billion in patentinfringement damages Kodak says it is owed, as well as royalty payments owed to Kodak from licensing the patents. Kodak says Apple hasn’t paid anything in royalties.
HP to make 8% of Workforce Redundant
Tony Hadley to head up National Photo Month!
Meg Whitman, CEO of HP, Palo Alto, Calif., announced the company is laying off 8 percent of its workforce, about 27,000 workers. “There are big changes going on, and we have to position ourselves,”Whitman told analysts yesterday while reporting that the company’s net income had fallen 31 percent over last year’s results in the quarter ending April 30, and that revenue had dropped 3 percent. HP projects the move will save $3 to $3.5 billion annually. That money will be used for building cloud-based businesses, “big data” services and security offerings, HP said. www.pmanewsline.com
Credits & Contacts
To Cut A Long Story Short Tony Hadley, ex Spandau Ballet front man and keen photographer and collector, has joined National Photography Month (NPM) to encourage families across Britain to learn how to look after their treasured memories and to take photographs that they are proud to pass on to future generations. NPM has been born out of new findings that show that while we’re taking more pictures than ever before, the throwaway nature of digital photography means we are printing fewer pictures and are in danger of loosing images that are special to us. The days of the family album are in danger of being numbered, which in turn leaves pictures to be forgotten in the oversaturated territory of cyber space and the public’s hard drives. Tony Hadley says: “Some of my most treasured possessions are photographs: of friends and family - particularly of my five children - or those which captured some amazing times on tour. I would be heartbroken to lose them! As well as encouraging us all to take more and better photographs National Photography Month has such a positive message about the value of the photograph and encourage everyone to be involved.” National Photography Month is now on, so check the website for ideas on how to get involved. www.nationalphotographymonth.co.uk
Editor: Laura Knight 01323 437946 laura@lifemediagoup.co.uk
Editorial Assistant Harriet Weston 01323 411601 harriet@lifemediagroup.co.uk
Subscriptions Amelia Wellings: 01323 433708 amelia@lifemediagroup.co.uk
Editorial Director: Grant Scott 01323 437941 grant@lifemediagroup.co.uk
Managing Director/Publisher: Lee Mansfield 01323 411601 lee@lifemediagroup.co.uk
Production Design: Laura Knight 01323437964 laura@lifemediagroup.co.uk
Marketing Director: Simon Skinner 01323 433700 simon@lifemediagroup.co.uk
Accounts: Clare Fermor Amelia Wellings 01323 433708 clare@lifemediagroup.co.uk amelia@lifemediagroup.co.uk
14 www.pixellive.co.uk
Published by LMG SE LTD (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 Copyright Life Life Media Media Group Group LTD LTD 2012 2012 © ©
Tony Hadley, Image courtesy of Noble PR
PMA Moves Headquarters
Tony Hadley, Image courtesy of Noble PR
www.pixellive.co.uk www.pixellive.co.uk 15 15
16 www.pixellive.co.uk