Pixel Magazine - December 2014 by Life Media Group

ISSUE NO. 937P

December 2014

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INSIDE

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2 30/09/2014 11:47 PANASONIC TO TEST CM1 IN UK, GFK SAYS CAMERA PRICES ARELP_Pixel_Ears_46x53mm.indd INCREASING EACH YEAR, SONY LAUNCHES SONY A7II, LUMAJET LAUNCHES CROWDFUNDING AND MUCH MORE...

This Issue Includes... • Damien Demolder interviews Gray Levett, from Gray’s of Westminster p20 • Digital Distribution teams up with Rotolight p14

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WINNERS, PHOTOS AND THANKS FROM THE PIXEL TRADE AWARDS 2014

The Pixel Trade Awards 2014 winners were announced on Friday 21 November at the Grange City Hotel, Central London

• A selection of camera-themed stocking filler ideas for camera shops p16

New Mount Options for Lensbaby Circular Fisheye

Photo by Nancy Balluck

The Lensbaby Circular Fisheye 5.8mm f/3.5 lens is now available with new mount options, widening the lens’s application further. When it was launched in April, the lens only supported Canon and Nikon mounts; soon, it will be offered with Micro Four Thirds, Sony A and E, Samsung NX and Pentax K. Top selling points include manual focus, polished internal barrel for flare effects and focus distance scale and hyperfocal scale. RRP: £190 PHOTO -

IMAGING -

‘I’m probably the only TV entertainer from the ‘80s who hasn’t been nicked by Operation Yew Tree... who just said yet?” Bobby Davro quipped, starting the evening’s proceedings. The Pixel Trade Awards 2014 was already in full swing, having kicked off an hour earlier with a generous Champagne reception laid on by Fujifilm, giving everyone ample opportunity to catch up before settling down for a three course dinner in the auditorium. VIDEO

AUDIO

Mr Davro’s comedy routine was cheesy, cheeky and decidedly un-PC – everything you’d want and expect from an ‘80s Saturday night TV entertainer. The seasoned comedian led the Action Medical Research charity auction expertly, enticing the room with once-in-a-lifetime opportunities, including a bike ride with Davina McCall, a behind the scenes tour of the This Morning studios and a place on -

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the start-line of the 2016 London Marathon. Sarah Stevenson, who helped organise the auction for Action Medical, said: “The evening was a great success – from the food and venue to the location and atmosphere. Action Medical Research was very proud to be associated with the Pixel Awards. Continued on page 9... -

RETAIL

BUSINESS

NEWS

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NEWS

WELCOME To Pixel Magazine The 10th Pixel Trade Awards went down brilliantly - congratulations to all winners and finalists, and thank you to everybody who came to celebrate the photographic industry with us. A review of the evening, including photos, top tweets and a full list of winners can be found on our front page, continuing on page 9. You’ve probably noticed that the festive season has kicked off, starting with the disintegration of civilisation on November 28, which saw hundreds of thousands of shoppers race to get their hands on Black Friday deals. Amazon UK, which was the first retailer to introduce the US tradition to the UK, says this year’s Black Friday has been its busiest day on record, with 64 items sold online every second - totalling an incredible 5.5m goods. The shopping season is set to continue with Christmas on the way. On page 16 we’ve put together a selection of photography-themed stocking filler ideas for retailers, to give Christmas shoppers a low-cost

option while they’re in-store looking for gifts. Earlier this month Damien Demolder visited Grays of Westminster, which recently became the first camera shop in the world to be presented with its own coat of arms. You can read the ensuing interview with Gray Levett on page 20. Elsewhere you can find all the top news from the last month, covering the likes of LG, Panasonic, GfK, Digital Distribution and Sony. Merry Christmas from the Pixel team! Zoe, Editor zoe@pixel.co.uk

Steadicam SOLO Camera Stabiliser

Tiffen International has announced the release of the Steadicam SOLO The Steadicam SOLO is aimed at photographers in the wedding, journalism/interview, action and sports markets. The SOLO will cater for most HD DSLRs on the market as well as most smaller 4K handheld video cameras. Key Selling Points: • Inbuilt monopod facility • Adjustable Gimbal • 4.53kg (10lb) weight capacity • Optional Arm & Vest can be purchased [from early 2015] • Extremely simple to setup The three-axis Gimbal design gives the precision of movement and stability demanded by professional operators, while the ergonomic foam handle and grips – which control the four

section telescopic post - provide a high level of comfort during the most challenging of operations. The SOLO also converts to a monopod for shooting from confined spaces. Other features include a quick-release camera mounting plate, push-on lock, push button release, positive positioning clamping, standard 1/420 and 3/8-16 camera mounting, and simple dual knob fore-aft vernier adjustment. The SOLO is available as an upgradeable handheld camera stabiliser, or as a complete system

Light Meter Accessory for Smartphones Lumu accessory turns a smartphone into a light meter A new light meter accessory for smartphones has been released by Kickstarter app company Lumu. The light meter plugs into the phone’s headphone jack and turns it into a light meter for use with digital and analogue cameras. Instead of measuring the light reflected off the subject, the Lumu measures light falling on the

subject, making it more accurate than the light meters built into most cameras. The device is pocket-sized, making it an ideal product for photographers on the move. Lumu is only compatible with Iphones. Find out more at lu.mu

Daymen International Announces Changes in 2015 Distributor plans to drop brands in new year Daymen International has announced it will no longer be distributing products from Tokina - the 60-yearold premium lens brand, Giottos - the tripod manufacturer, ExpoDisc - makers of white balance filters, and Rogue - a new lighting equipment brand. A spokesperson for the company said: “As you know Daymen has for some time with sled, arm and vest (early 2015). “In keeping with our ‘ahead of the curve’ theme, this groundbreaking hybrid Steadicam/Monopod has been ingeniously engineered so that it is perfect for both DSLRs and Camcorders,” states Daniel Waite, International Sales Manager, Tiffen international. “Our product designers used Tiffen’s legendary research and development techniques

distributed 3rd Party brands within their portfolio. As we head into 2015 they have strong plans for their own brands - Lowepro, Joby and Acme Made and have decided to concentrate and invest solely in these brands.” To find out more, contact 01902 864646 or email: info@daymen. co.uk including CAD (Computer Aided Design) and FEA (Finite Element Analysis) in the engineering process to maximise SOLO’s stabilisation capabilities. In addition, the use of ultra-precise machining, rigid extruding, economic die-casting, and lightweight injection molding has created a superior Steadicam system that will easily withstand the rigors of heavy and constant travel and use.” Contact Swains in the UK: Tel: 01485 536200 / Email: sales@swains.co.uk sboston@swains.co.uk

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NEWS Tamron Announces Development of New Lens

Samsung Teams up with Renowned Actor and Filmmaker Joseph Gordon-Levitt Samsung NX1 to get the star treatment in new ad campaign

Tamron has announced the development of a new ultra wide-angle zoom lens for fullframe DSLR cameras. It has a fast f/2.8 aperture and Vibration Compensation technology, making it a ‘world first’ in its category, according to the manufacturer. The company said it is expanding its lineup, which currently includes the SP 2470mm f/2.8, the 70-200mm f/2.8, the 90mm f/2.8 Macro, and the 150-600mm f/5-6.3. Tamron said these lenses have been ‘highly acclaimed among photo enthusiasts and working pros around the globe’. A gap in the line-up for a wide angle lens has led to the development of the new SP 15-30mm f/2.8 Di VC USD, the first of its kind to feature the Vibration Compensation feature. Top selling points: • Optical construction of 18 elements in 13 groups • Vibration Compensation for shooting night scenes in low light conditions • Improved BBAR coatings, which prevents ghosting and flare typically observed on ultra wide-angle lens Launch and pricing: TBC

Hollywood heartthrob Joseph Gordon-Levitt has teamed up with Samsung to produce a new advertising campaign for the Samsung’s premium compact camera, the NX1. Gordon-Levitt, who owns a collaborative production company called hitRECord, will direct a short film called ‘In a City’ inspired by cities across the globe, shot entirely on the NX1. The film will see the 500 Days of

Summer actor take to the streets of cities around the world ‘to explore the rhythm of daily life for the people who live there’, as Samsung puts it. Gordon-Levitt said: “Cinematography is one of the most powerful aspects of filmmaking. To visually express the mood of a scene or moment is as essential to storytelling as a script, a score, or an actor’s performance. When you’re creating art, it’s important to know that your tools will match your ambition, and that you can

rely on the technology to enable, not limit your artistic vision. “I’m looking forward to filming with Samsung NX1 and eager to work with the hitRECord community to create something truly special.” The collaboration is designed to showcase some of the NX1’s premium features, which include 4K and Ultra HD recording, an advanced Auto Focus System III with 205 Phase Detection AF points, Bluetooth, WiFi and built-in Codec (H.265) for easy compression and storage. ‘In a City’ will be released on December 11 on Facebook and YouTube.

HP Shares Slump After Split Forbes reveals falling shares for print company Just weeks after revealing its plans to split into two separate companies, Hewlett-Packard (HP) reported a 2% drop in fourth quarter shares. In the period ending October 31, HP’s revenues totalled at $28.4bn, a drop from $29.1bn this time last year. In October, HP said it would split itself into two publicly traded companies: one would sell computers and printers, to be called HP, while the other would incorporate its storage, services, cloud and financial settlements

under the name Hewlett-Packard Enterprise. The print division has done well this year, with revenues at $14.68bn compared to last year’s $14.65bn – making up half the company’s overall revenue. CEO Meg Whitman remains positive, saying: “I’m excited to say that HP’s turnaround continues on track. In FY14, we stabilized our revenue trajectory, strengthened

our operations, showed strong financial discipline, and once again made innovation the cornerstone of our company. Our product roadmaps are the best they’ve been in years and our partners and customers believe in us. There’s still a lot left to do, but our efforts to date, combined with the separation we announced in October, sets the stage for accelerated progress in FY15.”

Next Generation of Smartphones to have 24MP Cameras New sensors developed by OmniVision has industry talking American technology company OmniVision has unveiled its new PureCel-S camera sensors, which come in 23.8MP and 21.4MP variations. The company says they come with ‘image performance comparable to digital stills and video cameras.’ The new OV23850 and OV21840 image sensors capture stills and video in 23.8MP and 21.4MP respectively, while remaining small enough to fit inside smartphones. Harish Iyer, senior product marketing manager at OmniVision,

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said: “Industry experts anticipate that 20+ megapixel image sensors will be the next popular resolution threshold for flagship smartphones in 2015. The OV23850 and OV21840 are designed to facilitate the adoption of this resolution range by smartphone OEMs. “We see the megapixel race in the smartphone segment as heating up, with flagship smartphones reaching toward not only DSC-comparable

resolutions, but also advanced features such as fast autofocus, HDR mode, burst mode and slow motion video that today are characteristically restricted to DSCs. The OV23850 and OV21840 can provide OEMs with the opportunity to make the full range of these advanced capabilities a reality for their new flagship devices.” Both new sensors incorporate the company’s new ‘stacked die’ technology, which separates the

imaging array from the image sensor processing pipeline into a stacked structure, enabling additional sensor functionalities in a small frame. The OV23850 and OV21840 are capable of recording quad high definition (QHD) video at 30 FPS in HDR mode to enable ‘always on’ HDR preview mode for a resolution size popular with flagship smartphone displays. Both sensors are expected to enter mass production in the first quarter of 2015.

NEWS

DJI Launches Improved Drone with 4K The new drone also features folding feet for unobstructed photos The DJI Inspire 1 is the successor to the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+, this time offering 4K video and a view unobstructed by the drone’s rotor blades or feet. The new drone has been designed, like all drones, to shoot difficult to reach places from the

air. This time though, it has specially designed rotors and feet placed on spindles that project them away from the body where the main camera is. A second camera alongside sonic sensors then tracks the distance between the drone and the ground, ensuring the feet are lowered before landing.

The primary camera itself is capable of shooting 4K video, with a 12MP sensor for stills. It can also spin in a full circle, pan up and down and swivel from side to side for more interesting camera angles. The view is then streamed live to a WiFi connected Android or iOS device in HD from over a mile away. RRP: £2,174. Become a dealer at: http://www. dji.com/support/partner-form

LG Develops Flexible Digital Display

LG, manufacturer of display technologies, aims for flexible display mass production by 2017 LG Display is one of the leading manufacturers of panels for devices such as TVs, tablets, smartphones and smartwatches. Now, the company has revealed it aims to roll out mass production of the up-and-coming flexible display technology by 2017. It has already produced an 18” flexible OLED rollable panel as well

as an 18” transparent version. The panel can be rolled up to a radius of 30mm without causing damage or disrupting function. In-Byung, Senior Vice President and head of the R&D centre at LG, said: “LG Display pioneered the OLED TV market and is now leading the next-generation applied OLED technology. We are confident

that by 2017, we will successfully develop an Ultra HD flexible and transparent OLED panel of more than 60 inches.”

Phase One Sets Rumours Straight

Information about the new Phase One A-series has been leaked by American camera dealer Digital Transitions, prompting a response letter Phase One has issued a letter in response to information published on Digital Transition’s website about the new Phase One A-Series. The letter from Phase One reads: While product teams have been hard at work preparing the new A-series camera systems for market, Phase One and ALPA are happy to see such interest based on the early news shared by some of our U.S. partners. We regret any confusion, including the fact that the photo was of an internal prototype and not the finished product, but official images and more details will soon be on the way. These new products are the first step in a long-term strategic & cooperative alliance between Phase One and ALPA that was announced at Photokina. Developing premium products for the world’s most demanding fine art photographers is our focus, and the A-series by

Phase One and ALPA is taking the first steps in a creative new direction to integrate some of the highest performing and proven products across lenses, bodies, digital backs and software - to make them easier and even more fun to use. Below are the key highlights: • As noted, the A-series will be available in three versions: A250,

A260 and A280 with 50MP, 60MP and 80MP respectively. • Each system will be individually configured with pre-loaded lens calibrations for Rodenstock ALPA 23mm, 35mm and 70mm lenses, making it easy to shoot great looking images out of the box. • Factory shimmed system marked with A-series badges on both body and back. • All systems will come with the required accessories -- including some new elements made specifically for this system, e.g. flexible lens shades, iPhone holder and new release cable. • A 5-year warranty on the system. Thanks for the patience. In December we will share even more details on the new systems including the new factory lens calibration feature, accessories, detailed tech specs, product images, pricing and even better, they will begin shipping!

Eizo Launches ‘Competitively Priced’ Monitor with Adobe RGB Coverage

The new EIZO 24.1inch ColorEgde monitor, aimed at photographers and designers, will be distributed in the UK by ColorConfidence. The monitor offers advanced features at a ‘competitive price’, according to EIZO, although they haven’t confirmed the price yet. These include a wide colour gamut, brightness uniformity and hardware calibration. Key Selling Points: • 1920 x 1200 resolution display reproducing 99% of the Adobe RGB colour space • digital uniformity equaliser technology compensates for uniformity errors • LED backlight reduces power consumption to 27 watts, while flicker-free on-screen image display helps prevent eye fatigue • 6 calibration software

Metz Confirms it has Filed For Insolvency Last week rumours circlulated that the photographic equipment manufacturer Metz had filed for insolvency. Pixel can now confirm that this is true. The German company is known for producing high-end, quality lighting equipment, including studio flashes, video lights and flash units. Metz told Pixel: “Yes indeed, Metz has filed for insolvency in order to restructure and restart of the company. We are now in the so called preliminary insolvency process. During this period all business operations will be entirely continued. All products and services will be provided as usual.” DP Review users have speculated over the news, with one contributor posting: “The target-group (for flashes) is becoming smaller and only the pros, semi-pros and really enthusiastic amateurs need a flash today.”

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NEWS Curry’s PC World Processes More Black Friday Deals Than Ever

Friday 28 saw Curry’s PC World enjoy its busiest shopping period ever, with shoppers forced to queue to access the retailer’s online shopping site. The store launched nearly three times as many deals as they did last year, including £30 off all Apple iPads and £80 off Apple MacBooks and iMacs. The store also offered customers £400 off Samsung 55” LED TVs. The deals ran on Friday and will continue throughout the following week, with the store taking on more seasonal staff to help with the demand. Jeremy Fennell, e-Commerce Director at Currys PC World, said: “Our Black Friday and Black Tag events mark the start of the biggest trading period both in-store and online going all the way through to Christmas and the New Year. This year, we expect Black Friday to see the biggest growth increase of any trading day of the year and to be even bigger, in terms of online orders, than Christmas Day in 2013.”

Mitsubishi Unveils New High Speed Printer

Duplex Mitsubishi CP-W5000DW printer has been announced Mitsubishi Electric Europe has unveiled its new 8” Duplex dyesublimation printer. The Mitsubishi CP-W5000DW is designed to be compact yet high spec, offering the manufacturer’s own paper path switching method for a variety of print sizes to ‘accommodate diversifying demands’, according to the spec sheet. A total of 12 different print sizes enables retailers to use

the printer for a variety of products, including calendars, photobooks and greetings cards. Mitsubishi says: “The printer brings suitable business facility for you with minimum investment.” The user-friendly panel displays information such as printer status, consumed media amount, error signs and so on. The printer has also been designed to enable easy paper loading, with a blue light

showing when the paper has been loaded correctly. In addition to functionality, Mitsubishi has also focussed on efficiency by promising a speed of 83.9 seconds for a double-sided 8 x 12” print, and a doubled-sided 8 x 10” print in 75.4 seconds. The company says: “With the speed, you can operate on bulk orders quickly and take time by the forelock.” Find out more on the website: www.mitsubishielectricprinting.com

Panasonic To Test Its ‘Smart Camera’ limited number of the Lumix DMC-CM1 will be CM1 in UK Amade available in the UK Panasonic says that ‘due to high demand’, it will be launching a limited number of its Lumix DMCCM1 smart cameras, which had been reserved for the French and German markets only. The limited market trial will allow Panasonic to test UK waters with the product. Each customer will need to fill in a short questionnaire when they buy the camera. Retailers trialling the product have been selected to cover a fair cross section of the country to best represent the UK.

Barney Sykes, Head of Imaging at Panasonic UK, said: “We’re really excited by the innovation the CM1 brings and that we are offering something new to the UK camera market.

“We are looking forward to the feedback from both our retail partners and the consumer.” The CM1 is described as ‘the world’s slimmest communication camera’, combining a 1” 20MP MOS sensor (seven times larger than those found on standard camera phones), with an Android operating system. The trial period begins on December 1. Pixel will talk to Panasonic about the success of the camera in the new year.

Camera Shop Becomes First in World to be Granted Coat of Arms Grays of Westminster in London has had a Coat of Arms created Mr Robert Noel, Lancaster Herald of Her Majesty’s College of Arms, presented the Coat of Arms to Gray Levett, founder of Grays of Westminster Nikonexclusive camera shop at a celebratory dinner held at the Institute of Directors in Pall Mall, London on 29th October 2014. Distinguished guests at the dinner included Andrew Main Wilson, Chief Executive of the Association of MBAs, who gave the introduction, Mike Maloney OBE, Britain’s most decorated press photographer, representatives from Nikon Japan, Nikon UK and Nikon Germany, as well as journalists

from the national and photographic press. Also joining the celebration were a number of Grays of Westminster’s clients, several of whom had travelled from Australia and Dubai to be part of the celebration. For any person or organisation to have a legal right to a Coat of Arms, it has to be granted to

them by England’s Earl Marshal, the 18th Duke of Norfolk, through the Herald at the College of Arms in London. Heralds are appointed by The Queen and are delegated to act on her behalf in all concerns of heraldry and the granting of new Coats of Arms. To be the recipient of this honour, the criteria that is taken into account

before a Coat of Arms is granted might include awards or honours from the Crown, public and charitable services or eminence and good standing in national or local life. The College of Arms worked closely with Gray Levett throughout the design process to create a Coat of Arms that was personal to Grays of Westminster and one which would visually identify their role in the photographic industry. It is painted on vellum using ink and 22-carat gold paint decorated by a herald painter, with the text written by a scrivener, the whole process taking a year to create.

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The NEW CP – D80DW Dye Sublimation Photo Printer

The latest innovation in digital sublimation printing, the CP – D80DW from Mitsubishi Electric is loaded with new exciting features. Designed with space in mind. High resolution prints are produced in just 11 seconds, with an amazing 96% reduction in energy consumption when in standby mode.

Now with an extended 2 year warranty.

• 2 print sizes from 1 media, 6x8 and 4x6

• Energy saving • High resolution

• Rewind function

• Compact design

• Dust free mechanism

• Extended 2 year warranty

vis.mitsubishielectric.co.uk Email: Photo.Support@meuk.mee.com Office Number: 01707 278684 www.pixel.co.uk 7

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NEWS Concept Case Turns Smartphone Into Polaroid Camera

Kickstarter campaign hopeful Prynt aims to launch its innovative product in 2015. A French startup company called Prynt has come up with a quirky concept for a smartphone case that turns digital photographs into physical prints. Users simply have to slot their smartphone into the case, which plugs into the bottom of the device. On the side of the case there is a handgrip and trigger button, and once a photo is taken, it takes just 30 seconds to print. The case will store 10-30 sheets of paper. The camera records a few moments leading up to the moment the photo is taken, so when the user points their camera at the printed photo, they get an ‘augmented reality experience’ and see the photo come to life before their eyes.

Upcoming Firmware Updates for Fujifilm’s premium cameras The Fujifilm X-E2 and X-E1 will receive firmware updates from December 18. Fujifilm dealers can tell their customers about the new Fujifilm firmware updates, available in the coming weeks. Owners of the X-E2 can now upgrade to version 3.00, while X-Pro1 users can get version 3.40, and X-E1 owners can upgrade to 2.40. X-E2 upgraders will benefit from a new Classic Chrome option, which ‘delivers subtle colours and beautifully muted tones reminiscent of vintage reversal film’, according to Fujifilm. All models will get a new AF+MF function enabling ‘seamless manual focusing’. For more informations about each upgrade, please visit www.fujifilm.com/support/ digital_cameras/software/ fw_table.html

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Production of Nikkor Lenses Surpasses has celebrated the production of its 90 millionth 90 million Nikon Nikkor lens Nikon Europe has produced over 90 million Nikkor lenses for interchangeable lens cameras, in addition to 50 million Silent Wave Motor (SWM) lenses developed exclusively by Nikon. The first Nikkor lenses for SLRs were released in 1959, including the Nikkor-S Auto 5cm f/2. SWM technology works by converting ‘travelling waves’ into rotational energy to focus the optics for quiet and precise auto

focussing. The first SWM lens was launched in 1996, the Ai AF-S Nikkor 300mm f/2.8D IF-ED. Since then, a total of 72 lenses equipped with SWM technology have been released for both FX and DX-format DSLR cameras. The most recent addition to the

line-up was the ultra wide-angle AF-S Nikkor 20mm f/1.8G ED, launched in September 2014. Nikon also recognises the Nikkor 70300mm f/4.5-5.6 super-telephoto zoom lens as one of its milestones, as it was the world’s smallest and lightest lens in its class.

Canon Appoints New Managing Director Stephen Bates has joined Canon UK and Ireland as MD

Stephen Bates has been appointed as Managing Director of Canon UK and Ireland, reporting to President and CEO Rokus van Iperen, who heads up divisions in Europe, Middle East and Africa. Mr Bates has 25 years of experience working with B2B and consumer-facing technology

companies, including Nortel Networks and Blackberry – where he held the title of Leader of the Enterprise Product Group. Rokus van Iperen said: “Stephen brings to Canon extensive management experience gained working with globally recognised products and services in the telecoms industry.

“We are transforming our organisation to focus on new growth opportunities and Stephen will play a key role in driving the development of our services and solutions business in the UK and Ireland.” Bates will assume full responsibility as Managing Director from 1 January 2015, succeeding Hasse Iwarsson, who will retire from Canon at the end of this year.

Camera Prices Increase Every Year Research by GfK shows the average selling price of a camera grows each year

The digital cameras market has suffered in both units and value over the last years but the value performance has always been better than the unit one, according to Aline Marchal of GfK. As a consequence, the average selling price of a digital camera is increasing every year. Looking at 2014 performance, it has increased by 7% compared to JanuaryOctober 3013. On the one hand, we can explain this through enthusiast photographers categories such as compact premium and CSC performing better than the standard point and shoot cameras. These are gaining importance in the photo market. Furthermore as their average selling price is also higher than standard cameras, it impacts the average selling price of the digital cameras. On the other hand, the average selling price is also growing in some

categories. For example in CSC, the average selling price enjoyed 4% growth in January-October 2014 compared to the same period in 2013. To understand where this growth comes from, we need to split the CSC market into three segments: less than £300, £300800 and £800+ and to look at the

performance of each segment year on year. The best performing segment would be the £800+ which enjoys triple digit unit growth (+104%), followed by less than £300 enjoying double digit unit growth (+37%) whereas between £300 and £800 declines by -27% in volume compared to last year.

AWARDS

Winners, Photos and Thanks from the Pixel Trade Awards 2014 Continued...

“Bobby Davro did an excellent job and kept the evening running along nicely. Bobby tells me that he had a WONDERFUL evening, and he had the great pleasure of sitting on the MD’s table, Lee Mansfield”

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e took in £4,000 on the night, as well as a pledge of £2,000 for the marathon runner on table 6. “Bobby Davro did an excellent job and kept the evening running along nicely. Bobby tells me that he had a WONDERFUL evening, and he had the great pleasure of sitting on the MD’s table, Lee Mansfield.” During the evening the kitchen staff at Grange City Hotel laid on an impressive threecourse spread, with a tomato and mozzarella salad to start, followed by grilled salmon with vegetables and topped off with a beautifully presented mandarin cheesecake for dessert – all washed down with a generous amount of table wine. Simon Skinner, who has helped organise the trade awards for the past 10 years, said: “I think that this year’s event paralleled our best ever, at least. Such a great crowd and what an atmosphere! “Honestly, we were unsure about Bobby hosting the proceedings but we shouldn’t have

been as he was a real pro and extremely funny. “Big thanks to the sponsors of the evening, category sponsors including Sony and Tiffen International as well as Fujifilm for sponsoring the reception. Biggest thanks of course to our headline sponsor, Nikon UK. Without their support, we would not have been able to produce such an event. “It would have been fantastic though, for Ephotozine to have been there to collect their award. It would have saved me from having to have my mug in the pictures. Still, we can’t blame Tracey for taking a break on her Birthday week. Tracey, your award will be in the post to you. “See you all next year!” The award presentation itself took place after dinner, kicking off with introductions by Pixel’s MD Lee Mansfield and Editorial Consultant Damien Demolder, who took the opportunity to introduce the Pixel Development Room and discuss the importance of on-going training for photographic staff.

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AWARDS

What People Were Saying.....

“By the end of the night Mr Davro successfully had everyone in the room laughing, clapping and singing along to his surprisingly good renditions of the Proclaimer’s ‘I’m Gonna Be’ and ‘Sex Bomb’ by Tom Jones” Commenting after the awards, Damien said: “The Pixel Awards is always an important occasion for the trade to get together, to catch-up with old faces and to make new connections, as well as to congratulate and celebrate the successes of the year. With so many new personnel in the industry’s sales and buying teams, it was surely an especially valuable occasion this year for retailers and product brands to get to know each other a little better.” Bobby Davro then led the announcement of the winners, with the first award, Consumer Magazine of the Year, presented by Pixel editor Zoe Thomas. Zoe said: “2014 has been my first year as Editor of Pixel, and it was a real honour to be able to present two awards at the ceremony alongside the industry elite. Thanks everyone for turning up and making it the best event in Pixel’s calendar to date!” Winners N-Photo were delighted with the accolade. Group Editor in Chief Chris George said: “Winning the award for the third year in a row was a great honour for N-Photo - and particularly so as our 100% Nikon magazine is only just three years old. Feels like we really have achieved a lot in such a short space of time. It was a fantastic night thanks to such an enthusiastic host.” By the end of the night Mr Davro successfully had everyone in the room laughing, clapping and singing along to his surprisingly good renditions of the Proclaimer’s ‘I’m Gonna Be’ and ‘Sex Bomb’ by Tom Jones. We’d like to thank everybody for coming along and making the Pixel Trade Awards 2014 a fantastic evening. Your ongoing support is what has kept the event running for 10 years now, and it’s what will hopefully keep it running for the next 10. Special thanks go to our main sponsor Nikon, category sponsors Sony and Tiffen, and of course Fujifilm for making the Champagne reception possible.

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Congratulations to all of the Pixel Trade Award 2014 Winners… Consumer Magazine of the Year N Photo

Innovation in Imaging of the Year Nikon UK, Nikon D810

Hardware Accessory Manufacturer of the Year Manfrotto UK

Consumer Imaging Website of the Year ePhotozine

Processing Manufacturer of the Year Fujifilm UK

Hardware Manufacturer of the Year Fujifilm UK

Marketing Campaign of the Year Canon – ‘Come And See’ campaign

Independent Retailer of the Year Cameraworld

Multiple Retailer of the Year London Camera Exchange

Mass Retailer of the Year Dixons Carphone

Online Retailer of the Year WEX Photographic

Distributor of the Year Tetenal UK

Retail Sales Person of the Year

Sara Penwarden - Wilkinson Cameras

Rep of the Year

Chris Castle – Tetenal

Print Lab of the Year Phoenix Photographic

2014 Outstanding Contribution to the Industry Reg Atkins, Park Cameras

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AWARDS

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Digital Distribution Sign Exciting Distribution Deal with Rotolight LED lighting manufacturer Rotolight has appointed UK-based Digital Distribution LTD, an independent photographic supplier, as a distributor to the specialist Photographic retail trade.

“This is an exciting new venture for both Rotolight and Digital Distribution, which will enable us to increase our market share and most importantly give retailers the opportunity to sell advanced LED lighting to a wider market”

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otolight develops high quality, portable lighting for both the video and photographic markets, aiming to be the go-to brand for on-camera, studio and location lighting solutions. As consumers adopt continuous lighting to enhance their photographic and video requirements, retailers need to be at the forefront of the consumer revolution and this new partnership gives retailers the opportunity to exploit the expanding LED Lighting market. Chris Eady – UK Sales Manager at Rotolight, said: “This is an exciting new venture for both Rotolight and Digital Distribution, which will enable us to increase our market share and most importantly give retailers the opportunity to sell advanced LED lighting to a wider market. Digital Distribution have come on board just as we have announced seasonal price repositioning, which will ensure a high demand from consumers.”

The family-run company has been making lighting kits from its home at Britain’s famed Pinewood Studios, and the Rotolight RL48, and accessories, which have won a number of awards, represents the pinnacle of its innovation. The RL48 Ringlight is designed to run simply on three AA batteries, offering an alternative to flash that connects to most DSLRs, compact system cameras, or video cameras, allowing users to capture exposures in any environment. The Rotolight RL48 kits and range of accessories such as mounting studs, clamps and the ‘highly popular’ articulating arms are now available from Digital Distribution. Ron Deprez, Sales Director at Digital Distribution, said: “We are delighted to be taking over the distribution of Rotolight products at such an exciting time. With the realignment of Rotolight kit pricing and

“We are currently at the early stages of cameras capable of 4K UHD video recording, a sector that is looking to offer the largest growth for cameras in 2015”

growing demand for LED lighting systems we expect to witness a great deal of interest. “We are currently at the early stages of cameras capable of 4K UHD video recording, a sector that is looking to offer the largest growth for cameras in 2015, the Rotolight Sound & Light kit taps perfectly into this channel and after the card and case, looks to be the most obvious accessory required. “We are always looking for quality products to add to our range and it is even more motivating when the product is British made

as is Rotolight. “Our sales staff are currently receiving training on the full Rotolight range of lighting and accessories and will have product to demonstrate to our customers on their next visit, but in the meantime if information is required immediately they can give me a call. The Rotolight RL48 Ringlight is recommended as the ideal lighting accessory to compliment Samsung’s latest 4K compact system camera, now also available from Digital Distribution.

For further details of distribution and Rotolight products contact Ron Deprez at Digital Distribution. www.ddltd.co.uk Telephone: 01442 230022. www.rotolight.com

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STOCKING FILLERS

Stock Stocking Fillers

It’s December, that frantic Christmas shopping month when novelty, gimmicky, seemingly useless items fly off the shelves – and straight into festive stockings

f the scary images of Black Friday were anything to go by, the festive season turns people into debit card-wielding monsters, ready to push, trample and even kill to get the best deals on gifts for their friends and family. While not every day is like 28 November, hyped up by the American postThanksgiving tradition, the month leading up to Christmas is undoubtedly a busy time for retailers both online and in-store. This period offers a fantastic opportunity to introduce your products to new customers. You’re likely to see a wider

variety of shoppers wander through your door on their Christmas quests, from parents buying compact cameras for their children, to friends and family of photography enthusiasts looking for an accessory to add to their loved one’s collection. While one always hopes for the big purchases, it’s the small stocking fillers that could help photographic retailers rise above the competition this year. Christmas is all about present giving and while for a lucky few that might involve a brand new DSLR, for most it’s about

those fun, low-cost stocking gifts. All photography lovers, from dabblers to pros, enjoy a camera-themed product – whether it’s a mug shaped like a lens, or a Polaroid loo roll holder (yes, these exist). Impulse buys are common at this time of year, so positioning lower cost items near the counter can help shoppers make those last minute buys as they queue to buy other products. Below we’ve compiled a list of camerathemed stocking fillers to inspire retailers during this busy Christmas period.

Kodak Camera Lens Necklace This Camera Lens necklace was created in Sydney using a 1940’s Kodak lens originally from America. It has a mechanical watch piece embedded in the back which can be seen through the operating iris that can be left opened or closed. Complimented with a long brass black two tone chain this is the perfect gift for any camera lover and ideal for both men and women. £80.74. www.upcyclestudio.com.au

Pola Roll Toilet Paper Holder Polaroid-loving photographers will appreciate this funky, fun Pola Roll Toilet Paper Holder. The cleverly designed loo roll holder looks just like an ‘80s polaroid camera, and dispenses loo roll like it’s a photo! This product is sure to add a little lighthearted humour to your shop-front and entice customers in-store for the pure cheek. No pun intended. Say cheese! £14.95. www.prezzybox.com

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STOCKING FILLERS Konstruktor - Construct Your Own SLR Camera Photographers and gadget-geeks alike will enjoy this Konstructor kit – best of all, it only takes around 2 hours to complete before photos can be taken, making it perfect stocking filler that customers can construct and use on the big day itself. £29.95. www.prezzybox.com

Camera Lens Cup Perfect for photographers, we are sure the Camera Lens Cup will be snapped up in no time (see what we did there)? This cool and quirky mug looks exactly like a real camera lens but it is in fact a cleverly disguised mug. The Camera Lens Cup is perfect for hot or cold drinks and comes with a lens cover lid which is great for keeping beverages nice and hot. It can even be used as a coaster or a biscuit holder! £12.95. www.prezzybox.com

The Click Stick This innovative Click Stick will appeal to your younger clientel, transforming the way they take photos and capture videos. The Click Stick is intergrated with a simple button which allows you to remotely take photos and film; The Click Stick needs no bluetooth, pairing or batteries! Just plug your Smartphone into the headphone socket, strike a pose, smile or pout and click the stick! £14.25. GadgetGrotto.com

X-Lapse The X-Lapse allows film makers to take up to 360˚ sweeping time lapse films and gives photographers the chance to take amazing wide angle panoramic images. The universal camera mount has both male and female standard ¼ - 20 UNC tripod screw threads for mounting cameras onto the X-Lapse and for mounting the X-Lapse onto camera tripods. £19.95. www.red5.co.uk

Say Cheese Instant Slicer Cutting cheese is one of the worst things you’ll ever have to do in the kitchen. Some slices are too thin, others are too thick and you wind up with a strange tasting sandwich or a less than cheesy toasty! ARGH! Well, fret no more, we’ve got the perfect helper at hand. This funky Say Cheese Instant Slicer is perfect for getting the perfect slice every time. Designed to look like a Polaroid instant-camera, this instant slicer looks as good as it slices, and is dishwasher safe. £9.95. www.prezzybox.com

www.pixel.co.uk 17

STOCKING FILLERS

iPhone Snap Remote Everybody has an iPhone these days. Now your Appleloving customers can take pictures from up to 3m away without the use of a really big stick! The Snap Remote is the perfect accessory to use when taking ‘selfies’, group shots and even macro shots. £14.95. www.red5.co.uk

Camera Cufflinks The perfect gift for the snap-happy photographer who loves to look suave - these novelty cufflinks are made from top quality rhodium and enamel in the shape of vintage cameras. Smartly gift boxed. £14. www.TheGreatGiftCompany.co.uk

Leather Camera Strap Leather Camera Straps / Neck Straps- Custom Camera Straps for SLR and DSLR Cameras. So fresh, and so pretty...this vibrant colours will be your customers’ favourite “notice me” pieces! These fashion camera straps for SLR/ DSLR cameras feature neckpads lined in suede, and also adjustable length features for maximum versatility. The dimension are: • Total length 74 cm (but it is adjustable) • Main body (the chunky part only) 50cm x3.5 cm • The padding is in suede and it is 17 cm long £80. ascolileather.etsy.com

Instant Photo Frame A photo frame for the instant hipster. Place a photo of your choice inside the frame to make it look like it has just been taken. £16. Photo Size 7.5 x 7.5 cm ( 3’ x 3’ ) www.bubblegumstuff.com

Vintage Style Disposable Camera This vintage style single use disposable camera will add a touch of style to any wedding table. The camera takes 27 shots, has a flash and is very simple to use. Place one camera on each table and allow your guests to capture special moments for you. Comes with free table card. £4.99. www.gingerray.co.uk

Vintage Camera Case Another stocking filler for the young crowd. This handy bag is perfect for any lover of cool and nostalgia. Superbly designed to look like an old school vintage camera, it combines cool design with practicality and quality. £13.99.

www.cloth-ears.co.uk

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LP_Pixe

TO GET THE SHOT & BRING IT BACK

ProTactic Series – Internationally taking markets by storm. Innovative high performance backpack available in two sizes and the first camera backpack to feature a Molle system includes: • 4 access points • MaxFit System™ dividers, • 5 modular accessories • New ActivZone System™ for increased comfort.

For a demonstration and pricing contact your DayMen Sales Account Manager. T F E W

0845 250 0790 0845 250 0791 info@daymen.co.uk www.lowepro.co.uk

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LP_Pixel_232.8x320.1_Trusted_Nov2014.indd 1

28/11/2014 12:49

BIG INTERVIEW

Gray Matter

Making your store stand out is critically important to achieving success in photographic retail, says Gray Levett, of the one-of-a-kind camera shop Gray’s of Westminster - Interview and portraits, Damien Demolder

don’t think Gray has got the nice Fortnum and Mason Tea-For-One tea set out just for my benefit. I suspect anyone who sits at his leather-topped desk, in front of the glowing open fire in his book-lined office and asks for tea gets to use this elegant fine china cup/pot all-inone too. It really is rather beautiful. While Gray was making the tea I took the opportunity to visit the smallest room in the

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shop: a facility shared by customers and staff alike – stylish antique porcelain, set against warm wood tones, real soap, a nicely framed mirror and a clean, dry towel hanging behind the door in this fragrant space. Beyond the curtain on my way out there’s an elderly gentleman enjoying some talking therapy in the second hand department. His young lady listener looks both interested and engaged as he recounts

his Nikons-past, and ambles via by-roads and winding alleyways towards the inevitable growth of his collection this morning. I’m guessing that he only half-wants to buy something, and will only do so to have an excuse to be there. The cost of a low-serial number Nikon F and a return train ticket is a small price to have a genuinely attendant and charming ear for half an hour or so. It feels a nice place to be.

BIG INTERVIEW

“The store feels as though it has been here since the birth of photography. It is easy to imagine we might catch the whiff of spilled collodion from the floorboards and find dusty boxes of magnesium powder in the corner of a basement store”

A sense of heritage

I’ve been in a lot of camera shops in my time, and recently not just as a customer, and most aren’t quite like this. The men in the main store wear suits and ties, say ‘hello’ and ‘can I help you?’ when I walked in. The cabinets are filled not only with new bodies and lenses, but with their close and distant ancestors, still in remarkable health - dazzling in chromes, glossy blacks and even 24k gold. Just like every camera store, each of the exhibits has a name, and here you can also discover the story behind each piece, no matter how much older than the teller it is. I’m really not in need of anything to add to my randomly gathered assortment of equipment, but feel immediately that it will be a miracle if I manage to leave without buying something. The store feels as though it has been here since the birth of photography. It is easy to imagine we might catch the whiff of spilled collodion from the floorboards and find dusty boxes of magnesium powder in the corner of a basement store. The fact is though, the business is still less than thirty years old, and the sense of its heritage is no more than an unspoken suggestion. An illusion. Upstairs in the office we chat about Gray’s new coat of arms. It looks very grand, but what does a camera shop want with a sheet of painted velum? ‘It sets us apart’ says Gray ‘and reflects the atmosphere of our old fashioned business. And it has got us noticed.’ It has – the story has been all over the photographic press. While some in the UK might think having a coat of arms a teeny bit pretentious, Gray

says it has a different impact on customers overseas. ‘In Dubai, for example, they hold royalty in high esteem, and love any association with the Queen.’ Gray explains that the coat of arms, along with the store’s motto ‘Lead in Order to Serve’, sums up what Gray’s is all about.

Service centre

‘I think you have to have a vision and an ideal of what the perfect camera shop would be like. You have to ask yourself where you would like to go to buy a camera, and how you would like to be treated. When I’m interviewing for new staff I want to know if they enjoy helping people, and if they like the sense of a job well done. To some those are alien concepts. I would rather have someone bright who likes

people, than someone who just knows about photography. Service is the most important part of our business, above the fact that we sell cameras. To provide a high level of service of course we need to know all about cameras, so that we can impart the information our customers like to receive - we couldn’t produce that service without love for what we sell. We visit other camera shops to see what they offer, but also other places where you get great service to see what we can learn – like The Goring Hotel. Good service is no great secret; it is often just modern good manners and concentrating on looking after people. Many camera shops do have well-mannered staff with passion. It is the management’s fault if they don’t. And to

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BIG INTERVIEW

“The photographic industry has been my life and I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in it. I have met and worked with some great people and have witnessed the incredible move from silver halide to digital and all the changes that this has brought about.” keep good staff you have to treat them well. One of my team has been with us for twenty years. Long standing members of staff are people who know what they are doing. I don’t think the coat of arms has changed the way Nikon views us, but our relationship with Nikon has been growing over the years. The Nikon UK team was kind enough to attend the presentation of the coat of arms, and Nikon Japan sent a gift of the coat of arms set in a crystal trophy. The Japanese have an idea that England is a mixture of The Avengers and The Tower of London, and the coat of arms fits into that rather well. It helps us to be drawn to their attention. Ushida-san, the president of Nikon is coming to visit the store this month. I want Gray’s to be viewed as an institution – an establishment that represents a philosophy – a place that is well run and is a good example of what a camera shop could be. The word ‘institution’ suggests knowledge, credibility, longevity.

The customers you attract

When a customer walks out of the shop or puts down the phone we might never see them again, and we want to be able to build a relationship with them, to ensure they come back. That’s why we started Nikon Owner magazine. We can show off new Nikon products, show the customers how to use them and it provides a platform for us to show their work. We have a technical help line for when they get stuck with a menu, masterclasses to teach them the skills they need and an incredible network of volunteers who run regional meetings for Nikon Owner subscribers. I think businesses can choose the customers they want to have, by the service

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BIG INTERVIEW

“I think businesses can choose the customers they want to have, by the service they provide and how they present that service”

they provide and how they present that service. Many retailers think buying stock and displaying it in the window is enough, but ‘build it and they will come’ doesn’t work. Our shop is located out of the way, and off the beaten track, so people come to our shop because they want to or they deal with us by mail order. You have to know what the customer wants, and you have to ask yourself if you would want to come into your own shop and be served by your staff. Customers put a lot of trust in camera shop staff, and the gifts and notes of appreciation the Gray’s staff receive at Christmas show how much customers value the service that we offer.’ As I write, a customer has sent the store a cake

with the coat of arms made in icing on its top! Gray’s is a camera-enthusiast’s spa resort, where photographers come to be pampered in calm surroundings while indulging their fancies. And at some time during their stay they buy something, and sometimes something a little more than they intended. What is for sale, and those who might buy it, are loved and revered and treated with the respect they are due. I’m no retail expert, but I can see why photographers shop here, why they spend more than they intended and why they come back to do the same again and again. And I wish more photo retailers would adopt this approach.

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Are you stocking Hungry eye?

ISSUE 1 VOLUME 2 / £8.99

THE FILMMAKING AND PHOTOGRAPHY JOURNAL

GERED MANKOWITZ ON 50 YEARS OF ROCK & ROLL / STEVE SCHAPIRO ON SHOOTING THE MOB / RANKIN / TIM HETHERINGTON / BACKYARD THE MOVIE

P Cover HE I1V2 2013.indd 1

THE FILMMAKING AND PHOTOGRAPHY JOuRNAL

ISSUE 3 VOLUME 2 / £8.99

wE discovEr photography from

david lynch in convErsation

thE art of cinEmatography

Elliot davis JanE Brown looking for light

pEtEr dEnch: diary 03

“Every work ‘talks’ to you, and if you listen to it, it will take you places you never dreamed of” – David Lynch

“We all have a unique vision: Many people think that we all see the same. We do not’” – Steve Schapiro

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HUNGRY EYE MAGAZINE: ISSUE 1 VOLUME 2

HUNGRY

HuNGRY

31/10/2013 10:15

Join tHe rAnks of outlets enJoying 50% mArgin on tHis industry first, genre-defining JournAl offer your customers A title tHAt inspires And engAges witH tHe imAge mAking community THE DENCH DIARY

MeMories Are MAde of This

20th My wife and I go to see the Oscar nominated film, The Wolf of Wall Street; it’s three hours long. We prepare in Pizza Express with a Peroni each and share a bottle of Prosecco. En route to the cinema, a bottle of Rioja is purchased from M&S. Half way through the film, the wine runs out, a rookie mistake. I first took alcohol into the cinema [when alcohol wasn’t welcome in the cinema] aged 14, to see the premier of Crocodile Dundee, a screening to which my friend, Dave Thomas, had won tickets in a competition. We drank a four pack of Fosters lager in homage to it’s Australian on-screen-star, Paul Hogan. The first time I experienced a bar actually in a cinema, was inevitably in Germany, where cans of Heineken were efficiently dispatched to accompany the black and white Beatles film, A Hard Day’s Night being shown in a Berlin cinema adjacent to the best known Berlin wall crossing point, Checkpoint Charlie. As the Wolf of Wall Street credits roll, I shake the final flecks of Rioja from my groin, and head into Villiers Terrace for a bottle of house red and a bullet shot of bourbon and reflect on how expensive the cinema experience has become. I read a report that hidden sugar in food significantly increases the risk of heart disease; I start reducing my sugar intake. 24th After a meeting at Getty Images London HQ, I decide to walk home and plot the route on walkit. com; it informs the distance is 3.5 miles and the estimated time, 56 minutes burning 385 calories, all of which sounds agreeable and I begin the romp towards Crouch End. Three hours and six pints of cider later, I arrive home feeling refreshed. March 2nd I’m running, running as fast as I can; children are overtaking me to the left and children are overtaking me to the right. I can see the soles of my

Downtown © Alex Webb

28 www.hungryeyemagazine.com

www.hungryeyemagazine.com 29

nine year old daughter’s running shoes. I shouldn’t be running, I should be lying in bed on this Sunday morning with a cup of coffee watching AFC Bournemouth thrash Doncaster Rovers 5 - 0 on the BBC’s, The Football League Show. My body feels hijacked; black dots plot a route across my eyeballs and brown mud speckles my shiny white 100% polyester zip up Fila tracksuit top. Grace completes the Bath ‘fun’ run in six minutes 55 seconds raising over £350 for the RUH Forever Friends appeal; I finish 5 seconds behind her, raising serious doubts about my mortality. 4th I receive a letter from HM Revenue & Customs; ‘Our records show that you have a new overdue Self Assessment tax payment’ [they’re not wrong]; ‘If you do not pay or contact us, we will take further action to force you to pay. We could visit your home to view your possessions and arrange for them to be sold at public auction.’ I have a look around the home at my possessions that could be sold at public auction, it could do with a bit of a de-clutter; there’s an old dehumidifier, unused electric heater, wonky chest of draws, redundant exercise weights and a framed Paul Reas print. I read a report that regularly drinking alcohol can significantly increase the risk of developing melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer; I start applying a high SPF daily sunscreen. 5th In February the KTLA television anchor Sam Rubin, confused actor Samuel L. Jackson with Laurence Fishburne; outrageous! (Five weeks from today, football referee Andre Marriner would send off Kieren Gibbs for a deliberate handball actually committed by Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain; disgraceful!) Today, I’m at White cloth Gallery for their launch of a Slim Aarons and Gered Mankowitz exhibition, talking to who I assume is Scottish photographer Niall McDiarmid, only to realise after lengthy dialogue that it is in fact Scottish photographer Colin McPherson; easily done. 6th In 2013, the publisher of my first photo monograph, England Uncensored, went into liquidation. I was one of the more fortunate

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www.hungryeyemagazine.com 11

contact info@hungryeyemagazine.com or call 0870 777 9778 to discuss options. counter-top p.o.s. can be provided at no cost and all issues will be supplied on a sale or return basis.

Hungry eye – tHe photography and filmmaking Journal – cover price £8.99 www.hungryeyemagazine.com 16 24www.pixel.co.uk www.pixel.co.uk

maker. Recent assignments have preferred the pen, the iPhone and the Autographer, a small, wearable, hands-free and fully automatic camera, you don’t even have to put down your pint to take a picture; that’s my kind of camera.

THE DENCH DIARY

NEWS

Ditch the Tripod - New Sony A7 II

The interchangeable, full-frame a7 II has been unveiled by Sony The a7 II is the latest addition to Sony’s a7 series of light, compact mirrorless cameras. Sony says this is the first full-frame camera to have 5-axis image stabilisation. The full-frame Exmor CMOS 24.3MP sensor moves along five axes to compensate for camera shake, meaning it can be used to capture handheld stills and video in low light where previous models would need a tripod. The optical image stabilisation is equivalent to 4.5 stops faster shutter speed of correction for still images.

The image stabilisation system works with both E-mount and A-mount lenses. The a7 II also has an 117-point focal plane phasedetection AF System, giving the camera ‘30% faster AF responsiveness’ (compared to current models), the brand said in its official press release.

• Magnesium alloy on top, front and internal structures for strength and lightness • WiFi and NFC

Other Selling Points

RRP: a7II kit with 28-70 lens - £1,700 a7II body only - £1,500

• 40% faster start-up time • XGA OLED Tru-Finder viewfinder with a 2.36 million dot equivalent resolution and high contrast,

Accessories

• VG-C2EM Vertical Grip • LCS-ELCB Soft Carrying Case • FDA-EP15 Eye-piece Cup • A-mount telephoto lens 70300mm F4.5-5.6 G SSM II (SAL70300G2)

Available: January 2015.

Fujifilm Boosts Lifespan of X-T1 with Updates Firmware upgrades have been announced for the X-T1

Fujifilm X-T1 Version 3.00 is scheduled to be released on 18 December 2014. A new highspeed electronic shutter will benefit photographers using the Fujinon XF lenses. With a new maximum speed of 1/32000sec, fast apertures can now be used in bright light to create a shallow depth-of-field effect. With the electronic shutter activated, the X-T1 can be

muted for ‘completely silent shooting, according to Fujifilm, which is ‘perfect for sleeping children, pets and weddings’. Other updates include a new Classic Chrome Film Simulation mode, delivering ‘subtle colours and beautifully muted tones reminiscent of vintage reversal film’. In addition, there is a new Natural Live View Function, EVF and LCD colour options, direct selection AF, menu customisation and manual

shooting in video mode amongst 21 updates in total. For a comprehensive list of Version 3.00’s improvements, head to http://www.fujifilm. com/support/digital_ cameras/software/fw_table. html

Now ColorConfidence, which sells digital imaging and colour management products from a wide range of manufacturers, has told Pixel it plans to stop stocking Noritsu products in the new year. Geoffrey Clements, Managing Director of ColorConfidence, told us: “I can confirm that we are still selling Noritsu and supporting our customers; however, following photokina when we met with Noritsu, we were made aware that

Apple blogger John Gruber claims the iPhone 7 will be ‘biggest ever camera jump’ for the company. On his regular The Talk Show podcast, the Apple blogger said sources inside the company have revealed next year’s rumoured iPhone 7 will have a two-lens camera to take photos that ‘rival those from professional cameras’. “The specific thing I heard is that next year’s camera might be the biggest camera jump ever,” he said. “I don’t even know what sense this makes, but I’ve heard that it’s some kind of weird two-lens system where the back camera uses two lenses and it somehow takes it up into DSLR quality imagery.” With consumers only just getting to grips with the latest iPhone 6, we may have a while yet to keep speculating.

Sony Unveils Stylish External Storage

The update is compatible with the black and silver X-T1 models. Available: 18 December 2014.

ColorConfidence to Drop Noritsu imaging distributor is moving away from the minilab in 2015 Digital market ColorConfidence and Noritsu have announced a parting of ways as their business models diverge. Japanese photo print company Noritsu has been a well-known name in the photo processing industry for over 30 years, having been the inventor of the one-hour photo processing lab. However in recent years, the company’s business model has undergone a gradual shift. Emphasis is moving away from production of processing products and towards technical services; sending technicians out into the field to assist with machines in stores, labs and offices.

iPhone 7 Rumoured to Have ‘Dramatically Improved Camera’

they were looking for additional distribution partners to service parts of the market that we were not reaching, and we were happy to agree to this as our company’s focus has changed over the past 2-3 years and we don’t see the minilab market as long-term core business for us. “We will continue to support our customers over the coming months but will not be actively selling Noritsu products as we go forward into 2015.” Noritsu products can now be found at PhotoXport www.photoxport.com

The new ‘ultra-compact and light’ external storage devices from Sony are designed to be transportable, secure and useful, with 128GB of storage in the SL-BG1 and 256GB of space in the SL-BG2. The new SL-BG2 and SL-BG1 have hairline finished aluminium casing. The credit-card-sized devices have a minimum transfer rate of 290MB per second. For added security there is a utility software Password Protection Manager and Backup Manager to provide backup and peace of mind for customers. The SL-BG2 and SL-BG1 are available in black and metallicsilver. www.sony.co.uk

www.pixel.co.uk 25

NEWS Samsung Developing 360º Camera for VR Headsets Samsung’s research division Think Tank Team is developing a new camera that captures 360º images and videos to be viewed on the Gear VR virtual reality headset. The camera, named Project Beyond, is still at prototype stage. So far all Samsung has divulged is that there will be 17 full-HD cameras, 8 stereoscopic pairs which capture 45º angles each. Project Beyond will also be able to stream live video and create 3D still panoramas.

Is Olympus OM-D E-M5 Going Out of Production?

According to website 43rumors. com, Olympus has stopped production of the OM-D E-M5. This follows rumours in September that a successor to the model is impending, expected to launch in the first week of February 2015. The OM-D E-M5 was launched in February 2012, followed by two other models in the classicstyle OM-D line - the OM-D E-M1 and the E-M10, at a more affordable price. So far Olympus has not made an official statement regarding this rumour.

New 3 in 1 Reflector

Honl Photo has launched the Light Paddle 3 in 1 Reflector Official Honl Photo distributor Flaghead Photographic has announced the launch of the Honl Light Paddle 3 in 1 Reflector for shoe-mount flash units. Described as ‘featherweight’, the reflector attaches to any shoe mount flash with included selfadhesive Velcro pads, or with the Honl Photo Speed Strap.

Flaghead Photographic said: “The Light Paddle creates beautiful soft, even light with the choice of three different coloured effects : Use the white surface for a soft, even light on your subject or a neutral contrast grey or gold/silver for a pleasing warm light.” Accessories: Stock the Honl Speed Strap so customers have

an alternative to the Velcro pads included. Available: http://www.flaghead. co.uk/ RRP: £39 ex vat.

Canon EF 100-400mm Gets a Make-Over

1998 telephoto zoom has been redesigned with modern technologies

Canon has redesigned its original long range zoom lens, the EF 100400mm f/4.5-5.6 USM L, which was first launched back in 1998. The new-look EF 100-400mm, the latest addition to Canon’s L series, is equipped with a whole host of optical upgrades, including an improved 4-stop optical Image Stabilizer to reduce the effects of visible camera shake on long-distance shots, and a ring-type Ultrasonic Motor providing ‘fast, silent’ autofocusing, according to Canon. The lens’ 21 element structure uses a combination of Fluorite and Super Ultra-low Dispersion (Super

UD) lens elements, and in a first for the EF lens range, Canon’s new Air Sphere Coating (ASC). The new anti-reflection coating is constructed of tiny nano particles of trapped air, which create an ultralow refractive index layer, to help reduce visible ghosting and flare. The original lens’ push/pull zoom mechanism has been replaced by the twist action zoom in line with other EF zoom lenses The lens’ tripod collar is now built-in to provide smoother, seamless rotation, and when needed, the tripod foot can be removed, reducing the overall

lens body size. A new dedicated lens hood, ET-83D, allows users to rotate polarising filters, without removing the hood, thanks to the inclusion of a new access window. The lens has a dust and waterresistant body and for added endurance, features fluorine coatings on the front and rear lens elements, reducing the possibility of dirt sticking to the lens surface and affecting image quality.

Key Selling Points:

• Versatile, portable super-telephoto zoom lens • Prevent camera shake with a 4-stop Image Stabiliser • Customise the feel of the zoom control for different situations • Fast, near-silent focusing • Shoot in tough weather conditions Available: December 2014 RRP: £1,999.99.

High Margin on new Tiffen filters New Tiffen XLE filters for long exposure images

Tiffen International has launched a new XLE series of filters designed to capture extreme long exposure images with adjustable degrees of infrared. The new series offers three different 10-stop reduction filters: • XLE accent, cutting the least infrared • XLE advantiX, allowing moderate infrared • XLE apeX, complete infrared supression The series has been designed to overcome the problem that occurs when photographers use

26 www.pixel.co.uk

high-density ND filters to shoot long exposures during daylight hours. Standard ND filters block visible light to allow for long exposure times (to soften running water, or blur clouds). However, they do not block infrared light. With long exposure shots, the amount of infrared reaching the sensor is greater, so images often end up with a red tint that can range from a warm glow, to a bright red tint. Tiffen promises retailers a margin of 40% with each sale. Tiffen believes that this accessory sells well in both professional and

enthusiast markets, helping to deliver additional revenue from photographers using either high end compact, APSC and full frame DSLR cameras. The company said: “Taking up little space in store and offering excellent results, these filters offer counter staff a real opportunity to engage with customers wanting to experiment with this photographic genre. “Discussing camera properties with customers presents a real opportunity for counter staff to encourage customers to progress

their photographic style by considering the use of these and other filters. Thus introducing the possibility of additional sales and up-sales.” aXent: £28.99 - £103.99 advantiX: £49.99 - 129.99 apeX: £78.99 - £168.99 Contact Swains in the UK: Tel: 01485 536200.

ARE YOU READY?

The Next Step in Communication for the Imaging Industry Contact amy@pixel.co.uk for more information

www.pixel.co.uk 27

NEWS Ricoh announces cashback on highend DSLR Ricoh Imaging has launched a ‘Winter Cashback’ promotion, designed to boost sales on some of the latest Pentax DSLR cameras. The Winter Cashback promotion runs from 10 November 2014 – 10 January 2015 on the following models: K3 • K-3 body only, £70 • K-3 kits, £70 K-S1 • K-S1 body only, £40 • K-S1 kits, £40 K-50 all colours • K-50 body only, £40 • K-50 kits, £40 For further information on the Cashback promotion visit www.ricoh-imaging.co.uk/ cashback.

Bargain Smartphone Released With High Quality Camera The new Hono 3C from Chinese manufacturer Huawei has officially launched in the UK, offering a low-cost smartphone with a 8MP rear camera and 5MP front camera - unusual for this category. The new model is targeted at customers who want a low-cost phone that can double as a reasonably good camera. The phone is powered by an Android operating system (4.2 Jelly Bean) and has a 1.3GHz quad-core processor with 2GB of RAM. Availability: The handset is expected to ship to the UK from November 24. RRP: 109.99.

LumeJet Aims to Be First Crowdfunded Digital Printer and Printhead Manufacturer British print manufacturer Lumejet is opening its doors to potential crowdfunding investors are investigating new photosensitive coating technologies for volume applications. “Even from shareholders we have a list as long as your arm of major names in the industry that are in dialogue or working with us on a wide range of breakthrough printing applications. The applications include projects such as volume on-demand inkless packaging printing and the manufacturing of printed electronic components such as flexible displays, plastic logic components and low cost sensors.”

In a recent press release the company said: “LumeJet aims to be the first crowdfunded digital printing machine and print head manufacturer and, in an unprecedented move, it is saying to the print industry: ‘Come on in’” Paul Anson, Lumejet’s CEO, explains: “Our ultrahigh quality range of printers is a key part of our business, but we are also working on a printhead offering 50 times more output, have proven our UV printhead in the lab for digital lithographic applications and

LumeJet has launched on the Crowdbnk website. It is looking for an investment of £2m which will give the new investors a 20% equity. Members of the public, angel investors and anybody from the print industry can register to become an investor. Mr Anson continues: “I spend a lot of my time trying to explain to investors that the print industry is massive, diverse, and full of opportunity all over the globe. Then it occurred to me – the people that know this already are in the print industry. Let’s let everybody and anybody be a part of building a new print technology business financially as well as commercially”.

Panasonic Announces Update to GH4 A firmware update has been released for the Lumix DMC-GH4 and Interface Unit DMW-YAGH

Firmware Version 2.1 has been designed to ‘enhance the performance and controllability’ of the camera, according to Panasonic, with upgraded functions in the HDMI output for professional

video production. Time code and recording control signal can now be embedded to the HDM1 output signal. Both FHD at 30p/25p native or at 60p/50p is selectable to output via HDMI

while recording video in FHD at 30p/25p. The Interface Unit DMW-YAGH will also be updated with the new firmware 1.1 to support these functional upgrades of GH4. http://panasonic.jp/support/ global/cs/dsc/

3 New Sony USB Chargers

Sony has updated its range of portable USB chargers with three new models The trio starts with the CP-V3, which supplies 3000mAh – enough for one full charge. The CP-V5 offers a step up from this with 5000mAh, delivering two full charges (ideal for long journeys) while the CP-V10 battery stores the most at 10,000mAh for

several charges of smartphones and bigger devices such as tablets and digital cameras. All three models come pre-charged so that they can be used right out of the box. The batteries feature a 1.5A output for faster charging and incorporate Sony’s

Hybrid-Gel Technology which secures minimal capacity loss of less than 10%. Top Selling Points • Colour choices: black, white, blue, purple and green • Anti-scratch coating • LED low-battery indicator • Lightweight Availability: Now.

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NEWS

Hasselblad Closes Teviso Design Centre

No Second Chances

The centre in northern Italy has been closed down Hasselblad has announced the closure of its design centre in Treviso, northern Italy. The design centre was opened in 2012. A press release at the time claimed the new facility would help: “Implement Hasselblad’s new strategy to gain market share in new consumer segments with products that boast exceptional design and engineering.” The location was chosen for its

proximity to Italy’s fashion industry and manufacturers working in the watch, high-end vehicle and aerospace industries, according to Hasselblad CEO Dr. Larry Hansen. The first product to come out of the centre at Treviso was Lunar, a luxury mirrorless, interchangeable lens camera made from precious metals, wood and leather. While Sony manufactured the camera’s innards in Japan,

Hasselblad added the stylish body, and the prestigious Hasselblad branding, in Italy. Hasselblad told Pixel: “Our Design Center in Italy has been closed. This, however, will not have any effect on the production of the Hasselblad premium camera line. “Development of Hasselblad premium cameras has been fully integrated into Hasselblad. We have transferred our key resources from Italy to our HQ in Gothenburg, Sweden. We continue to collaborate closely with the designers and expand the supply base in Italy further.”

New Epson Expression Photo XP-55 Printer

Official UK distributor Swains has announced launch of new printer The Epson Expression Photo XP-55 follows on from the Epson Stylus Photo P50 for photo enthusiasts who want high quality results at a reasonable price. According to Epson, ‘The Claria Photo HD ink used by the Expression Photo XP55 produces long-lasting, exceptional photographs and WiFi connectivity makes sharing your images quick and easy.” The device offers wireless printing from smartphones, tablets and other mobile devices. With Epson Creative Print, photos can be printed directly from

Facebook, while Epson Email print allows photos to be printed from ‘anywhere in the world’ by directly emailing the printer itself. Photos can also be printed wirelessly via WiFi from anywhere in the house, while Wireless PictBridge ensures the printer communicated directly with compatible cameras. The printer has two paper

trays:one for A4 and one for photo paper, in addition to a speciality media feed for thicker card. It is also possible to print directly onto suitable CDs/DVDs. Swains Sales Manager, Stuart Boston commented, “We are delighted to be bringing this product into market. This printer comes hot on the heels of the very successful Epson Stylus Photo P50 and as such we know that it will appeal to photo enthusiasts looking to print in a cost effective way, but without any compromise on image quality.”

Hasselblad Launches New Premium Compact Camera

The new camera is ‘crafted for the connoisseur’, according to Hasselblad

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Hasselblad has extended its compact camera lineup with the Stellar II, which the company says is ‘not to be judged against other cameras’. In fact, the new offering is allegedly reserved exclusively for ‘aficionados, collectors and connoisseurs’. The camera, which has been given a price tag of £1,308 (plus tax), has been constructed with

premium materials, with a grip choice of olive wood, walnut and paddock, and a body made from carbon fibre. Spec wise, the Stellar II has WiFi and NFC technology, a 3.0” high resolution screen, a multifunctional hot-shoe, 20.2MP sensor, HD 1080/60p video, Zeiss lens and 3.6x optical zoom. “Stellar II is a unique object of desire. It blends eye-catching beauty

with exceptional performance and comes with the latest tech innovations,” says the brand’s International Sales Director Michele Channer. Hasselblad’s CEO, Ian Rawcliffe, adds: “Fuelled by our ongoing collaboration with Sony and Zeiss, the pocket-sized Stellar models are proving extremely popular. Photographers are delighted to have the option of owning the latest technology married with Hasselblad’s design vision and heritage.”

Photograph by Alpha

A poll by Netcall shows one in ten consumers will take their business elsewhere if they don’t get a satisfactory response to a complaint the first time it is raised. The poll also highlighted the fact that more than a quarter (28%) of dissatisfied Brits will tell friends and family using social media about their experiences with retailers. Richard Farrell, Chief Technology Officer at Netcall commented: “You never get a second chance to make a good first impression. Rather than making customers work to get the right outcome, organisations should make the most of technology to help them get the right response first time around. Common bugbears identified by callers speaking to customer service representatives included having to repeat information (58%) and being kept waiting (57%). A further 32% said agents lack sufficient knowledge to help. The poll also showed that the younger customers are, the more important web chat becomes as an engagement channel.

New Tethered Shooting Software from Fujifilm Fujifilm has released HS-V5 for Windows version 1.0 software that enables PC-tethered shooting for the X-T1 and X-T1 Graphite Silver Edition. This allows direct computer loading of captured images. The software features Camera Mode and PC mode to control shooting from either device. It also features Hyper-Utility 3, which is an image browser designed for easy image viewing, analysis, categorisation and organisation. The software will be on sale from January 2015, price TBC.

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NEWS

Park Cameras Returns as Official Leica Dealer The camera store will now stock the full range of luxury cameras

Leica Camera UK, which in recent years has been notoriously selective with dealers, has announced a return to the UK’s largest independent dealer – Park Cameras. The full Leica product range will now be available from both Park Camera stores in London and Burgess Hill. The news comes just weeks after Leica revealed Jessops as an official dealer. Roscoe Atkins, MD of Park Cameras, commented, “We are delighted to offer the superb

Leica range in both our locations and via mail order. Leica is a brand our passionate staff have eagerly wished to stock and discuss with our customers again – and our customers have been asking us too – so we are thrilled to have made this happen. We look forward to introducing Leica’s latest

Underwater in Slow Motion

outstanding range to our loyal customer base and welcome existing Leica users to experience Park Cameras awardwinning service.” Park Cameras will be running a series of blog posts at blog. parkcameras.com, featuring Leica products and aimed at offering expert advice and insight into the Leica range.

Jason Heward, General Manager for Leica Camera UK, said: “Our return to Park provides photographers with an ideal place to experience our iconic products in an award-winning environment. Staff at Park Cameras share our passion for photography and their showrooms are the ideal place to appreciate and explore photography, and become the photographer they want to be. It’s inspiring that photographers will now be accompanied on their journey to capturing their decisive moment by Leica.”

UK Christmas Shoppers Reveal Biggest Irritants Queuing times, limited stock and impersonal service bought up by survey results

Polecam and Antelope PICO have teamed up to produce an ultra slow-motion waterproof camera on the end of a remote head light-weight jib arm. The new product shoots and streams aquatic sports in HD resolution from above and below water level, ‘demonstrating new and spectacular shots and moves not seen before’, according to the brand. Future applications for the camera include Formula One pit-stops, 50m freestyle sprinters and divers. Find out more at www. polecam.com

CREDITS & CONTACTS

A survey by one of the country’s biggest payments processor Worldplay has revealed the top complaints from Christmas shoppers. According to the results, over a third of shoppers have been involved in an argument with a stranger in-store as tensions rise at this busy time of year. As many as 41% of respondents said they would wait in a queue for no longer than five minutes, abandoning their products if waiting times exceeded this. Retail psychologist Time Denison, who teamed up with Worldplay to discuss how technology is helping retailers deliver a more personalised, stress-free environment to compete with the convenience of online shopping, said:

look of panic in “Technology is their eyes. This transforming is the best time the face of into spring into store retailing action by offering at a pace and advice, making breadth that recommendations we simply and closing a haven’t sale – but how seen before. Photograph bySebastian Ballard can staff do this if Retailers they’re marooned are now behind a till? able to offer “Mobile payment devices move personalised services not just staff from behind the checkout online, but in store, making smart onto the shop-floor, where they recommendations on goods that can be far more effective as a will appeal to every shopper, so salesforce. Not only does the fostering closer connections with technology reduce queues by them.” allowing staff to take payments Dave Hobday, Managing anywhere in-store, it also links Director of Worldpay in the UK directly to e-commerce so out-ofand Ireland, added: “There’s no stock items can be ordered and better sales opportunity than paid for before a customer leaves when a prospective customer the store.” walks into your store with a faint

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