Pixel Magazine - Issue 957

®

ISSUE NO. 957

www.pixel.co.uk

INSIDE

LP_Pixel_Ears_46x53mm.indd 1

November 2015

LP_Pixel_Ears_46x53mm.indd 2 30/09/2014 30/09/2014 11:47 BEHIND THE COUNTER, CANON EXPO 2015, PIXEL TRADE AWARDS, CES 2016, BLACK FRIDAY, FUJIFILM IMAGINE, IN:PRINT CHRISTMAS WISH LIST, COMPETITIONS, NEWS AND MUCH MORE...

This Issue Includes...

• The end of Samsung Cameras?

Pixel investigates the rumours. P6.

• Canon’s 2015 Expo last month showcased a world of new innovations and products. P12.

The Pixel Platform In previous issues, we have introduced the Pixel Platform, giving you a snippet of just what it will bring to our industry. Now, read an in-depth insight into the workings of the site and how to get involved

• In:Print’s ongoing ‘Print It Or Lose It’ campaign makes an appearance at Digital Splash 2015. P27.

A special limitededition package: GR II Premium Kit In honour of the 10th anniversary of the first digital version of the top-ofthe-range GR compact camera, RICOH IMAGING EUROPE has announced the launch of the GR II Premium Kit. Limited to 1,200 units worldwide, the special package features a selection of exclusive items, plus a GV-1 external viewfinder, a hood and adapter, an orange neck strap and a jacket, alongside standard camera accessories.

Available from 28th October at £999.99.

PHOTO -

IMAGING -

It’s been an exciting build-up for us here at Pixel, and the Platform (pixel. co.uk) is now beginning a fruitful transition into the industry. Its ethos of ‘being engaged whenever and wherever’ is something that becomes abundantly apparent when logging

into the Platform for the first time. Its features offer real advantages to the photography retail sector and have been praised as being unique, and with huge potential for success by the users.

We have been providing demo

VIDEO

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AUDIO

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TV

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PRINT

MOBILE

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STATS

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PEOPLE

upon demo to different brands and dealers, aiming to offer them involvement in this powerful, unbiased, industry-specific and extremely practical platform.

Continued on page 8...

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RETAIL

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BUSINESS

FOR 48 YEARS AND COUNTING

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NEWS

www.pixel.co.uk 1

11:47

Lexar Introduces New 128GB Capacity 2000x SDXC UHS-II Card

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NEWS

WELCOME To Pixel Magazine The launches are flying in this month - after a quiet summer, and a small build up, brands are clocking to the fact that it’s nearly Christmas, and stocks must be high!

We’ve seen some highly sought after releases, and eagerly awaited updates come our way in recent months. You can find them all here, within our pages.

We’re not short of news ourself, with the Pixel Platform (pixel.co.uk) officially under way, with first rounds of training taking place as you read this. See pages 8 and 9 for a more thorough update on how the platform works and who’s currently involved. This is an exciting step for us, and the industry as a whole.

Pixel also looks into the power

Industry News Bites Find out more info on this month’s news bites at Pixel.co.uk

source market, identifying some changes and shifts within the industry as we approach a key time of year for sales, from the likes of Intro 2020, Marchwood, Hahnel and Ansmann. We speak to them about what they now offer, and the changes that have gone underway. There’s also tips on surviving Black Friday 2015, updates on Canon Expo and CES 2016, plus speculations over some brand new technology, In:Print this month focuses on Fujifilm Imagine software and what it can offer retailers who get involved. Plus, our ongoing campaign is lighting the way at the recent Digital Splash, showing the impact our message is having on the public.

Enjoy!

Jenny, Editor

Nikon Christmas Cashback Nikon UK today has launched its Christmas cashback promotion offering up to £70 cashback on selected D-SLR cameras and Speedlights, as well as the Nikon 1 J5.

The promotion will run from 14th October 2014 – 13th January 2015 and all claims must be received by the 15th February 2015 (inclusive) in order to qualify.

Simon Iddon, Head of Product Management at Nikon UK says: “With the festive period just around

the corner, now is the perfect time to treat yourself or a loved one to a Nikon D-SLR or compact system camera, and ensure that those special moments are captured over the Christmas season.”

He adds: “With Nikon’s vast selection of speedlights and entrylevel D-SLR cameras on offer, this is the ideal promotion for those looking to step into the world of photography this Christmas, or give a meaningful gift to someone special.”

NEW MINI RC Camera Bracket Flaghead Photographic, the exclusive UK & Ireland distributor for US manufacturer, Custom Brackets, a long established and well known US manufacturer of high quality camera brackets, camera rotating mounts and flash mounting accessories, has announced a new version of the popular MINI RC. The CB Mini RC is a small and lightweight camera and flash mounting bracket, which takes the flash unit (speedlite) off the camera hot-shoe and places it to the right of the camera. The flash reflector is positioned above the lens axis and avoids harsh side shadows in both landscape and portrait orientation.

The MINI RC is popular with Press, Fashion and events photographers due to its compact size and improved camera to flash balance.

The new design includes a

Included are: • Adjustable camera anti-twist arm posts • Adjustable flash cord locking bar • “D” style camera and flash screw • Tripod ready (1/4” - 20 thread) • Slot for camera hand strap The retail price is £43.20 Inc VAT.

New Ikigai Rival backpack Ikigai’s new Rival backpack, ‘Strength from Within’ provides a removable, configurable camera cell that is key to both protecting commercial photographers’ most valued possessions as well as providing a new level of ease in packing.

J.B. Brunner, III, a Founding member of the company commented: “The removable aspect is unique in the industry and makes packing easier. Plus, you don’t have to lug the entire backpack around once you’ve arrived at your location.”

The Rival

backpack is built to carry pro DSLRs, lenses, flash, a laptop and all the accessories photographers need to be ready for action. Another unique feature—a detachable rain cover, protects from inclement weather or dust and doubles as a ground sheet to protect knees or gear from soggy, muddy ground.

For more information about Ikigai or the new line of Ikigai Rival gear bags and accessories, please contact: J. B. Brunner, III at jb@ ikagiatech.com

135657 Black 135658 Silver

W800 Compact Camera with 20MP & 5x Optical Zoom

+

FREE 32GB SD Card

with each camera purchased

Worth £19.99 at Guide Shrinkwrapped to Camera Box

Tel: 01485 536 200 email: sales@swains.co.uk web: www.swains.co.uk

camera anti-twist device and allows complete access to the camera’s battery door.

Special N.A.S £56.23 Allows

£69.99 Guide

when you sell card at £19.99. W.B.W

Shows 25% Margin www.pixel.co.uk 3

NEWS The Photography Show Announces Investment Plans for 2016 The Photography Show has announced investment plans ahead of its 2016 show as part of a wider initiative to broaden the demographic of visitors.

Event Manager, Cassandra Grant, said: “Not only are we investing to ensure that our loyal visitors attend year after year, we also plan to evolve the show’s reach through the building up of student programmes, alliances with associations and institutions, and through working closely with the blogger community to encourage attendance from the 18-35 age demographic.”

As part of the investment, the

2016 show will see the launch of new feature areas, including a larger Mobile Photography area, supported by leading industry brands such as Nikon, Sony, Olympus, Leica, Fujifilm, Ricoh Imaging and Manfrotto, all of whom are confirmed to exhibit in March.

Further initiatives to engage the wider community in and around Birmingham are also planned and details will be released later in the year.

The next edition of The Photography Show will be held at The NEC, Birmingham from 19 – 22 March 2016. More information can be found at photographyshow.com

Lexar Introduces New 128GB Capacity 2000x SDXC UHS-II Card Lexar, a leading global brand of flash memory products, today announced the 128GB capacity of the Professional 2000x SDXC UHS-II memory card. Available for purchase later this year, it will be the fastest UHS-II memory card on the market. Steffi Ho, Product Marketing Manager at Lexar comments: “By delivering the fastest SDXC memory card with the highest capacity available on the market, Lexar is focused on providing professional videographers and photographers

with the necessary tools to perform at new levels.”

The Lexar Professional 2000x SDXC card captures 4K, 1080p full-HD, and 3D video, as well as high-quality images. The new 128GB capacity card offers read transfer speeds up to 300MB per second and write speeds up to 260MB per second. The Lexar 128GB Professional 2000x SDXC UHS-II card will be available in October with an MSRP of £224.99.

Rollei Puts A New Spin On The Selfie German camera brand, Rollei has put a new twist on the selfie with the launch of the ePano Selfie, which provides 360 degree panoramic shots, and is compatible with both smartphones (operating on iOS 5 or higher, Android 2.3.6 or higher as well as being equipped with Bluetooth 3.0 and 4.0) and Actioncams.

The Rollei ePano Selfie is an attachable panorama head with adjustable speeds ranging from 2 to 5 rotations per minute. It also comes with an infrared remote control and has a battery life, (continuously working)

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that lasts up to 3 hours, or up to 5 hours on standby.

Jeremy Rother, UK Sales Manager at Rollei says: “The Rollei Selfie Stick is one of our best performing products so we wanted to build on this range by providing users new and unique ways to create movies and still images. At Rollei we are dedicated to producing high quality products to suit all photography needs, and we believe the ePano Selfie will appeal to both amateur and professional photographers.”

The Rollei ePano Selfie is available now at an RRP of £39.

Launch of the HD PENTAX-D FA 24-70mm

RICOH IMAGING EUROPE has recently announced the launch of the HD PENTAX-D FA 24-70mmF2.8ED SDM WR. This new standard zoom lens is designed to accommodate the image circle of large 35mm full-frame image sensors.

When mounted on a 35mm-format full-frame DSLR (currently under development), this large-aperture standard zoom lens covers a focal-length range from 24mm ultrawide-angle to 70mm standard, and provides a maximum aperture of F2.8 over the entire zoom range.

Main features include: three ED (Extra-low Dispersion) optical elements (one anomalousdispersion-glass aspherical optical

element and three aspherical optical elements to complement super-high-resolution image sensors), a large aperture standard zoom lens, built-in SDM (Supersonic Direct-drive Motor), weather-resistant construction, HD Coating to improve image description and a quick-Shift Focus system.

Other features include: a rounded diaphragm to produce a smooth bokeh effect, while minimizing the streaking effect of point light sources, and a zoom lock lever to prevent the accidental extension of the lens barrel when pointed downwards.

Availability: Late October 2015 Pricing: £1149.99.

QUANTUM £50 CASH-BACK OFFER

FLAGHEAD PHOTOGRAPHIC, the exclusive UK & Ireland distributor for Quantum products, is pleased to announce a £50 Cash-Back Offer on all Quantum Qflash units, TURBO batteries and Omicron Ringlights from 15th October till 15th December 2015.

The offer applies to the following products: Qflash T5DR, Qflash Trio (Nikon or Canon), Turbo Blade, Turbo Slim Compact, Turbo 3, Omicron 3 & 4.

Quantum is the leader when it comes to battery power for portable flash units, or “Speedlites”, offering a range of battery packs to provide ultra-fast recycling and high capacity. The “Top Of The Range” TURBO3 provides 1050 full power

flashes at 1 second recycling with a 6 volt “Speedlite”. The Quantum Qflash range is unique, as it provides compact and light-weight flash heads with an interchangeable reflector system and modes of operation that include Manual, TTL, Auto and Stroboscopic.

To claim the £50 cashback; customers simply send a copy of their invoice, with a record of the serial number, to Flaghead Photographic and payment will be issued in return.

“FOR THE WORK I SHOOT, THE SHARPNESS & COLOUR FROM THESE LENSES IS SUPERB” Wayne Johns, fashion, beauty, portrait & advertising photographer WAYNEJOHNS.COM

CLAIM UP TO

£375 CASHBACK TERMS & CONDITIONS APPLY*

CAMERA: X-T1 LENS: XF50-140mm AT 140mm EXPOSURE: 1/125 SEC AT F8.0, ISO 200

WHETHER IN THE STUDIO OR ON LOCATION, THE XF16-55MM AND XF50-140MM DELIVER INCREDIBLE SHARPNESS AND DEFINITION, ENSURING YOU GET THE BEST FROM FUJIFILM’S UNIQUE X-TRANS SENSOR

XF16-55MM

135 EQUIVALENT: 24-84MM

XF50-140MM

135 EQUIVALENT: 75-210MM

WWW.FUJIFILM-ZOOMS.COM www.pixel.co.uk 5

*Buy 1 XF lens get £75, Buy 2 XF lenses get £225, Buy 3 XF lenses get £375 cashback.

Offers available: 30/10/15-11/1/16 www.fuji-offers.com

NEWS

The End of Samsung Cameras?

Rumours have made their way into Pixel towers, and we’re joining with speculation over Samsung’s Digitial Imaging division Samsung’s technological developments seem hard and fast recently, with announcements at IFA 2015 about the use of the Internet of Things, the release of a new Smart Watch, an innovative washing machine, constant mobile phone releases, and a new product line from September including hubs, mobile apps and sensors.

However, and most importantly for Pixel readers, there has been no indication of any new introductions within the digital imaging sector.

Their last camera-related announcement was the new NX camera, launched in February.

After an initial indication came from a Korean newspaper, which reported that Samsung will completely shut down the entire digital camera business, the Internet has become rife with rumours

and speculations about Samsung’s standing within the digital imaging world. If this is true, it could be a worrying and unusual move from the brand, for the wider industry, especially after their camera technology hard-sell between 2010 and 2014, with Samsung’s vice president of camera business, Jeong Wook Kim assuring us that Samsung will be ‘the best selling camera brand’ by 2015.

The Korean report stated that developers have been moved to the company’s smartphone and medical divisions, and that Samsung has stopped promoting its cameras. This news has also been circulating around the Portuguese and Spanish stores. We at Pixel wanted to look further into this rumour, but the PR team at Red, and Samsung themselves seem to

“Samsung’s vice president of camera business Jeong Wook Kim assuring us that Samsung will be “the best selling camera brand” by 2015.”

be unrelenting in their determination not to give anything away. We received the reply: “We cannot comment on rumours or speculation”.

Let there be Light!

Pixel received news of a new innovation within the photographic imaging world and went to investigate Light shooting with a traditional interchangeable lens camera with a specific type of lens.

Ultimately, people will choose the camera that feels right to them for the situation. Every photographer is different, and every situation is different. Pixel spoke to the team at Light, who recognise that equipment choices can be a deeply personal one, and wanted to offer a completely new and different approach to high-quality, hi-res photography, whilst not replacing DSLRs.

The L16 Camera from Light is a radically portable and powerful camera with the quality of a DSLR and the convenience of a Smartphone.

While some people will feel that the Light L16 Camera satisfies their needs most of the time, others (especially professionals shooting in very specific and edge case scenarios) may prefer

6 www.pixel.co.uk

How does the technology differ, and how does it work exactly?

The Light L16 Camera is made up of many small camera modules - each with their own lens barrel, aperture and sensor. When you press the shutter button, Light fires 10 of these small cameras simultaneously, then computationally fuses the images together to give you an incredible high-quality final image with up to 52 megapixel resolution. The L16’s easy-to-use interface allows you to edit and share photos to popular social networks directly from the camera.

What’s the target audience?

The Light L16 camera captures images of a comparable quality and resolution as a midrange DSLR camera at a fraction of the size, weight and cost. A DSLR camera with similar capability would require several interchangeable lenses and cost around $6,000. Our target audience is fairly broad, but we’re mostly targeting pro-sumers.

How did this ‘solution’ come about? Where was the idea born?

We did extensive market research before developing the L16, and have been working closely with a diverse set of creative advisors.

The DSLR market is huge, and yet most consumers that have purchased a DSLR don’t use it any more, mostly because of its bulk, weight and complexity. We developed the L16 specifically to address the need for a high-end camera in a smaller, lighter form factor.

The L16 Camera is only available in the US at this point in time, but Light hope to deliver it to the UK and worldwide by 2017.

Say goodbye to PC, say hello to WPS-1 EU! CAPTURE, PRINT AND SELL *

The Wireless shoot-to-print network box f Using up to 5 f From event f Exclusively wireless devices photography to designed for DNP’s simultaneously, small retail, let’s award-winning WPS-1 EU replaces benefit from a DS40, DS80,RX1 computers or wide range of and DS620 dye routers, and allows revenue generating sublimation professional applications while printers. photographers to offering premium quality photo prints. efficiently increase their shoot-to-print business.

OON

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Design bb&b - Photos: iStock

* To connect DSLR cameras, free CamRanger Wifi accessory is required.

For additional information, please visit www.camranger.com

Facilitate printing : Download WPS-1 EU Mobile Apps from the Apple App Store or Google play WPS status

WPS print

DNP PHOTO IMAGING EUROPE www.dnpphoto.eu

www.pixel.co.uk 7

PIXEL PLATFORM

The Pixel Platform Continued...

L

ondon Camera Exchange, have been the first company to get involved and step onto the Pixel.co.uk ladder, offering the benefits of the commiunications and training within. Many demos and onboarding has been taking place over the recent weeks but we want you all to get involved – so get your demo lined up!

Simon Skinner, Managing Editor of Pixel magazine, and the driving force behind the Pixel Platform’s initial development, commented: “LCE’s involvement is really exciting for us, and the team at LCE.” He added: “To offer our new service to over 125 people within the business is a real step for us to integrate the platform into the daily working lives of those involved in our industry”.

Lee Haryasyn, Head of Technology at London Exchange Group and Adrian Deary, Marketing and Communications Manager, were particularly impressed with the Platform, and Simon added: “Lee, and the team at LCE’s compliments, and appreciation of what the Platform offers is an accolade that we

8 www.pixel.co.uk

hugely appreciate, especially with Lee’s years of experience in web development and online training.”

As a brief introduction, Pixel.co.uk is a centralised hub for the photographic retail sector, where people can be engaged in e-learning courses for separate brands, informed about industry news and connected socially anywhere and at any time, on any device. It consists of many different levels and functions. Thomas Allen, Features Editor and Assistant Platform Manager commented: “The Platform is a powerful and complex tool.

However, for the retailer and for photo brands, it will simplify and enrich the process of gaining knowledge, becoming up to date with trends and also engaging with those trends.”

The three main areas of the Platform are: communication, engagement and learning. All interlinked via a host of powerful and separate functions. On the one hand, Pixel.co.uk has the scope to help to bring individuals in a team together through online training tasks, strengthening the connection between them

and broadening the knowledge base and overall sales focus. On the other hand, the Platform connects those members of a team with the rest of the industry. This part of the Platform is facilitated by the live newsfeed that allows companies to update the photography world on new developments and any important information, including share and comment functions, which are familiar to most from using sites such as Facebook and Twitter.

Communication and Engagement The newsfeed, on the homepage of the Platform, will keep every user connected and up-to-date with all the new developments and news within the photography industry.

This is a public function and industry-specific, connecting the sector as a whole. Being up to date with the latest news will inform team members. The newsfeed is also supplemented by a BBC news block, making this a hub for all key information, both industry specific and otherwise.

Users can comment/discuss news items,

PIXEL PLATFORM

either via the public newsfeed, a specialised forum area - for courses - or via one-to-one messaging. This encourages users to not just passively read news, but to really digest information and talk within their community about what it means: real engagement.

E-Learning This is the development room area of the Platform, where counter staff will be encouraged to complete training modules. You’re never too late to learn, and never too knowledgeable when it comes to selling!

To introduce dynamic to the training modules, we have applied ‘gamification’ to the learning area of the platform, with courses graded and badges awarded for completion and achievement. The Platform can act as a digital portfolio of achievements: the badges will appear on the member’s profile and can be collected then downloaded into a personal ‘backpack’. Our annual Pixel Awards will also recognise people’s achievements on the platform, just as we recognised manufacturers or retail management. This not

only gives members of a team an incentive to keep improving, but it’s also healthy competition within a team. Strengthening the team strengthens the dealer!

We will be providing store managers/owners with staff reporting and overviews, giving an indication of progress with broken down statistics (available to those only in a managerial position). This feedback is key to an industry-specific tool such as this, and will enable us to inform on the successes of the platform.

Every time a member logs in, they see this newsfeed on their homepage. It is central to the life of a Pixel.co.uk member. It’s important to remember that this platform is fully dynamic.

Smartphone and tablet compatible, so, it can be accessed anywhere and at any time. So don’t miss the boat. Book your demo now and see the potential of our powerful and industry-changing Pixel Platform!

“You’re never too late to learn, and never too knowledgeable when it comes to selling”

For more information or to get a demo set up call Simon Skinner on 01323 819017 or email on simon@lifemediagroup.co.uk

www.pixel.co.uk 9

BEHIND THE COUNTER

Behind The Counter

Pixel’s Behind The Counter section shines the spotlight on counter-staff to delve into the daily life of photo retail

Behind the Counter turns the spotlight on counter staff in photographic shops across the country with a mix of silly and (slightly more) pertinent questions. Here, counter staff at The Real Camera Company have kindly provided the answers you’ve been dying to know.

If you own/run/work in a camera shop and you’d like to get involved, please email jenny@pixel.co.uk

What’s your opinion of ‘selfies’?

Jeremy: I quite like them, it’s a style of photography that used to be seen as narcissistic but is now as common as muck, no airs or graces. It makes us all more aware of ourselves and how we appear. Probably not a bad thing at all!

Joe: They’re ok, but more fun with a partner!

Jeremy: My dad was a keen amateur photographer. He had me rocking his dev dishes at the tender age of 7 in his darkroom, built in a bomb shelter in our garden in Tottenham.

Joe: My dad was a wedding photographer.

My grandad was a photograher in the RAF. I guess it kinda followed I should be interested in photography.

Jeremy: Leica M6 or anything in the store, they’re all mine!!!!

Paul: I don’t know what sparked my interest but I bought my first camera with my very first weeks wages back in 1973! Had a camera of some sort ever since.

Joe: Nikon D3,D2x,D300 and an early F. I’ve always been Nikon.

What’s the most exciting thing that’s happened in store for you?

Paul: Mainly Olympus OM-D E-M5II.

Jeremy: I sold some Rollei close up lenses to Brian Adams, the rock star!

What camera do you use?

What’s your favourite thing to take pictures of?

Jeremy: Urban otiosities; items or things that have seemingly lost their meaning or purpose.

Joe: Off-road motorsports. I should do more though.

What got you into photography in the first place?

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Joe: Over the years I’ve sold cameras to several TV, sports people and celebrities like Peter Kay, Katie Price, Corrie actors etc... but my kid crush Jenny Powell laying across my desk would’ve been the best...had it not been my day off work. A Polaroid print was the only evidence my colleagues left!

Have you particularly seen an increase in younger people interested in film photography?

Jeremy: Oh yes, and it’s fascinating to hear them reel with incredulity when they hear that you can only use film once, or that once you’ve developed the film you’ve still then got to print the negative and develop the paper that was under the enlarger! They say things like: “Shut up!” and “Get out of here”!

Paul: I’m surprised how many younger people are interested in trying / using film when many of them own the latest whizzbang digital gear.

What would you recommend as the best start-up DSLR for budding photographers?

Jeremy: The cheapest one, something like a Pentax at around £100 is terrific value and allows the use of older PK-A lenses showing the owner/user that manual focusing is possible too.

Joe: Realistically that’s a difficult question to answer properly without knowing the type of photos most interest a photographer. There are very few inherently bad cameras on the market now.... I encourage customers to think about the lenses they choose as well as the camera. We’ve seen so many Canon EOS 5d camera buyers spend all their money on bodies without having any left for good lenses!

www.pixel.co.uk 11

CANON EXPO

Canon Expo 2015 Canon’s 2015 Expo in Paris last month showcased a world of new innovations and products for the photographic and imaging sector that set the scene for the 2016 industry

T

he Canon Expo 2015, which ran from 13th – 15th October, hosted a huge range of exciting new innovations that will benefit and expand the technological and creative world of the photographic imaging sector.

At Expo 2015, Canon showed how the world of imaging is expanding rapidly, particularly in the age of the Internet of Things when all technology is becoming more and more interconnected, and cameras are becoming more of a creative ecosystem rather than a hobbyist’s tool. In the future, nearly everything will be connected through smart devices, so the imaging sector must be prepared to keep up with this.

In order to manage the rapid development of technology, Canon is building a ‘Network of Canon Companies’ - their own ecosystem designed to harness innovation and creative talents from across the regions.

In the new network of companies, each regional headquarters will manage local R&D

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and manufacturing, as well as customised service and support to its market.

Alessandro Stanzani, Head of Consumer Imaging Group, Canon Europe, commented: “Expo is an incredibly exciting time for us.

Over the past five years we have leveraged our heritage, knowledge and expertise to push the boundaries of imaging. We’re transforming our consumer business to respond to our customers’ needs, focusing on creating new digital consumer services alongside our renowned imaging hardware.

“Reflected throughout everything we’re showcasing in Paris is our commitment to enabling powerful experiences that make it easier for everyone to get more enjoyment from imaging. Whether reliving photos at home using our next generation Connect Station wireless imaging hub, or being able to see things the human eye simply cannot using our 4 million ISO camera. The best images represent precious memories, and we want to help people capture and surround themselves

with these moments in the best possible quality. At Expo 2015 we’re showcasing the many exciting ways in which we’re changing how people can and will interact with imaging, today, tomorrow and in the future.”

Highlights and major announcements at Expo 2015 in Paris were not few and far between, but in abundance. Among the many technology highlights, Canon’s advanced imaging technology concepts were rife, including: A 250 megapixel CMOS sensor The world’s highest pixel count for its size,

CANON EXPO when installed in a camera, this new CMOS sensor is capable of capturing lettering on the side of an aircraft 18 kilometres away, far beyond what the human eye can see. It’s the world’s largest number of pixels in APS-H size – 5x more than the amount currently available in the EOS 5DS. A 120 megapixel EOS Cameraixel This prototype camera will produce super high-resolution images capable of recreating a three-dimensional texture, feel and presence.

Using EOS Utility, RAW data is sent to a computer to be processed by Digital Photo Professional software, resulting in an extremely high-resolution image. It also enables great opportunities to crop an image or to create large prints.

The 4 million ISO Camera The Canon ME20F-SH. Capable of recording Full HD colour video footage in extreme low light environments, this new ultrahigh sensitivity camera makes capturing film possible in situations where it was not achievable before.

It delivers ultra low light performance and infrared capability, over ISO 4 million (+75dB).

Intelligent Imaging for Life This is a concept which allows people to share and print their photos from an interactive table in the living room, revolutionising the way you review, edit, share and display pictures. The technology can be used to create framed prints as well as standalone prints by simply placing the frame onto the surface, then resizing, cropping and printing images to fit its exact dimensions.

8K cameras, displays and projector Take true 8K (a resolution of 8192x4320) videos at up to 60 frames per second. The low aberration 8K lens takes 35 megapixel images from RAW videos and can be battery powered with excellent mobility and operability.

Following Expo 2015, Canon also unveiled a range of new cameras for the photographic imaging market, including: The PowerShot G5 X and PowerShot G9 X Expanding its prestigious PowerShot G-series, Canon has announced two new additions: the PowerShot G5 X and PowerShot G9 X. Both models offer high image quality, speed and power, combining a 1.0-type backilluminated 20.2 Megapixel CMOS sensor with DIGIC 6 processor.

PowerShot G5 X is ideal for serious enthusiasts wanting professional levels of DSLR-like control and quality.

From sweeping landscapes, to up-close portraits, the PowerShot G5 X’s 24mm wideangle, ultra-bright f/1.8 - 2.8, 4.2x zoom lens, with 9-blade aperture, makes it easy to capture stunning shots with beautiful bokeh and background blur.

• Premium image quality with classic DSLR-like handling

The PowerShot G9 X is available now with an RRP of £399.99.

• Instant sharing • Expert speed and control • Full HD movie footage at 60p • Professional and creative tools • Vari-angle flip-out touchscreen • Remote Shooting via Wi-Fi The PowerShot G5 X will be available from November 2015 with an RRP of £629.99.

EOS M10 and EF-M 15-45mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM The EOS M10 combines Canon’s most advanced image processor, DIGIC 6, an 18 Megapixel sensor, and Hybrid CMOS AF II to deliver responsive handling and stunning image quality in both stills and Full HD Movies.

“this new ultra-high sensitivity camera makes capturing film possible in situations where it was not achievable before”

PowerShot G9 X is aimed at those who want to unleash their creativity with a premium, pocket sized camera capable of capturing spontaneous moments.

• Slim, pocket-sized camera with premium image quality • Instant sharing • Built for spontaneity and creativity • Full HD movie footage at 60p • Simple controls • 3.0” high-resolution touchscreen • Remote Shooting via Wi-Fi

• Compact system camera with DSLR performance • Simple and creative control • Shoot movies simply • Built in Wi-Fi connectivity • 18 Megapixel APS-C sized sensor • Hybrid CMOS AF II and a 49-point AF system • 3.0” LCD touchscreen

www.pixel.co.uk 13

TRADE AWARDS

An Awards Night to Remember

December is almost here, which means the Pixel Trade Awards are fast approaching and we’ve still got more surprises to announce

T

he Pixel Trade Awards is fast approaching, and we’re looking forward to 4th December at Grange City Hotel in London, when we can reward the achievements made over the year within retail, distribution, management and manufacturing among many other things. The date was chosen for a specific reason - so that it coincides with the Christmas party atmosphere. This is a perfect way to get in the festive spirit whilst celebrating the successes within the industry. The end of the year marks the beginning of a new one, and how better to start 2016 and end 2015 than with the prestigious accolade of a Pixel Trade Award?

The way the winners have been voted for has evolved over the years. This year, a panel of a select few will be choosing the nominees for each category, and each category will have a set of criteria for winners to be elected by. Lee Mansfield, Managing Director of Life Media Group, Publishers of Pixel magazine, clarified: “Following the selection of nominees I will be ringing round to discuss and score each nominee separately, so that eventually a winner and a runner up will emerge.” Due to the panel-esque voting system, and the incorporation of a range of people’s opinions, from different parts of the industry chain, we will conclude with a very unbiased and accurate result. The award categories themselves incorporate all of the key, yet often, some of them not considered aspects of the industry and business as a whole, such as customer service and management.

Editor Jenny Ardagh, who’s first year of the awards this is, commented: “I am very much looking forward to being a part of this essential awards night, and wish all the best of luck to nominees. We know how hard you work throughout the year, so this is the time to acknowledge that – in style!”

From the week beginning 26th October, nominees are being chosen and winners will be finalised at the beginning of the second week of November - just ahead of the big event.

Lee, who is also in charge of the organisation of the event added: “Time is always of the essence at the Awards and I am working hard that we all have time to mingle and network, so I have decided that the charity auction will not be the main event of the evening, but a more subtle addition to the event.”

14 www.pixel.co.uk

In terms of entertainment, last year went down a storm, and we hope to confirm someone soon that’s of equally good calibre if not better.

The enjoyment and entertainment of last year is apparent, with the speed at which tables this year have filled up. We have had countless comments from last year about what a fantastic event it was to be at, and we certainly endeavour to make this year even better! There are only a few spaces left now, so be quick to book your place!

A note from Lee and Simon: “We would like to take this opportunity to thank our sponsors, and we very much look forward to seeing everyone on the evening for another momentus occasion, filled with laughter, good company and great achievements.”

To book your place, call Simon on 01323 819007 or email simon@lifemediagroup. co.uk

“There are only a few spaces left now, so be quick to book your place!”

Pixel Trade Awards 2015 sponsored by

TRADE

2015

PIXEL TRADE AWARDS 2015 FRIDAY 4TH DECEMBER THE GRANGE CITY HOTEL, LONDON

Join us for the annual industry awards at this fantastic London venue, where we will recognise and congratulate the elite in our industry and where we will present the 2015 winners with the all important Pixel Trade Awards

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BOOK A TABLE NOW (spaces are limited)

We have options for seating, accommodation and sponsorship for 2015. For more information please contact Simon Skinner on

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www.pixel.co.uk 1 15

POWER UP

Power Up: The Pixel Report

Batteries, and the growing number of power source products are an increasing market in the photographic industry.

Pixel investigates some recent and major changes in the sector, highlighting the must-know information for dealers

I

n recent months, Pixel has become aware of a few changes in the power source market.

We heard news of shifts in distribution deals and partnerships, with companies taking on their own accounts, and some transferring to new distribution companies, some halting the production altogether.

To begin with, Intro 2020, as reported in previous editions, have been appointed the sole UK importer and distributor of Digipower products, manufactured by Mizco International.

Hähnel reported they were stopping their battery grip

16 www.pixel.co.uk

range, Ansmann (previously a brand under the wing of Intro 2020) are now distributing their own products. Marchwood also have taken on UK distribution of Jupio, which includes grips for all major brands and models, further expanding their product portfolio.

So let’s step back. Since 1998, Digipower has pioneered the digital accessory category with strong industry insights and a commitment to unique product design and engineering.

A division of Mizco International, Digipower is based in the US and is one of the world’s fastest growing suppliers of mobile phone headsets and accessories, as well as imaging, smartphone and iPhone power solutions.

Intro 2020’s focus with the Digipower range includes a selection of products, such as, extended power packs for Go-Pro Hero cameras, rechargeable power-banks, digital camera battery packs among others. The team at Pixel has tested some of these items

and the smart charging function, ‘InstaSense’ really is a genuine revelation.

Pixel has tested the re-fuel products from Digipower and the smart charging function, ‘InstaSense’ really is a revelation Marchwood, an optics and imaging specialist distributor offers a wide range of optical and photographic associated products to the UK retail trade, and are the UK distributor for Jupio, a manufacturer of a wide range of power accessories for a range of digital devices. As mentioned in our July issue, Marchwood offer new dealers a full swap and battery audit so they can change old batteries for new ones in order to clear their old stock. Charlotte Lancashire, Managing Partner at Marchwood, commented at the time: “A lot of retailers have out of date batteries, so we offer the service of refreshing their batteries and revamping their range so they’re not stuck with un-useable ones.”

Charlotte, more recently added: “We are also

POWER UP

carrying a range of 31 battery grips plus we have just added a new product to our portfolio: the Jupio PowerVault DSLR.” This is a portable battery, which feeds the camera power by battery-dummy for a long period of time, replacing the need for a battery grip, available in 5 models for popular DSLRs, including Canon, Nikon and Sony, with sales prices ranging between, £51 to £58.

The German battery manufacturer, Ansmann is now dealing directly with UK photographic stores via their UK office in Harlow and are now offering the advantage of overnight deliveries for shop orders placed before 1pm.

This step came with a range of opportunities and advantages for the manufacturer, keeping stores updated with the latest offers and company information directly, allowing shops to see just how extensive the range of products is. Ansmann has over 75 different compatible digital camera batteries in their range with new models being added all the time.

Ansmann is now dealing directly with UK photographic stores and are offering overnight deliveries for orders placed before 1pm Product Marketing Manager of Ansmann, Peter Turnell says: “Our range is replenished on a regular basis to ensure customers get fresh deliveries.”

Before going to market, all their camera battery designs are tested and approved to one of Germany’s leading Safety Test Houses, TÜV. The batteries are checked for: electrical requirements, thermic requirements, geometric requirements and safety requirements.

Peter comments: “This gives customers peace of mind when purchasing Ansmann LiIon camera batteries, and to help with this, we also offer a 5-year warranty.”

To support these Lithium-Ion battery packs, Ansmann offers suitable chargers including the multi award-winning Powerline Vario, which uses movable pin technology to connect to most camera batteries as well as being able to charge 2x AA or AAA batteries. It’s supplied with a USB worldwide mains plug charger as well as in-car USB charger that can be also be used to charge other mobile applications such as mobile phones and tablets.

Recently awarded 5 Stars in both Amateur Photographer and What Digital Camera and with a retail price tag of less than £30.00 this offers an attractive choice for retailers’ stocked items. Dealing directly with any manufacturer has the advantage of a much wider range of products, for example, standard battery, power source and charger products.

Peter adds: “Another advantage is that, in the rare event of a problem with a product, we ask the retailer to get their customer to contact us directly. This takes the job away from the retailer and also gives us any feedback of problems which we, in turn forward to our engineers if we feel there is a need to change something.”

Hähnel Industries Ltd, one of the leading manufacturers of power products for camcorders and digital cameras for over 50 years, has recently stopped the manufacturing

manufacturers’ own, according to David. of their battery grips for DSLRs. With the nature of Lithium batteries though, Originally launching in Germany, Hähnel David was confident that the other solutions began trading in the UK back in 2007. the company offer are interchangeable with The company progressed into the charger any battery grips. Their other available power market with the Pro 9000 high tech charging solutions available include universals, plug-ins technology and thereafter developed the and professional batteries, in particular the world’s first plug-in charger for Lithium Ion Extreme batteries range, which are available in batteries, the Digital PowerStation DCL. 4 models: two for Nikon, and two for Canon.

David Holley, UK Sales Director at Hähnel David says: “The Extreme batteries Industries Ltd, commented on their recent outperform many others decision to stop making in the market, and and selling battery grips are provided only to for the DSLR market: specialist, independent “When the company “Ansmann is now retailers, so is beneficial first started, Nikon and to the independent retail Canon were the dominant dealing directly with market.” manufacturers in the UK photographic For dealers, Hähnel’s industry, but when others stores and are offering online battery finder is stepped up to the same also a useful tool so that mark, such as Fujifilm overnight deliveries for customers who come in and Sony, the market orders placed before wanting a replacement became slightly more 1pm” battery for their cameras difficult. The top players can be offered the were introducing more correct battery quickly and more promotional and efficiently, with staff offers on battery grips, searching on the site. and it became a choice David comments: “The between stopping the key times for retailers when selling batteries manufacturing of them ourselves, or continuing are, firstly when the customer buys the properly. We chose to stop manufacturing camera itself, and secondly perhaps a couple instead of extending the range, as there wasn’t of years later when the battery isn’t performing a sufficient volume being sold.” at its best anymore. Batteries are one of Hähnel produce the widest range of the largest add-on sales for retailers in the Lithium-Ion batteries for Digital Cameras and photographic industry as a whole, and the UK Camcorders – over 200 of them – to an, market is buoyant.” ‘often equally good or better quality than other

www.pixel.co.uk 17

CES 2016

CES 2016

In January CES 2016 will unveil the next generation of innovation that will revolutionize the technology industry

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he Consumer Electronics Show (CES), owned and produced by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) is the world’s largest hands-on event of its kind, gathering together all who thrive on the business of consumer technologies. It has served as the proving ground for innovators and breakthrough technologies for more than 40 years and features all aspects of the industry. It attracts the world’s business leaders and pioneering thinkers to a forum where the industry’s most relevant issues are addressed.

The 2015 CES was a record-breaking year.

More than 170,000 attendees from across the globe gathered amongst 2.2 million net square feet of exhibit space. Among the attendees were: 3,631 exhibiting companies, 375 startups in the Eureka Park, 1,809 government professionals and 48,616 Senior Level Executives. In total, 153 countries were represented with 48,833 International attendees. Among exhibitors, 83% were top retailers and 82% FTSE 100 companies, making it the most successful year yet.

CES 2016 is hoped to be equally successful, if not more so, with a new location that will host conference sessions, networking events, exhibits and meeting rooms, all geared towards the advertising and marketing community: Tech South. This newest addition at CES will add to Tech East, where innovations in audio automotive electronics, gaming, video, wireless devices and services, digital imaging/ photography and anything ‘I’ comes to market.

Tech West hosts a range of revolutionary concepts and new launches in fitness and health, the Internet of Things, smart homes and other high-tech advances. With more than 3,600 companies spanning more than two

18 www.pixel.co.uk

million net square feet of exhibit space, CES 2016 will cover every facet of the technology ecosystem from the latest in 3D printing, drones, fitness & technology, virtual and augmented reality and more.

The Marketplaces at CES 2016 will display technologies ranging from gaming and robotics to smart homes and 3D printing. Technologies launching at the upcoming CES 2016 will touch nearly every major global industry, from wireless, automotive, content development, appliances, healthcare and beyond. Unfortunately, however, there will not be a dedicated marketplace for imaging, although many relevant imaging and photographic products and companies will be seen at the show, including: 3 Legged Thing (a premium, British tripod company, manufacturing tripods for professionals and enthusiasts over all genres of photography), The Pop Stick (the wrappable selfie stick), plus new innovations from Imagination Technologies, Digital Technologies Co. Ltd and AP Photonics Limited.

With PMA’s voice quiet, Pixel went searching for answers surrounding any possible activity at or surrounding CES – or the lack thereof. Having heard that PMA wouldn’t be hosting their usual annual event alongside CES, we contacted both the UK and US offices. Don Kennedy, UK Director of PMA’s response indicated a lost connection between CES and PMA, therefore they won’t be joining them in 2016, yet there are no new developments indicated for the new year for their members. Don then added: “The PMA 2016 event plans are not yet announced but there are many exciting options which will be revealed in due course.”

Attendees at CES 2016 can anticipate a robust conference program featuring more

than 220 sessions and 800 speakers. The consumer technology industry’s top voices will provide dynamic thought leadership in conference sessions, and industry experts will open attendees’ eyes to emerging trends and new technologies with a focus on the ‘Tech Changing the World’ campaign.

This campaign, and running theme throughout CES 2016 will highlight how technology benefits people globally, often address and helping to overcome some of the world’s greatest challenges.

Gary Shapiro, President and CEO of CEA said: “CES is not just about entertainment products and services; we’re seeing cutting edge technology which helps mankind and betters our world.”

He adds: “We are excited to tell this story to CES attendees and the global audience we reach to reinforce that CES is the home for life-changing tech that improves lives today and can solve global issues tomorrow.”

Cathy Lewis, Chief Marketing Officer of 3D Systems, who created 3D printed prosthetics to help a disabled dog gain mobility commented: “We believe everyone should have the means and the skills to transform potential into improved outcomes.

“From engine prototypes to flight-ready aerospace parts, from a surgical trial-run to medical implants and from a designer dress to intricate confections – our 3D technologies are changing the way all of us live, work and play.”

CES 2016 will take place Wednesday, January 6-Saturday, January 9, 2016, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

For more information, visit https://www. cesweb.org/

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BLACK FRIDAY

Black Friday 2015

Last year’s Black Friday exploded onto the UK retail scene, both on and offline, creating just as many issues as successes. This year, retailers can learn from Christmas 2014, to create an even more successful Black Friday for 2015

I

t’s almost here: the US-creation and phenomenon that is Black Friday. This year sees anxieties and apprehensions high for retailers after Black Friday 2014, when the huge American shopping event offered almost too many huge savings – yes, that is possible – and the craze of a day across the UK in unprecedented fashion.

Last year saw not only sales records smashed across the whole branch of retail, but website and online platforms were also crashing all over the place as shoppers scooped up all the latest and best deals in tech, gaming, clothing, accessories, photography/imaging and entertainment. It was possibly the biggest shopping weekend in history for consumers and the busiest for retailers.

In the UK, shoppers spent over £800 million, with John Lewis in particular celebrating its biggest sales week of all time. Asda stores moved 8,000 TVs before breakfast and made 130 sales every second, and retailers did equally well online too. The GAME website sold PS4 and Xbox One consoles at a rate of 3,600 per hour.

So what’s in store for Black Friday 2015?

This year, Black Friday falls on 27th November, but despite its obvious success, MPs are urging retailers to end the madness. Unlikely.

This year is set to be even bigger than last, but retailers must be able to cope with the demand, not just in store but online too. Last year, HP, Best Buy, Currys, Tesco, Argos and

20 www.pixel.co.uk

Boots’ websites all crashed with the increased demand and use, despite some setting up systems to deal with the traffic. The Currys’ queue system was over an hour long by lunchtime. Although website upkeep to this level is a hassle, it’s less so than the high street chaos. Here at Pixel, we’re not usually the ones to encourage online over high street, but Black Friday is an exception for us and the retailers involved that will be overcome with customers that some, last year had to be dealt with by Police even.

So what lessons can we learn from last year’s Black Friday and implement this year?

The key is to make sure your website doesn’t crash. Pixel has teamed up with Digital Agency, NuBlue to bring retailers the top tips for Black Friday, and the Christmas period 2016.

1. FORWARD THINKING Plan ahead and test your site as soon as possible to get a clear idea of its speed and the volume of traffic it can handle at one time.

2. HOSTING Think about hosting your website on a Content Delivery Network (CDN). This option caches your static content such as images and HTML, and could reduce the strain of many visitors on your site. Your host provider may be able to ramp up your server’s resources to ensure that it’s optimised for fast and efficient performance.

3. USER EXPERIENCE Audit your website for any plugins or scripts

BLACK FRIDAY FACT BOX • The peak time for online purchases on Black Friday 2014 was 8.29 AM • 74% of e-commerce sales during Black Friday 2014 were up 74% on the previous year • The UK made 181 million visits to retail websites during Black Friday 2014 • Shoppers spent an estimated £810 million during Black Friday 2014

which may be out of date. Making sure that these are up to date can minimise the risk of issues arising when loading pages on your website.

Consumer trust can have considerable impact on your sales – 53% of consumers recognise that the padlock symbol, achieved using an SSL, means greater safety.

4. EASE OF PURCHASE Make sure your site’s ready for customers shopping via mobile devices. Making sure your site’s designed responsively will allow it to adapt its layout to any size of screen for the best user experience.

You may wish to remove non-essential steps from your checkout process (customer sign up, feed-back forms) just for the Christmas period, to streamline your customer’s journey to payment.

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in print

RETAIL SOLUTIONS FOR THE PRINT PROFESSIONAL

FEATURING

IMAGINE‌

The world of photoprinting is becoming more and more accessible to the general public, Fujifilm’s Imagine multi-platform kiosk software enables a simple means of printing memories both in store and on the go

Fujifilm is a world-renown, global manufacturer and innovator of a range of photographic, imaging and technological products including, among others: photographic film and paper, analogue and digital cameras, minilab systems and recording media. Over the 80 years since its foundations, it has developed, changed and improved the photographic industry with its innovative print and digital solutions.

Contiuned on page 24...

STRIP FOR ADVERTISERS mitsubishielectric-printing.com

www.pixel.co.uk 23

PHOTO-ME COVER FEATURE: CEWE

IMAGINE...

Continued...

T

heir long heritage and knowledge is one that matches with the ethos of our In:Print campaign, and we recently got in touch with Peter Wigington, Marketing Manager at Fujifilm UK to discuss some of their latest developments in the field of print, and supporting digital technology.

An ongoing Fujifilm development, and one which we at Pixel and In:Print were keen to find out about, is the Fujifilm Imagine kiosk software. This is a multi-platform software that allows customers to load, save and share their images wherever they are and whenever suits them. The software is pre-loaded into kiosks across a range of stores, allowing photoretailers a way of encouraging printing and promoting print-product sales, in turn making photo printing as easily accessible as possible for everyone.

In today’s busy world, filled with timepoor consumers, everything needs to be easy access, simple and user-friendly. With

the digital world that we live in, we have all become used to automated services, instant feedback and being quickly provided with our order, whatever it may be. Any business that hasn’t become a part of the digital age, however unwanting, risks being left behind by the consumer who would rather pick up their Smartphone or tablet, tap in a few words and buy and receive what they want without having to leave the house.

On some level, photography has gone a similar way. We can now snap, crop, edit and share our photographs with a touch of no more than two or three buttons on our screens. In the age of digital, photography is used far more in excess than it was with analogue, meaning – as we have spoken about many times previously in Pixel and In:Print - everyone is now a potential photographer. The only issue with this was that the idea of capturing that one special moment and printing it for your safe keeping got slightly forgotten. It suddenly became much harder to print that memory – was the demand not there,

or had analogue just not kept up with the times?

We can now more and more see that it was the latter that was the issue. Consumers hadn’t suddenly turned their noses up at the thought of printing a photograph, it just became a lot harder. Kodak recently launched their app

Welcome to Fujifilm Digital Imaging Service, our members only photo marketing program

The FDIS branding has made my store look more professional. The FDIS marketing, point of sale, business and technical support is excellent.

Maggy Corkill - Treorchy Photolab

YOU NEED

24 www.pixel.co.uk

YOU WANT

a partnership with the market leader in photo imaging

a program of targeted promotional campaigns

a modern marketing solution for photo retail

a scalable photo printing and kiosk package

a strong photo brand message

a seamless software solution for instore, online and mobile

For more information on FDIS membership or to request a brochure

to be part of a well established and successful group of independent photo retailers to expand your range of photo retail products & services

in print to use with their supporting kiosks, which we covered in the In:Print section of Pixel’s October issue, and the Fujifilm Imagine kiosk software offers its own mobile app solution.

The biggest problem nowadays in the photo printing sector is allowing much easier access to printing technology, both for the retailer and the customer. Applied across many different platforms, not just limited to a kiosk, a camera or in an online capacity, with Fujifilm Imagine, retailers have a much broader way of getting their product offerings out to their customer base, increasing their target audience, and therefore also increasing sales. With Fujifilm Imagine software, and the cloud-based server it uses, customers can store their images for free, start their project online, uploading image from their digital device, all before completing the order in store. The server is also open to others adding to it, creating a more socially connected way of completing printing projects. Previous projects can also be stored and retrieved at any time, allowing customers to re-order at ease; ease and convenience of course being the key to get people printing in the first place.

Once users place an order via the online server, or on their Smartphone app, they are given the option to either click and collect, have prints delivered straight to their door or print directly from a range of major retailers, including photo independents, pharmacies,

consumer electronics stores and grocery chains.

Frosts Photo Centre one of the many stores using Fujifilm Imagine kiosks, have been keeping a close eye over the last year on just who is using the software and on which platforms are and are finding that there is very little limit to the user age and gender. They found that although the majority were female, the age range included people from all ages, showing that printing technology is in no way limited to just one generation.

Jon Stanley of Frosts Photo Centre in Mere Green, West Midlands, who has been a member of the Fujifilm Digital Imaging Service (FDIS) group since November 2004, commented: “Fujifilm Imagine software is a different way of thinking,” he advises his peers in the trade. “It’s a digital way of thinking. More and more customers are using their mobile devices to make purchases, so it’s no stretch to suggest that Fujifilm Imagine now has to be must-have software for any photo retail store. The ability to provide our customers with both an in-store and a mobile solution is a key requirement in this digital age.”

Pixel met with Peter Wigington, Marketing

Manager of Fujifilm UK to discuss the latest developments of the Imagine software. Peter commented: “With our long heritage and deep understanding of the industry, we feel a moral responsibility to keep improving the photoprinting sector, and nurturing the industry as a whole.

We’ve always offered an end-to-end solution that no other company offers, and want to continue to do so, as not only does this help us, but it helps the whole photography industry: the retailers and customers. It’s a very co-dependent relationship.”

“Our new kiosks offer a solution to the ease of access problem that’s associated with printing photographs. Our service and knowledge is what sets us apart from the rest – any retailer who install the Fujifilm Imagine kiosk, and uses the technology of the Fujifilm Imagine software will get full support. We will provide bespoke marketing consultancy, provide the right products, equipment and advice as well as full software support.”

To install Fujifilm Imagine for your own business or for further info please contact Peter via pwigington@fuji.co.uk or call 01234 572138.

People recognise the Fujifilm brand so buying into the FDIS marketing support package has been very beneficial to us.

Mark Simmonds - Cartridge & Printing World, Andover

to increase your profit margins from photo retail to successfully market your photo retail products & services to get practical and sound business development advice

Fujifilm Imagine software provides an instore, online and mobile platform so it gives us a number of options and the opportunity to increase footfall in the store.

Richard Swan - Clifton Cameras, Dursley

www.pixel.co.uk 25 please contact Peter Wigington on 01234 572138 or email pwigington@fuji.co.uk

TETENAL CHRISTMAS COVER FEATURE: CEWE

IN:PRINT CHRISTMAS WISH LIST IN:PRINT PROVIDES THIS MONTH’S COLLECTION OF SLIGHTLY MORE SPECIAL GIFT IDEAS READY TO STOCK FOR THE FINAL CHRISTMAS RUSH. HELP YOUR CUSTOMERS TO CAPTURE MEMORIES IN PRINT; PERSONALISE THEM, SHARE THEM, DISPLAY AND KEEP THEM FOREVER

W

ith vinyl records back in force, along with many other analogue products, ‘retro’ style must-haves and, in particular, analogue photography, digital cameras this year are sure to be joined on the Christmas list and paired with requests for film cameras. There’s something about

Diana Mini Monte Rosa Shoot 35mm squares or half frames with this sweet snapshooter!

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film and its creativity that ignites a new-found passion in a generation that has grown up with digital technlogy, and instant photography is something that has grown rapidly over the past couple of years. Fujifilm, Lomography, Polaroid, Pentax, Impossible – these are items that, a few years ago, retailers and manufacturers alike predicted not being

Diana F+ Cortina A twist on the cult classic 60’s Diana camera, the Diana F+ produces the same quality images and prints as the original —but the modified version also allows you to take pinhole photos, and it’s compatible with an entire line of Diana F+ accessories. The classic Diana gets a snow makeover, inspired by the cool winter.

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seen on the shelves for much longer, and not making the huge profits that it’s seen making today. This resurgence in ‘retro’ allows retailers more variety on their shelves, and in addition keeps the ethos of In:Print alive. We have collated a list of some of the top analogue and print inspired products for this Christmas.

iPhone and Android Film Scanner Digitise 35mm film directly to your smartphone. Take an image from film to Instagram in less than 30 seconds.

Scanner mount adjusts to fit any phone.

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Print anywhere with the Polaroid ZIP Instant Photoprinter. This pocket-sized device pairs wirelessly to any smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth 4.0 or NFC and uses a dedicated mobile app available for iOS or Android, allowing you to instantly edit and print 2x3” full-color photos. £109.99. www.camarketing.com

in print

#DIGITAL SPLASH

OUR ONGOING IN:PRINT CAMPAIGN MADE ITS FIRST EVENT APPEARANCE AT DIGITAL SPLASH 2015, AND HOPEFULLY ITS MESSAGE HAS ENCOURAGED THE MASSES TO GET INVOLVED TOO

O

n Sunday 11th October 2015, Wilkinson hosted their annual Digital Splash event – the biggest specialist photography show and seminar presentation event in the North of England. This year, the event featured stands from the likes of Canon, Nikon, Panasonic, Fujifilm, Pentax, Ricoh, Sony, Sigma, Tamron, Lowepro, Manfrotto and more. The day involved seminars and workshops from leading professional photographers, including Damien Demolder and Damien Lovegrove, to teach and guide attendees in their own photography careers or passion.

The finals of the Digital Splash Awards (DSA) photography competition, which ran from January to September took place at the show, and the awards themselves were also printed on an affordable Epson printer on a special ‘Show Offer’. This wasn’t a cost cutting exercise, but a way of showing that printing doesn’t need to be expensive and showing the excellent results photographers can get at home with a small initial investment. DSA has been the most successful competition this year in terms of entries received for Wilkinson, and Alex Wilkinson, Business Development Manager informed us of the overall success of the event: Alex was pleased with the turnout, adding: “In terms of show success, it was the biggest and best show yet. Digital Splash has grown steadily since it started 6 years ago and we were hoping this year would see similar growth. We were

overwhelmed with just how much busier it was from previous years with a huge increase in footfall, seminar ticket sales and overall sales.

This didn’t happen on its own though - we have worked incredibly hard throughout the year to ensure the success of Digital Splash 2015 from store level to Head Office, with an overhauled responsive Digital Slash website, improved marketing strategies and increased social media presence.”

Our ongoing In:Print campaign, championing photo printing and physical archiving aims to arm dealers with various messages and tools with which to engage with their audiences. This became a big part of the event itself this year, featuring, within the Digital Splash Show Guide.

Over 1000 guides were given away on the day, so the campaign’s presence was prominent, with people taking the message home and exhibitors, including Fotospeed, Fujifilm, Canon, Epson, Color Confidence and Panasonic all given and showcasing a copy of the In:Print ‘Print It Or Lose It’ poster.

Pixel and In:Print’s Simon Skinner commented: “It’s great that a dealer is picking up our activity and engaging in such a way.

It’s exactly what we want to achieve with the campaign and hopefully this will encourage others to get more involved.”

Editor, Jenny Ardagh added: “It’s fantastic to see Wilkinson be so proactive, having not only developed their own – obviously very successful – event, but also in taking advantage of the key

elements that our title is made up of. Getting the campaign word out there like this is really important to us, and important in the long run to the industry as a whole.”

The speakers, Damien Demolder gave presentations on Street Photography and Photography as a means of Communication, and Damien Lovegrove gave advice and in depth information on his hugely successful career as a Portrait and Wedding Photographer, with details of his experience with Fuji cameras. Demolder was more of a last minute speaker, with Jonathan Critchley unable to attend with less than 23 hours before doors opened. This by no means affected people’s choice to attend, and made for two fantastic talks discussing his career as a respected Photographer and Journalist, whilst being a Panasonic Lumix ambassador. He is also a teacher and speaker, running his own workshops alongside sharing tips and article in his blog, Word on Pictures. Other speakers included, Kerry Hendry, Steve Gosling and Paul Rogers.

“The atmosphere on the day was amazing, everyone was looking at and trying the latest equipment and you could see the excitement in peoples’ faces. People had travelled from Scotland, South Wales, even as far away as Poole. I think it goes to show that there is still a real passion for photography and we’re already looking to going bigger and better for #DigitalSplash16!”

www.pixel.co.uk 27

in print

THE NEW FUJIFILM INSTAX MINI 70 FUJIFILM HAS RELEASED A NEW ADDITION TO THEIR INSTANT CAMERA RANGE, WITH THE INSTAX MINI 70 and printing a photo instantly. The recent trend Fujifilm recently announced the release of the for instant prints has sparked huge demand instax mini 70, the latest model to join the for instant cameras across the world, and this highly sought-after instax range of instant demand is coming from a generation that has cameras by Fujifilm. not experienced the joy of Available in three instant prints before. colours, including canary The instax mini 70 offers yellow, island blue and “Available in three a host of features to make moon white, the mini 70 shooting more accessible produces credit-card colours, including for the user, including: sized photos instantly, Canary Yellow, Island an auto exposure control with the distinctive tone function, selfie mode, a and colour that only Blue and Moon White, tripod mount and self-timer comes from instant film the mini 70 produces function, landscape mode, photography. Compact credit-card sized photos and macro mode. and lightweight, the mini 70 offers an easy, instant instantly” UK AVAILABILITY AND and nostalgic way of PRICING: enjoying photography and The instax mini 70 will be capturing memories. on sale in the UK from The rise and reignition the end of October 2015, with a retail price of in the popularity of vintage anything is apparent £99.99 including 10 shots of instax mini in most industries and the Fujifilm instax film. Distributed by Swains International PLC. cameras provide a gratifying effect of taking

ILFORD COMPETITION! holds the stainless steel chemically etched 0.3mm pinhole in place.

Designed for 4x5 inch film or paper, the camera is 87mm in focal length, giving wide-angle images. The pinhole exposures are controlled by a magnetic locking shutter, which can be left in the open or closed position.

The design also incorporates a tripodHow to win mounting socket, and the enclosed sticker Answer this simple allows a sighting line to question: be created with which to aim the camera.

This month, in association with HARMAN Technology Ltd, Pixel is giving away an ILFORD OBSCURA PINHOLE CAMERA plus a range of 35mm black and white ILFORD film in a variety of speeds, including: HP5 PLUS, DELTA 100 PROFESSIONAL, DELTA 400 PROFESSIONAL, FP4 PLUS and DELTA 3200 PROFESSIONAL Obscura Kit Includes: • 4x5in Obscura Camera • Tripod Mount Adaptor • Set of Decorative Stickers • Obscura Inspiration Booklet • Exposure Calculator • 3-Tray Box for use with changing bag

Which is a type of ILFORD film? a) Alpha b) Beta c) Delta

About the camera The camera is precision cut and formed from expanded PVC, and is made of two interlocking sections. The photographic medium is loaded into the bottom section in darkroom conditions, and then held in place by sliding in the top section, which locks into place by use of magnets. The top section of the camera also

28 www.pixel.co.uk

How to win Answer this simple question: Which is a type of ILFORD film? a) Alpha b) Beta c) Delta

Email jenny@pixel.co.uk with your answer, name and contact details before 4th December to be in with a chance of winning.

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www.pixel.co.uk Office Number: +44 (0)1707 278684 29

NEWS BITES BITES NEWS

NEWS BITES

FIND OUT MORE INFO ON THIS MONTH’S NEWS BITES AT PIXEL.CO.UK

Aerial Photography at Photo Plus Expo Innova Art, the leading digital media company recently presented, for the very first time an exhibition of specially commissioned aerial photoart by Ken Scruggs and David Osborn at the Photo Plus Expo, which ran 22nd – 24th October.

As the founder and owner of Midwest Aerial in Ohio, Ken Scruggs is one of the world’s leading exponents of aerial

photography. Osborn, a British photographer with a 35-year career in photo-journalism and international corporate work, is a highly sought-after tutor and workshop leader, specialising in black and white landscape photography and digital retouching techniques.

David commented: “After discussing what Ken did for a living, I could see the fine art

potential of the aerial photo images. I offered my skills to demonstrate some of the Photoshop processes that could be used to enhance his images into something truly amazing.”

Innova Art’s highly successful FibaPrint® range of digital baryta papers won the TIPA Award for

Best Independent Inkjet Paper and four DIMA Awards. New products have extended directprinted photo-wraps to UVprinters and yet more frame-free display options.

Canon introduces the imagePROGRAF PRO-1000 Canon recently unveiled the imagePROGRAF PRO-1000, a new professional grade photo printer designed for art schools, graphic artists, designers and professional photographers.

Boasting an advanced 12-ink pigment based system, as well as a new 1.28” print head and processing engine, the imagePROGRAF PRO-1000

produces high quality prints up to A2 in approximately just six minutes.

A new ‘Crystalfidelity’ feature ensures photos taken with Canon

EOS cameras can be faithfully reproduced with exceptional precision.

In addition, wireless and cloud connectivity also offers users the freedom to print from a variety

of devices and popular apps.

Features include: • Professional colour prints in A2 • Colour reproduction of details in images • Wireless & cloud printing • Print Studio Pro plugin The new imagePROGRAF PRO1000 will be available across Europe from early 2016.

Lomography teams up with Knono!

Lomography has teamed up with KONO! The Reanimated Film to share their new film with ISO of 6 and one of the highest resolutions ever found in a color negative film.

Its atypically low speed makes it perfect for experimenting with, and for long exposures of up to several minutes

CREDITS & CONTACTS

in print

RETAIL SOLUTIONS FOR THE PRINT PROFESSIONAL

It’s a truly unique offering from Lomography. Available for 35mm camera users, its boutique and exclusive nature means that it’s available in very limited quantities on a first-come, firstserved basis.

In addition to KONO! Donau 35mm film, Lomography has

Managing Director/Publisher: Lee Mansfield 01323 819007 lee@lifemediagroup.co.uk

Production Manager: Harriet Weston 01323 819010 harriet@lifemediagroup.co.uk

Title Manager: Simon Skinner 01323 819017 simon@lifemediagroup.co.uk

Production Designer: Amy Watson 01323 819018 amy@lifemediagroup.co.uk

Operations Director: Clare Fermor 01323 819016 clare@lifemediagroup.co.uk

Pixel Platform Manager: Thomas Allen 01323 819007 tom@lifemediagroup.co.uk

Editor: Jenny Ardagh 01323 819011 jenny@pixel.co.uk

Accounts: Amelia Wellings 01323 819016 amelia@lifemediagroup.co.uk

30 www.pixel.co.uk

recently released some of their own films, like LomoChrome Turquoise and LomoChrome Purple. The LomoChrome Film Family provides a surreal analogue experience with its color shifting abilities harking back to the days of Kodak Aerochrome.

Subscriptions: Linda Grace 01323 819015 linda@lifemediagroup.co.uk Published by: LMG SE LTD (Life Media Group) 1 Swan Business Centre, Swan Barn Road, Hailsham, East Sussex, BN27 2BY Printed by: Gemini Press Unit A1 Dolphin Way, Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex BN43 6NZ

Lomography indicates more film releases in the coming months.

RRP: £27 for a pack of 3

All material in this publication is strictly copyright and all rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. The views expressed in Pixel Magazine do not necessarily represent the view of Life Media Group LTD. Every care is taken in compiling the contents but the publishers of Pixel Magazine assume no reponsibilty for any damage, loss or injury arising from the participation in any offers, competitions or advertisment contained within Pixel Magazine.

All prices featured in Pixel Magazine are correct at the time of going to press.

Copyright Life Media Group LTD 2015©

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ProTactic Series Mission-critical access for CSC kits and Pro DSLR

Customisable interior is designed with adjustable dividers

Tripod straps

Quick access through top zipper feature on ProTactic 180 AW, 200 AW & BP 250 AW

A robust exterior is built with a SlipLock™ compatible strap system for limitless set-ups.

Our award-winning ProTactic series, including ‘Gear of the Year’ 2015 for ProTactic 350 AW, expands to bring urban-inspired shoulder bags and a scaled-down backpack to all street shooters, bloggers, photojournalists and adventure travellers. Four new models delivering accessibility, versatility and smart organisation for all kinds of kits – CSC to Pro DSLR.

Find out more at lowepro.com/protactic Follow us on @loweproUK or call 0845 250 0792.

32 www.pixel.co.uk

ProTactic 350 AW

©2015 DayMen Canada Acquisition ULC.