Pixel Weekly - 14th November 2014 by Life Media Group

14th November 2014

ISSUE NO. 935D

www.pixel.co.uk

21/11/2014

INSIDE

ARE YOU READY FOR BLACK FRIDAY? CHRISTMAS SHOPPERS REVEAL THEIR BIGGEST GRIPES, NEW HONL PHOTO LIGHT PADDLE, TIFFEN FILTERS AND MUCH MORE...

Eizo Launches ‘Competitively Priced’ Monitor with Adobe RGB Coverage

CANON EF 100-400MM GETS A MAKE-OVER Canon’s 1998 telephoto zoom has been redesigned with modern technologies

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. 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

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.

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IMAGING -

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 camera shake, 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 Ultralow Dispersion (Super UD) lens elements, and in a first for the EF lens range, Canon’s new Air Sphere Coating (ASC). This new antireflection coating is constructed using tiny nano particles of trapped

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.

air, which create an ultra-low refractive index layer, to help reduce visible ghosting and flare. The original lens’ push/pull zoom mechanism has been replaced by a twist action zoom in line with other EF zoom lenses The lens’ tripod collar is now

“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.”

VIDEO

AUDIO

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

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

MOBILE

STATS

PEOPLE

Key Selling Points:

RETAIL

BUSINESS

NEWS

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“I’m going where it’s beautiful…and hurts.” Clark Little

I AM DIFFERENT

This image was shot by Clark Little in the shorebreak on the Hawaiian North Shore.

Free your vision with the fast, versatile and agile Nikon D750. In a world where anything is possible, this full-frame powerhouse gives you freedom to dare. Turn your ideas into outstanding images and discover how you can make a difference with the new D750. Visit europe-nikon.com/iamdifferent

2 www.pixel.co.uk For 2 year warranty on any camera and lens kit simply register your new Nikon within 30 days of purchase. Offer applies to UK & Republic of Ireland stock only. Call 0800 597 8472 or visit www.nikon.co.uk/register

WELCOME To Pixel Magazine A few nights ago I found myself tucking into a three course Christmas menu at a local restaurant, complete with a glass of free bubbly and Wham!’s Last Christmas playing on the sound system. It’s only the second week in November – but the deal looked far too good to resist. As much as we Brits like to tut and shake our heads at anything Christmas-related before December, it’s impossible for us to turn down a good bargain. Half price Christmas tree? So what if it’s June. We’ll take it. For retailers, Christmas (and the months leading up to it) is an ideal time to attract new customers in-store. Cashback deals, such as the Ricoh Winter promotion seen opposite, offer a decent incentive for anyone ‘umming or ahhing’ over which camera to buy, and can help drive customers through the door in the first place. Elsewhere in this issue we list some of the biggest gripes shoppers have over the Christmas period, and reveal how some retailers are gearing up for the

all-American tradition of Black Friday, which is expected to be the busiest online shopping day in history. In other news, we announce the launch of the new Canon EF 100-400mm and Epson Expression photo printer, in addition to a new range of Tiffen filters. Next Friday we’ll be in London celebrating the Pixel Trade Awards 2014, so if you’ve managed to book a table, we look forward to seeing you there to honour the innovation, hardwork and achievement seen in our industry over the past year. Enjoy your read! Zoe Thomas, Editor.

Camera Shop Becomes First in World to be Granted Coat of Arms Gray’s 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 Gray’s 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 Gray’s 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

LG Develops Flexible Digital Display

LG Displays, innovator 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.”

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

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 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 design that was personal, and which would identify their role in the photographic industry. It was 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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NEWS Hasselblad Closes Teviso Design Centre

LumeJet Aims to Be First Crowdfunded digital printer and printhead Manufacturer

British print manufacturer Lumejet is opening its doors to potential crowdfunding investors

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 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. When Pixel contacted Hasselblad, a spokesperson confirmed the closure: “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.”

In a recent press release, Lumejet said it: “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. We have proven our UV printhead in the lab for digital lithographic applications

and are investigating new photosensitive coating technologies for volume applications. “Whilst we will always protect client and partner confidentiality, 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 a variety of projects such as volume ondemand inkless packaging printing and the manufacturing of printed electronic components such as flexible displays, plastic logic

components and low cost sensors.” LumeJet has launched on the Crowdbnk website. It is looking for an investment of £2m which will give the new investors 20% equity. Members of the public, angel investors and anybody from the print industry can register to become an investor. Mr. Anson continues: “LumeJet’s culture is one of openness and collaboration. Let’s let everybody and anybody be a part of building a new print technology business financially as well as commercially”. Lumejet founder Dr Trevor Elworthy said: “This funding round - our terrific S200 product - it is all just the start of our plans – we are just warming up!”

Are you ready for Black Friday? Online orders set to peak on Friday 28 November It seems the UK has adopted the all-American tradition of Black Friday: where the postthanksgiving period meets the frantic Christmas shopping season. On Black Friday, retailers open up early and offer serious promotions to kick-start the festive period. This often results in chaos - crowds ramming into shops and people pushing each other over to get their hands on the best deals. Some unfortunate US citizens have even been injured and killed in the fight for bargains. This year, Black Friday

(November 28) is set to be the ‘biggest online shopping day in history’ according to analysts, with Amazon, Asda, John Lewis and Sainsburies expected to launch a wave of deals for UK shoppers. Black Friday was first bought to Britain in 2010 by Amazon, and it has since spread as more UK retailers have jumped on the bandwagon. Christopher North, managing director of Amazon.co.uk, said: “Black Friday took an incredible leap forward in 2013 with so many more customers taking advantage of the great deals on that day, resulting in sales of over 4m items for the very

Image by Ministerio TIC Colombia

first time in our history. “This year, we are offering more deals and savings than ever before and we are expecting record numbers to benefit from Black Friday Deals Week.” Last year Amazon deals included Canon cameras. So far, the retailer has kept quiet about what we can expect for this year’s promotions.

ColorConfidence to drop Noritsu in 2015 Digital imaging distributor confirms it is moving away from the minilab 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

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towards technical services; sending technicians out into the field to assist with machines in stores, labs and offices. 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 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 - http://www. photoxport.com/

NEWS

UK Christmas Shoppers Reveal Biggest times, limited stock and impersonal service Complaints Queuing bought up by survey results A survey by rise at this busy Worldpay, time of year. one of the As many country’s biggest as 41% of payments respondents said processors, has they would wait revealed the in a queue for top complaints no longer than from Christmas five minutes, Photograph bySebastian Ballard shoppers. abandoning According to their products if the results, over a third of shoppers waiting times exceeded this. have been involved in an argument Dave Hobday, Managing with a stranger in-store as tensions Director of Worldpay in the UK and

Ireland, said:“There’s no better sales opportunity than when a prospective customer walks into your store with a faint look of panic in their eyes. This is the best time to spring into action by offering advice, making recommendations and closing a sale – but how can staff do this if they’re marooned behind a till? Mobile payment devices move staff from behind the checkout onto the shopfloor, where they can be far more effective as a salesforce.”

New Epson Expression Photo XP-55 Official UK distributor Swains has announced launch of new printer 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 communicates 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.”

No second chances

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 Facebook, Twitter and other social media platforms 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 and 22% said incorrect or inconsistent customer information was a problem. 15% of people also pointed to agents’ ‘superficial’ interest in responding to and understanding them.

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 aXent, allowing the most infrared • XLE advantiX, allowing moderate infrared • XLE apeX, allowing the least infrared by cutting it out completely The series has been designed to overcome the problem that occurs when photographers use highdensity 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 accumulates faster than visible light, 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 using compact system or 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.” These new screw-in filters are available in sizes from 40.5mm to 82mm. The XLE Series of filters are available for pre-order from Swains International PLC for shipping in early December.

aXent: £28.99 - £103.99 (Depending on size) advantiX: £49.99 - 129.99 (Depending on size) apeX: £78.99 - £168.99 (Depending on size) Contact Swains in the UK: Tel: 01485 536200 // Email: sboston@swains.co.uk // sales@swains.co.uk

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Mitsubishi Launches Video to Highlight New Kiosk

Ricoh announces cashback on high-end 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:

A dealer-targeted YouTube video has been launched to highlight how the new KIOSK2 can help print and photographic retailers generate extra business Mitsubishi claims the new kiosk is both eye-catching, easy-to-use and packed with features customers want, such as square prints, social media access and Magic Foto – a newly developed app that turns physical images into videos when viewed through a smartphone screen. The company said: “When you look around the high street or shopping centres today you will soon realise that the current crop of photo kiosks look like nothing more than IT hardware bolted together (even very recent installs seem to have little visual impact). We have

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

worked hard to produce a new product with visual punch!” Some of the KIOSK2’s main features include: • instant print (4×6”, 6×6”, 6×8”) • ID photo printing • Easygift creation • Access to images on social media sites including Facebook and Picasa • Magic Foto feature DON’T MISS – a more in-depth feature on Mitsubishi’s new kiosk in our December issue of Pixel Magazine

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 about how it chooses its 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 announced 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

CREDITS & CONTACTS

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– 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 outstanding range to our loyal customer base and welcome existing Leica users to experience Park Cameras award-winning 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. They will also be offering a unique ‘Free lunch with Leica’ at their London store, where customers can visit the Park Cameras London store on Wednesday 12th and 26th November for a complimentary

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

Editor: Zoe Thomas 01323 819011 zoe@pixel.co.uk

Commercial Director: Simon Skinner 01323 819017 simon@lifemediagroup.co.uk

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buffet lunch combined with a presentation on 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 awardwinning environment. Staff at Park Cameras share our passion for photography and their showrooms are the ideal place to appreciate and explore photography, and

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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.”

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.

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E L B I T S S I R S FE E R R I OF

CASHBACK FREE LENS TRADE-INs TRADE-IN

FIND OUT ABOUT OUR LATEST CASHBACK DEALS ON CSC CAMERAS AND XF LENSES. PLUS TRADE-IN BONUSES. OFFERS AVAILABLE FROM 1ST OCTOBER TO 11TH JANUARY 2015. TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLY

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