Pixel Weekly Roundup - 4th September 2014 by Life Media Group

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4th September 2014

CO MI NG

SO ON

24/10/2014

INSIDE

EXPLORE THE DEVELOPMENT ROOM, DISCOVER THE ‘WORLD’S SLIMMEST AND LIGHTEST’ TABLET, MEET THE PIXEL AWARDS JUDGING PANEL AND MUCH MORE...

‘Fast and Flexible’ New A3 Photo Printer from Epson The new SureColor SC-P600 will make its global debut at photokina 2014 The Surecolor SC-P600 is targeted at the professional market, offering high productivity of ‘excellent’ quality photo prints in UltraChrome HD ink. Wireless connectivity enables users to print photos directly from their smartphones, tablets and computers. Epson said the printer is: “Ideal for amateur and semi-professional photographers. The SureColor SC-P600 printer will be shown for the first time in Europe at Photokina (Stand B11, Hall 2.2, 16th-21st September 2014, Koelnmesse, Cologne).

New photographic distributor launches in UK SIRUI UK Ltd launched on September 1 2014, headed up by Vic Solomon SURUI is now the official distributor of SIRUI branded tripods and accessories across the country. The products are aimed at a broad market, from beginners through to professional photographers. They range from small hand held grips and table tripods, right up to full blown studio supports for video cameras and large format photographic cameras. MD Vic Solomon said: “We we work with our own design team and have our own manufacturing facilities and ensure every SIRUI product is produced to the highest standards possible.” Photo -

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NEW Colourful Pentax K-S1 The new Pentax K-S1 DSLR comes in 12 ‘fashionable’ colour variations

After launching the Q-S1 ‘super compact’ camera in 40 possible colour combinations last month, it seems Pentax is keen to take this colour trend to the higher end of the market, with the new K-S1 DSLR in 12 jazzy shades. The new K-S1 marries powerful performance with a portable, modernlooking body – ideal for the emerging market of young enthusiasts who want to take their photography to the next level. According to recent statistics from GfK, more people than ever are now choosing DSLRs over compact cameras, suggesting that quality is high on buyers’ priorities. Ricoh Imaging said: “Designed for photographers who take pictures wherever they go, whether that’s on a smartphone or tablet, the PENTAX K-S1 ups the ante when it comes

to image quality, while still offering a great lightweight, compact and portable option.” The camera has some interesting and original new features, including a newly developed 20mp CMOS sensor with AA (anti-aliasing) filter simulator, which we first saw on the

brand new options: ‘Fresh’ for a crystal-clear finish, ‘Fade Colour’ for an elegant finish with subdued colours, and ‘Infrared’ for a blackand-white infrared photo effect. There are also 21 digital filters to play with, including a new ‘Colour Replacement’ filter that hasn’t been seen before. An optional FLUCARD FOR PENTAX 16GB memory card enables users to connect their camera with their smartphone via a wireless LAN connection. They can then view a live-view image and control the camera remotely with their mobile device.

“The new K-S1 marries powerful performance with a portable, modern-looking body – ideal for the emerging market of young enthusiasts who want to take their photography to the next level”

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PENTAX K-3. It also has some funky LED body lights which indicate the status of the camera’s operation, switching from green during still image shooting, to red during movie recording. The 3.0 inch high-resolution monitor has also had a re-design, offering a brand new interface for exploring the camera’s software. There are a number of creative tools to choose from, including three -

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Welcome To Pixel Magazine I can’t quite believe September is here already. My first summer with Pixel has flown by in a whirlwind of new products and innovations. Back in April, we announced the Sony Alpha 7s interchangeable mirrorless camera with 4K recording capabilities. Not long after that, the a77 II DSLR was launched, then the ‘pocket-sized professional quality’ Cyber-shot RX100 III and most recently, the a5100, the ‘world’s smallest interchangeable lens camera’. This week, Sony has hit headlines (at least our headlines) yet again with an advancement on last year’s clip-on smartphone lens. You can find out all about what makes the new QX lenses exciting on page 6 of this issue. Also in this issue, Chris George, Editor in Chief of N-Photo and Simon Buckingham of Hama, reveal what it’s like to win a Pixel Award - and we announce our fantastic judging panel line-up, which includes some big names in photography and

photojournalism. Our cover star this week is of course the very jazzy Pentax K-S1. Tweet your thoughts on the camera @ pixelmagazine See you next week! Zoe, Editor zoe@pixel.co.uk

Rare Canon lens on sale at MPB Photographic for £99,000 Online photographic equipment retailer MPB Photographic is selling a Canon EF 1200mm supertelephoto lens for £99,000. The retailer said: “This is a beautiful example of this incredible and rare lens, and we welcome enquiries from all around the world.” Included with the lens is: • Official Purpose Built Hard Flight • Case With Keys • Official Leather Lens Cap • Rear Lens Cap • Canon Gelatin II Drop-in Filter ABOUT – Canon EF 1200mm f/5.6L USM Super-telephoto Lens “Produced for a limited period through the 1990s, the Canon EF 1200mm f/5.6 L USM lens is one of the most lauded pieces of photographic equipment in the world. Weighing in at 16.5kg, 33

inches long and 9 inches wide at the front element, this is not a piece of kit to be taken lightly. This lens requires a serious tripod and head set-up. To boot, the lockable aluminium case is even heavier than the lens but peace of mind is invaluable when it comes to something this rare. The lens comprises of 13 elements in 10 groups, creating a diagonal angle of view of only 2.5°, solidifying its status as a real monster of the telephoto world. The fluorite crystals that make two of the elements reportedly took over a year to grow. This coupled with Canon’s famous L

Explore the ‘Development Room’ Pixel is proud to announce a brand new, innovative e-learning platform called ‘The Development Room’ ‘The Development Room’ provides online modules, news and information, networking opportunities, national leader boards, competitions and industry know-how along with plenty of other useful tools for industry professionals. We are currently running an 8 week free trial, inviting you to create a login and explore the responsive, easy-tonavigate social networking interface at your leisure. Pixel have expanded their team to

include a dedicated Manager of the Platform, to ensure that you receive a guided tour and are able to make the most of the platform without stretching resource in-store. Contact Pixel today to set up your log in details, build your private area and see just what this new initiative can do for you and your business. Call us – (01323) 819007 or email John@lifemediagroup. co.uk Come and join us and be part of this community platform.

Canon and DINAX team up to produce new printing software New Mirage Editions combines all tools in one interface Canon has teamed up with software developer DINAX GmbH to introduce dedicated versions of its Mirage professional printing software optimised for Canon’s imagePROGRAF range of large format printers. Designed to handle the printing demands of photographers, designers, agencies and print service providers, as well as offering a fast return on investment, Mirage has established itself as the best selling print

series glass and coatings create amazingly sharp images across the entire frame, from an aperture of f/5.6 all the way through to f/32. A ten bladed diaphragm gives pleasing bokeh and, with it’s relatively fast maximum aperture of f/5.6, the lens can yield some surprising results. Given its size and weight this lens is incredibly quick to find focus, using Canon’s USM system to guide the elements into the optimum position as quickly as possible. Minimum focussing distance is a hefty 14 metres but what else would you expect with a

software solution for large format printers over the last six years. The partners have produced two Mirage Editions for Canon, designed to present all the print output features and tools in one clear, intuitive layout. The software can manage and print an unlimited number of images in a variety of formats at the same time, automatically generating optimum image layouts to maximise cutting and output efficiencies while minimising wastage. In addition, it supports all colour modes, including mixed configurations such as RGB and CMYK in one document.

lens with this sheer reach? The EF 1200mm features several modes, located at the rear left of the lens. These include 3 different focusing speeds, focus preset, AF/MF switch, tone switch and focus limiting. The lens mount is also of unique design. A knob to the rear allows you to control the smoothness with which you can turn the entire rear section of the lens allowing the user to shoot in portrait, landscape or anywhere in between without you having to turn the entire lens! The rear of the lens also houses the 42mm drop in filter. To find out more, please visit MPB Photographic.

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New Samyang Cine-Lens Samyang’s new V-DSLR 50mm T1.5 AS UMC is aimed at filmakers. The new cine-lens will be launched officially at photokina in Cologne later this month, with a photographic version soon to follow. At a versatile 50mm, this lens fills the gap between the current Samyang 35mm and 85mm models – not too long and not too wide, making it ideal for taking out and about. The lens is designed to fit cameras and camcorders with either full frame of smaller sized sensors. It gives 46.2 degrees field of view, and due to a high light transmission value of T1.5 (f/1.4), it ensures good image quality, even in low light. Optics of the lens consists of nine lens elements arranged in six groups (including one aspherical and one hybrid aspherical lens element). To ensure high contrast and faithful colour reproduction, all lens elements have been covered with multi-layered UMC anti-reflective coatings. Due to its ability to map for out of focus areas beyond the focal plain, the Samyang 50mm produces an interesting bokeh effect. Eight-bladed aperture ensures subjects located outside of the depth of field are shown with smooth features – an appealing prospect for professional filmmakers and portrait photographers. Distribution: The new Samyang 50mm will be distributed by Intro2020 Availability: September RRP: £479.99

Sony Launches ‘World’s Slimmest and Lightest’ Z3 Tablet is launched with long-lasting Comapact Tablet Xperia battery performance At 6.44mm depth and 270g weight, the new Xperia Z3 Tablet is currently the slimmest and lightest in the world, despite its fast Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 processor. Upon its launch, Sony described the new device as: “A tablet that re-defines lightness, re-invents entertainment and re-

imagines power. The culmination of years of Sony engineering have resulted in a tablet where might isn’t held back by measurements.” In terms of camera technology, the Z3 offers a range of creative options with a decent 8.1mp camera and 2.2mp selfie

camera, as well as Multi-Camera mode, which allows users to record multiple angles at the same time. Additional apps also enhance the camera experience, with Movie Creator, Sticker Creator and YouTube by Xperia for live movie making. Availability: Autumn 2014

‘Best Consumer Magazine’ N-Photo reveals what it means to win a Pixel Award We spoke to Chris George, Editor in Chief of N-Photo, winner of Consumer Magazine of the Year at last year’s Pixel Awards for the second year running. What did it mean to N-Photo to win Consumer Magazine of the Year of 2013? We were absolutely delighted for N-Photo to win – and particularly as we have now won the Magazine of the Year title at the Pixel Awards for two years in a row. Not bad for a magazine that had only been going for two years! Why do you think you won? What makes N-Photo stand out from its competitors? We think N-Photo is a very special magazine – designed for the significant number of photo enthusiasts that use Nikon gear. N-Photo might look like a specialist magazine, but the advantage of our Nikon-centric approach is that we can tailor our content far better in terms of our accessory testing and our stepby-step shooting tutorials. It also appeals to the tribal nature of SLR photographers. The formula has been a great success, and the monthly magazine now has an audited circulation of 30,696 –

outselling many of the established titles on the UK newsstands. The awards are chosen and judged by your industry peers. Does that make winning the award even more special? N-Photo has won a number of awards from the magazine industry, but what makes the Pixel Trade Awards is that it is our readers and the photographic industry that gets to vote, and it is their opinion that really counts. What has been your top news story of 2014 within the photographic & imaging industry? Increasing our ABC figure was our big news story for 2014 – helping to prove that N-Photo had really arrived, and was a serious contender. How do you rate your chances for winning again in 2014? We’d love to win the Award for

a third year in a row. But we are not taking anything for granted, and are continuing to innovate on N-Photo. We have just recruited Michael Freeman as a major contributor, which we are really excited about. What was your highlight of the awards night? My highlight of the Awards night was being bought a drink by Jim Mackay, though not sure I really needed another glass of wine by that point in proceedings and it was also lovely to see Alan Jessop for the first time in years. This year the Consumer Magazine of the Year Award will be voted for only on Twitter. From our shortlist the magazine that receives the most retweets via @PixelMagazine will win the award. WHEN? Friday 24 October WHERE? Park Plaza Hotel, London

Curved Eyelighter For Natural-Looking Reflections Westcott has released a curved Eyelighter that mirrors the curvature of the human eye The Westcott Eyelighter is the perfect solution for high contrast reflective lighting. While flat reflectors create unflattering catchlights in the eyes on closeup portraits, the Eyelighter has perfected the light by shaping a reflector in the same curvature as the human eye. Specifically designed for beauty and portrait

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photography, The Eyelighter reflects an arched light toward your subject, leaving a catchlight that follows the natural curve of the iris. Unlike triflectors, this catchlight is seamless, without unflattering gaps. This innovative tool not only provides

pristine catchlights, but also reflects a stunning, clamshell lighting. The Eyelighter frame is constructed with a strong aluminum allowing for lightweight durability. In true Westcott fashion, only the finest reflective

fabric is incorporated in this reflector. Tension rods are utilized to pull this material taut, maximizing the light casted. Assembly and tear down are simple, allowing for quick on-location shooting. Price JP Code: 860490 SRP Inc Vat: £330.00

Pixel Speaks to Hama, Winners of the Accessory Distributor of the Year Award 2013

The Pixel Trade Awards 2014 are fast approaching so we caught up with Simon Buckingham of Hama, winners of the Accessory Distributor of The Year Award 2013. What did it mean to Hama to win accessory distributor of the year? To win this award is always a great honour, especially from a long serving publication to the photo industry such as Pixel Magazine. It is because of the stature of this award that we pride ourselves to consistently improve our business on a day by day basis to ensure we keep up with this accolades worth. Why do you think you won? What makes Hama stand out from its competitors? Having been around in the UK since the early 90’s, we have developed very strong relationships with our retail partners. With our recent methodology changing towards a branched out service, in addition to our extensive product offering, which includes merchandising solutions, Marketing support, training and dedicated

account management – we have been able to offer a complete package to our customers. This has been excersised certainly this year, and both parties have reaped the rewards The awards are chosen and judged by your industry peers does that making winning the award even more special? Absolutely, which goes back to what I mentioned earlier, it is the stature of this award, and everything that is built in to it, which makes it that much more special to have won it. How do you rate your chances for winning again in 2014? I am confident of course, but we always acknowledge the excellent competition out there. I feel that our

new retail solution strategy will help boost our chances once again, and I hope we can obtain the title again. What was your highlight of the awards night? Picking up the award is always the pinnacle point. However being around our fellow industry professionals and customers has to be a big part of the night also. Some old and new faces are present, and it is great to see the photo industry continue to stand strong despite these tough climates with the economy. For more information on how you to book your seats for the Pixel Trade Awards Ceremony on the 24th October at the Riverbank Park Plaza, London and other opportunities available – email Sam – samanthaash@outlook.com.

New Zeiss Lenses Offer Focussing Freedom A family of manual focus lenses for E-mount full frame has been launched

The new Loxia 2/35 and Loxia 2/50 have been launched, marking the start of a brand new range of lenses from Zeiss. They have been designed to give compact system camera photographers greater freedom to manually

focus their shots. Christophe Casenave, Product Manager at ZEISS Camera Lenses, said: “If I had to describe Loxia lenses in just one sentence, I would say, ‘tradition meets modernity’. These lenses have

been designed for photographers who enjoy shooting spontaneous scenes, without giving away the work of composing the image to the camera.”

Pocket-Sized Storage from Toshiba The new Canvio Aeromobile Wireless SSD has been launched. Toshiba has announced the launch of the pocket-sized Canvio AeroMobile wireless SSD, which enables users to transfer data quickly between up to eight devices at a time, from anywhere in the world. With 128 GB of storage and an SD card slot, photographers will find plenty of space to back up important files via either the integrated wireless option, or a high-speed USB – from smartphones, tablets, computers and cameras. Improved battery life also allows for eight hours of continuous video streaming. The Toshiba Wireless SSD app can be downloaded so users can browse, save or stream files on the move. Arnaud Bonvarlet, General Manager in the Storage Peripherals Division at Toshiba, said: “With so many ways for consumers to capture and share the world around them the ability to backup, protect and access content with ease is becoming increasingly important. The Canvio AeroMobile wireless SSD has been created to give extra freedom when storing and sharing data, with the added reassurance that precious memories are safely backed up.” RRP: £119

Availability: 2/50 – October, 2/35 – December RRP: 2/50 – £569, 2/35 – £771

Wanted: sales advisers at Bristol Cameras Bristol Cameras is looking for new sales advisors (part and full time) who want to develop a career in the photographic retail industry.

The full time position will be working for the shop and mail order business Monday to Saturday (with a day off during the week), 9:00 – 5:30. The part time position will be working Thursday, Friday and Saturday. 9:00 – 5:30. • About the role – Delivering the best possible service to our customers both in the store and

by telephone and email. Building good relationships with customers to develop sales and ensure a high rate of customer retention. Stock checking, maintenance of shop displays and various administrative tasks to assist the smooth operation of the business. Competitive salary with sales related bonus scheme. • About you — You are passionate about great customer

service and have an enthusiasm for photography. Outstanding communication skills are a must, as is an ability to multitask and work under pressure. An interest in film photography and associated equipment is desirable. Previous experience of a photographic retail environment is an advantage. • About us — Bristol Cameras is a successful independent photographic retailer, established

since 1995. We are looking for the right person to join our small team of dedicated staff to help take our business further in this highly competitive environment. • How to apply — Please apply by sending your CV and covering letter to martin@ bristolcameras.co.uk

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‘Flagship experiences without the price tag’ Xperia E3 Sony has launched a new affordable smartphone, the Xperia E3. The design is the same as the flagship Z3 series but the lower specs bring the price down. The phone features a 5mp rear camera and a front-facing selfie camera, plus a suite of Sony’s own photo and video editing apps, which include features such as Timeshift burst and HDR. Calum MacDougall, Director of Product Marketing Programme, at Sony said: “We’re pleased to introduce Xperia E3, a handset that matches form with function at an affordable price point.”

Sony Launches First Interchangeable Smartphone Lenses

New ILCE-QX1 10x zoom and QX30 30x zoom are Sony’s first interchangeable lenses for smartphones The lens is controlled with the Sony has released two new clip-on Sony PlayMemories app, which has smartphone lenses, to follow on recently been given an interface from the two launched last year, make-over to create the sense that the QX10 and QX100. The new users are shooting lenses retain the with a ‘serious’ spring-loaded camera rather than arms for latching a smartphone. New onto the side of a features on version smartphone, plus 5.0 include a touchWifi and NFC for shutter function that connecting with allows users to shoot it. This time round Creative Commons with a single tap of however, the the screen (as well as a physical devices have an interchangeable shutter button), an autofocus lens mount, a 20mp APS-C sensor, system and grid lines to help with and a pop-up flash – stepping up composition. the game in the emerging world of Sony has also improved the smartphone photography.

way the lenses interact with smartphones, adding a feature that automatically saves low resolution versions of each image onto the smartphone. Photographers then have the option of saving the full resolution file once they have decided which images they wish to keep. The new QX1 can be fitted with any of Sony’s E-mount and A-mount lenses (designed for the company’s mirrorless camera range), giving smartphone photographers more options for shooting a variety of situations at different ranges. RRP: QX1 – £249, QX30 – £249

Announcing The 2014 Pixel Trade Awards Judging Panel This year, the 10th anniversary of the Pixel Trade Awards, sees a brand new process in voting for three selected categories.

For the very first time, we have handed responsibility for three categories into the very safe hands of four esteemed judges.

1. Overall Innovation of the Year 2. Consumer Website of the Year 3. Accessory Hardware Manufacturer of the Year Chewing over the many possibilities ahead of announcing a shortlist this year, will be… Damien Demolder Damien is a photographer, journalist and photographic equipment expert, speaker, judge and educator. He has worked in the photographic publishing industry for 17 years, including

Credits & Contacts

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15 years at the world’s only weekly photo magazine, Amateur Photographer, where he was Editor. Although he specialises in street photography, he also shoots portraits, landscapes, architecture, natural macro and occasionally even wildlife and weddings. Peter Dench Photojournalist Peter Dench has been a winner of a Sony World Photography Award, a World Photo Award in the People in the News Stories category, Peter has also enjoyed many successful solo exhibitions including ‘LoveUK’ in Cardiff, UK and ‘England Uncensored’ at the 2011 Visa pour l’Image fesitval of photojournaliam in France and the Periscopio festival, Spain.

Peter is Represented by Getty Reportage and has also published a number of books, including Alcohol & England [A&E] which will be published by The Bluecoat Press, October 2014. Simon Skinner From inside the walls of Life Media Group, Simon joins the panel with his expert knowledge of the photo retail sector through his decades’ work with Pixel Magazine and the Pixel Trade Awards. His connection with professional and enthusiast photographers and film makers through his position of Editor at Hungry Eye Magazine has led him to a greater depth of knowledge of equipment and the needs of lens smiths working in all disciplines.

Managing Director/Publisher: Lee Mansfield 01323 411601 lee@lifemediagroup.co.uk

Editor: Zoe Thomas 01323 437946 zoe@pixel.co.uk

Subscriptions: Linda Grace 01323 411601 linda@lifemediagroup.co.uk

Commercial Director: Simon Skinner 01323 433700 simon@lifemediagroup.co.uk

Editorial Design: Harriet Weston 01323 411601 harriet@lifemediagroup.co.uk

Operations Director: Clare Fermor 01323 411601 clare@lifemediagroup.co.uk

Design Assistant: Amy Watson 01323 411601 amy@lfiemediagroup.co.uk

Published by: LMG SE LTD (Life Media Group) Park View House 19 The Avenue, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN21 3YD 01323 411 601

Editorial Consultant: Damien Demolder 01376 339240 damien@damiendemolder.com

Accounts: Amelia Wellings 01323 411601 amelia@lifemediagroup.co.uk

Published by: LMG SE LTD (Life Media Group) 1 Swan Business Centre, Swan Barn Road, Hailsham, East Sussex, BN27 2BY

Tom Oldham Tom is a London-based portrait photographer who spends a lot of time shooting for Mojo Magazine, Virgin Media, Adidas along with many other high profile clients. A Tom joins the panel for the 2014 Pixel Trade Awards with his no nonsense approach, his practical knowledge of equipment and what to expect from it. Voting will go live for these categories after the shortlist is announced on the 8th September. If you haven’t already, be sure to book your seats – call Sam on 01323 819013

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.

THE NEW EPSON D700 PHOTO PRINTER Turns out the best things do come in small packages after all!

Introducing the new Epson D700 Photo Printer offering amazing quality over three finishes at an exceptional price. The D700 printer is the perfect solution for all your high quality photographic printing needs. Whether you're a photographer, a small lab or an event printer, the D700 offers you total flexibility in terms of print size and finish. All this in a unit small enough to fit in the back of most small cars.

AVAILABLE NOW AT THE AMAZING PRICE OF JUST

£2,495

ex VAT + Delivery

• 3 print finishes - Gloss, Matt & Lustre • Print up to 39" in length for real panoramic prints • USB connection to both Mac & PC

AVAILABLE IN THE UK FROM

• Create an expandable production facility • Only 23Kg lighter than most event printers • Vibrant Ultrachrome D6 - S ink set.

REQUEST YOUR FREE SAMPLE PRINT SET Call Chris Castle on 07912 842509 or e-mail chris.castle@tetenal.uk.com

TEL: 0116 289 3644

E-MAIL: uk@tetenal.com

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Stop Guessing. Start Knowing. Is your business aware of the market for colour management? Do you know much incremental revenue and margin you could be generating from the X-Rite range of products? X-Rite Photo Europe are the exclusive distributor for the photo range of X-Rite products and the team would welcome the opportunity to work with you to grow this area of your business. It is time to stop guessing and start knowing by meeting the X-Rite Photo Europe team at Photokina, Hall 4.1 Stand J209.

Please call on 0121 689 1039 or to book a meeting with our team at Photokina e-mail: photokina@xritephoto.eu 8 www.pixel.co.uk www.xritephoto.com