ISSUE NO. 919
10th June 2014
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INSIDE
Fujifilm launches first weather-proof XF Lens, vertu and bentley unveil plans to co-design luxury smartphone, gura gear acquires tamrac and much more...
Fujifilm makes photo printing easier with firmware update Fujifilm is set to launch a firmware update for three of its X-Series cameras, enabling users to send images via WiFi to an instax SHARE Smartphone Printer SP-1 for instant photo prints. According to the company’s official press release: “Many people wanted to send their digital camera photos directly to an instax printer for instant printing, and now Fujifilm is proud to offer this feature for photo enthusiasts that use an XQ1, X-M1 or X-A1 digital camera. “We are committed to enhancing the enjoyment of photography worldwide, and want all users to experience the gratification of taking, giving and preserving pictures with their family and friends.”
Canon and Microsoft collaborate
Big-name brands share patents – but what combined technologies can we expect?
Update available at http://www. fujifilm.com/support/digital_ cameras/software/
Nikon shifts focus to health Nikon Corp’s Senior Vice President has said he will switch the company’s focus to medical devices after suffering a slump in camera sales. Kazuo Ushida, currently the senior executive vice president but soon to be CEO, said Nikon will spend about $2 billion for mergers and acquisitions in the medical and instruments businesses over the next three years, hopefully resulting in a 2.1% growth. The company has said it will utilise its experience in semiconductor lithography technology to develop products such as DNA chips to aid genetic research. Photo -
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With news of Canon and Microsoft signing a patent agreement this week, the question remains: how will these global brands utilise and channel one another’s technologies into new devices? The companies have yet to reveal any specific plans or terms, other than stating that they have: “Broadened their strategic alliance with a broad patent cross-licensing” and that: “With this agreement, Microsoft and Canon gain licenses to each other’s highly valued and growing patent portfolios.” However, the statement does go on to say that the: “Agreement covers a broad range of products and services each company offers, video
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including certain digital imaging and mobile consumer products.” Does this mean that we’ll soon be introduced to a Nokia smartphone equipped with Canon imaging technology? Or will Canon use Microsoft technology to enhance its cameras’ ‘connective’ features? It seems the gap between compact cameras and smartphones will continue to close as the demand for photo sharing via WiFI and NFC increases. Canon already has a range of WiFi and NFC enabled cameras, including the PowerShot and ISUS ranges. However, with tough competition from the likes of Samsung’s SMART range and -
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Panasonic’s LUMIX G, perhaps Canon’s counting on Microsoft to rise above the ranks. Microsoft IP Licensing general manager Nick Psyhogeos said: “Microsoft believes cooperative licensing is an effective way to accelerate innovation while reducing patent disputes.” It seems both companies have agreed that sharing intellectual property is easier and more beneficial than suing for patent infringement. What technologies do you hope to see emerge from this collaboration? @pixelmagazine -
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Welcome To Pixel Magazine Times they are a-changin’ – but not necessarily in the scary way Bob Dylan would have you believe. Pixel is 25 years old now, and it’s time to adapt to the changing industry. We understand that trade news is available in real-time online, and that sending a paper to your store or office every two weeks perhaps isn’t the best way to share the latest goings on. So we’re changing. Instead of publishing a fortnightly newspaper, we’ll be sending out daily bulletins, a shorter online-only publication once a week, and a longer hardcopy roundup at the end of the month, packed with features, interviews and product launches on nice glossy paper for you and your colleagues to peruse at leisure. In this FIRST edition of the newlook Pixel, you can flick through the latest photographic, print and mobile news from the week, ensuring you’re updated on all new products, firmware updates and big issues in the imaging industry – as it happens. From Canon and Microsoft’s hushhush patent sharing deal, to the
lens that Fujifilm claims has the ‘world’s most advanced 5.0stop stabilisation technology’, you should find plenty of issues to speculate over the following pages. If you would like to speculate out loud, tweet us at @ pixelmagazine and don’t forget – if you have any news to share with your industry peers, you can contact me on zoe@pixel.co.uk
Zoe, Editor
Massive firmare update for Leica Leica has released Firmware 2.0.1.5, offering a long list of improvements and bug fixes for the M Typ 240 camera.
Some of the new features included with Leica’s new firmware update for the M Typ 240 are: • Live view photography with every lens (even those attached with an adapter) • Expanded Auto ISO ranges and Auto ISO in manual mode. • Direct EV correction via the thumb wheel without trips to the menus. • Video recording at 1/25th of a second instead of 1/24th of a second to reduce flicker. • Better GPS location display, compatible with Lightroom.
Some of the bug fixes include the following: • Bugfix in Live View at high temperatures • - Occasional malfunction of Live View at high temperatures has been fixed. • Bugfix in light metering (Live view). • Bugfix regarding sensor cleaning function and improvements can be found below: http://us.leica-camera.com/ Service-Support/Support/Downl oads?category=93710&subcateg ory=93711&type=108942&langua ge=93871
Huawei takes on Apple and Samsung with high-end smartphone Chinese smartphone manufacturer Huawei unveiles the new Honor 6 The high-end Honor 6 is set to take on some of the top flagship devices on the market, including the Apple’s iPhone 5s, HTC One (M8), the Samsung Galaxy S5 and the Sony Xperia Z2. In terms of the new device’s camera, none of the technology is particularly groundbreaking, although it retains the 13MP 1/3” IMX214 BSI CMOs sensor found on the brand’s last smartphone, the OnePlus One, and it also has a fast F2.0 aperture.
The front ‘selfie’ camera offers a generous 5MP, with a wide 88 degree field of view. Customers can choose between 16 or 32GB of internal storage and there is also a microSD card slot offering even more space for music, photos and videos. UK pricing and availability has yet to be confirmed, but the European price on Hauwei’s website lists 263.88 Euros / $359.90 (around £210).
Bentley and Vertu to produce smartphone Bentley and Vertue will produce five luxury smartphones over the next five years
Two of Britain’s most luxurious brands – carmaker Bentley and premium phone manufacturer Vertu, have signed a five year partnership deal to co-produce one smartphone every year, starting with the first in October 2014. Wolfgang Dürheimer, chairman and CEO of Bentley Motors, said: “The collaboration expands Bentley’s luxury range into the
cutting-edge world of mobile communications. “Exclusive Bentley content will appeal to drivers, travellers and brand enthusiasts, through a partnership that delivers on both technology and touch. Today, we see the marriage of two great brands with an international presence and quintessential British heritage and character.” But will the phone be all style and no substance? Vertu’s most
recent smartphone, the Signature Touch, came equipped with a ‘Hasselblad-certified camera’, which meant the company worked with Hasselblad: “To perfect the image tuning of the camera onboard Signature Touch,” according to the press release. In reality, the Signature only has a 13MP 1/3-inch BSI CMOS sensor – so users expecting medium format quality are likely to be disappointed. Signature Touch
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‘World’s first 4K bridge’ sells out before release Panasonic’s new LUMIX DMC FZ1000 is already a success. The new camera’s calling card is its ability to capture 4K-video at 25 or 30fps. Each frame captured is 8mp in size, making it possible to isolate high quality stills from video footage, something that the Panasonic team claims is an emerging trend in photography. Whether it’s for its 4K capabilities or its 20.1 megapixel 1-inch MOS sensor, it seems this premium bridge has hit the spot with customers. Barney Sykes, Head of Imaging at Panasonic, recently revealed the extent of the camera’s success: “The pre-orders that we’ve got from customers have already exceeded the amount we were planning on bringing to the market. So in terms of reaction, it’s been very very positive,” he said. “We’re hoping to be able to catch up with that demand come august time.”
The FZ1000 retails at £749.99
Apple Revives iPod Touch Apple’s iPod touch gets memory boost, new camera and price cut The old version iPod touch, priced at £199 and lacking many standard features, has been replaced with a higher performance, cheaper model. Apple’s flagship iPod catapulted the brand into millions of people’s lives in 2001 by offering ‘1,000 songs in your pocket’. Over the following years, Apple
added more storage and more features to the iPod,. but when the iPhone was launched in 2007, everything changed. Why would customers be interested in an iPod when they could listen to mp3s on their smartphones? As the iPhone continued to improve, the iPod touch’s revenues have been in steady decline. The new 16GB iPod Touch is the company’s attempt to revive
falling sales. It features a 5mp iSight camera that shoots in 1080p HD and features an LED flash, plus the App Store gives users access to 1.2 million apps, including image apps providing filters, editing options and new ways to arrange photographs. RRP: This device comes in at £40 less than the previous version, at £159.00. The new versions come in space grey, silver, pink, yellow, blue and red.
Olympus looks for the UK’s best amateur photographers Olympus launches consumer competition
‘Olympus Protégés’ has been launched to give talented amateur photographers an opportunity to work with some of the biggest names in the photographic industry. Mentors from four popular photography genres will coach each chosen ‘Protégé’ as they explore the worlds of fashion, music, animals and landscape. The four mentors are rock photographer Mick Hutson, landscape photographer Mark Cargill, wildlife photographer Lindsay Dobson and Olympus’ principal photographer Damian McGillicuddy. To win, entrants must upload a photograph to the category of
their choice, with an explanation as to why they should be chosen. The mentors will then select three prospective Protégés for each category and the short-listed entrants will be put to a public vote. Each mentor/Protégé team will then embark on a month-long photographic journey, including a short trip away, where they will be set challenges from both Olympus and the general public. The Protégées will be using an OM-D E-M10 and Olympus Micro Four Thirds lenses throughout the competition. Olympus Protégés will culminate
in an exhibition show casing their best work from the project at the Olympus Image Space gallery in London. Interested applicants can submit their entry via the Olympus Protégés website www. olympusproteges.co.uk
Photo-me to expand ‘photobooth estate’ Company reveals photobooth numbers have risen by 5.1%
The 50-year-old photobooth company Photo-Me has announced it will be expanding its profitable ‘photobooth estate’ with a variety of new offerings. In a recent report, the company stated that the number of photobooths it now operates has risen by 5.1% in just one year, a percentage the team hopes to continue increasing with the introduction of new ‘Starck Booths’. ‘Designer’ Starck Booths are the result of a partnership between Photo-Me and
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acclaimed designer Philippe Starck. This is a ‘stylish’, aesthetically pleasing photobooth that uses up-to-date technology including a creative suite with quirky backdrops (such as the Eiffel Tower), and social media export options for sharing. On its website, Photo-Me claims: “Re-inventing the Photobooth enhances the customer’s experience and will create a digital revolution.” In the same report, the company also reveals that it will use cash flow generated from its photobooth business to develop new products,
such as its ‘Revolution’ automatic laundry booth, to drive future growth. John Lewis, non-executive Chairman of Photo-Me, said: “Photobooth numbers rose by a healthy 5.1% over the year and we expect to be able to continue to expand this estate which is benefiting from the introduction of the Starck booths and the relocation of production to China. The manufacturing capacity for Revolution is steadily increasing in line with our plans and excellent returns are being generated.
“Subject to the risks and uncertainties detailed in the business and financial review, the Board anticipates further significant progress over the coming year.” www.photo-me.co.uk
SPECIAL REPORT
FESPA China shows 30% growth since last year
This year’s screen, digital and textile print event will take advantage of China’s growing print market
Last year FESPA, the Federation of European Screen Printers Associations, expanded its global event portfolio with the launch of FESPA China 2013 in Shanghai. Already, FESPA China 2014 is 30% bigger than the previous event, highlighting a growing demand in Asia for an event showcasing leading technologies in wide format print. Guangzhou will host the event in November, a move that is expected to attract more visitors from Southern China. Nigel Steffens, FESPA Board Advisor, said: “With the launch of FESPA China we wanted to use FESPA’s global reputation to grow the existing CSGIA event and add a new dimension by attracting major digital players looking for a platform to do business with Chinese printers.
In recent years, China has seen a marked growth in digital printing, so by bringing the industry leaders to the region, we can help nurture and educate local printers about the digital opportunity. “Our inaugural event illustrated the importance of digital printing to the future of the Chinese printing industry with 36% of visitors confirming an interest in digital, in addition to their traditional focus on the screen process. We also saw a noticeable increase in Chinese visitors to our most recent European show, FESPA Digital, which took place in Munich, Germany in May. Over 100 Chinese printers attended the Digital event, double the number that attended the last FESPA Digital in Hamburg, 2010. This rise affirms our perceptions about
Fujifilm Special Offers Fujifilm is pushing sales of its X series and Finepix with three special deals this summer.
the trends in the Chinese market and demonstrates the escalating demand among leading printers in China for expert insights into developments in digital.”
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X-Pro 1 – £100 cashback (July 1 – September 30)
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Finepix S1 – £50 cashback (July 1 – August 31)
www.csgiashow.org/141119/en/ infomation.html
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X-A1, XE1 and X-M1 – Free zoom lens (July 1 – September 30)
Find out more at www.fujifilm. eu/uk/products/digitalcameras/promotions/
Fujifilm gets closer to the storm Fujifilm unveils first ‘weather proof’ XF zoom lens The new Fujinon XF18-135mm F3.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR is a high magnification, weather resistant zoom lens from Fujifilm, presenting the latest addition to the brand’s current line-up of lenses for the classic-style X series cameras. Fujifilm claims the new lens “has the world’s most advanced 5.0-stop image stabilisation technology”, in addition to a wide shooting range of 27mm wide-angle to 206mm telephoto equivalent. Its main selling point is
its dust and weather proof exterior, which apparently has “weather resistant sealing applied to more than 20 different areas of the lens.” The Fujinon’s target audience includes architectural and landscape photographers – due to its 27mm wide-angle equivalent, as well as sports photographers due to its
7.5x zoom. The fast and silent autofocus should appeal to photographers who want smooth shots without intrusive noise, while the ‘world’s most advanced 5.0 image stabilisation’ function helps detect movement in the low frequency band, limiting the need for a tripod. Another nifty function is a ventilator,
which has been placed on the inside of the base of the lens barrel to prevent dust and moisture getting into the lens, which results in improving the feel when adjusting the zoom. To top it all off, the lens weighs just 930g when paired with the X-T1, making it light and compact enough to carry on outdoor adventures. Available: from July 2014. RRP: £749.99
High quality filters for GoPro
Lee Filters, the high quality camera filter and lighting gel manufacturer, has introduced ‘bug-sized’ filters for the GoPro Hero 3 and Hero 3+ Futuresource Consulting recently predicted continuous growth for the action cam market until 2017, despite declines in other sectors – so it comes as no surprise to see accessories manufacturers jumping on the action cam bandwagon. The new Lee Bug Filters are 36x31mm in size and come in two forms: the Lee Bug 3, for the GoPro Hero 3, and the Lee Bug 3+, for the
Hero 3+. According to Lee, the filters will be of identical quality to their other popular handmade ranges The new products will initially be available to buy as two kits with two filters in each. The Bug Action kit will contain a holder with a 3-stop neutral density
graduated filter and a glass circular polariser – all for use above ground. The Bug Underwater kit on the other hand will contain the holder with blue-water and green-water colorcorrection filters. The new products offer GoPro dealers the chance to diversify their product ranges, while at the same
time giving customers more choice. • LEE Bug 3 Action Kit – RRP £59.02 (inc VAT • LEE Bug 3+ Action Kit – RRP £66.31 (inc VAT) • LEE Bug 3 Underwater Kit – RRP £45.20 (inc VAT) • LEE Bug 3+ Underwater Kit – RRP £52.62 (inc VAT) Find out more at www.leefilters. com
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GuraGear acquires Tamrac
New MD at Ricoh Imaging
Camera bag manufacturer GuraGear to acquire established Tamrac International camera and equipment bag manufacturer GuraGear is set to acquire the brand and assets of Tamrac. The acquisition was made by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, after Tamrac entered Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in early 2014. Tamrac was started in 1977 by
a group of wilderness photography enthusiasts. Gura Gear was started in 2008 and is now set to acquire Tamrac’s assets and relocate them to its Ogden, Utah facilities. GuraGear President Gregory Schern stated: “This acquisition represents an exciting opportunity for GuraGear to build upon a
brand with a legacy of designing solutions for photographers and a dedicated customer following while leveraging worldwide distribution. We look forward to providing customers a high level of service and implementing solutions from a new perspective in a rapidly evolving industry.” www.guragear.com
Firmware update for Blackmagic Design Free update for high-end compact cinema cameras
Version 1.8 is a free update for Blackmagic cameras providing an entirely new code base which will enable the company to roll out new devices to their features. The update will also boost the
device’s performance and introduce a new interface, which will be similar to the new URSA camera that was announced at the NAB in Las Vegas earlier this year. The Blackmagic Production Camera 4K can now support RAW recording in real time, so that,
according to the press release: “All sensor data can be captured allowing more range and much higher image quality when doing post production and color grading.” To find out more about the update, visit www.blackmagicdesign. com/uk/support
Ricoh Imaging has appointed a new European managing director, Mr. Hiroshi Onoda. Mr. Onoda will join the European and African headquarters from his previous role as Senior General Manager at Richoh’s Japan division. According to Ricoh’s official statement, Mr. Onoda will be placing emphasis on developing customer experience ‘at a country specific level’. Talking about his new role, Mr. Onoda said: “This is an exciting time for Ricoh Imaging, following the recent integration of both the Ricoh and Pentax brands into one organisation. The company’s persistent aim to develop and launch groundbreaking new imaging devices and technologies has already led to the introduction of a number of successful products including the Pentax K-3 DLSR and the Ricoh Theta. “We are facing challenging times, but the European market has a loyal following from both Ricoh and Pentax users. We will continue to develop and deliver high-quality, innovative products to inspire and retain existing customers, whilst attracting new buyers to the company.”
New social media site rewards photography CoinaPhoto launched this week, offering users a way to make money from photos New social media site CoinaPhoto, based in Dubai, is taking advantage of the billions of photographs posted online by offering rewards to those who share. Over 500 million photos are taken and shared across social media each day, and that number is expected to double by next year. With CoinaPhoto, amateur and professional photographers can earn
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money and gain recognition from the online community. In return, users are encouraged to engage with the community and donate money to their favourite photographers or charities. They can do this by buying gold, silver or bronze tokens before gifting them to the photographers they would like to support. Shahab Fraz Mirza, Chief Executive Officer of CoinaPhoto, said: “We are thrilled to launch CoinaPhoto today and to disrupt the traditional model of photo sharing across social media platforms. I have always been a huge
fan of social media and its power to inspire people to create amazing content. However I’ve often felt that the incredibly beautiful and artistic photos that people were taking and sharing on other social networking sites weren’t being recognised, particularly from a financial standpoint.” CoinaPhoto launched as a website in early June, with a social media application for both iOS and Android devices planned for early September. www.coinaphoto.com
Christmas Gifting Merchandisers 2014 Two options to suit your budget and maximise profit
Christmas Gifting Range 2014
Description
Snowflake Ornament
Merchandiser 1 Quantity 27
Merchandiser 2 Quantity 45
Normal NET/DDP Value EACH £1.07
SRP Each exc. print £1.99
Star Ornament
15
25
£1.07
£1.99
Round Ornament
12
20
£1.07
£1.99
Bauble Red
16
16
£1.39
£3.25
Choose from 3 Christmas Merchandiser options!
Bauble Clear
16
16
£1.39
£3.25
Seasons Greetings Cards 6 Pack x 10
10 x packs of 6
10 x packs of 6
£1.72 per 6 pack x 10
£2.99 per 6 pack x 10
Desk Top Calendar
25
25
£2.67
£5.49
Spend and receive 5% off! 4 x 6 Visioblox over £150 5on mixed 10 loose stock £5.11 £8.99 6 x 8 Visionblox
5
5
£8.26
£13.99
Snow & Glitterblox
10
14
£2.71
£4.99
Glitter Blox
10
14
£2.71
£4.99
Snow Dome
14
14
£2.22
£4.89
Floor Standing Display Units create an in-store focal point and can have a positive effect on your photo gift sales during the Christmas period. Please note that Merchandisers are available in limited supply. Merchandiser 1 - DDP £299 ex VAT Contents Total SRP £661.77 inc vat Merchandiser 2 - DDP £399 ex VAT Contents Total SRP £833.23 inc vat We also have standard stock items from both Adventa and Shots2Go. so give us a call and have a chat about your specific requirements.
• Adventa • Shot2Go • Speciality Gifts & Frames
Call Mark Wilkins on 07860 240 244 for further information.
All prices shown are DDP and subject to change without notice and excluding VAT & delivery. E&OE TEL: 0116 289 3644
E-MAIL: uk@tetenal.com
0116 289 3644
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WEB: www.tetenaluk.com
uk@tetenal.com
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