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ISSUE NO. 917
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INSIDE
New Sony Cyber-Shot RX100 III, The firmware corner, smartphone for the accident prone, projector trends, the big interview and much more...
GoPro Go Public In its S-1 filing, GoPro announced it had raked in over $1 billion in revenue last year, making an impressive profit of $60 million. Now, the big-name brand hopes to raise $100 million more by trading as GPRO on stock market Nasdaq. But will the company itself live up to the tough, durable products it sells? Just how long term would an investment in GoPro be? Analysts at Futuresource expect action cam sales to increase year on year until 2017, before the market stabalises. Already, GoPro is adapting its products to keep up with emerging trends. For example, downloadable software GoPro Studio enables users to edit photos and videos while making it easier to share footage online.
Big Interview Pixel talks to Photobox’s new UK Managing Director Robert May to find out where the company is headed. Photo -
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Samsung u.s pulls curtains on dslr Samsung claims SMART cameras with WiFi will ‘transform’ the market - but will they replace DSLRs?
On Wednesday 4 June, Samsung US invited the people of New York to swap their ‘outdated’ DSLRs for brand new mirrorless NX30s. In an official statement, Ron Gazzola, Senior Vice President for Marketing at Samsung US, wrote: “Too often, consumers are led to believe that high quality photos can only come from DSLRs, which are heavier, often more complicated and seemingly more intimidating than mirrorless cameras. “Ditch Day is the perfect opportunity for customers to see what’s possible with the cutting edge mirrorless technology and #DITCHtheDSLR in favour of a next generation device, like the NX30.” Samsung UK has yet to organise any similar events in the UK, but the company is no less adamant that SMART cameras serve an emerging gap in the market. We recently video
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new photography experience.” The NX30 is Samsung’s newest high performance CSC camera with NFC and WiFi capabilities. Paul said: “This new camera is an ideal companion for experts who want a high performance interchangeable lens camera that delivers professional quality results and instant sharing capabilities.” With the global camera market steadily on the decline and smartphone usage on the rise, it comes as no surprise to hear that manufacturers are finding ways to merge the high quality output of a camera with the convenience and portability of a smartphone. But will SMART cameras really pull the curtains on the DSLR?
spoke to Marketing Manager Paul Scott to find out more about where the new range of ‘connected’ cameras fit into such a competitive market. “We want to create products that take beautiful photographs that can be shared instantly,” he said. “Samsung has pioneered the SMART Camera concept to offer unique and innovative technology for consumers who value both high quality imaging and the intuitive sharing capabilities. “We will continue to innovate and transform the conventional camera market, creating new discoveries and possibilities for our end-user. Our camera revolution will navigate and address the challenges of the smartphone photography generation, creating a new, sustainable business model, which invites consumers to enjoy a brand-
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TRADE
Welcome As with all sectors in the tech industry, trends change quickly – and no more so than in the everevolving world of imaging. In the past fortnight we’ve seen a number of new product launches in the UK, including Sony’s first compact camera with a pop-up electrical viewfinder, limited edition colourful OM-D models from Olympus and new lenses from Tokina. As usual, there’s plenty of activity on the mobile, AV and print front, with the 24mp camera-equipped Galaxy K getting the official go-ahead in the UK, Fujifilm rolling out in-store phone cover printing, and ViewSonic launching a 4K display designed with collaboration in mind. Don’t forget – Pixel is a place for you to share your news. So if you have anything you would like to include
in an upcoming issue – such as staff changes, new products, new strategies, or if you simply want to spark a discussion about a relevant issue, then please don’t hesitate to contact me at zoe@pixel.co.uk. Zoe, Editor
Skink or Swim –
Please Place Your Bets Damien Demolder comments on GoPro float
The planned float, or Initial Public Offering (IPO), of stick-to-yourhelmet action-camera brand Go-Pro is the perfect trigger for a moment’s reflection on the future of this market. I wouldn’t be enough into potholing, sky diving or skateboarding myself to be a customer, but it seems there are enough dare-devils around to have relieved the company of 8.5 million cameras since Go-Pro launched in 2009. That’s quite impressive - as is the fact that the company almost doubled its earnings, to over $60m, from 2012 to 2013. But this industry has always been filled with passing trends and one-minute wonders. The trick, as ever, is to surf off the wave before it comes crashing down. With Go-Pro aiming to raise $100m, mostly to repay a loan, it is the time
to ask ourselves how saturated this market is. Does everyone who wants an action cam already have one, or is there a market for new customers and upgraders? Once alone, Go-Pro now faces competition (and some better technologies) from me-too brands as well as from house-hold names bigger than their own. Perhaps Go-Pro isn’t as synonymous with jumping out of a plane as it used to be, and the name has failed to replace the term Action-Cam in the way that Hoover did vacuum cleaners, and Photoshop did image manipulation software. Two years on investors could be riding that crest all the way to the beach - or be wiped out, wet and tumbling in the bubbles. @pixelmagazine
Tough Cameras Weather the Storm
Tough camera sales have outperformed most other sectors in the digital camera market, according to figures from GfK Even though overall sales of digital cameras dropped by 20% between January and April of this year, water and shock-proof cameras – known as tough cameras, grew by 16% in the same period. The cost of these cameras dropped by 8% at this time but, according to analysts at GfK, this rise in popularity is unlikely to be exclusively down to cost, as other segments have dropped their prices too.
In a recent statement, GfK said: “Smartphones, which have done so much to influence the decline in point and shoot sales, are still a fragile product. Consumers now have a choice to either jeopardise their precious smartphone by taking it to the beach or pool or spend (on average) £130 on a camera that they can drop in the sand, swim with, even take snorkeling – these cameras can reach parts other picture taking
devices will struggle to. “In 2013 the summer was the point that the growth reached parity with 2012 so it will take some doing to continue to grow at the rates we’ve seen so far in 2014, but remember – these are Tough.”
Sunny boost for John Lewis It seems the recent spate of warm weather has encouraged shoppers to come out from their homes and embrace a spot of shopping in preparation for the bank holiday weekend. In fact, figures show that John Lewis customers spent a total of £69.24 million across the country. Compared with the same period last year, sales of electricals and
home technology grew by 6.9%. Ed Connolly, the department’s buying director, said: “This week we have the run into the bank holiday weekend trading opportunity across all categories and our World Cup campaign across digital, print and in shops begins in earnest, so we expect a good week.” Summer-related products did
Tough camera sales perform well in 2014 GB Waterproof &/or Shock Proof digital still cameras, Unit growth % compared to prior year
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The retail giant reported a 6.6% rise in overall sales between May 10 and 17
particularly well, with sunglasses sales jumping by an impressive 107% on the previous year. With summer just around the corner, will more people be looking to buy new cameras for better quality holiday snaps? Let us know how warmer weather is affecting your sales by emailing zoe@pixel.co.uk, or tweeting @PixelMagazine.
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PHOTO Extend your reach Nikon has launched the AF-S Teleconverter TC-14E III. The new teleconverter is designed to increase the focal length of select NIKKOR lenses by 40% – ideal for wildlife, sports and press photographers looking for a little extra reach. According to the official press release: “An advanced optical formula delivers superior, high-resolution images even at maximum aperture, and an electromagnetic aperture maximises exposure accuracy with compatible lenses.” RRP: £10,399.99 Available: Thursday 28 August 2014
Action Cams Race Ahead Data from last three years confirms steady growth for action cameras, says Futuresource. Analysts at research and forcasting group Futuresource Consulting expect wearable action cameras such as the GoPro to continue rising in popularity until 2017. Mr Arun Gill, Market Analyst at Futuresource Consulting, said: “The overall camera industry is in decline, partly due to market saturation but even more so due to the impact of mobile convergence and smartphones. Action cameras have been popular because they fill a desire for sports enthusiasts to capture their experiences, hands-free, accelerated by the boom in video-based social networking sites. “We expect the worldwide action camera market to continue growing towards 2017, flattening out at around 8 million units. Ownership of action cameras is expected to peak at 3-5% in some developed markets by 2017/2018.”
Third Time Lucky? New Sony Cyber-Shot RX100 III - A compact camera to get excited about Sony hopes its latest addition to the RX100 range will silence talks of compact cameras dying out. It certainly has a unique selling point as the first premium compact camera to feature a pop-up electronic viewfinder – a clear improvement on its predecessor. While RX100 II owners could buy a clip-on electronic viewfinder to attach to the camera’s hotshoe, this came in at a rather hefty £309. Now Sony has developed a pop-up EVF, which emerges from the corner of the body and clicks away again neatly. It features a 1,440k-dot resolution and uses a Zeiss T coating to help reduce reflections. It
can also be used as an alternative to the on/off button, so users can power up the camera just by popping up the viewfinder. Like the original RX100, the new model maintains a particularly large sensor and zoom lens in a remarkably small and compact body. The RX100 III shares the same 1” type sensor as the
RX100 II, but the lens is only a 35mm format equivalent of 70mm, compared with the II’s 100mm equivalent. What it lacks in zoom, it makes up for in width, boasting 41mm rather than 38mm. Another change to the design is the 3”, 1,229k dot screen mounted on an 180degree tilt bracket – perfect for those all-important selfieloving customers. The RX100 III has WiFi and supports Sony’s Play Memories app, giving users an option to download extra free and paid-for effects and filters. Pricing and availability of the RX100 III will be announced in the coming weeks.
Jessops Diversifies with Sensor Cleaning Service
Steve Cochrance, Head of Services at Jessops, talks to Pixel about the new service Jessops began life in 1931 as a small family-run camera shop selling and hiring film. Since then, the business has grown, diversified, and battled on through tough economic times – as we know from 2007, when the store came nail-bitingly close to collapsing. Since then, Jessops has revamped its stores, developed its online presence and broadened its range of services. The company has just launched an in-store sensor cleaning service that promises to banish dark spots and marks in a minimum of one hour. Steve Cochrane, Head of Services at Jessops, told us more about how this service was implemented. “We have launched this service in all of our stores across the UK. Our staff were sent on a comprehensive
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training course serviced by one of the UK’s largest suppliers of photographic accessories and cleaning equipment. “The service has only been live for a few weeks and we are already experiencing great uptake nationwide. The launch of sensor cleaning was in response to feedback from many of our
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customers looking for an accessible and competitively priced service that could be provided whilst they wait.” Jessops is offering customers three levels of service that differ according to price. “All work is carried out in the store so a camera will never be sent away,” Steve added. Visit www.jessops.com/ sensorclean
New Features on Sony a7S Sony has announced the pricing, availability and feature upgrades to the ‘world’s first fullframe mirrorless camera’, the new a7s Upgrades include a new ‘Silent Shooting’ mode for snapping photos in quiet places, an extended ISO range for Movie Shooting (from ISO100-102400, to ISO100-409600), and
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extended Dynamic Range (15.3 stops). This makes the compact camera a great option for nature photographers and those who wish to take photographs in
sensitive places without disturbing the scene. The a7S will go on general sale in Europe from the end of July 2014 priced at approximately £2,100.
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PHOTO New Tokina Lenses Tokina may not be a household name in the UK, but it does have a 60-year history of manufacturing everything from binoculars to optical accessories. Today, the company is best known for producing high quality DSLR lenses – and it has just announced the release of two more. 70-200mm F4 FX This is a telephoto zoom designed for use on both full frame and ASP-C SLRs. It features optical image stabilisation and a ring-type ultrasonic autofocus motor with full-time manual override. 12-28mm F4 DX This replaces the company’s existing 12-24mm F4 wideangle zoom for APS-C cameras. Tokina has extended this model to 18-42mm for greater zoom. Daymen has announced it will be the UK distributor when the lenses are released – details about which will be revealed closer to the time. www.daymen.co.uk
Firmware Corner Keep your customers updated with all the latest firmware updates Stability update for HTC One (M8) Just one month after its release, the HTC One (M8) is reportedly receiving a firmware update with stability fixes to the camera app, radio and video. While there has been no official statement made by the Taiwanese brand about the firmware update as of yet, the reports were made on industry insider blog GSMArena who said they had a tip-off.
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Hands-on with the Pentax 645Z Pixel’s very own Simon Skinner tries out the medium format camera that’s had everybody talking
Upon visiting the Calumet store in Drummond St recently, I was welcomed by Mark Cheetham who placed a pre-production model of the 645Z into my hands. I quickly realised that this is a very versatile medium format camera. The grip has a recess which heads back into the body, allowing plenty of space for your hand and a reassuring grasp of the not-insignificant camera. Even with a sizeable lens on board, the feeling was that you could move with ease and shoot quite spontaneously with an interface that will feel quite familiar with most DSLR users.
Mark told us: “We consider the 645Z a perfect bridge camera for those looking to try medium format for the first time. It’s not like trying to learn a new language and the sensor is every bit as good as other, more expensive brands that occupy this arena’. He continued, “with this in mind, we’re pleased to be working with a handful of consumer facing retailers in an attempt to offer this product to a wider audience’. At a recommended retail price of just £6,799.99, the 645Z is impressively cheap for a medium format camera – some of which sell for well over £20,000.
A number of high street retailers will be stocking the new model, including Calumet and Park Cameras.
A Retailer’s Guide to the Sony A77 II
Pixel gets the low-down on what’s new, what’s unique, and what’s sellable about Sony’s latest DSLR
The A77 II is being pitched as having the world’s ‘highest phase-detection AF point count, boasting 79 points with 15 cross points. But what does this mean for customers? Having 79 points of focus means that, while some AF systems get confused by busy frames or certain shapes and patterns, the A77 II remains focused and on-target regardless of how fast-moving the subject is. Huge amounts of metering data from all 79 points are processed by a new AF algorithm which has, according to Sony, been fine-tuned in extensive field tests. These algorithms actually go so far as to predict the subject’s next move. A Sony spokesperson told Pixel: “This means photographers who need to be able to capture a split second shot that they have visualised can be extremely confident when shooting
with the A77II.” The spokesperson continued: “The A77II is aimed at enthusiast photographers who want to shoot quick moving scene such as wildlife or sports. For them the AF system makes for an extremely interesting proposition as it will outperform many professional cameras.” Alongside its targeted AF system, the model also has a new APS-C sized sensor (24.3 megapixel), which belies the camera’s relatively compact DSLR-style body. Following an increasing trend
According to the report, the HTC One (M8)’s update is 70MB in size and will be available over the air (known as OTA).
developed to give OM owners two new features to play with: • ISO 100-equivalent setting, which promises lower noise and clearer images at maximum aperture in daylight. However, it should be noted that this comes at the cost of highlight clipping. • Ability to select smaller auto focus
New features for Olympus OM-D E-M5 A new firmware update has been released by Olympus for the OM-D E-M5. Version 2.0 update has been
for shooting film with DSLRs, the A77II also has the capacity to record in full HD, 60p, 50p, 25p and 24p, using the AVCHD 2.0 format. “Furthermore, moviemakers can also enjoy advanced features including three-level AF tracking sensitivity adjustment, a pro-style Zebra function and audio level metering, so they can be extremely confident with the camera in hand,” the spokesperson added. RX100 III will start shipping in Europe at the beginning of July 2014 and will be priced at approximately £700.
(AF) targets for more accurate focusing. Customers can get the update by going to: www.olympus. co.uk/site/en/c/cameras_ support/help/firmware_ updates/digital_camera_ updater.html
For more information please contact Sales : 020-8208-7676 or visit www.jvc.co.uk/everio2014
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MeMories Are MAde of This
20th My wife and I go to see the Oscar nominated film, The Wolf of Wall Street; it’s three hours long. We prepare in Pizza Express with a Peroni each and share a bottle of Prosecco. En route to the cinema, a bottle of Rioja is purchased from M&S. Half way through the film, the wine runs out, a rookie mistake. I first took alcohol into the cinema [when alcohol wasn’t welcome in the cinema] aged 14, to see the premier of Crocodile Dundee, a screening to which my friend, Dave Thomas, had won tickets in a competition. We drank a four pack of Fosters lager in homage to it’s Australian on-screen-star, Paul Hogan. The first time I experienced a bar actually in a cinema, was inevitably in Germany, where cans of Heineken were efficiently dispatched to accompany the black and white Beatles film, A Hard Day’s Night being shown in a Berlin cinema adjacent to the best known Berlin wall crossing point, Checkpoint Charlie. As the Wolf of Wall Street credits roll, I shake the final flecks of Rioja from my groin, and head into Villiers Terrace for a bottle of house red and a bullet shot of bourbon and reflect on how expensive the cinema experience has become. I read a report that hidden sugar in food significantly increases the risk of heart disease; I start reducing my sugar intake. 24th After a meeting at Getty Images London HQ, I decide to walk home and plot the route on walkit. com; it informs the distance is 3.5 miles and the estimated time, 56 minutes burning 385 calories, all of which sounds agreeable and I begin the romp towards Crouch End. Three hours and six pints of cider later, I arrive home feeling refreshed. March 2nd I’m running, running as fast as I can; children are overtaking me to the left and children are overtaking me to the right. I can see the soles of my
Downtown © Alex Webb
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nine year old daughter’s running shoes. I shouldn’t be running, I should be lying in bed on this Sunday morning with a cup of coffee watching AFC Bournemouth thrash Doncaster Rovers 5 - 0 on the BBC’s, The Football League Show. My body feels hijacked; black dots plot a route across my eyeballs and brown mud speckles my shiny white 100% polyester zip up Fila tracksuit top. Grace completes the Bath ‘fun’ run in six minutes 55 seconds raising over £350 for the RUH Forever Friends appeal; I finish 5 seconds behind her, raising serious doubts about my mortality. 4th I receive a letter from HM Revenue & Customs; ‘Our records show that you have a new overdue Self Assessment tax payment’ [they’re not wrong]; ‘If you do not pay or contact us, we will take further action to force you to pay. We could visit your home to view your possessions and arrange for them to be sold at public auction.’ I have a look around the home at my possessions that could be sold at public auction, it could do with a bit of a de-clutter; there’s an old dehumidifier, unused electric heater, wonky chest of draws, redundant exercise weights and a framed Paul Reas print. I read a report that regularly drinking alcohol can significantly increase the risk of developing melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer; I start applying a high SPF daily sunscreen. 5th In February the KTLA television anchor Sam Rubin, confused actor Samuel L. Jackson with Laurence Fishburne; outrageous! (Five weeks from today, football referee Andre Marriner would send off Kieren Gibbs for a deliberate handball actually committed by Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain; disgraceful!) Today, I’m at White cloth Gallery for their launch of a Slim Aarons and Gered Mankowitz exhibition, talking to who I assume is Scottish photographer Niall McDiarmid, only to realise after lengthy dialogue that it is in fact Scottish photographer Colin McPherson; easily done. 6th In 2013, the publisher of my first photo monograph, England Uncensored, went into liquidation. I was one of the more fortunate
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maker. Recent assignments have preferred the pen, the iPhone and the Autographer, a small, wearable, hands-free and fully automatic camera, you don’t even have to put down your pint to take a picture; that’s my kind of camera.
THE DENCH DIARY
SPECIAL REPORT PRINT
Free Firmware Upgrade from Canon Canon has announced that it will begin offering free firmware upgrades for seven of its i-SENSYS laser printers and one of its PIXMA inkjet all-in-ones All of these chosen models have a Mopria™ certification, a set of specifications founded by top manufacturers including Canon, making it easier for products to interact to allow wireless printing from smartphones, tablets and other portable devices. Canon’s upgrade will allow all Mopria certified printers to automatically detect a Wi-Fi connection from Mopria certified mobile devices. This means users will be able to print documents or photographs from their mobile
devices simply by selecting the printer on screen. The i-SENSYS models included in this upgrade are: • MF8580Cdw • MF8550Cdn • MF8540Cdn • MF8280Cw • MF8230Cn • MF6180dw • MF6140dn The PIXMA model included in the
upgrade is the MG7150. In a recent press release, Canon said: “Mobile printing to date has required the installation of applications developed by printer manufacturers, users will now be able to easily realise wireless printing from mobile devices whenever and wherever needed—at home, in the workplace or on the go and in future Mopria™-certified printers will increase in number.”
IDT Teams with Fuji to Offer In-store Photo Product Printing
IDT Systems, a leading provider of 2D and 3D surface printing, has signed a deal with Fujifilm to offer their ‘Case Station’ technology in-store Case Station enables users to print high quality images on smartphone and tablet cases in under six minutes. IDT Systems has recently rolled the Case Station out to retailers across the UK, giving customers the chance to upload personal snaps, add designs and text, plus arrange multiple images in any way they want. The machine then moulds and prints the case there and then, meaning customers can leave the store with their own personalised phone case, without having to wait for delivery. With smartphone ownership in the UK currently standing at 59%, and one third of households owning
a tablet, the market for personalised cases can only continue to grow. It seems customers increasingly want to personalise their devices, perhaps spurred on by the rise of online print product services and apps making it easier than ever to create products on the go. Neill Harris, General Sales and
Technical Manager for Photo Imaging at Fujifilm UK Ltd, said: “With our Fujifilm IMAGINE software, photo retailers can already offer their customers the ability to use their photographic images to create and order a whole range of products through the mobile app, online service or in-store kiosk. With IDT System’s solution, these same photo retailers will now be able add on the ability to create fantastic high quality 2D and 3D covers for a huge range of different smartphone and tablet devices.” Visit www.idt-systems.com/ to find out more
A Sure Rise for SurePress Rise in sales of the SurePress Digital Label Press is down to positive customer evaluations, says Espson Epson recently announced that sales of its SurePress injet digital label press, had reached one hundred units worldwide. The L-4033A, launched in October 2010, has received a number of alterations based on ongoing discussions with customers. In December 2012, Epson increased sales further after launching the SurePress L-4033AW with white ink. 100 units sold to date have contributed to Epson’s current market share of 10%.
Canon happy with FESPA Pierre-Olivier, Marketing Director of Technical Document Systems (TDS) and Display Graphic Systems (DGS) of Canon Europe, said: “It was a pleasure to be involved in a FESPA event again this year. We look forward to developing the relationship further with the graphic arts companies we have met at FESPA. “By demonstrating a wealth of applications and technologies, we aimed to show visitors at FESPA how they can push the boundaries of wide format print. Our approach was to share ideas, technical advice and success stories to help them drive their businesses forward.”
Boots’ Kodak Picture Kiosks Now WiFi Enabled Kodak Alaris has rolled out WiFi connectivity to its Kodak Picture Kiosks in selected Boots stores nationwide This will enable customers to wirelessly transfer pictures from their Android or iOs smartphone, to a Kodak Picture Kiosk in order to make personalised prints, cards, calendars, collages and photobooks in-store. To use the WiFi functionality, users must first download the Kodak Kiosk Connect App. This eliminates the need to transfer images onto an external memory
device before visiting the store. Phil Donelly, Business Manager of Kodak Kiosks at Kodak Alaris, said: “As Instant print market leaders, I’m delighted that Kodak Alaris and Alliance Boots have continued our partnership throughout 2014 and provided nationwide coverage of wireless printing from mobile within their stores.” According to Kodak Alaris, 84% of smartphone owners use their
phone while shopping and 9 billion images are captured on smartphones every year. A recent statement by the company read: “This presents a huge opportunity for retailers to engage with a wide range of consumers instore. The improved Kodak Picture Kiosk functionality, together with the popularity of other creative photo
Apps, is fuelling the boom in phone photography across a wide demographic and particularly among the younger age groups.” “To find out more information on how KODAK Picture Kiosks could benefit your business visit our website www.KODAK.co.uk or call +44 (0)1442 261122.
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MOBILE Galaxy K released in UK In our last issue we mentioned that the new Samsung Galaxy K smartphone/ compact camera hybrid would be coming to Europe soon. On Saturday 31 May, the device rolled out to a number of selected online and high street retailers, including the new Samsung Experience Stores and Carphone Warehouse. The phone features new retracting lens technology, providing 10x optical zoom in a slimp, compact body. The camera also boasts a 20.7 megapixel BI CMOS sensor plus Optical Image Stabilisation and Xenon Flash, making it as good if not better than many compact cameras currently on the market.
Samsung Z dumps Android for Tizen The new Samsung Z will support Tizen software, giving consumers a new choice of operating system alongside Android and iOS. “Samsung is committed to enhancing the mobile experience of consumers with innovation that is both personal and unique to their needs,” DJ Lee, president of global sales and marketing for Samsung recently stated in a blog post. “The Samsung Z integrates the power and adaptability of the Tizen platform, enabling users to browse the web faster and utilise applications more effectively.” Tizen is open source like Android, but it is not powered by Google, suggesting that Samsung is gearing towards independence from Google’s monopoly.
More Control for Smartphone Photographers
New Camera Beta app update gives Nokia Lumia owners more shooting options
An update has been released for the Nokia Camera Beta app, which equips Nokia Lumia devices with a host of new tools for taking photos. This new menu of options includes continuous autofocus – to help solve the problem of blurry photos, and a function to capture surround sound with video footage. Other features in the new update include: • Living Images support – limited to
the Lumia 930, Lumia 1520 and Lumia Icon running Lumia Cyan. • Continuous Autofocus for faster focusing • Surround sound capture in Video • New Camera Roll with Full Resolution Zoom and inline playback of video, cinemagraph, smart sequences and
refocus images • Nokia Camera integrates with Creative Studio and Video Trimmer for editing your photos and videos It should also be noted that users need to be running Lumia Amber for the app to work at all. Head to Settings > Phone Update to download the update.
Nokia’s Top Camera Man Poached by Apple Apple has snapped up one of Nokia Lumia’s key employees to help develop its iPhone camera systems
Ari Partinen has worked for Microsoft-owned company Nokia for the last seven years, since he graduated from University. During that time he headed up Nokia’s photography unit and during his stint, was credited with introducing the successful PureView system. Mr. Partinen tweeted about his
upcoming departure, saying: “Today will be my last day working for the amazing #Lumia family. In June I will start a new chapter in Cupertino, California.” He later confirmed he would be leaving to work with Apple. On his LinkedIn profile he claims to have “done my very best making
Nokia the best mobile imaging company in the world!” Despite launching some pioneering technology in the past few years, such as the Lumia 1020’s 41-megapixel camera, Nokia smartphones have yet to beat the likes of Samsung and Apple in terms of sales. Perhaps they will now...
HTC One in Miniature Introducing a new addition to the flagship HTC One family: the HTC One mini 2 HTC has launched a scaled-down version of its successful HTC One (M8), sporting the same brushed gunmetal grey finish and curved design but with a 4.5” screen rather than the M8’s hefty 5-incher. Despite being the smallest member of the One range, the mini 2 will still be bigger than most other smartphones, including the iPhone. “The latest member of the awardwinning HTC One family distils the advanced features that have earned it global acclaim, into an elegant,
compact handset”, said Peter Chou, CEO of HTC Corporation. “Its size and tapered edges fit perfectly in a hand, pocket or purse, making it look great and feel even better to use. It’s the perfect choice for those who love the iconic design of the HTC One (M8) yet want something more compact.” While HTC has pitched the new device as having all the power of the M8 squeezed into a smaller body, this is not quite the case. The ‘duo camera’ technology that made the
M8 stand out for us when it was first launched does not feature on the mini 2. While it does offer a 5MP front-facing (selfie) camera plus a 13MP rear camera, it does not boast the ability to refocus pictures once they have been taken, as with the M8’s duo camera. The HTC One mini 2 will hit UK stores on May 30.
Smartphone for the Accident-Prone
Cat Phones – the smartphone manufacturer hoping for a tasty slice of the adrenaline-junkie market, has unveiled a new Android device Cat Phones – the smartphone manufacturer hoping for a tasty slice of the adrenaline-junkie market, has unveiled a new Android device. The new 4” B15Q can withstand temperatures ranging from a death-defying -25ºC, right up to a
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scorching 55ºC. It also survives drops up to 1.8m on concrete and can be submerged in water up to a depth of one metre for half an hour with no damage. Believe it or not, inside that tough exteria is a fully-functioning smartphone,
equipped with a 5MP camera, the latest Android (4.4) KitKat, and a quadcore processor. “This is the first rugged handset available globally to support Android’s KitKat
so users no longer need to choose between smartphone durability and the latest Android features,” said Cat phones COO Olivier Schulte.
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AV & COMPUTING Keeping their Enemies Close Long-term competitors Adobe Photoshop Lightroom and DxO Optics Pro have finally put down their weapons and teamed up to offer users a useful integrated experience, allowing work to be shared easily between the programmes. DxO Optics Pro may have been around longer than its young rival, but Adobe Lightroom has held the biggest market share since it started, with some impressive image cataloguing chops and a more polished look that helped fast track it to the top. Now, DxO Optics Pro has upped its game with its latest version: DxO Optics Pro 9, which allows users to transfer RAW images directly from Lightroom for processing, before exporting them back again. Find out more at www.dxo.com/ intl/photography/dxo-optics-pro/ working-adobe-photoshoplightroom
Speedy Backup from Lexar Lexar, a leading global brand of flash memory products, today expanded its Professional Workflow line to include 512GB and 256GB USB 3.0 storage drives. Designed for use with the Lexar Professional Workflow Hub, the new Professional Workflow DD512 and DD256 storage drives give photographers and videographers the power to back up images and video files from multiple memory cards at once. The Professional Workflow DD512 and DD256 offer read transfer speeds up to 450MB per second and write speeds up to 245MB per second. These can be used individually or with a Professional Workflow hub for back up of RAW images, high-res photos, and HD, 3D, and 4K video.
Detail on a Grander Scale See more with AOC’s ultra-sharp 28” monitor Trends in the monitor market show an increasing demand for large screens with higher resolutions. Now AOC is fulfilling that demand with the new u2868Pqu 28” monitor with Ultra HD resolution (3840 x 2160 pixels at a 60 Hz refresh rate). According to a recent press release, the new model is aimed at ‘professionals and demanding home users’. The u2868Pqu is, as you might expect, equipped for all the latest
convenience. It can tilt, swivel and pivot to 90 degrees – and users can adjust the height to 130mm to find a comfortable position and reduce eye and posture fatigue. RRP: £499 Find out more by contacting United Communications GmbH at +49 30 789076 - 0
Large Screen Display Solution New ViewSonic 4K display with six-point touch system to encourage collaboration The CDE8451 LED-based 84” screen offers 4K ultra-HD resolution and a six-point touch enabled surface, which allows up to six users to write, draw or annotate simultaneously – either with their fingers or with a stylus. Top selling points: • ARM dual-core processor • 8GB storage • Android 4.2 operating system • Tempered glass overlay, scratchresistant surface and anti-glare
treatment • Multiple display and device manageability • Comes with ViewSonic’s ViewBoard software that allows users to write and edit documents and images on the screen in real-time “By combining 4K resolution with interactive touch technology, two great innovations in the display market, the CDE8451-TL offers a best-in-class solution to customers,”
said Christoph Cyrol, Product Marketing Manager at ViewSonic Europe Ltd. “This is the perfect solution for graphic imaging, mapping, way-finding, education or corporate boardrooms.” The manufacturer’s suggested retail price is £11,999 excluding VAT. Contact distributors Exertis Micro P at www.exertismicro-p.co.uk
A New Leef in the UK
California-based Leef Technology Limited has launched a range of USB flash devices for the UK market Midnight Communications, from Brighton, has been appointed to launch the brand’s new range of products, which will include the first mobile USB flash drive for Android devices, and a first-to-market application of copper to USB flash drives. Leef is creator of a range of consumer electronic products, including Leef Bridge 3.0, the first
USB 3.0 flash drive for moving data from Android smartphones and tablets to PCs, MACs or other Android devices – and Leef Access, a portable miscroSD card reader to access and transfer data from miscroSD memory cards to Android mobile devices. Midnight Communications
Projector Trends Nick Rogers, CEO of large-screen display experts PMA Research, believes 4K is an emerging trend in the high-end projector market. He says: “4K resolution is one of the technologies that are driving the high end of the projector market. Others include edge blending and video
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technologies, with a 4K Ultra HD display panel and a MHL (Mobile High-Definition Link) mode, which enables users to mirror their smartphone and tablet screens onto the big screen. The monitor has been designed with ergonomics in mind for ultra
mapping.” However, Bob Raikes, MD of displays consultance Meko, believes one key technology development in projectors is in light sources. “Although some vendors remain wedded to lamps, solid state light
said: “Users can watch movies directly from their microSD card with no playback issues and move large amounts of data rapidly without their device freezing.” RRP: £10.99 Available: Now. www.2leef.com
Experts predict which technologies will drive the projector market sources such as LEDs and lasers are continuing to develop. It is sometimes said that bulbs are the last refuge of ‘glass, heat and vacuum’ technologies after transistors killed valves and LCDs killed CRTs,” he said.
EVENTS
Who Attended the Photography Show 2014? BPA Worldwide has released a full breakdown of audited attendance figures
The UK’s first national tradeshow for the imaging community launched at the NEC in Birmingham this March, offering consumer and trade visitors four days of talks, demonstrations and exhibits from over 200 brands. But how successful was it? According to figures released by event auditing company BPA Worldwide, a total of 31,785 unique visitors attended. Of these, over half were members of the public (55.4%), approximately 39% were trade professionals, and 5.6% were exhibitors. With repeat visits taken into account, the total number of visits to the show in 2014 tallied at 36,365 – not bad for a first show! Jonny Sullens, Head of Events, Future plc, says, “We are absolutely delighted that the first year of The Photography Show has been an astounding success as
this audited number shows. “We are already heavily into the organisation of 2015’s show. We are returning to the Birmingham NEC, in Hall 5, giving us almost 10,000m2 of extra exhibition space expanding it to 24,870m2. It’s fantastic to have Leica and Ricoh
Leica to Exhibit in UK for First Time in 10 Years This year Leica celebrate their 100th birthday after a century of product innovation in the photographic industry. The reputable brand, credited with inventing the small format 35mm camera, has announced it has chosen to exhibit at The Photography Show 2015, joining an already impressive line-up. Explaining the companies reason for signing up, David Bell, Managing Director of Leica Camera Limited, said: “Selection for the 2015 show was made on the basis of the 2014 show evidence and exhibitor feedback. Fresh and alive, the 2014 show attracted new visitors and exhibitors as well as the important seasoned photographic community.”
Imaging on board for 2015, and the extra space allows returning exhibitors the opportunity to extend their stand space, which many already have. It has also allowed us to give a greater consumer experience with the addition of things like The Food Village.”
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SPECIAL REPORT FOCUS
THE BIG INTERVIEW
From selling the ‘lottery dream’ to driving photo product sales: a Pixel exclusive with the new UK Managing Director of PhotoBox, Robert May
PhotoBox started in 1999 when two young men – Graham Hobson and Mark Chapman, decided to set up an online digital print service from a small garage in Clerkenwell. As digital photography boomed, so did their business and today the company owns four brands (PhotoBox, Moonpig, Paper Shaker and Sticky9), employs 700 people, and has 7 million active customers around the world. Former Betfair and Camelot employee Robert May has recently been appointed as the UK Managing Director of PhotoBox. Here, Pixel finds out where Robert hopes to take the company, and how he will ensure it remains the leading online digital photo centre in Europe. Having spent nearly 10 years developing market and branding strategies in the betting industry, moving to photography seems like a big step in a new direction. “It’s actually been great to step into an industry that celebrates personality,” Robert told us.
Credits & Contacts
value their opinions. We often ask “PhotoBox provides customers innovate our service and products our communities questions around with the tools they need to create to adapt with our customers’ our products and get them involved products that hold a positive lifestyles. We are heavily investing in the product naming process, or and personal value; it feels good into the development of mobile even the design or feature-sets of to know that I’m going to work platforms and applications to bring products in the pipeline.” everyday for a brand whose an even more pleasant brand Robert believes PhotoBox’s products bring true joy and pride to experience to our customers, from continued success can be its customers. wherever they are. We will remain attributed to its first-hand contact “The personalised photography the market leaders in Europe, as with the community it serves. It products that I’m developing and we truly listen to, and respect the started with a promise to treat promoting at PhotoBox may be far market in which we operate.” customers like friends and family removed from selling the dream of New products in the pipeline which is, he said, “something that a lottery win, but my experience of include a new ‘Photo Books by building customer PhotoBox’ iPad app, focused teams to which has a different develop strong interface to the current brands in consumer desktop photobook “Listening to our customers’ feedback markets has provided studio, making it more and needs has resulted in constant me with a skill set specific to the mobile that is definitely product innovation, a timely service and platform and allowing transferrable. I will be to create rigorous attention to detail when it comes customers utilising my previous photobooks on the go. experience to “New features include to product quality.” expand PhotoBox’s the ability for creators UK footprint, to work on their Photo customer-base and Books even if they we continue to strive for throughout awareness.” are offline – making it possible to all areas of our business today. Part of Robert’s strategy will be edit books while travelling. A new The company’s facebook page to build a solid online community, chaptering feature helps to display currently attracts 923 likes a month, based around social media, to a book’s narrative, while the easy adding to its current 185,800. By encourage customers to exchange photo drag and drop process posting photo competitions and ideas, recommend product changes means that customers don’t need other interactive statuses, Photobox and help with product research and to spend hours to create something aims to spread across the web and development. truly inspiring for themselves or their build a reputation as the go-to site “Many of the fans that participate loved ones,” explained Robert. for photo products. in conversations on our social “Another major focus of mine “Listening to our customers’ media platforms are very loyal this year, will be leading the team feedback and needs has resulted customers,” Robert continued. to develop strategic, integrated in constant product innovation, a “Listening to what our buyers truly marketing campaigns that represent timely service and rigorous attention want and desire from our products our core values, through mediums to detail when it comes to product has, without a doubt, added to such as TV, online, outdoor, social quality. These are two of the many PhotoBox’s sales, growth and media and PR. I want to showcase reasons why we are the market online popularity. our fantastic product ranges to a leader. “Our fans and followers are wider audience and show the entire “This year, we are continuing to extremely important to us and we UK what PhotoBox is all about.”
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