Pixel Weekly Magazine - Issue 942

16th January 2015

ISSUE NO. 942D

INSIDE

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NEW ALL-WEATHER COMPACT CAMERA FROM FUJIFILM, SONY’S WATERPROOF ACTION CAM, THE POLAROID ZIP PRINTER, ASUS 3X OPTICAL SMARTPHONE AND MUCH MORE...

Tiny SnapCam Previewed Action-cam manufacturer iON has branched into wearables with the new 1.5 sq inch SnapCam. The tiny camera can allegedly snap up to 5,000 photos on a single charge and when not in use, lasts on standby for seven days.

Controls are simple: it turns on with a swipe to the body. A single tap snaps a photo, two activates video and three begins live streaming, which works via built-in WiFi and Bluetooth. Alternatively, the camera can be controlled via smartphone.

The SnapCam has an 8MP sensor and records 750p HD, at 30fps.

Live YouTube Streaming for HTC Eye

Speaking at CES 2015, HTC announced it would be upgrading its unique wearable Re camera, launched late last year, to enable live video streaming to YouTube.

The update was rolled out on January 9 to Android users via the Play Store. The iOS version will be available in winter 2015.

HTC said users would be able to activate live stream by logging into their YouTube channels. A link can then be generated to attract viewers on social media sites.

PHOTO -

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IMAGING -

Nikon Announces Yet More COOLPIX Compacts Three new compact cameras have this week been added to the popular COOLPIX range

Despite industry figures indicating that compact cameras are on a downwards spiral, Nikon is still adding to its range with three new compact digital cameras: the COOLPIX S3700, S2900 and L31.

Each camera targets a different market segment, with the S3700 aiming at tech-savvy buyers looking for built-in WiFi and NFC2 for easy photo sharing. The S2900 is ‘slim and stylish’ with a 20MP sensor for enthusiasts looking for better quality pictures, while the L31 is designed for entry-level photographers who should appreciate the easy-to-use interface.

Hiromasa Sebata, Senior Product Manager for CDSC and ACIL - Imaging at Nikon UK, said: “The new COOLPIX cameras are designed to fit perfectly into your lifestyle, thanks to the compact, stylish design and great features that make shooting even easier. So whether you are recording special moments with the family or new VIDEO

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AUDIO

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PRINT

• Panorama assist: Panoramas can be shot by tilting vertically or panning horizontally in Panorama assist mode.

• HD movie recording: Record in HD (720/30p). Vibration Reduction helps keeps zoomed video smooth.

2. COOLPIX S2900 • 20MP CCD image sensor: Ideal for enlargements.

• 5x NIKKOR optical zoom lens: For group portraits and close-ups • HD movie recording: HD (720p) with a one-touch movie record button.

• 16 Scene Modes • Target Finding AF: Automatically identifies and focuses on subject.

experiences, you can capture and share stunning images at any given moment.”

Top Selling Points 1. COOLPIX S3700 • Built-in Wi-Fi and NFC support: Share photos and movies to an NFC-enabled smart device with a tap of the camera, or transfer images via a dedicated Wi-Fi1 button.

• Slender, portable with colour options • 8x NIKKOR optical zoom lens: Wide-angle 8x optical zoom is extendable to 16x -

MOBILE

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STATS

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PEOPLE

3. COOLPIX L31 • Easy to use: The button layout is designed to be simple, with Easy Mode making automatic shooting easier.

• 16 MP CCD image sensor • 5x optical zoom • HD movie recording: HD (720p) • Easy-hold grip • AA batteries -

RETAIL

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BUSINESS

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NEWS

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WELCOME To Pixel Magazine 2015 has got off to an incredible start with a steady stream of product announcements coming through – mostly for compact digital cameras like Nikon’s new COOLPIX models, and Fujifilm’s all-weather FinePIx XP80.

So far we’ve yet to see anything truly groundbreaking – but then it’s only the second week of January.

As yet, nearly all the new camera models have had one thing in common: wireless sharing capability. However, Fujifilm is still offering its customers a choice with two versions of its latest bridge camera: one with wireless sharing and one without. We may be a tech-savvy nation, but some of us just want to take photographs on an affordable camera.

You can catch up on all the recent product launches in this weekly round-up, including a mobile launch from ASUS and a portable new photo printer from

Lumi, an LA-based Kickstarter print start-up, is teaming up with Lomography to sell a range of print kits

Lumi kits all use a photosensitive dye called Inkodye, which is activated by UV or light.

Negatives can then be pressed to fabric (with the light parts of the image activating the dye and the dark parts remaining blocked), creating a print.

Polaroid.

Today (Friday 15) we’re at the Societies Convention in London, so we’ll be reporting back with any interesting product finds from the trade show in our round-up next week.

I’ll be keeping our Twitter page updated at the show, so say hi @pixelmagazine Enjoy Your Read!

Zoe, Editor, zoe@pixel.co.uk

Two New Waterproof Action Cams From Sony

Sony has announced two new action cameras for ‘superior, steadier’ pictures Sony has announced two new action cameras for ‘superior, steadier’ pictures.

The new models are the 4K Action Cam FDR-X1000VR and the Full HD Action Cam HDRAS200VR. The FDR-X1000VR can be fixed to a helmet to capture sports and other outdoor endeavours in Full HD at 120p and HD at 240p for slow motion effects.

Sony said: “In an Action Cam first, the FDRX1000VR can capture high - bitrate recordings at 4K 30p 100/60Mbps, using the XAVC S format which is developed for consumer use based on

Lumi Teams Up With Lomography

the XAVC 4K/HD format suited for professional use. Taking you closer still to true broadcast quality, you can clearly capture complex motion as seen in water spray or large crowds with stunning resolution.”

Both models feature a 170° field of view, with an ultrawide angle ZEISS lens. Sony said the new SteadiShot is ‘three times more effective’ than its predecessors at combatting the effects of rapid vibration,

Kits available include: • Photo Printing Kit - enabling screen-printing without the ‘ hassle and costly

equipment’.

• Sunfold Printing Kit for hassle-free tiedyeing.

• Shadow Printing Kit allowing an object to be used as a stencil for blocking the light, producing interesting designs in orange and magenta.

To find out more about Lumi, head to http://lumi.co

New All-Weather Compact From Fujifilm Weather-proof, shock-proof, freeze-proof and dust-proof FinePix XP80 unveiled Fujifilm has announced the new allweather FinePix XP80.

The new tough camera is ‘ideal for outdoor activities’, according to the company.

The XP80 comes with a 16.4MP sensor with 4x optical zoom.

It shoots Full HD video and can be transformed with an optional Action Camera Lens, turning the fixed lens into an 18mm. recommending it for aerial shots with Action Cam rigged on a drone.

Also new is Loop Recording on both the FDR-X1000VR and HDR-AS200VR, which continuously records video into its memory card buffer. Users can press the record button when something happens suddenly – like a freak wave – and the camera’s already captured the start of the scene.

Both cameras now feature new

This mode enables hands-free shooting so the camera can be mounted onto the user or their sporting equipment.

The camera is waterproof up to 50ft.

It can also withstand a drop of up to 5.8ft, withstands temperatures as low as -10º and is rustproof to prevent dust or sand ingress.

Availability: March 2015 RRP: £199.99 Wind Noise Reduction.

New In-cam Highlight Movie Maker assembles an automatically generated highlights package which can then be uploaded as an MP4 to social media.

The free Action Cam Movie Creator application enables users to overlay GPS data to map their route. Music can also be added to the edited video.

Availability The FDR-X1000VR will be available from April 2015 and the HDR-AS200VR from March 2015.

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NEWS New Board Member at Zeiss

Hasselblad Appoints New CEO

Perry Oosting will take over from Iam Rawcliffe as CEO of Hasselblad

As of 1 July 2015, the currently four-member Executive Board of Carl Zeiss AG, headed by President and CEO Dr. Michael Kaschke, will be expanded to include a new member responsible for the Vision Care and Consumer Optics business groups.

Dr. Matthias Metz will joint the board, marking ‘a further consistent implementation of the goal to position the company as a portfolio enterprise organised in line with market segments’, according to Zeiss.

New Storage Accessories From Mindshift Gear The US outdoor photography brand announced a range of accessories at CES. Mindshift Gear unveiled three new products in Las Vegas last week: the Filter Nest Mini, the Filter Hive Mini, and the House of Cards.

Both the Filter Nest Mini and Filter Hive Mini are designed to, as the name suggests, store filters, while the House of Cards is a wallet for memory cards.

To find out more about stocking the new products, contact Mindshift Gear on 707284-9999

Established member of the Hasselblad Supervisory Board Perry Oosting has been appointed as the CEO of the Swedish luxury camera manufacturer.

Bringing over 25 years of experience with brands such as Gucci and Prada to his new role, Mr. Oosting looks forward to welcoming future growth.

He said: “It is an honour for me to accept this new role at Hasselblad and become an integral part of this iconic brand.

This company has an incredible history and with its core DNA has a sound foundation for further development. The recent and widely acclaimed launch of our ‘back to the future’ CFV-50c CMOS back is a great example of our ongoing commitment to the total Hasselblad brand experience that enables customers to benefit

from our advanced and exclusive digital engineering know-how.”

He added: “My former experiences will certainly be an advantage, but I see Hasselblad as a unique opportunity and therefore it will need a tailor-made strategic direction and implementation to support future growth.”

Dr. Helmut Vorndran, Chairman of the Supervisory Board Hasselblad added: “We are delighted Perry

has accepted this new role to further develop and strengthen our brand and product proposition. Now with the combination of a solid foundation, and Perry’s priceless ex-pertise, we feel confident we can achieve our ambitious goals. We also thank his predecessor Ian for setting the base within the agreed time schedule and for his valuable contribution to Hasselblad.”

A Hasselblad spokesperson commented: “Former CEO Ian Rawcliffe’s focus was to enhance the company‘s operations and build a solid base. With this in place together with Perry’s extensive experience, the company now has the best foundation to successfully implement its long term strategy - based on its unique positioning and strength in its core product proposition.”

GoPro Announces New Features on GoPro Hero4 The action-cam manufacturer announced firmware update at CES 2015 GoPro is set to launch a firmware update for the Hero4 action camera.

The update will enable timelapse video mode to take images continuously before turning them into a video on the camera itself, as opposed to on the desktop software as it currently stands.

GoPro will also add two new video capture settings: 720p resolution at 240fps for HDquality super-slow-motion video,

and 2.7k resolution at 6fps, which offers smoother footage for fast-moving scenes at a higher than full HD resolution.

Other updates include a frame tagging function, so users can tag

moments during playback that then flag up when it comes to editing Also, the update will activate an auto-rotate function, turning the screen upright when the camera is mounted upside down.

Smallest Compact Camera in Fujifilm X Series Announcing the super compact XQ2 Unveiled Fujifilm has unveiled its smallest ever premium X Series compact camera, the ZQ2.

The compact will appeal to amateurs and enthusiasts who want simplicity teamed with portability and power.

It comes with a F1.8 4x zoom lens and many of the same features seen on the recently-

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launched X30, including the same 2/3-inch X-TransTM CMOS II sensor, EXR Processor II, AF and “Classic Chrome” Film Simulation mode.

With just 100 x 48 width,

5 x 33 height and 3mm depth, it is an extremely pocketfriendly camera.

It has also been designed for easy operation, with a manual focus control ring.

The XQ2 also

benefits from wireless image transfer, enabling instant prints when teamed with the Instax Share smartphone printer. Fun modes and a choice of body colours will appeal to customers looking to express their creativity.

Availability: March 2015 RRP: £329.99

NEWS

Fujifilm Unveils Two New 50x Bridge The S9900W and S9800 have been announced Cameras The two models are essentially the same camera, the only difference being that S9900W has wireless connectivity for image sharing, while the S9800 does not, thus making it slightly cheaper.

Top features of Fujifilm’s new bridge include a 5-Axis image

stabilisation system for movie recording, Full HD video capture, a selection of creative filter effects and of course the 50x optical zoom.

The lens has an F2.9-56.5 maximum aperture and 24-1200mm optical range that can be boosted to 100x magnification. Close ups are also easier to achieve with Super Macro

mode that focuses down to 1cm.

The bridge also has a 16.2MP BSI CMOS back-side illuminated sensor with ISO sensitivity of 12,800.

Both cameras will appeal to enthusiast photographers looking for better quality photos.

Availability: March 2015 RRP: S9900W £299.99 S9800 £259.99

Asus Unveils Smartphone With 3x Optical Zoom

The new phone should appeal to smartphone photography enthusiasts

The Zenfone Zoom is Asus’ latest attempt to break into the smartphone market, having previously released the quirky Padfone range.

The new smartphone allegedly has a 3x optical zoom, using a system involving two lenses that slide horizontally between the lens, which takes up less

space and doesn’t require an elongating extension.

The sliding technology has been paired with optical image stabilisation to keep the image blurfree with the zoom in use. There is also an

autofocus sensor with 13MP. The phone is still in the prototype stage but according to Digital Trends, it will be ‘95% finished’ at Mobile World Congress, in the first half of 2015.

ASUS is expected to launch the phone in both the US and the UK.

Polaroid Launches Instant ‘Zip’ Printer

The iconic instant camera brand unveiled the Polaroid Zip at CES

a dedicated Android and iOS app that allows users to instantly print 2” x 3” colour photographs.

“Instantly sharing life’s

Polaroid has unveiled a new pockedsized instant printing device, enabling users to print photos from any Bluetooth enabled smartphone or tablet.

Claiming to have been the ‘first social network by enabling consumers to instantly print and share images’, Polaroid now wants to take its original concept into the modern age.

The Polaroid Zip works via

special moments is what Polaroid’s legacy and heritage are all about, ” said Scott W. Hardy, President and CEO of Polaroid.

“Our smartphones are always with us and have become an important device consumer’s reach for to capture life’s most memorable moments.

“Some photos are uploaded

to social networks and shared with others digitally; however, there will always be a need to share and show actual ‘physical’ photos.

“We’re excited to bring the “updated” version of the Polaroid experience to a generation of consumers known for always being on-the-move.”

Key Selling Points • Light and compact • Connects via Bluetooth 4/0 or NFC • App comes with wide range of editing features • Business card creator • Uses ZINK Zero Ink that uses heat to activate the image rather than ink.

UK Pricing and availability TBC

Firmware Upgrade For Samsung NX1 Samsung has promised major firmware improvements with v1.2 for the NX1 mirrorless camera.

In an interview with DP Review at CES, Samsung revealed that a number of changes have been made to the camera’s firmware to benefit movie shooters.

Among the changes, two gamma curves have been added, as well as higher-end features such as the output of time code over HDM1 for external recorder users.

Other improvements include a higher nitrate setting for 1080p shooting, luminance limit options (0-255, 16-235 and 16-255), and master black level controls.

For a full list of the 27 proposed updates, head to DP Review.

UK Online Sales Topped £100 Billion in 2014 New figures show that online sales grew by 14% in 2014 compared to the previous year, totalling at £104 billion.

The IMRG Capgemini e-Retail Sales Index said this was the first time online spending has ever broken the £100 billion barrier.

Now, the analyst has forecasted a further growth of 12% in 2015, estimating a total spend of £116 billion by December.

Christmas spending certainly gave the totals a boost last year, with shoppers spending up to £21.6 billion on gifts and bargains in the eight weeks to 27 December.

However, sales growth yearon-year for this period was just 5%, the lowest ever recorded on the Index.

Adgild Hop, principal head of retail consulting at Capgemini, said: “Black Friday was unquestionably a success for the value-seeking consumer, but for retailers themselves, its success is not quite as clear. As the Index reveals, spending was brought forward a month earlier, at much lower margins for retailers, as a result of the discounts available to customers in November.”

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NEWS

Sony UK Recruits Six ‘Imaging Ambassadors’

New Line-Up of Pentax Sports Optics

Top photographers have been enlisted to promote the brand

Sony UK has added some new faces to its Imaging Ambassadors programme: Gavin Evans, Joe Cornish, Michael Wayne Plant, Nick Webster, Dominic Fraser and Andrew Scriven.

The programme has been designed to show customers how Sony cameras can enhance their photography skills.

Through video and demonstrations, esteemed photographers tell the story of their own work in fame, fashion, culture, sportsmandship, war, human

The new range of Pentax binoculars has been divided into four clearly defined categories to make choosing easier for customers: Z-Series The Z-Series offers ‘premium quality and clarity at an affordable price’, according to Pentax. They feature a newly developed ‘Full Multi-Coating’ (prevents flare and ghosting), ‘Enhanced Light Transmission Coating’ (for bright images with accurate colour rendition) and ‘Hydrophobic Protective Coating’ to make water droplets ‘peel’ off the lens surfaces.

S-Series Consists of both roof and porro prism models with objective lenses greater than 40mm. In addition to the newly developed coatings, the higher-end porro prism models also have the protective coating.

Fujifilm X-A2 Unveiled WIth 175º Tiliting has launched a new version of the X-A1, its entry-level LCD Fujifilm interchangeable-lens camera

A-Series Also consists of roof and porro prism models but with objective lenses less than 40mm. This series is considered the compact, portable and durable smaller brother of the S-series.

U-Series These compact, inverted porroprism models feature a dualaxis, single body design with synchronised IPD adjustment and full multi-coating for better light transmission. They are designed to be the perfect “utility” companion for a multitude of applications.

CREDITS & CONTACTS

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devestation and environmental shifts.

Frederik Lange, DI Category Head, Sony UK and Ireland,

said: “Sony is delighted to be working with such an esteemed collection of photographers. Through our work with the Sony World Photography Awards, this announcement continues our commitment to photographers out there – Sony provides photographers with a variety of different kit options from the revolutionary full frame a7 Series to the portable detail of the RX. We look forward to seeing the work of these photographers in the future.”

New features on the X-A2 include a 175º tilting LCD for ‘easy selfportraits’, eye detection AF, auto macro AF and multi target ‘MULTI AF’. It is also equipped with a new longer life battery and wireless image transfer for connecting with smartphones, tablets and – as with the X-A1, the Instax Share SP-1 printer.

Fujifilm has also developed two new kit lenses: the XC16-50mm F3.5-5.6 OIS II and XC50-230mm F4.5-6.7 OIS II - which, according to the company, feature an updated design and improved performance.

The 16-50mm is the shortest lens

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

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

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

Editorial Design: Harriet Weston 01323 819010 harriet@lifemediagroup.co.uk

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

Design Assistant: Amy Watson 01323 819010 amy@lifemediagroup.co.uk

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

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

in its class, with a minimum working distance of 15cm for macro photography.

The 50320mm has optical image stabilisation so photographers can zoom in with minimal shake.

The Classic Chrome mode we saw introduced for the X series in August 2014 also features on the A2.

ISO12800 and ISO25600 for extended settings for minimising camera shake.

• Easy to use command dials to adjust settings.

• New 175º tilt screen.

• Super Intelligent Flash controls light output according to particular scenes.

• Full HD movie shooting.

• Wireless sharing.

Top Selling Points • 16.3MP sensor and EXR Processor II for high quality images in a compact camera.

• Smooth bokeh effects possible.

• ISO200 to ISO6400 normal sensitivity range, and

RRP • X-A2 kit with XC16-50 mk II silver lens: £449.99 • Lens sold separately: £TBC

Subscriptions: Linda Grace 01323 819015 linda@lifemediagroup.co.uk

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

Accessories • BLC-XM1 Leather Case (black or brown) • HG-XM1 Hand Grip • MCEX-11 and MCEX-16 Extension Tubes

Availability March 2015

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

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

Copyright Life Media Group LTD 2014©

THE NEW PHO TO COLLECTION

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The Photography Show is the premier platform for professional and aspiring photographers.

Join us in March and discover the latest kit and accessories from world-class brands, explore our interactive live stages and gain access to a wealth of information and networking opportunities to enhance your photography business.

Register today for free (saving ÂŁ18)* at:

photographyshow.com

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* Pre-registration closes on 16/03/2015, visitors buying on the door will need to pay the standard adult ticket rate.