13th February 2015
ISSUE NO. 945D
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FUJIFILM 2015 LENS UPDATES, ADDITIONS TO NIKONS WATERPROOF RANGE, PENTAX LAUNCHES K-S2, YOUGOV SURVEY, NEW CANON LENS AND MUCH MORE!
‘Future of Cameras is in a Samsung Galaxy Smartphone’
Top Camera Trends At Japan’s CP+ There’s been a full-frame frenzy in Yokohama, Japan
Photo - Samsung Tomorrow
Controversial words indeed, and spoken (of course) by the brand in its ‘Samsung Tomorrow’ blog. In a teaser released last week, Samsung said its soon-to-bereleased Galaxy S6 would have the best smartphone camera it had ever produced. “Passion and dedication has been put into building the cameras for the release of our 2015 flagship model,” the blog reads. “It will be intelligent and do all the thinking for users, allowing them to take amazing pictures under any conditions, without having to worry about anything more than just pressing the shutter button.”
DJI Drone Maker Joins Micro Four Thirds System Standard Group Pro and consumer drone manufacturer DJI has reportedly joined the Micro Four Thirds system standard group, a hint that it could start installing interchangeable lens cameras directly into its products in order to cut out the middle man and stay ahead of competing brands. With recent reports of GoPro entering the drone market this year, it could be a wise move. In the wake of the announcement, Chinmoy Lad, a marketing specialist for DJI, told DP Review: “DJI is always exploring new avenues to push the boundaries of what is possible.” PHOTO -
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Industry data shows premium cameras are surging forward as manufacturers resist the takeover from smartphones. Now brands including Canon and Pentax are encouraging photographers to upgrade to higher-end models with unique features and more megapixels than ever. This week is CP+, Japan’s biggest camera expo - now in its sixth year at the Yokohama exhibition centre (it had been going for half a century as the Japan Camera Show before relocating and rebranding in 2009). Seeing as Japanese manufacturers claim about 85% of the world’s market for digital cameras, and 99% of interchangeable lens camera sales, it makes sense for them to host a show every now and then. Canon pulled out the big guns earlier this week with the new 5DS and 5DS R, boasting 50.8MP and pitched as a ‘new breed’ of DSLR. Pentax too showed its drive to keep
up with its competitors by unveiling a prototype of its first full-frame SLR - due to ship at the end of 2015. The company announced it would also be producing two full-frame-ready lenses, the HD Pentax-D FA 150-450mm F4.55.6ED DC AW and the 70-200mm F2.8ED DC AW, both ready for shipment in March. Other launches from the event
directly to a smart device. However, as far as we know it’s nothing for retailers to get excited about just yet - the company has said it will only be selling the Olympus Air through its website. Elsewhere at the show, Sigma has launched a new camera following its successful launch of the DP2 Quattro last year. The DPO Quattro incorporates the same APS-C Foveon sensor with a new 14mm f/4 wide-angle lens. The company has also launched a 24mm f/1.4 art lens compatible with fullframe cameras. The CP+ expo, which is organised by the Camera & Imaging Products Association, started on Thursday February 12 and will end on Sunday 15. Last year 45 new camera announcements were made and this year that number is expected to be even higher. We’ll keep our ears to the ground and report anything significant in our round-up next week.
“Canon pulled out the big guns earlier this week with the new 5DS and 5DS R, both with 50.8MP and pitched as a ‘new breed’ of DSLR”
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included the Olympus Air, which is similar in design and concept to Sony’s QX line of lenses for smartphones. Olympus’ version of the wireless technology has a Micro Four Thirds sensor and lens mount so it can be attached to any Micro Four Thirds Lens and send images -
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WELCOME To Pixel Magazine After the hype of Christmas and the January sales, February can seem a bit like a drought in the world of retail. Luckily, somewhere down the line someone mashed together a few religious festivals and convinced people that if they liked their girlfriend/boyfriend/spouse/ mistress/attractive neighbour from across the street enough, they should prove it by spending quite a bit of money on garishly pink cards and gifts. After googling ‘how much do people spend on Valentine’s Day’, I can reveal that the answer is something close to £1billion. This is great news for businesses in all sectors - not just for Clintons, Thorntons, Durex and petrol stations. People love to criticise it, but Valentine’s Day has long been a way for retailers to reconnect with their customers, present a call to action and encourage new customers to come in store to scout out something nice for their significant other. There’s no denying there’s a romance to photography;
it’s about capturing moments and memories. Twitter brings a new element to Valentine’s Day marketing, allowing you to hook onto trending hashtags to spread your tweet further. A quick look at Twitter trends now and I can see #TopValentines is number 2 in the rankings – why not join in with #TopValentines cameras for her/for him? In this week’s issue we’ve detailed some of the top camera and lens launches of the month and there’ve been a lot thanks to CP+ over in Japan this weekend. Whether you’re working, relaxing, or serenading on February 14 have a good one! Zoe, Editor, zoe@pixel.co.uk
Canon Unveils EOS M3: high performance compact system camera Canon has announced the EOS M3 – which incorporates its first 24.2MP APS-C CMOS sensor and its most advanced image processor, DIGIC 6 The EOS M3 is targeting enthusiast photographers ‘who demand premium performance’, according to the company. Canon said: “As an advanced photographer you’ll find everything you need at your fingertips, with intuitive DSLR-like dials and control, as well as the flexibility to change your lens, all shrunk down into a compact, ergonomic body to take with you wherever you go.” The camera features a new Hybrid CMOS AF III and 49-point AF system to help
the user capture moving subjects. In fact, they say it can focus up to 6.1x faster than the original EOS M. Canon has also designed the camera to work in a range of lighting situations, with a 100-12,800 ISO range. Design-wise the M3 looks like a small DSLR, benefiting from being palm-
New Canon Lens EF 11widest-angle rectilinear 24mm ‘World’s zoom lens’ launched by Canon Alongside the new EOS 5DS and 5DS R, Canon has unveiled the EF 11-24mm f/4L USM. The EF 1124mm f/4L USM has a newly designed optical structure featuring three aspherical lenses. It is expected to be popular with professional landscape photographers, thanks to its ultra-wide point of
view. Its lens arrangement also allows for minimal distortion (ideal for architecture and interiors), while near-silent AF is ideal for nature photography and sensitive locations. It is also weatherresistant with a rugged body. Availability: March 2015 RRP: £2,799.99
Pentax Launches Diminutive K-S2 Next generation of award-winning DSLR Just a few months after the launch of the brightly-coloured K-S1 (winner of Consumer SLR Camera of The Year at AP awards), Ricoh Imaging has announced the launch of the K-S2. Ricoh says the new model is the ‘world’s smallest dust-proof, weather-resistant DSLR’. Also for the first time in the K series, the new model has WiFi and NFC. Pentax is keen to get across that this camera is not all about style, introducing a wide range of features, including a tilting LCD screen. To accompany the K-S2, Ricoh sized with a grip and a range of controls including an exposure dial and customisable buttons. It also features a 7.5cm (3”) LCD touch screen that can tilt 180º for selfportraits. For retailers the camera’s hotshoe opens
has also developed the smc PENTAX-DA L 18-50mm F4-5.6 DC WR RE standard zoom lens as an exclusive kit lens. The company says: “Users are guaranteed a highly portable digital imaging system that performs brilliantly.” RRP: £549.99 (Body), £649.99 (Single Lens Kit smc PENTAX-DA L 18-50mmF4-5.6 DC WR), £729.99 (Twin Lens Kit - smc PENTAX-DA L 18-50mmF4-5.6 DC WR & DA 50-200mm F4-5.6 ED WR), £879.99 (Premium Lens Kit smc DA 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 ED AL [IF] DC WR) opportunities for selling additional accessories, including Speedlite flashes and tilt-type electronic viewfinder. It is also compatible with EF-M lenses, from pancake to zoom. Budding filmmakers benefit from Full HD quality with a choice of 24p, 25p and 30p frame rates. As with all high-end models today, the M3 comes with WiFi and NFC connectivity for easy sharing and remote camera control. Available: April 2015 RRP: £599.99
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NEWS Three New Nikon COOLPIX Bridge Cameras
Nikon has launched three new high performance bridge cameras, with the P610 offering the biggest zoom at the highest price, and the L340 sitting at the lower end of the scale and exclusive to Argos. Here’s a brief summary: COOLPIX P610 • NIKKOR 60x optical zoom extendable to 120x • Vibration reduction • Built-in WiFi and NFC • GPS • 16MP CMOS sensor • Full HD (1080/60p) • Tilting LCD screen RRP: £339.99 Available: 19 February 2015 COOLPIX L840 • NIKKOR 38x optical zoom extendable to 76x • Built-in WiFi and NFC connection • 16MP CMOS sensor • LCD tilt screen • Moon and Bird-watching modes • Full HD movies (1080/60i) RRP: £209.99 Available: 26 February 2015 COOLPIX L340 • NIKKOR 28x optical zoom extandable to 56x • Easy operation • 20MP CCD sensor • Wide angle • HD movies (720p) • AF • Argos-only
Olympus Launches New Wide-angle The TG-860 has been announced Tough Camera Olympus’ TG range for extreme activity enthusiasts has reached a new stage in its evolution. The latest addition, the TG-860, has been redesigned with a number of improvements, including an ultrawide-angle 21-105mm 5x optical zoom lens and built-in WiFi. The waterproofing on the TG-860 appears to have improved since the TG850, withstanding a depth of 15m, compared to 10m. Shockproofing and freeze-proofing remain the same, at 2.1m and -10ºC respectively. It also retains the tilting 3” screen for easier selfies. This time though, the camera has an accompanying shutter-release button next to the lens, so users can take those mountain-top selfless more comfortably. This so-called ‘face button’ is also
customisable, so it can be set to start video recording, boost LCD brightness and switch on the torch or Super Macro instead. Other Key Features include: • Built-in GPS for accurate location data • Sportcam Mode for high quality widescreen videos • 16MP backlit CMOS sensor • 1080p Full HD 60p movie recording • Time lapse and slow-motion recording • 7 art filters • Hybrid 5-axis lens-shift and digital image stabilisation to reduce blue and shake.
Supplied with a spiral safety cord, carabiner and quick release mechanism for maximum flexibility. • Underwater Case (PT-057) – For shooting at depths up to 45 metres. The face button can be assigned to wide-angle or macro and operated wearing gloves through the case. • Silicone Jacket (CSCH-124) – Improves grip and protects in the harshest conditions. The LCD, face button and two tripod interfaces can be used in the case. • Soft Camera Case (CSCH-121) – All-weather case that comes with a carabiner clip. Specially designed for quick drainage and ventilation. Available in black, blue or red. • Floating Handstrap (CHS-09) – Red strap that’s easy to spot if you drop it in water and prevents the camera from sinking.
Optional Accessories • Sport Holder (CSCH-123) –
RRP: £269.99 Available: Mid-March 2015
What’s Your Town Centre Like?
New report shows there are significantly more empty shops in the north than the south According to a recent report, almost one in five shops in northern cities are empty, compared to just one in 10 in the south of England. The Local Data Company (LDC) found that the worst performing region was the north east, with a shop vacancy of 18.8%, while the best performing area - London, had just 8.7% of shops vacant. Of all the shops tracked, 20%
small beer to the totals, the had been vacant for more than significance lies with the fact that three years, accounting to almost whilst traditional 10,000 outlets. Photo - London Permaculture shops have been LCD director closing it has been Matthew Hopkins the supermarkets said: “This is the and convenience equivalent of five stores that have Manchesters lying been expanding empty.” significantly which He added: has kept the “While the occupancy rates balanced.” numbers announced to date are
YouGov Survey Identifies Digital Cameras as ‘redundant’ A YouGov poll involving over 2,000 people has identified digital cameras as one of the in 2015 top three ‘unnecessary’ technologies this year Results from a YouGov poll taken in November 2014 show that consumers regard digital cameras as the most ‘redundant’ and ‘unnecessary’ of all popular technologies In contrast, the respondents listed the top three ‘most influential’ technologies for 2015 as smart phones, tablets and 3D printers.
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When asked, from a list of technologies that included laptops, e-readers and music streaming services, which, if any, would be significantly influential in 2015, 42% picked out smart phones, 37% tablets and
nearly a third (32%) 3D printers. Home automation also rated highly at 27%. From the same list of technologies respondents were asked which, if any, will be redundant/unnecessary this year. Digital music devices and
digital cameras tied in joint top position at 16%. Wearables divided opinion with 19% picking them from the influential list and 11% from the redundant list. However, nearly a third (32%) of respondents believing none of the listed technologies will be redundant or unnecessary in 2015. Read more: pixelmagazine.co.uk
NEWS
Fujifilm 2015 Lens Updates
The company has released a new roadmap for its X mount series The 2015 Fujifilm X Mount Lens roadmap includes a list of new lenses, including: • XF120mm F2.8 R Macro 1:1 Macro, telephoto lens (second macro lens to be added to the line-up) • XF35mm F2 R compact and lightweight standard focal length lens • 1.4x Teleconverter for XF50-
140mm F2.8 R LM OIS WR, XF120mm F2.8 R Macro, X F100-400mm (first of its kind for the X-mount). Fujifilm has also confirmed that the “Super Telephoto Zoom” lens that was announced on its previous roadmap update (expected for Winter 2015) will have a focal range equivalent to 150-600mm.
New companion for Olympus OM-D and PEN Olympus has announced the new M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-150mm lens Olympus has unveiled what it is calling a ‘smart new edition’ of its ‘versatile telephoto lens’ – ideal for owners of Olympus OM-D or PEN interchangeable lens cameras. This is the second generation M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14150mm 1:4.0-5.6 II telephoto lens, complete with a new design and Olympus’ ZERO coating, intended to boost optical quality. Also new to the lens is new weatherproofing. Olympus said: “Like its flexible predecessor,
this beautiful new edition is both lightweight and compact. It has a high-speed AF and a closest
focussing distance of just 50cm from wide-angle right up to telephoto. The latest addition to the impressive M.ZUIKO Micro Four Thirds lens family is available in black.” The M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-150mm 1:4.0-5.6 II telephoto lens is 83mm long and 63.5mm in diameter. It comes supplied with a lens hood as well as front and rear lens caps. Available: Late February RRP: £549.99
Additions to Nikon’s Waterproof Range Nikon has announced the launch of two new waterproof cameras: the COOLPIX AW130 and the COOLPIX S33
COOLPIX A130 The COOLPIX AW130 compact camera is the more expensive of the two at £279.99. It’s follows on from the AW100, 110 and 120, this time with an extra waterproof body. The latest model is waterproof to 30m, which in diving terms, takes users as far as an open water diving certification. The previous three models could only withstand a maximum of 18m (10m for the AW100). The AW130 is also shockproof from 2m, dust-proof and cold resistant to -10ºC. Like the 110 and 120, the 130 has WiFi connectivity. However, it also has NFC for easy touch transfer between devices. It has a NIKKOR 24mm f/2.8 5x optical zoom lens, extendable to 10x Dynamic Fine Zoom. Other features include GPS for recording shooting locations (up to 30 locations can be saved on
a built-in World Map, and altitude or depth data can be imprinted too), a 16MP CMOS sensor, vibration reduction technology and time lapse movie mode. COOLPIX S33 The lower priced, 13MP COOLPIX S33 is also waterproof - but only to 10m. It is shockproof to 1.5m and cold resistant to -10ºC. Ideally aimed at families, the camera has both adult and child menus to adapt its accessibility. AF finds targets automatically and the 3x optical zoom is extendable to 6x. Introducing the new cameras, Coralie Smith, Senior Product
Manager for COOLPIX and Nikon 1 at Nikon UK, said: “The COOLPIX AW130 is an easy to use rugged compact camera that’s built to suit those with active lifestyles looking to capture new adventures. Whether shooting pictures indoors, exploring new cities or rock climbing, the AW130 is a high performance camera that will travel anywhere and will keep up with you.” RRP: COOLPIX AW130: £279.99 Available: 26th February 2015 COOLPIX S33: £89.99 Available: 5th March 2015
Nikon Launches D810 Redesigned for Astrophotography Introducing the very niche D810A, capturing 36.3MP images in the cosmos Nikon has unveiled the first FX-format DSLR engineered for astrophotography. The new D810A has a redesigned infrared (IR) cut filter, engineered to be 4x more sensitive to the H alpha spectral line. Without going into too much technical detail (it’s more ‘can’t’ than ‘won’t’) this essentially means astrophotographers can capture the true colour of nebulae - without the need to modify their cameras. Specialised features include: • Long exposure M mode allows exposures of up to 900 seconds • ISO extended to 51200 • Unlimited continuous shooting for light trail photography • Red-lit virtual horizon Optional Accessories: • MB-D12 Multi-Power Battery Pack • EH-5b AC Adapter • EP-5B Power Connector RRP: £2,999 Body Only Available: End of May 2015
Ricoh Announces Four Upcoming Lenses Ricoh has unveiled its 2015 roadmap for K-mount lenses, introducing: • DA Wide zoom 10-30mm • D FA Large diameter wide zoom 15-30mm • D FA Large diameter standard zoom 25-70mm • D FA Standard zoom 28110mm The first in the list has rolled over from last year’s roadmap and there’s every chance the remaining three could roll over into 2016. The lineup for Pentax 645 mount includes: • Standard zoom 45-85mm • Telephoto zoom 92-180mm
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NEWS Tamron announces price and availability of 15-30mm wideangle zoom Tamron recently unveiled its latest SP 15-30mm lens, and now the company has revealed it will be available across Europe from 16 February at a price of £949.99 inc. VAT. The ultra-wide-angle lens is for full frame sensors, and incorporates professionallevel features such as vibration compensation, optical image stabilisation, a constant f2.8 aperture throughout the zoom and USD (ultrasonic silent drive). The company said it was a: “Development of lenses for professional photographers and enthusiasts adding an ultra-wideangle solution to their current line up of pro quality optics for full frame users.”
Canon replaces two PIXMA Pro printers
The PIXMA PRO-100S and PIXMA PRO10S have been unveiled
The recently announced PIXMA PRO 100S and 10S replace the existing PRO-100 and 10S respectively. According to Canon, these ‘deliver a whole host of new connectivity options’. Like their predecessors, the 100S uses 8 dye-based inks to produce prints up to A3 size, while the 10s uses 10 individual inks (with Chroma Optimiser). The main difference is that users can now print directly from cloudbased photo and storage services using PIXMA Cloud Link. These include Facebook, Dropbox, Google Drive and OneDrive. 100 S Top Selling Point • Glossy, vibrant colour thanks to 8-ink dye with three monochrome inks using Chromalife 100+ for improved performance.
RRP: £499.99
• Speedy print: A3 photo in 90 seconds. • Smooth workflow with Pro Gallery Print app on iPad, which works with professional cloud-based photography services including Zenfolio and SmugMug. • Wireless printing • PIXMA Cloud Link • Canon Print Studio plugin means users can print straight from professional photo editing software such as Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom.
10S Top Selling Points • 10-ink pigment based system for more accurate, gallery-quality prints. • Pro Gallery Print app for integration with Zenfolio and SmugMug. • Wireless printing. • PIXMA Cloud Link. • LUCIA inks combines dye-based ink with pigment ink, for both vibrancy and longevity. • Chroma Optimiser enhances glossiness, flattens the print surface and expands colour range. RRP: £699.99 Both models are available in February 2015
50.6MP Canon EOS 5DS and 5DS R Announced Canon has described its new full frame cameras as a ‘new breed’ of DSLR Canon has announced the launch of two new full frame DSLRs, designed to ‘transform’ the EOS system. The company says the EOS 5DS and EOS 5FD R offer the highest megapixels ever seen in a full frame sensor, at 50.6MP. The EOS 5DS includes an additional low pass cancellation filter to maximise the sensor’s resolution and visible image quality. The new sensor is especially suites for large format mediums such as advertising billboards and magazine covers. Low noise it ensured with the ISO 100-6400 sensitivity, expandable to 5012800. The camera’s resolution
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also enables three new in-camera crop shooting modes: 1.3x, 1.6x and 1:1 6 processors are in place to process the high levels of data from the 50.6 MP sensor, while giving the freedom to shoot at five frames per second. Canon says the 61-point AF system has 41 cross-type points to
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deliver sharpness and accuracy across the whole frame. Other features of note include an 150k pixel RGB+IR metering sensor with Flicker Detection to ensure consistent and accurate exposures under varying lighting scenarios, including florescent. Also, an 100% viewfinder with electronic overlay,
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an 8.11cm (3.2”) LCD screen with ani-reflective surface to reduce glare. Canon says: “Both cameras utilise Canon’s iconic design DNA – a highly durable body constructed from high-grade magnesium alloy to provide weather resilient shooting – ideal for landscape photographers who are dedicated to getting the perfect shot, whatever the weather.” EOS 5DS RRP: £2,999.99 EOS 5DS R RRP: £3,199.99 Both cameras will be available in June 2015
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THE NEW PHO TO COLLECTION
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s d e l tr e Exp tors i b i h + ex
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200
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The Photography Show is the event for aspiring photographers. Join us this March and:
• See what’s new from over 200 leading brands including Canon and Nikon
• See Don McCullin, Mary Ellen Mark,
Martin Parr and more on the Super Stage
• Get top business advice and enhance your creativity at the Pro Conference
Book your ticket today (for free) at:
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Advanced registration closes at 17:00, 18 March, adult ticket rates apply after this date.
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