Pixel Weekly Roundup - 21st August 2014

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ISSUE NO. 925

21st August 2014

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CO MI NG

SO ON

TRADE

AWARDS

2014 10TH ANNIVERSARY

24/10/2014

INSIDE

GFK analyses photographic accessory market, Cactus releases ‘world’s first flash transceiver to work on any camera’, EISA award winners announced

Photo Sphere now available for iPhone Google’s Photo Sphere app, launched in 2012 and designed for capturing 360º panoramas with Android devices, is now available for devices running iOS. The app enables photographers to capture an interactive 360º images that can be explored with a tap of a finger, sliding up, down and around. Now, the potential customer base for the app has been significantly expanded, taking on the massive iPhone market.

Metz launches its ‘most powerful’ flash yet The Mecablitz 64 AF-1 is the flagship flash launched by Metz in Europe and most recently, in the US. Described as ‘the most powerful flash in the manufacturer’s lineup’, the Mecablitz has a guide number of 64 at ISO 100, and a zoom range covering 24-200mm focal lengths. The 64 AF-1 is available now in Canon & Nikon fit, with Sony M.I, Pentax and Olympus/ Panasonic to follow shortly. Suggested retail price: £375.00 inc VAT Photo -

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‘World’s smallest’ interchangeable lens camera from Sony

Sony’s new a5100 is alleged to be the smallest interchangeable lens camera in the world

Sony has claimed that its latest model, announced today, can capture professional quality images without any of the ‘bulk’ associated with powerful interchangeable lens cameras. In a statement released today, Sony said: “Despite its svelte dimensions, it’s every inch the serious choice for anyone who’s moving up from their smartphone’s camera or point-andshoot compact snapper.” The a5100 has 179 AF points to track subjects reliably (seen on the a6000), as well as touch focus and touch shutter release functions. It also houses a 24.3 megapixel APS-C size CMOS sensor, which is ‘as big as those found in DSLR cameras’ and a BIONZ X processor (featured in Sony’s a7 series). The new camera also features a 180º tiltable touch screen, with an

ergonomically placed zoom lever for perfectly framed selfies. In terms of video capabilities, the a5100 shoots Full HD movies. Sony said: “Support for the increasingly popular pro-focused XAVC S format at 50 Mbps ensures spectacular Full HD footage with fabulous sound to match. Just like still shooting, Fast Hybrid AF assures pin-sharp focus that tracks your subject, plus the

a smartphone or tablet screen. The a5100 also has WiFi Direct, which allows wireless transfer between devices. A host of free and paid-for apps can be downloaded from Sony’s PlayMemories Camera App to ‘expand the possibilities of the a5100 further’ with various creative kits. Accessories: New accessories include the stylematching LCSEBD body case – available in three colour variations – and the compact, easy-to-carry RMSPR1 remote for shake-free tripodmounted selfies.

“The new camera also features a 180º tiltable touch screen, with an ergonomically placed zoom lever for perfectly framed selfies.”

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extra convenience of Touch Focus.” The camera has NFC, which allows users to touch the device to their smartphone in order to transfer photos automatically. This function also transforms smartphones into remote controls, allowing photographers to frame shots from -

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Availability: UK from midSeptember 2014 RRP: £550 (16-50mm lens kit), £760 (16-50mm + 55-210mm lens kit) and £420 (body only). www.sony,co.uk -

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Welcome To Pixel Magazine Interchangeable lens cameras have never been more popular. In fact, more customers than ever appear to be choosing these over the previously more accessible digital point-and-shoots. This is of course great news for the accessories market, so in this issue we ask analysts at GfK to take a closer look at how the increase in demand is affecting the figures. Sony is already hot on the heals of this emerging trend, having released the ‘world’s smallest interchangeable lens camera’ this week. The compact, powerful a5100 sounds ideal for those customers who want more manual control than anything their smartphone can offer, without the bulk of a DSLR. My inbox this week has been flooded with EISA awards press releases, so we’ve collated all of the winners and listed them in this issue for ease. We also have some news of our own to share: we’re delighted to be collaborating with Action Medical Research once again at the

Pixel Trade Awards in October, which will be hosted by Bobby Davro at the Park Plaza Hotel, London. On that note, don’t forget to book your table – time’s whizzing by and we’d love to see you there! Next week we’ll be publishing our second monthly print edition, which is full of exciting features – including an interview with two young entrepreneurs who recently appeared on Dragon’s Den with an idea for getting people to print their photos…so don’t miss it! Zoe, Editor zoe@pixel.co.uk

Pick your poison: New special edition film from 600 – POISON IMPOSSIBLE COLOUR PARADISE Inspired by the Summer 14 floral lead collections, Impossible has created another new film - the Poison Paradise Special Edition Color for Polaroid 600 cameras. Continuing its approach of ‘innovating’ the classic square white frame associated with Polaroid instant photography, Impossible has created these films especially for Summer – adding their own darker twist. Deadly snakes can be seen twisted around stems and moving through the tropical fauna. Each of these prints have been chosen to perfectly balance and accent the colors in Impossible 600 type film and have taken their name from tropical flowers: Hibiscus – the darkest frame, using a black background to set off the

oranges and reds of the flowers, Fuchsia – the warmest frame, using the purples and creams of the blooms to uplift the orange background, and finally Frangipani, the brightest frame, using a sky blue base to bring the South American flowers to life. These films are the boldest offering yet from Impossible, as well as creating a ‘collection’ from the three different prints. These films are the latest in a series of Impossible Special and Limited Edition films that offer not just alternatives to a white frame – black, silver, gold, various colors, and even animal skins – but also different colored film emulsions, including cyan, magenta and sepia. These are also the first films to have am ‘expiry date’ use

Free servicing for Nikon D810 ‘glitch’ Problem of ‘bright spots’ on the new Nikon D810 can be rectified Nikon has announced that it will be offering a service advisory for the Nikon D810, after reports came in of ‘bright spots’ occurring at long shutter speeds and in 1.2x crop mode. All affected photographers will be able to have their new cameras serviced free of

charge, according to an announcement posted on the Nikon site this week. Not all models will be affected by this ‘glitch’ customers can check the serial number of their camera against Nikon’s database by accessing the company’s service and support pages.

Photography Accessory Market: A Rundown

GfK offers an analysis of the photo accessories market We have seen the digital camera market suffering in the last few years. The accessories market is affected too – but to what degree? 1 out of 5 cameras sold in GB in 2014 was a changeable lens camera, this is the first time the proportion is that high and explains why the accessories market is performing better than the cameras market. Tripods and lenses which were always more likely to be bought by changeable lens camera owners are respectively growing by +16% and declining by only - 7% in value compared to Jan-July 2013.

If we isolate just the entry (sub £150) market for these then we see a good performance, tripods growing by 21% and lenses being flat year on year. This is due to first time buyer who still needs some accessories for their changeable lens cameras but also to caused price erosion of higher end products. Looking at bags, under £50 models are struggling, declining by – 5% in value, whereas above £50 grew by 40% in value year on year including above £150 which are even enjoying 63% value growth. Find out more in Pixel Monthly.

by date printed on them, enabling users to know exactly how long they have with the film. Impossible Poison Paradise can be used in any Polaroid 600 type camera and the Impossible.

Alex Holbrook, communications manager explains; “Impossible have always been regarded as the ‘punks’ of the photography world; a young company that pushes to change the connotation, and audience, of this medium. For the past six years, the still very small company has exerted an increasing influence on popular visual culture, shifting taste from the virtual to the visceral with a wide range of colour and b&w films for Polaroid SX-70, 600 and Image-Spectra cameras, largeformat 8 x10, and its own-branded hardware, notably the Instant Lab Impossible is distributed by Swains.

The IMPOSSIBLE Instant Lab Analog photography is finding an ever growing following, owing to a younger generation growing bored with the predictable same-ness of digital photography, Impossible continue to innovate and refresh an art form that many believed to be defunct.

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Canon releases new models for PIXMA home print range

Canon comments on double EISA win The EOS 1200D and LEGRIA mini X have received recognition

IP110 Ambient

The four new multi-function inkjet printers have been designed specifically for home use, with ‘convenience in mind’, according to Canon. Each one is fully connective, with a range of features available to connect them with other devices such as smartphones, wireless cameras, tablets and laptops. For the first time in the PIXMA range, the new models have NFC technology inbuilt, so all users need to do is physically tap their smartphone to the printer to transfer their images. Canon has also updated PIXMA Cloud Link to provide access to photos and documents stored on the cloud. Accessible either via the PIXMA Printing Solutions app or via compatible printer TFT screens, PIXMA Cloud Link now provides access to Google Drive and OneDrive, as well as existing services such as Facebook, Evernote, Drop Box and Twitter. Users of the PIXMA MG5650, MG6650 and MG7550 can also scan JPGs and PDFs directly to cloud services such as DropBox, Google Drive and more, either directly from the printer screen or via smartphones and tablets using the PIXMA Printing Solutions app. In addition, Canon is also introducing a scan to email function for PIXMA MG5650, MG6650 and MG7550, which will allow users to save time and send scanned documents and images as email attachments directly from the printer. The PIXMA Printing Solutions app has been updated with a link to a new service: Easy Photo Print+. The new service allows saved photos stored on the device or in the cloud to be edited and printed from a tablet. It also helps users to get creative with their photos, providing a range of templates to create personalised cards, calendars and collages. PIXMA MG6650 £139.99/€169.99 PIXMA MG5650 £99.99/€119.99

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Steve Marshall, Product Marketing Director at Canon Europe said: “As a business, we strive to present consumers with products that enable them to explore new creative possibilities, and this is certainly the case with both the EOS 1200D and the LEGRIA mini X.

“We’re extremely proud of this result, and it’s great that our ongoing effort to pioneer leading technologies has been recognised. Enabling our consumers to tell their stories in different ways is paramount to Canon – the recognition from the EISA judging

panel is testament to the flexibility and quality of these two products, and a great sign that we’re achieving this underlying vision for the business.”

EISA Photography Awards 2014 Winners The European Imaging and Sound Association hosted the photography awards.

EISA Awards are chosen annually by Expert Groups representing nearly 50 prominent photography, Hi-Fi, home theatre audio, home theatre display & video, in-car electronics and mobile devices magazines from up to 20 European countries. All Expert Groups work separately, but are under contract to the European Imaging & Sound Association. According to EISA, “Every year, the EISA Awards applaud the new products that combine the most advanced technology, the most desirable features, the ultimate expression of design, the most satisfying ergonomics and, of course, the greatest value for money.”

Meet the winners: Award: Consumer DSLR Camera Winner: Canon EOS 1200D

Award: Compact System Lens Winner: Fujinon XF56mmF1.2 R

Award: Advanced DSLR Camera Winner: Pentax K-3

Award: Photo Accessory Winner: Manfrotto MT055CXPro4

Award: Smartphone Camera Winner: Samsung Galaxy K zoom

Award: Professional DSLR Camera Winner: Nikon D4s

Award: Connected Camera Winner: Samsung NX30

Award: Compact System Zoom Lens Winner: Olympis M.ZUIKO Digital ED 12-50mm F2.8 Award: Consumer Compact System Camera Winner: Olympus OM-D E-M10 Award: Advanced Compact Camera Winner: Panasonic LUMIX DMCFZ1000

Award: Lifestyle Camcorder Winner: Canon LEGRIA mini X

Award: Photo and Video Camera Winner: Panasonic LUMIX DMCGH4

Award: Advanced Compact System Camera Winner: Fujifilm X-T1

Award: Travel Compact Camera Winner: Panasonic LUMIX DMCTZ60

Award: DSLR Lens Winner: Sigma 50mm F1. DG HSM [A] Award: Professional Compact System Camera Winner: Sony Alpha 7R Award: Compact Camera Winner: Sony Cyber Shot RX100 III Award: DSLR Zoom Lens Winner: Tamron 16-300mm F3.56.3 Di II VC PZD Award: DSLR Telephoto Zoom Lens Winner: Tamron SP 150-600mm F5.6.3 VC USD LUMIX DMC-GH4

Olympus claims EISA win confirms brand’s ‘growing importance’ in professional camera segment Olympus comments on EISA Awards Commenting on the winning M.ZUIKO lens, the jury said: “This fast and weather-sealed standard zoom has impressive optical qualities, solid mechanical build quality and a superb focus control that combines manual focus with silent, quick AF. It is also a very

compact lens, in spite of its fast 1:2.8 maximum aperture. The zoom covers a range from 12mm to 40mm, which makes this lens suitable for landscapes,

architecture and portraits, as well as general photography.”


Kenro reveals new baby album range New albums will add to existing range of baby frames

Six new baby-based product series have been announced by photographic distributor Kenro:

• New Candy Series Memo Albums • New Festival Series Scrapbooks

• New Polka Dot Series Albums • New Happy Boy and Girl Series Baby Albums • Baby Boy and Girl Series - New Traditional Albums Available • Baby Ribbon Series - New Traditional Albums Available

The new Kenro Albums & Frames Catalogue 2014/5 will be available late August, and a copy will be mailed to all Kenro account holders. All of these products will also be on display at the Kenro Stand at Autumn Fair, NEC Birmingham (7th

- 10th September. Hall 5, Stand J45) and at Photokina, Cologne, Germany (16th - 21st September. Hall 9.1, stand D007).

Cactus Wireless Flash Transceiver is ‘world’s first to work on any camera The new Cactus V6 wirelessly controls output of Canon, Nikon and Pentax system flashes, all at the same time. The latest addition to the Cactus family improves upon the previous flash transceivers, the V4 and V5. Differences include: • 4 slave groups (compared to 1) • Wireless manual power control to supported flashes • Flash profile learning • Full manipulation of power levels • Hot shoe locking pin hole • Multi-system shoe with locking pin (previously only standard X-sync) • New Lo Power mode, Absolute Power mode, TTL pass-through,

Relay mode, Delay mode • Built-in optical trigger • Bulb mode support • Smaller dimensions • Firmware update Cactus Image said: “Each flash model has its individual power level characteristics. We have profiled more than 30 popular flash models across a wide range of brands so that the V6 can precisely control

their output levels. With this unique feature, photographers can remotely control the flash power of various flash models, even of different brands.” Cactus is distributed by Swains. Swains International PLC, Eastland House, Westgate, Hunstanton, Norfolk PE36 5EW

Action Medical Research announced as Pixel Awards partner Pixel Magazine is delighted to announce that Action Medical Research for Children will be our charity partner for this year’s Pixel Trade Awards. Charity patron Bobby Davro will be hosting this year’s black tie ceremony and will be helping to raise funds through the charity auction at the Pixel Trade Awards 2014. Since 1952, Action Medical Research for children has invested over £100 million into vital medical research to help sick and disabled babies and children. Sarah Stevenson from the charity said ‘Action Medical Research is once again delighted to be the Charity Partner for the Pixel Trade Awards 2014, celebrating the elite in technological innovation and service across the imaging industry. Also Charity Partner in 2013, the leading UK children’s charity is looking forward to supporting the Awards as it celebrates its 10th anniversary.’ To find out more about Action Medical Research for Children visit their website www.action. org.uk For more information on the Pixel Trade Awards email Samantha Ash – samanthaash@ outlook.com

01485 536200

New Lensbaby lens for smartphones available Lensbaby has announced the availability of the LM-10 Sweet Spot lens, and the Sweet 50 optic The Lensbaby LM-10 is now available for sale after the concept was launched on Kickstarter back in April. The company raised twice as much as it needed to produce the lens, which is 1.5 inch long and fits on most smartphones to product the creative effects the company is famous for. This week the company also announced the Sweet 50, a 50mm selective-focus optic compatible with the Lensbaby Optic Swap System for DSLR, mirrorless and motion picture

cameras. “Our goal has always been to ignite creativity by allowing photographers to see things in a new way and have fun with their craft, which is something that has resonated with professionals and enthusiasts alike from Day One,” said Lensbaby cofounder and chief creative officer Craig Strong. “The LM-10 brings this same experience to the masses who

now carry what have become very capable cameras with them 24/7. We can’t wait to see the great images and video this magical pairing will soon produce.” LM-10 Features: • 1.5 inches long • weighs 0.7 oz • Attaches to mobile devices via a strong adhesive-backed stainless steel ring • Free iOS or Android app, which

is required to select the focus point and properly orient the image. The app also includes spot metering, exposure lock, focus lock, still/video modes and a wide array of filters. Sweet 50 features • Manual focus • Curved field of focus optic • Two multi-coated glass elements in one group • Minimum focus distance: 15 inches.

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X-Rite announces speaker line-up for photokina 2014

X-Rite Photo Europe, distributor for X-Rite photo and video products, has confirmed its speaker line-up for photokina – to include a photo-walk around Cologne with two photography experts. photographer, writer and photo educator specialising in travel, humanitarian and cultural documentary photography. The core of his work revolves around capturing the essence of human life and those emotions, which are relatable to people across the globe regardless of language or culture. Jacob is speaking on Tuesday 16th September and Wednesday

Geoffrey Clements, Managing Director of X-Rite Photo Europe commented: “Our intention is that visitors to the X-Rite stand at Photokina 2014, are both inspired and educated. Our team of Coloratti includes some of the world’s best photographers and we’re excited to have them at Photokina with us, sharing their knowledge and experience with photographers of all levels and abilities who will be visiting.” The X-Rite Coloratti presenting on stand are: Jacob James – Jacob is an internationally published

HTC One (M8) released with Windows operating system

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and printmaker since 1998, Adrian Weinbrecht – Adrian is a commercial photographer based in London, but shoots assignments globally. Andreas Moos – Andreas is an educator and trainer with great technical expertise in colour management and the photography workflow. Frank Doorhof – Frank Doorhof is a world-leading commercial and fashion photographer. To book a place, visit http:// www.xritephoto.eu/photowalk

Two new scanners from Canon

HTC has announced its flagship One (M8) will be available in Windows as well as Google Android OS system - but only in the US. While the software will be switched to Windows Phone 8.1, all hardware will be identical to the original One (M8). For users, this means the ability to use the unique Duo Cam with a Windows Phone interface.

Credits & Contacts

17th September on the X-Rite stand and will be showing how he captures his images and the importance of colour. Jacob will be speaking in English. Martin Dörsch – Martin is a photographer, designer and educator. Mark Wood – Mark learnt the craft of professional photography working for newspapers. Karsten Rose - A photographer

The LiDE 120 and 220 join the CanoScan range

This week, Canon unveiled two new scanners with cloud scanning and reliable, high resolution capabilities. According to the press release, “The CanoScan LiDE 120 is a stylish LiDE scanner that replaces the current LiDE 110. Thanks to a CIS sensor, it delivers LIDE 120 Ambient a scan resolution of 2400x4800dpi and their PC. produces an A4 300dpi Canon said: “LiDE 220 also scan in 16 seconds.” frees up valuable desk space by The 220 will replace the 210 incorporating a neat stand enabling and include an additional fifth EZ it to be used in an upright position.” button, which provides users with elivers scans with a resolution the ability to create a multipage of 4800x4800dpi, thanks to the PDF document without returning to

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

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

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

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

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

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

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CIS sensor, and can produce an A4 300dpi scan in 10 seconds. Both scanners are USB powered, and feature rich software, such as as Auto Document Fix and Auto Photo Fix II, and an easy-to-use interface, which includes an Auto Scan button to help users achieve the scanning results they desire with ease. Both scanners can also scan to the cloud via a PC. Availability: September 2014 RRP: CanoScan LiDE 120: £69.99/€79.99 CanoScan LiDE 220: £89.99/€109.99 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 EPSON D700 PHOTO PRINTER Turns out the best things do come in small packages after all!

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

AVAILABLE NOW AT THE AMAZING PRICE OF JUST

£2,495

ex VAT + Delivery

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

AVAILABLE IN THE UK FROM

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

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

TEL: 0116 289 3644

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E-MAIL: uk@tetenal.com

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