Issue 990

2018

ISSUE NO. 990

SHIMODA:

TOUCHING DOWN IN THE UK ALSO IN THIS ISSUE: TESTED: SONY CP-V10B PORTABLE CHARGER

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THEMAGIC TOUCH Ri100 PRINTER

LEICA Q GLOBE TROTTER

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LEXAR IS BACK

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SWAINS WEBSITE | & MORE www.pixel.co.uk 1 www.pixel.co.uk

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OFF THE NEWS PRESS

WELCOME

To Pixel Magazine the UK and being distributed

by MAC Group Europe.

Sigma appoint a new National Sales Manager as Andrew Morris retires.

Nikon officially their new mirrorless system with two cameras and various lenses.

We test the Sony CP-V10B charger and Leica release another camera.

IWelcome to issue 990, what an exciting month it’s been!

Despite 98% of our industry having their summer holiday, we have prepared a jam packed issue! Shimoda, the adventure bag brand is now in

LEICA:

NIKON:

Z MIRRORLESS SYSTEM RELEASED Nikon have made their entry into the full-frame mirrorless segment with the launch of its Z mount system. This comprises of two Nikon FX format mirrorless cameras, the Z 7 and Z 6. Both cameras bolster competitive features but lack two memory card slots which has created a wave of rage amongst some professionals across social media.

Nikon has also announced three new lenses compatible

with its Z mount system’s full-frame (Nikon FX format) mirrorless cameras – the standard zoom NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S, the wideangle prime NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.8 S, and the standard prime NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S – as well as the new Mount Adapter FTZ, which enables approximately 360 existing F mount lenses to be used with the new system.

All that and more in this issue.

Enjoy 989!

Luke & Mandy, Co.Editor in Chief

LAUNCHING THE LEICA M10-P

With the Leica M10-P, Leica Camera AG presents a further model in the Leica rangefinder camera range.

Based on the M10, the M10-P offers all the technical advantages of the Leica M rangefinder system and, in details, focuses on the characteristic core features that are particularly appreciated by M-photographers.

Exceptionally discreet and concentrating entirely on the most essential camera functions, the Leica M10-P embodies the essence of the M-philosophy and retains the celebrated understatement of previous incarnations.

For more information visit www.uk.leica-camera.com

Roadshow This October

Roadshow

www.pixel.co.uk See Swains website for more information

www.swains.co.uk

sales@swains.co.uk

01485 536200

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OFFNEWS THE PRESS

SHIMODA:

BUCKLE UP! THE USA BORN BRAND IS ON ROUTE TO THE UK...

MAC Group Europe are adding another brand to their award winning line-up of brands this month. Shimoda is the bag brand for adventurers, UK consumers are sure to be excited about this new acquisition.

S

himoda first launched in the USA following a highly successful Kickstarter campaign – was fully funded in just 30 hours, going on to exceed it’s fundraising goal by 600%. Such was the interest in this innovative and refreshing new range of camera bags – which MAC Group is delighted to be able to introduce to the UK market.

With ground breaking design, Shimoda bags are designed by experienced (and previously frustrated!) real-world adventure photographers, who are out there pushing the boundaries in outdoor photography every day, across the world.

Tested and loved by adventure travellers, bikers, boarders, those working on water, snow or at high attitude - the line-up of early ambassadors presents compelling support for the brand.

The design is simple, yet intuitive, using the most advanced materials and technologies available to minimise the pain, fatigue and suffering that comes with the most harsh mountain conditions.

“The Shimoda Explore camera bag system was born as a result of the pain, fatigue, and suffering we and our adventure photographer friends found ourselves facing in the mountains. We created a system designed to function in - and stand up to - the extreme mountain conditions we inevitably face.”

- Ian Millar, Shimoda founder

The design is simple, yet intuitive, using the most advanced materials and technologies available to minimise the pain, fatigue and suffering that comes with the most harsh mountain conditions.

Photographers identify the best ‘outer’ pack for their environment and kit, then choose from a range of unique modular inserts including ‘Core Units’ and ‘Accessory Cases’, enabling the packs to be fully customised, to meet precise individual needs. The modular inserts can be combined to create over 10 different configurations – to accommodate numerous gear carrying options.

Shimoda backpacks are available in two colours – Blue Nights and Sea Pine, with core units and accessories available in Parisian Night and River Blue for a stylish colour combination. Shimoda packs also look less like traditional camera bags – helping with security whether in a bustling city or travelling to far flung destinations.

Shimoda backpacks are made using an extremely weather-resistant, yet super lightweight resin-coated nylon shell, including the highest quality Waterproof Splashguard™ YKK® zippers.

Crucial design features also include a fully height-adjustable harness – ensuring maximum comfort for all while on the go with a full pack.

MAC Group UK are delighted to add Shimoda to their portfolio and will be distributed to select retailers in the coming months.

For more information on Shimoda products, please visit www.shimodadesigns.com

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OFFNEWS THE PRESS

The Products Explore 40L

Core Units

The Explore 40 was created for fast moving and agile adventure photographers who need to be in the thick of the action to document their story. It was designed to simplify their shooting experience while minimising physical fatigue. Its intuitive design ensures essentials like food, water and a smartphone are always in immediate reach.

Camera Inserts are an amazingly flexible development for camera bags - but previous designs have suffered from excess weight and materials. Most insert designs force the photographer into a single size choice, which often leads to numerous purchases of different sized inserts to cover every eventuality.

Rain Cover

Explore 60L

A lightweight and water-resistant rain cover fits both our Explore 40 and 60 backpacks. The Rain Cover has extra volume to accommodate and protect commonly used tripods, and it secures to the pack at three points: to the top handle, and to both sides of the waist belt. When not in use, the Rain Cover compresses into to a small selfcontained pouch for easy storage.

Ready for any and every adventure, the Explore 60 redefines the way serious adventure-bound photographers pursue their passion, enabling the user experience to be simple and intuitive, while ensuring its carry performance minimises fatigue and stress.

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The New Standard of Full-frame The

brings together a collection of breakthrough technology to even more photographers, from its full-frame, back-illuminated CMOS sensor and incredible 693 phase detection autofocus points to its fast 10fps continuous shooting.

INTRODUCING THE

6 www.pixel.co.uk ‘Sony’, ‘

FROM SONY

Discover more at: www.sony.co.uk

‘ and their logos are registered trademarks or trademarks of Sony Corporation. All other logos and trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

OFF THE PRESS

THEMAGIC TOUCH:

LAUNCHING THE RICOH Ri 100 PRINTER

This month, TheMagicTouch have announced the ultimate entry-level DTG printer for anyone, anytime, anywhere. With an attractive price tag, it looks to be a popular product.

T

he demand for personalisation continues to grow in many markets and plays an increasing part in our daily lives. The new Ricoh Ri 100 direct to garment printer offers full colour garment personalisation and textile decoration. The all-in-one compact printer with its spacesaving design and unique integrated curing/heat press system creates the perfect opportunity for many retail markets.

The printer is quick, clean and easy to use.

The innovative garment tray loading system an enclosed curing/heat press system removes any possible operator health and safety issues making it perfectly safe for any retail, home, school or business environment. Also due to the size (400 x 520mm) and weight (less than 25kgs) can be easily moved and re-positioned for external events and promotions.

Incorporating the latest Ricoh textile ink technology the printer delivers full colour designs and photographic quality images directly onto garments and a vast range of textile based products and applications quickly and easily. These include 100% cotton and poly/cotton blends for T- shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies, eco bags, cushions and lots more. Full colour designs take on average less than 90 seconds to print. No pre-treatment required.

The Ri 100 is perfect for those considering the addition of personalisation to their product portfolio or those looking to increase their existing production capabilities as the optional additional trays and curing units enable allow production capabilities in excess of 40 printed items per hour possible. Customers can experience their personalised T-shirt, bag or cushion being produced within minutes and ready for immediate use.

The printer comes with easy to operate design software enabling editing with no specialised skills or graphic software knowledge. Even smart phone images can be printed with ease.

Periodic maintenance is carried out through a simple process automatically and semi- automatically by a system prompt. At only £2999.00 plus VAT (Inc. delivery, installation and training) The Ri 100 offers affordable opportunity.

Jim Nicol, Managing Director of TheMagic Touch gives us his thoughts..

“The new Ricoh Ri 100 DTG printer ticks all the boxes for those in the retail photo business. The facts are simple• Compact size 40 x 70 x 52cm • Built in heat press (perfect for all aspects of Health & Safety) • Prints full colour to T-shirts, Bags, Aprons, Cushions, Santa sacks and lots more • Ricoh Quality imaging • Suitable for smart phone photos and images • All for less than £3k!”

For more information contact sales@themagictouch.co.uk

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OFF THE PRESS

LEICA: LAUNCHING THE LIMITED EDITION LEICA Q

Leica are back with another fantastic collaboration, this time with the luxury luggage brand, Globe-Trotter.

A collector’s item imbued with superb German and British craftsmanship.

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he new model is wrapped in specially selected Globe-Trotter leather in navy or light pink. As with all Leica cameras, the Leica Q ‘GlobeTrotter’ features the classic Leica ‘red dot’ logo on the front and limited edition serial number engraved on the top cover.

The Leica Q ‘Globe-Trotter’ comes in a specially produced case based on the historic nine-inch Mini Trotter, encased in leather to match the camera body.

Both Leica and Globe-Trotter have a long history of tradition and superb craftsmanship cultivated over the years, leading to this collaboration.

Today, all Globe-Trotter suitcases and travel accessories are handcrafted in Hertfordshire by highly skilled artisans.

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The case specially produced for this camera is based on the historic nineinch Mini Trotter, a famous model for the Globe-Trotter brand. Instead of the usual vulcanized fibre material, this case is covered in the same colour Jet leather as the camera body. The inside of the case features dividers for organizing smaller items, a soft microfiber lining, and convenient inside pocket on the case lid which is perfect for carrying everyday items such as a wallet and mobile phone. The case also features a Bordeaux-coloured adjustable shoulder strap that matches the corner leather pieces for an elegant camera travel case and everyday styling typical of GlobeTrotter charm.

The Leica Q features a 24 million pixel full-frame sensor and high-performance, bright lens on a silver Leica Q body.

Thanks to its particularly fast Leica Summilux 28 mm f/1.7 ASPH. lens, the Leica Q is perfect for photography in low light, for street photography, architecture and landscapes. All functions of the camera are clearly laid out and logically placed to guarantee perfect ergonomics. Its clear and logical menu concept provides rapid access to all essential functions and enables users to programme personalised settings.

The Leica Q also delivers video recordings in full-HD quality. Depending on the scene and subject, users can choose between 30 and 60 full frames per second for video recording in MP4 format. The camera also features an integrated Wi-Fi module for wireless transmission of still pictures and video and remote control by WLAN from a smartphone or a tablet with the Leica Q App. The Leica Q Globe-Trotter is limited to 50 pieces in each colour and is available now at the Leica stores in Mayfair, City of London, Manchester and selected authorised dealers. RRP: £5,400 inc VAT

OFF THE PRESS

SAVE

£1200

Purchase a GFX 50S body and a qualifying lens to save £1200 Offer ends 30.09.2018. Terms and conditions apply. See in store for details.

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OFF THE PRESS

SIGMA:

STEVE VIGORS APPOINTED AS NATIONAL SALES MANAGER, ANDREW MORRIS RETIRES As of September 1st, Steve Vigors will be the National Sales Manager for Sigma. Andrew Morris is retiring from his position after spending many years working with Sigma.

Andrew Morris

Graham Armitage, General Manager of Sigma Imaging UK comments - “Andrew and I have worked together for more years than I care to remember. He has contributed greatly to the popularity and success which Sigma is currently enjoying in the UK. Whilst everyone in the Sigma team will miss him, we all wish him a long, happy and healthy retirement.”

Steve Vigors

A

ndrew Morris has spent 45 years in the photographic industry, starting with Pelling + Cross, Baker Street, London in 1973. In 1974 he joined TWTF Ltd (Trans World Trading & Finance Ltd) selling Sunagor lenses and accessories.

He spent 10 years with TWTF and moved to CZ Scientific in 1984 selling East German Zeiss binoculars, lenses, Practica cameras and Sigma lenses. They later transferred to selling Sigma lenses and Praktica cameras early nineties. Andrew joined Sigma in 2001 and spent nearly 17 years with the iconic brand.

Steve has a passion for photography that began with using traditional film. He has been working in the photographic distribution and retail trade for over 35 years. Within this time he has enjoyed and

Graham Armitage, General Manager Tel: 01707 329 999 Fax: 01707 327 822 Email: sales@sigma-imaging-uk.com www.sigma-imaging-uk.com

Donald Spencer Agent (Scotland, Northern Ireland, Cumbria, North East England and Channel Isles) Tel: 01506 843510 Fax: 01506 848323 Mobile: 07836 380995 Email: don.spencer@btconnectcom

gained experience across the supply, distribution and retail side of many varied imaging products.

Steve began his career in photographic retail as a sales assistant before being promoted to store management with a flagship Lakeside Shopping Centre store. He then moved on to a sales role with Cobra UK and Aico International.

Between 1993 and 1999 he was the Sales Manager for the South East and London for Tamron UK Ltd, he then moved on to Field Sales Manager for Intro 2020, UK Account Manager for Jenimage, Premium Account Manager for Into 2020 and then National Account Manager for WEX’s B2B sector.

Steve tells Pixel - “ Along this journey I have formed many long term relationships with buyers, professionals, end users and suppliers. I am now really excited and honoured to be joining Sigma Imaging (UK) Ltd for the next part of this great journey and very much looking forward to meeting new and familiar faces in due course.”

Graham Armitage comments - “Steve has amassed great knowledge and experience in our industry over the years and is no stranger to his new colleagues at Sigma UK nor to our army of loyal and supportive customers. We all look forward to him bringing his own combination of endeavour, integrity and helpful support to an already well established Sigma sales team.”

Steve Vigors can be reached at: Mobile: 07535 940 958 Email: steve@sigma-imaging-uk.com

Ray Fitchett Regional Sales Manager (Lancashire, Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Lincolnshire, Leicestershire, Rutland, Northamptonshire, Warwickshire, Worcestershire, Herefordshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, West Midlands, Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Merseyside and Wales Tel/Fax: 0121 311 0567 Mobile: 07973 116 483 Email: sigma@rayfitchett.com

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OFF THE PRESS

INNOVATION ACROSS THE NATION: FUJIFILM’S ‘SOLUTIONS’ ROADSHOW

Fujifilm is proactively taking to the road this October with its very own ‘solutions roadshow’. Marketing Manager Peter Wigington tells us that dates and venues are already booked.

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o entice visitors, Fujifilm will be running equipment demos of its acclaimed Frontier-S Dry Lab, Imagine Kiosk software, plus new digital passport software. It will also be showcasing 24-inch wide format printing on the Epson P6000, the Epson Workforce Pro gift cards, as well as Sawgrass’ photo gifting kit for insite production of personalised gifts such as mugs and T-shirts.

Fujifilm’s photo related goods, some of which we have covered in previous editions of PIxel, include: Wunderbar and Casbar, square printing, adhesive frames and Shacolla (double sided self adhesive panels that can be used for photo displays). On top of this it will also be sharing the benefits of its ‘outlab service providers’ that can help retailers offer phone cases and cushions.

Merchandising and promotions are more important than ever to the photo retailer

so Fujifilm will also be showing a range of shelving solutions that make it easy for stores of any size to create exciting and inspiring sales displays. Also showcased will be its independent photo retail marketing program, which as regular readers will be aware includes marketing support, its Business Endeavour Program, plus on-going business advice from Wendy Gray at Inspires Consultancy.

Dates as of this writing:

2nd October Exeter - Mecure Rougemont Hotel 3rd October Cheltenham - Racecourse 4th October Harrogate - The Majestic As noted, Fujifilm will be partnering on its autumn roadshow with distributor Swains, who will be sharing its own frames and albums solutions many of which link with Fujifilm’s Imagine kiosk.

EXCITING PRODUCTS, PROMOTIONS AND SOLUTIONS pop singer Taylor Swift to help spread our message even further. Very exciting! “ Moving onto image production, we’ve seen our biggest threat becoming our biggest opportunity. There are now countless billions of pictures taken on smartphones. That’s many, many times more than were ever taken with film cameras. Actually, if you count the photos taken just last year on smartphones, it’s actually more than has ever been taken in the entire history Fujifilm’s Director for Photo of photography. Quite a steep jump!

Imaging David Honey was keen to pass the news on to the trade.

“Pre-empting the vital Christmas sales period we will have exciting new campaigns for Instax advertising, showcased at our ‘solutions’ nationwide road show at six venues early October featuring all of our photo products featured at Photokina ” Let’s start with image capture,” he tells us. “Last December we sold as many Instax cameras in that one month as we did in all of 2015. The rise in people would think that popularity of Instant Cameras has been Most tremendous and Fujifilm’s Instax range smartphones have taken our business is by far the most popular brand. In away, but in fact, in 2017, 33% of all 2018, we are now partnering with US photo printing activity came from images

10th October London - Venue TBC

16th October Livingston - Macdonald Houstoun Hotel 18th October Antrim - Dunadry Hotel

taken with a smartphone. We’ve long been planning for that and nowadays our product and solutions are geared towards the easy transfer of pictures to kiosks, or to the web, in order for it to be exceptionally simple for people to print..

Again, in the photo sector, we’ve been working on this for many years and now we can provide a huge variety of personalised photo products, from mouse mats to mugs, calendars to cards,” he continues.

“Photography is a unique proposition, because every photo is different. This ensures that every personalised photo product can be exactly that – totally personal!

We have successfully applied the Wonder Photo Shop concept to a number of independents, as well as a respected UK photo chain . It’s proving to be very popular, and we are seeing year on year improvements as a result.

I am extremely proud of my photo colleagues, and as I experienced in the last European Photo Conference, the UK leads the way with many of our activities, including Instax advertising, Wonder Photo, customer development and with the business in general.. The Fujifilm UK Photo team managed to generate the biggest level of sales in over seven years. That’s not bad for a business which many people think is in decline!”

your print sales in 2018! Get in touch with Peter direct on 01234 572138 or via photoprintservices_UK@fujifilm.com 12Boost www.pixel.co.uk

Fujifilm Solutions UK Roadshow “Every personalised photo product can be exactly that – totally personal” David Honey Fujifilm Director of Photo Imaging

Visit us at a roadshow event near you to talk about how Fujifilm’s range of solutions and innovations can help your photo business make the most of the trend for personalisation of photo products and services.

Show Time 2pm til 8pm

2nd October Exeter

3rd October Cheltenham

4th October Harrogate

Mercure Rougemont Hotel

Racecourse

The Majestic

10th October London

16th October Livingstone

18th October Antrim

Venue TBC

Macdonald Houstoun Hotel

Dunadry Hotel

Equipment demos • Frontier-S Dry Lab • Instant Photo Kiosk • Epson P6000 - 24 inch wide format printing • Epson Workforce Pro - Gift cards • Sawgrass Dye Sub Photo Gifting kit - in-store mugs, T-shirts etc.

Software • Imagine (kiosk, online, mobile) • Digital Passport Photo Related Goods • Wunderbars & Casbar • Square Printing

• Adhesive Frame • Shacolla Outlab Service • Phone cases • Cushions Instore merchandising & display • Trestles • Shelving Independent Photo Retailer Partner marketing program • Marketing Support • Business Endeavour Program • Inspires Consultancy

Joining us on the roadshows will be Swains, our authorised distributor to our Independent Photo Retail Partner marketing scheme.

• • • •

Instax & Instax Share Traditional frames & albums New Christmas gift ideas Christmas camera offers

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TESTED

SONY:

CP-V10B PORTABLE CHARGER

After wasting ridiculous amounts of money over the years on portable chargers, Luke Woodford was determined to find one that was reliable and did exactly what it said on the box. Sony introduced us to the CP-V10B and we put it through its paces.

W

beenBuying there...aBuying a We’ve all e’ve beenall there... portable portable charger at the you’ve airport charger at the airport because because you’ve left one yours at left yours at home, buying from home, buying fromcity a random a random shopone in the becauseshop the in the city bag because the onecharging. in your one in your has stopped bag has chargers stopped can charging.

Portable Portable be an absolute chargersbut can beaan absolute saviour, savour, also curse!

Until the day a curse! to Until the day I was Ibut gotalso introduced Sony’s CP-V10B introduced to Sony’s CP-V10B portable portable charger. charger.

Firstly, lets talk about the design. It’s Firstly, let’sand talkexactly aboutwhat the itdesign. clean, simple should It’sshould clean, be. simple andopinion, exactly nothing what it it In my shouldisbe.

In mywith opinion, nothing fancy fancy needed a portable charger, is needed a portable charger, just let it with charge my phone and just not let it charge my phone break!

The sleek designand fitsnot wellbreak! with TheSony sleekbrand. design fits well with the Sony the brand.

So how long does it last? We are told long does last? We are well told ‘upSotohow 3 times for a itsmartphone’, ‘up to 3 times for a smartphone’, well this was obviously the most important this was obviously the mostmy important thing to me and it charged Iphone thing to me and it Very charged my Iphone 8 nearly 4 times. impressive!

We 8 nearly 4 times.

Verythis impressive! also thought that with capacity, We the also thought thatbewith thisway capacity, the CP-V10B would a great to charge CP-V10B would be out a great to charge your camera when andway about.

Its not your camera andsockets about as it’s always easy when to findout plug when not and always easyYou to can findofplug sockets out about. course take when you’re out. You of course multiple batteries butcan if you know take me multiple if you know and me a bit by batteries now, I likebut peace of mind a bit by now, I like peace of mind and keeping this in your bag helps it! keeping thispoint in my worth bag helps it!

Another mentioning is Another worth mentioning is how how quickpoint it actually charges whatever quickly it actually charges is is plugged into it. It’s all verywhatever well having plugged into but it. It’s very well having a long life, if italltakes an age to a long your life, phone, but if itit’stakes an age to charge not really useful! charge yourthe phone, it’s not really useful!

Thankfully CP-V10B is super quick.

Thankfully the CP-V10B super quick.

It was noticeably quickeristhan previous It was noticeably than previous chargers id used. quicker Sony say that its as chargers I’dAC used. say that it’s as fast as an wallSony charger.

I tested it fast as mine an AC tested of it against andwall givecharger. or take aI couple against mine and give or take a couple of minutes, it was. minutes, it was.actually find a fault with We couldn’t was noticeable the charger theIt CP-V10B portablethat charger.

We did doesn’teverything get hot andwe thatcould, it stops charging tested apart from when it islife. fully recharged.

These are its overall Time will tell, but the build great safety aspects.

There are quality and Sony’s reputation givefar metoo no many chargers there that overheat reason to believeout that it wouldn’t live as and explode, long as it sayssomething it does. you don’t want to worry about!

Sony is 1000 You can say viewthat the the full CP-V10B info and specs at times rechargeable. This is something www.sony.co.uk we obviously couldn’t test this, but we have full faith in the brand and have full

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faith that it will last a good few years with regular use.

We couldn’t actually find a fault with the CP-V10B portable charger. We tested everything we could, apart from its overall life. Time will tell, but the build quality and Sony’s reputation give me no reason to believe that it wouldn’t live as long as it says it does.

You can view the full info and specs at www.sony.co.uk

OFF THE PRESS

SWAINS:

KEEPING YOU UP-TO-DATE ONLINE Since its launch in November 2014 Swains International Plc have invested in developing its website into its current one-stop-shop for retailers. July was a record month for receiving online orders.

S

wains understand the value of communication and ease of use.

Their website allows retailers to check stock and promotional offers before placing orders. Once Swains have received their order, the retailer receives a notification to inform them the order has been received as well as a notification to inform them the order has been dispatched which includes the courier tracking number. They are also able to now send retailers a text message informing them of their delivery details, (Existing customers are advised to contact Swains sales office if you would like your account to be setup for this feature).

As well as paperless monthly statements, copy invoices and accounts balances can also be viewed on the website as well as details of items which are on back order. Items which have

been previously ordered are stored in their favourites for quick ordering.

It’s important to Swains that customers can easily see what products are new, so they list every new release under a tab on the homepage for 15 days.

With so many products being added to Swains website every month, the website banners are refreshed weekly.

This is another way to see what’s new and what special offers are currently on.

Customers have the ability to filter products by type when browsing, i.e if you are looking for a particular frame in a certain colour, a self adhesive photo album or a camera which is waterproof.

Selected products have product information as well as a link to manufacturers website for full specifications. Related products are listed so you can easily order add-on items, such as compatible batteries

or memory cards on cameras, to ink cartridges for a printer.

Swains are constantly investing in the site. Their latest new feature is the ability to include video links to hardware products. This creates a better and more in depth experience for customers.

When you log in, the website displays unique pricing, you can then also log out which will only show you guide pricing so you can then show any consumer without displaying your purchase price.

The website also has links to Memorie Frame & Album Catalogue and price list, Direct Debit Form, Application for credit form.

You can take a look for yourself at www.swains.co.uk and stay tuned to Pixel for all the latest Swains news.

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FEATURE

SONY:

SWITCHING SIDES

Kate Hopewell-Smith has recently switched to a Sony Mirrorless system after using another top brand for a decade. The renowned photographer explains why, and what’s her preferred camera for wedding photography.

K

ate and her husband Brent, a professional cinematographer, have experimented with various brands as it’s important to know all the different systems out there for their Training byLumiere business. In 2017, Brent invested in the PXWFS7 (4K) camera body and the Sony 18-110mm F/4 G OSS PZ. At The Photography Show, this year, Kate and Brent approached Sony and asked to trial the Alpha Series for the School – with both photography and cinematography in mind. This conversation was the start of a beautiful relationship.

Sony loaned the team a A7III and a A7RIII with a variety of lenses for one month. In this time they tested all the gear in real working situations including weddings,

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portraits and a boudoir session.

Kate says - “For me to even consider something as significant as a switch to a new system it would need to offer me the same and more.

I’m also coming from the angle of wedding photography – if the system can deliver for weddings it can certainly perform across other disciplines.

And it does. So much so that I didn’t want to give the Sony’s back and this led to a full scale switch of my current gear for Sony.”

In the end, Kate and Brent decided to go for the A9 because of the speed and reliability of the EYE-AF function, and the A7III as the second bodies for their kit bags because the resolution was adequate, handling the same as the A9 but is able to perform well for video as a second body for Brent’s video work.

In Kates words, here are some of the reasons why she decided to make the big switch.

Eye AF – eye tracking focussing This function picks up and tracks the eye nearest to the centre of the screen.

Once that eye is locked, keep the button held down and their eye will always be in focus– even when the subject moves and as you shoot at high frame rates and even when the subject is wearing sunglasses. If the person moves their head it will jump to the other eye if that becomes closer to the camera.

You decide which button to designate as Eye AF – it is totally down to personal preference – but I use the ‘focus hold’ button on the side of the lenses.

Without doubt this is one of my favourite features but please note you have to

FEATURE be in continuous servo mode. This has become such an important feature for me that I now keep my cameras in continuous servo pretty much the whole time.

I use Eye AF all the time now and it is particularly brilliant for confetti runs, speeches and the couple session. It is just a brilliant feature for all people photographers.

Manual Mode – Focus Magnifier This little feature is super useful – it enlarges the image before shooting so that you can check the focus. Further enhanced by turning on the focus

peaking – which we set to red so you can easily see the outline of what is in focus An obvious benefit for any Macro work but was essential at a recent wedding when we placed the bride and groom the other side of a backlit fountain!

EVF – Electronic Viewfinder This is probably my favourite feature of the Sony system. With a DSLR the viewfinder is a great tool for composition and of course I used all of the exposure information that was displayed to dial in my TEST exposure. As a manual shooter 95% of the time I worked in zones – constantly deciding if the frame

would be around 0 or a +1 or -2. I was constantly chimping to check I had the exposure that I wanted (often not the exposure the camera would give me in auto mode). If I looked at the thumbnails from a wedding you would see the blips (over or under exposed frames) where I got the test shot wrong and made the necessary adjustments before carrying on. When you look through the Sony EVF you see the exact exposure you will get if you press the shutter. I don’t think I can actually communicate how amazing this is at a wedding where we are constantly dealing with changes to lighting and exposure AND when you shoot like me and have a crazy love for high-contrast images. The other real benefit of the EVF is the ability to review your images rather than relying on the LCD – particularly important when you are shooting in very bright conditions as we often are at weddings and recently on a portrait shoot on the beach it was a godsend.

ISO performance Wedding photographers are generally very interested in real time ISO performance in low light – not the dizzy heights cameras are capable of but the reality of sensible ISO levels that retain fantastic quality images. I have shot the A9 at 6400 and 8000 with very clean images that require minimal noise reduction.

Frame Rate The A9 offers Low (5 fps), Medium (10 fps) and High (20 fps). For weddings the 20 fps is overkill and this is why the A7III’s 10 fps is more than adequate. I really like the fact that in L frame rate you can trigger single shot if you press once or multiple frames if you hold your finger on the shutter button.

Since making the switch, Kate and Brent have become Sony Europe Imaging Ambassadors. To read more about why Kate uses Sony and her journey as a photographer, visit her blog at www.trainingbylumiere.co.uk View the latest information, ambassadors and events at www.sony.co.uk/alphauniverse/ ambassadors Kate & Brent will host an Experience Alpha Day for non-Sony users who would like to try the Sony kit on 20th September in Stowe, in association with ProFoto Sony announce new social hashtags: #SwitchToAlpha #SonyAlpha #A9 #A7M3 #GMaster #EyeAF

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OFF THE PRESS

LEXAR: BACK TO PRODUCTION Lexar, a leading global brand of flash memory solutions, today announced it would officially be in full production and shipping globally to major retailers in North America, EMEA, and APAC regions this Autumn.

L

exar’s award-winning lineup includes memory cards, card readers, solid-state drives (SSDs) and USB flash drives, geared towards professional photographers, videographers, and content creators who demand high-performance solutions for images, 1080p full-HD, 3D, and 4K video.

“I’m extremely excited to reintroduce the Lexar brand to our worldwide customers. Lexar is dynamic, has superior research and development capabilities, and has a deep understanding of our customer’s needs. At the same time, we are confident that we can expand the Lexar business successfully in different markets globally.” Huabo Cai, CEO of Lexar said, “For more than twenty years of innovative development, Lexar has been a world-renowned brand in the field of flash memory and trusted by bringing

unparalleled storage experience and creating unequivocal value for business users and consumers.

This announcement confirms Lexar’s return to the high-performance removable storage market and is the first press release from its new parent company, Longsys. High-performance and exceptional reliability will continue to be the cornerstone of the Lexar brand.

The combined expertise of Lexar and Longsys will develop and strengthen the range of products and solutions, and continued engagement with professional photographers, videographers, and creative professionals will ensure that the right products are created for the right markets.

Lexar is now shipping to major retailers in North America,

EMEA, and APAC regions. In some countries, Lexar products will be made available to online retailers, and brickand-mortar to shortly follow. Lexar will be exhibiting at this year’s Photokina, in Cologne, Germany September 26th - 29th, one of the largest and most exciting shows in the professional photographers’ calendar.

For more information visit www.lexar.com

Pixel Magazine is published under lisence from Pixel Publications Ltd.

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TESTED

TESTED:

MANFROTTO PRO LIGHT FASTTRACK-8 SLING BAG

Pixel’s Antony Meadley tells us in his words about his recent photo trip to Burma with one of Manfrotto’s latest bag releases.

I

had a month long trip planned to Burma (Myanmar) and needed a compact sling bag to carry my camera gear and valuables, whilst the rest of my belongings were in a large rucksack.

It didn’t make any sense to carry two backpacks with the extreme heat and extensive travelling I knew was ahead of me, so an over the shoulder sling bag seemed like the best design.

I saw that Manfrotto had just released the Pro Light Fasttrack-8 Sling Bag. It seemed to be the best match for my requirements, especially with its builtin camera strap which I thought would come in really handy in situations where I needed to shoot quickly and efficiently.

When the bag arrived, it looked as impressive in real life as it did in photos.

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It’s marketed as a bag for CSC Mirrorless cameras. In my mind, it would make sense to make it slightly bigger so it comfortably fits DSLRs so more people could use it but I also understand the power of marketing it to the popular mirrorless demographic.

As I’m sure you have all seen, the bag is very stylish and made of robust ripstop nylon fabric which is tough whilst also being lightweight. The bag only weighs 730g. The toughness and weight of the Pro Light Fasttrack I thought would be key factors in this trip, and they certainly were!

There are plenty of zipped pouches for storing things. I had my passport, credit cards, Kindle, sun cream, memory cards, spare batteries, USB battery pack

all securely stored. And there are also two side pouches for holding small water bottles, essential when walking in the heat.

On the long plane journey, it was easy to slip the bag under the seat in front, and then access it whenever I needed to get to my passport or Kindle or headphones and even neck pillow, instead of having to use the overhead locker and disturbing people.

The padding is very reassuring. One of my main destinations was Bagan. I was often climbing up the steep sides of the pagodas in order to get a good viewpoint for the famous sunsets and sunrises over the hundreds of abandoned temples.

In Yangon I climbed up to the top of a rollercoaster that was completely lost in time, needing both hands free to hold onto whatever I could find for stability. In