British Photographic Industry News February 2016

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FEATURE

NEWS

Panasonic creates new compact camera segment.

We hear from the UK team aiming to take the travel zoom further

Countdown to The Photography Show!

Latest exhibitor updates and big names to draw the crowds

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Industry

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New Gear for a New Year The BIG new releases to stock… and how to sell them!

THE SOCIETIES CONVENTION & TRADE SHOW 2016 – SEE OUR CENTRE PAGE REPORT!

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EDITORIAL | February 2016

Photographic British

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W EDITOR Gavin Stoker Tel: 020 8274 0578 Tel: 07990 974 367 ART EDITOR Michael O’Connell EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES Please direct all editorial requests, news and press releases to info@bpinews.co.uk ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES Please direct all advertising enquiries and sponsorship opportunities to gavin@bpinews.co.uk.

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UT! SS O our I M r ’T DON ue date fo review p d Copy phy Show ch 2016) Mar ted ogra Phot BPI News Issue pos ( . issue uary 17th e month. r th is Feb t end of ou

2016 off to a roaring start, with more to come

e’ve already got CES and The travel zooms from Panasonic, continuing to Societies Convention & Trade Show plug that manufacturer’s 4K video message under our belts, and all eyes and and even featuring its innovative Post Focus budgets are now focused on The Photography technology as standard. And these are pocket Show next month. We’ll be bringing you a cameras! comprehensive heads-up of what will be on The other big news for the ‘conventional’ show from the trade, and players both big DSLR user this month is obviously the full reveal and small, next issue, which is a special ‘TPS’ of the Nikon D5 and the less pricey D500, which preview edition – so now is the time to get in features a lot of the larger camera’s technology touch if you have details and products to share and features, albeit with a smaller sensor. Both Gavin Stoker, with BPI News’ readership.

Nikon and Sony have new action cameras to Editor The start of 2016 has already seen a hefty push too, whilst the camcorder and dedicated gavin@bpinews.co.uk volume of exciting new gear delivered by the video market hasn’t been forgotten. There are @GavinStoker big names, with Fujifilm, Olympus, Panasonic, new Sony and Canon models, with the latter Nikon, Canon and Sony all bringing out new imaging adding two fully featured DSLR-like bridge cameras. equipment that raises their respective benchmarks and Something for everyone – but most importantly provides enticement for the paying customer. Naturally something for everyone within the market sectors in we’ve covered these releases in the pages that follow, growth – seems to be the message behind 2016’s latest including selling and pitching advice from the respective UK announcements. We hope that collectively they prove a product and marketing teams to fully put you in the picture. shot in the arm for the trade, encourage more smartphone Our favourites? Well obviously the new Fujifilm X-Pro2 snappers to ‘trade up’, and put more cash in tills. Finally, you and Olympus PEN-F appear deserving of a lot of attention, won’t fail to notice we’ve tweaked some design elements with their winning combinations of classic analogue era this issue to make for a cleaner, fresher, more contemporary design and the latest digital technology. Slightly more layout and provide the details you need at a glance. The affordable yet equally eye catching are the upgraded TZ upshot? A better read we hope. Let us know your thoughts!

CONTENTS 04 NEWS A splash and waterproof camera marks a new direction for Leica, plus the latest trade deals on accessories and new faces in the frame

20 KENRO SPRINGS INTO ACTION The leading distributor has a profitable selection of new albums and frames to share with the trade this month and next!

08 PANASONIC CREATES NEW COMPACT CAMERA SEGMENT How the electronics giant’s two new premium travel zooms are, it believes, helping to create a new class of camera and sales opportunity

23 WORLD’S MOST ADVANCED FINE ART INKJET MEDIA We hear from Marketing Manager Joseph Reiner about his brand’s win at The Societies Awards plus its new paper surfaces

12 COMING SOON: THE PHOTOGRAPHY SHOW What’s in store for the trade and potential consumer visitors at the UK’s – and indeed Europe’s – biggest annual photo show 14 NIKON BLOWS SHOOTING POSSIBILITIES WIDE OPEN Not only do your customers have a new D5, D500, Speedlight and zoom lenses to play with, but also Nikon’s first ever action camera

A crowded Nikon demo at the Societies Convention 16 THE SOCIETIES CONVENTION & TRADE SHOW 2016 A pictorial souvenir of this year’s event as 2016’s UK trade shows get under way – and why you should consider a trade partnership 18 FUJIFILM CELEBRATES HEALTHY ‘X’ LIFE The key selling points of the exciting new flagship X-Pro2, X70, plus X-E2S’ and XP90 compacts to generate sales and interest

24 EXPERT TIPS FOR A FITTER PHOTO BUSINESS Get your 2016 off to a flying start by potentially raising prices whilst saving money into the bargain – read how here!

29 THE ‘PHOTOWONDER’ OF FUJIFILM Peter Wigington fills us in on the latest promotional pushes with his FDIS membership – and details how you too could benefit

Subscriptions, back issues & BPI News online Overseas annual subscription £50 (Cheques payable to Legacy Media Ltd). For details email info@bpinews.co.uk. View current and back issues online at www.bpinews.co.uk

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NEWS

LEICA SET TO MAKE A SPLASH

THE PREMIUM camera brand has been on fire of late – introducing new models and accessories by the month. This month’s delivery is the Leica X-U (Typ 113), specifically designed for outdoor and underwater photography.

It features an APS-C CMOS sensor, 23mm f/1.7 lens the equivalent of 35mm in 35mm terms, plus can withstand depths of 15 metres whilst being shock resistant, dust sealed and shatter proof with it. Full HD video capture is also an option. Available now from Leica stores and its authorised dealer network, SRP is £2,400. Accessories include a red floating carry strap at £50 and outdoor wrist strap in black neoprene at £32.

In related news Leica is sponsoring the Oskar Barnack Award 2016, an international photographic competition, now in its 36th year. Entries are being accepted from March 1st. Prizes amount to a cash value of 80,000 Euros and include Leica M-system camera

‘WORLD’S MOST COMPACT 300MM LENS’ VIA OLYMPUS

equipment. Terms and conditions of entry can be downloaded from www.leica-oskar-barnack-award.com www.leica-camera.com

NEW SIGMA PROTECTIVE FILTER 10X STRONGER

THAT’S the enticing pitch to your Olympus OM-D or PEN owning customers via the latest addition to its professional M.Zuiko Pro line up: Retailers seeking to piggyback a the 300mm 1:4.0 IS Pro telephoto sale will further be pleased to know lens, which arrives this spring priced that there are several accessories at £2199.99 SRP. In addition to that available alongside the lens – a headline feature the lens is claimed 1.4x teleconverter, just 15mm slim, to have the world’s most powerful a duffel-shaped carry case for safe 6-step image stabilization system, storage, plus a protection filter with in combination with matching Olympus’ proprietary ‘Zero’ coating Olympus cameras, plus the shortest technology to prevent ghosting focusing distance for telemacro and flare. photography in its category: just BPI advert feb 17:40 1.4m from subject to16.pdf camera. 1 15/01/2016 www.olympus.co.uk

SIGMA UK has announced a new Japanese made lens protection filter – the Sigma WR Ceramic Protector – fashioned from an innovative material called Clear Glass Ceramic, which it describes as ‘a completely new type of glass’. Whilst boasting the high transmittance values required of optical devices, this advanced, scratch resistant new material is claimed to combine greater hardness than chemically

strengthened glass and greater flexibility than sapphire crystal glass. Indeed Sigma is claiming the filter has 10x the strength of a conventional protective filter and 3x the strength of a chemically hardened glass filter. Incidentally the ‘WR’ stands for ‘Water Repellant’.

Price and availability was still to be set at the time of writing. www.sigma-imaging-uk.com

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NEWS

COLEMAN IN HOT SEAT AT HASSELBLAD

JESSOPS HITS THE BIG 5-0 IN POSITIVE news for the photo trade, Peter Jones’s revamped and revitalised chain just got a little bigger last Christmas with the opening of its 50th store. As has been a trend of late, with 11 supermarket locations now, its latest emporium is again within a Sainsbury’s, in this case in Emersons Green, Bristol. December saw Jessops opening stores in Exeter, Cambridge and Bristol just in time for the busy Christmas trading season.

“The opening of Jessops at Emersons Green

concludes a very successful year for Jessops,” enthuses Jessops CEO Neil Old. “2015 saw 14 new store openings, allowing us to bring our service to even more customers around the country. We are incredibly excited to be expanding the business, and at the same time reassured by winning several customer voted awards which shows our ongoing commitment to making sure every shopping experience is unforgettable.” www.jessops.co.uk

ANSMANN TAKES POWER TO THE EXTREME ALKALINE batteries don’t like the cold, but power specialist Ansmann has the answer in its ‘Extreme’ range of lithium batteries. Advantages over standard alkaline and zinc chloride batteries include more power, so they’re great in high drain devices, a long shelf life, a lightweight construction plus the ability to operate in much lower temperatures: down to a claimed minus 40°C in fact!

Ansmann is offering the trade three sizes of lithium batteries that could help prevent potential

problems for your customers in the cold: AA, AAA and a 9V block – the latter said to be ideal for powering smoke alarms. These come in various pack sizes (for example 4xAAs at £7.75 SRP, 8xAAs at £14.95 or £8.95 for a blister packed 9V battery), so there is plenty of opportunity to offer customers exactly what they need. For more info and to place your order call Mike or Peter on 0870 609 2233 or email info@ansmann.co.uk www.ansmann.co.uk

SIMON COLEMAN, well known in the trade for his years with Nikon UK as Imaging General Manager, now has a new address in Elstree, Hertfordshire, as the new UK MD of Hasselblad.

Simon took on the role with the high-end camera brand last month, having spent time consulting for Hasselblad AB in Gothenburg last year.

He tells BPI News that he looks forward to meeting customers both old and new in the coming months. Hasselblad UK will also be exhibiting at The Photography Show, Birmingham in March. www.hasselblad.com

SAMSUNG’S RENEWED DRIVE FOLLOWING the not altogether surprising news just before Christmas that it was pulling out of digital camera sales in the UK and Germany, Samsung is concentrating on storage media products, the newest of which is the Portable SSD T3 drive. As the model name suggests it offers multi terabyte (TB) storage, and follows on from the launch of the earlier T1 device in 2015.

The Korean giant is pinning its hopes on the fact that, with the rise of 4K content, consumers are increasingly relying on external

storage solutions, while seeking faster data transfer speeds and larger capacities on multiple devices. Samsung suggests the T3 solves these concerns by enabling blazing-fast file transfers (read/ write speeds of up to 450MB/s with a USB 3.1 interface, which is up to four times faster than alternative external HDD solutions). For photographers and videographers wanting more storage in the palm of their hand, the Portable SSD T3 drive arrives this month. www.samsung.co.uk

BPI News | February 2016 5

NEWS

FLASH DEAL ON METZ

SPLASH IN THE ‘POOL

DISTRIBUTOR Intro2020 is newly offering up the Metz 44 AF-2 flashgun to its photo retail partners, describing it as perfect for either DSLRs or mirrorless cameras. Key features include a guide number of 44 (ISO100 and 105mm), a motorised 24-105mm zoom, bounce and swivel head, integrated 12mm wide angle diffuser and flip out bounce reflector card.

It’s not just for shooting stills either. For videographers it also features an integrated LED with 100 Lux output at one metre, and four switchable levels of light output. Suggested retail price is £179.99 and it’s available now via Intro. www.intro2020.co.uk www.metzflash.co.uk

Digital Splash 2016 moves to Liverpoo WE REPORTED on the previous Digital l Splash, the annual event organised by Wilkinson Cameras, back in our November Driving sales through 2015 issue – and plans are already in place Inspiration & Education for its return in 2016, with a new venue: the Liverpool Echo Arena & Convention Centre.

The dates for your diary are Saturday 15th Will your brand be part of the biggest and Sunday 16th October – with a trade event in the North? invitation day happening on Thursday 18th February, where you’ll be able to meet the team at the venue and enjoy a complimentary light buffet lunch. If you’d like to come along or to discuss opportunities, contact David Parkinson on 01722 696630 or email dkp@wilkinson.co.uk www.wilkinson.co.uk New premium venue Liverpool Echo Arena & Convention Centre

Digital Splash 2016; Hosted and driven by the industry for the industry

Saturday 15th & Sunday 16th October 2016

LEICA PARTNERS WITH THE PRO CENTRE THE PREMIUM brand tells us that its pro product portfolio, including the Leica S (Typ 007) medium format system and range of S lenses, the Leica M rangefinder system and lenses, and the new

mirrorless Leica SL system, will be available for both sales and hire via the Pro Centre as part of a new partnership. The latter offers a ‘try before you buy’ service, refunding photographers a day’s rental charge

if purchased within 30 day of the hire, for items over £500.

www.procentre.co.uk www.leica-camera.com

THOSE WHO SERVED… and grew to become one of the largest independent photographic suppliers in the UK – his success allowing him to indulge his passions of motor cars and excellence in engineering.

Just before passing this edition for press we were informed of the death of Sir Kenneth Corfield (pictured) from Paula Pell-Johnson, MD of Linhofstudio Ltd. Kenneth was the founder of KG Corfield Ltd, Lumix National POS Periflex responsible for theTrust Corfield in the 1950s and the Corfield WA67 in theDescription 1980s. • Complimentary National Trust Membership Campaign POS

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WHILE MOST reeled from the big name celebrity deaths that came in quick succession over Christmas and New Year, we also lost a couple of our own in the trade too. News reached us of the passing of Flaghead Photographic founder Robert White a day too late to be included in our preChristmas edition. Robert had courageously spent three years battling cancer. Many longer term members of the trade will recall Robert started Complimentary the business back 12 month national trust membership with the lumiX FZ200 or FZ72 in 1982 in his hometown of Poole

Paula tells us: After his ventures with the Corfield Camera ended, Sir Kenneth continued to have a distinguished career culminating in the Chairman and Chief Executive of Standard Telephones & Cables plc. in 1979. In 1980 he was awarded a Knighthood for his services to export. Photography was never far from his heart and in the 1980’s he designed a new architectural camera, the Corfield WA 67 and reformed K G Corfield Ltd. During this time he also secured the continuation of Gandolfi cameras

from the Gandolfi brothers. And all this in his spare time; with Sir Kenneth continuing to work from London offices until he was 85.

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Satisfied PhotoXport customer Malcolm McDonald of Sutherland’s Photo Lab, Thurso, Scotland, with his newly installed Green II

‘THE WHOLE COUNTRY’S GOING NORITSU GREEN’ From John O’Groats to Land’s End, there is now a Noritsu machine fulfilling local print requirements, says PhotoXport MD Derek Fieldhouse, distributor of Noritsu Green dry labs for the UK. Isn’t it time you too went ‘Green’?

F

or many a new year signals a fresh start.

Why not take that decisive first step towards boosting your business by either replacing an ageing wet lab with a sleek new digital ‘dry’ version?

Or add a mini lab and the high margin revenue that can be gleaned from photo processing to your photo retail offering?

The number you need to call is 0116 2675907, and on the end of the line will be PhotoXport MD Derek Fieldhouse and his team, experts and distributors of the cutting edge Noritsu Green series line up.

“We’re covering the UK with Greens,” reveals Derek. “We’ve just put a machine in Cornwall, and at the time of speaking we’re putting a machine up near John O’Groats.”

The team at PhotoXport are making promo videos of each installation, with the aim being to have a compilation of all the installations from the last year on its website (www.photoxport.com) by the time The Photography Show takes place in March 2016.

As we’ve detailed in the past couple of issues of BPI News, there are three key Noritsu Green dry labs in the line up to choose from – the Green Simplex, the ‘standard’ Green and the range-topping Green II – see our side panel for the breakdown of features.

All are available now via PhotoXport.

Countrywide coverage To give an indication of PhotoXport’s countrywide reach, Robert Carne of Premier Photographics in Truro in Cornwall recently took out two Noritsu wet

labs and put a Green dry lab in their place, whilst Malcolm McDonald of Sutherland’s Photo Lab, based in Thurso, Scotland, counts himself another satisfied customer – having just taken delivery of a Green II himself.

“We had a Noritsu wet lab before – the QSS3212 – which has been running for the last 11 years, so was getting a bit old and tired,” Malcolm recalls. “We wanted to have something as close to our old wet lab as we could, so I did a bit of shopping around, found Derek’s website, phoned him and asked what he had to offer – which turned out to be an ex-demo Green II. I watched the videos about it and saw that it was getting great reviews – which prompted me to go for it. And the print quality is fantastic!”

From initial discovery to having a machine installed took just three weeks, according to Malcolm. Indeed speed – and speed of output – was another consideration in choosing the Noristu Green II as Sutherland’s Photo Lab needed a heavy duty beast to fulfill its widespread print orders. “With the nearest alternative lab at Inverness 112 miles away, we have the whole of Sutherland and a lot of the Highlands as our customers; a vast area. Photo books are another service we wanted to add, so that was another factor in us choosing the Green II,” he adds.

PhotoXport MD Derek Fieldhouse concludes: “Please do browse the website for more details of the minilab solutions on offer – if you can’t find something or need assistance, feel free to contact us like Malcolm did and we’ll be glad to help.” www.photoxport.com

BPI NEWS EXTRA

3 NORITSU GREEN DRY LABS TO CHOOSE!

Get started with the entry-level Noritsu Green Simplex dry lab.

“It offers the same output capacity as a Fuji or Epson – but we believe it’s significantly cheaper,” Derek says. There is also a duplex version that offers double sided prints and adjustable paper platen that can accommodate around 36 different paper types, including third party papers.

The next step up is the Noritsu QSS Green standard edition. This automatically offers duplex printing on different surfaces from different paper manufacturers, allowing for photo book production. Watch a promo video at: youtu.be/0BPCnR5Zpvo Top of the range meanwhile is the Noritsu QSS Green II. With the industrial build of a wet lab, yet with a dry lab engine, it’s built for a hammering and to produce millions and millions of prints.

This has all the key features of the popular D1005HR and over 3000 prints can be produced before new paper needs loading. See the video at: youtu.be/0BPCnR5Zpvo

BPI News is your mouthpiece to the industry. Send your news to info@bpinews.co.uk BPI News | February 2016 7

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

BPI NEWS EXTRA

As we went to press, the following trade events were looming large:

L to R: Tamar Stern, Mark Baber, Filipe Sa Nogueira, Barnaby Sykes, Mr Uematsu (Panasonic Japan), Christie Patel

n iFA 2015, Berlin, September 4th to 9th. The annual consumer electronics show that traditionally sees a healthy representation from the photo trade. For more see www.if-berlin.de n Autumn Fair at the NEC, Birmingham, September 6th to 9th. Over a thousand exhibitors showcasing their wares pre-Christmas. See www.autumnfair.com and Kenro feature page 16.

PANASONIC CREATES NEW COMPACT CAMERA SEGMENT Panasonic gets 2016 off to a roaring start by revealing a pair of premium TZ series compacts with 4K video and exciting Post Focus technology, plus Lumix G lens perfectly optimised for 4K video

T

he electronics giant is amongst the big names refreshing its product line up for spring 2016 this month. There are two new premium compacts in the DMC-TZ100 super zoom with one inch 20MP sensor – which has a March launch date at £549 SRP – plus the TZ80, a travel zoom described as its ‘small brother’. The latter arrives mid February at a suggested price of £359.

At an exclusive pre-Christmas preview, Panasonic told BPI News that it is the number one market leader for super zoom cameras, with a 59% market share for those models between £200 and £299. Its objectives for 2016 are to bag 18% of the total DSC market, with the manufacturer revealing that 50% of its DSC turnover is coming from 4K models. “Bridge cameras are getting more important in the market, along with premium cameras and super zooms,” Panasonic UK’s Compact & Camcorder Product Manager Filipe Sa Nogueira told BPI.

May the ‘4’s be with you: market’s biggest 4K line up In offering 4k photo, 4K video and new post focus technology across its latest models, Panasonic has, according to Filipe, “the biggest line up of 4K products – no one has the line up we have.” The manufacturer claims latest figures show it has

New TZ100 (left) and equally new TZ80, right, feature 4K capture and Post Focus technology as standard

65% market share in volume for 4K products in the UK, 59% for value.

Featuring a dedicated 4K video button, the new DMC-TZ100 camera, says Filipe, is “one of the most exciting products of this past year and will create a new segment in the compact camera market.” Apart from the larger sensor it features a 10x optical zoom (25-250mm equivalent), f/2.8 Leica lens (as opposed to the previous TZ70’s f/3 optic), 4K live cropping facility – whereby a 4K file can be edited down to a Full HD one – plus 0.2-inch EVF with eye sensor and 1,166k dot resolution. There’s also a touchscreen LCD with 1,040K-dot resolution and in-camera Raw processing, “bringing technology from G series cameras to TZ series cameras.” Pleasing enthusiasts further, it sports a lens

control ring and its target customer is someone who wants ‘ultimate quality on the go’.

Plenty of repeat business at retail Panasonic claims that there is a lot of repeat business from customers as regards the ‘TZ’ line up.

“Customers actually shop TZ as a brand,” confirms Panasonic UK’s Head of Imaging Marketing Barnaby Sykes.

The TZ80 itself is said to be an evolution of the TZ70, in that it adds 4K video. It also has an 18.1 megapixel sensor, 30x optical zoom, 24-720mm

f/3.3-6.4 lens reach, 3-inch touch screen LCD and 0.2-inch EVF. Users of its Lumix G series Micro Four Thirds cameras also get a directly compatible new telephoto zoom lens in the 100-400mm f/4-6.3 Leica DG lens, optimized for 4K video, splash and dust proof, and with a suggested price tag of £1349. New Lumix G Product Manager Christie Patel adds that: “Our targets are mid to high end users, and, having seen a massive 5x uplift in sales of 4K models, this is absolutely our focus for 2016.” This dovetails nicely with the related news that Panasonic is continuing its promotional partnership with the National Trust for the next two year to push home with its 4K message to visiting members. www.panasonic.co.uk

The newly arrived high-end 100-400mm lens for Lumix G CSC users

BPI News is your mouthpiece to the industry. Send your news to info@bpinews.co.uk 8 February 2016 | BPI News

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BPI News | February 2016 9

BPI NEWS EXTRA

Canon’s new bridge model the PowerShot SX540HS boasts a powerful 50x optical zoom to allow your customers to get closer to the sporting action

CANON TAKES IT TO THE BRIDGE AT RETAIL Two new bridge cameras, four camcorders, three new IXUS cameras and a portable Selphy printer make up the photo giant’s spring 2016 collection…

BPI News outlines the key selling points of each to pitch to your customers

L

ike most of the other big names this month, Canon has a plethora of new product to share with the trade, first announced to coincide with the CES show in the States, early January. Kicking things off, this month it debuts a pair of enthusiast targeted bridge cameras in the PowerShot SX540 HS (main pic), featuring a 50x ultra wide 24mm optical zoom and Digic 6 processor, plus SX420 IS (below, centre), which boasts a 42x optical zoom lens and Digic 4+ processor.

The pitch for your photographer customers is that both models provide 20 megapixels of resolution and built-in Wi-Fi and NFC capabilities, with the SX540 HS offering Full HD video, as opposed to the SX420 IS delivering standard HD clips. Available now, the SX540 HS has an SRP of £299.99, while the SX420 IS comes pegged at an even more affordable £219.99.

Camcorders have family & pros in their sights

quickly mounted on the camera to shorten the focal length to 26.9mm, expanding the camcorder’s overall view. All models feature built-in Wi-Fi with the exception of the R706, which is FlashAir compatible, thus making it ‘Wi-Fi enabled’.

New IXUS trio & Selphy printer debuted

pitched at journalism students, or professional videographers looking for a second camera. Incorporating a 1/2.84 type HD CMOS Pro sensor, it offers a 20x wide angle zoom with 26.8-576mm focal length.

By contrast the R706, R76 and R78 models are pitched at family users. These also feature a Digic DV4 processor, and a Full HD CMOS sensor. The Legria HF R78 adds a wide attachment lens that can be

The new products don’t stop there however, as three new IXUS cameras also join the line up this month in the 285 HS (8x zoom), 180 (12x zoom, in blue, right) and 175 (10x, in red, right), plus a Selphy CP1200 portable printer with which users can make their own hard copies of images. Said to be the manufacturer’s slimmest point and shoot cameras, the trio feature a dedicated Movie Record Button and various creative and image enhancement features,

such as the 285 HS’ Creative Shot mode, which automatically applies five extra filters to a shot. The same camera also features a 20.2MP CMOS sensor, whilst the 180 and 175 pack a 20MP chip.

The Selphy CP1200 is a manufacturer’s suggested £129.99, while the 285 HS is £169.99, the 180 is £129.99 and the 175 £99.99. www.canon.co.uk

As well as the above super zooms, the photo giant also chose to debut a quartet of video cameras last month to coincide with this year’s CES show in the States. Available now, and all sporting the Legria HF family prefix, are the G40, in black (SRP £1049.99), R706 in white (£224.99), R76 (£280.99) and R78 (£304.99). The flagship 1080P video shooting G model is being

BPI News is your mouthpiece to the industry. Send your news to info@bpinews.co.uk 10 February 2016 | BPI News

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TRADE SHOW NEWS

COMING SOON: THE PHOTOGRAPHY SHOW

What to expect from one of the star attractions on the photo trade calendar in a year that also sees the return of Photokina – and how you can still bag one of the last few, remaining stands if you choose to exhibit…

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ith time flying by quicker than drunks knock back liquor, to quote the lyrics of the Divine Comedy, another Photography Show is almost upon us. We recently spoke to organizer Future’s events team – and in particular exhibitor booker Richard Macey (pictured right with team) – who told us there was just a small percentile of spaces left – but spaces left nonetheless, for any latecomers wanting to take advantage of the exposure and sales potential to be had from taking part.

But even if you’re not on the exhibitor’s list, if you’re in our industry then a visit to the show is a must – as is trade registration in advance, to save money on the door otherwise.

As BPI News readers will be well aware of by now, the pitch for the event, which regularly draws crowds around the 30,000 mark over its four days, is that whether just starting out or a seasoned pro, The Photography Show offers something for everybody interested in the world of imagery. Visitors can discover the latest techniques, spark their creativity, hear from photography heroes, find fantastic deals and get hands-on with the latest kit from

over 200 exhibitors. The Photography Show is pitched as the ultimate event to inspire creativity through imagery.

The dates for your diary are March 19th to the 22nd.

Big name photographers & exhibitors to draw the crowds What has been impressive over the last two years is the event’s ability to attract the biggest names in photography to come and speak to a paying audience. Last year it was Don McCullin, famed for his haunting images of the Vietnam War; this year it’s an even wider known name, in the legendary and never less than entertaining David Bailey. Ask most people in the street to name a famous photographer and you’d most likely still get Bailey given as a reply.

But that’s not all: Springwatch presenter Chris Packham – also a keen wildlife photographer in his own right – documentary photographer Nick Danziger, Olympus ambassador Peter Dench, Photoshop and Lightroom expert Scott Kelby, Magnum photographer Alec Soth, street photographer Bruce Gilden, fashion photographer

Lara Jade and Dan Rubin will also be taking centre stage and making for a diverse crowd-drawing line up during the four day event at Birmingham’s NEC.

“It takes a lot of looking before you learn to see the extraordinary” – David Bailey “It takes a lot of looking before you learn to see the extraordinary,” is the first bit of sage-like advice to be shared by Bailey in advance of his Super Stage appearance. The promise is that the photographic legend will be interviewed in further depth by writer and curator Sandy Nairne on the day.

Chris Packham divulges: “Whilst dealing with reality is always difficult, when you add wildlife to the mix with photography, taking control is invariably impossible. It’s hard, but I’m very much looking forward to showing my better efforts and sharing the truth about how I got them on the Super Stage this year.”

Photographic greats aside, the

Veteran photographer David Bailey is one of this year’s biggest draws

exhibitor line-up reads like a who’s who of the photo trade, and includes Canon, Nikon, Panasonic, Olympus, Adobe, Fujifilm, Sony, Leica, Manfrotto, Blackmagic, Epson, Ricoh Imaging and Serif, plus many more.

For tickets for The Photography Show – plus those for the Super Stage speakers, which retail at £10 each – go to: www. photographyshow.com/SSPRtickets

To bag one of the very last exhibitor spaces, don’t dawdle. Email Richard Macey now via richard.macey@futurenet.com 12 February 2016 | BPI News

BPI NEWS EXTRA

‘THIS BEAUTY IS A BEAST’ SAYS OLYMPUS New ‘PEN-F’ rangefinder type camera seeks to create its own separate strand to existing OM-D and PEN series compact system cameras…

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‘masterpiece for creating your own masterpiece’ is the confident pitch for the latest Micro Four Thirds compact system camera from Olympus: the PEN-F. Rather than replace the formerly range topping E-P5 in the PEN line up however, Olympus suggested to BPI News at its London preview that the new rangefinder-styled camera – if successful – should form a new, independent strand on its own.

“People kept asking us why there wasn’t a PEN camera at the same level as the OM-D,” revealed Olympus UK’s National Marketing Manager Mark Thackara at our preview session.

“This is all about craftsmanship… there are no screws visible anywhere on the camera. It’s about the attitude the owner will have in taking their

pictures – the camera promotes a more considered approach, rather than snapping.”

With the new PEN-F shell constructed from milled aluminium, the extra dial on the front harks back to the ISO dial on the original filmbased PEN F, the half frame single lens reflex camera introduced by Olympus in 1963. Indeed the retro design of the new, digital PEN-F, very much recalls that classic ‘swinging 60s’ style, also promoted to great effect by the likes of Fujifilm’s X series.

Olympus UK sees the possible audience for its latest camera as being made up of “die hard Olympus fans, people who simply love the rangefinder format, plus the ‘visually educated’ – by which we mean architects or designers.”

Your sales pitch at a glance

Editor Gavin checks out the retro PEN-F’s life-like electronic viewfinder

The key selling points of the new Olympus PEN-F include a 2.36 million dot OLED eye-level viewfinder, 20 megapixel sensor and 50MP high resolution mode – enabled by the capture and combination of eight separate images, a feature first introduced (albeit at a lower 40MP resolution) on the OM-D E-M5 Mark II. Also featured on the new PEN-F

– available in a choice of either all-black or black and silver body – is a monochrome profile control that actually offers the selection of several different filters, whilst 5-axis image stabilisation (another key feature of the OM-D range) is built in. Olympus told us that this is the same system as on the E-M5 and M1.

“The PEN-F features a new imaging sensor,” Mark told us. In fact it is a new 20MP Live Mos sensor with no pass through filter.

“Olympus doesn’t just want to go for megapixels, but for overall quality.”

Its colour profile control has been inherited from the M1, and aperture and art filters can be changed independently of each other.

Additionally it’s the first ‘PEN’ to shoot in the rangefinder style, features built-in Wi-Fi for the sharing of images, and again provides the ability to use a smartphone as a remote to control the majority of the camera’s key functions. Further enticements include an articulated rear screen that flips out at right angles to the camera, not merely tilting up or down, a TruePic 7 processor, 10fps sequential shooting, plus a light sensitivity range stretching from ISO80 to ISO25600.

The PEN-F differs from the top end OM-D models however in that it is not

“Olympus doesn’t just want to go for megapixels, but for overall quality” – Mark Thackara , Olympus UK’s National Marketing Manager weather or dust proofed. It doesn’t offer full 4K video capture either, with Olympus’ Mark Thackara adding that more points of difference will become clear as the OM-D range evolves – and hopefully this one alongside it.

Photo specialists should be pleased that there are plenty of accessory options being offered alongside the new PEN, including a high-end genuine leather bag and British made leather strap from London-based leather design studio ‘Otzi’ (www.otzilondon.com).

With the camera being shipped this February, UK retail price is £999.99 body only. There is also a lens kit option that twins it with a 17mm f/1.8 black lens for £1199, or it’s a suggested £1099.99 with a 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 zoom. www.olympus.co.uk

Your PEN-F sales pitch: 2.36 million dot viewfinder, 20MP sensor & 50MP high-resolution mode BPI News | February 2016 13

BPI NEWS EXTRA

NIKON ‘BLOWS SHOOTING POSSIBILITIES WIDE OPEN’ The manufacturer’s latest product blitz reveals 4K video shooting D5 and D500 flagship details and price, adds a couple of budget zooms plus introduces action camera, software and A series compacts…

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s trade members will be aware, Nikon has kicked off 2016 in style with new D5 and D500 DSLRs, topping its full frame and APS-C DSLR ranges respectively.

Previewed in BPI News’ final issue of 2015, the D5 arrives in March with a £5,199.99 price tag. The pro-grade, 20.8-megapixel range-topper features a 153-point AF system, that’s said to be the highest expanded sensitivity in Nikon’s history (up to ISO3280000 equivalent), plus newly implemented ability to shoot 4K movies. For the pro market, operational speed is obviously crucial, so other enticing features to pitch to customers include up to 12fps capture when using AE/ AF tracking, or up to 14fps with the mirror up. A maximum 200 Raw images can also be captured in a single high-speed burst, making the D5 perfect for those photographing

movement or sports.

With the headline pitch being that it ‘blows shooting possibilities wide open’, Nikon UK’s Head of Product Management Simon Iddon agrees that the D5 “packs a serious punch. Professionals will be able to push the boundaries with this model. Its imaging power is superb, with new and improved economics and workflow enhancements like never before.”

With high demand anticipated, Simon says that Nikon will be prioritising pre-orders placed by its Nikon Professional Services (NPS) members.

Also new next month, and seemingly perfect for marrying with the new D5, is the SB-5000 radio controlled Speedlight, which is set to retail for £499.99, and comes with a guide number of 34.5

(ISO100) plus compact build.

Simon says: “this is an exciting all round flash for pros. The new cooling system – a world first for clip-on type compact flash units

‘Stepping’ out: New zooms motor ahead A pair of new Nikon standard zooms for its APS-C sensor DSLRs also go on sale this month – one with Vibration Reduction, one without.

The AF-P Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR has an affordable £199.99 SRP, whilst the ‘plain’ AF-P Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G has a guide of £149.99.

Pitched as great for ‘everyday photography’, the zooms are the first Nikkor lenses to deploy Nikon’s new Stepping Motor, claimed to focus fast and quietly – and thus be eminently suitable for recording video.

Additionally, these are the first Nikon lenses to allow D5500/D5300/D3300 users to switch between Auto Focus and Manual Focus, or turn VR on and off, using the camera menu.

“Both lenses are designed to offer enthusiast and entry-level photographers a more natural way to shoot, with the lightweight build and improved portability,” Nikon UK’s Simon Iddon adds. “Whether your customers are using the 18-55mm lenses to shoot film or take photos, they’re guaranteed superb image quality and a convenient, reliable companion for their DSLR.”

14 February 2016 | BPI News

BPI NEWS BIG IN JAPAN OUR December/January edition of BPI News featuring our article on the 30th anniversary of Nikon-only dealer Grays of Westminster made it all the way over to Japan. As our image shows, it now resides in the company of Mr Tetsuo Goto (left), chief designer of Nikon cameras, and Mr Daimi Tanaka (right), who is the chairman of the Df users group in Japan. Thanks to Gray Levett for alerting us to the fact that we’re now big news in the Far East!

NIKON NEWS SPECIAL – eliminates unnecessary cut offs and increases the number of consecutive firings, while the radio control tackles common problems like line of sight obstruction and bright sunlight.”

The D500 is the D5 in an ‘agile’ body Whilst boasting an APS-C rather than full frame sensor, Nikon is describing its new D500, coming in March also, as packing the performance of the D5 into a more portable body.

It has the same 153-point AF system and even shoots at up to 10fps for up to 200 shots. 4K-video shooting is offered, as is an ISO range expandable up to a whopping 1640000 equivalent.

“With high-speed continuous shooting and exceptional AF performance, capturing fast-moving subjects is easier than ever for photographers out in the field,” claims Simon Iddon. “This new flagship model consistently delivers, offering the imaging power of the D5 in a lightweight, compact body.”

The D500’s body only price is £1,729.99 SRP, whilst it’s £2,479.99 with the addition of a 16-80mm kit

“The D5 packs a serious punch. Professionals will be able to push the boundaries with this model.”

– Head of Product Management, Simon Iddon

lens. Again, NPS members are being given priority on stock.

Also new and in complete contrast to the D5 and D500, are a couple of very low-cost compacts – something we haven’t seen for a while. Though the 20.1MP Coolpix A100 is an Argos exclusive, the 16.1MP A10 retails for £59.99 SRP and is available now. It comes with a 5x zoom and 2.7-inch LCD, plus HD video capability and in something of a throwback move in line with the pocket money price, is powered by AA batteries. www.nikon.co.uk

SNAP TO IT WITH SNAPBRIDGE IN non hardware related news, Nikon has also unveiled its new ‘always on’ Bluetooth powered ‘SnapBridge’ connectivity/sharing solution which it says puts the camera in the centre of the ‘ecosystem’ of personal devices.

The explanation runs as follows: SnapBridge via Bluetooth low energy enables the continuous and immediate transfer of images from the camera to a smart device as they are captured in real time, transforming photography into a social, connected experience. This is achieved automatically without the need to activate image transfer from the camera, while also keeping power consumption low for both devices. Users can also continue to enjoy mobile Internet connectivity during image transfer, allowing them to check their e-mail or access social media while syncing their photographs.

It says SnapBridge will be a feature in ‘almost’ every Nikon camera from 2016 onwards.

NEW ACTION CAMERA RANGE LAUNCHED DIVERSITY is the key to success, some would say – and that seems to be Nikon’s current ethos going by the news that it is launching its own action camera range, starting with the ‘KeyMission 360’, a wearable camera offering true 360° video in 4K UHD set to arrive in the market this spring.

Nikon tells us that the KeyMission 360 features an image sensor and lens combination on two opposite sides of the camera, with images from each combined in-camera to create the high definition 360° image. The camera is waterproof to depths of 30 metres and is also claimed to be ‘very tough’, standing up well to dust, shocks and low temperatures.

BPI News | February 2016 15

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The Societies Convention and Trade Show 2016 With up to 16,000 visitors expected to have slipped through its doors this year – the annual event thrown by the collective group more commonly known by its one element, the SWPP, looks to have seen a positive uplift for the trade. BPI News presents this pictorial souvenir, whilst also investigating some key benefits of partnering with Juliet & Phil Jones and their team‌ 2 4

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16 February 2016 | BPI News

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SHOW REPORT

MORE THAN A CONVENTION… BENEFITS OF PARTNERING WITH THE SOCIETIES

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here are many pluses to arranging a trade partnership with The Societies – namely Juliet & Phil Jones and their extended family and team. Here are just a few at a glance: • Profile raising via regular targeted email blasts to the database of the fastest growing worldwide association for serious photographers • The ability to reach a wide range of photographers of all disciplines ready to spend big on the enjoyment of their hobby or profession – over 7,500 worldwide members in all • Exhibition space at Digital Imaging Roadshows up and down the country (see www. thedigitalimagingshow.co.uk) each attracting between 200 and 300 attendees – not to mention, yes, the annual Convention too – providing the ability to meet over 14,000 potential customers face-to-face • Supportive features and articles in Professional Imagemaker magazine, sent out to a readership of between 10,000 and 15,000 six times a year • 12 websites targeted at all the different subject specific strands (for example the SWPP) that make up The Societies as a whole – with all the marketing opportunities that suggests • This is the one organisation that offers a complete trade package based on 25 years’ experience

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NEXTATES: ’S D YEARnvention: Co 1-15th Jan 1 Show: Tradeto 15th 13th

To discuss trade opportunities and share your own requirements so a package can be tailor made for you, please talk to Sam ScottSmith TODAY via 01279 815575 or email sam@adpointmedia.co.uk

WHO’S WHO? 1. A crowded Nikon stand during a demo from photographer Mark Seymour, 2. David and Clare from Olympus UK, 3.Organisers Juliet and Phil Jones, 4.Martin Malyon from Halsys, 5. Sunny Kataria from Rotolight, 6. Hardy Haase of Flaghead Photographic, 7.Chris Whittle of The Flash Centre holds court, 8. Adam from One Vision Imaging draws in custom, 9. Manfrotto’s Charlotte Townend (left) & colleague, 10. Cameraworld’s Abby Swain, Jason Mitchell & Tony Stent, 11. Fotospeed’s Toby & Ben Herlinger, 12. Damian Big Dog McGillicuddy, 13.Canon stand large format printer

BPI News | February 2016 17

BPI NEWS EXTRA

New flagship X-Pro2 system camera (left) arrives accompanied by the equally fresh X70, the smallest APS-C sensor compact in the X series line up

FUJIFILM CELEBRATES HEALTHY ‘X’ LIFE We hear from the brand’s top brass about how it’s celebrating five years of the popular ‘X’ compact camera line up, via new X-Pro2, X70, X-E2S and XP90 models, plus 100-400mm ultra tele zoom, accessory lens plate and EF-X500 clip-on flash

B

efore Christmas, BPI News was invited to Fujifilm’s UK base of Bedford for a preview of its spring 2016 ‘X’ camera line up; chief among these the new flagship model the X-Pro2, updating the original X-Pro1. Present were Fuji UK’s Senior Business Manager Theo Georghiades, along with, from Tokyo HQ, Optical Device & Electronic Imaging Product Manager Takashi Ueno, introduced as the man in charge of the X-T1 and X mount lenses.

Interestingly, Mr Ueno began his presentation of the new rangetopper by admitting “unfortunately the performance of the X-Pro1 was not enough” at the time of its launch four years ago, adding that the new X-Pro2 aims to address any perceived shortcomings by being “an evolution of the original version of the X-Pro1.” Chief among the

improvements to pitch to your customers are a higher image quality and faster performance, with its target audience remaining the same: namely professional photographers and advanced amateurs. Ideal subjects for using the £1,349 SRP camera are reportage, documentary and street photography.

Available now, the magnesiummoulded camera looks very similar to the X-Pro1, which Fuji says is deliberate. “We want people to recognise quickly that this is an X pro series camera,” reasons Mr Ueno, adding that he wanted the camera to retain a ‘luxury feeling’.

Professional choice So what’s new? For starters, its sensor: a 24MP X-Trans CMOS III APS-C chip. Mr Ueno promises that

this offers a faster reading speed and improved low light capability – in fact it’s twice as fast as the ‘old’ X-Trans CMOS II sensor. The X-Pro2 also has a new processor – the X Processor Pro – up to four times faster than its forebear. Additionally the camera has a new focal plane shutter and new features including hybrid viewfinder – an Advanced Hybrid Multi View Finder – whereby the user can switch the view from OVF to EVF offering the same view as the naked eye, with no time lag. In fact the 2.36 million-dot resolution of the EVF is the same spec as that of the X-T1.

Likewise new is a 3-inch LCD panel with 1.62 million dots, whilst auto focus and power management have also been improved – with three user selectable levels for the latter: high performance, standard and economy, to vary battery life between 210 and 320 shots. In something of a world first for mirror-less compacts we also get a dual SD card slot. In terms of accessories for dealers to piggyback on a sale, handgrip and leather case are also available.

Triple X

L to R: Andreas Georghiades, Dale Young, Katie Teesdale-Ward, Marc Horner, Theo Georghiades, Takashi Ueno, Lucy Edwards, Jeannie Corby, Yuto Nakanishi

And there are three further ‘X’ family newbies. Joining the X-Pro2 in Fuji’s spring line up are the X70, the smallest APS-C sensor compact in the X series pitched as having almost the same features as the X100T for less; the X-E2S, described as an evolution of the now discontinued

X-E2; plus the XP90, a waterproof/ shockproof/freezeproof/dustproof model available in yellow, blue, lime or orange, upgrading the XP80.

New accessories for 2016 include the MLP-75-XF Arca Swiss compatible lens plate, plus EF-X500 clip on flash for the X-Pro/X-T and X-E camera users (May availability), along with XF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6R LM OIS WR lens, described as an ‘ultra tele zoom’.

This has an image quality comparable to a single focal length lens and an anti shake mechanism the equivalent of five stops. Compatible with the likes of the X-Pro2 and X-T1, it is also weather and dust resistant and offers a fast and silent AF performance thanks to twin linear motor. The lens and lens plate should be available this month. Fuji now has 21 lenses compatible with its X series cameras, with a 2x teleconverter lens added to its roadmap for 2016. www.fujifilm.co.uk

BPI News is your mouthpiece to the industry. Send your news to info@bpinews.co.uk 18 February 2016 | BPI News

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Become part the success story by contacting Tetenal on 0116 Become part of theof success storyyear by contacting Tetenal on 0116 the network the network that continues thatnow continues to to Contact Tetenal and join 289 or 3644 or e-mail 289 3644 e-mail mike.piggin@tetenaluk.com Become part of the mike.piggin@tetenaluk.com success story by from contacting Tetenal on 0116 grow grow strength from strength to strength. to strength.

Manager of of Manager the the Kodak Kodak of Express Express Kodak network network Express innetwork the the UK UK & & in Ireland the the network that continues to Manager Manager of the the Kodak Expressin network inIreland the UK UK & & Ireland Ireland 289 3644 or e-mail mike.piggin@tetenaluk.com grow from strength to strength.

Manager of the Kodak Express network in the UK & Ireland The The Kodak, Kodak, Kodak Kodak The Express ExpressKodak and and Kodak Kodak Express Moment Moment and trademarks trademarks Moment and and trademarks Kodak Kodak trade trade and dress Kodak are are trade used useddress under under are license license used from from Eastman Eastman license Kodak Kodak Eastman Company Company Kodak The Kodak, Kodak, Kodak Express and Kodak Kodak Moment trademarks anddress Kodak trade dress are used under under license from from Eastman Kodak Company Company The Kodak, Kodak Express and Kodak Moment trademarks and Kodak trade dress are used under license from Eastman Kodak Company

TEL: TEL: 01160116 289 3644 289 3644 | e-mail: | e-mail: marketing@tetenal.uk.com marketing@tetenal.uk.com | www.tetenaluk.com | www.tetenaluk.com

BPI NEWS PRODUCT FOCUS

KENRO SPRINGS INTO ACTION WITH NEW FRAMES AND ALBUMS

See its new 16-page spring product brochure inserted in this issue and catch the team first at the 2016 Spring Fair, NEC, February 7-11th

“

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e’re back with a vengeance for 2016!” So suggests a bullish Paul Kench, Kenro MD, launching its latest comprehensive line up of high margin albums and frames.

First up, the stylish Senator frame range has been expanded for 2016 to include multi aperture frame formats, plus increasingly trendy square frames to appeal to the Instagram crowd.

“Senator frames have become one of our most popular ranges since being introduced in 2015,” Paul reveals. “Square formats and multi aperture frames and mounts are increasingly popular, and have been for a while, so it makes perfect sense for the Senator range to expand in these directions.”

“Square formats and multi aperture frames and mounts are very popular” – Paul Kench, Kenro MD

frames offers both single and multi aperture mounts.

Three further framing options arrive in the Rocco, Torino and City ranges. “The designs for Rocco and Torino have been completely re-modelled to reflect ever-evolving fashions,” enthuses Paul Kench. The existing City range, previously just available as an A4 option, now has additional 6x4-inch, 7x5-inch, 8x6inch and 8x10-inch sizes.

For Instagram users, Kenro has Also new for 2016 are Bergamo frames (above), manufactured in wood further introduced a square 4x4-inch (or 10x10cm) option to its Frisco and boasting a smooth matt finish range, now offering five different in either Brilliant White or Black for square sizes in total. These round customers wanting a contemporary top frames with a slim 10x16mm look. This eye-catching series of

moulding can be displayed on a table top or wall hung.

For even more contemporary ideas when it comes to framing options, see Kenro’s new Glass Block series. This very modern new line joins its classic Clifton series of smooth black matt plastic frames and the Fusion family of pearlised finish frames. The glass block series is unusual in that the frames are manufactured in bevel edge 25mm deep glass, with the photo slipping into the centre of the frame between two glass sheets.

Albums to turn over a new sales leaf Like its frames, Kenro’s comprehensive album ranges are best sellers at any time of the year. New for 2016 and boasting gifting possibilities is the attractive Floral book bound slip-in album series in a choice of soft pink, turquoise or mauve designs, to fit 200 6x4-inch photos.

Aiming to meet a steady and strong demand for travel themed albums meanwhile is the aptly named and eye catching new Holiday series, featuring shell designs on the covers that evoke memorable times spent in far-flung exotic climes.

Cool urbanites – or anyone returning from a mini break – are alternatively directed to the London Highlights albums, complete with Big Ben motif and the ability to display 200 6x4-inch printed photographs.

The final new product for the start of 2016 is the Baby Zoo album series.

As the name indicates, these are being suggested as perfect keepsakes for new mums and their new arrivals.

Up to 120 6x4-inch photos can be showcased within each album.

You’ll have a chance to chat with Paul and his team about its new spring 2016 product line up at the NEC Spring Fair, February 7th to 11th, followed by BVExpo on February 23rd to 25th in Hall S3, stand P17.

To open a trade account and place an order call 01793 615836, or email sales@kenro.co.uk

NEW FOR 2016 FRAMES: • Senator photo frames in new Steel Grey colour, new square format and new multi aperture mounts • Bergamo photo frames in Brilliant White and Black • Re-booted Rocco, Torino and City photo frame ranges with new designs, colours and sizes • New 4x4-inch square option for the Frisco frame range to further appeal to Instagram users printing their photographs • Expanded range of size options for the contemporary Glass Block series • Similarly overhauled Clifton and Fusion frame line up with brand new designs for both.

ALBUMS: • Floral book bound slip in album series newly launched • New Holiday series with colourful, shell-adorned front covers • Collecting together a series of images from a city break?

Then look no further than the new London Highlights album • New Baby Zoo album designs for new mums, presented in lovely keepsake box

Find Kenro at the Spring Fair trade show on stand 4C45 in Hall 4 of the NEC Birmingham, Feb 7-11th.

20 February 2016 | BPI News

BPI NEWS PRODUCT FOCUS

THE DPS GROUP & EPSON FULFIL YOUR LARGE FORMAT PRINT NEEDS

Looking to upgrade your present large format printer or add one to the business? In conjunction with the DPS Group, we survey Epson’s new SureColor P-series printers, replacing the popular Stylus Pro range and now available to demo

E

pson has launched a veritable barrage of SureColor P-series photo printers over the past couple of months, succeeding the Stylus Pro line up of old. We ran through a handful of new models stocked by the DPS Group in BPI News last November in the SC-P6000, SCP7000, SC-P8000 and SC-P9000 – and now there are further additions to talk about.

“As one of Epson’s largest authorised partners, the DPS Group can help BPI News readers make the decision to upgrade to the Epson SureColour P series from their existing Epson Stylus Pro range or from any other brand they might own – for example Canon or HP,” reiterates DPS Group MD Maneesh Patel.

Epson’s latest model which arrives this March is a biggie: the 64-inch wide SureColor SC-P20000 (below) is a high-end, flagship printer designed for mini labs and photo retailers, which

replaces the earlier Stylus Pro 11880.

As well as printing photographs, the size means that it is also suitable for delivering signage and point of sale material. Its PrecisionCore MicroTFP print head delivers prints up to 2400x1200dpi in resolution, whilst its new print head structure means fewer vibrations and more accurate ink drops and ink placement.

Maneesh tells us that the printer is a “significantly superior successor to the previous Epson model – and the time it takes to produce a print is rapid compared to competing products out there.” He adds that BPI News readers thinking about partnering with the DPS Group for their large format printing needs will also be able to take advantage of the DPS Group’s on-going low prices for the inks required for SureColour P series printers. For example, the SureColor SC-P20000 utilises Epson’s new UltraChrome Pro 10-colour inkset.

“Apart from inks, we supply the full range of consumables; from maintenance tanks and ancillaries, to over 15 of the key photo and photo finishing brands as regards papers in roll and cut sheet format,” he reveals. “These range from high end Hahnemuhle and Innova fine art media through to the very cost effective but high quality Indigo Inkjet range which covers poster paper, photo, and general usage paper at great prices. We will provide bundles on the new range that will suit customers who want everything covered – for example extra inks/ media, delivery/installation, or a three year extended warranty for peace of mind – and all for a very reasonable monthly cost via lease rental which is highly tax efficient.”

A2+ and A3+ desktop options also available If you don’t require the industrial might of the new SC-P20000, the DPS Group will still be very much able to fulfill your requirements. For example there is the SureColor SCP800 (above)– a professional grade A2 desktop photo printer. Featuring a nine colour UltraChrome HD inkset with vivid magenta, there is a roll paper option available. Indeed it is the only A2+ printer on the market where you can add the roll option at time of purchase or at a later date.

The versatile, Wi-Fi enabled SC-P800 also features the ability to print on glossy or matte photo paper, canvas or thicker materials; for example banners, panoramic images and gallery wrap canvasses can be produced. Vivid colours and deep rich blacks is the over-arching pitch here.

Sitting below this in the range is a further pro quality print option in the SureColor SC-P400. This pumps out pro quality images up to A3+ and features Epson’s seven colour UltraChrome HiGloss 2 pigment inks.

Indeed it is the smallest and lightest A3+ pigment photo printer on the market according to its manufacturer.

Boasting dual paper paths and roll paper support, it can easily cope with fine art and rigid media.

Again, anyone interested in demoing the above or taking order of a printer is strongly advised to get in touch with the DPS Group’s Maneesh Patel or Gary Crawley on 0208 466 7230, or email sales@dpsb.co.uk www.thedpsgroup.co.uk www.dpsb.co.uk

Contact DPS Group’s Gary Crawley now on 020 8466 7230 regarding Epson SureColour P printers BPI News | February 2016 21

BPI NEWS EXTRA

Sony’s new HDR-AS50 Action Cam (also shown bottom left) is good for shooting at depths of 60 metres and can be mounted for hands free operation, as here!

SONY GEARS UP FOR ACTION IN 2016 The electronic giant’s opening salvo of imaging product for this year – unveiled to coincide with last month’s CES in Las Vegas – includes a brand new action camera plus consumer camcorder trio…

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ne might suggest that working in the photographic industry is already akin to a rollercoaster ride. Now Sony is hoping that your customers truly will want to turn everyday into an adventure – with its latest action camera close by to capture all the thrills and spills. Amongst its televisions, audio systems and vinyl turntable announced at CES in the States last month, the HD video capable HDRAS50 Action Cam features a backlit 11.1 megapixel CMOS sensor, a 3x zoom described as ‘smooth’ plus two angle setting modes to hopefully ensure perfectly adjusted shots.

Supplied underwater housing even allows it to be used at depths of up to 60 metres, which is deeper than most, whilst built-in anti shake is claimed to be three times more effective than its predecessor, thereby delivering judder-free footage and reducing low amplitude vibration – if used with a drone. Furthermore a tripod socket has also been introduced, removing the need for a tripod adapter.

Time lapse capture allows for

interval shooting of 8MP still images which ensures that, even though the ActionCam ‘only’ records in HD, if editing these together the stills can be transformed into a 4K time lapse video. Based on customer feedback, says Sony, there are now adjustable/ enhanced bleep sounds and three tally lights on top, so recording status can be monitored even when wearing on a helmet or mounted on handlebars or monopod. The HDRAS50 was expected to go on sale this month, at the time of writing, at a retail price of £170.

features are 100fps Full HD video recording, for those who want to arrive Handycam gets at slow motion footage in the process, even handier plus manual focus ring, electronic viewfinder, time code recording, The ability to capture 4K 26.8mm wide angle Zeiss branded lens unsurprisingly takes centre stage in plus 5-axis image stablisation. Also on Sony’s camcorder line up for 2016, in board is a 20x optical zoom, whilst its the shape of the FDR-AX53 (above, stereo microphone is said to collect right), a new 4K Handycam with a sound from five directions. new Exmor R CMOS sensor and a Joining it are the strictly HD claimed 1.6x bigger pixel size to camcorders the HDR-CX625 (below), enable better low light capture. Priced available now at £380, plus the HDRat £750, it’s available from March.

CX450, described as an Argos exclusive Among what’s described as ‘pro style’ at £200 and also available now.

Both cameras also feature 26.8mm

wide-angle lenses, 5-axis image stabilization, with the CX625 offering time-lapse capture and 30x optical zoom to boot.

In related Sony photographic news, the company recently released a new PlayMemories camera app in Sky HDR, which is said to enable the user to capture landscapes with stunning wide dynamic range – in that it allows for independent exposure control of sky and land, in other words doing a similar job to a graduated ND filter. The app is downloadable and is priced at 9.99 Euros.

Finally the company has been keen to share some breath-taking images taken of Icelandic glaciers by British photographer Mikael Buck, utilising the low light capabilities of its Sony A7R II system camera and emphasizing the capabilities of its full frame 42.4 megapixel sensor. www.sony.co.uk

BPI News is your mouthpiece to the industry. Send your news to info@bpinews.co.uk 22 February 2016 | BPI News

BPI NEWS EXTRA

‘WORLD’S MOST ADVANCED FINE ART INKJET MEDIA’ … That’s the bold claim for the revamped range of fine art papers from inkjet media specialist PermaJet, which has just launched an exciting range of new paper surfaces and coating technology at The Societies Convention (see page 16), where it also won Best Professional Paper of 2015. BPI News peeks below the surface…

T

o deliver your customers the best printing surface possible – and have them returning to you for repeat business – PermaJet chose The Societies Convention 2016 to launch its refined Smooth and Textured Fine Art papers, after 18 months of thorough market research, customer feedback and product development.

Five enhanced products – Portrait Rag 285gsm, Photo Art Silk 290gsm, Museum Heritage 310gsm, Artist Watercolour 250gsm and Gallery Etching 310gsm – have joined the manufacturer’s classic best-selling media. These now sit alongside the unaltered Portfolio Rag at 220gsm, Omega Rag 310gsm, Portrait White 285gsm and the final product in the Smooth range; Alpha Natural Rag 310gsm. This is pitched as being ideal for images that stand out on a media with a slightly warmer tone to the base.

Smooth operators So how should you pitch the revamped PermaJet papers to your customers? Portrait Rag 285gsm is described as a classic from the PermaJet range, which has retained its 100% cotton base and subtle texture whilst being made marginally lighter at 285gsm. The product is acid free and is said to exceed the Fine Art Trade Guild’s archival standards.

Smooth skin tines and image

PermaJet’s Titanium Lustre 280gsm has just bagged the accolade of ‘Best Professional Paper’ from The Societies

“It goes without saying that such consumables also offer you, the retailer, the chance to make good margin too.” sharpness along with a wide colour gamut and high D-Max are the qualities its new coating brings.

The second upgraded paper is Photo Art Silk 290gsm. This is said to offer printer friendly loading whilst its unique ink receiving layer, which exhibits the silk/satin sheen once printed on, has been developed to give greater colour vibrancy and increased scratch resistance. The new paper is ideal for reproductions of landscapes, wildlife, portraits and ‘creative digital art’.

Finely textured options The Textured Fine Art paper range has an all-new line up too, sharing the same modern coating technology applied to unique surface textures.

The ‘toughest art surface the world has seen to date’ is the impressive pitch for Museum Heritage 310gsm. It’s a natural white art paper with a delicately textured acid free base. A mix of cotton and alpha cellulose lends it a soft feel whilst it retains the rigidity that art printing and frame makers

demand. The enhanced coating increases image depth and tonal scale, making it as ideally suited to colour reproductions as it is to monochrome work.

Artist Watercolour 250gsm meanwhile is a textured art paper with an off-white base tone made from 100% alpha cellulose that is memorably described as sumptuous. Its highly defined rough surface is said to deliver incredible fine art prints to make the most of subtle artistic expressions.

The third enhanced textured inkjet paper is Gallery Etching 310gsm which is described as providing one of the most unique textures available – with its heavy weight 100% alpha cellulose 310gsm base said to be reminiscent of modern day etchings paper, exhibiting a consistent, undulating matt coated surface.

Finally some breaking news, the award winning paper at this year’s The Societies Convention, taking the

accolade of Best Professional Paper of the past 12 months, is PermaJet Titanium Lustre 280gsm. It’s the third time PermaJet has scooped the illustrious accolade and is for one of its signature products that utilises silver pigment in the paper base to give a true metallic finish.

To place an order call direct now on 01789 739200 or to view the whole PermaJet range, direct your browser to: www.permajet.com

The pitch for PermaJet’s Gallery Etching 310gsm is that it is one of the most uniquely textured papers on the market

NEW from PermaJet: five refined Smooth and Textured Fine Art papers for 2016. See www.permajet.com BPI News | February 2016 23

BPI NEWS BUSINESS ADVICE

O

EXPERT TIPS FOR A FITTER PHOTO BUSINESS IN 2016

We’re well into the New Year and spring is just around the corner.

With luck, warmer weather coupled with the desire to get outside, visit places and capture images will give retailers and mini-labs a boost.

However, rather than relying on elements beyond our personal control, business expert Adam Bernstein suggests the trade’s fortunes might further benefit from a few ‘housekeeping’ tips…

24 February 2016 | BPI News

ne obvious way in which you can try and get your business on more of an even footing in 2016 is by raising prices.

For retailers, the Chancellor’s 2015 summer budget announcement of a move to the National Living Wage – so that by 2020 those over 25 will be paid £9 per hour – means that businesses are going to face some very stark choices: either raise prices or cut costs and jobs.

But, with consumers being ever price conscious, and the transparency of the Internet, how is the option of raising prices even possible?

It’s worth noting that the right price doesn’t always have to be the lowest price. The consumer may feel happy to pay more than competitors are charging if your offering is right.

It will be obvious advice to most, but Arie Shpanya, CEO of WisePricer, an online dynamic pricing site, reckons that retailers should avoid margins that are razor thin at all costs. He suggests a three-point plan of attack when pricing goods, or when considering raising prices.

Firstly, he says retailers should add value: “When you increase the prices of products, you need to make up for it in some way.” Of course value can mean different things to different people. To some it could mean great customer service or a no-quibble returns policy; to others it may mean convenient shopping with long opening hours, easy and free parking, or an online chat system.

Moving on, step two, according to Shpanya, is the use of inexpensive or even free shipping as a way to increase prices. The basic idea is to engender some form of loyalty and value through a free shipping option.

Here higher prices can be offset by the perception of enhanced value.

The third element of Shpanya’s three-point plan is the use of product bundles as a sales tool – upselling in other words. As he puts it: “You know what’s great? Getting more stuff at a better price.” The essence of what he is saying means offering similar or complementary products together, giving the customer a better deal than before. Amazon is great at this; just look at the bottom of a web page where products are bundled together. You could consider adding an SD card and a case to a camera bundle. You might lose a little margin but you’ll get volume and a customer who goes home with everything they need to shoot.

As any canny retailer knows, bundling works because consumers

BPI NEWS BUSINESS ADVICE

know the cost of what they’re a notional credit; instead, you’ll get buying, but not the real cost of the the first £5,000 of dividends tax free, products to the retailer. An extension then pay tax at increased rates on the of this is to offer consumers, say, a balance. In practice, even after the £10 voucher following a £100 spend. £5,000 tax-free allowance, the loss of Ostensibly it’s a 10% discount for the tax credit means that more tax spending more. The reality costs a will be paid overall. The actual sums retailer less because of the wholesale are quite complex, and will be further cost of the products bought with the complicated by interactions with the voucher. likes of the Employment Allowance It goes without saying that there’s and a lowering of the corporation tax no ‘one size fits all’ method to raising rate from 20% to 19%. prices. What suits you and what suits It’s easy to say, but this is almost a competitor will certainly an area depend on your where you’d need “It goes without product mix, an accountant location, passing to work out the saying that there’s trade, competitors impact of no ‘one size fits all’ precise and naturally, the the changes. With method to raising influence of the the increases in web. Either way, dividend taxes, prices” tread carefully. the break-even tax point for running How to rebuff the a company is likely to shift up to Chancellor’s attack nearer £70,000, once the costs of administering a company such as While pricing affects turnover, there RTI, minimum wage, pensions autois a rather dark cloud gathering enrolment etc. are taken into account. regarding the taxation of your profits, But at that level of turnover, your because of the changes announced potential exposures are likely to be by the chancellor back in his 2015 such that incorporation is wise, just to summer budget. While it’s not all limit your liability. Even so, there may doom and gloom – the government be scope to rearrange your affairs to is running several consultations to see how they can make life more efficient for small businesses and taxpayers – there is a need to take good advice to see if one particular change can be mitigated.

For incorporated businesses, where the owners tend to take income through dividends (avoiding national insurance), the big shock was the change to the dividend The Carbon Trust: regime. www.carbontrust.com/home From April, there is to be no more grossing up and then claiming back

keep the impact of the change to a minimum.

Should you not already employ the services of an accountant, you can find one via: http://www.icaew.com/ en/about-icaew/find-a-charteredaccountant

Green is good If raising prices is hard and you might be paying more tax, can your shop save money elsewhere? It’s quite possible that you can, as there are many common areas of wastage that most can cut down on. Take heating; buildings become overheated when areas that do not need to be warmed are heated and where systems are poorly controlled or serviced.

The Carbon Trust reckons that poorly serviced boilers cost 30% more to run and new condensing boilers can be 90% efficient. Savings can also be made with the installation of instantaneous water heaters that deliver small quantities of hot water when needed rather than having to heat water centrally in a large boiler.

Lighting can be costly. Do you realise that using 26mm fluorescent tubes in your shop would consume 10% less electricity and be less

expensive to buy than older 38mm tubes? Low energy bulbs, including LED lights, are the way forward and use a fraction of the energy. And then there’s natural light; so keep windows and skylights clear.

When it comes to the back office, high-energy equipment – your minilab for example – should be located in naturally ventilated areas to reduce the drain on air-conditioning units. And when specifying office equipment, look for those with an Energy Star rating as this signals that it can automatically enter a low power mode after a preset amount of time.

Computers should be turned off at nights and weekends, rather than left running – they’ll use 75% less energy. Furthermore, monitors should be switched off when not in use, as this could lower power consumption by 90%.

There are a multitude of different technologies that you can deploy.

With solar energy it’s quite possible to get paid for every unit of solar power produced and exported to the National Grid. An alternative is a ceramic fuel cell device that converts natural gas into electricity. This power can cost less than the electricity supplied by the generators, and in the process generates heat that can run a hot water boiler. Biomass burners that use wood pellets are eligible for the Non-domestic Renewable Heat Incentive. Imagine being paid for every KwH of heat you produce, for 20 years.

There are a number of sources of advice including the power companies, government and the aforementioned Carbon Trust, and it’s quite possible that you may qualify for grants depending on what you are planning to invest in. With interest free loans from the Carbon Trust and the 100% tax allowance for energy-saving equipment that’s on the Energy Technology List, your planned investment can become affordable.

Sources of advice

Non-domestic Renewable Heat Incentive - Ofgem: http://bit.ly/NMurrq

Energy Technology List (100% allowance): http://bit.ly/1PvZvcA

BPI News | February 2016 25

BPI NEWS PRODUCT FOCUS

NEWS

FOTOSPEED SPOTLIGHTS PROFITS WITH KAISER Solid German made LED camera lights set to illuminate your sales in 2016

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ne of distributor Fotospeed’s big pushes for this year is its Kaiser line up, which covers a wide range of high margin photo related products, ideal for add-on or standalone sales.

Your immediate focus should be the Kaiser lighting range, which includes popular on-camera constant LED panel lights. The ‘StarCluster’ for DSLRs/video cameras is the flagship, the ‘SmartCluster Micro’ is a smaller item designed for the likes of iPhones, plus there is a ‘SmartCluster Midi’ in between for use with compact cameras, with the latter being of particular interest to the trade (and shown here).

This is a 7x5cm panel with 80 LEDs, continuously dimmable from 7 to 100% and offering 190 lux luminance at one metre, plus 120° angle of rotation. It features a 1/4inch tripod thread, swivel joint and diffuser screen and artificial light filter. Battery recharged via USB. “We’re putting a lot of time and energy into Kaiser this year,” reveals Fotospeed’s Toby Herlinger. “We’ve got someone in house dedicated to the brand in Julia Walker, and we’re really looking to put the good, wellknown Kaiser name out there in a big way!

NEW HOYA FUSION FILTER RANGE “We’re putting a lot of time and energy into Kaiser this year.” – Toby Herlinger “It’s a solid German company that has been around for years.

Its enlargers are still going as are the digital versions of its copy stands for making digital copies of artwork and books. They also have a host of photo and camera related accessories – whether its screen protectors, desktop lights or lens caps…. We sell loads of lens caps as Kaiser offers every fit under the sun and in push on and snap on varieties. I don’t remember ever having a problem with reliability or anyone sending anything back, and there are good margins to be had across the range.” www.fotospeed.com www.kaiser-fototechnik.de TRADE CONTACTS: For Kaiser enquiries and orders, get in touch with Julia Walker in the Fotospeed office via Julia@fotospeed.com or 01249 714 555 – whilst out in the field is sales rep Peter Bowerman, reached via 07802 903079 or peter@fotospeed.com.

The Kaiser SmartCluster Midi light for use with compacts is available now via Fotospeed. Product code: 3287

26 February 2016 | BPI News

THERE’S a new range of ‘made in Japan’ Hoya filters available via Intro2020 this month carrying the ‘Fusion’ series name. Prices start from £26.99 for a 37mm protector filter. The distributor tells is that the key properties of the filter range are nine layers of super multi coating, making said filters antistatic, waterproof, stain proof, scratch resistance and very easy to clean. The low profile frame is said to eliminate vignetting when used on ultra wide-angle lenses. www.intro2020.co.uk

SUPER FLY RESEMBLING something Darth Vader might toy with, this is a versatile action camera for shooting ‘in the round’, and in both the dry and underwater. Apart from the ability to shoot in the round – here both 360° horizontally, or 240° vertically, key features to note include image stabilisation and remote control via a free app. There’s also the bonus that if the built-in microphone is locked, then the unit is further waterproof to 35 metres and dust protected. It does offer a lens aperture of f/2.8 whilst a 2.26MP CMOS sensor supplies 1504x1504 resolution. For those shooting videos, a 32GB memory offers up to two hours of recording time is achievable, while a16:9 panoramic or still can also be clipped from a video. An adapter compatible with ‘almost any’ common mounting is also included, with stock available via Intro2020. SRP is £429. https://360fly.com

PRODUCT OF THE MONTH

NEWS

BIG WINS AT THE SOCIETIES 2016

SONY A7R II

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hile compact system cameras and particularly Sony’s A7 system has been on the rise of late, so have, once again, pixel counts. So we were keen to finally have a play with Sony’s A7R Mark II. The question your customers will therefore be asking themselves is does the electronic giant’s second generation full frame CSC’s 4K video and ‘improved’ 42.4 million pixel resolution make for a nigh unbeatable combination – and justify £2,600 SRP?

First off, with the theoretical possibility of being able to enlarge images from this camera up to billboard size, there are real commercial applications. The added advantage is that the A7R II’s smaller format build will satisfy those who don’t want the comparative heft of a medium format camera nor full frame DSLR – such as Nikon’s new D5 – with which to achieve that.

Added to this, the second generation

Sony camera’s inclusion of 4K video capture ensures that this is an option for pro videographers too.

In terms of accessories and potential for add-on sales with this camera, well it being part of an established system undoubtedly helps. At the time of writing there were 13 Sony lenses directly compatible with this E-mount model, with its manufacturer promising that figure will rise to 20 frames during 2016. Furthermore, there’s also the option of pitching the idea to punters that they could also purchase an optional mount adapter to provide the additional ability to utilise any existing A mount lens, thereby considerably widening creative options. We had the allencompassing 24-70mm lens to play with, as shown.

This well built camera is swift to respond to each button press or dial flick – with initial start up almost as fast as the response from a pro-level DSLR. Enthusiasts meanwhile will love the 2.4 million dot resolution eye level viewfinder, activated by adjacent eye sensor, plus five axis body integral image stabililsation.

The ability to avoid soft shots in low light is further enhanced by image sensitivity stretching all the way up to an equivalent ISO102,400.

Naturally, no camera is 100% perfect, and where the A7R II leaves room for further improvement is battery life: here we get 340 shots from a full charge, which is fine for a CSC but can’t match DSLRs. But when the A7R II is compared with what a medium format body or standalone 4K video camera would cost, its reasonable price and performance suggests this is a real alternative. www.sony.co.uk

BRANDS both big and small were winners at the annual awards hosted by The Societies – more commonly known in the trade as the SWPP – as part of its wellattended Convention & Trade Show, which took place last month (Jan 20-24th).

Canon grabbed a trio of inscribed glass globes, bagging Best Professional Digital Camera for the EOS 5D Mark III, Best Professional Lens for the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM Lens and Best Professional Flashgun for the Canon Speedlite 600EX-RT. Best Professional Printer was the Epson Stylus Pro 3880, Best Professional Paper was Permajet Titanium Lustre (see also page 23), Best Professional Software

was PortraitPro15, whilst Best Professional Lighting went to the Elinchrom range. Meanwhile, Best Professional Lab, Customer Service, Frame and Album went to Loxley Colour. Best stand overall at the Convention went to Sim Imaging.

All eyes are now of course on 2017’s Convention & Trade Show, for which the dates are January 11th to 15th, with the Trade Show element slotting in 13th to 15th. To discuss trade opportunities, contact Sam Scott-Smith via 01279 815575 or email sam@adpointmedia.co.uk See pages 16 and 17 for our full pictorial report on this year’s show – with details on why you should become a trade partner. www.thesocieties.net

WIDE FORMAT INK PRINTER TRIO VIA EPSON

THE PRINTING giant has unleashed a trio of large format printers to kick off activity for 2016, designed for producing high impact durable – and moreover profitale – signage and display graphics. The new trio are: SureColor SC-S80600 (the top of the range model), SC-S60600 (said to be ideal for fast turnaround, high print volume), and SC-S40600 (described as an affordable, entry level four colour printer). Prices if you want to buy outright start at £9,995 + VAT. www.epson.co.uk

FREE CAMCORDER ACCESSORY KIT VIA DIREKTEK FOR A LIMITED time the pro-active distributor is offering the trade a free camcorder accessory kit worth £79 at retail with every sale of Canon HF R606 or HF R66 camcorders. Said accessory bundle includes a full size tripod, 32GB Class 10 SD card, Canon lens cloth and a carry case.

Trade price for the R606 is £127, whilst the R66 is £167. Offer is available while stocks last, so get in touch now to take advantage on 01494 471100 or sales@direktek.co.uk www.direktek.co.uk

BPI News | February 2016 27

LAST CHANCE to book before THE PHOTOGRAPHY SHOW!

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MINILAB NEWS

THAT’S THE ‘PHOTOWONDER’ OF FUJIFILM!

Fujifilm’s Marketing Manager Peter Wigington updates us on the successes of his eight-week ‘Photowonder’ campaign, Christmas TV advertising plus wind powered photo paper production!

H

aving just come back from Japan, a country in which it’s possible to stumble across a dedicated Fujifilm ‘Wonder Photo Shop’ print store as you’re navigating around a city centre (with the first European example having opened in Barcelona last October), we’re intrigued to hear about the success of Fujifilm UK’s eight week ‘Photowonder’ promotional campaign. Marketing Manager Peter Wigington fills us in: “We gave all FDIS members the Photowonder service for free and provided a promotional idea too (example of A2 enchanted fairy poster attached). This saw a massive uptake in the use of the service – and our members really seemed to appreciate us taking the lead and providing them with such assets.

“The results were that use of the Photowonder service really shot up – we saw1,437 jobs undertaken in the eight weeks leading up to Christmas 2015, compared to 168 in the same period the year before.

Peter also mentioned another

element of the FDIS tool box that was launched in January. “We have always provided an artwork and design service for our FDIS members to keep the look and feel of the posters and other POS they use consistent across all the stores. We have now created a FDIS Poster Kit as part of our continuing efforts to provide inspirational and effective marketing support.”

Peter explains how it works: “This is a range of poster templates in layered PSD format that can be downloaded and used to create the store’s own poster artwork in Photoshop. There are 11 product templates: 6x4 prints, 5x7 prints, 6x4 greeting cards, 6x8 greeting cards, calendar, canvas print, banner, frame, photo gift, montage and wrapping paper. Within each file there are themed layers for Valentines Day, Easter, summer, autumn and Christmas, with three icon layers to represent each of these categories.

All the other elements (price box, product description box, FDIS header, Mr Appy character) are also

“We have always provided an artwork and design service for our FDIS members to keep the look and feel of the posters and other POS they use consistent across all the stores.” Fujifilm Marketing Manager Peter Wigington

layered. You can turn off all the layers except for the header and footers to create your own poster design with your own product or service; or use a combination of layers as required.

So every store can create individual regular themed or seasonal posters while still maintaining the FDIS branding.”

For more, and to get your print sales off to a roaring start in 2016, get in touch with Peter direct on 01234 572138 or reach him via pwigington@fuji.co.uk

the postcodes of the 190 Adsa stores and 134 FDIS store members to Sky, asking them to filter by households with families with children aged 11 or under. Sky came back with a total of 1.3 million households for the chosen demographic – explaining that for the budget available the average viewing frequency would be 3.4 – with anything above three considered a good reach.

Fujifilm’s Marketing Manager Peter

AdSmart campaign sees 154% order increase You may recall we brought you news last issue that, with Fujifilm Imagine software installed on kiosks in 134 FDIS member sites and, since November 9th, in 190 Asda stores across the UK, Fujifilm made use of Sky TV’s AdSmart marketing service and a quarter of a million pounds’ worth of ad spend to carefully target the audience for its ‘Mr Appy’ character animation Christmas ad – all designed to get your customers printing more.

Sky’s selective advert targeting facility prompted Fujifilm to submit

Boost your print sales in 2016! Get in touch with Peter direct on 01234 572138 or via pwigington@fuji.co.uk BPI News | February 2016 29

BPI NEWS EXTRA Wigington has now been in touch to update us with the news that by using AdSmart Fujifilm was able to achieve over four million impressions, which resulted in an impressive 151% increase in downloads of the Fujifilm Imagine app and a knock-on 154% increase in the volume of orders placed.

Peter reveals the best performing channels were Living, Sky 1, Fox, Atlantic and the Sports channels, with the most popular programs including NCIS, The Walking Dead, Flash and the Premier League.

“We were up 195% in revenue value through the app itself, with 60% of downloads made via the Apple store and the rest via Google Play store. Coinciding with a push to get our whole estate of Fujifilm kiosks onto the new Fujifilm Imagine software, we found that 30% of all app downloads were made in the last 90 days. With both our own branded independent FDIS stores and Asda on board, this meant that just shy of 400 stores with Fujifilm Imagine kiosks nationwide would be benefitting the public with easy, efficient mobile printing capability.”

Mr Wigington further adds that his FDIS members are telling him that the mobile app option is helping to change the way their customers shop with many more print orders now being placed whilst stores are closed.

Interestingly FDIS stores are reporting that the main users are female customers – ranging from 18 to 80.

“There’s no doubt that this has been a successful campaign,” raves Peter. “The challenge is to keep the momentum going with more in-store activity along with a concerted and targeted social media campaign to promote the benefits of downloading the mobile app.”

To read up on Sky AdSmart marketing, pay a visit to: www.skymedia.co.uk/sky-adsmart/about-skyadsmart.aspx

Harnessing natural resources to create photo media: Peter Struik, Fujifilm’s President/Director (on left) shakes hands with Marc van der Linden, member of the Board of Directors for the Eneco Group

Fujifilm (wind) powers ahead Some may feel there’s plenty of hot air in the industry already; but at least Fujifilm is making best use of natural resources. As of January 1st this year, Fujifilm’s production process for photo paper, offset plates and membranes, now runs entirely on wind energy. This ‘green’ energy is produced via wind turbines located in the Netherlands and Belgium. In fact it’s been receiving such an energy boost from five Eneco turbines since 2011, which took care of 20% of its electricity needs – and has been in talks to become completely CO2 neutral since.

‘We are very proud of being able to take this step together with Eneco,” says Fujifilm’s President/Director (left in photo). “Sustainability is of great importance to a healthy future for Fujifilm. We strive for a good balance between a sustainable operation and an economical feasibility. Together with Eneco, we have found a good solution.”

Marc van der Linden, member of the Board of Directors for the Eneco Group, adds: “This is an important next landmark in our years of sustainable co-operation with Fujifilm.

We have a strong joint vision: energy must be sustainable and by preference produced as locally as possible. It is not a coincidence that this co-operation takes place in North Brabant, a province which more frequently plays a prominent roll in the area of sustainable energy and technology.”

Both companies are also exploring other sustainable and innovative options, and are investigating working with a neighbouring company for heat supply, whereby the gas usage will be replaced by steam. The steam will be delivered via a bio steam installation – still needing to be built – which uses bio mass as fuel.

FDIS member focus: Digipix in Ilford This Essex based store is basking in the glory of picking up a trade award for Independent Minilab Retailer of the Year – “we were nominated by our Swains rep” – and full of praise for the benefits of being a member of the FDIS service. Indeed without the support of Peter Wigington and his team, owner Talvinder Bhogal suggests it would be difficult to make the most of such opportunities.

“Being a FDIS member feels like being part of a bigger team,” he tells BPI News. “We get access to the group marketing and deals as a group rather than as individuals. It helps us play on a larger scale I guess – on a national scale. Generally we take part in all the FDIS offers and campaigns. Because sometimes as a small independent retailer it’s difficult to think about marketing too much… as you’re so involved in the day-to-day it’s tricky to get your head down and think of a special offer. Here Peter Wigington and his team are doing it for you – which takes that burden off us. Also, sometimes with a greedy businessman hat on, rather than that of a marketing expert, you might otherwise be thinking ‘why do I want to have a special offer or reduce prices?’

“We can call on them for advice and they all help

out. We’re quite fortunate in that we do a lot of own in-house design, but Peter can offer that if you need it. If you need a certain special offer or a fun day promoted, then they can certainly assist with that.

And now we’re winning awards we have got some credibility behind us.”

“Being a FDIS member feels like being part of a bigger team. It helps us play on a larger scale – on a national scale.”

- Talvinder Bhogal, Digipix Ilford

Boost your print sales in 2016! Get in touch with Peter direct on 01234 572138 or via pwigington@fuji.co.uk 30 February 2016 | BPI News

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The perfect picture A members only partnership with the market leader in photo imaging.

Providing a modern marketing solution for photo retail within your business.

The perfect solution to increase your profit margins from photo retail.

For more information For more information the benefits of FDIS membership or to please call on 01234 572138 or request a brochure please call Peter Wigington visit www.fdisphotoretailers.com on 01234 572138 or email pwigington@fuji.co.uk

t hi s beauty is a beast A U N I Q U E P I E C E O F C R A F T S M A N S H I P. T H E N E W O LY M P U S P E N - F.

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