Issue 991

2018

ISSUE NO. 991

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE: MANFROTTO POLAROID MPB.com FUJIFILM BENRO GITZO & MORE

CANON:

LAUNCHING THE EOS R MIRORLESS SYSTEM!

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Roadshow

Show Time 2pm til 8pm 5 6

3

1

2

3

2nd October

3rd October

4th October

Exeter

Cheltenham

Harrogate

4

5

6

10th October

16th October

18th October

Mecure Rougemont Hotel

Racecourse

The Majestic

2 4

London

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Equipment demos • • • • •

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

Crowne Plaza Heathrow

Livingstone

Macdonald Houstoun Hotel

Antrim

Dunadry Hotel

Independent Photo Partner marketing program • Marketing Support • Business Endeavour Program • Inspires Consultancy

NEW

Christmas Gifts Software • Imagine (kiosk, online, mobile) • Digital Passport

Photo Related Goods • • • •

Wunderbars & Casbar Square Printing Adhesive Frame Shacolla

Outlab Service

• • • • •

New Christmas Frame & Album Range Camera Offers for Christmas Innovaart Christmas Merchandise KiiPix Christmas Promotion NovaChrome Range of output solutions

Biometric • Latest Lighting Solutions for Passport Photos • Training on New online Passport Uploads • Biometric online stand alone Solution

• Phone cases • Cushions

Instore merchandising & display • Trestles • Shelving

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www.swains.co.uk sales@swains.co.uk

OFF THE NEWS PRESS

WELCOME

To Pixel Magazine Polaroid have released an incredibly innovative, instant camera which we’ll also be testing next month.

We visit MPB.com for an exclusive interview and we have all more information on the Fujifilm Roadshows.

LEICA:

SOFORT INSTANT PICTURE CAMERA NOW AVAILABLE IN BLACK The latest addition to the Leica instant picture camera portfolio is a black version of the Leica SOFORT. Alongside the models in white and mint, Leica is offering the camera in matt black finish with the same popular features and functions of the existing models. Created by the Leica Design Team, all versions of the Leica SOFORT share the same unmistakeable looks. A special highlight of

the black version is that the product name SOFORT is picked out in white lettering around the camera body.

A comprehensive range of accessories is also available for the Leica SOFORT. A black-and-white film is now also available alongside the colour film.

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

All that and more in this issue.

Enjoy 991!

Welcome to issue 991. It’s nearly Photokina time and lots of exciting things are happening!

Canon have showed their hand in the mirrorless market which fantastic news for Luke & Mandy, photographers worldwide.

Co.Editor in Chief

FUJIFILM:

X-SERIES EVOLVES WITH THE XT-3

Fujifilm are back with another new camera which they call ‘a complete upgrade’ The new XT-3 includes an all-new back-illuminated 26MP X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor and X-Processor 4 image processing engine. The X-T3 offers superb image quality and enhanced ability totrack moving subjects - with substantial AF performance improvement and blackout-free burst shooting. The FUJIFILM X-T3 mirrorless digital camera is the world’s first APS-C mirrorless camera capable of 4K/60P 10 bit recording to meet the needs of professional videographers.

For more information visit www.fujifilm-x.com

Now back in stock www.swains.co.uk

sales@swains.co.uk

01485 536200

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OFFNEWS THE PRESS

POLAROID:

ONESTEP+ LAUNCHES WITH BLUETOOTH AND AN EXTRA LENS

A year after announcing the OneStep 2 Polaroid instant camera, Polaroid Originals has announced the new OneStep+. This latest i-Type camera is an improvement on the OneStep 2, adding Bluetooth and several other feature upgrades.

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he new connectivity of the OneStep+ allows the camera to be paired with the Polaroid Originals app (free for iOS and Android) on a smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth. Once linked, you’ll be able to trigger the shutter remotely, adjust manual settings, do creative photos (e.g. light painting and double exposures), and have the camera triggered by noise.

While the original OneStep 2 came with a single lens, the OneStep+ now comes with two different lenses: one for shooting portraits and one for shooting landscapes.

You’ll be able to switch between the two lenses using a slide toggle on the top of the camera.

Other features of the camera include a higher-capacity battery that’s recharged through a microUSB slot, a powerful built-in flash, and a viewfinder.

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Swains are delighted to be distributing this exciting new product from Polaroid. Bluetooth connectivity, an integrated app and creative features makes this a must have camera, whether you’re a casual photographer or a seasoned analog expert.

- Danny Williams, Swains

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OFFNEWS THE PRESS

What Can It Do? Double Exposure Capture two photos in a single frame and create surreal, expressive compositions.

Light Painting Turn a light source into your paintbrush, draw pictures in the air and capture them in the iconic Polaroid picture frame.

Self Timer: Create perfectly-timed photographs with up to a 25-second countdown.

Remote Trigger: Place the trigger button in the palm of your hand and never miss a group photo again.

Noise Trigger: Trigger the shutter at the clap of your hands, the splash of a pool or the bark of a dog to create dynamic action shots.

Manual Mode Fine-tune your camera’s settings and master your craft by taking full control over aperture, shutter speed, flash intensity and photo ejection.

Scanner Specially designed for Polaroid pictures, the app’s scanner intuitively identifies your photos, corrects glare, adjusts and crops them, so now you can share your pictures as instantly as you took them.

True to its premium positioning, the OneStep+ is rendered in a slick black colorway, and the addition of a new rainbow stripe on the camera’s faceplate pays homage to the iconic design of the original OneStep camera from 1977, closing the circle from past to present.

The OneStep+ is a camera that celebrates the nostalgic charm of analog while embracing the creative opportunities that the digital world has to offer. The result is an analog instant camera that empowers photographers of all skill levels to step out into the world, explore, discover, and have fun.

Next Month Luke & Mandy test the OneStep+ exclusively for Pixel.

Stay tuned...

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The New Standard of Full-frame The

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

INTRODUCING THE

6 www.pixel.co.uk ‘Sony’, ‘

FROM SONY

Discover more at: www.sony.co.uk

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

OFF THE PRESS

BENRO:

LAUNCHING THE NEW FULL CARBON GIMBLE HEAD WITH ‘WEIGHTLESS’ MOVES

Benro has added a brand new gimble head to its range – the new GH5C – that weighs in at just 1.1kg and can support a mighty 30kg load capacity. Always at the forefront of tripod technology, this is another exciting release for the brand.

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anufactured in full carbon fibre, the Benro GH5C not only aesthetically beautiful but is the ideal tool for photographers using long and heavy lenses, and is particularly suited to wildlife and sports photographers, shooting on both DSLR and mirrorless systems.

Featuring an Arca-compatible quick release plate for quick, easy and secure camera attachment – the head achieves a feeling of virtual ‘weightlessness’ even when using the longest, heaviest lenses.

Balancing the camera and lens perfectly, the precision engineered GH5C ensures the heaviest cameras and longest lenses pan and tilt smoothly with the force of just one finger. When the desired position is found, the gimble will stay put when pressure is removed.

The black anodised aluminium plate (PL100LW) has been machined to reduce weight as much as possible, without any compromise in performance.

With both vertical and panoramic scales, the Benro GH5C makes it easy to achieve precision composition and placement, with repeatable movement.

“Once again Benro has nailed it, we asked them to produce a lighter product without compromise. What they have delivered is spot on, not only light, but super smooth to use as well.

Testing with a Canon 5dMK4 and EF 200-400mm f4 L IS USM lens, fingertip control of the camera/lens positioning was possible, and then you understand why photographers who use gimbals for long lenses tell you why they wouldn’t use anything else!”

- Mark Hoskins, Benro UK Brand Manager

The Benro GH5C replaces the previous GH2C model – with the new model featuring full carbon fibre construction weighing in at 200g lighter. The new head also comes with a 3 year warranty as standard – which can be extended to 5 years (free of charge) once the product is registered.

Price & Specs dsa • Material – carbon fibre • Weight 1.1kg • Dimensions 255 x 100 x 245mm • Weight Capacity 30kg • 1⁄4”-20 head mounting screws • Base mount thread size of 3⁄8”-16 • Price – UK SRP £440 (inc VAT)

The Benro GH5C head is available now.

For more information on the entire range of Benro tripods, heads and bags, visit www.benroeu.com

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INTERVIEW

MPB.com:

LUKE WOODFORD INTERVIEWS IAN HOWARTH

MPB.com are one of the most rapidly growing companies in our industry, with good reason, they are incredible good at what they do. Luke Woodford went to see their new warehouse in Brighton, and sat down with Ian Howarth, the brands Marketing manager.

Luke Woodford: What made you move into this new space?

Ian Howarth: It’s just a very rapid expansion. Over the last 18 months since I’ve been here I’ve seen MPB grow so quickly, and we simply just outgrew our space. In the last 18 months we actually moved from one location, which housed all of our digital operations as well as our physical operations team, and then we split it so they remained there, and we moved to another building.

Even then we outgrew that space even just housing the operation staff. So the move to the warehouse is just an overall improvement in efficiency with am emphasis at building for the future - as

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you can see, the warehouse allows for quite a bit of future staffing expansion.

This is pretty much a state of the art facility with state of the art furnishings.

Our tables move up and down so they can choose how they work. Ultimately, its about our customers and how we can serve them better. Efficiency is just a word, but as a company, there is a customer at the end of every one of our processes.

LW: You mentioned the work becoming more efficient and the tables moving up and down, which I’ve seen myself today and its fantastic. How else has this space made the work flow more efficient for you guys?

INTERVIEW IH: When you come to the building, , you can actually follow the line of packages arriving all the way to checking and finally, stocking.. Before we were split over three floors, whereas here we’re over one floor and there’s a constant flow over the entire building. All doors that need to be open are kept open so that packages can get in and out very quickly.

Statistically, the new facility has improved our efficiency somewhere in the region of 45% compared to our previous facility.

make the working environment as good as possible. We provide fresh fruits for the week for all of our staff. We have a once a month meeting, sometimes here sometimes in the other office, where we provide free breakfast for everyone.

Everyone comes in half an hour earlier but they leave half an hour earlier ! We have a ping pong table here, we have a roof terrace, we have a fully kitted out kitchen with a coffee machine and a large fridge freezer.

LW: How many staff have you got now in the UK?

LW: As everyone knows, your trademark colour is ‘mpb blue’, in the warehouse all I can see is orange!

Talk to me about the reason for that.

IH: In the UK I think we are approaching 90 staff. We continue to invest in building out our teams to better serve our users, and at the moment we are putting considerable investment into expanding our marketing team as we seek to expand our reach in the UK & Europe.

LW: How much has that grown in the last 2 years for example?

IH: Considerably. I think two years ago, for one we didn’t have the US then, we were about to launch that. I think in the UK two years ago we only had 25 - 30 staff, so it’s grown at least 3 times over just in staffing.

LW: The warehouse is so spacious, it seems you’ve left room to grow. Are you expecting the numbers of staff to grow continually over the next months and years?

IH: I think the orange provides a very warm working environment. This is a warehouse, and you can probably see tons of skylights, so I think the warmth just adds to a more pleasurable working environment. The blue is nice, but I think people will probably agree that a bit of warmth always reminds you of summer and holidays!

LW: Can you give us any hints about where mob is heading for the future?

IH: I think for me personally, Ii find it very exciting that our CEO Matt and the senior staff are always very supportive

of new ways of doing things. We like a fresh approach and to do things our own way. We’re in Brighton which is a very vibrant city with a very specific vibe. Most of our staff live in Brighton, so its natural that it’s going to be quite an infectious thing. So I think we pretty much like to go with that rather than against it. We do have a lot of fun things in mind as to how wed like to expand and gain trust from people. We’re a fun, vibrant company that really cares about photography. Most of our staff are artists or photographers in some way, and we really like to play on that.

It’s a way of supporting our staff and showing we love what they do, but also it shows our customers that as a company we genuinely really care about photography. In pretty much everything we do, whether its photography, our instagram or facebook page, or even the video we create, we always like to go with that really raw photographic angle.

Yes, it it’s a lot the cameras, we love the cameras because they can create the photographs that we want, but it is about photography. So we always like to link both of those two together.

www.mpb.com

IH: Completely. We’ve actually but this facility to allow for growth of approx 4-5x current volumes. The move to the warehouse was very much done with that in mind — that we would grow a lot more and this space would be ale to house that expansion comfortably. For us, even though we are a business, it’s very important for our staff to be happy and be in a happy work environment which I think you can see here. The amount of effort we put into making our staff comfortable.

LW: Definitely. Your staff all look happy and really comfortable. How have you gone about that?

IH: It’s something that we’ve always done. We’ve always been very focused on keeping the people who work for us happy. It might sometimes mean a bit more expenditure on certain things, but we totally think its worth it. We have a very low staff turnover, people are happy working here. We do everything we can to

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OFF THE PRESS

MANFROTTO:

CELEBRATING SUCCESS OF THE Befree COLLECTION WITH THREE NEW TRAVEL TRIPODS

The BeeFree tripod collection has been extremely successful for Manfrotto, so it’s no suprise that they are once again, expanding the range. There are three new additions to the range, designed for advanced hobbyist photographers and independent content creators.

Befree N21 The Manfrotto Befree 2N1 is by far the most versatile model in the Befree range, with an all-in-one solution that allows the tripod to be converted into a robust monopod in just a few steps. The Befree 2N1 offers a secure, easy and fast solution to convert the tripod into a monopod, while retaining the same exceptional stability afforded throughout the Befree collection.

Secure and stable. The technology behind the safety and stability of the Befree 2N1 is a dedicated locking system that ensures the total absence of play when working both as a tripod and as a monopod. Furthermore, the conjunction

cap on the centre column of the Befree 2N1 firmly connects the tripod leg to the tripod column, giving shape to a solid travel monopod.

Simple and fast. The Befree 2N1 is made to enable quick and easy switching from a tripod to a monopod. After a halfturn anticlockwise, a red rubber ring will appear on the tripod leg, providing the user with visual feedback that the tube can be safely removed for use as a monopod.

The Befree 2N1 is available from 15th September in two versions that cater to all advanced hobbyist photographers: the Quick Power Lock version with levers (RRP £199.95), and the M-Lock (RRP £199.95).

Befree Nerissimo Manfrotto presents the Befree Nerissimo, the most elegant travel tripod for advanced hobbyist photographers with an eye for design and detail. Made of the finest aluminium, the Befree Nerissimo blends high-quality materials with new exclusive matte black finishing. Befree has never been so stylish.

The Befree Nerissimo will be available online exclusively at www.manfrotto. co.uk from 1st October at RRP £174.95.

Befree Live QPL Dedicated to independent content creators.

Following the great success of the Befree Live in both aluminium and carbon versions, Manfrotto has designed the new Befree Live with Quick Power Lock, dedicated to independent content creators who prefer the lever lock system: the most intuitive solution for users in the videography world.

The Befree Live QPL Lever combines the strongest tripod construction elements of the Befree Advanced together with the fluidity of the Live head, to provide an increased level of stability. RRP £224.95.

These three new additions to the Befree collection complement the range of Manfrotto travel tripods. Whether shooting for leisure or business, every travel photographer and videographer will find the most suitable photo support among the Befree range.

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OFF THE PRESS

KICKSTARTER:

JOHN KASKO CREATES SD TITANIUM KEYCHAIN CASE

We always keep a keen eye on Kickstarter, from time to time a gem pops up and this could be one of them. John Kasko, the inventor, has been a professional full time photographer since 1982, since then, he has made his income exclusively from photography. He wants to contimue is journey and share what he believes is a great product with other professional photographers.

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ohn designed the case for SD Memory Cards but can also hold Micro SD Cards in an adaptor. He worked on the design for over a year, creating several prototypes. Size and quality were always the key focus.

“Many of the early design prototypes just didn’t stand up to testing or were not what we wanted. The aluminum prototype was immediately dismissed. It just didn’t have the quality and feel we were looking for. And would not stand up to years of use.” Says John.

His mission is for everyone to be able to transport your files safley and never be without or search for a memory card again.

John explains on his Kickstarter “As a photographer, I tend to run out of the studio, camera in hand, and get to a job only to find out I forgot to put my memory card back in the camera. I know there aren’t many that do this, but trust me, it happens. Sure I have cards in my camera bag but that isn’t always with me on a run and gun job. Now for the less forgetful. The times I do have a card actually in my camera, the Keychain case is always with me for a quick card change. Whether its actually on my keys, or clipped to my camera bag or camera

strap, I am not slowed down by going back to my gear bag to search and change the card.”

Some would argue that you can just keep your cards in your camera bag. Every photographer is different.

Personally, I have four camera bags, all with different uses. Sometimes, I don’t even take a camera bag at all, so to have one card attached to your keys at all times is a fantastic idea.

Another plus that John tells us you just need a way to transport your files to and from work.

Each case is made from titanium and holds one SD card. The magnetic closure is strong enough to keep the case closed.

There are no magnets to risk corrupting a card. Add it to your Keychain or clip it on your camera bag or your camera strap for quick easy access to your card when you need it!

This is actually the second launch.

John explains why - “Lowering the cost of each reward level! What has changed on the Titanium SD Memory Card Keychain Case to lower the cost?

We made a change to the material and manufacturing process of the keyring holder. (That little round thing at the top of the titanium case.) This change will lower the cost and provide a stronger and more secure closure for the case.

Each and every case will still be hand milled out of pure titanium and has no visual changes whatsoever. But providing the best possible product at a fair and honest price point is the whole point of this campaign and platform.”

For more information and to back this project visit www.kickstarter.com

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OFF THE PRESS

PUT THE DATES IN YOUR DIARY NOW!!!

INNOVATION ACROSS THE NATION: FUJIFILM’S ‘SOLUTIONS’ ROADSHOW Fujifilm is proactively taking to the road this October with its very own ‘solutions roadshow’. Marketing Manager Peter Wigington tells us that dates and venues are already booked.

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

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

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

As noted, Fujifilm will be partnering on

its autumn roadshow with distributor Swains, who will be sharing its own frames and albums solutions many of which link with Fujifilm’s Imagine kiosk.

2nd October Exeter - Mecure Rougemont Hotel 3rd October Cheltenham - Racecourse 4th October Harrogate - The Majestic

10th October London - Radisson Blu Edwardian, Heathrow 16th October Livingston - Macdonald Houstoun Hotel 18th October Antrim - Dunadry Hotel

For more details the registration link is bit.ly/photo_solutions

FUJIFILM’S DIRECTOR FOR PHOTO IMAGING DAVID HONEY

“Last December we sold as many Instax cameras in that one month as we did in all of 2015.

The rise in popularity of Instant Cameras has been tremendous and Fujifilm’s Instax range is by far the most popular brand. In 2018, we are

now partnering with US pop singer Taylor Swift to help spread our message even further. Very exciting! “ “The Fujifilm UK Photo team managed to generate the biggest level of sales in over seven years.

That’s not bad for a business which many people think is in decline!”

“Most people would think that smartphones have taken our business away, but in fact, in 2017, 33% of all photo printing activity came from images taken with a smartphone.

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

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

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

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

Show Time 2pm til 8pm

2nd October Exeter

3rd October Cheltenham

4th October Harrogate

Mercure Rougemont Hotel

Racecourse

The Majestic

10th October London

16th October Livingstone

18th October Antrim

Radisson Blu Edwardian, Heathrow

Macdonald Houstoun Hotel

Dunadry Hotel

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

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

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

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

• • • •

Instax & Instax Share Traditional frames & albums New Christmas gift ideas www.pixel.co.uk Christmas camera offers

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OFF THE PRESS

GITZO: INTRODUCING ITS FIRST LINE UP

DESIGNED FOR α CAMERAS FROM SONY

This exciting new line-up from the luxury photographic brand includes the special edition Traveller a tripod the L-Bracket a. Both new products feature a tailored design solution to perfectly fit Sony α7 and α9 camera models.

Gitzo Traveler α

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hanks to its dedicated Sony α plate, the Traveler α brings Gitzo’s premium travel tripod to demanding photographers unleashing their creativity using Sony α cameras. The new black and silver finishing and new design match perfectly with the outstandingly stylish and modern aesthetic of Sony α cameras.

The Traveler α is a compact lightweight travel tripod featuring Gitzo’s distinctive high-quality design and constructed of premium materials. It weighs 1.43 kg, extends to 165 cm high and safely holds up to 10 kg of gear. Thanks to the 180° leg-folding system pioneered

by Gitzo, the Traveler α’s legs reversefold around its centre column and head, allowing it to fold down to 43 cm. This model is recommended for use with lenses up to 135mm and can be used for low-angle or macro shots when the

Gitzo L-bracket

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legs are at the widest angle and its short centre column used. Its legs are made of Carbon eXact tubing for superior strength and stiffness in a slimmer size and feature the “Traveler G-lock” - a travel-size version of Gitzo’s G-lock, designed to ensure security and reduce size. The specially designed compact rubber feet ensure perfect camera stability.

The Traveler α features Gitzo’s most compact professional carbon fibre tripod head. This perfectly balanced, versatile tripod head is engineered to ensure the ultimate smoothness and precision of movement and secure locking with independent pan/tilt lock. The special edition Traveler α tripod features an ergonomic strap made of genuine Italian leather crafted to resemble carbon fibre, for extreme comfort when in use.

RRP £909.95

Growing and strengthening its collaboration with Sony, Gitzo is also introducing a pioneering L-bracket developed to enable effortless orientation of the α7R III & α9 from Sony.

Gitzo’s L-Bracket α is the lightest of its kind on the market. Made of a single solid aluminium piece, it is machined to become one with the most high-level professional mirrorless cameras on the market. The unique design offers four main attachment points for the camera strap connection, ensuring a secure coupling with the solid aluminium body and specific positioning has been considered to minimize camera vibration during transportation. The L-bracket α’s upper side is designed to ensure full and easy access to camera cabling, either for video shooting or indoor tethering.

It features dedicated housing for its hex key accessories. The Gitzo L-Bracket α makes switching from landscape to portrait orientation extremely easy, keeping the existing set and camera perfectly balanced and eliminating the risk of picture blurriness.

RRP £174.95

For more information visit

www.manfrotto.co.uk/gitzo

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OFF THE PRESS

CANON:

LAUNCHING THE EOS R MIRORLESS SYSTEM!

We have entered a new era of Full Frame Mirrorless releases and it’s Canons turn to show their hand. Pixel has all the info and Tracey Fielden – from Canon UK tells us why we should be excited about what the iconic brand has to offer in this market.

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anon have officially entered the Full Frame Mirrorless world with ther EOS R camera and lenses lineup which the brand call ‘uncompromising.’

This is their first camera with the brand new RF mount. Canon claim that the EOS R has the fastest autofocus in the world which is an exciting statement, which is one of the features we look forward to testing the most. Canon believe the EOS R is the perfect tool of choice for professional results with every shot. The all-new RF lens line-up builds on Canon’s optical excellence and heritage, whilst the accompanying accessories offer photographers and filmmakers greater creative and customisation options than ever before. Unlike Nikons weeks and weeks of hype, Canon decided to come out of nowhere and let the new system speak for itself. Canon explains why photographers should invest in their new system.

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EOS R

FOCUS

Built from the ground up, the pioneering EOS R System delivers an entirely new level of innovation, enabling richer, more detailed results, with unparalleled levels of sharpness and detail. EOS R is the first camera to feature the RF lens mount with a 12-pin connection, flange back distance of 20mm and a wide 54mm mount diameter enabling even greater flexibility in lens design.

Through the combination of highperformance RF lenses, a 35mm fullframe CMOS sensor with approximately 30.3 million effective pixels and the latest DIGIC 8 image processor, the EOS R enables consistently high-quality imagery.

Digital Lens Optimizer, which corrects factors such as lens aberrations, draws on the power of RF lenses to send correction data to the camera body, minimising impact on continuous shooting speed.

Boasting the world’s fastest autofocus – in as little as 0.05 seconds (when using high-speed continuous shooting settings) - and the ability to seamlessly capture moving subjects fast and accurately, with up to 8fps continuous shooting (fixed AF) and 5fps with AF tracking, EOS R enables consistently confident use. The EOS R has Touch and Drag AF, which enables intuitive selection of the impressive 5,655 selectable AF positions - more than any other camera in its class. As the world’s first camera to enable low-light autofocusing down to -6 EV, the EOS R is optimised for low-light shooting thanks to the advanced Electronic Viewfinder (EVF), with 3.69 million dots, provides 100 percent coverage of the scene, making it possible to see subjects in accurate colour even in near-dark.

OFF THE PRESS SILENCE The EOS R features completely silent shooting for total discretion in even the most intimate of shooting environments, making it ideal for photojournalists or wedding photographers.

FILMMAKING EOS R is a highly accomplished filmmaking tool delivering stunning 4K video footage featuring full audio control, a vari-angle screen and manual focus peaking. Additionally, filmmakers can output in 10-bit over HDMI with Canon Log also enables filmmakers to capture footage in neutral contrast, with up to 12-stops of dynamic range at ISO 400, allowing post-production grading to extract every subtle nuance of colour and detail in shadows and highlights.

CUSTOMISE Almost every control on the EOS body is customisable, bringing new levels of personalisation and operability to EOS users. The familiar, yet refined, EOS ergonomics and reassuring handling – including the weather-sealed robust magnesium alloy body – allows users to shoot for longer periods, enjoying the comfortable hand grip and intuitive layout. As a first for Canon’s EOS camera series, the EOS R features a customisable multi-function bar, which can be personalised using a slide or

touch motion for preferred settings such as ISO. Designed for those on the move, always-on Bluetooth allows a smartphone to be paired with the EOS R and GPS data recorded in images. For additional creative capture, remote shooting via the Canon Camera Connect app offers freedom for flexible shooting.

As a newly introduced feature for all RF lenses, all will feature a customisable Control Ring that users can use to adjust aperture, shutter speed, ISO or exposure compensation – which means there is no need to look away from the subject and risk breaking concentration - as well as intuitive ergonomics for a natural shooting experience.

CUTTING-EDGE OPTICS The RF lens mount enables a radical new optical design – the 20mm flange back and wide 54mm mount diameter has made it possible for Canon engineers to design new lenses that weren’t possible before. With lenses remaining at the foundation of the EOS System – Canon today also launches four new EOS R lenses, which are expanding the possibilities of optical excellence. Setting new standards of quality and speed, the RF 50mm f/1.2L USM is an extremely fast 50mm f/1.2 L-series prime lens – making it the fastest lens in its class - offering extraordinary levels of detail, supreme sharpness, stunning shallow depth of field and remarkable low-light performance.

The RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM is an

L-series zoom lens and the first full frame Canon lens to feature Nano USM - ideal for filmmakers when smooth focusing is a must for natural looking focus transitions, giving superb control and smooth tracking of the subject as it moves away or towards the camera.

It is slim and easy to handle, and also features a fixed f/4 aperture. The fast, silent autofocus and 5-stops of image stabilization make it perfect for movie making.

A fast-aperture, versatile, standard zoom lens, the RF 28-70mm f/2L USM offers new levels of creativity as it becomes the world’s first large-aperture full frame compatible standard zoom, offering f/2 brightness throughout the zoom range. Furthermore, the lens barrel has a shock absorbing mechanism that achieves excellent impact resistance for toughness, and durability. Lastly, the RF

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OFF THE PRESS 35mm f/1.8 MACRO IS STM – a super-fast 35mm f/1.8 macro lens – is ideal for street, travel and close-up photography, offering a naturally wide-angle perspective, close-up focusing and Hybrid IS. The focus, aperture and IS drive system are all integrated into one unit.

DDP EXPRESS Enabling you to make the most of your images, and expanding the RAW development workflow for photographers, Canon today also launches the Digital Photo Professional Express (DPP Express) [ix], for iPad®[x]. Intuitive and easy-to-use, DPP Express is a high-performance RAW image processing, viewing and editing software for use with both EOS and EOS R cameras. Images can be imported via Camera Connect and can be edited directly through the iPad® app, from white balance adjustment and fine-tuning of tone curve characteristics to dynamic-range adjustment.

DPP Express RAW image software can display still images using PQ (Perceptual Quantization)[xi], a HDR format targeting movie production and distribution. The software makes possible the editing and display of high-quality images with a wide dynamic range.

It’s clear to see that Canon really care about their new system and certainly sounds impressive. Another feature that stood out to us was the low-light autofocusing down to -6 EV. That will be appealing for photographers of many genres. Tracy Fielden, Canon UK & Ireland Marketing Director talks to Pixel “We are very excited to have launched our pioneering EOS R System, the next step for the EOS family since we launched the EOS system over 30 years ago. It is the first chapter of a new story for Canon, our partners and for our customers and we have pushed our expertise and our technology further than ever before.

To be able to continue to offer our customers the ability to capture photographs and movies as they intended, we realised that a greater freedom of lens design was necessary, this required the development of an entirely new mount, built from the ground up. To achieve our

goal, we chose a mirrorless structure with full-frame sensor. Perfect for enthusiast photographers looking to make the step into full frame or professionals wanting a smaller solution in their kit bag without compromising the quality they have with their current Canon cameras.

With new products come new opportunities. Canon believes that the new system will reignite the imaging category for our partners and provide more reasons for customers to visit a store to touch and try the new system and we will be supporting our partners with training, point of sale and investment to ensure they have everything they need.

We believe all of the products offer more creative freedom and possibilities for photographers and filmmakers than ever before and we look forward to seeing in the years to come how many powerful, inspirational and iconic images will be captured on the EOS R system.”

THE LENSES RF 50mm f/1.2L USM • Standard lens which has super bright, highest image quality by using benefit of EOS R system • Fast and precise optical performance • Legendary L-series image quality and durability • Built for everyday professional use RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM • • • • •

A general purpose, practical, professional zoom Steady, handheld professional performance 5-stops of image stabilisation Fast, smooth, quiet Nano USM focusing brining ideal attributes for photos and video Legendary L-series image quality for outstanding detail, depth and sharpness

• • • •

Redefines what you expect from a standard zoom lens Smooth, near-silent autofocusing, with Canon’s USM technology Smart controls and intuitive ergonomics for a natural shooting experience Legendary Canon L-Series pedigree inspires confidence

RF 35mm f/1.8 MACRO IS STM • • • •

Superb image quality and a natural wide-angle lens with compact size Great in low light, helping you capture ambience even in dark conditions Get close to capture fine details at half life-size macro magnifications with 5-stops of image stabilisation Travel light, shoot more instinctively and with more creativity Pricing and Availability The EOS R is available to pre-order from 12th September 2018 and available to purchase from 9th October 2018 with the following RSPs: EOS R body and mount adapter £2,349.99/ €2,729.99 EOS R body, mount adapter and RF 24105mm f/4L IS USM lens - £3,269.99/ €3,819.99 RF 50mm f/1.2L USM lens - £2,349.99/ €2,729.99 RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM lens £1,119.99/ €1,319.99 Mount adapter EF-EOS R - £99.99/ €119.99 Control mount ring adapter EF-EOS R £199.99/ €239.99

For more information on the EOS R release, visit www.canon.co.uk

RF 28-70mm f/2L USM •

World’s first large-aperture full frame compatible standard zoom, offering f/2 brightness throughout the zoom range

Pixel Magazine is published under license from Pixel Publications Ltd.

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TESTED

TESTED:

MANFROTTO PRO LIGHT FASTTRACK-8 SLING BAG

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

I

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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