Pixel Magazine - 31st July 2012

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The Donnerstag, magazine that understands the world of imaging, past, present and future 10. Mai 2012 13:23:53

News Beware Stolen Binos Optical Hardware, based in Barnsley, have had more than 850 pairs of binoculars stolen from one of their vehicles. The models which have been taken are mostly Visionary DX 8x21 and DX 10x25 compact binoculars.

If you are offered Visionary binoculars, particularly DX models, by unknown vendors, please report it to the Police and to Optical Hardware, 01226 203275 phil@opticalhardware.co.uk

Fujifilm Announces Discontinuations Fujifilm Professional has revealed that production of a number of its films is to cease.

The affected films are Fujichrome Velvia 100F in 35mm, 120 and 4”x5” formats and Velvia 50 in 4”x5” and 8”x10”. The last shipment of these films will arrive into the UK in December 2012.

Gabriel Da Costa, product manager said “Due to decreasing demand we have to announce these withdrawals.

It is an unfortunate consequence of digital capture. Fujifilm will continue to manufacture a wide range of film and support our Choose Film group.” www.choosefilm.com

Manfrotto Launches ‘Inspirational’ Blog Manfrotto has launched a blog designed to engage with photography enthusiasts.

The blog focuses on four key themes: those of ‘Personality’, ‘Physicality’, ‘Popularity’ and ‘Practicality’. The blog will also feature news, competitions and Manfrotto updates. www.manfrottoimaginemore.com

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GOING FOR GOLD Sponsors on the starting blocks for London 2012 Olympic Games

As the official imaging sponsor, Panasonic will deliver the largest supply of its audio visual equipment for any Olympic Games in the company’s history to support the London 2012 Games. Video signals distributed by the International Broadcasting Center (IBC) to the broadcasters of each country will be distributed in HD, and the opening and closing ceremonies and events displayed on the large screens in the venue will also be distributed in HD video.

Panasonic will also make this the first-ever 3D Olympic Games by providing its equipment and technology, such as its latest integrated twin-lens 3D camera recorders.

Fellow Olympic Sponsor Samsung has been heavily involved in the torch relays around the UK and has been running competitions to win tickets to events via its apps and social networking platforms.

Whilst making the most of the extra business the Olympic Games could bring is essential, a word of warning - unauthorised use of any Olympic branding including logos or even the worlds London 2012 could land you in legal hot water. If in doubt, don’t! More info can be found here: www.london2012.com

Canon’s CSC is Here The wait is over as Canon unveils the Eos M. Canon has released its long-awaited entry into the compact system camera market, the EOS M. Joining the award-winning EOS range, the new addition will be available in black, glossy white, silver or bold red,a nd will launch alongside two new lenses, the EF-M 22mm f/2 STM pancake and the EF-M 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM standard zoom, as well as a new compact EX Speedlite – the Speedlite 90EX. Condensing Canon’s award-winning DSLR expertise onto a small package, the EOS M has been met with a huge amount of excitment, despite the release coinciding with reports that CSCs will not be allowed at the Olympic Games. For more details on this, see our report on page *** Canon’s EOS M is scheduled to be available as part of a number of kits in October - just in time to top the Christmas lists of photographers everywhere. For full details on the product itself, and

the kit packages that will be offered, see our Launch Pad section on page 13. www.canon.co.uk

reacts quickly, misses nothing

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The Insider

Saying what you are thinking and asking the difficult questions. Each issue ‘The Insider’ reports back from the frontline of our industry.

I spend much of my time driving the highways and byways of this country and over the last few weeks you could have found me in Grimsby, Exeter, Coventry, Leicester, Leeds and all over the South East. I get around.

It was on one of my recent journeys that whilst listening to the radio a report came on saying that Dalton Philips, the chief executive of the Morrisons, had said that the double dip recession that the UK is currently suffering had hit the North so hard that it is was increasingly becoming a ‘different country’ to the South.

He went on to say this “There’s two countries.

People I meet in the South East are surprised when I tell them that half of our customers are checking the price of every single item. When I say they’re buying two times the amount of bread to freeze it and take a slice out at a time, people go ‘Oh really?’ There’s an absolute divide.” His comments were made just as a new report was released claiming that unemployment in the north has soared by 100,000 in the past year. The Institute of Public Policy Research said that unemployment in the North East had increased by 23 per cent in the last 12 months, that’s an increase of 27,000. In London, the number is up also by 29,000 in the past year, but that is only an increase of 8 per cent.

Why this was of particular interest to me was and is because it was a statement that backed up a lot of my personal observations.

Now I’m not an ‘It’s grim up North’ kind of a person despite my roots being strongly placed in the South of the country. However, there can be no denying that the high streets of the North definitely seem to be suffering harder and

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faster than those in the South. A short walk along Grimsby High Street would confirm my observations, believe me.

So how is this ‘divide’ affecting our industry?

The recent closure of Jacobs stores was nationwide after all and I know that there are a number of Northern based retailers who are responding positively to the difficult economic climate we all face. But if the chief executive of Morrisons is speaking out using a daily basic such as bread to make his point, surely the decision to buy a luxury electronic product must be lower on the necessity list north of Birmingham. For those of you who rarely travel north this may seem of little relevance but the reality of what we are discussing is not only a North South divide but the substantial reduction of potential markets. If we really are becoming an economically divided country are we also becoming a divided country of those who can and cannot afford luxury items? If we are, then every aspect of what we do and how we do it from retailing to marketing will have to change.

Both will have to become regionally focused, across all forms of media and on the high street.

That is what Morrisons is doing today, perhaps it is what we will all be doing tomorrow.

Sunday Trading Changes

Will retailers benefit from the suspension of Sunday Trading restrictions?

As retailers prepare for the temporary suspension of Sunday Trading Laws between 22 July and 9 September, Mona Bitar, KPMG comments: “Current restrictions on have been in force for 18 years, but in that time the UK’s shopping environment has radically changed. Britain’s comfort with e-commerce means that we really are open all hours.

“Consumers are increasingly placing a premium on convenience so there is a case to be made for these demands to be met, as part of the drive for economic growth. By diverting foot-fall away from local stores towards city centres and tourist spots, independent retailers will need to work hard to ensure they continue to lure customers in and do not suffer.”

The benefits of a temporary suspension of the law will also only apply to retailers with floor space of above 3,000 sq ft. They are currently restricted to trading to six hours on a Sunday.

Helen Dickinson, head of retail at KPMG says: “The Chancellor’s decision to try to boost the sector by suspending restrictions on opening hours will ultimately only benefit large stores that are restricted by a limited trading window every Sunday. But even for these businesses, the ability to trade for longer brings increased overheads and staffing issues and so care will need to be taken to ensure any uplift is not eroded though higher costs.

“Retailers will also need to plan carefully so staff and goods can get to stores on time and safely. The relaxation of the night time delivery restrictions is helpful but does not compensate for the logistical challenges of ensuring stock availability levels are up to scratch – a particular challenge for the supermarkets which normally have many deliveries each day each within carefully pre-defined timeslots.” www.kpmg.com

FOCUS

News Lexar to Support XQD Memory Card Specification Lexar has announced its support of the XQD memory card specification for compatibility with Nikon D4 and future XQD-based camera models. Expected to be available in the third quarter of 2012, Lexar XQD memory cards will offer highspeed performance in a range of capacities to effectively capture and store high-quality images, 1080p full high-definition (HD) video, and 3D video content.

“We are committed to offering innovative and industry-leading photography solutions, which is why we’re working with Nikon to offer and co-market XQD memory cards. We view the XQD standard as one of the most logical ways to increase interface speed beyond that of existing CompactFlash technology,” said Wes Brewer, vice president of products and technology, Lexar. XQD memory cards are based on the PCI Express specification, which offers 2.5Gb per second performance today with plans for 5Gb per second performance in the future. www.lexar.com

Join the Pixel Mailing List from your Mobile Keep up to date with imaging news, trade issues and all things Pixel by singing up to the Pixel mailing list. In addition to updates about the magazine itself, you will also receive information on the Retail Imaging Show, the Pixel Trade Awards and other industry events.

This year, the Pixel Trade awards will adopt last year’s format of voting windows for each category, so subscribe to the online mailing list to ensure you are reminded each time voting is opened for a new award.

To use the QR code above, simply take a picture of it using your smartphone, which will then load the corresponding web page.

Submit your details there and we’ll be sure to keep in touch with all the imaging information you need.

You can also now join the Pixel Magazine group on LinkedIn, where you can find updates and join discussions with Pixel staff, other readers and representitives from major imaging manufacturers and distributors. www.pixel.co.uk www.linkedin.com

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THE BIG INTERVIEW

Sharing the Passion

As a top sponsor and official imaging brand of the London 2012 Olympic Games, Panasonic have embarked on a global marketing campaign, “Sharing the Passion”, which is particularly apt as their new Lumix launches include superzoom WiFi model. Here, Mark Robinson, Panasonic’s UK Head of Imaging, speaks candidly to Pixel about the necessity of working with specialist imaging retailers to make the most of this year’s unique business opportunities.

Mark Robinson There’s so much to discuss, so I’m going to get straight to the point, if you don’t mind.

Of course! Fire away.

What do you see as being the major trends currently affecting the trade, and how do they influence what Panasonic is doing?

It’s a challenging market, there’s no doubt about that, but we’re seeing a lot of good news from various sectors and it has really postitive implications for the indie and specialist perspective in particular.

The interesting thing for this market is that the areas of imaging experiencing the toughest challenges, predominantly the sub-£100 basic compact market, is more the preserve of the mass channel.

The areas of growth and the most promising for the future are the higher end and more premium products, which are typically where the specialist and independent retailers come into their own. These areas, including the bridge market, superzooms and compact system cameras are attracting lots of interest and investment from manufacturers, so the growth there looks set to continue for some time.

The market for bridge and CSC cameras is particularly strong and as growth is predicted to continue there, it’s an area we’ll really focus on.

You’ll see from the raft of product releases that I’m told is in this issue of Pixel and continuing in the nex that we’re bringing out our biggest range of bridge cameras to date, because we can really see a whole section of the market that we can capture with these. As part of that, we’re introducing a model featuring F2.8 from wide angle through to telezoom, which is something we haven’t had on the market for seven or eight years and photo specialists are in a particularly good position to sell these products.

From recent research, we can see that photo specialists are faring better than the channel overall, so we think it’s important to continue to push key products through this channel.

The superzoom category is also buoyant and a strong area for Panasonic. With our new product releases, you will see a superzoom

compact with Wifi connectivity, which is the first time we have brought these two trends together.

Combining superzoom with WiFi is going to be a really big step for Panasonic and for consumers, who are going to love being able to instantly upload and share that quality of image they can get with a superzoom.

How are Panasonic helping retailers to make the most of the opportunity that these trends offer?

We’ve had great response to our summer advertising campaigns so far, so my advice to retailers is to keep in touch with your rep, maximise opportunities where you can. I know it’s difficult or impossible for some retailers to keep large volumes of stock in all the time so we can really help you to make sure you can capitalise on promotions when they happen.

I’d also urge retailers not to forget about HD camcorders. HD video recording on CSCs, compacts and DSLRs has made a huge impact on the digital video market, but HD camcorders are still performing very well, particularly the vertical models. Standard definition has moved away a bit but for HD video products, there is

still plenty of demand and year-on-year sales are robust.

And of course, the category we can’t talk enough about is the one we’re now calling DSLM - digital single lens mirrorless cameras.

It is essentially what people know as the CSC segment but we feel that term better reflects the spread of the category. This is an area which is growing massively, anything up to 60 and 70% growth and more brands are joining the market now, so their brand strengths are added to the weight of the category.

DSLR is still the bigger market but it’s in decline, where as DSLM is growing so it’s really exciting for manufacturers and it’s offsetting the declines in other areas. The additional exciting thing about DSLM is it gives retailers the potential for more add-on sales and repeat purchases than compact cameras ever have, so there’s lots of opportunity there.

As we’ve sadly seen with the closure of Jacobs, the independent market is changing dramatically. How important is the independent sector toPanasonic and how

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THE BIG INTERVIEW a great thing as it ensures our product reaches the consumer with the sort of valuable guidance and advice that encourages repeat purchases and inspires the consumer to become and remain loyal to the Panasonic brand.

What are you doing to help strengthen this channel?

The focus on DSLM should help by the way of the repeat purchases we have just discussed.

This is something we anticipate being of more benefit to independent retailers and specialists for exactly that reason.

“Selling products through specialists is incredibly important for Panasonic, as they can offer the level of service and brand support that we want for our products.”

Newport Road, Cardiff

are these changes affecting Panasonic’s business?

The independent trade is absolutely VITAL for us. It’s upsetting that retailers are having such a hard time, there’s no doubt that the financial climate is making trade difficult but the numbers do show, as I mentioned, that in photography the specialist sector actually appears to be weathering the challenges better than the mass channel.

Selling products through independent specialists is incredibly important for Panasonic, as they can offer the sort of service and brand support that is essential for our products.

The environment of the photographic specialist stocking Panasonic sits well alongside our own-branded stores, most of which are also operated by independent retailers, and the level of customer service is just second to none. Independents can have staff at our product training sessions, they can come and learn about the products and pass that knowledge and experience on to consumers in a way which many larger stores perhaps cannot, and this level of attention is really valuable to their customers and to us.

After sales are particularly important to maximise the growth, of the DSLM category as they encourage camera owners to invest in further lens options, and this is also an area of particular strength for independents and specialist retailers. There’s a perception of trust which inspires customer loyalty, generally the ethics are right for selling value added products and this is why ranges that depend on repeat purchasing, like DSLM, are really key for the independent. And in turn, one of the many reasons independents are important to us. If anything, I would say Panasonic is disproportionately reliant on the independent imaging trade when compared with some other brands, but that’s

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Obviously our advertising campaigns promote brand and product awareness, which helps sales across all channels, but we’re also giving independent retailers the opportunity to be part of our online incentive programme, which is called Focus on the Future. This allows retail staff to earn points for taking on training, for selling cameras and for using other resources, and they can then use the points for prizes.

We’re going to work on adding more to our online training too, as this is a really important resource that retailers can use with their staff in store. It’s easy to fit around day to day store running and immediately interactive, with measurable results.

It’s been a strange start to the summer, with sporting events and unseasonable weather… is this having any effect on your sales predictions for the remainder of the year?

It’s difficult to tell from our position but I have no doubt that the weather, as well as the wider economy, will be affecting sales at retail, particularly in some categories.

Fortunately for us, the spike in camera sales at this time of year is more driven by those who are going away, so hopefully the fact that the weather at home is a wash out will not dent these sales too heavily. We’ve had TZ advertising campaigns running and they’ve outperformed last year, so that’s our first indicator to show that this sector seems to be comparably resilient.

The other side of this summer’s coin, of course, is the Olympics., of which we are a major sponsor. As we predicted, there has already been a very sharp spike in the sales of our Olympic branded merchandise. Sales have really started to take off in the last few weeks, spurred by branded display stands which we have put out through independent retailers. We

are also adding incentives by which retailers can win tickets to Olympic events through the scheme I mentioned previously. There will be so much branding activity, social networking and additional opportunity throughout the events that I really expect the positive impact of the Olympic coverage to last much longer than the event itself.

Ths is the first main summer Olympics at which we have been the official imaging brand, so it’s exciting for the UK retailers to have the first Olympic branded products in this category.

Panasonic has been a top sponsor of the Olympic Games for 84 years, but the status as official imaging sponsor was added at the last winter games. Being an Olympic sponsor is part of Panasonic’s brand culture and legacy so this is an ongoing investment. It’s not all about the London Games although obviously, it’s a very exciting time and we will be making the most of the opportunities it brings.

As far as UK dealers are concerned, in addition to the point of sale material I mentioned earlier, the TZ camera advertising features the line “the official cameras of the London 2012 Olympic Games” . The amount of exposure the brand will receive around the events, with the logos and branding around the venues being televised, will be enormous and this publicity will trickle down to even the smallest Panasonic dealer.

Olympics aside, how’s business at Panasonic in general? We’ve heard about all sorts of redundancies…

It’s a challenging time for the sector, that’s for sure, but the staff cuts made at the head office have absolutely no effect on the Lumix brand in the UK. It’s a pillar of the company, moving forward, and in fact the sales headcount for this area has actually increased, .

The really good news is that for the last week’s data we have available, we were the overall number one imaging brand, with a record interchangeable lens share of 18%.

This, I think, is due to a really great response to our advertising campaigns. From our perspective, given the competition, this is all really positive and promising. The GX1 performed exceptionally well and retailers tell us that the X Lens powerzoom kit is very popular.

Other than what we’ve already discussed, do you have any promotions running or coming up that you can tell us about?

We’ve been running TV ads throughout June and July, and there will be heavy promotion on the TZ models through until August. During the Olympics there will be Panasonic branding everywhere in the venues and we will receive plenty of coverage through our links with Getty.

After all that, we will be thinking of new promotions to run from photokina onwards, to kick off the festive season and help retailers round off what will have hopefully been a successful year.

For more on Panasonic’s new products, see our Launch Pad section on page 13. www.panasonic.co.uk

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DIGITAL DISTRIBUTION  BRINGING MARGIN BACK TO PHOTO RETAIL

E&OE

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THE BUSINESS

Passing the Jessops Baton Last issue, Pixel reported that Jessops’ CEO Trevor Moore is to step down at the end of July. We called his replacement, Jessops Executive Chairman Martyn Everett, for a quick but essential Q&A.

Martyn, we understand from your letter that Trevor Moore is stepping down as CEO of Jessops?

Yes, Trevor is leaving at the end of July, to pursue an exciting new opportunity and we all wish him the absolute best, I personally thank him for his leadership as he’s done a great job..

What impact has Trevor had during his time at Jessops?

Over the last three years under Trevor, the business has re-established itself as the leading speciality retailer and achieved a number of significant milestones.

Trevor’s made a fantastic contribution to the business and we’re very grateful for the work he has done. He’s transformed the group, really, and made so many changes which have put Jessops in a very strong position and will continue to do so.

One of his most important influences is that Trevor has established an excellent management team, and I will be stepping in as Executive Chairman to support the management team and to lead the business forward. I have no plans to appoint a replacement CEO and I will be building on the solid foundations established to date and working with the existing management staff to develop our business from this point.

Do you anticipate that there will be any changes or disruptions to business owing to the changeover?

Honestly, I am completely confident there will not be. Trevor and I have worked very closely together and are absolutely on the same page, so my role will really be a straightforward continuation of what he has been doing. We both have the same plans and ambitions to Jessops, so my leadership will not bring about any changes.

What else do you have planned for the Jessops business?

I’ll be looking to continue our current growth with further emphasis on profitability and the top line. This will mean continuing the roll out of our “live store” format, which has widened Jessops’ market appeal retaining existing customers and attracting more, younger, older and female customers to the store, extending dwell time and increasing visit frequency.

In 2010 Jessops returned to positive EBITDA and built on this performance again in 2011 despite a very challenging market backdrop and significant environmental challenges, so it’s really a case of continuing these positive steps and the great work that Trevor has done for Jessops. www.jessops.com

Rain Stops Play

Wet weather promotions by retailers bring Consumer Price Inflation down to its lowest rate in more that two years.

Statistics from the Office for National Statistics put Consumer Price Inflation (CPI) at 2.4 per cent, down from 2.8 per cent in May. The ONS reports the largest downward pressures came from falls in the cost of clothing and footwear, as well as from food and transport. This reflects the high levels of promotional activity across the retail sector, partly driven by poor demand for summer items because of the wash-out summer.

British Retail Consortium Director General, Stephen Robertson, said: “Intense competition between retailers means deep discounting on the high street has become a regular sight. The dismal summer weather, including the wettest June on record, has forced retailers into even more promotional activity in an effort to spark consumer interest in summer ranges.

“Falling commodity and energy costs are easing pressure on food prices and retailers are rushing to pass this on to consumers. Real disposable incomes are still dropping, meaning pressure on household budgets remains intense, but this welcome news on inflation gives us some hope the balance may be shifting in

consumers’ and retailers’ favour.

“With the first half of the year complete, we can see total sales growth between this January and June was no better than in 2011. It’s clear a permanent upturn in confidence and spending has yet to happen.”

Helen Dickinson, Head of Retail, KPMG, said: “In June, following a mini Jubilee boost, most sectors achieved positive like-for-like growth for the month as a whole. The double whammy of uncertain sales levels and ongoing promotional activity continues to hit profits and cash flows.

“Retailers are fervently hoping that the summer of sport will raise cash for their coffers. But the reality is that any benefit from the Olympics will probably be concentrated in the South East.

Overall there will be plenty of hype, a short term blip of benefit, and then back to normality and the challenges that brings.”

It is further hoped that the scrapping of the proposed rise in fuel duty will ease the pressure on consumers’ pockets and supply chains, and represents a step in the righ direction for the Government. www.brc.org

News CSCs Banned from London Olympic Games Olympics bosses have warned spectators to leave any cameras with detachable lenses at home if visiting venues including Wembley Stadium.

Worries over non media-accredited snappers posting photographs online have prompted officials to ban “professionalstyle cameras [any cameras with interchangeable lenses] or recording/ transmitting devices”, although they admit there are no clear rules for security staff in what consitiutes a professional camera.

London 2012 organisers have since told AP that it is better to be safe than sorry and to leave any camera with an interchangeable lens at home.

A representative from Locog has told photographers: ‘If in doubt, leave it out.” www.london2012.com

Apple Ordered to Display Samsung ‘Advert’ Bloomberg has reported that a British judge has ordered Apple to run ads saying that Samsung did not copy its design for the iPad. Having ruled that patents were not infrigned, Judge Birss told Apple to publish a notice on its website and in newspapers to correct any impression that Samsung had copied their designs. The notice is effectively an advertisement for Samsung, and according to the rport, Apple will have to display it on their website for a full six months.

The judge did, however, rule out Samsung’s suggested ban on Apple claiming that Samsung had copied their products, saying that Apple was entitled to express an opinion. www.apple.com

“Photography Magazine for Women” Launched The Neilsen Photo Group,has introduced a “lifestyle Photography” magazine aimed specifically at women, called Pix. “If you love to snap photos, chances are you’re pretty creative and artsy about the rest of your world too. It’s important to you that your business is modern and cool, you’ve always got an eye out for hip clothing and accessories, and looking professional and shooting well are top priorities,” runs the publication blurb. The free magazine has already come under criticism for ‘fluffy’ content and for stereotyping women. www.pdnonline.com

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THE NEW WORLD OF IMAGING

Apple: Not Untouchable

The Rumour

Apple reveals 2012 Q3 results, expects gross margins to decline in the next quarter, but will continue to invest in Apple TV.

The Rumour is a round up of gossip and hints currently circulating the internet. The views here are not necessarily those of Pixel Magazine and have not been communicated through official channels, they are simply things we have heard from those who may know!

Apple held its Q3 2012 financial results conference call in which the company discussed their expectations for the next quarter which runs through July, August and September.

Apple CFO Peter Oppenheimer said that he expects gross margins to decline in the next quarter due to a “Fall transition”. This inside-speak is roughly translated to mean a changeover to new product lines, possibly with lower prices, which could in this case point to the much rumored smaller/cheaper 7.85” iPad. This trannsition is expected to take place before the end of September in order for it to impact the next quarter.

Interestingly, Apple continues to show optimism about the Apple TV, despite sales having been less than other products.

Oppenheimer said Apple sold 1.3 million televisions in the last quarter, up more than

Rumour has it that... Nikon have held off product announcements throughout July because the company is waiting for Photokina. Through August and September, it is thought that Nikon will start introducing new products in almost every category. It’s expected thar for the Photokina show in Cologne (September 18-23, 2012) Nikon will have new DSLR camera(s), lens(es), Coolpix models and mirrorless products on display.

Via Nikonrumors

170% year over year. This brings the fiscal year total to 4 million units, which Oppenheimer called “pretty incredible. It’s still at a level that we would call a ‘hobby’, but we’ll see where it takes us. Lots of people here believe in Apple TV and we will continue to invest.” www.apple.com

Digital Camera Market rises to Smartphone Challenge

Rumour has it that we will soon start to see Polaroid branding on all sorts of products... in Asda! Polaroid’s name came from the polarizing film developed by founder Edwin Land, and the name has become synonymous with instant photography. The company has now partnered with Wal-Mart owned Asda and will be lending its branding to a whole host of electronic producs thought to include televisions and media players. The new Polaroid gadgets could appear on shelves during August.

Via PetaPixel

Phone photography impact limited to entry level compacts, according to latest research.

Rumour has it that the iPhone 5 will be released on 21st September. The reports have slipped from an accessory manufacturer, who had been told by Apple to have their iPhone 5 products ready by this date. The product is rumoured to have a 4 inch plus screen, and despite very public friction between the companies, it has been rumoured that some of the iPhone 5’s core components eill be made16:44:24 Fuji Quarter Page Advert.pdf 18/11/11

by Samsung.

Via PocketLint

Whilst smartphone photography is now ubiquitous, it appears that the impact of this trend on digital camera sales is not as widespread as previously predicted.

According to GfK’s industry research, innovative cameras are keeping hardware sales buoyant despite the tendency for most people to take quick snaps using their mobile phone.

GfK reported that volume sales of superzoom camera* increased by 53 percent year to May 2012, while compact cameras with changeable lens grew by 11 percent.

“Although smartphones are having an impact on digital cameras market, the main impact is clearly on traditional ‘point and shoot’ camera sales,’ said GfK. Despite the total market decreasing by -3 percent in volume sales from 2006 to 2011, feature rich cameras are still drawing large

amounts of consumer interest. Changeable lens cameras have only seen one year of decline in the past 6 years, compared with 5 years of double-digit year-on- year growth.

Aline Marchal, Account Manager at GfK, comments: ‘The decline in digital camera sales is skewed somewhat by the influence that fixed lens cameras, the bulk of camera sales, have over the market. This market only started to decline in 2009 after years of growth preceding this. With this in mind, it is more likely that the high levels of ownership, coupled with a low consumer confidence, are the main factors in dampening the market. It is still important to remember that there are still many opportunities for the industry, borne out by the increased demand for higher quality photographic products.’ www.GfK.com

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Your Essential Guide to the Latest Launches

Name: Optrix XD Sport RRP: TBC Release Date: Immediate

Name: Magix Photostory on DVD RRP: TBC Release Date: Immediate MAGIX PhotoStory on DVD MX (Version 11) allows users to effortlessly transform photos and video clips into fascinating slideshows with text, music and spectacular effects.

In addition, users can export shows to USB sticks, SD cards, and share online.

MAGIX PhotoStory on DVD MX Deluxe (Version 11) is the multi-award winning solution for creating multimedia slideshows! With over 50 additional deluxe extras, photos, or business presentations, the user can easily transform their photos and video clips into fascinating slideshows featuring text, music, and spectacular effects. www.magix.com

Optrix, designer of action sports video cases, announces the availability of the XD Sport, the first rugged, waterproof iPhone case designed to transform your iPhone 4, 4S and iPod Touch into a wideangle action video camera.

The XD Sport combines the proprietary Optrix design with a 175° wide angle aluminum and glass lens, giving sports enthusiasts the ability to shoot, edit and share 1080P videos. Perfect for extreme sports such as mountain biking, skateboarding, skiing or motocross, the XD Sport is military grade. The Optrix XD Sport comes with a variety of accessories, including a curved and flat mount to securely adhere to any surface, a quick release latch and a rubberized sled that protects the phone while doubling as a case. www.optrix.com

Name: Black Rapid Left Handed RS Sport RRP: £75 Release Date: Immediate The BlackRapid RS-Sport L and RS-Sport 2 L have been designed for the active left-handed photographer. The integrated underarm stabiliser holds the shoulder pad in position on the right shoulder. The perfect accessory for the photographer who goes climbing a rock face, skiing down a glacier, or riding a mountain bike.

The R-Strap is worn diagonally across the torso from right shoulder to left hip, and adjusts to fit most photographers. www.blackrapid.com

Name: Samsung MV900F RRP: TBC Release Date: Immediate The MV900F features Samsung’s 180 degree Flip-out display, making it easy to capture and share self-portraits from any angle.

Gesture Shot uses motion-sensor technology to control the camera remotely through gestures alone. To control the camera’s zoom functions users simply make a circular motion with their hand. When the shot is ready to be taken, they move their hand up and down to capture the image.

Featuring a 16.3M BSI CMOS sensor and bright F2.5 lens, the MV900F allows images shot in dimly lit conditions to retain detail, without the bleaching effect of artificial light. Low Light Shot mode automatically selects the best setting for low light conditions. By taking three continuous shots and merging them together into one, this feature creates an image free from blurs and noise.

The MV900F features the latest in Wi-Fi functionality, allowing instant connectivity with social networks and devices Boasting 1920x1080 Full HD video recording at 30fps, the MV900F creates movies that are worth sharing. Combining the best of still photography with dynamic videos, the Motion Photo feature cleverly brings any subject to life.

Subjects can now become the centre of attention, as they appear to wave from a crowd or busy street whilst time stops around them. www.samsung.com

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THE LAUNCHPAD LAUNCH PAD

Name: Canon EOS M RRP: £769.99 to £949.99 as kits with lenses.

Release Date: October Canon’s new EOS M’ features an 18 megapixel APS-C hybrid CMOS sensor and DIGIC 5 processor, plue asensitive native ISO range of 100-12,800 (extendable to 25,600).

The new design features a Hybrid AF System that supports super-fast, accurate AF when shooting stills and movies.

The EOS M allows the user to switch easily to Full HD video with stereo sound and video snapshot mode with in-camera movie editing.

In addition to compatibility with Canon’s existing EF lenses (Via Mount Adaptor EFEOS M), accessories and Speedlites, the EOS M launches with its own bespoke range of compact accessories. Two new EF-M lenses offer portability and high performance when using the new model – the EF-M 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM standard zoom and the EF-M 22mm f/2 STM pancake lens. Both feature new Stepper Motor technology for exceptionally smooth AF performance, as well as precision Canon optics, while their compact designs offer the perfect form-factor to complement the camera’s pocket-sized body.

Additionally, the EOS M will ship with the new Speedlite 90EX flash unit as standard. www.canon.com Name: Panasonic Lumix Additions RRP: TBC Release Date: TBC Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FZ62 The 16 megapixel DMC-FZ62 boasts a powerful 24 x optical zoom and superior controllability including manual operation and full-HD video recording capability. With a 25mm ultra wide angle lens and 3.0-inch Intelligent LCD, which has 460,000-dot high resolution, the FZ62 offers exceptional creative freedom – perfect for beginners through to serious photographers Panasonic LUMIX SZ5 Panasonic’s Wi-Fi-enabled LUMIX SZ5 is a slim, stylish and highly connected camera which allows you to instantly share your magical moments with friends and family. With the continued rise of blogging and social networking, the LUMIX SZ5 provides the rich connectivity options – from Wi-Fi, to DLNA to smartphone compatibility – which make posting your images and videos online easier than ever. Featuring remote operation possibilities via your smartphone; a 14-megapixel sensor, and a 10x optical zoom, the LUMIX SZ5 allows you to boost the quality of your daily photography.

Panasonic Lumix LZ20 Compact Shooting Style Camera with Powerful 21x Optical Zoom LUMIX New Super Zoom DMC-LZ20 Panasonic is pleased to announce a new model to Panasonic‘s range of LUMIX digital camera, DMC-LZ20, featuring a powerful 25mm ultra wide angle 21x optical zoom lens with Optical Image Stabiliser. The 16-megapixel high resolution CCD and advanced image processing powerfully supports shooting high quality photos and video. www.panasonic.co.uk Name: Panasonic’s Lumix G5 RRP: TBC Release Date: TBC The LUMIX G5 demonstrates the true potential of Mirrorless System Camera image quality. It features a 16.05-megapixel Live MOS Micro Four Thirds Sensor powered by the Venus Engine VII FHD. A wide range of AF modes are available, including multiple-area AF, Face Detection, and AF Tracking. The LUMIX G5’s rapid burst shooting capability allows six Frames per Second (FPS) at full resolution or up to 20 FPS in reduced resolution. The sensor and Venus Engine enhancements mean that the camera can record in Full HD 1080/50p, with stereo sound, producing professional movie quality with minimal noise. With outputs in both AVCHD progressive and MP4, it provides wide compression and compatibility options. The long recording times, instant access controls, advanced AF system and LUMIX G lenses are specifically designed for movie shooting.

The LUMIX G5 provides high precision digital processing functions in a compact, classically designed and easy-to-grip chassis, with intuitive automatic shooting modes, full range of advanced features, and innovative user interface . www.panasonic.co.uk

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INSIDE TRACK Hasselblad Consolidates and Relocates Hasselblad A/S in Copenhagen, Denmark, is consolidating its production and service operations into an expanded facility at Victor Hasselblad AB in Gothenburg, Sweden, with the intention of improving the quality and speed of services offered to our global customers.

During the transition period, Hasselblad expects some minor delays on a small percentage of products and repairs.

Hasselblad (UK) Ltd. will continue to provide support and service locally, where possible, at the typical turnaround time of approximately 5 working days. www.pmanewsline.com

Early Bird Discounts on PMA@CES 2013

Target Introduces Personalised Cards

Greeting Card Universe brings personalised seasonal products, fulfilled

by Kodak, to Target stores throughout the USA Consumers can now “create that high quality card with the perfect message and the perfect image,” Kodak says. “Even better, they can create the card online and pick it up on the same day in most Target stores nationwide,” thanks to a new partnership with California-based Greeting Card Universe.

“As a leader in the online paper greeting card category, we understand the need for customized content as well as quickfulfillment processes on orders when convenient same day pickup is required,” the company says.

PMA announces early member registration is now open for PMA@ CES 2013, and the 2013 DIMA and PSPA / SPAA Conferences. Members registering by Sept. 1, 2012, pay just $249, a $50 discount off the normal $299 member fee, for an AllConference pass and entry to both PMA@CES 2013 and the 2013 International CES. www.pmai.org

“Partnering with Kodak provides Greeting Card Universe the ability to offer consumers instant gratification through in-store printing solutions rather than just the mail options.”

At the www.greetingcarduniverse.com site, customers search for the occasion, choose from more than 500,000 card designs, customize with their personal message and/or photo, and place their order. They can pick it up at their local Target store in as little as an hour.

Customers can even request a new card design from Greeting Card Universes’ community of more than 4,000 artists.

The companies cite research firm InfoTrends’ report that more than 21 percent of printed photo merchandise products (photo books, greeting cards, calendars, and specialty prints) ordered online in 2011 were fulfilled in a retail store — and that percentage is expected to approach 28 percent by 2015. www.greetingcarduniverse.com

The magazine that provides retail solutions for the print professional, distributed free with Pixel magazine.

Permajet Go with the Flo New products added to the Eco-Flo range of environmentally and economically friendly print products PermaJet have launched a new EcoFlo Ink System for the Epson R3000, allowing users to save up to 80% off all your ink costs on this printer.

The PermaJet R3000 Eco-Flo ink bottle system is unlike other cheaply manufactured systems on the market today that require injection needles to fill the cartridges on a very frequent basis as well as awkward ink level resetting procedures.

The PermaJet Eco-Flo has been specially designed with moulded cartridges that simply slot into your printer in the usual way and stay in situ permanently. Refilling is then carried out simply by topping up the external reservoir bottles therefore avoiding unnecessary wear and tear on the cartridges and microchips.

Credits & Contacts

The kit includes the latest inks - PermaJet have been improving existing ink technology and the result is the specially formulated ImageLife pigment inks which have been tested for archival stability on various Epson printers. www.permajet.com

Editor: Laura Knight 01323 437946 laura@lifemediagoup.co.uk

Editorial Assistant Harriet Weston 01323 411601 harriet@lifemediagroup.co.uk

Subscriptions Leanne McConnell 01323 433708 leanne@lifemediagroup.co.uk

Editorial Director: Grant Scott 01323 437941 grant@lifemediagroup.co.uk

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

Production Design: Laura Knight 01323437964 laura@lifemediagroup.co.uk

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

Accounts: Clare Fermor Amelia Wellings 01323 433708 clare@lifemediagroup.co.uk amelia@lifemediagroup.co.uk

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Kodak Presents Lettershop Group with Accolade John Hornby, chief executive of The Lettershop Group, direct mail and print solutions providers has been awarded a Lighthouse Award from Kodak. Kodak’s Lighthouse Awards are presented for success in the print industry.

The Lettershop Group has spent the last 30 years providing personalised direct mail to the Financial Services, Retail and Mail Order industries.

John Hornby, chief executive, The Lettershop Group, said: “We are delighted to have won a Lighthouse Award for our work with Kodak. Kodak’s inkjet technology already far surpasses any other print solution available today. Together, our two companies share an exciting vision for the future, and we are committed to pushing this technology to new limits in the months and years ahead.” www.kodak.com Published by LMG SE LTD (Life Media Group) Park View House 19 The Avenue, Eastbourne, East Sussex BN21 3YD 01323 411 601

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