Pixel986

2018

ISSUE NO. 986

HUAWEI:

THE WORLDS FIRST LEICA TRIPLE CAMERA ALSO IN THIS ISSUE: NEW FUJIFILM LENS

|

CANON INTERVIEW

|

BLACKMAGIC POCKET CINEMA CAMERA

SONY INTERVIEW | MPB.COM INVESTMENT | MANFROTTO PRO LIGHT BAGS |

& MORE

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OFF THE NEWS PRESS

WELCOME

Catch all the latest news at www.pixel.co.uk

Gitzo Launches Two New Premium Adventury Backpacks

To Pixel Magazine

Gitzo, a pioneer in some of the most advanced, revolutionary technologies for professional camera equipment, is pleased to introduce the GITZO Adventury Backpacks. These new premium bags have been designed to provide long-lasting comfort and safeguard all the equipment required by professional bird, wildlife, nature and landscape photographers.

Gitzo initiated the outdoor photography era by combining performance with the freedom to embrace creativity. Today, the centenary brand continues to set new standards of excellence in the market.

We also have two interviews in issue 986 with representatives from Sony and Canon.

Fujifilm are back with the release of an epic new lens and Manfrotto are back with a great adition to their family of bags + much, much more.

We hope you enjoy the following pages and see you at 987!

This month, a first for Pixel as we feature a mobile phone brand on the cover. Companies like Huawei are challenging camera brands more and more with their creative innovations.

Luke & Mandy, Co.Editor in Chief

Peter Phago Passes Away

GoPro To Be a Chinese-Owned Company?

GoPro’s brand may be widely recognized, but its business has been struggling mightily as of late. But there’s now some news that may offer a glimmer of hope for investors: GoPro may soon become a Chineseowned company.

It’s been reported that the Chinese electronics company Xiaomi has been considering making an offer to acquire

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GoPro. GoPro’s stock, down to around £4.50 from a high of nearly £76 in 2014, jumped nearly 9% on the news recently. Xiaomi makes a wide range of electronics, from smartphones to laptops to the Yi action camera, a GoPro competitor that was announced in 2015, and the Yi M1, a cheap mirrorless camera.

Peter Phago has sadly passed away due to ill health. Peter spent a large portion of his life in the photograhic trade.

In the 70’s he worked with his father, running Phago Photographic who were wholesalers for Pago photo accessories, Astron Enlargers, Astron filters, Tripods etc.

These still pop up on ebay today.

After that, Peter set up Mylefoto who supplied photo accessories branded with your shop name and a great range of albums. He sold the company which is still trading in London today. Then followed Fotostore Limited selling frames and albums.

After that Peter set up Just Wedding Albums Ltd. Early 2017 Peter sold the Herritage Album range to Jerri Smith who is running Herritage Photo Albums.

Peter was a very well liked and respected person in our industry. Our thoughts are with Peter’s family at this sad time.

For any industry news you think we should feature, simply get in touch.

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OFFNEWS THE PRESS

FUJIFILM:

INTRODUCING FUJINON GF250mm F4 R LM OIS WR LENS, 1.4 x TELECONVERTER AND MACRO EXTENSION TUBES

The pro active brand are back with a new lens to add to their GF lineup. We believe this addition will be welcomed with open arms from Fujifilm shooters around the world.

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ujifilm has announced that it will release the “FUJINON GF250mm F4 R LM OIS WR” lens and accompanying “FUJINON Teleconverter GF1.4X TC WR this coming May. The lens and teleconverter will join the lineup of exchangeable GF lenses available for GFX Series medium format mirrorless digital cameras with large sensors (43.8×32.9mm). Due to these new additions,the shooting range of the GFX exchangeable lens system will greatly expand in the telephoto range. For photographers who have been tempted by the tantalising GFX system but need this range, it’s now there.

Coinciding with this release, Fujifilm are also launching the macro extension tubes “MCEX-18G” and “MCEX-45G”, which will expand the range of macro photography. This opens up a plethora of new possibilities for users.

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The GF250mmF4 R LM OIS WR is a telephoto lens that achieves approximately 198mm in 35mm format equivalent, bringing together Fujifilm’s proprietary optical design technology: it offers high resolving power for supporting further enhancement of image resolution in the future. The lens is capable of capturing the atmosphere of any scene through a combination of highresolution performance and rich bokeh effect. Attaching the “GF1.4X TC WR”, a 1.4x teleconverter provides coverage for telephoto shooting up to approximately 277mm in 35mm format equivalent, without any image quality deterioration. The lens is also equip ped with the new focus pre-set function, which allows the photographer to instantly activate focus settings previously saved in the lens memory. The use of a magnesium alloy lens barrel reduces the product’s weight, and the dust and

OFFNEWS THE PRESS weather resistant specifications, which also provide the ability to operate in temperatures down to -10°C, ensure that this new lens will serve as a trusted partner for professional photographers.

Highlight Features Ultra-High Image Quality The lens is composed of 16 lenses in 10 groups including one super ED lens and two ED lenses, reducing chromatic aberration and achieving excellent image quality. Especially, super ED lens is used to reduces the fluctuations in chromatic aberration depend on the shooting distance.

It enables to shoot minimum 1.4m close focus, maximum 0.22 x magnification ratio, and tele-macro shots with large bokeh effects.

Strong Image Stabilization The lens is equipped with a powerful fivestop image stabilization function (CIPA guidelines). This allows photographers to make maximum performance of the GFX’s high image resolution even when taking telephoto shots where image shake might be obvious.

Various Functions The lens’ functionality includes a focus limiter to enable faster autofocus speed by restricting focus range, focus pre-set for memorize focus settings previously set into the lens, and 4 focus control buttons located at the lens front enable to operate focus lock or autofocus. *An upgrade to the GFX50S firmware is required to operate the focus pre-set function and focus control buttons. This functionality is included in the new version of the GFX50S firmware that will be released at the same time.

Silent and High-Speed Autofocus The linear motor to drive the focus lenses achieves high-precision, silent, and fast autofocus operation. In addition, the lens also now includes a new mechanism for fixing the linear motor position when turning the power off or playback, allowing the focus lens to be fixed.

Robust Design Appropriate for Various Tough Shooting Environments The lens barrel is made with a magnesium alloy, ensuring both robust structural integrity and a light weight. Sealing has been applied to the lens in 18 different locations for dust and weather resistance and the ability to operate at temperatures of down to -10°C. A fluorine coating is also applied to the front lens element to repel water and dirt under tough outdoor situations.

1.4x teleconverter Fujifilm is simultaneously launching the 1.4x teleconverter (GF1.4X TC WR) which allows for telephoto shooting at a focal length of 350mm (approximately 277mm in 35mm format equivalent) while maintaining superior image quality.

The maximum aperture is reduced by one F stop. As both the lens and the teleconverter are high quality, there’s

hardly any deterioration in MTF when the teleconverter is attached.

Macro Extension Tube Fujifilm has developed 18mm and 45mm macro extension tubes (MCEX-18G WR, MCEX-45G WR), expanding the range of macro photography. Connecting the macro extension tubes to any GF lens allows macro photographs to be taken at a higher magnification ratio. Depending on the magnification ratio required, the photographer can select either the 18mm or 45mm tube.

Pricing GF250mmF4 R LM OIS WR Lens £2,899.00 Macro Extension Tube for GF Lenses -18mm (MCEX-18G WR) £ 289.00 Macro Extension Tube for GF Lenses -45mm (MCEX-45G WR) £ 289.00 1.4x Teleconverter for use with GF250mm lens (GF1.4X TC WR) £ 749.00 The Pixel team think this is a great strategic and nessasary release from Fujifilm that can only benifit the brand. We look forward to getting our hands on one soon.

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OFF THE PRESS

PULITZER:

PHOTOS OF CAR ATTACK AND REFUGEES WIN 2018 PRIZE

The 2018 Pulitzer Prize winners have just been announced. Photographer Ryan Kelly of The Daily Progress in Charlottesville, Virginia, won the Breaking News Photography category.

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yan won the category with his chilling photo of the moment a car attack slammed into racially-charged protests in his town — an incident that made national headlines.

“A vehicle plows into a group of protesters marching along 4th Street NE at the Downtown Mall in Charlottesville on the day of the Unite the Right rally on Saturday, August 12, 2017,” the caption reads. The photo “reflected the photographer’s reflexes and concentration,” the Pulitzer Board writes.

The prize for the Feature Photography category was awarded to the Photography Staff of Reuters for “shocking photographs that exposed the world to the violence Rohingya refugees faced in fleeing Myanmar” For more information visit www.pulitzer.org

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OFF THE PRESS

MPB.com:

CAPTURING £5 MILLION FROM MOBEAUS & BERINGEA Online marketplace MPB.com provides superior experience when buying, selling, and trading second-hand camera equipment, tapping into a billion-dollar market.

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aunched in 2011, the Brightonbased company currently facilitates more than 6,000 transactions per month, and is on track to generate £22 million in turnover this year at a yearon-year growth rate of more than 60 percent. Since its Series A funding round, completed in June 2016, mpb. com has grown from 28 people to a team of 90, with offices in Brighton and New York. Having already significantly grown its development and marketing teams, and launched in the US market, the company will use this latest funding primarily to scale up operations in the US and Germany. As part of the investment round, mpb.com has appointed a new chairman and CFO. FJ Labs, a New York-based specialist investor in marketplace technology companies, also joined the share cap table as part of the round. Jane Reoch, Investment

Director at Mobeus Equity Partners, said: “We originally backed mpb.com in 2016, and management has demonstrated exceptional growth over the past two years. We are delighted to be coinvesting with Beringea to provide this exciting business with the further capital to build on its commercial opportunity and first-mover advantage.”

Eyal Malinger, Investment Director at Beringea, said: “We’ve seen that there’s considerable potential in specialist marketplaces for pre-owned high-value products. Buying expensive equipment via online auction sites or classified ad boards is fraught with risk. Whether it’s misrepresentation of a product’s condition, missing accessories, or simply poor-quality imagery, it’s hard to know whether you’re getting the right thing at the right price. mpb.com’s technology is making these concerns a thing of the

past for professional photographers and hobbyists alike - a market that is much bigger than you might think. Matt and the rest of the management team have scaled the business impressively over the past two years, and we are looking forward to supporting mpb.com through the next stage of its journey and beyond.”

Matt Barker, CEO of mpb.com, said: “We’re helping photographers and filmmakers access a greater variety of equipment than ever before, with absolute confidence in the quality and value of the items they buy, so that they can make quick and easy changes to their kit bags. Transparency of information and consistency of pricing are critical to providing the best possible marketplace experience for customers, and we’re excited to be able to bring this experience to an even bigger market as we continue to grow with this new funding.”

WE ARE HIRING Enthusiastic, positive & self-motivated?

Then why not JOIN OUR TEAM! We’re on the lookout for a friendly sales assistant for our Chelmsford store.

Send a CV with covering letter to jake@cameraworld.co.uk, or simply pop in and introduce yourself!

High Chelmer Shopping Centre

CHELMSFORD Essex CM1 1XB

01245 255510 | chelmer@cameraworld.co.uk Also at: 14 Wells St (off Oxford St) LONDON W1T 3PB | 020 7636 5005 13 High St STEVENAGE SG1 3BG | 01438 367619

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Resolution Master The 42.4MP back-illuminated CMOS sensor with the latest generation image processor captures the finest details, in 10fps high-speed continuous shooting with accurate AF tracking.

The real potential of full-frame is now unleashed.

INTRODUCING THE

8 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

MANFROTTO:

PRESENTING THE NEW PRO LIGHT CAMERA BAGS

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his recently announced bag by Manfrotto is a 2-in-1 Sling bag with integrated camera strap. The new model features the award winning Camera Protection System and is lightweight, sturdy and water repellent.

The Pro Light FastTrack 2-in-1 sling camera bag is the first camera sling in the market to feature an integrated camera strap.

The FastTrack’s dual purpose means that photographers can attach their favourite CSC camera to the adjustable camera strap and quickly and safely store their CSC in the sling with a single gesture without detaching it from the strap.

When ready to capture an image simply remove the camera from the padded compartment, pull and extend the camera’s sling strap and you are ready to go! Once you have got the shot you can move onto the next location

without having to store the camera back in the bag – the lockable buckles make sure the camera is safely fixed and mean you will never get bag shoulder strap and camera strap tangled up again.

The second, easy-access side compartment means the bag also holds 2 additional lenses (e.g. a 70200 mm f/4 and 16-35 mm f/4 in main compartment).

Like all Manfrotto Pro Light models, the FastTrack is made of strong-yetlightweight, reinforced water-repellent fabric and sturdy but light hardware. It is built to carry heavy duty equipment and provide long-lasting comfort. The signature Manfrotto Camera Protection System inside makes the camera sling strong enough to withstand the most intense use, ensuring the longterm protection of valuable gear. A dedicated device pocket fits a device up to 9.7” and an internal bungee cord

can secure a PIXI mini tripod. The Pro Light FastTrack also features additional pockets for accessories.

The new Pro Light FastTrack is available at £109.95.

For more information please visit www.manfrotto.co.uk PIXEL’S THOUGHTS...

We love this. Another innovation to make the photographers life easier from Manfrotto. With the fantastic price point, we predict the Pro Light FastTrack to be one of the top selling bags of 2018.

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INTERVIEW

CANON:

MEETING TRACEY FIELDING

This month, we caught up with Tracey Fielden, Canon’s new Marketing Director for Consumer Business. With over a decade and a half of her life already spent with the iconic brand, Tracey looks to be a key person to lead the brand to new successes.

TF: The industry has changed, is changing and will continue to evolve and Canon remains a staple part of that community.

This is why we introduced our Live For The Story brand campaign in 2017. It isn’t simply a campaign; it’s a whole new attitude and way of behaving. This continues to be our focus for 2018. Live For The Story runs across all age ranges and photographic abilities. We are all storytellers, whether someone sharing an event on a smartphone or a professional documenting a sporting event. It’s about helping them tell their greatest story and inspiring them, with the intention that many of them will go on to buy a Canon camera, lens, printer, download irista or download the Canon Camera Connect app at some point in the future.

Pixel: What attracted you to working with Canon and how did your new role within the company come about?

Tracey Fielden: I joined Canon in 2001 and have worked in many roles across the B2B and B2C businesses. I started out in B2B with roles across product and channel marketing before moving to the B2C business in 2010 as Trade Marketing Manager and most recently Customer and Channel Marketing Manager. I’m excited to take on the role of Marketing Director for the consumer business. Canon has changed significantly in recent years, we are as much a service provider as a hardware brand and the role will be about supporting all product and service areas across product, channel and customer touchpoints as well as continuing to communicate and embed our Life For The Story brand message that we launched in summer last year.

PL: With such a wealth of knowledge and experience with the company, it’s clear to see why you are taking on this new role.The landscape of the photographic industry is always changing. What is Canon’s focus in 2018?

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PL: How important do you feel that the professional market is compared to amateurs and enthusiasts currently?

TF: Professional photographers are extremely important to Canon and we have many services in place to support them to tell the stories that need to be told. Our Canon Professional Services (CPS) offers a number of things from priority servicing through to experience days. Plus we also have a presence at all key events to support pros in getting the shot.

Equally, amateurs, enthusiasts and even smartphone snappers are also important to us. We offer a complete line up of products and services to cater for everyone and at all abilities. It isn’t fair to compare one group against another as we treat each group equally. This is what Life For The Story is all about, we’re all storytellers and we want to inspire people to tell their stories and we try to do so in a way that’s suitable for them.

PL: What advertising media (ie online, tv, etc) do you feel is the most powerful for Canon in 2018?

TF: What we have found most useful in recent years is mediums that allow us to have direct conversations with customers

and end users. Things like social media are great for this as we can get an instant feedback on our new product launches, understand what our customers are asking for and hear about how they are using our kit to bring their stories to life.

Similarly, the events we host are also really important for us too. We gain so much speaking to people at our CPS experience days, our Instagram events and trade shows like The Photography Show.

PL: We have been really excited by the recent release of the Speedlite 470EXAI. Innovations are so important. How well has this product been received by consumers?

TF: We’ve had such a positive response to the Speedlite 470EX-AI from customers, end users and press. It’s fair to say that flash technology hasn’t really developed much in recent years but our new AI Bounce technology is a great innovation that will make it easier for photographers, of all experience levels, to consistently achieve beautiful results with flash.

PL: We all know how popular mirrorless systems are, do you think they are the true future or will DSLR’s stay dominant?

TF: Mirrorless technology has been around for many years, we released our first EOS M camera in 2012, and the market continues to grow so consumer appetite is there. We are committed to gathering feedback from our customer and re-imagining what’s possible in the world of imaging, making sure we have the best technology to meet the specific and differing needs of our end users across our full line up of DSLR and Mirrorless cameras. Our recently launched entrylevel mirrorless model, the EOS M50, is testament to this commitment.

PL: Thank you for taking the time to talk to us and we look forward to chatting again soon!

BLACKMAGIC:

OFF THE PRESS

THE POCKET CINEMA CAMERA 4K

Blackmagic has just announced its Pocket Cinema Camera 4K, a Micro Four Thirds compact camera with 4K RAW recording.

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his camera is a long-awaited successor to the original Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera of 2013, which offered 1080p RAW in a tiny camera body.

Inside Blackmagic’s new creation is a 4/3 HDR sensor with 4096×2160 resolution and 13 stops of dynamic range.

It has a dual native ISO of up to 25600.

“The full size of the 4/3 sensor is designed to perfectly match MFT lenses so the crop factor is greatly reduced, giving customers a wider field of view,” Blackmagic says The camera itself is made of “space age carbon fiber polycarbonate composite,” which provides strength while keeping the camera light.

While the camera market has a number of compact still-photo cameras that also shoot 4K video, this Blackmagic camera is a 4K cinema camera that also shoots still photos. A dedicated button on the camera next to the main record button

allows users to quickly and easily capture still images while working.

Other dedicated buttons allow control of ISO, shutter, aperture, white balance, power, and more.

On the back of the camera is a large 5-inch touchscreen monitor, and an HDMI out allows the camera to be hooked up to an on-set monitor. In addition to HDR video, the camera can output clean 10-bit video with optional on-screen overlays “It also uses the same Blackmagic OS as URSA Mini so customers can use simple tap and swipe gestures to adjust settings, add metadata and view recording status,” Blackmagic says.

“On screen overlays make it easy to see recording parameters, status, histogram, focus and peaking indicators, and playback controls.”

Other ports include a mini XLR connection with 48 volts of phantom

power for pro mics, a 3.5mm mic input, and a locking DC power connector.

What’s more, a high-speed USB-C Expansion Port makes this camera the first to allow recording directly to the same USB-C SSD and flash drives used for editing and color correction, eliminating the need for expensive, dedicated external recorders..

The Micro Four Thirds lens mount on the camera allows it to be used with the entire ecosystem of MFT lenses, and optional lens adapters further open the door to lenses designed for other mounts (e.g. PL, C, EF).

For more information you can visit www.blackmagicdesign.com

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TESTED

TELL THE STORY AS YOU SEE IT with the EOS 6D Mark II

Shoot more creatively, or take your first steps as a professional with an EOS that’s ready for your next move.

Discover more at canon.co.uk

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CANON:

OFF THE PRESS

UNVEILING IVY, A COMPACT WIRELESS PHOTO PRINTER

Canon are next to release a compact printer, designed for the smartphone user who appreciates imagery in print.

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he legendary brand says that the IVY is designed to empower “the next generation of creators to tell and share their story in real life through the power of print in the digital age”.

Canon have been in the printing market for what seems forever, but this is by far their smallest and lightest printer to date.The IVY produces 2 x 3-inch prints (there’s also a sticker output option). It’s available in white with a rose gold, mint green or slate grey trim. This is definitely a fashion forward product.

The IVY is controlled via the Canon Mini Print app, which includes creative filters for adding effects such as photo frames and stickers, augmented reality (AR) face distortion, and photo-editing tools for adding text and drawing on

images. As we know, filters have become an important part of photo editing for even the most casual photo takers.

The prints from the IVY are smudgefree and water-resistant. There is also an option to output a tile print made up of four or nine prints, as well as collage templates that print on one 2 x 3 inch photo.

Zero ink The IVY printer utilizes ZINK Zero Ink technology, which means the IVY is capable of printing full color without the need of ink cartridges. Each pack of paper comes with one blue Zink Smart Sheet, which calibrates the IVY printer to

the photo paper in that pack to produce consistent colors.

The Canon IVY mini photo printer is currently only available in the US. We eagerly await the UK release.

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FUJIFILM:

BUILDING 2018 AND BEYOND Last month was the Fujifilm Digital Imaging Service (FDIS) members’ Conference. Pixel get the low down.

‘Momentum’ was the key theme throughout the conference as Peter Wigington, Fujifilm’s Marketing Manager, announced that there are a record number of 192 FDIS sites in the UK. Fujifilm claim that this is by far the biggest network of photo independents in the UK. Market opportunities for 2018/19 were also discussed. Now that Boots have withdrawn their in-store photo finishing, there is now a gap to fill in the high street that FDIS stores can take advantage of.

Neill Harris, General Manager for Photo Imaging noted that colour paper and dry lab product sales are increasing. He also strongly believes that photobooks still haven’t reached their full sales potential in the UK. It was also announced that the FDIS programme was undergoing a major refresh. The aim is brand consistency across the stores. This makes them more recognisable, appearing as part of a larger network but they would still run independently. It was also advised that the retailers need to have the broadest range of products and services possible to engage with a new generation of customers using photography on their phones and social media activity.

Both Peter and Neill both said that they “wanted to show members that the FDIS program is moving forward and gaining momentum. ”On that note, we caught up with Peter. He elaborated on his plans to build on the current momentum into 2018 and beyond...

“First and foremost we believe our proven all-round support for our independent retail partners is the best in the business because Fujifilm can and does provide a complete

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end to end solution. If you’ve bought our equipment, you’re buying our paper and you’re involved with our software, training and technical support teams. So, we also want to give you a marketing support program to help you promote and move your business forward. The Fujifilm name is synonymous with photo imaging and after over 25 successful years working with independent photo retailers, its one that you and your customers can trust and rely on. It’s also the reason more independents than ever are buying into the network.

In terms of promoting the products and services the photo retailer provides, we’re always looking at ways to make it more relevant depending on market trends and conditions. It’s been some 10 years since we made any significant changes to our FDIS marketing program and now is the perfect time to revamp and redevelop starting with the name which becomes the Fujifilm Independent Photo Retail Partner program. All-in-all, we want a new fresher look and feel that’s more modern and up to date that is going to be relevant to a younger smartphone savvy generation.

It’s not all about growing the number of members, it’s more about getting dedicated photo retailers on board and giving them the full support they need to make their businesses even more successful. Because if they are, so are we, as they provide a sales channel for our papers and other products - Instax for instance, which is now a phenomenally successful Fujifilm product.

Hopefully everyone who attended our Conference this year left with the momentum to work together for another successful year.”

Fujifilm’s 2018 Award Winners The annual gala dinner and Business Excellence Award prize giving was the order of the evening at the Conference. Congratulations to all the winners below. Some are showcased on the page opposite.

• • •

• • • •

• •

Shop of the Year: Island Photo Centre, Ryde Outstanding Contribution to Photo Retail: Andrew Sheppard Business Excellence Award winners: Island Photo Centre, Ryde; Catch The Moment, Bristol; Black & White Photography, Edmonton; Y Stiwdio Brint, Lampeter RSM of the Year: Malcolm Tullett Shop Assistant of the Year: Ion Spoiala Mystery Shopper Award: Fotofinish, Chard Best Performing Store Year-onYear (Swains): Salisbury Photo Centre (owner Ian Scott) Best Promotional Display: Gordons Photographic (for Photowonder promotion) Best Social Media Campaign: Catch The Moment (Advent calendar 2017)

Boost your print sales in 2018!

Get in touch with Peter direct on 01234 572138 or via photoprintservices_uk@fujifilm.com

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CONGRATULATIONS to all 2018 FUJIFILM winners

SHOP OF THE YEAR

Island Photo Centre, Ryde

BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARD WINNERS - 2018

Island Photo Centre, Ryde

Catch The Moment, Bristol

Black & White Photography, Edmonton

Y Stiwdio Brint, Lampeter www.pixel.co.uk 15

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OFF THE PRESS

LEICA:

SUPER-VARIO-ELMAR-SL 16–35/3.5–4.5 ASPH. LENS

It’s the season for lens releases and Leica is up next with a new ultra-wide angle for its SL full-frame mirrorless camera system.

T

he Super-Vario-Elmar-SL 16– 35/3.5–4.5 ASPH. wide-angle zoom lens complements the previously available portfolio of two zoom lenses for the Leica SL. Its range of focal lengths is ideal for a diverse range of uses from landscape and architectural photography, wedding, event, and concert photography to reportage and documentary photography.

In combination with the familiarly high product quality and imaging performance, its protected construction and special AquaDura® lens coating make this lens an ideal companion for professional photographers at all times, even in adverse weather conditions.

In addition to excellent imaging quality throughout the entire range of focal lengths and at all apertures, the high-performance lens also offers simultaneously fast and quiet autofocus.

This is driven by a specially developed focusing drive comprised of a stepping motor and linear positioning and moves a single, very light focusing element that, due to its low mass, contributes to the high focusing speed.

The newly designed optical system of the Super-Vario-Elmar-SL 16–35/3.5–4.5 ASPH. contains a total of 18 elements in 12 groups. These include two asphericals for the correction of monochromatic

aberrations Three elements made from glass with anomalous partial dispersion correct chromatic aberration, while an improved mount geometry and high-quality coating ensure optimum suppression of reflections and stray light within the optical system.

With the addition of the Super-VarioElmar-SL 16–35/3.5–4.5 ASPH., the portfolio of zoom lenses for the Leica SL now covers a range of focal lengths from 16 to 280 mm.Together with the

Vario-Elmarit–SL 24–90/2.8–4 ASPH. and the APO-Vario-Elmarit-SL 90– 280f/2.8–4 this covers all typical genres of photography and enables particularly those photographers who need a high degree of flexibility to draw on a trio of exceptional lenses.

The Super-Vario-Elmar-SL 16–35/3.5– 4.5 ASPH. will be on sale from 23 April.

A new firmware version for the Leica SL will also appear at the same time as the new wide-angle zoom lens. Version 3.2 integrates numerous wishes for general improvements requested by SL photographers: • The Joystick can now be deactivated from the menu to prevent inadvertent changes to settings while the camera is in use • Eco Mode can be set to reduce the power consumption of the camera • The standard white balance value for daylight has been changed from 6600 K to 6500 K • Various improvements have been made for entering text/numbers (e.g. at WiFi password) • Compatibility with the Leica SF 60 System Flash and the SF C1 wireless flashcontroller • Other bug fixes

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SONY:

Q&A WITH ROMAIN ROUSSEAU

The media team at Sony are doing big things, so we thought it was only right that we get the low down from the Product Manager for Sony’s Memory Media.

Pixel: For our readers who aren’t familiar with you, tell us who you are and how you got involved with the company?

Romain Rousseau: My name is Romain Rousseau, Senior European Product Manager for Memory Media. I am responsible for marketing memory cards for B2B & B2C hardware all over Europe.

I am also collecting Voice of Customer/ Consumer regarding their current and future needs in terms of memory specifications.

Sony Europe Limited gives Regional HQ great opportunities to develop different product categories.

PL: Sony are arguably producing the best memory cards on the market. How do you stay ahead of the competition?

RR: As a company, we have traditionally paid attention to customer needs and expectations.

We constantly listen to feedback and reviews, discuss with professionals and enthusiasts at events and trade shows to get a full understanding of how we can improve their daily experience. By listening to the people using the products on a daily basis, we develop a clearer picture on what tomorrow should look like. This is how we maintain our innovative ahead of the curve mentality within the company.

PL: How important do you think it is to for consumers to have the right memory card in 2018?

RR: Continuing from the previous question, Sony has applied years of experience in professional media to expand its current high-performance memory card line-up with an ultrafast speed model, maximising camera performance by introducing the World’s fastest SD card, the SF-G series.

As the continuous shooting of higher-resolution images and adoption of 4K video with DSLR and mirrorless cameras increases, the inherent need for larger, faster and more reliable cards becomes apparent. Thanks to the SF-G series, we continue to show our commitment to provide a full range of high performance media devices to professional photographers and enthusiasts maximizing their camera’s capabilities.

PL: A worry with consumers that you can’t get away from is memory cards failing. How do you go about making them as safe as possible?

RR: Sony’s products in general and specifically our Memory Cards are highly reliable thanks to their superior durability features such as being waterproof and anti-static which keep your precious content safe. When you are out all day shooting fast and on the go, accidentally deleting images can happen. With Sony’s free downloadable File rescue software, you can quickly recover deleted images or videos, including RAW images and 4K XAVC-S video files.

In addition to File rescue software, we introduced SD Scan Utility. Flash memory used in memory cards has a limited number of write cycles because it gradually wears out as data is overwritten repeatedly over time. Once a memory card has reached the limit of write cycles, it is no longer able to accept data for recording, even while shooting. SD Scan Utility helps you check the condition of your SD memory card. By scanning the flash memory, it tells you whether your SD memory card is working in good condition or is

about to reach the limit. Knowing the condition in advance, you can avoid missing your important moment or scene to be recorded.

PL: Sony currently have the fastest memory cards in the world. Are you confident you will be able to sustain this position? Can you continue to make them faster and faster?

RR: In February 2017 when Sony launched the SF-G, we received amazing feedback due to its specifications. The top-class speed being one of them, but also its burst shooting features as well as durability.

This combination is what makes this card so great.

This combination is also seen in our XQD, SxS and CFast cards, which all are equally appreciated by professionals as a solution to improve their shooting experience and optimise their workflow PL: What other media products are you looking to push in 2018?

RR: Being part of the Recording Media & Energy division, we are in the middle of the SONY eco system being compatible with most Sony devices: PlayStation, Smartphone, Camera, Remote, Audio and are also supporting Sony Music (CD, mSD) and Sony Pictures (DVD).

We have a great workflow media line-up with our SSD and USB’s.

We also have an amazing Portable Charger line-up which can be used to charge your Cyber-shot, The range is also compatible with most smartphones and tablets including Xperia. Handycam and Walkman, whenever and wherever you need.

Most recently, we launched a Mobile Projector that users can connect to their devices and use anywhere, indoors or out. This Mobile Projector, being the size of a smartphone, has already received exceptional feedback and we are looking forward to a bright, technological future.

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HUAWEI:

THE WORLDS FIRST LEICA TRIPLE CAMERA

Huawei set new expectations for smartphone photography with the launch of the HUAWEI P9, the first Leica dual camera. With the debut of the P20 Series, Huawei makes capturing professional quality images a truly effortless experience for everyone. Pixel’s William Besse was there, he was a slightly impressed!

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t an exclusive launch event held at the iconic Grand Palais, Huawei Consumer Business Group unveiled the much-anticipated HUAWEI P20 and HUAWEI P20 Pro. The HUAWEI P20 Pro features the world’s first Leica triple camera and both devices include unprecedented AI advances, combining technology and art to bring to life a groundbreaking smartphone experience. The event created a real buzz. The location was epic, just the perfect scene for the launch.

“We look for inspiration from artists to continuously evolve our approach to design and innovation,” said Richard Yu, Chief Executive Officer, Huawei Consumer Business Group. “The HUAWEI P20 Series builds on the legacy of our collaboration with Leica.

With a breakthrough triple camera on the HUAWEI P20 Pro, an advanced dual camera on the HUAWEI P20, and powerful artificial intelligence on both, today’s most vibrant consumers can capture and share the brilliance of the world around them.”

Achieving DxOMark’s highest overall scores, the HUAWEI P20 Series

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includes advanced, intelligent camera systems that bring consumers features that ultimately enhance every part of the smartphone photography experience.

Key features of the HUAWEI P20 Series include: •

An advanced camera system to capture more light, more details and more beauty, featuring a revolutionary Leica triple camera and 5x Hybrid Zoom on the HUAWEI P20 Pro, and a Leica dual camera on the HUAWEI P20;

•

Innovative photography features, including Master AI with AI-driven professional photography and HUAWEI AIS (AI Image Stabilisation), a powerful AI stabilisation technology;

•

A timeless design with barely-there bezels and all-new gradient colours;

•

Ultimate performance, featuring the NPU on Kirin 970 and EMUI 8.1 based on Android™ 8.1 for a premium and smooth user experience.

OFF THE PRESS Huawei also unveiled the PORSCHE DESIGN HUAWEI Mate RS (Race Sport).

Continuing its collaboration with the exclusive luxury brand, the PORSCHE DESIGN HUAWEI Mate RS features Porsche Design’s signature functional design language and Huawei’s cuttingedge technology and craftsmanship.

What Huawei say An Exquisite Combination of Art and Technology for the Fashion Forward The HUAWEI P20 Series features a striking, fashion-forward aesthetic. Most notably, the HUAWEI P20 and HUAWEI P20 Pro come in all-new, exclusive, fashionable colours, Twilight and Pink Gold, achieved by applying several layers of NCVM* optical coatings underneath the glass back, so light hitting the surface refracts and creates a vivid, yet gradual change of hue. The HUAWEI P20 and HUAWEI P20 Pro are also available in Black and Midnight Blue.

The 5.8-inch screen HUAWEI P20 and 6.1-inch screen HUAWEI P20 Pro feature ultra-thin bezels and impressive screen-tobody ratios for better viewing experiences with more on-screen information, whether reading or gaming. The HUAWEI FullView Display seamlessly blends with rounded edges, making the device comfortable to hold.

Inspired by Light and Technology, a Stunning Device Designed for Every Photography Fan The HUAWEI P20 Series reflects the art of light, with camera features that enhance the smartphone photography experience.

The HUAWEI P20 Pro features a Leica triple camera with the highest total pixel count on a smartphone available in the market – the camera configuration is comprised of a 40MP RGB sensor, a 20MP monochrome sensor and an 8MP sensor with telephoto lens. It also features a colour temperature sensor for better colour reproduction.

With f/1.8, f/1.6 and f/2.4 wide aperture to capture crisp, clear details, the HUAWEI P20 Pro also includes a brand new Leica 3x telephoto (VARIO-SUMMILUX-H 1:1.62.4/27-80ASPH) lens for long-range photography of up to 5x Hybrid Zoom. The HUAWEI P20 Pro’s highly sensitive image sensor captures low light photos with up to ISO 102400.

The HUAWEI P20 builds on its predecessor’s foundation with a Leica dual camera featuring a 12MP lens with a pixel size as high as 1.55 μm, and a 20MP monochrome lens, enhancing the HUAWEI P20’s ability to capture photos in low-light

Huawei is more than ever part of the big game changers when it comes to building and launching a smartphone. We knew that at the Palais Royal in Paris, we had this certainty they had something big to show, and they did not disappoint. The launch of the P20 series with the P20 Lite, P20 and P20 Pro which we got for review.

The P20 Pro is the world’s first triple camera by Leica, 40MP and 5X hybrid zoom, some of the most unique colours on a smartphone ever, and Artificial Intelligence.

These are some of the specs that will certainly attract a lot of new consumers as well as getting their current ones to purchase this phone.

The P20 Pro offers a 6.1inch OLED display for a 18.7:9 aspect ratio.

It looks stunning with its rounded corners and fullview display, it’s also dustproof and water resistant up to 1m for 30 minutes. The screen brightness capacity surpasses the Samsung Galaxy S9 by over 25%.

Only offering an USB Type-C port,

you will not find a headphone jack but will get an adaptor in the box.

The phone comes in 5 colours depending on the model you choose - black, midnight blue, gold (not available with the P20 Pro), and Twilight which is a beautiful gradient that shimmers in the light.

The P20 Pro doesn’t have expandable storage and comes with a 6GB RAM and 128GB storage. If you need more memory, you will have to purchase the Porsche Design Mate RS coming in 256GB and 512GB. The face recognition on Huawei’s new beauty is extremely fast and reliable even in almost pitch black conditions.

Its 4,000mAh battery with amazing performances allowing you around 12 hours of video playback time. Overall, it makes the P20 Pro last longer than the Samsung Galaxy S9 by 10%.

The big selling point for me, as a photographer and someone who enjoys capturing images with my phone, is the capacity of the cameras with a 40MP sensor, 3X optical zoom and 5X hybrid zoom, 102,400 max ISO, 960 fps in slow motion recording, the new Huawei AI-assisted stabilization (AIS), which allows amazing long exposure shots without a tripod.

Each sensor has its purpose, the 40MP serves as the main camera with amazing, rich colours, the 20MP is the secondary and monochrome camera, the third one is used as an 8MP telephoto lens.

Surely, Huawei will make a lot of people happy with the P20 Series.

In my eyes, the P20 Pro is the best phone of 2018 so far.

GRAYS OF WESTMINSTER: NIKON’S APPRECIATION GIFT

Gray Levett, the founder of Grays of Westminster, the multi-award-winning Nikon-only store was presented with a beautiful Nikon 100th Anniversary Crystal Creation the Nikon Model I by the President of Nikon Europe Mr. Toru Iwaoka.

T

he presentation took place at Grays of Westminster in London before its senior executives and representatives from the Nikon Corporation.

“On behalf of the Nikon Corporation and in commemoration of our 100th Anniversary, I am delighted to present you with this exclusive gift as a token of our appreciation for your years of outstanding service to Nikon.

“Grays of Westminster represents a unique part of Nikon’s heritage and we are deeply grateful to you for all you have done over the years.

“We wish you many more successful years to come.”

-Toru Iwaoka, President Nikon Europe The Nikon Model I was the very first Nikon camera and is the first word in Nikon’s history. The original Nikon camera was developed in 1948. The 100th Anniversary Crystal Creation of the Nikon Model I brings this iconic camera back to life, using high-quality crystal by renowned crystal maker Swarovski.

Gray Levett said: “This unique gift came as a complete surprise to me. I am deeply moved by the generosity and thoughtfulness of this magnificent gift from Mr. Iwaoka and the Nikon Corporation.

“Nikon has recently celebrated its 100th Anniversary. A Centennial is a very significant event in the history of any company. Nikon has created products that have captured some of the most amazing moments in time. It was Nikon, for instance, that was chosen by NASA to go into space in 1971; since then, Nikon cameras and lenses have been used

on all subsequent missions. There has always been a passion and commitment to excellence and innovation within Nikon itself, passed on through the years as part of the corporation’s DNA. I am proud and honoured to have been a small part of this illustrious company.” www.graysofwestminster.co.uk

Pixel Magazine is published under lisence from Pixel Publications Ltd.

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