Capture Pilot By Phase One - Updated Prof Photography App

Capture Pilot is a professional photography app from Phase One that allows you to use your iOS device to remotely view, zoom, rate, tag, and pan high resolution images while you shoot. With the 'Camera Control' in-app purchase you can use an elegant, virtual camera display on your iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch to remotely fire your camera and control the most important capture parameters..



Capture Pilot is perfect for working with clients in the studio and allows for an amazing collaboration between photographer and client. It is possible for clients to rate and tag images on an iOS device while having full control over zooming, panning, and reviewing of images.



With Camera Control you can operate your camera in a variety of scenarios that would have been difficult or impossible before. Interact with your subjects in new ways, control the camera when it is located in a difficult to access position, or even be part of the photo yourself.


This app has just been updated, see What's New below.

This app is free and you can download it here.

The In-App Purchase of Camera Control retails for $14.99

Capture Pilot requires Capture One Pro or DB, version 6.2 or later from Phase One



Capture One Pro 6 is a professional RAW converter and image editing software. It contains all the essential tools and high-end performance in one package to enable you to capture, organize, edit, share and print images in a fast, flexible and efficient workflow. Capture One Pro 6’s powerful and intuitive toolset is used by professional and passionate photographers to achieve world-class image quality with excellent color and detail. Phase One is the world’s leader in camera systems and image editing software for professional and passionate photographers. 



You can download a trial version of Capture One Pro 6 from www.phaseone.com/downloads.


Key Features

REMOTE VIEWER


- Wirelessly view, zoom and pan high resolution DSLR and medium format RAW, JPEG and TIFF images while you shoot


- Unique and easy-to-use rating and tagging feature enables clients and colleagues in the studio or on remote locations to participate in the shoot and to provide instant feedback.



CAMERA CONTROL IN-APP PURCHASE


- Connect your camera to a Mac or Windows computer running Capture One and use your iPad, iPhone or iPod touch to remotely fire and control your Canon, Nikon, Phase One, Leaf or Mamiya camera.


- Control your camera’s most important capture parameters on a virtual camera display: ISO sensitivity, exposure mode, shutter speed, aperture, exposure compensation, and more.


Camera Control Supported Cameras

Canon
1D Mark IV, 1Ds Mark III, 1D Mark III, 5D Mark II, 7D, 60D, 50D, 40D, 600D/Rebel T3i, 550D/Rebel T2i, 500D/Rebel T1i, 450D/Rebel XSi, 1100D/Rebel T3, 1000D/Rebel XS.



Nikon
D3s, D3x, D3, D700, D300, D300s, D200, D90, D80, D60, D7000, D5000, D40x, D40.



Phase One


IQ180, IQ160, IQ140, P65+, P40+, P45+, P30+, P21+, P25+, P20+, Achromatic+,
P45, P30, P25, P21, P20, H 25, H 20, H 101, H 10, H 5, LightPhase.



Leaf


Aptus-II 12R, Aptus-II 12, Aptus-II 10R, Aptus-II 10, Aptus-II 8, Aptus-II 7, Aptus-II 6, Aptus-II 5, AFi-II 12, AFi-II 10, AFi-II 7, AFi-II 6, Aptus 75S, Aptus 65S, Aptus 54S, AFi 7, AFi 6, AFi 5, Aptus 75, Aptus 65, Aptus 22, Aptus 17.



Mamiya


DM56, DM40, DM33, DM28, DM22, M31, M22, M18.

Please note that the extent of visible camera parameters will vary depending on the connected digital back or camera.

What's New

Camera Control


In-app Store


Improved Server List

Olympus PEN Mini E-PM

The new PEN Mini is the world’s smallest and lightest system camera with interchangeable lenses. It’s a beautiful camera that takes even more beautiful images and it couldn’t be any easier to use. The Mini is ideal for anyone who wants a fuss-free camera that fits in as well as at a party as it fits in their pocket. Just like a point-and-shoot, it comes in six colours but the Mini is really an SLRquality camera hiding behind the simplicity and looks of a genuine compact.

It makes high-class photography and movie-making wonderfully easy. Olympus’ Live Guide gives beginners intuitive control of key parameters like aperture and depth of field, without them needing to know how they work. Six Art Filters add fun creative effects to both Full HD movies or stills and if you don’t know what a setting in the menu is for, a window pops up to tell you. With world’s fastest* autofocus systems, great low light performance plus a superb choice of high-grade Olympus lenses and stylish accessories, it’s tough to see just what the PEN Mini can’t do. Also known as the PEN E-PM1, it’s available from early autumn 2011.

Main Features - Design

• The world’s smallest and lightest system camera with interchangeable lenses
• Super-stylish design available in six attractive colours
• Interchangeable decoration ring on supplied lens Image Quality
• Powerful TruePic VI image engine for faster recovery time and excellent image quality
• Ultra-effective in-body image stabilisation for blur-free movies and stills with any lens
• Compact M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-42mm (28-84mm**) 1:3.5-5.6 II R fast and near-silent (Movie and Still compatible) lens
• 12.3 effective Megapixel High Speed Live MOS sensor for excellent low-light performance and Full HD movie recording
• ISO 12800 sensitivity
• 1080i Full HD stereo movie recording as AVCHD or Motion JPEG

Ease of Use

• 3.0” LCD with 460,000 dot resolution
• FAST AF, world’s fastest* autofocus system. Always on, with 35 AF points, low-light AF Illuminator and out-of-picture AF Tracking
• Intuitive Live Guide in HD Movie, still and P/S/M/A mode
• Pop-up description for each menu point
• Live View in HD Movie and still mode
• Easy-to-use Live Wheel feature menu
• Fewer buttons means simpler operation

Creativity and Flexibility

• Six creative Art Filters in HD Movie and still modes
• Accessory Port 2 for compatibility with the growing family of PEN accessories
• Compatible with 20 Micro Four Thirds, 27 Four Thirds and more than 500 other lenses (via an adapter)
• 1/4000th sec. shutter speed with 5fps sequential shooting
• Multi Exposure mode for 2 RAW images
• Long-life BLS-5 Li-ion battery

Other Highlights

• External, tiltable flash supplied
• 3D still photos
• Slideshow playback
• SDXC*** card and Eye-Fi compatible
• Wireless flash control

System lenses

As a system camera, the Mini is compatible with a huge range of accessories and lenses for every possible situation. The main kit includes a first-class M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-42mm (28-84mm**) 1:3.5-5.6 II R lens, but the Mini can also take more than 500 other lenses (some via an adapter), including Olympus’ legendary M.ZUIKO DIGITAL range of ultra-high quality optics. Thanks to the Mini’s in-body Image Stabilisation, irrespective which lens you choose, blur-free shots are virtually guaranteed. The Mini’s FAST AF has a big role to play here too. It’s one the world’s fastest* autofocus systems for cameras with interchangeable lenses.

In addition to the external flash supplied with the camera, users can attach a growing number of classic Olympus accessories via the Accessory Port 2, for example the Bluetooth®-compatible PENPAL Communication Unit that automatically reformats still photos for wireless transfer to other compatible devices and social media. For safe, stylish and inconspicuous storage, the optional sporty Street Case fits the Mini like a glove.

The PEN Mini is available in black, white, silver, dark brown, purple and silver rose from early autumn 2011.

Olympus PEN Lite - Announced

Olympus has done it again, launching a new generation of head-turning, compact PEN cameras that offer SLR creativity, simple, no-nonsense controls. For people looking to express themselves with state-of-the-art technology in an easy-to-use package, the compact and cute PEN Lite (E-PL3) is ideal.

Like the top-of-the-range E-P3, the Lite is packed with some of the very best imaging innovations around. For example, FAST AF, the world’s fastest* autofocus system for interchangeable cameras. There’s also in-body Image Stabilisation and combinable, one-touch Art Filters for adding creative flair to Full HD movies and stills. And then there’s the new tiltable LCD.

Whether you’re a serious photographer or a snap-happy amateur, a 3-inch, tiltable display makes capturing stand-out images in awkward situations as easy as taking a regular shot. The tiltable LCD is just one of the user-friendly features that places the E-PL3 streets ahead of any other camera of comparable size. The fact that ‘comparable size’ means compact speaks volumes about the E-PL3.

For a system camera with interchangeable lenses that delivers SLR quality, it’s remarkably small and chic with a premium, brushed aluminium finish. Stunning pictures from a cool camera that’s as easy to use as a point-and-shoot? Absolutely. That’s what the Lite’s all about. The Olympus E-PL3 is available from autumn 2011 with pricing to be confirmed.

Available in black, white, silver or red, the brushed metal casing and refined design details give it an unmistakeably contemporary and premium style.

Olympus PEN E-P3 - New Flagship

When Olympus launched its PEN Micro Four Thirds system cameras, it created a whole new camera category. Now it has launched a visionary new PEN flagship that defies categorisation altogether. The PEN E-P3, or simply ‘PEN’, has the fastest* auto-focus of any camera with interchangeable lenses. With its world-beating FAST AF (Frequency Acceleration Sensor Technology), timeless metal design and state-of-the-art touch-sensitive OLED display, it’s a genuine alternative to bulkier and more expensive SLRs.

The TruePic VI image engine designed especially for mirror-less cameras. In addition to the new FAST AF, TruePic VI serves as the motor for ten Art Filter special effects and the large, tap-sensitive OLED display that previews and plays back in photo quality. In combination with a faster and more sensitive 12.3 Megapixel sensor, TruePic VI ensures outstanding picture quality, especially in low light. For experienced users, the PEN has more special treats in store – two dials on the back for making quick adjustments to exposure and aperture, plus in-body image stabilisation that counteracts camera shake irrespective of the attached lens. The PEN E-P3 14-42 lens kit is available from August 2011.

Pick up the new PEN and you realise you’re holding a potential style icon. The craftsmen at Olympus have managed a rare feat, drawing on the charm of the golden era of camera design some 50 years ago to create a camera that will still turn heads 50 years from today. If their vision was a timeless classic, that’s exactly what they achieved.

With its compact design, user-friendly features and first class picture quality, Olympus’ award-winning PEN system camera range is already a firm favourite with both ambitious amateur photographers and professionals looking for a practical second camera. Led by the E-P3, the new PEN generation significantly enhances that reputation. One of the PEN’s most striking – and useful – characteristics is the sheer speed and versatility of the record-breaking autofocus. Driven by the new and powerful Olympus TruePic VI processor, the FAST AF focuses quicker* than any other camera with interchangeable lenses, giving PEN owners the very best chance of capturing fast-moving shots. What’s more, it offers 35 separate focus points, spread over nearly the whole sensor, making it possible to focus on small subjects, no matter where they appear in the picture. In low light conditions, the built-in AF Illuminator compensates for potential loss of accuracy while new AF tracking technology ensures subjects stay sharp even when they move in and out of the frame. Another potentially shotsaving bonus is Full Time AF – the focus is always active so the image is always in focus and the camera doesn’t waste time focusing when the user applies pressure top the shutter release.

Unique to the flagship PEN is the three-inch, touch-sensitive OLED display. It’s not only intuitive and practical to use, but also delivers a superb, photoquality picture, regardless of ambient light conditions. Compared to similar LCD screens, an OLED display generates superior contrast, deeper blacks and a broader spectrum of colours. It is brighter, the angle of view is wider and it uses less power. The PEN’s display offers fingertip scrolling and enlarging of photos as well as control of the shutter release, AF points and the pop-up Live Guide – the celebrated PEN assistant that makes it easy for less experienced users to get crucial parameters such as aperture and depth of field exactly right. Even professionals will be glad to note that there’s now direct access to Live Guide in P, S, M and A modes, if need be.
Unlike with some of PEN’s rivals, Live Guide is available for both movies and stills.

But for most serious photographers, experimenting with settings is half the fun – and they don’t want to scroll through endless menus to make their adjustments. That’s why Olympus has incorporated two additional dials on the back of the PEN. With just their thumb, users can fine-tune aperture and exposure time in an instant – without having to switch between menu sections. The chosen settings appear bright and clear on the OLED screen, or in the optional electronic viewfinder. Fans of hands-on shooting will also love the three customisable buttons they can assign to their favourite functions. The buttons, dials and new FAST AF help users react quicker to spontaneous situations and capture fleeting scenes or fast-moving subjects before the opportunity is lost.

Main Features - Image Quality

• Powerful TruePic VI image engine for faster recovery time and excellent image quality
• Ultra-effective in-body image stabilisation for blur-free movies and stills with any lens
• 12.3 effective Megapixel High Speed Live MOS sensor for excellent low-light performance and Full HD movie recording
• ISO 12800 sensitivity
• 1080i 60fps Full HD stereo movie recording as AVCHD or Motion JPEG
• Compatible with the new generation of dedicated PEN lenses Convenience
• World’s quickest* FAST AF for cameras with interchangeable lenses, always on, with 35 AF points, low-light AF Illuminator and out-of-picture AF Tracking
• Super-bright, wide-angle, touch-sensitive 3.0” OLED display with 610,000 dot resolution for photo-quality colour reproduction
• Separate dials for quick manual adjustment of aperture and exposure
• Touch-sensitive Live Guide in HD Movie, still and P/S/M/A mode
• Live View in HD Movie and still mode
• 3 customisable buttons
• Level gauge for at-a-glance appreciation of position relative to horizon
• Easy-to-use Live Wheel feature menu

Creativity and Flexibility

• Ten creative Art Filters in HD Movie and still modes
• Five effects that can be combine with Art Filters: Pinhole, Soft Focus, Frame Effect, plus new Starlight and White Edge
• Accessory Port 2 for compatibility with the growing family of PEN accessories, e.g., the VF-2 Electronic Viewfinder and PENPAL Communication Unit
• Compatible with 20 Micro Four Thirds, 27 Four Thirds and more than 500 other lenses (via an adapter)
• 1/4000th sec. shutter speed with 3fps sequential shooting
• Multi Exposure mode for 2 RAW images
• Long-life BLS-5 Li-ion battery

Other Highlights

• Timeless PEN design with interchangeable, removable grip in two sizes
• 3D still photos
• SDXC*** card and Eye-Fi compatible
• Wireless flash control

Nikon UK announces new General Manager

Nikon UK Ltd has announced the appointment of a new General manager after Simon Coleman stood down from the position late last year. John Walshe will take up the role from 5th September 2011.

New General Manager takes the helm at Nikon UK
 
Nikon UK Ltd is pleased to announce that a new General Manager has been appointed to lead the company’s Imaging Division.

John Walshe will take up the role from 5th September 2011, bringing with him a wealth of experience which spans management, sales and marketing disciplines.

The new General Manager will work closely with Michio Miwa, President of Nikon UK, and Finance Director, John Read, and will be responsible for the 70 staff employed by the UK Imaging office.

Michio Miwa comments: “We are delighted that John has accepted the position and welcome his experience as a means of strengthening the brand. John joins Nikon at a pivotal point in its history as the company seeks to grow market share in a challenging and changing market.

“The future looks very positive for Nikon UK and we are confident that we will achieve our business goals. We look forward to introducing John to key stakeholders in due course”, adds Miwa.

Having started his career on a Unilever graduate programme, Walshe quickly developed his sales skills to a European level within Mars Incorporated, the confectionery and electronics company, where he also qualified as a Chartered Management Accountant. He also worked as UK Managing Director for Tchibo, World Flowers Ltd and, more recently Sollatek as an interim General Manager.

Nikon looks forward to Walshe’s arrival in September and is confident that the company can achieve its business goal of being number 1 in the UK imaging market.

Pentax announce five Q mount lenses

In addition to the Pentax Q camera announced earlier, the company has released details of five Q mount lenses intended for the camera. In addition to the expected standard kit zoom, a 28-83mm equivalent, Pentax has announced a number of unifocal lenses, including a 47mm f1.9 equivalent standard prime. The 'High-performance' series include an internal AF motor, shutter with flash sync up to 1/2000th sec, and built-in ND filter, not unlike the lenses found on digital compact cameras.
Details of three other primes have been released including a 160-degree fish-eye, and two 100mm and 35mm equivalent 'Toy lenses', which are largely uncorrected producing a toy-like visual effect. These fixed aperture lenses feature manual focus, plastic lens mounts and lack the lens shutter of the 'high-performance' series.
The price and availability is yet to be announced, however the Q camera body is expected to ship mid-September.

Press release

Five Q mount interchangeable lenses designed for exclusive use with the PENTAX Q digital camera;
a choice of High-performance or Unique series to satisfy diversified photographic requirements

PENTAX Imaging Systems is pleased to announce the launch of five interchangeable lenses designed for exclusive use with the new PENTAX Q digital interchangeable lens system camera. Featuring the newly designed Q lens mount, these new lenses come in two distinctive series: The two models of the High-performance series offer exceptional image rendition, while the three models of the Unique series assure the effortless capturing of creative images.

The five new lenses have been developed for exclusive use with the newly launched PENTAX Q digital interchangeable lens system camera — currently the world’s smallest, lightest model in its class.* They are all designed to be super compact and ultra-lightweight, by optimizing their image circle to the size of the CMOS image sensor installed in the new Q mount camera body. This makes them the perfect partners for the pocket sized, go anywhere PENTAX Q. By providing two distinctive lens series — the High-performance series emphasizing image rendition, and Unique series with outstanding cost performance and ease of lens changeability — this new Q mount series gives PENTAX Q users a unique lens line-up that assures all the benefits of a digital interchangeable lens system camera, including the fun of creating different perspectives and visual effects through quick, effortless lens changes.

The first of the new Q mount lineup from PENTAX are the “PENTAX-01 STANDARD PRIME” unifocal standard lens and the “PENTAX-02 STANDARD ZOOM” standard zoom lens in the High-performance series; and the “PENTAX-03 FISH EYE” unifocal ultra-wide-angle lens, the “PENTAX-04 TOY LENS WIDE” unifocal wide-angle lens and the “PENTAX-05 TOY LENS TELEPHOTO” unifocal telephoto lens in the Unique series. The two TOY LENS models are designed to produce a distinctive toy-camera-like visual effect.
* The world’s smallest and lightest digital interchangeable lens system camera, as of June 15, 2011 (based on PENTAX research).

Common features of the two High-performance series models
The High-performance series has been developed to bring out the optimum imaging power in the PENTAX Q digital camera by combining exceptional image rendition with effortless handling, while also offering a high grade finish. Featuring the state-of-the-art optics incorporating special optical glass elements and PENTAX exclusive lens coating technology, this series delivers beautifully defined, high quality images that are sharp and high contrast, even at their edges. The AF motor installed in the lens barrel assures smooth, quiet focusing operation. Thanks to the lens shutter mechanism, the PENTAX Q’s built-in auto flash can even be synchronized to the camera’s top shutter speed of 1/2000 second (or 1/250 second when using an accessory flash unit). The lenses are also equipped with a built-in ND (neutral density) filter, which comes in handy when shooting with open aperture in bright locations or when using slower shutter speeds.

47mm f/1.9 equivalent

Major features of the “PENTAX-01 STANDARD PRIME”
This unifocal standard lens has a focal length equivalent to 47mm in the 35mm format. Since it offers a natural perspective similar to that of the human eye, it can be used as a multi-purpose, daily-use standard lens for many different subjects, including landscape and portraiture. With a maximum aperture of F1.9, it not only performs superbly in dim locations, but also makes it easy to throw the background out of focus. Incorporating two high grade aspherical optical elements, this lens compensates various aberrations to a minimum and produces beautiful, high resolution images that are bright and crisp even at the edge of the image field.

27.5-83mm equivalent

Major features of the “PENTAX-02 STANDARD ZOOM”
With a focal length coverage equivalent to that of a 27.5-83.0mm zoom lens in the 35mm format, this standard zoom lens is ideal for various applications in the wide angle to medium telephoto range. Incorporating a total of four extra-low-dispersion and low-refractive aspherical optical elements in its optics, it assures exceptional image rendition while effectively reducing chromatic aberration to a minimum over the entire zoom range. It also offers a minimum focusing distance of 30 centimetres at all focal lengths to simplify close-up photography.

Common features of the three Unique series models
This series offers outstanding value against its price, and allows every photographer to produce a variety of distinctive, dramatic images simply by altering the angle of view and perspective through quick, effortless lens changes. They all feature manual focus operation, fixed aperture and plastic lens mount, and have no lens shutter unit — the main factors contributing to the massive reduction in size and weight and making them far more affordable than conventional interchangeable lenses.

Fishe-eye (160-degree)

Major features of the “PENTAX-03 FISH EYE”
This ultra-wide angle lens offers an extra wide angle of view of 160 degrees along the diagonal line of the image sensor, allowing the photographer to create a fish eye visual effect with great ease. Thanks to its distinctive ultra-wide angle characteristics, it produces unique, eye-catching images unlike those captured by the human eye, with an exaggerated perspective, distorted subjects, and a pan-focus effect that captures every element in the image field in sharp focus.

100mm equivalent

Major features of the “PENTAX-04 TOY LENS WIDE” and “PENTAX-05 TOY LENS TELEPHOTO”
With their optics designed specifically to retain various lens aberrations, these lenses produce subdued, heartwarming images like photos taken by a toy camera. The “PENTAX-04 TOY LENS WIDE” is a unifocal wide angle lens with a focal length equivalent to 35mm in the 35mm format; the “PENTAX-05 TOY LENS TELEPHOTO” is a unifocal medium telephoto lens with a focal length equivalent to 100mm in the 35 format.

35mm equivalent

Exclusive optional accessories
PENTAX-100 PL Filter
When attached to the “PENTAX-01 STANDARD PRIME” or “PENTAX-02 STANDARD ZOOM”, this 40.5mm polarizing filter minimizes reflections on the water or glass surface, which are difficult to remove during digital processing, to assure crisp, high contrast images.

MH-RA 40.5mm
A metallic, dome-shaped lens hood for exclusive use with the “PENTAX-01 STANDARD PRIME” lens

PH-SBA 40.5mm Lens
A plastic, square-shaped lens hood for exclusive use with the “PENTAX-02 STANDARD ZOOM” lens

Pentax announces new Q system

Pentax has officially announced the long-rumoured mirrorless Q camera, sporting a 1/2.3-inch type 12.4-megapixel back-illuminated CMOS sensor (a compact-camera size sensor) complete with a range of interchangeable lenses.
Key features other than the small size include;
Magnesium alloy body with built-in IS and anti-shake,
1/8000 sec electronic shutter option,
max 5fps (JPEG),
ISO 125-6400,
3.0 inch (460k dot) screen
Full HD video (1920x 1080, 30fps).
HD video can be recorded for up to 25 minutes.
No price has been released but the camera is expected to be available mid-September.
For more information please see the press release below:

PENTAX Q
A pocket-size, go-anywhere digital interchangeable lens system camera: featuring the world’s lightest and smallest body* made possible by a brand-new PENTAX original imaging system

PENTAX Imaging Systems is pleased to announce the launch of the PENTAX Q digital interchangeable lens system camera. Thanks to its innovative, PENTAX developed imaging system, this new model has an astonishingly compact and lightweight body. The user can more easily and actively enjoy the high-quality images and wide range of visual effects that are only available with digital interchangeable lens cameras.

The PENTAX Q was designed and developed in response to user requests for a more compact, manoeuverable digital interchangeable-lens camera than those available in the existing PENTAX line-up — a camera that could go anywhere and be used in all kinds of occasion more easily and freely. Starting with a high-resolution back illuminated 1/2.3-inch CMOS image sensor, the PENTAX Q offers a full range of advanced features, including the newly developed, super-compact Q-mount lenses perfectly proportioned to the compact CMOS image sensor, and an innovative optical construction free of an optical finder and a mirror. These features are the key to the creation of the world’s smallest and lightest digital interchangeable-lens camera system.*

The camera also delivers solid, dependable performance, thanks to such features as: approximately 12.4 effective megapixels to deliver high-quality, high-resolution still images and Full HD movies; high speed continuous shooting at a maximum speed of five images per second; high sensitivity of ISO 6400; and a magnesium-alloy body. It even offers such functional, user-friendly features as a multi-mode exposure system including the Aperture-Priority AE mode and a custom image function to give the most appropriate finishing touch to each image. Just as for conventional digital SLR models, the PENTAX Q is equipped with a set of dependable devices — an in-body SR (Shake Reduction) mechanism and a DRII (Dust Removal II) anti-dust mechanism — so that even beginners can effortlessly capture beautiful, brilliant images free of blurring or spots. The PENTAX Q also offers the latest image-processing tools, including a bokeh control function to adjust the intensity of the out-of-focus effect around the subject to a desired level, and a creative Smart Effect function to produce highly artistic images with distinctive touches, like those produced by cross processing film.

By adding the new Q mount to existing K and 645 medium-format mounts, PENTAX now offers three different lens mounts to further enhance the creativity and versatility of its digital interchangeable-lens camera systems.

* The world’s smallest and lightest digital interchangeable lens system camera, as of June 15, 2011 (based on PENTAX’s research).

Major features
1. The world’s smallest, lightest camera body, featuring newly developed Q mount system
The PENTAX Q features the newly developed Q lens mount, with an outer diameter approximately six millimetres shorter than that of the conventional K mount. This was made possible by reducing the flange back (the distance from the lens mount surface to the image sensor surface) to nearly one-fifth of that of the K mount, as well as by optimizing the size of image circle of its lenses to be proportioned to the size of the compact image sensor. The Q mount system also eliminates an optical finder, mirror box, focusing plate and AF sensor, making the PENTAX Q’s body the smallest and lightest in its class. The body has been made of magnesium-alloy, which gives an elegant, high-quality texture to the compact, lightweight camera body while improving its durability. The PENTAX Q is available in white or black.

2. Exceptional image quality delivered by digital interchangeable lens system camera
The PENTAX Q comes equipped with back illuminated 1/2.3-inch CMOS image sensor, which delivers beautiful, high-resolution images with approximately 12.4 effective megapixels. This is made possible by its high efficient light gathering optical construction that assures excellent high sensitivity and low noise characteristics and high speed readout of image data signals. The PENTAX Q also features a new generation imaging engine integrating the best of PENTAX’s state-of-the-art digital imaging technologies, developed and accumulated over many years of digital SLR camera development. By coupling this imaging engine with exclusively designed high performance Q mount lenses, the PENTAX Q delivers clear, high contrast images rich in gradation and texture, even at edges. With high sensitivity noise minimized, the photographer can use the entire sensitivity range — from ISO 125 to the highest ISO 6400 — without worrying about annoying digital noise. By taking advantage of the HDR (High Dynamic Range) function that produces one composite photo from multiple images, it’s easy to create beautiful images with an extra wide dynamic range and free of white-washed and blacked-out areas.
3. Innovative creative tool to add personal touches to images with ease
The PENTAX Q offers a totally new style of photo shooting. By coupling the new Smart Effect function offering nine distinctive visual effects via the easy access Quick-Dial positioned on the camera’s front panel, the photographer can effortlessly add a desired finishing touch to an image, while previewing the effect on the LCD monitor. The Quick-Dial has four positions, to which four favourite Smart Effect modes can be assigned in advance. The ever-popular Custom Image and Digital Filter functions have been further enhanced to provide an even greater range of image processing tools. In order to customize the PENTAX Q to accommodate specific shooting styles and user preferences, the user can also assign other options such as a custom image setting, a digital filter or an aspect ratio setting to the Quick-Dial.

<Smart Effect modes>
•    Brilliant Colour: Creates a lively effect by raising the saturation level almost to the point of colour saturation.
•    Funicular Bold: Creates an extremely high contrast image that retains one particular colour in the image.
•    Vintage Colour: Produces a toy-camera-like effect, with a choice of several different finishing touches.
•    Cross Processing: Produces a unique image with unusual colors, as if treated with the cross processing** used in film photography.
•    Warm Fade: Creates a low contrast image with the white balance slightly shifted to pink shades.
•    Tone Expansion: Produces a dramatic image with an artistic finishing touch, close to an intensified HDR (High Dynamic Range) effect.
•    Bold Monochrome: Produces a low-key, high contrast image with enhanced sharpness.
•    Water Colour: Creates a watercolour-like finishing touch.
•    Vibrant Colour Enhance: Creates a flowery atmosphere with slightly enhanced contrast.
•    USER: Used to enter a user-selected combination of custom image mode and a digital filter.

** A film development technique that uses an unconventional film developer to create a distinctive finishing touch with dramatic colours.
4. High quality, Full HD movie recording
The PENTAX Q comes equipped with a Full HD movie recording function employing the H.264 recording format, allowing the user to capture high quality, extended movie clips (1920 x 1080 pixels) at a frame rate of 30 frames per second. The user can also take advantage of interchangeable Q-mount lenses to produce distinctive perspectives, or make effective use of the Smart Effect modes*** and other in-body movie editing tools to produce creative, dramatic visual effects with great ease, even during movie recording. The PENTAX Q also provides a micro-HDMI terminal (type D), which allows the user to simultaneously output both Full HD movie clips and sound to external devices via a single terminal.
*** The frame rate may vary when a selected Smart Effect mode requires non-standard image processing.
5. Effortless Bokeh control
The PENTAX Q comes equipped with newly developed bokeh control function, which allows user to capture the image with obtrusive objects in the field of view optimally defocused. With this function, the camera will automatically judge the focused subject as well as the relative distance of each object from the camera in the field of view to apply optimal defocus effect to each object to ensure stand-out of the main subject(s). This function will allow even a first-time digital photographer to easily capture the images with such effects as background defocus or foreground defocus that would otherwise require a certain degree of photographic experience.

6. SR mechanism for sharp, blur-free images
The PENTAX Q incorporates the PENTAX-developed SR (Shake Reduction) mechanism, which automatically shifts the CMOS image sensor to offset camera shake detected by the camera’s motion sensor. As a result, the PENTAX Q produces sharp, blur-free images even under demanding conditions that are prone to camera shake, such as when using a telephoto lens, shooting in the dark without flash illumination, or capturing landscapes in the twilight.

7. Dependable features available only with digital interchangeable lens cameras
The PENTAX Q offers a host of user-friendly, functional features available only with digital interchangeable-lens cameras. Its top shutter speed of 1/2000 second freezes the decisive moment of the subject’s action. To accommodate user preferences and varying photographic applications, it also offers a choice of four different exposure modes: the user-friendly Programmed AE (P) mode that automatically selects an optimum combination of aperture and shutter speed; the Aperture-Priority AE (AV) and Shutter-Priority AE (TV) modes that allow the photographer to faithfully reproduce specific creative intentions on resulting images; and the Metered Manual (M) mode.
It even allows the photographer to instantly switch from the P mode to the AV or TV mode with a simple turn of an electronic dial.
8. Large, wide view LCD monitor
The PENTAX Q features a large, easy-to-view, high resolution 3.0-inch colour LCD monitor with approximately 460,000 dots. Its wide view design assures a clear view of the monitor from approximately 170 degrees horizontally and vertically, making it particularly useful in low and high angle shooting.

9. Dependable DRII mechanism for effective dust removal
The PENTAX Q’s DRII (Dust Removal II) mechanism effectively prevents annoying dust spots from spoiling captured images, even after the user changes lenses out in the open. Like PENTAX’s K-5 and 645D digital SLR cameras, it incorporates highly effective supersonic vibration mechanism, which vibrates the image sensor at high speed to shake the dust off its surface.

10. High speed continuous shooting at approximately five images per second
The PENTAX Q’s high speed burst shooting mode allows the photographer to record up to five images (in JPEG recording format) in a single sequence, at a maximum speed of approximately five images per second. This mode comes in handy when trying to preserve the action of fast-moving subjects in a series of images.

11. Built-in auto flash with pop-up mechanism
The PENTAX Q comes with a built-in auto flash (guide number 7 at ISO 200/m). The photographer can either use it at the default position, or raise it to the pop-up position with simple operation to widen its discharge angle to cover a 28mm angle of view (in the 35mm format).

12. Other features
1)            TTL image-sensor metering, with a choice of multi-segment, centre-weighted and spot modes
2)            Contrast-detection autofocus system, with a face recognition function and 25 selectable focus        points
3)            CTE white-balance control mode to emphasize the predominant colour of a particular scene,           such as the sunset
4)            Auto Picture mode for effortless shooting
5)            21 scene modes, including new Forest and Stage Lighting options
6)            A choice of image size (4:3, 3:2, 16:9 or 1:1) to accommodate different subjects and applications
7)            Multi-exposure mode (up to nine exposures on a single image), with an auto exposure      compensation function
8)            Interval shooting mode, convenient for recording transition of landscapes and flowers/plants          from the exact same location and angle
9)            HDR mode to produce photo with an extra wide dynamic range composite photo from three           images of               varying exposures
10)          A choice of data storage medium: SD, SDHC and the new-standard SDXC**** memory cards
11)          SILKY Developer Studio 3 for PENTAX RAW-data development software (developed by Ichikawa      Soft Laboratory) included; in-camera RAW-data development also available
**** Not compatible with UHS Speed Class transfer rate.

Optional accessories
External Viewfinder O-VF1
Launched together with the PENTAX Q, this optical viewfinder is designed for exclusive use with the new “PENTAX-01 STANDARD PRIME” unifocal standard lens. It offers a clear view of the subject even in bright sunshine. It also assures image viewing of the subject with no time lag — an important feature in snapshot and portrait photography where the timing of the shutter release is crucial.
Camera Case O-CC115
Exclusively designed for the PENTAX Q, this camera case has two strap lugs on the sides to keep the camera suspended in a level position, so that the photographer can quickly respond to unexpected shutter opportunities. With the camera inside, this high-grade case looks even more elegant, in a choice of colours: white, black and red.

Additional images

More infomation can be found at www.pentax.co.uk/photo

Pentax Partners with Elite Model Look 2011

Press release:

Pentax Partners with Elite Model Look 2011
 
Pentax is delighted to today announce it is the Official Camera Sponsor of the prestigious Elite Model Look 2011.
 
Hosted annually by Elite London, Elite Model Look UK is the world’s most prestigious model search, famous for creating names like Cindy Crawford and Gisele Bundchen. 2011 will see the third season of Elite model Look UK, and the Elite scouts will be travelling the length and breadth of the country looking for the stars of the future.
This year the Elite scouts will be armed with the Pentax K-r DSLR and the new Pentax Optio S1 compact camera ready to snap the fashion stars of the future for this year’s contest.
 
The sleek and stylish Pentax Optio S1, available in red, green, chrome and black is the ultimate camera choice for fashionistas everywhere. With a sleek mirrored finish and at only 20mm thick, it is the perfect camera to fit into the smallest of handbags and will suit everyone’s tastes and choice of outfit.  
 
For avid photography fans, the mulit award winning Pentax K-r comes encased in a compact, lightweight body and combines simple, user-friendly functions with a wide array of advanced features, designed to enhance the fun and excitement of digital SLR photography.
 
In addition to the black, white and red models, the Pentax K-r now comes in 5 new colours for 2011. Available in yellow, pink, blue, purple and metal chocolate, the new tints match even the most outlandish styles and personalities.
Jonathan Martin, General Manager, PENTAX Imaging Systems, said, "As a style-focused brand, we are constantly looking for new ways to accommodate the image-savvy consumer. We are proud to be the official camera sponsor of the Elite Model Look 2011 and this activity perfectly reflects the stylish design and fashion credentials of the Pentax K-r and Optio S1 cameras." 
Elite London has exclusive scouting rights at the following festivals during 2011:
Hard Rock Calling, Hyde Park, London, 24th – 26th June
Wireless With Barclaycard, Hyde Park, London, 1st – 3rd July
T4 on the Beach, Weston Super Mare, 10th July
 
For the first time Elite Model Look 2011 will be scouting both girls and boys following the launch of Elite’s men’s board in 2010.
 
To find out more about Pentax visit : www.pentax.co.uk/photo 
For more information on the Elite Model Look 2011, visit : www.elitemodellook.co.uk

NEC Display Solutions make new appointments

Press release:


NEC Display Solutions strengthens focus on specialist markets with two new appointments

London, 22 June 2011 – NEC Display Solutions further strengthens its focus on specialist vertical markets with new appointments within the medical and colour sectors. With specialist products already established in these sectors, NEC seeks to further strengthen and build market share, demonstrating its commitment to niche high-end markets. Steve Cotton takes on the role of Colour and Media Sales Specialist focusing on the creative and print markets with the award winning SpectraView® Displays whilst Freddie Elliott is appointed Sales Manager for NEC’s Medical Displays in the healthcare sector.

NEC’s SpectraView Reference series offers a superior colour critical solution for the most demanding pre-press and soft-proofing applications, as well as for professional colour-critical image and video editing. Cotton, previously Account Manager at Eizo, joins NEC as the company launches its flagship 30inch SpectraView model.

The 27inch SpectraView Reference 271 has been voted the ‘Best Expert Photo Monitor’ by members of the Technical Image Press Association (TIPA), further endorsing the brand. For semi-professional graphics and photographic work, NEC’s PA range offers accurate, consistent and repeatable colour performance.

SpectraView models and the PA series are distributed across Europe by Color Confidence, the leading value added distributor in the digital imaging markets.

“NEC is a highly respected quality brand with a broad range of products already established in the colour sector,” says Cotton. “We are well placed to meet the demands of this specialist sector and I relish the challenge to strengthen and grow NEC’s position in this exacting market place.”

Freddie Elliott takes on the role of UK Healthcare Sales Manager at a time when opportunities in the medical market ramp up as hospitals look to replace and upgrade their PACS systems. NEC Display Solutions have the widest product portfolio of LCD and projected display solutions for the healthcare market, combining the latest innovations in display technology with Japanese design quality and reliability.

Elliott said “with a firm platform to build on, NEC is already a well trusted name in the medical field and we will seek new opportunities with our MDView Series monitors to achieve growth in what is a very specialised market.” Elliott brings to NEC a wealth of knowledge with extensive experience in sales management within the healthcare sector having previously worked for companies such as Fuji Film and Medtronic.

The new appointments ensure that NEC Display Solutions is equipped to meet the challenges ahead and demonstrate the significance NEC places in vertical markets and the investment made in delivering products and solutions to meet the exacting demands from professional niche sectors.

Simon Jackson, VP for NEC Display Solutions commented “we are delighted to have Steve and Freddie on board, they offer great knowledge and experience in their specialist areas. With such a high calibre team, exceptional products and NEC’s enduring reputation, I am confident that we are well placed to meet the challenges ahead.“ He added „this is an exciting time for the company as we build on our strengths and evolve toward a Total Display Solutions company.“


NEC Display Solutions can be found at www.nec-displays.co.uk

Leica, Magnum sign agreement

Magnum and Leica have agreed to cooperate in a number of projects, not the least being essential feedback on product testing for the German camera maker. Magnum photographers will use the cameras to 'independently produce multimedia essays'. Presumably, that means video using digital compacts, such as the D-Lux 5 and V-Lux 3, as well as stills from the more traditional pro-orientated M9 .

Press release:

Leica Camera AG and Magnum Photos sign technology and photography agreement

21 June 2011, 18.00 GMT: In February of this year, Leica Camera AG, Solms, and Magnum Photos signed a technology and photographic co-operation agreement. As a result, a number of independently produced multimedia essays by Magnum photographers have been developed, and will be presented online at www.leica-camera.co.uk, www.lfi-online.de and www.magnumphotos.com.

In addition to the creation of these joint projects, the agreement presents an opportunity for Leica to learn from the experience of Magnum photographers in their work in the field with the latest Leica equipment. Furthermore, Leica intends to integrate this knowledge into the ongoing development of the Leica product portfolio, ensuring that future products meet the precise needs of photographers around the world.

Since 1947, the year the legendary photographers Henri Cartier-Bresson, Robert Capa, George Rodger and David ‘Chim’ Seymour founded Magnum Photos, the photographers from this agency have been passionate eyewitnesses of history. They captured the decisive moments of the 20th Century with Leica cameras and represent a dedication that remains unrivalled today.

Magnum was founded to create a framework for the independent work of its members. Even today, the idiosyncratic combination of reporter and artist still holds true as the distinguishing mark of every Magnum photographer. Their work not only captures the action as it happens, but also documents the photographer’s own, highly personal art of visual perception.

Over the last 60 years, both Magnum and Leica have made enormous contributions to the documentation of world history. Both brands have been pioneers in their respective fields. Leica became the household name for the best cameras and lenses the world had ever seen. The company combines the values of traditional craftsmanship with the finest precision engineering to manufacture cameras and lenses of uncompromising quality. And ever since Henri Cartier-Bresson took his first Leica in his hands, Magnum photographers have continued to push forward the limits of documentary photography, and the limits of their Leica cameras, when recording epoch-making events around the world.

Leica and Magnum have now agreed to co-operate in a number of projects intended to write further chapters in the story of their many years of engagement in the field of independent documentary photography. To this effect, Alfred Schopf, CEO of Leica Camera AG, and Magnum photographer Jonas Bendiksen, president of Magnum Photos International Inc., have signed a cooperation agreement in Solms, Germany.

Magnum President Jonas Bendiksen explains the aims of the agreement, “The aim of Magnum and our photographers is to maintain our commitment to discovering the emotions of humankind, to act as witnesses and to communicate these emotions in pictures. With the signing of this new agreement, Leica has now declared its commitment to joining us in bearing this common responsibility.”

In addition to providing support for individual projects, the two companies will also benefit from the production of the essays as a way of gaining knowledge from the Magnum photographers’ experiences working with Leica products. The field reports will make a significant contribution to the comprehensive user requirement analyses already performed by Leica when developing its product portfolio.

Stefan Daniel, head of the product management division at Leica Camera AG, explains, “The collaboration between Magnum and Leica will help us develop and construct better and better equipment to meet the needs of professional photographers. This applies to field reports on the practical use of our current products, as well as to the testing of future products in the field. Just how do our cameras and lenses stand up to difficult working conditions? This knowledge is an extremely welcome and important addition to our in-factory testing procedures, and is eminently suitable as a further tool for ensuring that our products are always perfectly capable of matching any demands set by the tough everyday work of professional photographers.”

More information can be at www.magnumphotos.com and at www.leica-camera.co.uk

Leica outs surprise M9-P

Available in black paint or silver chrome, the Leica M9-P is scheduled to be available in the UK from June 2011 from authorised Leica dealers including the Leica Store Mayfair. As well as the more descrete finish (albeit wit the Leica sript engraved on the top-plate), the Leica M9-P includes a scratch-resistant, sapphire crystal covering on the LCD screen, like the M8.2. The UK suggested retail price of the Leica M9-P is £5,395 including VAT but there's no word as yet on pricing and availability in the USA.

Leica announces the Leica M9-P: the essence of discretion

Designed particularly for professional photographers, new ultra-discreet version of the Leica M9 added to Leica rangefinder portfolio

21 June 2011, 18.00 GMT: Leica today presents a new version of the world’s smallest, full-frame digital system camera: the Leica M9-P. This new model will sit alongside the Leica M9 in the company’s rangefinder portfolio, providing an alternative, even more discreet and resilient design that further reinforces the quintessential nature of the M9 – and particularly meets the needs of professional photographers. The new model will be available in a classic silver chrome or subtle black paint finish.

Offering the same technical specifications as the highly successfully Leica M9, the M9-P combines all the benefits of the original: compact size, full-frame, 18 megapixel 24 x 36mm sensor (35mm format), sophisticated image processing and robust construction, with features designed for the professional user or photographers who prefer a pure, even more unobtrusive styling.

The Leica M9-P includes a scratch-resistant, sapphire crystal covering on the LCD screen. This material is so tough that the screen can only be produced using special diamond cutting tools and is one of the world’s hardest materials. As a result, the sapphire glass LCD cover is extremely resistant to wear and almost unbreakable, meaning many years of reliable use. In addition, thanks to an anti-reflective coating on both sides of the cover, reviewing images on the display during composition and after capture is further improved, particularly in unfavourable lighting conditions.

The external covering of the body of the M9-P, finished in vulcanite leatherette, features a more coarsely- textured finish that ensures a steady grip when shooting, making the M9-P feel particularly safe and secure in the hand.

A further understated feature of the Leica M9-P is its minimalist styling, which is focused on the most essential features. Many professional photographers using Leica cameras have been known to tape over the Leica ‘red dot’ logo to make their equipment as inconspicuous and discreet as possible. For this reason, the Leica red dot logo and the M9 lettering on the front have been omitted. Instead, the top plate is engraved with the Leica name in classic script form.

Since 1954, the Leica M system has represented an unmistakable, individual kind of photography and a very conscious photographic style. With a Leica M, the photographer becomes a ‘part of the action’ in the process of capturing challenging, authentic and creative images.

The rangefinder frames precisely the shot the photographer envisages, while allowing a clear view of the scene outside the viewfinder frame. This allows the photographer to predict the decisive moment and capture it discreetly and reliably at the right moment – in all fields of photography, from photojournalism, reportage and ‘available light’ to the capture of portraits and aesthetic, fine-art images.

Another significant advantage for unobtrusive photography is the almost silent shutter, a feature of both the M9 and M9-P. Moreover, when longer exposure times requiring an extremely steady camera stance are essential, only a slight pressure on the shutter release button in ‘soft release’ mode is required.

Photographers can also select the most appropriate moment for re-cocking the shutter. The functions of the Leica M are consistently constructed for extreme durability and a long working life. The highest quality materials, intricate manufacturing processes and meticulous manual assembly at Leica’s facility in Germany guarantee functional reliability for years to come.

In line with Leica’s commitment to system compatibility, almost all Leica M lenses built since 1954 can be used with the M9 and M9-P – an important factor in the enduring value of the M series. The 18 megapixel image sensor, specifically designed and developed for the M9, enables capture of the full 35mm film format without any compromise. All M lenses mounted on the M9 and M9-P therefore offer the same focal length as originally intended, and the enormous potential performance of the extensive M lens portfolio, with focal lengths from 16 to 135mm, can be fully exploited by both cameras.

More information can be found at www.leica-storemayfair.co.uk. A full list of authorised UK Leica dealers is available at www.leica-camera.co.uk.

NEW: The Leica Super-Elmar-M 1:3.4/21 mm ASPH

The new Leica Super-Elmar-M 21mm f/3.4 ASPH. is a worthy successor to the now legendary Leica Super-Angulon-M 21 mm f/3.4. Just like its popular forerunner, the new super-wide-angle lens is characterized by superb imaging performance and amazingly compact construction. Even at maximum aperture, the lens delivers outstanding rendition of details and optimum contrast up to its closest focusing distance. 

The lens is supplied complete with a metal, screw-mounted lens hood to prevent flare effects and ensure perfect image sharpness. Thanks to its wide angle of view, the Leica Super-Elmar-M 21mm f/3.4 ASPH. is particularly suitable for architectural and landscape photography. At the same time, this focal length is also ideal for dynamic photojournalistic photography. 

The sophisticated optical design and construction of the lens comprises eight elements - including one with two aspherical surfaces and another four with anomalous partial dispersion - and plays a decisive role in reducing distortion and vignetting to an absolute minimum. With the new Super-Elmar-M, M photographers now have a compact and versatile high-performance lens for the broad spectrum of photographic situations covered by super-wide-angle photography.


Pricing and availability in the US

Adorama NYC, check price or buy here.

Pricing and availability in the UK

The Leica Super-Elmar-M 21 mm f/3.4 ASPH. is scheduled to be available in the UK from June 2011 from authorised Leica dealers including the Leica Store Mayfair: www.leica-storemayfair.co.uk, tel: 020 7629 1351. A full list of authorised UK Leica dealers is available at www.leica-camera.co.uk. The UK suggested retail price of the Leica Super-Elmar-M 21 mm f/3.4 ASPH. is £2,025 including VAT.

The New Leica M9-P

The Leica M9 now has a twin sister: the new Leica M9-P! But there’s more good news to come: the M system can also celebrate the arrival of a brand-new lens, the Leica Super-Elmar-M 1:3.4/21 mm ASPH

From the Press release:

In terms of technology, the Leica M9-P and the M9 are identical twins. Both possess the same performance characteristics and exactly the same advantages. But they are not quite identical - a couple of details make them different.

For example, the LEICA M9-P is available in two different finishes. We listened to the wishes, needs, and personal tastes of Leica photographers, so now the M9-P is available in two different options - black paint and the unobtrusive, classical silver chrome finish well-known from generations of Leica cameras.
Thanks to its scratch-resistant sapphire crystal monitor cover glass and elaborate construction in the Leica factory from only the highest-quality materials, the new Leica M9-P is even more resilient and can look forward to an even longer working life.

The Leica M9-P now features an extremely scratch-resistant, almost unbreakable, sapphire crystal cover for its LCD monitor display. Sapphire crystal is one of the world's hardest materials and so hard that it can only be worked with special diamond-cutting tools. The antireflective coating on both sides of the monitor cover glass further improves image reviewing, particularly in unfavorable lighting conditions.
The Leica M9-P is optionally available in the classical Leica silver chrome camera finish or in black paint - the M9 offers two options, elegant steel gray or black paint. The Leica M9-P also features vulcanite leathering with particularly good grip characteristics.


Sample Images

Broncolor returns to Hasselblad for UK distribution

Hasselblad has announced today that it will resume distribution of Broncolor lighting from the 1st of July, aftter originally losing the account to JP Distribution, the official importer of rival Mamiya in the UK. The move can be seen as part of a global strategy. Hasselblad 'replaced' Broncolor with the distribution for Profoto lighting in the UK, but the Sweden-based lighting manufacturer eventually formed their own distribution company, which now also import and distribute Induro tripods in the UK. Profoto are distributed in the US by MAC group, part-owners of both Mamiya and Induro.



Press release:

Broncolor turns to Hasselblad for its UK distribution
Hasselblad is set to become sole distributor of broncolor lighting products in the UK.

’We will use the same approach with bron as we have with the new-look Hasselblad UK’ - Chris Russell-Fish, Hasselblad UK MD and Global Sales and Marketing Director

Chris Russell-Fish, Hasselblad UK MD and global sales and marketing director, announced the move following months of negotiation with the Swiss-based lighting manufacturer.

Hasselblad will take over from JP Distribution on July 1st and promises ‘a dynamic array of new ideas and solutions‘ for bron customers nationwide in coming months.

Said Russell-Fish: “I believe we can do a great job for bron users in the UK. Like Hasselblad products, bron equipment sits at the top end of the market. We plan to make a great deal of noise in coming weeks and months around this excellent lighting range.”
Russell-Fish has appointed photo-lighting expert Chris Burfoot as the new broncolor UK manager.

Burfoot, who first started ‘working with light’ in the Eighties said: “Our objective is to create far more awareness around the award-winning bron brand and focus hard on customer service and support for existing users. We also plan a programme of ‘hands-on’ open days with broncolor partners in a non-selling environment – mirroring the success of the popular ‘Hasselblad Studiodays’ programme, and under the name of 'The beauty of broncolor'.

This premium lighting brand has been built on a rock solid foundation of quality, consistency and reliability. The new-look bron customer care programme will work in exactly the same way as Hasselblad’s renowned ‘Hasselbuddy’ customer care support.”
Hasselblad UK owns the London-based Pro Centre, the photo-equipment rental company, but Russell-Fish insists the bron distribution deal will be no threat to any other brand they work with.

He said: “The Pro Centre acts completely independently as a rental centre. This will simply be an additional line. Bron will be a completely separate entity for us in the same way as our new Hasselblad studio and Didgeridoo services. And just as we have developed energetic new programmes for Hasselblad customers in the UK, we will do the same with bron over time. There will be a separate bron customer care and maintenance team in place in the near future.”

Hasselblad is currently in talks with broncolor with a view to new product launches.

A new website is to go live from the 1st July 2011 at www.ukbroncolor.com, with links to and from the Hasselblad (www.hasselblad.co.uk) website.

Leica Oskar Barnack Award 2011 winner announced

Danish freelancer Jan Grarup and co-founder of NOOR agency, a non-profit organization creating and distributing photojournalistic work, has received the Leica Oskar Barnack Award 2011 for his depiction of the events following the tragedy in Haiti.

More of his work can be found here at www.noorimages.com/photographers/jangrarup/

More on the Oskar Barnack Award can be found at www.leica-oskar-barnack-award.com/#/en/home

Benro launches four new gimbal heads

Kenro the UK distributor of Benro tripods and accessories has today announced four new gimbal heads for photographers using super-telephoto lenses. The heads range in terms of load from the GHA which weighs 0.47kg has a maximum load of 15kg (33lbs), and an RRPP of £220 inc. VAT through to the top of the range GH3, which is claimed to be able to support up to 25kg (55lbs) and will retail for £584.99 inc VAT. The GH2 shown below weighs 1.44 kg, has a maximum load of 23 kg and an RRP of £439.99. All the heads include an Arca-Swiss compatible quick-release clamp.

Benro is the sister company to Induro (and distributed by Profoto), which offer the same range of heads (GHBA, GHB1 and GHB2, though Induro haven't as yet announced a GHB3), so there could be some price advantage to the Benro models. It's also worth noting that the Induro models (and now these from Benro) are made for them by Wimberley.

Press release:


New Benro Gimbal heads available
Kenro has announced the UK availability of four new Gimbal heads as part of its extensive Benro Tripod range.

Benro Gimbal heads have been developed to allow the user to manipulate heavier cameras with large telephoto lenses more comfortably than with a standard tripod head. This is especially important in long distance, sports and wildlife photography.

Speed, stability and maneuverability are especially important features when using long and heavy telephotos, where a steady camera platform combined with quick smooth action control is essential to ensure sharp imaging. The mechanism on Benro Gimbal heads operates on the principal of manipulating the lens using its own centre of gravity. Using this principal enables the photographer to operate high magnification telephoto lenses very effectively.

The Benro Gimbal Head GHA weighs 0.47 kg, has a maximum load of 15 kg, and an RRP of £220.00.

The Benro Gimbal Head GH1 weighs 0.71 kg, has a maximum load of 12 kg, and an RRP of £319.99.

The Benro Gimbal Head GH2, weighs 1.44 kg, has a maximum load of 23 kg and an RRP of £439.99.

The Benro Gimbal Head GH3, weighs 1.76 kg, has a maximum load of 25 kg, and an RRP of £584.99.

Kenro's Managing Director, Paul Kench, says: "These Gimbal heads are rock solid and smooth in every adjustment. They help long lens users (both professional and enthusiast) to achieve consistently sharp results."

To view Kenro's full range, or for details of your nearest stockist please visit www.kenro.co.uk