Pixel Weekly Roundup - 21st August 2014

ISSUE NO. 925

21st August 2014

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CO MI NG

SO ON

TRADE

AWARDS

2014 10TH ANNIVERSARY

24/10/2014

INSIDE

GFK analyses photographic accessory market, Cactus releases ‘world’s first flash transceiver to work on any camera’, EISA award winners announced

Photo Sphere now available for iPhone Google’s Photo Sphere app, launched in 2012 and designed for capturing 360º panoramas with Android devices, is now available for devices running iOS. The app enables photographers to capture an interactive 360º images that can be explored with a tap of a finger, sliding up, down and around. Now, the potential customer base for the app has been significantly expanded, taking on the massive iPhone market.

Metz launches its ‘most powerful’ flash yet The Mecablitz 64 AF-1 is the flagship flash launched by Metz in Europe and most recently, in the US. Described as ‘the most powerful flash in the manufacturer’s lineup’, the Mecablitz has a guide number of 64 at ISO 100, and a zoom range covering 24-200mm focal lengths. The 64 AF-1 is available now in Canon & Nikon fit, with Sony M.I, Pentax and Olympus/ Panasonic to follow shortly. Suggested retail price: £375.00 inc VAT Photo -

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‘World’s smallest’ interchangeable lens camera from Sony

Sony’s new a5100 is alleged to be the smallest interchangeable lens camera in the world

Sony has claimed that its latest model, announced today, can capture professional quality images without any of the ‘bulk’ associated with powerful interchangeable lens cameras. In a statement released today, Sony said: “Despite its svelte dimensions, it’s every inch the serious choice for anyone who’s moving up from their smartphone’s camera or point-andshoot compact snapper.” The a5100 has 179 AF points to track subjects reliably (seen on the a6000), as well as touch focus and touch shutter release functions. It also houses a 24.3 megapixel APS-C size CMOS sensor, which is ‘as big as those found in DSLR cameras’ and a BIONZ X processor (featured in Sony’s a7 series). The new camera also features a 180º tiltable touch screen, with an

ergonomically placed zoom lever for perfectly framed selfies. In terms of video capabilities, the a5100 shoots Full HD movies. Sony said: “Support for the increasingly popular pro-focused XAVC S format at 50 Mbps ensures spectacular Full HD footage with fabulous sound to match. Just like still shooting, Fast Hybrid AF assures pin-sharp focus that tracks your subject, plus the

a smartphone or tablet screen. The a5100 also has WiFi Direct, which allows wireless transfer between devices. A host of free and paid-for apps can be downloaded from Sony’s PlayMemories Camera App to ‘expand the possibilities of the a5100 further’ with various creative kits. Accessories: New accessories include the stylematching LCSEBD body case – available in three colour variations – and the compact, easy-to-carry RMSPR1 remote for shake-free tripodmounted selfies.

“The new camera also features a 180º tiltable touch screen, with an ergonomically placed zoom lever for perfectly framed selfies.”

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extra convenience of Touch Focus.” The camera has NFC, which allows users to touch the device to their smartphone in order to transfer photos automatically. This function also transforms smartphones into remote controls, allowing photographers to frame shots from -

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Availability: UK from midSeptember 2014 RRP: £550 (16-50mm lens kit), £760 (16-50mm + 55-210mm lens kit) and £420 (body only). www.sony,co.uk -

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