Find out our first thoughts on the Nikon Df and the Sony A7 and A7R, plus hear from Vale of Evesham Camera Club secretary John Kellet on Photo2014 and Photographic Alliance Great Britain president, Leo Rich on what the PAGB stands for and what it means to you and your club.
Photography news NEWS PREVIEWS TESTS CAMERA CLUBS INTERVIEWS ADVICE COMPETITIONS FREE Issue 4
SPECIAL ISSUE 4 SAMSUNG ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE Samsung gets Smart at CES
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Samsung unveiled a new line-up of Smart Cameras at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, with a new NX flagship, a Super Bridge camera and the successor to the Galaxy Camera among the highlights. All the new Smart Cameras feature the very latest in Wi-Fi and Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, including Samsung’s brand new Tag & Go feature, making it easier than ever to connect your camera with your smart devices and share your images. Samsung NX30 Everyone was talking about the launch of the NX30, Samsung’s new flagship CSC that sits at the top of its NXCSCline-up.Notonlydoesithavea20.3-megapixel APS-C sensor, DRIMeIV Image Processor, ISO range of 100-25,600, minimumshutter speed of 1/8000sec and continuous shooting of up to nine frames-per- second, it’s also the first Samsung camera to feature an articulating electronic viewfinder in addition to the monitor and includes all Samsung’s latest Smart technology. “The NX30 allows photographers to shoot with confidence,” says Paul Scott, head of marketing Samsung Digital Imaging. “It provides a seamless ability to capture moments and share them immediately, delivering exceptionally beautiful photographs while creating an unmatched photo- sharing experience.” NewNX lenses The NX system was also boosted with two new lenses. The 16-50mm f/2-2.8 S ED OIS lens is the We round up Samsung’s big launches in Las Vegas
THIS PAGE CES saw Samsung launch a host of new photo kit, including the NX30, two 16-50mm NX lenses, the
WB2200F Super Bridge camera and the Galaxy Camera 2.
first in Samsung’s Premium S Series, guaranteeing superior optical performance. The second lens, the 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 Power Zoom ED OIS, is a compact and light standard zoom designed for everyday use and travelling. SamsungWB2200F The show also saw the launch of the Samsung WB2200F, a Super Bridge Long Zoom camera with a 60x optical zoom starting from an ultra-wide angle of 20mm and going right up to the equivalent of 1200mm. This is combined with a 16-megapixel sensor, ISO sensitivity up to 6400, an electronic viewfinder and a dual grip for comfort in horizontal and vertical shooting. Samsung Galaxy Camera 2 Also new is the Galaxy Camera 2, the next- generation of Android-powered compact camera. It’s more powerful than the original, with a 1.6GHz
All the newSmart Cameras feature Tag&Go, making it easier than ever to share your images
Quad-Core processor, and features a 21x optical zoom and 16-megapixel sensor. “This next-generation Galaxy Camera was designed to improve on the successful predecessor,” says Paul Scott. “The result is a more powerful and portable device which continues to embrace the public’s passion for the social features of smartphones, yet also provides superior image control and quality.”
Come and see Samsung’s latest line-up at the Photography Show, NEC Birmingham, 1-4 March. Look inside this coverwrap for the latest issue of PhotographyNews
www.samsung.co.uk
Issue 4 | Photography News
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Advanced performance and connectivity
First Premium NX lens Samsung’s first S Series lens is launched alongside a compact standard zoom Along with the NX30, Samsung added two new lenses to its line-up for NX CSCs, including the first in its Premium S Series, which guarantees superior optical technology for professional image quality, and a compact standard zoom ideal for stills and movies.
Samsung announces newNX30
The Samsung NX30 is the new flagship for the NX line-up, and it combines high image quality with faster than ever speed and an unmatched photo- sharing experience. At the heart of the NX30 is a 20.3-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor for sharp detail and intense colours in professional-quality images. The sensor is combined with the latest DRIMeIV Image Processor, which allows for a wide ISO sensitivity range of 100- 25,600 and even 3D capture with the Samsung 45mm f/1.8 2D/3D lens. The NX30 also offers 60 frames-per-second shooting with full HD 1080 video. The NX30 also features the Samsung NX AF System II, which ensures quick and accurate focusing in any situation, even with fast-moving scenes and subjects. The speed doesn’t stop there either – an exceptionally fast shutter speed of 1/8000sec matches the pace of professional DSLRs, while the maximum continuous shooting rate of nine frames-per-second lets you capture each split second of fast-moving action. OIS Duo technology in the NX30 also guarantees steady shots, whether you’re capturing stills or movies. Creativity made easy Unique to the NX30 is a tiltable electronic viewfinder with 2359k dots; this can be angled at up to 80˚ to make easy work of composing from different viewpoints. For even more flexibility, there’s also the three-inch Super AMOLED Swivel and Touch Display on the back, which can be turned by up to 180˚ side to side and 270˚ vertically. Getting your settings right is simple too, with Samsung’s i-Function system. This gives you access to advanced camera settings at the touch of a single button, or you can also use i-Function Plus to reprogram existing buttons and set up the controls as you want them. Two CustomModes on the mode dial let you retrieve common set-ups easily too. Smart sharing Samsung’s Smart Camera technology makes it easier than ever to share your photos with the NX30. The new Tag & Go function lets you pair the camera with a smartphone simply by touching the devices together, letting you tap and share your pictures instantly and easily. Photo Beam allows you to transfer images between devices by just touching them together, Autoshare automatically sends every photo you take to your smartphone or
Samsung 16-50mm f/2-2.8 S ED OIS The Samsung 16-50mm f/2-2.8 S ED OIS lens provides a zoom range equivalent to 24.6-77mm in 35mm format. With an aperture of f/2 at 16mm and f/2.8 at 50mm, it’s the brightest 3x zoom lens in its class. The design includes three aspherical lenses to eliminate spherical aberration, two extra-low dispersion lenses to reduce chromatic aberration and two extreme high refractive lenses that keep the optic compact and light. The lens also features an Ultra-Precise Stepping Motor, ensuring focusing that’s three times more precise than with a conventional Stepping Motor. With optical image stabilisation, which keeps things steady when handheld, this is sure to give you pin-sharp shots every time.
THIS PAGE The NX30 features a 20.3-megapixel APS-C sensor, fast continuous shooting and the latest Smart connectivity.
tablet instantly, and with MobileLink, you can send multiple images to four devices simultaneously. Wireless connection to a smart device also means you can use Remote Viewfinder Pro, enabling you to control the NX30 remotely but still see the scene you’re capturing on-screen and access manual controls including shutter speed and aperture.
Samsung 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 Power Zoom ED OIS
Samsung’s second new lens also offers a 16- 50mm zoom range, but its more compact design is ideal for everyday use or when you’re travelling. The Samsung 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 Power Zoom ED OIS weighs just 111g and has a compact 31mm frame. This lens also features a unique Electro zoom with a see-saw button that lets you simply click to zoom – similar to using a compact camera, but with the image quality of an APS-C sensor. The zooming mechanism uses the same technology as a high-end camcorder, so is ideal for movies as well as stills. Low zooming noise and a Silent Autofocusing mechanism also make for quiet operation, and optical image stabilisation reduces blur from camera movement.
Photography News | Issue 4
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Photography news NEWS PREVIEWS TESTS CAMERA CLUBS INTERVIEWS ADVICE COMPETITIONS FREE Issue 4 21 January – 17 February 2014
Your FREE newspaper packed with the latest news, views and stories from the world of photography
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The announcement that Nikon is preparing to launch the D4s was the big photo story from the recent Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. The new flagship promises to push the boundaries further than the D4, but for the moment, Nikon is teasing us and hasn’t provided details. PN had the chance to see the D4s at CES and spoke to Nikon representatives – full details are inside. Nikon wasn’t the only one starting the new year with big announcements. Samsung also unveiled its newest flagship CSC, the NX30, alongside its first premium quality zoom lens. We got our hands on the NX30, and you can see what we thought inside. Sigma wasn’t hedging its bets either, launching two new lenses. The first updates its innovative 50mm f/1.4 lens, while the second provides a superzoom focal range in a package so compact it’s being touted as the new standard lens. There were new optics from Fujifilm and Panasonic too, both offering up portrait lenses with maximum apertures of f/1.2. Fujifilm also laid its cards on the table, revealing its 2014 plans. Finally, Sony updated its CSC line-up with the A5000, the world’s smallest and lightest camera of its kind, while Canon had new compacts with some Las Vegas sees launches from Samsung, Fujifilm, Panasonic, Sigma, Sony, Canon and Nikon NikonD4s headsupCES
Hands-on reports, CES chatter and gossip, plus all the latest gear launches
Every snippet of news you’ll want to read
See pages 20 and 24 for the low-down On test: • NikonDf • SonyA7 &A7R What has thePAGB done for you?A lot, says its president Leo Rich explains why clubs need the PAGB
Winners and losers, speakers and events, we share the top stories from clubs and societies across the country on page 9. CLUBNEWS
innovative technology on show. Turn the page for more details…
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Issue 4 | Photography News
Photography News | Issue 4
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Latest photography news A great deal fromSamsung Flagship CSC, premium quality lens, Galaxy Camera 2 and compacts all launched at CES Samsung had a very busy show and among other products, several quality compacts got an airing as did the NX30, its latest flagship CSC. The NX30 is a 20-megapixel camera using a Samsung CMOS sensor with on-chip phase- detection AF. Naturally, the NX30 is rich in exciting features: a three-inch articulating touch- sensitive monitor, a host of focusing methods with a hybrid AF phase-detect and contrast- detect system, an ISO range of 100 to 25,600, continuous shooting up to 9fps and a top shutter speed of 1/8000sec. It is also the first Samsung camera to have an articulating EVF in addition to the monitor. Two new lenses have been introduced to the NX system, the 16-50mm f/2-2.8 S ED OIS and the 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 Power Zoom ED OIS. The 16-50mm focal length equates to 24-77mm in the 35mm format. The former is the first member of Samsung’s series of premium quality lenses. It’s splash resistant and dust proof too for shooting in challenging conditions. The 16-50mm Power Zoom is more compact, weighs only 111g and is ideal for everyday use. It features silent AF and there’s an electro zoom feature that lets you smoothly adjust focal length using a rocker switch on the lens body, making it ideal for video use. Samsung also announced a bridge camera, the 16-megapixel WB2200F, with an integral optical 60x zoom lens (20-1200mm in 35mm format terms). To aid stable shooting with such a long zoom, the WB2200F has an innovative dual grip for secure shooting. The Samsung Galaxy Camera 2 succeeds the original award-winning Galaxy. Key features are an upgraded 1.6GHz Quad Core processor and the Android platform for fast, easy sharing of images shot on its 16-megapixel sensor. The 21x integral optical zoom lens (23-483mm in 35mm terms) features an image stabilisation system. The Camera 2’s impressive 4.8in monitor has a resolution of 1.036m dots and touch-sensitive functionality.
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Outdoor Lowepro bags NEWS INBRIEF MOBILEANDSOLID STATE STORAGE SanDisk has announced New series of shoulder bags is designed to carry today’s technology
a wireless 64GB flash drive offering users even greater storage expansion for their mobile devices. Pricing is to be confirmed. SanDisk has also announced the Asus Zenbook UX301LA Ultrabook that uses SanDisk X110 Solid State Drives (SSDs) for reliable and fast storage. With two 256GB SSDs with Raid 0, you get 512GB storage. Current price is around £2200 for the 512GB and £1829 for the 256GB option. www.sandisk.com
Lowepro’s Nova Sport AW range of shoulder bags is designed for photographers out and about on day trips or longer travels. The bags are available in three sizes, which can accommodate from one consumer DSLR in the smallest, up to two pro-sized DSLRs in the largest, along with lenses, flashguns and accessories. The two smallest sizes can also hold a tablet, while the largest has a laptop compartment. The compartments are adjustable, and the camera storage insert can be lifted out. Protection from the elements comes in the form of a storm flap and a built-in All Weather Cover, and there’s a padded shoulder strap for comfort. Available in red or grey, the bags are priced from £49.
To find out more, go to www.lowepro.com.
To find out more go to www.samsung.com.
IMAGES Among Samsung’s launches are (clockwise from top): Samsung NX30 £599.99; 16-50mm f/2-2.8 S ED OIS £1079.99; WB2200F £399.99; and Galaxy Camera 2 £399.99.
We were among the first to get a chance to use the Samsung NX30 out in Las Vegas. Turn to page 18 to see pictures taken with the camera and read what we thought of Samsung’s new flagship. GET THE HANDS-ON LOW-DOWN FROMCES
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Issue 4 | Photography News
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Latest photography news
Fujifilm launches plenty,more to come Fujifilm has started the new year by adding to its line-up of Fujinon lenses for its X-series compact system cameras, while it also laid out its road map for upcoming lens releases in 2014 and early 2015, and launched a number of fixed-lens cameras. A newwide-aperture prime lens for the FujifilmX-series paves the way for more lenses
Wide-aperture Panasonic lens Panasonic’s new portrait lens for Micro Four Thirds has a maximum aperture of f/1.2 Panasonic has a new wide-aperture Leica-certified lens for the Micro Four Thirds system: the Leica DG Nocticron 42.5mm f/1.2. The focal length is equivalent to 85mm on a full-frame camera, and the aperture is made up of nine blades for smooth bokeh. The lens also features Power Optical Image Stabilisation to compensate for small, fast movements and large, slow At CES, Fujifilm revealed to the world its XF56mm f/1.2 lens, designed to deliver beautiful bokeh and high-quality portraits. Its focal length is equivalent to 85mm on a full-frame camera, but it’s half the size of an equivalent full-frame lens with such a wide aperture. It has a metal aperture ring for a premium feel, and the lens design includes two extra low-dispersion elements, one double-sided aspherical element and four elements with convex front surfaces, all included to reduce spherical and chromatic aberrations. It also features Fujifilm’s proprietary HT-EBC coating on all lens surfaces to reduce ghosting and flare. The inner focus mechanism is driven by a motor that’s designed and positioned to reduce sound and vibration, making for smooth, silent autofocusing with no movement of the lens barrel. The structure of the lens also prevents dust getting inside. The Fujinon XF56mm will be on sale from February 2014 at a price of £900. This new lens kicks off the next phase in Fujifilm’s lens road map, and the company revealed there will be five more launched in the coming year. Specified in the line-up are the XF18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 R OIS, the XF16-55mm f/2.8 R OIS and the XF50-140mm f/2.8 R OIS, while undefined high speed wide-angle and super telephoto zoom lenses are also in the pipeline. Also in the X-series, Fujifilm announced an all black version of its X100S premium compact, and there were more new cameras in the FinePix line- up. Most notable was the FinePix S1, the world’s first weather-resistant bridge camera with a 50x HD movie function and wireless communication. π To find out more, go to www.fujifilm.co.uk.
IMAGES Fujifilm had a busy start to 2014, launching several new cameras and lenses. Above the FinePix S1 bridge camera; top right the black X100S; and right, the XF56mm f/1.2.
movements so that subjects are kept in focus even with the extremely shallow depth-of-field the widest apertures create. Themetalbuildincludesanaperturering for direct control, while the inner focusing mechanism includes a stepping motor for smooth and silent lens movement that allows focusing as close as 50cm. The glass has Panasonic’s Nano Surface Coating to reduce reflections, ghosting and flare, while the 14 lens elements in 11 groups include two aspherical lenses, one extra low-dispersion lens and one ultra high refractive index lens, combining to reduce aberrations and maximise optical performance. The lens is available to pre-order now at a price of £1399.
π To find out more, go to www.panasonic.co.uk.
Photography News | Issue 4
www.photography-news.co.uk
Latest photography news
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New fromBenro Strobies Pro-Flash One Eighty
NEWS INBRIEF TIFFEN 10-STOP FILTER Tiffen showcased its new 10-stop neutral density filter, the Tiffen ND 3.0, at CES. Despite the reduction in light passing through the technology means there are no colour changes – existing extreme long exposure filters give a colour cast. The Tiffen ND 3.0 filter is available in sizes from 52mm to 82mm, with prices ranging from £23 to £85. www.tiffen.com lens, Tiffen claims its tried-and-tested
Benro has additions to its Classic tripod series, and a new range of shoulder bags
A powerful, portable flash
Interfit has announced the release of the Strobies Pro-Flash One Eighty, a high-powered, portable bare bulb flash unit. With a power output of 180Ws, it has full manual control and can be used on- or off-camera. The dedicated optional Radio Trigger Set allows control from up to 50m away using 16 channels, and high speed flash sync is also possible with an appropriate trigger. The battery pack provides 900 full-power flashes with recycle times of 2.2 seconds. The price for a flash head and battery kit is £350.
The two tripods offer larger sizes in the Classic Series with a maximum height of 195.5cm. The 3570F and 4570F are both available in aluminium, priced at £155 and £179, or carbon fibre at £354 and £431 respectively. The new Smart Series Shoulder Bags for small amounts of equipment feature brightly finished piping and an ergonomic shoulder strap. The largest holds up to one camera body with three lenses, a flash and a 12-inch laptop. Prices range from £35 to £48.
π To find out more, go to www.interfitphotographic.com.
π To find out more, go to www.kenro.co.uk.
IMAGES More tripods and bags from Benro.
NewmirrorlessAlpha Sony unveils its latest CSC, its smallest and lightest ever Sony unveiled the world’s smallest and lightest interchangeable lens Wi-Fi camera in the shape of the A5000 at CES. Despite its Alpha name, the A5000 is a mirrorless camera with an E lens mount that picks up where the NEX line-up left off. Weighing 210g, the A5000 has a 20.1-megapixel APS-C sensor and the latest BIONZ X processor, as seen in the full-frame A7 and A7R. This provides area-specific noise reduction that’s combined with an ISO sensitivity range of up to ISO 16,000. The camera also features Wi-Fi and NFC (Near Field Communication) for one-touch connection to your smartphone so you can share images or control the camera remotely. Images can also be automatically transferred to your smart device every time you turn the camera off via the new Sync function, and the camera is also compatible with Sony’s PlayMemories Camera Apps. The Photo Creativity feature is also said to provide intuitive control over settings such as Picture Effect and Background Defocus. The A5000 is available to pre-order now for £419 with a 16- 50mm Power Zoom lens, and will be on sale from March.
π To find out more, go to www.sony.co.uk.
www.photography-news.co.uk
Issue 4 | Photography News
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Latest photography news
Nikon’s latest flagship model looks set to arrive before the summer’s major sporting events, but D3300 won’t keep beginners waiting so long D4s sets CES alight Book now Get your tickets for a new annual photography event
Words by Roger Payne
Nikon took the photographic world by surprise at CES by announcing that a new flagship DSLR, the D4 s , would be added to its range in 2014. A prototype of the curvy camera was kept behind glass and under the watchful eye of a security guard at the show, plus specification details were very limited, but we do know the D4 s will have an improved focusing system and beefed up image processing engine. So why tease the public now? Talking exclusively to PN JeremyGilbert (left), groupmarketingmanager at Nikon UK said: “We recognise the fact that buying a range-topping DSLR is a major investment both for individuals and businesses. With a series of major sporting events coming this summer, we wanted photographers to be able to make a fully informed purchasing decision when investing in the top end of the Nikon DSLR range. There’s nothing more frustrating than spending a significant amount of money, only to find an updated model is available. That’s why we’ve shown the D4 s at CES – it’s all about being transparent with our customers.” Jeremy couldn’t provide any further specification details, but when we asked about the likely pixel count, he hinted that this won’t change significantly from the current 16.2-megapixel D4. “I think it’s more likely to be similar to the changes we made between the D3 and the D3 s – performance was improved, but the resolution stayed the same.” While the D4s may have grabbed the headlines, Nikon also ushered in the D3300 underlining the importance of sales at the opposite end of the DSLR spectrum. Replacing the D3200, this new entry- point to the Nikon DSLR range features the same 24.2-megapixel sensor, but now sports an EXPEED 4 image processing engine. This boosts the overall performance and hikes the ISO by a stop to a maximum of 12,800, expandable to 25,600. A new, compact 18-55mm standard zoom will accompany the D3300 when it arrives in store this February.
Terry O’Neill
You can get your hands on the very latest cameras and accessories, come face-to-face with photography legends and learn to take pictures like them, all at The Photography Show at the NEC Birmingham, 1-4 March 2014. This brand new event is designed for enthusiast photographers and will bring together a diverse selection of exhibitors, interactive activities and special guests over four days. Over 150 leading brands will be exhibiting their latest products, including Canon, Nikon, Olympus, Panasonic, Manfrotto, Hasselblad and many more. The Super Stage will give you the chance to hear from top professionals, including Rankin, Steve McCurry and Terry O’Neill. There’ll also be the chance to capture your own images; the Live Stage provides a unique opportune to capture unusual subjects, professional photographers will talk you through fashion and portrait photography on the Catwalk, and you can explore macro and garden photography in the IGPOTY Flower Garden. There’s even the opportunity to build your own camera in the Lomography Konstruktor Workshops. Tickets for the show are just £13 when pre-booked through the website.
ABOVE Group marketing manager at Nikon UK, Jeremy Gilbert, with the new D3300. LEFT The D4 s will have a better AF system and more advanced image processor than the D4.
π To find out more about the Nikon D3300, visit www.nikon.co.uk.
π To find out more, go to www.photographyshow.com.
Photography News | Issue 4
www.photography-news.co.uk
Latest photography news Canon compacts It was a relatively quiet CES for Canon, with no high-impact launches, but there were still one or two notable additions to its PowerShot range. In particular, the PowerShot N100 is a ‘brand new concept camera’ and is the first to feature both front and rear facing cameras – this Dual Capture allows it to record your expression as you shoot and combine it with the scene you’ve captured. At its core is a 12.1-megapixel 1/1.7-type high-sensitivity CMOS sensor, DIGIC 6 processor and a 24mm ultra-wide zoom angle with a 5x optical zoom and bright aperture of f/1.8-5.7. The rear-facing camera has a 25mm lens. The camera also features Canon’s HS System for excellent low-light performance, a large tilting touch screen and Wi-Fi. The PowerShot N100 will be available from May 2014 priced at £349. Also unveiled at CES were the PowerShot SX600 HS with an 18x optical zoom, the IXUS 265 HS with a 12x optical zoom, and the Selphy CP910 and CP820 compact photo printers. Dual capture is Canon’s highlight
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NEWS INBRIEF LEXAR GO FASTER Lexar has added to its Professional range of CompactFlash cards. The 1066x 256GB CF card has a write speed of up to 155MB/s and has a guide price of £720. It will be available later this spring. Slower at 800x (that’s still very fast) and with write speeds of up to 75MB/s are two high capacity cards, a 256GB and the first ever 512GB CF card, selling at around £480 and £1100 respectively. These will also be available later this spring. Even more impressive is the forthcoming range of CFast 2.0 cards which have write speeds of up to 3x faster than the fastest CF card – Lexar claims 3333x for its CFast cards or 500MB/s. Price and availability to be confirmed. www.lexar.com
The PowerShot N100has a 12.1-megapixel sensor, DIGIC6 processor and 5x optical zoom lens
π To find out more, go to www.canon.co.uk.
Double from Sigma Updated 50mm f/1.4 and ‘new standard lens’ 18-200mm superzoom Sigma added two lenses to its impressive stable of products at CES. First off is an entry-level 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM suitable for APS-C/ DX DSLRs that belongs to Sigma’s Contemporary range. It’s smaller and lighter than its predecessor, and Sigma says it’s a similar size to some 18-55mm lenses, making it a contender as the new standard lens. It also has a closer minimum focusing distance, giving a macro reproduction of 1:3. Other highlights include a Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) for silent AF and OS image stabilisation. This lens will be available in Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Sigma and Sony fittings, with no OS function in Pentax and Sony fittings. Price is to be confirmed. In Sigma’s Art collection is an all-new 50mm f/1.4 DG HSM for full-frame and DX formats. This lens focuses as close as 40cm, has HSM technology for silent AF, and is highly corrected to combat chromatic aberration, coma and distortion. With 13 elements in eight groups, it’s also said to have an excellent wide-open performance and delivers beautiful bokeh. Filter thread is 77mm. Price is also not yet available and the lens will be available in Canon, Nikon, Sigma and Sony fittings.
Reborn bags Domke’s Next Generation bags, launched at CES, feature unique PocketFlex and GearProtex systems
Samsung winners The winners of our Samsung wordsearch competition in previous issues were: ISSUE 1 Winner: Ronald Andrews from London Runners-up: Tim Ramsay from Chesterfield and Angela Bedgood from Aberdare ISSUE 2 Winner: Mike Steward from Enfield Runner-up: Dave Cunningham from Bromsgrove
Domke has launched its Next Generation bags, showcasing them for the first time at CES. The refreshed line-up includes the Journalist Series, Adventurer Series, Metro Series and Viewfinder Series, and each offers models, materials and colours designed specifically for different purposes. All the new bags feature Domke’s new PocketFlex storage component system, which allows customisation via a system of pockets, patches and pouches for tailored storage of your lenses and accessories. They also all include the new GearProtex system, which features bendable, self- adhesive separators that allow you to organise the bags into compartments of any size or shape to best suit your kit.
π To find out more, go to www.sigma-imaging.co.uk.
π To find out more, go to www.tiffen.com.
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Issue 4 | Photography News
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Latest photography news
Readers tell it like it is: commenting on club friendliness, subjective judging, Nikon’s Df and, of course, PN Your feedback on… PN, theDf andDel
“Excellent job with the first three issues, and they are getting better. It fills a hole in the market for camera clubs. Hang onto the high grade of paper too – excellent feel. I particularly like the accessible and friendly style – and not too Clever Dick or cliquey. This is perfectly illustrated by the excellent series of Photo School/Camera Class. “Loved loads of it thus far. Rikki O’Neill’s comments in Issue 3 touched closely on the same issues as Del Barrett regarding clubs and in particular club competitions. Del seems to have had an awful experience or may on the other hand have just got the judging issue out of proper perspective and confused it with club friendliness, which is a different matter. “I judge for the Chilterns Association of Camera Clubs – occasionally stray into East Anglia and have escaped with my life thus far. We try, and I believe have succeeded, to maintain an encouraging/ improving theme to our judging. Stan McCartin LRPS, CPAGB, APAGB runs a workshop-style training school each year so judges go out knowing what to do and what to expect. The authoritarians don’t get through the audition.” Dave Hipperson Ed: Dave, you’re right, PN is dedicated to camera clubs, and that’s why we are always asking for feedback, news stories about the club or individual members, details of ‘big name’ talks to promote your ticket sales, forthcoming exhibitions and so on. So, all you in charge of publicity for your club, group or society, please note down this email address and send anything you think people outside of your club will appreciate, enjoy or benefit from: clubnews@photographynews.com. “Interesting article on the Nikon Df. I have been following the specs on this since it was announced – great idea, especially that it is designed to work with older lenses. However, I think Nikon seems to have missed the really obvious with this one: no video. I work with a couple of D800s and a variety of Nikon DSLR bodies in producing video as well as stills. I don’t use autofocus with video, so older, top spec, manual focus lenses are a great alternative. The price puts it out of the range of many ‘pleasure’ photographers, but it has real applications in the hands of pros, many of whom I’m sure would go for its advantages with video applications. So Nikon, any chance of a Df with added video?” Iain Ferguson
“There is one thing I would love to read in PN : your dream camera. The idea is that the same question is answered by photographers of all levels, and not as a choice from what’s on the market, more like a concept camera. For example, for me it would be something like a Nikon FM2n with a big 40-megapixel plus sensor, no AF, no autoexposure and Raw output. The Nikon Df is promising, but it is so much more expensive than the D610. Surely stripped down should cost less?” Andrzej Kowalik Ed: Andrzej’s idea is a good one so if you have any thoughts on your perfect camera please email your concepts to opinion@photographynews.co.uk. We know all the camera makers read PN so you never know, your idea might become reality. “I wanted to congratulate Del on her Opinion regarding camera clubs! Our club is generally friendly, we also endeavour to avoid the ‘ladies make the tea, men make images’ stereotype with some success. The thing that rang a bell with me is the requirement to submit images that fit with club photography. Woe betide anyone who puts up an image that’s good for its own reasons! Our club is fortunate to have a member who regularly gives us guidance and reassurance that it is OK to enter a ‘different’ image as long as it is technically competent. Personally I don’t bother entering club competitions because I don’t make images they would like, I make images for my own enjoyment.” Terri Jacobs “I believe Del is correct about photography clubs. I am a member of a club and they are very stuck in their ways. There are exceptional photographers within the club and they do get some good speakers in, but the judges are a joke. They are too stuck in their own way of thinking and anything new would be brushed aside. And unless you know the judge, don’t expect a high mark. I sit at the back and laugh about what the judge says. There have been examples where an image has done poorly at the club but has won a national competition. “I have completed a three-year photography degree course and work in a photographic business. I thought it would be fun showing images and getting to know other photographers but I was wrong. I have paid my fees for this year and I’ll still go when I can, but I’m leaving next year.” Jennifer Hampson
“In response to Del’s opinion: I joined my local club a year ago. I was in awe of the images the members produced for our internal competitions. In fact I seriously thought of not joining. How wrong I was! The members welcomed me with open arms, offering constructive criticism and practical advice. They have opened my eyes to alternative ways of taking photographs. “We have a laugh and a joke about our work, especially between the Canon and the Nikon (spit!) users. We are a club that thrives on sarcasm, criticism and most importantly encouragement and friendliness. We have guest judges and while some are excellent and encourage, there is the odd one who is a bit pretentious. In the end however it all boils down to the questions you should ask yourself. ‘Would I buy that image?’, ‘Would I like it on my wall at home?’ and if the answer is yes, then who cares what other people’s opinions are. It’s all subjective. “Del, go and find a proper club like ours where you can have a laugh as well as be inspired by, or “I joined my local camera club, and it was exactly as Del said – but men were also asked to make the tea. The judges were all taught at the judge school and looked at the photographs subjectively. The same people always got 20 out of 20. Most top scores were those who went on outings with professional photographers who knew exactly where to be at the right time. As one professional said to me, ‘So really it isn’t their own work, is it?’ “It’s taken two years, a few 20s and winning the 17-and-under category to make me feel at home, but I’ve made three friends for photo outings.” Jeanette Thomson inspire, others.” Alan Bromiley
Many thanks for your informative and refreshing newspaper. The issues flewoff the shelf very quickly
at our club AlanBelton
If you have an opinion about anything photographic and especially what you’ve read in Photography News, please drop us an email at opinion@ photographynews.co.uk WHATDO YOUTHINK?
Congratulations on an excellent journal. It contains a lot of interesting snippets that generate enough interest to seekmore information. The contributors are all plainly knowledgeable as well as having a lot to say that’s worth reading. Please continue with your endeavour Francisco de Souza
Photography News | Issue 4
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Camera clubs
9
Earl Shilton Camera Club finished 2013 in celebratory mood, after a most successful start to the 2013/14 season. The season started with victory in the external Fosse Co-op Camera Club’s New Fosse Challenge Trophy Competition in October. This was a six-print open competition judged by Bill Hall, DPAGB, AFIAP, BPE4 which attracted entries from 11 Midlands clubs. They pipped Tamworth Photographic Club, who had held the title since 2007, by just one point. They finished for Christmas with another victory, this time in the local inter-club Cedars Trio Challenge. This was a 15-print competition between themselves, Broughton Astley Photographic Society, and Hinckley and District Photographic Society. It was judged by Terry Bickley AFIAP, DPAGB who was impressed by the high standard of entries from all three clubs and as a result awarded ten prints top marks. This image ‘Iwill remember them’ byTrevorWainwon Imageof theYear 2012/13. Successful start Phil Sproson explains how a small band of photographers joining together on Facebook has developed into a new informal photography club with regular meetings in Combs, Derbyshire: “For almost a year I have co-run a Facebook group of local and not so local photographers. It was suggested last summer that since there is a concentration of photographers locally the group should try and meet occasionally in the real world. “From that idea, High Peak Photographic Society now runs from Comb Village Hall (on the outskirts of Chapel-en-le-Frith) and meets every other Wednesday from 8pm to 10pm. It offers an excellent space for a photographic club and is a short distance from Buxton and other outlaying towns and villages.” “A Facebook group was set up in advance of starting the club to gauge interest and on the first meeting 16 people turned up and the Facebook group has swelled to 32 people. The intent going forward will be to have the meets on the Wednesday and also between meetings to get out and about.” High Peak’s next two meetings are 29 January and 12 February. From virtual club to real life meetings, Phil Sproson tells the story of the High Peak Photographic Society’s evolution NewPS in thePeaks π To find out more about the High Peak Photographic Society, phone Phil Sproson on 07966 509726 or email info@philsprosonphotography.co.uk.
NEWS INBRIEF
WILL CHEUNG FRPS ATWARWICK This recently formed club is pleased to announce that PN ’s editor Wll Cheung FRPS will be giving a talk on ‘My Passion for Photography’ at the club on 5 March 2014 at Chase Meadow Community Centre, Warwick CV34 6BT. Tickets are £15 for non-members and include refreshments. It’s £10 for members. Becoming a member costs £20 (per rolling year) and £5 per meeting. www.warwick cameraclub.co.uk
Clacton Camera Club’s big annual speaker is Christopher Bradbury. The renowned portrait photographer and winner of four Master Photographers Association Awards presents his lecture, An Evening with Christopher Bradbury, on 14 March when he will talk about surrealist portraiture, the ideas behind his images and some of the best bits in Photoshop. The event takes place at the McGrigor Hall, Frinton-on-Sea CO13 9EB. It starts at 7.30pm. Tickets are £10 each including refreshments and are available by emailing secretary@clactoncameraclub.com. One of the UK’s top portrait photographers is Clacton CC’s main attraction Christopher Bradbury at Clacton
WELL DONE ANGI A member of Reflex Camera Club , A ngi Wallace has just won Amphibian Image of 2013 in a contest run by The Reptile Report website. http://bit.ly/1a3GU4B
Trevor also retained the Photographer of the Year title that he has won seven times. The Earl Shilton CC kicked off the second half of the season on 8 January 2014, but they’ll be waiting until 21 May for the highlight of the season when they welcome professional wildlife and nature photographer Chris Weston to the club. Anyone is welcome to attend but please contact the club beforehand to show your interest in case they need to find a larger venue.
The next issue of Photography News is out 17 February.
Ian Thompson onfriendly clubs Read page 13. Have an opinion? Let us know what you really think.
π To find out more, go to www.clactoncameraclub.com.
Club news needs your help
PN really does need your help to fill its pages, so if your club has a big speaker appearing soon and you want every seat occupied, or if your club (or an individual member) has just scooped a big award or gained a distinction, or you have an exhibition on, we’d love to hear from you so please ask your secretary or publicity officer to get in touch. Stories should be 250 words maximum and accompanied by a high resolution JPEG (at least 2400 pixels on the longest dimension) and emailed to clubnews@photography-news.com. If we need anything else we will contact you. Thank you in advance for your help.
π To find out more, go to www.earlshilton cameraclub.org.uk.
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Issue 4 | Photography News
Photography News | Issue 4
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Opinion BEFORE THE JUDGE Peter Yeo
11
FRPS, DPAGB, APAGB Each issue, a respected judge or exhibition selector shares their thoughts and experiences with us. This month, we put lecturer, judge and selector Peter Yeo FRPS, DPAGB, APAGB in the hot seat
MEETTHE JUDGE Peter Yeo FRPS, DPAGB, APAGB : Peter is a lecturer (sponsored by Fotospeed Distribution), judge and selector. He was introduced to photography while training as an RAF apprentice in the 1950s. Home club: Newark & District Photographic Society, www.newarkphotoclub.com Favourite lens and camera combination: Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8 fitted to a Nikon D600. The 70-200mm f/2.8 is another top-class lens that I love to use. Accessory: Gitzo carbon-fibre lightweight tripod, no longer a current model. Favourite photographers: Michael Kenna, Henri Cartier-Bresson, Hunter Kennedy, Willy Ronis and Elliott Erwitt for his tremendous sense of humour; we all need to enjoy our hobby. Favourite subjects: Virtually anything that presents itself in front of me and my camera, but Scottish landscape, particularly the Outer Hebrides, travel (instilled by 33 years of worldwide travel at the taxpayer’s expense as a serviceman). Awardswon: I got my Fellowship in the Visual Arts/Pictorial category. The award of APAGB, 17 years ago, in recognition of 35 years of ‘Meritorious Service to the PAGB and its Affiliated Societies’. images can be created fromvirtually nothing can lead to the over-reliance on software. For example, the use of HDReffects to create implausible, saturated colours. Personal taste is a factor to be considered, and who is to say that mine is the correct one? In recent years it has become the vogue to take a simple picture and enhance it by the addition of portions taken from a number of data files. I wonder sometimes whether the creator of such images really has a good reason for the end result or has simply arrived at it because he or she was able to. I suspect the style will change over time and we may, with luck, get back to what I think of as straight photography where the innate values of the image are shown and applauded. This begs the question ‘what is straight photography?’ Those exhibition organisers who are now seeking to introduce a category for straight photography will have a hard job policing the entries submitted. Camera club members naturally seek success, and this success can be hard to find, and even harder to measure in any meaningful way. Try entering club competitions and take note of the judges’ comments; judges do have a lot to offer, even if it is only an unbiased opinion from someone with a fair bit of experience. Ask fellow members how they get the results they do; many clubs run classes for newcomers to the hobby we share. As you make progress, try entering your regional PAGB Federation exhibition and even a national exhibition; gaining an acceptance will boost confidence and show if your work reaches the standard required. Above all take lots of photographs and share them with others. Listen to criticism, learn from it, but do not lose heart if you don’t hear what you hope to hear.
Words by Peter Yeo FRPS, DPAGB, APAGB
I have been involved in photography for well over 50 years. It became a major part of my life as I tried to record the many places a lengthy service career was to take me. I first joined the RPS when based in Singapore and have been a member of camera clubs all over. The extremely low prices of Nikon cameras and lenses in the Far East enabled me to buy an extensive range of kit, and I have been a loyal Nikon user ever since. As a keen travel and landscape photographer I use my Gitzo carbon-fibre tripod quite a lot. As a lecturer I try to give talks that show a wide range of work; travel and landscape, townscapes and a few people pictures are included, but actually I will have a go at anything. I was delighted to be invited to join the RPS Licentiate Assessment Panel two years ago. I first began judging at club level simply because I was asked, found I enjoyed it and have been accepting invitations for about 50 years, graduating to inter-club, federation, national and international exhibitions, for example Dingwall, Smethwick, the RPS Visual Art Group members’ exhibition and, only a few weeks ago, I judged the RPS Yorkshire Region Annual Exhibition. For me, exhibiting is not the main reason I enjoy photography; visiting clubs to lecture and judge is my real motivation. Like many who judge or act as exhibition selectors I find that seeing exceptional photography is what makes my involvement worthwhile, and it gets better when someone I have advised tells me that he or she has won an award or gained a distinction. Perhaps the most interesting judging event I have undertaken was to act as the sole judge for an international, inter-club four-way competition between top clubs in Britain, one each from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The venue was special too – the Electric Mountain in north Wales – and it brought me face-to-face with the work of Hunter Kennedy. Many regret the introduction of digital imaging and claim nothing measures up to film and darkroom work. I believe digital has broadened the appeal of photography as a hobby, and the standard of pictures at club and exhibition level continues to get better. Those who go to Warwick and Connah’s Quay will be aware of the very high standard of photography produced by the top clubs and their members, with Smethwick, Wigan-10 and others dominating the events. However, I am impressed by much of the work coming from Eastern Europe and the Far East. Exhibition selection usually requires three experienced judges who work together to find the best images to ensure a successful exhibition with a variety of work from different genres. There is plenty of scope for disagreements but, funnily enough, I have found very few prima donnas who want to enforce their views on the others. Selectors are chosen for their different skills, interests and
ABOVE Homeless but dignified, by Peter Yeo.
experience, and most recognise the need for a mix to maintain viewers’ interest; and all contribute to the success of an exhibition in their own ways. Judging is rather different from ‘selection’ in that selectors do not have to comment whereas judges do. There are times when a picture comes up for judgement and it is hard to know what to say, sometimes because the image is so dreadful that beingpositive is difficult, andotherswhenone’s breath is taken away by the beauty or impact of the picture. No matter what the situation, a judge has to say something, and pretty quickly. Thinking on your feet is a vital attribute, as is the ability to recognise when the poorer work might be that of a beginner who needs help. All sorts of problems crop up regularly but the most common are over-enlargement, over- sharpening, over-saturation, burned-out highlights and solid, featureless black shadows. The oft-quoted ‘rules’ in photography probably have their origins in painting from centuries ago, but it is also said that rules are made to be broken. If you want to try something outside the norm, and it works well, then so be it. A striking and different composition can be successful. Most of us began by taking quite ordinary photographs, so when faced with such a picture, a judge should seek out the good points and suggest how it might be improved. The less good aspects should also be mentioned, to give a rounded response, but encouraging remarks may retain a member who will make progress and not go home never to return to the club again. The wide range of software now available enables us to do things that would have been more difficult in the darkroom. However the relative ease with which
Personal taste is a factor to be considered, andwho is to say thatmine is the correct one?
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Issue 4 | Photography News
Photography News | Issue 4
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Opinion
13
SPEAKERS’ CORNER
How friendly is your club? A riposte! This is your chance to climb up on your soapbox and have a rant. Last issue, Del Barrett asked camera clubs to look at how friendly they are to newmembers; this issue, Ian Thompson responds
groups for beginners, wildlife, portraiture, etc, all of whom meet on nights additional to our weekly Thursday offerings. There is a wonderful buzz from the membership who (appear to!) really enjoy the way the club handles itself. Specifically, ‘advice’ on what constitutes a ‘good’ picture is forbidden. Instead we criticise each others’ work objectively, suggesting courteously how we might improve it in our opinion, leaving the author to decide on the finished product because it must please them before it pleases anyone else. After all, if you don’t use photography to make a living (and 99% of our members don’t), it’s likely that you take pictures for family record or hedonistic reasons. Club competitions should come behind these needs, though it must be said that gaining a ‘place’ in a competition is a very useful fillip to one’s confidence! Now, I’m not saying that ours is the best or a universal formula: very obviously there has to be enthusiasm from within to effect change of this nature and there has to be time available to those so charged. Also, I believe that once a certain critical mass is achieved, the funds available for speakers and the broad enthusiasm of the audience produce a snowball effect. Beacon Camera Club is blessed with a wonderful set of members who have much desire to see the club flourish and deliver upon its maxim of ‘educating the public in the art and science of photography’. Long may it continue.
a completely web-based method of competition entry, even for prints. I know this sounds strange, but it allows us to project a reference image for the audience while a judge is talking about the small piece of paper in the corner of the room. At the same time, a new chairman, publicity guru, members’ secretary, programme secretary, etc, all climbed into their respective saddles. The combination of this enthusiastic and skilled team produced results almost from the word go. We stuck out our necks and organised successful, big ticketed events – Joe Cornish, Laurie Campbell, our own dear Will Cheung, etc.; we registered the club as a charity so we could benefit from gift aid; we introduced fun into the equation – club nights are no longer grey, stuffy gatherings, humour abounds; we insist that visiting judges preview the work to be judged – if they won’t, they don’t get booked; we run a feedback section on our forum where members can compliment or gripe about speakers and judges; on competition nights, members score the entries on optical-mark forms so we can avail ourselves of crowd statistics, which help us select material for external competitions. We’ve formed relationships with local newspapers, shops, district councils, other charities and even the local radio station, all of whom give our club wonderful free exposure… and the list goes on. Over the last five years – no doubt connected to the above – the club has grown from 40 members to 120, of age range 14 to 96, and now we offer sub-
Words by Ian Thompson ARPS
Whilstmany clubs come out of the same mould, there are exceptions and they shine like beacons in the night
Well, Del, I sympathise with you for – in the main – you’re not wrong. Your experiences in photo- clubland are enough to make anyone tear out their hair. These days I am an accredited MCPF circuit judge and in my travels around the Midlands’ clubs I am sad to say that I have witnessed many scenarios of the type you describe. It’s almost as if there is some tacit set of rules which govern the make-up and constitution of the ‘generic camera club’. But whilst many clubs come out of the mould you describe, there are exceptions and like well-run pubs that buck the national bankruptcy trend, they shine like beacons in the night. Ha! I’ve always wanted to use that phrase as a lead-in to describe the success of the club that is unfortunate enough to have me as a member. So here goes… I joined the Beacon Camera Club five years ago in an attempt to paddle free from the photographic doldrums which had captured me throughout the years of job, children and mortgage. What I found was a bunch of folk equally split into those keen to embrace a new recruit and those who were not bothered. Despite this, I paidmy subs andpersevered, watching and listening, finding out how things worked. The ‘keen’ were great – very supportive and considerate of a new member; the ‘not bothered’ offered little in the way of encouragement. During the first year of my membership I received from members many conflicting pieces of advice as to what constituted a ‘good’ picture. Worse – most of the visiting competition judges were lazy and inconsistent, usually ‘winging it’ on the night of the competition and denigrating our efforts with a wave of the hand. I found their lack of both consideration and constructive criticism particularly hard to swallow. What is the point of entering a club competition if you don’t get some kind of advice from those-who-know as to how to make improvements? I entered a few competitions and did reasonably well but felt let down by both the club and the judging process: the former was not a particularly sociable place to be and the latter just made me cross! As they say, if you want to see change, you have to get involved so I offered to become involved in the workings of the committee. Time went on and circumstance dictated almost a complete change of personnel in the club committee, which had changed little for four or five years – small clubs always have this problem, don’t they? Portfolios were allotted to committee members: I became internal competition secretary and set about renovating the methods used to manage competition entries. Being slightly techno- savvy, I proposed a new website, with a forum and
IMAGES Dedicated and enthusiastic club member Ian Thompson’s image, Blown away.
Niggled by negative club members? Enthusiastic about exciting exhibition developments? Share it with us and all of clubland. Drop us a line at opinion@ photography-news.co.uk. WHATDO YOUTHINK?
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Issue 4 | Photography News
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