London, Paris and New York are just some of the locations due to be visited by the Hahnemühle Anniversary Collection touring exhibition, which is the culmination of the Hahnemühle Anniversary Photo Award Competition. Featuring stunning imagery by photographers from around the world, including the one on the right which is copyright Natalia Luzenko, the London Exhibition runs from April 9th-23rd at the RKB Gallery on London’s South Bank.

Hahnemühle launched the Anniversary Photo Award to commemorate its 425th anniversary, with the theme ‘For Originals’. Both amateurs and professionals were invited to capture their individual and original perspectives. Participants from 45 countries sent in more than 7,100 pictures.

An international expert jury then selected 43 works for the Hahnemühle Anniversary Collection, with two of the First Prize winners based in the UK.

Congratulations go to:

Steven Le Prevost - First prize, architecture and still life

Nazish Hussain - Students Award Winner (architecture and still life);

Myrto Lazopoulou - Anniversary Collection Winner;

Pippa Ashworth - Anniversary Collection Winner

“The impressive pictures represent a cross section of the subjects of photography From portraits and landscape to architecture and still life,” said Hahnemühle MD Jörg Adomat. “We are confident the exhibition will be truly special. For every single subject we selected a FineArt paper particularly suitable regarding its tone and structure to optimally present the message of the respective image.”

Get involved with Hahnemühle…

Throughout the exhibition Hahnemühle representatives will be on hand to talk to anyone who wants to find out more about getting involved, as well as for tips and advice on producing archival prints and museum standard artwork in their own practice or business.

www.hahnemuehle.com

With 18MP, 1080p HD Movies and ISO 6400 the new EOS 550D, claims Canon, redefines the boundaries of the consumer DSLR market.

The EOS 550D incorporates technologies and features more commonly found in semi-professional DSLRs into the compact, lightweight body favoured by consumers. With a newly-developed 18 Megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, coupled with Canon’s advanced DIGIC 4 image processor and the ability to shoot Full HD movies, photography enthusiasts are empowered to explore new levels of creativity.

The EOS 550D makes Canon’s powerful imaging technology more accessible to consumers. Canon’s advanced DIGIC 4 image processor and 18MP sensor support standard ISO settings of 100 – 6400 (expandable to 12800), while enhanced in-camera noise reduction technology boosts performance in low light conditions. The system’s 14-bit image processing also produces smoother tonal gradation and natural looking colours for high quality prints and on-screen display.

For swift and accurate focusing, the EOS 550D features a 9-point AF system with one extra-sensitive cross–type point at the centre for f/2.8 or faster lenses. The EOS 550D also supports high-speed, continuous shooting at 3.7 frames per second (fps). These features provide users with the opportunity to exert greater control over their images, allowing them to capture split-second moments with ease and accuracy.

Pricing and Availability
The EOS 550D body only has an RRP of £799.99.00, the EOS 550D, EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens kit one of £899.99.00, the EOS 550D, EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens kit £1,099.99.00 and he EOS 550D, EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS & EF-S 55-250 f/4-5.6 IS double lens kit £1,199.99.00. They’re all due to be available from February 24th as are the BG-E8 battery grip for the EOS 550D which has an RRP of £159.99.00 and the LP-E8 battery pack for the EOS 550D is available from 24th February 2010 is expected to be priced at around £49.99.00. The RRP of the RC-06 remote control price is has yet to be confirmed.

Canon has also taken the wraps of the most advanced touch screen IXUS – the new IXUS 210. Available in black, gold, silver and pink, it offers a sculpted metal exterior, a 14.1 Megapixel image sensor and 24mm genuine Canon lens - delivering premium imaging performance to match its iconic IXUS styling. A newly-developed touch user interface coupled with on-screen Hints and Tips, makes capturing, browsing and sharing images easier than ever before.

The IXUS 210 is the most advanced touch screen IXUS to date. By using large and easy-to-press on-screen icons while shooting, users can swiftly access commonly-used camera functions, while a simple-to-navigate touch menu system aids swift access to other camera settings. Touch AF allows the user to focus on their subject by simply ‘touching’ it on the screen. If the subject is moving, the camera’s integrated Servo AF/AE will automatically track it, maintaining both focus and exposure for the perfect shot.

Browsing images is also made easy and natural by enabling users to simply drag their finger across the screen and the camera will match the speed of image review with the speed of the gesture made on-screen. “Touch Actions” allow users to match gestures made on-screen to commonly used functions, such as tagging images as favourites or erasing, rotating, or protecting images in their collection.

A large, high-resolution, 8.8cm (3.5”) PureColor II Touch LCD screen offers plenty of space for users to easily navigate the finger-friendly touch interface.

Also new to the Ixus range are the IXUS 130 and IXUS 105. Sleek, smooth and sophisticated, both new models merge stand-out looks with advanced technology, delivering the iconic blend of style and imaging excellence the IXUS brand is famous for. The IXUS 130 is also the slimmest IXUS model to date, measuring just 17.8mm at its thickest point.

Both new models include the latest DIGIC 4 processing, which complements the exceptional design with high quality images that feature excellent colour, resolution and low noise. Like all IXUS models, both cameras are also incredibly easy to operate, making it simple for users to capture excellent pictures.

Added to Canon’s Power Shot range is a compact super-zoom that raises the bar in high-zoom, wide-angle photography. Replacing the highly-acclaimed PowerShot SX200 IS, the new PowerShot SX210 IS is aimed at users seeking powerful performance in a highly compact body, and features a broad range of advanced technologies and customisable controls suited to mastering any photographic challenge.

Boasting a genuine Canon wide-angle 14x zoom lens, 14.1 Megapixel resolution and DIGIC 4 processing, the PowerShot SX210 IS is a superbly versatile compact camera that offers flexibility for use on any occasion. Ideal for shooting everything in incredible detail, the stunning stills are also complemented by high-quality 720p HD video with a huge zoom and stereo sound – all in a sleek, pocket-friendly metal body.

Finally Canon has confirmed that it’s also looking at a plug-in that will enable quicker and easier editing of EOS MOVIE footage in Final Cut Pro. A free Beta release of the plug-in will be available to download for testing and evaluation in March 2010.

Loxley Colour is set to take Focus 2010 by storm with ‘a massive stand’ and a pledge to help UK photographers make more profit in 2010.

Hot-on- the-heels of a £1 million investment in its new ‘Dynamo Press’ online marketing solution, the innovative Glasgow-based prolab will debut two new album ranges and showcase an extensive array of pioneering products, including contemporary wall art and framing services.

Chris Kay, marketing manager said: “Any photographer with an eye on the road ahead and a serious ambition to drive his or her business forward after the worst recession in decades, must make a beeline for the M1 – that’s our stand number at the NEC show.

“We are ploughing more funds than ever before into our cutting edge marketing and presentation solutions for customers nationwide. We had a hugely successful trade show at the recent SWPP Convention in London and now we have a sharp focus on Focus with the largest stand we’ve ever had – 110 sq metres in total.”

The lab’s widely acclaimed Dynamo Press programme gives photographers the chance to create their own bespoke professional marketing collateral at a fraction of the cost of using design houses, according to Loxley Colour MD Ian Loxley.

He said: “At launch this initiative was a ‘UK first’ in the industry. Dynamo Press is a simple but extremely effective tool that puts professional marketing within the orbit of every serious photographer. It provides customers with all the flair of a professional design agency, for all their marketing collateral requirements - without the huge associated cost. We’ll have examples of all the Dynamo Press products on our M1 stand throughout Focus.”
www.loxleycolour.com

Imagine Publishing has just completed the full scale launch of its latest digital magazine initiative, in partnership with technology company, PixelMags.

This exciting new development sees the entire Imagine magazine portfolio available for immediate download worldwide via the App Store to be used on the Apple iPhone, iPod Touch and new Apple iPad. With over 75 million of these devices already sold, it means more people can enjoy Imagine’s magazines than ever before.

From today iPhone Apps for iCreate, Advanced Photoshop, X360, 3D Artist and Total 911 are live on the iTunes App Store, with respected international magazine brands games, SciFiNow, Retro Gamer, Play, Smartphone Essentials, Photoshop Creative, Digital Photographer, 360, Web Designer, PowerStation, Digital Camera Essentials, Digital Artist, Linux User and How it Works live soon after.

Once the App for each magazine is purchased and downloaded, users can read the latest issue free in its entirety, purchase back issues or subscribe within the App using their iTunes accounts. The digital editions are then stored on the device, meaning they can then be browsed without an Internet or WiFi connection, and issues can even be shared for a limited time with friends.

The innovative new PixelMags magazine App technology offers a level of quality and usability unmatched by digital editions previously, with users able to flick the digital pages, scan through the contents quickly to find the best articles, bookmark, share and view the zoomed or fullscreen pages in landscape or portrait modes.

Imagine’s digital editions also benefit from embedded video clips, live links and the convenience of in-App purchasing, which makes it as easy for customers to enjoy their favourite magazines.

Award-winning professional lighting company Bowens has launched an exclusive programme of online video tutorials that can be accessed completely free of charge on its website.

The new ‘bite size’ videos reveal lighting techniques favoured by leading photographers Christian Hough and Chris Reeve and will build into a comprehensive ‘lesson bank’ for photographers over coming months.

Robert Cook, Bowens marketing director explained: “We believe that once our customers have invested in Bowens lighting equipment they shouldn’t have to pay again to learn how to use it. 

“Each video is five minutes long and will feature all new, completely original content. The brief to our expert photographers is to produce compelling and entertaining material – rather than just having someone explaining unit controls.”

He added: “This idea is a natural progression of our supremely popular Litebook magazine which is available both online and in a printed version. Now visitors to our site can read the magazine online and/or simply click to watch a selection of these fast-paced videos.

“We aim to have five tutorials - based on earlier ‘Hough To’ articles written by Christian, in Litebook  - online by early March. That’s 25 minutes of free tutorials available before Focus at the NEC.”

Christian Hough added: “Bowens are providing exceptional added value with this programme. We will be giving photographers some really cool ideas on how to add new dimensions to their shoots – and all within five minute video snapshots”.

Visit Bowens at www.bowens.co.uk

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Following the success of the Hydrophobia300-600 rain cover for larger lenses, Think Tank Photo has unveiled two water-resistant, seam-sealed rain covers for 70-200 and smaller lenses: the Hydrophobia70-200 and the HydrophobiaFlash 70-200 with built-in flash protector.

Together with other Think Tank Photo products, both new and already available, the
Hydrophobia70-200 and the HydrophobiaFlash 70-200 can be seen on the SnapperStuff stand.

The two rain covers have the following features:
• A clear window for viewing LCD and controls
• A fabric cover for the end of the lens.
• An eyepiece storage pocket (eyepieces sold separately)
• A detachable camera strap
• A breathable mesh bag for transportation and storage

They also feature side arm holes for focusing and accessing switches, allowing DSLRs to be turned vertically. And now, without exposing their expensive cameras bodies and lenses to the elements, photographers can change memory cards and batteries without taking off the rain covers.

The key feature, however, is that the camera strap attached to the camera does not have to be removed. There is a camera strap attached to the Hydrophobia70-200 that, combined with a strap that buckles under the lens, allows the camera to be carried by the rain cover.

The fabric used on the Hydrophobia is ten times more water resistant than normal fabric. Instead of a “spray” coating, a “film” is applied to the underside of the fabric, as well as a tricot mesh to protect it, making it a far more impenetrable three-layer fabric. In addition a waterproof tape is applied to all seams, providing an even more water resistant barrier.

At the same time, Think Tank Photo has launched the brief case style Urban Disguise 70 Pro gear bag. Designed or the photographer carrying two regular or pro size DSLRs with lenses attached to each camera body – or even a 70-200 f2.8 lens attached to any camera body this cavernous bag both allows photographers to travel in style while protecting camera equipment without attracting attention as an obvious camera bag.

The interior accommodates a host of camera configurations that enable photographers to keep all their gear secure in one bag.

It features:
• Secret pocket — On the inside of the front pocket is a “secret” zipped pocket. It is designed to hold airline tickets, passports, and other irreplaceable items.
• Attaches to rolling bags — The Urban Disguise 70 Pro features a slot that allows it to be secured to a roller. A tab on the bottom prevents it from accidentally unzipping.
• Stretch pockets — The pockets on either side of the bag stretch to hold items like mobile phones, strobes, and even smaller water bottles.
• Business card slot
• Rear zippered pocket
And With Think Tank’s Shoulder Harness (sold separately) the bag converts into a backpack.

Also now available from Think Tank are the new Pro Speed Belt V2, a padded, adjustable waist belt for the company’s Modular, Skin and Multimedia components, Steroid Speed Belt V2 a padded, adjustable, 3.5” wide waist belt for again designed to be used with Modular, Skin and Multimedia components and Thin Skin Belt V2 an unpadded waist belt 5cm (2″) in width, and allows users to “Rotate or Lock” Skin and Modular System components for even weight distribution around the belt. It can be used with the Pixel Racing Harness which allows users to distribute their equipment’s weight between their shoulders and hips with this harness system.

Visit www.thinktankphoto.com/uk for full list of UK retailers. Think Tank Photo products are distributed in the UK by Snapperstuff, www.snapperstuff.com.

Building on the success of the budget priced manually operated Fastbind BooXter, which staples the text block within a cushioned spine to produce professional- quality slim photobooks, Ashgate is now launching a semi-automated model with three stapling features.

Press button operated, the Booxter Trio automatically staples the book block. The gravity aided positioning deck and the adjustable back support ensure a perfect, square alignment every time. The upright position of the block, combined with the stapler head position, ensure accurate stapling both vertically and horizontally. There are three stapling modes:
- single sided, best suited for stripe backs and simple stapling
- double sided, which allows you to staple from both sides, making it best suited for soft and hard covers
- ring hole, which places staples between standard ring hole positions.

Fastbind BooXter Trio handles photo paper and coated stock as easily as normal copy paper. It can bind sheet lengths up to 325mm and 8mm thickness of office paper and up to 5mm thick coated paper (depending on material).

The Booxter Trio can be expanded with the Fastbind Cover Setter. Together with the cover setter, you can also bind hard cover books, such as photo albums and year books.

Designed specifically with the photographic studio, photo lab and professional photographer in mind, the FotoMount F46e is a large format PhotoBook Maker.

“We believe that the ‘lay flat edge-to-edge panoramic view on each page’ is the most popular style of binding for photobooks, wedding albums, year books and so on, which is where the Fotomount F46e comes into its own,” said Lewis Price, Fastbind Product Manager, Ashgate Automation.

Ashgate will be demonstrating how photographic or digitally printed sheets, printed as spreads, are creased and folded on the KAS CreaseMatic with an on-line CreaseFold ready for the FotoMount, which builds the page block by inserting a self adhesive card mount sheet (200 or 850micron) between each folded spread. The Fastbind Mountinglift system controls the accuracy of the page block during its assembly. Hard back covers up to 18 x 18inches in size can be made using the new Fastbind Casematic H46Pro in conjunction with the new FotoMount 46e.

“Many photographer are sending their photobook work overseas and waiting many weeks for delivery. For only £3855+VAT they can buy Fotomount 46E with the addition of a CaseMatic H46 Pro hardback casemaker for £3595.+VAT and enjoy the extra margins of this profitable and fast growing niche market ,” said Price.

Also new at the show is the Fastbind Presso, a completely new product for creating high-quality groves in hard cover books. The Presso is a thermal press, designed to make grooves quickly and easily. The grove quality dramatically improves the appearance of all hard cover books. It makes symmetrical, deep, smooth grooves that hold tight against the book block every time. It can be used with hard cover books up to 45mm thick with a spine stick thickness of 0.8mm to 3mm and spine length of up to 470mm.

To find out more visit www.ashgate.co.uk

Apple Authorised Training Centre NTI and Apple Solution Experts Jigsaw are hosting a special seminar stand at Focus on Imaging. The stand will feature workshops for photographers featuring Apple’s Aperture and Final Cut Studio software.

11:00 - Digital Colour from Camera through to Print: An Overview of Aperture.

Professional Photographer Mark Wood illustrates time saving techniques for importing, cataloguing and processing digital images using Apple’s Aperture. The demonstration covers the advantages of using RAW to lever the very best tone and colour from your photography.

12:00 - Using Final Cut Studio to edit video content.

So you’ve shot some great looking video using a Canon DSLR. Now what? Apple Distinguished Professional Anton Nelson demystifies the workflow using Final Cut Studio: Converting the video footage, editing techniques, colour correcting and sharing the finished product. A must see workshop for owners of the Canon 7D, 5D mark II and EOS-1D Mark IV.

2:00 - Tips and Techniques for Professional Photographic Processing using Aperture.

Photographer Mark Wood demonstrates how professionals use the adjustment controls in Aperture to enhance their images. This session explores tonal and colour adjustments as well as monochrome processing. And will illustrate how adjustments can be saved as presets and automation.

3:00 - Using Final Cut Studio to edit video content.

So you’ve shot some great looking video using a Canon DSLR. Now what? Apple Distinguished Professional Anton Nelson demystifies the workflow using Final Cut Studio: Converting the video footage, editing techniques, colour correcting and sharing the finished product. A must see workshop for owners of the Canon 7D, 5D mark II and EOS-1D Mark IV.

4:00 - Producing Books and Portfolios in Aperture.

Having great images is only part of the photography story. Aperture helps the world see and experience your work, through its book and website functions. In this session professional photographer Mark Wood will demonstrate how to make books and portfolios using Aperture.

In the eight weeks following its release in September last year, Wunderbars - the revolutionary framing system for canvas prints – out sold all expectations. After proving such a success, Fujifilm has announced a new range of these exclusive stretcher bars.

The new Wunderbars Red package is now available. The stretcher bars in these packages are constructed of high quality pine rather than the usual tulip hard wood. They still feature the same unique self tensioning corner blocks that ensure there’s no more sagging canvas, it always stays taut and will contract and expand to the room’s temperature and humidity.

The Wunderbars Red range is available in packs of 12 and comes in the following sizes - 12ins, 16ins, 18ins, 20ins, 24ins and 30ins and will list with a saving of 20 percent compared with the original tulip wood bars.

Visitors to Focus will be able to see stretching demonstrations using Wunderbars system that will show the full process of easily producing a canvas wrap, including printing, coating and stretching.

In addition to the Red range, a new sample pack of the original Wunderbars, including two of each 12ins, 16ins, 20ins and 24ins stretcher bars, is also now available.

Wunderbars’ constant tension stretcher bars are even easier than standard stretchers to construct and stretch canvas prints. Wunderbars are precision machined so there is no need to measure the frame to get it square or constantly hit the frame with a mallet to keep it square during stretching, it will always remain square. There is no requirement for complicated or overpriced stretching systems, machinery or devices, the only tool necessary is a staple gun.

Check out www.wunderbars.com/ for further details or email greenbox@fuji.co.uk

Nikon has boosted its Coolpix compact digital camera with a magnificent seven new models which include its first Full HD camera, a compact touch screen camera and a compact shooter with a 15x zoom lens. These cameras will join the Coolpix S3000, the successor to the best selling S220, and a camera that’s claimed to be the world’s slimmest wide angle 10x zoom camera, the Coolpix S8000 to complete the new collection.

The smart 12 megapixel Coolpix S4000 camera offers an intuitive 7.6 cm (3 inch) touch screen that’s slim enough to be taken anywhere. By simply touching the screen you can scroll through all your pictures, or use the Touch Shutter to take a picture - automatically setting the correct focus and exposure for the touched item. You can also record a movie in the high-definition (HD) movie function. The wide angle 4x zoom NIKKOR lens offers consistently sharp results and the four advanced blur-reduction functions minimise the effects of subject movement, low light and camera shake. And if the pictures need a quick touch up, they can easily be edited in-camera, using the stylus included, with handwritten memo and paint functions.

The Coolpix S4000 is available in the following colour options: Black, Pink, Gloss Red  

The Coolpix P100 is made for those who demand the most from their compact camera, this bridge camera provides high performance to allow the photographer to capture a range of subjects and scenes and consistently get the best result. The wide angle 26x zoom NIKKOR lens with ED glass gives more freedom for choosing a subject and ensures crisp images every time. The revolutionary back illumination CMOS image sensor improves sensitivity and reduces noise to get great pictures even in low-light conditions and at 10.3 megapixels you can capture the most intricate details or produce high-quality enlargements. And whether it’s day or night, you’ll get great video clips with the Full 1080p HD movie recording with stereo sound, optical zoom and autofocus, all captured at 30 frames a second. Just because this camera packs in technology it doesn’t compromise on ease of use with a dedicated video record button and 7.5 cm (3.0 inch) vari-angle LCD display. It also boasts five anti-blur settings so you can focus on the image in front of you.

The Coolpix L110 combines leading technology with ease of use to reliably capture those important moments. The wide angle 15x zoom NIKKOR lens gives outstanding precision and sharp resolution and it gives the freedom to choose between capturing beautiful stills or great HD movies in stereo sound, all conveniently viewed on the large 7.5 cm (3 inch) high-resolution LCD monitor. To add to that it has 12.1 megapixels, five anti-blur functions, an ergonomic grip, 1 cm macro and 15 scene modes to make sure your pictures turn out the way you envisage. The power-efficient Coolpix L110 can shoot more pictures than most digital cameras using AA batteries so you don’t have to worry about running out of power– whether you’re at home or travelling abroad.

Both the  Coolpix L21 and Coolpix L22 are easy and fun to use, ideal for care free shooting making it easy for anyone in the family to take great pictures. The Coolpix L21 offers a large 7.5 cm (3.0 inch) LCD screen making it easy take and view pictures. The built-in electronic Vibration Reduction and Motion Detection, Scene Auto Selector and Easy Auto Mode guarantee great shots without the need to adjust any settings. The Smart Portrait System makes sure everyone is in the picture and large buttons, with dedicated Shooting and Playback modes, ensure hassle free operation. Both models can also record video and take regular AA batteries.

An exclusive deal is pending for the Coolpix S4000 but RRPs and availability for the others are: Coolpix S3000: £109.99 frommid March 2010; Coolpix P100: £349.99 =, also from mid March; The Coolpix L110: £199.99, Coolpix L21: £69.99 and Coolpix L22: £79.99 are available from mid-February.

The stylish, high performance Coolpix S800 camera with HD video measures just 27.3mm thin and is said by Nikon to be perfect for those wanting a camera that delivers excellent quality photographs without having to carry a bulky camera or spend time to adjust settings.

It’s easy to use with a range of automatic settings, including four advanced anti-blur functions, provides 14.2 megapixels and with a fast start-up time and DSLR class AF system it’s ready in an instant. And when a picture won’t quite capture the action, you can immediately record an HD video using the dedicated video button. The high-definition (HD) movie function with stereo sound offers a resolution of 720p and will capture all of the action at an impressive 30 frames per second.

The Coolpix S3000 has a super slim body, with a thickness of just 19mm, packs in 12 megapixels, a wideangle 4x zoom NIKKOR lens – perfect for when you want get all of your friends into one shot or to take a closer look – and a 2.7 inch monitor so it’s easy to view all your great pictures. It also provides an array of advanced shooting features, such as four anti-blur functions including electronic vibration reduction (eVR) to ensure clear pictures.

Even with a wideangle 4x zoom NIKKOR lens, the S3000 only measures 19mm thick, making it the ideal size for fitting in your pocket or bag, ready to whip out for that perfect moment. RRP is £109.99 and it’s due to go in the shelves mid March

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