FUJI S5 Pro.

The FinePix S5 Pro will stand apart from the crowd by combining the much sought-after picture quality of Fujifilm's Super CCD SR sensor with a fully digital and durable professional metal alloy body. With this superior combination of truly professional handling and image quality, the FinePix S5 Pro will appeal to a broad range of professional photographers looking for something more in their D-SLR.

FIRMWARE UPDATE:
Fujifilm have just recently released the latest firmware update (ver.1.11 to ver.1.12) for the Fuji S5 Pro. In some rare cases the camera may previously have frozen when the PC controlling software, that is included in the Hyper UtilityHS-V3, was used. This issue has now been resolved in the latest version of the firmware.

Click here or on the "Firmware installation" link below to see the procedure for updating the firmware on your Fuji S5 Pro AND to download the latest Firmware, ver.1.12.

UPDATED:
Fujifilm is also delighted to announce that its acclaimed FinePix S5 Pro digital SLR has been named 'European Advanced Camera of the Year 2007-2008' at this year's prestigious European Imaging and Sound Association (EISA) awards.

EISA explained the camera's success with the following commendations: "The special qualities of Fujifilm's Super CCD SR Pro sensor provide the wide dynamic range, low image noise and contrast control that make the camera stand out from the general DSLR market. Fujifilm has used a rugged body, faster processing, more flexible shooting methods, improved autofocus and advanced flash metering modes. Ultimately, though, it is the S5 Pro's ability to reproduce a massive range of tones that makes it the winner of this category."

OFFER:
We are also delighted to offer FREE Hyper Utility Software with any purchase of a FinePix S5 Pro from Photomart until the end of January 2009 (S5 Hyper-Utility Software converts CCD-RAW 14bit data into image data files with high precision. It will also enable the FinePix S5 Pro to be remotely controlled by PC/Mac). For more information about this exclusive offer, please contact the Photomart sales team on 0208 527 6006.

 

ACL's skilled engineering department.

The Olmec OP1000 Print Box from ICI Imagedata is not only a great event printer, offering fast, low cost printing capability - it comes with one of the best warranty packages in the business.

Unlike most other 6” x 4” dye sublimation event printers, the OP1000 is supplied with a comprehensive two year warranty.

Next Working Day Service

Working in partnership with Absolute Computing Limited (ACL) - the UK's number one hardware support agent - ICI Imagedata provides customers in the UK and Northern Ireland with a Next Working Day On-Site Service.

If there is a printer problem, customers just need to call ACL with their printer details, name and address and fault. ACL will take care of the rest. A skilled, experienced ACL printer engineer aims to visit the day after the repair call is logged, and in many cases will be able to solve the problem there and then.

If the printer cannot be repaired on-site, the ACL Engineer will return it to the main repair centre for immediate attention.

European Cover

The ICI Imagedata Warranty includes cover even if the OP1000 Print Box is being used in Europe.

In this case, ACL provide a Return to Bench Service, with the printer collected from any location in Europe.

In all cases - whether the printer is collected from the UK, Northern Ireland or Europe, the cost of collection and delivery is included in the warranty.

For more information on the Olmec OP1000 Print Box, please call a member of the Photomart sales team on 0208 527 6006.
 

OLMEC OP1000.

In last week’s edition of PhotoWeek we posted a video of photographer Mike Weeks demonstrating how easy it is to set up the Olmec OP1000 Print Box. We have had such a good response that we have decided to post it again in this week’s issue so here it is again! Just click on the image or on the relevant link below.

For more information on the Olmec OP1000 Print Box, please call a member of the Photomart sales team on 0208 527 6006.
 

The New BOWENS Gemini 400 and Travel Pack.

Starting with the lower entry level Gemini 200 and Gemini 400 monoblocs, Bowens will be phasing out the entire Gemini range over the first quarter of 2009.

The NEW 2009 range promises to be a significant improvement featuring better accuracy, up to 1/10th of a stop over a 5 stop range, faster recycle times, lower flash durations, a multi voltage option and a plug in radio feature on all the new models apart from the 200’s and 400’s.

Another significant improvement will be the side panel LCD display that is more easilly visible when adjusting the modelling lamps on the back panel for example. All the new Gemini’s will have a common “uniform” interface across the range whilst retaining the familiar anologue feel of the controls.

Bowens remain tight lipped about the full specs and final launch of the new Gemini’s but the word is that everything is still going according to schedule for setting up the new Gemini production line and Bowens have hinted at a possible release of the Gemini 200 and 400 models during the first week of the New Year, just in time for a sneak preview of the new Gemini’s at Lab Expo 2009 to be held in London on the 10th and 11th of January.

Bowens did show a pre-production model of some of the new Gemini’s at Photokina this year but have suggested that the final product may have a slightly different final spec than the pre-production versions. Click on the video link below to see Bowens technical director Mark Aherne put the Gemini prototype through it’s paces.

For more information on the BOWENS new Gemini 2009 Range, please call a member of the Photomart sales team on 0208 527 6006.
 

Our London H.Q.

While some of our competitors may be wondering how to STAY competitive, Photomart quietly keeps on steaming ahead with the business of providing customers with the things that they REALLY want.

These may sound like basic things but at Photomart we believe in getting the basics right and doing them well. Our customers certainly seem to agree and our customers are what Photomart is all about.

1. Wide selection of products
We appreciate that our customers often do not have the time to dash around from one supplier to another so we like to think of ourselves as a “one stop” shop. Whether you are a Professional Photographer and you need to shop for lighting accessories, photo folders, packaging etc. while you are picking up some media for your dye sub printer or whether you are a Photo Retailer and you need some frames, batteries and inkjet media at the same time you are ordering chemistry for your mini lab, Photomart always stocks the widest selection of hardware, merchandise and consumables!

2. Specialist assistance
How frustrating it is when you have to speak to someone who doesn’t have a clue what you are talking about, or even worse, when you speak to someone who is going to sell you a dye sub printer one day and then compete against you for a gig the next! At Photomart we have a team of product experts that are always there to provide you with specialist assistance. Our Senior Sales Manager Mark Amies has worked in the industry for years and is our product expert for Event and Portrait printers, Events Software and Kiosks. Then we have Gary Hinds who has been with Photomart almost since the company started. Gary is also a specialist in Event and Portrait printers and for various Retail Solutions. Jurie has been in the trade for well over 20 years and his knowledge of Photographic Chemistry, Wide Format Printing, Digital Photography and Colour Management is almost encyclopaedic. Juan joined Photomart a little more recently from Metro Imaging and he specialises in Photographic Lighting and Studio equipment. Leila and Iman have operated and managed successful Photo Retail outlets and are also our experts for Photo Retail Solutions and Copy Systems.

3. Honest, unbiased advice
Photomart stocks all the major brands. We are loyal to our customers and not to any one particular supplier or manufacturer. We are therefore in a position to offer our customers not only a choice of different brands, but we can also offer truly unbiased advice when looking to purchase a solution whether it be for Events, Studio, Photo Retail or Professional Photo Finishing.

4. Top Brands
Bowens, Copal, Elinchrom, Fuji, Gitzo, Kodak, Manfrotto, Mitsubishi, Olmec, Sony. Need we say more?

5. Fantastic Prices
We constantly strive to give customers excellent quality at the best possible prices. In the unlikely event that you can show us a written quote with a better price than ours, we will endeavour not only to match that price, but also to do even better and beat it! Always keep an eye out for special deals on our website and in the trade press. You will be pleasantly surprised at some of our offers.

6. Speedy Delivery
No matter where on mainland UK, our deliveries are always shipped out the same day for delivery the next working day and for a small surcharge, you can even have your goods delivered on a Saturday or before 10:00 am the following day!

7. Training by Experts
Specialist training is included with all our specialist solutions. One thing we do not do however is “throw in” free training claiming it to be worth an obscene amount of money to convince you that you just got the deal of the century. Honestly, how much training does one require to connect a dye sub printer to a laptop with a USB cable? Apart from specialist training Photomart also regularly organises workshops and seminars that are presented by top photographers and leading industry experts. The positive feedback that we get from delegates that attend these events are truly phenomenal so be sure to keep an eye out for our next series of training days.

8. Technical Support
Whether for servicing, installation or repair, we can offer high-level technical support by qualified engineers and technicians.

9. After Sales Support
We don’t forget about our customers the minute they walk out the door after they have made their purchase. We at Photomart believe that the key to our success has been repeat business and it is therefore important to us that our customers remain satisfied with their purchases from Photomart.

10. Excellent Customer Service
From time to time an item might be out of stock or a customer may have encountered a problem with a product or a delivery but no matter what the situation our Customer Service department always strives to ensure that these little things get ironed out as quickly and efficiently and with as little inconvenience to our customers as possible.

Actually half way through writing this article I have come to realise that there are a lot more than ten good reasons to shop at Photomart but I thought we would stop at ten as it is a nice round number. Just off the top of my head, let’s say you are an Event Photographer for example, you will never turn up at a gig to find the sales person from Photomart there competing against you for your business. Shocking as it may seem, this has happened on more than one occasion with a certain unnamed competitor of ours!

So if you are looking for the right solution for your business, be sure to give Photomart a try. Visit our website or give us a call on 0208 527 6006 to speak to one of our product experts.

 

istockphoto.
 

The SISEP society.

In the ever-developing world of Professional Photography many photographers have found events as a lucrative way of adding to their portfolio of services.

Gone are the halcyon days of turning up at an event not only with your camera and studio flash kit, but also with pens, notepads and order forms. Frantically scribbling down names and address and a brief description of the subject and then trying to sort the orders out once the images had come from the lab.

Now Event photographers have all the advantages of digital imaging from cutting edge high-end cameras enabling the customer to view their image immediately via a PC to ordering on the spot and having the images to take away, a revolution in service.

While events have always been around the pro event photographer now has the ability to provide a quality service to clients.

The next goal for the event photographer is to find new clients and that is were the Society of International School and Event Photographers can help.

SISEP will help event photographers promote their business through their website.

The organisation also offers advanced training through the Mentoring programme, which address all key skills. The invaluable 'Mentor Me' programme enables our members to receive a one to one appraisal of their work and advice for progression. All evaluation reports include recommendations for participation in training programmes pertinent to personal professional development and it doesn't just stop at reaching Licentiateship. In fact, that is only the beginning on a journey of lifelong learning.

In addition event photographers will also gain access to thousands of fellow pro photographers through the organisations active Forum and be able to enter into our online image competitions.

SISEP is dedicated to providing quality training and mentoring to all that ask and want to progress in Professional Photography without prejudice or discrimination.

To find out more about The Society of International School and Event Photographers and for an application form visit SISEP website. New ‘Society’ members receive a welcome gift and an online exhibition of their images.
 

In future issues of PhotoWeek we also aim to publish a regular “Expert Column” so we are calling upon all you experts for your contributions. Once a week, the Expert Column will feature handy tips in various key subject areas like studio lighting; selling images and prints; covering events; weddings; wildlife etc. If you are an expert in any particular field of photography and you are interested in contributing a few paragraphs say every 6 or 7 weeks, please contact the editor of PhotoWeek. Please don’t forget to include your contact details!