BRIEFS: July 11

Nikon to ‘change the concept of cameras’…USB 3.0 readers from Transcend…KLYP case/tripod socket/flash shoe for iPhone 5…Portable scanner from Kaiser Baas

Nikon to ‘change the concept of cameras’
Nikon Corp is reportedly looking at ways to tap smartphone growth to counter the slump in sales in the compact camera market.

‘The number of people taking snapshots is exploding by use of smartphones that sold 750 million or so last year and are still growing,’ said President Makoto Kimura in a July 4 interview.

‘We’ve centralised our ideas around cameras but can change our approach to offer products to that bigger market.’

The company, whose imaging division generated 84 percent of operating income last fiscal year, expects the compact camera market to shrink 12 percent in the current financial year, according to its May projection. DSLRs and ILCs may gain 9 percent, the company said.

Nikon’s imaging division and a new business team are working on products that are expected to be available in less than five years, according to the president.

‘We want to create a product that will change the concept of cameras,’ said Mr Kimura. ‘It could be a non-camera consumer product.’

He declined to say if the company was developing a mobile phone.

USB 3.0 readers from Transcend
Adeal has launched Transcend USB 3.0 card readers, providing high speed data transfer of images and video from memory cards.

Two card readers are now available: TSRDF5K supports SDHC, SDXC,  microSDHC and microSDXC. Available in black only – RRP $29.95.

TSRDF8K supports SDHC, SDXC,  MicroSDHC, MS and CF. Available in black only. RRP $64.95.

Key features:
– SuperSpeed USB 3.0 interface (also compatible with USB 2.0);
– Transfer high-resolution images and video recordings to the computer faster and more efficiently;
– Utilise full speed potential of memory cards;
– USB powered (no external power or battery needed);
– LED card insertion / data transfer activity indicator;
– Supports SD & CF (only RDF8) security functions;
– Free download of RecoveRx data recovery software;
– Two-year Limited Warranty.

KLYP case/tripod socket/flash shoe for iPhone 5
Few weeks go by without the release of a bunch of iPhone accessories, and the latest to appeal to photo retailers is the Manfrotto KLYP case/tripod socket/flash shoe for the iPhone 5. It’s also from Adeal.

The Manfrotto KLYP iPhone 5 case comes with two clip-on adaptors to attach photo/video accessories and supports (not included) to the phone:
– Clip-on tripod adaptor gives the iPhone a standard ¼-inch thread for attaching a suitable tripod or support;
– Clip-on light adaptor gives the iPhone a standard flash shoe, for mounting a Manfrotto LED light

The KLYP case also works as a standard iPhone 5 case, protecting the phone against damage, and with a felt lining to ensure it won’t scratch the phone. It’s made of a rigid polycarbonate with a soft-touch coating giving it a silky smooth appearance.

Manfrotto’s unique rail system allows the adaptors to be attached at any of four different points around the case to allow landscape and portrait images to be taken with ease.

An attached light can be mounted to face either forwards or backwards.

RRP $34.95 inc GST

Adeal added that the KLYPAPP is now available for download – the first hands-free photo capture App developed by Manfrotto. Simply clap hands to take a photo, edit with the built in features and then share them immediately with family and friends!

Portable scanner from Kaiser Baas
Kaiser Baas has announced a portable Wi-Fi Photo & Document Scanner capable of scanning at up to 600dpi and to A4 format, with files direct to your phone, portable device or your computer via WiFi.

Easily store and share saved images and documents with colleagues via server or cloud-based technologies. The WiFi Photo & Document Scanner is also great for students who want to save and tidily centralise class handouts and reference materials for access anywhere, any time.

With the free iScan Air app, see your scanned documents and images appear on your phone, device or computer’s screen immediately and in full colour, with an easy to use, one touch scan button.

Photos are automatically cropped and saved as JPEG or PDF files.

RRP is $199.95.