Canada News |

PNI Digital Media reports level second-quarter revenues

May 11, 2012 By Gary Pageau Leave a Comment

PNI Digital Media, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, reported level second-quarter revenue of $5 million. Transactional revenue was $3.6 million, an increase of 6 percent compared to the same quarter. Transactional revenue comprised 73 percent of total revenue for the quarter. The company reported a non-IFRS adjusted EBITDA loss of $39,000, an improvement compared to a loss of $123,000 last year.

The number of processed transactions increased 4 percent to 3.8 million transactions over the PNI Digital Media Platform.

“Our second quarter saw record transactions for our seasonally-weakest quarter,” says Kyle Hall, CEO, PNI Digital Media. “We saw a solid performance in our core photo business while we continued our push into our new business lines.”

Filed Under: Canada News, Earnings Tagged With: PNI Digital Media

Fujifilm unveils rugged wireless camera

May 9, 2012 By Gary Pageau

Fujifilm XP 170

Fujifilm North America Corp., Valhalla, N.Y., launched of the all new waterproof FinePix XP170 digital camera, combining rugged protection and durability with a new wireless image transfer function allowing users to wirelessly connect to their smartphone or tablet and then upload images to the Internet for online sharing.

The waterproof, shockproof, freezeproof and dustproof, FinePix XP170 digital camera has a bright LCD screen, fast auto focus speeds, comfortable grip, and advanced functionality for all weather conditions.

The FinePix XP170 features the a 14 MP CMOS sensor, faster start-up and shot-to-shot times, up to 10 frames per second (fps) continuous shooting, a 2.7-inch anti-reflective, high-contrast LCD, been brightened for clear viewing even in direct sunlight and underwater, and the high-precision, Fujinon 5x wide-angle optical zoom lenses (28-140mm) with a reinforced hardened glass lens barrier and water repellent coating.

The FinePix XP170 can be wirelessly connected to any Android smartphone or tablet, or the iPhone or iPad, using the free “Fujifilm Photo Receiver” app.

The FinePix XP170 will be available in June 2012 for $279.95 in blue and orange.

Filed Under: Canada News, CliQ, New products Tagged With: Fujiflm

CPI Corp. fourth-quarter sales down 17 percent

May 9, 2012 By Gary Pageau

CPI Corp., St. Louis, Mo., reported fourth-quarter net sales declined 17 percent to declined 17 percent to $107.1 million from $128.9 million in the prior-year fourth quarter.

Fourth-quarter PictureMe Portrait Studio brand comparable store sales, described herein, decreased 17 percent versus the same period last year. Fourth-quarter Sears Portrait Studio brand comparable store sales, described herein, decreased 17 percent versus the same period last year. Fourth-quarter Kiddie Kandids comparable store sales decreased 21 percent versus the same period last year. Bella Pictures operations contributed $1.2 million in net sales in the fourth quarter of 2011.

Fiscal 2011 fourth-quarter Adjusted EBITDA declined to $14.7 million from $28.0 million in the prior-year fourth quarter due to comparable store sales declines, offset in part by cost reductions. Full-year Adjusted EBITDA declined to $14.0 million in fiscal 2011 versus $41.5 million in the prior year.

“Without question, we are extremely disappointed with our 2011 financial results and current liquidity challenges,” says James Abel, interim president and CEO. We are in active discussions with our lenders to secure additional borrowing capacity and are aggressively pursuing operational changes. We remain steadfast in our commitment to our customers and expect to continue introducing new products to meet their needs.

“Since I stepped into this interim leadership role on Feb. 9, we have significantly reshaped our store portfolio to weed out studios that were underperforming. We plan to continue realigning and effectively managing our asset base to improve the return on our investments. Similarly, we plan to be equally vigilant in our examination of all other aspects of our business to manage all performance variables within our control as we look to restore profitability and growth at CPI.”

Fourth-quarter net sales decreased 17 percent to $107.1 million from the $128.9 million reported in the fiscal 2010 fourth quarter. Net sales for the 2011 fourth quarter were negatively impacted by net revenue recognition change ($1.9 million) and positively impacted by Bella Pictures sales ($1.0 million) and other items ($0.2 million). Excluding the above impacts, comparable same-store sales in the quarter decreased approximately 17 percent.

Net loss for the fourth quarter in fiscal 2011 was $43.9 million, compared with net income of $14.9 million, reported for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010. Fourth-quarter results were significantly affected by comparable store sales declines, asset impairment charges and tax-related valuation allowances, as well as the Bella Pictures operations net loss of $3.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2011.

Net sales from the PictureMe Portrait Studio (PMPS) brand, on a comparable same-store basis, excluding impacts of net revenue recognition change and other items totaling ($1.0) million, decreased 17 percent in the fourth quarter of 2011 to $49.0 million from $59.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2010. The decrease in PMPS sales for the fourth quarter was the result of a 15 percent decrease in the number of sittings and a 3 percent decrease in the average sale per customer sitting.

Net sales from the Sears Portrait Studio (SPS) brand, on a comparable same-store basis, excluding impacts of net revenue recognition change, studio closures and other items totaling ($1.8) million, decreased 17 percent in the fourth quarter of 2011 to $43.0 million from $51.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2010. The decrease in SPS sales for the fourth quarter was the result of a 12 percent decline in the average sale per customer sitting and a 6% decline in the number of sittings.

Net sales from the Kiddie Kandids (KK) studio operations, on a comparable same-store basis, excluding impacts of other items totaling $300,000, decreased 21 percent in the fourth quarter of 2011 to $6.8 million from $8.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2010. The decrease in KK sales for the fourth quarter was the result of a 13 percent decline in average sale per customer sitting and a 10% decline in the number of sittings.

The Bella Pictures operations contributed approximately $1.2 million in net sales in the fourth quarter of 2011.

For the fiscal year ended Feb. 4, 2012, CPI reported net sales decreased 11 percent to $361.7 million from the $407.0 million reported in fiscal year 2010. Excluding the positive impacts of net store openings ($7.5 million), Bella Pictures sales ($6.7 million), foreign currency translation ($1.5 million), e-commerce ($1.4 million) and net revenue deferral related to the loyalty programs ($900,000), and other items with negative impacts totaling ($400,000), comparable same-store sales decreased approximately 15 percent from the prior year.

Net loss in fiscal 2011 was $56.7 million, compared with net income of $11.9 million, reported for fiscal 2010.

Filed Under: Canada News, Earnings, Pro Photography Tagged With: CPI Corp.

Olympus debuts high-quality, crushproof camera with f2.0 lens

May 9, 2012 By Gary Pageau

Olympus TG-1 tough camera has a fast lens

Olympus Imaging America Corp., Center Valley, Pa., debuted the durable Olympus TG-1 iHS, featuring a high-speed bright f2.0 lens with full 1080p Full HD video capability.

The camera has a three-inch high-resolution OLED display and protective coatings help to prevent scratches and cut down on reflective glare. A waterNever worry about water droplets obstructing your images thanks to the water-repellent lens coating that prevents water from remaining on the lens surface.

The Olympus TG-1 iHS is waterproof to 40 feet, shockproof to 6.6 feet, freezeproof to 14-degrees and even crushproof to a weight of 220 pounds. it features a high-sensitivity, high-speed 12-megapixel backlit CMOS sensor combined with a blazing fast, DSLR-quality TruePic VI image processor.

Designed specifically to keep up with the on-the-go photographer, the new Super Sport Mode combines high-speed autofocus with extra fast shutter speeds – up to 1/2000 – to freeze the action. Conveniently located on the dial, this mode captures five shots in a high-speed burst to ensure crisp shots in even the most extreme action sport settings. Low Light Mode is perfect for capturing the mood of low-light indoor scenes, beautiful sunsets or late night outdoor festivities without ruining the ambience with a bright flash. Shoot like a pro with 10 frames-per-second high-speed burst shooting and 1080p Full HD videos or 60 frames-per-second (3mp) at the touch of button, allowing for slow-motion playback.

The $399.99 Olympus TG-1 iHS will be available in June;. a fish-eye converter lens will be available for $199.99 and a teleconverter lens for $109.99

Filed Under: Canada News, CliQ, New products

Kodak Gallery customers moving images to Shutterfly

May 8, 2012 By Gary Pageau

Shutterfly Inc., Redwood City, Calif., has set a May 28 deadline for Kodak Gallery customers to opt out of having their images transferred to Shutterfly. After May 28, Kodak Gallery customers will have the opportunity to link their Kodak Gallery account to a newly created or existing Shutterfly account. Over the coming months, their photos will automatically be transferred to Shutterfly, free of charge. There are an estimated five billion photos in the Kodak Gallery.

“I am thrilled to welcome millions of Kodak Gallery customers to the Shutterfly family. Our priority is to ensure every photo gets safely and securely transferred to Shutterfly,” says Jeffrey Housenbold, president and CEO of Shutterfly. “We promise to make the transfer process very easy for customers and will communicate our progress every step of the way.”

Filed Under: Canada News, Online imaging Tagged With: Kodak Gallery, Shutterfly

Daymen offering new Urban Sling Series from LowePro

May 2, 2012 By Gary Pageau

Lowepro Urban Photo Sling

DayMen Canada, Markham, Ontario, Canada, unveiled its LowePro Urban Photo Sling series. The Urban Photo Sling series features a profile lending itself to three comfortable and secure wearing options: at the front, back or to the side. The design was specially constructed to make it easy to shift positions while on the move.

Thoughtful storage details are featured throughout the design. A dedicated, padded compartment provides protective space for an iPad or other tablet-style computer. A zippered front accessory pocket offers easy access to personal items. And side pockets provide grab-and-go access to a lens cap, filter, metro ticket or other small items.

Two loading options add to the versatility of the sling. A photographer can load it from the top for easy access or with the front panel fully open for maximum organization. The interior features a padded and adjustable divider system for custom organization of gear.

Additional features include: an interior keeper strap to safeguard lenses and accessories; a tuckaway waistbelt for stability, comfort and security; a contoured, mesh-covered top flap that serves as a moisture barrier; plus a built-in pocket to keep spare memory within easy reach.

The Urban Photo Sling 250 fits up to a Pro DSLR without grip, with an attached 70-200mm lens; 2 extra lenses or a flash and 1 lens; a tablet; the side pocket fits a water bottle or small tripod; accessories and personal items. The Urban Photo Sling 150 fits a DSLR with attached 55-200mm lens; 2 extra lenses or a flash and 1 lens; a tablet; accessories and personal items, or, a CSC with attached kit lens; 3 extra lenses or a flash and 2 lenses; a tablet, accessories and personal items

DayMen Canada • 55 Valleywood Drive • Markham, Ontario • L3R 5L9 • Phone: 905.944.9400 • Fax: 905.944.9401 • Email: info@daymen.com • Web: daymen.ca

Filed Under: Canada News, CliQ, New products Tagged With: DayMen, Lowepro

Nikon Canada sponsors Scotiabank CONTACT photo festival

May 1, 2012 By Gary Pageau

For the second year in a row, Nikon Canada, Mississauga, Ontario, is the official camera sponsor of the Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival, an annual event held in Toronto during the month of May. This year, Nikon will be hosting three main events: Nikon Day, during which attendees will hear from acclaimed professionals in the photography and cinematography fields as well as Nikon’s Professional Services team; “A Week in the Life of…” photo contest, encouraging submissions from photographers of all skill levels to submit photos coinciding with weekly themes for a chance to win great prizes; and, “Spotted!”, a cross-Canada billboard scavenger hunt.

Thought May 31, an extensive range of free exhibitions, public installations, films, lectures and workshops will attract more than one million people.

Wednesday, May 16, CONTACT and Nikon will present Nikon Day, featuring world-class authorities in photographic arts, at Ryerson University, Library Buildin, in Toronto, Ontario, May 16, 6-9 p.m. Nikon Ambassadors will include Jon Blacker, “Infrared Portraiture”, and Kristian Bogner and Kirk Neff, “One Camera – Two Perspectives”.

Nikon’s Professional Services (NPS) team will be on-hand for an informative technical Q&A. A complimentary sensor cleaning will be provided for anyone who brings a Nikon digital SLR product. NPS will also be holding a number of camera clinics at various locations throughout the month. Please see

This year, CONTACT explores the world and society as seen through the eyes of the people who live in it. Focusing on social and political issues that are shaped by our experiences of “Public,” this theme investigates the social collective consciousness and challenges photographers to utilize an artistic medium to convey their messages.

Each week during CONTACT, Nikon will focus on a different theme for submission, ranging from unguarded moments, captures of art being showcased around the city, to the best in street photography. A winner will be chosen each week and will receive a $50 gift certificate from Vistek and a Nikon COOLPIX P310 valued at $349.95. The grand prize winner will also receive a limited edition print from the festival valued at $1,500. Winning photos will be featured online.

www.contactfestivalnikon.ca. For the complete rules, regulations and

eligibility requirements, please click here.

“Spotted!” Cross-Canada Billboard Project

CONTACT is pleased to present “Spotted!” – a cross-Canada billboard

project. Partnering with Pattison Outdoor Advertising, CONTACT and Nikon

Canada will be stripping billboards across major Canadian cities of

their advertisements, replacing them with public installations from the

festival artists.

Over the course of the festival, CONTACT and Nikon Canada will be

sharing the locations of each billboard on Twitter. Followers will be

asked to snap a photo of any they come across and send it using this

tweet: “Spotted! #BillboardArt in [City] @NikonCanada

@ContactPhoto”. Photos can also be submitted at

http://www.contactfestivalnikon.ca, where a gallery of photos will be

on display.

Behind the Scenes

Check out www.contactfestivalnikon.ca, where Nikon will be sharing fun

and revealing behind-the-scenes sneak peeks of CONTACT Photography

Festival and the people who make it happen.

About Nikon

Nikon, At the Heart of the Image™, is the world leader in digital

imaging, precision optics and photo imaging technology and is globally

recognized for setting new standards in product design and performance

for its award-winning consumer and professional photographic equipment.

Nikon Canada distributes consumer and professional digital SLR cameras,

NIKKOR optics, Speedlights and System Accessories; Nikon COOLPIX®

compact digital cameras; 35mm film SLR cameras; Nikon software products

and Nikon sports and recreational optics as well as the new Nikon 1 J1

and V1 advanced cameras with interchangeable lens system. At the heart

of every Nikon camera is Nikon’s Exclusive EXPEED, EXPEED 2 or EXPEED 3

advanced digital image processing system technologies. All Nikon Canada

products are sold through a network of Authorized Nikon Canada Dealers.

For more information on Nikon Canada and its products and services or to

find an Authorized Nikon Canada Dealer, visit www.nikon.ca.

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/NikonCanada

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/NikonCanada

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/NikonCanada

Filed Under: Canada News, Events Tagged With: Nikon Canada

Shutterfly’s $23.8 million bid wins Kodak Gallery assets

April 25, 2012 By Gary Pageau

With no competing bids on the table, Shutterfly Inc., Redwood City, Calif., was the winning bidder of the assets of Kodak Gallery, Emeryville, Calif. Shutterfly’s bid was $23.8 million. Following final approval by the bankruptcy court, the Shutterfly and Eastman Kodak Co., Rochester, N.Y., will contemplate promptly closing the acquisition. Following the closing, Shutterfly will work with Kodak to transfer Kodak Gallery’s U.S. and Canadian customers and images onto the Shutterfly platform.

“I’m excited to welcome Kodak Gallery’s customers to Shutterfly and look forward to working with the Kodak team to provide a smooth transition for their customers and offering them industry-leading products and customer service that will enhance the way they share and preserve everyday memories,” says Jeffrey Housenbold, Shutterfly’s CEO and president. “Our acquisition of Kodak Gallery is a perfect example of the consolidation that we believe will play an important role in helping Shutterfly solidify our leadership position in the social expression and personal publishing category. Moving forward, we will continue to expand our market position through organic growth and disciplined acquisitions that leverage our scale and scope economies, vertical integration, solid balance sheet and profitable business model.”

Filed Under: Canada News, Online imaging Tagged With: Kodak Gallery, Shutterfly

Ultimate Technographics, Mediaclip team up

April 25, 2012 By Gary Pageau

Montreal, Canada-based companies Ultimate Technographics and Mediaclip announced a partnership geared to deliver an easy-to-use creation and production flow for photo products. Both companies will co-market a well-integrated solution providing an automated and efficient way to prepare photo products ordered online and to insure a streamlined cost-effective printing and finishing process.

Mediaclip’s solution allows the creation of any printable personalized product, including photo, business or branded and licensed products. Mediaclip says the versatility and openness of the solution’s architecture makes it easy to introduce new trendy products and to connect with other technologies like the automation capabilities offered by Ultimate Technographics. As a result of the Mediaclip’s flexibility, providers benefit from a significant lower product deployment and manufacturing cost while delivering a higher quality end-product.

Ultimate’s Impostrip OnDemand Automation solution known for its powerful automation is designed to integrate easily as a back-end to web-to-print systems that are focused on personalized or short-run on-demand printing. Combined with Mediaclip, print service providers can use various imposition optimization schemas generated by Impostrip OnDemand Automation to increase the efficiency of their digital press and to simplify the finishing transformation, while taking advantage of the large cut-sheet sizes available.

“We always focus on finding new ways to help our customers achieve their goals and simplifying the production process is a great way to do that,” says Marion Duchesne, CEO, Mediaclip. “We are dedicated to stay ahead of the pack when it comes to user experience and this includes not only the creation software end-users but the providers as well. Making it easier to manage everything from the creation process to the delivery improves everyone’s satisfaction ”.

“In digital printing, automation drives results,” says Joanne David, president and CEO, Ultimate Technographics, “and because we integrate nicely with Mediaclip, this easy-to-use web-to-print solution for photo products and many types of publishing projects, our customers will be able to draw better profit margin on every order. This partnership allows us to intensify our mission to automate, simplify and increase the profitability of modern digital printing.’’

Filed Under: Canada News, Photo Publishing Tagged With: Mediaclip, Ultimate Technographics

LensPen gets new, sleek design

April 20, 2012 By Gary Pageau

New LensPen design

Parkside Optical announced its five LensPen models – Original, DigiKlear, MiniPro, MicroPro and FilterKlear– now have a stylish new design and state-of-the-art packaging.

The secret to LensPen’s unique cleaning ability and amazing long life – more than 500 cleanings – is found in its special carbon compound. the company says. Carbon’s grease-cutting properties remove fingerprints from optics safely and effectively. The carbon compound found in LensPen products is similar to the one used in printer’s ink.

“There are never any messy liquids to spray on and then wipe off, and there’s no need for dirty optical tissues or microfiber cloths, that often do nothing more than smear the fingerprint oil around,” says Peter Meurrens, vice president, Operations, Parkside Optical. “Ninety percent of all LensPen product demos lead to a sale. Get your customer to try it once and they join the millions of already satisfied users who know that nothing cleans like a LensPen.”

Exclusive distributors of LensPen products are ToCAD America in the United States and Fidelity Electronics in Canada.