Thursday, October 26, 2017

GDPR - Are you ready?

Last week the Malta Employment Association organised an information session on GDPR Compliance that took place at the Phoenicia Hotel in Floriana. 


From left to right: Mr Nick Camilleri (Managing direct at Avantech Ltd), Dr Charlotte Camilleri (Executive in EU and Legal affairs at MEA), Mr Saviour Cachia (Information  and Data Protection Commissioner) & Mr Ian Deguara (Director of Technical Affairs at the IDPC)
General Data Protection Regulation requirements apply to each Member State of the European Union, aiming to create more consistent protection of consumer and personal data across EU Member States. In April 2016 the General Data Protection Regulations were adopted at EU level. The GDPR has to be enforced by the 25th May 2018. Companies that fail to achieve GDPR compliance before the deadline will be subject to stiff penalties and fines. 

The aim of this information session was to update participants with the latest developments on GPDR and to inform them how to become compliant with the regulations by the 25th May 2018. 

There was a very good turnout for this event and a large number of them participated actively in the session. The MEA felt a need to organise this session to inform employers on how to be compliant with the new Data Protection Regulations adopted at EU level in April 2016 and which are to be enforced by the 25th May 2018. After the welcome address by Dr Charlotte Camilleri, Mr Ian Deguara gave a presentation on the General Data Protection Regulations. Mr Ian Deguara is the Director of Technical Affairs at the Office of the Information & Data Protection Commissioner. Mr Nick Camilleri, the Managing Director of Avantech Ltd, then gave his presentation on how document automation can help business with GDPR compliance. The session outlined the need for change in this regulation, especially in today’s environment of increasingly exposed and vulnerable information. Data protection and privacy challenges are currently on the increase and therefore the need to modernise the existing set of data protection rules was quite high. The powers of the commissioner were explained as investigative, corrective, authorisation and advisory and also the powers to engage in legal proceedings. Mr Ian Deguara described the conditions for consent, right of access, right to data portability and the required security of processing. He also delved into the time requirements for retaining and disposing of certain data. There was also a recommendation for companies with large amounts of data to have a data protection officer within the business. The session ended with closing remarks from Dr. Charlotte Camilleri from MEA, Mr Ian Deguara and also by the Information and Data Protection Commissioner, Mr Saviour Cachia.

In view of the high demand and the limited spaces available for this event, MEA will be holding other sessions with the next session being held at the MEA premises in South Street, Valletta on Thursday 2nd November at 14:00 hours. Registration by email on admin@maltaemployers.com or by calling on 21222992 / 21237585 is required. 

Monday, October 23, 2017

Canon launches the new Powershot G1X Mark III

On October 16th 2017 Canon Europe announced the latest addition to its PowerShot G range, the flagship PowerShot G1 X Mark III. Replacing the G1 X Mark II, it’s a killer combination of Canon’s EOS DSLR image quality with the handling and compact size of a PowerShot. With a new, precision, 3x optical lens, an APS-C sensor and Canon's premium DIGIC 7 processor, this camera is versatile enough to be used for high-quality street photography, all the way up to documentary-style storytelling.

Superb image quality, rapid speed
Perfect for today's enthusiast photographer seeking DSLR quality in a compact form, this camera’s small size makes it ideal for subtly capturing boundless moments whilst on the move. Leveraging an exceptional sensor, similar to the one seen in the EOS 80D, and with capabilities to shoot in an ISO range of 100 to 25,600, it can flexibly capture quality images in a range of conditions. From high contrast scenes, such as indoor environments where detail, clarity and low image noise are critical, to low contrast scenarios, such as a foggy day, the PowerShot G1 X Mark III can always deliver a superb image. The DIGIC 7 processor provides premium image quality straight from the camera, with a reduced need to edit thanks to Auto Lighting Optimiser and Diffraction Correction, which featured in the EOS-1D X Mark II.

Whether you’re shooting portraits or macro close-ups, the built-in 3x zoom lens boasts a versatile
24 – 72 mm (35 mm equiv.) focal range and a close-focusing distance of just 10 cm, so you can cover an impressive range of photography genres with a single lens. A shallow depth of field is created via the APS-C sensor combined with a large f/2.8 – 5.6 aperture. The PowerShot G1 X Mark III's lens has been meticulously designed for the sensor in the camera and as such, can reduce potentially unwanted image artefacts that can ruin shots, such as glare. The lens’ 9-bladed aperture can also render pleasing background blur and circular ‘bokeh’, minimising busy backgrounds and adding impact to your subject.

With the first inclusion of Dual Pixel CMOS AF in a Canon compact camera, you can focus rapidly on impromptu moments. The 4-stop Image Stabilisation (IS) adapts and steadies the camera in any active shooting environment, such as a carnival or in the crowd at a music festival, and provides additional confidence when shooting in low light. The Dual Pixel CMOS AF delivers precise and rapid focus in just 0.09 seconds, giving the level of responsiveness, speed and confidence needed for capturing a spontaneous shot at a moment’s notice.

Beautiful handling and stable shooting
The PowerShot G1 X Mark III boasts EOS handling in the compact body of a PowerShot model. This camera not only feels good to use, but its features enable a familiar DSLR level of instinctiveness and control, alongside the ability to customise it for your own use. The PowerShot G1 X Mark III comprises a central, built-in Electronic Viewfinder (EVF), which has been optimised to deliver a high-resolution view via a 2.36 million dot Organic EL display. Whether an action shot or a family portrait, with Touch and Drag Auto Focus (AF) you can take control of the shot by intuitively setting an AF point, providing you with the ultimate confidence to comfortably capture a sharp image.

Compact and lightweight, at just 399 grams, the PowerShot G1 X Mark III is 14.8 mm thinner and approximately 16 per cent smaller than the G1X Mark II, which is superb for saving space in your luggage whilst travelling, or as a tiny addition to your kit bag. Those familiar with Canon’s EOS cameras will love the PowerShot G1 X Mark III’s operation and control features. From the Lens Control Ring through to the shutter release, Canon users will feel comfortable and at ease using this camera.

For the more adventurous photographer, the PowerShot G1 X Mark III features weather sealing for durable performance in challenging conditions[i] and as an increased level of protection against dust and moisture. It is Canon’s only digital camera with an APS-C sensor that can be twinned with an optional waterproof casing[ii], to enable the PowerShot G1 X Mark III to be used underwater up to a depth of 40 m (130 feet) - great for creative deep water photography projects.

Expanded creative options, advanced connectivity
The PowerShot G1 X Mark III supports the hassle-free capture of Full HD 60p movies in MP4 with smooth, stable filming underpinned by 5-axis Advanced Dynamic IS and Dual Pixel CMOS AF. Dynamic IS corrects and steadies video footage when shooting on the move, whilst Dual Pixel CMOS AF enables the creation of cinematic ‘focus pulls’. While featuring the familiar time-lapse movie function, for the first time in a Canon compact camera the PowerShot G1 X Mark III also includes a panoramic mode. With the simple push of a button, and horizontal or vertical movement of the camera, you can effortlessly capture amazing, high-quality panoramic images with the greatest detail.

You can enjoy extended shooting time, thanks to the PowerShot G1 X Mark III’s Eco Mode, which enables the battery to last up to 25 per cent longer. Alternatively, you can conveniently recharge the camera on the go through the USB port’s smartphone charger or USB compatible battery packs.

The PowerShot G1 X Mark III is packed with a range of connectivity features, such as Wi-Fi and Dynamic NFC, to easily connect with compatible smart devices through a single tap. The camera can even be woken from standby remotely through a Bluetooth®[iii] enabled smartphone, which acts as a low-powered Bluetooth®[iv] remote. Full manual control, via Wi-Fi, offers a live preview of an image on your smart device, which is perfect for monitoring and capturing wildlife, without disruption, in their natural habitat.  




[i] To maximize the camera’s dust- and drip- resistance, keep the terminal cover, memory card/battery cover, and all other covers firmly closed. This camera is designed to be dust- and drip- resistant, in order to help prevent sand, dust, dirt, or water that falls on it unexpectedly from getting inside, but it is impossible to prevent dirt, dust, water, or salt from getting inside at all
[ii] Waterproof Case WP-DC56
[iii] The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Canon Inc. is under license. Other trademarks and trade names are those of their respective owners. Requires smart device to be equipped with Bluetooth version 4.0 (or later). Also requires smart device to be using operating system iOS 8.4 (or later) or Android 5.0 (or later)
[iv] Always-on connection between smart device and camera via Bluetooth® requires initial set up with Canon Camera Connect app. Stability of the Bluetooth® connection depends on model of smart device and other environmental factors. The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by the Bluetooth® SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Canon Inc. is under license. Other trademarks and trade names are those of their respective owners. Compatible smart device requires Bluetooth® version 4 (or later) and running iOS 8.4 (or later) or Android 5.0 (or later) with latest Canon Camera Connect app installed (available from Apple App Store or Google Play store)

Photos from last month's big event "Canon Ambassdor Clive Booth"










Thursday, July 7, 2016

Canon compact cameras with reduced prices!

Get your hands on a Canon compact camera with a reduced price! QUICK - before we sell out!
Powershot N black/white - from €249 to €150
IXUS 170 silver/black - from €135 to €99.99
IXUS 275HS black/silver - from €230 to €170


Monday, June 27, 2016

Canon Innovation Award for Avantech’s ScanStation

Avantech were honoured to receive a Canon Innovation Award at the recent Canon Partner Conference in Vienna, presented by Canon Europe EMBU Managing Director Stefano Zenti.



The award acknowledges Avantech’s ScanStation network scanning solution, a powerful yet intuitive document scanning product that shares document scanners to create a central kiosk-like terminal for everyone to use. ScanStation includes character and handwriting recognition, document type recognition and splitting, multiple document destinations and almost unlimited ways to integrate into existing procedures and systems.

Canon have signed a cooperation agreement with Avantech to sell ScanStation in European countries and territories.





Friday, June 17, 2016

Canon imagePRESS C10000VP/C8000VP wins EDP award

We are proud to announce that our flagship digital press machine, the Canon imagePRESS C10000VP and the C8000VP both won European Digital Press Association (EDP) 2016 Award to “Best cut sheet colour A3+ Printer”.


Canon’s team at Drupa displaying their award. Well done!

If you are interested in our offer in digital press and production machines, please get in touch with our digital press representative Carmelo Establier at carmelo@avantech.com.mt to arrange a meeting to discuss your needs.

Thursday, June 16, 2016

The fantastic EOS 1300D!

Watch this video outlining the terrific features packed into the entry level DSLR EOS 1300D




This is available from Avantech for €445 including the 18-55mm lens.  There is also a €40 cashback on this model until the end of July!

  Visit our showroom in San Gwann or alternatively buy online with free delivery!

Monday, May 30, 2016

Is large format printing for you?

When we think of Large Format Printers, we think of machines that you would usually find in architects’ offices, engineering firms and other technical settings.
Despite of this being one of the largest uses for these sort of printers, the flexibility and quality of the most modern models of these machines allow for a lot more of usages, and will appeal to more exotic users.


Large Format Printers, specially those that print in colour, like the new iPF670 and iPF770 from Canon, allow to create posters for your business with their bundled software.


With Canon PosterArtist Lite users can create with easy professional looking poster for their businesses, decorate and display offer.




Other use for Large Format Printers include photography printing. Canon excels in this field with their imagePROGRAF PRO series, with machines that produce the most accurate colours, with the widest colour gamut in their class, using up to 12 inks in the case of the , using specialized media.
The new LUCIA EX inks allow for incredibly deep, rich and detailed colour and monochrome prints.
With the increase in resolution in modern cameras and smartphones, there is a better chance at printing at larger sizes than before.


Other uses include presentation of graphs and large amounts of data, that require a certain degree of legibility in the office setup, banners, marketing purposes, etc.




There’s more to our large format printer than it meets the eye.
Contact us for more information and arrange a meeting with one of our printing experts. Reach us on 2148 8800 or info@avantech.com.mt.





Wednesday, May 18, 2016

Supreme 40F case goes on safari


Being a photographer and professional guide I had a long debate as to which protective camera case I would like to join my kit.  I had to be completely happy that all my kit would safe on my safari to Gods Window and Kruger National Park in South Africa
In the end I decided to go with Vanguards Supreme 40F case as it would hold all of my valuable kit, it’s measurements looked as though they would pass as hand luggage and it offered a high level of protection, all for a great price.
With my new Vanguard Supreme 40F in hand - off I went.
safari 1
Supreme 40F at The Three Rondavels, South Africa
Vanguard’s Supreme Case passed the first test.  It safely fitted Canon Mk 2, Canon GX12, 17-40mm lens, 100mm F2.8 Macro lens, 70-200mm F2.8 Mk 2 lens, 2 x multipliers, 430EX flashgun, spare batteries and accessories.
The Supreme case also passed the second test and was accepted as hand luggage without any problem.  This meant my kit was always with me and therefore 100% secure. I didn't need to worry about my camera and lenses being lost in transit before I even arrived.
Immediately on arrival I started testing the level of protection.  Loading a vehicle in Africa is not for the faint hearted as equipment is rarely handled delicately. In addition 90% of the trip would be off-road on notoriously bad roads. Knowing this I asked for the camera gear to be packed carefully on top.  When I arrived at camp I found the trusty locals had not followed my directions at all and had packed my camera kit under almost a tonne of camping equipment, tools and bedding.  When I asked why, they explained that due to the high level of theft, packing it at the bottom meant the camera equipment would not get stolen or fall off the Land Cruiser.  Ultimately I couldn't argue with that line of thinking and it had survived (phew!) the third test.
04_Supreme_40F_-_Incredibly_strong_and_rugged_-4 (1) (1)
I then encountered a couple of other challenges I hadn’t expected.

Africa's environment means temperatures of 45°C and the variety of wildlife means you always need to keep food safe.  After setting up the camp I took all camera kit out and made sure everything was in working order for the Safari.  I then discovered that by taking out the foam insert, the Supreme 40F case made for the perfect food storage container.  Having elephants, warthogs, ants, cockroaches and other animals around, the less your food's scent gets out, the less you have in camp over the day and night.  We had both warthogs and elephants wander through camp and not once did they sniff the case which was now a food storage container and makeshift table. To pass the elephant scent test was great and means that next year I can take some fruit and they won’t be able to smell it. Great case really did the job.
When we were leaving, a friend who lives in South Africa asked if he could test the case as he would like something similar but was undecided as to which brand.  I obliged and so my South African friend’s tests started.  We drove the Land Cruiser over it and it held out (though I wouldn’t recommend doing this as it did warp under the weight, but was back to normal after that).  We dropped it off a 30m cliff and it was still closed and intact when we collected it.  We also tested the waterproofing by tying a 40kg bag of sand to it and throwing it into a dam approximately 20-25m deep.  When we opened the case it dry inside. It therefore passed all the South African tests which were well beyond the declared spec.  At the end, my friend asked if I could leave the case with him. As I didn’t know when I would be back, I swapped his old camera bag for it and left it with him.
One regret is that as I was not actually planning to test and review the case, I didn’t bother to take pics, but will do in the near future!
Overall the Vanguard Supreme 40F case surprised me with its strength, price and quality.  In my eyes is second to none which is why I volunteered to write this article.  I would definitely recommend them.  Great product and I’m going to buy another one now.
Some other photos from the trip:
safari 2
Leopard at H4-1, Lower Sabi, Kruger National Park
Safari 3
View from Forever Resort over The Three Rondavels

About Jason Wharam

Safari 4
Jason Wharam DPAGB, BSc, MSc, DSc is Zimbabwe¬born where he grew up on a farm, where the local elders taught him about the cultural backgrounds and traditions of Zimbabwe’s varied people. From them, he also learned about the landscape and became passionate about nature. His high school years were spent at an old, military-type boarding school – Plumtree - near the Botswana/Zimbabwe border. There, his love for the bush blossomed as he spent time bird watching, camping, fishing and exploring the surrounding wilderness. After completing his Cambridge studies, he became a trainee safari guide in the Gwayi Valley on the outer perimeters of Zimbabwe's Hwange National Park. He has worked with safari legend Lionel Reynolds and honed his white¬water rafting skills before becoming a professional guide in 1999, leading safaris throughout southern Africa's most remote and beautiful parks and reserves, from the Skeleton Coast in Namibia to Botswana and down the wild Zambezi. His second passion? Photography.  He have recently retired from guiding and is using his camera to create incisive, inspiring images that are designed to help protect wildlife and the parks in which they live

For more information on Jason visit:
Avantech Ltd. stock the Supreme 53F from the Supreme range.  With our 10% discount until the 17th of June, you can get this for €234 VAT included!
Available online with free delivery.  Discount will be automatically deducted after payment is submitted.
Visit us at Avantech in San Gwann to view this product and the full range of Vanguard.

http://www.vanguardworld.com/photo_video/supreme-53f.html#go-sectionTopFor more information on the Vanguard Supreme 53F click here




Wednesday, May 11, 2016

Big hitter: shooting boxing with the EOS-1D X Mark II

Liz Kreutz is a photographer with a big reputation for capturing the essence of her subjects. CPN writer Mark Alexander finds out how the latest Canon technology is helping the documentary sports photographer develop her unique style...
Liz Kreutz loves the sport of boxing. The emotional accessibility of it and the action inside the ring gives her a buzz. Throw in some frenetic action and tricky lighting and the US-based photographer is in her element.
“My heart is in my throat the entire time,” says Liz. “It’s an experience unlike any other. That’s why I like it. You’re anticipating that moment. You’re waiting; you’re ready for it. That’s the kind of photography I like to do. I love the unpredictability of that. I have a knot in my stomach the whole time.”
© Elizabeth Kreutz
© Elizabeth Kreutz
Boxer Tim Bradley under fire from his opponent Manny Pacquiao at the MGM Grand, Las Vegas, USA, 9 April, 2016. Taken on a Canon EOS-1D X with an EF70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM lens at 70mm; the exposure was 1/1250sec at f/4, ISO 8000.
When it comes to the cut and thrust of boxing, split-second timing can mean the difference between a good and a great shot. “I need the speed,” she says. “I have to be ready and I have to be fast because nobody is waiting for me. And I know that. There are moments when a second before is so different from a second after. When I am editing, I see that split-second difference in my athlete’s expression or action, that’s why I need such a fast burst rate.”
These days Kreutz gets her shutter-speed fix from her EOS-1D X and EOS-1D X Mark II, but she began her hunt for hustle by borrowing her dad’s EOS 650 film camera and using it throughout her college years. When she started her photography business in 2001, she graduated to an EOS D30, which featured a three megapixel APS sized CMOS sensor delivering a whopping 3fps.
The Canon D30 was a slow start, but as her career gathered pace so did her kit. Today, her EOS-1D X cameras (she typically carries two bodies) work at blistering speeds – the Mark II shoots at up to 14 frames-per-second with full AF/AE tracking and can reach 16fps in Live View. “I don’t want to miss anything,” says Kreutz. “I take a lot of images with the 1DXs, especially with the lighter boxers who are very fast so there can be a lot of action. I love all of it. I shoot like crazy.”
© Elizabeth Kreutz
© Elizabeth Kreutz
Boxer Manny Pacquiao caught training in the mirror at the at the Top Rank boxing gym, Las Vegas, USA, 5 April, 2016. Look carefully and you can spot Liz Kreutz on the left. Taken on a Canon EOS-1D X Mark II with an EF70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM lens at 160mm; the exposure was 1/320sec at f/2.8, ISO 8000.
Her appetite for photography and determination to freeze the fight is palpable. Kreutz is one of those photographers who wants it all; speed, accuracy, colour and reliability all wrapped up in images that deliver a knock-out punch. All are important, but her 1DXs also provide her with another benefit that comes to light in her documentary images where she relies on her ability to build lasting relationships with her subjects.
“When the EOS-1D X first came out, it was a real game changer - the speed, the beautiful high ISO. It was so nice,” she says. “I’ve been doing this for 16 years and I still worry about going over ISO 1600. But now I’m shooting at ISO 8000 with no worries. I do it with confidence.”
She continues: “I like to shoot without flash. I like available light. When I am back in the dressing rooms working with what I’ve got, I need to know that if I am wide open on my lens I can push the ISO to get a shutter speed where I’m not going to get motion blur. That’s what I want and that’s how I tell my stories.”
© Elizabeth Kreutz
© Elizabeth Kreutz
Boxer Manny Pacquiao at his official weigh-in at the MGM Grand, Las Vegas, USA, 8 April, 2016. Taken on a Canon EOS-1D X with an EF14mm f/2.8L II USM lens; the exposure was 1/1250sec at f/3.2, ISO 6400.
The tense and heated environment of a boxer’s dressing room just before he steps into the ring must be one of the most charged photographic assignments you could find. The line between capturing an intimate moment and overstaying your welcome can be very fine indeed, and repeatedly firing a flashgun may not placate the situation. “My athletes don’t like being flashed in the face. It’s not only me and my style, but the athletes don’t like it. The least distracting I can be, the more access, trust and natural images I’m going to get.”
When the EOS-1D X was first introduced it had an expanded ISO range that reached 204,800. The latest incarnation pushes this envelope to 409,600. “There are some moments when I do shoot with flash when it is called for and needed, but I would rather not. Ninety percent of the time I shoot without flash.”
She says it’s all part of building up a close, unquestioning bond with her subjects. “It’s not just a professional relationship, there is also a caring, human side that allows for your work to be better,” she explains. “This is especially true in a sport like boxing which is so brutal that anything can happen. The highs are high and the lows are low, and you are right there with them telling their story. You’re not there just getting pictures; you actually care – that’s what makes the difference.”
© Elizabeth Kreutz
© Elizabeth Kreutz
Boxer Manny Pacquiao prays before the match at the MGM Grand, Las Vegas, USA, 9 April, 2016. Taken on a Canon EOS-1D X with an EF16-35mm f/2.8L II USM lens at 16mm; the exposure was 1/400sec at f/5.0, ISO 10,000.
It’s not just her subjects that Kreutz cares deeply about. The EOS-1D X had a profound effect on her during her first outing with the high-spec camera. “I had the EOS-1D Mark IV, which I loved, but when I shot my first fight in Madison Square Garden - it was a huge fight, 20,000 people - I used two bodies; the Mark IV and the 1DX for the first time. After the fight, I could tell immediately during editing which images were shot with the 1DX because of the colour quality and the more vibrant colours at high ISO. Every fight since then, I’ve only shot with 1DXs.”
She continues: “At that time I had never shot full-frame. All my bodies had been cropped sensors. When I went full frame, I knew I would never go back. I like to shoot wide with that documentary feel, and at full frame; it’s just awesome.”
Kreutz began her documentary style photography around athletic tracks in the US. Ironman competitions followed and then cycling races. That’s where she met Lance Armstrong who she exclusively photographs on many occasions. Armstrong introduced her to Todd DuBoef, president of boxing promotions company Top Rank, and the rest they say, is history.
© Elizabeth Kreutz
© Elizabeth Kreutz
Boxer Tim Bradley with trainer Teddy Atlas in the ring before the fight at the MGM Grand, Las Vegas, USA, 9 April, 2016. Taken on a Canon EOS-1D X Mark II with an EF16-35mm f/2.8L II USM lens at 24mm; the exposure was 1/125sec at f/2.8, ISO 6400.
To capture the spectacle of the ring, Kreutz carries a pair of EOS-1D Xs and three main lenses; an ultra-wide EF16-35mm f/2.8L II USM, a fast EF24-70mm f/2.8L II USM and a workhorse telephoto EF70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM. During the fight, she sticks with one lens for each round rather than changing mid-bout. The resulting images are upfront, forceful and full of drama.
Her workflow is dictated by her clients who are often event promoters keen to document not just the action, but also the build-up and aftermath of the fight. This means Kreutz has a slightly different approach to post-processing compared to many traditional sports photographers who find themselves racing to get their shots across the wires first. Kreutz’s intimate behind-the-scenes imagery and her unique perspective on the fight itself find their way to social media and on to promotions after the final bell has wrung.
She applied this methodology during the recent head-to-head clash between Manny Pacquiao and Tim Bradley. “My assignment for this fight was to shoot primarily behind the scenes in the locker-rooms,” she explains. “I wasn’t required to provide images on the fly.”
© Elizabeth Kreutz
© Elizabeth Kreutz
Shooting low and wide for impact as boxers Tim Bradley and Manny Pacquiao fight at the MGM Grand, Las Vegas, USA, 9 April, 2016. Taken on a Canon EOS-1D X with an EF16-35mm f/2.8L II USM lens at 16mm; the exposure was 1/2500sec at f/4, ISO 8000.
She did however send real-time photos of the undercards, resizing the images on her laptop and sending them to the social media team at Top Rank. When the headliners arrived at the venue, all of Kreutz’s attention shifted towards Pacquiao and Bradley and the job of capturing every moment of an eventful night. “When Manny and Tim arrived, I just focussed on them,” she explains. “I got a couple of behind-the-scenes images in real-time before the fight started, but once the fight was on, I just focussed on them rather than sending my images immediately. There was another photographer doing that.”
Her arrangement with the promoters meant she was able to cover the fight and everything that happened around it, and then process her RAW images in the comfort of her hotel room. That process took five hours to complete.
“I’m kind of old school - I don’t batch process. I’m sure it would make my life a lot easier, but I do it individually,” she says. "First I pick my favourites and colour code them, and then resize all of those to web size. I bring in Photoshop if anything needs to be colour-corrected. I either send them directly to my client or send them to my phone and edit them on my phone and send them that way.”
The Pacquiao and Bradley fight was the first time Kreutz had used the EOS-1D X Mark II, and like her first outing with the EOS-1D X, it left its mark. “I’m excited to see what I can do with it, especially with my documentary style,” she says. “I’m looking forward to pushing the ISO even further and getting even better quality images at even higher ISOs. I would like to play with that. I shoot in low-light situations in dressing rooms, but I don’t want to worry about motion blur or using flash. That’s huge for me being a documentary style photographer.”

ELIZABETH KREUTZ’S BOXING KITBAG:

Cameras:
2x EOS-1D X
1x EOS-1D X Mark II (pre-production body for testing)
Lenses:
EF14mm f/2.8L II USM
EF16-35mm f/2.8L II USM
EF24-70mm f/2.8L II USM
EF70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM


Tuesday, May 10, 2016

How to improve your company's performance through efficient document management

All companies need to put measures in place in order to have some headroom for growth. IT challenges are one of the most crucial ones, as the infrastructure of the company depends on them. These challenge includes the fact that the company needs to remain competitive, increase the customer base and allow for further growth. The integration and automation of processes is key to increase the employees’ performance and efficiency.

The use of MFPs (Multifunction Printers) and scanners these days has changed, allowing for more functionality than in previous device iterations, with the devices now connecting to the cloud and allowing for documents to be uploaded or printed directly from it. This doesn’t come without difficulties to the users and the implementation of the system.

                                    

Since the whole point of these systems is to improve efficiency, the learning curve of these systems and the time it takes for their implementation are one of the most important factors to take into consideration when applying these technologies to the current workflow for your company. You might want to also consider how all that information is going to be managed and stores, and more importantly, how the users will access that information.

                                   

There are many solutions in the market that allow you to do this, but only one is fully integrated from hardware to software, passing allowing customers to seamlessly archive their documents without any interference and decision taking. We are talking of the combination of ScanStation and Therefore with Avantech and Canon.


Scanstation allows users to scan documents, index them and reduce the usage of paper and the indexing and search time, at the same time if saves the documents in a safe, robust database that can be access by anyone in your company.

More and more companies are joining this revolution, would like to know more?
Please contact any of our sales representative about our solutions and we will find the right one for you.


Call us on 21488800, or send us an email; info@avantech.com.mt