My first impression entering PMA '99, a little before the trade show opened, was provided by MegaVision with their new S3 2048x3072 pixel medium format digital camera back for single shot use with all types of illumination. This new chip, also...
As regular readers of Shutterbug well know, my main area of interest is large format--which is not, unfortunately, particularly well represented at PMA. My brief was, therefore, also to cover studio equipment; accessories, bags, tripods, and the unusual. ...
“Of all of our inventions for mass communication, pictures still speak the most universally understood language.”—Walt Disney
It’s a photokina year and you know what that means; all of the camera manufacturers will be holding off their newest SLRs for launch at the big show in Germany this fall. While Canon was not at PMA, they officially launched the EOS-1D Mark IV...
A good example of how digital picture frames have changed from passive displays with looping slide shows to interactive devices is the “concept” frame system from Casio, dubbed the Digital Art Frame. The frame supports playback of Adobe’s Flash Lite 3.1 content, with future plans for network downloads. Currently you have access to different types of clocks and calendars for...
This year we’ve seen many fine lenses come onto the scene, many with new optical elements designed to enhance performance while making the lens lighter and more affordable.
Nikon announced two new lenses aimed primarily at FX-format shooters (but usable with DX format). The AF-S Nikkor 24mm f/1.4G ED ($2199) is a fast lens well suited to low-light landscapes or expansive...
Every year about this time we present a report on the new products that appeal to photographers in a number of categories, all gleaned from our visit to the annual Photo Marketing Association (PMA) Show. As we have for the past few such reports, we concentrate on many of the product categories that do not often get the spotlight grabbed by new cameras, many of which are announced throughout the...
This year we’re seeing a surprising number of new ringlights plus lots of accessory light modifiers, dedicated cords, flash brackets, and continuous LED lights which are helpful when making videos with multipurpose D-SLR cameras.
Aputure’s Trigmaster makes controlling a studio strobe or Speedlight wirelessly easier at distances of up to 300 feet with 16 different...
There are a couple of new printers aimed at the event photographer market, and there are plenty of media options as well for snapshot to fine art printers. And, the photo book industry is taking off—there were more book printing options available than ever before, both for the portrait/wedding photographer with companies like Fujifilm, HP, Kodak, and Lucidiom all having offerings in both...
Most of the software news for 2010 was featured in our March issue, but we have some quick updates to share.
Nik Software is best known for its Photoshop plug-ins. They have expanded beyond this with support for both Apple’s Aperture and Adobe’s Lightroom now in all of their products. One new addition worthy of mention is Viveza 2. If you’re not familiar with...
This year saw few major product launches in studio lighting, although we did manage to uncover some interesting lights and accessories nonetheless.
Dot Line Corp./RPS Studio introduced the Complete 7-in-1 Reflector. This folding reflector comes with a translucent panel, white, silver, sunlight (a mix of gold and silver), and gold reflectors, plus an 18 percent gray target for...
Just when I thought I’d seen it all, along come camera bags that capture my attention. Photo backpacks are sporting new looks that are designed to reduce back strain. Messenger bags are seeing a resurgence, doing double duty as laptop and camera bag, while maintaining their svelte lines. The more conventional shoulder bag, however, is still on the scene for those who prefer tradition while...
What’s new and different in gadgets and accessories this year? While digital has overtaken cameras it seems that many of the accessories we saw could be used as much on a film as a digital camera, proving that while there might not be much new under the sun there are certainly variations that bend with the technological tide.
It’s a competitive world out there, so studios have to differentiate themselves with unique offerings and setups. Having a special line of albums or frames, or simply some stylish methods for their customers to display their precious photographs can help. A different background or method of more rapidly changing the background to suit the next sitting also helps. Here are some items that...
While there are no revolutionary designs in tripods, monopods, and heads this year (unlike the introduction of the Novoflex four-legged tripod last year), manufacturers have not sat idly. They continue to address the needs of studio photographers but appear to be placing even greater emphasis on travel photography.
Notably, we’re beginning to see more subcompact tripods...
Photographers are notorious gadget hounds, always seeking some new little item that will help them in their quest to produce even better images. Following are unusual items that should help fill the average photographer’s need of something new and different.
Want to be able to see exactly what your D-SLR’s LCD is seeing, from over 300 feet away? And be able to...