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While many acknowledged the smaller show size this year for PhotoPlus, held at New York City's Javits Center last week, no one would argue it lacked energy. Foot traffic was fierce and enthusiasm was high everywhere you turned. Picture Business would like to give you a small taste of what we absorbed. Stay tuned for more news and announcements.
Gary Fong
In addition to featuring legacy products, such as the Light Sphere, Gary Fong highlighted the recently introduced GearGuard Lens Lock. Available for Canon and Nikon brand lenses, the Lens Lock is a security device that affixes directly to the lens, in place of the rear lens cap, to safeguard expensive hardware against theft.
With the addition of the GearGuard Lens Lock to the previously released GearGuard Body Lock and Bag Lock, the GearGuard product line now offers a complete theft deterrent system. Once the Lens Lock is attached to the camera's rear optic, the irremovable device renders the lens useless to thieves. When twisted into place, the Lens Lock releases “teeth” that anchor the security cap to the bayonet on the lens mount. Made of industrial strength plastic, the Lens Lock can be paired with the GearGuard Security Cable and Combination Lock and attached to a secure anchor point for safe storage or attached to other gear inside a camera bag for added protection and loss prevention.
The GearGuard Lens Lock has MAP of $29.95. The Combination Lock and 36″ steel security cable is sold separately and is available for $9.95 MAP.
Gary Fong also introduced its Tripod Adapter that enables iPhone 4 and iPhone 3GS users to maximize their mobile device's photographic capabilities. The new Gary Fong iPhone adapter affixes to most tripods as well as the popular Gary Fong Flip-Cage lineup of camera stands.
DxO Optics
DxO Optics introduced the Pro 6.5 software to be released this month. Available for both PC and Mac, the software is targeted for the prosumer and professional photographer shooting in both raw and jpeg. The software performs all photo corrections—character distortion; vignette correction; purple fringing; lens corrections; blur measurement; 100 percent automatic processing for automatic noise removal; improved raw conversion engine; etc. It also performs HDR effects on a single-shot image, providing for better opening of shadows and one-click correction.
DxO also touts the improved user experience with a large preview window; improved user interface; as well as Lightroom3 support, which includes DxO Optics Pro as external editor; Browsing Lightroom catalogs from DxO Optics Pro; Writing images back into Lightroom catalogs after DxO Optic Pro processing; and new local help for a better first hands-on experience
There are 2,500 camera/lens combinations calibrated for the Pro 6.5 and it comes in both standard ($169) and elite ($299) versions.
Lowepro
Popular attractions at the Lowepro booth included the redesigned S&F Series, especially the S&F Lens Exchange Case 200 AW, which lets the photographer easily switch out a lens while continuing to work. Pulling down the handle reveals dual compartments, one for the second lens. All you need to do is detach the lens from your camera body; place it in the empty compartment; grab the second lens; attach it to the body; close the case; and you're set. It also includes an all-weather cover.
Also a hot item at the show was the Pro Roller Attache x50, a compact, modular solution, containing a two-bags-in-one design. It is sized within the standard, international carry-on requirements. Features include a removable Reserve Shoulder Bag; a dedicated laptop compartment (sized for a 14 in. laptop); interior tray; TelePod handle with left-right operating buttons; hideaway footbar; replaceable wheels; locking YKK zippers; accessory mount; spring-loaded trolley handle; and protective rubber bumpers.
The Pro Roller fits up to a pro DSLR (without grip) and attached lens and two to four lens (up to 70-200mm f/2.8). The main rolling attache also can be used as luggage when inner Reserve Shoulder Bag is removed.
x-rite
X-Rite, Inc. announced the new i1Photo Pro Professional Color Management Solution for professional photographers. Designed to accommodate all levels of proficiency and expertise, the i1Photo Pro is specifically targeted to meet the unique needs of the professional photographer who demands accurate color with the realities of limited budgets.
For the ultimate in color control, X-Rite's i1Photo Pro solution includes the new i1Profiler software—X-Rite's entirely new next generation color profiling software, an i1Pro spectrophotometer, ColorChecker Proof target—a new ColorChecker target for direct viewing analysis against a printed target, ColorChecker camera calibration system including a mini ColorChecker Classic target and ColorChecker Passport camera calibration software, and more.
i1Photo Pro is part of a full portfolio of solutions includes i1Basic Pro, i1 Publish and i1Publish Pro. All four solutions feature new technology and applications including: i1Profiler, ColorChecker Proof and PANTONE Color Manager color swatch bridging software.
i1Photo Pro is specifically designed for discerning photo professionals to manage their RGB workflow from camera to display and projector to print.
X-Rite Photo Marketing also announced a new Camera Calibration Promotion. Available until December 31, 2010, customers who purchase a new X-Rite i1Display 2, i1Display LT or ColorMunki Photo from any authorized dealer in the US or Canada and register their product at www.xritephoto.com will receive a free pocket-sized mini ColorChecker Classic (a $62 value) by mail along with a link to download the latest version of the ColorChecker Camera Profiling Software.
The mini ColorChecker Classic target is designed to deliver true-to-life image reproduction so photographers can predict and control how color will look under any illumination. Each of the 24 colors represents the actual color of natural objects and reflects light just like its real-world counterpart.
Nik Software
Steadily drawing captivated crowds to its booth, Nik Software demo'd its new and immensely popular HDR EFEX PRO. Targeting the scenic, fine art, architectural photographer (but proving to appeal to a wide range of snap-shooters of all skill levels), the HDR EFEX PRO takes multiple exposures, merges the files and creates a “surrealistic” image photographers desire, says Tony Corbell, Senior Manager, Product Education and Planning.
Keys to success for Nik over competitors include the software's ease of use in addition to its U Point technology, which powers selective tools for fast, precise enhancements of contrast, shadow, structure and saturation adjustments. Additional features include multiple proprietary tone mapping algorithms for a wide range of HDR styles; visual presets; ability to create HDR look from single exposure; automatic image alignment and reduction of “ghosts”; and all-in-one workflow.
Also a key element for Nik is its heavy involvement in dealer and consumer training. The company provides 20 free webinars a week, in addition to guest webinars for industry partners and resellers.
SanDisk
SanDisk was most proud to showcase its Extreme Pro CompactFlash cards, which feature a new SanDisk® Power Core ControllerTM, an advanced memory controller that enables read and write speeds of up to 90MB/s, doubling the performance from previous SanDisk high-end camera memory cards. The cards feature capacities ranging from 16 gigabytes (GB)2 to 64GB.
The SanDisk Power Core Controller's firmware algorithms and 42-bit ECC engine maintain data integrity and extended card endurance through optimized wear leveling.
To further increase overall card durability, the SanDisk Power Core Controller features an integrated design that requires fewer individual components on the card's printed circuit board.
Manfrotto Distribution
While this company had steady visitors for its variety of solutions, a key draw to the booth was certainly the new KATA bags, which have a 40 percent decreased weight, according to Doug Feldner, Product Category Manager. In gray and black colors, the new KATA Bug-255 UL combines rugged design (from its Israeli founders' history of military bag production) with new technology, and light-weight features.
New materials used for the new bags include those similar to the famous Croc brand, as well as aerofoam, which “feels good,” is durable and moldable.
The KATA line comes ranges from DLight to Pro Light to Ultra Light (the Bugg 255).
PNY Technologies
PNY touted a series of solutions for the photographer at this PhotoPlus. Super popular are its high-speed gold-plated HDMI cables, available in 6ft HDMI to HDMI and in 16 ft. and 10 ft. HDMI mini to HDMI.
Visitors to the booth were ready to snatch the zoomIt SD Card adapter as well, which lets users transfer files to the iPad.