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PMA 2007 - Best Bets at Vegas! by Jason Schneider Hot new cameras, photo gear and imaging trends at PMA 2007, the biggest photo show in the USA Article rating: 6.94

This year’s annual Photo Marketing Association (PMA) show was held in Las Vegas, gambling Mecca of the universe, and a fabulous place for generating excitement. This time here was certainly plenty of it to be found not too far from the dazzling lights of the strip at the cavernous Las Vegas Convention Center, where everybody who’s anybody in the imaging industry was on hand to announce and demonstrate their latest wares. Traffic was noticeably up, and while many photo manufacturers and distributors noted that the frenetically paced, highly competitive environment of digital era is “challenging,” the mood was generally upbeat—even mellow. For photo enthusiasts and consumers it was certainly a banner year, with a plethora of fascinating new cameras, lenses, photo-related accessories and concepts—all providing compelling evidence of the incredibly rapid pace of technological development that characterizes the digital age. While it is not possible to provide in-depth coverage of every new product announced at PMA 2007 in one column, herewith a selection of some of the most significant and interesting new items we found and a few choice words on what makes them important to photo enthusiasts like you.

New DSLRs strut their stuff!

While many major camera makers had announced new DSLRs only 3-6 months before the show, there was still a passel of enticing new models that debuted in Vegas. Here they are.

Nikon D40x: Hot on the heels of the wildly successful Nikon D40, a gorgeously compact 6MP broad-spectrum entry-level DSLR, in swoops the D40x with a 10.2MP sensor, faster continuous shooting, and wider ISO range in the same elegant package! It powers up in a mere 0.18 sec, has a burst rate of 3 frames-per-sec for 100 shots, and provides ISO settings of 100-1600 plus HI-1. Other key features: 2.5-inch LCD, auto scene-optimized digital vari-program modes (8 preset) plus aperture- and shutter-priority, redeye correction, D-lighting, image trim, monochrome and filter effects, and a retouch menu that lets you access in-camera editing functions. Compatible with AF-S and AF-I Nikkor lenses it’s slated for delivery in April 2007, at an estimated selling price of $729.95 body only and $799.95 with 18-55mm G EDII AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor lens.

Canon EOS-1D Mark III: You’ve heard of the automotive 4x4—how about the DSLR 10x10? Canon’s latest pro entry, the 1D Mark III is a 10.1MP camera that can shoot at an incredible 10 frames-per-sec, capturing up to 110 large JPEGs in an amazing 11 sec! With a new 10.1MP APS-H-size CMOS sensor measuring 28x18.7mm (bigger than the conventional 23.5x15.5mm APS-C-size sensor) the new camera has a multiplication (cropping) factor of only 1.3X instead of 1.5X or 1.6X. Other features include: Dual Digic III image processors, said to result in 1.5x faster image processing, Live View mode for real time viewing on the 3.0-inch LCD, viewing magnifications of 5X and 10X for easy image evaluation, remote computer operation via USB cable, and wireless capability via WFT-E2A wireless file transmitter. The Mark III also incorporates a complete built-in dust management system, the EOS Integrated Cleaning System, that has a sealed sensor with an infrared absorption glass cover that vibrates for 3.5 sec when the camera is turned on or off, and the shutter, upgraded to 300,000-sycle durability, fires thee times during this process to shake dust off the shutter curtains. Software records any remaining dust spots on the sensor as Dust Delete Data, which are erased automatically with the included Digital Photo Professional 3.0 software. Pretty slick! Finally, the new camera employs a new 45-point autofocus system, is powered by a new LC-E4 lithium-ion battery, and its shooting capacity is up from 1,200 shots (for the Mark II N) to 2,200 shots. The 1D Mark III is slated for spring 2007 delivery and will have a similar street price to the 1D Mark II N—about $3.400, body only.

Olympus EVOLT E-410 and E-510: Olympus ups the megapixel ante with these two new, compact Four Thirds system DSLRs with Live View LCDs for real-time composition and monitoring, Live MOS 10MP image sensors with Shadow Adjustment technology for improved image capture under extreme lighting conditions, Olympus’ Supersonic Wave Filter ultrasonic dust-reduction system, and a TruePic III image processor, said to lower image noise by one full stop at high ISO settings. In addition, the slightly larger E510 has a built-in ergonomic grip and a dual image-stabilization system that uses a combination of mechanical image stabilization to compensate for camera movement and a digital image stabilization system to counteract subject movement. The E-410 comes with a 14-42mm (28-84mm equivalent) f/3.5-5.6 Zuiko lens optimized for the Four Thirds format, measures 5.1x3.6x2.1 inches, weighs 13.4 ounces, and accepts CF and xD cards. It’s also available as two-lens outfit with an additional 40-150 f/4.0-5.6. Prices are $799 and $899 respectively. The E-510 adds 28 shooting modes as well as the aforementioned image stabilization to the mix and is priced at $899 and $999 for the one-lens and two-lens outfits.

Fujifilm Finepix S5 Pro: If it ain’t broke, tweak it! That’s what Fuji has done to the well-established Finepix S3 Pro popular with wedding shooters, and other pros, to arrive at the new S5 Pro. Based on the latest version of Fuji’s Super CCD SR sensor technology, it goes one step further by coupling the new Super CCS SR Pro sensor with Fuji’s RP (Real Photo) Processor Pro, developed to capture “more film-like results.” The redesigned sensor uses an optimized low-pass filter engineered to reduce noise and moiré patterns while the RP Processor Pro provides two cycles of noise reduction said to deliver sharp artifact-free images even at ISOs up to 3200. Other S5 Pro features: 12.3MP sensor with dynamic range expanded by a claimed 100%-400%, 2.5-inch LCD with 100% frame coverage and live-view capability, 6 preset ranges for greater control, 5 types of film-simulation modes, RAW+JPEG dual-save mode, 11-point AF, shutter speeds from 30-1/8,000 sec, and the signature feature of all Finepix Pro models, a Nikon F-mount. MSRP: $1,999.

Digital point-and-shoot frenzy

Even in the wake of the DSLR surge, point-and-shoot cameras make up the largest percentage of digital camera sales by a wide margin. It’s a highly innovative and competitive area for new model intros and the PMA 2007 show was certainly no exception. Here are some of the more interesting ones to whet your appetite.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LS70: If you’re looking for maximum features at a minimal price, this sleek new model is definitely a contender, with 7.2MP capture, Mega Optical Image Stabilization (O.I.S.) and Intelligent ISO, which bumps up the ISO to insure sharp photos when moving subjects are detected by the Venus Engine III image processor. Other features: A 3X zoom (35-105mm equivalent) Lumix DC Vario lens, 2.0-inch LCD, enhanced graphic interface for easier operation, 18 scene modes, digital zoom to 4.5X, a choice of three date stamps, wide-aspect 16:9 format for 30fps VGA movies on widescreen TV, and quick setting for most often used functions. The LS70 is powered by two Panasonic Oxyride AA cells that are claimed to deliver up to 250 shots (60% more than with conventional alkaline AAs), and it accepts large capacity SDHC memory cards. Pretty impressive for a camera with an MSRP of only $149.95!

Samsung L77: With a stylish metal body that’s only an inch thick—it’s claimed to be the slimmest 7X optical zoom camera—the L77 provides 7MP capture, shutter speeds to 1/250 sec, and ISO settings to 1600. Other features include: a 2.5-inch TFT LCD screen, Samsung’s ASR (Advanced Shake Reduction) to optimize shooting in dimly lit conditions, MPEG-4 movie capability for VGA videos at 30fps with movie stabilizer mode, and built-in editing capabilities such as trim, resize and add effects in camera. The L77’s continuous movie mode lets you pause, then resume shooting so you can create video clips witho0ut having to save them as individual files. The camera will be available in April 2007 and have an MSRP of $399.99.

Pentax Optio A30: Pentax enters the 10MP point-and-shoot sweepstakes with this elegant ultra-thin model incorporating such features as 3X (38-114mm equivalent) Pentax zoom lens, Pentax Shake Reduction (SR), which now includes both Digital and Movie SR for improved low-light and telephoto capture, and a unique Face Recognition AF and AE function said to offer better portrait results by detecting faces and adjusting both focus and exposure. The new 10MP A30 is DivX certified, making it easy for users to create their own media, incorporates a 2.5-inch, 232.000-pixel LCD, proved ISO settings t0 3200, and has an ultra-fast release time lag of only 0.02 sec. MSRP: $349.95.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W200: Pushing the high-tech, high-definition envelope, this 12MP metal-bodied beauty is claimed to be the most compact 12MP camera on the market. It sports a Carl Zeiss 3X optical zoom lens, a traditional optical viewfinder in addition to its 2.5-inch LCD, and it’s compatible with Sony’s VMC-MHC1 high-def cable for connecting to an HDTV or Sony’s CSS-HD1 high-def Cyber-shot Station allowing users to view high-definition images on widescreen TVs. Other features: Face detection, slide show function with music clips, Sony Steady Shot image stabilization, Clear Raw noise reduction for low-noise imaging in low light, Dynamic Range Optimizer for to correct under- or overexposed areas automatically, and multi-point AF. MSRP: $400.

Fuji FinePix F40fd: Fuji’s attractively styled point-and-shoot tech leader is an 8MP camera featuring Face Detection (hence the ‘fd’ suffix), picture stabilization to reduce blur from camera shake or subject movement to optimize low-light shooting, intelligent i-flash, 3X Fujinon optical zoom lens with manual control, 14 preprogrammed scene modes, ISOs up to 2000, and built-in wireless transfer capability with compatible devices. The F40fd’s Advanced Face Detection technology can lock onto a face in as little as 0.05 sec, and adjusts the focus and exposure simultaneously to insure “flattering results.” MSRP: $299.

HP Photosmart R837: You don’t need a computer to optimize, organize and share images with this baby—it’s all in the camera! Built-in imaging functions of this smartly styled 7.2MP model include artistic effect, contrast adjustments to pull faces out of shadows, redeye fix for humans and pet-eye fix for pets—even glamorous slimming for the full-figured! Other HP R837 features include: #X internal optical zoom, 3-inch LCD wish extra-wide viewing angle, built-in anti shake, in-camera image organization, panorama stitching, VGA video/audio at 24fps, and 32MB of internal memory. MSRP: $229.99.

Casio EX-Z1050: Nothing short of a high-tech fashion statement, it’s got a 10.1MP image sensor coupled to Casio’s high performance Exilim Engine 2.0 image processor designed to improve image quality and boost performance by means of new motion analysis technology. It also delivers continuous shooting at an astonishing 7 frames-per-sec! Other features include: 3X optical zoom lens, Anti Shake DSP which reduced blur due to shake and subject movement, movie mode with electronic anti-shake compensation, and auto-tracking AF which follow subject and keep them in focus until the photo is taken. In addition the EX-Z1050 has a 2.6-inch wide LCD display, claimed battery life of 370 shots with a fully charged battery, and it\ comes in a choice of four fashionably luscious colors. MSRP: $299.99.

Olympus Stylus 770SW: Here’s the perfect camera for adventurers, hikers, boaters, and campers—anyone who shoots in the rugged outdoors. The 770SW is waterproof down to 33 feet as well as shockproof and crushproof. Equipped with four underwater shooting modes it’s able to withstand frigid temperatures and take pictures down to 14 degrees F. Other features of this sturdy 7.1MP marvel include: Optical image stabilization, built-in red-eye removal, enhanced low-light performance with ISO settings up to 2,500. in-body 3X optical zoom, 2.5-inch F HyperCrystal LCD, and 27 preset shooting modes. MSRP: $379.99.

Nikon Coolpix P5000: A leading new member of Nikon’s latest Performance Series of Coolpix cameras, this is one point-and-shoot that will meet the demands of serious enthusiasts. Featuring a 10MP sensor.  a 3.5X Zoom-Nikkor glass lens, optical viewfinder, and a 2.5-inch LCD screen with antireflection coating, the P5000 also employs an advance image-processing engine said to optimize low-light performance and color reproduction. A new mode dial provides easy access to 16 scene-optimized modes, 7 movie modes, anti-shake, and high sensitivity modes. Turning the dial to anti-shake mode activates High ISO, Best Shot Selector, and image stabilization, allowing user to save the best image from a sequence of 10 shots. The same dial lets you choose from among programmed auto, shutter-priority, aperture-priority, and manual exposure modes. A built in accessory shoe accommodates external Nikon Speedlights and optional wide-angle and telephoto lens converters extend its optical range. MSRP: $399.95.

Canon PowerShot SD750: This new flagship of the Digital Elph line features Canon’s signature iconic box-and-circle design, with “artfully sculpted contours and artfully etched surfaces.” It’s got plenty of tech in that fashionably svelte 3/4-inch-wide package too, with a 7.1MP sensor, 3X (35-105mm equivalent) f/2.8-4.8 lens, 9-point AF with face detection, 9 scene modes, and unique “My Colors” mode. It also has ISO settings to 1600, movie mode, evaluative, center-weighted and center spot metering, and special playback features including enlarged playback (2X-10X), auto image rotation, Slide Show, movie playback, and My Category for easier picture organization. Not bad for a camera measuring only 3.6x2.2x0.8 inches and weighing in at 4.6 ounces. Estimated price: $349.99.

Amazing accessories, enhanced media, and other cool stuff

Lensbaby 3G for medium-format cameras. The advanced Lensbaby 3G the high-end version of the ingeniously flexible, infinitely variable special-effects lens with a clever lock-and-release system, is now available in medium-format versions, both with “Hybrid manual compression/Manual barrel” focusing. There’s an 80mm model with “interchangeable levitating aperture disks” from f/3.4-f/39 for Mamiya M645 models, and a 100mm version with similar aperture disks ranging from f/4 to f/45 for Pentax 67 cameras. Both will be priced at $390. There’s no Hasselblad model as yet since most of these cameras have inter-lens rather than focal-plane shutters, but the ever-creative Lensbabies is coming out with a new Creative Aperture Kit that works with the Lensbaby 3G. It includes star-shaped and heart-shaped apertures plus 5 blanks to let you cut your own custom aperture shapes to get uniquely shaped highlights as well as to control bokeh (the quality of the out-of-focus image), and it only costs $9.95!

Lowepro Notebook Cases:  The acclaimed case maker launched an innovative series of stylish, rugged new Factor series backpacks, totes and messenger bags designed to provide complete protection for photo equipment plus notebook computers with 15.4-inch screens. They’re available in four models, the Slim Factor, Messenger Factor, Backpack Factor and Factor Tote. Slim Factor comes in small, medium, and large sizes, all featuring expandable pleated pockets providing storage for notebook accessories. Messenger Factors feature breathable mesh panels to optimize airflow, and incorporate organizer pockets for quick access to computer peripherals. Backpack Factors feature a contoured shoulder harness with a built-in pocket for easy access to mobile devices such as cell phones and PDAs. Factor Totes also include a hidden zippered side pocket for easy access to multiple devices. For complete dimensions and other details, please go to www.lowepro.com.

Epson Stylus Ultra High Definition Photo Printers: These three new state-of-the art printers feature professional print heads that use a new ink formulation called Claria, The Stylus Photo R260 and R380 and the Stylus Photo RX580 all-in-one deliver faster printing speeds than previous Epson models, and provide automatic photo correction for improperly lit photos and skin tones, direct printing onto CDs/DVDs, direct printing from memory cards digital cameras and cell phones via a front-positioned PictBridge port or Bluetooth. All are capable of delivering borderless 4x6 draft quality photos in 13 sec and “better than lab quality” 4x6s in 32 sec. using the default photo mode. Prints are claimed to be smudge, scratch, and fade resistant for up to 200 years when stored in an album. The basic Stylus Photo R260 has an MSRP of $129.99. The R380 adds a 3.5-inch color LCD , card slots and direct photo printing from video clips at an MSRP of $199.99. The all-in-one RX580 offers scanning, printing, color restoration, greeting card creation without a PC and a 2.5-inch color LCD at an MSRP of $199.99.

Lexar Professional 133x SDHC cards: Aimed at professional users and serious photo enthusiast, Lexar’s new Secure Digital High Capacity (SDHC) cards deliver a minimum sustained write speed capability of 20MB per sec—a boon to photographer who capture a large number of images. The Profssional 4GB SDHC card enables SD card users to benefit from the major advantages that CF cards have always enjoyed—namely faster, more flexible workflow with high resolution files from DSLRs-- overcoming the limitations smaller cards have had in the past. Each Lexar Professional SDHC card comes with a free USB 2.0 card reader so photographers “can experience an immediate improvement when downloading stored images to a destination device.” The new cards also come with free dedicated tech support, a limited lifetime warranty, and a free suite of downloadable software including Lexar Image Rescue 3 and Corel Paint Shop Pro X. For more info, go to www.lexar.com.

A New Macro Lens from Tamron:  Tamron's AF28-300mm F/3.5-6.3 XR Di VC LD Aspherical (IF) MACRO zoom lens announced at PMA is designed for DSLR cameras with full-size image sensors.  This versatile lens can be used for everything from wide-angle to telephoto and macro photo opportunities.  It features a Vibration Compensation mechanism to reduce hand-shake, a minimum focusing distance of 19.3", internal surface coatings that minimize ghosting and flare, a zoom lock mechanism to prevent barrel extension when traveling, and plenty of other features. 

SanDisk Extreme III Pro Line of Memory Cards:  SanDisk also presented something new for the pros at PMA – their 4GB Extreme III SDHC and Memory Stick PRO Duo cards can handle more than 2,000 hi-resolution images or up to 8 hours of MPEG-4 video.  The SDHC Extreme III cards come equipped with a free USB 2.0 reader to ease transferring of images post capture.  These cards are designed to work in such extreme situations that they can handle from -13° to 185° Fahrenheit and are capable of up to 20MB/sec write speeds, meaning they have a speed rating of Class 6, the highest available.

GE gets into digital cameras! GE, one of America’s most respected companies, has launched a line of digital cameras at PMA, designed and manufactured by General Imaging Co., headquartered in Torrance, California under a licensing agreement. Beautifully styled in two-tone black and chrome, the entry-level models will have 7-megapixel sensors and 2.5-inch LCD screens. Higher-end models will feature 12MP sensors and 3.0-inch screens. A photo printer will also be included in the GE imaging line. According to a top spokesman for the company “Our aim is to be number one in all aspects—quality, technology, performance and value.” With GE’s formidable marketing muscle behind the venture, they’re clearly aiming to be number one in sales as well. With other electronics giants like Sony, Panasonic, JVC and Hitachi in the digital arena, the GE announcement should come as no surprise.

Nik Dfine 2.0 Noise Reduction Software: Nik, leading makers of plug-in Nik FX filter software and other popular imaging software has launched Dfine 2.0, an advanced noise-reduction application for Adobe Photoshop. Designed to eliminate unwanted imperfections in digital images known as noise, which frequently shows up in images shot at high ISOs or in under- and overexposed areas of the image, Dfine 2.0 addresses the issue of image noise with a newly redesigned user interface, a new auto camera profiling system (which adjusts noise reduction to match specific cameras and specs), and the addition of U Point powered Control Points to help photographers improve their photos easily. Noise reduction can be applied globally or selectively by placing Control Points on an image and selectively adjusting the contrast and color, using an eyedropper tool to select target colors, or using selective tools such as brushes to apply noise reduction to specific target areas. Dfine 2.0 also supports pressure sensitive features optimized for Wacom Pen Tablets. Camera profiles may also be created manually and  saved for future use. Dfine 2.0 will be available in the 2nd quarter of 2007 at a retail price of $99.95. Owners of Dfine 1.0 are eligible for special upgrade pricing, or if they purchased Dfine 1.0 after February 1.2007, a free upgrade. For more info, go to www.niksoftware.com and click here to download a free 15 day trial of Nik Dfine 2.0!

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	old news Posted by: Paul Simison Mar 27, 2007 @ 4:35 PM EST
	enjoyed the article and latest from LV..but.no mention of successor to the 30d? Posted by: joe crupi Mar 29, 2007 @ 8:18 AM EST
	I AM SO MUCH ECXITED ON ALL OF YOUR PRODUCTS,BUT WAS MUCH INPRESED ON SONY SYBERSHORT DSC-W200 TAGED $400.PLEASE I SO MUCH LOVE TO BUY THIS FROM YOU.PLEASE SEND ME DATAILS ON HOW TO PAY IN MONEY TO FROM NIGERIA,AND EVERY TOTAL COST OF IT TROUGH DHL COURIER COMPANY. Posted by: MR.ECHEZONA OKENYEA Apr 11, 2008 @ 6:39 AM EST

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