Live Show Floor Coverage
PhotoPlus EXPO 2005 - Part 1

Introduction

PhotoPlus Expo takes place in New York around the same time each year, this year from October 20th to the 22nd. I drove five hours from New Hampshire today in order to cover the event and bring you as much information as I could cover. My daughter was nice enough to allow me to bring her Canon Powershot S2 IS with me. The thought of taking my larger EOS Digital Rebel XT or 10D didn't really appeal to me.

Manufacturers typically do not announce new digital cameras at PhotoPlus EXPO, instead, they use this event to publicly unveil previously announced products, giving many photographers their first hands-on look at these cameras.

PhotoPlus EXPO is used by many photo accessory companies to introduce and announce new products. Professional wedding albums, lighting equpiment, tripods, frames, and new software are just some of the many photo accessories on display during the event.

I arrived at the show today, Saturday (October 21, 2005), and was immediately inundated with the sights and sounds of a typical trade show. Large banners hanging from the ceiling, booths packed with attendees, professional presenters demonstrating new hardware, software and photo techniques - all with the purpose of entertaining and capturing the attention of the attendees.

I have been attending trade shows in the consumer electronics and photography industry for 20 years, and in these 20 years Canon has consistently out presented their industry counterparts. Not only are they the best at attracting attention - using professional models, industry leading videographers and photographers, and great displays - they also consistently have the best products in their class. When you combine those ingredients you end up with huge crowds and great mind share. Everything needed to further increase product demand.

At this event, Canon attracted attention with their wide variety of popular digital cameras, camcorders, and printers. The new EOS 5D Digital SLR, Canon XL-H1 Hi-Def Camcorder, and high-end Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II were crowd magnets, and their booth had ongoing live modeling sessions with a variety of professional photographers.

Respected photographer, Jack Resnicki, was on-stage demonstrating the Canon EOS 5D in Canon's mock studio setup. Jack had a Canon wireless transmitter set up on the EOS 5D so that every picture taken would automatically be sent to the large flat panel displays (via a PC) for audience viewing.

Nikon's booth was also busy, with attendees hovering around the new Wireless Coolpix P1 digital cameras as well as the fairly new D50 and D70s Digital SLRs.

I had a chance to use the new wireless Coolpix P1 just long enough to do an informal speed test of the Wi-Fi feature. For those who don't know, the Coolpix P1 (and P2) feature built-in Wi-Fi (wireless) connectivity. This feature allows the camera to send photos to your wireless-enabled PC automatically - or directly to a wireless enabled printer.

Note: According to a Nikon representative, the wireless feature in the Coolpix P1/P2 will only transfer images to a pre-setup PC or printer and does not have the ability to do the same over any open Wi-Fi signal. So no, you cannot snap a picture in New York City and have them sent over the many unsecured wireless networks in the area. You'll need to have your PC or notebook within range for this feature to work.

The new Nikon Coolpix S4 was also on display and looked quite impressive. For those who own or remember the original top selling Nikon Coolpix 900, 900s, and 950 models, the Coolpix S4 shares a similar twisting lens design, yet is smaller and features a large 10x optical zoom lens, 2.5" LCD display, and 6-megapixel resolution. Nikon has also integrated In-Camera Red-Eye fix, Face Priority AF to autmoatically focus on faces for great portraits, and D-lighting, which helps to repair dark images right inside the camera. The camera has a street price of between $325 - $399. Boy have times changed. When the 3-megapixel Coolpix 900 was first introduced it was priced at a bargain price of $999.

Delkin's Pop-Up Shade

Delkin had their new line of Pop-Up Shades for Digital SlRs on display. Their LCD shade fit securely over the rear LCD of many compatible* cameras. When not in use, it provides an extra level of protection for the LCD display, while using it is as simple as popping it open.

Delkin makes a few variety of shades depending on camera model. For the Canon EOS-20D and Rebel XT models, Delkin offers a Snap On version, Pro Snap On version, and a Stick On version (see photos). The Pro version features an optical clear glass protector and buttons that are aligned with your camera, helping to protect them against the elements, wear and tear.

Snap On ($34.99)	Snap On Pro (TBA)
	Stick On ($29.99)

Hi-Touch Dye-Sub Photo Printers

Hi-Touch was showing off some of their popular dye-sub photo printers including the 730PS and the new Dazzle S400 model which is due to ship next month.

Dazzle S400 Dye-Sub Photo Printer

HiTi 730PS Dye-Sub Photo Printer

VersaLaser Printing, Etching, and Cutting

If you're a photographer seeking new ways to make money or you just happen to have $8,000 to burn, then the VersaLaser from Universal Laser Systems is for you. The VersaLaser can cut, etch, and engrave almost anything. Laser-etch photos, text, and graphics onto marble, glass, rubber, wood, leather, acrylic, plastic, fabric, and even paper card stock.

The VersaLaser will also cut fabric, wood, acrylic, stone, glass, plastic and more, allowing you to be a one-stop shop for your customers wanting custom wedding or anniversary gifts, corporate identity items, sports apparel, signs, and P.O.P. materials.