PDN Photo Plus Expo - Show Report Day 1

Oct 18, 2007
David Schloss

Continuing the track record of showcasing the most innovative products in photography, the PDN Photo Plus Expo closes the first day after huge crowds jammed into booths to get a first glimpse at some of the most eagerly anticipated camera gear in recent memory.

The standing-room only crowds at the Nikon booth were clamoring to see the Nikon D3, the main lust generator of the show. After years of anxious speculation, Nikon is finally able to see its new digital salvation in the not-too-distant-future. The 12-megapixel D3 features the company's first full-frame sensor in history, and super-powered low-light capabilities. Nikon users are rabid with anticipation and the company's booth has been mobbed.

Nikon is not the only company showing off new wares of course, and in the intensely competitive pro space both Nikon and Canon are showing off new cameras simultaneously.

Canon's 1Ds Mark III is the rival's new belle of the ball, and the massive sensor in it has encroached on the medium format space, at least that's Canon's plan.

Having announced the 1Ds Mark III just days in advance of Nikon's new flagship model, Canon took the opportunity to announce that they have new lenses "under development," perhaps marking the first time that a company's product announcement is about something that's still a twinkle in the eye.

The EF200 f/2L IS USM will clearly be targeted at sports photographers, long a solid market segment for Canon systems, while the EF800mm f/5.6L IS USM targets the high-end sports and wildlife shooter (and or professional long-distance celebrity stalker).

Olympus has also taken the wraps off a new camera, a ten-megapixel body with an autofocus system the company claims is "the fastest" available. (We're eager to test that.) To complement this the company has announced several new lenses, including the 12-60 f/2.8-5.0, 50-200 f/2.8-3.5, 15-35 f/2.0, and 70-300 f/4.0-5.6. Most of the new lenses will be released in November and the 14-35 will ship later in 2008.

For those looking to print out their images, Epson's showing their new 11880 printer (oh-my-god-that's-big) as well as their prosumer oriented R1900, which offers "enhanced color gamut" and skin tones.

While I haven't made it as far as the Leaf booth, the company is showing off the AFi, a new medium format system aimed at professional photographers. Looking like a cross between a Hasselblad and a Nintendo Wii joystick, the AFi can capture up to 70 images per minute. Designed to work with Schneider Autofocus Digital lenses and backs above 30MP (we're sure Leaf hopes you pick their system) the new AFi marks an interesting development in medium format. For years companies like Hasselblad have swallowed back makers, while now back makers are creating bodies.

Lots of great gadgets abound, like the Gitzo 90th Anniversary Titanium Tripod, a lightweight limited-edition camera support that costs $2500, perhaps marking the first tripod that costs more than a car. Of course, when you're only making 400 of them, it's easy to keep the price that high, and it's really designed for the same type of shooter that craves a gold-etched Leica.

Tomorrow we'll take a look at some of the smaller time-savers we've seen at the show, and the must-have accessories for the upcoming season.