Show Reports

In an attempt to connect everything electronic, this year’s CES/PMA show in Las Vegas was awash in “smart” TVs, tablets, and various and sundry devices that can link to your device—be it phone, tablet, or camera—and allow you to access “image content” anywhere, anytime. There was also a rash of rough cameras, a 3D lens for still and video, new ways to customize your camera, and a major boost in USB storage and memory card speed. Following are some photo tech highlights.

Shutterbug was on hand at the PhotoPlus Expo show, which wrapped up in New York City wrapped up yesterday, where we got to touch, try and test out some of the hottest new photo gear out there.

We wrap up our video coverage of the WPPI show in Las Vegas last week with this hands-on look at the new Nikon D500, a relatively compact APS-C sensor-based DSLR aimed at photo enthusiasts and aspiring pros.

MeFOTO has launched a new line of compact, rugged tripods that feature a Bluetooth remote, a precision ball head, a secure leg-lock system, and removable center columns for taking selfies. The versatile "Air" tripods (and a monopod) are available in three sizes, and all come with a spring-loaded phone adapter for selfies.

It wasn’t too long ago when the use of a CMOS chip in a digicam was a sign of a cheapie camera. Well, the tide has changed, with CMOS today reflecting the highest level of capture in our newest digital point-and-shoots. Yes, there continue to be CCD holdouts even in innovative designs, but the writing is on the wall, spelling an eventual fade-out of the Charge-Coupled Device. And today, the Backside Illuminated (BSI, or simply “backlit”) CMOS sensor is slowly but surely moving into center stage—at least among small-sensor point-and-shoots, for improved light reception at the sensor, hence clearer, tonally fuller, and more detailed images. We’re also seeing quite a few long-zoom models and more GPS-enabled cameras, with a digital compass to boot, mostly in travel/outdoors-oriented designs. The “rugged” category continues to grow, as well as features such as sweep panorama mode (just swing around with your finger continually on the button) and touchscreen displays. But perhaps the new feature that stands out most is Wi-Fi capability. One camera is even Android-powered. The latter may not be smartphones, but they certainly appear to be the smart way to go for the wireless generation. With those trends in mind here’s our roundup of the digicam class of 2012. (Please note that this report contains both cameras on the market as of spring 2012 and those announced to be available when this article goes to press. Check with the various manufacturers for current availability.—Editor)

Digital back makers for medium and large format cameras happily search for the ultimate image-making machine. In my view, they may be cheerfully unaware that the devices they are busily producing may not have anything to attach them to in a few years because no company is making affordable, under $2000...

Tired of wimpy 13x19" prints? Find that 16x20" output is nice but just doesn't have the impact of say, 18x24"? HP's Designjet 130 printer produces larger sizes (up to 24") without unloading the standard tray, and the rear path accommodates thick media, too.