Gadgets and goodies at PMA

[ian408]

Last weekend, Andy and I spent time walking the floor at the Photography
Marketing Association's Orlando, Florida tradeshow.

We saw lots. And lots, of new stuff.

Crumpler What can I say? Outstanding features, fabulous quality and an
Aussie sense of humor. Did I forget to say their stuff is great?

The booth was a giant blow-up Crumpler bag. As you'd expect, all the goods
were on display. Have a butcher’s look…

http://ian408.smugmug.com/photos/58269122-M.jpg

Our host offered a look at this new bag...so new that it doesn't have a name
and this isn't the colour it ships in...

http://ian408.smugmug.com/photos/58269127-M.jpg

It's a shoulder bag designed like a messenger bag and holds two full sized SLR bodies
with 70-200 sized attached lenses. There’s also a spot for your laptop as well as
three flash heads and other assorted gear—mind you, it’s not meant to carry everything
but will certainly do you for an afternoon’s walkabout shoot or perhaps a
wedding.

http://ian408.smugmug.com/photos/58269129-M.jpg

The bag is roomy, has an adjustable shoulder strap that’s easy to operate and comfortable
to carry.

The Aussie sense of humor was present throughout. From the Foster’s and Vegemite
party to the Aussie Two-Ups held in the booth. Visitors were treated to bean
bag chairs to sit and contemplate on (available on the Crumpler web site (but you have
to buy the ‘beans’ elsewhere) and Royal Gala apples (from Enza—which is a NZL
company…go figure).

http://ian408.smugmug.com/photos/58269125-M.jpg

If you like the bags, visit the site. www.crumpler.com.au. You’ll love it or hate it.
Either way, Crumpler offer a great lineup of bags to carry your wares.

I'll add more to the thread later this week--lots of information to go through.

[Nikolai]

Nice report on Crumpler!
Did any other vendor catch your attention? (translation: I'd like to see more. More! MORE!!!):D

[Andy]

http://ian408.smugmug.com/photos/58269129-Ti.jpg


Ooh sweet camera!

[USAIR]

Cool stuff cool bags too
Wish I could have gone down there :cry

Thanks Ian
Fred

[DoctorIt]

I hope Crumpler gets their act together here in terms of store presence. Are there any Crumpler stores in the USA yet? There are in Europe.

Good report... next?
:ear

[Andy]

I hope Crumpler gets their act together here in terms of store presence. Are there any Crumpler stores in the USA yet? There are in Europe.

Good report... next?
:ear

d00d, they've had 'em for a long time. There's a big'un in NYC, run by Crumpler. There's a retailer in beantown for you, just look on their website..

[ian408]

I hope Crumpler gets their act together here in terms of store presence. Are there any Crumpler stores in the USA yet? There are in Europe.

Good report... next?
:ear

Yes. One in Palo Alto, CA.

Ian

[ian408]

Nice report on Crumpler!
Did any other vendor catch your attention? (translation: I'd like to see more. More! MORE!!!):D

More coming. But I have a day job :)

[patch29]

I hope Crumpler gets their act together here in terms of store presence. Are there any Crumpler stores in the USA yet? There are in Europe.

Good report... next?
:ear


They have a store and customizing shop in NYC. The store was ok. I saw them at PMA a couple years ago and the display had a lot more to look at.

[DoctorIt]

d00d, they've had 'em for a long time. There's a big'un in NYC, run by Crumpler. There's a retailer in beantown for you, just look on their website..Retailer? Yeah, but is that a Crumpler store? The one in Prague was nothing but Crumpler stuff.

I didn't know about the NYC one. I'll have to make a voyage there, I've been looking for a road trip excuse.
:evil

Wait, did you say look at their website? I would, but my stash of halucinogens is getting awfully low...

[Andy]

but my stash of halucinogens is getting awfully low...

Don't you work in a Labratory?? :evil

[gus]

Great stuff ian but im sorry to inform you that you can have a 'butchers hook' or a 'captain cook' but i dont know what a butchers look is.

I have a store about a mile away & last week bought a 'Western Lawn' for guswife & a 'John Thursday' for gusgirl. I wanted everything in the shop.

How was the fosters & vegemite ??

[DoctorIt]

Don't you work in a Labratory?? :evilyeah, but its a fluids lab, not a chem lab. Drats.

[wxwax]

Nice first look, Ian. :thumb That tote bag sounds promising, similar to bags from Domke, Lowepro.

[ian408]

Great stuff ian but im sorry to inform you that you can have a 'butchers hook' or a 'captain cook' but i dont know what a butchers look is.

I have a store about a mile away & last week bought a 'Western Lawn' for guswife & a 'John Thursday' for gusgirl. I wanted everything in the shop.

How was the fosters & vegemite ??

My bad.

Foster's :thumb No chance for the vegemite. I was in a hurry to get on a
plane :(

[Bodley]

http://ian408.smugmug.com/photos/58269129-M.jpg




Ooh sweet camera!


You know why the used a Nikon as a prop camera - They knew no one would steal it :lol4 :lol4

[wxwax]

Does that bag have a zipper across the top for quick reach-in access?

[ian408]

Does that bag have a zipper across the top for quick reach-in access?

Negative.

[DoctorIt]

Does that bag have a zipper across the top for quick reach-in access?Doesn't look like it.

It looks a lot like a slightly smaller version of the December Quarter I have (EU only as far as I know). Which reminds me, I still need to do a review on that. If this mystery bag is in fact a bit smaller, I need it. I love the messenger over-the-shoulder style of the Dec1/4, but it could be a hair smaller. My 12" powerbook swims in it.

[wxwax]

Negative.
Bummer, I think newspaper shooters might appreciate a bag that did.

[David_S85]

I hate tradeshows, but I'd spend a day at PMA or other big one overseas. Thanks for the peek, Ian.

Sadly, nothing Crumpler in Chicagoland. Bits and pieces perhaps, but nowhere I know of with the complete line of photo bags and backpacks. :cry

I'll probably just pick up a cheap Tamrac 5575 backpack. I need something with an external holder for a small tripod or a tiny three-legged folding chair, or both, so I can ride the bike somewhere and do some shooting. I don't need a laptop pouch. Something to place a 70 oz. water bladder (the insides of a Camelback pack) would be a plus.

[HeldDown]

AHA! My dream bag! I *nearly* bought a 7 Mill home, but enhed enough to say no because it didn't have a laptop compartment. Now... my life is complete. I can't wait to buy this! :D

[ian408]

Canon had, by my estimation, one of the largest booths in the whole
convention center. But they didn't have the collection of big glass that
Nikon did...or did they? But we're not going to discuss glass :uhoh

http://ian408.smugmug.com/photos/58372547-M.jpg

The big news on the accessory front was not when Canon would refresh
some of the tried but true lens line up or even when they'd get a nice wide
lens for the full frame crowd but the introduction of the new for photographers iPF5000 printer.

This bad boy features a 12 tank pigment ink system and Canon's
Full-photolithography Inkjet Nozzle Engineering, FINE. The printer can print
on a variety of different papers up to 1.5mm thick.

This is a big printer. Approximately 39x29x12. It prints on roll stock as well
as a wide variety of paper stock.

http://ian408.smugmug.com/photos/58372546-M.jpg

Print resolution is 2400x1200dpi and get this, it has over 30,000 nozzles on
two different print heads!

Canon rounds out the line of pro grade printers with two others. The
PIXMA Pro9500 and the PIXMA Pro9000. Both fine printers.

Stay tuned for more PMA goodies and gadgets!

[ian408]

Something you see right away is the lack of traditional mini-labs. They're
at the show but nobody's buying them like before. The photo printing
business is moving towards kiosks in a big way.

http://ian408.smugmug.com/photos/58374978-M.jpg

The kiosk is self-serve and can be placed anywhere. Manufacturers like Doli,
HP and Durst are building these kiosks and most are outfitting them with the
kitchen sink. The consumer puts his digital compact flash into the machine
and proceeds to print or burn a CD from the data.

There were so many of them, DIMA scheduled a shoot out :D

http://ian408.smugmug.com/photos/58374980-M.jpg

As I say, the number of people building/branding/selling kiosks is huge and
with the change to digital, retailers have been forced to think differently.
That means out with the old mini-labs and in with the kiosks.

Unlike the mini-lab, a kiosk has no operator and must work flawlessly. From
down loading the image to cropping and editing, the box has to work. Most
have some form of 'phone home' diagnostics and can schedule a supply
replenishment as needed.

Fascinating the rate of change is.

Stay tunned! More coming.

[gus]

All very interesting ian...keep it coming. How much was that canon printer in the photo above ?

[David_S85]

And... did Smugmug have a booth?

[gus]

And... did Smugmug have a booth?

Bloody good point !

[DoctorIt]

mini-lab, eh? Is that what they're called these days???

http://ian408.smugmug.com/photos/58374978-Th.jpg

[patch29]

The big news on the accessory front was not when Canon would refresh
some of the tried but true lens line up or even when they'd get a nice wide
lens for the full frame crowd but the introduction of the new for photographers iPF5000 printer.


How did you like the print quality? That print in your photo looks good, did you see any B&W prints? :ear

[ziggy53]

mini-lab, eh? Is that what they're called these days???

http://ian408.smugmug.com/photos/58374978-Th.jpg

Erik, you perv! (That's just what I was thinking. :uhoh )

ziggy53

[ian408]

How did you like the print quality? That print in your photo looks good, did you see any B&W prints? :ear

Print quality was outstanding. The one you see was just printed. There were
a couple of B&W's around but I couldn't tell if they were from the 5k or not.
They were nice prints either way (the b/w).

[wxwax]

Ian, the box my Karachi came in this week recognizes you and says hi!

http://wxwax.smugmug.com/photos/58396620-M.jpg

[patch29]

Ian, the box my Karachi came in this week recognizes you and says hi!

http://wxwax.smugmug.com/photos/58396620-Ti.jpg


Help, My Credit Card has fallen and it can't get up. :deal :wxwax :lol3



Pssst, where is the photo of the box the 5D came in? :ear

[wxwax]

Help, My Credit Card has fallen and it can't get up. :deal :wxwax :lol3



Pssst, where is the photo of the box the 5D came in? :ear
:lol3 Not here yet, they only shipped it yesterday, a three day delay. :bluduh

[MelP]

http://ian408.smugmug.com/photos/58269127-Th.jpg



http://ian408.smugmug.com/photos/58269129-Th.jpg


Just what I have been looking for!!! So excited. When and where will I be able to buy it????

Thanks, :D
Mel

[patch29]

:lol3 Not here yet, they only shipped it yesterday, a three day delay. :bluduh

When will you be buying some Contax lenses? :ear :bad

[gus]

Ian, the box my Karachi came in this week recognizes you and says hi!


Waxy...how have you found the karachi now that the tripod holder is in the centre on the back ? I recon it would be near useless on the bike as it would hit the seat.

[wxwax]

When will you be buying some Contax lenses? :ear :bad
Never. :lol3

[wxwax]

Waxy...how have you found the karachi now that the tripod holder is in the centre on the back ? I recon it would be near useless on the bike as it would hit the seat.
Gus, I haven't field tested it yet. I probably wouldn't use it on the bike anyway. Usually I pack the tripod in the right side pannier and put the camera gear in a smaller bag in the topbox.

I've gone through the bag, haven't packed it up yet. First impressions are that it's deep, which is good; should hold a lot, which is good; the back is hard to unzip, which is bad but may get better with use; and the carry handle is much too small, which is bad.

I'll probably load it up and go walkabout this weekend, then I'll have a better idea of how much I like it. I'm curious to see if that tripod strap works well: I must admit I'm a bit skeptical.

[DoctorIt]

the back is hard to unzip, which is bad but may get better with use; they do improve, but they're awfully rugged (read: stiff) bags, so not as much break-in as a Lowepro or other cordura bag. I've been carrying my DecemberQuarter to work everyday for a year now, and I'd be hard pressed to tell the difference from new. I think rather than breaking in, you just get used to it.

[wxwax]

they do improve, but they're awfully rugged (read: stiff) bags, so not as much break-in as a Lowepro or other cordura bag. I've been carrying my DecemberQuarter to work everyday for a year now, and I'd be hard pressed to tell the difference from new. I think rather than breaking in, you just get used to it.
Hmmmm. What if it went for a swim? :evil

[gus]

Gus, I haven't field tested it yet. I probably wouldn't use it on the bike anyway. Usually I pack the tripod in the right side pannier and put the camera gear in a smaller bag in the topbox.

I've gone through the bag, haven't packed it up yet. First impressions are that it's deep, which is good; should hold a lot, which is good; the back is hard to unzip, which is bad but may get better with use; and the carry handle is much too small, which is bad.

I'll probably load it up and go walkabout this weekend, then I'll have a better idea of how much I like it. I'm curious to see if that tripod strap works well: I must admit I'm a bit skeptical.

I use my tripod star all the time & one the GS it just touches the pannier top if i lean back. No way in hell would my tripod fit in a pannier. I was in the crumpler shop last week & saw the karachi & they told me that is is a tad deeper than the brians hot-tub but a bees doodle shorter.

[wxwax]

I use my tripod star all the time & one the GS it just touches the pannier top if i lean back. No way in hell would my tripod fit in a pannier. I was in the crumpler shop last week & saw the karachi & they told me that is is a tad deeper than the brians hot-tub but a bees doodle shorter.

I specifically bought a tripod I knew could fit in a pannier when folded. As a result, it has four sections intead of three, but that's not a big deal. I do have to unscrew the head, but again, not a big deal.

It's definitely deep, although the internal sides slope up, so the 'pockets' down each side aren't square, they have a sloping bottom/side. I'm curious to see how I'll have to move the velcro partitions around.

My first task is simply to load the bag the way I had my other backpack loaded for the SF trip, then compare. That was the 1DmkII body, 70-200 2.8 IS, 16-35, 24-70, 50 1.4, hoods, tiny laptop, memory card wallet, lens cleaner, spare batt, circular polarizer, small towel, tiny gadget bag with level and LED light, wired remote. I think that's it.

[ian408]

Whew. Unfortunately, no pictures of the bags and cases selections.

Mountainsmith and Naneu Pro were the new guys on the block.

Between them, an impressive selection of bags. Roll cases, backpakcs and
sling bags, they had them all.

Mountainsmith are old hands at making outdoor and other travel luggage.
They've made quality gear since the 1970's. I've had one of their waist
packs for going on 10 years and it's never let me down. Their photography
gear ranges in size from compact to backpack--that's powershot to multi
dSLRs.

One complaint about Mountainsmith is the bags seem to be adapted to
cameras instead of designed for them. They'll do the trick but still aren't
as neat and clean as say Crumpler Designs or Lowe.

Naneu Pro have a very complete line that seems to take the best from
other manufacturers to produce a line of bags that are well built and
easy to afford. Their backpacks incorporate some of the features I like
about Crumpler and Lowe. Their Correspondent is very similar to the
Tenba bag I own--almost too similar. The Goombah and Minigoombah are
two carry on bags able to get most of your gear into the overhead--too bad
it won't hold a 500mm lens (a minor nit).

Lowe Pro are still the kings of bags. The Stealth AW II gets your camera
gear and a laptop into the bag. Another unique product is the combination
best and harness. This would be ideal for carrying a small amount of gear.
Say to the sidelines. The Stealth Reporter is another gear bag worthy of a
look. A shoulder bag, this will hold a body and a few lenses. If it's rolling
stock, the Road Runner AW gets you a couple of bodies and a variety of
lenses in an airline sized rolling case.

Want a rugged ABS plastic case? Stormcase and Pelican were at the show
with a variety of photographic capable products. I'll leave this one for you
to look through as the case sizes and filler material vary as do the sizes.
Most use a "pick foam" allowing you to neatly fit all of your gear into these
cases. Many have wheels allowing you to at least roll them around once off
the plane. Also featured are valves that let you release the pressure as
required.

Whew! Lots of bags. Some good, some not so good. Hopefully, I've given
you a couple of things to look at as you shop around for that favorite bag.

Manufacturers Web Sites:


Crumpler Bags (http://www.crumplerbags.com.au) (covered elsewhere in this thread).
Storm Cases (http://www.stormcases.com)
Mountainsmith (http://www.mountainsmith.com)
Pelican Cases (http://www.pelican.com)
Naneu Pro (http://www.naneupro.com/)

[Nikolai]

Much appreciated!:thumb
Cheers!:1drink

[patch29]

Mountainsmith and Naneu Pro were the new guys on the block.
Mountainsmith (http://www.mountainsmith.com)


Thanks for the update. I have not looked at Mountainsmith in a long time, but I too own one of their waist packs I bought back in 1993. :uhoh I only wish the website had better photos, mainly some interior shots and schematics.

I hope the trend for backpack manufacturers to being making combined camera and camping backpacks increases. I have never been happy with the large Lowepro ones. Whenever I loaded up one of their large packs they were very uncomfortable for me to carry. I felt as though I were being pulled over backwards, for a short distance it would be fine. The one I bought from Tenba has worked the best for me so far, but lacks the space for much personal gear.

Tenba (http://tenbagear.com/) continues to impress me with the full line of gear they offer, from their large air cases to shoulder bags to cases to ship computers in. They also continue to offer new products with nice improvements. I think they will have a booth at Photoshopworld in a couple weeks. I would like to go and check it out.

I am also working on modifying a backpacking backpack to hold my camera and hiking/camping gear. Hopefully it will be ready soon. A 5D would sure save me some space and weight versus the 1DmkII and it's much larger batteries. :scratch :deal

[Andy]

Unlike the mini-lab, a kiosk has no operator and must work flawlessly.

So, I sat on a panel discussion at PMA, and one part of the discussion centered around these kiosks, and bluetooth - mobile phone connectivity - camera phones represent the largest single digital camera segment in the world, and they are getting better all the time. Sadly, of 4 testers and 20 different kiosks, only one tester could get his photos off the camera and loaded / printed by the kiosk.

They still have a ways to go :evil

[Andy]

And... did Smugmug have a booth?

:nah much better to work the show and meet people individually, at least for us.

[ian408]

When I think of Op/Tech, I think of camera straps built to carry a brick while
offering the photograper a bit of comfort carrying the camera. These straps
are ultra cush. Using neoprene as well as a non-slip grip, they are
the Cadillac of comfort.

In addition to camera straps, Op/Tech also manufactures a line of weatherproof
camera/lens covers, soft wraps as well as numerous other neoprene covers.

RRS customers know the value of having a cover for a ball head--chances are
it came from Op/Tech. Owners of other ball heads will be happy to know that
several sizes to cover your particular head. The advantage of a cover is that
it prevents the head from damage in the form of scratches or even dust/dirt
getting into the head.

Camera bags as well as other accessory bags round out the lineup of goodies
available from Op/Tech.

One thing that I noticed for sale are Tripod Leg Wraps. Recall we had a
thread about this some time back and one of the recommendations was to
use hot water pipe insulation and a bit of gaffer's tape to hold it on. The
wraps come in three different size. 1", 1.25" and 1.5" diameter.

Visit www.optechusa.com for more information on the products.

[limbik]

Ahhh, word is this is the "BRAZILLION DOLLAR HOME" and boy would I like to get my hands on one, but comments at dpreview say late summer. :cry

[Bodley]

Ahhh, word is this is the "BRAZILLION DOLLAR HOME" and boy would I like to get my hands on one, but comments at dpreview say late summer. :cry

Hands on what exactly?

[wxwax]

Visit www.optechusa.com for more information on the products.
Hmmm, tripod strap. Thanks for the link and the commentary.

[Bodley]

Hands on what exactly?

Checked it out - cool bag :thumb

[limbik]

Hands on what exactly?

That sexy bag for my oversized rig what else?

[patch29]

The big news on the accessory front was not when Canon would refresh some of the tried but true lens line up or even when they'd get a nice wide lens for the full frame crowd but the introduction of the new for photographers iPF5000 printer.



Canon finally has this printer listed on their website, here (http://consumer.usa.canon.com/ir/controller?act=ModelDetailAct&fcategoryid=170&modelid=13098), and they also have more indepth specs. If it passes the longevity test this may be a very nice printer to own. I am sure we will hear about it once it becomes available.

[ian408]

Imaging Resource is the co-sponser of the show and they've been kind enough
to put a few video clips up on their website (http://www.imaging-resource.com/EVENTS/PMAS06/PMAS06VIDEO.HTML).

These videos range from the new printers mentioned elsewhere in this thread
to imaging sensors from Kodak to a number of new cameras.

Enjoy.

[photobug]

Yes. [Crumpler has a store] in Palo Alto, CA.
No kidding?! That's right between home & work, for me. I had no idea it was there.

I have never seen a Crumpler bag and only heard about them through the occasional raves at DGrin. I've refused to buy one because the Crumpler website is so poor, there was no way (that I could find) to see the inside of their bags!! They only thing I had to go by was the names of the bags ... and you know how "useful" that is! Great sense of humor, that company, but the bag names convey zero information.

Now, I suppose someday I'll have to stop by the Palo Alto store ... although I just got a new bag and a new photo backpack in December, so I won't need a new bag for a while...

[ian408]

No kidding?! That's right between home & work, for me. I had no idea it was there.

I have never seen a Crumpler bag and only heard about them through the occasional raves at DGrin. I've refused to buy one because the Crumpler website is so poor, there was no way (that I could find) to see the inside of their bags!! They only thing I had to go by was the names of the bags ... and you know how "useful" that is! Great sense of humor, that company, but the bag names convey zero information.

Now, I suppose someday I'll have to stop by the Palo Alto store ... although I just got a new bag and a new photo backpack in December, so I won't need a new bag for a while...

The website is a love it or hate it thing. But you will notice there's a link to
inside the bag photo for each bag. Having seen them 'in person', I must say
the quality is pretty darn good.

I'm going to go and take a look at the store--which turns out to be Palo Alto
Sports and Toys.

[photobug]

The website is a love it or hate it thing. Or both!

It's hilarious -- it's so off-the-wall (in a Monty Python kind of way) that it completely cracks me up. But it's difficult to navigate, has no obvious search facility, makes lousy use of web browser page real estate (the images are teeny-tiny, the page looks like it was made for a VGA screen, and forces those unecessary scroll bars on visitors when our web browser can supply their own perfectly good scroll bars when needed, thank you very much). The web site doesn't even provide as much product information as most other web sites (or maybe we just don't notice it because it's diluted by so much zany fun stuff). How about a web page showing the bags next to each other so their relative sizes are obvious, instead of having to pick through the numeric dimensions on all the bag pages? (Tamrac has a pretty decent web site for its bags; not perfect, but pretty usable)

For those coming in in the middle of this, the web site in question is http://www.crumplernyc.com/ .

I certainly don't mean to be a wet blanket, but my assessment of the Crumpler web site is that it's great for entertainment but lousy for business. I'll go there to get a laugh but not to buy a bag. useable for business?]

The best thing Crumpler has going for it is worth-of-mouth by rabidly happy Crumpler bag owners :-).

But you will notice there's a link to
inside the bag photo for each bag. Thank goodness it does now have some kind of inside-the-bag shots! But even then, most of the photos are of the bag full of equipment, when I also want to see the inside of the bag empty. Sigh...

...the store is Palo Alto Sports and Toys [in Palo Alto, CA] Thanks! I'll stop by sometime. (I think we bought our kids some swim fins there, last summer) I'm certainly curious to see a Crumpler "live"!