As I type this, PhotoPlus Expo 2006 is in full swing at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in New York. I visited the show yesterday. I didn't focus too much on the cameras themselves, beyond coveting many; they are more than adequately covered (and reviewed) by PC Magazine's camera analyst Terry Sullivan. I was looking for accessories and gear, and there was plenty. Click on More to see a bunch of photos. I'll try to post more later on...
One of the most fun items to catch my eye was the MonsterPod "gravity-defying camera tripod." On top, it's like a beanbag, so you can move your camera around and position right where you want it. But on the bottom it's covered with a Silly Putty-like substance that sticks to just about any surface, slick or textured, for up to an hour. This will come in handy next time, say, you've hiked to the peak of Mount Denali and want a picture of yourself; just attach it to a rock and you're in business.
Speaking of unusual tripods, Joby was there with a couple new versions of its Gorillapod, one for SLRs and one for SLR-zooms. Between this and the MonsterPod, you should be able to take pictures just about anywhere. More important, though: If they got into a fight, who would win?
I am always looking for better carrying cases for my gear. There were a lot of camera cases at the show (including those from my good friends at Crumpler!), but I was particularly drawn to the Kata Ergo-Tech bags. They just looked so damn cool, came in lots of shapes/sizes, and are made from Elasto-Guard, which molds to your body.
Random show shot: Adobe always attracts nice crowds in for its demos.
Another nice-looking camera bag is the LowePro SlingShot 300 AW. It's "designed to hold professional digital SLR camera bodies with an attached zoom lens, plus five to six additional lenses, flash units, memory cards and personal accessories." It also looks super comfortable and very wearable, with the waist strap and single back strap. Get one early in 2007, for $124.99.
Lensbaby showed up with its new 3G lens; it has the same cool "selective focus" ability as the 2.0 lens, but now you can lock it into place. Take a look at Ben Gottesman's review of the 2.0 for a slideshow of pictures he took with the lens; very arty and compelling.
Another random show shot: Here is one of the many photography displays you can find on the PhotoPlus show floor; really, my favorite thing about going.
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