Hands on with the Samsung TL500

Announced this weekend at PMA in Anaheim, the new Samsung TL500 has been creating a good amount of buzz for the past few days. Samsung's new flagship compact  fits right into that increasingly popular "prosumer" category, making it an ideal step-up camera for those looking to move into more advanced equipment without jumping straight to D-SLR, and for those pro shooters who like to keep a more compact camera on-hand alongside their D-SLR.

The TL500 has a 24mm ultra‑wide angle Schneider KREUZNACH f/1.8 lens, and as shown above, can be paired with an optional wide-angle adapter that takes the lens from 24mm to 18mm. It has a super bright 3-inch swiveling AMOLED screen that shows deep blacks and really rich colors. The camera has a sturdy, pro-like feeling when it's in-hand, and I anticipate this high end compact---with full manual shooting modes---will be giving others in its category a run for their money. Samsung is definitely emerging as the dark horse in the digital camera game, thanks especially to their new CES announcement, the NX10, and now the TL500.

Hands on with the Sigma DP1x

Besides the optics they announced at PMA in Anaheim, Sigma introduced three new cameras, including a new large sensor, compact camera---the DP1x. The DP1x is a successor to the DP1 and shares features with the DP2 (which we reviewed in the magazine last year, and which also got an upgrade at PMA in the new DP2s). It utilizes the same large, 14MP Foveon CMOS image sensor that is found in Sigma's D-SLRs, and which as you can see in the image below, is massive compared to the typical compact camera's image sensor. "It is approximately seven to twelve times larger than the 1/1.8inch to 1/2.5inch image sensors used in ordinary compact digital cameras," according to Sigma.

The DP1x uses the “TRUE II” image processing engine found in the DP2 as well as a new AF algorithm that is supposed to provide super high speed auto focusing. The camera feels very sturdy in-hand and looks good too. The series has developed a cult following due to its stylish, professional look and D-SLR-like image quality, all in a compact body. There isn't pricing available yet for the camera---or for the other two announced (DP2s and the SD15 D-SLR)---but a good indicator is that the DP1 currently goes for $819 (MSRP) and the DP2 for $870 (MSRP).

Sigma's "Not a Fisheye" Lens

This weekend at PMA in Anaheim, Sigma announced a whopping new lineup of lenses, including the 8-16mm F4.5-5.6 DC HSM---the first ultra wide zoom lens with a minimum focal length of 8mm, designed specifically for APS-C size image sensors. The first thing you think when you see this compact lens is, "Hey, look at that Fisheye lens," but you're absolutely wrong (as I was). In fact, the curved glass is actually the "hybrid aspherical lens" with two "glass mold elements [to] give excellent correction for distortion and astigmatism." Sigma's David Metz even joked that the unofficial name of this 8-16mm lens was the "Not a Fisheye Lens."

Also introduced by Sigma was the 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM, which is being marketed as the perfect upgrade to the standard 18-50mm F11 kit lens of so many entry-level D-SLRs. Besides these two mentioned, Sigma introduced three other lenses. There is no official pricing for the new optics, mainly because they are so new that they haven't even gotten a chance to really shoot with them to see what price points they should be at, but they will be available at the upcoming WPPI show in Las Vegas for people to check out in person.

Hands on with the Olympus PEN E-PL1

Three weeks ago, Olympus announced their new Micro Four-Thirds format, interchangeable lens E-PL1 camera, and now we’ve gotten a chance here at PMA to get a closer look at it—and to compare it to its predecessors in the PEN line, the E-P1 and E-P2. The E-PL1 is much lighter than the E-P2 (and costs half as much—$599 to the E-P2’s $1099). It also offers some more entry-level features for people just moving into the format from a point-and-shoot. Intelligent Auto (IA) Mode offers a plain-speak menu of “Live Guide Control” options for easy enhancements, such as  "brighten subject" or “blur background.” The E-PL1 also lacks more accessible manual controls and dials on the body, as seen below compared to the E-P2, though it still features full Manual shooting modes.

Olympus PEN E-P2 (left) and PEN E-PL1 (right)

A standout feature that appears in the E-PL1 that was lacking in the E-P2 is a built-in flash. Neither camera has a viewfinder—which is unfortunate especially at $1099 for a more advanced camera like the E-P2—but they sell a separate electronic viewfinder that can be mounted to the accessory port. As you can see, Olympus offered us a bright pile of random objects---feathers and action figures---to test shoot with the E-PL1, and the resultant images were impressively sharp and bright. Olympus says the E-PL1 will be available within the next couple of weeks.

SanDisk Announces 64GB Ultra SDXC Card

Here at PMA in Anaheim, SanDisk has just announced that they've begun shipping the 64GB Ultra SDXC card---the company’s highest capacity SD card ever, and the successor to the SDHC format cards. For video folks, the 64GB capacity SDXC, with up to 15MB/sec read speed2 and Class 4 speed rating, is ideal for capturing and storing massive 1080p HD video files and then transferring them quickly to a computer. But, as SanDisk says, "Because the SD 3.0 specification was recently released, only a handful of devices may be immediately available that support SDXC cards. However, the pace of new camera model introduction supporting the SDXC format is accelerating. Canon announced at CES that all of its new VIXIA camcorder models and PowerShot cameras are compatible with SDXC cards." The 64GB Ultra SDXC card is priced at $349.99.

Lensbaby Birthday Party

Tomorrow marks the sixth birthday of Lensbaby, maker of that amazing Optic Swap System for capturing stunning selective focus images. To celebrate their birthday here at PMA in Anaheim, Lensbaby is "throwing a big social media bash," as they're calling it, and giving away a ton of gifts that have been donated by their friends in the photo industry. Here's the info on how to win, below. And make sure to stop by the Lensbaby booth if you're at PMA at 1:00pm tomorrow, 2/22, when they celebrate with cupcakes! You know the DP team will be there.

From Lensbaby:

The Grand Prize will be a Lensbaby Composer plus all 6 Optic Swap Optics - one for each year of our life. In addition, lucky participants will get fabulous photo gifts donated by our friends including Bay Photo, Digital Photo Academy, Focal Press, Hoodman, Joby, Kubota Image Tools, Lenspen, Plywerk, Nasty Clamps, SmugMug, Tamrac, Trek-Tech and others.

There are 7 ways to enter, and you get one raffle ticket for each way you enter giving you many chances to score a birthday present. Enter now through March 5th. We'll announce winners in mid March. The seven ways to win:

• Retweet our Birthday tweet,
• Follow SeeInANewWay on Twitter,
• Become a fan of our Facebook page,
• Sign up for our newsletter,
• Join the Lensbaby Studio Forum,
• Become a contact of our Flickr page,
• Or visit our booth #1133 at PMA.

Joby Magnetic Gorillapod and Ballhead X

Joby's original, bendable Gorillapod tripod now has magnetic feet, allowing you to attach it to metal surfaces (such as toolboxes, apparently, as seen on their display here at PMA) so that you always get that steady shot or self portrait. This thing's strong enough to hold up to 11.5  oz. (enough for most any compact camera), and has a lock ring to give you extra confidence that your camera will stay put as it hangs from an upside-down golf club head (another example at Joby's PMA booth.)

Their recently introduced Ball X---designed for the Gorillapod Focus---supports 11 oz. of weight in equipment, cantilevered, to position your camera at pretty much any angle. It allows smooth movement for 360-degree panning and 90-degree tilt, an has a universal quick-release plate, which stays connected to your camera so that you can switch between cams efficiently.

Casio Announces EX-S7 and EX-Z35

Here at PMA in Anaheim, Casio has announced two new compact point-and-shoots in their EXILIM line---the 12MP EX-S7 and the 12MP EX-Z35, which both offer Casio's "Best Shot" shooting modes for no-confusion scene selection. We also got to see the rugged G-1, which can sustain a drop of 6-feet and be submerged under water (up to 10-feet) for an hour. See the full press release from Casio below.

Also on display in Casio's booth is a concept camera with built-in "hybrid" GPS technology, which would allow for photographers to get positioning even when they can't get a GPS signal---either inside a building or in a remote area outdoors.

From Casio:

ANAHEIM, CA —FEBRUARY 21, 2010 — Adding to a rich tradition of digital cameras that balance technology and style, Casio America, Inc. and its parent company, Casio Computer Co., Ltd., introduced two new compact models to their popular EXILIM line. The EX-S7 and the EX-Z35 boast intelligent automated features found in a slim and stylish compact design allowing users to capture moments effortlessly. Earlier this month, Casio America, Inc. began shipping the popular EX-FC150 featuring Casio’s exclusive shutter lag eliminating High Speed BEST SHOT Continuous Modes. The new EXILIM models will be on display at Photo Marketing Association (PMA) 2010 in Anaheim, CA, Casio Booth #2241.

The EX-S7 and EX-Z35 embody the sophistication and innovation of Casio’s EXILIM line. Offering modernized features and improved image processing capabilities through BEST SHOT, Easy-Mode and Face Detection, the new cameras deliver quality images that can be shared on a variety of social media platforms such as Facebook and YouTube™. Whether on-the-go or spending quality time with friends and family, the photo taking and sharing experience is fun and occurs at the touch of a button. Complementing any style, the cameras come in a variety of dazzling colors.

Developed with Casio’s latest EXILIM Engine 5.0, which delivers higher image quality and lower power consumption, the EX-S7 is a 12.1 effective megapixel digital camera with a 3X optical zoom lens and a 2.7 inch, high-quality LCD screen. With a quick-access dedicated movie button, users can record memorable moments in 720p high-definition (HD). Additionally, the EX-S7 is compatible with SD memory cards.

The camera also features Casio’s celebrated Dynamic Photo, a Hollywood-like green-screen effect which adds animated graphics into still photos where users can create unique e-greetings to share with friends and family. Dynamic Photo gives the power to create original and artistic visuals that can be emailed, posted on social networks and even printed out at home.

With the EX-Z35, Casio adds to the exciting new line-up designed for the photographer that seeks a high-performance digital camera without intimidating controls and settings. Featuring Casio’s easy Mode function, a simplified menu screen that offers seamless navigation, the EX-Z35 is also equipped with Face Detection. The camera produces images at a 12.1 effective megapixel resolution and is equipped with a 3X optical zoom lens. The EX-Z35 comes in an eye-catching compact body for active lifestyles.

With much excitement, Casio’s highly anticipated EX-FC150, featuring 10.1MP, 5X optical zoom lens and Casio’s exclusive High Speed capture technologies, has arrived to North America. The new EX-FC150 makes using High Speed capture easier. By combining two popular modes found in its predecessor, the EX-FC100, the EX-FC150 is equipped with easy-to-use shutter-lag eliminating BEST SHOT scene modes. By automating Casio’s High Speed Pre-Recording and lightning-fast Continuous Burst modes into five simple BEST SHOT modes, The EXILIM EX-FC150 ensures the shot is never missed.

“Casio is committed to delivering high quality digital cameras that produce crisp images that capture life's vibrant colors in detail. Our goal is to create easy-to-use cameras for any lifestyle,” says Toshiyuki Iguchi, senior general manager of Casio’s Digital Imaging Division at Casio America, Inc. “We are thrilled to expand the popular EXILIM lineup with the additions of the EX-S7 and EX-Z35.”

The EX-S7 will be available in the spring with an MSRP of $139.99 and is available in fashionable colors such as black and purple. The EX-Z35, available this March, will have an MSRP of $109.99 and will be offered in black, silver, pink, red and blue body colors. The EX-FC-150 will be available for $349 in two colors, black and a cabernet wine.

PMA '10 Sony Press Conference

At Sony's press conference, minutes ago at PMA here in Anaheim, they introduced a mock-up model of a new camera concept---an ultra compact a (Alpha) D-SLR model with interchangeable lenses. We also got to see the newly announced Cyber-shot DSC-TX5 and H55 in person.

PMA '10 Sneak Peek

A day before the PMA show officially opens here in Anaheim, the press gets a "sneak peek" at an eponymously named event. Today, at that event, I got to see a lot of the cameras that have been recently announced by Pentax, Nikon, Samsung and Olympus, and several new PMA announcements from the likes of HP and GE. This is also the venue where I get the time to check out gear like bags and innovative new ideas from smaller companies, such as PhotoFramed.com.

I got to get my hands on newly announced Pentax cameras, including the teeny tiny, adorably retro-looking Optio I-10; the brand new Samsung TL350, which was just announced this morning; and the Nikon COOLPIX S8000, with its ultra bright 3-inch LCD screen that's similar to that of the pro level D3s D-SLR---which I also got to check out.

New from GE (General Imaging) is a line of super automatic point-and-shoot digicams---meaning they leave almost nothing to the photographer other than to press the shutter release. The memory is all built-in, as well as the battery, but General Imaging says that's what consumers asked for. Point. And. Shoot. The most important feature of these cameras, for the fashionistas they're geared toward, anyway, is that they were co-designed by Jason Wu, an exciting young New York fashion designer, and feature an assortment of color choices and leather finishes.

New from HP is a lineup of affordable point-and-shoots, including the 12.2MP PW550 with 5x optical zoom and the 12MP CW450 with a 2.7-inch touch LDC.

The just announced Lowepro SlingShot AW series was the most exciting bag selection I saw today. Lowepro's SlingShots have been wildly popular with photographers since they first came out five years ago because of the way they allow for rapid access to cameras and gear. For this new generation, they've made a few upgrades based on consumer feedback from the field to further enhance that experience, including the ability to carry a smaller tripod on the outside, and interior space for personal items besides camera gear.

Check back for more in-depth, hands-on looks at new cameras and gear over the next couple of days, as we traverse the crowded landscape of the PMA show floor.

Samsung Announces TL500

Here at PMA in Anaheim, Samsung has just announced the new TL500---a 10MP "high end" compact camera that looks to be edging into the "prosumer" compact market, in which the Canon G-series and Nikon P6000 have found their homes. Samsung is calling the TL500 their new flagship compact digital camera, and "a milestone in the industry." It has a 24mm ultra‑wide angle Schneider KREUZNACH, f/1.8 lens, a 1/1.7-inch CCD sensor, a DRIMeIII imaging processor and a 3-inch, swiveling AMOLED screen. The TL500 supports RAW and offers Aperture and Shutter-Priority, and Manual shooting modes. It shoots video as well (640x480 at 30fps in H.264 format)---same as in the recently reviewed Samsung DualView TL225. The TL500 will be available in Spring 2010 for $449.99. See the press release below.

From Samsung:

Anaheim, CA (February 20, 2010) - Samsung Electronics America, Inc., a market leader and award-winning innovator in consumer electronics, proudly introduces the 10 mega-pixel TL500, a high-end compact digital camera designed specifically for today’s advanced and enthusiast photographers. The new flagship of the company’s compact digital camera family, the new TL500 incorporates a full-range of advanced features, including a high-performance imaging sensor and one of the brightest lenses ever featured on a compact camera – a 24mm ultra‑wide angle Schneider KREUZNACH, f/1.8. The TL500 will be on display during PMA 2010, February 21‑23, in the Samsung booth, #2227, in the Anaheim Convention Center.

“With the TL500, Samsung further differentiates its lineup from the competition and achieves yet another milestone in the industry,” said Mr. SJ Park, CEO of Samsung Digital Imaging Company. “With ultra-wide angle capability and unparalleled speed, the TL500’s lens offers a new level of versatility allowing the user to be more creative and take better pictures.”

High-Quality Optics and Images

The Samsung TL500 is sure to turn heads thanks to its ultra-wide, f/1.8 Schneider lens – one of the brightest ever featured on a compact digital camera. The impressive f/1.8 lens offers photographers a wider range of aperture steps and shallow depth-of-field, giving them the ability to blur out the background of their images while maintaining focus on their subjects. The ultra-fast, f/1.8 lens also allows users to take better photos in low-light environments as more light is passed through to the new high-performance 1/1.7” CCD sensor. Larger than the sensors typically found in compact digital cameras, the TL500’s 1/1.7” CCD offers unrivaled sensitivity (max ISO 3200/full-resolution). Together with Samsung’s re‑engineered and fast, DRIMeIII imaging processor, the TL500 captures high-quality images, regardless of the lighting environment.

The high-end Schneider lens offers a 24mm, ultra-wide focal length and 3x optical zoom. Much wider than traditional compact cameras, the TL500’s 24mm ultra-wide angle lens allows photographers to capture more of a desired scene, such as beautiful landscapes and large groups of friends or family. For blur‑free images, the TL500’s lens is also paired with Samsung’s Dual Image Stabilization technology.

Versatile Display Enhances the Viewing Experience

Composing and reviewing images on the TL500’s three-inch, swiveling AMOLED screen is a pleasure. The rotating AMOLED display will allow photographers to precisely frame their images the way they want and shoot from just about any angle, including overhead or low‑to‑the-ground shots.  Compared to the traditional TFT-LCD found on most digital cameras, the TL500’s AMOLED provides users with a higher contrast ratio, deeper blacks and more accurate, vivid colors, even when viewed from an angle or in direct sunlight. The TL500’s AMOLED display is also more efficient when it comes to power consumption, allowing photographers to maximize battery life and shoot longer on a single charge.

Multiple Shooting Options

The TL500 supports RAW and gives enthusiasts full control over their images thanks to its shutter‑priority, aperture‑priority and full Manual shooting modes. When using these settings, shooters can experiment with features such as slower shutter speeds and depth‑of‑field; however, for those who prefer ease-of-use over manual controls, the TL500 also offers Samsung’s Smart Auto 2.0 (Still & Movie) scene recognition technology. Applicable for video recording (640x480 / 30fps / H.264) and taking digital stills, this intelligent feature analyzes the scene and then automatically selects the appropriate settings for the best results possible. Using this mode requires minimal effort and does not sacrifice image quality for simple operation.

Samsung Announces TL350

Here at PMA in Anaheim, Samsung has just announced the TL350 compact camera. Compared to the simultaneously announced TL500 flagship "prosumer" camera, the TL350 boasts a 10MP CMOS image sensor and shoots full 1080p HD video.  Like the TL500, though, it also supports RAW, offers Manual control and has a 24mm ultra‑wide angle Schneider KREUZNACH lens. The TL350 will be available in Spring 2010 for $349.99. See the press release below.

From Samsung:

Anaheim, CA (February 20, 2010) – Samsung Electronics America, Inc., a market leader and award‑winning innovator in consumer electronics, today unveiled the TL350 - a high-speed, 10 mega‑pixel compact camera with 1080P, full-HD video recording. With a maximum video recording speed of 1,000 frames-per-second (fps) and a burst mode capable of capturing 10 full-size digital stills per second, the TL350 takes high-speed imaging to a new level for today’s consumer. Additionally, the TL350 enhances the digital imaging experience with Samsung’s Advanced Panorama Shot with Object Tracking as well as an innovative Dual Capture mode, which allows users to simultaneously take 10 mega-pixel still images while recording full-HD videos. The TL350 will be on display during PMA 2010, February 21-23, in the Samsung booth, #2227, in the Anaheim Convention Center.

“The TL350 is representative of Samsung’s strategy to lead the digital imaging industry through product innovation,” said Mr. SJ Park, CEO of Samsung Digital Imaging Company. “Consumers have expressed frustration with having to choose between shooting video or taking digital stills with their camera. With the TL350, Samsung has addressed this unmet consumer need, and now gives consumers the ability to do both simultaneously.”

High-Speed Digital Stills and Video

The TL350 allows users to capture high-quality images no matter how fast the action may be. Its advanced CMOS sensor and re-engineered DRIMeIII processor yield impressive low‑light performance and most notably, speed, giving users the ability to capture up to 10 pictures-per-second (pps) at the resolution of 10 mega-pixels. Additionally, the TL350 features a 1,000 fps (138x78), high-speed video recording mode which today’s creative consumer can use to reveal details of a fast moving event in super‑slow motion. Whether it’s used to capture an everyday moment in an astonishing new light or to analyze a golf swing, the capabilities of the TL350’s super-slow motion playback are endless.

Impressive Optics and Display

In addition to its impressive speed, the TL350 also features a high-performance 24mm ultra‑wide angle Schneider KREUZNACH lens complete with a generous 5x optical zoom. Much wider than traditional compact cameras, the TL350’s 24mm ultra-wide angle lens allows photographers to capture more of a desired scene, such as large groups of friends or family, while the 5x optical zoom will allow them to get in close when shooting from a distance. Samsung’s Advanced Panorama shot with Object Tracking will further enhance the camera’s wide-angle capabilities, ideal for the better capture of scenes such as vast landscapes. For blur‑free images, the TL350’s lens is also paired with Samsung’s Dual Image Stabilization technology.

The TL350 is equipped with a three-inch AMOLED screen providing users with a higher contrast ratio, deeper blacks and more accurate, vivid colors, even when viewed from an angle or in direct sunlight. The AMOLED display is also more efficient when it comes to power consumption, allowing photographers to maximize battery life and shoot longer on a single charge.

Features for the Advanced and Novice Shooter

The TL350 will appeal to both novice and more experienced users thanks to the combination of Smart and Manual controls. The camera’s intuitive Smart Auto 2.0 (Still & Movie) scene recognition technology will take the guess work out of taking a perfect photo or video every time; however, for those users who want to have more control over image capture, the TL350 supports RAW and offers Manual control. When set to Manual, consumers can experiment with features such as slower shutter speeds, depth-of-field and even focus.

Samsung Announces AQ100 and SL605

Here at PMA in Anaheim, Samsung has just announced two new 12MP point-and-shoots---the 0.78-inch thick, waterproof (up to ten feet) AQ100 and the wide-angle zoom, durable SL605. Both cameras will be available in Spring 2010, the AQ100 for $199.99 and the SL605 for $129.99. Read the full press release below.

From Samsung:

Anaheim, CA (February 20, 2010) - Samsung Electronics America, Inc., a market leader and award-winning innovator in consumer electronics, today added two 12 mega-pixel point‑and‑shoots to its digital camera lineup for 2010 - the durable SL605 and the waterproof AQ100. Thanks to their elements‑focused design, the AQ100 and the SL605 grant peace of mind and allow users to focus on taking the perfect shot, rather than worrying about damage to the camera. The AQ100 and the SL605 will be on display during PMA 2010, February 21-23, in the Samsung booth, #2227, in the Anaheim Convention Center.

“Memories can happen at any given moment and in any environment,” said Mr. SJ Park, CEO of Samsung Digital Imaging Company. “Further diversifying and expanding the range of digital imaging solutions available from Samsung, consumers can rely on these durable compacts to perform in the most challenging of environments as they’re both built to last and feature packed for the highest-quality results.”

AQ100

Offering extraordinary capabilities, the slim (0.78” thick) AQ100 was developed for use in up to 10 feet of water and thanks to the camera’s exceptional low-light performance, it’s capable of taking bright images at that depth. Whether taking photos of friends and family in the pool or a school of fish while snorkeling in the ocean, users will benefit from the AQ100’s dedicated Aqua mode, which will optimize camera settings for the best possible underwater photos.

A powerful camera on land or in water, the AQ100 boasts an ample, 5x optical inner‑zoom lens complete with Digital Image Stabilization to help reduce blurry images. Additionally, the AQ100 features a bright, 2.7‑inch TFT-LCD screen for framing and reviewing images.

In addition to taking beautiful still images, consumers can also record impressive 720p HD video above or below the water. The AQ100 offers image stabilization while recording video and for complete simplicity, it has Smart Auto (Still & Movie) scene recognition technology which fine tunes both video and picture settings for the best possible results. All the users have to do is point and shoot.

SL605

The new SL605 was designed with durability in mind, and offers consumers Samsung’s Anti‑scratch Mask, which safeguards the camera from any unwanted scratches during everyday use. Furthermore, key areas of the Samsung SL605, including the bottom, buttons and areas surrounding the 2.7-inch TFT-LCD (230,000 pixel), are rubberized to further protect the camera from elements such as dust, dirt or sand.

Beyond its durability, users will also benefit from the Samsung SL605’s internal 27mm wide‑angle, 5x optical zoom lens, which gives them the ability to take sharp and detailed images from any distance. With a wide-angle lens at their fingertips, users will be able to capture more of a desired scene, such as landscapes or large groups of friends and family. The SL605 offers standard definition, VGA video recording and also features Samsung’s intuitive and easy-to-use Smart Auto scene recognition technology.

Samsung has also incorporated a Smart Night Mode in the new SL605, which will allow consumers to capture sharp, properly exposed images when shooting at night. Typically, a flash can be too bright and wash out one’s subject when used in low-light or night-time settings, ruining what could have been a great image. With Samsung’s new Smart Night Mode, this is no longer an issue as consumers can now increase or decrease the power of the flash to ensure the perfect shot, the way they want, each and every time.

The Best of 2009- PMA

We were able to see a lot of exciting new things at PMA '09 earlier this year and hope to be wowed again at PMA 2010 coming up in late February. Here's what caught our attention in Las Vegas this year:

- After PMA '09, we tried to make heads or tails of the impact that the economic downturn had made on camera manufacturers.

- Pentaxian photographer, Mark Dimalanta, gave a surf photography demo (we later published a major profile on him in the Digital Photographer summer 2009 issue).

- The Liquid Image digital underwater camera mask was more than a novelty at the PMA Sneak Peek.

- The Sony DMC-HX1 was an exciting new entry-level D-SLR with “Sweep Panorama mode.”

- Samsung made a teaser announcement of their NX Series Hybrid camera.

- Panasonic followed up the Lumix G1 from CES with the Micro Four-Thirds Lumix GH1, which shoots HD video.

- The Olympus E-620 D-SLR impressed us with its Art Filters (we went on to do a full-length review of the camera in the Digital Photographer summer 2009 issue).

- Panasonic showed us a vast lineup of new point-and-shoot cameras, a few of which were quite exciting.

The Economy: PMA Edition

It's not surprising that because of the economic downturn PMA was smaller this year than previous years in terms of both attendance and lack of big announcements. There were no new D-SLR unveils from Nikon or Canon, though there were new hybrid, mid-range, interchangeable lens and point-and-shoot cameras announced by many. By simply walking the show floor, or even riding the nearly empty PMA shuttle over to the Las Vegas Convention Center, one could easily sense the drop in attendees, and though that isn't to say that the show was entirely without impressive news from major players in the field, it was telling of the times. All this got me to thinking about the effect of the economy on the photo industry at large. The past few months have brought news of catastrophic worldwide job cuts at CE (Consumer Electronics) giants Sony and Panasonic, as well as the complete collapse, without warning or recovery assistance to clients, of online archiving service Digital Railroad. At PMA I began nosing my way into chats with the various camera manufacturers to get a feel for where they stand on releasing new products and the vision for the company's future as a result of the state of the economy. There is a lot of optimism in the world of camera companies, which is good to hear, though frankly, expected from PR folks. Most companies seem to view the tough times as an opportunity for streamlining their visions for the future, and smaller companies see their larger competitors’ woes as an evening of the playing field, giving them a chance to jump into the consumer consciousness again with new products.

Pentax is one of those smaller companies who see their size and focus solely on imaging as being advantageous. According to Pentax Product Manager for Imaging Systems, Chris Pound, they are "in a better position to react” because they're "running lean and mean” since they don't have other CE products like televisions, such as companies like Samsung, to back them up. This forces them to maintain a clear vision for their company and keep focused momentum behind them to deliver on photographers' needs, "not necessarily [integrating new] features because we can do it, but it's what people want." As far as Pentax's Chris Pound and PR Manager Michelle Martin are concerned, there have not been any delays in developing and producing cameras in their point-and-shoot lineup. According to Martin, "Everyone's pulling back" though in comparison still, "a lot of our competitors blow us away in the marketing area."

Nikon is certainly one of those camera makers whose marketing dollars blow away Pentax, and they admit that their now year-old marketing campaign using Ashton Kutcher to promote the Coolpix lineup has been invaluable in changing the consumer attitude toward the company. Nikon Senior Technical Manager Lindsay Silverman brought up an interesting point in our chat—that he had initially been concerned that the Coolpix lineup would see decreased sales numbers due to the economic downturn. His logic was that he wasn’t worried about D-SLRs because professional photographers and photo enthusiasts would always buy their gear because it is their passion or even livelihood. However, if an average consumer has a point-and-shoot camera that works, even if it is not what they would ideally like to have, they might just hang onto it for the time being and spend that $250 on groceries. Silverman was glad, however, to report that his theory was disproved, as the Coolpix line is still doing strongly in the market.

Of course, Nikon's direct competitors, such as Samsung, note that incidents like Ritz Camera filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy last month, and the subsequent closure of a number of its retail stores—in which Nikon and Canon were among its largest unsecured creditors—"presents a lot of opportunities to the big CE brands, who now have the ability to push out some new product, like [Samsung’s] NX Series", according to longtime Samsung PR rep Jason Ledder. According to Ledder, Samsung is "leveraging the success they've had with cell phones and LCDs" and have the goal of being "a Top Three imaging company by 2010 or 2011, and the NX is a really big step towards that." Although Ledder admitted that there will surely be "some changes to come", probably regarding shakeout, he remains optimistic and even excited because "Samsung has made so many claims so boldly in the past year about where they are going to be as a company."

Olympus also remains optimistic about its current position in the camera market, and affirms that they are "forging ahead with new technologies” despite it being “a challenging time for everyone in the industry”, according to Olympus Digital SLR Product Manager Richard Pelkowski. When I asked him if they had been forced to delay any product releases, Pelkowski clarified that it was "on the contrary", adding that "You will see great things coming from this company."

For now, the collective attitude seems to be cautiously optimistic. Though, to add to the anxiety that some of the companies voiced, PMA 2010 will not be held in Las Vegas— rather it will be at the Anaheim Convention Center, a choice that I have to assume had less to do with the PMAI's affinity for Southern California's warm weather and more to do with an offer from Anaheim that they couldn't refuse.

Pentaxian Mark Dimalanta Gives Surf Photography Demo

"Pentaxian" Mark Dimalanta has been giving a presentation on the world of surf photography all week at the Pentax booth at PMA. Mark, a Huntington Beach, CA native, a surfer, and a former doctor, has traveled to the best breaks all over the world to shoot some of the greatest surfers of our time and pay homage to the Hawaiian tradition that now spans the globe.

During his engaging, and often inspiring presentation, Mark intertwines his powerful personal story of following his true passion-- digital photography-- after recovering from a life changing disease, with his expertise in the field of surf photography using Pentax gear. He takes us to the Phillipines with the Pentax Optio W60, proving that you can get great action shots that look like they were shot with a professional D-SLR in a heavy water housing with a compact waterproof camera. Mark admits that he has pushed the tough little W60 to its limit, taking it further than the manufacturer recommended 13 feet, and fully utilizes the 28–140mm lens to get great, wide shots of surfers and the landscapes that surround them. He takes us to the North Shore of Oahu and to his home break south of the Huntington Pier with the Pentax K20D and a variety of Pentax DA star lenses, capturing moments of free surfers and US Open winners. To see more of what Mark is doing as a Pentaxian check him out here, or to see his full portfolio, look here.

3 New Panasonic Point-and-Shoots That I Like

Panasonic has announced a lot of new products at PMA, but besides the Lumix GH1, which I already gushed over here, these three compact cameras were what really caught my eye. I mentioned a few of them in January when they were first announced, but now I've had my hands on them.

The Lumix DMC-ZS3, which is a direct successor to the TS5 (although you wouldn't know it by the name), has a 12x optyical zoom Leica lens, 10MP, a sturdy metal body and shoots HD video (720p). As the TS5 was Panasonic's most popular model from that range of cameras, they are looking forward to the ZS3 being just as popular.

The 12MP Lumix DMC-FX580 is Panasonic's second touchscreen model, with a 3-inch LCD, the camera also has a 5x optical zoom Leica lens. It's also a good looking, compact camera, with the brushed metal affect and slim body.

I've seen a lot of so called "tough" cameras collectively announced by manufacturers this year at CES and PMA, and Panasonic is no exception. While the DMC-TS1 may not be as crush/water/shock/freeze proof as, say, the Olympus Stylus Tough 8000, it does have a leg up on the competition because it is mainly a waterproof camera (plunging to a depth of 10 feet) and it is the world's first waterproof digital camera that shoots HD video (AVCHD Lite). It also boasts 12MP and a 4.6x optical zoom Leica lens.

All three cameras will retail for $399 and be available to consumers in April.

Nik Software's Viveza Now Available for Lightroom

Nik Software has announced that Viveza, it's popular U-Point powered plug-in filter (reviewed in DP October/November '08 issue), is now available for use with Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 2 and higher, in addition to its already having been available for Photoshop, Elements and Aperture. Additionally, the complete lineup of plug-ins, including Dfine 2.0, Viveza, Color Efex Pro 3, Silver Efex Pro (see DP Winter 2009 issue soon) and Sharpener Pro, will now be on shelves at Apple Stores and apple.com.

Olympus Announces E-620

After Olympus was done demonstrating that their Stylus Tough-8000 can withstand 200 pounds of pressure from a hand-cranked contraption weighing down on it, they got to their big PMA release: the E-620 D-SLR. Like the E-30 earlier this year, the 620 is an addition to their now pretty comprehensive lineup of D-SLRs, not an update to an existing model. The most notable thing about the 620 (and the 30 for that matter), besides the technical specs that I'll get to, is that they both have an "Art Filter" mode. I was surprised to see a D-SLR with such a feature that at first seems pretty gimmicky on a professional piece of equipment, but I was won over through the demonstration.

The Art Filter mode includes Pop Art, Soft Focus, Pale & Light, Light Tone, Pinhole and my favorite-- Grainy Film (black-and-white). The bit of information that won me over with this feature is that the filtered image is only shot in JPEG, so an unfiltered image is still stored in RAW, allowing you to catch that moment of creativity with an art filter without losing the original image. Beyond the Ar Filters, the E-620 is Olympus' smallest D-SLR with dual Image Stabilization, meaning they have added to the digital and now have mechanical IS. The camera also has a 12.3MP Live MOS image sensor and Olympus' TruePic III+ image processor. The E-620 will be available in May for $699/body only, and up from there with a one or two lens kit.

Panasonic Announces Lumix GH1

Panasonic has announced the next generation of the Lumix G line-- the Lumix GH1. The brand new Lumix GH1 comes right on the heels of the G1--the world's first Micro Four-Thirds interchangable lens digital camera-- as the G1 was just announced at CES and has only now become available to consumers. The GH1 really only differs from the G1 in that it can shoot HD video at full 1080p, has a stereo mic and employs Panasonic's popular Continuous Image Stabilization technology. It also utilizes the Intelligent Auto (IA) technology found in the G1 and in Panasonic's lineup of Lumix point-and-shoots, wherein Panasonic encourages users to "set it and forget it". Both generations of the Lumix G line are ideal for a photographer who wants much more features and freedom than are typically available in a point-and-shoot, yet may not be ready for, or have the necessity for, a D-SLR. Pricing and availability will be announced soon, though they are hoping to see it released mid-summer.