Zoom-in Online

PDN had so much fun at the PhotoPlus Expo they decided to throw a mini-expo online for free. That's right, keynote speakers and all - for free!

Complete with virtual booths where experts can answer your questions, six webcast panel discussions, and two keynote speakers, there is no excuse not to attend. All you have to do is point and click.

The event runs on December 2nd and 3rd from this site.

To register, click here.

PDN's own tech editor is billed as the first speaker, and the second is yet to be announced.

Earlier this week we touched upon the SD cards being implemented by movie rental giant Blockbuster. This shift is just one of many changes companies are making to keep up with the digital era, and Best Buy conglomerate is determined to stay current as well. The chain recently announced its newest plan to sell its entertainment bit by bit, literally.

Here's a nice camera duo from the Nikon COOLPIX line. But you may want to be wary of telling your folks about these gadgets until you've weighed the benefits. Do you really want to make it easier for them to show you all their vacation photographs?

During the PhotoPlus Expo, I had time to catch up with Jeremy Yokota from Lowepro. He gave me the rundown on their newest bags. With hidden pockets full of all weather covers, detachable hard cases, hideaway straps, and ultra-durable pockets, these bags are as useful as they are stylish. With a lifetime guarantee, how can you go wrong?

There were a few bags in particular that caught my eye.

1. Versapack 200 AW

It looks like a stylish backpack, with the normal features to store pens and stray articles of clothing or water bottles. However, the bottom is a compartment made specifically to protect your DSLR and lenses. You can even access them without taking it off.

Don't just take my word for it — here, Jeremy gives us a demonstration.

The Minox DSC, a point and shoot, is 2.560x1.920 pixels, takes AVI video, and is super discreet. While no professional photographer should ditch his current camera for the Minox DSC, it's perfect addition to an arsenal of kitschy and cool gear.

A dash of this, a lens from that, and Abby Normal for a brain Linux for an operating system creates the prototype for Frankencamera.

Stanford Professor Marc Levoy believes his monster will create a surge in camera innovation. I agree.

About 27,000 people flocked to the PhotoPlus Expo this year, despite the bad economy.  Apparently, no matter how weak the dollar is, there isn't a price limit for ideas and networking.
 
Big names meant big displays. While some companies decided to try out their own semi-infomercials, complete with headsets and overly dramatic gestures, many opted for more sophistication.

This blog was contributed by Frances Cirenza, ZIO Photography Channel Assistant.

It's the week of the Expo and all through the town, every photographer is scrambling to write events down.  Along came a blog that said nothing to fear, we will let you know what's happening while the event looms near.

PhotoPlus Expo is the photography event of the year. Everyone has something to learn, whether you are a seasoned professional or a newcomer. From October 22nd- 24th, the Jacob Javits Center in New York City is the place to be.A few of this year's keynote speakers include Harry Benson, Chris Dougherty and Nigel Parry.

This blog was contributed by Frances Cirenza, ZIO Photography Assistant.

One of the latest debuts from Canon, the EOS 7D SLR, boasts an 18 megapixel CMOS sensor, Dual DIGIC 4 image Processors, ISO that tops out at 12,800, HD video recording and more. According to Canon, the camera captures HD video as fast as 8 fps and has a metering sensor that uses focus and color in order to get accurate exposures in difficult light.

The Intelligent viewfinder  has a 100% field view, 1X magnification, and a 29.4-degree angle of view. By hitting a button, different overlays appear on the LCD screen. Bellow is a photo demonstration of the different overlays.

The price tag for the body and basic accessories is $1,699.

This blog was contributed by Frances Cirenza, ZIO Photography Assistant.

The H4D is Hasselblad's newest brainchild. It boasts 60 megapixels, new Phocus 2.0 imaging software, and faster off-center focusing capabilities. The results are high-end photography without the high-end training.

The most brag-worthy upgrade from Hasselblad's older models is the Absolute Position Lock. Hasselblad's Absolute Position Lock processor registers movements during re-composing and auto-adjusts the lens to compensate. It works on the vertical and horizontal focus-shift but not larger lateral movements.