Zoom-in Online

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.

The newest camera from Sealife is designed to be easy to use both underwater and on land. Tested for depths of up to 200 feet, the camera has four underwater modes and ten land modes.

The DC1000, encased in a removable polycarbonate rubber, includes 32MB of built-in memory and a rechargeable lithium battery. It has a 5x zoom, 10 megapixels, and a video capture setting.

For less experienced photographers, spy mode takes continuous photos at timed intervals. Intervals range from 5 seconds to 5 minutes until you run out of memory or push the shutter button, whichever happens first. That may translate to at least one nice photo of the clownfish you startled on your dive or a timely reminder of what your palm looks like, if you aren't careful.

 This blog was contributed by Sara Felsenstein, ZIO Editorial Assistant. 

In a rush to see that concert or catch that plane? No need to log on to your computer to print the tickets. With the new HP Photosmart Premium with Touchsmart Web printer, introduced on July 10, you can launch a webpage and select your desired text or images to print right on the printer itself. 

This HP printer has a 4.33 inch touchscreen and can print from multiple wireless devices including the iPhone and Wi-Fi-enabled PCs. It can also fax, copy, and scan. There are apps preloaded on the printer but users will have the option to download new ones as they become available. 

The HP Photosmart Premium with Touchsmart Web should be available this fall for $399. 

This blog was contributed by Sara Felsenstein, ZIO Editorial Assistant.

Waterproof. Dustproof. Coldproof. Shockproof. Pentax's most rugged digital camera to date, the new Optio W80 is ready for any adventure that comes its way.