Gadgets and goodies at PMA

ian408ian408 Administrators Posts: 21,948 moderator
edited March 30, 2006 in Accessories
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…

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...

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.

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).

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.
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Comments

  • NikolaiNikolai Registered Users Posts: 19,035 Major grins
    edited March 2, 2006
    Thanks, Ian!
    Nice report on Crumpler!
    Did any other vendor catch your attention? (translation: I'd like to see more. More! MORE!!!):D
    "May the f/stop be with you!"
  • AndyAndy Registered Users Posts: 50,016 Major grins
    edited March 2, 2006
    ian408 wrote:

    58269129-Ti.jpg

    Ooh sweet camera!
  • USAIRUSAIR Registered Users Posts: 2,646 Major grins
    edited March 2, 2006
    Cool stuff cool bags too
    Wish I could have gone down there :cry

    Thanks Ian
    Fred
  • DoctorItDoctorIt Administrators Posts: 11,951 moderator
    edited March 2, 2006
    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.gif
    Erik
    moderator of: The Flea Market [ guidelines ]


  • AndyAndy Registered Users Posts: 50,016 Major grins
    edited March 2, 2006
    DoctorIt wrote:
    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.gif

    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..
  • ian408ian408 Administrators Posts: 21,948 moderator
    edited March 2, 2006
    DoctorIt wrote:
    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.gif

    Yes. One in Palo Alto, CA.

    Ian
    Moderator Journeys/Sports/Big Picture :: Need some help with dgrin?
  • ian408ian408 Administrators Posts: 21,948 moderator
    edited March 2, 2006
    Nikolai wrote:
    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 :)
    Moderator Journeys/Sports/Big Picture :: Need some help with dgrin?
  • patch29patch29 Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 2,928 Major grins
    edited March 2, 2006
    DoctorIt wrote:
    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.gif


    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.
  • DoctorItDoctorIt Administrators Posts: 11,951 moderator
    edited March 2, 2006
    Andy wrote:
    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.
    naughty.gif

    Wait, did you say look at their website? I would, but my stash of halucinogens is getting awfully low...
    Erik
    moderator of: The Flea Market [ guidelines ]


  • AndyAndy Registered Users Posts: 50,016 Major grins
    edited March 2, 2006
    DoctorIt wrote:
    but my stash of halucinogens is getting awfully low...

    Don't you work in a Labratory?? naughty.gif
  • gusgus Registered Users Posts: 16,209 Major grins
    edited March 2, 2006
    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 ??
  • DoctorItDoctorIt Administrators Posts: 11,951 moderator
    edited March 2, 2006
    Andy wrote:
    Don't you work in a Labratory?? naughty.gif
    yeah, but its a fluids lab, not a chem lab. Drats.
    Erik
    moderator of: The Flea Market [ guidelines ]


  • wxwaxwxwax Registered Users Posts: 15,471 Major grins
    edited March 2, 2006
    Nice first look, Ian. thumb.gif That tote bag sounds promising, similar to bags from Domke, Lowepro.
    Sid.
    Catapultam habeo. Nisi pecuniam omnem mihi dabis, ad caput tuum saxum immane mittam
    http://www.mcneel.com/users/jb/foghorn/ill_shut_up.au
  • ian408ian408 Administrators Posts: 21,948 moderator
    edited March 2, 2006
    Humungus wrote:
    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.gif No chance for the vegemite. I was in a hurry to get on a
    plane :(
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  • BodleyBodley Registered Users Posts: 766 Major grins
    edited March 2, 2006
    ian408 wrote:
    58269129-M.jpg

    Andy wrote:
    Ooh sweet camera!


    You know why the used a Nikon as a prop camera - They knew no one would steal it :lol4 :lol4
    Greg
    "Tis better keep your mouth shut and be thought of as an idiot than to open your mouth and remove all doubt"
  • wxwaxwxwax Registered Users Posts: 15,471 Major grins
    edited March 2, 2006
    Does that bag have a zipper across the top for quick reach-in access?
    Sid.
    Catapultam habeo. Nisi pecuniam omnem mihi dabis, ad caput tuum saxum immane mittam
    http://www.mcneel.com/users/jb/foghorn/ill_shut_up.au
  • ian408ian408 Administrators Posts: 21,948 moderator
    edited March 2, 2006
    wxwax wrote:
    Does that bag have a zipper across the top for quick reach-in access?

    Negative.
    Moderator Journeys/Sports/Big Picture :: Need some help with dgrin?
  • DoctorItDoctorIt Administrators Posts: 11,951 moderator
    edited March 2, 2006
    wxwax wrote:
    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.
    Erik
    moderator of: The Flea Market [ guidelines ]


  • wxwaxwxwax Registered Users Posts: 15,471 Major grins
    edited March 2, 2006
    ian408 wrote:
    Negative.
    Bummer, I think newspaper shooters might appreciate a bag that did.
    Sid.
    Catapultam habeo. Nisi pecuniam omnem mihi dabis, ad caput tuum saxum immane mittam
    http://www.mcneel.com/users/jb/foghorn/ill_shut_up.au
  • David_S85David_S85 Administrators Posts: 13,249 moderator
    edited March 2, 2006
    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.
    My Smugmug
    "You miss 100% of the shots you don't take" - Wayne Gretzky
  • HeldDownHeldDown Registered Users Posts: 255 Major grins
    edited March 2, 2006
    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
    imageNATION
    SEEING THE WORLD IN A WHOLE NEW LIGHT...
    http://www.imag-e-nation.net
  • ian408ian408 Administrators Posts: 21,948 moderator
    edited March 3, 2006
    What's Canon Up To?
    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

    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.

    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!
    Moderator Journeys/Sports/Big Picture :: Need some help with dgrin?
  • ian408ian408 Administrators Posts: 21,948 moderator
    edited March 3, 2006
    Photo Kiosks
    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.

    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

    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.
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  • gusgus Registered Users Posts: 16,209 Major grins
    edited March 3, 2006
    All very interesting ian...keep it coming. How much was that canon printer in the photo above ?
  • David_S85David_S85 Administrators Posts: 13,249 moderator
    edited March 3, 2006
    And... did Smugmug have a booth?
    My Smugmug
    "You miss 100% of the shots you don't take" - Wayne Gretzky
  • gusgus Registered Users Posts: 16,209 Major grins
    edited March 3, 2006
    David_S85 wrote:
    And... did Smugmug have a booth?

    Bloody good point !
  • DoctorItDoctorIt Administrators Posts: 11,951 moderator
    edited March 3, 2006
    mini-lab, eh? Is that what they're called these days???

    58374978-Th.jpg
    Erik
    moderator of: The Flea Market [ guidelines ]


  • patch29patch29 Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 2,928 Major grins
    edited March 3, 2006
    ian408 wrote:
    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.gif
  • ziggy53ziggy53 Super Moderators Posts: 24,156 moderator
    edited March 3, 2006
    DoctorIt wrote:
    mini-lab, eh? Is that what they're called these days???

    58374978-Th.jpg

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

    ziggy53
    ziggy53
    Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
  • ian408ian408 Administrators Posts: 21,948 moderator
    edited March 3, 2006
    patch29 wrote:
    How did you like the print quality? That print in your photo looks good, did you see any B&W prints? ear.gif

    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).
    Moderator Journeys/Sports/Big Picture :: Need some help with dgrin?
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