PhotographySavvy: PMA 2008: Wrap-Up Report

PMA 2008: Wrap-Up Report

Another PMA has come and gone, but we are left with plenty of new products to anticipate in the coming year. Here is a rundown of what we at Photography Savvy think will be the most important and innovative products of 2008.

Viveza by Nik Software

Viveza by Nik Software What is it? Viveza is a Photoshop plug-in that allows users to selectively adjust brightness, contrast, and color by using color control points.

Why is it important? Nik's patented U-Point technology (as seen in Color Efex 3.0, and Nikon Capture NX) will allow users to make adjustments to parts of the image based on color control points placed on objects or colors. Even though it uses its own interface, Viveza is still fully functional with all of Adobe Photoshop's brushes, layers, and smart filters. Its intuitive interface looks like it will not only lower the learning curve for Photoshop newbies but also help seasoned veterans save a considerable amount of time with complex layer masks. This could change the way a lot of people use Photoshop. The software will be available this April for $249.99. You can read more at Nik Software.

EOS Digital Rebel XSi by Canon

EOS Digital Rebel XSi by Canon What is it? The EOS Digital Rebel XSi is the latest camera in Canon's entry level line of DSLRs - the successor to the Digital Rebel XTi.

Why is it important? The Rebel XSi is a huge step up from the previous Rebel models. The camera has expected improvements including a bigger screen, more megapixels (12), the DIGIC III processor, live view, and a bigger viewfinder. There are also some unexpected improvements for the Rebel including spot metering, 14-bit RAW, and an improved AF system, contrast detection live view, and highlight tone priority. The Rebel XSi should be available this April $799.99 body only, or $899.99 with the 18-55mm IS lens. You can read more at Canon USA.

DP1 by Sigma

DP1 by Sigma What is it? The DP1 is the first fixed focal length camera to feature an APS-C sized sensor.

Why is it important? This will be the first compact camera with an APS-C sized sensor and a fixed focal length lens. Introduced at Photokina 2006, the DP1 has been in "development hell" for quite some time. Featuring a 14 megapixel Foveon sensor (3 layers of 4.96 megapixels) and 28mm equivalent lens, this should be a very popular camera for photographers looking for a high quality compact camera. The camera should be available sometime this spring for around $899.99. More information can be found at Sigma Corporation of America.

AF-S DX Nikkor 16-85 f/3.5-5.6G ED VR by Nikon

AF-S DX Nikkor 16-85 f/3.5-5.6G ED VR What is it? A new DX midrange lens from Nikon.

Why is it important? After the announcement of the D3 this past fall, many thought that the DX format would be abandoned. This lens shows that Nikon is still committed to making DX lenses. Even though Nikon has a lot of 18-xx prosumer lenses, this looks like it could be the new reigning champion. For many, this might be a much better alternative to the 18-200mm VR. The AF-S DX Nikkor 16-85 f/3.5-5.6G ED VR should be available this March for $649.99 You can read more at Nikon USA.

Alpha "Flagship" Model by Sony

Sony Alpha Flagship Model What is it? Sony's 24.6 megapixel full-frame "flagship" camera.

Why is it important? Whether you love them or hate them, you can't deny Sony's influence on the consumer electronics market. This new "flagship" could potentially shake up the professional DSLR market. Not much information was given about this new camera but it should be interesting to see how it shapes up. The flagship does not have a release date, but should be available sometime this year. You can read more at Sony.

That wraps it up for this year's PMA!

Posted to category: News on February 3, 2008