Leica was there. Theirs were the only spokespeople in suits. And the only cameras behind glass. Of course.
Sony set up a half-pipe in the convention center and had 3 or 4 BMX riders doing (small) tricks all day.
Nikon's models were the only ones who managed not to look bored all day long. Even the BMX riders seemed particularly apathetic to being in the spotlight.
Hoodman had a giant inflatable Hoodloupe that took up their entire exhibition space. It had to be 15 feet high.
I have never seen so many amateur camera nerds in one place. I have also never bumped into so many cameras and lenses. Tight spaces plus expensive lenses equals a bad idea.
Even though I was mesmerized by it, I don't need or even have use for a 4k Steadicam mount, I did see a few products I'm really interested in actually picking up in the near future.
- Spider Holster - Possibly the most ingenious new idea for carrying an SLR. They're coming out with a lighter weight plastic model they've dubbed the 'Black Widow' for smaller- think Canon Rebel- DSLR's and point-and-shoots. They also get bonus points for being Ithacans.
- Another 'why didn't anyone think of that before' was the SteadePod. It helps turn you into your own tripod. Very minimalist, and certainly small enough to fit in any camera bag, it was a very cool little invention. I'm not sure how durable it'd be, but it's cheap enough that it wouldn't break the bank to replace.
- Lensbaby. Want. I don't think there's much more that needs to be said about this product. It's amazing and wonderful and has a lens and optic combination for every personality type. (I'd love to have The Composer myself)
- Digital Silver Gelatin Prints! Amazing, beautiful, archival digital prints.
- Wacom's Intuos 4. I spent a while watching demos of the Intuos 4. It' a really powerful little (or not so little) tablet. Plus, more importantly, You can rotate the tablet 180° for either right- or left-hand use of the hotkeys!
