Photo Marketing Association - Las Vegas

January 30, 2008

This week, PMA 08 kicks open its doors to showcase the latest photo innovations and strategies to hit the memories market.

PMA 08 hosts photo retailers, professional photographers, mass merchandisers, professional labs, custom picture framers, scrapbook retailers and event videographers from around the world.

I am here with live coverage from the event and yesterday was a great kick off. I got to get a sneak peek of new cameras, new software and the latest in printing.

Here is short update from last night (it officially opens today)

1. Shutterfly

ShutterFly is focusing on their baby line products with very easy print options for anyone who is interested in scrapbooks.

2. ArcSoft

I have a version of their stitching software where I can make 360 degree VR tours, I can stitch several photos together and last time I tested these products RealViz won the round because it was so easy to use. But I will do another head to head comparison to see what product I like.

3. ImageSpan

ImageSpan is a new company still in start up mode and they have a very cool system that allows professional photographers to protect and give people various licenses on their photos. It's is connected to Google so when an Ad Agency search for photos for their campaigns, they can find yours and they have an automated system as how to license the photos you took. And you get paid. I think this is pretty cool but I'll dig into it some more.

4. PhotoWorks

PhotoWorks just got bought by AG Interactive, hence that is why they have been so quite lately. PhotoWorks is all about printing and picture frames for all occasions. Just like ShutterFly, they showed me their "baby" line. Personally I like cars but hey! I'm a guy. :)

5. Canon

Speaking of cars I met Canon and saw their new line of products and basically it's all about "point and shoot".

I played with EOS-1D Mark III, which I thought was very nice but it's not for me personally. The EOS-1D Mark III is Canon's most advanced EOS Digital SLR ever produced. It has a new 10.1 megapixel CMOS sensor (APS-H size) with Canon's EOS Integrated Cleaning System and a 3.0-inch LCD monitor with Canon's Live View technology. The 1D Mark III has a redesigned 100% viewfinder, a new 45-point AF system, and can shoot up to 10 fps continuously with a maximum burst of 110 shots. Personally I am a Pentax guy but I will try it out some more today.

Stay tuned for more updates from PMA and please let me know if there is anything you want me to look for specifically.

Christoffer