Global - So what’s New and Great at the PDN PhotoPlus Expo 2014 currently on at New York’s Jacob Javits Center - from a Pan Perspective?
WST (When Steel Talks) doesn’t think the Expo has ever been more crowded. There is clearly a resurgence and expansive growth in the interest of new and developing photographic, video and imaging technologies. Countless people are standing on line either waiting to register, or picking up their badges to enter the crowded exhibition hall to view new products, attend presentations, seminars and conferences – and to network and access valuable information that will transform their lives in ways they don’t even know yet -- and this speaks for only Thursday - day one of the three-day October 30–November 1-event chock full of national and international exhibitors. Thousands and thousands of people would have benefited once more from the annual expo by its close on Saturday.
At the PDN PhotoPlus Expo 2014
From enthusiasts to professionals, coming from near and far - they are here. Hailing from Flagstaff, Arizona, Sam Minkler, a photographer who has shot for the New York Times and himself a Photography Professor says he’s here to ‘soak it all up...’ “I come every year, to take in the seminars, conferences, everything – the knowledge....” He’ll be here every day – Thursday, Friday and Saturday. With that Minkler’s off excitedly to get his fill. The buzz for this event is here. Of equal importance, there is a wide range of age groups, and they are all very enthusiastic and engaged.
Taking in a packed presentation at the PDN PhotoPlus Expo 2014
We could go on and on about the latest and greatest products. That would serve our readers no good. Too much can really be too much - leaving you, the reader, overwhelmed. So in this regard we will only focus on two main items or classes of items.
There is no shortage of digital cameras, video-equipped DSLRs, video cameras, printers and of course the myriad of supplementary technology, peripherals and accessories. And that is where the two most fascinating things for Pan come in. Expo exhibitor DJI (Da-Jiang Innovations), for example, brings to the table stabilized movement and rotation (via its ZenMuse system) of camera and lens along a 3-head axis, now in handheld format - via its Ronin Handheld Gimbal. It is geared toward the professional market, with a current MSRP of USD $5,000.
Attendees are captivated with the Ronin Handheld Gimbal, being demonstrated here in tandem with a body harness
And for ‘consumers’ (Pan community take note – steelpan theatres like that of Exodus Steel Orchestra, but in reality any outdoor Panyard – and of course, Panorama!) there are also remote-controlled multicopters which facilitate aerial camera systems, such as DJI’s circa-USD $1,160-Quadcopter Phantom 2 Vision+ which interfaces with Apple’s iPhone and iPad, and compatible with ‘GoPro-styled’ cameras but available with DJI’s own integrated vid camera.
DJI’s Phantom 2 Vision+ on demonstration at the PDN PhotoPlus Expo
Of course, other PDN PhotoPlus Expo exhibitors are at the event with competing hardware showcasing comparable technological ideology, such as Freefly and Defy products so there are options to explore. These two product technologies could redefine the way that the steelpan music performing experience is captured and visually experienced.
Samsung’s NX1 at the PDN PhotoPlus Expo
These are times punctuated with transcending moments. The lines between consumer and professional gear have been blurred for years. Such lines of demarcation continue to be erased or revised, and redrawn. The DSLRs moved into, and have been in, the HD video camera domain for years now. And because of the ease of access and increased specs, the word “film making” is used a lot with the new technologies – hint... photographers have become videographers and videographers are becoming film makers. And on the heels of DSLRs, are mirrorless digital cameras with beautiful video capabilities in addition to delivering stunning stills - so keep an eye out for Samsung’s NX1 - with an expected retail availability of mid-November.
Should every Panyard have a set of the two products outlined? Yes. The minimum standard for what is expected when marketing and promoting your performing goods in the steelband art form has again risen.
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