There is nothing like a first impression. That’s what this event, Press Sneak Peek, is all about.

A gathering of manufacturers including all of the majors, and some folks with new products who want the one-on-one connection with the press. Tomorrow it’s the dealers and the folks that do all of the buying coming on the floor.

Oh, and there is shrimp, chicken skewers, and various other tidbits to get the reporters in the mood.

So here is what we saw at this event that’s top of mind: (by the way, this is kind of the order I saw them in). And there are more new items worth mentioning, but we have 4 days here.
We’ll get to all of them.

CBL Color Balance Lens- you’ve seen the expo disc and this is perhaps a higher tech version.
They explained it all to me but you should check the site. Brilliant for light balance adjustment in your DSLR world. Both steady light and strobe .Approx $299.

Next a company aVinci with a system for everyone who wants to organize their photos and perhaps get some guidance on how to tell a story with those photos. Let’s face it, we’re not all Scorcese.
Are we?
This service is coming soon.

[photopress:quik_pod.jpg,full,centered]
Quik Pod– for the time you want a photo of you and your spouse when you are on vacation, and you not sure if the person you’re giving the camera to is sticking around. This lets you take it yourself. Don’t try it with a DSLR though. A bit too heavy.
For the pros you can use it as a tripod screw mount handle for another flash.
Approx $30 with all extras. (mini tripod, case)

[photopress:dustaid2.jpg,full,centered]

Dust Aid– a simple (not destructive) adhesive on a plastic wand that cleans your sensors of dust. And remember: your sensor is covered with a piece of glass, so you are not directly touching it. Basic set up is good for 12 cleanings and will retail for approx. $40.

[photopress:radipma2.jpg,full,centered]
Shutterbug Magazine was live with a radio broadcast.

[photopress:sticjkinterview.jpg,full,centered]
And the foreign press was there doing interviews on their new quick pods.

Another item that caught our eye is new system for softening your on-camera flash.

They are called the Ultimate Light Box System and we’ll be checking it out tomorrow on video. I think they may have solved a big problem with some of these add on diffusers.
Check back in the next few days for more.

Whew.

There you have an initial blush. Oh yeah ,there was more but as the days progress we”ll highlight the biggies and end up with a best of show list.

did i mention the sweetest looking Leica point and shoot that was there? C-Lux 2?
I’ll bring you more in a couple of days.

OK.last item, I promise: Do yourself a favor and get a subscription to PDN. And if you go to the ad on our RESOURCE page you save some dough I just read the new issue and man, these folks are good. And I loved the last page article on up and coming photographers choice for most influential books.
Darn, I hope I didn’t spoil anything by giving away the ending.

I’m kidding, I’m kidding.

Cheers!
Damon Webster