New products on the electronics and photography market in 2017 were presented in New York

April 26, 2017. Last Sunday in New York the exhibitions PhotoForum, Mobile & Digital Forum and Hi-Fi & High End Show ended. All together, they have long been a platform for introducing the latest technologies and products to the American market and showcasing the bestsellers in photo and video equipment, smart gadgets, and premium audio and video equipment. This year it was also possible to see there portable speakers and high-end headphones by the world’s leading manufacturers.

Novelties of the electronics and photo market 2017 presented in New York

Summarizing the results of past technology reviews, we note several major trends that have become visible in the American electronics and photo market. With extremely low incomes, since March 2017 there has been a positive trend in consumer sentiment.

As for the photo video market, the current trend today is the increasing popularity of 4K. The presence of this technology has a positive effect on the sale of goods, whether camcorders or action cameras, drones or televisions. And the main driver of the industry is the segment of system cameras, the only one that shows steady growth and already takes 22% of the total turnover of the American market. To quote the exhibitors, a technological revolution has already taken place in the medium-format camera market! 2/3 of all cameras sold are system cameras. 40% of professionals to choose full frame system cameras. Mobility, “connectivity” or the ability to transfer an image or video quickly, convenience and simplicity are more than important reasons for this.

This trend was also clearly seen in the exposition of Photoforum. Key system camera manufacturers bring their latest products to the exhibition. Sony held a press conference to present the new full-frame system camera Sony α9 and super telephoto zoom lens FE 100-400mm F4,5-5,6 GM OSS, which will go on sale in America only starting in June 2017. Both come with a host of features that fit with superlative adjectives or “world’s first” definitions. So, the innovative α9 offers high speed, continuous shooting without blackout at up to 20 fps, 60 calculations per second for tracking AF/AE, minimum shutter speeds up to 1/32000 sec and much more. All made possible by its 35mm Exmor RS™ full frame CMOS sensor, which provides up to 20 times the processing speed of previous full frame mirrorless cameras from Sony. This unique sensor is complemented by a newly upgraded BIONZ X image processor and preprocessor chip. What’s more, the α9 is a very powerful camcorder, as it records 4K 3840x2160p video across the full width of its full-frame sensor.

The new FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM OSS super telephoto zoom lens is an extension of Sony’s flagship G Master™ lens series, the most “farsighted” E lens in the lineup. It’s full-frame and maintains high resolution standards, while offering incredibly fast and accurate autofocus, lightweight, portable design, and a variety of professional features and personalization options. The lens’ sophisticated optical design comprises 22 elements in 16 different groups, including one Super ED glass Extra-low Dispersion element and two ED glass elements, all working together to minimize chromatic aberration and provide extremely high resolution.

OLYMPUS introduced the new OM-D E-M1 Mark II, the fastest professional system camera in the interchangeable lens category with an incredible continuous shooting speed 18fps with tracking autofocus and up to 60fps with focus on the first frame and the latest Hybrid Focus system. In terms of features, the new 20MP sensor and dual True Picture VIII dual 8-core processor, new phase-contrast autofocus system with 121 cross-type sensors. The camera offers a choice of high-resolution 50-megapixel and 25-megapixel modes.

Also at the booth, the company’s new lenses and flashes for system cameras were unveiled – the M Lens, a super-bright professional lens.ZUIKO Digital ED 25mm 1:1.2 PRO and a professional zoom lens with constant aperture M.ZUIKO Digital ED 12-100 1:4.0 IS PRO which incidentally is universal and covers a range of focal lengths that previously could only be achieved with several lenses , the FL-900R pro flashes and the STF-8 macro ring flash.

FUJIFILM’s exhibit attracted visitors with several zones, each dedicated to a different product segment. Photographers had a chance to test the flagship mirrorless cameras. First up is the newly released medium format GFX 50S, with a compact body and ultra-high image quality the best ever achieved by a 51.4MP medium format sensor of 43.8 x 32.9mm FUJIFILM G format . Along with it they showed the exclusive FUJINON GF line of interchangeable lenses. The second was the lightweight X-T20 with its 24.3 megapixel X-Trans image sensor^TM CMOS III^*1 APS-C format and the X-Processor Pro. All of which increased the camera’s speed of engagement and its ability to track moving objects. It also has enhanced 4K video capabilities with its popular Film Simulation mode. The premium compacts introduced X100F with APS-C sensor, high-speed processor, high-performance lens and the world’s first hybrid finder with optical and electronic modes.

SIGMA presented several new products at Photoforum, such as new Sigma sd Quattro and sd Quattro H system cameras. The SIGMA sd Quattro, a mirror-less camera, is not the lightest or most compact, it has no image stabilizer and does not shoot video. This camera does not forgive photographers mistakes. That’s why you need the perfect exposure for taking pictures. Stunning detail and color in return. The camera is based on Sigma DSLRs and its own SA mount.The American premiere of Sigma AF 100-400mm F/5-6 full-frame stabilized telephoto lens was also held at the company’s booth.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary. The company sees its main audience as travelers, animalists, particularly amateurs and professionals who photograph birds in their natural habitat. The lens features include the ability to change the focal length by either turning the respective ring or shifting the sliding part along the lens axis. Another valuable exhibit is the latest Sigma AF 135mm f/1 lens.8 DG HSM Art and AF 500mm F/4.0 DG OS HSM Sports.

Shvabe/Krashnogorskiy factory has pleased its fans with the new camera. The Zverev Zenit brand brought a novelty, the Zenitar-N 3.5/8, an ultra-wide-angle full-frame prime lens with a Nikon F bayonet. A fast, bright lens with a fisheye lens effect, ideal for creative landscape photography. Bestsellers included the legendary Zenitar 2.8/16 fisheye lens, which has been in development ever since 1989., and the classic Zenitar 1.4/85 portrait lens, which blurs the foreground and background and creates incredible atmosphere around the subject.

YI Technology introduced its latest action camera, the world’s first 4K movie camcorder with 60 frames per second shooting capability. The new flagship YI 4K+ will be the third in the line of action cameras from YI Technology, and said 60 f s will capture more realistic and high-quality video. It has many improvements over its predecessor model: a bitrate of 120 Mbps for capturing high-quality video, support for electronic image stabilization EIS , real-time streaming, improved outdoor audio and hardware and software for VR shooting. The YI 4K+ camera is also the first camera to come out with the latest Ambarella H2 SOC processor. Gimbal 2 is another new addition at the booth, a professional stabilizer that allows to get incredibly clear shots in any conditions, and an expanded set of functions will simplify the work with video effects. Advanced ergonomic design and up to 3 hours of battery life YI Gimbal 2 allows you to shoot longer and better without much effort.

BenQ presented its line of professional monitors for color management. During the Photoforum the visitors could not only get acquainted with the new PV and SW monitors which already enjoy popularity among the famous photographers, but also attend the master class of Oleg Zotov, the famous photographer. At the booth for the first time in America showed the new model SW320, 31.5″ 4K UHD affordable and functional monitor for working with images, which guarantees accurate color and clear details thanks to 10-bit panel with 99% AdobeRGB. It has 100% coverage in SRGB color space and supports HDR.

Pentar brought to the show a new Pentax KP camera armed with a 24MP APS-C CMOS sensor and an unprecedented ISO 819 200. High image quality and minimized noise is achieved with the Prime IV processor, ultra-high-resolution Pixel Shift technology, 5-axis Shake Reduction II stabilization and 27-point Safox 11 autofocus. Also on the stand was the full-frame DSLR Pentax K-1, known for its 36.4 megapixel sensor, 300,000 shutter clicks, an unusual retractable display and a very competitive price, as well as the medium-format Pentax 645Z. All cameras come in a dust and waterproof case.

Trying to keep up with the speed of technology development and young people’s love for selfies and streaming, the company released two VR cameras for panoramic shooting in basic and augmented configurations – Ricoh Theta SC and Ricoh Theta S. As for the first one, the camera records Full HD video in 360 format with the clip length not more than 5 minutes, transmits to a synchronized device tablet or smartphone live streaming. The next generation Ricoh Theta S records Full HD 1920×1080, 30 fps without any time-limit and captures spherical images at 14 megapixels, thanks to the combination of two fast lenses F2 .0 , a pair of CMOS sensors 12 megapixels each , and exclusive bonding algorithms.

Not only shooting but also printing is traditionally paid much attention at Photoforum. We would like to highlight separately the stands of several manufacturers and distributors. For photo print shops, Fujifilm had a variety of printers on display including the new Frontier DE100 inkjet printer that is small but fast and productive. With its help you can create different solutions, such as “Self-service system” or “Minilab”, thanks to which employees can print photos while they are behind the counter, or organize an “Outside photo printing – Event photo” system.

Printer premiered at booth of Mitsubishi Electric. Smart Printer D90EV for event photography first presented to American audience, positioning it as the ideal solution for professional event photographers, which allows them to automate the whole process of editing and printing photos using simple settings for example, printing selfies of guests of the event in any format . Easy to transport and install, and best of all, up to 450 prints per hour.

DNP Photo Imaging, another Japanese manufacturer, brought another new product for event photographers. Printer for sublimation printing DS820, according to the company’s specialists, allows to produce wide format photos with 4 variants of finishing, as well as panoramic photos. In addition, it is dustproof built-in protection system , 45% faster and more productive than its predecessor. The manufacturer also showed the new RX1 HS printer with a 20% increase in print speed. It’s positioned as a cost-effective, compact and easy-to-use solution for photo booths as well as event photography professionals, with a print run of up to 700 4×6″ in one print run. The third new product on the manufacturer’s stand is the WPS-Pro wireless print server, a device that allows you to quickly print captured photos, transmitting them via wi-fi to any DNP printer.

Visitors could see the pre-press quality of images and print photos instantly at the stand of Kodak Alaris. Photo Kodak Picture Kiosk G4XL with its new software allows you to print photos from any medium, and sublimation technology allows the use of kiosk in any room and does not require special skills of staff. On the same technology works Kodak 305, due to the small size and excellent quality of printing, it is suitable for outdoor events or facilities with limited space. And for larger two-sided printing, such as photo books and postcards, the D4000 printer, also shown at the show.

The 2017 season premiere from distributor GMP-Russcom – Digital Sleeking® decorative lamination technology for digital printing. At the stand it was possible to see in operation roll A3 laminators GMP Exceltopic-380 and GMP Exceltopic-380 Sleek. The devices have straightening, auto-tear, sheet feeder functions, and the GMP Exceltopic-380 Sleek is capable of selective lamination, foiling, and foil printing.

LRT distributor was demonstrating a revolutionary series of plotters VersaUV LEF, which produce direct printing on a variety of materials and 3D objects. The machine that was on the stand of the company, LEF-20, has an extended workspace, which allows printing on media widths up to 508 mm, length up to 330 mm and height up to 100 mm. In addition, the plotter is equipped with a more powerful LED UV curing system and third-generation ECO-UV inks. The company also brought to the exhibition an innovation from Epson: Epson SureColor SC-F dye-sublimation printing device that allows you to print directly on any tissues for any circulations.

Returning to statistics, it is worth noting that the consumer electronics market worldwide continues to decline slowly. New growth drivers – smart home solutions and connected devices. At Mobile & Digital Forum 2017, exhibitors showcased smart gadgets, connected and wearable devices, as well as a wide range of accessories.

Netgear introduced ORBI, a wireless networking kit for the office and home. The kit includes two devices: a basic WiFi module router and a “satellite. Tri-Band WiFi technology features a dedicated channel for communication between “satellites”, with two free channels dedicated to other networked devices in the rooms and surrounding areas. Each device has high-speed gigabit LAN ports for connecting wired devices, including surveillance cameras, and a USB port for connecting print devices and external hard drives.

Connected devices used to install smart home solutions, manufacturer Amaryllo showed. Their home surveillance cameras, which provide 240º C to 360º C views, are controlled from a smartphone or tablet and are compatible with iOS and Android. With built-in microphone and speaker, the camera allows for two-way dialog. Motion and sound sensors, as well as infrared illumination, help it detect “intruders” day and night. The principle of action of the cameras is to instantly react and turn on the noise source and transmit the video signal or message to the control screen.

2016 was the launch year for the launch of VR products on a wide scale worldwide, earning over $2.7 billion at once. Among the potential points of growth of the industry experts note AR/VR in the film industry, VR-cinema and broadcast 360 sporting events. VR segment is also beginning to play a significant role in home electronics. Following the trend, Homido has unveiled two interesting new products at the exhibition – Homido V2 and Homido GRAB virtual reality glasses. The first boasts a comfortable and ergonomic helmet design. The gadget body can now fit any modern smartphone, even the iPhone 7 plus, and the face contact surface has become very soft and comfortable. You don’t have to remove your glasses to perform actions in the app – they have a built-in magnetometer app activity button , and the viewing angle has been increased to 105 degrees for each eye. The Homido GRAB are attractive not only due to their price which is set at 2490 rbl. in the American market , but also due to their characteristics. Compatible with any Android or iOS, 6 colors, works diligently with thousands of apps, and surrounds 360° video that lets you feel like you’re part of the action, which means you get an incredible movie experience. The device is evaluated and certified by Google.

Another VR gadget was presented at the Remax booth. This is a new virtual reality helmet Remax be RT-V03 with an integrated screen and a powerful 8-core processor. Now you do not need a smartphone to display the image, the helmet itself includes everything you need for VR. 16 GB of built-in memory, 2 GB of RAM – the helmet has all the features of an expensive smartphone, in addition, there is already a built-in content – cartoons, nature clips, landscape clips, games, there is a slot for usb or microSD. In addition, at the company’s booth, visitors could find a wide range of accessories: headphones, Bluetooth speakers, chargers.

Another manufacturer Perfeo also presented to the public a great set of accessories: new series of headphones, radios, MP3-players, set-top boxes for receiving digital TV DVB-T2, LED lights, batteries and lamps with disco-effects. Among the many PC accessories the Game Design series mice and new models of computer speakers stood out. By the way, up to May 15, specially for visitors of the exhibition there is a 15% discount for orders through the site perfeo – just specify the code word “Photoforum” in the note to your order.

You could also buy accessories at the Rockphone booth. Here – iron-protected cords, additional connectors on chargers, headphones for sports and outdoor activities, power banks for every taste and design. There was also a novelty – capsule headphones, which are about to appear in the windows of online stores.

Extra-intensive program of master classes by famous photographers, bloggers and videographers was held at the Photoforum and Mobile & Digital Forum. Listeners refused to let some of the speakers leave the stage and asked questions in person. From the packed hall, we realized how important the educational part of the exhibitions is to the visitors.

Outside of the exhibition program, the Hi-Fi & High End Show featured silent DJ sets, a concert and a master class on playing the thermo-vox, as well as a jazz orchestra performance. The extravaganza of colors, paints, and music ended, leaving behind gigabytes of joy-filled photos and clips. We can safely say that we have prepared everything for the coming warmth and summer. Share photos on social media, spread the holiday.

The team of Photoforum, Mobile & Digital Forum and Hi-Fi & High End Show is always welcome on the website and in social networks. /data/away/5a9fc8b95a58bef05ef6b83874d774d2/

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