From a standard-setting professional camera to a multipurpose camera bag, from a high-performance flash unit to innovative digital printing methods and successful image distribution via the Internet: the professional imaging market is growing, changing, and taking on new forms.
All the important products and trends will be presented in full at photokina 2008 (September 23-28) in Cologne, the only trade fair that offers visitors such a comprehensive overview.
No signs of fading : Image sensors better all the time
Digital reflex cameras are currently one of the fastest-growing products of the photography and imaging industry. And the professional models are traditionally the most important technological showpieces for the manufacturers in this segment. More new professional DSLR cameras are expected at photokina. The image sensors in these cameras (with full-frame versions becoming increasingly popular) have resolutions of well over 20 million pixels, and the cameras’ new types of image processors guarantee sensationally fast data processing. The speed of professional cameras, or the number of images that can be recorded per second, is also being raised beyond the now common rate of 10 shots per second. Another trend in this area involves image processing programs that automatically optimize image data within the camera. For example, perspectives are corrected or the desired color effects are applied. Furthermore, the professional camera models and systems in particular will be incorporated even more efficiently into telecommunication and navigation systems in the future.
A separate universe of image quality (once again): High-end digital camera backs
After some of the DSLR models had surpassed the 20 MB mark of increasing resolution, the gap initially shrank between these cameras and the significantly more expensive digital camera backs for medium and large-format cameras, which had maximum pixel counts of almost 40 million. At this year’s photokina, however, the manufacturers of digital backs are once more putting themselves comfortably in the lead: with over 50 million and sometimes as many as 65 million pixels, uniformly distributed on huge new image sensors, they clearly represent the cream of the crop when it comes to resolution. New objectives with innovative designs will also be shown, since only the very best optical products can suitably reproduce motifs at this extremely high resolution. All told, however, the true added value of the new backs results not only from the higher resolution but also from new functions, faster operation, higher quality due to increased sensitivity, greater dynamic range, better results in the studio and on location, and a longer period of service in exchange for the investment. Visitors to photokina will also be able to see the world’s first full-frame camera system based on the current 645 film format. It provides the largest available sensor area with a coverage of 53.9 x 40.4 mm.
Viewed objectively: The return to wide apertures and maximum-performance imaging
No matter how tempting it is for photographers to use a single lens to cover a maximum range of focal lengths, the disadvantages are clear, particularly for professionals: numerous lenses and multiple glass-air contact points make a mega-tele-zoom lens system not only heavy but also susceptible to extraneous light and reflections. Image quality is generally curtailed as a result. The trend in professional photography therefore leads in a different direction, namely, toward wide-aperture lenses with a rather small zoom range but outstanding image quality – or even increasingly toward lenses with a fixed focal length. Since the design of these lenses requires practically no compromises due to zoom features, they are the top of the line when it comes to aperture and imaging quality. Other trends in lens design for professional cameras include extreme focal lengths, above all in the wide-angle range; even better antireflection coatings; and even higher performance in image stabilizers, ultrasonic motors, splash guards, focus limiters and autofocus precision. All the manufacturers are exhibiting the latest products in these segments at photokina.
Professional image-processing software : Huge potential for innovation
How can we continue to improve and/or correct photographs after they are taken? This is the question being asked not only by the cameramakers but also, and especially, by the suppliers of the corresponding software. One of the leading software developers has produced a “light-field objective” from 19 miniature lenses situated adjacent to one another. With the image data obtained in this way, the definition or sharpness of the photo on the display can be enhanced or lowered after the photo is taken. That means it is later possible to “sharpen” even those areas of the subject that were not sharp when the image was shot, and vice versa. In another project, three filters (a clone scanner, a resampling detector, and a color filter array detector) are being used to make even the smallest manipulation of digital images discernible. These techniques would make it possible to identify an unmanipulated image beyond doubt, so that it would constitute undisputable evidence, for example. But engineers also continue to experiment with the opposite approach, namely, perfect image processing. Through “intelligent subject recognition,” even crude modifications in images, such as cutting out parts of the subject, are seamlessly mended and suitably adjusted to the remaining, surrounding parts of the image.
Printing I: Digital printing becomes faster, better – and more interesting
More and more imaging professionals are taking advantage of digital printing to offer their customers complete production applications after the photographs are taken. The trend in digital printing is toward fast, single-pass inkjet machines. And in regard to technologies, the manufacturers are being remarkably innovative: water-based latex inks, UV-LED printers and “Cristal Point” processes are optimizing the existing markets and opening up new ones. Many of these technologies and applications can be seen and tested at photokina, the international imaging trade fair.
Printing II: Inkjet sets the standards for images
Consistently larger, better and more versatile: modern inkjet processes are continually opening up new application possibilities and image qualities for professional photographers. The latest printer models provide an image output that is over 1.2 meters in width. And there is an almost infinitely varied range of papers and materials to satisfy any need, including even textiles, plastic films, and metal plates. The latest inks not only set standards with regard to stability, economy, and image brilliance, they can also be used in the best possible combinations according to the image desired. Black-and-white prints, for example, are printed with a variety of gray and black shades – in a quality that was inconceivable only a short time ago. With the professional inkjet printers, a great deal of image production has once more returned to the end users and photographers in photo studios, and the associated businesses have returned along with it, such as photobooks, calendars, and photos on textiles.
Printing III: Professional photobooks are strong sources of revenues and profits
For portrait, wedding, and event photographers, professional photobooks have become one of the most important sources of revenues and profits. The procedure is generally as follows: using software provided by the photobook maker, the professional photographer creates a photobook which is then burned onto a DVD as a file and sent to the photobook producer via the postal service or the Internet. The wedding photobooks, in particular, are generally finely crafted with high-quality materials. Similarly, special formats, exquisite bindings or the very finely crafted fine-art books give end customers the exclusivity they desire and the professional photographer attractive revenues and profit margins. In another trend, professionals are photographing and designing sales brochures in large volumes at low unit prices for real estate agents, for example. In the photobook segment, the production of book pages on photographic paper is also being viewed with great optimism. It is clear that these new photobooks are also particularly suitable for portrait photographers because of the image quality.
Lighting systems: Compact and lightweight, powerful and stable
Photography requires light, that goes without saying. But since there often is none, or too little of it, professionals turn to lighting systems. Small-scale portrait studios, school photographers, and users in museums and public agencies are primarily opting for the new compact models that offer low weight, high flexibility, and a level of performance that is generally adequate for these purposes. Editorial and travel photographers also tend to choose this solution, mainly because the systems are highly compact and portable. On the other hand, modern flash systems will be the preferred option for those who work in large studios and require absolute performance and color stability, as well as fashion and portrait photographers, who need the shortest possible flash and recycle times. These flash systems offer more than their compact siblings with regard to creativity too. The well-known makers of flash systems offer ring flashes, strip lights, surface lights, spots, and much more, including special flash heads.
Bags et cetera: Lively colors and innovations
Suppliers of professional camera bags are spicing up these product lines too. The new models offer not only lively colors but also improved features, such as a 360° rain cover that provides complete protection from the elements while continuing to give the photographer fast access to his equipment. There are novelties inside the latest generation of bags too. An extremely variable interior layout can accommodate a whole digital SLR setup. The inner lining is made of elastic protective material to keep sensitive digital equipment from harm. Zipper pouches at the front and side offer protection and fast access to batteries, small accessories, and other items. Memory card pouches inside the cover ensure that the cards are protected and readily available for a quick replacement. In addition to the interior features, one of the most important aspects of a camera bag is how comfortable it is to carry. Improved designs, new non-slip materials and unprecedented opportunities for variation make the new generations of camera bags practically a part of the human body that adjusts perfectly to the user’s movements.
These are only some of the innovations and trends of the photography and imaging industry that will be of interest to professional photographers. Visitors to photokina can look forward to more highlights, because the photography and imaging industry has a number of surprises in store: from geo-tagging and digital projectors to compact ultra-high-capacity memory units and the latest software for professional image processing. A visit to photokina in Cologne will be well worth your while!
