The mood at PMA (the Photo Marketing Association trade show held early each year) has been somewhere between somber and subdued. With so many retailers disappearing, trade reps being let go, and prices going the wrong way during a recession, there isn't much to be happy about.
Product-wise, there isn't much new for the Nikon faithful. Here's the primary things of interest at the moment:
- Sigma 10-20mm f/3.5 EX DC HSM. Essentially a new version of the lens I've been using for some time at the wide end for DX. Unfortunately, we lose as much as we gain (faster, fixed aperture). The lens is now 82mm for the front threads and focuses a little further away. Thom rating: not exciting unless it's performance in the corners is better than the one it replaces.
- Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8-4.5 DC OS HSM. Sigma's version of the low-end kit lens. Basically the draw is a faster aperture (compare to the Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6). Focuses with the D40/D40x/D60 bodies and has stabilization. Thom rating: not exciting, but I'm happy we have another option here.
- Sigma 50-200mm f/4-5.6 DC OS HSM. Sigma's version of the telephoto kit lens. Focuses with the D40/D40x/D60 bodies and has stabilization. Thom rating: definitely not exciting, but again, nice to have another low-end option.
- Lightroom 2.3 and Camera Raw 5.3 have shipped (no longer beta). Supports D3x. Thom rating: a little over two months from camera ship to full Adobe support is too much (blame Nikon, not Adobe), but this restores many photographer workflows to normal so I'm happy.
- Apple Digital Camera RAW Compatibility 2.5 is available. Supports D3x. Thom rating: nice to see Apple a little tighter on getting support out than previously; again, restores many photographer workflows to normal.
- LensBaby .42x adapter. If you've got a recent LensBaby and want to do wide angle with it, this is what you want, as it takes you to 21mm and lets you now blur over really wide angles of view ;~). Thom rating: too wide, I think, but finally gives us a useful option.
- Coolpix P6000 firmware update 1.2. Bug fixes plus a power consumption improvement. Thom rating: download and install it immediately.