PMA 2006 Report


PMA 2006 LogoWelcome to our PMA 2006 report. The Photo Marketing Association (PMA) Annual Convention and Trade Show takes place this year in Orlando, Florida USA and runs from 26th February - 1st March 2006. This is the world's largest annual photo imaging trade show, where the major photography manufacturers will unveil their new product line-ups for 2006 and beyond. Just like last year, PhotographyBLOG will be covering PMA live from the show floor. Expect a lot of announcements both in the weeks leading up to PMA and during the 4 days of the show itself. To help you keep track of everything that's going on, this page will contain links to all of the latest product announcements. You can also signup for a regular email which will keep you up to date with everything that is happening before, during and after PMA 2006.

Top 10 Products

  • PMA 2006 "Hot Top 10"
    We take a look back at what turned out to be an exciting PMA show, and select our top 10 from the hundreds of products that were on show.

Behind the Scenes

  • Pentax 10 Megapixel DSLR Photos
    Pentax are showing their new, as yet un-named 10 megapixel DSLR under glass here at PMA (making product shots a little tricky). Here are some shots to whet your appetite...
  • Pentax 645 DSLR Photos
    Also under glass at PMA is the prototype of Pentax's 18 megapixel 645 medium format digital SLR.
  • Panasonic DMC-L1 Photos
    Live from the Panasonc press conference at PMA, where Panasonic have unveiled the new DMC-L1 digital SLR camera. Here are some exclusive shots of the Panasonic L1, new Leica D lens and Sigma Four Thirds lenses. The DMCL1 has certainly caused a stur amongst the journalists here at PMA, but what do you think of the Panasonic DMC-L1?
  • Canon Announces 39 New Products
    Here are some real-life product shots from the UK press launch that you won't find anywhere else...
  • Canon Powershot G-Series Cameras R.I.P
    Canon UK representatives have confirmed our worst fears by stating that there will be no more G-Series Canon cameras.
  • Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX01 Photos
    Here are some sample images taken with a pre-production version of the FX01
  • Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ1 Photos
    Here are some sample images taken with a pre-production version of the TZ1.

Official Press Releases - By Manufacturer

Bibble Labs

Casio

Canon

  • Canon EOS 30D
    Improvements over the 20D include a 2.5 inch LCD, spot metering, Picture Style pre-sets and a few other minor tweaks. The Canon 30D will be available from March 2006, priced at body only �1099.99 / �1599.99, plus EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 (non USM) lens �1179.99 / �1749.99.
  • Canon EF 85mm f/1.2 L II USM Lens
    Available from April 2006, priced at �1629.99 / �2359.99.
  • Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM Lens
    Available from June 2006, priced at �869.99 / �1259.99.
  • Canon Digital IXUS 800 IS
    6 megapixels, image stabilized 4x zoom lens (first time on an IXUS), ISO 800. Available from April 2006, priced at �399.00 / �589.99.
  • Canon Digital IXUS 65 and Canon Digital IXUS 60
    6 megapixels, 3x zoom lens, ISO 800, Widescreen (16:9) mode, 3 inch and 2.5 inch LCD respectively. The Digital IXUS 60 will be available from March 2006 and Digital IXUS 65 from April 2006, priced at �299.00 / �449.99 and �349.00 / �519.99 respectively.
  • Canon PowerShot S3 IS
    6 megapixels, image stabilized 12x zoom lens, ISO 800, 2 inch LCD. Available from early May 2006, priced at �449.00 / �649.99.
  • Canon PowerShot A700 and Canon PowerShot A540
    6 megapixels, ISO 800, 2.5 inch LCD, 6x and 4x optical zoom lens respectively. The PowerShot A700 and PowerShot A540 will be available from March 2006, priced at �289.00 / �429.99 and �249.00 / �369.99 respectively.
  • Canon PowerShot A530 and Canon PowerShot A430
    5 and 4 megapixels, ISO 800, 2.5 inch LCD, 4x optical zoom lens. The PowerShot A430 and PowerShot A530 will be available from March 2006, priced at �149.00 / �219.99 and �199.00 / �299.99 respectively.
  • Canon PIXMA Pro9500 and Canon PIXMA Pro9000
    Professional A3+ printers. The pigment based PIXMA Pro9500 and dye based PIXMA Pro9000 will be available from Autumn 2006, priced at around �649.00 / �937.00 and �499.00 / �720.00 respectively.
  • Canon PIXMA iX4000 and Canon PIXMA iX5000
    A3+ printers. The PIXMA iX4000 and iX5000 are aimed at the SoHo market and will be available from April 2006, priced at around �249.00 / �360.00 and �329.00 / �475.00 respectively.
  • Canon PIXMA MP800R
    Wireless all-in-one device. The PIXMA MP800R will be available from March 2006, priced at around �329.00 / �475.00.
  • Canon PIXMA MP830 and Canon PIXMA MP530
    All-in-one devices. The PIXMA MP830 and PIXMA MP530 will be available from May 2006, priced at around �329.00 / �475.00 and �249.00 / �360.00 respectively.

Epson

Fujfilm

HP

  • HP Photosmart Pro B9180 Photo Printer
    an 8 colour, A3+ printer that uses Vivera pigemnt inks for waterproof photos that resist fading for more than 200 years. The HP B9180 has an estimated street price of $699 (US).

Kodak

Leica

Minox

Mustek

  • Mustek MDC-832Z
    8 megapixels, 2 inch LCD, 3x optical zoom lens, available for just $249.99.

Nikon

Olympus

  • Olympus E-330 DSLR
    7.5 megapixels, 2.5 inch LCD, live preview, Supersonic Wave Filter, �900 in the UK, available in March.
  • Olympus SP-320
    7.1 megapixels, 3x zoom, 2.5 inch LCD, full range of shooting modes, RAW format, �230 in the UK, available in April.
  • Olympus mju 810
     8 megapixels, 3x zoom, 2.5 inch LCD, stainless steel, weatherproof body, BrightCapture Technology, �330 in the UK.
  • Olympus mju 720 SW
     7.1 megapixels, 3x zoom, 2.5 inch LCD, weatherproof and shockproof body, BrightCapture Technology, �300 in the UK.
  • Olympus mju 700
     7.1 megapixels, 3x zoom, 2.5 inch LCD, weatherproof body, BrightCapture Technology, available for �230 in the UK.
  • Olympus FE-160
     6 megapixels, 2.8x zoom, 2.5 inch LCD, available at Dixons, Currys and PC World stores in the UK.
  • Olympus FE-150
     5 megapixels, 3x zoom, 2.5 inch LCD, �160 in the UK.
  • Olympus FE-140
     6 megapixels, 3x zoom, 2.5 inch LCD, �170 in the UK.
  • Olympus FE-130
     5.1 megapixels, 3x zoom, 2.0 inch LCD, �140 in the UK.
  • Olympus FE-115
     5 megapixels, 2.8x zoom, 1.5 inch LCD, �120 in the UK.
  • Olympus Underwater and Outdoor cases

Panasonic

  • Panasonic DMC-L1 Digital SLR
    The 7.5 megapixel Panasonic DMCL1 is based on the Four Thirds system. The DMC L1 has the same Live View feature as the Olympus E-300, which allows you to preview the image on the camera's LCD screen as well as through the viewfinder. There is a new LEICA D VARIO-ELMARIT 14-50mm/F2.8-3.5 lens with an aperture ring. Other features of the Panasonic L1 includes the Supersonic Wave Filter system for dust removal, SD card support and new Venus Engine III processing engine. The DMC-L1 is scheduled for release "later this year".
  • Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ1
    5 megapixels, 10x Leica optical zoom lens, 2.5 inch LCD, available in April.
  • Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX01
    6 megapixels, 28mm wide-angle Leica optical zoom lens, 2.5 inch LCD, available in March.
  • Panasonic KX-PX1 and Panasonic KX-PX10 Printers
  • Panasonic PT-P1SD Projector
  • Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ7
    6 megapixels, 12x zoom with optical stabilizer, 2.5 inch LCD.

Pentax

  • 10 Megapixel Pentax DSLR Camera
    Pentax have unveiled plans to launch a 10 megapixel DSLR camera, 21mm wide-angle lens and PENTAX 645 Digital medium format DSLR.
  • Pentax Optio W10
    6 megapixels, 3x optical zoom lens, 2.5 inch LCD, waterproof body.
  • Pentax Optio T10
    6 megapixels, 3x optical zoom lens, large 3 inch touch-screen LCD, thin 19.5mm body.
  • Pentax Optio M10
    6 megapixels, 3x optical zoom lens, 2.5 inch LCD.
  • Pentax *ist DL2 DSLR
    New features include 8 scene modes, 5 point wide-area AF system, and a new digital preview function which allows confirmation of depth of field, exposure level, image composition and flash lighting effect, on the LCD monitor.

Ricoh

  • Ricoh Caplio R4
    6 megapixels, 7x zoom lens, 2.5 inch LCD screen, Vibration Correction function. The Ricoh R4 will be available from March for �249.99.
  • Ricoh Caplio RR630
    6.1 megapixels, 3x zoom lens, 2 inch LCD screen. The Ricoh RR630 will be available from March for �129.99.
  • Ricoh GR Digital Creative Set
    Consists of the Ricoh GR Digital camera, wide conversion lens, external viewfinder, hood and adapter, camera case and neck strap. The GR Digital Creative Set Package will be available from March for �699.
  • Ricoh Caplio GX8 Creative Set
    Includes the Caplio GX8 digital camera, wide conversion lens, hood and adapter, rechargeable battery, charger, camera case and neck strap. The Caplio GX8 Creative Set Package will be available from March for �349.99.

Sandisk

Samsung

  • Samsung GX-1L DSLR
    6-megapixels, five-point wide-area Auto Focus system, three-mode metering system, 8 scene modes. Available in March.
  • Samsung Digimax L85
    8-megapixels, 5x optical zoom (38-190mm - 35mm equivalent), 2.5-inch LCD display (230K pixels), full manual control, 11 preset scene modes. Available in March.
  • Samsung Digimax L60
    6 megapixels, 3x optical zoom lens, MPEG4 video recording, 2.4-inch LCD screen. Available in March.

Sigma

Sony

Tamron

Vivitar

  • Vivitar ViviCam X60
    10 megapixels, 2.8 inch LCD, 6x optical zoom lens, available in Q2/3 2006.
  • Vivitar ViviCam X30
    10 megapixels, 2.5 inch LCD, 3x optical zoom lens, available in Q2/3 2006.

Official Press Releases - By Date

February 26th, 2006

February 25th, 2006

  • 10 Megapixel Pentax DSLR Camera
    Pentax have unveiled plans to launch a 10 megapixel DSLR camera, 21mm wide-angle lens and PENTAX 645 Digital medium format DSLR.
  • HP Photosmart Pro B9180 Photo Printer
    an 8 colour, A3+ printer that uses Vivera pigemnt inks for waterproof photos that resist fading for more than 200 years. The HP B9180 has an estimated street price of $699 (US).

February 24th, 2006

  • Samsung GX-1L DSLR
    6-megapixels, five-point wide-area Auto Focus system, three-mode metering system, 8 scene modes. Available in March.
  • Samsung Digimax L85
    8-megapixels, 5x optical zoom (38-190mm - 35mm equivalent), 2.5-inch LCD display (230K pixels), full manual control, 11 preset scene modes. Available in March.
  • Samsung Digimax L60
    6 megapixels, 3x optical zoom lens, MPEG4 video recording, 2.4-inch LCD screen. Available in March.

February 22nd, 2006

  • Epson Perfection V700 Photo and Epson Perfection V750-M Pro Scanners
    The Epson Perfection 750-M Pro will be available in May for $799. The Epson Perfection V700 Photo will be available in March for $549.
  • Ricoh Caplio R4
    6 megapixels, 7x zoom lens, 2.5 inch LCD screen, Vibration Correction function. The Ricoh R4 will be available from March for �249.99.
  • Ricoh Caplio RR630
    6.1 megapixels, 3x zoom lens, 2 inch LCD screen. The Ricoh RR630 will be available from March for �129.99.
  • Ricoh GR Digital Creative Set
    Consists of the Ricoh GR Digital camera, wide conversion lens, external viewfinder, hood and adapter, camera case and neck strap. The GR Digital Creative Set Package will be available from March for �699.
  • Ricoh Caplio GX8 Creative Set
    Includes the Caplio GX8 digital camera, wide conversion lens, hood and adapter, rechargeable battery, charger, camera case and neck strap. The Caplio GX8 Creative Set Package will be available from March for �349.99.

February 21st, 2006

  • Canon EOS 30D
    Improvements over the 20D include a 2.5 inch LCD, spot metering, Picture Style pre-sets and a few other minor tweaks. The Canon 30D will be available from March 2006, priced at body only �1099.99 / �1599.99, plus EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 (non USM) lens �1179.99 / �1749.99.
  • Canon EF 85mm f/1.2 L II USM Lens
    Available from April 2006, priced at �1629.99 / �2359.99.
  • Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM Lens
    Available from June 2006, priced at �869.99 / �1259.99.
  • Canon Digital IXUS 800 IS
    6 megapixels, image stabilized 4x zoom lens (first time on an IXUS), ISO 800. Available from April 2006, priced at �399.00 / �589.99.
  • Canon Digital IXUS 65 and Canon Digital IXUS 60
    6 megapixels, 3x zoom lens, ISO 800, Widescreen (16:9) mode, 3 inch and 2.5 inch LCD respectively. The Digital IXUS 60 will be available from March 2006 and Digital IXUS 65 from April 2006, priced at �299.00 / �449.99 and �349.00 / �519.99 respectively.
  • Canon PowerShot S3 IS
    6 megapixels, image stabilized 12x zoom lens, ISO 800, 2 inch LCD. Available from early May 2006, priced at �449.00 / �649.99.
  • Canon PowerShot A700 and Canon PowerShot A540
    6 megapixels, ISO 800, 2.5 inch LCD, 6x and 4x optical zoom lens respectively. The PowerShot A700 and PowerShot A540 will be available from March 2006, priced at �289.00 / �429.99 and �249.00 / �369.99 respectively.
  • Canon PowerShot A530 and Canon PowerShot A430
    5 and 4 megapixels, ISO 800, 2.5 inch LCD, 4x optical zoom lens. The PowerShot A430 and PowerShot A530 will be available from March 2006, priced at �149.00 / �219.99 and �199.00 / �299.99 respectively.
  • Canon PIXMA Pro9500 and Canon PIXMA Pro9000
    Professional A3+ printers. The pigment based PIXMA Pro9500 and dye based PIXMA Pro9000 will be available from Autumn 2006, priced at around �649.00 / �937.00 and �499.00 / �720.00 respectively.
  • Canon PIXMA iX4000 and Canon PIXMA iX5000
    A3+ printers. The PIXMA iX4000 and iX5000 are aimed at the SoHo market and will be available from April 2006, priced at around �249.00 / �360.00 and �329.00 / �475.00 respectively.
  • Canon PIXMA MP800R
    Wireless all-in-one device. The PIXMA MP800R will be available from March 2006, priced at around �329.00 / �475.00.
  • Canon PIXMA MP830 and Canon PIXMA MP530
    All-in-one devices. The PIXMA MP830 and PIXMA MP530 will be available from May 2006, priced at around �329.00 / �475.00 and �249.00 / �360.00 respectively.
  • Casio EXILIM ZOOM EX-Z850
    8.1 megapixels, 3x optical zoom lens, manual exposure and advanced flash options.
  • Casio EXILIM ZOOM EX-Z60
    6 megapixels, 3x optical zoom lens, 2.5 inch LCD.
  • Nikon Coolpix S5 and Nikon Coolpix S6
    6 megapixels, 3x optical zoom lens, 2.5 inch and 3 inch LCDs respectively. Coolpix S5 available end of February for �299.99 / �369. Coolpix S6 available mid March for �349.99 / �459.
  • Nikon Coolpix P3 and Nikon Coolpix P4
    8.1 megapixels, 3.5x optical zoom lens, 2.5 inch LCD. Coolpix P3 available end of February for �349.99 / �459. Coolpix P4 available mid March for �329.99 / �399.
  • Nikon Coolpix L2, Nikon Coolpix L3 and Nikon Coolpix L4
    6, 5.1 and 4 megapixels respectively, 3x optical zoom lens, 2 inch LCD. Coolpix L2 available end of February for �199.99 / �245. Coolpix L3 available end of February for �169.99 / �212. Coolpix L4 available mid March for �129.99 / �159.
  • Nikon AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED Lens
    Available end of March for �599.99 / �889.
  • Nikon Capture NX
    Digital image editing software. Available in May 2006 for �119.99 / �179.
  • Nikon View Pro
    Image management software. Available in May 2006 for �34.99 / �50.
  • Nikon Pictmotion
    In-camera slideshow functionality.

February 20th, 2006

  • Vivitar ViviCam X60
    10 megapixels, 2.8 inch LCD, 6x optical zoom lens, available in Q2/3 2006.
  • Vivitar ViviCam X30
    10 megapixels, 2.5 inch LCD, 3x optical zoom lens, available in Q2/3 2006.
  • Mustek MDC-832Z
    8 megapixels, 2 inch LCD, 3x optical zoom lens, available for just $249.99.

February 19th, 2006

February 17th, 2006

February 16th, 2006

  • Pentax Optio W10
    6 megapixels, 3x optical zoom lens, 2.5 inch LCD, waterproof body.
  • Pentax Optio T10
    6 megapixels, 3x optical zoom lens, large 3 inch touch-screen LCD, thin 19.5mm body.
  • Pentax Optio M10
    6 megapixels, 3x optical zoom lens, 2.5 inch LCD.
  • Minox DC 6011
    6 megapixels, 3x optical zoom lens, 2.5 inch LCD.
  • Minox DC 5011
    5 megapixels, 3x optical zoom lens, 2.5 inch LCD.

February 15th

February 14th, 2006

January 27th, 2006

  • Pentax *ist DL2 DSLR
    New features include 8 scene modes, 5 point wide-area AF system, and a new digital preview function which allows confirmation of depth of field, exposure level, image composition and flash lighting effect, on the LCD monitor.

January 26th, 2006

  • Olympus E-330 DSLR
    7.5 megapixels, 2.5 inch LCD, live preview, Supersonic Wave Filter, �900 in the UK, available in March.
  • Olympus SP-320
    7.1 megapixels, 3x zoom, 2.5 inch LCD, full range of shooting modes, RAW format, �230 in the UK, available in April.
  • Olympus mju 810
    8 megapixels, 3x zoom, 2.5 inch LCD, stainless steel, weatherproof body, BrightCapture Technology, �330 in the UK.
  • Olympus mju 720 SW
    7.1 megapixels, 3x zoom, 2.5 inch LCD, weatherproof and shockproof body, BrightCapture Technology, �300 in the UK.
  • Olympus mju 700
    7.1 megapixels, 3x zoom, 2.5 inch LCD, weatherproof body, BrightCapture Technology, available for �230 in the UK.
  • Olympus FE-160
    6 megapixels, 2.8x zoom, 2.5 inch LCD, available at Dixons, Currys and PC World stores in the UK.
  • Olympus FE-150
    5 megapixels, 3x zoom, 2.5 inch LCD, �160 in the UK.
  • Olympus FE-140
    6 megapixels, 3x zoom, 2.5 inch LCD, �170 in the UK.
  • Olympus FE-130
    5.1 megapixels, 3x zoom, 2.0 inch LCD, �140 in the UK.
  • Olympus FE-115
    5 megapixels, 2.8x zoom, 1.5 inch LCD, �120 in the UK.
  • Olympus Underwater and Outdoor cases

January 23rd, 2006

Previous PMA Reports

Here are the reports for the last two PMA shows:

Other PMA 2006 Reports

Here are some more PMA 2006 reports that are well worth checking out: