Some of the PMA 2009 events began yesterday – DIMA Annual Conference, PIEA Educator/Student Workshops and PMA Registration. However, the show floor is still closed while vendors were working hard on getting set up before it opens on Tuesday. [Read more…]
Pre-PMA 2009
So, I made it to Vegas unscathed thus far. While I’m going to take in a bit of sight seeing and snap some shots of the sights, I’ll have some pre-PMA 2009 news over the next couple of days as well.
Look for news to pick up on Monday though. I’ll be dropping lots of news on products and exhibitors Monday and Tuesday evening.
If you’re in Vegas for PMA, or otherwise, and want to meet up to talk photography, an impromptu photowalk or just to say hey, drop me a line through the contact form. As of right now, tonight and Sunday are pretty open.
Stay tuned!
RitzCamera.com is NOT Filing Bankruptcy
There has been a terrible amount of inaccurate reporting on a variety of different forums and blogs today regarding the bankruptcy filing by Ritz Camera Centers, Inc. I want to briefly clarify and correct some of these major inaccuracies.
While this may be confusing to some, Ritz Camera Centers, Inc., which consists of the brick and mortar retail chains of companies like Ritz Camera, Wolf Camera and Camera World, is not the same company as Ritz Interactive, Inc., which operates a number of online retail sites, including RitzCamera.com, WolfCamera.com and CameraWorld.com, among others.
Brick and mortar retailers have been hit hard by the economy, as we’ve recently seen Circuit City in the process of complete liquidation. However, Ritz Camera Centers, Inc. (not RitzCamera.com) is filing Chapter 11 bankruptcy, which is a reorganization process – not a liquidation process. They will probably close some stores in the process of reorganization, but are not liquidating and closing all the Ritz Camera stores.
A number of people have reported that Nikon’s $26M+ claim and Canon’s $13M+ claim against Ritz will result in a total loss to these companies. Not true. Remember, Chapter 11 is reorganization. Part of the process is figuring out how to pay creditors their money – especially creditors that you need to keep happy. It is a huge churning process, but Ritz Camera Centers, Inc. needs to emerge from the bankruptcy proceedings with a happy Canon and Nikon if it wants to keep these cameras on its store shelves and stocked in warehouses. As a result, Ritz will need to reassure Canon and Nikon in the Chapter 11 bankruptcy process that it can continue to pay its debts. If it can’t do so . . . well, then we might start speculating about the liquidation of the brick and mortar chain – because with Canon and Nikon off the shelves, they can’t really be a viable camera store.
Ritz Interactive, however, appears to be doing just fine:
Ritz Interactive, Inc., the e-commerce network that includes RitzCamera.com, WolfCamera.com, BoatersWorld.com and other leading online-shopping sites have been named to Internet Retailer’s 2009 Hot 100 Best Retail Web Sites.
The Internet Retailer’s Hot 100 Web Sites offer many lessons on how to inspire, inform and serve web site shoppers, and also how to reach out beyond ecommerce sites to connect with consumers. The Hot 100 Web Sites were chosen for their innovations that go beyond the primary web site and their performance metrics which include response time, site availability and consistency.
According to Ritz Interactive president and CEO Fred H. Lerner, “We have a very straightforward philosophy; we present our customers with options. This stretches from payment options; whether it is credit cards, Google Checkout, PayPal or Bill Me Later, or choices in navigation methods and customer service.” “We’re all about convenience to our customers.”
(Source: December 2008 Press Release)
I hope this post clears up some of the confusion and bad info out there. You can keep your pre-orders and keep making orders at RitzCamera.com without concerning yourself with any bankruptcy woes.
Photographer Websites: What Buyers Want Now
Photoshelter has been doing their homework. They’ve also been doing your homework for you. Photoshelter conducted a survey of image buyers and figured out what they want to see from your photography site and what makes it easier for customers to buy your images.
Additionally, Photoshelter has made it easier for you to take action and give buyers what they want with their photography website templates.
Some of the survey results are eye-openers. And others . . . well, if you are using autoplay music on your website, stop. Seriously, stop now.
Get the lowdown on the survey and Photoshelter’s plan in the press release below.
RocketLife Touch
RocketLife Touch is a photo kiosk or touch screen solution that can be used in retail photo environments or at home with compatible PCs. More details in the press release. [Read more…]
Digital Foci Photo Book
This new Photo Book from Digital Foci is not so much of a book as it is a digital photo browser with a nice pleather binder. It has an 8″ screen and is set to be available in May for $189. More info in the press release below.
A couple of questions for you wedding photographers:
1. Is this something you would use to show proofs to clients or would you rather use a laptop?
2. Would you consider adding this as part of a package or an extra (i.e., clients take the digital album home loaded with their photos)?
Add your thoughts in the comments below.
Novatron M150 Monolight
See the following press release for a new 150 watt monolight priced at $240 from Novatron. [Read more…]
Dust-Aid Introduces Dust-Shield, Dust-Swabs and Dust-Jet
Dust-Aid has 3 new products appearing at PMA which are designed to help you get or keep dust off your DSLR sensor. More details and images from Dust-Aid’s press release below.
PRESS RELEASE
Bend, Oregon- February 17, 2009- Today DUST-AID introduced several new DSLR camera sensor filter dust prevention products and cleaning products; the Dust-Shield is focused on the prevention of dust by blocking particulates from entering the mirror chamber, the Dust-Swabs with Sensor Light is an illuminated swab for shining light and cleaning a sensor filter in a dark mirror chamber, and the Dust-Jet which contains a replaceable filter to clean air blown through the bellows of the blower. These new products deliver breakthrough features that make them truly unique products.
Preventing DSLR mirror chamber dust just got easier with Dust-Shield.
Stroboframe U-Pro Rotating Bracket
Stroboframe has recently released the U-Pro rotating flash bracket. The key feature of the of the new U-Pro is the ability to rotate the camera itself while maintaining the position of the flash well above the lens. For a great example and testimonial of the effectiveness of this kind of rotating bracket, see Rich Legg’s recent post regarding his use of a similar bracket with a monopod. While Rich focuses on his new resolution to use a monopod more often, his rotating bracket is an integral part of his shooting.
For more info on the Stroboframe U-Pro, see the press release below. [Read more…]
Dell Wasabi PZ310
The Dell Wasabi PZ310 is a mobile printer that is almost pocket-sized. It prints borderless 2×3 inch prints in under a minute. It is Bluetooth and PictBridge compatible. Canon 5D Mark II users may finally have a use for the print button (yes, it’s a joke).
While the Wasabi PZ310 is a novel idea, don’t count on it to be anything more than a “fun” toy. And frankly, if you own a DSLR, it’s probably not going to be all that fun. It’s clearly geared toward the MySpace-crazed teen crowd; not that there’s anything wrong with that. It’s just a little too gimicky for those of use who take photography seriously. It comes at an introductory price of $99.
For more info, see Dell’s press release below. [Read more…]
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