Focus on Imaging at the NEC

Just got back from the show, didn't find any really good bargains unfortunately, but did spend a little bit of cash, and that was on a
Manfrotto 804RC2 three way head and some photographic paper. This year it seems to be aimed more at the professional photographer than the hobby TOG.

Still an enjoyable few hours spent wishing I was stinking rich.

Bazza

Glad you had a good time, did you chase any girls this year xx

MS
Last year there was the caveman theme on one stand, the year before the pirate theme, this year I didn't see any. Infact there was only 2/3 studio setups in any case with models on them.
Ok its a trade show, but before they catered for the hobby photographer almost as much as the commercial one, but this year I feel was more towards the commercial end of the market.There was the usual range of hands on cameras/lenses which would suit most but no real special must get offers. For example I only saw one stand selling Peli cases, last year there were half a dozen at least. Even that stand was selling above what you can get the same for on the internet.
Having said that if you were looking to buy a particular bit of kit you could get a hands on as usual and for first time visitors it is still an experience.

Maybe because I have most of what I want could have influenced what I thought of the show or I couldn't afford what I would have liked, infact I suspect that may be the real reason I didn't get such a kick this year going. There's honesty for you.

What I would say is the huge, and I mean huge, number of people looking around just today, the professional photographer I guess is having a real hard time because of the digital age. Something I wouldn't like to take up for a living thats for sure.
Bazza

Glad you had a good time Bazza - did you take any photos?

I didn't take a camera Azz although several people did.

Bazza

Went to the show on a couple of days with my daughter (Toots) and although it was geared more towards the pro I really enjoyed it, also took the opportunity to do a bit of kit building:

Nikkor 105mm f2.8 VR Lens
Nikkor 50 mm 1.4 AF-S Lens
Nikon SB900 Flash
Manfrotto 055xPROB tri pod with 494 RC2 Head
Manfrotto 679 Mono pod with 234 head

2 Fader ND Filters (anyone had any experience with these)

Ordered on internet:

Manfrotto 732cy Tri pod
Manfrotto 776YB Mono pod

Just spending the kids inheritance.

Blimey wish I had that sort of cash! Am jealous!

Glad you enjoyed Bazza!

xx

Hi Laura, looking at your kit you have already spent a fair amount of cash, I am jealous of your D300s

Jeff

Lol yes - I had the chance and took it, and these days having to run a car means I no longer have that luxury! Sadly the flood and the car and having to move house because of the flood has eaten away any money we had, and I don't see me getting *any* new camera equipment this year...

xx

I'll show Karen this post - make's me look very restrained