Where was the photography at Macworld?

• Posted By: Robert Lachman
• Posted On: 9:30 p.m. | February 2, 2011

Where was the photography at Macworld 2011 in San Francisco last week? Although it is a computer expo, usually I find myself dazzled by a few developers showing imaging-related hardware and software. I really had some great expectations of finding a great new app for my iMac, iPhone or iPad, or a new gadget that I just had to buy, but it was a tough year finding anything related to photography items.

This year, it seemed at least two-thirds of the show was centered around iOS devices from Apple: the iPad and iPhone.

It was tough searching booth after booth of iPad-related products, which featured every possible way to hold, connect, mount or protect those 25 million-plus magical Apple tablets.

I couldn’t believe how many entrepreneurs were out there hawking iPad products. I started to get sidetracked by the ingenuity of these developers.

The variety was limited only by the inventors’ creativity. I use the simplest case made by Apple, which doubles as a stand. It’s a breeze to operate, but I guess I need to be more open-minded. Maybe I need something much more tricked-out. I shouldn’t just have to hold the iPad in a normal fashion.

Because this trip to San Francisco was more vacation than work-related, the thought of finding a nice restaurant at the wharf for dinner was more of a priority than searching out photography gadgets and apps at Macworld. Also, I wanted to try out a little HDR (high dynamic range) photography at sunset.

Plus, my mission was even tougher because I was also distracted by all the iPhone spinoff business.

The simplicity of the iPad works for me, but with so many vendors selling products such as the Pad Bracket, which is a nifty little plastic shelf to use to put an iPad on a wall. I guess I need to find a reason to mount my iPad to the wall.

iPad Docking Station from Monitors in Motion was another great mounting solution. It’s  made of aluminum with impressive swivel arms that move into all sorts of positions. I guess I could mount it to my coffee table so I can relax on the couch and use my iPad without actually holding it.

The other popular design seemed to be the strap for the back of the iPad, which makes it easier to hold like the Swivel Pro. I couldn’t believe how many booths featured handy straps for the back of your iPad. I haven’t really felt the need for this, but maybe someday.

As my search for photography products continued, I stopped by the DryCASE booth. Finally I found it: my first photo-related product. This is a little plastic case made for the iPhone or iPad to protect the devices from getting wet.

At this point, I was ready to buy — not to mention the fact that there was a special show price of $30 for the iPhone version. The discount always ropes me in. I think I saved $10 over the regular price. There was a great exhibit with an aquarium with goldfish swimming around an iPhone in the DryCASE. This regular price is $39.99 on the company’s website.

The case features a headphone jack, a waterproof vacuum seal, a one-year warranty and a neoprene armband.

Used correctly, it seems like a nice product to keep your iPhone dry around the pool or beach. I did give it a quick try in the hotel sink . My iPhone 3GS did stay dry, and I was able to use the touch screen and take pictures.

Make sure you follow the instructions, and check with the manufacturer if you have any questions.

It certainly isn’t as convenient as using one of the many compact underwater cameras that are now available.

Technically, there were a few other photography vendors including: Topaz Labs (Photoshop Plugins), MotionPortraits (iPhone App) and Youbiq (a mini tripod for the iPhone, making it easy to shoot panoramas).

I have a feeling this trend will continue, so I may need to check more photography-related expos, such as Photshopworld and WPPI, to get my photo fix.

Photos: (top to bottom) An iPhone inside the DryCASE sits in an aquarium filled with fish on the Macworld Expo floor; Pad Bracket; iPad Docking Station, Swivel Pro and a busy showroom floor. Credit: Robert Lachman / Los Angeles Times

Read more reviews and photography tips by Robert Lachman