Bogen Imaging was down at CES 2008 showing off their brands Manfrotto, KATA, and National Geographic. We spotted a few cool things at the show that camera geeks might enjoy having a look at.
Manfrotto
If you’re a camera geek, then you’ve probably come across the name Manfrotto before. They make some of the most uber camera tripods in the business. At CES, they showed off a product called the 585 MODOSTEADY which gives camcorder or digital camera users a steady platform to film from in almost any situation. The unit is a three in one that changes from a tabletop tripod (pictured above) to a shoulder steadying support when you’re walking around. The last transformation mode turns the MODOSTEADY into a counter balanced mount that allows your digital camera or camcorder to maintain its center of gravity while making those artistic sweeping shots, not those shaky unviewable ones. The 585 MODOSTEADY is available now for under $200 bones.
Also from the Manfrotto family is the new compact MODOPocket, a low profile mini tripod that fixes to your camera and flips out of sight when not in use. It’s useful for those shots where you want to make use of the timer or simply want to steady your compact camera for a long exposure shot. It should be available now for about $30 bucks.
KATA Bags
KATA was showing off some cool DSLR bags, the DR-467 and the DR-465. Both of them feature TST structural protection and an ergonomic harness for maximum comfort while transporting your gear. The Rucksacks’ bottom camera compartments give users the ability to store a Digital SLR with mounted lens, additional lenses, flash and other essential accessories. The bottom camera compartment is also removable, should the carrier wish to use the Rucksack as a day pack when not shooting.
The bags are extremely lightweight and I was impressed with the stitching quality and construction. I can’t wait to get a hold of one of these. The best part about these bags is their price…under $100.
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National Geographic
Those folks at National Geographic are like a charging Rhinoceros when it comes to marketing their name. Their latest branding effort takes us into a new line of Digital Lifestyle Bags that allow you to store your gadgets in a form that doesn’t scream “Hey! I’ve got a bunch of gadgets on me! Please steal them!” I guess the best disguise is in the form of plain sight and urban trendy burlap. Although they’ve been doing camera bags for a little while now, with the help of KATA, they’ve just recently jumped into the realm of Digital Lifestyle gadget bags.
Prices range from $11 for their new Nano Pouch to $125 for their new Large Laptop Shoulder Bag (pictured above). They are surprisingly well built and offer lots of great functionality thanks to an injection of KATA’s technology. Fashioned in unassuming burlap, they still contain all protection and functionality that you would expect in conventional gadget bags. I mean, who would steal a burlap sack?
Two new camera straps, the Travel and Adventure, also join the National Geographic line up. The Travel Camera Strap (NG 3020, $11 street price) offers a camera strap that boasts the classic Earth Explorer style while the Adventure Camera Strap (NG 303, $19 street price) features the added benefit of media pockets.
For more pictures of the product line, check out our CES 2008 Bogen Imaging Photo Gallery.
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