While the Wild Birds Unlimited Vendor Mart 2009 featured a wide variety of interesting and innovative backyard nature related products from many fine companies, the new offerings from two firms, Wingscapes and Swarovski, were particularly notable.
Wingscapes displayed not one, not two, but three new additions to their product line – two new BirdCam models and an innovative new PlantCam. The first of the new BirdCam models, the Audubon BirdCam, is relatively similar to the original BirdCam model but will feature a 5.0 megapixel camera. The BirdCam 2.0, the second new BirdCam model, will not only offer an 8.0 megapixel camera but will also include a flash to allow for early morning, late evening, and even night photography and videography as well. The PlantCam is a 4.0 megapixel time lapse camera specifically created to record the growth cycle of (what else?) plants.
In a surprise mid-year introduction, Swarovski displayed their new UCA Universal Camera Adapter. Designed to accommodate not only the traditional pocket digital cameras that are so popular with digiscopers, but both DSLR and digital video cameras as well, the Swarovski UCA sets a new standard in universal digital camera adaptability and ease-of-use.
Also from Swarovski, the new EL 32mm Traveler binocular; the much beloved Swarovski EL 8x32mm and 10x32mm in a new aesthetic package – a color I like to call “adventure tan” – complete with matching accessories. This new look added to what is already a superb optical design in an eminently easy-to-carry size will make the Swarovski EL 32mm Traveler more appealing to a wider potential market; still sufficiently “earth-toned” for the naturalist but a bit more sophisticated and adventurous for the general user. Those who prefer the original green need not worry – as with all Swarovski EL binoculars, the EL 32mm will also continue to be available in that classic color as well.
