LanguagesWith tens of thousands of visitors pouring through the doors of Photokina - the world's leading fair for photography and imaging - in Cologne, Germany, from 21-26 September many headed straight for Halle 3.2 of the exhibition to see the latest Canon imaging products and to enjoy a packed programme of Canon seminars.
Within the impressive 3,155 square metre Canon area two dedicated EOS counters saw a host of photographers, young and old, taking the chance to touch and try the EOS DSLR range, including the EOS-1D Mark IV and the new 18 Megapixel EOS 60D DSLR.
Equally popular with visitors was the EF lenses area with a counter for photographers to talk to Canon experts about the lens range, plus a lens gallery that gave visitors the opportunity to discover the possibilities available with Canon's telephoto lenses. There was also a special line-up of 66 Canon lenses, including extenders, displayed behind glass with the planned new EF500mm f/4L IS II USM and EF600mm f/4L IS II USM super-telephoto lenses getting a first public showing. Many photographers also had a first chance to get a 'hands-on' look at the new EF300mm f/2.8L IS II USM and EF400mm f/2.8L IS II USM telephoto lenses as well as the unique EF8-15mm f/4L Fisheye USM zoom lens.
Also getting a first public showing was the recently announced PowerShot G12 compact - the latest in the popular G-series of camera that is much loved by advanced amateurs and professional photographers. Many of the technologies that are incorporated into Canon cameras - such as the HS System, Optical Image Stabliization and Smart Auto modes - were explained in special displays and booths.
Throughout the event Canon's packed daily seminar programme (with presentations in German and English) saw a number of high profile professionals explaining how they use Canon imaging equipment in their work. Canon Ambassadors Jonathan and Angela Scott and Thorsten Milse gave a series of wildlife seminars, with Jonathan Scott explaining: "With Image Stabilization technology I can now pick up a 500mm lens, and I can handhold it, and shoot at 1/250sec. With the latest 200mm f/2 lens I was shooting portraits at 1/30sec - that's how good this technology is - it has revolutionised the way people are able to take pictures.”
Canon Ambassadors Angela and Jonathan Scott discuss their wildlife photography during one of their seminars at Photokina.
The seminars also saw advertising, fashion and commercial photographer Jörg Kyas demonstrating studio workflow; from using an EOS 7D as a master to control slave flashguns, to using Digital Photo Professional software to edit images, and then printing the pictures on a Canon imagePROGRAF iPF6350 printer.
The filmmaking team of Richard Walch and Bryce Gubler presented their latest project, 'The Racetrack' - a movie shot with a combination of the EOS 5D Mark II DSLR and the XF305 pro camcorder - and revealed how the products work in harmony to provide superb Full HD footage.
The video area of the Canon space showcased the full range of HD video products from the more consumer-orientated LEGRIA series of camcorders to the XF300 and XF100-series of professional camcorders. The XF models have rapidly been gaining many admirers due to a combination of the broadcast quality 50Mps MPEG-2 4:2:2 codec, the easy CF card recording, and the wide array of customisable settings that are possible with these Full HD camcorders.
Workflow stations helped to demonstrate the solutions that Canon offers for easy and straightforward editing of high-quality video thanks to the compatibility of the XF camcorders with the major editing software packages from Adobe, Apple, Avid, and Grass Valley.
The Canon stand also showcased Canon's XEED HD projectors, via a XEED 3D theatre, and the full range of Canon printers, from the portable SELPHY models right up to the PIXMA Pro printers and the large format imagePROGRAF printers. Many of the visitors to the printer areas also took the opportunity to have one of their favourite images printed out for them by the Canon printers.
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