Four years since it started, The Photography Show has cemented itself as the premier event for UK photographers to learn about imaging and filmmaking and get to grips with all the latest gear and technology as well as meet photo heroes. CPN Editor David Corfield reports...

There was a tangible buzz on the Canon stand this year, as not only was the entire DSLR, video, print and PowerShot product line on show for visitors to touch and try, but a whole list of notable photographers were talking in the Live Area, including world-renowned photojournalist Sebastião Salgado, whose last minute booking brought the crowds flocking to the stand in even greater numbers.

© David Corfield

World-renowned photographer Sebastião Salgado was a star attraction on the final day of the show, giving a talk on the Canon stand about his ‘Genesis’ project.

Salgado is recuperating from a knee operation, and took time out to talk about his ‘Genesis’ project that he spent 14 years producing. Joining him on stage was Canon Explorer Clive Booth who quizzed Salgado on his digital technique as well as his approach to documenting man’s impact on the world. Clive Booth was also one of the speakers this year on the Canon stand, which also included wildlife and aircraft expert Andy Rouse and wedding master Jeff Ascough.

Technology and technique

Visitors to the Canon stand were eager to sample the EOS 5D Mark IV and EOS M5, two of the biggest hits from the photokina show last year, as well as try out the pro flagship (and Salgado’s camera of choice), the EOS-1D X Mark II. Offering advice on how to get the best from Canon equipment, experts were on hand to demonstrate settings and workflow and show how to get the ultimate in image quality in all situations.

As well as stills and video cameras, Canon was also showcasing its exceptional expertise in printing with images printed on the A2 imagePROGRAF PRO-1000 and its larger large-format cousins as well as PIXMA inkjet printers. Visitors were also offered a glimpse into Canon-connected home and office environments using the Canon Connect Station CS100 and irista cloud storage service.

© David Corfield

The imagePROGRAF PRO-1000 is a stunning A2 printer that was showcasing its capabilities of producing A2 prints in around six minutes.

Celebrating 30 years of EOS

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Canon EOS system, and part of the Canon stand was given over to a special display of every single EOS-badged camera since the brand’s inception. Alongside the display – which included early rarely seen prototype cutaways – was the incredible EF1200mm f/5.6L USM super-telephoto lens. Rarely used nowadays because of its weight and expense, it was mated to an EOS-1 film SLR and drew quite a crowd throughout the show.

© David Corfield

The legendary super-telephoto lens, the EF1200mm f/5.6L USM, has long since been discontinued, yet still drew gasps from visitors to the Canon stand.

From older EOS models to the latest in the lineage, Canon showed the evolution of the model line-up and also gave a nod to its distinguished past by launching a range of branded clothing and accessories at the show. The new collection includes clothing such as t-shirts, jackets, sweaters and hoodies, as well as accessories like umbrellas, baby bibs, hats and limited edition camera bags. Camera enthusiasts were also able to get their hands on a miniature Hansa Canon camera model, replicated on Canon’s first production model and Japan’s first high-quality 35mm camera, launched in 1936.

Looking after everyone

Visitors to the show who were CPS members were also catered for on the Canon stand, where a special CPS zone, offering expert advice on servicing issues and camera maintenance, allowed professional photographers to check in and seek on-the-spot diagnosis and receive tips on how to customise and even update firmware.

© David Corfield

Canon Professional Services (CPS) had a special zone on the stand for members to seek advice and discuss with experts how to get more from their equipment.

Canon certainly had all bases covered this year; from inspirational talks and chances to meet photo heroes, to opportunities for visitors to sample the latest technology in the shape of cameras, lenses, printers and camcorders. With the show vibe demonstrating a keen desire to learn – from lighting to drone flying – it’s clear the photo industry is enjoying buoyant times and Canon is right in the middle of all the action.