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Photokina report
from David Newton, EOS magazine Technical Editor

Once again the biennial photography fair has taken place in Cologne, Germany. Photokina is a huge show for the photographic industry. It is where you can find out about the direction the industry is taking over the coming months and years. Despite the massive media presence at the show and the availability of information on the internet, nothing beats actually being at the show and seeing some of the products first hand. The chance to talk to the movers and shakers of the photographic world is one not to be missed.

This year, the event has moved, though not very far. With the old halls now being used as television studios, new halls have been built. There were nine of them full of photographic companies, and some (five to be precise) have two floors. It's so big that there is a press shuttle bus to move you from one end of the event to the other - otherwise you face a 15 minute walk!

Canon occupied prime position this year - the very first stand you came to through the main entrance was Canon World. They had all the latest products on display, including the exciting EOS 400D and Powershot G7. Add to that an area for a stage show, a mini photo studio, a large format printer display and the entire IXUS and Powershot range, and it made for a very busy stand.

New products just announced at the show are the M30 and M80. These are Canon Portable Media Storage devices (see below). The layout of buttons is very intuitive - if you've used an EOS digital camera, it'll be second nature almost immediately. They had no official price that I saw, but release is stated to be November this year. It'll be available in two flavours, the M30 with 30GB hard drive and the M80 with an 80GB hard drive. it's not just for pictures either, but can also play MP3s and Videos, to keep you entertained on the road.

Among other stands, Peli had a nice display showing just how tough their cases are. This included a video showing a five minute fire test on one of the cases - the contents remained intact! There is no better protection for your kit if you have to check it in when flying.

A new product caught my eye - the Monster Pod. This is basically silly putty with a ball head on top. It allows you to stick the ball head to a wall, ceiling, window, tree, and many other surfaces, for about 15 mins. While it doesn't have a huge weight capacity - certainly not enough for a dSLR - it will hold a slave flash in awkward positions long enough to enable you to get a shot. Once they have a UK distributor, we hope to be bringing this item to you in the pages of EOS magazine.

One of the most obvious signs of the times was the prevalence of computers at the show - even Apple had a large stand to demonstrate their newly announced Aperture v1.5 programme.

The most remarkable thing about the computers at the show was that, being a geek who notices these things, I saw only one or two stands using Windows PCs - every other stand that had computers seemed to be using a Mac - iMacs, Mac Minis, Mac Book Pros and Mac Pros were everywhere. Proof that there is a world outside Windows and that those in the know in the photographic industry seem to be choosing Macs to show their products. This ties in nicely with the supplement in the October-December issue of EOS Magazine (despatched in a few days time). We have added 16 extra pages all about Apple Macs and Canon cameras, with some hints and tips on using Macs and useful information for anyone who uses a computer.

Canon Media Storage Viewers

Canon has launched two portable devices, designed with EOS and other digital photographers in mind. The Canon Media Storage M30 and Canon Media Storage M80 feature a large ultra-bright 3.7 inch TFT screen with 160 degree viewing angle for image and video review, and a 30Gb or 80Gb hard disk to store digital images, movies and sound files of various formats. Both units feature a USB 2.0 Hi-Speed interface and slots for CF and SD cards.

With their tough, robust magnesium alloy bodies and intuitive navigation familiar to EOS owners, the devices add an important link to the workflow chain of professional photojournalists and photographers on location. They are also expected to be popular with the increasing body of everyday photographers looking for new ways to store and display favourite shots and extend storage capacity whilst away from their computer.

Support for multiple image, video and sound file formats, including Canon RAW, MPEG, MP3 and WAV, is featured, and there is extended PictBridge functionality. Headphones can be connected via a 1/8 inch audio-out jack.

“This is the EOS accessory many Canon professionals have been asking us for,” said Mogens Jensen, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging Europe. “As well as extending pro photographer back-up and storage capacity, there is no doubt the units will appeal to amateur photographers looking for more flexible, enjoyable and portable alternatives to the traditional photo album."

Both units are protected with a tough, rugged magnesium alloy outer casing. To avoid corruption, files are validated during upload from memory card. To prevent unauthorised access, images and other files can be protected with an up to 8 digit password.

For EOS photographer convenience, the units take the BP 511A battery used in various EOS models including the EOS 5D, EOS 20D and EOS 30D, as well as professional products such as the WFT E1 Wireless File Transmitter.

Price and availability are to be confirmed.

Out of Africa blogcast

UK professional wildlife photographer Andy Rouse will be bringing his latest African adventures directly to his popular website blog as they happen. Every night from 8 to 14 October he will update the blog live from the wilds of the African bush with images taken during that day and the stories that accompany them. This will provide a unique insight into the work of one of the world's most prolific wildlife photographers.

During this time Andy Rouse will be working at an exclusive camp in the South Luangwa Valley, Zambia. Using his experience at working in the African bush, together with the knowledge of local guides and as much luck as he can get, his blog will show the highs and lows of being a professional wildlife photographer. Andy will have no idea what images he will get and will have little access to electricity or the internet, therefore what you will see will be almost directly from the camera. All images will be shot in RAW and processed using Adobe LightRoom.

Andy Rouse says “working in Africa is always a challenge as the pressure is really on to find wildlife quickly and in great light, which can only last for a few minutes at this time of the year. The major consideration is to get the shot without causing any stress to the wildlife, as Africa is their home and I am just a guest”.

The blog can be found at Andy's website.

Latest issue of EOS magazine

The October-December 2006 issue of EOS magazine is published in the next few days. (Yes, it is a little later than planned - sorry.)

The issue has more pages than usual, thanks to a 16-page supplement looking at using EOS cameras with Apple Macintosh computers. If you are not a Mac user, don't worry - there is information you might find useful. The supplement is additional to our usual 84 pages of content, so it hasn't eaten into our normal coverage.

Featured in this issue is the new EOS 400D digital camera, plus two new lenses introduced at the same time. There's also a portfolio of images from Mike Hogan, who shoots the stills image for television shows such as Dr Who and Little Britain.

The technique section features metering modes, focusing screens, L-series lenses, an introduction to megapixels (and file sizes), a step-by-step guide to making panorama images with PhotoStich software, and how to illuminate subjects at night with a torch.

If you are not yet a subscriber, go to EOS magazine to subscribe online.

Experience Seminars

Experience Seminars is holding their last two Big Cat Days in Hertfordshire and Kent in October. This is the last chance to get up close and personal this year with the Big Cats at these locations, both of which are part of the European breeding program for endangered species.  

Tuesday 10th October Big Cats at Welwyn
Spectacular photography of leopards, including the new baby black panthers. They do not stay small and cuddly for long, so come and see them now or miss the chance. Come and support the program to save these animals for future generations. L-series lenses available to use on the day. Cost £150 (£145 for EOS Magazine subscribers).  

Wednesday 11th October Big Cats in Kent
Spectacular photography of tigers, lions, leopards and cheetah up really close. Come and see some really big tigers and some very rare Amur leopards. Come and support the program to save these animals for future generations. L-series lenses available to use on the day. Cost £150 (£145 for EOS Magazine subscribers).

Go to Experience Seminars for more information, or phone 01487 772804 (office hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 4.30pm).

Latest Canon promotions

EOS 5D cash back
Buy an EOS 5D camera between 21 February 2006 and 31 October 2006 and receive £200 cashback from Canon.

Canon EOS 30D
Purchase a Canon EOS 30D between 15 March 2006 and 31 December 2006 and apply for a free 256/512MB CompactFlash card.

EOS Extra Promotion Cash Back Offers
Purchase an EOS 400D, 30D, 350D or 5D between 15 March and 31 December 2006 to qualify for cash back offers on a range of Canon accessories.

For full details and terms and conditions of all these offers, visit Canon promotions.

In store demonstrations

Some Canon In-store demonstration days are available.

The programme covers events up to 11 November 2006 at locations around England and Jersey.

In-store days are held within specific stores to offer comprehensive product demonstrations and give you the opportunity to ask specialists all the questions you may have. These days are independently run by the stores themselves.

Super sites

Don't forget to visit our three websites:

EOS magazine main site
News and information about EOS cameras and accessories, plus our ever-expanding online shop. You can also subscribe to EOS magazine online, and renew your subscription.

EOS magazine forums
The place to chat to other EOS enthusiasts about everything EOS. There are currently nearly 48,000 posts on the site from over 3000 members.

EOS magazine classified adverts
Buy, sell or exchange camera equipment on our latest site.