Went today (Monday) as my annual trip to get an easy day doing 'research' for work
It was noticeable that Jacobs wasn't there - the selling side of it deffo seemed less intense for major equipment, although my mate who came along made the comment that the show now feels like an exhibition of things to do once you've taken the image... There are far too many print-oriented exhibitors that hint towards the pro-portrait/wedding market. Actual hands-on testing of equipment seemed minimal, partly to do with the crowded atmosphere I'm sure, and partly down to the lack of major players and hose that were there having what seemed like minimal stand space.
I caught a semi-interesting talk from John Wright on the Nikon stand, talking about the move from stills to video, which was thought-provoking in places, but much of the practical photographic demonstrations were totally dumbed down and nothing you can't find out in 5 minutes on the internet. The speedlight talk on the Nikon stand was appalling. Much of the other lighting seminars were just running through what seemed like previous year's schedules. I couldn't be bothered with many of the software talks because of poor sound.
The place seemed overrun with paper and album stands and there was a massive lack of photos being displayed; there seemed to be massive eating areas that were there to fill up space not taken up by exhibitors. That space had stuff in it last year I'm pretty sure.
For a photographic expo, there was very little actual photography to look at. The little gallery in the centre that had GF William's stuff in it was tiny and almost seemed like a token gesture.
The corridors between stands haven't been improved, despite the lack of exhibitors. I got severely cheesed off with rude, camera-laden idiots who insisted on sticking lenses every which way, while dragging their suitacse-on-wheels behind them. I saw a bloke take a picture of a stand sign. A piece of me died I'm sure....
I did pick up LR4 for £50, with was something I'd needed to get, but as usual, Cameraworld was swamped (moreso this year I felt) and manners and queue etiquette seemed to go out of the window, with punters clamouring over each other to ask stupid questions to the staff behind the counter.
I liked the look of the new video-oriented Samyang lenses, with the built-in pull focussing gearing.
I woke up feeling rubbish due to a cold this morning so that didn't help my demeanour, but I've come to the conclusion that this once excellent show is now an annual focal point for the photographic industry to stand around talking shop, and for old people/bearded weirdos/men with penis envy to get in each other's way and letch over scantily-clad girls who I swear are shivering in repulsion every time these blokes massage their zoom lens.
One thing did cheer me up; when I was heading back to the train I took a photo (on my phone) of some great light coming in through a window. I was asked by security personal what I was doing. I told her, and she was okay with it in the end, but the irony of actual creative photography being questioned while pointless photography went on in a hall down the way, really made me smile.
I don't think I'll be going next year....
Was soon rumbled though. :razz:
), 24-70mm II are certainly cheaper than elsewhere, 5D III - £2140 ish...