Lighter cameras and selfie functions reign at photography expo
AI, high-quality images, wireless smartphone connection and ease of use will become trends in the camera market, Shanghai Daily learned during the ongoing Photo & Imaging Shanghai 2018, one of the biggest industrial shows of the photography market.
Consumers like features including lightweight design, easy smartphone connection, fast focus and 4K video support, said Toshiyuki Ishii, Canon China’s vice president.
“Today’s consumers are not satisfied with smartphone photography — they deserve better devices,” Toshiyuki said during the event.
Firms like Canon, Sony, Fujifilm, Epson, Kodak and China-based Lucky Film, as well as startups on gadgets and photographic paper, displayed products and services during the show, which is being held between Wednesday and Saturday at the National Exhibition and Convention Center of Shanghai.
Sales of Canon mirror-less cameras, which are typically smaller and lighter, have grown 30 percent annually in China. The rapid growth comes from a consumption upgrade wave and the popularity of social media, the world’s biggest camera maker said.
Fujifilm has also launched lightweight camera models in China, with foldable screens for selfies, optimized portrait imagery, built-in filter effects and a reasonable price. It has been designed mainly for female consumers, the company said at its booth.
Startups displayed gadgets for personal broadcasters, including lights and stabilizing devices. For example, a package of family-broadcasting accessories like LED ring lights starts at just 2,000 yuan (US$299), Guangdong-based startup Nanguang said.
Canon has invested more in new AI technologies used in cameras, such as automatic smile tracking and voice-controlled models, Toshiyuki added.
Canon's AI camera, which can track smiling faces.
New video capture functions are displayed during the show.
Fujifilm's model with easy selfie setup.
