Focus on Imaging 2010

On Sunday 7th March 2010 I attended Focus on Imaging 2010 held at the NEC in Birmingham.

Despite the sheer lack of organisation to get in, (guess it shows how popular it is) theres a great deal on offer at this year's show. Held every year at the NEC Focus on Imaging is Europe's biggest annual imaging show, with exhibitions from all the big manufacturer's including Nikon and Canon, as well as numerous lighting and studio equipment suppliers - even printers.

It is certainly a must-attend event for anyone remotely interested in the imaging industry. I attended for the first time this year with the intention of gathering as much information as possible to facilitate the process of setting myself up in the photographic business with a portrait studio.

Unfortunately I wasn't able to buy anything, (damn student budget) though I would be lieing to say the temptation wasn't there. On the plus side there was ample freebies on offer from the various vendors. From business cards, leaflets, and catalogues to pens, badges, and even calendars on offer let's face it - who doesn't love a freebie. Especially when its a Photoshop cake.

Ok so its not Adobe Photoshop but even so credit for the style

While you would expect the big names to put on a show and really aim to impress, the one stand that really impressed me visually had to be Panasonic. While Nikon and Canon as well as many others were very impressive as well as informative, you can't beat the simple ideas. Its a photographic exhibition and it wouldn't be complete without a giant camera somewhere - and this is what Panasonic provided.

You'll have to excuse the poor quality as it was taken quickly on my phone - how ironic

Not only was this impressive in appearances but it had a working camera inside it, (although I suspect it was a camcorder) which fed a live image to the oh-so-much-more than 2.something inch screen on the back. Even if non of the buttons worked.

Suffice to say I will be going back next year. Hopefully this time with a bigger budget.

For more information on this exhibition I advise you visit the website.