On September 26, 2015, Canon India arranged the 6th edition of Canon Photomarathon in India. The prime photography competition saw many photography enthusiasts come together, to participate in the worldwide contest. Mr. Andrew Koh, Vice President of Consumer Imaging and Information Centre for Canon India, was in New Delhi, and spoke about Canon's endeavours of spreading wider in India in terms of products, photography workshops and competitions. Here's what he had to share, on modeling photography ideas in India based on the likes of Singapore, where Canon Photomarathon has seen immense participation and activity.
How long has Canon been arranging the Photomarathon worldwide, and in India?
I’m thrilled to say that we’ve embarked upon our 6th edition of Canon Photomarathon this year in India. Photomarathon spans across ten Asian countries, bringing together photographic talents from Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, India, Thailand, Cambodia, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Brunei. Looking at the success of the platform, we intend to scale it up and hopefully engage enthusiasts from different parts of the world.
How many workshops a year does Canon India arrange, to promote photography?
We conduct more than 1200 workshops in India annually across different categories in photography. We have an exclusive department called EOS Academy with dedicated team of professional photographers and photography experts. They help customers in enhancing their photography skills in a fun and engaging environment. Apart from workshops, Canon also promotes various photo tours. Customers can register at Canon edge website to become a member of Canon Photo community and get information on workshops and other various photo tours.
As new DSLRs enter the market on different price points, how do existing Canon DSLRs get affected?
Product pricing is based on extensive market analysis and research. When a new product is launched, its price is determined by market acceptance as well as prices of other comparative products. Canon is in the business of technology products. We are constantly reinventing ourselves to keep up with the fast pace of technological advancements thus assuring customers that they are buying the best.
How have smartphone cameras impacted Canon’s range of compact cameras?
There are lot of clicking happening from smart phone cameras but we are happy as long as people are clicking. It is a great opportunity for us to keep innovating and add new technologies in the products which we offer. Canon has been focusing on the current compact camera portfolio especially in the Zoom range category and high end premium compact cameras. A better zoom and image quality; focus on HD video recording and low light photography are some highlights.
Do you think smartphone photography is comparable to basic cameras, at the least?
There are certain features which only cameras can provide like optical Zoom, low light photography.
The Canon PowerShot G3X offers a compact camera body with a large sensor and 25x zoom, but lacks interchangeable lenses at a price point of INR 60,000. What section of the audience is Canon targeting with it, seeing that users have the option of buying a DSLR which does come with compact bodies?
With large sensors, high quality optics, exceptional build quality, a plethora of manual controls in a reasonably compact form, these cameras offer the best of style and performance for discerning users. The G series is targeted for anyone who is looking to create high quality images and also for people who already own a DSLR and are looking for a second camera.
Is Canon looking at specific genres of photography in workshops, or any specific new product to promote?
Overall our workshops appeal to photography enthusiasts of all ages from school children to professional photographers. We also give training pertaining to different genres of photography like wedding photography, portrait photography, macro photography etc.
How have the Canon EOS 5DS and EOS 5DSR been received in India? Is there a specific target group for these DSLRs?
EOS 5DS and EOS 5DSR is the world’s highest resolution full frame DSLR cameras with a 50.6-megapixel 35mm full-frame CMOS sensor. These products truly meet the demand for high-pixel and high resolution, with no compromise on high image quality. These cameras have been extremely well received with much appreciation by advertising and commercial photographers. Being a high end camera efficaciously producing ultra-professional, results the cameras have generated a lot of interest ever since the launch. Anybody who desires superlative performance would benefit from this camera.
Which services is Canon's Asia Traveller Protection Programme providing, to Canon users on-the-go? What all is being covered?
Asian Traveller Protection Program (ATPP) benefit can be availed only if the camera is under warranty period. The ATPP covers EOS DSLR camera, EF/EF-S lenses, EOS M and digital compact camera. The ATPP runs across 12 countries in Asia – China, Hong Kong, South Korea, India, Indonesia, Macau, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam. Should the need for repair arise during the customers’ travel to any of the 12 countries, they can simply visit the local authorized Canon Service Centre and avail ATPP benefit. Our official website gives an in-depth description of this policy.
A brief of Canon's Photomarathon in India – when had it started, how many participants did it attract this year, and one highlight of the contest in India that you personally remember.
Canon Photomarathon is a unique competition where each participant tries to click the best possible photograph on the theme given under the pressure of time. This annually held event is the largest live photography contest in India, and is a part of an Asia-wide initiative by Canon to foster photography culture and the spirit of participation. Canon Photomarathon started in the year 2009 in India. The first edition in India was held in Delhi. This year it kick started in Delhi and moved to Bangalore and Mumbai. The highlight of the event is the Grand prize which is a trip to Canon Japan’s Photo Clinic. Also, it culminates in fun, competition and learning for all the participants.