Another year, another CP+. For those of you unfamiliar with this extremely abbreviated moniker, the CP+ (comprehensive photo imaging +[more]) Show is one of the biggest camera and imaging technology shows in Asia, and thus the world. Happening every year at Pacifico Yokohama Convention Centre in the beautiful port city of Yokohama, it brings out the “Who’s Who” of the imaging technology world to showcase their latest offerings and drum up interest for their newest products and concepts.

There have been some interesting developments in the camera world recently, so we’re here front and centre to bring you up to date information straight from the show floor.  Here are a few Highlights from the 1st day (for us).

Many People attended CP+ on Day 1

The first booth we stopped at was Nikon to inspect their newest flagship cameras, namely the D500, which is the spiritual successor to the D300 in the APS-C realm; and we also had a chance to try out the new professional Full-Frame Monster, the D5.
Featuring a powerful 153 point autofocus system and a newly designed 20Megapixel Sensor, the D500 is the true spiritual successor to the hugely popular (and still talked about D300). More specs can be found on Nikon’s MICROSITE.

Front and Back pictures of Nikon D500

Their D5, on the other hand is aimed squarely and unapologetically at the Pro Market. While there are only a few ergonomic changes to the camera body, compared to its predecessor, one of the most impressive new features is the expanded ISO range with a usable sensitivity up to 102400, further expandable to Hi 5, at a mind-blowing ISO 3280000(!!!!) equivalent — the highest expanded sensitivity range in Nikon history.

Picture of Nikon D5

High ISO capabilities of Nikon D5

Moving on to Canon, Where a huge crowd gathered to gawk at the roughly US$7,000 4.5K capable newly announced EOS 1D-X Mark II.  What a moniker!!!  What a Camera!!!

New Flagship from Canon

We have an in-depth video roundup for you right here— please check it out!

Moving on to Fujifilm, where one of the largest crowds gathered around the newly announced and eagerly anticipated X-Pro2. It is one of the most anticipated cameras in the last few years, and follows in the footsteps of its predecessor, the highly acclaimed X-Pro1. Improving everything from the build quality, to featuring a brand-new X-Trans CMOS III processor, a redesigned menu system, and even revamped ergonomics, this retro-styled digital rangefinder is surely going to be a big hit – especially with street togs.

Photo of Fujifilm XPro2 Camera

I recently had the chance to test out a pre-production unit, and as a fellow Fuji shooter myself, testing out the final production version of the X-Pro2 at the show really was like being a kid in a candy store. We have a full video preview, of this and many other cameras from the show, which will be up on our site shortly.

Next up was a surprise from Pentax in their K-1.  While full-frame cameras are a dime a dozen these days, the uniquely articulating monitor on the back really gives this camera a persona of its own.
In addition, it features:

  • a 36.2MP full-frame CMOS sensor with no anti-aliasing filter
  • 5-axis image stabilization
  • 33-point AF system with 25 Cross Type
  • and extensive weather sealing

New Full Frame Camera by Pentax

articulating screen feature by pentax

 

That’s it for the heavyweights’ report from day 1.
Of course, imaging technology is not just about cameras. Accessory makers Peak Design, who recently had a huge success with their “Everyday Messenger” bags, showcased it’s smaller cousin… essentially a smaller version of the bag for more compact cameras.

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There were also extremely long monopod sticks to get a bird’s eye viewpoint, 360 Degree cameras, Wireless Flash Guns, printers, sensors with motion-detection technology, and so much more.  We’ll have more updates for you tomorrow, so keep your eyes peeled to Japan Daily for more updates from Day 2.

All that technology stuff aside, however, the other “attraction”, which always draws huge crowds are the so-called “booth babes”, who also did not disappoint this year. It’s always rather interesting to see how many older men specifically go to these events just to snap a few pictures of these scantily-clad ladies.

Nikon Booth Girls

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With so much new technology and eye-candy everywhere, visitor numbers reached record levels this year as well.

It’s time to finally wrap this up for day one, but it was a great time at the show as usual, and although we are still dazzled by all the new items we saw on display today, we are looking forward to day 2 tomorrow.  Till then, happy reading, and hope you don’t get G.A.S. (Gear Acquisition Syndrome) in the meantime.  :p

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