The Photography Show is the UK’s biggest photo event returns to the NEC in Birmingham this Saturday 17 March and runs through the 20th.
Manufacturers such as Canon, Fujifilm, Nikon, Olympus, Panasonic, Pentax, Sigma, Sony, Tamron, Zeiss and more will all be on hand showing off their latest new cameras, lenses and accessories. It’s enough to fill the wishlist of any photographer, but which new gear in particular should you make a point to get hands-on with?
Here are our choices of the best new cameras, lenses and accessories you should go get hands-on with at The Photography Show 2018.
01 Fujifilm X-H1
One of the most highly rated new cameras in 2018 has been Fujifilm’s new flagship X-series camera, the X-H1. In our Fuji X-H1 review we noted that its image quality is superb, with well-controlled noise and beautiful colours.
As well as the company’s new flagship camera will its new entry-level mirrorless X-A5 and MK-X Cine, which will be its first appearance in the UK. The MK-X lens won’t be available for purchase until June 2018.
02 Canon EOS M50
Visitors can also get hands-on for the first time with Canon’s recently announced EOS M50. This entry-level mirrorless camera is diminutive in size but packs some serious features aimed squarely at vloggers, such as 4K video recording.
Canon will also be showing off its new Speedlite 470EX-AI automatic adjustable flashgun.
03 Sony A7 III
Sony’s new full-frame A7 III will also be on hand for the first time in the UK. The new A7 looks to be a great all-rounder, offering 4K Video with S-Log and nice range of features.
Along with the A7 III will be Sony’s new HVL-F60RM Flash, again making its UK debut.
04 Panasonic TZ200
Panasonic’s latest travel zoom compact camera offers a feast of specifications, customisation, 15x zoom and superb image quality. If you’ve discounted compact cameras in favour of your smartphone, just read our Panasonic TZ200 review and you’ll understand why this is the camera you need in your pocket.
05 Panasonic GX9, GH5S and G9
OK, we’re cheating a little bit here, otherwise this list would be largely Panasonic cameras.
Panasonic has had a blistering few months, launching the flagship stills camera, the Lumix G9, towards the end of 2017, followed by the GH5S for videographers in December. Then it started 2018 by announcing the aforementioned TZ200 and the GX9, which is designed for street photographers.
With its vari-angle LVF, small size and great image quality, this might be our favourite camera on this list, and it will be on hand at Panasonic’s stand at The Photography Show.
- Panasonic Lumix GX9 Review
- Panasonic Lumix G9 Review
- Panasonic Lumix GH5S Hands-on Review
- Panasonic GH5S Vs GH5: Key specs compared
06 Pentax K-1 Mark II
Ricoh’s Pentax K-1 Mark II flew somewhat under the radar of all the new cameras above it on this list, but this refreshed version of the original full-frame K-1 can produce higher-resolution photos in low-light, and brings 4K video capability.
07 Olympus PEN E-PL9
Canon isn’t the only manufacturer with a new vlogger-friendly camera. Olympus will be debuting its latest PEN release, the E-PL9. Among its features are an Advanced Photo mode, combined Bluetooth and wi-fi connectivity, as well as a range of Art filters and user friendliness.
In our hands-on Olympus PEN E-PL9 review we said that the E-PL9 takes uncomplicated usability a step further than the E-PL8 with some intuitive interface changes that make it more akin to a smartphone interface, while still offering the menu system that many have become familiar with on previous models.
08 Sigma’s Art lenses. All of them
Sigma’s high-end Art range of lenses is really the stuff dreams are made of. The company just announced two more in development and said it will expand its range to Sony’s E-mount as well.
Sigma will be on hand showing (by special request) the 105mm F/1.4 DG HSM A and the 70mm f/2.8 DG Macro Art prime lenses from its Art series, both making their UK debut.
Visitors will be able to try out the new 14-24mm f/2.8 DG HSM A lens.
09 Tamron 70-210mm f/4 Di VC USD
Tamron will showcase its latest superzoom lens for the first time in the UK. Users can get hands-on with the 70-210mm f/4 Di VC USD and test out its reach.
Click here to see the full range of brands and exhibitors on hand at The Photography Show 2018.