Canon press release:

Canon aids relief efforts following earthquake in southwestern China

TOKYO, August 5, 2014—On August 3, a powerful earthquake struck southwestern China’s Yunnan Province, causing extensive destruction and loss of life. We at Canon would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to all those affected by this disaster and our thoughts go out to those suffering in its aftermath.

While we realize that the road to recovery will be challenging and time-consuming, we hope that the region will soon be able to begin the rebuilding and healing process.

The Canon Group is making a donation of RMB 3.2 million (approximately US$518,000) to aid in the relief efforts for the earthquake victims. The organization that will receive this donation is still under consideration.

Image © Bloomberg
Bloomberg reports that Canon lowered its full-year sales forecast because of low demand by consumers, caused by users switching to smartphones for their photographic needs. Sales are a projected 3.78 trillion yen ($37 billion) for the current fiscal year, that’s 2.1% less than the the previous forecast.

Says Makoto Kikuchi, chief executive officer at Myojo Asset Management Co.:

“Demand for compact cameras declined sharply because of smartphones […] Canon was too aggressive with their SLR sales forecast. People who want them have already bought them.”

Canon sales of SLR cameras dropped from 2.1 million units to 1.7 million units in the 2nd quarter 2014, the sale of compact cameras decreased by 36%.

PocketWizard MiniTT1 for Canon

PocketWizard’s MiniTT1 and FlexTT5 radios are now compatible with the Canon [shoplink 14246]EOS 70D[/shoplink], [shoplink 4119]EOS-1D X[/shoplink], and [shoplink 7139]EOS 6D[/shoplink].  You have to update the firmware in order to get the compatibility of the radio triggers.

By CanonUSA on Youtube:

Let your pictures come alive with DreamLabo Albums. Every DreamLabo Album exemplifies excellence in photo album workmanship. Made with high-quality materials, each unique, custom-designed piece is handcrafted with great care, one album at a time.

The “Something Big” Canon India teased on their Facebook page turned out to be a photo-competition in India. ‘Photomarathon India‘ is open for registration starting August 5th, prizes include a trip worth $5000 to Japan.

It didn’t point to any announcement for Photokina :-)