Canon Sites – Part 1 of 2

As a Canon shooter for nearly 30 years, I’ve come to rely upon my Canon gear for the bulk of my professional work. One of the great benefits of shooting Canon is that I can tap into a worldwide network of online resources that cover Canon gear and workflow. In this first part of a two-part series, I’ve collected my favorite web resources that originate from Canon. In Part 2, I ‘ve shared my favorites forums, blogs and other non-Canon sites.

Canon Professional Network

The Canon Professional Network is an amazing resource. Hosted by Canon-Europe, CPN is a treasure-trove of inspiration and information. The CPN Masterclasses provide in-depth techniques on a variety of topics, like: flash photography and shooting weddings.  In CPN’s Behind The Lens series, you’ll find detailed interviews with Canon photographer’s from around the world. The CPN Editor’s Choice allows Canon Photographers to submit their images for review by noteworthy photo editors. Regardless of where you live, you can keep up with CPN’s new content by subscribing to the free monthly newsletter.

Canon USA

Canon USA’s homesite is a bit generic on the surface—largely because it provides gateways to all their product lines (we photographers often forget that Canon is much larger than still and video cameras). If you’re willing to dig, there’s a ton of valuable information inside the CUSA site.

For instance, you’ll find separate sections for camera-specific information on EOS Digital SLRs and PowerShot digital cameras. Within each of these areas, you can find detailed information on your specific camera as well as the latest firmware updates (look under the tab Drivers & Downloads).

Are you a photo news junkie? Then head to the Canon USA Press Room and read the latest announcements.

Looking to save a few dollars? Check out the latest Canon USA promotions, which often include great rebates on Canon digital cameras and lenses.

Canon Europe / UK

Canon Europe and Canon UK share the generic nature of the American site (for the same reasons). However, as I’ve detailed above and below, the Canon Europe site contains many excellent resources for photographers.

If you want to read the latest announcements from Canon Europe then head to the Canon Europe Press Centre. The Canon UK Press Centre is similar, but does have a few different articles.

Looking to save a few pounds? You’ll find Canon UK’s promotions and rebates here.

Canon Camera Museum

Canon’s Camera Museum is an entertaining collection of information about all aspects of Canon photography. Just like a real museum: the Canon Camera Museum is organized into several halls: Camera, Design, Technology and History. Even though it’s a virtual exhibition, wandering around the CCM is a fun way to spend an afternoon.

Canon Ambassadors

Canon USA’s Explorers of Light program includes more than 60 influential Canon photographers—each a leader in a specific area, such as: photojournalism, aviation, fashion, sports, wedding, nature, advertising, portraiture, food, and travel photography. With so many shooters, you’ll want to cruise the EoL site again and again.

Canon EF Lens Work III

Canon’s EF Lens Work is a popular item among photo book enthusiasts. It provides detailed insight into almost every lens that Canon produces. The most recent edition, Lens Work III, was published in 2006—so the newest lenses are not covered. Still, it’s a informative resource to have around when your inner-geek calls for attention. You can buy it used or download it for free as a series of PDFs from the Canon Europe site.

Canon Flash Work

Flash Work is Canon’s primer on working with Speedlites. The material is a bit dated—for instance, it has not been updated to include the EXII generation of Speedlites. Nevertheless, if you’re looking for a quick guide to basic concepts, Flash Work is a good place to start. You can view the material online in English via this link. It is also available in a wide range of languages as a PDF download via this link.

Canon Picture Style Editor

The Picture Style Editor site, hosted in English by Canon Japan, provides a good introduction to the concept of Picture Styles and how you can use them to capture / manage color with greater fidelity. As important, if you’re looking to create a custom Picture Style, the use of the PS Editor is discussed in detail.

Canon Lens of The Month

Canon USA’s Lens of the Month series interviews a professional photographer about his or her thoughts on the lenses they find most valuable.

Canon Sponsored Events

Canon USA’s calendar of sponsored events – a calendar of Canon events all across the US, from camera store presentations to field workshops

Canon USA’s Education Portal – information on EOS Discover Days and Canon Live Learning events.

Canon Professional Services

CPS is a program available to full-time working pros that meet specific requirements for equipment ownership and business status. Benefits include expedited repair services and equipment loans. The CPS program in the US is run separately from the CPS program in the UK / Europe.

Canon Science Lab—What Is Light?

Canon’s Science Lab has posted a series of easy-to-read articles on light, its applications and the technology behind its capture. This site can also be helpful if your child needs ideas for a science project.

Canon Digic 4

Canon’s Digic 4 technology has opened up a new field of capabilities for EOS DSLRs and PowerShot cameras. If you want a detailed look at the Digic 4 technology and the team that created it, click here.

Other Canon Corporate Sites in English

• Canon Australia
• Canon Canada
• Canon India
• Canon Indonesia
• Canon Japan (English version of the EOS site)
• Canon Malaysia
• Canon Middle East
• Canon New Zealand
• Canon Phillippines
• Canon Singapore

Canon Corporate Sites in Other Languages

• Canon Brazil
• Canon China
• Canon France
• Canon Germany
• Canon Japan
• Canon Korea
• Canon Russia
• Canon Spain
• Canon Taiwan
• Canon Thailand
• Canon Vietnam

Continued: Part 2 –Forum, Blogs, Etc. for Canon Photographers