JOHANNESBURG, S.A – 28 February 2025 –The BirdLife SA “Flock to Marion” event, now in its fourth iteration, was held in January 2025 on the MSC cruise line from Durban to Marion Island, part of the sub-Antarctic Prince Edward Islands. The event attracted over 1,800 passionate birding and photography enthusiasts – a significant increase from the 1,500 participants in 2022.
Led by Roger Machin, Product Specialist for Canon South Africa, Canon is proud to highlight its successful involvement aboard the cruise. Machin, who played a key role in representing the brand at the event, shared valuable perspectives on Canon’s contribution to the birding and photography community. He also emphasized the company’s dedication to conservation efforts and ongoing advancements in product innovation.
Photography trends and insights
Machin noted that approximately 80% of the cameras in use by the guests on board were Canon, underscoring the brand’s dominance in the space. Over 50% of participants used high-quality cameras and 10% relied on bridge cameras such as Canon’s SX-70.
Another notable trend was the growing enthusiasm for bird photography among younger generations. Machin highlighted a notable shift in demographics, with more young birders aged 17 to 25 years enthusiastically engaging in photography.
Services that enhanced the birding experience
Canon set up a highly popular service and loan desk, offering more than 60 items for loan each day. Machin also discussed Canon’s collaboration with product reseller Orms, offering exclusive discounts to attendees, and underscored the importance of their partnership in fostering growth within the birding community.
The Canon team worked tirelessly to meet demand, with Machin praising the efforts of their technician, Danie van der Westhuizen who performed an impressive 220 service jobs throughout the event. This included sensor cleaning, firmware updates, and Lens checks.
“The event not only provided Canon with valuable brand visibility but also affirmed the company’s role in supporting both budding and seasoned bird photographers,” Machin pointed out. “By showcasing the latest in camera technology, such as products with automatic autofocus systems that can lock on birds in the frame, Canon helped participants capture the perfect shot, further cementing our status as the brand of choice for bird photographers.”
Aligning conservation efforts
At the heart of Canon’s participation was the alignment with BirdLife South Africa’s conservation efforts, especially the organisation’s work to eradicate invasive species from Marion Island through the ‘Mouse-Free Marion Project’. Canon’s involvement not only brought attention to the plight of endangered species but also helped raise funds and awareness for the ongoing conservation of these delicate ecosystems. One of the guests on board was so delighted with the free Canon clean and loan service – she decided to sponsor R10000 towards the Birdlife project in Canon’s name
Canon’s support for conservation continues through sponsorships such as the Youth Photography Prize at BirdLife SA, emphasising the company’s long-term commitment to the environment and developing photography in the next generation of image makers.
Roger Machin concluded by expressing Canon’s excitement for future endeavours, stating, “We’re not only focused on providing outstanding equipment and service but also on being a part of something much bigger: helping to protect our planet’s wildlife for future generations.”
Canon remains dedicated to inspiring the next generation of photographers by providing industry-leading service, support, and cutting-edge technology. Through strategic collaborations, the company continues to promote awareness of wildlife and ecosystem conservation, leveraging the power of photography to drive meaningful change.
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Author: Canon SA from Clockwork Media SA on behalf of Canon.
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