Indholdsfortegnelse for September 2024 i Smart Photography

It is EISA season once again and both the prestigious EISA Awards and the Maestro Awards were revealed to the world on August 15. A tremendous amount of work is put in by various expert groups within EISA and the end results are highly valued for their credibility. Our heartiest congratulations to Sony for winning the most prestigious Camera Of The Year Award. Nikon has set a new record by winning five EISA Awards and we heartily congratulate them as well. The forthcoming year looks exciting with several new launches and increasingly competitive products at the lower end of the market. HERE’S WHAT MAKES US #1 WE ARE GLUED TO THE GLOBAL IMAGING INDUSTRY Our team is updated with all the benchmarks and road blocks that the field of photography…

NEWSWATCH Nikon has reported a strong financial performance for the first quarter of the fiscal year, continuing its impressive recovery. The company’s overall revenue increased by 3.6% year-on-year to 163 billion yen (£875 million), while operating profit, though down by 10.3%, remained robust at 2.95 billion yen (£16 million). The standout performer for Nikon was its Imaging Products segment, which includes interchangeable lens digital cameras and lenses. This division saw total revenue rise from 74.4 billion yen (£400 million) to 83.7 billion yen (£450 million). Profits also increased, climbing from 15.3 billion yen (£82 million) to 17.8 billion yen (£95 million). Nikon reported sales of 230,000 digital interchangeable lens cameras in the first quarter, up by 10,000 units compared to the same period last year, along with a 40,000-unit increase…

Earlier this year, Nikon made headlines by acquiring cinema camera manufacturer Red, a move that hinted at the company’s potential entry into the cinema market. Speculation has been rife about the implications of this acquisition, with many expecting Red’s video technology to be integrated into Nikon’s best cameras. However, a recent leak suggests that Nikon’s first foray into cinema lenses may be imminent. At NAB 2024, Nikon acknowledged that it was actively considering the development of Nikkor cinema lenses. Now, less than six months later, leaked images shared by Nikon Rumors appear to reveal the first of these lenses: a Nikkor 28-135mm Power Zoom. Although Nikon has yet to make an official statement, the leaked photos look credible. They show a person holding what seems to be a large lens…

NEWSWATCH Samyang has announced a groundbreaking innovation in lens technology: the world’s first Optical Exchange AF Lens. This revolutionary design allows photographers and videographers to swap out only the optical elements within the lens, rather than replacing the entire lens, offering unprecedented flexibility and space efficiency. The new system uses a magnetically fixed bayonet mount, enabling quick and easy exchanges of the optical components depending on shooting needs. Initially, the lens will support 21mm, 28mm, and 32mm optical systems, each inspired by classic point-and-shoot film cameras. These systems have been updated to work seamlessly with digital sensors while retaining their distinct, nostalgic qualities. The Remaster Slim, as this new model is known, is not only smaller and lighter than its predecessors but also more versatile. Weighing less than 80g and…

Sirui has launched a new tripod designed for professional videographers and photographers, priced at $499. The One-Step Height Adjustment Twin-Leg Tripod Kit is tailored for high-end productions, offering a robust and versatile option for creative professionals. The kit, known as the “Rapid System” SQ75 + VHS10, features a lightweight design at just five kilograms (11 pounds) but can support up to 18 kilograms (40 pounds). This makes it suitable for a variety of shooting scenarios, whether in a fixed position or on the move. Key features include a “Ground Spreader” for enhanced stability and easier angle adjustments, with an optional mid-level spreader available. The tripod’s patented flip lock mechanism allows for quick and easy height adjustments, enabling all sections to extend or retract simultaneously. The side flip lock ensures a…

SPECIAL 1st GABRIELE PARDINI (ITALY) Tuscan, born in 1975, I am a self-taught amateur photographer who started in 2012 dedicating himself to nature and sports photography, while in life I deal with plant design. My growth essentially took place through the photography portal www.micromosso.com where I met authors from whom I drew inspiration and who helped me grow technically. Personally, I look for a creative approach in every situation, going beyond the banality: I pay a lot of attention to the composition, the shooting point and the depth of field. For me, the emotion conveyed by the images is important. peritopardini@gmail.com 2nd JANUSZ JUREK (POLAND) Janusz is a visual creator: a graphic designer, an illustrator and a street photographer. He has a penchant for finding absurdities in everyday life and…

Ashok Kandimalla has been in the photographic field for over three decades and has extensive experience in both film and digital photography. Being an electronics engineer by profession and a photographer, he possesses a unique and deep insight into the technical aspects of digital photography and equipment. He has published more than a 100 articles on photography and some of his writings have also been published in the well-known international magazine Popular Photography. An avid collector of photographic books and vintage cameras, Ashok has a keen interest in the history of photography and a passion for sharing his knowledge on photography through teaching and writing. He is the only Indian photographer to be featured on the Nikon Centenary website. He is presently working as a Management and Engineering consutant. He…

MEIKE is a brand used by Hongkong Meike Digital Technology Co. Ltd. Founded in 1997, the mission of the company is to provide less costly cinema gear and lenses of high quality. Simple, manual focus lenses for APS-C and Micro Four Thirds mounts are Meike’s speciality. For instance, Meike has in its range a 3.5 mm f 2.8 circular fisheye, a 25 mm f 0.95 and a 50 mm f 1.2. In recent times, Meike has added autofocus lenses to its range. Examples are 50 mm f 1.8 AF, 55 mm f 1.4 AF and 85 mm f1.4 AF. Meike autofocus lenses are primarily available for Sony’s E mount and Nikon’s Z mount. Meike lenses are available in India through authorised distributors and Amazon. Just as an indicator, Meike’s 35…

NEWSWATCH Nikon has released firmware updates for five Nikkor Z lenses, addressing a specific enhancement. The update introduces support for the [Focus ring rotation range] options within the camera’s [CUSTOM SETTINGS MENU], offering more control for users. Previously, the lenses only supported a [Non-linear] setting. With the update, users can now select a linear option, allowing the lens to move from the minimum focus distance to infinity with a consistent rotation of the control ring, regardless of speed. As of August 2024, this feature is supported on the Z9, Z8, Z6III, Zf (from “C” firmware version 2.00), and the Z7II and Z6II (from “C” firmware version 1.40).…

A photo exhibition titled ‘Echoes of the Andes’ by Padmashri Dr. Mukesh Batra was inaugurated at the Dilip Piramal Art Gallery at NCPA, Mumbai, on September 2, 2024. The exhibition showcased diverse and vibrant glory of South America through the lens of Dr. Batra. Dr. Mukesh Batra is a doctor specialising in Homoeopathy. At heart he is a philanthropist who regularly holds photo exhibitions, and the proceeds from the sale of the prints go to Victoria Memorial School for the Blind. The exhibition photos ranged from 18 x 12-inches to 6 x 4 ft. The exhibition drew a big crowd – from photographers to art lovers of all ages and was appreciated by one and all.…

Sony has launched the ZV-E10 II, the latest addition to its ZV series, designed specifically for content creators, vloggers, and photographers. Building on the success of the original ZV-E10, the new model brings several upgrades while retaining the popular features that made its predecessor a hit. The ZV-E10 II is equipped with a 26-megapixel Exmor R CMOS sensor and Sony’s advanced BIONZ XR image processing engine, delivering improved image quality and faster autofocus. The camera also features a new cinematic vlog setting, allowing creators to capture high-quality cinematic videos with ease. Additional updates include a vertical format user interface (UI), an upgraded large-capacity battery, and enhanced connectivity options, making it a versatile tool for both video and still photography. The ZV-E10 II and the new lens kit will be available…

EISA, the Expert Imaging and Sound Association has revealed the winners of its 2024-2025 Awards and being the sole representative of EISA in India, Smart Photography is pleased to bring you the results in real-time. For over 40 years, EISA has been selecting the most innovative, cutting-edge products for its prestigious awards. The Awards are debated and voted upon by groups of specialist judging panels, covering the full spectrum of consumer electronics products, including Hi-Fi, Home Theatre Audio and Video, In-Car Electronics, Photography and Mobile Devices. The key to the success and relevance of the annual EISA Awards lies in the evolution of its categories, always reflecting the changing trends and technologies of the consumer electronics world. Moreover, the association itself continues to evolve and expand. In 2018, EISA…

According to a BCN report, in June 2024, Sony took over the Number One spot in Japan with a market share of 33.3%. Canon’s market share tumbled to 25.7%. Nikon increased its market share to 17.4%. Fujifilm came in fourth with a market share of 10.7%. Canon reacted with the following statement: “ For interchangeable lens digital cameras, sales increased due to the launch of new products in the same period of the previous year, but due to the decline in sales, sales volume decreased and sales decreased.”…

Nikon’s recent acquisition of cinema camera giant RED has sparked speculation about the integration of RED’s advanced video technology into Nikon’s future camera models. In a recent interview with Yahoo Japan, Nikon President Yoshiaki Tokunari suggested that the company is considering leveraging RED’s expertise to enhance its video capabilities. Tokunari acknowledged the increasing demand for video performance in the camera market, stating that Nikon plans to incorporate video technology from RED, the US-based cinema camera leader they acquired earlier this year. This strategic move aims to boost Nikon’s market share by meeting the growing consumer demand for high-quality video features. In addition to discussing video technology, Tokunari also touched on recent sales trends, noting a recovery in the market for interchangeable lens cameras. He highlighted significant growth in China, which…

NEWSWATCH Tamron has revealed that a significant portion of its revenue now comes from manufacturing lenses for other companies, with 46% of its sales in the first half of this fiscal year attributed to its “OEM” (Original Equipment Manufacturer) operations. This insight was provided as part of Tamron’s financial results for the second quarter, shedding light on the company’s dual role in the lens market. Tamron, known for its own-brand lenses, also produces lenses that are rebranded by other companies, including some well-known names in the photography industry. For instance, several of Nikon’s Z-mount lenses, such as the Nikkor Z 17-28mm f/2.8, 28-75mm f/2.8, and 70-180mm f/2.8 zooms, bear striking similarities to Tamron’s own lenses. This suggests that Tamron is behind the manufacturing of these lenses, although Nikon markets them…

Arindam Saha hails from Kolkata, West Bengal. Professionally, he is a senior IT consultant but is addicted to photography as his hobby. His favourite genre is photographing nature -- mainly birds and insects. He believes that birds and insects are the most incredible creations of nature. His photographic journey started when his wife gifted him a Canon 1100D camera in 2013. In the few years that followed, Arindam gained the required skills and is now a recognised nature photographer.…

Vimal Parmar An independent marketing consultant and digital print evangelist with over 40 years of experience in the imaging industry. @vimalparmar Showcasing Your City’s Unique Essence with a Beautiful Photobook Dear Readers, Last month, I had the pleasure of meeting a young photographer and filmmaker, Neal Dsouza, at a coffee shop, where he gifted me his first photobook. As we chatted, he shared his journey of planning and creating this captivating collection of images in a mini photobook format, which highlights several areas in the vibrant city of Mumbai through his lens. Neal’s strong belief in the power of printed photographs was evident—he emphasized how printed images engage viewers in ways that digital screens often fail to match. Neal’s photobook is a testament to his deep connection with Mumbai, but…

The 2024 Pixels mark a significant shift from their predecessors, as the Pixel 9 series positions itself as Google’s flagship for the AI era. Unlike compact AI devices such as the Humane Ai Pin or Rabbit r1, the new Pixels serve as an interface to Gemini, Google’s advanced AI model. The Pixel 9 series boasts a design that diverges from the Pixel 8’s more utilitarian approach. The new models sport a sleeker, more mainstream aesthetic with flattened edges and uniform bezels, reminiscent of the iPhone’s metal side rails. The signature camera visor remains prominent but stable, even with its noticeable protrusion. Under the hood, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is powered by the Tensor G4 chip, paired with 16GB of RAM and a new vapor chamber for enhanced thermal management—a…