Indholdsfortegnelse for September 2025 i Smart Photography

The EISA Awards and the Maestro Awards were declared to the world on August 15. All the juries in the respective Expert Groups worked feverishly on the shortlisted products and the final results are before you. Our heartiest congratulations to Sony for once again winning the prestigious Camera Of The Year Award. The Maestro Awards elicited an encouraging response with a high number of quality entries. Our heartiest congratulations to the winners. An Indian entry by Guru Raj has won the second runner up prize and we heartily congratulate him as well. 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 and imaging across the globe experiences. This helps us record…

Nikon shares rose 21 percent in late August after reports that EssilorLuxottica, the Ray-Ban parent, is considering raising its holding in Nikon from about 9 percent to nearly 20. The move would deepen a long-standing partnership that began in 2000 with joint eyewear ventures. The potential expansion reflects Nikon’s optical strengths and EssilorLuxottica’s global eyewear presence. Investors reacted positively, seeing scope for broader collaboration across lenses, imaging, and consumer optics. If realised, the deal could influence Nikon’s long-term strategy in both professional and consumer markets.…

Nikon’s first-quarter results for the fiscal year ending March 2026 were a mixed bag. Revenue dipped to ¥158.12 billion, a 3.5 per cent fall from last year, while profit attributable to owners rose sharply to ¥9.47 billion, up from ¥2.75 billion. The rise in bottom-line profit stemmed largely from a ¥9.3 billion deferred tax asset following internal reorganisation. The imaging products division saw stable sales volumes thanks to the Z5II and Z50II, but revenue fell due to weaker average selling prices, hit by foreign-exchange pressures and tariffs. Operating profit fell into a ¥1.1 billion loss, down ¥4 billion year-on-year. Nikon projects first-half revenue of ¥313 billion and full-year revenue of ¥700 billion, but acknowledges its imaging business will stay under pressure.…

Ashok Kandimalla 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…

Huawei’s Pura 80 Ultra, introduced in July 2025, continues the brand’s push into high-end mobile photography. The device features a 50MP main sensor with a retractable lens system, delivering results that some reviewers compare to $2,000 professional lenses. Its AI-enhanced video stabilisation and advanced computational processing contribute to detailed, vibrant output across photo and video. Designed for creators who want professional-quality imaging in a smartphone form, the Pura 80 Ultra offers strong versatility for hybrid shooters. Though it remains secondary to dedicated cameras for professional videographers, its blend of compact size and powerful optics illustrates Huawei’s determination to push the limits of mobile imaging.…

The China P&E 2025 exhibition will spotlight new Z-mount lenses from Chinese manufacturers, underlining the country’s growing role in global optics. Companies such as 7Artisans and Viltrox are set to present affordable autofocus lenses, including Viltrox’s compact 15mm f/1.7 Air and the 56mm f/1.2 Pro. Both are designed for Nikon Z and Sony E mounts, extending budget-friendly options to a wider audience. These models join a wave of competitively priced, lightweight primes and zooms challenging established players. With an emphasis on fast apertures and compact design, the Chinese offerings are drawing international attention. Industry watchers expect these releases to dominate conversations at the show, pointing to a future where value-focused brands compete directly with legacy names.…

Third-party lens makers are continuing to broaden choices for photographers and filmmakers. Viltrox has added fresh options for Sony E-mount and Nikon Z-mount, including fast prime lenses aimed at offering affordable alternatives to first-party glass. Tamron has updated its development roadmap, highlighting forthcoming wide-angle lenses expected to arrive before the end of the year. Cinema professionals also gained new tools with Tokina’s latest Vista-P lenses, designed for high-resolution productions and supporting a variety of mounts. Meanwhile, Zeiss has started shipping its Otus ML series in Nikon Z-mount, extending a full-frame line already well established for Canon and Sony users. Collectively, these releases demonstrate strong momentum in the lens market, with independent manufacturers offering innovative options that complement or compete with native systems. With more full-frame and cinema choices reaching market,…

Nikon has refreshed its Z-mount lens roadmap, showcasing a broadening ecosystem supported by third-party makers. Highlights include Viltrox’s fast AF 35mm, 50mm, and 85mm f/1.2 LAB series, bringing professional-grade optics to Z-mount users at competitive prices. Tamron’s updated 28-75mm f/2.8 G2 is also slated, offering improved sharpness and handling compared with Nikon’s equivalent. Sigma is addressing APS-C users with DX lenses such as the 16mm f/1.4, filling long-standing gaps in Nikon’s cropped-sensor mirrorless line-up. Together, these additions reflect Nikon’s continued effort to diversify its Z-mount offering, extending appeal to astrophotographers, portrait specialists, and telephoto shooters. The roadmap underscores Nikon’s focus on building a mirrorless system that serves both professionals and hobbyists alike.…

EISA, the Expert Imaging and Sound Association has revealed the winners of its 2025-2026 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…

Vimal Parmar An independent marketing consultant and digital print evangelist with over 40 years of experience in the imaging industry. @vimalparmar Zines : Small Format, Big Impact Zines, small, simple, and cost-effective, turn photographs into tactile narratives that preserve memory and meaning beyond the screen. Discover how much a compact publication can truly showcase. Dear Readers, In the ever-evolving world of photography, it is refreshing to see how young creatives are turning to print to tell personal and powerful stories. In this edition of Printing & Beyond, I am delighted to introduce you to Deesha Jadhav, a young designer who has created a compelling and tactile visual narrative through her zine titled Maze of Clay. For those new to the term, a zine (short for magazine or fanzine) is a…

Oppo Find X8 Ultra TBA, (oppo.com) We reviewed the newly launched Oppo Find X8 Ultra - flagship camera-centric smartphone that currently isn’t available in the Indian market but is turning heads globally for redefining mobile photography. With its bold design, cutting-edge quad-camera setup, and Oppo’s continued partnership with Sony for large sensors, the Find X8 Ultra positions itself squarely in the ultra-premium category, catering to photography enthusiasts, content creators, and power users. While Indian users may have to wait or import to get their hands on this device, it gives a clear glimpse of where mobile imaging is heading. So, what happens when a 1-inch sensor phone with dual periscope lenses is unleashed into the world? Let’s take it for a spin on the streets and find out how it performs…

The Google Pixel 10 series, launched in August 2025, introduces significant improvements in mobile imaging. Powered by the Tensor G3 chipset, the devices feature triple 50MP sensors that deliver enhanced low-light performance and strong dynamic range. Computational photography remains central, with AI-driven tools such as Audio Magic Eraser offering on-device video refinement. Reviews suggest the Pixel 10’s imaging capabilities rival results from dedicated lenses in certain conditions, making it an appealing option for content creators seeking a secondary tool. While not built as a primary video platform, its compact design and advanced computational features strengthen Google’s standing in the mobile photography space.…

Speculation continues to build around a Nikon ZR, tipped to be a cinema-focused mirrorless system possibly drawing on RED’s video technology. Industry insiders suggest an announcement could come in September, coinciding with major trade shows. Details remain unconfirmed, but the model is expected to feature high-bit-rate recording, modular design, and advanced cooling — potentially Nikon’s first foray into a true hybrid cinema platform. With Nikon’s acquisition of RED earlier this year, the ZR would mark a natural next step in integrating professional cinema expertise into its Z-series line.…

Bijay Kumar Agrawal Bijay Kumar Agrawal was born in 1955 into a business family in the small town of Bolangir, Odisha. His journey in photography began at the tender age of twelve when his eldest brother gifted him a box camera. The interest deepened over the years, and in 1977, he received his first SLR, a Minolta SRT 303, as a wedding gift, marking the beginning of a more serious engagement with photography. His passion took a stronger hold when he set up a makeshift darkroom in a friend’s storeroom, allowing him to experiment and learn through hands-on experience. A major turning point came in 1981, when he moved to Visakhapatnam to expand the family’s automobile tyre business. Subsequently, he met late Rajan Babu, who became his first mentor and…

SINGLE Johan Cré, Belgium Born in Brecht, Belgium, Johan Cré is a photographer and freelance HVAC engineer who combines technical consultancy and training with his work independent photography work. He began photographing as a hobby in 2005 and soon enrolled in the photography program at IKO Hoogstraten, where analogue photography immediately appealed to him. Further studies at KISP Ghent and workshops with inspiring photographers helped him refine his style. Over the years, his work has been selected multiple times for the Lens op de Mens photo festival (2019, 2021, 2023, 2025). In 2024 he won silver in the Documentary category at the Belgian Photo Awards, placed seventh in Urban Jungle, and was selected for the Belgian team at the World Photographic Cup. His subjects range from music, travel and documentary…

Panasonic Lumix GH7 ₹2,49,990/- (Body only) Panasonic’s flagship hybrid camera – the Lumix GH7 – was launched globally on June 5, 2024. It is the successor to the Lumix GH6 that was launched in April 2022 in India. The recent GH-series has been well received by Lumix users. Let us see how the GH7 performs on our testbench. Design & Build Quality The Panasonic Lumix GH7 body has a good build quality. It uses magnesium alloy for strength and low weight. The body is splash, dust and freeze resistant. Like the other models in the GH-series, the GH7 is also a MFT (Micro Four Thirds) System camera. The camera body weighs 805g inclusive of the battery and memory card and is made in China. The GH7 is a MFT System camera…

Yes, compact cameras are seeing a major revival in demand. According to a BCN+R report, compact camera sales in Japan rose by 134%. Leading the list is a Kodak camera. Of course, Kodak does not make cameras anymore. The Kodak brand has been licensed to several companies, the prominent one being J K Imaging, headquartered in Los Angeles, USA. Top Sellers – Compact Cameras Yodobashi Cameras, Japan has also released its list of best selling cameras for the month of June 2025. Top Sellers – June 2025…