Indholdsfortegnelse for October 2023 i Smart Photography

A genuine concern expressed by those switching from DSLRs to mirrorless cameras is whether they can continue to use their old SLR lenses. The answer is yes. A wide variety of adapters are available in the market that will make the use of older lenses feasible. You may have to sacrifice some features however. The real issue is whether using old lenses means a corresponding decline in image quality. Technically, older lenses, generally, are not in the same league as their mirrorless cousins as far as image quality is concerned.. Also, full autofocus capability may not be available through the use of adapters. Of course, buying a new mirrorless lens will set you back by a considerable amount. We also know several enthusiasts who are diehard fans of the bokeh…

Over three years have passed since Fujifilm introduced the immensely popular X100V, which remains elusive to this day. Most camera retailers still struggle to restock it, leaving eager buyers waiting for months. Fortunately, early 2024 promises the arrival of its successor, potentially featuring an entirely new lens. However, anticipations of delays linger. Few cameras maintain the relentless demand seen with the Fujifilm X100V. News of its impending successor generates great excitement. Since its launch, the X100V faced challenges including delays, component shortages, and overwhelming demand, even prompting Fujifilm to halt new orders. Will the next iteration face similar obstacles, or will Fujifilm devise a strategy to meet demand? A pivotal factor might revolve around the integrated lens. The X100V boasts a 23mm (35mm equivalent) f/2.0 lens. Yet, according to a…

Nikon’s specialised robotics division has introduced a new motorised head tailored for professional mirrorless cameras and DSLRs. The MRMC SR-1 Camera Robot is an advanced pan-tilt support system capable of accommodating professional camera and lens combinations weighing up to 4kg. It stands as one of the most compact and user-friendly units developed by Mark Roberts Motion Control (MRMC) to date. Designed for use in inaccessible or hazardous locations, the pan-tilt head aims to assist in capturing new perspectives and achieving shots that would be challenging or impossible to obtain manually. MRMC is renowned for its range of robotic arms used in broadcast studios and by commercial videographers seeking high-speed motion control. The British company became part of Nikon in 2016, following a successful collaboration during the 2012 London Olympics. Weighing…

Sony has introduced the ultra-compact FE 16-35mm GM II, the world’s smallest and lightest wide-angle zoom lens, designed for 35mm full-frame α (Alpha™) E-mount cameras. Covering focal lengths from 16mm to 35mm with a constant maximum aperture of F2.8, this lens caters to photographers and videographers seeking high-performance optics. It leverages the distinctive G Master™ capabilities, offering descriptive power and high-speed autofocus (AF) that synergizes with advanced camera bodies. The FE 16-35mm GM II (model SEL1635GM2) will be available at Sony Centers, Alpha Flagship stores, authorised dealers, e-commerce platforms (Amazon and Flipkart), and major electronic stores in India starting September 15th, 2023.…

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…

First of all, I am truly enraptured to be featured in this magazine. I have been practicing photography for a large number of years in my life, but truly understood the deep underlying technicality and meaning behind the craft after I finished my diploma from Shari Academy of Professional Photography. When I am not working, I relish looking at paintings and sculptures, particularly from the Renaissance period, which, in fact, have influenced my style and movements. In the current timeline, photos play a meaningful part of life, where the standard attention span is less than 2 seconds. I wanted to create photos that make the viewer stop and have the benefit to absorb the beauty and the muted meaning of a photo and bring back the grey meaning of the…

Inside the Box ✓ Lens ✓ Lens hood ✓ Front & Rear lens caps ✓ Warranty card Tamron has been very innovative when it comes to the focal range of its zoom lenses. A 20 – 40 mm zoom lens had in fact been launched by Tamron over 15 years ago. However, that lens had a maximum aperture of f/ 2.7 - 3.5. I had owned this lens and remember that the novel focal range at the time was the main attraction. More recently, Tamron launched the 17 – 28 mm f/ 2.8 wide- angle zoom; again a novel zoom range. We now have with us Tamron’s new 20 – 40 mm f/ 2.8 Di III VXD which is their latest launch in the wide- angle zoom market. The lens…

Write to us at: Smart Photography, Next Gen Publishing Pvt. Ltd., 608, Trade World, 6th floor, C wing, Kamala Mills Compound, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel (W), Mumbai - 400 013 E-mail: sp@nextgenpublishing.net We received the following email from a Nikon user, which we forwarded to Nikon India Pvt. Ltd. for their comments: The email: Sir, I read with interest Mr. H. S. Billlimoria’s DID YOU KNOW? (on page 70 of the August 2023 issue of SMART PHOTOGRAPHY) rightly praising the Nikon Z8. It is indeed a formidable camera and I have had great pleasure in using it. Unfortunately, not all the records the Z8 is setting are enviable. The last couple of months have seen two recalls. Each recall involves long travel to their service center and…

Mid-September, Panasonic announced the debut of the LUMIX G9II digital mirrorless camera, introducing a new sensor and Phase Detection Auto-Focus (PDAF) technology. As the first camera in the Micro Four Thirds LUMIX G Series to incorporate PDAF technology, the LUMIX G9II aims to meet the growing demand for creative photography and artwork through innovative features. This model excels in producing high-resolution images with vibrant colours straight from the camera. Equipped with an autofocus technology that merges Panasonic’s recognition expertise with PDAF, along with a high-speed burst shooting mode to capture decisive moments, the camera offers enhanced power and rapid performance. It provides photographers in various fields with flexibility when combined with the compact and lightweight LUMIX G Micro Four Thirds lenses.…

Dear Readers, In the last three consecutive issues, I covered several fine art printers in India. Judging by the feedback received, it seems you enjoyed reading the articles as much as I enjoyed writing them. It has also provided me with the delightful opportunity to reconnect with some remarkable individuals with whom I shared professional ties during my corporate tenure. These are some of the finest fine art printers in our country, and I am confident you will make the best use of the contacts I have shared. And, of course, do not forget to use some of your cherished pictures to create prints with matching frames for your walls. While there are more fine art printers in India worth mentioning, space limitations restrict us from featuring everyone at once.…

My experiments with water droplet photography started after I came across one such image while casually surfing the net. I was amazed by the picture, and was curious about how the picture must have been taken. I wondered what the shutter speed must have been to freeze the water droplet hitting and rising again from the water below. How did the water drop become so colorful? Which lens could capture so much detail in such a tiny droplet? What could have been the light setup? I even wondered if it was an actual shot, or was it just photoshop. To satisfy my curiosity I started searching the internet and came across some links that described how such an image could be taken. I realised that to create such an image…

Inside the Box ✓ Lens ✓ Front lens cap ✓ Rear lens cap ✓ Bayonet (spring locked) lens hood ✓ Lens pouch ✓ Lens strap ✓ User manual ✓ Warranty card This is the last of the super telephoto lenses on the current Nikon lens roadmap. It was much awaited by wildlife and sports photographers with smaller budgets who were looking for a successor to the highly popular Nikon F-Mount 200-500 mm lens. So, with that as the target segment, will the new Nikon 180-600 mm lens, be an ideal replacement for the older lens? Read on to find out. Design & Build Quality This is a fairly large lens as you would expect for its focal length range. As with most Z mount telephoto lenses, it flares very rapidly…

The Biotar 75mm f/1.5 lens is now back on the market! Originally conceived by the legendary German lens designer Willi Merté in the 1930s, this short telephoto lens was renowned for its remarkable speed and distinctive swirly bokeh. The revival of the Biotar 75mm lens was one of the commitments made by the renowned company when it was itself relaunched in 2021. Marco Pfeiffer, Managing Director of Meyer Optik / OPC Optics, expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “We are thrilled to finally introduce this exceptional lens to the market, despite unforeseen challenges that led to several delays.” Following the successful release of the Biotar 58mm f/1.5 II last year, this manual focus prime lens will once again be meticulously handcrafted in Hamburg. Available in a wide range of current lens mounts,…

OM System, known for its legacy of creating reliable cameras for outdoor enthusiasts and extreme environments, has taken a leap forward with the launch of the new OM System TOUGH TG-7 adventure camera. Set to be released in late September, this compact camera builds upon its predecessors, inheriting features from the mirrorless OM range and bringing a robust set of capabilities to cater to adventurers, divers, and professionals working in challenging conditions. The TOUGH TG-7 lives up to its name, being shockproof and designed to withstand falls from heights of up to 2.1 metres (7 feet). It is also waterproof up to a depth of 15 metres (49 feet) and can be used at depths of up to 45 metres (147 feet) with the optional PT-059 case. This makes it…

NEWSWATCH Panasonic has put its 8K video ambitions on hold, citing insufficient demand in the consumer market. This decision dispels earlier reports suggesting that the successor to the Panasonic Lumix S1H might include an impressive 50MP sensor with 8K capabilities. During the Photo & Imaging 2023 event in China, a panel of Panasonic executives, including Kentaro Tamaki, director of global marketing for the imaging division, addressed questions about the company’s video strategy. Despite other manufacturers’ focus on video and 8K technology, Panasonic delivered an unexpected response: “The current popularity of 8K in the consumer market is not enough; it will be released later,” as reported by Camera Beta. Panasonic’s focus appears to be on other priorities, such as 6K and 6K super-sampling to 4K, alongside versatile video specifications to support…

Panasonic has revealed its intentions to commence the sale of all-solid-state batteries for small drones and factory robots by 2029. While the race to develop a safer alternative to lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles (EVs) continues, Panasonic’s move signifies a significant step forward in battery technology. Tatsuo Ogawa, Chief Technology Officer of Panasonic Group, announced these plans on September 12. Initially targeting industrial applications, Ogawa emphasised the potential of solid-state battery technology for the automotive sector, stating, “Some technologies used in the solid-state battery can be utilised for automotive uses.” All-solid-state batteries are renowned for their safety benefits compared to the flammable organic solvents used in conventional lithium-ion batteries. They also promise higher energy density, potentially resulting in extended driving ranges for EVs. However, their production is costlier and more…

Soumik Ghosh is a passionate documentary and daily-life travel photographer, dedicated to preserving the beauty and authenticity of the world through his lens. With a shaky beginning in 2021, his journey into the world of photography has been nothing short of an adventure. Driven by an insatiable wanderlust and an unwavering love for visual storytelling, his work is a reflection of his deep connection to diverse cultures, landscapes, and everyday life. His lens has the unique ability to capture fleeting moments, freezing them in time and weaving them into narratives that resonate with viewers on a profound level. With an unwavering commitment to authenticity, he believes that photography is a powerful medium that can bridge cultural divides and foster understanding. Through his lens he aims to not only capture captivating…

Buying a second-hand camera or a lens may sound like a good idea because it saves you some money, but it does have its own set of pitfalls. In this short write-up, we shall try to understand where one could go wrong. What are the main reasons for a user wanting to sell his used photo equipment? • Maybe he wants to buy a newer model and has no need or very little need for his used stuff • He could be in dire need of some cash • He has used his equipment till the end of its expected life-cycle and/or he feels that the product may ‘give way’ at any time – better to sell it while it’s still in working order • For whatever reason, he is…

Inside the Box ✓ Hood (ALC-SH146) ✓ Lens front cap (ALC-F49S) ✓ Lens rear cap (ALC-R1EM) Prime lenses are making a comeback. The reason is twofold. For one, they are small and light in weight. Second, they promise great results at very reasonable prices. A 50 mm f 1.8 lens is the staple lens for every beginner in photography. This month, we look at the 50 mm f 1.8 offering from Sony. This lens is an FE lens unlike the already existing E mount 50 mm f 1.8 OSS. Design & Build Quality Sony’s 50 mm f 1.8 FE lens is a neat little design measuring just under 60 mm in length. It features a steel mount and takes 49 mm filters. The lens weighs a mere 186 gms. Build…

The BenQ SW272U monitor is a 27-inch 4K screen designed with photographers and creative professionals in mind. With a host of impressive features, this monitor promises to be a game-changer for those who demand a high degree of colour accuracy and convenience in their workflow. The importance of top quality equipment is something that is well understood by photographers, and with colour correction and image manipulation becoming integral to photography, there is no choice but to make a similar investment on your computer hardware, especially the monitor. Display The primary highlight of the SW272U is its 27-inch 4K panel, boasting an astonishing 99% coverage of the AdobeRGB colour space. This means that photographers can trust that the colours they see on screen closely mirror the colours in their actual photographs.…

1 One major mirrorless camera manufacturer still does not offer a 50 mm f 1.2 lens in its repertoire. Which one? a)Sonyb) Nikon c) Canon d) Lumix 2 The world’s fastest autofocus lens is made by which camera manufacturer? a)Fujifilm b) Olympus c) Nikon d) Sony 3 Which lens manufacturer recently discontinued its 90 mm f 2.8 macro lens? a)Sigma b) Tokina c) Tamron d) Laowa 4 The world’s first 4 mm f 2.8 fisheye lens is made by: a)Meike b) Viltrox c) Voigtlander d) Laowa 5 The world’s only 800 mm lens for mirrorless cameras in commercial production is made by: a)Nikon b) Canon c) Sony d) Zeiss 6 Samyang and Rokkinon lenses are made in: a)South Korea b) Taiwan c) China d) Japan 7 A…