Indholdsfortegnelse for January 2024 i Smart Photography

The recent reports of images of celebrities like Katrina Kaif being morphed raises several ethical questions. Manipulated images have been used worldwide to influence public opinion and, in some instances, can have serious repercussions. We are now in the era of ‘deepfakes’, a new AI avatar that can lead to widespread scepticism from the public about the authenticity of audio and video. Let’s face it. Cameras do not lie. Photographers, with the array of tools at their disposal, do. The need for images with credentials has never been greater. Smart Photography wishes all our readers, advertisers and well wishers a happy, healthy and prosperous 2024! 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 smartphone imaging landscape is on the brink of a significant transformation, with reports pointing toward the integration of Micro Four Thirds sensors. Representing a breakthrough in videography, this shift could redefine not only smartphones but the entire camera market. Sources reveal that a new generation of Micro Four Thirds sensors, ranging from 44 to 100 megapixels, is poised to enter the market and find its way into smartphones. Key specifications shared by resources like Weibo outline different sensors for smartphones, varying in megapixels and advanced features. However, challenges lie ahead, including the implementation of these relatively large sensors within the confines of a smartphone body and the effective management of heat generated by the powerful processor. Overcoming these hurdles will likely require sophisticated heat management solutions. Micro Four Thirds,…

Nikon India is set to host the third edition of its highly anticipated Wedding Film Awards, an annual digital contest designed to showcase the exceptional talent of wedding cinematographers. Under the theme ‘Candidly Yours,’ the contest invites both professionals and enthusiasts to exhibit their visual storytelling prowess. Running from December 1st to January 15th, 2024, participants stand a chance to win prizes collectively valued at INR 6 lakhs. The contest aims to solidify Nikon’s position as the brand of choice for wedding videographers. Entries are now being accepted, offering a platform for individuals to gain industry-wide recognition. Mr. Sajjan Kumar, Managing Director of Nikon India, expressed enthusiasm about acknowledging the skillful efforts of videographers and fostering a network within the community. He emphasised the contest’s role in uniting India’s passionate…

A recent leak from industry insiders has unveiled Samsung’s ambitious venture into groundbreaking camera sensor technology. The South Korean tech giant is reportedly in the advanced stages of developing a revolutionary 1-inch camera sensor boasting an unprecedented 200 megapixels. If these rumours prove accurate, Samsung is poised to set a new benchmark in the imaging industry. Initial reports indicate that the Samsung 1-inch sensor is sized at 1/0.98 inches, positioning it as a substantial component for primary cameras. Noteworthy in this development is the remarkably compact pixel size of 0.8μm, underscoring Samsung’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of image resolution and quality. A standout feature of this cutting-edge sensor is its capability to support 4x zoom, unlocking a realm of possibilities for capturing intricate details even at a distance. The…

SHOWCASE Neeta Kolhatkaris a photo-journalist with over 35 years of experience in broadcast, print and digital. She has been capturing nuances of Mumbai through her lens, be it photographs or videos.…

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…

1 The first SLR camera from Nippon Kogaku was the Nikon F. Which year was it launched? a) 1955b) 1956c) 1959 d) None of the above 2 The Nikon F was an immediate success with professionals. Nikon however was on the lookout for a camera aimed at enthusiasts. Who did Nikon turn to for help? a) Canonb) Konica c) Minolta d) Mamiya 3 The Nikkorex 35 made its debut in 1960. Where was the Nikkorex 35 manufactured? a) At the Mamiya Factoryb) By Nikonc) By Petrid) By Miranda 4 The Nikkorex 35 initially used a shutter made by : a) Seikoshab) Citizen c) Copal d) Deckel 5 An engineer cofounded Mamiya along with Koki Seisakusho. Name him. 6 Which of the following types of camera did Mamiya produce? a) Rangefindersb)…

In a prestigious global recognition, Canadian photographer Jacquie Matechuk has secured the title of Nature Photographer of the Year 2023. The accolade was bestowed upon her for her captivating image titled “He Looks to the Heavens,” featuring a rare spectacled bear captured in the stunning landscapes of the Ecuadorean Andes. Apart from claiming the overall Nature Photographer of the Year title, Matechuk also emerged victorious in the competition’s Mammals category. In another triumph, photographer Thomas Vijayan clinched the top spot in the Landscape category for his striking image capturing the Austfonna Ice Cap in Svalbard, Norway. Originally an architect hailing from Kerala, India, Vijayan spent his formative years in Bangalore and currently resides in Canada. For more on this year’s awards, check out naturephotographeroftheyear.com.…

In a significant move, Sony has revealed plans to update select older camera models with new features through firmware updates. This announcement came during the presentation of the groundbreaking a9 III full-frame camera, equipped with a global shutter sensor. Addressing a longstanding concern among Sony photographers, the company has responded by offering meaningful updates to the a1 and a7S III, showcasing a commitment to improving workflow for existing users. For the a1, the firmware update includes Sony’s breathing compensation relay playback technology, enhancing both still and movie shooting experiences. Meanwhile, the a7S III will benefit from breathing compensation during DCI 4K video recording at 24p. Both cameras will receive multiple IPTC presets, stored in-camera for user convenience, allowing seamless swapping as needed. The “protect and transfer” function has been streamlined…

Sony breaks new ground with the release of its cutting-edge APS-C mirrorless camera, the α6700 (ILCE-6700). This powerhouse combines the latest Alpha™ and Cinema Line series technologies with the compact design of the α6000 series, establishing itself as Sony’s most advanced APS-C mirrorless camera. The α6700 features a 26.0MP Exmor R CMOS sensor and BIONZ XR processing engine, ensuring exceptional imaging performance in a compact form. With support for 4K video at 120fps, 14+ stops dynamic range, and S-Cinetone™ profile, it promises high-quality visuals without the need for colour grading. For content creators, Sony simultaneously releases the ECM-M1 shotgun microphone, offering eight sound pickup modes, including stereo, and noise reduction features. The microphone enhances audio quality in diverse recording scenarios. With a user-friendly design, vari-angle LCD monitor, and 5-axis in-body…

• Equipment Familiarity:As is the case with most things, you need to be familiar with your equipment. You should know the different features of your camera and to use the most appropriate ones according to the scene in front of you. • File Format:Shoot in Raw for the best image quality. This does not mean that high quality JPEGs will not provide good images, but Raw files offer the highest image quality. • White Balance:Set WB to either Auto or Direct Sunlight (Daylight). Since you’ll be shooting in Raw, you can easily change the WB, if necessary, in Adobe Camera Raw. • ISO: Set your camera to its lowest ISO for superior image quality. This is usually ISO 100. • Metering Mode:If you are not familiar with the metering modes,…

In early November, Canon introduced the groundbreaking RF200-800mm f/6.3-9 IS USM, a super telephoto zoom lens extending up to 800mm—unmatched in the market. This compact lens delivers edge-to-edge quality, weather-sealing, and affordability for full-frame cameras. With unprecedented versatility, the RF200-800mm covers a focal range previously requiring multiple lenses. Whether capturing distant birds or dynamic sports moments, the 200mm to 800mm range ensures seamless transitions between close-ups and wide shots without lens changes. The RF Extender 2x extends coverage to 1600mm (2560mm on APS-C), ideal for close-ups of celestial bodies like the moon. Despite its expansive reach, the 2,050g RF200-800mm remains mobile and comparable in size to 600mm counterparts. Handheld shooting is a breeze, thanks to the built-in 5.5 stops’ IS, correcting camera shake at long focal lengths and ensuring sharp,…

In the realm of photography enthusiasts, anticipation is building as rumours circulate about Nikon’s latest venture into the optics arena. The company is said to be on the verge of unveiling the NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/3.5-6.3 ultra-zoom full-frame lens, distinguished by its notable exclusion from the S-line series. While the exact aperture range remains shrouded in speculation, sources suggest a potential variation of a half-stop in either direction. Enthusiasts and professionals alike are eager to discover whether this lens will offer a slightly faster or slower performance on both ends of the aperture spectrum. The official announcement of the NIKKOR Z 28-400mm lens is expected to take place in 2024, with a slim possibility of an earlier reveal in 2023. Photography aficionados are advised to stay tuned for forthcoming updates…

NEWSWATCH Nikon India is excited to mark the 90th anniversary of the iconic NIKKOR lenses. In honour of this significant milestone, Nikon is launching initiatives to reinforce and elevate awareness of the esteemed NIKKOR brand. As part of the celebration, Nikon has unveiled an exclusive 90th-anniversary logo, paying tribute to the enduring legacy of NIKKOR. The logo elegantly showcases silhouettes of lenses that have played pivotal roles in the history of imaging since the inception of the NIKKOR brand, alongside symbolic lenses of the present era. The 90th-anniversary logo is accompanied by the resonant message, “A Story in Every Lens.” This expression encapsulates the distinctive qualities and meticulous craftsmanship inherent in all NIKKOR lenses.…

Srini Swaminathancalls himself a curious explorer. Having started his career in the oilfield rigs and platforms, Srini has traveled to 44 countries – some for work, some to run marathons and some for satiating his curiosity. Srini has also cycled from Kashmir to Kanyakumari and from Bhuj to Assam. He lives in Chennai and wishes to take his street Indie dog Oreo in a backpack around the world. He is@srini091 in Instagram and X (formerly Twitter)…

Vimal Parmar An independent marketing consultant and digital print evangelist with over 40 years of experience in the imaging industry. @vimalparmar Turning Clicks into Prints: A Resolution for the New Year Embrace the magic of print to narrate your visual tales this year Dear Readers, Happy New Year 2024 to you and your loved ones! As we step into the new year, I encourage you to embrace the timeless joy of printed photographs. Instead of just scrolling through your digital memories, consider unlocking the potential of your smartphone images by creating tangible photobooks, postcards, calendars, bookmarks, and more. I appreciate your continued support in reading my articles and sharing the diverse photo prints you have made. For those without a home printer, now is an opportune time to consider this…

Closeup and macro photography are two amongst the most sought-after genres of photography. One does not have to travel to exotic destinations to pursue this genre – closeup and macro shots can be taken in your own backyard or at least close to your home. There are several ways to go about doing this. • Closeup filters (also known as supplementary lenses)• Lens reversal rings• Extension tubes• Extension bellows• Tele-extenders• Macro lenses• Stacking lenses In this short writeup, we shall see how extension tubes help us to achieve our goal. Advantages of extension tubes: • Relatively inexpensive• No loss in image quality Disadvantages of extension tubes: • Loss in illumination reaching the imaging sensor due to the extension• Not as user friendly as compared to a macro lens (once attached,…

Inside the Box ✓ Camera body ✓ Body cap✓ Battery ✓ Strap✓ 24-50 mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM lens✓ Lens caps, front & rear✓ User instructions The R 8 is Canon’s ‘budget’ full frame mirrorless camera. Although a late entrant to the mirrorless market, Canon has responded with a flurry of launches. Launched in mid 2023, the R 8 boasts 24.2 megapixels and comes with 4 K video and Canon’s DIGIC X image processor. SP had the R 8 on our test bench. Set out below are our findings. Design & Build Quality First things first. The R 8 is Canon’s lightest full frame camera. The body weight with the card and battery is a mere 461 g. The dimensions of 132.5 x 86.1 X 70 mm indicate how diminutive the…

MIRRORLESS REVIEWPanasonic Lumix S5 II ₹189,990 (body only) Panasonic pioneered the mirrorless market with its G1 camera that sported a Micro Four Thirds mount. The G1 also won Panasonic its only SP Camera of the Year Award. The success of mirrorless was never in doubt. However, the 64 million dollar question was whether mirrorless cameras should have smaller sensors (read Micro Four Thirds), medium sized sensors (read APS-C) or full frame sensors (read 35mm equivalent). The success of Sony with its full frame sensors opened the doors to others. Panasonic decided to hedge its bets and in 2019 launched the full frame S1 and S1 H. The cameras boasted excellent build quality and advanced video capabilities. However, their large size and weight combined with an average autofocus system limited their success.…