Indholdsfortegnelse for June 2024 i Smart Photography

We had barely stopped raving about Fujifilm’s X – 100 VI when Panasonic burst out of the blue and announced the S 9, a full frame, interchangeable lens compact mirrorless camera with in-built image stabilisation. Will this set off a new trend? Well, let’s see. On the lenses front, the onslaught of Chinese lenses has become a wave. In India, they are primarily available through websites and ‘distributors’ but internationally the marketing is much better organised. In several markets, Chinese lenses take a near 20% market share. With their quality steadily getting better and with most brands now offering autofocus, they will soon pose a challenge to the established brands. HERE’S WHAT MAKES US #1 WE ARE GLUED TO THE GLOBAL IMAGING INDUSTRY Our team is updated with all the…

NEWSWATCH Earlier this year, Nikon made headlines by acquiring US-based RED Cinema, marking a significant move into the professional video market. Nikon has now disclosed the acquisition cost as ¥13.167 billion, or approximately $85 million, in its 2023-2024 financial report. The acquisition followed a lawsuit filed by RED against Nikon, alleging patent infringement related to Nikon’s Z9 camera. Nikon decided to purchase RED rather than pay potential licensing fees and damages. In its announcement to shareholders, Nikon highlighted RED’s pioneering role in digital cinema, noting that the acquisition would combine Nikon’s strengths in image processing and optical technology with RED’s expertise in cinema cameras and compression technology. This strategic move aims to expand Nikon’s presence in the professional digital cinema market and foster the development of innovative products. Nikon also…

Srishti Digilife who holds Pan-India distributorship for several major product lines from Manfrotto, Gitzo, Profoto, Lowepro, Ilford, Tether Tools, etc. has entered into a strategic partnership with Angelbird products. Hailing from Austria, Angelbird is synonymous with crafting camera-specific media tailored for creative production. Known for its innovative and high-performance storage solutions, Angelbird has established itself as a trusted name among professional photographers, videographers, and content creators worldwide. Their products are designed to meet the rigorous demands of modern digital workflows, ensuring reliability, speed, and efficiency. This association enables Srishti Digilife to enhance its product offerings and reach a broader audience. Customers can now access Angelbird’s exceptional media solutions, including their renowned SDXC (UHS-I and UHS-II), CFast, and CFexpress (Type A and B) cards, which are essential tools for professionals who…

Fujifilm’s financial report for April 2023 to March 2024 reveals a significant rise in revenue for its professional imaging division, hitting 172.1 billion yen (approximately £1.1 billion), a 20% increase year over year. This surge is largely attributed to the success of the X100 series and the continued growth of Instax. The company’s overall business saw growth, with revenue up across multiple sectors, but the camera division stood out. Fujifilm’s Imaging Division, divided into consumer (Instax) and professional (digital cameras like the X-S20 and GFX100 II), experienced a combined revenue increase of 14.5% and a 39.9% rise in operating income over the period. Instax remains a major revenue driver, accounting for over 63% of the division’s operating income, although its share has slightly decreased due to the rapid growth of…

Fujifilm introduces the highly anticipated Fujifilm X-T50 Digital Camera Body, blending top-tier stills and video capabilities in a sleek, hybrid design enriched with physical dials. Weighing just 438g, including a single SD card and battery, the X-T50 promises portability without compromising performance. Boasting 20 Film Simulation modes, including the new Reala-Ace, users enjoy instant access via a dedicated Film Simulation dial. Under the hood, the X-T50 sports a high-resolution 40.2MP X-Trans CMOS 5 HR sensor coupled with the fifth-generation X-Processor 5. This dynamic duo powers AI-powered Autofocus, delivering fast 8fps continuous burst shooting and prolonged battery life. For video enthusiasts, the X-T50 supports a wide range of formats, including 6.2K/30p and 4K/60p, with 4:2:2 10-bit colour depth. Connectivity options like built-in frame.io, headphone and mic jacks, HDMI, WiFi, and USB-C…

Aniket Das is a professional photographer specialising in street photography. He says “My journey began in the heart of Kolkata, where the vibrant chaos and raw energy of the streets ignited my passion for photography. I found myself drawn to the everyday moments – the fleeting expressions, the intimate gestures, and the unspoken stories etched on the faces of passers-by”. Aniket has travelled far and wide in the country. He tries to showcase the soul of India – the resilience of the people, the richness of its cultures and the beauty that lies in everyday details.…

Vimal Parmar An independent marketing consultant and digital print evangelist with over 40 years of experience in the imaging industry. @vimalparmar From Photographs to Photo Books Dear Readers, I am delighted to feature the work of Dheeraj Paisa from Bengaluru in this issue. On the recommendation of a previously featured friend, he sent me one of his photo books, hoping it could be included. I was impressed at first glance. It is a simple, centre-pinned book made with carefully selected premium-quality paper, minimal text, and captivating visuals. While most photo books are hardbound, this simple booklet stands out for its impressive quality. It demonstrates that with well-chosen subjects, high-quality images, and flawless printing, a photo book does not need to be hardbound like most coffee table books to make an…

1 Name the most pre-ordered camera in photo history. a) Nikon Fb) Fujifilm X 100 VIc) Olympus OM 1 d) Pentax K 1000 2 What is the size of the Fujifilm X 100 VI sensor? a) Full frame b) APS-C c) MFT d) 1 inch 3 What does the Fujifilm X 100 VI have that the X 100 V did not? a) New lens b) New metering system c) Image stabilisation d) Weather sealing 4 Fujifilm branched out into making cameras and lenses in: a) 1938 b) 1945 c) 1969 d) 1972 5 Under what brand name did Fujifilm first sell its cameras? a) Fuji b) Fujica c) Fujicarex 6 The name Fujicarex was changed to Fujica in: a) 1962b) 1967 c) 1971 d) 1972 7 Which was Fujifilm’s top…

Nikon triumphs as six of its products clinch the prestigious 2024 Red Dot Award for Product Design. Among the notable winners: • Nikon Z8: Offering the high functionality and performance of the Z series’ flagship model, the Z8 caters to photographers and image creators seeking expressive potential across various genres. • NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena: An S-Line lens, it maximises the potential of the Z mount system for exquisite bokeh and sharpness, ideal for portraits and landscapes. • Z f + NIKKOR Z SE Lenses: This full-frame mirrorless camera merges heritage design with cutting-edge optical technologies, enabling users’ self-expression throughout the creative process. • NIKKOR Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S: This super-telephoto prime lens offers superior optical performance and portability, making it perfect for capturing fast-moving subjects with…

Fujifilm, building on the success of its highly acclaimed X100VI, is set to introduce a medium format version of the camera in 2025. This groundbreaking model will be the first digital fixed-lens medium format camera, marking a significant advancement in camera technology. Despite facing production challenges with the X100VI due to its high demand, Fujifilm is determined to push forward with this innovative addition to its lineup. The new medium format camera is expected to attract professional photographers and enthusiasts alike, seeking superior image quality and unique features. Details on the specifications of the new model have not yet been released. However, this move underscores Fujifilm’s commitment to innovation and leadership in the camera market. Meanwhile, competitors like Sony, Nikon, and Canon have yet to respond with similar offerings in…

Tamron’s Q1 financial report reveals a significant increase in operating income, nearly doubling year-over-year, resulting in record-high profits. The interchangeable lens market has experienced double-digit growth in both volume and value, reflecting the strong performance of the camera market. Sales data by region show that Asia and Japan are driving the growth, with sales figures reaching 8.836 billion yen and 2.07 billion yen respectively. Meanwhile, Europe and North America saw a decline in sales, with North American sales falling from 1.412 billion yen to 1.307 million yen, and European sales decreasing from 1.417 million yen to 1.299 million yen. Tamron’s outlook remains positive, with the company forecasting double-digit sales growth for both its own-brand and OEM products. Despite rising raw material costs, Tamron plans to achieve double-digit operating income growth…

Nikkita Savita is a photographer who finds her inspiration in the captivating allure of natural light. Since childhood, photography has been her avenue for storytelling. Mesmerised by the interplay of sunlight and shadow, she has dedicated her life to mastering the art of harnessing natural light in her work. As she continues to grow as an artist, she remain committed to pushing the boundaries of her craft, hoping to inspire others to see the world through the transformative lens of natural light.…

Mainak Halder is currently a government employees at India Post and hails from Kolkata. He started with photography in 2009 with a point-and-shoot camera. He learned photography techniques and image editing by trial and error. He loves capturing the mesmersing activities of birds and animals.…

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…

In the Box ✓ Lens ✓ Front cap ✓ Rear cap ✓ Lens hood ✓ USB Cable Tamron has benefited immensely through its close association with Sony. Because of Sony owning part of Tamron, Tamron has been able to launch Sony E mount lenses sooner than competition. Sony’s dominance of the mirrorless market has also meant substantially increased sales for Tamron. The 70 – 180 mm f 2.8 lens in its original version was positioned as a value-for-money alternative to the Sony G Master 70 - 200 mm f/2.8. It had a shorter telephoto end at 180 mm but this mattered little because it was significantly cheaper and results were very good. Tamron has now launched the | second generation version of the 70 – 180 mm lens. Tamron claim…

Panasonic has announced the launch of Lumix S9, marking its smallest and lightest full-frame camera within the S-series range. This compact device, available in four colours, encapsulates many features of the popular S5II within a significantly smaller body. Designed to cater to young creators accustomed to smartphone photography, the Lumix S9 replaces the electronic viewfinder with a versatile free-angle rear screen, facilitating shooting from various angles. Weighing approximately 403 grams, it aims to seamlessly integrate into the mobile creator’s workflow. Featuring a full-frame 24.2-megapixel sensor akin to the S5II, the Lumix S9 promises high-detail content capture and natural tones with its latest engine. Boasting in-body image stabilisation and phase detection autofocus, it ensures smooth handheld video and accurate subject tracking. Panasonic’s focus on smartphone users is evident with in-camera colour…

Tamron announces the development of TAMRON’s first CANON RF mount lens, 11-20mm F/2.8 Di III-A1 RXD (Model B060), an ultra wide-angle zoom lens for APS-C mirrorless cameras. TAMRON’s lenses after receiving many requests from customers to offer lenses compatible with the CANON RF mount, TAMRON made the decision to develop a lens for the CANON RF mount under a license agreement. The 11-20mm F2.8 is a fast-aperture zoom lens covering a focal length range from ultrawide-angle 11mm to 20mm, with a maximum aperture of F2.8 across its full range of focal lengths. With a surprisingly compact and lightweight design for a fast, ultra wide-angle zoom lens, the lens feels well balanced when attached to a compact APS-C mirrorless camera body, making it ideal for regular use.…

Srini Swaminathan calls himself an Explorer, Educator and a Golden Retriever (because he is ‘fur’ever curious about the world!) Having started his career in the oilfield rigs and platforms, Srini has tra’well’ed to 44 countries – some for work, some for marathons and some for satiating his curiosity. A leisure ultramarathoner and cyclist, Srini has cycled Kashmir to Kanyakumari and Bhuj to Assam. He is also an author and translator. 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)…

I know several photographers who pack away their equipment during the rains – they fear that their expensive gear may get damaged if used during the rainy season. This fear is not unfounded though. Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep taking photos even during the rainy season: • Don’t store your gear in a cupboard along with your clothes. Clothes can retain moisture for a long time, and moisture is an enemy of camera gear. • Don’t store your equipment in leather bags for the same reason. • In your equipment cupboard made from metal, keep a 10/15-watt bulb, always ‘on’ 24 x 7 to prevent moisture build up. Also remove the lens caps so that light enters the lens elements, which can further prevent mold. • Don’t…