Indholdsfortegnelse for July 2024 i Smart Photography

With the SP Awards done and dusted, the focus has now shifted to the EISA Awards and the Maestro Awards. The jury rounds of the EISA Awards are in full swing and, as in previous years, the winners will be declared in August. As far as the Maestro Awards are concerned, Indian entrants did not bother to read the terms and conditions and consequently a number of entrants got disqualified. The Maestro Awards will also be announced in August. It will be interesting to learn the jury’s choice. 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 the changes in the…

During the launch event in Italy for their latest products including the Fujifilm X-T50, XF16-50mmF2.8-4.8, GFX100SII, and GF500mmF5.6, renowned photographer Andrea Cimini shared insights on Fujifilm’s ambitions to elevate its market position. Cimini highlighted Fujifilm’s current standing as the third-bestselling camera brand worldwide and their aspiration to surpass the current second-place holder. While the specifics of Fujifilm’s ranking were discussed, Cimini noted potential considerations involving Fujifilm’s Instax division in these rankings. This inclusion, though technically part of Fujifilm’s imaging division, raises questions similar to including motorbike sales in automotive rankings, potentially influencing comparative market analyses. Cimini also addressed the global shortages affecting Fujifilm products, citing widespread unavailability of models like the Fujifilm X100VI and inventory issues across their X/GFX camera lines. These shortages have persisted globally, affecting regions previously unaffected…

Xiaomi unveiled the 14 CIVI smartphones in India during an event held in New Delhi mid-June. Coengineered with Leica, the device is a highly anticipated addition to Xiaomi’s lineup, introduced as a rebadged version of the Xiaomi CIVI 4 Pro launched in China earlier this year. The 14 CIVI, with its focus on ‘Cinematic Vision’, aims to redefine smartphone photography and videography, building upon the success of Xiaomi’s 14 Series. It promises to enhance visual storytelling capabilities through its advanced imaging features. Key Specifications Priced at Rs 47,999 for the 12GB + 512GB variant, and Rs 42,999 for the 8GB + 256GB variant with bank offers reducing the effective price to Rs 39,999, the Xiaomi 14 CIVI features a flat 6.55-inch 1.5K AMOLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate. It…

Maneesh Sahu hails from Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh and is a graduate in journalism from the Allahabad University. He is a passionate solo traveller and travel photographer who loves to capture vivid portraits of cultures, landscapes and beauty of mother nature. With an insatiable wanderlust and an eye for detail, Maneesh traverses different parts of the plain and the Himalayan regions of India, seeking out hidden gems and iconic landmarks alike. With these images, he takes us to Spiti valley in Himachal Pradesh, which is a high-altitude desert mountain valley renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, traditional villages, ancient monasteries, and vibrant culture.…

Debarpan Datta hails from the City of Joy – Kolkatta. Debarpan was initiated into photography after seeing the movie ‘Born Free’. He is a naturalist by profession and a storyteller by heart. Says Debarpan, “Working as a field personnel and research fellow in various environmental and ecological projects in different landscapes of India has given me the opportunity to observe wildlife from close quarters. But over time I have felt that scientific understandings are best accepted by people when conveyed in a popular language. So, I observe, my gears speak for me, and I love when a frame connects with people with all the stories said silently. A significant time of the year I stay close to the forests, living every moment like magic. Back home in the City of…

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…

Japan’s leading retailer, MAP CAMERAS, has unveiled their top-selling cameras for May 2024. Fujifilm and Sony models dominate the list, showcasing their popularity among Japanese consumers. • Fujifilm X-100 VI• Sony A 7 IV• Nikon Zf• Sony A 7 C II• Sony A 7 R V• Fujifilm X-T 5• Sony ZV-E 10• Canon EOS R 6 II• Nikon Z 8• Canon Powershot SX 740 HS The Fujifilm X-100 VI leads the rankings, followed closely by Sony’s A 7 IV. Nikon, Canon, and other Fujifilm models also feature prominently, reflecting diverse preferences in Japan’s camera market.…

Nikon Corporation has announced plans to invest $160 million in a new lens factory aimed at producing high-end lenses. The investment will involve the demolition of some existing structures and the construction of two new buildings at Nikon’s subsidiary, Tochigi Nikon Corporation. As part of Nikon’s Medium-Term Management Plan, the company is committed to investing approximately 100 billion yen by 2030 to enhance its production facilities across all business areas. The new buildings will bolster the manufacturing system for interchangeable lenses for digital cameras and microscope objectives. Construction is set to begin in fiscal year 2025 and is expected to be completed by fiscal year 2027. The new buildings will be constructed at Tochigi Nikon Corporation, located at 770 Midori, Otawara City, Tochigi Prefecture in Japan. The project involves the…

Tamron has unveiled its latest zoom lens, the 50-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD (Model A069), designed for full-frame Sony mirrorless cameras. This new addition responds to photographers’ requests for a bit more zoom range, expanding Tamron’s lineup of full-frame telephoto zooms, which includes the 28-200mm f/2.8-5.6, 70-180mm f/2.8, and 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 lenses. The 50-300mm lens stands out by offering an extra 20mm on the wide end compared to the 70-300mm model. While it is slightly heavier at 665 grams (1.5 pounds) and marginally longer at 150 millimetres (5.9 inches), this new lens provides greater versatility with its extended focal length. A key feature of the 50-300mm lens is its half-macro shooting capability. It achieves a maximum magnification ratio of 1:2 at 50mm and 1:3.1 at 300mm, significantly improving upon…

Panasonic has announced the launch of the new LUMIX GH7, the latest flagship model in its Micro Four Thirds mirrorless LUMIX G Series. The LUMIX GH7 is designed to deliver exceptional video performance and enhanced AF capabilities, featuring a newly developed 25.2MP BSI CMOS sensor and Phase Detection Auto-Focus (PDAF). Here are some key features: • High Performance and Mobility:• 25.2MP BSI CMOS sensor with high resolution and fast response.• 13+ stop dynamic range boost with rich gradation.• PDAF for high-speed, high-precision AF performance and real-time autofocus recognition for airplanes and trains.• Improved image stabilisation with perspective distortion correction for videos and a High mode in Active I.S. for enhanced compensation when shooting on the move.• Enhanced Video Quality and Optimised Workflows:• Internal recording of 5.7K 30p ProRes 422 HQ…

KODAK has made a significant mark in the digital camera industry, capturing a 22.5% sales share in April 2024 across the overall digital camera market, including compact digital cameras, mirrorless single-lens cameras, and single-lens reflex cameras. This achievement marks the first time KODAK has secured the top spot in monthly market share by manufacturer since data collection began by the BCN Ranking, which analyses actual sales data from major electronics retailers and online stores. From maintaining a market share around 5% in 2021, KODAK’s rise began notably in 2022, surpassing 10% and continuing to compete closely with industry giants like Sony and Fujifilm. The turning point came in March 2024 when KODAK’s market share surged to 20.1%, ultimately reaching 22.5% in April, surpassing competitors like Canon to claim the leading…

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)…

Prasad Mantri, now retired, used to work as an in-house photographer with Mazagaon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd. Besides photography, Prasad loves to paint and travel as well. He is a life-member of The Photographic Society of India (PSI). He also organises photography tours. Surajkund is an ancient man-made reservoir of the 10th century in Faridabad-- in the state of Haryana -- that has an historical background. A fair (‘mela’ in local language), started by the Haryana government, is held there every year between the 1st and 15th of February. The fair covers an area of approximately 40 acres. Surajkund ‘mela’ is partner-sponsored by Uzbekistan, where 20-25 countries participate, along with artisans from almost all the states of India. The ‘mela’ has special participants from countries like Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Tanzania.…

Vivo has introduced its first foldable smartphone, the Vivo X Fold3 Pro, to the Indian market, expanding its footprint in the foldable device category previously exclusive to China. Initially released in China in April, the Vivo X Fold3 Pro debuts in India with robust specifications. It features a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC and is highlighted by a Zeiss-branded triple rear camera system and a durable carbon fibre hinge capable of enduring up to 100 folds per day for over 12 years. The camera setup includes a 50MP main sensor with OIS, a 64MP telephoto sensor offering 3x zoom, and a 50MP ultra-wide sensor. It also features 32MP selfie cameras on both screens. Available in Celestial Black, the Vivo X Fold3 Pro is priced at Rs 1,59,999 for the 16GB…

Panasonic has unveiled the Lumix S9, positioning it as the smallest and lightest full-frame camera in its S-series lineup. Designed to appeal specifically to young creators accustomed to smartphone photography, the S9 merges the desirable features of the S5II into a significantly smaller body. Eschewing an electronic viewfinder (EVF), the Lumix S9 opts for a vari-angle rear screen to facilitate flexible shooting from various angles. Weighing approximately 403 grams (0.89 pounds), it aims to integrate seamlessly into the mobile creator’s workflow. The camera features a full-frame 24.2-megapixel sensor, akin to the S5II, paired with Panasonic’s latest engine for detailed content capture and natural colour tones. Key features include in-body image stabilisation with 5-axis dual IS 2, offering up to 6.5 stops of stabilisation when used with compatible lenses. The S9…

The 2024 BCN Awards, reflecting annual sales in 2023, have been announced, showcasing the leading brands in the Japanese market across various categories of imaging and optical equipment. • DSLR Cameras: Canon has emerged as the dominant force in the DSLR category with a commanding market share of 77%. Nikon follows with 17.1%, while Pentax holds 5.8% of the market. • Mirrorless Cameras: In the rapidly growing mirrorless camera segment, Sony leads with a 34% market share. Canon secures the second spot with 28.3%, and OM Digital rounds out the top three with 12.5%. • Digital Video Cameras : Sony also tops the digital video camera category, capturing 38.7% of the market. Panasonic is close behind with a 36.4% share, and DJI holds 19.6%. • Interchangeable Lenses : Sigma leads…

Ananda Banerjee hails from Kolkata. He has been in the professional photography space since the last 15 years. Besides other genres, Ananda derives immense pleasure in photographing wildlife and is a passionate wildlife conservationist. In 2020, he published his book, named Keoladeoscope: A Pictorial Journey of Keoladeo National Park. His work has been recognised internationally by 35Awards, The Wild Forum and National Geographic. He has been published in Sanctuary Asia, Saevus and Environ.…

VIMAL PARMAR Digital Print Evangelist Vimal Parmar An independent marketing consultant and digital print evangelist with over 40 years of experience in the imaging industry. @vimalparmar Transforming Digital Moments into Tangible Memories - The Joy of Printing Dear Readers, In the past couple of issues, I have highlighted several individuals who have created photo books for themselves. The feedback from our readers has been incredibly encouraging, with many expressing interest in creating their own photo books. It is heartening to see such enthusiasm, as it underscores the timeless appeal of printed photographs. Printing photographs is not just about preserving memories; it is about bringing those moments to life. A printed photograph transforms a digital image into a tangible keepsake, creating a lasting connection that a screen can never replicate. The…

In the Box ✓ Lens✓ Lens hood✓ Front & rear lens caps✓ User manual/instructions were not supplied Tamron is one of the leading third-party lens manufacturers. They offer two modern lenses having focal length of 35-150 mm (4.3x zoom ratio) --- one for Sony E-mount and the other for Nikon Z- mount. Both, Sony as well as Nikon have taken a wise step in permitting Tamron to make lenses for their respective camera bodies. We received the Z-mount lens for review. Design & Build Quality The Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Z-mount lens is beautifully crafted. The outer body material is engineering plastic and has a deep, lavish black finish. The lens mount is made of metal. There are three customisable function buttons – one at 12 O’clock, one at 6 O’clock and one…

The The Fujifilm Instax Mini 99 is the latest addition to Fujifilm’s popular line of instant cameras, blending nostalgic charm with modern functionality. The Instax Mini 99 boasts a retro-inspired design that is both stylish and ergonomic. Its compact size and lightweight build make it perfect for on-the-go photography. Available in one colour – Black. Notably, the Mini 99 features two shutter buttons, facilitating easier landscape orientation shooting. Additionally, it includes an exposure dial, colour effect dial, viewfinder, LCD display, and a manual vignette switch on the lens for applying a creative dark border to images. The Instax Mini 99 stands out with its instant print capability, using the widely available Instax Mini film to provide physical prints that develop in seconds. This model offers enhanced image quality with better…