Indholdsfortegnelse for April 2025 i Smart Photography

With this issue, Smart Photography completes twenty years of publication. The magazine and ezine continue to serve the interests of the imaging industry and all its supporters. An indication of how times change is the rapid build up in digital sales which outstrips print sales by a margin. However, our print readers have held out with their loyalty. We at SP are grateful to our readers, advertisers, employees and well wishers. The imaging industry, like the publishing industry has faced severe challenges and yet survived. How the future looks at this moment is a little unclear with AI being the spoiler. If one can create and manipulate images the way you want to, the integrity behind the photograph disappears. Others argue that AI will open up new avenues for photographers.…

Sony stole the spotlight at CP+ 2025 with the FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS, a groundbreaking telephoto zoom lens for its Alpha mirrorless lineup. Unveiled on February 27, this lens boasts an unprecedented 800mm reach -the longest in Sony’s E-mount history - catering to wildlife and sports photographers. Priced at $2,499, it features dual linear motors, weather sealing, and teleconverter compatibility, pushing its range to a jaw-dropping 1600mm. Weighing just 2.8kg, it’s an internal zoom design, maintaining balance during use. Sony paired this launch with the FE 16mm f/1.8 G, a compact wide-angle prime ($999) co-developed with Nikon, offering exceptional sharpness for E- and Z-mount users. The 400-800mm drew massive crowds, with hands-on demos showcasing its optical prowess. Analysts see this as Sony’s counter to Nikon’s telephoto dominance, especially after…

Panasonic’s Lumix S1RII, unveiled February 26 at CP+ 2025, is a 44MP full-frame hybrid beast priced at $3,999. Set for April 2025, it promises 8K open-gate video via firmware update, 32-bit float audio, and enhanced autofocus—a leap from the S1R. Its smaller body mirrors the S5 II, appealing to videographers and photographers alike. The booth showcased its Lumix Flow app for phone monitoring, drawing crowds. Panasonic’s L-mount alliance with Sigma and Leica strengthens, though some question its late entry against Sony and Canon. Chinese brand Sirui’s new L-mount lenses add budget appeal.…

Chinese lens maker 7Artisans unveiled the 24mm f/1.8 ($299) at CP+ 2025 for E-, Z-, and L-mounts, launching March 21. This full-frame prime, with a fast stepping motor, targets APS-C and full-frame shooters on a budget. The booth also teased a *50mm f/1.8* trio for E-, X-, and Z-mounts, due mid-2025. Lightweight and affordable, they rival Viltrox and Samyang in the value race. Hands-on tests showed solid sharpness, though not Zeiss-level. 7Artisans’ push into Nikon and Sony mounts signals China’s growing lens clout.…

Vimal Parmar An independent marketing consultant and digital print evangelist with over 40 years of experience in the imaging industry. @vimalparmar Bringing Photography to Life : The Transformative Power of Print Dear Readers, In the March 2025 issue, I highlighted five photographers who transformed their images into stunning desk calendars, proving that the impact of a photograph extends far beyond a digital screen. This month, we continue exploring the growing movement of photographers embracing print, focusing on how students at SVKM’s Usha Pravin Gandhi College in Mumbai experienced this first-hand in their recent exhibition, Beyond Frames, held on February 20–21, 2025. In an era where images are consumed in seconds, these students made a conscious choice—to slow down and truly experience their photography by printing their work. Their decision to…

Vivo X200 Pro `94,999/- (flipkart.com) The Vivo X200 Pro features a 6.78-inch quad-curved AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9400 chipset. It comes with options for up to 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage, running on either OriginOS 5 or FuntouchOS 15 based on Android 15. The camera setup is highlighted by a triple system, a 50MP main camera (Sony LYT 818 Sensor), a 50MP Wide Angle Camera and 200MP Telephoto Camera. This setup is further enhanced by ZEISS optics and Vivo’s V3+ Imaging chip for superior photo quality. The phone also includes a mega 6,000mAh battery with 90W wired and 30W wireless charging capabilities, encased in an IP68-rated body. This battery is bigger and longer lasting than anything we have seen in…

Nikon’s acquisition of RED bore fruit at CP+ 2025, with the RED Komodo 6K Z-mount variant showcased alongside the Z9. Announced pre-show, this global-shutter cinema camera integrates Nikon’s Z-mount, hinting at future hybrid innovations. Priced at $7,999, it targets filmmakers craving RAW video and high-speed performance. Nikon also displayed the Nikkor Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ ($1,299), a power-zoom lens optimized for video, reinforcing its cinema push. The RED booth, buzzing with pros, highlighted Nikon’s intent to rival Sony’s FX line and Canon’s Cinema EOS. No new Nikon camera body emerged, but whispers of a Z9 II swirled. Shipping begins May 2025, positioning Nikon as a serious player in Hollywoodgrade gear.…

Sigma’s second CP+ 2025 star, the 300-600mm f/4 DG OS ($2,799), launched February 24 for L- and E-mounts, targeting full-frame telephoto enthusiasts. This Sports-line lens offers razor-sharp optics, dust- and splash-resistance, and a robust build for wildlife and sports shooters. Available May 2025, it competes with Sony’s 400-800mm and Nikon’s 800mm offerings. Sigma also showcased the *BF camera*, but the 300-600mm stole the show with its versatility. Hands-on tests revealed stunning detail, even at 600mm. Sigma’s shift to mirrorless-only lenses, announced pre-show, underscores its forward-thinking ethos. Chinese brands like Viltrox eye similar mounts, but Sigma’s quality remains unmatched.…

Zeiss resurrected its Otus series at CP+ 2025 with the Otus 50mm f/1.4 ML ($2,500) and 85mm f/1.4 ML ($3,000), its first mirrorless lenses for RF, Z, and E-mounts. Launched February 27, these manual-focus primes blend sharpness and creamy bokeh, shipping April and late 2025, respectively. Lighter than their DSLR kin, they retain premium metal builds. Zeiss’s booth overflowed with pros testing their optical finesse. While pricier than Viltrox’s autofocus alternatives, Zeiss bets on quality over convenience. Chinese brands like 7Artisans also showcased Z- and E-mount primes, but Zeiss’s legacy shines.…

⚫ How has the Digital Imaging Business performed over the past year, and what have been the key growth drivers in the Indian market? In FY24, our business demonstrated robust performance, marked by a significant increase in market share and customer engagement as we saw a 35% jump in sales compared to similar period last festive season. This year’s key growth drivers included the successful launch of innovative product lines, strategic campaigns and a heightened focus on customer-centric initiatives that enhanced overall satisfaction and loyalty of customers towards the brand. We have also paid emphasis on creating a strong creator-led community. One of our significant efforts towards this objective was India’s first KANDO event which united over 70 top artisans from across India, including photographers, filmmakers and content creators. It…

Shubhadeep Das Shubhadeep Das, a distinguished national-level table tennis player, discovered his passion for photography in his formative years, nurtured under the expert guidance of his father, a seasoned still photographer based in Kolkata, India. In 2020, Shubhadeep ventured into the enchanting realm of astro-landscape and landscape photography, adding a new dimension to his artistic repertoire. He is also attached to f-stop gear.…

There can be several reasons why your telephoto shots are not as sharp as you would like. Assuming that your lens focussing is not an issue, here are some reasons to consider: 1. I am not trying to start a war, so please be considerate to this particular, very important objective. And that is, handholding long (heavy) lenses without a proper support. Yes, there are people who can (and do) handhold a 600 mm or even an 800 mm lens and can get sharp photos. But do remember that not all photographers have the same body strength. Also, over a period, muscles do get tired, and you may not be able to handhold a long heavy lens indefinitely without introducing camera shake during exposure. I am more than aware that…

BenQ SW242Q `40,998/- (https://www.benq.com/en-in/monitor.html The BenQ ProVue Photographer Monitor SW242Q is a good choice for creative professionals, photographers and videographers. In terms of display quality and color accuracy, it sets a benchmark. This 24-inch 2K QHD (2560x1600) IPS monitor delivers sharp details and remarkable color accuracy, making it an excellent tool for creative work. To begin with, the unboxing experience: this has a lot of scope for improvement. For premium products such as this one, the packaging and unboxing matters. We wish BenQ puts some effort into making the unboxing and setting up experience a fun one. BenQ also provides a Factory Color Calibration Report with the monitor. The BenQ SW242Q stands out with its 99% AdobeRGB and 95% DCI-P3 color gamut coverage, making it an ideal monitor for color-critical tasks.…

Sony’s second CP+ 2025 gem, the FE 16mm f/1.8 G, arrived as a compact powerhouse for E- and Z-mount shooters. Launched February 27 at $999, this fast prime tackles the pitfalls of Sony’s older wide-angle lenses with superior sharpness and minimal distortion. Co-developed with Nikon, it’s a rare cross-brand win, available April 2025. Weighing just 400g, it’s ideal for landscapes, architecture, and astrophotography, with weather sealing and fast autofocus. Sony’s booth demos drew gasps as attendees marveled at its clarity. Paired with the 400-800mm launch, Sony flexed its optical muscle, reinforcing its G-series reputation. Pre-orders soared, signaling strong demand.…

Canon unveiled the PowerShot V1 at CP+ 2025, a compact vlogging camera launched February 19 for $799. Aimed at content creators, it features a 1-inch sensor, 4K video, and a flip-out screen—perfect for YouTubers and TikTokers. Available since March 2025, it’s already delayed due to overwhelming pre-orders, echoing Nikon’s P1100 success. Canon’s booth buzzed with influencers testing its wide-angle lens and mic input. While no new RF-mount lenses debuted, Canon hinted at future APS-C glass. With Sigma and Tamron now supporting RF mounts, Canon’s ecosystem grows, though Chinese brands like Viltrox lag in RF autofocus offerings.…

Sigma has released the second-generation 35mm f/1.2 DG DN | Art II lens for E and L mounts, offering a more compact and lightweight design with improved optical performance. The new model replaces the original version launched in 2019. First confirmed by Sigma President Kazuto Yamaki at the 2025 CP+ show, the lens follows the design approach of the recently introduced 50mm f/1.2 DG DN Art, delivering high performance in a smaller form factor. It is expected to appeal particularly to astrophotographers and other users seeking high-quality wide-aperture glass.…

Smart Photography AWARDS 2025 It is time once again for the Smart Photography Awards. 2024 was a decent year for the imaging industry and the industry seems to have recovered from all-time lows. Worldwide, sales of mirrorless cameras continued to be strong. Compact cameras are seeing a recovery in sales thanks mainly to the pioneering efforts of Fujifilm’s X - 100 VI. DSLRs continue their downward journey. The smartphone market continues to be strong with Chinese players like Xiaomi, One Plus, Vivo and Oppo making significant strides. Chinese lens manufacturers improved their sales as well as the quality of their products. The Smart Photography Awards, like before, are awarded only to products that have been reviewed by the magazine. As members of EISA, Smart Photography acknowledges the input of several…

Xiaomi 14 Civi `42,999/- (mi.com) In the bustling world of smartphones, where flagship devices often command premium prices for cutting-edge camera systems, the Xiaomi 14 Civi emerges as a breath of fresh air. Launched in mid-2024, this device brings Leica-co-engineered photography in the sub Rs.50000 segment, offering a compelling blend of performance, design, and imaging capabilities. Priced starting at Rs. 42,999, the Xiaomi 14 Civi is not just a value-for-money proposition—it’s one of the best camera smartphones in its price range this year. For photography enthusiasts seeking professional-grade optics without breaking the bank, this phone deserves a close look. Camera system is Leica’s magic at your fingertips. The star of the Xiaomi 14 Civi is undoubtedly its camera system, a triple-lens setup tuned by Leica. The rear array features a…