Indholdsfortegnelse for July 2025 i Smart Photography

Should beginners start with expensive cameras? A loaded friend finally got the photography bug. Egged on by commission earning salesmen, he returned home with a semi professional mirrorless camera. As a beginner, did he do the right thing? Absolutely not. First of all, he incurred unjustified expense. By buying a simple beginner’s camera, he could have saved enough money to buy a good prime lens. Secondly, beginners tend to get overwhelmed by the cumbersome and complicated menus of high end cameras. Thirdly, the overdose of features actually inhibits learning, It is always tempting to go for the all auto option. In the golden days of photography, there were several beginners’ cameras. The Pentax K 1000 instantly comes to mind. In today’s full frame world, Canon has the R 100 and…

Canon is expected to release the EOS R7 Mark II later in 2025, with reports suggesting it could be the brand’s first APS-C camera featuring a stacked sensor. This advancement would deliver faster readout speeds, enhanced autofocus, and high-speed burst shooting—making it ideal for sports and wildlife photography. Speculated features include 8K video, improved subject detection, and a refreshed lineup of RF-S lenses optimised for this sensor size. For Indian users, particularly those upgrading from entry-level DSLRs, the R7 Mark II could be a cost-effective way to access professional-level performance. Canon has yet to confirm details, but leaks have generated considerable interest on Indian photography forums. A strong APS-C performer from Canon could reshape the mirrorless market in the region.…

The tragic Air India Boeing 787 crash in June 2025 has triggered broader concerns about equipment reliability, including in adjacent sectors like imaging. While not directly linked to photography, the disaster has led to heightened scrutiny of imported tech products and safety standards across industries. Indian regulatory bodies may apply stricter checks on electronics—including cameras, drones, and accessories—which could delay product availability or raise costs temporarily. Some industry insiders worry that logistics and import timelines for premium imaging gear may be affected, particularly for international brands relying on air freight. For photographers relying on tight upgrade cycles or rental businesses dependent on new gear, the aftershocks of the aviation crisis may be felt beyond the runway.…

Nikon Z5II ₹1,49,995/- Nikon’s latest offering, the entry-level full-frame mirrorless Z5II, was released in India on April 23, 2025, close to five years after the release of the Z5. Within this time, there have been lots of improvements in technology, especially in the autofocus and subject detection systems. Chances are that this is the camera you were waiting for. Let’s see how the Z5II fares on our testbench… Design & Build Quality By design, the Nikon Z5II is an interchangeable lens full frame mirrorless camera. Build quality is pretty good; the camera makes use of magnesium alloy in front & back for strength and durability. The body is weather-sealed and offers a deep handgrip (deeper than in the Z5) that provides greater confidence and a different feel when holding the…

Though released in late 2024, Google’s Pixel 9 Pro XL continues to remain a favourite among mobile photographers well into 2025. With a 50MP main sensor and AI-backed computational photography, the Pixel excels in colour accuracy, lowlight scenes, and special modes like Astrophotography and Magic Eraser. Its software is a standout feature—promising updates until 2030—and its 5,000mAh battery and large screen offer endurance for extended shooting. In India, where creators rely on intuitive tools and consistent performance, the Pixel 9 Pro XL has carved a niche despite aggressive competition from Samsung and Apple. Reviews continue to praise its clean Android experience and prograde imaging outputs. Among hybrid shooters, the Pixel remains a go-to option for blending professional results with smartphone simplicity.…

The Pentax 17 compact film camera has added two major accolades to its growing list of design awards. Following earlier success at the German Design Awards, Ricoh’s half-frame model has now won both the Red Dot Design Award and the iF Design Award in June 2025. The camera’s nostalgic exterior hides a thoughtfully modern design aimed at today’s analogue enthusiasts. With a 25mm f/3.5 fixed lens and zone focusing system, the Pentax 17 blends manual simplicity with creative flexibility. Its half-frame format allows for 72 exposures on a standard 36-exposure roll, making film shooting more economical. In India, where film photography has seen a modest revival, the camera’s recognition has led to increased interest among younger users and professionals alike. Its blend of retro appeal and practical usability proves there’s…

In a significant industry partnership, Schneider Kreuznach and LK Samyang announced a new 14-24mm f/2.8 FE autofocus lens for Sony E-mount users. Revealed at CP+ 2025, the lens combines German optical design with South Korean engineering, aimed at professional photographers working in landscapes, interiors, and astrophotography. Key specs include support for front filters—a rare feature in super-wide zooms—an 18cm minimum focusing distance, and a lightweight design at just 445g. The optics are tuned for minimal distortion and high edge-to-edge sharpness, offering a versatile alternative to more expensive Sony G Master or Sigma Art lenses. Available from April 2025, the lens has begun reaching retailers across India. With increasing demand for high-quality glass among hybrid shooters, this new offering is well-positioned to gain traction in a competitive ultra-wide segment.…

Srini Swaminathan 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)…

The 2025 Maestro Photography Contest (India Edition) ignited a creative firestorm, with an overwhelming response from photographers across the country. This year, the contest introduced the vibrant Street Life category, replacing last year’s Sports and Games, and showcased India’s raw, pulsating urban energy through stunning visuals. After intense scrutiny of entries, two exceptional winners emerged: one for a breathtaking Single Image that captured a fleeting moment of street magic, and another for a powerful Series that wove a compelling narrative of India’s bustling lanes. The contest demanded images taken not before 2022, verified via EXIF data, ensuring freshness and technical precision. While many entries dazzled, only these two stood out for their unmatched creativity, emotional depth, and mastery, as judged by our discerning panel. Single Image winner 1st DR. ARUNIMA…

Tamron 50-400mm F/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD ₹1,17,900/- The Tamron 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD lens (model A067) was launched worldwide on September 19, 2024. The lens is available in Nikon Z-mount as well as Sony E- mount. The lens under review is the Nikon Z-mount. Design & Build Quality By design, the Tamron 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD is a ‘twist-zoom’ that extends substantially when the focal length is changed from 50mm to 400mm. To keep the lens light in weight, the outer body is constructed with engineering plastic. Though it may not feel as sturdy as some other more expensive zooms, the build quality is adequate for the purpose. The lens mount is made of metal. Focal lengths are legibly marked at 50, 70, 100, 135,…

Huawei’s Pura 80 Ultra, launched in June 2025, introduces an ambitious dual-lens telephoto design aimed squarely at redefining smartphone photography. At its core is a 1/1.28-inch sensor—the largest ever in a telephoto module—paired with an optical prism mechanism that shifts between 3.7x and 9.4x zoom ranges. This innovation allows for two dedicated telephoto options on a single sensor without compromising quality or stability. Beyond its telephoto innovation, the device features a 50MP 1-inch main RYYB sensor with a variable aperture (f/1.6–f/4.0) and a 40MP ultrawide lens. Together, this trio delivers a versatile imaging toolkit for creators. The phone’s arrival has been met with particular interest in India, where Huawei’s return is closely watched in light of ongoing global trade restrictions. Despite geopolitical limitations, the Pura 80 Ultra has trended heavily…

Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra, launched globally in May 2025, cements its place at the top of the smartphone photography hierarchy. The device boasts a 200MP main sensor, a 50MP ultrawide camera, and dual telephoto lenses offering 3x and 5x optical zoom. Enhanced by advanced AI algorithms, it delivers exceptional clarity and detail across both stills and 8K video. Indian creators have embraced the S25 Ultra for its performance in low light, its precision zoom, and its reliable video stabilisation—making it a preferred choice for vloggers and mobile photographers. With its 6.9-inch AMOLED display and Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, it handles high-end editing tasks with ease.…

Tamron has officially announced the 16-30mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 lens for Nikon Z-mount, launching on 22 August 2025, following its Sony E-mount release on 31 July. With this, Tamron completes its second-generation f/2.8 trinity—now spanning 16mm to 180mm with the 28-75mm and 70-180mm G2 lenses already in the lineup. The updated 16-30mm G2 offers a broader zoom range than its predecessor, the popular 17-28mm, while remaining lightweight and compact—appealing to travel and everyday photographers. It features Tamron’s VXD autofocus system for faster, quieter focusing, and enhanced optical design for sharpness and clarity across the frame. Landscape photographers and architecture shooters will appreciate its close-focusing capabilities and 67mm filter thread, which is consistent across the G2 series. The lens also supports Tamron Lens Utility software, allowing for customisable controls…

Snap is set to challenge Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses with a new generation of AR-enabled eyewear, slated for release in 2026. Announced in June 2025, these smart glasses aim to offer high-resolution photo and video capture, integrated filters, and immersive content playback. In India, where Gen Z and urban creators are early adopters of wearable tech, Snap’s move could reignite interest in hands-free, camera-equipped devices. The glasses are expected to work seamlessly with Snapchat’s ecosystem, offering creators a new tool for spontaneous shooting and sharing. With more brands exploring the intersection of fashion and tech, Snap’s entry may influence accessory trends and redefine what it means to carry a ‘camera’.…

Arjav Jain Arjav Jain is a 19-year-old photographer having two years of experience capturing the world through his smartphone. He enjoys travelling, attending concerts and events, and turning everyday moments into visual stories. He shares his work on Instagram under the handle @chromaticvortex. Photography helps him connect deeply with people, places, and the energy of each scene.…

Ashok Kandimalla 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…

Vimal Parmar An independent marketing consultant and digital print evangelist with over 40 years of experience in the imaging industry. @vimalparmar The Joy of Small Photobooks If photography is your passion, why not give it a tangible form? A small photobook is a simple, powerful way for amateur photographers to showcase their work and grow creatively. Dear Readers, By the time this July issue reaches you, the monsoon will be in full swing. I hope you are capturing the many moods of the rains around you. Once the season gets over and your edits are done, why not turn those images into a mini photobook—maybe titled Monsoon 2025? If it resonates and meets our editorial standards, I would love to feature it in a future issue. Photobooks often seem intimidating…

OnePlus 13s ₹54,999/- (oneplus.in) We reviewed the newly launched OnePlus 13s (Green Silk, 12GB RAM, 512GB ROM) intended for the Indian market. As expected from OnePlus, the phone boasts a polished design with subtle elegance, compact size, cutting-edge performance, and a feature-rich experience at an aggressive price point—positioning itself as a top contender in the premium mid-range category. Given the compact ‘fits-like-a-glove-in-hand’ form factor you may have many questions such as - “Does the battery life do justice to the expectations? How does the phone handle multiple tasks without heating up?How well do the cameras capture images and videos?”. Stay tuned as well unbox this small beauty and take it for a spin and put it to tough tests on the streets of Mumbai. The unboxing experience is clean, premium,…

BENQ ScreenBar Halo ₹15,990/- (benq.com) The BenQ ScreenBar Halo LED Monitor Lightbar with Auto-Dimming & Hue Adjustment is one of those smart products that make you wonder “Why did I not get this when I set up my workdesk?” - be it a work from home set up or home studio or even an office desk. The clutter breaking, space saving advantage is just the beginning. In contrast to the clip-on design, its counterweight mechanism allows the light bar to firmly stay on the monitor without damaging the monitor itself. Once you set it up and start using it, the ScreenBar Halo blends so seamlessly into your work space that you hardly notice the product but appreciate and enjoy what it brings to the table…er..desk! There are a few versions…

Yodobashi, Japan has released its list of best selling cameras and lenses for the first half of June. CAMERAS LENSES…