Innehållsförteckning för February 2020 från Smart Photography

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 global perspective, thus making us the first to predict which products will be a rage in the Indian markets. WE’RE IMPARTIAL Loyalty towards our readers is a given, and their best interests are always on our mind. Every verdict is honest and not influenced by advertisers or personal favourites. So when we say a product is a ‘BEST BUY’, then, it is just that! OUR TESTS ARE CONDUCTED BY EXPERTS All equipment go through a series of tests at the hands of our experts. Our reviewers are experts in the field of…

Fujifilm Corporation has announced a new development roadmap for interchangeable GF lenses for use with the GFX Series of large format mirrorless digital cameras. Newly added to the development roadmap this time are the large-diameter standard lens, Fujinon GF 80 mm f/1.7 R WR and the wide-angle prime lens Fujinon GF 30 mm f/3.5 R WR. Since the launch of the Fujifilm GFX 50S in 2017, Fujifilm has steadily expanded the line-up of GFX series. In 2019, the company released the GFX100, featuring the world’s highest 102 million pixel sensor. The latest move to add the GF 80 mm f/1.7 R WR and GF 30 mm f/3.5 R WR to establish a line-up of 13 GF lenses will cater to the diversifying users’ needs.…

Venus Optics has added new Fuji X, Sony E and Canon M variants to the Laowa 4 mm f/2.8 Circular Fisheye lens. Laowa 4 mm f/2.8 Fisheye lens is a fisheye prime specially designed for mirrorless cameras with APS-C and MFT sensors. Unlike the Laowa ‘Zero-D’ wide angle lenses, the new 4 mm fisheye is designed to create an extremely distorted circular fisheye perspective. The lens features an ultra-wide 210° angle of view, enabling photographers to take advantage of the dramatic field of view and capture a full 360 degree panorama, using just two images as opposed to shooting six or more images with conventional fisheye lenses. It comes with an f/2.8 aperture making it ideal for shooting in lowlight conditions. The lens can focus as close as 8 cm…

Voigtlander has announced the release of its new Nokton 21 mm f/1.4 Aspherical VM lens for Leica M-mount camera systems. The lens, which uses an identical design to its Sony E-mount counterpart that is already in the market,, is constructed of 13 elements in 11 groups, has an aperture range of f/1.4 through f/16 and uses a 12-blade aperture diaphragm. It has a 62mm front filter thread, a minimum focusing distance of 50cm and features a rangefinder interlocking mechanism. The 21 mm f/1.4 features a Bayonet-type VM mount that can be used with Vessa and M-mount cameras (not including the Bessa L and R). The lens carries a suggested retail price of ¥150,000. International pricing has not been announced till going to press.…

Edelkrone launches its new mobile app-controlled motorised head support JibOne. The jib enables the movement of the withholding equipment in any direction up to 50cm (19.6inch), including loop motions. It is a compact model that can easily be fitted into a backpack. Engineered out of CNC machine aluminium and stainless steel, the equipment measures 61 x 17 x 15cm (24 x 6.7 x 5.9in) when folded and weighs about 5.5kg (12lbs) when used with the 1kg (2.2lbs) counterweight (company recommended setup load is less than 5 kg (11lbs)). The JibONE can be powered using LP-E6 and NP-F batteries. Although, the battery life depends on the type of battery being used, when used with a Canon LP-E6 14.4wh batteries, two hours of nonstop operability at full speed or up to 12,000…

Canon India has announced the launch of EOS-1D X Mark III, its flagship D-SLR in the Canon EOS range. The camera offers Face + Eye + Head detection along with superior low-light imaging capabilities. The 1DX Mark III uses a newly developed 20.1MP Full Frame CMOS sensor. This sensor features a new 16-point low-pass filter (as opposed to a traditional 4-point low-pass filter), offering much improved sense of resolution and sharpness as well as reduced moire effects. The sensor also provides better low-light performance with a standard sensitivity range of ISO 100 to 102,400. The 1D X Mark III is the first EOS camera to feature the latest generation DIGIC X imaging processor. The new processor provides improved image quality, processing speed and enhanced functionality. The DIGIC X includes a…

HP has launched the HP Indigo 7eco Digital Press at Pamex 2020 held at Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai. The digital press has a capacity of up to 5 million prints per month and uses factory-recycled parts for 40% of its manufacture. It promotes sustainable development by offering carbon-free production and full oil recycling system. The digital press comes with an access to software applications through HP PrintOS cloud platform to support automation and boost efficiency. The key features of HP Indigo 7eco Digital Press are wide application range, digital off-set colour technology, accuracy of colour, sustainable solution and HP Print OS site flow. Backed by LEP technology, it provides printing solutions over a wide range of applications including general commercial print, photos, labels, flexible packaging and folding cartons. The press…

Kyle is a cinematographer and photographer from Mumbai. “Photography started off as a hobby for me and continued as a hobby while I pursued my masters in Geology from St Xaviers, Mumbai. Soon after graduating I worked for a year as a food photographer with a food consulting agency known as Lensplate. After that I joined Ting, a digital ad agency in Mumbai as a videographer and senior editor. During this period I shot and directed multiple product shoots for companies like Sachin Tendulkar’s company Smaaash, Avenudus, Youtube, Amazon audible, Belif, etc,” Kyle says. Soon he started freelancing and is currently travelling the country. “I am now exploring the mysterious regions of Northeast India while photographing tribals and landscape.” Camera: Hasselblad L1D-20c Aperture: f/3.5 Shutter Speed: 1/160 sec Focal Length:…

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.…

Effective pixels: 20.30 million Sensor size: 17.3 x 13.0 mm Sensor Type: Live MOS Lens mount: Micro Four Thirds Dust reduction system Supersonic wave filter Image stabilisation: Sensor shift type (5-axis / 5.0-stop), Dual I.S. Recording file format: Still: JPEG, Raw Motion picture: MP4 Max. recorded pixels Still: 5184 x 3888 Best video quality: 4K (3840 x 2160), 30p MP4 [4K/30p, 4K/25p]: Approx. 45 min Viewfinder: Approx. 2,360-k dots OLED Live View Finder Eye sensor: Yes Monitor: Free-angle, 3.0-inch, approx. 1,240-k dot TFT LCD with static touch control Focus Type: Contrast AF system DFD technology: Yes Focus modes: AFS (Single), AFF (Flexible), AFC (Continuous), MF AF modes: Face/Eye Detection, Tracking, 49-Area, Custom Multi, 1-Area, Pinpoint AF detection range: EV -4 to 18 Starlight AF: Yes AF assist lamp: Yes AF…

Write to us at: Smart Photography, Next Gen Publishing Pvt. Ltd., 105-106, Trade World, B-Wing, 1st Floor, Kamala Mills Compound, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel (W), Mumbai - 400 013 E-mail: sp@nextgenpublishing.net Motivating Dear SP, Thank you for publishing your piece on Celebrating Success with ADAPT in the January issue. It was so moving and inspiring to read about how these ‘warriors’ overcame their challenges and went on to become achievers in their respective fields. It occurred to me that more often than not most of us tend to give up on our dreams just because the path isn’t an easy one or because we face some minor setbacks. Instead of trying harder again, we just complain. The article really made me think harder about this sad reality and has…

Venus Optics has announced the price for the newly launched Laowa 12 mm T2.9 Zero D-Cine lens, claimed to be the world’s widest T2.9 cinema lens covering Vista Vision/Full frame sensors. It is an updated version of its 12 mm f/2.8 Zero-D Photo lens. The Laowa 12mm comprises of 16 elements in 10 groups, including 2 aspherical elements with a 45 mm image circle supporting both full-frame sensors as well as larger Vista vision sensors found in RED Monstro and Arri Alexa LF cameras. The ‘Zero-D’ in the name stands for ‘close to zero distortion’ and the lens works as a 17 mm equivalent lens on Super35 sensors. The focus ring (270 degree) and aperture come with standard 0.8 mod gears for ease of operation. The lens is 87 mm…

Fujifilm North America has launched the Fujinon GF45-100 mm f/4 R LM OIS WR. The lens is designed for the GFX large format camera system. The GF45-100 mm f/4 has an equivalent focal length range of 36-79 mm on a smaller 35 mm format system. It fits between the other GF Zoom Lenses—the GF32-64 mm f/4 R LM WR and the GF100-200 mm f/5.6 R LM OIS WR. Combining rugged construction with high-performance optics, GF45-100 mm f/4 R LM OIS WR is ideal for capturing nature, landscapes and portraits. The lens features 5-stop image stabilisation, one super ED lens element and a near-silent, high-speed autofocus motor. Its dust- and weather-resistant construction allows the lens to operate in temperatures down to -10 degree Celsius. The GF45-100 mm f/4 R LM OIS…

Nikon has launched the D-SLR D780 in India. This model delivers refinements in image quality, performance and versatility. The 24.5-megapixel D780 comes with improved battery life and 4K UHD video recording with full pixel readout. The D780 offers two AF systems to suit different situations. It provides smoother and faster AF accuracy with the advanced 273-point hybrid AF, which automatically switches between focal-plane phase detection AF and contrast-detection AF, that covers approximately 90% of the image area. The D780 claims to provide enhanced accuracy with Eye-detection AF. For viewfinder shooting, the camera uses a 51-point AF system with 15 cross-type points employing an algorithm equivalent to the Nikon D5. It is equipped with a 180K-pixel RGB sensor, EXPEED 6 processing engine and improved AF fine tuning. The D780 is suitable…

Fujifilm Holdings Corporation has announced that it has achieved a place on the “CDP Climate Change A List,” winning the highest level of recognition awarded to companies for their efforts against climate change. Fujifilm Holdings is one of 179 high-performing companies out of over 8,000 companies that were scored. CDP’s annual environmental disclosure and scoring process is widely recognized as the gold standard of corporate environmental transparency. In 2019, investors with over US$96 trillion in assets requested companies to disclose data on environmental impacts, risks and opportunities through CDP’s platform. It is also used in environmental assessment for the world’s major Socially Responsible Investment (SRI) indices, indicators for ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) investment. In 2017, Fujifilm was named on “CDP Water A List” for its action following on water…

Water is not only the source of all life on earth, it is a creator of livelihood, a major source of energy, a facilitator of transport and a fundamental component of civilization. And for all its importance, we still don’t completely understand it. This book, Ways of Water, is a collection of images by professional commercial photographer Rafique Sayed, who takes the readers on a mystical journey of water in its most natural form, seen through his lens. Sayed came into professional photography by chance rather than by choice. He is one of the biggest names in fashion photography and has won several accolades for his work behind the camera. His transition from fashion to reality is significant of his own journey for the search of ‘naked truth’. He spent…

Debjyoti Sarkar is a small business owner who lives in Bangaon, in North 24 Parganas, Kolkata. He has been a nature lover since childhood and started with photography about ten years ago. His priority is photographing wildlife but he is also very interested in people & landscape photography. Camera: Nikon D5200 Aperture: f/6.3 Shutter Speed: 1/1600 sec Focal Length: 600.0 mm ISO: 500 Camera: Nikon D7500 Aperture: f/6.3 Shutter Speed: 1/2000 sec Focal Length: 600.0 mm ISO: 800 Camera: Nikon D7500 Aperture: f/6.3 Shutter Speed: 1/2000 sec Focal Length: 500.0 mm ISO: 800 Camera: Nikon D7500 Aperture: f/6.3 Shutter Speed: 1/2000 sec Focal Length: 600.0 mm ISO: 800 Camera: Nikon D5200 Aperture: f/6.3 Shutter Speed: 1/1600 sec Focal Length: 600.0 mm ISO: 1250 Camera: Nikon D5200 Aperture: f/8 Shutter Speed:…

The Kingfisher Calendar is back with its 18th edition featuring four models Aditi Arya, Aishwarya Sushmita, Pooja Chopra and Zoya Afroz. The calendar has been shot in the picturesque South African city of Cape Town. Here is a sneak peek into the Kingfisher Calendar 2020. ADITI ARYA Aditi hails from Chandigarh. She grew up in Delhi, and worked as a business analyst for Ernst and Young, while enrolled with the Indian School of Business’s ‘Young Leaders’ program, before she transitioned into the entertainment world. She won the Miss India contest in 2015 and represented India at the Miss World pageant. She signed her first Telugu film immediately after her contest and since then has done several web series and regional films. She strongly believes in educational equity and says that…

Pramod Kumar started with photography very early in life and without any formal training. His undying passion and commitment towards photography made him an inevitable part of the industry where images speak louder than words. After freelancing for several years, Pramod started his own little agency – Pink Penguin Productions. Pink Penguin reflects his passion and his determination for perfection in photography. Says he,“Pink, as a colour, reflects my unconditional love for photography, while Penguin reflects the self-discipline, strength and determination that the profession demands for delivering the best”. Pramod strongly believes that photography as a profession requires self-discipline, strength and determination. He believes in capturing emotions, messages, expressions, and weave them in a story in a winsome manner with all beautiful elements included. He prefers shooting with a single…

Monopods are one of the most understated accessories in photography, being less appealing compared to their three-legged siblings. However, it is probably the most convenient support device for heavy cameras for travel photographers, light to carry around and requiring minimum space to set up. The Digitek Platinum Monopod DPMP-172B is a professional monopod offering excellent features at a great value for money. The monopod weighs 1,295 g z and has a folded height of 675 mm. It can bear a maximum load of 10 kg, which makes it suitable to accommodate even fast super telephoto prime lenses such as a 600 mm f/4. The operating height of the 172B can be adjusted from 675 mm to 1,700 mm. The four-section aluminium monopod has a pipe diameter of 32 mm. The…

Canon has announced the Robotic Camera System CR-S700R, a remote-control system for still image shooting. This system has been built extensively for sports photographers and media correspondents to capture still images from different angles that may not be achievable with conventional photography. The system uses a small and lightweight IP camera controller (CR-G100) and a camera remote application (CRA100), enabling users to control multiple cameras from a PC, display live-view images, remotely trigger a camera or simultaneously shoot with multiple cameras. It comes with a remote pan head that rotates around a central axis perpendicular to the optical axis of the lens that enables functions such as zooming, panning, tilting, and rolling with minimal weight and balance shift. The remote operation allows the device to follow high-speed objects with a…

The Photographic Society of India showcased its 18th International Exhibition of Photography from the 17th - 20th January 2020 at The Jehangir Art Gallery at Kalaghoda, Mumbai. The exhibition was inaugurated by the eminent heritage and nature photographer, Kakubhai Kothari. Over 700 photographs from all over the world were accepted by the judges – Samir Mohite, Dr. Avanish Rajan, Bhaskar Atavale and Vijay Rawale. 200 accepted photographs were displayed. All the accepted images were also continuously displayed digitally on a TV set. A photo booth was created against the backdrop of the beautiful Taj Mahal, where the visitors could have their own photos taken. Prizes were awarded to the competition winners. The exhibition was also a good learning opportunity for all the visitors.…

Fujifilm India has announced its debut in projector industry with the launch of Fujifilm Projector Z5000, an ultrashort throw projector with the world’s first folded two-axial rotatable lens that enables omnidirectional image projection without moving the main projector unit. The projector comes with a total of 22 pattern variations. The unit projects images not only on a wall or screen but also on the ceiling or floor, and can easily switch between vertical and horizontal orientation. The ultra-short throw, with wide lens shift and rotatable lens, makes it suitable for places with space constraints. Fujifilm’s ultra-short throw lens makes it possible to project images on a 100-inch screen from the close-up distance of just 75cm. The lens can be shifted up to 82% vertically and 35% horizontally, making it possible…

Prakash Dudhalkar is a retired Deputy Secretary to the Government of Maharashtra. He used to indulge in bird and nature photography whenever he got some spare time from his routine office work. But after his retirement, he seriously took up photography as an art. His interest lies mainly in nature, pictorial and bird photography. Soft-spoken and always courteous, Prakash has contributed to several articles on nature in magazines and newspapers. Prakash recently concluded a photo exhibition at the Jehangir Terrace Art Gallery along with his friend Vaibhav Jaguste, whom we shall feature in the next issue of Smart Photography. ■ Please tell us about your journey into photography. At my native place Warora, in District Chandrapur in Maharashtra, there was a photo studio on the way to my school. I…

If art is to nourish the roots of our culture, society must set the artist free to follow their vision wherever it takes them.John F. Kennedy, former American President South India is known for its traditional arts and culture. Kerala is known for its diversified forms of performing arts and is also referred to as the land of festivals. Performing arts has its special connection between the people and its culture. Whether the art is performed on stage or at a roadside, it has its very own significance. What steals the limelight is the artist with their expressions and make-up that gives ‘life’ to the performance. Here are some of the traditional and classical art forms of Kerala which will mesmerise you with their electrifying art and performance: Mohiniyattam, Kathakali,…

Effective pixels: Approx. 20.1 million Sensor size/type: 1-inch Type (13.2 x 8.8 mm), Exmor RS CMOS sensor Lens: Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* 24-200 mm equivalent f/2.8-4.5 Lens construction: 15 elements in 12 groups AF points: 357 focal plane phase detection, 425 contrast detection Focus area: Wide, zone, centre, flexible spot, expanded flexible spot, Tracking Focus tracking and Eye AF: Real Time Normal ISO range: 100-12,800 Exposure comp.: +/- 3EV, 1/3 EV steps White Balance: Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Incandescent, Fluorescent (4 types), Flash, Underwater Auto, Colour Temperature/Filter, Custom Recording format: Stills: Raw, JPEG Movie: XAVC S, AVCHD (Ver.2 compatible) Power: Rechargeable battery pack (NP-BXT) Dimensions: 4 x 2 3/8 x 1 11/16” Weight: Approx 300 g with battery and memory card…