Innholdsfortegnelse for September 2023 i Smart Photography

The sensor is unarguably the most critical part of a camera body or of any device that captures images. Little is known however about sensor manufacturers and their market shares. It is interesting to note that Sony controls 42% of this market. Samsung comes in at number two with a 19% share. Omnivision of the US comes in at number three with 11%. Omnivision also make the world’s smallest sensor. Of the camera manufacturers, Canon has 1% of the sensor market and Panasonic just under 1%. Fujifilm, Nikon and OM System use Sony sensors. Meanwhile, assisted by the recovery of international tourism, mirrorless camera sales increased by 20% in the first half of 2023. Cameras with optical AI technology ( like the Nikon Z 9 ) seem to have stimulated…

Fujifilm enthusiasts in the UK will not see Fujifilm X-Pro3 and X-E4, as they have officially been discontinued and are no longer available for purchase as new units. Furthermore, the Fujifilm X-T4, a notable member of the Fujifilm camera lineup, is also no longer accessible as a new purchase from leading UK retailers. Reports suggest that the discontinuation of the Fujifilm X-Pro3 dates back to December. The fate of an X-Pro4 remains uncertain, particularly in light of the X-Pro3 facing legal claims pertaining to its durability. Fujifilm’s recent focus appears directed towards the development of the Fujifilm X-T5 and X-H2S models. Presently, the X-Pro3 is no longer available through prominent American retailers such as B&H, although it remains obtainable through Amazon. Similar circumstances surround the Fujifilm X-E4 and X-T4, with…

In a significant development, Tamron has officially announced the resignation of its President and CEO, Shiro Ajisaka. This decision comes amidst an ongoing investigation into allegations of Mr. Ajisaka’s misuse of company funds for personal gain. The details of this matter were initially brought to light through a machine-translated Japanese news release, initially reported by AsobiNet. According to the release, on July 9, 2023, Mr. Ajisaka embarked on a business trip in the company of a third-party individual, and subsequently submitted personal expenses as legitimate company expenditures. The misconduct was initially exposed by a whistleblower utilizing Tamron’s external whistleblowing system. Following this revelation, a comprehensive inquiry was conducted by both internal and external investigators and directors at Tamron. This investigation uncovered a pattern where Mr. Ajisaka had been regularly dining…

Tamron has exciting news for Sony full-frame mirrorless camera users. The company has officially announced its plans to develop the groundbreaking 17-50mm f/4 Di III VXD lens designed exclusively for Sony’s E-mount cameras, adding another gem to Tamron’s impressive lineup. This lens, the 17-50mm F/4 Di III VXD, is a significant addition as it will be the world’s first 17-50mm wide-angle zoom specifically tailored for full-frame mirrorless cameras. Boasting a constant f/4 maximum aperture, it promises to be a versatile choice for a variety of photography styles, making it an attractive alternative to standard kit lenses. While full details of the FE-mount lens are yet to be unveiled, some key features have already piqued the interest of photography enthusiasts. Notably, it will offer a closest focusing distance of 0.19 meters…

Soumitra is a passionate photographer and an IT professional with a decade-long journey in capturing moments. While his photography began as a hobby, it quickly transformed into an intrinsic part of his life. His lens gravitates toward landscapes, nightscapes, architecture, and travel scenes. He is equally drawn to jungles, where he connects with wildlife, birds, and mountains, capturing their grandeur on hikes. Says Soumitra “Photography is my escape from routine, a rejuvenating force infusing fresh perspectives. It has granted me enduring friendships and a kaleidoscopic view of life. Each frame tells a story, and through the lens, I’ve found camaraderie, energy, and a transformative way of seeing the world”.…

@vimalparmar Dear Readers, Welcome to the third edition of our exploration into the space of fine art printing. Once again, we are thrilled by the enthusiastic response we have received from the fine art community, including photographers who are yet to delve into the world of fine art printing. This heartening feedback reaffirms that visual image creators are eager to venture into this domain, and rightfully so. For those among our readers who have already experienced the process of producing their own prints, we encourage you to share your insights and experiences with us. Your perspectives are invaluable, and we eagerly await your contributions. Additionally, if the topic of fine art printing has eluded your attention thus far, I strongly recommend delving into the last two issues of our magazine.…

Saltree, Chennai saltreephoto www.saltree.in I am better known as Nara than Narasimhan. Our expertise lies in museum-grade fine art inkjet printing on archival, non-archival and canvas substrates. Additionally, we offer top-notch photobooks in a range of sizes, substrates, and covers. I specialise in landscape and wildlife photography. Around 15 years ago, I began printing my photos using an Epson 4-colour semi-professional printer due to dissatisfaction with commercial print quality. However, this printer did not meet my expectations. With time, I recognised its limitations. I later acquired a fine art printer, which had a steep learning curve but helped me achieve the desired print quality. I even printed free for friends, in order to refine my skills. This grew into a business over the past six years. We offer professional scanning,…

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…

Write to us at: Smart Photography, Next Gen Publishing Pvt. Ltd., 608, Trade World, 6th floor, C wing, Kamala Mills Compound, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel (W), Mumbai - 400 013 E-mail: sp@nextgenpublishing.net Dear Sir, I enjoyed your July 2023 issue very much. I have this to say: 1) The series on printing photos started by you is very impressive and informative. 2) The article by Ashok Kandimalla – ’Photoshop or Lightroom’ is very good. Many first-timers must have realised when to use Lightroom and when Photoshop. 3) The review of Nikon’s latest offering – the Z8 – by Rohinton Mehta, was very nice, crisp, lucid and very well done. Kudos to Smart Photography and the whole team for a very nice and informative magazine. Thank You Regards,…

In an intriguing business maneuver, Japan Industrial Partners (JIP), the investment firm that acquired Olympus’ camera division in January 2021, is now setting its sights on acquiring electronics powerhouse Toshiba for a staggering $14 billion, approximately £11 billion. This bold move has raised questions about JIP’s strategy and the future of Toshiba’s diverse technology portfolio. Toshiba, a corporate giant with a finger in numerous technological pies, from semiconductors to quantum storage, has long been a prominent player in the tech industry. Although it has not produced consumer cameras for nearly two decades, it has maintained a presence in industrial cameras and imaging technology. Moreover, Toshiba’s sprawling operations encompass business displays, televisions, printing, digital solutions, railway solutions, energy, hybrid technology, and an extensive research and development ecosystem, including a highly respected…

Sony introduced their latest creation, the ZV-E1 high-performance E-mount vlogging camera, on the 3rd of August 2023. This innovative camera boasts a full-frame 35mm imaging sensor, promising exceptional visual quality for content creators and vloggers. Sony has also announced a special launch offer for customers. This exclusive deal encompasses benefits valued at ₹19,170, which includes a shooting grip with a wireless remote commander (GP-VPT2BT) valued at ₹10,590, a battery charger (BC-QZ1) worth ₹6,790, and a soft carrying case (MII-SC5) priced at ₹1,790. At the heart of the ZV-E1 vlogging camera lies a 35mm full-frame back-illuminated CMOS Exmor R sensor, boasting approximately 12.1 effective megapixels. The camera’s BIONZ XR image processing engine significantly enhances performance in various aspects, including high-sensitivity capabilities, gradation rendering, colour reproduction, low-noise performance, and more. The camera…

Tanvi Sanzgiri is a talented and passionate photographer and videographer. Her artistic journey began when she picked up her first camera five years ago and have never looked back since. She is thrilled to share her passion for photography with you. “It all started with a humble D-SLR camera that I received as a gift from my parents. Little did I know that this gift would ignite a spark within me that would grow into an all-consuming passion. I began capturing everyday moments, experimenting with angles, lighting, and composition, eager to learn and improve with each shot I took. I successfully completed my diploma program at the prestigious Shari Academy of Professional Photography, where I was honoured with the ‘Best Fashion Photography’ award. I am eager to explore new horizons,…

Prabhu Photos, Bangalore thefilmfotostore www.prabhuphotos.com / www.filmfotostore.com The inception of our studio dates back to 1970 when my father, Allamaprabhu H.N., established a personal darkroom named Prabhu Photos. His intention was simple yet profound – to bring his mesmerising wildlife photographs to life through prints that he could showcase in photographic competitions and I take great pride in being a part of that legacy Prabhu Photos began as a personal project and grew into a successful commercial venture, driven by demand from peers and enthusiasts who admired my father’s exceptional prints. His status as a skilled printmaker aided our studio’s growth. Our clients vary widely, including amateur and professional photographers from various artistic domains like traditional and digital photography, fine arts, and architecture. We also partner with galleries, businesses, and…

Inside the Box ✓ Lens ✓ Lens hood HB-113 ✓ Lens cap (front) LC-67B ✓ Lens cap (rear) LF-N1 ✓ Lens case CL-C2 The Nikkor Z 70-180 mm F/2.8 was introduced in India on 21st June 2023. Nikon already has a Z mount 70-200 mm f/2.8 S lens. So why did they introduce a similar lens just shy of 20 mm at the longer end? The new 70-180 mm lens is an entry-level lens and not an ‘S’ lens (the letter ‘S’ denotes ‘Super Resolution’), It is smaller, lighter and less expensive. So let’s see how the Nikkor 70-180 mm f/2.8 lens fares on our test bench. Design & Build Quality Like all Nikkor lenses, the new Z 70-180 mm f/2.8 lens is well built and the finish looks good.…

Following its previous release of the 50mm f/1.4 Tilt Lens compatible with Canon RF, Fujifilm X, Leica L, Nikon Z, and Sony E mounts, TTArtisan has now expanded its lens lineup by unveiling a compact tilt lens designed specifically for Micro Four Thirds cameras. In addition to the standard focus and aperture rings, TTArtisan has integrated tilt controls into the lens design. These controls offer eight degrees of tilt and can be rotated up to 90 degrees, enabling photographers to achieve what TTArtisan aptly calls a “Lilliput” look. Inspired by the miniature world of Gulliver’s Travels, this effect makes objects appear smaller within the frame, lending images a captivating toy-like aesthetic. It’s worth noting that when the tilt function is disabled, the lens functions as a typical 50mm f/1.4 prime…

Sigma has recently unveiled an intriguing patent that could potentially redefine white balance control in photography. This groundbreaking patent, detailed on the Japanese J-PlatPat site (Japan Platform for Patent Information), leverages existing sensor technology commonly found in camera designs. While we must bear in mind that this information is translated from the original Japanese, its implications are undeniably promising. Sigma’s patent challenges this conventional approach on two fronts. Firstly, it contends that an external sensor fails to align with the angle of view of the lens in use, potentially leading to inaccuracies in white balance estimation. Secondly, external sensors are susceptible to obstructions caused by the photographer’s hands, larger lenses, or shadows cast by the camera’s grip, lens, or surroundings during operation. Sigma’s inventive solution involves employing the infra-red filter…

In the ever-evolving world of smartphone camera technology, the megapixel race appears to be far from over. Speculation is rife that Samsung, is quietly working on a pair of formidable image sensors, with whispers suggesting that at least one of these might find its way into a future Samsung smartphone. Currently, Samsung boasts the 200MP ISOCELL HP2 image sensor, a standout feature of their Galaxy S23 Ultra. But if the latest murmurings are to be believed, Samsung is preparing something even more ambitious for its forthcoming smartphone offerings. According to the well-known tipster, @Tech_Reve, Samsung’s research and development efforts are focused on a suite of image sensors featuring jaw-dropping megapixel counts. This impressive lineup includes a colossal 440MP HU1 sensor, an enigmatic 320MP sensor, a 200MP HP7 sensor endowed with…

NEWSMATCH Canon India has unveiled a captivating new creative campaign entitled ‘Some Things are Best Left to Canon.’ This campaign aims to underline the importance of capturing life’s most precious moments with the aid of cutting-edge camera technology, ensuring these memories are cherished for years to come. Canon India encourages users to seize life’s treasured instances using their latest feature-rich and compact camera models, specifically the PowerShot V10 and EOS R100, promising an uninterrupted and distraction-free photography and videography experience. The campaign comes to life through four relatable short films, each narrating a story that resonates with us all. The tales range from a father missing out on capturing his son’s winning football goal to a vlogger grappling with video shooting disruptions while trying to document a mesmerizing flying roti…

⚫ How does the Sony ZV-E1 camera cater to the specific requirements of vloggers and content creators? Sony ZV-E1 camera is tailored to meet the distinctive demands of vloggers and content creators. The ZV-E1 stands at the zenith of Sony’s vlog camera lineup, powered by a high-performance 35mm full-frame image sensor, delivering cinematic imagery with rich gradation, low noise and exceptional sensitivity. Its compact and lightweight design ensures outstanding mobility, while its refined operation grants vloggers unparalleled creative freedom and versatility. Our commitment to empowering creators has led to the development of the ZV-E1, a camera meticulously designed for vloggers and content creators. Its hallmark features include a 35mm full-frame back-illuminated CMOS Exmor R™ sensor with 12.1 megapixels, offering high sensitivity and gorgeous bokeh. The BIONZ XR™ image processing engine…

The Expert Imaging and Sound Association (EISA) has announced the results of the 2023-2024 awards for the products that stood out in various categories. As the representative magazine of EISA in India, Smart Photography is proud to bring the results of this contest of excellence. Congratulations to all the winners. Started as a European group of photo magazines, the Expert Imaging and Sound Association is now the community of 58 technology magazines, websites, and social media commentators from 29 countries, including the USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, and India, specialising in hi-fi, home theatre, photo and video, in-car and mobile electronics. For over 40 years EISA has been selecting the most innovative, cutting-edge products for its prestigious EISA Awards. The Awards are debated and voted upon by groups of specialist judging…

NatureArtOnline, Chennai vijayramh www.natureart.online NatureArtOnline, a recent extension of my photographic journey, focusses on fine art printing. With twin goals of showcasing my work and that of select photographers, along with revealing lesser-known printing insights, I have established this platform. Armed with an electronics engineering degree, I delved into software in 2001. My fascination with photography emerged during my time in Bangalore. From 2010 to 2016, I explored numerous national parks in India. Since 2016, Kenya’s diverse national parks and exceptional photographic opportunities have captivated me. In 2017, I delved into printing, acquiring a pre-owned Epson Stylus Pro 3885 to explore the science behind this art. This enduring passion continues to shape my photography. Presently, I rely on the Epson SureColor SC-P903 inkjet printer. I entered the printing world for…

Inside the Box ✓ Lens ✓ Snap-on front lens cap ✓ Rear lens cap ✓ Screw-in lens hood ✓ Warranty card Nikon quickly expanded the range of Z mount lenses available for full frame cameras but has been a bit slow in its corresponding DX (cropped format) offerings. So far, only slow zooms were available and hence Nikon DX users were asking for a fast prime even though a few of the compact full-frame lenses were well suited to be used on the small DX bodies. Now, that need has been answered. So, how does it perform? Read on to get an exhaustive report on its performance. Design and Build Quality The 24 mm DX Nikkor is a very small and light lens that uses a polycarbonate lens mount. This…