Innholdsfortegnelse for April 2024 i Smart Photography

A good photograph is one that creates a lasting impression and not a fleeting one. If a little extra time is spent on studying the subject, composing the picture and exposing it correctly, the end result would be much better in most cases. With this issue, Smart Photography enters its TWENTIETH YEAR of publication. The last nineteen years, have been witness to radical changes in technology and SP has captured them all. I would like to thank our loyal readers, both print and digital, our advertisers and our dedicated team of writers and photographers Like every year, this issue carries the SMART PHOTOGRAPHY AWARDS. Our heartiest congratulations to Nikon!! HERE’S WHAT MAKES US #1 WE ARE GLUED TO THE GLOBAL IMAGING INDUSTRY Our team is updated with all the benchmarks…

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)…

Market data coming in from Japan for 2023 gives us reason to be optimistic about the future of mirrorless cameras. Data released by CIPA, Japan indicate that the camera market, excluding smartphones expanded by 5.37 % in value over 2022. The total retail value of cameras hit 16 billion dollars. Mirrorless cameras now account for more than 81% of the market up from 69% in 2022. DSLRs are fast dying out. Companies like Nikon have seen the writing on the wall and have already discontinued several of their DSLR models and lenses. Canon, Sigma and Tamron are following suit. Compact cameras are rapidly becoming a niche market. Wisely, companies like Leica, Hasselblad and Zeiss have started working with smartphone companies like Xiaomi, Oppo and One Plus and Vivo respectively. Canon…

MIRRORLESS REVIEW Fujifilm GFX 100 II body (black) ₹799,999GF 45 mm f/2.8 R WR lens ₹157,000GF 63 mm f/2.8 R WR lens ₹139,500 Inside the Box ✓ Camera body + body cap ✓ Detachable Electronic Viewfinder (EVF-GFX3) ✓ Battery ✓ USB-C Dock/Charging adapter ✓ USB C to USB-C cable ✓ Converters ✓ Hot-shoe cover ✓ Neck strap ✓ User Manual The Fujifilm medium format GFX 100 II was launched in India in October 2023. Technically speaking, it isn’t ‘medium format’ but let’s leave it as Fujifilm claims it. Fujifilm is known for its several medium format cameras but the GFX 100 II is the flagship. But why have a medium format camera when we have hoards of 35 mm formats, which are easier to carry and are also less expensive?…

The compact camera market sees a resurgence, with Ricoh and Fujifilm struggling to meet demand for their popular models. Ricoh’s GR III, despite being over five years old, remains highly sought after, leading Ricoh to stop accepting new orders for various GR III models last week due to overwhelming demand. This move reflects challenges in managing interruptions to product availability, a trend also observed with Fujifilm’s X100VI. Global shortages are evident as all GR III models are either out of stock or back-ordered at major retailers like B&H Photo and Adorama. Ricoh has not provided a timeline for resuming orders but promises updates via their website. The sustained high demand for compact cameras contradicts the industry’s previous assumptions, which favoured smartphone advancements over this segment. Yet, the success of models…

CP+ 2024 (International Camera and Photo Imaging Show), held in February 2024 at the Pacifico Yokohama Convention Plaza, saw a significant turnout, hosting approximately 50,000 photography and imaging enthusiasts over four days. This marked a vibrant return to pre-pandemic attendance levels for the largest domestic event in the field, which adopted a hybrid format combining in-person and online experiences. The exhibition, featuring the participation of 88 companies and organisations, showcased a diverse range of offerings, from leading camera manufacturers to photography equipment creators. Digital cameras took centre stage, with exhibits also highlighting products and services related to film photography. The event provided a platform for both domestic and international manufacturers to display their latest innovations, catering to a wide spectrum of interests within the photography community. Reflecting on industry trends,…

The Xiaomi 14 series made its global debut at an event in Barcelona, unveiling two models: the Xiaomi 14 and Xiaomi 14 Ultra. While the former was launched in India on March 7th, both phones boast Leica optics and are powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC. Now, a video teardown of the Xiaomi 14 Ultra has surfaced, shedding light on the Ultra’s internal design. The Xiaomi 14 Ultra bears a striking resemblance to its predecessor but undergoes several internal modifications. Removing the back panel of the phone is straightforward, facilitated by easily removable glue when exposed to the appropriate amount of heat. It also retains the sleek leather finish of its predecessor, lending it an appealing aesthetic. Internally, the phone features a slightly larger motherboard casing, accommodating…

Aniruddha Das is a Kolkata based photographer. He studied fashion photography under his mentor Arghya Chatterjee. Aniruddha has over 600 awards from participating in various national and international photo contests. In 2019 he achieved the distinction of AFIAP from The Federation of Indian Photography (FIP), followed by EFIP in 2020; and AFIAP in the year 2021. Since then, Aniruddha has won other awards as well. Aniruddha has over 600 awards from participating in various national and international photo contests. In 2019 he achieved the distinction of AFIAP from The Federation of Indian Photography (FIP), followed by EFIP in 2020; and AFIAP in the year 2021. Since then, Aniruddha has won other awards as well. Aniruddha has over 600 awards from participating in various national and international photo contests. In 2019…

Vimal Parmar An independent marketing consultant and digital print evangelist with over 40 years of experience in the imaging industry. @vimalparmar Enhance Your Photography Journey Through the Power of Print Dear Readers, Embarking on the journey of spotlighting both amateur and seasoned photographers who have ventured into the world of self-publishing photobooks has been a thrilling experience. The enthusiasm emanating from our readers, in the form of inquiries on how to create their photobooks or requests for consideration in featuring their works, has been truly heartening. Expanding our horizons, I am contemplating broadening our scope to include not just photobooks but also the work of those who transform their images, paintings or digital art into exquisite fine art prints for exhibitions, for their walls at home and workplace, or to…

MIRRORLESS REVIEW Canon EOS R50 ₹75,995 Inside the Box ✓ Camera body ✓ Body cap (R-F-5) ✓ Accessory shoe cover ✓ Battery (LP-E17) ✓ Battery Charger (LC-E17/LC-E17E) ✓ Strap ✓ Basic Instruction Manual The Canon EOS R50 was released in India on 8th February 2023. It is the successor to the EOS M50 Mark II. The camera body is compact, lightweight and easy-to-setup-and-use. The R50 is designed for beginners on a low budget, for vloggers and content creators, and for those coming in from smartphones. Let’s see how the R50 measures up on our testbench… Design & Build Quality The Canon EOS R50 is a neat-looking mirrorless camera. The body appears to be made of plastic, and being small, may be appreciated by users having small hands. The grip, naturally,…

Inside the Box ✓ Nothing Phone (2a) w/ pre-applied screen protector ✓ USB Type-C to USB Type-C charging cable ✓ SIM ejector pin Nothing, the London-based tech company, has once again ventured into the smartphone market with its latest offering, the Phone (2a). Boasting a sleek design and a plethora of features at an appealing price point, the Phone (2a) aims to distinguish itself in a saturated market landscape. Unboxing the Phone (2a) reveals a minimalist yet elegant packaging, indicative of the device’s design philosophy. Within the box, users will find the phone itself, accompanied by a durable USB-C cable and a visually pleasing sim ejector pin. Notably absent are a charging plug and a phone case, though a factory-installed screen protector adds a layer of convenience. The Phone (2a)…

Ashok Dilwali needs no introduction, but for the records, Ashok Dilwali, is a world-renowned professional landscape photographer based in Delhi, and an author of 35 pictorial books. In his latest book ‘All About Travel Photography’, Ashok Dilwali captures the true essence of the craft and art of photography, duly illustrated by his most befitting images. The book is a treasure for beginners in photography and a source of inspiration for advanced photographers. The book is interspersed with valuable philosophical quotes from well-known personalities. All About Travel Photography is divided in two sections: • General Tips for Better Travel Photography• Experiences & Guidance In General Tips for Better Travel Photography, the author starts with a quote from Pablo Picasso – “Learn the rules as a professional and break them as an…

Nothing has introduced Phone (2a), its latest smartphone offering, designed to elevate the daily smartphone experience. Building upon the success of its flagship Phone (2), Phone (2a) focuses on core user needs while incorporating Nothing’s expertise, engineering, and craftsmanship. Phone (2a) boasts a powerful Dimensity 7200 Pro processor co-engineered with MediaTek, delivering unparalleled performance and optimal power efficiency. With a 20 GB RAM and innovative optimizations, it ensures swift multitasking, offering a 13% boost in power and 16% improved efficiency compared to its predecessor. In addition, Phone (2a) features a robust 5,000 mAH battery with enhanced longevity, maintaining over 90% capacity after 1,000 charging cycles. It supports rapid 45W Fast Charging, ensuring quick power-ups without compromising battery life. For photography enthusiasts, Phone (2a) sports a flawless dual 50 MP rear…

Meike has revealed plans for the development of three additional autofocus Full Frame lenses tailored for the Sony E and Nikon Z mount systems. The newly announced lenses include: AF24mm f/1.4 MIX full frame AF35mm f/1.4 MIX full frame AF50mm f/1.4 MIX full frame These additions expand Meike’s autofocus prime lens lineup, offering photographers greater versatility in capturing a variety of scenes with different focal lengths and wide apertures. Additionally, Meike has already made available the AF85mm f/1.4 MIX full frame lens on Amazon US & EU and BHphoto. While specific details such as the release date and pricing remain undisclosed, it is anticipated that the pricing for these new lenses will be similar to that of the AF85mm lens.…

Photography enthusiasts can anticipate the arrival of four new Chinese lenses designed for Nikon cameras, promising to expand creative possibilities. • Venus Optics is preparing to unveil the Laowa 15mm f/5 FFII Cookie lens, boasting a full-frame design and an impressive 110° super wide field of view. Compatible with multiple mounts including M/E/R/Z/L, this lens is poised to offer photographers a versatile tool for capturing expansive scenes. • NiSi Optical introduces the 250mm f/5.6 folding lens, inspired by the Minolta 250mm f/5.6 lens. Featuring a minimum focusing distance of 2m and compatibility with various mounts such as E/R/EF/Z/F/GFX/X, this lens is anticipated to retail for around $400. Additionally, NiSi will debut three cinema lenses – Athena 18mm T2.2, Athena 40mm T1.9, and Athena 135mm T2.2 – in the first half…

The Sony A9 III is the latest high-end camera from Sony. Amongst all the Sony camera models, where does the A9 III fit in? The launch of Alpha 9III marks the beginning of a new era in professional photography with it being a game changer with just the central upgrade of global shutter image sensor, which makes it the fastest camera in the entire Alpha range. The camera is designed to allow its customers to take advantage of the unmatched shooting speed. Featuring the world’s first full-frame Global Shutter, this camera has shutter speed of 1/80000 second, 120fps with RAW, blackout free images and flash sync at any possible speed. Its latest feature called Pre-Capture, allows the customer to go back up to 1 second and record the moment before…

Tom Svensson, lives in Sweden on the west coast in a small fishing village called Fjällbacka, not far from the Norwegian border. He is a conservationist who picked up the camera to make a difference. Tom is a person who puts a lot of feeling into his photos, and that is why big brands within the photography world want to be associated with him. tomsvensson1 tomsvenssonconservationphotographer In this article I will take all to the place where the great migration ends up in and where all these animals give birth and this amazing place is called Ndutu. This section of the park is made up of rolling grasslands peppered with alkaline lakes that attract flocks of flamingos, as well as acacia woodlands. In February the wildebeest herds are calving on…

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…

LENS REVIEW Sony FE 50mm F 1.4 GM ₹1,49,990 Inside the Box ✓ Lens ✓ Lens hood (ALC-SH173) ✓ Lens front cap (ALC-F67S) ✓ Lens rear cap ( ALC-R1EM) ✓ Soft case Standard prime lenses are back in popularity and even today promise a quality level that some zooms cannot match. Sony has a number of 50 mm prime lenses available and so does its Zeiss counterpart. We have reviewed the Sony 50 mm f 1.8 lens in the past and this lens, considering its price, was a very good performer. Before us now is the 50mm f 1.4 G Master lens, the GM label indicating very high quality. Is this new lens one more prime lens or is it something special for Sony owners? Design & Build Quality The…

Inside the Box ✓ Phone Case ✓ Power Adapter 100W SUPERVOOC ✓ USB Cable The OnePlus 12, a testament to the brand’s commitment to refinement, offers a sleek design, formidable performance, and enhanced battery life, albeit lacking in advanced AI functionalities and facing a limited support lifespan. As OnePlus’s flagship standard model, the OnePlus 12 maintains its legacy of prioritizing foundational excellence. Positioned as an attractive alternative to the pricier OnePlus Open, this device stands out for its unwavering dedication to core features, a trait cherished by OnePlus enthusiasts. Unlike its predecessors, the OnePlus 12 presents itself without apparent compromises, boasting a robust camera system reminiscent of the OnePlus Open, alongside coveted features like IP rating and wireless charging. However, the absence of notable advancements in AI sets it apart…

1 Who leads the world microscope industry? a) Zeissb) Nikon c) Olympusd) Kowa 2 How much bigger is a full frame sensor compared to a Micro Four Thirds sensor? a) 2 X b) 1.5 X c) 3 X d) 3.9 X 3 Pentax is currently owned by: a) Ricoh b) Sigma c) Panasonic d) Olympus 4 Name the camera company that leads in the mirrorless camera market. a) Nikon b) Sony c) Canon d) Fujifilm e) Panasonic 5 Name the company that still leads in the declining DSLR camera market. a) Nikon b) Pentax c) Sony d) Canon 6 Name the widest full frame wide angle zoom lens in the market. a) 10 – 20 mm f 4 b) 12 – 24 mm f 5.6c) 8 – 16 mm f…