Innholdsfortegnelse for November 2024 i Smart Photography

These days a new lens announcement from Chinese manufacturers every week has almost become a routine affair. The likes of Viltrox, TT Artisan, Meike, 7 Artisans, Laowa and Youngnuo have made a flurry of launches and each successive launch has revealed improved quality and keen pricing. Fast, full frame, autofocus prime lenses seem to be the area of attack of the Chinese manufacturers. The good thing about keenly priced lenses is that they enable budget hobbyists to expand their collection and diversify their areas of photo interest. They also enable newcomers to enter the world of mirrorless cameras. Sony’s success in the mirrorless market is partly due to the extensive support system for the E- mount. HERE’S WHAT MAKES US #1 WE ARE GLUED TO THE GLOBAL IMAGING INDUSTRY Our…

EssilorLuxottica, the French eyewear company known for its Ray-Ban brand, has acquired a 5.1% stake in Nikon Corporation, viewing this investment as a long-term financial strategy to bolster the Japanese camera manufacturer’s operations. The stake, representing an investment of approximately €170 million ($187 million), was finalised at the beginning of October, as detailed in a regulatory filing. This move strengthens the longstanding relationship between the two companies, which dates back to 2000 when they established a joint venture, Nikon-Essilor, focused on wholesale lens production in Tokyo. The partnership aims to serve both regional and global markets, further integrating the two firms’ expertise in optics and imaging.…

The Camera Imaging Products Association (CIPA), representing Japanese camera and lens manufacturers, has released its latest sales data for August 2024, revealing a significant decline in DSLR camera sales. The report indicates that while the total number of cameras shipped in August 2024 was 750,206—a figure that marks a 5.4% increase in volume and a 14.3% increase in value compared to the year-to-date figures from the previous year—DSLR shipments specifically saw a notable drop of 20% compared to the same period in 2023. In August, mirrorless cameras continued to dominate the market, with 511,530 units shipped. This figure stands in contrast to the 91,334 DSLRs shipped during the same month, alongside 147,342 cameras with built-in lenses. The total value of the shipments reached ¥72 billion (approximately $484.6 million, £370.6 million,…

Nikon Corporation is developing new firmware for its Z6III full-frame mirrorless camera, which will introduce a feature called Content Credentials, compliant with the standards established by the Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity (C2PA). This upgraded functionality aims to help protect individuals and businesses in the imaging sector from the repercussions of fake images and unauthorised usage. The enhanced Z6III was showcased at the Adobe MAX 2024 Creativity Conference, October 14-16, 2024. The firmware is designed to maintain the integrity of original image data, making it easier to verify authenticity and safeguard the rights of photographers. Nikon’s commitment to addressing issues related to image authenticity reflects its intent to support the imaging industry and ensure that creative professionals can operate with confidence. The firmware is set to undergo practical testing…

Sirui has officially introduced the Aurora 85mm f/1.4 autofocus lens for Nikon Z-mount cameras, designed to deliver professional-grade image quality and versatility. Now available for order on Amazon, this new lens promises exceptional sharpness, thanks to its aspherical, ED, and HRI glass elements that reduce chromatic aberration and ensure vivid colour accuracy across the frame, even at its maximum f/1.4 aperture. The ultra-fast f/1.4 aperture, combined with a 15-blade diaphragm, offers strong low-light performance and smooth, creamy bokeh, ideal for portrait photographers seeking a dreamlike background blur. The classic 85mm focal length enables natural facial shots, close-ups, and long-distance captures, adding to its appeal for professional portraiture and creative compositions. Weighing only 570g, the Aurora is around 17% lighter than comparable lenses, allowing for prolonged handheld or gimbal shooting without…

Nikon has announced the launch of four Creative LUTs and one Technical LUT, developed in collaboration with RED, all available free of charge for users of Nikon mirrorless cameras. These LUTs are designed to enhance video footage recorded in N-Log and can also be used for on-location grading by installing them on external monitors. The Creative LUTs, created under the expert guidance of RED Digital Cinema, Inc., aim to bring RED’s acclaimed colour science to Nikon’s video workflows. The new offerings include ACHROMIC, FILM BIAS, FILM BIAS BLEACH BYPASS, and FILM BIAS OFFSET, enabling users to achieve a cinematic quality akin to that of footage captured with RED cinema cameras. • ACHROMIC: Delivers a low-contrast monochrome aesthetic while preserving texture details, creating a soft and classic atmosphere. • FILM BIAS:…

Manfrotto has introduced its new MKII lithium-ion batteries, featuring a higher capacity of 2400mAh for Nikon, Sony, Canon, Fuji, and OM System cameras. This updated version surpasses the previous model, which had a capacity of 2000mAh, offering users extended shooting time. Designed specifically for Nikon cameras that utilise EN-EL15c type batteries, the new Professional Lithium-Ion Battery is built to perform in challenging field conditions. It boasts a remarkable rating of over 500 charge and discharge cycles, ensuring reliability during extensive use. The battery features a silicone-injected casing, providing excellent circuit protection, electrical insulation, and the ability to withstand drops from heights of up to nine feet. The new 2400mAh battery is priced at $59.99, with the Manfrotto battery charger available separately.…

Vimal Parmar An independent marketing consultant and digital print evangelist with over 40 years of experience in the imaging industry. @vimalparmar Capture, Curate, Create: The Importance of Photobooks Dear Readers, Creating a photobook of your images is not just about archiving memories; it is about giving life to your photography in a way that digital images simply cannot. In today’s world, where most of our photos remain confined to screens, the act of printing and compiling them into a tangible book allows for a more intimate and personal experience. A photobook invites you to slow down, reflect, and relive the moments captured. It transforms fleeting digital files into lasting physical stories that can be revisited time and again. Moreover, photobooks allow you to curate your images in a meaningful way,…

First, check your shutter speed. Is it adequate for the subject you are photographing? Also consider the focal length (magnification), and the physical weight of the lens. And are you hand-holding your camera? And are you strong and in good health? For the explanation we will assume that you are using a 500 mm lens. The general rule is, the faster the shutter speed, the sharper will be your picture (of course if your focus was good). You must have also heard that the shutter speed should be 1/the focal length. Considering that modern cameras offer very high resolution, I suggest you double the shutter speed. This will also take care of ‘shakey hands syndrome’. So, in our example, instead of using 1/500 sec for a 500 mm lens, use…

Sony will announce its new flagship camera, the A1II, along with a 28-70mm f/2.0 GM lens on 19 November at 2 pm London time, confirming earlier industry speculation. The anticipated A1II model is expected to feature a 50MP full-frame Exmor RS BSI CMOS sensor, an AI chip, faster frame rates, and improved autofocus capabilities. The camera will also support CFexpress Type A 4.0 for enhanced speed and C2PA for content authentication. Availability is projected for early 2025, with a price likely exceeding that of the original Sony A1. Alongside the camera, Sony will introduce the compact 28-70mm f/2.0 GM lens, likely priced around $3,000, making it a competitive addition to Sony’s high-performance lens lineup. This f/2.0 zoom lens is expected to be more compact than similar models on the market.…

A series of new lenses for Nikon Z-mount cameras have been unveiled by various Chinese manufacturers. On October 14, Venus Optics announced the Laowa 55mm and 100mm f/2.8 FFII tilt-shift macro lenses, both designed for full-frame photography and capable of 1:1 magnification. Following this, Meike introduced its AF 55mm f/1.8 Pro series full-frame lens for Nikon Z-mount on October 17, offering advanced autofocus capabilities. Additionally, Brightin Star announced a new f/0.95 lens on October 14, while AstrHoril debuted its AF 27mm f/2.8 lens for Nikon Z-mount on October 19. These new offerings enhance the growing selection of lenses available for Nikon users, expanding creative possibilities for photographers.…

Fujifilm has announced the launch of its new FUJINON XF500 mm F/5.6 R LM OIS WR lens, a super-telephoto model designed to meet the needs of outdoor content creators, wildlife enthusiasts, and sports photographers. The XF500 mm F/5.6 is the longest prime lens in Fujifilm’s X Series, offering a 500mm focal length (equivalent to 762mm on 35mm format) and advanced features to handle fast action and challenging outdoor conditions. Key to the lens’s performance are its rugged construction and sophisticated optics. The XF500 mm F/5.6 features a 21-element, 14-group design with two Super ED and five ED elements, significantly reducing chromatic aberration for highly detailed images. It is also compatible with FUJINON teleconverters, extending its reach to up to 1000mm (1524mm equivalent) when using the XF2X TC WR teleconverter. Weighing…

GoPro has officially launched two new action cameras: the flagship HERO13 Black. The HERO13 Black is packed with advanced features, including four interchangeable lens mods that automatically adjust settings for optimal performance, a magnetic latch for seamless mounting, and a more powerful battery for extended use. This top-of-the-line model offers exceptional 5.3K video recording at 60 frames per second, advanced slow-motion capabilities, and professional-level HDR video with vibrant colour accuracy. In contrast, the HERO is designed as GoPro’s smallest and lightest 4K camera, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a straightforward and user-friendly experience. Weighing just 86 grams, the HERO is not only ultra-compact but also rugged and waterproof up to 5 metres.…

Nikon India Private Limited, present the fourth season of Wedding Film Awards. In addition to showcasing the creativity of wedding videographers and cinematographers, this esteemed annual contest offers exciting prizes worth over INR 6 lakhs, including the state-of-the-art Nikon Z6III camera. The theme “Magical Memories” also encourages the seasoned professionals in the industry as well as the emerging talents to capture all their creativity through their lens and allow them to dig deeper to know and capture the stories that make each wedding special. This contest is a wonderful opportunity for participants to demonstrate their talent, skills, and love for wedding photography, as well as gain valuable promotion and the opportunity to become a part of a community that celebrates the artistry behind each frame. As a three-month contest aimed…

As the shift towards digital accelerates in the print world, the demand for high-value print products continues to grow. The industry keeps innovating whether it is printing photographs, general commercial printing, signage, fine art prints, or packaging. A prime example is the 2024 Paris Olympics, where Hahnemühle’s Digital FineArt Hemp paper played a key role as the exclusive medium for the official Premium Posters, emphasizing the enduring value of high-quality print in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. The Paris 2024 Olympics and Paralympics not only celebrated athletic excellence but also embraced sustainability and artistic innovation. Hahnemühle, a German paper manufacturer, was a key player in this narrative. Its Digital FineArt Hemp paper was selected by oneart, the official licensee for Paris 2024, as the exclusive medium for the event’s premium…

NEWSWATCH Meike has unveiled its new 55mm f/1.8 Pro Full Frame Auto Focus STM lens, compatible with Nikon Z-mount, offering high resolution and enhanced optical performance. With a focal length close to the human eye’s natural viewing angle, this lens is suited for a range of photography styles, including portraits, landscapes, and architecture. Built for 8K resolution, the lens is designed to capture fine details, aided by its 8-group, 11-element structure. This includes two ED lenses, two high-refractive lenses, and one ultra-high refractive lens, reducing chromatic aberration, ghosting, and flare. Weighing just 364g, it’s a lightweight option for easy handling. The 55mm f/1.8 lens also offers a close focus distance of 0.55m, allowing photographers to create a three-dimensional effect with a smooth background blur thanks to its large aperture and…

NEWSWATCH RICOH has released the G900SE II, a rugged digital camera designed for challenging environments. The camera boasts an effective 20-megapixel sensor and 5× optical zoom, providing reliable performance in waterproof, dustproof, and impact-resistant conditions. Equipped with modern features such as Bluetooth®, wireless LAN, NFC, GPS, and barcode support, the G900SE II prioritises security with password protection options for both the camera and SD memory cards. These enhancements aim to safeguard vital image data, making the camera an efficient tool for various worksite applications. The G900SE II includes wireless connectivity options, featuring Bluetooth Low Energy and secure Wi-Fi authentication, enhancing productivity in settings such as medical facilities and manufacturing lines. Its EX2 software allows users to automatically rename files based on camera memos, further improving workflow efficiency. The camera also…

OM System has released a highly anticipated firmware update for its flagship mirrorless cameras, the OM-1 and OM-1 Mark II, enhancing autofocus and stability. Users of these cameras can now benefit from improved image stabilisation and autofocus, with additional features aimed at boosting overall performance. The OM-1 Mark II (Version 1.2) update enhances the Handheld High-Res Shot mode, improving the composition algorithm for better image quality. Stability across various functions has also been fine-tuned. The OM-1 (Version 1.7) update brings significant improvements, particularly in autofocus performance. In the All-Target AF mode, both single (S-AF) and continuous autofocus (C-AF) have been optimised, refining the focus position when all AF targets are engaged. Additionally, users can now use the erase/trash button as a shortcut to access the menu, simplifying one-handed operation. Like…

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)…

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…

Buying a new mirrorless camera can be a daunting decision. Not only are cameras very expensive, but also choosing a brand with an exclusive mount can mean locking yourself into a system. Severe financial penalties can follow if you want to change brands / mounts. Ordinarily, a brand with an elaborate accessory system scores over other brands that may offer fewer options. Also, the number of lenses on offer would enhance the choice that the buyer has across various price points. However, if you want say, tilt and shift lenses to form part of your gear, not all brands offer such options. Let us examine the options on offer from various brands. Sony was not the first with mirrorless cameras; Panasonic was. However, today Sony has become the market leader…