Innholdsfortegnelse for August 2025 i Smart Photography

The state of health of an industry can often be gauged by the number of innovations it generates. Looking at the imaging industry over the last eighteen months, it is clear that innovation is not dead. I can list a few innovations of the last few months that justifies my statement. 1) Samyang’s Remaster Slim lenses ( e.g. 21mm, 28 mm, 32mm) 2) Sigma’s new BF camera developed by Ichiro Iwasaki, featuring pressure sensitive haptic buttons 3) Fujifilm’s X Half camera, a default vertical format camera with 2 in 1 imagery 4) Hahnemuhle’s sustainable etching paper made from 75% cotton and 25% high alpha cellulose 5) ND filters built into camera bodies ( courtesy Olympus) 6) Fujifilm’s innovative GFX 100 RF that promises medium format quality in a compact fixed…

DJI’s Osmo Mobile 7 series, unveiled in February 2025, introduces two variants: the lightweight Osmo Mobile 7 (~300g) and the enhanced 7P, which includes a modular multifunctional extension. Both gimbals feature DJI’s 7th‑generation stabilisation and ActiveTrack 7.0 tracking technology. Weighing under 300 grams and sporting a built‑in tripod and magnetic clamp, the standard OM7 is the lightest gimbal in its class. It delivers smooth video, gesture control, and quick deployment features—ideal for vloggers on the move. The 7P adds remote audio/mic input and lighting control via an optional clip‑on module, catering to more advanced creators. With up to 10 hours of battery life and priced from around $89 (OM7) and $149 (OM7P), the range offers exceptional value. The intuitive setup, ergonomic design, and stable footage make it especially appealing to…

Panasonic’s Lumix S 24–60mm f/2.8 S zoom lens was launched mid‑2025 as a more compact alternative to the 24–70mm f/2.8, aimed at full‑frame L‑mount users. It combines a constant f/2.8 aperture, weather resistance, silent autofocus, and a lightweight design. The lens offers excellent sharpness at 24mm and 60mm with usable corner performance when stopped down. Its minimum focusing distance of approximately 19 cm enhances close‑up flexibility. Many reviewers describe it as a “pragmatic masterpiece” for travel and street shooting. Its compact form factor makes it a natural match for hybrid L‑mount bodies like the S5 II and upcoming S1R II. In India, where weight and portability matter to creators, the S 24–60mm provides high‑end performance in a more ergonomic package without a significant premium. With a street price below $900,…

Panasonic has added two new models to its LUMIX S line‑up: the LUMIX S1II and S1IIE, both aimed at serious video creators and hybrid shooters. The announcement bolsters Panasonic’s full-frame mirrorless range with improved video capabilities, high‑speed shooting, and enhanced dynamic range. The LUMIX S1II is built around a new 24.1MP full‑frame CMOS sensor and the latest Venus Engine processor. This pairing enables 4K recording at 120p and 5.8K at 60p, with improved rolling shutter control. The camera supports Panasonic’s Dynamic Range Boost mode for up to 15 stops of range when using V‑Log at lower frame rates. Burst shooting reaches up to 70fps with SH pre‑burst mode, allowing users to capture frames up to 1.5 seconds before the shutter is fully pressed. The more affordable S1IIE shares most features…

Epson has set up its first manufacturing facility for high‑capacity ink tank inkjet printers in India, marking a significant step in its localisation strategy. The plant, established in partnership with RIKUN Manufacturing Pvt. Ltd. in Chennai, began operations on 4 July 2025, with mass production scheduled to start by October. These ink tank printers, known for their low running costs and environmental benefits, offer an alternative to traditional cartridge‑based models. They require less frequent ink replacement and generate less waste, making them suitable for high‑volume, everyday printing. Since their global launch in 2010, Epson has sold over 100 million units worldwide, including more than 8 million in India alone. The move reflects Epson’s growing commitment to the Indian market, which it sees as a key part of its global manufacturing…

Nikon is widely expected to launch the Z9 II in late 2025, with shipping projected for Q1 2026. As a successor to the flagship Z9, the Z9 II is rumoured to maintain a 45 MP stacked sensor while introducing enhancements such as 40 fps RAW burst shooting, pre‑capture RAW frames, and a new EXPEED 8 image processor. Reports suggest upgraded autofocus, better subject tracking, plus advanced video features potentially derived from Nikon’s recent acquisition of RED. Additional rumoured upgrades include dual CFexpress slots, RED‑style colour science and possibly lighter magnesium alloy construction. Targeted at professionals shooting wildlife, sports, or cinematic content, the Z9 II is expected to compete directly with Canon’s EOS R1 and Sony’s A1 II. If realised, this camera would reaffirm Nikon’s presence at the high end of…

Vimal Parmar An independent marketing consultant and digital print evangelist with over 40 years of experience in the imaging industry. @vimalparmar Printing Memories in the AI Era In the age of AI and endless scrolling, one family’s Ghibli-inspired photobook reminds us why printing memories is still powerful. Discover how a simple idea turned into a magical keepsake worth holding onto. Dear Readers, In a world flooded with fleeting images, where we click, swipe, and forget, comes a story that brings back the joy of slowing down and savouring memories. Over the past year, Ghibli-style AI art has taken social media by storm. From dreamy landscapes to charming characters, everyone has wanted a piece of that magical world. But while most were content sharing these images online, one IT professional from…

Tamron 28–300mm F/4 – 7.1 Di VC VXD Lens `75,000/- In the days of the SLR, lens manufacturers started experimenting with wider focal ranges. The 28 – 200 mm lens made an appearance and won immediate popularity. Soon, both lens manufacturers and camera manufacturers had a 28 – 200 mm lens in their kitty. Their main attribute was ease of use and versatility. However, aperture sizes had to be limited in the interests of size and weight and corner sharpness was visibly weaker at the telephoto end. These lenses, however, continued to be popular. Tamron has now upped the ante with their 28 – 300 mm F/4 – 7.1 superzoom lens for Sony mirrorless cameras. How does it perform? Design & Build Quality The Tamron is largely a polycarbonate affair…

Oppo Reno 14 Pro ₹49,999/- (oppo.com) In the ever-blurring line between smartphones and standalone cameras, the Oppo Reno 14 Pro steps into the spotlight not with brute megapixel force, but with smart optics and AI wizardry. For photographers—amateur or pro—this phone is a clear sign that mobile photography is no longer just convenient, but credible. Oppo has long been known for pushing the boundaries of imaging in its Reno series, but the Reno 14 Pro takes things up a notch by blending solid hardware with a deep dose of artificial intelligence. It’s not just about getting a sharper image—it’s about getting the right image in more conditions, with less effort. Let’s dive into what makes this phone a compelling tool for anyone with a creative eye. Camera setup The Reno…

Launched in 2025 at a price of around ₹1.58 lakh, Canon’s RF 20mm f/1.4L VCM lens is the widest f/1.4 optic in Canon’s RF lineup, targeting videographers, astrophotographers and landscape shooters. Its Voice Coil Motor (VCM) offers near-silent autofocus—ideal for video capture. Sharpness and minimal distortion across the frame are key selling points. It complements Canon’s hybrid lens system and adds versatility to R‑series kits. Professionals shooting wide‑angle content will find the 20mm f/1.4L a compelling choice, bringing L‑series build quality and visual performance at a competitive price compared to equivalent Sony primes.…

Chinese lens manufacturers such as Viltrox and Sirui are making significant inroads in 2025, offering surprisingly capable optics at accessible price points. Viltrox alone is expected to release nine new prime lenses this year, including fast options like the 35mm f/1.2 LAB and the 135mm f/1.8 LAB across multiple mounts (Sony E, Nikon Z, and Fujifilm X). These lenses are notable for professional‑level sharpness, weather‑sealed build, and autofocus performance that rivals first‑party offerings while costing a fraction of the price. The Viltrox 135mm LAB claims to offer image quality on par with Nikon’s Z‑series 135mm Plena at roughly 30% of the cost.…

Sony’s FE 24–70mm f/2.8 G Master II remains a leading standard zoom for professional creators in 2025, especially in demand across Asian markets. Despite its high MSRP (~$2,298), it continues to top Sony’s lens sales on platforms like JD and Taobao. The updated GM II version is 18% smaller and 22% lighter than its predecessor, yet includes Nano AR Coating II, fluorine coating, four XD Linear AF motors, and floating focus for fast, accurate autofocus in both stills and video shoots. Reviewers report excellent corner‑to‑corner sharpness and low‑light performance. Reddit users on r/SonyAlpha praise it as the best 24–70mm lens available, with many reporting it offers long‑term reliability and superb image quality across situations—from interviews to weddings and commercial work. Its continued dominance reaffirms Sony’s leadership in hybrid zoom optics…

Achintya Aatreya Achintya Aatreya hails from Ranchi and is pursuing his studies in Petroleum Engineering in Dehradun. Photography is his cherished passion. He thoroughly enjoys composing the simple yet rather complex intricacies of a photograph. It is his belief that any photograph is a composition of certain straightforward elements which have a varied impact on the final result owing to the stimuli. His approach is mostly characterised by elementary elements, the fundamentals of which directly correlate to the deeper facets of photography. Being unembellished after all, allows for the fundamentals to shine through.…

Nikon Coolpix P1100 `83,695/- The Coolpix P1100 from Nikon is a fixed-lens Bridge camera boasting an astonishing 24-3000mm (35mm format equivalent) focal length. The camera is designed for wildlife, birding, sports and astrophotography enthusiasts who need extensive focal range without breaking the bank. The P1100 was introduced in India on February 5, 2025. Let’s see how the P1100 fares on our testbench. Design & Build Quality Though the exterior is made with engineering plastic, the P1100 offers good build quality along with a deep handgrip. It is an engineering feat to have a 35mm-equivalent focal length of 24-3000mm while still maintaining a modest weight of approx. 1410g including the battery and the memory card. The camera’s filter thread size is 77mm and is made in Thailand. Key Features (Those interested in…

Launched earlier this year, the Canon EOS R50 V is designed primarily for content creators. The compact APS‑C camera comes bundled with an RF‑S 14–30mm lens. It supports 4K 60p recording, hybrid autofocus, and features a flip‑out screen—perfect for solo vloggers and mobile content workflows. With a lightweight build and straightforward controls, the R50 V competes directly with Sony’s ZV‑E10, offering improved usability for hybrid shooters. Canon’s expanding RF‑S lens ecosystem complements its appeal to newcomers looking for flexibility and visual quality. The bundled kit price places it competitively in the sub‑₹1 lakh category in India, offering accessible performance. The R50 V reflects Canon’s effort to bridge entry‑level usability with advanced features, boosting its presence in the creator market. With the R6 II and R5 Mark II also contributing to…

SmallRig has released a full cage kit for the Nikon Z6 III, including the “Night Eagle” variant, a stylish gunmetal cage with vintage leather aesthetics. The kit includes a top handle, HDMI/USB‑C cable clamps, and an Arca‑Swiss quick‑release base plate. This aluminium cage protects the camera and adds multiple mounting options for microphones, LED lights, and external monitors. The three‑point locking mechanism ensures secure fitting and prevents twisting—ideal for run‑and‑gun video rigs. The ergonomic handle improves handheld shooting, while port protection enhances reliability during accessories deployment. Designed to facilitate pro‑level workflows on the Z6 III’s 24.5 MP sensor and 6K RAW capabilities, this kit is a useful upgrade for Indian videographers and hybrid shooters seeking modular flexibility without heavy rigs. Offered as a full accessory bundle, it supports compact filmmaking…

Insta360’s Flow 2 Pro smartphone gimbal was launched in January 2025 as a creator‑focused stabilisation tool offering advanced AI tracking, 3‑axis smoothing, a built‑in selfie stick, and tripod support. It’s marketed as a more powerful sibling to the Flow 2. Despite its compact, sub‑350 g frame, the Flow 2 Pro packs up to 10 hours of battery life and fast NFC app launch, facilitated by AI tracking that keeps subjects centred even during rapid motion. Its built‑in stick extends to ~207mm for versatile framing. Reviews highlight its intuitive controls and how it bridges the gap between entry‑level and professional gimbals. Indian creators using smartphones for video workflows can benefit from its affordability (around $200) and portability making it a strong alternative to DJI’s offerings.…

The Photographic Society of Pune (PSP) was founded in 2001 with the aim of sharing knowledge of photography and networking. Today, they have members from all over the world – including beginners taking their first steps, students exploring storytelling, and seasoned professional photographers refining their craft – all bound by a shared love for visual expression. To mark its silver anniversary, PSP is launching a year‑long photography festival called PSP Foto Fest 25. Details of the Foto Fest are shown below. To know more about the events, register for workshops, or participate in contests, please visit the official website or follow PSP on social media: Web: thephotographicsocietyofpune.org Instagram: @pspforum_fineartphotography Facebook: PSP on Facebook…

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 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…