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OnePlus Nord 5 Camera Review – Best Nord Yet?

Last year, when we reviewed the OnePlus Nord 4, it left us wanting more. This year, the Nord 5 arrives with bold promises – it’s the first Nord to feature a Snapdragon 8-series chipset and the first mainstream OnePlus device with a 144Hz OLED display. But what we’re really here for is the camera – especially since it borrows tech from the flagship OnePlus 13. This is priced at ₹31,999 but will be available starting from ₹29,999 with bank discounts. According to OnePlus, this is their most complete Nord yet. So, do the cameras live up to that claim? Let’s find out.

Design & Build

OnePlus continues to push the envelope with its design and build. Ever since the OnePlus 13, they’ve embraced a flat design that feels premium in the hand. The Nord 5 comes in three colour variants with a sleek glass back – thankfully, it’s less slippery than the OnePlus 13. At just 8.1mm thick, it’s comfortable to hold and carry. It also gets an IP65 rating for water resistance this time. A welcome addition is the new Action Button on the left, which can be customised to perform various tasks – including launching the camera and capturing photos. It adds a tactile dimension to the shooting experience, taking a cue from the iPhone. The camera layout is minimal – an exclamation mark-style design with a raised module. You also get signature metallic camera rings, just like the flagship models.

Camera Setup & Specs

Here’s a quick look at the camera hardware:

Dual rear cameras
50MP main camera with Sony LYT-700 sensor (14.2MP output)
8MP ultrawide (9MP output)
50MP front camera with Samsung JN5 sensor (14.2MP output)
Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 processor
144Hz OLED display with 1400 nits peak brightness
6800mAh battery—the biggest in its segment (for now)

Daylight Main

50 MP main camera with Sony LYT 700 sensor, 14.2 MP images. The camera gives you 3 focal ranges to shoot at 24mm, 28mm and 35mm and the output is at 14.2 MP and overall the pics it shoots are pretty good. The images are vibrant, saturated and pleasing to the eye. In fact, for my liking they are over-saturated since I prefer the more original and natural look. But as I’ve said before – users tend to like these things and I don’t expect people to complain. The sharpness also on zooming in is decent, pleasantly surprising actually. Yes there is some processing that you can see – but in most cases the image sharpness was decent. The shadows, highlights and HDR performance is also surprisingly good. But under backlit scenarios the sharpness and focusing takes a beating. And as compared to the Nord 4 in daylight – this is a massive improvement.

Daylight Wide

8 MP ultrawide camera, 9MP images. The wide camera is a 8 MP camera and like we’ve seen before they output the images at 9 MP. With a 8 MP camera I dont expect the sensor to do much and at best the images from this one are ok. The images show high contrast with highlights and shadows coming under. It still shows good colour tonality as compared to the main camera, which means it is maintaining consistency. The sharpness surely takes a beating and can be better on zooming in, but you can’t expect much with this. There is also distortion seen in the images as well.Overall the performance is decent.

Daylight Telephoto

Just like last time, there is no dedicated telephoto camera and lens in this phone. The main camera is used to shoot tele photos and they are processed in the background. There is optical zoom until 2x and then it switches to digital zoom – all the way up to 20x. In terms of performance I was pleasantly surprised. The images are actually sharp and usable up to 5x and even on zooming in you can see the clarity (at least most of it). There is also very minimal colour shifting as well and it is able to maintain the consistency. But once you move 10x and above then you can see some colour fringing, which is more apparent at the max focal range. But honestly a regular consumer wouldn’t notice any of these things and I am impressed with this performance.

Lowlight Images

In the low light category the images overall are better than I expected. With the main camera the images look well saturated, sharp and pleasing to the eye. The colour reproduction is also good. Yes the images surely seem processed and once you zoom in you can see that. But even under those conditions – they are able to maintain good sharpness.In the wide – much like the daylight the camera does struggle slightly – the shadows and highlights performance takes a beating and the sharpness is also ok. You also see a lot of lens flaring as well in the wide camera, which wasn’t evident in the main camera. There is also a display of colour shifting in the images with some of them displaying a reddish tinge. So I wouldn’t really use the wide camera in low light unless it is absolutely necessary. But like the day – the telephoto again shines with a decent performance in lowlight as well. The images are well saturated and look good. Yes you can easily spot the over processing in most cases, but to the naked eye, they are good. The sharpness is also decent until 5x, and at max zoom range the images aren’t usable honestly.

Portraits

The Nord 5 allows you to shoot portraits at 1x and 2x lenses, and three focal lengths – 24, 35 and 48mm. With such a good camera performance thus far – I was looking forward to the portraits. And I don’t know how to put this – but the images are good, but not impressive enough for me. In daylight the images display good consistency and look natural and pleasing to the eye. We put the phone in a difficult scenario with mostly the light coming in from the back. And the image sharpness in this case was a hit and a miss. The depth performance was good and so was the edge detection – but when you look at the images you don’t feel like they are sharp. There is some haziness looming around them.In low light the sharpness looks lack luster in some cases with some sort of haziness in the images. However the edge detection is pretty good. The depth performance is also impressive with the bokeh looking round and cats eye. There is a slight tinge of yellow and red in some cases, but not something to complain about. At times when it focuses then the images are sharp, otherwise they aren’t. Overall I think there is room for improvement in this.

Front Camera

The front camera allows you to shoot with three lenses and focal lengths, 0.8x or 21mm, 1x or 25mm and 2x or 49mm. Powered by the 50MP Samsung JN5 sensor, images from all 3 lenses are 14.2MP.The output of the front camera is pretty good. It displays sharp details and also delivers good accuracy which is closer to the original scene. So I am impressed with this one.

Front Camera Video

This camera is a massive upgrade where it could only shoot 1080p. On the Nord 5, you can shoot 4K up to 60fps on the front camera.

Video Performance

On the rear camera, you can shoot up to 4k up to 60fps, but only at 1x and 2x. At 0.6x, the view drops down to 1080p 30fps. This is very similar to last year’s. Video quality wise, the output is natural looking, a little bit more saturated and vibrant that what you see with your eyes, and has good dynamic range with no visible signs of over-processing, which is a plus. The OIS gives you super stable footage. In low light, the Nord 5 has good detail in the shadow, and because of the image stabilization, it looks better overall but there is a little bit of flaring. But the image quality overall is a noticeable improvement as compared to the previous phone.

Battery & Display

This might be the first phone we’re seeing and reviewing with a battery pack exceeding 6500mAh. And it is just great. It also supports 80W fast charging and even after using it a lot there is still a lot left over for you to last. For an average user I think it will last more than a day and half easily. So great work OnePlus on this one.

Now this display is just amazing. I think in this price segment – ive never seen anything like it. This is the first ever 144Hz panel on a mobile phone, and it supports HDR. The usage experience is buttery smooth and the visuals are poppy and vibrant, something you’d expect from an OLED display. And it feels that Oneplus has taken this one right out of the flagship book because this actually looks and feels amazing.

Conclusion

So, is this the most complete Nord ever? Honestly—yes. I’m pleasantly surprised. Mid-range phones usually leave me with mixed feelings, but this one delivers on most fronts. Photos are vibrant and detailed, video performance is solid, and the front camera is a standout. Portraits could be better, but with that stunning display, excellent battery, and price tag of ₹30K, OnePlus might just have a winner on its hands. And to the team that worked on this camera setup – bravo. Please send them to work on the next flagship coz according to me – they’ve earned it.

July 2025

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Asian Photography Magazine July 2025 Issue is out!

📸 Cover by: Kristine Zula

In this issue, explore:

~ Arachnid Aesthetics – Christian Brockes
~ Capturing Floral Fascination – Kristine Zula
~ Miniature Marvels – Sandip Guha
~ Decay Diaries: Discovering the Beauty of Rot, Rust, and Ruin Through Macro
~ Where Does Macro End and Micro Begin?

Small Scale, Big Stories

Subscribe to the magazine here!, get 12 months free!

Every year around this time, we turn our focus to the world of Macro – a realm that might seem unremarkable from a distance but, upon closer inspection, reveals a breathtaking tapestry of detail and wonder. These tiny marvels hold the power to mesmerize, but they also bring their share of challenges. For those unfamiliar, venturing into macro photography can feel daunting.

With this issue, we aim to demystify that perception through insightful articles, expert perspectives and practical tips to help make the world of macro more accessible.

In our Pro Profile section, we speak with Christian Brockes, who explores the techniques, patience, and passion behind documenting insect life. Kristine from macro.viewpoint shares how macro photography has shaped her creative journey and deepened her connection with nature and mindfulness. Closer to home, Sandip Guha offers a lens into his precision-driven process, the hardships faced, mistakes made, and the pursuit of that elusive ‘bucket shot.’ Each photographer brings a unique voice to this issue, sure to both inspire and encourage you to explore macro for yourself.

In our Tips section, we explore key themes – like the boundary between macro and micro. Where does one end and the other begin? It’s not just a technical question, but a philosophical one, prompting us to see beauty not only in the grand but also in the minute.

We also discuss macro ethics – a crucial conversation, especially relevant to today’s world. Ethical storytelling and photography extend beyond journalism. In macro, it raises questions about our environmental impact, the treatment of living subjects, and our collective responsibility to nature.

One of the more experimental themes we’ve explored is bioluminescence – a striking metaphor for beauty emerging from darkness. In the deepest waters, light exists not in abundance, but in resilience. It’s a reminder that wonder can lie hidden in the shadows – waiting to be noticed.

We’ve skipped a dedicated feature on macro gear this time, since it was covered in depth last year. However, we’ll make that content available on our website for easy reference. And don’t forget – our E-version is now completely free, making it easier than ever to dive into this edition.
Until next time…
Happy Reading!

HP launches Laser M300 printers with auto-duplex for businesses in India

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HP has introduced its new Laser M300 series in India, a range of monochrome laser printers aimed at small and medium businesses (SMBs), local enterprises, and printing service shops. The series includes five models—Laser MFP 323sdnw, 323dnw, 323d, 303dw, and 303d—offering fast duplex printing, mobile connectivity, and energy-efficient performance.

Designed for high-volume workloads, all models in the M300 series offer print speeds of up to 30 pages per minute (A4) and automatic two-sided printing. Aimed at reducing downtime, the printers also feature a 600 MHz processor, 256 MB memory, and fast first-page-out time of 8.5 seconds.

Key features across the lineup include:

Options for print-only or multifunction (print, scan, copy)
250-sheet input tray with a multipurpose tray for bulk tasks
High-yield HP 181A and 181X toner cartridges, supporting 1,500 to 3,000 pages
Compact design suited for space-limited environments
USB and wireless connectivity via HP Smart app
Auto-Off technology and use of 20% post-consumer recycled plastic

The printers are built with sustainability in mind and comply with India’s environmental and energy efficiency standards.

Pricing via HP E-store:

HP Laser MFP 323sdnw: ₹35,250
HP Laser MFP 323dnw: ₹31,500
HP Laser MFP 323d: ₹29,250
HP Laser 303dw: ₹22,500
HP Laser 303d: ₹20,250

The M300 series is available now through HP’s online store.

Apple Built a Custom iPhone-Based Camera to Film Inside Real F1 Cars

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For its upcoming Formula One film, Apple engineered a custom camera module using iPhone components to capture cinematic-quality footage from inside F1 cars—without affecting performance.

Traditional F1 broadcast cameras are low-res and optimized for live TV. But director Joseph Kosinski and cinematographer Claudio Miranda wanted more. Apple’s solution: a camera module built to look like a standard F1 broadcast unit but powered by iPhone internals—including a 48MP sensor (likely from the iPhone 15 Pro), an A-series chip, battery, and neutral density filter.

The module matched F1 broadcast gear in size, shape, and weight to preserve the car’s aerodynamics and balance. It also withstood extreme shock, vibration, and heat during the 2023 and 2024 racing seasons—meeting and exceeding Formula One’s durability standards.

Footage was recorded in ProRes Log format for maximum post-production flexibility. A custom version of iOS ran the system, with a USB-C iPad app giving filmmakers full manual control—frame rate, white balance, shutter angle, and more.

The project directly influenced consumer features. Log encoding and ACES color support—both used in the module—later appeared in the iPhone 15 Pro.

While iPhones are rarely used solo on film sets, Apple is increasingly blending pro filmmaking needs into its hardware development. Other companies like Samsung and Sony have shot films on phones, but Apple’s F1 module marks a new level of integration—embedding iPhone tech in a rugged, race-tested system built for Hollywood-grade results.

Nikon Z5 II Review – Best Entry Level Full Frame Camera?

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The Nikon Z5 II is creating buzz in the entry level camera space, but does it deliver where it matters? In this detailed review, we go beyond the spec sheet to help you understand how the Z5 II performs in real-world scenarios. Whether you’re stepping into full-frame for the first time or looking for a reliable second body, this video will give you clarity. This isn’t just a rundown—it’s a practical look at why the Z5 II could be a smart investment for photographers. Stay till the end for our verdict on whether the Z5 II is just an update—or a step forward. Like, comment, and subscribe to support more thoughtful reviews.

Nikon Z5 II Review – Best Entry Level Camera?

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It’s been 5 years since the launch of the Z5 and arguably there’s never been an entry level camera with this much buzz around it! Priced at ₹1.5 lakhs for body only, Nikon’s looking at setting the bar high with this one. Today we’re reviewing the Nikon Z5II which was launched recently.

Look, Body and Feel

At first glance, the Z5II is unmistakably a Nikon. It bears a resemblance to the Z6III in size, but it’s slightly more compact and weighs in at 700g — just 60g lighter than the Z6III. The grip is excellent — deep, secure, and ergonomically designed. Nikon users will feel right at home with the familiar button layout. On the right, you’ll find the PASM dial along with
all the usual control buttons. A noticeable new addition is the color profile button, giving you quick access to preloaded filters and customizable picture styles for in-camera effects. This body also features dual UHS-II SD card slots and is weather-sealed to the same degree as the Z6III.

In terms of connectivity, it includes the standard mic and headphone jacks, a USB-C port, and — unfortunately — a Micro HDMI port. That feels a bit outdated in 2025 and means carrying an extra cable if you plan to output video. That said, the overall build quality is solid, and the rubber sealing feels durable.

Sensor and Performance

The Z5II is equipped with a 24.5MP full-frame sensor — the same as the Z6II — paired with the latest EXPEED 7 processor borrowed from Nikon’s flagship Z9. While it’s not a stacked sensor, this combination brings a significant jump in processing speed, autofocus capabilities, and buffer performance over the original Z5.

Screen and EVF

Like most cameras in 2025, the Z5II features a fully articulated 3.2-inch touchscreen with a resolution of 2.1 million dots. The touch response is quick and fluid. The electronic viewfinder (EVF) boasts 3.69 million dots, a 60Hz refresh rate, and a peak brightness of 3000 nits — as bright as some smartphones today.

Autofocus

Here’s where the Z5II really steps up. Autofocus performance is dramatically improved, and the menu offers the same flexibility as the Z6III. Nikon clearly wants to show that “entry-level” doesn’t have to mean “stripped down.” Subject-detection and 3D tracking — both borrowed from higher-end models — are now part of the package. Performance-wise, also the autofocus tracks well and is pretty fast.

Burst Modes

Being an entry-level model, we won’t dwell too much on shutter types. But for those interested, the Z5II shoots up to 30fps jpeg only and 14 fps in RAW using the electronic shutter and 11fps RAW with the mechanical shutter. There is some rolling shutter effect, as expected, but it’s manageable.

Image Quality

We paired the Z5II with the 24-50mm F/4–6.3 kit lens, and the results were impressive. Images are sharp, vibrant and detailed, with strong dynamic range. Even in challenging backlit scenarios, the camera holds its own.

Even in low light, the camera performs well as it can go -5 stops below, capturing evenly lit images with ample detail — a testament to the sensor’s dynamic range.

Video Capabilities

The Z5II can record 4K video at up to 60fps, although with a 1.5x crop, with 4K30 at full-width. The camera features in-body image stabilization (IBIS) and we have a sample video in our YouTube video. Autofocus during video is quick and reliable. But the real standout feature? Internal 12-bit RAW video recording — a first for any entry-level camera. This feature, previously limited to the Z9 and Z8, made its way to the Z6 III and now lands in the Z5 II. You’ll need a high-speed UHS-II card for this, of course. The camera also supports N-Log, though the setting is buried in the menu. A dedicated button/setting would’ve been a nice touch.

ISO Performance

The Z5II has a maximum ISO of 51,200. Images remain clean and usable up to ISO 6400. Beyond that, some noise and pixelation do creep in, but for most real-world scenarios, it handles noise well.

Conclusion

So, what do we think of the Nikon Z5II? It’s an impressive camera for its price — blending a proven sensor with Nikon’s latest processing tech and some pro-level features. Nikon has played this one smart: they’ve kept costs down by sticking with a reliable sensor, while elevating performance with meaningful upgrades. And from the looks of it – it seems to
be working. As per reports following the Z5II’s release, Nikon became the best-selling mirrorless camera brand in Japan in May 2025, overtaking Sony. Now if that continues or not – we don’t know. But as a camera – Nikon’s really got this one right.

Xiaomi 15 Camera Test

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In this video we review the cameras of the newly launched Xiaomi 15, priced at ₹64,999 it comes with an upgraded imaging hardware, improved AI processing, and Leica-backed optics, Xiaomi claims this could be their best camera phone yet. But is it really? Whether you’re a mobile photography enthusiast or just want the best camera in your pocket, this detailed review will help you decide if the Xiaomi 15 delivers on its promises.

Photographer, Educator Radhakrishnan Chakayat Passes Away

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Photographer and Founder of the YouTube channel Pixel Village – Radhakrishnan Chakyat passed away on 22nd May at the age of 53. Pixel Village confirmed his passing in a social media post, describing him as ‘a guiding light’ and someone who ‘taught us how to see the world through the lens and capture its soul.’

Known for his deep understanding of visual storytelling, Chakyat built a career that bridged commercial photography and education. After starting out under renowned fashion photographer Rafique Sayed in Mumbai, he went on to work with leading brands including Cadbury, Taj Hotels and Asian Paints.

Later, Chakyat turned his focus to education, launching Pixel Village – a popular platform on YouTube. His untimely demise was mourned by people from across the industry.

March 2025

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vivo announces winners of 2nd edition of Imagine Smartphone Photography Awards

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Vivo announced the winners of the second edition of its vivo Imagine Smartphone Photography Awards, which aims to celebrate encourage photographers to push the boundaries of creativity and showcase their unique perspectives through the lens of their smartphones.

Kukkala Suresh was announced as the grand prize of Rs. 5 lacs for his picture, amongst 17,000+ entries from across the country.

The six category winners were awarded one vivo X100 Pro smartphone each. The winners were Bandish Ravindra Wadayekar in Architecture, Lopamudra Talukdar in Portrait, Soumyasikha Manna in Street & Culture, Rathin Dey in Nature and Landscape, Idrees Abbas Dar in Motion and Kukkala Suresh in Night and Light categories.

Off the 17,000 received, 30 finalists were selected after a rigorous competition. These 30 finalists were given a unique opportunity to attend masterclasses led by the jury and completing a challenge, further refining their skills and broadening their perspectives. From these 30 finalists, the jury selected 6 top finalists.

Geetaj Channana, Head of Corporate Strategy, vivo India, expressed his excitement at the ceremony, saying, “The vivo Imagine Smartphone Photography Awards have once again proven that photography is not just about the tools, but the vision behind them.”Zoya Akhtar, Writer and Film-maker added, “It has been an incredible experience being a part of this journey. The creativity and dedication displayed by the participants have been awe-inspiring.”