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Nikon supports Youth India Programme to empower future Creators

Nikon India has announced its support for the Youth India Programme as an official equipment partner. The initiative, led by Arya Chitra, General Manager of the Youth Global Program, is designed to build creativity and provide students with skills relevant to future careers.

The programme will engage with 20 schools and colleges during this financial year. It offers structured exposure to photography, filmmaking, storytelling, and responsible media use. Students will benefit from Nikon-led workshops, curated projects, and guided excursions. Dedicated media labs equipped with Nikon mirrorless cameras, media kits, and mentorship will also be set up in participating institutions.

According to Sajjan Kumar, Managing Director of Nikon India, early skilling plays an important role in preparing students for the future. The initiative encourages creativity, experiential learning, and career readiness.

The programme has begun its rollout with leading educational institutions, starting with the Global Indian International School network under the Global Schools Group. Arya Chitra highlighted “the Youth Programme is more than just photography/videography – it’s a movement of youth empowerment through creativity and purpose. Through storytelling, visual expression, and digital media, young Indians are finding their voice, and that voice is powerful.”

Sigma 17-40mm F/1.8 Art Lens Review

Watch our video review here

One of the main reasons people invest in a full-frame camera is for the benefit of full-frame lenses. And as many photographers know, APS-C lenses don’t always measure up. But Sigma is aiming to change that with its new 17-40mm F1.8. Since the claim is bold, we had to test it ourselves.
This is the Sigma 17-40mm F1.8 DC Art, priced at ₹78,000. This lens follows the legacy of Sigma’s iconic 18-35mm F1.8,
launched nearly a decade ago. In this review, we’ll walk you through its performance and whether it’s worth the upgrade.

APS-C on a Full Frame

For this review, we tested the lens on a Sony A7 IV in crop mode (1.5x). You might wonder why—but this also makes sense for newer APS-C bodies like Sony A6600 or Fujifilm XT-5. The lens is available in multiple mounts including Sony E, Fujifilm X, Canon RF and Lumix L.

Look, Build & Feel

As expected from Sigma’s Art series, the build quality is excellent. The lens feels solid in the hand, weighing 535 grams, and is built primarily from metal. Key features include:

  • Aperture ring with a click/de-click option
  • Aperture auto-lock switch
  • Two programmable buttons (top and side)
  • AF/MF switch
  • 67mm filter thread
  • Locking lens hood (standard for Sigma)

It also comes with a metal mount, weather sealing, and “Made in Japan” proudly etched on it. The zoom is internal, meaning the balance doesn’t shift while changing focal lengths—perfect if you’re planning to use it on a gimbal. Minimum focus distance is 28cm, giving you a bit of macro flexibility.

Image Quality

Shot on A7 IV

As mentioned earlier we tested this on the Sony A74 body in crop mode with a 1.5x. But we also have featured some images with the A6400 APSC camera – so watch the credits pic info carefully. The 17-40mm on APSC translates to approximately 26 to 60 mm in full frame equivalence which makes this lens versatile and it comes very close to the 24-70mm full frame lens. The F/1.8 aperture on APSC gives you a full frame equivalent depth of field of F/2.8.

The pics in daylight are very vibrant, well saturated and speaks for the quality of the lens. The sharpness and detailing are also good, although occasionally in depth it does add some softness to the sides. What was surprising was that this lens was able to provide great depth – similar to a full frame camera and I think that is its good quality.

Autofocus

While on this subject – lets speak about the autofocus as well. I was impressed by its performance. In our testing the auto focus was very quick both in the low and high focal range. Even with subjects in the foreground the lens focuses fast and delivers sharp results – so that was good to see. The motors are also silent, which adds to the shooting experience and can be important if you want to shoot without getting noticed. In video as well the focusing was smooth and breathing is very minimal, which scores this lens another point in the video category.

Lowlight

Shot on A7 IV

As good as the daylight performance was – the lowlight performance was also impressive. Some images were shot with the Sony A6400 – and for most part the images were pretty good. The sharpness and detailing were evident and even in dimly lit conditions the images were decent. Yes occasional detailing while zooming in was missing and some colour shifting was noticed, although colour shifting is more for a sensor.

Macro/Close-up

Shot on A7 IV

This lens has a minimum focus distance of 28cm, so this allows you to shoot pseudo macro images and the images are decent. The images in this case are ok. I wouldn’t say it’s a big bonus, but in case if you want to use it then you at-least have an option to shoot with.

Bokeh

Shot on A7 IV

Being an F/1.8 lens, at full frame it is equivalent at F/2.8 depth of field. The bokeh is nice to look at, it’s a mix of round and cat’s eyes depending on how light is falling on the subject. I felt the bokeh was better in the lowlight than in daylight in our testing time. But overall a decent performance in this regard.

CA Value

We ran it through Quick MTF and got a score of 0.90. That it fairly high – but in real world application, it is difficult to get that.

Flare and Ghosting

Shot on A7 IV

The flaring and ghosting performance of the lens was very impressive. Even in extreme lowlight and at a wide aperture, the lens displayed minimal flaring and ghosting. Yes occasionally there was a slight hint. But nothing of concern.

Conclusion

So what do we think about the Sigma 17-40mm F/1.8 Art lens? The predecessor to this lens was launched nearly a decade back. And it was time that Sigma offered a new replacement. And in most parts I think it delivers well. The focal length is now closer to a full frame 24-70 F/2.8 standard zoom lens. Yes, it is not all great – for instance the CA performance could be better and the lowlight has some room for improvement as well.
But what Sigma is able to deliver is a good daylight performance that it closer to a full frame 24-70 lens. And that I think for any APS-C shooter, this is a vital and worthy upgrade from a kit lens.
Priced at around ₹78,000 this definitely will feel like a full frame lens on your wallet as well. However, if you are looking forward to shooting professional level content on your APSC camera without upgrading to full frame bodies then this, we would say, is an easy choice.

Canon India Launches Nationwide Retailer Engagement Drive

Canon India has launched Retail Utsav, a partner outreach program targeting over 4,000 retailers across 45+ cities. The initiative began in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Kolkata, and will extend to other regions nationwide. The program is timed with the festive season and aims to engage retailers through product updates, interactive activities, and loyalty rewards.

Retail Utsav will highlight key Inkjet and Laser printer categories, ongoing schemes, and business opportunities. Activities include product quizzes, retail display programs, and gamified engagement formats, offering participants instant rewards and multiple incentive tiers.

The initiative is designed to connect with retailers across diverse regions and store formats, using a mix of knowledge sharing and interactive sessions. Cities in the program include Guwahati, Bhopal, Nashik, Surat, Cochin, Coimbatore, Udaipur, Chandigarh, and Agartala, among others.

According to C. Sukumaran, Senior Director, Products & Communication Centre, the program provides an opportunity to engage directly with retailers, share updates, gather insights, and prepare for the upcoming festive demand.

Through this initiative, Canon aims to strengthen its retail partnerships by combining engagement, information exchange, and rewards, ensuring wider participation ahead of the festive season.

August 2025

Asian Photography Magazine August 2025 Issue is out!

📸 Cover by: Arko Datta

In this issue, explore:

~ Credibility is the Core Quality of Photojournalism – Arko Datta
~ Iconic Photojournalism Moments that Changed History
~ The Role of Drones & Remote Cameras in Modern Photojournalism
~ Freelance Photojournalists and the Gig Economy: The Price of Independence

The Ever Evolving Lens of Truth

There no doubt that the world today has reached a saturation point, from AI or image manipulation, or visuals that can be misleading. But one profession that still stands the virtue of time is Photojournalism. Even today it continues to stand tall – not just as a form of storytelling, but as a vehicle for truth, emotion and impact. And in this issue, we pay homage to that
artform. In our Pro Profile section, we pay homage to the craft of one of India’s finest and most iconic names in the field – Arko Datta in an exclusive interview. His lens has captured moments that words could never fully express – raw, haunting and real.

From the grainy black-and-white frames of war zones to the high-definition aerial views captured by drones, photojournalism has evolved dramatically. The tools have changed, but the mission remains the same – to witness and share. Today, drone technology offers a bird’s-eye view of conflict zones, climate disasters and protests, adding new layers of context and storytelling.

Social media has also changed the game, allowing photojournalists to instantly share their work, build audiences and push boundaries beyond traditional publications. Yet, amid this evolution, the heart of photojournalism remains unchanged – its ability to stop time, ignite dialogue and challenge the status quo.

Arko Datta shares not just his journey, but also reflections on what makes an image unforgettable – composition, timing and above all, empathy.

For aspiring freelance photojournalists, the landscape is both promising and challenging. It’s no
longer enough to just take a great photo – you need to understand platforms, pitch effectively,
and often, brand yourself. Diversifying income through stock photography, digital publications,
grants, exhibitions and even workshops can open sustainable paths.

In this issue, we explore not just the legacy, but also the future of photojournalism. Through the
eyes of legends and the tools of tomorrow, we celebrate a profession that continues to risk,
reveal and remind us of the power of a single frame.

So, Until Next Time…
Happy Reading!!

Canon Celebrates 20th Anniversary of EOS 5 Series

Canon is marking the 20th anniversary of its EOS 5 interchangeable-lens digital camera series. Launched in 2005 with the EOS 5D, the 5 series has played a key role in making full-frame photography more accessible. In 2008, the EOS 5D Mark II brought full-HD video capability to DSLRs, sparking widespread use of video in still cameras.

Subsequent models like the EOS 5D Mark III (2012), EOS 5Ds/5Ds R (2015), and EOS 5D Mark IV (2016) focused on advancements in autofocus, resolution, and performance. In 2020, Canon introduced the EOS R5, the first mirrorless camera in the series with 8K video capability. Its successor, the EOS R5 Mark II (2024), has added AI-driven subject tracking and an advanced image processing system.

With eight models released over two decades, the EOS 5 series has been central to Canon’s imaging evolution and many photographer’s workflows. Canon says it will continue to innovate and support the creative community through ongoing development of the EOS 5 line.

IZI Spectra Drone Review – Made In India Competition to DJI?

Today is a special day, because we are reviewing our first drone. In the world of drones, one name dominates every conversation, and that is DJI. Unless you’re a professional or a regular drone user, chances are you haven’t heard of many alternatives or even considered them.
But that’s about to change. Today, we’re reviewing a drone that not only challenges DJI, but is also made right here in India. Meet the IZI Spectra, a premium drone developed by a startup in Madhya Pradesh, priced at ₹99,999.
Let’s see if this Made-in-India drone has what it takes to compete on a global stage.

What’s in the Box

Everything fits into a well-organized carry bag. The drone sits in a moulded compartment, the controller is tucked below, and the batteries slide into the sides. The various cables let you connect almost any phone, and the included screwdriver and extra propellers are nice touches.
The charging pad allows simultaneous battery charging, but it’s worth noting that the batteries are rated at 5,000mAh each and the charger outputs 2,140mA at 16V – so this might charge slowly. Also, it charges one battery fully – after the other. According to IZI, this gives a flight time of up to 51 minutes – though we’ll see if that holds up.

Features

  • A 20 MP 1-inch sensor with 90° field of view (~28mm focal length), stabilized by a 3-axis gimbal
  • Shoots in 4K at 30fps, and up to 60fps in 2.7K and 1080p
  • Supports H-Log colour profile for grading flexibility
  • JPEG-only photos — no RAW capture
  • Obstacle avoidance in front, rear, and downward directions
  • Wind Resistance Mode for stable flight
  • Bottom LED light — helps in low light but has limited range

Design & Build Quality

At 730g, it falls under the micro drone category – light enough for easy transport. The build quality is surprisingly solid. Made from high-quality plastic, the drone feels durable yet remains lightweight. The limbs fold in neatly, and everything fits snugly into the carry bag, which weighs just over 2kg when packed. One thing to note is the propeller configuration: A+B in front, B+A at the back. Setup is quick once you get used to it. I crashed the drone once so I also learnt this the hard way.

However, there’s one odd design decision: Micro-USB ports on both the drone and controller — in 2025, that feels outdated. Even Apple has moved to USB-C. You’ll need the provided cable to charge the remote or transfer files.

Controller & Ergonomics

The controller feels sturdy, though the three trigger buttons feel a bit plasticky. You get:

Still from our video
  • A wheel for gimbal pitch
  • A mode switch (Filmic/ Normal / Expert)
  • A Return-to-Home (RTH) button
  • Video/photo caption buttons

There’s also a customizable Function (fn) button, and the joysticks use Mode 2 by default (left = altitude, right = direction). You can change this if needed. The phone holder is built into the bottom and the joysticks are stored inside silicone pads – though they’re a bit tough to remove at first. Ergonomics aren’t perfect, and the controller tends to heat up with extended use.

Safety Features & Startup Experience

Safety is a big focus here – maybe too much:

  • Two disclaimers every time you open the app
  • A Bluetooth/Wi-Fi interference warning
  • Flight is restricted to 3 meters by default until unlocked using GPS and other flight
    modes
  • You get obstacle avoidance and wind resistance modes, but oddly, you can’t enable
    both at the same time.
  • If the drone disconnects, it can either hover or return to home — customizable in the
    settings.
  • Low battery triggers early RTH prompts, starting as high as 50%, which repeat every
    10%.

App & User Interface

The IZI app is clean and user-friendly. It displays:

  • Telemetry and flight data
  • Battery levels for the drone and remote
  • Real-time map location
  • Home & Custom RTH points
Screenshot of App UI

You can adjust units (metric/imperial), anti-flicker settings, gimbal pitch speed, FPV mode, and
more. But several settings only appear once the drone is airborne, making pre-flight prep a bit
frustrating. The Waypoint Mode allows you to pre-set paths on a map, with altitude and hover time.
There’s some video lag in the app preview — not ideal, but manageable.

Camera and Video Quality

Sample Image

The footage is decent for casual users. 4K video is clean, and the H-Log profile gives you
flexibility in post. But there’s no ProRes support for video, and JPEG-only photos are limiting for
editing.
Timelapse mode is a nice touch — it gives both a finished video and the individual JPEGs.
Unfortunately, Follow Mode didn’t work during our tests. It failed to track a subject properly in
both available options — hopefully a fix comes in future updates.

Flight Performance

Screengrab from drone footage

The Spectra performs well in good conditions:

  • Stable handling and responsive controls
  • Auto take-off and landing are reliable
  • Customizable RTH height works well

However:

  • We experienced overheating issues when hovering too long, which once even disabled video capture
  • Feed cut-outs happened a couple of times mid-flight
  • Altitude was initially restricted to 3m, but we unlocked up to 150m (~500ft) after setup (flying in an area with adequate GPS coverage) it performed well.

Battery & Charging

IZI claims 51 minutes of flight time, but we consistently got around 40 minutes per battery —
still impressive, but not as advertised.
Each battery takes about 1 hour 15 minutes to charge. The controller also needs 1 hour after a
complete session. The included charger is bulky and really should be replaced with USB-C going
forward.

Who Is This For?

The IZI Spectra is ideal for casual users or beginners — people who want something light, portable, and easy to use, with enough features to film vacations or small creative projects. But if you’re a professional filmmaker, or need RAW photo capture or pro-level video codecs, this drone won’t cut it. For the price, you might want to explore IZI’s more affordable models with 4K capability, or even a good second-hand DJI.

BTS, flying the Spectra

Verdict

So, what’s our verdict on the IZI Spectra? It’s a solid first effort. We like the portability, decent camera, and user-friendly safety features. The H-Log profile gives casual users some room to experiment, and flight performance in ideal conditions is commendable.
But it’s not without flaws – overheating, limited codec support and controller quirks hold it back from truly competing at the top. And at ₹99,999, it’s not a budget product. Still, this is a great first-gen effort from IZI. If they fix these bugs and improve professional features, the Spectra 2 could be a serious contender in the global market.

For now, the IZI Spectra is a promising drone — and a proud moment for Indian drone tech.

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

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

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

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.