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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 That feels a bit outdated in 2025 and means carrying an extra cable if you plan to output video.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.

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.

Winning image by Kukkala Suresh

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.”

Lexar Unveils Professional 1800x SDXC UHS-II Card GOLD Series in India

Lexar has recently introduced the Lexar Professional 1800x SDHC/SDXC UHS-II Card GOLD Series to the Indian market, catering to the needs of photographers, videographers, and digital content creators. With a UHS Speed Class rating of 3 (U3) and a V rating of 60, ensuring a minimum speed of 60 MB/s, the Professional 1800x SDHC/SDXC UHS-II Card GOLD Series is ideally suited for capturing 4K quality videos and high-resolution images with exceptional clarity. 
The Lexar 1800x card’s rugged design offers protection against data corruption caused by heat or water exposure. Its durability makes it waterproof and capable of withstanding extreme temperatures, enabling reliable performance in challenging conditions such as underwater or in harsh environments like mountains and volcanoes. Additionally, the card’s X-ray resistance ensures it remains undamaged when passing through security machines during travel.
The Lexar Professional 1800x SDXC UHS-II Card GOLD Series boasts impressive specifications, including a rapid read speed of up to 280 MB/s. Its write speed varies based on capacity, reaching up to 210 MB/s for the 64-128GB versions and up to 205 MB/s for the 256-512GB models. With storage capacities spanning 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB, this card provides ample space for content creators. Its UHS-II interface ensures optimal performance for data transfer and handling.
The Lexar Professional 1800x SDXC UHS-II Card GOLD Series provides ample storage options ranging from 64GB to 512GB. This generous capacity empowers users to seamlessly capture lengthy hours of both 4K UHD and FHD videos, maintaining high frame rates for an immersive visual experience. Additionally, Lexar asserts that the cards maintain backward compatibility with UHS-I devices, delivering optimal performance within UHS-I speed thresholds.
The Lexar Professional 1800x SDXC UHS-II Card GOLD Series is readily available at prominent retailers and online stores across India. Prices start at ₹3,500 for the 64GB variant, ₹5,900 for the 128GB variant, ₹11,000 for the 256GB variant, and ₹24,000 for the 512GB variant.

Sony Unveils ZV-E1 Vlogging Camera with Full-Frame Sensor

Sony has recently announced the launch of its latest offering, the ZV-E1 vlogging camera. Aimed at catering specifically to vloggers and content creators, the ZV-E1 is equipped with a 35mm full-frame image sensor, promising an enhanced content creation experience. Positioned as a key addition to Sony’s Vlog camera line-up, the ZV-E1 boasts a compact and lightweight design, offering improved mobility for creators on the go. The camera features advanced technology and cinematic imagery, promising rich gradation and high sensitivity for superior visual quality.

Sony ZV-E1 comes with a 35mm full-frame back-illuminated CMOS Exmor R sensor with approximately 12.1 effective megapixels. This setup allows for bokeh effects, low noise, and high sensitivity. The BIONZ XR image processing engine further enhances performance, delivering improved gradation rendering, colour reproduction, and low-noise capabilities. The camera is capable of handling 4K (QFHD: 3840 x 2160) footage at 120p with real-time data processing, ensuring outstanding video quality. Sony’s focus on providing users with features like Cinematic Vlog Setting to create scenes with a feature film-like appearance on the ZV-E1. Additionally, the camera offers Creative Looks, presets, and My Image Style for personalized shooting styles.

The ZV-E1 incorporates AI-powered features such as Real-time Recognition AF and Real-time Tracking, allowing for precise autofocus and reliable subject tracking, even with fast-moving subjects. The camera’s 5.0-step stabilisation and Dynamic Active Mode offer smooth and stable footage, ideal for dynamic vlogging on the move.

The ZV-E1 features a 3-capsule microphone with variable directivity. The camera supports advanced video recording modes, including 10-bit 4:2:2 video and XAVC HS format recording with the MPEG-H HEVC/H.265 codec for improved efficiency. In terms of sustainability, Sony has made efforts to reduce environmental impact with eco-friendly materials used in the windscreen and outer packaging.

The ZV-E1 is set to hit the market on August 3, 2023, with prices starting at ₹2,14,990 for the body-only option and ₹2,43,990 with the 28-60mm zoom lens. With its feature-rich offering and focus on content creation, the ZV-E1 is poised to attract vloggers and content creators seeking an enhanced shooting experience.

Karthik, Tiruchirappalli

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Hi, I’m Karthik doing software business and Nature Photographer since 2010. I’m a serious reader of Smart Photography & Better Photography from the past 2 years. Recently when I was a trip, I had a chance to get Asian Photography book. Seriously I have no confidence to buy the book. But after some time i spent with the magazine, i realized it was a best ever magazine i ever read. It has a most needed technical basics of Photography and its all even necessary to me like pro photographers. I really appreciate the efforts of Asian Photography and I definitely continue with the magazine. Thank you guys!

Triumph Launches New Speed 400 and Scrambler 400 X Motorcycles in India

Triumph Motorcycles has recently announced the launch of its latest models, the Triumph Speed 400 and Scrambler 400 X, in India. The bikes were unveiled globally in London last week and will now be available in Triumph’s exclusive showrooms across India. The Speed 400 will be priced at Rs. 2,33,000 (ex-showroom Delhi), with a special inaugural price of Rs. 2,23,000 for the first 10,000 customers. The Scrambler 400 X will be available in showrooms by October, and its price will be announced closer to its sales start.
Both the Speed 400 and Scrambler 400 X were conceived and designed in Hinckley, UK, and will be manufactured by Bajaj Auto Ltd. at its new Chakan plant. Triumph plans to establish over 100 dealerships across 80 cities in India within the fiscal year.
The Speed 400 and Scrambler 400 X feature an all-new engine with a six-speed gearbox, delivering 40 PS peak power and 37.5 Nm peak torque. They also come equipped with advanced features such as 43mm upside forks, traction control, ride-by-wire throttle, torque-assist clutch, and factory-fitted security. The bikes offer a service interval of 16,000 km and come with a two-year unlimited mileage warranty, with an option to extend the warranty for another three years.
Triumph is offering more than 25 genuine accessories for the Speed 400 and Scrambler 400 X, allowing owners to personalize their bikes according to their preferences.
Interested customers can book the new Triumph models online at triumphmotorcyclesindia.com/booking by paying a refundable token advance of Rs. 2000. Triumph will also keep customers in cities without open dealerships informed about availability.
With the launch of the Speed 400 and Scrambler 400 X, Triumph aims to provide riders of all ages and experience levels with a fun, agile, and confidence-inspiring ride. These models inherit Triumph’s iconic design DNA while incorporating modern technology and engineering advancements.
Triumph Motorcycles, based in Hinckley, Leicestershire, has been producing motorcycles for over 120 years. It is the largest British motorcycle manufacturer and has a global presence with dealerships and subsidiary operations in various countries. Triumph is also involved in racing, supplying engines for the FIM Moto2 World Championship and competing in other prestigious racing events.
With its latest offerings, Triumph is set to capture the Indian market and offer enthusiasts a thrilling riding experience coupled with the brand’s signature style and performance.