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Nikon D3500 vs Nikon D3400 Review

Nikon D3500 vs D3400 Review




Many of you have been asking us to review the Nikon D3400 against the new D3500 since a while. And if you already have bought the older generation cameras like the D3100, 3300 or the 3400, then this is a question that must be on top of your head. But you aren’t alone, there are many like you and this article is focused specially on people like you. 


If you aren’t much of a reader and would like to see a video instead then you can log onto our YouTube Channel and see a complete comparison.


Similar Features:


So while there is much to deliberate when it comes to the new D3500. It has literally taken Nikon two whole years to launch the new update. And that is fair since the new product cycle in the photography industry is approximately that. But what is important to note is that there are many similarities between the two cameras.



  • Same size sensor: Both the cameras feature the same size sensor, which is 24.2 megapixel and are powered by the Expeed 4 processor. Unfortunately the new D3500 still doesn’t support in-body image stabilization. But while the specs of the sensors are the same, according to Nikon the sensor on the D3500 has been tweaked slightly as compared to the 3400 in order to give better performance. So whether this has an effect on its performance and the output is something that we will check later. 


  • ISO capability and FPS: They both have an ISO range of 100-25,600 and shoot at 5 fps. They also feature the same 11-point focus system that has been around in the D3400 since years. At the back it has the 3-inch LCD screen with features 921k resolution. 


So largely the D3500 features the specs as the D3400. The D3500 comes at Rs. 34,500 approximately with the 18-55mm lens. On the other hand the D3400 has been discontinued by Nikon and might be difficult to find in the Nikon authorised stores. But on aggregator platforms like Amazon and Flipkart one can easily find a deal for the camera at approximately Rs. 30,000 (which might include a dual lens kit). 


So what are the Key Differences?


The first thing you notice is that the D3500 it is lighter a slightly compact than the D3400 (it is 30 grams lighter than the 3400). Next, all the buttons have moved to the right making it easy to operate. And since these buttons have moved to the right and the body is more compact, the screen seems a lot bigger.


The camera also features a deeper grip as compared to the D3400. But this deeper grip also means that your fingers might get stuck in the 3500, especially for someone which has bigger hands. The plus point however is that it offers a much more handy grip even when you attach and use more heavier lenses.


One of the key improvements in the 3500 is the increased battery life. The battery life has been improved by over 30% in the 3500 as compared to the 3400. As per the CIPA ratings a single charge can now give 1550 shots as opposed to the 1200 pics that the 3400 could give using the same battery.



What’s missing?


But where they have improved all of these things I felt that they should’ve also worked on some of the things to improve from the D3400.


For instance:


  • No external microphone input: The camera still doesn’t come with an external microphone input. Now this was not there in the D3400 also, but in today’s day and age with users migrating towards using the cameras as video recording devices, I think this is a must have.


  • Less customisable buttons: The D3500 unfortunately has less customisable buttons as compared to the D3400. In the previous camera, there was a Fn button on the front-left side of the body. But this has been removed in the D3500 in order to give the front a cleaner look. While that might be great, a quick customisable button usually proves very useful for consumers who want to toggle and change settings quickly. 


  • No swivel screen: And as the other cameras in this category, the 3500 doesn’t have a swivel screen. Now this is something that you can still live with. But not have a touch screen at the back is not great. With more and more users looking to upgrade from their smart devices to the entry-level segment, a touch screen is an important feature to have. 


Performance:


With both the cameras featuring the similar specs one might think that the performance of the cameras might be the same. But there certain changes in the performance that are noticeable. 


Daylight Pic:



In terms of the performance of the cameras in daylight conditions, there’s hardly any difference in the pictures between the 2 cameras. The image of the flower that we have shot here is well saturated, sharp and also reproduces the colours accurately. Although the image from the D3500 seems slightly brighter and better exposed. But the difference between the two cameras is marginal.



As for the picture of the props and toys, the colour is also poppy, well-rounded and overall nearly similar. But in this case as well the sharpness and details in the D3500 is slightly higher than the D3400.


Daylight portrait:



It is nearly the same with the portraits as well during the day. All the images shot with both the cameras are shot on the exact same settings. And again the pictures are good. But the overall images in the 3500 seemed slightly more saturated as compared to the 3400. The image also has a slightly warmer cast than the 3400.


Low-light pictures:



In terms of the low-light images, whether portrait or otherwise we can see slight changes in the images. For instance the biggest one is the use of the older lens on the 3400, you can see a lot of lens flaring in the images from the 3400 as compared to the images from the 3500.



But as for the images again there wasn’t much to choose from. The images are nearly identical and one can hardly tell the difference.


Video Performance:


The video performance for the cameras was what differentiated things for me. While both cameras seemed to have a slight focus tracking problem, the 3500 was a lot better than the 3400. And while you don’t have a swivel screen making it easy for your to use it as a vlogging camera, there is enough there to make the cut in this department. 


Conclusion:


So what is the overall answer then? Should you go for the D3500 if you are a new user or if you have an older camera like the D3100, 3300 or 3400? Well this is a mixed bag for me honestly. If you are in the market to buy a new camera then yes surely you should buy the D3500. 


But if you are using an older camera like the 3300 or the 3100 then there are a lot of formidable upgrades that make the D3500 interesting enough for you. And if you already using the D3400 and are thinking of upgrading then this is a question best answered by you. If you see the specs then the specs are same, but there are small tweaks that have made the performance of the D3500 slightly better. So if you have the extra money and can afford that upgrade then you could go with the D3500.


But for the new users I would also suggest that you look at some of the other mirrorless options in the market around the same price range since that is where the future is heading according to us.


Text: Bhavya Desai


Best Mirrorless Cameras under Rs.50,000

It is very clear that Mirrorless Cameras are the thing of the future. All manjor manufacturers have not taken the plunge in this technology and this has eliminated the need of heavy camera bodies and lenses to some extent. They are priced almost in similar price brackets as the DSLRs and also the image quality is a good competition with the DSLRs. This month we asked the manufacturers to send us their Best Entry-Level Mirrorless Cameras so we could put them to a head-to-head test in this year’s shootout. The price parameter for the cameras was set between Rs. 45,000 to Rs. 55,000 


In this video we test the best cameras you can buy under Rs.50,000 ($700). The contenders in this line up are the Canon M5, Canon M50, Fujifilm XT100 and the Panasonic G85. We put them to test and see which one should you buy?





adidas and Real Kashmir FC showcase Jammu & Kashmir

adidas in partnership with Real Kashmir FC organised a unique photo exhibition in Bengaluru titled ‘The Real Kashmir’ to reveal the real side of Jammu & Kashmir. The photo exhibit celebrated the beauty of the state through the lens of football. 

The photo exhibit is a celebration of the wave of positive change brought about by Football in Jammu & Kashmir. The pictures captured not only show the magnificence of the valley but also portray how young kids in Jammu & Kashmir are taking to football on the streets and following their passion for the game.

The pictures have been shot through the lens of Prashant Godbole. His proficiency reveals an untold story which is bound to catch the eye of the public at large, thereby showcasing the unseen and fascinating side of Jammu & Kashmir.

The exhibition witnessed a display of pictures bringing to life the “real” Kashmir. From youngsters honing their football skills in the streets of Downtown, Srinagar to the youth academy prospects of Real Kashmir FC taking a leap of faith with the beautiful game on the snow-capped peaks of Gulmarg – the pictures reinforce the wave of positivity that football has brought to Jammu & Kashmir. The photo was held from January 24th to 27th at Rangoli Metro Art Centre, Bengaluru. 


Fujifilm launches GFX 50R Medium Format Mirrorless Camera along with new XF lens

  • GFX 50R features a large 51.4MP image sensor in a compact and lightweight body reminiscent of renowned medium format film cameras widely used in street and documentary photography

  • First in the GFX system to feature Bluetooth compatibility, with a rangefinder-style design


Fujifilm announced the launch of its rangefinder-style GFX 50R medium format mirrorless camera which features the FUJIFILM G Format (medium format, 43.8×32.9mm) image sensor, which is approx. 1.7 times the size of a full frame 35mm image sensor which is in use commonly.

The GFX 50R continues the compact, lightweight and superior image quality characteristics of Fujifilm’s GFX medium format mirrorless digital camera system, while weighing approx. 145g less and 25mm thinner than the FUJIFILM GFX 50S (GFX 50S). The GFX 50S had attracted high praise from professional photographers since its launch in January 2017. Yet, many field photographers who specialize in weddings, portraits and street photography have sought after an even more compact and lightweight camera, along the line of Fujifilm’s traditional medium format film cameras. With this in mind, FUJIFILM added the new “GFX 50R” to the lineup which is also the world’s smallest and most affordable medium format mirrorless camera. GFX 50R is also the first camera in the GFX system to feature Bluetooth compatibility. In India, the camera is available at a price of Rs 369,999 (Body Only).

Along with this, Fujifilm also added two new XF lenses namely XF 8-16mm f/2.8 R LM WR Lens and XF 200mm f/2 OIS WR Lens to the lens lineup for its X Series range of Mirrorless cameras. The XF 8-16mm f/2.8 R LM WR is a 12-24mm-equivalent lens featuring a constant f/2.8 maximum aperture for consistent performance throughout the zoom range. The XF 8-16mm f/2.8 R LM WR is available at Rs 159,999/-.

The XF 200mm f/2 OIS WR Lens, on the other hand, is the first super-fast telephoto lens in the XF lens lineup, offering a fast maximum f-stop of 2.0 and a focal length equivalent to 305mm in 35mm film format. Taking advantage of technologies synonymous with FUJINON lenses, this new telephoto lens boasts exceptional image clarity with the ability to produce beautiful bokeh, making it the perfect choice for shooting sports and wildlife. It is available at a price of Rs 479,999/-.

OnePlus 6T Review




In the last few years, OnePlus has really cemented its place in the minds of the consumer as a brand that offers the best specs at a very affordable price. But for many, the brand has become a beacon of innovation and the boundaries that they are constantly challenging. Whether it is their dash charger, or now the fingerprint sensor under the screen, they have truly been innovating in the smartphone industry. And with the OnePlus 6T they haven’t disappointed.


Every year the T version of the phone comes out, which is an upgrade in terms of the specs, but this year there is a serious upgradation to the phone which is beyond just a specs bump. The phone is available in the 3 variants as usual – 6GB RAM + 128GB storage – Rs 37,999 , 8GB RAM + 128GB storage – Rs 40,999 and

8GB RAM + 256GB storage – Rs 44,999. There is no 64GB version this time.


So what really are the changes that the 6T has introduced as compared to the 6?


Water drop notch


The first is the water-drop notch as they call it. The notch now is less intrusive and also gives you a very immersive experience to your phone. But with the new design the front side of the camera has seen a redesign in many ways. For instance, the camera is the only part that is featured here and the speaker has moved further up on the bezel. The design though is nice and it gives a much better experience when you are surfing the Internet and also watching videos compared to the OnePlus 6.


The phone is bigger


The 6T is now slightly bigger in terms of size as compared to the 6 and features a 6.41-inch screen. The bottom bezels have been pushed back a little in order to make the screen much bigger. But this also means that the phone has become more heavier and slightly bulkier than the 6.


But the change can’t just be attributed to some of these cosmetic changes. There is a lot that has changed under the hood as well. Like the phone now features a bigger battery with a 3700 mAh capacity as compared to the 3300mAh in the OnePlus 6. Which is great since the 6 already had a good battery life and now it has gotten much better with the 6T. And the Dash fast charging indeed makes life a bit easier.


No headphone jack


With the battery being bigger and more powerful, the headphone jack has been completely ditched this time. This isn’t much of a surprise to me honestly since the company moved to the wireless bullet headphones last year, it was evident that at some point of time this was going to happen. And this means that now you get an apple like USB-C connector for your headphones in the box.


And Oneplus has said that it was because of the bigger battery that they couldn’t have the headphone jack in the phone.


Finger print sensor


Now that the headphone jack is out of the way,the 6T also becomes the first OnePlus to use the fingerprint sensor under its screen. This means that the sensor from the back is gone and this makes the design look really beautiful and clean as compared to the 6. Personally I am not a big fan of the fingerprint reader on the back. Its just makes the design look very congested.


The finger print sensor has 3 new animations when you try and unlock the phone and I really wish these would’ve been better. In terms of performance, the fingerprint sensor works all right. It’s definitely not as fast as the one on the back of the 6. But as a first attempt, it is pretty good. And more importantly, it is innovating and gives something new to the user. You can still unlock the phone using the Face Unlock feature which continues to run pretty fast.


Camera Performance


There is no difference between the cameras of the 6 and the 6T. They feature the exact same cameras on the back, which are the 16-megapixel and 20-megapixel f/1.7 cameras. Usually the cameras in every smartphone works with a combination of hardware and software and in the 6T the performance of the camera is enhanced with software advancement.


A new feature called “Nightscape”, is part of the camera app now and that makes the pictures less blurry in low-light which works in combination with software. And if you are a OnePlus 6 user then fear not, this feature will be available as part of a free software upgrade for you as well.


In terms of the performance this feature didn’t make much of a difference to the pictures that we shot. Yes, the images very slightly less blurry but the fact that you have to hold the phone still for a very long time for the images to get captured, isn’t really the best experience. In the images that we have shot we have clicked the images with and without the software update. We have a OnePlus 6 which we have updated to the new release and it doesn’t have a night mode. And you can tell the slight difference in the images.


The camera also comes with the studio lighting and OnePlus says that in the 6t, it has made an effort to make the images much more true to life and neutral in nature. There is also a studio lighting feature now which is supposed to give a more even light to the images that you click, especially in the selfie mode.


It’s fast, really fast


One of the best things that I like about the OnePlus phones is that it gives you a near stock android performance. And the 6t is also the same. It’s powered with the Andriod Pie version and as usual it performs super fast. I also like the new navigation gestures in the phone and also the new about screen menu, which is a refreshing change since it gives all the info in a much more organised manner.


The performance of the phone is really quick and is very seamless with the new update. You can toggle between apps super fast and also move around a lot.


Conclusion


So what are my overall thoughts about the phone? In simple words, it truly is amazing. It’s fast, innovative, and gives you a great performance. It has taken all the good things it did with the 6 and has added substantial upgrades to the phone. Yes there is no headphone jack, but I think you should be used to it by now because all the smartphones might move in the similar direction in future. And the best part is that the company has stuck to their smart pricing principles and has placed 6t in a very accessible place , by just increasing the price slightly.


So if you are a OnePlus 6 user and have that extra cash to spare then it might as well be an upgrade, that is worth it. But if you are a new user and are looking to buy an android phone then the OnePlus 6 is definitely the phone for you.



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Monitor Review – BenQ SW 240

Introduction

The latest BenQ monitor, the SW 240 is aimed at photographers and graphics professionals, wanting a wider gamut hardware calibrated display. The need for better viewing needs and competitive pricing makes this monitor a really interesting deal. We test the monitor with some standard parameters and see if it is really worth the price.



Look, Body and Feel


At 24.1-inches, the SW 240 is a good size option for those looking for something much larger than a standard laptop screen, but perhaps don’t have a huge amount of desk space to work with. It is a slim and stylish monitor, looking smart on a desktop. Setting up the monitor is very simple. Instructions come in the box on how you can attach the stand to the back of the monitor, but you don’t require any specialist tools, everything is very straightforward. The base of the monitor has an attachment for the vertical column to be fixed to it. The monitor can then be attached to the vertical post with a snap lock. There is a press button near the monitor mount which can be pressed to release the monitor from the vertical stand. The vertical stand also allows the monitor to be rotated to 180 degrees to get a vertical view.

The BenQ SW 240 allows the attachment of a hood which would sheild the light coming in from behind and the sides giving the user an easy and smooth editing experience.


The BenQ SW 240 comes with additional supplied cables which can be use d to connect the monitor to an existing system. However the monitor features a DVI port which is pretty much standard these days. It also features a thunderbolt port and a an HDMI out to directly connect it to an Apple computer or direct HDMI output from any source. There is also a built-in speaker for sound and card slot along with USB input ports.


The physical dimensions of the monitor are very manageable as the monitor has almost no bezels on the sides excluding the bottom which has a bezel and houses the buttons for input and adjustments. The buttons allow scrolling through the menu which features various color modes and an exclusive Black and White mode for editing in B&W. There is a dedicated button for switching the colour modes which is welcome as you do not have to go through the menu for changing the colour schemes.


The monitor allows colour calibration and it also automatically adjusts the colour according to the input source. This is quite useful for those who do not want to spend their time calibrating the monitor according to their systems and preferences. Overall the look and feel of the monitor is quite premium and its features give it a good edge from those very expensive made for the purpose displays.



Testing Parameters and Performance


To test this monitor for its colour accuracy (our main criteria) we decided to connect it to an existing computer and colour correct the same image using two different monitors to see the actual change in colour and the results after the correction. The selected images are plain JPEG files straight out of a Canon EOS 6D Mark II without any retouching.


The images after correction seemed to look different than the original. The one corrected on a regular TFT monitor screen looks dull when printed or viewed on a better screen. The images corrected on the BenQ SW 240 looked better and had more room for adjustments which points out at the display having the colour range to display even the slightest differences. The images when compared side by side using the BenQ monitor showed their apparent differences and made it pretty easy for us to decide. A dedicated photo-video editing monitor sure takes your colour game a notch higher.

Original Image


Standard TFT Monitor


BenQ SW 240


Conclusion


The BenQ SW 240 is a monitor aimed at the pros especially who are not looking to spend a fortune on a dedicated photo/video editing monitor but do realise the necessity of a good display for correcting their images. The main issue with the final output of the image (often in prints) is the change or shift in colours due to different sources and poor colour reproduction from their display devices which only include the monitor. The incorrect colours are seen when the pictures are printed from a high accuracy photo printer, making it lose its original charm. Hence photo dedicated monitors are a real necessity among the design and the editing fraternity.


The BenQ SW 240 has been priced at Rs 39,000 , but is still half or lesser than the price of some dedicated monitors. Sure there would be some differences like a 4K resolution, wider colours etc setting them apart but the overall results and the ease of use along with a approachable price tag makes it an excellent buy for the enthusiasts and pros alike. Not only designers and editors, but multimedia consumers and games also can enjoy the high quality output from the display. The absence of 4K resolution is a bit disappointing, owing to the fact that most videos, games and pictures are shot in very high resolutions and could have used a better crisper screen resolution to make things even better. However we must realise that this is a budget monitor and having a 4K enabled monitor would also increase its price by a few folds.


If you are an enthusiast, a designer or an multimedia editor who appreciates the need of good and true colours in your workflow, could definitely look at the BenQ SW 240 which is a good buy for the price.


Nikon Introduces Two Full-Frame Mirrorless Cameras: the Nikon Z 7 and Nikon Z 6

Nikon Inc. announced the release of the full-frame (Nikon FX–format) Nikon Z 7 and Nikon Z 6 mirrorless cameras, as well as NIKKOR Z lenses, featuring a new, larger-diameter mount to enable the next generation of ultimate optical performance.

The new Nikon Z mount system is comprised of mirrorless cameras and compatible NIKKOR Z lenses. The Z mount system will offer a variety of high-performance lenses, including the fastest lens in Nikon history, with f/0.95. Additionally, the new mount adapter will enable compatibility with NIKKOR F mount lenses

The Z 7 and Z 6 are equipped with a new Nikon FX-format BSI-CMOS sensor with built-in focal-plane phase-detection AF pixels, and the latest image-processing engine, EXPEED 6.The high-resolution Z 7 has 45.7 effective megapixels, and supports a standard sensitivity range of ISO 64–25600. The versatile Z 6 is an all-purpose FX-format camera with 24.5 effective megapixels, and supports the wide sensitivity range of ISO 100–51200. With superior performance at high ISO sensitivities and full-frame 4K UHD video capture with full pixel readout, the Z 6 responds to a variety of needs, such as shooting in dimly lit environments and high-quality movie recording.

The electronic viewfinder adopted for the Z 7 and Z 6 is comfortable and easy to use, comparable to optical viewfinders. Both cameras are equipped with an electronic viewfinder for which an approximately 3690k-dot OLED panel has been adopted. The electronic viewfinder has frame coverage and magnification of approximately 100% and 0.8×, respectively, as well as an approximately 37.0° diagonal viewing angle.

The bodies are compact, while boasting a firm grip that is easy to hold, and the sub-selector and buttons such as AF-ON, ISO, and exposure compensation are all placed so that they can be operated swiftly and easily. Additionally, a display panel has been placed on the top plate of the camera, where information about settings can be displayed, similar to high-end digital SLR camera models.

The Z 7 and Z 6 support recording of not only full-frame 4K UHD (3840 × 2160)/30p movies using the FX-based video format, but also Full-HD/120p movies. Sharper 4K UHD movies are made possible, using the full-pixel readout.

The Z 7 and Z 6 are equipped with in-camera vibration reduction (VR). The VR unit provides compensation for movement along five axes. The effects of vibration reduction are equivalent to a shutter speed up to approximately 5.0 stops6. This function can also be used effectively with NIKKOR F lenses, including those not equipped with a VR function, with the Mount Adapter FTZ (sold separately).

The Nikon Z 7 will be available September 27 for a suggested retail price (SRP) of $3399.95* for the body-only configuration, or for $3999.95* SRP as a kit with the new NIKKOR Z 24-70 f/4 S lens. The Nikon Z 6 will be available in late November for the $1995.95* SRP for the body only configuration, or for the $2,599.95* SRP with the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S lens kit.

Asian Photography get ranked as ’20 Most Promising Websites for 2018′

Asian Photography Magazine has been featured in Silicon India as one of the “20 Most Promising Online Magazine Websites -2018” alongside magazines like The Week, The Verve, Vogue India and more! Read the article here:  

 

Asian Photography: Enabling Readers to Savor Magnificent Photographs Anywhere, Anytime

With the increase in mobile-internet penetration in the country, most users now demand having content available at their finger-tips. This has lead for a number of leading magazine brands to make immense efforts to make their magazine accessible to readers on the Internet. With the core focus on UX/UI being paramount for content on the websites, most magazines now are leveraging cutting-edge technologies and engaging their creative teams to offer a hassle-free experience for viewers on their websites. Foreseeing this phenomenon in 2009 itself helped Asian Photography to emerge as one of the first in the publishing industry to invest into developing its own e-version software. Running ahead of others by constantly updating the e-version software, the magazine currently offers the best user experience, where in readers can access the e-version on various digital platforms (desktop, tablets or smart devices), including its own app.


Offering the Only Platform

This oldest and topnotch photography magazine is the flagship product of SAP Media Worldwide Ltd., a 35-year-old publishing house, which acknowledges that it has the distinct responsibility to ensure that accurate and timely content is delivered to the readers. This pioneer not only caters to readers and photo-enthusiasts (with photography as a serious hobby) but also has instated unique one-of-the-kind content properties like the Asian Photography Awards and the Most Influential People in Photography list. What makes this process unique is its unbiased winner selection process. It is by far the most coveted trophy in this industry and also aired on television. In fact, Asian Photography was also the first company to take the photographic industry on television as part of broadening the industry and the trade.


” This is the stage where world-renowned professional photographers present their images as art on different genres under one banner and a common theme”


Bhavya Desai, Editor and Group Head, Asian Photography and SAP MEDIA WORLDIWDE LTD feels, “that innovation is at the core of the thought process of the company and it is this endeavor that allows Asian Photography to continuously push the boundaries.” For instance the company has recently launched a new project- India’s first business and photography coffee table book scheduled to release in 2019. The one-of-its-kind coffee table book is envisioned as a single point source of all information about the industry. The company has already published several books in other industry segments that it operates in which have been appreciated immensely.


But Desai feels that the need of the hour for the photography industry is to increase its penetration and also promote it as an artform. And in order to achieve this objective Asian Photography organizes a non-profit art exhibition and contest called ‘Artistique’. “This is the stage where world-renowned professional photographers present their images as art on different genres under one banner and a common theme. Today, Artistique is in its fifth edition and that is what has made the magazine unique amongst others,” he adds.


In order to increase its digital reach Asian Photography has recently forayed into digital content on its YouTube channel apart from focusing on offering news, views and reviews. The magazine ideally includes getting information of the best in the business and reviewing their creation. Currently, Asian Photography has two million followers on social media which helps it to reach even more readers. Along with the print edition, Asian Photography’s online platform works independently in terms of content in order to deliver the same.


Creating the Circle of Influence

Perceiving online platform as an opportunity, rather than a challenge, Asian Photography has always been successful in creating a circle of influence to engage the viewers with the good content. “We try to create an environment that is important to set the same thought process and energy which is inculcated in the company and that in turn flows in the team,” explains Bhavya.