Author Archives: Anirudh Iyer

Apple Intelligence Features Available in India

Apple has introduced Apple Intelligence, a personal AI system designed to enhance productivity while prioritizing privacy. Available in multiple languages, including localized English for Singapore and India, it is integrated into iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4, and macOS Sequoia 15.4.

Key Features

Writing Tools: Users can rewrite, proofread, and summarize text in Mail, Messages, Notes, and third-party apps. They can refine tone, improve grammar, and generate summaries in various formats.
Photo Enhancements: The Clean Up tool removes unwanted objects from images. Memories lets users create movies by simply describing a theme, while Natural Language Search enables easy content retrieval in Photos.
Image Playground & Genmoji: Users can design images with themes, costumes, and accessories in distinct styles (Animation, Illustration, Sketch). Genmoji allows custom emoji creation based on descriptions or personal photos.

Enhanced Siri & ChatGPT Integration: Siri is more conversational and can maintain context. ChatGPT is integrated into Siri and Writing Tools, allowing users to generate content or seek expertise without switching apps. Users retain full control over when and how ChatGPT is used.
Visual Intelligence: Helps identify plants, animals, and landmarks, translate text, and create calendar events from images. Users can also use ChatGPT to explain complex diagrams.
Smarter Notes & Calls: Users can transcribe and summarize recordings from the Phone and Notes apps.
Priority Messages & Notifications: Important emails are highlighted in Mail, and smart summaries help users quickly scan messages. The Reduce Interruptions focus mode filters only urgent notifications.

Privacy & Security

Apple Intelligence prioritizes on-device processing, ensuring most AI tasks run locally. For complex requests, Private Cloud Compute leverages Apple’s silicon-powered servers while maintaining user privacy. Independent experts can inspect server-side code to verify security.

Apple Intelligence represents a major step forward in AI-driven productivity, while upholding Apple’s commitment to privacy.

Canon India Announces RF 20mm F/1.4 L VCM

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Canon has also expanded its RF Hybrid Primes line up with the RF 20 mm f/1.4 L VCM lens. Joining the 24 mm, 35 mm, and 50 mm f/1.4 lenses, this ultra-wide-angle lens offers smooth autofocus, minimal focus breathing, and a physical iris ring for video shooters. Weighing 519g, it has a 67 mm filter thread, a rear filter holder, and is dust-resistant.

Designed for both stills and video, the lens features built-in focus breathing reduction for stable compositions, smooth subject tracking, and silent operation. Its high-thrust VCM ensures precise, rapid autofocus, while a clickless iris ring allows seamless aperture adjustments during filming. The lens shares consistent size, weight, and controls with Canon’s other f/1.4L VCM primes, reducing the need for rebalancing when swapping lenses.

Optically, the RF 20mm F1.4L VCM introduces BR optics to minimize chromatic aberration, along with aspherical elements that correct distortions like sagittal coma flare—perfect for astrophotography. ASC and SWC coatings reduce flare and ghosting, ensuring crisp, high-resolution images even in challenging lighting. With its outstanding image quality and future-proof design for 8K imaging, this lens is a must-have for professionals seeking both precision and versatility.

The Canon RF 20mm F/1.4 L VCM is priced at ₹1,58,995.

Canon India launches EOS R50V Camera with RF-S 14-30mm F4-6.3 IS STM PZ Lens

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Canon has unveiled the EOS R50 V and RF-S 14-30mm F4-6.3 IS STM PZ, designed for next-gen content creators. The EOS R50 V, a video-centric camera without a viewfinder, featuring a design optimized for vertical shooting, enhanced ergonomics, and a dedicated button layout for seamless video creation. It supports Canon Log 3, oversampled 4K 30p, cropped 4K 60p, and Full HD 120p recording.

With features like Cinema View, Slow & Fast Motion mode, and professional tools like false colors and zebras, creators can achieve cinematic results. Dual Pixel CMOS AF II, Register People Priority, and Movie Digital IS enhance autofocus and stabilization. The camera also supports XF-HEVC S / XF-AVC S formats, Custom Pictures, LUTs, and 3-mic noise reduction for professional workflows.

For livestreaming, the EOS R50 V offers multiple connection methods, including USB-C and HDMI, with cropped 4K 60p streaming. The Smooth Skin Movie mode and Movie for Close-Up Demos AF further refine content.

The RF-S 14-30mm F4-6.3 IS STM PZ is Canon’s first RF lens with built-in power zoom, offering smooth servo zooming via the lens, camera controls, or a smartphone app. Its lightweight design maintains balance on gimbals, while 5-axis image stabilization ensures steady shots. The lens’ 22.4-48mm equivalent focal length makes it versatile for wide and close-up shooting, with a 0.15m close focus and 0.38x magnification for detailed content creation.

Canon EOS R50V + RF-S 14-30mm kit is priced at ₹79,995 and the RF-S 14-30mm lens is priced at ₹33,995

Sony India launches 400-800mm Super Telephoto Zoom Lens at ₹264,990

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Sony India has announced the FE 400-800mm F6.3-8 G OSS, its first 800mm super-telephoto zoom G Lens. Designed for wildlife, sports, birding, and landscapes, this lens offers high-resolution performance, fast autofocus, and superior stability with an inner-zoom mechanism that maintains its center of gravity.

With six ED glass elements, an 11-blade circular aperture for smooth bokeh, and advanced coatings to reduce flare, the lens ensures outstanding clarity. Two precision linear motors enable fast, silent autofocus, keeping up with the A9 III’s 120 fps burst speed. A focus range switch and focus hold buttons enhance usability.

Optical image stabilization allows handheld shooting without blur, while a durable, dust and moisture-resistant design ensures reliability. The tripod mount foot rotates easily for horizontal or vertical orientation. This lens is also compatible with 1.4x and 2x teleconverters, extending the range up to 1600mm.

The Sony 400-800mm F6.3-8 G OSS will be available across Sony stores and dealers in India from March 17, 2025, for ₹264,990.

Nikon India announces ‘Through Her Lens’ Season 4 Contest to celebrate Women in Visual Storytelling

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Nikon India Private Ltd. recently announced the launch of “Through Her Lens”, Season 4, a contest dedicated to recognise and celebrate the immense contribution of women in photography. The contest will remain open for submissions until March 31, 2025, inviting both women professionals and enthusiasts to participate and showcase their unique perspectives and creative storytelling.

Sajjan Kumar, Managing Director, Nikon India Pvt. Ltd., expressed his thoughts on the occasion, saying, “At Nikon, we believe that women professionals bring a unique strength and individuality to the world of imaging. Through ‘Through Her Lens’ Season 4, we aim to amplify the voices and stories of women from diverse backgrounds who have made remarkable contributions to the industry. This
contest serves as a platform for creative expression and storytelling, capturing beauty in its most profound moments. Our goal is to celebrate their achievements, inspire aspiring talents, and reinforce the fact that women are shaping the visual narratives of our world on equal footing. Let’s honour the power of women behind the camera—because the world looks even more inspiring through their lens.”

With a strong emphasis on both videography and photography, this year’s theme highlights the distinctive way women perceive and capture the world—not just through their eyes, but through their lens. Beyond merely taking pictures, participants are encouraged to create bold visual narratives, cutting through distractions and bringing focus to stories that need to be told. Nikon India invites women from all walks of life to share their moments and stories, showcasing
their unique journeys and perspectives through the lens. This initiative encourages women to embrace their authenticity, celebrate their achievements, and break barriers in the world of photography and videography.

A distinguished panel of renowned women photographers will judge the contest, bringing their expertise across diverse photography genres. Saumya Khandelwal, a celebrated photojournalist, captures compelling narratives through her lens, while Falguni Kharwa, a specialist in newborn and maternity photography, beautifully preserves life’s most delicate moments. Palak Maheshwari, known for her expertise in food and product photography, has a keen eye for composition and aesthetics. Arpitha S Murthy, an acclaimed wildlife photographer, captures nature’s raw beauty and untamed stories. Together, these accomplished jurors will assess the submissions based on creativity, storytelling, and visual impact, ensuring that the most compelling and inspiring works are recognized.

The winners will be awarded exclusive Nikon cameras and special prizes.
→ 1st Prize: Nikon Z f + NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.4 S
→ 2nd Prize: Nikon Z 30 + NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR
→ Consolation Prizes: Nikon will award ₹20,000 vouchers to select rising stars based on merit (The number of vouchers will be determined based on the quality of submissions).
Participants can enter the contest by sharing their best Nikon-shot videos or images on Instagram, mentioning the camera and lens used, and tagging Nikon India along with the contest-specific hashtags #HerLensHerStory and #THLS4. Participants must upload their photos/videos shot on a Nikon camera to Instagram, tagging Nikon India and mentioning the camera and lens used in the caption.

Submissions will be judged on originality, storytelling, and visual impact. By launching “Through Her Lens”, Nikon India continues its commitment to celebrating the fearless creativity of women in photography and videography. The initiative is more than a contest—it is a movement to elevate women’s voices in the world of visual arts. It’s time to frame the world through her eyes, her perspective, and her voice. It’s time to frame the world through her lens.

RED Digital Cinema releases V-RAPTOR [X] Z and KOMODO-X Z cinema cameras compatible With Nikon Z Mount

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RED Digital Cinema, a subsidiary of Nikon Corporation, has announced the release of the V-RAPTOR [X] Z Mount and KOMODO-X Z Mount digital cinema cameras. These cameras integrate the Nikon Z mount, expanding lens compatibility for filmmakers and content creators.

Part of the new Z CINEMA series, co-developed by Nikon and RED, these models aim to provide flexible solutions for cinema and high-end production. The Nikon Z mount’s large diameter and short flange distance allow users to leverage a range of lenses, including NIKKOR Z lenses for sharp rendering and minimal aberration. The cameras also support Nikon F lenses via the Mount Adapter FTZ II.

The V-RAPTOR [X] Z Mount features an 8K VV global shutter sensor, offering a wide dynamic range and improved color capture. The camera includes RED’s Global Vision tools, designed to maintain details in highlights and varying lighting conditions.

The KOMODO-X Z Mount, equipped with a 6K Super 35 global shutter sensor, supports 6K recording at up to 80 fps and 4K at up to 120 fps. The camera is compatible with RED’s R3D Redcode RAW format, allowing efficient video data management and grading flexibility.

Both models support power zoom control for the newly-launched NIKKOR Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ lens and enhanced autofocus. Both these cameras will be available through RED Digital Cinema Inc and authorized RED dealers.

Nikon Releases NIKKOR Z 28-135mm F/4 PZ Videography Lens

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Nikon India Pvt. Ltd. has announced the launch of the NIKKOR Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ, a power zoom lens designed for full-frame Nikon Z-mount mirrorless cameras. First revealed in October 2024, this lens is tailored to meet the demands of professional videographers, offering seamless zoom control, minimising focus shifts, and can resolve 8K video.

According to Sajjan Kumar, Managing Director of Nikon India, the lens is built for dynamic video production, providing smooth operability and versatility. Its power zoom mechanism allows for precise zoom control across 11 speed settings, while the internal zoom design ensures stability, especially when using a gimbal.

Ideal for documentaries, weddings, and solo shoots, the lens offers a wide focal range with a minimum focus distance of 0.34m at the wide end.

Designed for professional setups, the lens supports matte boxes, follow focus systems, and remote zoom control via Nikon’s NX Tether, SnapBridge, and NX Field. It also features Nikon’s Meso Amorphous Coat to reduce flare and ghosting, a stepping motor (STM) for silent autofocus, and a fluorine coating for dust and water resistance.

With this release, Nikon continues to push the boundaries of imaging technology, empowering filmmakers and content creators with cutting-edge tools for high-quality video production.

Nikon announces NIKKOR Z 35mm F/1.2 Lens at ₹2,57,995

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Nikon India Pvt. Ltd. announces the launch of the NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.2 S, a high-performance wide-angle prime lens designed for professional photographers and videographers. With its fast f/1.2 aperture, this lens delivers exceptional detail, depth, and beautifully soft bokeh, making it ideal for portrait, street, and wedding photography, as well as cinematic video production.

As part of Nikon’s S-Line series, the NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.2 S ensures outstanding optical performance with three ED glass elements and one aspherical ED glass element, minimising aberrations and maximising sharpness. Advanced Meso Amorphous, Nano Crystal, and ARNEO coatings significantly reduce ghosting and flares for superior clarity. The lens’ multi-focussing system, powered by stepping motors (STMs), provides fast and precise autofocus for both stills and video.

Optimized for videographers, the lens ensures smooth exposure transitions, suppresses focus breathing, and features a click-less control ring for silent operation. With dust and drip resistance, it is built for reliability in challenging shooting conditions.

Sajjan Kumar, Managing Director of Nikon India, stated that the NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.2 S exemplifies Nikon’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of optical excellence, offering professionals a powerful tool to elevate their creative expression.

The NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.2 S will be available soon at authorized Nikon dealers and online stores.

FUJIFILM India Unveils X-M5 Mirrorless Camera at ₹77,999

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FUJIFILM India has launched the highly anticipated FUJIFILM X-M5, the latest addition to its renowned X Series of mirrorless digital cameras. Known for its compact design, cutting-edge technology, and exceptional image quality, the X-M5 sets a new standard for photography and videography enthusiasts.

Weighing just 355g, the X-M5 is the lightest camera in the X Series and features a 26.1-megapixel back-illuminated X-Trans™ 4 CMOS sensor and the advanced X-Processor 5 engine, delivering professional-grade performance in a lightweight body. Its innovative subject-detection autofocus, powered by AI, can track animals, vehicles, and more, ensuring precision in diverse shooting scenarios.

The X-M5 boasts impressive video capabilities, including 6.2K/30P 4:2:2 10-bit recording, 4K/60P, and 1080/240P, complemented by a powerful digital image stabilizer for smooth footage even during handheld shooting. The camera also introduces a Vlog Mode with intuitive touchscreen controls and a 9:16 vertical shooting feature tailored for social media content.

With a high-quality design, compact size, and versatile features, the FUJIFILM X-M5 is perfect for professionals and enthusiasts, empowering them to explore new creative horizons. Available soon across India, the X-M5 is poised to redefine visual storytelling.

Sony Announces BURANO Firmware Update Version 2.0: Exciting New Features for Filmmakers

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Sony is unveiling the upcoming BURANO Version 2.0 firmware update, scheduled for release in March 2025. Based on feedback from the filmmaking community, the update introduces significant new features, improved usability, and enhanced performance.

Key highlights include expanded recording formats, such as a new 3.8K Full Frame crop mode capable of 120 fps and a 1.9K mode supporting up to 240 fps, enabling filmmakers to prioritize speed and flexibility. Anamorphic shooters can utilize the new Super 35 4.3K mode at 60 fps. Additional updates include 24.00 fps support in X-OCN 16:9 modes, a 1.8x de-squeeze setting, and expanded high-frame-rate options up to 110 fps.

Monitoring and operational improvements include standardized SDI video output across formats, breathing compensation, image stabilization metadata, and on-screen display enhancements. A redesigned interface places status information outside the image and adds View Finder Gamma Display Assist for S-Log3 monitoring. The update also supports PL Mount lens control for Focus, Iris, and Zoom using the optional GP-VR100 handgrip.

BURANO Version 2.0 enhances image output with improved S-Log3 and 3D LUT presets, better Auto Focus performance at key frame rates, and advanced exposure tools derived from Sony’s flagship VENICE system. White balance memory has been expanded from three to eight presets, and Active/High Image Stabilization is now available in Full Frame 6K and Super 35 modes.

The update further adds live event functionality, including variable ND control via RCPs, enhanced Camera Remote SDK compatibility, and tally control over LAN. Users will also benefit from ease-of-use features like media formatting from the status screen and settings for CAM ID and Reel Number.

Available in March 2025, BURANO Version 2.0 will be free to download for Indian users directly to their cameras via Mac or PC.