OM SYSTEM (formerly Olympus) has announced the launch of two new products in India – the OM-5 Mark II interchangeable lens camera and the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 50-200mm F2.8 IS PRO lens. The products are aimed at wildlife, macro, birding, landscape, travel, and street photography.
The OM-5 Mark II builds on the OM-5 series, offering upgrades based on user feedback. Compact and lightweight, it features splash, dust, and IPX53 freeze-proof protection certified to -10°C. The model includes 5-axis image stabilisation and a redesigned grip for improved handling.
The M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 50-200mm F2.8 IS PRO lens covers a 100-400mm equivalent focal range with a constant F2.8 aperture. The lens supports 5-axis sync image stabilisation, enabling up to 7 steps of stabilisation for handheld shooting at long focal lengths.
Both launches coincide with the festive season in India. The OM-5 Mark II with a 14-150mm kit lens is priced at ₹1,39,990 and will be available from 18 September 2025, bundled with complimentary 10×50 binoculars worth ₹14,990 as part of the launch offer. The M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 50-200mm F2.8 IS PRO lens will be available from 1 October 2025 on an order basis, priced at ₹3,29,990.
Alongside the launches, OM SYSTEM also announced its annual APAC photography competition, running from October to January, with results declared in March each year.
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.”
Nikon India has officially introduced the ZR – a compact full-frame cinema camera. Developed in collaboration with RED Digital Cinema, the ZR is Nikon’s first model to feature the RED R3D NE codec, allowing internal 6K RAW video recording.
The camera supports up to seven video formats, including 12-bit RAW, and offers features such as dual base ISO (800/6400), 5-axis in-body stabilisation, and a 4-inch vari-angle LCD that goes upto 1000 nits of brightness. It includes nine RED-curated imaging presets, real-time waveform, histogram, and zebra overlays, as well as support for multiple LUT formats.
Aimed at filmmakers, the ZR offers internal 32-bit float audio recording via both the 3.5mm jack as well as the digital hotshoe. It also features direct Frame.io cloud uploads, multiple subject detection options through deep-learning autofocus, and tools tailored for studio and multi-camera workflows.
Weighing 540g, the body is primarily designed for portability and durability. Nikon also introduced the ME-D10, a battery-free shotgun microphone that connects through the ZR’s digital accessory shoe.
The Nikon ZR will be available across India from October 16, 2025, at a retail price of ₹186,995 (body only).
The iPhone 17 series just dropped and despite the leaks and updates prior to the launch, this was an update that might’ve surprised many. With a new line up Apple has introduced the iPhone 17, iPhone Air and the iPhone 17 Pro models. And these have many patrons really excited – the Pro models and the iPhone Air run on the new A19 Pro chip, while the 17 use the A19 chip.
Apple’s iPhone 17 lineup features high-resolution sensors, AI-powered framing, a revamped thermal design and imaging upgrades across the board. For photographers and visual storytellers, this launch is less about incremental tweaks and more about what the new cameras can achieve.
In this I’ve dived into what do the cameras offer on these devices.
iPhone 17 Cameras: Two 48 MP Cameras
The base iPhone 17 keeps things tight with a two-camera setup and starts at a price point of ₹82,900, which still feels powerful. Although it looks the same as the iPhone 16 in terms of layout, at the back, it now houses two 48MP Fusion Cameras. It offers optical-quality 2x Telephoto; and a new 48MP Fusion Ultra-Wide camera.
iPhone 17 Back Cameras
While up front, Apple has introduced a new 18-megapixel camera with a new square sensor with Center Stage, ensuring users remain perfectly framed during calls or vlogs. For the first time, all iPhone 17 models also start at 256 GB of storage — a welcome news for those shooting high-res stills and video — and Apple has kept pricing consistent with last year.
New Square Sensor at the Front/Selfie Camera
The iPhone 17 now also features dual capture, allowing simultaneous front and rear video recording, a feature tailor-made for vloggers and event documentarians. Although this has been available on android devices for a long time, it’s still a welcome change for many users, maybe.
iPhone 17 Pro cameras: 48 MP cameras
Where the standard model makes smart refinements, the iPhone 17 Pro takes an audacious leap. The Pro models now feature three 48-megapixel Fusion cameras. iPhone 17 Pro camera offers 4× optical quality zoom at 100 mm and an all-new 8× reach at 200 mm, with a digital zoom maxing out at 40×. While this may sound like less reach compared to the iPhone 16’s 120 mm equivalent, Apple has focused on sharper, cleaner results, focusing on quality and not numbers.
Three 48 MP Cameras at the back of iPhone 17 Pro
The phone features a 56% larger sensor on the main camera along with an updated Photonic Engine, which is supposed to deliver richer colour accuracy and dramatically better low-light performance says Apple.
It’s not just the cameras that’ve changed – it is also the layout. Apple has also re-engineered the hardware to support these advances and the camera module on the back now has a new look which also houses some important elements. The Pro introduces a laser-welded vapour chamber that dissipates heat faster, so long video shoots or continuous burst photography won’t cause the device to throttle or heat up uncomfortably in hand. That’s critical, especially now that the iPhone 17 Pro is capable of ProRes RAW video capture — a feature that until recently belonged exclusively to cinema-grade equipment. In fact, as tradition Apple underscored its confidence by shooting the entire launch event on the iPhone 17 Pro itself, a bold statement on just how production-ready this device has become.
iPhone Air camera: One 48 MP All-in-One Camera
With the launch of the iPhone Air is Apple flexing Its engineering prowess. Adding to the family, the new iPhone Air stakes its claim with feather-light design at just 5.6 mm thin and built with titanium. It houses a 48 MP Fusion Main Camera with a built-in 2× telephoto lens and optical-quality zoom versatility, alongside the same 18 MP Center Stage front camera and dual-capture video found in its siblings. That means you get four-in-one framing flexibility—28 mm, 35 mm, and 52 mm equivalents.
iPhone Air camera housing
The Selfie Camera: A New Square Sensor
With the new front cameras, it is clear that Apple is looking to target the creators and make their life easier. The 18 MP front camera with Center Stage means your selfies and livestreams are always perfectly composed. And the new square sensor means that everyone fits into the frame without having to rotate the phone – that is surely a great move.
The dual capture feature lets storytellers record themselves and their subject in one take without third-party gear. The Fusion system allows photographers to crop deeply into 48 MP files without sacrificing sharpness. And with ProRes RAW now in your pocket, post-production workflows gain the kind of latitude usually reserved for full-frame rigs. Add in the vapor chamber’s thermal stability, and the iPhone 17 Pro becomes a device that can shoot, process, and export content at a professional level without compromise.
Stay tuned for the full review because in a longtime we are really excited about the new devices.
All models run iOS 26 and features Apple Intelligence. Pre-orders have started with availability from September 19 in over 60 countries. In India, iPhone 17 starts at ₹82,900; while the iPhone Air is at Rs. 1,19,900 and the iPhone 17 Pro starts at Rs. 1,34,900 and Max at Rs. 1,49,900.
India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has commenced the process of retroactively cancelling registration of certain Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), including DJI drones, that were improperly registered under the Drone Rules, 2021.
A public notice dated 12 August 2025 identifies those misusing the Digital Sky platform to self-generate Unique Identification Numbers (UINs) with misleading declarations in Form D-2—specifically claiming drones were for “educational, research, design, testing or recreational” use when they were not, and registering foreign-manufactured drones imported without required DGFT authorization DigitalSky.Registrants under review will be provided an opportunity to respond within one month, by submitting documentation such as purchase invoices, import permissions, weighing certificates, and manufacturer details to drone.dgca@gov.in DigitalSky. Failure to respond may result in outright cancellation. Operating a drone with a suspended or cancelled registration is strictly prohibited and may lead to legal consequences under the Drone Rules, 2021 and the Aircraft Act, 1934
Instagram has officially launched a dedicated app for iPad, responding to long-standing user demand. The new version introduces features tailored for the larger screen, including a fresh layout designed to improve browsing and multitasking.
When opening the app, users land directly in Reels, bringing short-form video to the forefront on a bigger display. A new “Following” tab makes it easier to track updates from favourite accounts, while enhanced layouts allow smoother access to messages and notifications. Reels also play in full size while users expand the comments section, ensuring uninterrupted viewing alongside real-time reactions.
The iPad app is available now on the App Store, aiming to provide a more complete Instagram experience for creators and casual users alike.
Nikon India has announced a silver version of its full-frame camera, the Nikon Z f. The new model features a finish reminiscent of classic film-era cameras.
In addition to the silver body, six new Premium Exterior colour options including Indigo Blue, Red, Green, Orange, Grey, and Brown are available. Owners can request a change of body covering through the MyNikon App, after which the camera can be sent to a Nikon service centre for customization.
The Z f will also gain a Film Grain feature via a planned firmware update in 2025. This function will allow users to add grain to photos and videos, with adjustable grain size and strength, offering a film-like appearance. Combined with Picture Controls and Imaging Recipes, it expands the camera’s creative options.
The Nikon Z f Silver is priced at ₹1,76,995, same as the original Z f in black.
Lexar has launched the JumpDrive M400 USB 3.0 Flash Drive in India. The device is built to offer fast data transfer speeds along with a durable metal design, targeting users who need portable and secure storage.
The JumpDrive M400 delivers read speeds of up to 150MB/s, making it suitable for transferring large files quickly. It also features a built-in key ring for easy portability. To enhance data security, the drive includes Lexar DataShield, a password protection tool that helps safeguard files from unauthourized access.
Key Features of the JumpDrive M400:
USB 3.0 performance with read speeds up to 150MB/s
Metal construction for added durability
Lexar DataShield password protection
Available in 32GB, 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB capacities
Includes a five-year limited warranty
The JumpDrive M400 is now available through major retail outlets and e-commerce platforms in India, with prices starting at ₹600 for the 32GB version and ₹2,500 for the 256GB model.
Hahnemühle continues its partnership with Prints for Wildlife, the global conservation initiative that has raised over $2.1 million USD since 2020. The 2025 campaign, titled “Edition Hope”, will exclusively debut Hemp Gloss Baryta, Hahnemühle’s new sustainable fine art paper.
Building on the success of previous editions printed on Hahnemühle Hemp, Edition Hope features contributions from 240+ photographers worldwide, offering limited-edition wildlife and nature prints for one month only. All proceeds (after printing and handling) go directly to nonprofits protecting wildlife and habitats, with new partners including Conservation International.
Hemp Gloss Baryta combines eco-friendly hemp fibres with a refined glossy baryta surface, delivering deep blacks, rich contrasts, and vibrant colours while minimising environmental impact. Before its official launch in October 2025, the paper will be showcased exclusively through this campaign, produced by Hahnemühle Certified Studio ThePrintSpace in the USA, UK, and Germany.
Launching August 21, 2025, Edition Hope presents powerful imagery ranging from landscapes to intimate wildlife portraits and will conclude on September 9th. Collectors can purchase prints at www.printsforwildlife.org, supporting both art and critical conservation efforts worldwide.
Vivo has announced the third edition of the Vivo Imagine Smartphone Photography Awards, open to photographers and enthusiasts across India. The awards aim to position the platform as a hub for storytelling and authentic self-expression.
They encourage participants to submit work that reflects originality, perspective, and intent. This year’s extended format gives creators the freedom to experiment and refine their vision.
The jury will be led by acclaimed filmmaker Zoya Akhtar, joined by renowned photographers Vineet Vohra, Rakesh Pulapa, and Aamir Wani. Entries will be accepted in six categories: Nature & Landscape, Night & Light, Architecture, Motion, Portrait, and Street & Culture.
Submissions are open on www.vivoimagine.com from August 22 to November 30, 2025. The jury will shortlist six finalists—one per category—who will be invited to the Grand Finale in December. The grand jury winner will receive ₹5,00,000, while each category winner will be awarded a Vivo X200 Pro smartphone.
Reflecting on the initiative, Geetaj Channana, Head of Corporate Strategy, Vivo India, said “the Imagine Awards reaffirm our belief that photography belongs to everyone – it’s about perspective, not gear.”
In 2024, the awards drew 17,000+ entries nationwide, with Kukkala Suresh winning the grand prize. This year, vivo continues its mission to empower creators and celebrate the joy of imagination.
