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Sony India Announces FE 85mm F1.4 GM II at ₹180,990

Sony India announced the FE 85mm F1.4 GM II – a premium lens offering a supreme
blend of high resolution and stunning bokeh with fast autofocus (AF) in a compact body. This is a
second-generation lens that inherits the optical design that achieved a high-level fusion of bokeh
and resolution that was highly praised in the first-generation model, and generously incorporates
the latest technology. When paired with the latest Sony’s Alpha series cameras, it is an ideal option
for a wide variety of creative uses in both photography and videography, including portraiture,
wedding, travel, and cinematic video.
The advanced and refined optical design and elements of the FE 85mm F1.4 GM II brings together
appealing bokeh and enhanced high resolution, making it ideal for portrait photography. Packed
with two XA (extreme aspherical) and two ED (extra-low dispersion) lenses, the state-of-the-art
optical design effectively suppresses aberrations. This combination offers corner-to-corner
resolution and rendering, resulting in outstanding image quality. Moreover, Sony’s original Nano AR
Coating II technology effectively subdues flare and ghosting for clear, crisp images. The 11-blade
circular aperture and optimization of spherical aberration during the design and manufacturing
process provide the beautiful, soft bokeh that is the hallmark of G Master lenses.
The FE 85mm F1.4 GM II’s AF is agile, maximizing the speed advantage of advanced camera bodies.
For stills, it is up to three times faster compared to the previous model, tracking moving subjects
with high precision. It keeps up flawlessly with the Alpha 9 III’s 120fps continuous shooting, and
subject tracking performance is improved by as much as 7 times.
Compared to the current 85mm F1.4 GM1, the weight of the FE 85mm F1.4 GM II (642 grams) is approximately 20% lighter and 13% smaller in volume, which is achieved through the latest mechanical technology and optical design. The FE 85mm F1.4 GM II has a filter diameter of φ77 mm, diameter of 84.7 mm and length of 107.3 mm.
For smooth movie creation at F1.4, the FE 85mm F1.4 GM II has an XD linear motor. Focus breathing
is minimal, and in-body focus breathing compensation is supported. It has two customizable focus
hold buttons and an AF/MF switch offer flexible operability, while an independent aperture ring and
Linear Response MF focus control provide the kind of intuitive control that creative shooting
demands.
The front lens element features a fluorine coating, which makes it easy to remove fingerprints, dust,
oil, and other contaminants from the lens surface. The dust and moisture resistant design provides
extra reliability for outdoor use in challenging conditions.
The FE 85mm F1.4 GM II will be available across all Sony Centers, Alpha Flagship stores, Sony
authorized dealers, ecommerce websites (Amazon and Flipkart) and major electronic stores across
India from 6th September 2024 onwards at a price of ₹ 180,990.

FUJIFILM India launches the FUJIFILM X-T50 at ₹1,49,999

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FUJIFILM India has unveiled the X-T50, the latest addition to its X series of mirrorless digital cameras. Priced at ₹1,49,999 for the body, the X-T50 combines exceptional image quality with a compact, lightweight design, targeting both photography enthusiasts and professionals.

The X-T50 is equipped with a new 40.2-megapixel X-Trans CMOS 5 HR sensor and the X-Processor 5, ensuring high-resolution images and advanced performance. Despite its powerful capabilities, the camera is lightweight, weighing only 438 grams, making it a convenient option for photographers on the go.

A major highlight of the X-T50 is its 5-axis in-body image stabilization, offering up to 7 stops of stabilization. This feature enables steady handheld shooting even in low-light conditions. The camera also supports 6.2K/30P video recording with tracking autofocus, catering to both still photography and video recording needs.

The X-T50 also introduces a Film Simulation dial on the top plate, a new feature that allows users to switch between 20 different Film Simulation modes, including the newly added “REALA ACE.” This mode offers faithful colour reproduction and smooth tonal gradations, enhancing the creative potential for both stills and videos.

The X-T50’s AI-based autofocus system can detect a wide range of subjects, including animals, birds, vehicles, and drones. An advanced AF prediction algorithm further improves the camera’s ability to track fast-moving subjects, ensuring precise focus in dynamic shooting scenarios.

The FUJIFILM X-T50 is now available for purchase from all online and retail outlets.

Sony India launches ZV-E10 II camera at ₹94,990

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Sony India has launched the ZV-E10 II, the successor to its popular ZV-E10 camera, aimed at content creators, vloggers, and photographers. The new model retains the beloved features of its predecessor, such as Creative Looks, Product Showcase Setting, Background Defocus, and a vari-angle flip screen, while introducing enhancements that make it even more sophisticated and user-friendly.

The ZV-E10 II is equipped with a new 26-megapixel Exmor R CMOS sensor and Sony’s latest BIONZ XR image processing engine, delivering improved image quality and performance. Notable upgrades include advanced autofocus capabilities, a Cinematic Vlog Setting for easy cinematic video creation, and a new vertical format user interface (UI) for streamlined content creation in vertical orientation.

Weighing approximately 377 grams, the camera remains compact and lightweight, making it ideal for on-the-go creators. Additionally, the ZV-E10 II offers enhanced connectivity options, including easy live streaming and data transfer, supported by a USB 3.2 Type-C port and 5 GHz Wi-Fi connectivity.

The ZV-E10 II introduces new tools to elevate content creation, including the Cinematic Vlog Setting, which adjusts aspect ratio, frame rate, and autofocus settings for cinematic video capture. Users can also choose from ten Creative Look options and customize them with eight parameters, saving up to six personalized styles for quick access.

For photographers and videographers, the camera offers 759-point Focal Plane Phase-detection autofocus with Real-time Eye AF for humans, animals, and birds, and Real-time Tracking. It supports high-speed 4K video recording with 5.6K oversampling and advanced image stabilization, ensuring smooth, high-quality footage.

Sony has also focused on sustainability with the ZV-E10 II. The camera body is made from recycled materials, including SORPLAS, and the packaging uses Sony’s eco-friendly “Original Blended Material.” This aligns with Sony’s ongoing efforts to reduce its environmental impact.

Alongside the camera, Sony is launching the E PZ 16-50mm F3.5-5.6 OSS II lens, available separately or as part of a lens kit. The lens features improved autofocus and video performance, making it an ideal companion for the ZV-E10 II.

The ZV-E10 II camera and lens kit will be available from August 27, 2024, at Sony Centers, Alpha Flagship stores, and online platforms. The camera body is priced at ₹94,990, with the lens kit pricing to be announced later.

Sony is offering special promotions, including an extended 3-year warranty, a complimentary SD card, and a carry bag, along with easy financing options.

Oppo India announces winners of imagineIF Photography Awards 2024

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In a significant celebration of mobile photography, Oppo India has revealed the winners of its first-ever imagineIF Photography Awards 2024. Out of an impressive 34,000 entries from across the country, six photographers were honoured with Gold, Silver, and Bronze distinctions. The awards aimed to push the boundaries of mobile photography, encouraging participants to showcase their unique stories.

Kolkata’s Arpan Basu Chowdhury has taken the top spot in the ‘Travel’ category with his stunning photo series, “A Forgotten Legacy”, which showcases Bengal’s traditional art form, Bahurupi. Arpan’s work, shot on the OPPO Find X7 Ultra, earned him the Gold award in OPPO India’s inaugural imagineIF Photography Awards. As a result, he and five other talented photographers will be heading to Paris Photo 2024 this November.

Gold: Arpan Basu Chowdhury from Kolkata was awarded the Gold for his evocative series “A Forgotten Legacy,” which documents the traditional Bahurupi art form in rural West Bengal. His work, captured on the Oppo Find X7 Ultra, earned him a cash prize of INR 5,00,000 and an invitation to the prestigious Paris Photo 2024.

Silver: The Silver awards went to Kolkata’s Madhumita Nandi and Aurangabad’s Sanket Joshi. Nandi’s series, “Tongueless Whispering,” delves into the impact of global consumption on human and non-human displacement. Joshi’s “Moments from Wari” captures the spiritual essence of the Warkari tradition in Maharashtra. Both winners received INR 2,00,000 each.

Bronze: Bronze honors were secured by Pralay Jana from Kolkata, Chiranjit Dey from Purulia, and Ajeesh Ajayakhosh from Kollam. Jana’s “Golden Horizons” captures the serene beauty of Chilika Lake at dawn and dusk, Dey’s “Faces Behind the Mask” sheds light on Jharkhand’s Chhau dance, and Ajayakhosh’s “Nature’s Palette” explores the intricate dance of insect courtship. Each Bronze winner was awarded INR 1,00,000.

All six winners will have the opportunity to attend Paris Photo 2024, the 27th edition of the world-renowned photography fair, held from November 7th to 10th at the iconic Grand Palais in Paris.

Sushant Vasishta, Head of Digital Marketing at Oppo India, expressed his enthusiasm for the competition’s success. “We are thrilled with the incredible response to the first edition of the imagineIF Photography Awards. The creativity and passion displayed in over 34,000 entries were truly impressive. Our panellists faced a tough challenge in selecting the winners due to the high level of skill and creativity. At Oppo India, we are deeply committed to nurturing this talent and are excited about the possibilities for future collaborations with these exceptionally talented photographers.”

Reflecting on his win, Gold winner Arpan Basu Chowdhury shared, “I am thrilled to receive the imagineIF Photography Award for 2024. It’s an honour to have my work recognized in the first year of these global awards in India. Capturing ‘A Forgotten Legacy’ on the Oppo Find X7 Ultra was an unforgettable experience; the phone’s advanced camera features made it possible to beautifully showcase the diversity of our country.”

The imagineIF Photography Awards 2024 invited Indian citizens over the age of 18 to submit their best smartphone photos across nine categories: Landscape, Portrait, Colours, Unfading Moment, Fashion, Snapshot, Light, Travel, and Collection. From the initial 34,000+ submissions, 50 entries advanced to the second round, where participants showcased their skills using Oppo’s flagship Find X7 Ultra device. A distinguished panel of photographers, including Celebrity Wedding and Oppo Imaging Expert Joseph Radhik, Wildlife Photographer Aarzoo Khurana, Fashion Photographer Arjun Mark, and other esteemed global jury members, evaluated the entries.4o

Vivo India Launches Second Edition of Vivo Imagine Smartphone Photography Awards

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Vivo India has recently announced the second edition of the vivo Imagine Smartphone Photography Awards in celebration of World Photography Day. This initiative is aimed at encouraging photographers to explore their creativity and showcase their unique perspectives using smartphone cameras. Esteemed filmmaker Zoya Akhtar will lead the jury, which also includes renowned photographers Vineet Vohra, Rakesh Pulapa, and Aamir Wani.

The awards feature six distinct categories: Nature & Wildlife, Architecture, Portraits, Night & Light, Motion, and Street Photography. Photographers can submit their entries on the official website from August 19 to September 8. Out of all submissions, 30 finalists will be selected by the jury. These finalists will then participate in a final challenge, with their submissions further evaluated.

Winners will be celebrated at a grand finale event in Mumbai. The grand prize includes a cash reward of INR 5 lakhs, while the winners of each category will receive a vivo X100 Pro smartphone. Finalists will also have the opportunity to attend exclusive photography masterclasses led by the jury members to refine their skills.

Geetaj Channana, Head of Corporate Strategy at vivo India, highlighted the theme “Joy of Imagination,” emphasizing the brand’s commitment to merging technology with artistic expression. Zoya Akhtar expressed her excitement about discovering new talent through this initiative, which celebrates the power of visual storytelling.

Philo-Photo Photography Awards Announced

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The inaugural edition of the Philo-Photo Photography Awards is now open, inviting photographers worldwide to participate in a unique competition that celebrates the profound artistry of photography. Organized under the theme “Unity through Diversity,” the Philo-Photo Philosophical Competition offers an inspiring platform for photographers to showcase their creativity and explore the deep connection between wisdom, beauty, and visual storytelling.

Founded by New Acropolis, an international organization dedicated to promoting timeless values through philosophy, culture, and volunteering, the Philo-Photo Awards aim to foster a sense of global community and understanding. The contest serves as an ode to the ideals of beauty and wisdom, encouraging participants to create images that reflect the harmony and diversity inherent in our world.

Who Can Participate?

The competition is open to photographers aged 18 and above, from all corners of the globe. Each participant can submit up to three of their most striking single images that align with the theme “Unity through Diversity.” The images can be of any type and category, offering photographers the freedom to express their unique perspective and creativity.

How to Enter?

Photographers can enter the competition with a nominal participation fee, starting from $15 for a single image submission to $30 for three images. The submission deadline is August 15th, giving participants a limited time to showcase their best work.

Why Participate?

The Philo-Photo Photography Awards offer a range of exciting opportunities for participants:

Attractive Prizes: Top photographers will be rewarded with attractive prizes, recognizing their talent and creativity.
Global Exposure: All participants will have the chance to display their work at a global exposition, gaining international recognition.
Institutional Collaboration: Schools and institutions that collaborate with the contest will receive international exposure through New Acropolis’ website and social media channels, highlighting their support and contribution to the event.

This competition is more than just a contest; it’s a celebration of the power of photography to unite and inspire. Whether you are an amateur or a seasoned professional, the Philo-Photo Awards offer a unique opportunity to share your vision with the world and contribute to a global dialogue on unity and diversity.

Submit your photos before August 15th and be a part of this extraordinary celebration of art, wisdom, and beauty.

Lexar Secures Seven Red Dot Awards for 2024 for Innovative Design and Excellence

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Lexar has recently achieved a notable accomplishment, securing seven Red Dot Awards in 2024 for Innovative Design and Excellence. The awards, presented at the Aalto Theater Opera House, honour Lexar’s product design and innovation across various categories, including their Workflow series, portable SSDs, memory, vehicle-mounted DVR USB flash drives, and a cardholder.

The Red Dot Awards, established in the 1950s and often likened to the “Oscars of Product Design,” recognize exceptional product design. An independent panel of experts, known as the Red Dot Jury, evaluates and selects winners based on their design achievements and innovations.

Fissal Oubida, General Manager of Lexar Co. Ltd, expressed the company’s gratitude for the recognition, highlighting the dedication and hard work of their team. Oubida emphasized Lexar’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology and design, consistently delivering products that meet the evolving needs of customers.

The award-winning products include the Lexar SL500 Portable SSD with Magnetic Set, Lexar ARMOR 700 Portable SSD, Lexar ARES RGB DDR5 Desktop Memory, Lexar Professional Workflow, Lexar Professional Workflow Go, Lexar Vehicle Mounted DVR USB Flash Drive C50V/A50V, and the Lexar C700 Card Holder.

These awards underscore Lexar’s commitment to innovation and excellence, reinforcing its position as a leader in the industry dedicated to providing advanced solutions to meet customer demands.

Canon India Appoints Toshiaki Nomura as New President & CEO

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Canon India has announced the appointment of Mr. Toshiaki Nomura as the new President & CEO of Canon India, effective from 1^st July, 2024

Mr. Nomura brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having been associated with Canon since 1999. Prior to this appointment, he played a pivotal role in leading Canon’s Business Imaging Solution (BIS) Division in the Canon Southeast & South Asia Region, where his strategic guidance led to significant and sustainable growth.

Expressing his enthusiasm for the new role, Mr. Nomura said, “India’s vibrant and dynamic market offers immense potential, and Canon India is at an exciting stage in its growth journey. By harnessing these opportunities and expanding into new segments, I am thrilled and honoured to lead the company through this transformative phase and collaborate with my talented team. Along with continuing our focus on strengthening core businesses of imaging and printing, I am particularly excited about contributing to the development of new businesses such as surveillance, business solutions, and industrial printing. By deeply understanding and addressing the unique requirements of the Indian market, it will be my endeavour to ensure our customers are consistently delighted with our high-quality products and services.”

Mr. Nomura’s extensive experience and strategic vision have been key drivers of growth and innovation in his previous roles. With him at the helm of Canon India’s operations, the company aims to continue its upward growth trajectory by aggressively expanding into Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, developing new business segments, and strengthening its brand presence across the nation. Canon India remains committed to its mission of ‘Delighting customers always’ by contributing to Indian society and the economy through business innovations and community-centric initiatives.

Kriti Sanon Unveils Fujifilm Instax Mini SE in India

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Fujifilm India has recently unveiled its latest innovation in the instax series, the instax mini SE, in a grand event featuring Bollywood star and Fujifilm India instax Brand Ambassador Kriti Sanon. The launch event, held in Mumbai, was attended by Mr. Koji Wada, Managing Director of Fujifilm India, and Mr. Arun Babu, Associate Director & Head of Digital Camera, Instax & Optical Devices Business at Fujifilm India.

Kriti Sanon’s association with the brand brings a fresh and dynamic energy, resonating well with the target audience. “I am thrilled to be a part of the Instax family,” Sanon expressed. “The instax mini SE is not just a camera; it’s a way to create and cherish memories instantly. Whether you’re at a party, travelling, or just hanging out with friends, the instax mini SE captures those special moments beautifully. It’s truly a must-have for anyone who loves capturing life’s moments in a fun and unique way.”

Mr. Koji Wada highlighted the brand’s commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction: “At Fujifilm India, our constant endeavour is to stand in line with our Group Purpose of ‘Giving Our World More Smiles.’ The addition to the INSTAX product line and the collaboration with Kriti Sanon marks an exciting chapter for INSTAX. As we progress towards completing 100 years in the upcoming decade, we strive to bring products that bring More Smiles.”

Echoing these sentiments, Mr. Arun Babu added, “The instax mini SE embodies our commitment to innovation and style. Kriti’s enthusiasm for capturing life’s moments mirrors our own, and her endorsement will undoubtedly enhance the appeal of the instax mini SE to a broader audience.”

The instax mini SE is designed with modern consumers in mind, offering instant prints with enhanced features such as brightness control and a sleek design. It will be available in green, blue, pink, purple, and light grey, with combo packs of 10 and 40 shots. The “mini SE Fun Pack” with 10 shots is priced at ₹8,499, and the “mini SE Joy Pack” with 40 shots at ₹9,999. The camera uses Fujifilm instax “mini” format films, developing in about 90 seconds, and features a 0.4x viewfinder for easy framing, a 60 mm focal length lens, and a 1/60 second shutter speed.

Nikon launched NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.4 for Full-Frame Cameras at ₹89,995

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Nikon India Private Limited has unveiled the NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.4, a new addition to its lens lineup aimed at enhancing creative possibilities for photography and videography enthusiasts. Positioned as a versatile wide-angle prime lens, the NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.4 features a fast aperture of f/1.4, promising excellent low-light performance and the ability to create soft, appealing background blur.

Designed with videography in mind, the lens incorporates features such as a stepping motor for smooth and silent autofocus operation, minimizing operational noise during quiet shooting environments. It maintains a consistent angle of view while focusing, delivering natural-looking images without noticeable focus breathing. This makes it suitable for capturing cinematic moments with enhanced clarity and depth.

The lens also boasts a compact and portable design, measuring approximately 74.5 x 86.5 mm and weighing about 415 g, making it convenient for extended shooting sessions and well-suited for use with gimbals. It includes dust and drip resistance features, safeguarding it against environmental elements during outdoor use.

Expected to be available by the third week of July 2024, the NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.4 will be priced at ₹89,995 across Nikon outlets in India, expanding options for photographers and videographers seeking advanced optical performance and creative flexibility in their imaging pursuits.