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 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.

Increase the color gamut with new HP Indigo inks

Fujifilm India recently announced the launch of FUJIFILM X-A5. Sporting a retro and stylish design, the camera is said to offer a host of features including a 180-degree tilting rear LCD screen, the latest built-in Bluetooth technology and an extended battery life.

Fujifilm X-A5 boasts a 24.2MP APS-C sensor, which is equipped with a phase detection autofocus system, and a newly developed image processing engine that, according to the copmpany, is 1.5 times faster than previous models. In addition, when combined with the new collapsible FUJINON XC15-45mmF3.5-5.6 OIS PZ, the X-A5 reportedly weighs just 496g, making it the lightest camera-zoom kit lens combination in the X Series.

Commenting on the occasion, Mr. Haruto Iwata, Managing Director, Fujifilm India Pvt. Ltd. said, “The advantage of an X Series mirrorless camera lies in its compact size packed with cutting edge innovative technology and unique features that provide great controls along with excellent color reproduction and image quality. Fujifilm X-A5 is an affordable solution with high precision, packed in an enhanced camera body to provide a refined photography experience to budding photography enthusiasts. With this camera our aim is to promote photography among amateurs, and to enable them with infinite possibilities for capturing magnificent images with confidence.”

According to a report almost 1.8 billion digital images are uploaded on the web every day. The company claims that the X-A5 is particularly designed for Instagrammers and for those who consider photography as a lifestyle and like to log their moments. The X-A5 reportedly includes features beyond a smartphone’s reach by offering a much wider range of viewing angles and depth of field effects, alongside great image quality.

According to Fujifilm, combining a newly-developed sensor and color reproduction technology that has been refined over 80 years to deliver premium quality portraiture, the X-A5 combines a newly developed 24.2 megapixel APS-C sensor with the image processing engine to achieve Fujifilm’s renowned photo quality. Combined with the supplied FUJINON lens, the camera claims to provide ultimate image resolution, recording the subject’s texture, form and even the atmosphere of the scene. The company also claims that the camera outperforms previous models in its scene recognition accuracy in SR+ AUTO mode, color reproduction performance and skin tone reproduction capability which is particularly popular. This makes the X-A5 the perfect choice for photographing human subjects.

The regular range of ISO sensitivity has been reportedly extended to ISO12800. The X-A5 is reportedly the first X-A Series model to feature phase detection pixels, originally developed for the X series’ high-end models. The Intelligent Hybrid AF speed is twice as fast as previous models, according to the company, ensuring that you capture those photographic moments more swiftly and beautifully.

The X-A5 debuts the new FUJINON XC15-45mm F3.5-5.6 OIS PZ, the first electric-powered zoom lens for the X Mount. The lens reportedly has the minimum working distance of just 5cm*4, ideal for clear close-up shots, such as food photography. The smooth electric-powered zooming mechanism that starts from the wide-angle 23mm end (on a 35mm format) reportedly gives greater freedom in composition framing for both still images and video.

The company also stated that the X-A5 is equipped with a large rear LCD monitor that can rotate 180 degrees. When the panel is rotated 180 degrees, the Rear Command Dial automatically switches to the Zoom and Shutter Release function. The 180-degree rotation of the rear LCD monitor also activates the Eye AF function automatically to create high quality self-portraits with sharp focus on the subject’s eyes. The Portrait Enhancer Mode, offers its popular ability to produce beautiful skin tone, and has also evolved with the new user interface to select from three levels of skin tone enhancement with touch-screen operation for easy, natural and flattering self-portraits.

The X-A5 reportedly offers 11 variations of Fujifilm’s unique Film Simulation Modes, adding an advanced artistic flair easy with the reproduction of film-like color tones. The camera also features 17 variations of Advanced Filters including the new “Fog Remove” and “HDR Art.”

The rear LCD monitor is said to use the new touch-panel GUI, facilitating intuitive touch-panel operation using fingertips so that you can check the effect of Advanced Filters and Film Simulations for added usability.

The Exposure Compensation Dial now reportedly has the range expanded from ±3EV to ±5EV to boost freedom in photographic expressions.

The Bluetooth Low Energy technology has said to have been incorporated for quick, easy and automatic transfer of still images and videos to paired smartphones and tablet devices, using the free smart-device app “FUJIFILM Camera Remote”. The camera is also compatible with FUJIFILM instax SHARE SP-3 printer.

The X-A5 reportedly offers a High-Speed HD Video function, allowing users to record HD video up to quad speed for slow motion clips. The Multi Focus Mode automatically synthesizes 4K quality images with changing the depth of field setting. The 4K Burst function offers to shoot 15 frames per second in 4K image quality. The X-A5 is also said to offer the class-leading number of photos per charge. Users can shoot as many as 450 photos per single battery charge.

Xiaomi announced the Redmi Y2 in India, a new iteration of the Y series that is designed for the young at heart with its exceptional selfie experience. It also announced MIUI 10, the latest update to its operating software which, according to company claims, is built for a more immersive full screen experience.

Redmi Y2 reportedly sports an AI-powered 16MP front camera powered by pixel binning technique and Xiaomi’s own AI Beautify features. Redmi Y2 also comes with a 12MP + 5MP AI dual camera. It has a 5.99-inch 18:9 Full Screen Display and is powered by the Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 625 platform.

The company claims that the 16MP front camera on Redmi Y2 is able to capture fine details in daylight and produces high-resolution images. In low-light conditions, the sensor reportedly uses pixel binning technique to combine information from four pixels and create one large 2.0µm pixel. This greatly improves the resulting picture quality, producing clearer and brighter photos in low light with less noise. Another addition to its low-light repertoire is the Selfie-light, which produces a 4500K colour temperature making it easier to take selfies in low-light conditions.

When Auto HDR is enabled, the 16MP front camera is said to automatically detect a back-light environment and apply the HDR effect. Selfie-light on Redmi Y2 reportedly mimics natural light, allowing catchlights in the eyes to be captured, which makes for great portrait photos. The camera also supports AI bokeh that effectively distinguishes the subject from the background, even correctly identifying elements such as hair accessories and popular hand gestures as being part of the subject.

Redmi Y2 sports a 12MP + 5MP AI dual camera on its back. The 12MP primary sensor has 1.25µm large pixels, which results in brighter images in low light conditions. The 5MP secondary sensor is dedicated to acquiring depth information, producing photos with great bokeh effects.

In Portrait Mode, both the front and back cameras support AI Beautify. AI Beautify 4.0 is designed keeping in mind specific needs of users in India, and can detect elements such as makeup, beards, nose rings, etc. and keep them intact (besides popular selfie facial expressions).

Redmi Y2 also comes with a 5.99-inch 18:9 full screen display that allows users a large-screen experience while being ergonomic at the same time. Its metallic-finish back is symmetrically curved and gently tapered toward edges, achieving a great handfeel.

According to the company, the Redmi Y2 features face unlock out of the box, in addition to having a fingerprint scanner. Keeping in mind specific needs of users, Redmi Y2 features a dedicated microSD card slot for storage expansion by up to 256GB. Users will also be able to control a lot of their home electronics with the included IR blaster using the Mi Remote app.

Redmi Y2 comes in three colors: Gold, Rose gold and Dark grey. The 3GB + 32GB version will retail for Rs 9,999, while the 4GB + 64GB version is priced at Rs 12,999. A simple TPU case will be shipped in the box with every Redmi Y2.

The company also revealed that the Redmi Y2 goes on sale 12PM 12th June at Mi.com, Amazon.in and Mi Home stores across the country. It will also be available across offline partners at a later date.

Key features of Redmi Y2:

• 5.99-inch 18:9 display

  • 1440 × 720 resolution (HD+)

  • 450nit maximum brightness

• 16MP front camera

  • Selfie-light (flash)

  • 79.8° wide-angle lens and 5-element lens

  • f/2.0 aperture

• 12MP + 5MP rear camera

  • 1.25 micron pixel size

• Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 625

  • Octa-core, up to 2.0GHz

  • Qualcomm Adreno™ 506 GPU

• 3GB RAM + 32GB ROM / 4GB + 64GB ROM

• Dual SIM + dedicated microSD card slot expandable upto 256GB

• Rear fingerprint sensor

• IR blaster

• Face unlock

• Dimensions: 160.7 × 77.2 × 8.1mm

• 3080mAh high-capacity battery

• MIUI 9.5 based on Android 8.1

HUAWEI recently unveiled the HUAWEI P20 and HUAWEI P20 Pro smartphones. The HUAWEI P20 Pro features the world’s first triple Leica camera and both devices include unprecedented AI advances, combining technology and art to bring to life a groundbreaking smartphone experience.

“We look for inspiration from artists to continuously evolve our approach to design and innovation,” said Richard Yu, Chief Executive Officer, HUAWEI Consumer Business Group. “The HUAWEI P20 Series builds on the legacy of our collabouration with Leica. With a breakthrough triple camera on the HUAWEI P20 Pro, an advanced dual camera on the HUAWEI P20, and powerful artificial intelligence on both, today’s most vibrant consumers can capture and share the brilliance of the world around them.”

Achieving DxOMark’s highest overall scores¹, the HUAWEI P20 Series includes advanced, intelligent camera systems that bring consumers features that ultimately enhance every part of the smartphone photography experience.

Some key features of the HUAWEI P20 Series include an advanced camera system to capture more light, more details and more beauty, featuring a Leica triple camera and 5x Hybrid Zoom on the HUAWEI P20 Pro, and a Leica dual camera on the HUAWEI P20. Photography features, including Master AI with AI-driven professional photography and HUAWEI AIS (AI Image Stabilisation),

A design with barely-there bezels and all-new gradient colours.

It features NPU on Kirin 970 and EMUI 8.1 based on Android™ 8.1 for a smooth user experience.

The HUAWEI P20series will be available Twilight and Pink Gold, Black and Midlight Blue

The 5.8-inch screen HUAWEI P20 and 6.1-inch screen HUAWEI P20 Pro feature ultra-thin bezels and impressive screen-to-body ratios for better viewing experiences with more on-screen information, whether reading or gaming. The HUAWEI P20 Pro features a Leica triple camera with the high pixel count comprised of a 40 MP RGB sensor, a 20 MP monochrome sensor and an 8 MP sensor with telephoto lens. It also features a colour temperature sensor for better colour reproduction. With f/1.8, f/1.6 and f/2.4 wide aperture, the HUAWEI P20 Pro also includes a brand new Leica 3X telephoto (VARIO-SUMMILUX-H 1:1.6 – 2.4/27-80ASPH) lens for long-range photography of up to 5x Hybrid Zoom. The HUAWEI P20 Pro’s highly sensitive image sensor captures low light photos with up to ISO 102400.

The HUAWEI P20 builds on its predecessor’s foundation with a Leica dual camera featuring a 12 MP lens with a pixel size as high as 1.55 μm, and a 20 MP monochrome lens, enhancing the HUAWEI P20’s ability to capture photos in low-light settings.

The HUAWEI P20 Series devices support six-axis stabilisation and 960 fps super slow motion. With Ultra Snapshot mode, the devices can capture an image in as little as 0.3 seconds by just double clicking the down volume button, even from an off screen. The HUAWEI P20 and HUAWEI P20 Pro feature a 24 MP selfie camera with AI beautification and 3D portrait lighting.

Additionally, the HUAWEI HiAI Ecosystem enhances a variety of app experiences.

In partnership with Google, the HUAWEI P20 Series supports Google ARCore delivering advanced AR capabilities.

The HUAWEI P20 Series available globally at a price of € 649 for the HUAWEI P20 4 GB + 128 GB and € 899 for the HUAWEI P20 Pro 6 GB + 128 GB respectively.

Sony India recently announced the appointment of Mr. Sunil Nayyar as its new Managing Director with effect from April 1, 2018. The change of guard marks a historic milestone, with Sunil being the first Indian to be appointed as Managing Director for Sony India. According to the company, in this new role, Sunil will be responsible for spearheading the overall growth and profitability of the company within the region, by driving an integrated business and marketing strategy and directing excellence in market performance across all categories.

Speaking on his appointment, Sunil Nayyar said, “Being one of the most recognized consumer electronics brand, it is an exciting time to lead the company’s direction in India. In this time of transition, I look forward for an insight from our stakeholders and help guide in further strengthening Sony’s presence in India. I am confident, that we will continue to harness our energies to expand our footprint and offer the best in class technology to our consumers.”

Kenichiro Hibi, former Managing Director of Sony India, held the position for six years from 2012 till 2018, has now been appointed as President for Sony Brazil effective April 1, 2018.