Category Archives: news

Fujifilm India launches the FUJINON XF23mmF1.4 R

Fujifilm India has announced the launch of the FUJINON XF23mmF1.4 R lens for Fujifilm Interchangeable lens cameras.

With a focal length equivalent to 35mm in the 35mm format, the FUJINON XF23mmF1.4 R is suitable for a wide range of applications including portraits and landscapes, as well as more general photography. The maximum aperture of f/1.4 allows one to shoot hand-held in low-light conditions, and it said to create beautiful bokeh for artistic images. These advanced optical engineering techniques combine to deliver full-frame sensor resolution and noise level performance in the detailed APS-C sized X-Trans CMOS sensor in Fujifilm X-mount cameras.

Rohit Pandit, EVP, Sales & Marketing said, “With an appropriate mix of wide, telephoto – block and zoom lenses, I am happy that our range is expanding to meet the demands of discerning X Series professionals.”
The new lens design is said to provide enhanced resolving power with high contrast to draw the maximum performance out of the highly descriptive X-Trans CMOS sensor. Lens distortion has been reduced to the absolute minimum using only optical rather than digital correction, thereby delivering the highest possible picture quality.

The versatile focal length equivalent to 35mm in the 35mm format is meant to enable users to enjoy both a wide-angle and telephoto approach by using one’s own feet to adjust the distance or angle with the subject matter.
The FUJINON XF23mmF1.4 R features a camera-to-subject distance indicator and a depth-of-field scale on the barrel. Both are useful when manually pre-focusing to capture a fast moving subject, or minimize the shutter lag to capture a fleeting moment.The minimum working distance of around 28cm also makes this lens ideal for close-up shots.

The lens uses an internal focusing system for high speed autofocus. The focusing lens group consists of three cemented lens elements and one aspheric lens element to keep weight down while the built-in high-torque DC coreless motor delivers ultra-fast AF performance.

Nikon India launches the new Nikon Df

Nikon India, the 100% subsidiary of Nikon Corporation Tokyo recently announced the release of the Nikon Df, a light and smaller-size full frame D-SLR equipped with mechanical dials for setting shutter speed, ISO sensitivity, exposure compensation, exposure mode and release mode independently to bring users flexibility and control.

The Df features Nikon imaging technology, including a 16.2-megapixel full frame CMOS sensor and the EXPEED 3 image processing engine, with an ISO range of 100-12800 (expandable from 50 to 204800). Speaking on the announcement, Hiroshi Takashina, managing director, Nikon India said, “The New Nikon Df leads Nikon’s innovation of providing advanced imaging capabilities, without having to compromise on the form factor. The Df is made for Photo enthusiasts who want to expand their creative horizon with a camera that offers high image quality of an FX-Format and superb portability. We at Nikon continue to set new benchmarks in the world of photography.  The new Nikon Df impeccably combines remarkable features of Nikon’s milestone cameras and highlights exceptional imaging technology in a compact form factor.”

“Nikon will continue to provide product and services that surpasses the demands of the consumer and in return give them an edge over the others” said Sajjan Kumar, vice president-Imaging, Nikon India. “The Nikon Df is power packed with iconic design and great attention has been put to details for ultimate usability in order place the camera at the forefront of Nikon’s innovation,” he added.

The camera features a shutter release mode that claims to enable users to capture a high-speed continuous stream of images at approximately 5.5 frames per second. In addition, as the first Nikon digital SLR camera equipped with a collapsible metering coupling lever, the Df allows photographers to make use of the full range of Nikon lenses, including non-AI lenses. The camera is also compatible with the SDXC and UHS-I standard memory cards1, as well as the Eye-Fi cards.

The Nikon Df will be available in two colors, black and silver at an MRP of Rs. 183,950 (only body), Rs. 199,950, with AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G (Special Edition) kit, and only the AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G (Special Edition) will cost Rs.  17,950. The product shall be available from December 2013 onwards across pan India.

Kingston completes 26 years in the industry

Kingston announced that it had completed 26 years in the industry and in order to celebrate this occasion the company unveiled REX, the superhero from Kingston. The renowned symbol of the memory leader was the highlight of the manufacturers participation at a recently held exhibition where the company showcased four of his upgraded superpowers – HyperX Nitro boosters, USB 3.0, Branded RAM and Solid State Drives (SSDs).


Speaking at the event, Mr. Vishal Parekh, Marketing Director, Kingston India said, “We are the leaders in Memory and are elated to complete 26 fruitful years in the industry. Taking cues from the fantastic response received from the markets, we will continue to build a better experience for our network and end users.” He added, “REX is now equipped with newer and secure technologies that will win us more positive feedback.”

Nikon launches D5300, first DSLR with built-in LAN and GPS functions

Nikon India announced the launch of its first DSLR camera that offers built-in wireless LAN (Wi-Fi®) and GPS functions for the consumers. The D5300 (follow up on the D5200 DSLR camera) isa compact and lightweight entry-level model that will allow the users to share their images captured using the D5300.

The camera possesses significantly enhanced optical technologies, including an optimized EXPEED 4 image-processing engine with no optical low-pass filter. The absence of a low-pass filter maximizes the resolution of the high pixel count and rendering capabilities of NIKKOR lenses. Speaking on the announcement, Mr. Hiroshi Takashina, Managing Director, Nikon India said, “Today’s announcement strengthens Nikon’s leadership in the D-SLR category. The D5300 features Nikon’s latest innovative technologies, allowing users to instantly shoot, store and share images. The new entrant is specifically designed to give an edge to the users to unleash their creativity, and truly test the boundaries of a photographer’s imagination” 

Nikon D5300 Primary Features
– A 24.2 megapixel Nikon DX-format CMOS sensor with no optical low-pass filter
– Nikon’s latest image-processing engine, EXPEED 4
– Built-in Wi-Fi for transmitting images to a smart device for simple sharing and Remote Shooting
– A built-in GPS function that records location data and tracks movement
– A monocoque structure made of a new material for a smaller and lighter body that is strong and durable
– A 3.2-in., 1037k-dot vari-angle LCD monitor with wide viewing angle for simple shooting from any angle
– Toy Camera Effect and HDR Painting added to Special Effects mode (total of 9 effects) for more creative expression with still images and movies

The product shall be available from November mid onwards across pan India in black, Red and Grey colour at an MRP of:
– Nikon D5300 with 18-140mm VR: Rs. 75,950
– Nikon D5300 with 18-55mm VR: Rs. 59,950
– Nikon D5300 body only: Rs. 54,450


Nikon announces its smallest full-frame yet; the D610

Nikon India recently announced the launch of it’s a smallest and lightest FX-format camera till date, the D610. The camera is designed to meet the everyday demands of professional photographers and enthusiasts alike. With this release, Nikon has aimed at providing its customers with intuitive features to meet the image quality as well as practical demands of all photography lovers.
 
Made for for users who are new to the FX-format, the D610 is equipped with exclusive first-rate Nikon technology, including a 24.3-megapixel FX-format CMOS sensor and the EXPEED 3 image processing engine, along with an ISO range of 100 to 6400 (expandable from 50 to 25,600), to deliver the required image quality. It also features a new shutter release that’s aimed at allowing uninterrupted stream of images at approximately 6 frames per second.
 
Speaking on the announcement, Mr. Hiroshi Takashina, Managing Director, Nikon India said, “With our latest offering, we strive to showcase Nikon’s commitment to set new benchmarks in the world of photography. There is a constant demand of new and enhanced product in the market today, and to cater this demand we are all geared to provide exceptional choices to our valuable consumers making photography a wonderful experience. We believe that with the latest Nikon D610, the consumers will now have easy access to a remarkable camera that is capable of providing advanced imaging capabilities that only the FX-format can offer, without having to compromise on the form factor”
 

 

Fujifilm India associates with Delhi Photo Festival 2013

Fujifilm India partners with Delhi Photo Festival 2013, which is an initiative towards bringing their range of X Series cameras to the market. The brands is looking forward to this festival, which aims to gather photographers from across the world to not only attend the workshops but also participate in the live galleries. The festival will be held at the India Habitat Centre, and some of the leading galleries of the city are scheduled to participate, mounting independent exhibitions and events in their own spaces, thus providing a larger footprint for the Festival across the city. The festival will go on from September 27 to October 11, 2013. Mr. Rohit Pandit, EVP – Sales & Marketing, Fujifilm India says about the event ‘I would like to extend an invitation to all photography enthusiasts , professionals and amateurs, to come and see the potential of the this series and to learn what attracted professional Photographers from all over the world, including Sephi Bergerson, towards Fujifilm’s X Series Cameras. Get a chance to see ‘X Series’ in India through the eyes of a professional photographer. While Sephi would be talking about the artistic side of Photography, he will be accompanied by Fujifilm Manager to discuss the technology behind the devices and answer any questions’. The workshop is open to all and does not have any fee attached. Details can be found at the Delhi Photo Festival website -http://www.delhiphotofestival.com/delhi_photo_festival_2013/home.html

Sony unveils its range of smartphone cameras

Sony recently announced its range of camera lenses for smartphone, the QX0 and QX100, and it might just be another evolution in making. As smartphones have been steadily taking over cameras as the prefered medium for amateur photographers, these new lenses can really help settle that debate. The lenses act as a viewfinder as well, and they work with all the smartphones with Wifi. The fact that they work on Wifi and don’t physically connect to the phone might be perturbing, or even discouraging, for some, but this certainly made us realize that this is one technology they aren’t working enough on. Efforts like this can change the future, and they already are, and what was once a rich man’s sport might soon be something everybody can do.




The QX10 will be around $250 when it hits the market, and the QX100 around $500, though we’re still awaiting their official launch for the Indian market. While the QX10 has a 18.2 megapixels Exmor R CMOS sensor, the QX100 is the bigger brother in the family with a 20.2 megapixel Exmor R CMOS sensor, the same one found on cyber-shot RX100 II camera. The QX100 also sports a manual zoom ring found on DSLR lenses, something which might help make it feel like the real thing. The official announcement is still pending, though we hope we get our hands on this one for an exclusive review soon. Stay tuned…

Google celebrates World Photography Day

Google brought together professional photographers and photography enthusiasts from across the globe to celebrate World Photography Day at a special event in Mumbai, on August 19th. This event allowed photographers to debate and exchange their ideas on the evolution of photography from, daguerreotypes to digital.

The keynote session was delivered by Padamshree Award winner Raghu Rai, who showcased his photographs and shared his experiences and anecdotes on the developments in the photography world and the transitions over the years. Elaborating upon his experiences as a photographer, Rai said, “The photography world has seen a paradigm shift in the past couple of decades. It has moved away from the isolated dark rooms to highly interactive social platforms. With advanced technology tools at their disposal, photographers today are pushing the boundaries of creativity, and giving birth to new forms of art which were unthinkable just a decade ago.”

For the occasion, Google also collaborated with leading Indian photographers including Pradeep Sanyal, Sumit Sen, and Prashant Panjiar, to encourage photographers to embrace technology for content creation, and network with like-minded photographers from across the globe.

Sandeep Menon, Google India’s Director of Marketing said, “The advent of technology has brought easy-to-use, advanced photography tools within reach of all photography enthusiasts. With its large and active community of photographers, Google+ aims to provide a platform for experts and amateurs from around the world to showcase their work, seek feedback from, and engage with other photographers. Recognizing the evolving needs of photographers, Google is focused on providing useful photo-editing tools and services to help people share the special moments that matter.”

The event was rounded out by a special exhibition of the work of participating photographers.

Nikon AW110 review

Check out our latest video review of the Nikon AW110 tough camera. The video puts the AW110 through a waterproof, shockproof and freeze test to find out if it can withstand the punishment. Featuring some innovative and new tests it also gives out Asian Photography’s verdict on the Nikon AW110.

Brother International India strengthens focus to tap printer market in India

Brother International India, a global player in the development, manufacturing and marketing of printing, communication and digital imaging technologies recently announced its growth plans for India market. In a move to further expand Brother’s penetration in Indian market and establish deeper connect with the Indian consumers, the company announced addition of 3 new Mono Laser products.

 

 

This new range of two MFCs (Multifunction Centers) and one Single Function Laser printer claims to be being highly reliable, affordable and efficient for home, SOHO and enterprise. The product line-up includes HL-1111, a single function laser printer, while the DCP-1511& MFC–1811 are the MFCs.  These products are aimed at bring new technical innovations that will help customers experience hassle free printing through efficient paper handling capabilities at affordable cost.

 

Speaking on the occasion, Atsushi Iwamoto, General Manager, Brother Industries, Ltd., said “It is an exciting time for Brother in the APAC region as we continue to remain motivated and pursue the growth opportunities available here. With our customer-first approach, we aim to deliver superior value by providing high quality and feature rich products to make a meaningful difference in our customer’s lives and set industry benchmark. Additionally, with the launch of these new products, we re-iterate our focus to the Indian market and ensure we continue to accelerate growth in the region.”