Category Archives: news

Nikon’s Z-Mount Line-up Expands with 85mm f/1.2 S and 26mm f/2.8 Lenses

Nikon India recently launched the NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S and the NIKKOR Z 26mm f/2.8 in their Z mount lens line-up. The NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S lens is priced at ₹2,57,995 and will be available to purchase from the last week of March. The NIKKOR Z 26mm f/2.8 lens is priced at INR 46,495/- and will be available to purchase by the end of February.

NIKKOR Z 26mm f/2.8 lens is designed to be an ideal full-time companion for the Z series cameras, this compact and lightweight lens can capture everyday perspectives, from street and cityscapes to landscapes and portraits. It features a 26mm focal length, a minimum focus distance of 0.2m, and a bright maximum aperture of f/2.8. The lens also has a dust-and-drip resistant design and a dedicated lens hood to retain its slim form. With its all-element focusing system and three aspherical lens elements, the NIKKOR Z 26mm f/2.8 lens offers excellent optical performance in a small body.

NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S is designed to deliver high-quality portraits and videos with a fast and accurate autofocus system that enables users to take advantage of the f/1.2 aperture. The lens is equipped with two aspherical lenses, one Extra-Low Dispersion glass element, and a multi-focusing system that provides precise focusing even at shallow depths of field. The lens also features a high-performance Nano Crystal Coat that eliminates most ghost and flare effect under strong sunlight or light source from the back of subjects. The NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S has a dust and drip-resistant performance and is highly customisable with a L-Fn button for users to assign their favourite functions.

Camera Collector Dilish Parekh Passes Away at 69 in Mumbai

Dilish Parekh, a world record holder for having the largest collection of antique cameras and the largest collection of photographic instruments, has passed away at the age of 69 in Mumbai. He passed away peacefully at his residence in South Mumbai, and leaves behind his wife Binita, sons Jay and Harsh, and other relatives.

Dilish Parekh began his passion for collecting antique cameras in 1977, and went on to amass a stunning collection that included pieces from all over the world from various manufacturers such as Leica, Rolliflex, Zeiss, Linhof, Canon, Nikon, and Kodak. One of the highlights of his collection was a 1934 Leica 250, of which only around 1,000 were produced by the German company. Other notable pieces in his collection included a 1962 German-made Bessa II, the world’s smallest and lightest 35mm camera, the Tessina L weighing only 155 grams, and a twin-lens reflex camera produced by Concava, Switzerland in 1959.

Parekh’s love for photography instruments was sparked after inheriting his father’s collection of 600 cameras. He expanded on this legacy and meticulously built up his own collection to a staggering 4,500 cameras, sourcing them from all over the world, including Mumbai’s Chor Bazar flea market. His collection also included unique and fascinating items such as a 1907 leather-bound Royal Mail Postage Stamp Camera, which could take 15 stamp-sized photos at once. Despite interest from collectors worldwide to purchase his full or partial collection for substantial amounts, Parekh fiercely protected his cameras and never sold them.

We at Asian Photography Magazine are deeply saddened by the passing of Dilish Parekh, a legend and world record holder. His passion for capturing memories and preserving history through his incredible collection of antique cameras has inspired countless photographers. Our thoughts and condolences go out to his family and loved ones during this difficult time. Dilish’s legacy in the world of photography will live on forever.

Xiaomi and Leica looking to Revolutionize Mobile Photography | Xiaomi 13 Pro launch date confirmed

Xiaomi and Leica are extending its partnership following its first collaboration of the Xiaomi 12S Ultra smartphone, which was jointly engineered by both companies and introduced to the global market in July of last year. And now both the companies are looking to bring more exciting new developments in mobile photography.

Xiaomi India and Leica Global Leadership team 

The partnership between Xiaomi and Leica will result in the co-engineering of new and advanced smartphone cameras. The aim of this alliance is to jointly develop cutting-edge solutions in the smartphone camera market and enhance optical performance.

Xiaomi will continue to share its experience in researching and developing imaging systems and AI algorithms, while Leica who is a name to reckon with in the photography industry is expected to bring their expertise in optical engineering, design, imaging software, and consumer experience related to photography. This collaboration is expected to result in better imaging performance in the Xiaomi smartphones. For the new developments, Leica’s strict production processes are integrated into the camera modules to ensure great quality. 

Anuj Sharma – CMO, Xiaomi India

Both brands have agreed on key areas of focus for the long-term development of mobile imaging, including image style, AI applications, and the introduction of new hardware. By leveraging their collective strengths, Xiaomi and Leica aim to provide users with exceptional imaging experiences and bring about a new era of innovation in mobile photography.


Xiaomi and Leica have joined forces to enhance the camera capabilities of their smartphones. The result of their collaboration is the innovative concept 12S Ultra, which features a Leica 35mm lens integrated into the camera module and operating system. This allows for seamless control of the camera through the phone’s camera app. As one of the pioneering prototypes in the tech world, the companies are sure to have even more exciting developments in store.

Xiaomi’s highly-anticipated flagship, the Xiaomi 13 Pro, is finally making its global debut on February 26th, with India being one of the launch countries. This cutting-edge smartphone is equipped with state-of-the-art cameras, fine-tuned by none other than the renowned camera brand, Leica.

Photo Park Boosts Digital Printing Capacity with Addition of Two HP Indigo 7K Presses

Photo Park Digital Press is the first to buy the two most current HP Indigo 7K presses. Photo Park Digital has increased its usage of the technology, bringing its total fleet of HP Indigo presses to eight. Their goal is to leverage cutting-edge HP technology to deliver printing services to worldwide markets while also expanding the present network to other parts of India.

“PHOTOPARK stands for “Symbol of Quality” which has helped us to serve more than 25% of the photo industry requirement directly and indirectly in Tamil Nādu and Kerala. With the new technology growth, we have started to serve the domestic and international market too”, Mr. Francis, Managing Director, Photo Park Digital. 

“Now with HP Indigo technology we have extended our service in the printing press industry with a real colour printing solution, which is an all-new redefinition for offset printing solution. With the objective to be one of the highest quality printers of the industry, offering uncompromising customer satisfaction and best-in-class robust services.  Photo Park is one of the biggest Photo printing companies in India today and continuously enhancing its expertise and capability. We want to be India’s preferred photo book production partners”, added Mr Francis. 

A Appadurai, Country Manager, Indigo & Inkjet Business Solutions, HP India said, “Over the last decade, the digital printing industry has undergone a tremendous transformation. With the revolution of HP’s digital printing press for photo and commercial printing industry, today, our customers can innovate and technologically advance their offerings to meet the evolving needs of the market. Photo Park is a classic example of how they have expanded over the years, and we are proud to collaborate with them once again. We are confident that their trust & faith in HP’s digital technology helps them achieve the highest standard of print quality, which will be their competitive differentiator.” 

HP Indigo Digital Presses are designed to help print owners become the smart, industry-leading provider that consumers desire, with access to a broader range of materials, more varied media options, and a colour spectrum that extends beyond CMYK while decreasing waste. Customers may now use an HP Indigo Digital Press to satisfy any demand – now, tomorrow, and for years to come – thanks to breakthroughs in A3 printing speed, versatility, and operational economy.

HP Indigo 7K Digital Press is a printing system that offers printers an infinite number of applications, high quality, and colour for picture and commercial printing that lasts for 200 years. Because photographers are sensitive to skin tones, HP Indigo Digital Press often prints using a 6-color process to capture precise colours. Unlike traditional printing processes, the HP Indigo 7K Digital Press provides high-quality printing for picture applications, allowing customers to attain the largest colour spectrum by utilising the most revolutionary creation of Vivid Pink and Vivid Green Inks. Photo Park can manufacture the greatest quality books that are Lightweight, Waterproof, and Nontear by using different materials and the HP Indigo 7K Digital Press, offering its clients memories they’ll enjoy forever.

Nikon India Empowers Women Photographers with Groundbreaking ‘Through Her Lens’ Campaign

Nikon India announces the newest iteration of its trailblazing campaign “Through Her Lens,” an annual digital contest focused at uplifting and elevating the voices of professional and amateur women photographers in India. The contest, currently in its third season, provides a venue for female photographers to showcase their creative abilities, acquire vital exposure, and make relationships with the industry’s top experts. This project allows women to demonstrate their ability and skill set while breaking down gender preconceptions and encouraging more women to pursue careers in photography.

Commenting on the occasion, Mr. Sajjan Kumar Managing Director, Nikon India Pvt. Ltd. said, “At Nikon India, we see a world where the lens of a camera is not just an instrument to capture the reality but also a tool to create change. Our newest campaign “Through Her Lens” exemplifies our effort to promote diversity and inclusion in the photography industry. We are excited to see the outstanding work that the participants will submit this year and hope this contest inspires and empowers women photographers in India. We believe that through this contest, we shall pave way for the future where the stories are captured, shared and celebrated equally.”

This year’s contest subject is “That’s Me!” and encourages female photographers and videographers to submit one photograph or film with which they most identify, along with a brief description of the image/video and how it represents their opinion of themselves. This contest gives female photographers and videographers the opportunity to break away from cultural expectations, show the world their personalities, and portray a real and honest version of themselves via the art of photography. It provides a forum for individuals to showcase their own viewpoint and originality as visual artists, and it is designed to encourage self-discovery and self-expression.

Women photographers and videographers working in any discipline of photography, from fashion, fine art, wildlife, reportage, and amateurs to professionals, are welcome to participate. The contest will continue through February 21, 2023, and submissions may be entered via the “Capture With Nikon” (www.capturewithnikon.in) website or by posting the shot to Instagram and tagging @NikonIndiaOfficial with the hashtag #ThroughHerLens3.

A jury of prominent women photographers and Nikon Creators, including Latika Nath (Wildlife Photographer), Smita Sharma (Documentary Photographer), Richa Maheshwari (Fashion Photographer), and Tania Chatterjee, will judge the contest (Street Photographer). Nikon will select three winners on International Women’s Day, with a total prize pool of INR 3.8 lakhs. Nikon India invites all Indian women photographers and videographers to take part in this amazing chance to not only display their work but also have their voices heard in the photography business.

Nikon introduces the NIKKOR Z 17-28mm f/2.8 Lens

Nikon India just released the NIKKOR Z 17-28mm f/2.8, a compact and lightweight ultra-wide angle zoom lens with great versatility. Its focal length provides users with a diverse and comfortable photography experience, allowing them to capture dramatic night views as well as ordinary snapshots without having to switch between several lenses. The lens, housed in a tiny housing, is convenient to transport for vacations, allowing users to photograph magnificent cityscapes and landscapes on the go.

“The NIKKOR Z 17-28mm f/2.8 ultrawide angle zoom lens is an affordable, compact and light weight lens. It features a constant maximum aperture of f/2.8 along with great AF performance and designed for videos as well. Travel & Landscape photographers, videographers and people shooting weddings can really enjoy this lens for its sharpness and colour rendition,” said Sajjan Kumar, Managing Director of Nikon India Pvt. Ltd.

The Nikon Z 17-28mm F2.8 lens offers an additional benefit over the costlier S-series 14-24mm F2.8 S lens: it is substantially smaller and lighter. The Z 17-28mm F2.8 lens is 101mm (4 in.) in length and has a maximum diameter of 75mm (3 in.). The Z 17-28mm F2.8 is also an internal zoom lens, which means it does not stretch as the focal length is changed. The lens is 450g in weight (15.9 oz.). In comparison, the Z 14-24mm F2.8 is 124.5mm (5 in.) long and has an 88.5mm maximum diameter (3.5 in.). The 14-24mm F2.8 lens weights 200g more, or roughly 30% more.

The Z 17-28mm F2.8 lens has a 67mm filter thread, but the specialist lens hood on the 14-24mm F2.8 S lens allows 112mm filters, which are exceptionally big. Of course, there’s a big difference between designing 14-24mm F2.8 lenses and designing 17-28mm F2.8 lenses. The additional field of view is not inexpensive.

Nikon claims that the new lens is sealed to prevent dust and water droplets from entering, so it should be suitable for outdoor shooting. According to Nikon, “the lens is designed for producers who aren’t hesitant to venture off the beaten road in pursuit of their content.”

In terms of glass, the Z 17-28mm F2.8 lens has 13 elements grouped into 11 groups. The Z 14-24mm F2.8 S has three less elements. Furthermore, the new Z 17-28mm F2.8 lacks Nano Crystal and ARNEO coatings, which are typical of S Series lenses.

A high-speed stepping motor provides autofocus (STM). During photo and video recording, the STM technology offers quick and practically quiet autofocus. The lens claims to reduce focus breathing, which should be beneficial to video content providers. A click-less control ring is also included for silent, smooth exposure changes. The minimum focus distance of the lens is just 0.19m (7.6 in.) at 17mm and 0.26m (10.3 in.) at 28mm, resulting in a maximum magnification of 0.19x at 17mm and 0.17x at 28mm.

The price and availability of the product is yet to be revealed. 

Sony India announces collaboration with PTI

Sony India has announced a new relationship with Press Trust of India (PTI), India’s largest independent news agency, under which PTI would make Sony India its exclusive digital imaging solution supplier for news photographers and video journalists across the nation. Sony India will also provide product service support and training to PTI picture and video journalists as part of this agreement.

PTI publishes around 2,000 stories and 200 images every day and collaborates with over 500 Indian publications. The news organisation has a long tradition of producing great visual journalism, and its journalists will now employ Sony’s superior imaging technology to cover big events around the country.

“We are pleased to announce this collaboration with PTI, an organization with such a vast reach in the country,” said Sunil Nayyar, Managing Director of Sony India. “PTI is a highly trusted news source in the country, and it is such an honour for us to be collaborating with them, to be supporting PTI who delivers top-class photo and video for news across the globe”.

Vijay Joshi, the Chief Executive Officer of Press Trust of India said, “At PTI we believe that technology is one of the foundational pillars for producing good journalism. We recognize that Sony has always been at the forefront of creating innovative technologies when it comes to cameras. Partnering with Sony was therefore a no-brainer for us, especially as we step into video journalism. We are excited with the opportunity this holds as our photo-journalists will be able to seamlessly work in tandem with their video colleagues, thanks to the common technology solution the Sony system offers.”

Once the shift is complete, all PTI journalists will be outfitted with Sony’s most recent cameras and lenses. This will allow all of the news agency’s journalists to effortlessly cooperate and tell the stories that matter, regardless of media.

“The use of our mirrorless cameras including the flagship Alpha 1 and the latest Alpha 7 IV along with a broad selection of Sony’s E-mount lenses including G Master™ models will allow PTI journalists to capture all the major events in the country and document stories like never before. All our mirrorless cameras are equipped with the latest technologies, where powerful hardware and software work together to deliver best imagery in a most flexible way. The advanced image processor and full-frame image sensor make better use of the light, produces less noise, sharp details giving a more beautiful image. We are also glad to enable PTI to deliver high quality video in the field of journalism using our dedicated video lineup like PXW-Z190 and PXW-Z90.” said Mukesh Srivastava, Head of Digital Imaging Business at Sony India.

Gurinder Osan, the Photo Editor of PTI, said “Completely changing the camera gear of an entire team is a difficult and responsible decision but our choice was re-affirmed after elaborate on-field testing and comparisons that went in favour of Sony’s mirrorless camera system for their robust and well-established technology. Digital cameras are more like computers and getting the performance that balances smart innovations with the subtle art of photography is what helps today’s visual creators redefine themselves and move into the future. All of this is besides the host of features that the Sony cameras offer, notable being their auto-focus performance, low light capability, reduced weight and bulk, range of lenses and overall efficiency.”


IMAGE: From L-R: Mukesh Srivastava, Head of Digital Imaging Business at Sony India; Tomohiro Nakashima, Deputy Managing Director of Sony India; Sunil Nayyar, Managing Director of Sony India; Vijay Joshi, the Chief Executive Officer of Press Trust of India; Gurinder Osan, the Photo Editor of PTI and Amit Gemini, the Chief Technology Officer of PTI.
 

Tamron is Developing a 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 for Nikon Z Mount

Tamron has announced the 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD, the company’s first Z-mount system lens, as the thinnest and lightest telephoto zoom for full-frame mirrorless cameras.

The lens looks to be similar to the Sony E-mount 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD, which was released in 2020, and shares many, if not all, of the design decisions found in that lens, including promises of being the “smallest and lightest” telephoto zoom for full-frame cameras. It also features the same optical structure of 15 elements in 10 groups, which Tamron claims is “precisely structured to minimise axial chromatic and other aberrations that are prone to develop with telephoto zoom lenses.”

Tamron claims that at 300mm, the design provides “excellent resolution” from edge to edge and produces crisp pictures across the zoom range owing to the company’s anti-reflection BBAR Coating.

The mirrorless lens is 5.9 inches long, has a maximum diameter of 77mm, and weighs 20.5 ounces. According to Tamron, the compact dimensions and light weight make it perfect for travel and allow for simple access to landscape and sports photography, as well as portraiture, bird photography, and “casual shots.”

Tamron’s Rapid eXtra-silent stepping Drive (RXD) powers the lens autofocus, which the firm claims enables highly rapid and accurate autofocus and lets users to retain tack-sharp focus on continually moving scenes often captured with telephoto zoom lenses.

The lens will be compatible with Tamron’s Lens Utility software and allows users to update the lens firmware after purchase. It is also moisture resitant.

The price of the lens will be Rs. 63,000 and it will launched on September 29, 2022.

Fujifilm introduces the X-H2S digital mirrorless camera for Rs 2,39,999

Fujifilm has recently released the Fujifilm X-H2S mirrorless digital camera in India. The new camera is the company’s newest addition to the X-series camera portfolio. According to the firm, the camera was designed to meet the photographic demands of professional photographers and videographers of all genres. In terms of features, the X-H2S now boasts a newly designed subject-recognition AF technology as well as an upgraded Autofocus (AF) mechanism. The camera can record up to 6.2K footage at 30 frames per second and 4K films at 120 frames per second.

The Fujifilm X-H2S digital camera is priced at Rs 2,39,999 and will be available for purchase beginning July 23 through the company’s official website, authorised shops, and e-commerce platforms such as Amazon and Flipkart.

The X-HS2 is equipped with a 26.16MP sensor with back-illumination and a stack-layer construction. It is the first stacked APS-C sensor, according to the firm. Aside from that, the sensor can capture blackout-free burst photos at up to 40fps. In terms of video performance, the sensor can capture 4K/60P footage without cropping and with much decreased rolling-shutter effect. The camera is powered by a whole new CPU, the XProcessor 5, which promises to give double the processing performance of the previous version. The CPU, according to the business, may enable quicker processing rates, low ISO sensitivity, and decreased noise at higher ISO settings. Furthermore, the chipset enables the camera to provide functions like as subject-detection AF, tracking the targeted targets, and shooting 4:2:2 10bit films. The camera also has built-in memory, which helps to enhance the amount of grammes that can be photographed constantly. The camera promises to be able to shoot up to 1,000 frames per second with an electronic shutter at up to 30fps in JPEG and 20fps in RAW. The X-H2S also includes an electronic viewfinder with a 5.76 million-dot resolution and 0.8x magnification. The camera also has two memory card slots that accept CFexpress Type B and SD cards. In addition, the business has released various new accessories for the X-H25 camera. Vertical battery grip VG-XH, file transmitter FT-XH, cooling fan “FAN-001,” and cover kit CVR-XH are included.

Canon expands its RF Lenses Portfolio with Two New Lenses

Canon recently announced the release of the RF 24MM F1.8 MACRO IS STM and RF15-30MM F4.5-6.3 IS STM lenses, which are flexible and lightweight additions to the EOS R mirrorless camera line. These two lenses round up and complete the inexpensive RF lens lineup. The RF lens lineup now contains 30 lenses, thanks to the acquisition of these two lenses.

The RF24MM F1.8 MACRO IS STM completes the economical line of RF prime lenses, which now includes focal lengths of 16mm, 24mm, 35mm, 50mm, and 85mm. Similarly, the RF15-30MM F4.5-6.3 IS STM now completes the cheap zoom lens lineup, encompassing focal lengths ranging from 15mm to 400mm. Both lenses take use of the EOS R camera system’s wide diameter and short back focus, resulting in a compact optical system and great image quality across the board.

Wide-angle with Beautiful Bokeh

One of the primary advantages of utilising the RF24MM F1.8 MACRO IS STM on a full-frame EOS R camera body is its small size. This lens is exactly the same size as the iconic RF35mm f/1.8 IS STM lens, making it ideal for travel and landscape photography as well as everyday use.

When mounted on an APS-C body, the focal length is reduced to 38mm, which is closer to the field of vision of the human eye, making it appropriate for portraiture or street photography. The RF24MM F1.8 MACRO IS STM is at least two stops brighter than a conventional kit zoom lens at f/1.8, allowing it to generate exquisite bokeh, a breathtaking background blur effect that a zoom lens cannot accomplish. Its wide aperture also makes it an excellent choice for astrophotography.

The RF24MM F1.8 MACRO IS STM can also function as a macro lens, which is a rare feature for a wide-angle lens. It can reach up to 0.5x magnification with a minimum focusing distance of only 0.14m. This 24mm/f/1.8 combination produces a unique wide-angle close-up with gorgeous bokeh, making it great for food or flower photographs when travelling or as a daily lens.

When used with a compatible camera body with in-body image stabilisation, the RF24MM F1.8 MACRO IS STM has a native lens image stabilisation (Optical IS) of up to 5 stops and can go up to 6.5 stops (In-Body IS). This allows for exact photographs with minimum camera shaking in low-light situations, with slow shutter rates, or in other camera-shake-prone situations. The RF24MM F1.8 MACRO IS STM, when used with the quiet Stepping Motor (STM), is ideal for video. Vloggers that frequently use a tiny tripod or selfie stick will enjoy how light it is and how little it is.

Versatile with Near Macro Capabilities 

The RF15-30MM F4.5-6.3 IS STM is designed to satisfy the budget of photography enthusiasts while giving a realistic focal length range that includes 15-30mm. Its tiny size, weighing roughly 390g, making it ideal for individuals who travel. The RF15-30MM F4.5-6.3 IS STM lens is approximately 53% lighter than the RF15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM lens (approx. 390g vs approx. 840g).

The RF15-30MM F4.5-6.3 IS STM covers a far broader field of view than any normal kit lens at 15mm, allowing users to incorporate the atmosphere or surroundings with the subject, especially in tiny rooms or tight situations where backing up is not possible. The broader 15mm end is especially useful for indoor photography and magnificent landscape photography. Users may record photographs with a natural angle of view and perspective that is closer to the human eye at the 30mm zoom telephoto end. The RF15-30MM F4.5-6.3 IS STM features a very versatile 24-48mm zoom range when placed on an APS-C EOS R camera, delivering a larger field of view at the wide end than a kit lens. Even if the user converts to a full-frame camera in the future, the lens can still be utilised, making it a fantastic long-term investment. Using two Ultra-low Dispersion lenses, the RF15-30MM F4.5-6.3 IS STM corrects chromatic aberration across the zoom range, resulting in sharp and clear pictures with minimum colour blur.

When connected with a suitable camera body with in-body image stabilisation, the RF15-30MM F4.5-6.3 IS STM offers a native lens image stabilisation (Optical IS) of up to 5.5 stops, which may be increased to 7 stops (In-Body IS). This allows for low-light shooting with minimum camera shaking and shots with low shutter speeds that would normally need the use of a tripod. In manual focus mode, the RF15-30MM F4.5-6.3 IS STM can attain a magnification of up to 0.52x on the 15mm broad end. The 319 has a 0.128m minimum focusing distance. Both the RF24MM F1.8 MACRO IS STM and RF15-30MM F4.5-6.3 IS STM have wide angle capabilities that will come in helpful for interior photography, which is typically constrained by space limitations, while their compact and lightweight size makes them easy to use outdoors. Their wide angle(s) of view, built-in IS, and smooth video autofocus make them well-suited for shooting films in addition to producing superb still photographs.

RF24MM F1.8 MACRO IS STM is priced at Rs. 58,495 and will be available in stores from Mid-July

RF15-30MM F4.5-6.3 IS STM is priced at Rs. 52,495 and will be available in stores from September