Category Archives: news

Vivo India Launches Second Edition of Vivo Imagine Smartphone Photography Awards

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Nikon Unveils Z6 III with World’s First Partially Stacked CMOS Sensor at ₹2,47,990

Nikon has recently launched the Z6 III in India, featuring a 24.5-megapixel partially stacked CMOS sensor. This release marks a significant advancement in camera technology, distinguishing it from its predecessors and higher-end models. The camera is priced at ₹2,47,990 for the body only.

The Z6 III’s sensor architecture is unique, with components arranged as bars at the top and bottom of the pixel area, rather than across the entire sensor. This partially stacked design enhances processing speeds up to 3.5 times faster than the Z6 II’s traditional BSI CMOS sensor, leading to notable improvements in continuous shooting, autofocus, video frame rates, and rolling shutter effects.

In terms of viewfinder, the Z6 III features an exceptionally bright electronic viewfinder (EVF) capable of up to 4,000 nits, enhancing visibility in various lighting conditions. Video capabilities are also a highlight, with the camera supporting 6K RAW recording at up to 60fps and 4K RAW at up to 120fps. Nikon reports a 20% increase in autofocus speed compared to the Z6 II, along with extended sensitivity down to -10EV for better low-light performance. The ISO range reaches up to 51,200 for videos and 64,000 for photos, accommodating detailed imaging in dim conditions.

The Z6 III includes an advanced in-camera Vibration Reduction (VR) system, achieving an 8.0-stop stabilization. This system also features focus point VR, reducing blurring around the edges and aiding in subject framing. The camera is built with robust materials, combining Sereebo P series carbon fibre and magnesium alloy, and is designed to withstand challenging environments. It offers dust and moisture sealing and can operate at temperatures as low as -10 degrees Celsius.

Set to be available by the end of June 2024, the Nikon Z6 III will be sold across Nikon outlets in India. This camera, with its innovative sensor design and advanced features, aims to attract both professional photographers and enthusiasts seeking high performance.

Sony Introduces ECM-W3 and ECM-W3S Wireless Microphones

Sony India has unveiled its latest additions to the microphone realm with the introduction of the ECM-W3 and ECM-W3S wireless microphones. Designed to redefine portability in content creation, these new offerings from Sony emphasize high-quality sound capture coupled with a lightweight build.

Featuring a two-channel receiver and two microphones, the ECM-W3, along with its counterpart, the ECM-W3S with a one-channel receiver and one microphone, cater to the diverse needs of video content creators. From Vlogs to interviews, these microphones facilitate superior audio recording, even in scenarios where the subject is distant from the camera. The ECM-W3 excels in interview settings and one-on-one conversations, while the ECM-W3S is optimized for vloggers and content creators, delivering natural and clear sound reproduction. Both microphones boast exceptional sound pickup capabilities while effectively reducing ambient noise, ensuring a pristine recording environment.

In terms of connectivity, the ECM-W3 and ECM-W3S offer versatility through Multi-Interface (MI) Shoe compatibility with Sony cameras, USB Type-C terminal, and a 3.5mm audio output. This broad compatibility extends to various devices such as cameras, smartphones, and PCs, enhancing convenience for users across different platforms. Compact and lightweight, these microphones prioritize portability without compromising on durability. Dustproof and moisture-proof design features make them suitable for outdoor usage, while the inclusion of a charging case ensures hassle-free charging on the go.

The ECM-W3 and ECM-W3S are priced at ₹39,990 and ₹32,990 respectively, and will be available across all Sony Centres, Alpha Flagship stores, Sony authorized dealers, e-commerce platforms, and major electronic stores in India starting from May 30th, 2024.

Swiss Pac India Advances Digital Printing Capabilities with HP Indigo 25K

Swiss Pac India, a key player in packaging solutions, has recently incorporated the HP Indigo 25K Digital Press into its operations in Gujarat. This strategic move aims to enhance Swiss Pac’s ability to respond swiftly to market demands, particularly catering to small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). With the addition of the HP Indigo 25K, Swiss Pac looks to provide vibrant packaging solutions across various sectors, including coffee and tea pouches, beauty product packaging, pet food packs, and health food bags.

Prashant Vachhani, Managing Director of Swiss Pac, commented, “Our integration of the HP Indigo reflects our commitment to offering top-notch solutions to our customers. This investment enables us to provide highly customized packaging to artisanal businesses, enhancing their brand presence.” Vachhani emphasized Swiss Pac’s focus on empowering small to medium-sized businesses, stating, “We recognize the challenges these businesses face and aim to equip them with the tools needed for success. The HP Indigo opens up new possibilities for Indian businesses to create impactful packaging.”

A Appadurai, Country Manager of HP Indigo & PageWide Web Press, HP India, expressed pride in the partnership with Swiss Pac. He highlighted the technological advancements of the HP Indigo 25K, emphasizing its potential to revolutionize the flexible packaging industry in India.

Tailored to meet the demand for shorter print runs and faster turnaround times, the HP Indigo 25K enables personalized experiences for Swiss Pac’s customers. The digital press boasts gravure-matching colour quality and patented technology for precise colour registration. Furthermore, the HP Indigo 25K aligns with sustainability goals by reducing production waste and facilitating the creation of compostable and recyclable pouches. Through integration of printing, lamination, and pouch-making technologies, HP offers a sustainable approach to on-demand flexible packaging production.

Sony launches Alpha 9 III Camera at ₹5,29,990 in India

Sony India recently unveiled the Alpha 9 III, a camera incorporating a global shutter system, marking a noteworthy advancement in digital imaging technology. This new model promises to mitigate common photography challenges, such as distortion and blackout during high-speed captures, offering burst speeds up to 120 frames per second.

The device is outfitted with Sony’s cutting-edge autofocus system, capable of executing up to 120 focus calculations per second, and supports flash synchronization at any shooting speed. This combination of features is designed to meet the demands of professional photographers who require precision and reliability to capture fleeting moments.

Mukesh Srivastava, Head of Digital Imaging Business at Sony India, highlighted the camera’s potential to set new standards in photography, emphasizing its ground-breaking 120 fps shooting capability and global shutter technology.

Featuring a 24.6-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor and the BIONZ XR image processor, the Alpha 9 III delivers high-speed continuous shooting with autofocus and auto-exposure tracking. This model represents a leap forward in still image performance and video capabilities, ensuring minimal distortion and improved usability for professional environments. Additionally, the camera’s enhanced video functionalities include 4K recording at 120p without crop and 4K at 60p with 6K oversampling, complemented by S-Cinetone colour science for natural skin tones and subject depiction.

The Alpha 9 III has been designed with operability and reliability in mind, featuring an ergonomic grip and optional vertical grip for extended use, a 4-axis multi-angle LCD monitor, and a high-resolution electronic viewfinder to accommodate professional shooting conditions.

Moreover, the camera is equipped to support a high-speed workflow and offers scalability with features like image selection filters, dual media slots for CFexpress Type A and SD cards, and compatibility with professional mobile applications for streamlined content delivery and remote operation.

Priced at ₹5,29,990, the Alpha 9 III will be available from 26th February 2024 at Sony retail outlets and online platforms across India.