Category Archives: news

Nikon Expands its Mirrorless Camera Lineup with Nikon Z8

Nikon India has recently unveiled its latest mirrorless imaging masterpiece, the Nikon Z8. The showcase event, held at the prestigious Holiday Inn in Mumbai, witnessed the presence of Mr. Sajjan Kumar, Managing Director of Nikon India. The event celebrated the exceptional research and engineering that has gone into creating the Nikon Z8, showcased through its imaging performance, compatibility, high-speed frame capture, and video recording capabilities of up to approximately 125 minutes in 4K UHD/60p2 and around 90 minutes in 8K UHD/30p.

Speaking about the launch, Mr. Sajjan Kumar expressed his delight, saying, “We are thrilled to showcase our latest versatile and innovative hybrid camera, the Nikon Z 8, which is truly an imaging powerhouse. This camera combines compactness and portability with top-notch features like 12-bit internal 8K video recording, burst speeds of up to 120fps, and our most advanced autofocus system. The Z 8 is our latest addition to Nikon’s mirrorless range, specifically designed to cater to videographers and photographers across diverse genres like sports, fashion, landscape, wildlife, weddings, and cinematography. With its pinnacle of creativity and enhanced performance, the Z 8 is poised to set a new benchmark in the field of creative expression and video storytelling, empowering the youth of our country to take their creativity to new horizons.”

The Nikon Z8 boasts features such as the new HLG (HEIF) format for 10-bit still images, high-res zoom, skin softening, portrait impression balance, and an enhanced AI algorithm for autofocus. The Nikon Z8 showcases Nikon’s dedication to producing top-quality imaging solutions while engaging the Indian market with an immersive experience cantered around storytelling. Through a powerful fusion of storytelling and cutting-edge technology, Nikon has once again strengthened its bond with India’s videography and photography community.

The Nikon Z8 camera body is now available at all Nikon outlets across India, priced at ₹3,43,995. To celebrate the launch, Nikon India is offering an exciting limited period inaugural offer. Customers who purchase the Nikon Z8 will receive complimentary ProGrade Digital 128GB CFexpress Card and an additional Rechargeable Li-ion Battery (EN-EL15c). With the introduction of the Nikon Z8, Nikon India continues to push the boundaries of innovation in the imaging industry.

Leica launches the Highly-Anticipated Leica Q3

Leica Camera, renowned for its precision engineering and superior optics, has introduced the Leica Q3, the latest addition to its highly acclaimed Leica Q family. Boasting a timeless design, exceptional craftsmanship, and effortless operation, the Leica Q3 stands out as a fixed focal length full-frame camera preferred by photographers, creatives, and subjects alike. This cutting-edge camera represents the next evolutionary step in the unique camera segment, offering unparalleled photo and video capabilities.

At the heart of the Leica Q3 lies the revolutionary BSI-CMOS sensor with Triple-Resolution-Technology, providing users with three resolution options: 60, 36, or 18 megapixels. With the ability to capture raw images in DNG format or process JPEG files straight from the camera, users can expect exceptional image quality and stunning detail. The Leica Q3 utilizes the entire sensor size for all resolutions, offering a sensitivity range of ISO 50 to 100,000, while the advanced Maestro Series processor with L2 Technology ensures swift performance.

One of the most significant advancements in the Leica Q3 is its autofocus system. The camera features a new hybrid autofocus system with phase detection, enabling lightning-fast and accurate focusing and object tracking. In conjunction with high-precision contrast autofocus, the DFD system, phase detection autofocus, and intelligent subject recognition, users can effortlessly capture sharp and brilliant images. These visuals are showcased crisply and clearly through the camera’s new 5.76-megapixel OLED viewfinder.

Additionally, the Leica Q3 offers a tiltable 3-inch high-resolution touchscreen with a flexible tilting mechanism, allowing photographers to explore unique viewing angles and unleash their creativity. Despite the movable display, the camera maintains its resistance to dust and spray water, thanks to its IP52 certification. The Leica Q3 embraces advanced technology with its Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) capability, resulting in significantly faster transfer speeds via Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity to the Leica FOTOS app. This enhancement elevates the mobile creative workflow, providing photographers with a seamless and efficient experience.

Content creators will be delighted by the Leica Q3’s ability to record video in astounding 8K resolution, supporting highly efficient codecs such as H.265 and Apple’s ProRes. The camera allows for direct connection to external devices, including gimbals, power banks, and display recorders via USB-C and HDMI ports. Wireless charging has also been introduced with the Leica Charging Pad and a separate camera handgrip, enabling hassle-free recharging of the powerful BC-SCL6 battery and other Qi-compatible devices.

For photographers seeking maximum flexibility in image composition, the Leica Q3 offers extensive creative freedom. The camera is complemented by a range of stylish accessories, including leather protectors, lens caps, retro-look lens hoods, thumb rests, soft release buttons, and flash shoe covers, available in three different color variations.

Leica Camera India, represented by FCE Lifestyles Pvt Ltd, is the official partner responsible for Leica Camera’s operations in India. FCE Lifestyles Pvt Ltd, located in Connaught Place, New Delhi, has been appointed by Leica Camera Asia Pacific as the exclusive authorized distributor for India and the sole Leica Store in the country.

The Leica Q3 is now available for purchase at the Leica Store India in Connaught Place, New Delhi, and can also be ordered through the Leica India online store at www.leica-store.in. In India, the Leica Q3 is priced at ₹4,78,814 (excluding GST).

Tamron Unveils 11-20mm f/2.8 Wide Zoom Lens for Fujifilm X-Photographers

Tamron has recently revealed its latest offering for Fujifilm X-photographers: the 11-20mm f/2.8 zoom lens. This eagerly anticipated lens will be compatible with Fujifilm’s APS-C mirrorless system, marking Tamron’s fourth lens designed specifically for this camera line-up.

Originally launched in Sony E mount last year, the Tamron 11-20mm f/2.8 Di III-A RXD lens has gained popularity for its impressive capabilities. The zoom range provides an effective focal length of 16.5-30mm, allowing photographers to capture expansive landscapes and wide-angle shots with ease.

One notable feature of this lens is its lightweight design, weighing a mere 335g. This characteristic makes it an ideal choice for travel enthusiasts and landscape photographers who value portability without compromising on image quality. Additionally, the lens offers a minimum focusing distance of 5.9 inches (15cm) at the wide-angle end, enabling creative close-up photography.

Constructed with 12 elements arranged in 10 groups, the lens is not only moisture-resistant but also benefits from a fluorine coating that provides extra protection against the elements. These features ensure that photographers can confidently use the lens in various weather conditions without worrying about damage.

Videographers will also appreciate the lens’s “exceptionally quiet” RXD stepping motor, which allows for smooth and virtually silent autofocus performance during video recording. This feature enhances the overall user experience, making it a versatile lens suitable for both photography and videography needs.

In addition to the 11-20mm f/2.8 zoom lens, Tamron already offers three other lenses for Fujifilm X-shooters. These include the 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD, the 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD, and the 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD, providing photographers with a diverse range of focal lengths to choose from.

Technical specifications of the Tamron 11-20mm f/2.8 Di III-A RXD lens include:

Mount: Fujifilm X, Sony E
Manufacturer model number: B060
Full frame: No
Autofocus: Yes
Image stabilization: No
Lens construction: 12 elements in 10 groups
Angle of view: 71.5-105.3 degrees
Diaphragm blades: 7
Minimum aperture: f/16
Minimum focusing distance: 0.15-0.24m
Maximum magnification ratio: 0.25-0.13x
Filter size: 67mm
Dimensions: 73x86mm
Weight: 335g

Photographers eagerly awaiting the availability of the Tamron 11-20mm f/2.8 lens for Fujifilm X-mount cameras won’t have to wait much longer. The lens is expected to hit the market by May 30th, 2023, with a price tag of ₹85,000. Its arrival will undoubtedly be met with enthusiasm from Fujifilm X-photographers looking to expand their creative possibilities and capture stunning wide-angle shots.

Lexar Introduces High-Speed CFexpress Type B Card SILVER Series in India

Lexar has recently launched a new line of CFexpress cards in India with the release of the Lexar Professional CFexpress Type B Card SILVER Series. These CFexpress card offers impressive read and write speeds, allowing users to seamlessly capture burst photos and record 8K quality videos.

The Lexar Professional CFexpress Type B Card SILVER Series is designed to cater to the needs of photographers and videographers who require high-speed performance. It enables professionals to capture stunning stills with high frame rates using their DSLR or mirrorless cameras. The card’s high data transfer speeds also facilitate a smoother post-production workflow when used with a compatible Type B card reader.

By introducing these cards, Lexar aims to provide an affordable option for professional creators as well as photography and videography enthusiasts, empowering them to explore their creative potential. Lexar is confident that consumers will enjoy the data safety and exceptional read/write speeds offered by the card, enhancing their artistic process.

The Lexar Professional CFexpress Type B Card SILVER Series offers several key features, including capacities of 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB, catering to various storage needs. With transfer speeds of up to 1750MB/s for read and up to 1300MB/s for write, users can capture high-quality images and shoot 8K videos effortlessly. The card is also backward-compatible with select XQD cameras, adding to its versatility. Additionally, it comes with a limited 10-year warranty, ensuring customer satisfaction.

The Lexar Professional CFexpress Type B Card SILVER Series is now available at leading retail and online stores in India. The CFexpress Type B SILVER is priced at Rs. 16,000/- for 128GB, Rs. 26,000/- for 256GB, and Rs. 55,500/- for 512GB, providing an accessible option for professionals and photography enthusiasts.

Nikon India Unveils NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR Lens for Photographers and Videographers

Nikon India has recently announced the release of its latest lens, the NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR, which is the newest addition to its expanding NIKKOR Z line-up. The lens is designed to inspire a diverse range of creative expressions and is optimised to capture both stills and video, with a focal length range of 12mm to 28mm. It is engineered for use with APS-C size/DX-format cameras and offers the widest angle of view amongst NIKKOR Z lenses compatible with APS-C size cameras.

“The NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR is the first lens equipped with power zoom with linear drive. Compact size and comprehensive features allow Photographers/Vloggers to capture multitude of subjects ranging from expressive selfies, dynamic landscapes to everyday magical moments in both stills and video,” said Sajjan Kumar, Managing Director of Nikon India Pvt. Ltd.

The NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR is ideal for various subjects, including landscapes, table top photos with the subject and creative bokeh in the background, and dynamic close-ups of flowers and insects. It features a built-in power zoom with a linear drive that can be controlled via the zoom ring, allowing for smooth and natural zooming when recording videos and vlogging. With 11 different zoom speed options available, users can choose the zoom speed that best suits their creative vision and style, making it easy to create professional and personalised videos.

The lens also boasts a minimum focus distance of 0.19m throughout the zoom range and a maximum reproduction ratio 0.21x, allowing users to get even closer to their subjects. It has an internal zoom mechanism that maintains a constant length of the lens barrel when zooming, making it easier to maintain balance during shooting and safer to carry. The lens also features 4.5-stop vibration reduction, the ability to assign functions to the control ring, and a design that takes video recording into consideration with more stable exposure and focus-breathing suppression.

The NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR is dust and drip-resistant, making it ideal for anyone looking to travel. It will be available by the third week of May 2023 and will be priced at ₹32,995.

Photography, Imaging and Tech News – Episode 2

Welcome to Latest Photography, Imaging and Tech News – Episode 2! We’ll cover the latest releases, trends, and innovations in photography, technology, and imaging. From ground-breaking cameras, printer launch, AI innovations, this video has something for everyone interested in visual media. Watch the video for the most exciting and up-to-date news from these industries. To watch the full video: CLICK HERE

Photography, Imaging and Tech News – Episode 1

Welcome to Latest Photography, Imaging and Tech News – Episode 1! We’ll cover the latest releases, trends, and innovations in photography, technology, and imaging. From ground-breaking cameras, printer launch, AI innovations, this video has something for everyone interested in visual media. Watch the video for the most exciting and up-to-date news from these industries. To watch the full video: CLICK HERE

Panasonic introduces LUMIX S5II and S5IIX Full-Frame Mirrorless Cameras in India

Panasonic has launched the latest addition to its LUMIX S Series line-up, the new hybrid full-frame mirrorless camera LUMIX S5II, in the Indian market. The camera is designed to meet the needs of new-age content creators and comes with a powerful image stabilization system and a new Phase Hybrid auto-focus, delivering exceptional photo and video performance while maintaining portability.

The LUMIX S5II is available in three different options: the body only, priced at ₹1,94,990; the kit with Lumix 20-60mm F3.5-5.6 Lens, priced at ₹2,24,990; and the combo kit with two lenses, Lumix 20-60mm F3.5-5.6 Lens and Lumix S 50mm F1.8 Lens, priced at ₹2,44,990.

The camera will be available for purchase through Lumix Lounges, Panasonic Lumix 4K Zones, and the dealer network throughout India. The company will introduce the LUMIX S5IIX variant, which has an expanded video feature set, and a new 14-28mm ultra-wide L-mount half-macro zoom lens in the Indian and global markets in the coming months.

Speaking at the launch, Mr. Manish Sharma, Chairman, Panasonic Life Solutions India and South Asia said, “With growth in the multiple genres of professional photography and videography, along with rise in content consumption on social media and online, the demand for full-frame mirrorless camera segment in India has gone up. Content creators today are looking for professional cameras that offer them ease of use and uncompromised imaging experience in terms of picture and video quality. And the latest LUMIX S5II and LUMIX S5IIX are a perfect fit for these ambitious content creators to take their creativity a notch higher. India is one of our key markets and we see immense potential in the full-frame mirrorless camera segment, especially in fields of wedding, filmmaking, fashion, music and long-from content. And being an avid photographer myself, can’t wait to get my hands on the new S5II.”

Talking about the new cameras, Mr. Yosuke Yamane, Director, Imaging Business unit, Panasonic Corporation said, “Under the Lumix brand tagline of “Motion.Picture.Perfect”, we have been developing products that allow content creators to create work as they wish. The new LUMIX S5II and S5IIX cameras continue the brand’s tradition of innovation, providing professionals and multimedia producers with an unrivalled experience. Packed with features including Phase Hybrid Auto Focus, Real-time LUT, a new imagining engine, and Active I.S. technology, LUMIX S5II and S5IIX are versatile cameras that offer high performance in both still images and videography.”

He further added, “Mirrorless, which has a strong affinity with video, is used in a wide range of applications, from professional video production, such as cinema production, to individual video production, such as YouTube. We believe that the need for individual video production will increase in the future. The full-frame represents a significant opportunity for Panasonic, and we expect mirrorless cameras to account for more than 75% of the market by value in 2023, and in particular, more than 50% of the market as a whole will be full-frame mirrorless cameras.”

The LUMIX S5IIX, features a striking matte black design and a newly developed 24-megapixel 35mm full-frame CMOS sensor that complies with PDAF for exceptional resolution and natural description. The sensor, co-developed by LEICA and LUMIX under the L2 Technology alliance, achieves high bit-rate video recording and fast signal processing for outstanding image quality.

The LUMIX S5II and S5IIX cameras boast 14+ stop V-Log/V-Gamut capture, delivering a high dynamic range and broad colours. Additionally, both cameras feature REAL TIME LUT, enabling users to apply LUT (.VLT/.cube) saved in the SD memory card for in-camera colour grading on photos and videos. This unique feature saves time on editing and allows creators to shoot and share their work effortlessly.

The cameras come equipped with a powerful image stabilization system, making them suitable for a wide range of shooting conditions and situations. They also provide a secure and stable connection with other devices on location, allowing for smooth remote control through both 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi.

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.