Fujifilm recently announced the release of the “Fujifilm LTO Ultrium9 Data Cartridge” (LTO9). A novel recording medium that meets with the ninth generation LTO Ultrium magnetic tape storage media standards, suited for backing up and storing huge amounts of data. LTO9, which uses Fujifilm’s patented technology, has a storage capacity of up to 45TB (18TB for non-compressed data), which is a 50% increase over the previous version of LTO tape. The new LTO9’s large capacity responds to the increasing data storage need amidst the rapid growth of IoT technology and the acceleration of Digital Transformation, while also contributing to CO2 emissions reduction, an essential job that must be tackled internationally.

Magnetic tapes are gaining popularity as a storage medium that allows for the secure long-term storage of large-capacity data at a cheap cost, particularly in India, where digitalization is becoming more important. Furthermore, they have a much reduced environmental effect because there is no need to keep it turned on at all times during data storage, reducing the amount of CO2 emissions created throughout its lifespan by 95 percent when compared to hard disk drives (HDDs).

Fujifilm has always been at the forefront of innovation and has made significant contributions to the world’s digital revolution. With the advent of 5G networks and high-definition 4K / 8K video, the amount of data created globally has risen dramatically in recent years, as has the growth of IoT, information and communication technologies, and the application of Artificial Intelligence for Big Data analysis. This includes “cold-data,” or data created a long time ago and infrequently accessed, which is believed to account for more than 80% of all data. The use of accumulated data, particularly cold data, for creating next-generation technologies is quickly rising, as is the necessity for dependable and cost-effective long-term storage of such data for future use. However, utilizing a huge quantity of power for using and storing big amounts of data would result in increasing CO2 emissions. In their attempts to address climate change, which is one of the key societal concerns, big data centers and private companies are aggressively embracing renewable energy to meet their electricity need, or developing a data infrastructure with low power consumption.

Speaking on the launch of the product, Mr. Koji Wada, Managing Director, Fujifilm India said, “At Fujifilm, we look towards providing a fitting solution to the problems of the ever-evolving world. With digitization taking the centre stage today, industries needed a smart and sustainable solution to their data storage needs – hence, we have announced the launch of our latest LTO Ultrium9 Data Cartridge in India. With a maximum capacity of 45 TB, the cartridge ensures safe storage of your computed data in a device that is not only affordable, but also environmentally conscious. At Fujifilm, we are vigilant and alert at recognizing the fallacies in technology and innovation, as we have for a long time, and develop solutions that will help tackle those short-comings. We are sure that this product will immensely benefit the Indian digital industry and will prove to be a game changer.”

Today, there is a larger emphasis on digitalization in India. With the increased need for digital storage, the carbon footprint has steadily increased. To counteract this, magnetic tapes are gaining popularity as a storage medium that provides long-term storage of large-capacity data safely at a low cost and has a significantly lower environmental impact because it does not need to be constantly powered on during data storage, reducing the amount of CO2 emissions generated during its lifecycle by 95 percent when compared to hard drives (HDDs).

The new LTO9 incorporates barium ferrite magnetic particles (BaFe magnetic particles), which have been finely manufactured using Fujifilm’s patented “NANOCUBIC technology” and are uniformly dispersed to coat tape surfaces, producing a smooth and thin magnetic coating with little unevenness. As a result, the maximum storage capacity is 45TB (18TB for non-compressed data), which is 1.5 times the capacity of LTO8. For added convenience, the new tape offers high-speed data transfer of up to 1,000MB/sec (400MB/sec for non-compressed data).Furthermore, there is no need to have it switched on at all times when storing data, decreasing the amount of electricity consumed in the process when compared to HDDs. Magnetic tapes can also be kept offline as a type of security to reduce the risk of data damage / loss in cyber attacks. Magnetic tape has long been a popular storage medium for huge data centers and research institutes due to its ability to safely store large amounts of data for lengthy periods of time.

The recording media market is always evolving, and we will see more advancements in the near future as each developer strives to provide the best solution to meet all of our technical demands. This will help humanity take another step further in its never-ending pursuit of technological advancement, and Fujifilm will always be in the forefront of making a positive difference.

Tamron has recently announced the release date for the Sony E-mount model 18-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD (Model B061) on September 24, 2021, an all-in-one zoom lens for APS-C mirrorless cameras.

The 18-300mm F3.5-6.3 VC VXD zoom lens has a full-frame equivalent focal length range of roughly 27mm to 450mm. The world’s first APS-C mirrorless camera zoom lens with a 16.6x zoom ratio, the lens provides the benefits of a flexible all-in-one zoom lens suitable for a wide range of photography settings. Tamron’s VXD (Voice-coil extreme-torque drive) linear motor focus mechanism is used in its AF drive system for enhanced quietness and agility. The lens has unique lens components that are carefully placed to retain high resolution performance from edge-to-edge and deliver outstanding picture quality, making it the best all-in-one zoom lens available.

Furthermore, with a MOD (Minimum Object Distance) of 0.15m (5.9 in) at the 18mm wide end and a stunning maximum magnification ratio of 1:2, this lens works admirably while photographing close-up. Tamron’s patented VC (Vibration Compensation) system is built into the lens, significantly minimizing picture blur produced by camera shaking in low-light circumstances or in the ultra-telephoto range at slower shutter rates.

The lens also has the same unified 67mm filter size as most other Tamron lenses for mirrorless cameras. This is a very flexible lens with a broad range of additional characteristics for comfortable photography that allows you to effortlessly enjoy great image quality from wide-angle to ultra-telephoto.

Fujifilm announced the inauguration of its Experience Centre at Museo Camera Centre for the Photographic Arts, Gurugram. The Fujifilm Experience Centre, in collaboration with Museo Camera, will be the first-of-its-kind where the company will be conducting monthly workshops with their X Ambassadors.

Inaugurating on World Photography Day, Mr. Koji Wada, Managing Director, Mr. Masaki Zenko, Senior Manager of Photo Imaging Division and Mr. Arun Babu, General Manager Electronic Imaging and Optical Devices Division at Fujifilm India were present at the centre. To encourage consumers to learn new skills in photography, Fujifilm India will run a series of workshops every month with their X-Ambassadors.

On World Photography Day, the company is organizing a special six-hour long workshop on the “Art of Travelling” with X-Ambassadors, hosted by esteemed photographers like Dinesh Khanna, T Narayan and Sundeep Bali. These influential and renowned photographers will discuss Culture & Heritage, Documentary & Wildlife and Commercial & Travel centered around the theme of Travel and Photography. The workshop is open to all consumers at a nominal fee and will begin at 11:00 AM on 19 th August 2021 at the Fujifilm Experience Centre in Museo, Gurugram.

Commenting on the inauguration, Mr. Arun Babu, General Manager Electronic Imaging and Optical Devices Division, Fujifilm India Pvt Ltd, said, “We are excited to launch our first ever Experience Centre at Museo Camera Centre for the Photographic Arts, Gurugram. The state-of-art center will be a hub for conducting educational workshops for photography enthusiasts and showcase our extensive line of products. Fujifilm has been a pioneer in camera & its equipment's and with our X Ambassadors on board, we are pleased to share our combined expertise with young professionals and photography enthusiasts. Museo Camera Center is a symbol of bringing the best of the photography world together for everyone and we are happy to be partnering with them."

Alongwith the workshops, Fujifilm will display their extensive product line-up through a demo and product experience zone. Customers will get to experience the complete range of Fujifilm X and GFX mirrorless cameras here. At the Museo, consumers will also get a chance to seek inspiration from the photographs clicked by renowned photographs and displayed at the Centre’s Gallery.

On the occasion of World Photography Day, Canon India recognized and celebrated the thriving photography community and the passion that they exhibit in their work. As part of this celebration, the brand announced #BehindTheShot campaign to celebrate the sheer creativity and hard work that photographers put in their photos to bring alive the emotions and create a wider impact.

For the same, the brand showcased six renowned photography experts who came together to reflect upon their most memorable shot. They further shared their experiences on how much pain and efforts were taken to get that one perfect shot, which in the end became worth their time. Through this film, Canon India invites photography enthusiasts to come forward and share their #BehindTheShot story/images and be part of this creative journey with the brand. In addition to this, Canon India organized an online round table discussion where 7 Ace photographers came on a common platform to discuss about their passion for photography, and further address audience queries.

The brand also unveiled the latest chapter of its award-winning digital campaign #ShiftYourFocus, wherein the brand acknowledged nature’s timeless contribution to art and photography. As part of the brand’s CSR efforts, Canon India also conducted a photography workshop for 10 children from its adopted SOS Children’s Village in Faridabad, to foster the imaging culture amongst the youth. The session was undertaken by Canon India employees to educate children about photography as a profession and the basic skills required for the same in case they want to make it as a career.

Sharing his thoughts on this commemorative day, Mr. Manabu Yamazaki, President and CEO, Canon India said, “Amongst various forms of art, Photography steals the limelight of being one of the most beautiful and expressive forms of art, capable of bringing out numerous emotions to life. And what better occasion other than the World Photography Day, to admire and rejoice this art, thereby fueling the everlasting passion of photography amongst its patrons. As one of the leading brands in the imaging industry, we constantly endeavor to spread the very joy of photography across communities through all means available. To make the day larger than life, Canon India is all set to encourage the imaging culture by organizing virtual photography workshops, a live webinar with Canon Ambassadors along with social media campaigns for all the photography fanatics in the country.”

Mr. C Sukumaran, Director, Consumer System Products & amp; Imaging Communication Business, added, “We at Canon, have always believed in empowering photographers and honoring their hard work, and further spread the knowledge of photography. Our campaign #BehindTheShot is an ode to photographers and their creative genius and we want to celebrate the endless hours that they put in to make a picture perfect. We also take pride in our portfolio of cameras and lenses, which has been delivering a unique and engaging experience for photography enthusiasts across genres. To promote the growth of the industry, we endeavour to constantly evolve with the changing consumption trends and come up with industry-first innovations for our customers.”

The brand has also introduced several regional workshops and webinars to reach out to customers and cultivate the passion of photography. In the northern region of the country, Canon India reached out to 1000+ photography enthusiasts through their specially curated photography workshops and webinars led by select Canon trainers and mentors to cover themes like Film making & Cinematography, Portrait & Lighting Photography, Product and Wedding Photography, Street/ Travel Photography and an introduction of EOS R5, EOS R6 and RF lenses. In addition to this, Canon has also planned an interschool photography competition in association with Bal Bharti school, Noida which will see participation from over 100 schools.

While in the west region, Canon India has organised webinars with brand mentors including Aishwarya Sridhar, Pritesh Rao and Canon trainer conducted sessions with Symbiosis Institute, Cuncolim United Higher Secondary School and Subhash Photo respectively. In the south region, Canon conducted webinars covering topics such as food, wildlife, new-born and product photography with up to 300 participants in attendance.

In the east region, Canon conductied online webinars led by mentor Anoop Guha, for Durgapur Silpanchal Photographers and KIIT University students. Additionally, they participated in an exhibition organized by Photography Charchaa (Kolkata) and in a live demo activity organized by Dum Dum photography association.

Sony has recently launched the Sony ZV-E10 mirrorless camera in India. It is the second camera of the ZV-series after the Sony ZV-1, which was launched in 2020. This series camera is targeted towards video content creators, and by launching the Sony ZV-E10, the company has pumped up the concept of vlogging to next level. This is because the Sony AV-E10 displays various vlog-specific features. While some of the features have been acquired from Sony ZV-1, such as the Bokeh Switch button and Product Showcase setting, there are some new features as well enclosed in the Sony ZV-E10.

Unlike the ZV-1, this vlogging camera comes with interchangeable lens options. Now consumers can attach the company’s E-mount prime lens, telephoto lens, zoom lens, macro lens, ultra-wide lens, or fish-eye lens to the camera.

Sony ZV-E10 features a 3-inch side flip-out touchscreen LCD panel. It is armored with a 24.2-megapixel APS-C Exmor CMOS sensor. It can shoot 4K videos at 30fps, and Full HD videos up to 120fps. It comes with an 11fps continuous shooting supported by the camera. The real-time eye tracking feature works for both – animals and humans – while shooting images.

Sony ZV-E10 has a dedicated button to change between Slow and Quick mode, Photo and Video mode. This allows users to easily shoot slow motion videos without going into settings manually. A standard and active mode image stabilization is present in the camera for taking firm video footages.

One of the highlights of the latest vlogging camera is that users can livestream without any hassle. Users can livestream directly through the camera using the USB-C cable attached to their desktop, or a laptop. The camera also has headphone and microphone ports.

The camera comes in two colour variants – black and white. The white colour option is new and looks beautiful. The camera body is priced at Rs. 59,490 for body only and Rs. 69,990 with Sony E 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ OSS lens.

Koji Wada stepped into the role of Managing Director for Fujifilm India, the imaging technology company, as of June 29, 2021. He has taken over from his predecessor, Haruto Iwata, who will now lead the operations in the Asia-Pacific region of Singapore as Managing Director. In his new role, Wada will spearhead Fujifilm’s operations and business strategy in India focusing on organizational growth and profitability with an integrated approach towards sales, marketing, and business policies.

Wada has been contributing to the businesses across corporate offices in Japan, Myanmar, Thailand and India. He brings a vast experience of over 20 years. Before taking over his role as managing director, he was responsible for leading the medical business of the company in India as a general manager.

‘I had joined Fujifilm in 2001 and it has truly been an incredible journey for me,’ Wada said. ‘During my tenure at the company, I have had the opportunity to work with an excellent team of skilled and motivated professionals. As I transition into the new role, I am looking forward to collaborating with the teams across various divisions to take the company to newer heights. With India as a market thriving with opportunities, we will continue with our endeavor of “Never Stop” adding value to the lives of consumers and stakeholders.’

This is Wada’s second stint in India. He was marketing manager of PI, EI, RM for Fujifilm India in 2007. Post that Wada was appointed as the secretary to Global CEO Shigetaka Komori.

Later, Wada was made the general manager for Fujifilm Thailand in 2014 and then managing director for Fujifilm Myanmar in 2017. In 2019, he was appointed as the senior manager of ME and director of FFIN.

Canon recently announced the launch of new firmware updates for three Cinema EOS Cameras, EF – EOS R 0.71x adapter and two Cinema lenses. The EOS C500 Mark II, EOS C300 Mark III, EOS C70 cameras, EF – EOS R 0.71x adapter for the EOS C70 and Canon Compact Servo lenses will receive highly requested updates with the new firmware arriving in the coming July.

EOS C500 Mark II and EOS C300 Mark III feature updates

Both the EOS C500 Mark II and EOS C300 Mark III will receive updates that will optimize on-set workflow and overall usability. To further enhance monitoring and external recording flexibility, the 12G-SDI output will support FullHD and 2K resolutions with the new update. Simultaneous MON.Out and HDMI outputs will also be supported, allowing for increased video outputs on set. Canon’s new “XC Protocol” that supports remote camera control usage with Canon’s RC-IP100 controller will also be added. 1.8x Anamorphic de-squeeze option will also be added to existing ratios, increasing support for Anamorphic lenses.

EOS C500 Mark II New Anamorphic Recording Modes

In addition, the C500 Mark II will gain two additional Anamorphic recording resolutions: 4192 x 3140 (4:3) and 3768 x 3140 (6:5). These resolutions will be available during Full Frame Sensor Mode in Cinema RAW light recording, broadening its abilities for 4K anamorphic recordings.

EOS C70 firmware update

The recently launched EOS C70 will also receive feature improvements in response to user feedback. The HDMI Out will be updated to support View Assistance for external monitoring. Seven EF lenses will also receive full Dual Pixel CMOS AF and metadata support when used with the EF – EOS R 0.71x adapter. This update will also allow users to turn off the AF Frame when the adapter is used and the camera is not in AF mode. Lastly, a 2x option is added to Magnification, allowing for flexibility during frame magnification.

EF- EOS R 0.71x Adapter updated with support for Seven Additional EF lenses

Accompanying the EOS C70’s update is the new firmware for the EF – EOS R 0.71x adapter. This new update will add support for seven new EF lenses. New models supported are:

EF16-35mm F4L IS USM

EF16-35mm F2.8L II USM

EF24-105mm F4L USM

EF70-200mm F2.8L IS II USM

EF70-200mm F2.8L IS III USM

EF70-200mm F4L IS USM

EF70-200mm F4L IS II USM

The firmware updates allow the camera to recognize and support the new seven lenses fully. This includes accurate conversion of F-number values, metadata, Auto Exposure and Auto Iris functions as well as Dual Pixel CMOS AF operation across large areas of the frame. Lastly, the firmware also allows for peripheral illumination correction function to be utilized.

CN-E18-80mm T4.4L IS KAS S and CN-E70-200mm T4.4L IS KAS S support for EOS R5

Rounding up the firmware updates will be a new firmware to improve usability on the CN-E18-80mm T4.4L IS KAS S and CN-E70-200mm T4.4L IS KAS S compact servo lenses. The new firmware update will allow both lenses to communicate with Canon’s EOS R5 full-frame mirrorless camera, a combination that has been widely requested by many users. This will result in functions such as metadata, optical correction, autofocus, auto exposure and image stabilisation functions being supported, allowing the capabilities of the lens to be used with the EOS R5. All firmware updates except for CN-E18-80mm T4.4L IS KAS S and CN-E70-200 T4.4L IS KAS S are expected to be available in July.

Canon India recently announced that Canon is currently developing the new EOS R3 full-frame mirrorless camera, which will feature a newly developed 35mm full-frame, backlit, stacked CMOS sensor and a DIGIC X image processor. The new camera is designed to provide high-level basic functionality required to meet the needs of professional and enthusiast users.

Canon also announced the launch of three brand new RF lenses: the RF100mm f/2.8L IS USM, RF400mm f/2.8L IS USM & RF600mm f/4L IS USM. The RF100mm f/2.8L IS USM is the world’s first 1, medium telephoto macro lens with a maximum shooting magnification of 1.4x. The RF400mm f/2.8L IS USM and RF600mm f/4L IS USM super telephoto lenses are native to the RF mount and provide professional and advanced amateurs with extra reach that comes with a high level of image quality, reliability and durability.

The currently-in-development EOS R3 is based on the concept of high speed, high sensitivity and high reliability. The EOS R3 will be introduced into Canon’s line-up of professional and enthusiast cameras that includes the EOS-1D X Mark III flagship DSLR camera (released in February 2020) and the EOS 5 series, including the EOS R5 full-frame mirrorless camera (released in July 2020). The EOS R3 aims to provide professional-level quality for both stills and video capture, even for moving subjects.

The EOS R3 is the first EOS series camera to be equipped with Canon’s newly developed 35mm full- frame backlit stacked CMOS sensor that makes possible high-speed readout. The camera also features a DIGIC X image processor for high-speed image processing that realises high-speed continuous shooting of up to 30 frames-per-second 1 (FPS) with AF/AE tracking when using the electronic shutter. In addition, the camera significantly reduces image warping, a common challenge with electronic shutters, and is also capable of capturing moving subjects with reduced noise in such low-light environments as indoor areas or night time scenes.

Alongside Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology by which each pixel on the image sensor possesses both image capture and phase-detect AF functionality, thus enabling high-speed, high-accuracy and wide- range AF—the EOS R3 uses an algorithm that employs deep learning technology that enables improved head and eye detection for human subjects as well as a new capability to detect subject torsos. Thanks to this enhanced performance, the cameras autofocus system provides high performance subject tracking, even during portrait photography and in scenarios with frequent subject movement such as sports. Development is also underway to enable detection of additional subject types.

In addition, the EOS R3 is Canon’s first digital camera to feature Eye Control AF 2 functionality. When shooting still images and looking through the viewfinder, this new feature enables the AF frame to adjust according to detected movement of the user’s eye, making possible smoother shooting with quick focus when transitioning between subjects. The EOS R3 answers the sophisticated needs of professionals by providing dust and water resistance developed with each iteration of the EOS-1 series, body design with integrated vertical hand-grip, reliability and ease of use, as well as compatibility with Canon’s Mobile File Transfer 3, announced alongside the EOS R3, which supports high-speed workflows.