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IIT Hyderabad and Nikon India inaugurate the first Nikon “Centre of Excellence”

IIT Hyderabad and Nikon India, recently inaugurated its first “Centre of Excellence” (CoE) at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Hyderabad. This first-of-its-kind CoE aims to offer advanced imaging technologies to trainees, visiting scholars, and collaborators across the country, fostering impactful collaborations between IIT Hyderabad researchers and Nikon teams. As a hub for innovation, the centre will empower researchers to explore biological systems across scales – from single cells to human tissues – advancing research breakthroughs in high-resolution imaging.

Equipped with state-of-the-art imaging technologies, the Centre of Excellence offers a Confocal Microscope System AX R with NSPARC and TIRF. It also houses a Nikon Inverted Microscope System ECLIPSE Ti2-E for fluorescence imaging, a Nikon ECLIPSE Ts2-FL Inverted Routine Microscope, and a Nikon SMZ800N with a fluorescence attachment for macro imaging. Drawing upon its resources, technical expertise, and experienced staff, the centre will address critical challenges in cell biology and other research areas, facilitating innovative studies across various scientific fields.

Speaking on the launch, Sajjan Kumar, Managing Director of Nikon India, said, “We are thrilled to bring state-of-the-art microscopy systems to the greater scientific community in Hyderabad. This Centre of Excellence equipped with our most up-to-date imaging technologies, will not only drive scientific research but also empower researchers and students with the means to push the boundaries across various scientific disciplines. Our goal is to foster an innovative learning environment that will encourage further developments and benefit the community at large.

“Nikon’s dedication to advancing science is reflected by this first of its kind “Centre of Excellence”. By partnering with IIT Hyderabad, we are confident that we can make a substantial impact on India’s research landscape, equipping scientists with advanced high-resolution imaging tools that will drive innovation and discovery,”.

Prof. B. S. Murty, Director of IIT Hyderabad, added, “It gives us great pleasure to work with Nikon India to establish this Centre of Excellence. This initiative aligns perfectly with our goal of fostering innovative research and diverse learning opportunities. In various academic and research domains, the Centre will serve as a catalyst, inspiring our researchers and students to push the boundaries of what is possible”.

The Nikon Centre of Excellence at IIT Hyderabad marks a significant step in bridging industry and academia, offering a vital platform for collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and skill development. With advanced imaging resources, the centre will drive discoveries across diverse research fields and build a strong community of future scientists. By providing practical experience aligned with global advancements in microscopy, this partnership underscores Nikon’s commitment to advancing research and education, benefitting both the scientific community and the wider region.

Nikon India Announces Z50II Starting at ₹77,995

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Nikon India Pvt. Ltd. recently announced the release of the APS-C size Nikon Z50II mirrorless camera especially targeted towards content creators across genre, vloggers, and streamers of all skill levels.

On this occasion, Mr. Sajjan Kumar, Managing Director of Nikon India said “At Nikon, we are committed to innovation and delivering advanced imaging solutions that meet the evolving demands of our customers. With the launch of the Nikon Z50II, we are excited to redefine creative possibilities and provide a product tailored to the needs of today’s creators. This versatile camera stands out in its segment, especially for content creators across all genres, featuring 4K video capture from 5.6K oversampling and AI-powered portrait enhancements. We are proud to introduce Z50II that empowers creators to bring their unique visions to life, ushering in a new era of creative expression.”

The EXPEED 7 image-processing engine, inherited from the Nikon flagship mirrorless camera Z9, supports high video resolution of 4K from 5.6K oversampling. It also supports the recording of N-Log video with RED LUTS available for free download for subtle and rich tonal gradation, enabling high-quality video recording.

The Z50II also offers advanced AI-driven features such as Skin Softening and Portrait Impression Balance, which intelligently refine portraits. These features help achieve professional-quality results with minimal post-production, making it perfect for fast turnaround times and ready-to-share social media content.

Furthermore, the Z50II is the first Z Series camera to feature product review mode that focusses on objects in the foreground. As well as a video self-timer function that allows the user to specify an interval of 2s or 10s before recording begins after the record button is pressed. In addition, support for USB streaming (UVC/UAC) allows users to easily deliver clear images for online meetings and live video streaming by simply connecting the camera to a computer or smartphone.

The Z50II comes packed with advanced autofocusing system, the same 9-type subject detection as that of the flagship model Z9. The Z50II also inherits the Pre-Release Capture function, which enables the camera to buffer images up to one second before the shutter-release button is fully pressed, ensuring you never miss critical moments. This feature is available exclusively in High-Speed Frame Capture mode, supporting continuous shooting at 30 frames per second.

The EVF built into the Z50II is the brightest in its segment. It allows easy checking of focus and details at the edges of the frame, even in bright surroundings, such as outdoors on a sunny day. Reducing the difference in brightness between the viewfinder display and that visible with the naked eye makes it easier to achieve the desired images.

The Nikon Z50II is the first APS-C camera to support both Imaging Recipe and Picture Control, offering users exciting ways to explore and create unique visual styles with the Nikon Imaging Cloud. With these features, users can save their personalised adjustments to colour, brightness, contrast, and more as custom recipes. Additionally, they can download colour presets curated by renowned professionals directly to their Z50II, storing them as Cloud Picture Controls for seamless use in their workflow.

Nikon India Pvt. Ltd. also announced the release of MC-DC3 Remote Cord, a remote cord compatible with the Z50II. From starry skies and nighttime scenes, or commercial (product) photography. It can also be used for remote photography to release the shutter at a distance from the camera. The shutter-release button can be locked in a fully-pressed position for long exposures (bulb shooting) or held down for continuous shooting. It can also be held halfway down for shooting with less release time-lag.

The Nikon Z50II body and MC-DC3 Remote Cord will be available by the End of November 2024 at ₹77,995 (body only) across India at Nikon outlets. Furthermore, it would be available in following kit combinations — Z50II + NIKKOR 16-50MM at ₹91,645; Z50II + NIKKOR 16-50MM + 50-250MM VR at ₹1,12,645 and Z50II + NIKKOR Z DX 18-140MM F/3.5-6.3 VR at ₹1,15,795.

Nikon launched NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.4 for Full-Frame Cameras at ₹89,995

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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

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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.

Nikon Acquires Cinema Camera Manufacturer RED

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In a significant move for the film and photography industry, Nikon has announced its acquisition of RED, an American company known for its high-quality digital cinema cameras. This acquisition marks a notable expansion for the Japanese camera giant, allowing it to incorporate RED’s advanced cinema technology into its offerings.

RED, headquartered in Foothill Ranch, California, and founded in 2005 by Oakley founder Jim Jannard, has been a prominent player in the digital cinema industry. The company has over 200 employees and has made a name for itself with innovations that have pushed the boundaries of film technology. Notably, RED introduced the world to 4K resolution filming with its RED ONE camera in 2007, setting a new standard in the industry.

The acquisition gives Nikon access to RED’s esteemed product line, including the RED One 4K and V-Raptor X cameras, along with pioneering image compression and colour science technologies that have contributed to the success of numerous acclaimed films and television shows.

RED’s technologies have continually evolved to meet the demanding needs of filmmakers, earning the brand a preferred status among professional cinematographers worldwide. The merger is expected to bring together the strengths of both companies, promising advancements in digital cinema and photography technology.

Despite a history of legal disputes between Nikon and RED over patent infringement allegations, the two companies have moved past their differences, seeing a shared future in technological innovation. RED’s president, Jarred Land, expressed optimism about the merger on social media, suggesting a collaborative path forward aimed at reshaping the professional digital cinema camera market.

The acquisition comes after RED’s attempt to enter the smartphone market in 2018 with a holographically capable device, a venture that faced criticism and did not achieve commercial success. Nonetheless, this move demonstrated RED’s willingness to explore new technological frontiers, a spirit Nikon seems eager to embrace as the companies embark on this new chapter together.

Nikon India and WWF-India Unveil ‘Wonders of the Wild’ Contest

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In an exciting partnership, Nikon India and the Worldwide Fund for Nature-India (WWF-India) have launched the first-ever ‘Wonders of the Wild’ photography and videography contest. This initiative seeks to showcase the stunning biodiversity of India by inviting wildlife enthusiasts across the nation to capture its natural beauty through their lenses.

Open until March 3, 2024, the contest is designed to highlight the creativity and storytelling capabilities of individuals dedicated to wildlife, encouraging them to share the vibrancy of Indian wildlife through their work. It represents a significant opportunity for budding talents to exhibit their skills and emphasizes the vital message of conservation.

A distinguished jury, including renowned wildlife videographers and photographers Shaaz Jung, Latika Nath, and Kallol Mukherjee, will evaluate the entries. Participants are welcome to submit their work via the Nikon India website or Instagram, with the contest offering a range of exciting prizes.

Prizes include a Nikon Z 8 mirrorless camera, valued at INR 3,43,995, for the grand prize winner. The first runner-up will receive a NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S lens worth INR 2,93,995, and the second runner-up will be awarded a NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR lens valued at INR 1,69,995. Additionally, the top 10 entries will receive merchandise from the WWF-India Nature Store.

How Canon, Sony and Nikon are fighting Deep Fake Images

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With fake images and videos becoming more convincing everyday (like the Rashmika Mandanna fake video), tech giants have increased their monitoring to combat that menace. But now it is not only the tech giants, but camera manufacturers that are joining this fight by developing technology that will embed digital signatures in their cameras with new technology that can verify the authenticity of photos. Sony, Nikon and Canon are working on embedding digital signatures in their cameras that will act as the proof of origin and the integrity of the images shot by them reports Nikkei Asia.

The digital signatures are believed to contain information such as the date, time, location, and the name of the photographer who has shot the image. The manufacturers believe that this will restrict tampering and help the photographers and viewers to identify the credibility of the work. Nikon is expected to offer this feature in its mirrorless cameras, while Sony and Canon are expected to offer it in their professional line-up as well.

How does it work?

If you are wondering how does this work? Then the three manufacturers have agreed on creating a global standard for digital signatures, which will be made compatible with a web-based tool called Verify. This tool has been launched by an alliance of global news organisations, technology companies, and camera makers, will allow anyone to check the credentials of an image for free. Once the online tool runs through the image, it will display the relevant information if an image has a digital signature. If the image has been altered by AI, then the tool will flag it as having “No Content Credentials”.

Google, Intel doing their bit

Google, the biggest search engine globally is also doing their bit to help this fight. They have released a tool that adds invisible digital watermarks to AI-generated pictures, which can be detected by another tool. Intel has developed technology that can analyse the skin colour changes of subjects in images, which indicate the blood flow under their skin, and use that to determine the image’s authenticity.

The Challenge?

The biggest challenge though seems to be the user journey where they will have to use these tools to verify the images and authenticity. Whether a user undertakes that journey remains to be seen. But it is clear that a tool/technology like this is much needed at this point with the increase of deep fake images and videos on a rise.

Sony is expected to release this technology by 2024 as per reports and Canon is expected to make it available later this year. Currently this embedding is expected to be available only for images, but reports suggests that Sony and Canon are considering adding the feature to videos, although under development.