Tag Archives: Photography Gear

Nikon Releases Firmware Update 5.10 for Flagship Z9 Camera

Nikon has announced firmware version 5.10 for its flagship mirrorless camera, the Nikon Z9, launched in December 2021. This update introduces advanced features tailored for professional video recording, enhancing flexibility and usability.

A notable addition is the new Shutter Mode, enabling users to set the shutter angle in 15 steps between 5.6° and 360° when shooting in [M] mode. This feature simplifies achieving optimal motion blur by eliminating the need to manually adjust shutter speed when changing frame rates.

Further improvements include customizable options for video exposure aids. Users can now alter the color of the zebra pattern display and adjust the size, transparency, and position of brightness indicators like histograms and wave-form monitors. These updates ensure precise exposure control while accommodating individual preferences or specific shooting scenarios.

Nikon reaffirmed its commitment to supporting photographers and videographers by continuously enhancing its products through firmware updates.

For more details on the firmware update and Nikon’s full product lineup, visit Nikon India.

Sony India Announces FE 28-70mm F2 G Master Lens at ₹2,99,999

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Sony India recently announced its first G Master standard zoom lens with constant F2 max, the FE 28-70mm F2 G Master (SEL2870GM). This premium E-mount lens boasts a large aperture of F2 across the entire zoom range to achieve beautiful bokeh, high resolution and unrivalled autofocus for both stills and video, with sharpness and contrast to rival prime lens quality. All this is achieved in a compact, lightweight and well-balanced design that gives professionals and creators the ultimate freedom to capture a variety of scenes with just one lens where no shots can be missed including portraits, weddings, sports, documentaries and cinematic video.

The FE 28-70mm F2 G Master is the first G Master standard zoom lens with a constant F2 aperture making it ideal for both stills and video. Advanced design and optical simulation result in a zoom quality that rivals prime lenses with three XA (extreme aspherical) elements manufactured using original techniques to ensure high corner-to-corner resolution at F2 throughout the zoom range. Floating focus also allows sharpness, even at close focus down to 0.38 m/1.25 ft throughout the zoom range. Sony’s original Nano AR Coating II minimises flare/ghosting and optics designed to suppress internal reflections provide further flare resistance, ensuring high clarity whenever a strong light source appears in the frame. The G Master optics deliver soft bokeh for deep, dimensional images because of carefully controlled spherical aberration at both the design and the manufacturing stages with XA elements and a newly developed 11-blade aperture unit. The Super ED (extra-low dispersion) and ED glass elements effectively reduce chromatic aberration.

The FE 28-70mm F2 G Master delivers stress-free shooting with all the advantages of zoom and good image quality. Innovative technologies including advanced optics and XD (extreme dynamic) linear motors make all this fit in a constant F2 zoom that is only 92.9 x 139.8 mm (3-3/4 x 5-5/8) and weighs just 918 g (32.4 oz).

Four XD (extreme dynamic) linear motors and the latest algorithm precisely control the large and heavy focus group. It delivers reliable focus tracking and instant response, which are essential for weddings or sports events where every frame counts. This lens is fully compatible with the α9 III ‘s high-speed continuous shooting with AF/AE tracking of up to 120 frames per second, with tracking continued even whilst zooming.

By using the latest optical technology, Sony’s lens effectively subdues focus breathing, resulting in refined movie imagery. Rack focus and zoom effects can be used with F2 depth of field to create smooth, natural transitions and critical focus for high frame rate 4K 120p/FHD 240p recording is easy due to the high AF tracking performance. The XD linear motors and the newly developed aperture unit operate quietly and support α body breathing compensation with the α series camera’s image stabilisation “Active Mode”.

Important control functions include Linear Response MF for intuitive manual focus, adjustable zoom ring torque, and an aperture ring with a click ON/OFF switch. There are also two customisable focus hold buttons, an iris lock switch, and an AF/MF switch. The filter diameter is 86 mm, and the lens hood has a window for easy variable filter operation.

Buttons and switches feature silicone gaskets, the lens mount includes a rubber ring, and all other critical areas are designed to prevent the intrusion of dust and moisture to ensure maximum reliability in challenging outdoor conditions. A fluorine coating on the front element effectively repels contaminants and makes cleaning easy.

The FE 28-70 F/2 G Master Lens will be available across all Sony Centers, Alpha Flagship stores, Sony authorized dealers and major electronic stores across India from 29^th November 2024 onwards at price of ₹299,990.

Nikon India Announces NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.4 at ₹79,995

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Nikon India Pvt. Ltd. introduces the NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.4, a full-frame, FX-format compatible Z mount lens with a 55 mm diameter mount that provides abundant light and great flexibility of expression. Weighing 420 g and with a minimum focus distance of 0.37 m, it is designed for users who wish to expand their range of expression while wanting a lens compact enough to remain mobile on a budget.

“At Nikon India, we are committed to offering innovative solutions that empower photographers and videographers to push their creative boundaries. The NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.4 is a stellar new addition to our expanding NIKKOR Z line-up, offering a perfect blend of portability and performance. With its outstanding sharpness for both stills and video, along with the ability to produce beautifully smooth background blur, the NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.4 opens up new possibilities for capturing stunning imagery, whether you’re shooting stills or video, ensuring that every shot reflects the brilliance and precision unique to Nikon’s Z series,” said Mr. Sajjan Kumar, Managing Director of Nikon India Pvt. Ltd.

With a maximum aperture of f/1.4 and a minimum focus distance of 0.37 m, the NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.4 is perfect for capturing flowers and decorations indoors with bright and beautiful large bokeh to further emphasize subjects. This lens enables users to capture stills with outstanding three-dimensional rendering and large bokeh, offering soft, ethereal expressions. This rendering is achieved by taking advantage of the lens’s shallow depth of field. The lens is also reliable for shooting indoors or in low-light environments. Increasing shutter speeds reduces blurriness, letting users easily obtain cleaner images at low ISO sensitivity.

This len’s angle of view allows you to narrow the aperture, step back, and capture breathtaking landscapes and portraits. The lens accurately depicts depth, helping capture subjects with a striking presence. Meanwhile, the lens’ maximum aperture allows impressive capture of subjects with soft rendering and shallow depth of field.

The NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.4 is is designed to suppress focus breathing, providing a natural-looking image with a constant angle of view even while adjusting focus. Adopting a stepping motor (STM) enables fast and quiet AF operations, even while recording in quiet environments. This is ideal for shooting on a gimbal, maintaining balance with minimal shifting to the centre of gravity. While recording, the focus moves consistently relative to the focus or control ring’s speed, ensuring precision in focus.

This is the second non-S-Line NIKKOR lens to adopt the metal filter ring cover, delivering high quality and a sophisticated texture; Different knurling shapes for focus and control rings, helping users easily distinguish focus and control even while looking through the viewfinder; Designed to widen gradually from base to tip for stable camera holding during shooting; Superior dust and drip resistant performance, with sealing on various portions, including movable parts of the lens barrel, to effectively prevent dust or water droplets from entering the lens.

The NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.4 will be available by last week of September 2024 at MRP. ₹79,995 across India at Nikon outlets.

Sony India Announces FE 85mm F1.4 GM II at ₹180,990

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Sony India announced the FE 85mm F1.4 GM II – a premium lens offering a supreme
blend of high resolution and stunning bokeh with fast autofocus (AF) in a compact body. This is a
second-generation lens that inherits the optical design that achieved a high-level fusion of bokeh
and resolution that was highly praised in the first-generation model, and generously incorporates
the latest technology. When paired with the latest Sony’s Alpha series cameras, it is an ideal option
for a wide variety of creative uses in both photography and videography, including portraiture,
wedding, travel, and cinematic video.
The advanced and refined optical design and elements of the FE 85mm F1.4 GM II brings together
appealing bokeh and enhanced high resolution, making it ideal for portrait photography. Packed
with two XA (extreme aspherical) and two ED (extra-low dispersion) lenses, the state-of-the-art
optical design effectively suppresses aberrations. This combination offers corner-to-corner
resolution and rendering, resulting in outstanding image quality. Moreover, Sony’s original Nano AR
Coating II technology effectively subdues flare and ghosting for clear, crisp images. The 11-blade
circular aperture and optimization of spherical aberration during the design and manufacturing
process provide the beautiful, soft bokeh that is the hallmark of G Master lenses.
The FE 85mm F1.4 GM II’s AF is agile, maximizing the speed advantage of advanced camera bodies.
For stills, it is up to three times faster compared to the previous model, tracking moving subjects
with high precision. It keeps up flawlessly with the Alpha 9 III’s 120fps continuous shooting, and
subject tracking performance is improved by as much as 7 times.
Compared to the current 85mm F1.4 GM1, the weight of the FE 85mm F1.4 GM II (642 grams) is approximately 20% lighter and 13% smaller in volume, which is achieved through the latest mechanical technology and optical design. The FE 85mm F1.4 GM II has a filter diameter of φ77 mm, diameter of 84.7 mm and length of 107.3 mm.
For smooth movie creation at F1.4, the FE 85mm F1.4 GM II has an XD linear motor. Focus breathing
is minimal, and in-body focus breathing compensation is supported. It has two customizable focus
hold buttons and an AF/MF switch offer flexible operability, while an independent aperture ring and
Linear Response MF focus control provide the kind of intuitive control that creative shooting
demands.
The front lens element features a fluorine coating, which makes it easy to remove fingerprints, dust,
oil, and other contaminants from the lens surface. The dust and moisture resistant design provides
extra reliability for outdoor use in challenging conditions.
The FE 85mm F1.4 GM II will be available across all Sony Centers, Alpha Flagship stores, Sony
authorized dealers, ecommerce websites (Amazon and Flipkart) and major electronic stores across
India from 6th September 2024 onwards at a price of ₹ 180,990.

FUJIFILM India launches the FUJIFILM X-T50 at ₹1,49,999

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FUJIFILM India has unveiled the X-T50, the latest addition to its X series of mirrorless digital cameras. Priced at ₹1,49,999 for the body, the X-T50 combines exceptional image quality with a compact, lightweight design, targeting both photography enthusiasts and professionals.

The X-T50 is equipped with a new 40.2-megapixel X-Trans CMOS 5 HR sensor and the X-Processor 5, ensuring high-resolution images and advanced performance. Despite its powerful capabilities, the camera is lightweight, weighing only 438 grams, making it a convenient option for photographers on the go.

A major highlight of the X-T50 is its 5-axis in-body image stabilization, offering up to 7 stops of stabilization. This feature enables steady handheld shooting even in low-light conditions. The camera also supports 6.2K/30P video recording with tracking autofocus, catering to both still photography and video recording needs.

The X-T50 also introduces a Film Simulation dial on the top plate, a new feature that allows users to switch between 20 different Film Simulation modes, including the newly added “REALA ACE.” This mode offers faithful colour reproduction and smooth tonal gradations, enhancing the creative potential for both stills and videos.

The X-T50’s AI-based autofocus system can detect a wide range of subjects, including animals, birds, vehicles, and drones. An advanced AF prediction algorithm further improves the camera’s ability to track fast-moving subjects, ensuring precise focus in dynamic shooting scenarios.

The FUJIFILM X-T50 is now available for purchase from all online and retail outlets.

Sony India launches ZV-E10 II camera at ₹94,990

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Sony India has launched the ZV-E10 II, the successor to its popular ZV-E10 camera, aimed at content creators, vloggers, and photographers. The new model retains the beloved features of its predecessor, such as Creative Looks, Product Showcase Setting, Background Defocus, and a vari-angle flip screen, while introducing enhancements that make it even more sophisticated and user-friendly.

The ZV-E10 II is equipped with a new 26-megapixel Exmor R CMOS sensor and Sony’s latest BIONZ XR image processing engine, delivering improved image quality and performance. Notable upgrades include advanced autofocus capabilities, a Cinematic Vlog Setting for easy cinematic video creation, and a new vertical format user interface (UI) for streamlined content creation in vertical orientation.

Weighing approximately 377 grams, the camera remains compact and lightweight, making it ideal for on-the-go creators. Additionally, the ZV-E10 II offers enhanced connectivity options, including easy live streaming and data transfer, supported by a USB 3.2 Type-C port and 5 GHz Wi-Fi connectivity.

The ZV-E10 II introduces new tools to elevate content creation, including the Cinematic Vlog Setting, which adjusts aspect ratio, frame rate, and autofocus settings for cinematic video capture. Users can also choose from ten Creative Look options and customize them with eight parameters, saving up to six personalized styles for quick access.

For photographers and videographers, the camera offers 759-point Focal Plane Phase-detection autofocus with Real-time Eye AF for humans, animals, and birds, and Real-time Tracking. It supports high-speed 4K video recording with 5.6K oversampling and advanced image stabilization, ensuring smooth, high-quality footage.

Sony has also focused on sustainability with the ZV-E10 II. The camera body is made from recycled materials, including SORPLAS, and the packaging uses Sony’s eco-friendly “Original Blended Material.” This aligns with Sony’s ongoing efforts to reduce its environmental impact.

Alongside the camera, Sony is launching the E PZ 16-50mm F3.5-5.6 OSS II lens, available separately or as part of a lens kit. The lens features improved autofocus and video performance, making it an ideal companion for the ZV-E10 II.

The ZV-E10 II camera and lens kit will be available from August 27, 2024, at Sony Centers, Alpha Flagship stores, and online platforms. The camera body is priced at ₹94,990, with the lens kit pricing to be announced later.

Sony is offering special promotions, including an extended 3-year warranty, a complimentary SD card, and a carry bag, along with easy financing options.

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.

April 2024

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Cover by Sean Dalton 📷

In this issue read:

~ Voyage From Vision to Discovery – Sean Dalton

~ From Local Trails to Golabl Tales – Ganesh Bagal

~ From Drawing Boards to Composing Frames – Hegde Arun

~ A Comprehensive Guide for Indian Photographers Embarking on International Sojourns

~ A Photographer’s Guide to Cost-Effective Travel in India

~ How to be a Travel Photographer in Your Own City

~ Fujifilm Instax PAL Review