ReviewS

REVIEWS
Sony FE 70–200mm
NIKON
F4 macro
D780 G oSS II
FUJIFILMSony
X-A7
SIGMA 14-24 MM
alpha 6700
F/2.8 DG DN ART
INDIA’SNUMBER
INDIA’S NUMBER11IMAGING
IMAGINGMAGAZINE!
MAGAZINE! `200
`150

Volume 15 • Issue 12 • March 2020

Volume 19 • Issue 12 • March 2024

Interview
Chet Kamat
Photo Feature
Steve Winter
Postcards from Slovenia and Croatia
Special
Old Memories
Showcase
S P E C I A L
Concert Photography
Tutorial
Portrait Photography To Wild
and Beyond
SMART
White Balance PHOTOGRAPHY
AWARDS
Also Reviewed
Vivo X100 pro
2020
Tutorials
Profile Interview Tilt and Shift Movements
Saurav Sarkar Vaibhav Jaguste Wildlife Photography

/smartphotography @SPmagazine /spmagazineofficial www.smartphotography.in

WITNESS THE POWER
OF FLAWLESS COLOUR
REPRODUCTION
RETHINK COLOURS

C84hc/74hc

Clear Pink,
Wider Excellent Inbuilt Job/
Purple &
Colour Gamut, Photo Colour
Vivid Colour
Close to sRGB Reproduction Management
Prints

AccurioPress C84hc/74hc, helps you to achieve unmatched quality prints

Konica Minolta Business Solutions India Pvt. Ltd.

https://bt.konicaminolta.in/ | Connect with us:
 Get
Ready to
Celebrate
Imaging
Excellence
of 2023-‘24

Presents

INNOVATION
TECHNOLOGY
& IMAGING
AWARDS 2024
Powered by
 Editor
Welcome
Hoshang S. Billimoria
tEchnical Editor
Rohinton Mehta
FEaturEs Editor & digital Editor
Jayashree Coutinho
Production Editor
Girish Mallya
PhotograPhy ust like vinyl, is film poised to make a
Mahesh Reddy comeback? The likelihood of Pentax making a
social MEdia contributor film camera has triggered a lot of speculation
Gandhi Mathi that film cameras are poised to make a comeback.
ad-dEsign & Production After all, the second hand market is flush with
Ravi Parmar mint film cameras and second hand prices are very
asst art dirEctor attractive to those on a budget. Further, Fujifilm,
Prathmesh Vichare Kodak and Ilford continue to make film. Also, it
Production suPErvisor is much easier to digitize film now than before.
Dinesh Bhajnik What is our opinion? Well, we can see film cameras
PublishEr having a niche in the market but mainstream? No.
Girish Mallya However, never say never!
associatE PublishEr &
gEnEral ManagEr (north & East) One of our veteran readers firmly believes that
Ellora Dasgupta (Mob No. +98710 48666) Photoshop killed Photography. Not really. After all,
gEnEral ManagEr (south) changes to colour and exposure could also be done
Girish Shet when processing film. Maybe, it is now much more
Product ManagEr sophisticated.
Perseus Master

hEad oFFicE - MuMbai H. S. Billimoria

608, Trade World, 6th floor, C wing, Kamala Mills
compound, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel (W),
Mumbai - 400013, Mob No. +91 93215 46598
Email: [email protected]
circulation and subscriPtion
Kapil Kaushik (Manager Circulation (North & East)
Mob No. +91 98732 00589
Sachin Kelkar (Subscription Supervisor)
Mob No. +91 93215 46598
Email: [email protected]
Here’S wHat MakeS uS
WE ARE GLUED TO THE GLOBAL IMAGING INDUSTRY
apple newsstand & Magzter Queries:
Our team is updated with all the benchmarks and road blocks that the field of photography
[email protected]
Zinio subscriptions Queries: and imaging across the globe experiences. This helps us record the changes in the
http://in.zinio.com/help/index.jsp global perspective, thus making us the first to predict which products will be a rage in the
Indian markets.
Marketing Offices
WE’RE IMPARTIAL
Bengaluru: 538, 1st Floor, 9th Main Road, Main Road, New
Thippasandra Main Rd, HAL 3rd Stage, New
Loyalty towards our readers is a given, and their best interests are always on our mind. Every
Tippasandra, Bengaluru, Karnataka-560075 verdict is honest and not influenced by advertisers or personal favourites. So when we say a
product is a ‘BEST BUY’, then, it is just that!
chennai: Siva Shiva (Circulation),
Mob No.. +91 98406 47812
OUR TESTS ARE CONDUCTED BY EXPERTS
ncr: Unit No. 109, First Floor, All equipment go through a series of tests at the hands of our experts. Our reviewers are
Sushant Plaza, Sushant Lok-1, A – Block, experts in the field of photography across the country and have many years of experience.
Gurgaon-122022, India That gives us the foresight to distinguish between a passing trend and a big change in the
Pune: S.No.261/G.L.R.No.5, East Street,Camp, field of photography and imaging. And finally, our reviews are not extended to just fill up the
Pune-411001 pages!
Hyderabad: Srinivas Gangula, Territory Sales Incharge (Circulation),
Mob No. 09000555756 WE ARE HERE TO HELP YOU
There is no debate on why we are here. Our sole goal is to provide you options and better your
kolkata: Vidyasagar Gupta Territory Sales Incharge
judgement in product purchase while, sharing tips and tricks to improve your images. Our
(Circulation), Mob No. 09804085683
biggest joy is in building a bridge between you and your perfect picture!

Views andopinions expressedin themagazinearenotnecessarilythoseofNextGenPublishingPvt.Ltd. Trade World, 6th floor, C wing, Kamala Mills compound, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel (W),
Next Gen Publishing does not take the responsibility for returning unsolicited material sent without Mumbai - 400013. Copyright 2014 SMART PHOTOGRAPHY
adequate postal stamps for return postage. No part of the magazine may be reproduced in part or All readers are recommended to make their own independent enquiries before sending money,
full without the prior express written permission of the publisher. Printed by Girish Mallya, Next Gen incurring expenses or entering into commitments in relation to any advertisement appearing in
Publishing Pvt. Ltd., 608, Trade World, 6th floor, C wing, Kamala Mills compound, Senapati Bapat the publication. Smart Photography does not vouch for any claims made by advertisers for their
Marg, Lower Parel (W), Mumbai - 400013. Published by Girish Mallya on behalf of Next Gen products and services. The editor, publisher, printer and employees of the publication shall not
Publishing Pvt. Ltd., 608, Trade World, 6th floor, C wing, Kamala Mills compound, Senapati be held liable for any consequence in the events of such claims not being honoured by the
Bapat Marg, Lower Parel (W), Mumbai - 400013. Printed at Kala Jyothi Process Pvt. Ltd, advertisers. All disputes are subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of competent courts and forums in
1-1-60/5 RTCX Roads, Hyderabad - 20. Published at Next Gen Publishing Pvt. Ltd., 608, Mumbai only. Editor – Hoshang S Billimoria

www.smartphotography.in March 2024 | Smart Photography | 7

 Issue 228 / march 2024

32 Mastercraftsman
The masters of the craft share their insights and photographs

22 48 54
Photo Feature special showcase
Postcards from Slovenia and Croatia Old Memories Concert Photography

8 | Smart Photography | March 2024 www.smartphotography.in

 ColorEdge
Color Management Monitors

World's First Built-in Color Calibration Monitor

the ultimate choice for professional photographers

LANDSCAPE | WiLDLiFE | COMMERCiAL PHOTOGRAPHY

PURE ViSiON CG2700X

TRUE PRECiSiON CG2700S

1.09 Billion Colors Hardware

Calibration

98 % MADE IN
JAPAN
DCI-P3

98925 87968
Contents
REVIEWS
SONY FE 70�200MM
F4 MACRO G OSS II
SONY
ALPHA 6700
INDIA’S NUMBER 1 IMAGING MAGAZINE! `200

Volume 19 • Issue 12 • March 2024

Interview
Chet Kamat

regular reViews
Photo Feature
Steve Winter
Postcards from Slovenia and Croatia
Special

12 82
Old Memories

Newswatch sony Fe 70–200mm F4

Showcase
Concert Photography
Tutorial

News from the industry, fresh from Macro g oss ii

Portrait Photography
White Balance
Also Reviewed

the oven Super telezoom

Vivo X100 pro

MastercraFtsMaN 84 sony alpha 6700

New APS-C Star!
Photographer: Chet Kamat

40 unveiling the enigma

Steve Winter’s Quest for Big Cat
Conservation 86 Vivo X100 pro
True flagship camera phone
REVIEWS
NIKKOR Z 135 MM
F/1.8 S PLENA LENS
SONY
A7CR
VIEWSONIC
VP16�OLED
INDIA’S NUMBER 1 IMAGING MAGAZINE!

Volume 19 • Issue 11 • February 2024

`200

Interview

PriNtiNg aNd beyoNd

Mattias Klum

First look
Photo Feature
Postcards from Greenland
Special

63
Winged Beauties of Vietnam

in Focus: Photographer H.
88
My hidden gems Part 1- Tom Svensson

lexar Professional cFexpress Tutorial

Lens Blur Tool

satish of bengaluru – His

Drop Shadow

type b diamond-series
artistry, achievements, and love Memory cards
for Print Fast & Reliable

learNiNg buyer’s guide

70 Portrait Photography
Part I 90 Mirrorless lens guide
Here is a comprehensive list of
mirrorless camera lenses in the market
REVIEWS
CANON
EOS R8
PANASONIC
LUMIX S5 II
INDIA’S NUMBER 1 IMAGING MAGAZINE!

Volume 19 • Issue 10 • January 2024

`200

76 white balance tHe last word

98 top 10 best selling camera
and lenses - 2023
Photo Feature
Postcards from Myanmar
Profile
Neeta Kolhatkar
Special
Beyond the Surface by Mats Alfredsson

84
Printing & Beyond
Turning Clicks into Prints
Tutorial
A Guide to Lens Buying, Part II
A Field Guide for Landscape Photography

subscribe
Now
PAGE 89
82

86
10 | Smart Photography | March 2024 www.smartphotography.in
newswatch

Nikon announces
wildlife contest

N ikon India kicked off its inaugural

Birla’s photo exhibition

‘Wonders of the Wild’ photography
and videography contest in partnership
with the Worldwide Fund for Nature
- India (WWF-India). This one-and-
a-half-month-long contest, open to
wildlife enthusiasts across India until
wows Mumbai
March 3, 2024, aims to celebrate the
remarkable talents of photographers
and videographers passionate about
T he Dilip Piramal Art Gallery at
NCPA, Mumbai, recently played
host to an enthralling exhibition of
capturing the beauty of India’s flora and wildlife photography by Sidharth Birla
fauna. and his wife, Madhushree Birla. The
event, which took place on February
Entries will be evaluated by esteemed 7, 2024, saw the presence of esteemed
wildlife experts, including Mr. Shaaz Jung, dignitaries including Kumar Mangalam
Ms. Latika Nath, and Mr. Kallol Mukherjee. Birla, Hemendra Kothari, Sir Dinshaw,
Participants can submit entries through and Dilip Piramal. Titled ‘Enchantment’,
the Nikon India website or Instagram, the exhibition presented a mesmerizing
showcasing their creativity and collection of photographs that
storytelling skills. Exciting prizes worth captured the essence and grandeur
INR 8 lakhs await the winners, including a of the Savannah and its inhabitants.
Nikon Z 8 mirrorless camera as the grand From majestic wildlife to breathtaking
prize, along with NIKKOR Z lenses for the landscapes, each image transported
runners-up. viewers into the heart of nature, leaving a into the soul-stirring depth of
lasting impression. monochrome photography, prompting
Additionally, the top 10 entries viewers to reflect on the profound
will receive WWF-India Nature Running until February 20, beauty of nature. As guests marvelled
Store Merchandise. Nikon India ‘Enchantment’ offered a unique at the stunning imagery, a poignant
encourages wildlife enthusiasts to experience for visitors, showcasing quote by Andri Cauldwell resonated
participate in this thrilling contest, the power of both vibrant colours and throughout the gallery: “To see in black
offering them a chance to showcase striking black & white compositions. and white is a delight for the soul,”
their talent and contribute to wildlife Alongside the vivid hues of the encapsulating the profound impact of
conservation efforts. Savannah, the exhibition delved Birla’s photographic journey.

12 | Smart Photography | March 2024 www.smartphotography.in

newswatch

Canon reports strong camera

sales in 2023
J apanese tech giant Canon has revealed
impressive year-on-year growth in
camera sales and other product sectors,
revenue increase of 7.2%, totaling
861.6 billion yen ($5.81 billion). This
growth was propelled by strong demand
according to its latest financial report. for new interchangeable lens digital
With a revenue increase of 3.7% from cameras like the EOS R6 Mark II, EOS
2022, Canon’s full-year revenue for R8, and EOS R50, alongside network
2023 reached approximately 4.18 billion cameras catering to diverse applications.
yen ($28.335 billion), accompanied by
an 8.4% rise in net profit. Meanwhile, Canon’s medical business
field experienced a revenue surge of
The revenue surge was driven by 7.9%, reaching 553.8 billion yen ($3.75
Canon’s four main business divisions: billion). Demand for MRI equipment,
printing solutions, imaging, medical X-ray equipment, and ultrasonic
solutions, and industrial equipment/ diagnostic equipment contributed to
other products. Printing solutions this growth, particularly in Japan and
accounted for the majority, generating Europe.
2.346 trillion yen ($15.90 billion) and investment impacted FPD exposure
representing 56.1% of the brand’s In contrast, Canon’s industrial equipment sales. Despite challenges in
overall revenue. Notable products equipment division faced a slight the industrial equipment sector, Canon
include the innovative color digital decline, with revenue dropping by 4.4% remains optimistic about its outlook
printer image PRESS V1350. to 314.7 billion yen ($2.13 billion). for 2024, expecting continued growth
While power equipment demand driven by strong performances in
In the imaging sector, Canon saw a remained robust, fluctuations in market printing, imaging, and medical solutions.

DECLARATION
Statement about ownership and other particulars about
SMart PhotograPhy, as required to be published in the first issue of every year after the last day of February.
Form IV (See rule 8) (Press and reg. of Books act, 1867)
Place of Publication : 608, trade World, 6th floor, C wing, Kamala Mills Compound, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel (W), Mumbai - 400013
Periodicity of Publication : Monthly
Printers Name : Mr. girish Mallya, Nationality : Indian, and printed at Kala Jyothi Process Pvt. Ltd, 1-1-60/5 rtCX roads, hyderabad - 20
Publisher’s Name : Mr. girish Mallya, Nationality: Indian,
address: Next gen Publishing Pvt. Limited, 608, trade World, 6th floor, C wing, Kamala Mills Compound, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel (W), Mumbai - 400013
Editor’s Name : Mr. hoshang S. Billimoria, Nationality: Indian,
address: Next gen Publishing Pvt. Limited, 608, trade World, 6th floor, C wing, Kamala Mills Compound, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel (W), Mumbai - 400013
Names and addresses of individuals who own the newspaper and partners or shareholders holding more than 1% of the total paid up equity capital:
Next gen Publishing Pvt. Limited, 608, trade World, 6th floor, C wing, Kamala Mills Compound, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel (W), Mumbai - 400 013

Details of shareholders of Next gen Publishing Pvt. Limited who are holding more than 1% paid up equity capital of the company as on January 31, 2024.
i. Shapoorji Pallonji & Company Pvt. Ltd., 70, Nagindas Master road, Fort,Mumbai 400023
ii. Elfbridge Investment Private Limited, SP Centre 41-44, Minoo Desai Marg, Colaba, Mumbai 400005
iii. rajpal Singh Sethi, green gate, 693, Flat 702, Perry Cross road, Bandra, Mumbai 400 050
iv. Zubin N. Kamdin (Executor of Estate of late Sam Nariman Polishwala), 29/a, Naoroji Seth Street, thakurdwar, Mumbai 400 002
v. aditya Chitale-(Executor of Estate of late C.N.Mistry), F-19,0-1, Bridge View C.h.S.Ltd., Sector-10, airoli, Navi Mumbai 400 708
vi. hoshang Billimoria, B-221, grand Paradi,572, Dadyseth hill, august Kranti Marg, Mumbai 400 036

I, girish Mallya hereby declare that all particulars given above are true to the best of my knowledge and belief.
Sd/
girish Mallya
Date: February 14, 2024 Signature of the Publisher

14 | Smart Photography | March 2024 www.smartphotography.in

newswatch

Cosmic debut
for Nikon Z 9
N ikon has made history with
the launch of its cutting-edge
Nikon Z 9 mirrorless camera to the
International Space Station (ISS),
marking the first time a Nikon
mirrorless camera will be utilized
by astronauts in space. The Z 9,
renowned for its unparalleled image
quality and advanced technology, will
enable NASA astronauts to capture
stunning visuals of Earth and space
with unprecedented clarity.

Multiple Nikon Z 9 bodies,

accompanied by an impressive
array of NIKKOR Z lenses, were
transported to the ISS aboard
the 20th Northrop Grumman
commercial resupply services
mission for NASA. Launched via the
SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Cape
Say hi to Fujifilm X100VI
Canaveral Space Force Station on
January 30th, 2024, the Cygnus cargo
spacecraft carried this essential
F ujifilm announced the launch of
its latest high-end compact digital
camera, the “FUJIFILM X100VI”
photographic equipment to the (X100VI), set to debut at the end of
orbiting laboratory. February 2024. The X100VI marks the
newest addition to Fujifilm’s esteemed
Replacing the existing inventory X100 series, boasting a back-illuminated
of Nikon D6 and D5 digital SLR 40.2 MP sensor and the latest processor.
cameras, which have served on Notably, it is the first model in the
the space station since 2017, the series to integrate an in-body image
Nikon Z 9 represents the latest stabilization function, enhancing image
evolution in Nikon’s longstanding quality and performance.
partnership with NASA. Since the
Apollo 15 mission over 50 years Since its inception in 2011 with the
ago, Nikon cameras and lenses have FUJIFILM X100, the X100 series
played a crucial role in capturing has garnered global acclaim for its
iconic images of space exploration, distinctive features, including the performance in diverse photographic
scientific research, and maintenance unique “Hybrid Viewfinder” that scenarios. Combining meticulous
activities aboard the ISS. seamlessly transitions between attention to design and operability
optical and electronic systems, along with exceptional image quality, the
The Nikon Z series, launched in with its sleek design and intuitive X100VI promises to delight a broad
2018, has continually pushed the operation. The X100VI upholds spectrum of users, from professional
boundaries of innovation and these beloved characteristics while photographers to enthusiasts, with the
reliability, with the Z 9 standing as incorporating the advanced “X-Trans™ joy of photography. To commemorate
the flagship model renowned for its CMOS 5 HR” sensor and “X-Processor 5” Fujifilm’s 90th anniversary, a Limited
robust build and next-generation image processing engine. Edition X100VI will be released,
technology. While the Z 9 used in featuring special packaging and
space remains physically unchanged Moreover, the X100VI introduces exclusive accessories. Limited to just
from its terrestrial counterpart, a newly developed in-body image 1,934 units worldwide, this edition
Nikon engineers collaborated with stabilization function, offering up bears the company’s founding logo and
NASA to develop custom firmware to 6.0 stops of stabilization while a unique serial number, underscoring its
tailored to the unique challenges of maintaining a compact and lightweight rarity. Interested buyers are encouraged
space exploration. body weighing approximately 521g. to contact their local Fujifilm sales
This versatility ensures optimal company for purchasing details.

16 | Smart Photography | March 2024 www.smartphotography.in

Micro four thirds
sensor for smartphones
P repare for a paradigm shift in the
world of smartphones as the next
image revolution looms, with credible
changes Mipi interface to
reduce digital layer power
consumption)
sensors used by other major camera
brands, the Four-Thirds system employs
a 4:3 ratio for its image sensor.
reports suggesting the integration of
large Micro Four Thirds sensors. This • 4/3 inch 50Mp 2.1μm 4-Cell Full-pixel The Micro Four Thirds sensor’s
marks a potential revolution not only in 2×2 OCL AF WDR (LOFIC TheiaCel) diagonal length is approximately half
the smartphone sector but across the • 4/3-inch 44Mp 2.25μm Mask-PD AF that of a 35-millimeter film negative,
entire camera market. VDGS (Pregius S II) resulting in a crop factor of exactly 2.
While the Micro Four Thirds format has
Multiple sources now indicate the The challenges are apparent, with seen reduced use due to a preference
imminent arrival of a new generation the need to implement such a ‘giant’ for shooting large formats, its potential
of Micro Four Thirds sensors, ranging sensor in a smartphone body being to revolutionize videography in mobile
from 44 to 100 megapixels, set to be the primary obstacle. Additionally, phones is significant.
implemented in smartphones. Weibo, managing the heat generated by the
among the sources, details the sensors extensive processor presents another Anticipating the first Micro Four Thirds
per smartphone as follows: hurdle. However, overcoming these smartphone to emerge from China,
challenges is a matter of time and possibly by 2024-2025, sets the
• 4/3-inch 108Mp 1.4μm Nonacell technological advancement. The term stage for a potential revolution in
Full-pixel DPAF (new ISOCELL, ‘Four-Thirds’ originates from the videography. The prospect of an
optimized quantum efficiency) size and format of the image sensor iPhone 18 equipped with a Micro Four
developed by Olympus in collaboration Thirds image sensor could reshape the
• 4/3-inch 80Mp 1.65μm QuadBayer with Panasonic. In contrast to the landscape of smartphone imaging in the
Full-pixel 2×2 OCL AF (IMX472 35-millimeter film and APS-C-sized coming years.

www.smartphotography.in March 2024 | Smart Photography | 17

newswatch

New tech
reveals animal
perspectives
A collaboration between
researchers from the United
States, United Kingdom, and Canada
has yielded groundbreaking insights
into how animals perceive the natural
world. Utilizing innovative camera
technology and software, the team
has unlocked the ability to capture
and replicate animal vision. Animal Nikon Z 8 upgraded
with Firmware 2.0
vision varies significantly due to
differences in photoreceptors, posing
a challenge to accurately emulate
their perspective. For instance, while
honeybees share trichromatic vision
with humans, they can perceive UV
N ikon enthusiasts rejoice as the
renowned camera manufacturer
unveils firmware version 2.0 for
light, unlike us. Similarly, birds, as its flagship full-frame/FX-format
tetrachromats, possess the ability mirrorless camera, the Nikon Z 8. This
to detect UV light. Driven by the significant update brings a plethora
fascination of understanding animals’ of highly anticipated features and
visual experiences, the researchers enhancements, catering to the diverse
developed this novel technology. needs of professional photographers and
Their objective, as outlined in the videographers alike.
research paper’s abstract, is to equip
ecologists and filmmakers with the At the heart of the firmware 2.0 upgrade
tools to record animal-perceived lies the introduction of several flagship
colors accurately. Beyond its scientific features, including the long-awaited
implications, the technology holds In-Camera Slow-Motion video capability.
practical value, particularly in This exciting addition empowers users
addressing bird collisions with to effortlessly capture captivating
windows and decals. In the United slow-motion footage with unparalleled based on predefined criteria, offering
States alone, approximately 100 precision and detail, eliminating the newfound convenience and efficiency.
million birds perish annually due to need for extensive post-processing and Pixel Shift shooting makes its debut on
collisions caused by their inability to streamlining content creation. the Nikon Z 8, allowing users to capture
detect reflective surfaces. stunning images with unparalleled detail
Inheriting a dedicated [Bird] Detection by utilizing in-camera VR technology to
The new camera technology Mode from the flagship Z 9 camera, shift the image sensor position. With the
captures videos across UV, red, firmware 2.0 revolutionizes bird ability to produce images of up to 180
blue, and green channels, with data photography and videography on megapixels, this feature is particularly
processed using Python to simulate the Nikon Z 8. This specialized mode well-suited for product photography,
animals’ visual perceptions. significantly enhances autofocus delivering exceptional clarity and fidelity.
detection and tracking of avian subjects,
ensuring crisp and clear imagery even in Furthermore, firmware 2.0 introduces
challenging shooting conditions such as the highly acclaimed Pre-Release
dense foliage or rapid movement. Capture mode and expands Hi-Res
Zoom speed options, providing
Moreover, firmware 2.0 expands the photographers with greater flexibility
N-Log Low ISO Sensitivity Range, and control over their creative vision.
enabling photographers to achieve Enhanced operability and functionality
richer tones and enhanced dynamic enhancements, including expanded
range in shadow areas while effectively custom control options and improved
suppressing noise. The introduction of connectivity with accessories, round out
AI-Integrated Auto Capture functionality this comprehensive update, solidifying
further enhances user workflow by the Nikon Z 8 as a formidable contender
automatically triggering stills and videos in the realm of mirrorless photography.

18 | Smart Photography | March 2024 www.smartphotography.in

Three Easy
Ways To
SUBSCRIBE
Online Call Post
Next Gen Publishing Pvt Ltd,
608, Trade World, 6th floor, C wing, Kamala
Visit at Mills compound, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower
http://secure.nextgenpublishing.in/ +91 93215 46598 Parel (W), Mumbai 400013, India.

TO SUBSCRIBE
3 years subscription Pay `3,890/- 1 year subscription Pay ` 1,620/-
and save `2,590 on the cover price (40% off) and save `540 on the cover price (25% off)
INTERNATIONAL RATE - 1 YEAR USD 145 BY AIR MAIL POST

YOUR DETAILS (ALL DETAILS IN CAPITAL LETTERS)

Name: Mr/Ms ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Occupation .........................................................................................................................Date of birth ........................................................................

Address ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

City ......................................................................... State ....................................................................Pincode ..............................................................

Email .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Mobile ............................................................................... Phone (Off) ............................................Phone (Res) ............................................................

Kindly draw the Cheque/DD/PO in favor of NEXT GEN PUBLISHING PVT. LTD. (Please add Rs. 20/- extra for outstation cheque)

Please Find enclosed Cheque/DD no. ............................................................................................................................................... Dated ................................................................

Bank .................................................................................................................................................................................................... Branch ....................................................

Signature ..................................................................................................................
OR
Electronic payment may be made with RTGS/NEFT to current account number 00602320009684 maintained with HDFC Bank Manekji Wadia Bldg.
Ground Floor, Nanik Motwani Marg, Fort, Mumbai - 400001, Maharashtra with IFSC code HDFC0000060
T3 MARCH 2024

Please complete the order form and mail it to us at Next Gen Publishing Pvt Ltd, 608, Trade World, 6th floor, C wing, Kamala Mills compound, Senapati Bapat Marg,
Lower Parel (W), Mumbai 400013, India. For clarifications, email: [email protected] or call +91 93215 46598
TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Please allow 4-5 weeks for processing of your subscription. Copies will be sent by ordinary post only. Next Gen Publishing will not be responsible for postal delay,
transit loses or mutilation of copies. No cancellation of subscriptions will be entertained after commencement of subscription. Please mention your name and address on the reverse of your DD/
Cheque. All disputes are subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of courts in Mumbai only.
AdvertoriAl

Wildlife Wonders :
The Story Behind the Lens
Sony FE 300mm F2.8 GM OSS
Jayanth Sharma, a former IT professional, transitioned to become a wildlife &
natural history photographer in 2004 is a Sony Artisan too. He has traveled widely
to countries like Canada, Finland, Norway, Brazil, Russia, Africa, and South East
Asia producing stunning imagery and stories, while advocating for conserving
India’s vulnerable wildlife.

Jayanth Sharma
Jayanth Sharma, a Bangalore-
based wildlife photographer,
has received multiple awards
for his work. He acquired a
passion for photography at a
young age, learning from his
father. Leading the premier
travel and photography
company, Toehold, he offers
high-quality, photography-
focused travel experiences to
enthusiasts worldwide.

T
he highly anticipated FE 300mm F2.8 G Master OSS
lens delivers exceptional depiction performance and
high-speed, precise autofocus, a hallmark of the G
Master series. Weighing approximately 1470g with excellent
weight distribution achieved through magnesium alloy
construction for the barrel and an optical design placing

Encountering gorillas in Rwanda

with my Sony FE/SEL300mm F2.8
OSS lens made me appreciate the
remarkable visual spectacle I was
capturing. The bokeh, background,
sharpness, and intricate details I
observed were truly exceptional.

20 | Smart Photography | March 2024 www.smartphotography.in

 most lens elements towards the rear, it offers shooting up to 120 frames per second and silent
improved balance and handling. This enables users focusing, with a minimum focus distance of 2m and
to effortlessly capture sharp, dynamic moments, a focus limiter switch restricting the near range to
particularly in fast-paced wildlife scenarios, while 6m for shooting distant subjects. Full-time Direct
its compatibility with lightweight camera bodies Manual Focus allows photographers to override
minimizes user fatigue. autofocus, while a power focus rocker ring enables
constant-speed manual focus adjustments or other
With an impressive F2.8 aperture, the lens functions, including switching between full-frame
provides stunning bokeh and excellent low-light and APS-C crop shooting modes.
performance, perfect for wildlife photography.
The built-in Optical SteadyShot (OSS) stabilization Designed for mobility and comfortable operation,
system ensures sharp images even in challenging the lightweight FE 300mm F2.8 GM OSS lens
conditions, while the innovative optical design is stable and agile, with enhanced viewfinder
includes Super ED glass elements to suppress stability and customizable focus options. It
chromatic aberration and ensure high resolution features top-notch construction with high-quality
and contrast across the frame, producing beautiful, materials providing durability, dust, moisture, and
true-to-life colors. weather resistance, along with a fluorine coating.

The focal length of 300mm is ideal for a variety With its fast and accurate autofocus system,
of shooting scenarios in wildlife and landscape this lens is a premium choice for professional
photography. The autofocus system employs photographers seeking the best in image quality,
dual XD linear motors for high-speed continuous performance, and reliability. |SP

www.smartphotography.in March 2024 | Smart Photography | 21

PHOTO FEATURE

Postcards from
Slovenia
Church
in hazy
and Croatia
Lake Bled,
Slovenia

W
Vaibhav Jaguste from
hen planning travels to coming into view as the morning fog
Maharashtra, India, is a Europe, tourists often think rolled away. As the sun rose, more
science graduate from the about popular locations light fell on the church and created a
University of Mumbai. He
like Italy and Rome, but Europe has mysterious hazy effect on the lake.
served as the Vice President
of The Photographic Society so much more to offer. Nestled in the
of India, Mumbai, from 2014 Central Europe region, Slovenia and We started the next day with our outing
- 2018. Vaibhav is in the travel Croatia are beautiful countries filled to the Vintgar Gorge where we hiked
and tourism business. He is
a self-taught photographer, with mountains, glacial lakes and for an hour to see the beautifully lush
interested in pictorial photography. He is a strong believer vibrant towns. During my travels to forests and waterfalls. After exploring
of the quote “Camera is the least important thing in these countries, we started our journey Vintgar Gorge, we drove to Bohinj
Photography”.
in Slovenia through the beautiful Glacial Lake which had a very different
He is a regular participant in national and international
Gorenjska region after landing at composition as it was surrounded
photography competitions and has won over 100 awards Ljubljana International Airport. by agricultural lands. Here, due to a
& acceptances from 23 countries. His work is highly Our first day started with a sunrise passing rainstorm, I was able to capture
appreciated by The Federation of Indian Photography
as well as several other international organisations all
photoshoot at the picturesque Lake some stunning images of sheep on a
around the world. His solo photography exhibition named Bled located at the foothills of Julians meadow with soft light and shadows
‘Hymns of Nature’ was showcased in Dec’17 and his group Alps with a Baroque-style church built from the overcast sky. We also visited
exhibition named ‘Rocks and Waves’ was presented in in the centre of an island. We captured the beautiful Adriatic Bay of Koper in
Jan’2020 at India’s prestigious Jehangir Art Gallery, Mumbai.
some stunning shots of the church Slovenia to see sailboats swaying at

22 | Smart Photography | March 2024 www.smartphotography.in

 Sheep in a meadow, Slovenia

Sailboats at Kopar Bay, Slovenia

St. Primoz Church, Slovenia

www.smartphotography.in March 2024 | Smart Photography | 23

PHOTO FEATURE

the Bay. The following day, our route

took us to the Vrsic Pass which is the
highest pass in the Julian Alps, with
incredible views across the Slovenian
Alps. Here, we travelled down to
the Soca River Valley to explore the
Triglav National Park and captured its
gorges and gushing waterfalls as we
hiked along the riverbanks.

After a good rest, we left the Slovenian

Alps and headed out to Istria, Croatia,
stopping at the Church of Holy Trinity
in Hrastovlje. On the next day, we
started our journey to witness the
beautiful sunrise in Rovinj along
with continuing to see the Roman
Amphitheatre at Pula. This 1st-
century oval amphitheatre overlooks
the harbour of the old town. It’s a
truly magnificent structure, slotted
together entirely from local limestone
and locally known as the Arena.
Designed to host gladiatorial contests
and seating up to 20,000 spectators,
it still serves as a venue for concerts
and film-festival screenings during
the summer. After exploring the city
of Istria, our group started at the
most recognised natural wonder in
the country of Croatia, the Plitvice
Lakes National Park. This National
Park, recognized as one of UNESCO
World Heritage Sites, is known for its
16 continually changing, clear water
lakes. What makes these lakes unique
is that they are interconnected with
basins where higher lakes deposit
water to the lower ones with the help
of gushing cascades and waterfalls.
We were mesmerised by the greenery
and turning of fall colours in the
forests surrounding the waterfalls
along with moss and algae. This area
is a perfect spot to experiment with
long exposure photography to capture
the ever-flowing waterfalls across
Plitvice NP. After spending two days
around Plitvice and capturing serene
water shots, we headed to nearby
Rastoke village where the Korana
river created another set of beautiful
waterfalls and cascades. After a
productive photography session in
this beautiful village, we headed
back to the Zagreb airport for
our return journey with beautiful
memories of the hidden gems of
Croatia and Slovenia. |SP

24 | Smart Photography | March 2024 www.smartphotography.in

 Slovic Waterfall

www.smartphotography.in March 2024 | Smart Photography | 25

PHOTO FEATURE

A church in Istria, Croatia

26 | Smart Photography | March 2024 www.smartphotography.in

 Roman Amphitheatre, Pula, Croatia

Citiscape, Croatia

www.smartphotography.in March 2024 | Smart Photography | 27

PHOTO FEATURE

Plitvice National Park, Croatia

28 | Smart Photography | March 2024 www.smartphotography.in

 Waterfalls in Plitvice National Park

www.smartphotography.in March 2024 | Smart Photography | 29

PHOTO FEATURE

Rovinj, Croatia

30 | Smart Photography | March 2024 www.smartphotography.in

www.smartphotography.in March 2024 | Smart Photography | 31
mastercraftsman

The ArT of Seeing

As Told to Rohinton Mehta nature. Portrait photography, on the

I started my
photography
other hand, delves into the narrative
journey six years
g What are your favourite genres depths, weaving stories through
ago, while working of photography? the tapestry of human emotion.
a hectic schedule For me, photography transcends Landscape photography invites one
as a Managing
Director & CEO of mere point-and-click. It embodies to bask in nature’s grandeur, while
a successful listed selective vision, the mastery of documentary photography captures
multinational perspective and composition, and the unvarnished essence of daily life,
company with
customers across a deep appreciation for the dance presenting reality in its unfiltered
Chet Kamat 140 countries. of light and shadow. This is not just form. Each genre, in its own right,
Since my recent about capturing an image but about offers a distinct lens through which to
retirement, I am now able to pursue amateur
photography full time, while also focussing guiding the viewer’s gaze, crafting view the world, continually fuelling
on my family and mentoring a few start- a journey through the frame that my love for this art form.
up ventures. My approach to photography is both aesthetically pleasing and
is characterized by continuous learning,
meticulous planning, a keen eye for storytelling, evocatively resonant. g How did you get into photography?
and a commitment to capturing images that My journey into photography started
are not only technically proficient but also My passion spans various genres six years ago, marked by a captivating
emotionally captivating. Recently I was on
the jury for an international photography of photography, each holding a trip to Kamchatka where I had the
competition with entries from several thousand unique allure. Wildlife photography opportunity to photograph grizzly
participants from over forty countries. captivates with its raw beauty and bears. This experience not only
the thrilling unpredictability of ignited a deep-seated passion for

32 | Smart Photography | March 2024 www.smartphotography.in

www.smartphotography.in March 2024 | Smart Photography | 33
mastercraftsman

photography but also set me on a

path to explore the essence of nature
and humanity through my lens.
Starting at the age of fifty-six, I was
determined to rapidly advance my
skills. To achieve this, I have travelled
with expert mentors, guides, and
drivers, and dedicated extensive time
to fieldwork, exploring various genres
and destinations worldwide.

g Which are your favourite haunts

for photography?
My favourite destinations for wildlife
photography are Maasai Mara,
Jawai, and Corbett. For portrait
photography, I find locations such
as Pushkar and the Kumbh Mela in
India particularly inspiring, thanks
to the intriguing individuals I
encounter there. Rural Bangladesh
has proven to be a fruitful setting for
my documentary-style photography.
Additionally, I have relished capturing
seascapes in Cyprus and Goa during
the Covid pandemic.

g What challenges / restrictions do

you normally face when travelling
– especially with regards to the
weight limits by airlines?
Ensuring the safe transit of my
camera gear means that I have to
carry it as cabin baggage while
travelling by air, which comes
with weight restrictions and
sometimes additional charges for
cabin baggage. This requires careful
selection of gear, considering both
the weight restrictions and the need
to carry it around during the trip
and in the field. In parallel I have
now become an expert at travelling
with just essential ‘non camera’
baggage (clothes etc) and in using
some of the lightest suitcases in the
world so that I rarely have to pay for
excess baggage.

g What are the ‘do’s and don’ts’s’

to remember while visiting any
wildlife / nature park?
When visiting wildlife or nature
parks, I prefer to visit during
weekdays to avoid crowds, especially
outside of public holidays and
vacation periods. It’s crucial to
respect the environment and wildlife
by maintaining a safe distance,

34 | Smart Photography | March 2024 www.smartphotography.in

www.smartphotography.in March 2024 | Smart Photography | 35
mastercraftsman

36 | Smart Photography | March 2024 www.smartphotography.in

www.smartphotography.in March 2024 | Smart Photography | 37
mastercraftsman

avoiding unnecessary noise, and the optimal timing, and deciding on In areas where multiple vehicles
following park rules. One should the most suitable vehicles. It’s crucial are present, such as parks, you may
focus on enjoying the experience to always have your camera ready in not always secure the ideal spot.
rather than just aiming for social the field, as you never know when Remain patient and make the most
media approval or competition wins. a photographic opportunity might of the situation. Partnering with
I like to remind myself, that a talented arise. For example, I always carry a experienced drivers and guides who
photographer can create unique camera equipped with a can predict animal behaviour based
and appealing frames with common 70-200mm lens, set to default on their expertise is beneficial; it’s
subjects, not just predators. settings suitable for capturing preferable to have animals approach
fast-moving subjects, such as a you rather than stressing them by
g What are your views on image leopard darting across the trail. My following closely with your vehicle.
editing, especially with regards to go-to settings in decent lighting
wildlife photography? are f/5.6, 1/1000 sec, and auto ISO. Study the work of renowned
In my opinion, it’s important to get It’s important to review the first photographers to gain insight into
the frame right in-camera to minimize few shots of any sighting to adjust capturing unique and impactful
the need for post-processing. settings if needed. Pay attention to images, and strive to develop
However, I believe that creative edits the entire frame and composition, a recognizable personal style.
in post-processing are acceptable not just the subject, to identify and Concentrate on honing your skills
as long as they are disclosed to the correct potential issues directly in-camera to minimize the reliance
viewer, particularly in wildlife images in-camera, rather than relying on on post-processing, and maintain
where authenticity is crucial. post-processing. If needed, change respect for the wildlife and habitats
your position to get a better shot. you photograph.
g What advice would you like to give Experiment with both landscape
to budding wildlife photographers? and portrait orientations, and aim Embrace the challenges of wildlife
For aspiring wildlife photographers, to shoot from as low a perspective photography as opportunities
I recommend dedicating as possible, ideally at your subject’s for continuous learning and
considerable time to planning your eye level. Frame your shots slightly improvement, knowing that this
expeditions, which should include wider than necessary to allow for demanding but rewarding field can
selecting the location, determining cropping during editing. bring great fulfilment. |SP

38 | Smart Photography | March 2024 www.smartphotography.in

www.smartphotography.in March 2024 | Smart Photography | 39
mastercraftsman

Unveiling the enigma

Steve Winter’s Quest for Big Cat Conservation

Words : Girish Mallya

Steve Winter

E
has been a
photographer mbark on a journey with Steve Collaborating closely with scientists and
for National Winter, where purpose and conservationists, Steve brings to light
Geographic for
over two decades,
passion intertwine to form a the urgent challenges facing big cats
he specializes captivating narrative centered around worldwide. Alongside his wife, award-
in wildlife, and the preservation of big cats. For over two winning science journalist Sharon Guynup,
particularly, big
decades, as a wildlife photojournalist and fellow Changemaker Bertie Gregory,
cats. He is a Nat Steve Winter and explorer for National Geographic, Steve co-founded Big Cat Voices—a
Geo Explorer and
he’s been named BBC Wildlife Photographer Steve has delved into the realms of some nonprofit organization dedicated to
of the Year and BBC Wildlife Photojournalist
of the Year. He was a two-time winner of
of the planet’s most enigmatic creatures, amplifying the stories of these majestic
Picture of the Year International’s Global specializing in big cats. creatures and catalyzing tangible change.
Vision Award and won 1st prize in the
nature story category from World Press
Photo in 2008 and 2014. And won 2nd
His riveting documentary films on jaguars, Through his lens, Steve has ignited
prize in World Press Photo 2020 in the leopards, tigers, and tree-climbing global movements, from championing
Contemporary Issues category. He has lions have graced screens on Nat Geo wildlife overpasses to thwarting wildlife
appeared on 60 Minutes, CBS Nightly News,
Wild and Disney+ networks, garnering trafficking and advocating for legislative
NPR, BBC, CNN, NG WILD and other media
outlets. He speaks globally on big cats and international acclaim and numerous reforms. As Steve aptly puts it, “I didn’t
conservation for Nat Geo LIVE. prestigious awards. From the heart- choose big cats, they chose me. Now
stopping wilderness of steamy jungles to I’m trying to help protect them.” In
@stevewinterphoto
www.stevewinterphoto.com the frigid heights of the Himalayas, Steve’s essence, the preservation of big cats
relentless pursuit of unique behaviors mirrors our own quest for survival—a
offers a rare glimpse into the lives of these testament to the interconnectedness of all
iconic predators. life on Earth. |SP

40 | Smart Photography | March 2024 www.smartphotography.in

www.smartphotography.in March 2024 | Smart Photography | 41
mastercraftsman

42 | Smart Photography | March 2024 www.smartphotography.in

www.smartphotography.in March 2024 | Smart Photography | 43
mastercraftsman

44 | Smart Photography | March 2024 www.smartphotography.in

www.smartphotography.in March 2024 | Smart Photography | 45
mastercraftsman

46 | Smart Photography | March 2024 www.smartphotography.in

 STEVE ON A PHOTO TOUR
Don´t miss the opportunity to join
on one of his photo trips.

Right now, the following trip is

available:

1. The best of Masai Mara

https://zoomphototours.com/masai-
mara-2025/

www.smartphotography.in March 2024 | Smart Photography | 47

sPECIAL

Old MeMories
Pop star Michael
Jackson during a
concert in Bombay.
(November 1, 1996)

Mukesh Parpiani is a familiar name in the individuals became renowned documentary

photojournalism fraternity. Currently, he photographers and photojournalists.
works as the curator at The Dilip Piramal Art
Gallery in Mumbai. In 2009, Khushroo Suntook, Chairman of
the National Centre for the Performing Arts
Mukesh started his professional career as (NCPA), offered him to head the Piramal Art
a photographer with ‘The Daily’ in 1981. Gallery (now known as the Dilip Piramal Art
During his stint at The Daily, he photographed gallery). As the Curator, Mukesh continues his
many political leaders and celebrities. Seeing life-long love to promote photographic art and
his good work, Mukesh was offered the job educate the next generation of photographers.
of a Photo Editor at The Indian Express for He has organised over 250 talks, workshops,
Mukesh Parpiani
their seventeen editions. During his time exhibitions, and seminars to disseminate
there, he covered several historical events of photography.
significance nationally and internationally. His
hard work paid off as this time he was offered Smart Photography brings to you some
a job at the afternoon tabloid Mid-Day as the of Mukesh Parpiani’s exquisite work as a
Photo Editor. Under his tutelage, many young photojournalist.

48 | Smart Photography | March 2024 www.smartphotography.in

 Defence minister V.P. Singh on board submarine INS Amba (mid-1987)

16-year-old Sachin Tendulkar during India’s tour of New Zealand in 1990. During
that tour Sachin missed being the youngest cricketer to score a Test century by 12 runs

A street artist paints a picture of Saibaba (March 1983)

www.smartphotography.in March 2024 | Smart Photography | 49

sPECIAL

JRD Tata alighting from an airplane on the 50th anniversary of Tata Airlines-Air India (15th October 1982)

50 | Smart Photography | March 2024 www.smartphotography.in

 Stockbrokers inside the new convention hall of The Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) building during the Diwali ‘muhurat’ trading. (in the 1990s)

The first all-women crew - Ms Shraddha, Ms Mithaiwala, CMD - Mr R Prasad, Capt. Ms Deshmukh, Capt. Ms Bhasin, Ms Josephine & Ms Saraswati, Indian Airlines (1989)

www.smartphotography.in March 2024 | Smart Photography | 51

sPECIAL

A handicapped beggar plays the clarinet sitting on a road divider (May 1983)

Indian master blaster, Sachin Tendulkar, the God of Cricket, with his wife Anjali.

52 | Smart Photography | March 2024 www.smartphotography.in

 Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan sipping juice at
his Pratiksha bungalow during a photo shoot (October 1995)

Hollywood actress Demi Moore

in Mumbai in March 1996.

Surekha Yadav, India’s first female locomotive driver (1988)

www.smartphotography.in March 2024 | Smart Photography | 53

showcase
The late Pt Shivkumar
Sharma at a concert at the
Shanmukhananda Hall in 2013

ConCert PhotograPhy
Life as a music photographer can be pretty incredible

U
nlike food, fashion, travel or even portrait studio
Verus Ferreira is a well known
senior music journalist, who photography, where time is on hand, music
began writing soon after photography, lose a moment and you have lost it
completing college, with forever. Music photography requires you to constantly
the popular youth magazine
The Teenager, now The move around the perimeter of the stage to capture the
Teenager Today. artist and band and sometimes the crowd too. Response
has to be quick, as the music is sometimes slow to fast
As a freelance music journalist,
he has a world of experience
paced with the artist moving to sing, dance or moving along
with the Indian media. As the stage. Lighting can be another dampener, bright to low
Verus Ferreira
a correspondent, he has lights, colored lights, fog or smoke screens, make it all the
regularly contributed music-related articles to various
newspapers to glossy magazines. He has also dabbled
more difficult to get the right shot.
into photography and his photographs have appeared in
several newspapers and magazines, thus graduating him But the good part is while doing your job, you enjoy
into a photo – journalist. spending time with some awesome music artists, listening
He is also author of two books The Great Music Quiz Book to their music, travelling to different places of the country
and The Great Rock Music Quiz Book, both available at to watch them and the best of all, capturing the artists for
major book stores and online platforms. posterity on your camera, can give you a totally different
He has over three decades of work experience. He is also high. For me, music photography is a dream career,
the Founder of the music portal www.musicunplugged.in stemming from my work as a music journalist over the last
Do also visit him at www.verusferreira.com 30 years.
verus.ferreira

He presently writes for the Free Press Journal newspaper. Music photography also demonstrates how to capture an
artists’ personality through photography. |SP

54 | Smart Photography | March 2024 www.smartphotography.in

 Slash of Guns
N’ Roses
with his
band Myles
Kennedy
and the
Conspirators
at the Jio
World Drive,
BKC, Mumbai
in 2016

Sitarist Ravi Chary performs at the Lost

Party in Mugaon (near Lavasa) in 2015

Brit singer Ed
Sheeran Live at
the FLY Music
Festival at
Mahalaxmi Race
Course, Mumbai
in 2015

American guitarist Steve Vai performing at Phoenix

Market city, Kurla, as part of his Inviolate India Tour 2023

www.smartphotography.in March 2024 | Smart Photography | 55

showcase
Usha Uthup live in concert at
Nehru Centre, Worli, Mumbai in 2023

Chris Martin of Coldplay with AR Rehman at the Global

Citizen India at the MMRDA grounds, Mumbai in 2017

Vengaboys perform at a concert at Dublin Square, Phoenix Market city, Mumbai in 2015

56 | Smart Photography | March 2024 www.smartphotography.in

 Folk singer Mame Khan from Rajasthan at the Paddy Fields Folk Festival at Nesco, Goregaon, Mumbai in 2016

Assamese singer Angaraag Mahanta, aka Papon performing at NH7 Weekender, Pune in 2016

www.smartphotography.in March 2024 | Smart Photography | 57

showcase

Anoushka Shankar performing at the Shanmukhananda Hall in 2016

Singer – songwriter Vishal Dadlani of rock

band Pentagram at the SulaFest, Nashik in 2016

Kailash Kher with his band Kailasa, performing at the SulaFest in Nashik in 2016

58 | Smart Photography | March 2024 www.smartphotography.in

 Shubha Mudgal performing at the Paddy Fields Folk Festival at Nesco, Goregaon, Mumbai in 2017

American singer Beth

Hart performing at the
Mahindra Blues Festival,
Mehboob studios,
Bandra, Mumbai in 2019

www.smartphotography.in March 2024 | Smart Photography | 59

showcase

Jimmy Thackery and the Drivers performing at the Liz Mitchell of Boney M performing at
Mahindra Blues Festival, Mehboob studio, Bandra, Mumbai in 2013 Dublin Square, Phoenix Market city, Mumbai in 2015

Tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain performs at

an event at SNDT auditorium, Juhu, Mumbai in 2019

60 | Smart Photography | March 2024 www.smartphotography.in

 Brit singer – actress Joss
Stone performing at the
Mahindra Blues Festival,
Mehboob studio, Bandra,
Mumbai in 2016

American rapper – singer – songwriter Flo Rida performing Lead singer Palash Sen of Euphoria and band celebrating 25 years,
at the Enchanted Valley Carnival at Aamby Valley in 2016 performing at Dublin Square, Phoenix Market city, Kurla, Mumbai in 2024.

www.smartphotography.in March 2024 | Smart Photography | 61

THE ULTIMATE CONSUMER TECHNOLOGY...

ILLUMINATED! g
Awardinbest
the veryucts
prod er
for ov RS
40 YEA

EISA AWARDS 2023-24

visit www.eisa.eu for the winners
Now 40 years strong, EISA is the unique collaboration of 58 member magazines and websites from 29
countries, specialising in all aspects of consumer electronics from mobile devices, home theatre display
and audio products, photography, hi-fi and in-car entertainment. This international association includes
expert members in Australia, India, Canada, the Far East, USA and the wider European community,
ensuring the EISA Awards and official logo are your guide to the best in global consumer technology!

TESTED BY THE EXPERTS ■ WWW.EISA.EU

printing
and beyond

Vimal Parmar, Digital print evangelist

H. SatiSH
printing and beyond

Vimal Parmar
An independent marketing
consultant and digital print
evangelist with over
40 years of experience in
the imaging industry.
@vimalparmar

In Focus: Photographer H. Satish of Bengaluru –

His Artistry, Achievements, and Love for Print
Dear Readers, honorary titles from photographic organizations and
societies in the USA, Greece, Canada, Romania, and India.
Continuing with my series of featuring photographers Satish has been honoured by the Karnataka Lalit Kala
who love to print, this month we have H. Satish from Academy with the ‘State Artist’ title for his achievements
Bengaluru. Amongst the photography fraternity in in photography. The 1075+ awards, including gold medals
India, especially some of the best photography clubs from China, Scotland, Austria, Finland, USA, Romania,
that we have, Satish is a well-known name. His interest and France, are a testament to his perseverance and hard
spans, wildlife, macro, landscape, people, and a lot work over four decades of passionate photography.
more. Since I will not be able to do justice in introducing
H. Satish, I have invited another equally illustrious Satish has served as a jury member for 32 International
photographer and a close friend of Satish, Mohammed and 46 National photography salons/exhibitions. In
Arfan Asif (@arfan_asif_photography), to do the addition to his work being published in numerous
honours and this is what he has to say: magazines and guidebooks, he has undertaken
photographic assignments for Karnataka Tourism
“H. Satish is a master craftsman with a remarkable and conducted workshops for amateur photographers
portfolio of nature and pictorial photographs. His interested in nature and wildlife photography.
exemplary images have adorned exhibitions and
galleries worldwide. Satish has been honoured with A member of the Youth Photographic Society (YPS),
international distinctions and honorary titles from Bengaluru for more than four decades, Satish, during his
prestigious photographic organizations. He is the first term as President, led YPS to significant progress and
Indian to be awarded two Master titles for nature accolades, establishing it as the top photography club in
photography: the ‘Maitre’ from the International the country. Satish continues his photographic sojourn
Federation of Photographic Art (MFIAP) and the ‘Master’ with even more intensity, aiming to present unique vistas
title from Image Colleague Society International, USA of nature.
(MICS). Additionally, he has received the ‘Associateship’
distinction (ARPS) for nature photography from The If a photographer of the calibre of Satish prints his
Royal Photographic Society, UK, and the ‘Excellence’ pictures regularly, I suppose we have no reason not to
(EFIAP) distinction from the International Federation of print. Satish has recently published four coffee table
Photographic Art. books which have been featured in the next few pages.
Enjoy the visuals!
His outstanding images, coupled with his contribution
to the propagation of photography to a generation of Warm Regards,
photographers, have been acknowledged with various Vimal Parmar

64 | Smart Photography | March 2024 www.smartphotography.in

A Renowned Photographer, Reflects on a Passionate Career Spanning
Analog to Digital Eras and Advocates for the Power of Printed Images
H. SatiSH
Bengaluru
@hsatishblr

L
et me share a little tale about how I stumbled into
photography. In my youth, at the tender age of 12,
my sister’s wedding unfolded without a designated
photographer. Amidst the wedding preparations, my brother
Gowri Shankar handed me his Minolta range finder and
flash, urging me to capture the festivities. He emphasized
the importance of not chopping off heads in the pictures. To
everyone’s surprise, about 90% of the images turned out to be
perfect. Encouraged by this, he frequently lent me his camera
and film, fuelling my budding interest in photography.

I started my journey as a trained cinematographer, eventually

transitioning into a commercial photographer. I occasionally
delve into wedding photography, averaging about 10 to 12
weddings a year. Interestingly, 90% of my clients opt for
printed wedding albums. I have been part of this captivating
field since 1981, fortunate to straddle both analogue and
digital imaging eras.

Speaking of my initial foray into photobooks, credit goes to

my then 14-year-old son, Akshay, who won a photography
competition in 2009—a prize that included a photobook. He
prompted me to utilize this offer, leading to the creation of my
first book. I printed a photobook showcasing my wildlife images
in 8x12 inches. In 2015, I went on a photo tour with well-known
photographer Anup Sah to Uttarakhand. On my return, I created
a photo book and gifted it to him. Fast forward to 2023, where I an HP Indigo digital press. I chose tear-resistant NovaLife media
printed four coffee table books on four different topics. by TechNova, for durability. As a media manufacturer, they were
also kind enough to sponsor the publication.
People usually ask me how they should go about creating their
first photobook. My response to them is, first and foremost our The reason why I printed four books this time is that I often
photobook should be of a subject that is close to our heart or give presentations on my photography and conduct workshops.
one that we are either an expert or know the subject well. It is Having just one book on a specific topic is not sufficient for
only then that we can do justice to the book. Next, the quality of these occasions. I aim to showcase a wide variety of subjects to
images. Not just the visual quality but the technical aspect too fellow photographers. Additionally, for my personal collection,
– For example, the resolution of each image should be high and I wanted to compile books on every subject I love. I opted for
of the specs and quality as required by the printer including the the Size 9x12 inches, as it is convenient to handle. I strongly
way each image is processed and finally saved. believe in the power of printing photographs, and it also serves
as motivation for the members of the photography club I am
As shared earlier, I recently completed a set of four books, each associated with to consider creating their own photobooks.
measuring 9x12 inches with 60 pages (excluding the cover).
Each book features 58 images apart from my bio and credit Looking ahead, the subjects for my next photobook will
lines. These were captured with a Nikon D-850 DSLR and include topics such as product photography and portraits.
Nikkor lenses (ranging from 24 mm to 600 mm prime) between I plan to publish at least 4 to 5 photobooks every year for
the years 2010 and 2023. These four books are on wildlife, personal use. However, for my clients, I consistently print
birds, macro, and landscapes, which are my favourite subjects. wedding albums for them.
I conceived the idea two months ago, spent one and a half
months on selection and editing, and printed the books in a day People often ask me why I choose to print in this digital age. The
at Super Foto DG X Press in Bangalore (www.PrintOvate.in) on fact is, there are no words to express the feeling of holding your

www.smartphotography.in March 2024 | Smart Photography | 65

printing and beyond

Family members going through the photo books YPS members going through various photo books

printed images in your hands and admiring them. The feel of the in 8x12 inches throughout their entire lives! After viewing
substrate, the large size, and the minute details that one can see my four books, they are now inspired to create photobooks
in each image must be experienced. Truth is, we cannot enjoy featuring their own images.
the image quality on a PC, laptop or mobile as much as we can
in a print. My advice to photographers, both professional and amateur,
is to print their own pictures from time to time. Unless they
I started making my own black and white prints way back in create prints of a larger size, they will never truly appreciate
1986-87 and continued until 2006. I loved making prints in the quality of their pictures. Electronic media is only for
12x18 inches size in the analogue days and continued to do so selection, while print media is for perfection. One can master
once digital took over. As of this date, I have over 800 manually the “Art of Photography” only by having their images printed.
printed images with me, which I used to send to photography I urge every photographer to try printing their images at least
salons earlier - both black and white and colour. So, even once. It is only then that they will understand the true value of
today, in this digital age, I cannot emphasize how much I still a print. And there are good colour labs across the length and
love prints. breadth of our country.

Being very particular about colours, in the earlier analogue I will also encourage budding photographers to join a
era, for colour prints, I used to visit a colour lab where I would photography club in their city. The importance of group photo
also be present while prints were made to monitor the quality. walks and physical meetings matters a lot for the exchange
All black and white prints were done personally by me in my of ideas and learning. Several photography clubs in India
own darkroom. And now, with digital printing being the norm, believe in the power of printing photographs. I joined the
I go to various labs that give me the option of sitting with the Youth Photography Society (YPS) during my college years in
print operator while my images are being printed. It is just out 1981 at the age of 16, subsequently becoming one of its senior
of sheer habit that I like to see my prints taking birth, but one members. Over the years, my journey has been marked by
need not do that currently. The entire pipeline being digital, continuous learning and active participation. From delving into
from capture to print, and good colour labs know their work Salon photography to achieving numerous distinctions, my
thoroughly, so one can depend on them entirely. passion for the art led me to conduct workshops and programs
from 1990 onwards.
However good your pictures are and however good the print
and binding quality is, the final layout, which includes how each I dedicated seven years, serving as the Secretary, Vice
page spread is presented, creates a final impact and it matters a President, and finally, President until March 2023. Under
lot. A bad layout can kill a book! For designing my book, I sought my leadership, YPS underwent transformative changes,
the help of a friend, Raj Simha, who is a well-known graphic establishing itself as the top Photography club in India. The
designer. I gave him total freedom to design the book according financial self-sustainability of the society, the publication
to his taste, and I must admit that he has done brilliant work. of ad-free Coffee table books, and the elevation of YPS’s
He has given importance to every picture with just a single-line international presence were among the milestones achieved
caption in most cases. from 2016 to 2023. At YPS, we continue to promote the
printing of photographs among our members because we
By now, 800-plus people, primarily photographers, have believe in the power of print.
seen my book, and their response has been overwhelmingly
positive. Many were initially awestruck. A common sentiment I would like to sign off by sharing my favourite quote from the
among them was the realization of what they had been legendary landscape photographer Ansel Adams, who said, “The
missing by not printing their own pictures, let alone creating negative is the equivalent of the composer’s score, and the print
a photobook. Surprisingly, only a few had ever made prints is the performance.”

66 | Smart Photography | March 2024 www.smartphotography.in

 Four books
published on four
different subjects
in the year 2023

First coffee
table book
published in
the year 2009

Introductory page Back cover design

www.smartphotography.in March 2024 | Smart Photography | 67

printing and beyond

Select inside pages

68 | Smart Photography | March 2024 www.smartphotography.in

 learning

Portrait Photography Picture 3 :

Part I
An environmental
portrait of a
vegetable seller.
The surrounding

A
scene supports
nyone who has wielded a camera If that is the definition of a portrait, the subject.
Ashok Kandimalla has
been in the photographic
has likely captured an image of how to proceed to create one
field for over three another person. However, can photographically is the subject of this
decades and has extensive we categorize all such photographs as article. Since a portrait has to have
experience in both film
and digital photography. portraits? Probably not, as many are artistic merit, you need to have a
Being an electronics merely snapshots. Therefore, what correct approach to create it. Plus
engineer by profession defines a portrait, and how does it differ like any photograph, it needs to have a
and a photographer, he
from a snapshot? Let us start by looking proper composition and lighting. Let’s
possesses a unique and Ashok
deep insight into the Kandimalla at the definition of a portrait by referring explore a bit more to understand what
technical aspects of digital
photography and equipment. He has published
to our trusty encyclopedia. Wikipedia all this means
more than a 100 articles on photography and defines a portrait as “A portrait is
some of his writings have also been published in a painting, photograph, sculpture, or While there is no formal method of
the well-known international magazine Popular
Photography. An avid collector of photographic other artistic representation of a person, defining ‘types of portraits’ let us for Many portraits taken intentionally with portraits, the environment (background, words, they are not “staged” like a formal
books and vintage cameras, Ashok has a keen in which the face and its expression are our understanding, broadly classify as the knowledge of the subject, fall under foreground, and surroundings) plays portrait. Note that the subject can even
interest in the history of photography and a predominant. The intent is to display follows. These are - the category of formal portraits (Picture an important role in environmental be known to you, the real requirement
passion for sharing his knowledge on photography
through teaching and writing. He is the only the likeness, personality, and even the 1). Hence, by this definition, most studio portraits since you intend to show being that the subject is unaware that
Indian photographer to be featured on the Nikon mood of the person.” The critical words • Formal portraits fall in this category. Normally the ‘context’. However, even here the he or she is being photographed at that
Centenary website. He is presently working as a
here are -“artistic representation” • Informal the subject “poses” for the portrait. In surroundings must support and must be instant. Many candid portraits are taken
Management and Engineering consutant. He can be
reached at [email protected]. as these are the ones that separate a • Environmental some cases, the photographer creates subservient to the main subject. of unknown people, especially while
portrait from a snapshot. • Candid a photograph to convey a theme - like a doing street photography. Many press
sportsman, a corporate honcho, and so Candid portraits (Picture 4) are taken photographs fall under this category
on by choosing suitable props. Lighting without the subject being aware that he sometimes giving it a bad name – you
plays an important role here and you or she is being photographed. In other heard of paparazzi, isn’t it?
will see later how to set up lighting for a
formal portrait.

Informal portraits, unlike candid

portraits, are taken with the knowledge
of the subject but the subject may
be not formally attired or the
surroundings set up to convey a theme.
They are invariably taken outside a
studio setting. See Picture 2 for an Picture 4 :
example. Many casual photographs A candid portrait.
taken of friends and family members Keeping your eyes open
and being alert are the
fall under this category but most often basic prerequisites of
degenerate into mere snapshots. By candid photography.
paying a little attention to lighting, Seize the opportunity
as soon as you identify
composition, and a few other aspects, it. This lady was a tea
you can take some very nice informal picker. A long focal
portraits with minimal equipment. length allowed me to
photograph discreetly
Picture 1 : Picture 2 : from a distance.
A formal This photograph Environmental portraits (Picture 3) as
studio was taken in the name itself suggests try to portray
portrait. a shop at the
request of a person along with the environment
the subject. he or she is working. Examples are a
vendor in his shop, an artist in his studio,
etc. Most of the time these portraits are
created at the workplace itself, though a
suitable environment can be simulated
in a studio too. Compared to other

70
March 2024 www.smartphotography.in www.smartphotography.in March 2024 | Smart Photography | 71

learning

WHITE BALANCE
• Clear blue sky — 10,000K wrong WB for the scene we are Modern cameras are so well tuned
(Please note that the figures photographing? that in most conditions, they
above are not written in stone. As an example, let us take that the provide neutral or near-neutral
They can vary depending on your actual light source is Daylight and colours. But for greater accuracy,
geographical location) is at 5500K. Let us say you have we should shoot in Raw. When you
Rohinton Mehta will appear yellowish. So the question mentioned in kelvin (K). To keep the set the camera to Incandescent. shoot in Raw, you have the option

T
is, do you want to show what your eyes writeup free of technical jargon (as far Note that this is something Recall that this is an instruction to change the WB in your Raw
here are several photographers saw when you took the photo (yellowish as possible), we shall not go into the counterintuitive because we always to the camera asking to add blue Converter (Adobe Camera Raw, for
who are mystified by the term Taj), or do you want to show the actual physics of the topic. Even then, we think that blue has less temperature to neutralize the red. However, example) to what you like.
White Balance. So, what exactly is (white) colour of the Taj? If you prefer need to know that when a hypothetical and red more. However, scientifically there is no red in the light source
White Balance? How does it help us? Is it the later (original colour), then you black body is heated, it emits different it is incorrect. Just look at a gas stove now which is at 5500K. Hence Remember, White Balance is a
necessary to set the ‘correct’ WB? What would have to remove the yellow from colours depending on how much heat that is at its maximum setting and it there is no red to be neutralized matter of your personal taste;
happens if we set a wrong WB for the the Taj. This is exactly what White is applied to it. When it is heated to gives out a blue flame but a candle that and the picture will exhibit it is not always necessary that
scene we are photographing? Let’s try Balance does. approximately 1850K (approximately is at a much lower temperature has a excessive blue cast. all photos be neutral in colour.
and answer these questions. 1577 degrees Celsius (Kelvins, minus reddish flame! I may prefer warmer colours
So we can sum it up this way: White 273.15 equals degrees Celsius), the So, this gives rise to an interesting in a landscape while you might
Let us say that you are photographing a Balance is the correction applied to colour of the light emitted by it is Now there is one more ‘tricky’ thing paradox. If your camera WB prefer a cooler colour. People
person who is wearing white clothes and make a scene appear to have been equivalent to the colour of a candle you need to know. The WB setting in setting is at a lower temperature in Eastern countries prefer a
you are photographing the subject under shot in neutral coloured light even flame (you see, it is just a comparison). camera that you set is an instruction to than the actual source, you will slightly yellowish skin tone, in
yellow coloured light. Will his white though the original scene was shot in the camera, telling it the temperature see excessive blue as explained. Western countries, they prefer
clothes remain white? No. His white coloured light. Here is a short list of kelvin of the light source. So, if you set the Likewise, if your camera WB a slightly pinkish skin tone; in
clothes will appear yellowish (unless you temperatures for few different light camera to Incandescent, then you setting is at a higher temperature India we prefer neutral skin
have adjusted the WB). We say that the Digital cameras offer a choice of various sources: are telling that the light source is at than the actual source, your picture tone. I must add here that if you
subject has a ‘yellow colour cast’. WB settings: Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, • Candle light — 1850K around 3000K which is reddish. What will exhibit excessive red cast! are photographing commercial
Shade, Incandescent, Fluorescent, Flash, • Sunrise/sunset — 2000K the camera does now, while processing products or interiors, your client
Similarly, as an experiment, you light and Choose Colour Temperature (the • Incandescent light — 2700 to 3300K the image is that, it will add blue so No doubt this is a bit confusing, but will expect neutral colours.
up one side of a subject’s face with blue naming can vary with different camera (depends on the wattage of the bulb) neutralize the red. So, far so good. that is how it is!!
light and the other side of the face, with manufacturers). • Moonlight — 4100K Now that you are well informed,
red coloured light. The face will exhibit • Daylight — 5500K (Neutral coloured • Is it necessary to set the We sometimes do this for creative please try and put the knowledge
one side as blue and the other as red. So far so good. light; generally, between 11 am ‘correct’ WB? effects, especially to create a very in practise and enjoy your
These experiments tell us that whatever to 3.30 pm, depending on your Yes and No — for a technically warm effect. creations.
is the colour of the source of light, will be There is yet another term that we geographical location and weather correct rendition, yes; for an
the colour in the photo. need to know. It is known as Colour conditions) artistic representation, no. • Can we not always set our Note: All photos are by Ashok
If you photograph the Taj Mahal in the Temperature. Colour temperature • Cool white LED bulbs – 6500K cameras to Auto WB? Kandimalla and were shot using LED
late evening hours, the white Taj Mahal refers to the colour of light and is • Cloudy day — 7000K (blueish) • What happens if we set a Many photographers do just that. lights (6500K). |SP

Auto Sunlight

76
January 2024 www.smartphotography.in www.smartphotography.in January 2024 | Smart Photography | 77
learning

Portrait Photography
Part I

A
nyone who has wielded a camera If that is the definition of a portrait,
Ashok Kandimalla has
been in the photographic
has likely captured an image of how to proceed to create one
field for over three another person. However, can photographically is the subject of this
decades and has extensive we categorize all such photographs as article. Since a portrait has to have
experience in both film
and digital photography. portraits? Probably not, as many are artistic merit, you need to have a
Being an electronics merely snapshots. Therefore, what correct approach to create it. Plus
engineer by profession defines a portrait, and how does it differ like any photograph, it needs to have a
and a photographer, he
from a snapshot? Let us start by looking proper composition and lighting. Let’s
possesses a unique and Ashok
deep insight into the Kandimalla at the definition of a portrait by referring explore a bit more to understand what
technical aspects of digital
photography and equipment. He has published
to our trusty encyclopedia. Wikipedia all this means
more than a 100 articles on photography and defines a portrait as “A portrait is
some of his writings have also been published in a painting, photograph, sculpture, or While there is no formal method of
the well-known international magazine Popular
Photography. An avid collector of photographic other artistic representation of a person, defining ‘types of portraits’ let us for
books and vintage cameras, Ashok has a keen in which the face and its expression are our understanding, broadly classify as
interest in the history of photography and a predominant. The intent is to display follows. These are -
passion for sharing his knowledge on photography
through teaching and writing. He is the only the likeness, personality, and even the
Indian photographer to be featured on the Nikon mood of the person.” The critical words • Formal
Centenary website. He is presently working as a
here are -“artistic representation” • Informal
Management and Engineering consutant. He can be
reached at [email protected]. as these are the ones that separate a • Environmental
portrait from a snapshot. • Candid

Picture 1 : Picture 2 :
A formal This photograph
studio was taken in
portrait. a shop at the
request of
the subject.

70 | Smart Photography | March 2024 www.smartphotography.in

 Picture 3 :
An environmental
portrait of a
vegetable seller.
The surrounding
scene supports
the subject.

Many portraits taken intentionally with portraits, the environment (background, words, they are not “staged” like a formal
the knowledge of the subject, fall under foreground, and surroundings) plays portrait. Note that the subject can even
the category of formal portraits (Picture an important role in environmental be known to you, the real requirement
1). Hence, by this definition, most studio portraits since you intend to show being that the subject is unaware that
portraits fall in this category. Normally the ‘context’. However, even here the he or she is being photographed at that
the subject “poses” for the portrait. In surroundings must support and must be instant. Many candid portraits are taken
some cases, the photographer creates subservient to the main subject. of unknown people, especially while
a photograph to convey a theme - like a doing street photography. Many press
sportsman, a corporate honcho, and so Candid portraits (Picture 4) are taken photographs fall under this category
on by choosing suitable props. Lighting without the subject being aware that he sometimes giving it a bad name – you
plays an important role here and you or she is being photographed. In other heard of paparazzi, isn’t it?
will see later how to set up lighting for a
formal portrait.

Informal portraits, unlike candid

portraits, are taken with the knowledge
of the subject but the subject may
be not formally attired or the
surroundings set up to convey a theme.
They are invariably taken outside a
studio setting. See Picture 2 for an Picture 4 :
example. Many casual photographs A candid portrait.
taken of friends and family members Keeping your eyes open
and being alert are the
fall under this category but most often basic prerequisites of
degenerate into mere snapshots. By candid photography.
paying a little attention to lighting, Seize the opportunity
as soon as you identify
composition, and a few other aspects, it. This lady was a tea
you can take some very nice informal picker. A long focal
portraits with minimal equipment. length allowed me to
photograph discreetly
from a distance.
Environmental portraits (Picture 3) as
the name itself suggests try to portray
a person along with the environment
he or she is working. Examples are a
vendor in his shop, an artist in his studio,
etc. Most of the time these portraits are
created at the workplace itself, though a
suitable environment can be simulated
in a studio too. Compared to other

www.smartphotography.in March 2024 | Smart Photography | 71

learning

Note that this classification is not like a nose look abnormally large! Moving Generally, while a portrait should have
something very rigid. There could be away from the subject sufficiently will a sharply rendered face the background
some overlap too. For example, there improve the perspective with any lens, should be unobtrusive and blurry unless
could be a candid portrait that could also but for a head and shoulder shot the you are making an environmental
combine elements of the environment. image of the subject will become too portrait. This can be achieved by limiting
small in the frame when you use a wide- the DOF by using wide apertures that is,
While those are some of the important angle lens. You can increase the size of small f/ numbers around f/2.8 or even
approaches to portraiture, how do you the subject in the frame by cropping but less. As you know lenses with small f/
go about creating portraits? First, let us this will result in reduced picture quality. numbers like (f/1.4 to f/2.8) are called
look at the equipment (camera, lenses, fast lenses. One more factor favoring
various light sources, backgrounds, etc.) This is a limitation that you must keep short telephoto lenses is that you can
you need, then the type of lighting in in mind when photographing with get fast lenses of this type at reasonable
portraiture, positioning of the camera, smartphones as these are typically prices. These are also not unduly large
etc. Part II of this article includes a equipped with wide-angle lenses and and hence easily handholdable. Hence, all
portrait project, explained step by step, trying to fill the frame for a head and things considered, short telephoto lenses
for you to do over a weekend as well as shoulder portrait will force you to go are best for portraits. Remember that
some guidelines and tips to help you close, thus resulting in an odd-looking most P&S cameras and smartphones will
create good quality portraits. portrait. This is also the reason why in not give shallow DOF and hence you will
many selfies, features look bloated as you not be able to get blurry backgrounds
Equipment are holding the smartphone at a short with these.
Creating high-quality portraits requires distance. The solution as indicated is to
only basic equipment. Even a simple switch to a longer focal length lens on When taking candid portraits, you are
point and shoot (P&S) camera or a your smartphone and move away from likely to be in situations that are not
smartphone will be enough to create the subject. entirely under your control. You may not
very nice portraits. In fact, a small camera have room to position yourself or time to
with a good zoom range is ideal for Wide-angle lenses (including those on change lenses. Hence, to provide greater
candid portraits since it is unobtrusive smartphones) however, can be used flexibility, it is better to have a zoom lens
and will not shout out your presence as a successfully for environmental portraits with longer focal lengths (up to 200 mm).
big camera would! A DSLR or MLC is of since the camera will be sufficiently far This will help you maintain a discreet
course a much more versatile instrument away to include the subject along with distance as well.
that gives you a much greater choice the surroundings.
of lenses. You can also exercise greater Lights: Lighting plays an important role
control on depth of field (DOF) with these Using a short telephoto lens will allow in any genre of photography – after all
due to their large sensors and fast lenses. you to move farther from the subject photography means drawing with light!
Most importantly a DSLR/MLC will thus improving the perspective. Recall Portrait photography is no exception and
provide the best image quality, especially that perspective is improving since if you start reading a book on portraiture
in low light conditions. Of the two, MLCs you are increasing the subject distance you will find many setups have no less
are preferred especially for street and not because you are using a longer than five lights. This is enough to put off
candid portraits due to their smaller size. focal length lens. At the same time, most people! However, it is not necessary
the longer focal length of the short to spend a fortune on lights to get your
Lenses : A short telephoto lens is a good telephoto will increase the size of the feet wet. You don’t need any artificial
choice for close (head and shoulder) subject while allowing a frame-filling lights at all! You can simply use window
portraits. If you take such a portrait with head and shoulder photograph. Some light (the window should preferably face
a short focal length (wide-angle) lens, photographers even use telephoto lenses north or south) and you will get lovely,
you will need to go very close to the with very long focal lengths (200 mm natural, and soft light free! All you need
subject to fill the frame. This will cause and above) but the problem with these is is a reflector which can be as simple as a
an exaggerated perspective (this is not that you will have to be very far from the Styrofoam sheet or even a white paper.
distortion, but an optical phenomenon, subject, making communication between Most candid photography is done with
mind you) making protruding features you and the subject difficult. available light.

If you want greater control and

Table 1 will give you an idea of suitable focal lengths for various types of portraits. more sophisticated lighting you can
Table 1 – Lens focal length in mm invest in artificial lights. Three types
are now common - LED, portable
Camera Format Head and Full Environmental Candid strobes (or flashes – made by camera
Shoulders Length or Group manufacturers as well 3rd parties), and
Portrait Portraits Portraits
studio strobes. Of these, the first has the
Full Frame DSLRs or MLCs 85 to 135 50 28 to 50 50 to 200 advantage of being low cost, continuous
sources and hence are suitable for
APS-C DSLRs or MLCs 50 to 75 35 18 to 35 35 to 150
beginners since you can observe the

72 | Smart Photography | March 2024 www.smartphotography.in

 Picture 5 : Picture 6 :
Broad lighting. Short lighting.

effect of highlights and shadows with Bright colors and light patches are visibly most used scheme (there are others too)
your eye before you take a photograph. prominent and if these are present in called the Rembrandt Lighting.
Even common household LED lamps can the background, they will distract the
be used. These, however, have a weak viewer’s attention. Hence, make sure that As you can make out from the name itself,
light output, and hence the use of a none of these are present. it owes its origins to the lighting used by
tripod is recommended. the great Dutch master, Rembrandt. The
In a portrait, the subject should have most distinctive feature of this lighting
Strobes have several advantages proper separation from the background. is that it causes a triangular highlight
over continuous lights and are If there is no tonal or color difference on the cheek that is away from the light.
preferred by most professionals. Studio between these two (for example Rembrandt lighting has two variations,
strobes have modeling lamps that black hair or black clothes and a black called Broad Lighting and Short Lighting.
are continuous and will allow to you background) the subject will tend to
observe the effect of light before firing merge with the background. Hence, • Broad Lighting: Here the main light
the strobe, thus giving you the best of unless you are using lights to create is set up so that it lights up the side of
both worlds but are expensive. separation, choose a background based the face turned towards the camera
on the person’s complexion, color, and (Picture 5). This type of lighting is
You have seen the equipment needed tone of the clothes, etc. so that a proper used mostly with people who have
for portrait photography and you must separation exists. narrow oval faces.
have observed that, thankfully it is • Short lightning: Also called
not something expensive! Before we Backgrounds with pastel colors convey a narrow lighting, this is the opposite
go further there is one more point in sense of delicacy (ideal for babies) while of broad lighting. The main light in
portrait photography that is almost as a dark background gives a more somber this case illuminates the side of the
important as the subject itself and that is look. Pure white backgrounds are used in face that is turned away from the
the background. So, why is background high key fashion photographs extensively. camera (Picture 6). Short lighting is
important, and what should you do about more popular than broad lighting
the background for a good portrait? Let’s While you can buy backgrounds of and can be used with people with
look at this aspect. suitable colors and designs that are broader faces.
meant for portrait photography, you
Background: Unless you are interested can also improvise. A plain uncluttered Portrait Lights and their roles: In
in doing an environmental portrait, the wall is an excellent background and, in a portrait lighting, there must be only one
background should be plain and not pinch, even a suitably colored plain bed dominant light source. After all, we have
draw any attention to it. Even in an sheet will do the job. only one sun! All other lights are used
environmental portrait, it should be a tad only in a supporting role to help the
less sharp than the subject. You can also Portrait Lighting Schemes main light. Let us also standardize the
reduce the sharpness of the background Contrary to other genres of photography, nomenclature that is used to describe
by keeping it far from the subject and by there are certain defined ways of lighting the various lights based on the role they
using shallow DOF as already explained. in formal portraiture. We will look at the perform. We will limit ourselves to just

www.smartphotography.in March 2024 | Smart Photography | 73

learning Table 2
Portrait Type The camera (lens axis) should be level with -
Head and Upper lip or nose tip. Raising the camera further will emphasize
shoulder the upper part of the face like the forehead, and nose. Lowering
three lights simply because portraiture
will do the opposite. It will also make the neck look longer.
with this number is doable for most
of us, and more importantly, three Three quarter Chest of the subject
lights are more than enough to make figure or up to
great portraits. So, here are the three the waist
important lights you need to know. Full length Waist of the subject. This lower position, rather than the
camera at eye level of the subject, will make the subject more
Main light: As the name indicates, this elegant. Lowering the camera further will make the person
is the most important of all lights. It is all taller. Positioning the camera higher will make the person
also the brightest and all the other lights stunted and is a common mistake when photographing children.
must be subordinate to it. Shadows and
highlights form an important part of keeping the main light twice as intense adjust lights is not practical. At the same
portraiture. Without these, a picture as the fill light. As an example, say you time, children’s portraits are not about
will lack modeling (form) or depth. In have measured the main light alone and the sophistication of the lighting but
other words, it will be two-dimensional your exposure meter is reading f/8. Now, about capturing the expression and
(flat). The job of the main light which while keeping the ISO and the shutter mood. Children look wooden when posed
is also the dominant light is to provide speed the same, your fill light alone and photographed. However, there is
shadows and highlights. This is also should give a reading of f/5.6. This means a way out. A simple way to light when
known by some artists as ‘chiaroscuro’. that the fill light is half as intense as the photographing children is to simply aim a
While a diffused light is a good choice main light. Such a power ratio of 2:1 in reasonably powered strobe at the corner
as the main light (at least to start with) lights will give rise to a lighting ratio of of the room where the wall meets the
some photographers use a harder light 3:1. This is a good starting point as it ceiling. This will light the whole room
to provide stronger modeling. provides enough modeling without being uniformly. You can use the camera’s
overly contrasty. It is also called “Kodak built-in flash or a small shoe mounted
Fill Light: While we want the shadows, Lighting” as it was recommended by flash set to minimal power (1/16 to
we want them to be unobtrusive and soft Kodak in their literature. Using a weaker 1/64). This serves two purposes. First, it
since these are more pleasing to the eye. fill light will deepen the shadows and will trigger the strobe and will also give
The purpose of the fill light is to control making it more powerful will have the a small fill in the eyes of the subject. The
the shadows created by the main light by opposite effect. latter is important since most of the light
lighting up the entire subject uniformly. is coming from the top (ceiling) and may
The fill light is more diffused and is often Too many lights! You might complain cause dark sockets near the eyes. You
half as bright as the main light. that there are too many lights to be used can set the exposure using the histogram
and how do you expect us hobbyists and once you set it, you need not change
Back / Rim Light: This light (a.k.a. to have that many? Don’t worry. As it unless you change the power of the
the rim or shoulder light) shines on already described, you can take excellent strobe. The same exposure will hold
the subject from behind, often (but not portraits with one light or even with good anywhere in the room so you can
necessarily) to one side or the other. the window light. If you have just one photograph freely concentrating on the
It lights the back of the subject thus light and if you use a large diffuser, you subject. Make sure you set the white
serving to separate the latter from the will need not much of a fill and this balance properly too since any color on
background and highlighting contours. can be provided by a simple reflector the walls or ceiling will cause color casts.
This is mostly used to light the shoulders instead of the fill light. Perhaps you will
of the subjects wearing dark clothes to not get absolute control on the lighting Positioning of the camera
prevent them from merging with the ratio but you can still make very good At what height (that is level) should
dark backgrounds. Alternatively, it can portraits. Backlight can likewise be you keep the camera when you
also be used to create a ‘rim light’ effect avoided if you pay close attention to the are taking a portrait? A widely
where only the edges, rather than the background. Depending on the color of recommended suggestion is to maintain
entire back is lit. In this case, a thin line of the subject’s hair and clothes, you can the camera at the same level as the
highlight appears around the subject. provide a background that has some subject’s eyes. This works reasonably
contrast compared to the subject. This well but levels indicated in Table 2 will
The operation of the three lights as will give the needed separation without give you better results. |SP
described is often called “Three Point any additional lights. Sure, you will
Lighting”. get greater control over highlights and Next MoNth
shadows when you use more lights, This article has given you the fundamentals
The lighting ratio: One of the but even with one light or by using the of portraiture and the nomenclature used.
important aspects of portrait lighting window light, you can take excellent The next part of the article will help you to
is the difference in brightness between portraits. So, don’t let this aspect stop put all this theory into practice by giving
the main light and the fill light. This you from trying portrait photography! you a step by step guide to create a good
brightness ratio, called the lighting ratio, portrait. Also included are a lot of tips and
will vary based on the tastes. An often Omni directional lighting: Trying to other useful information. Stay tuned!!
used ratio is 3:1. This is achieved by make a child sit still while you precisely

74 | Smart Photography | March 2024 www.smartphotography.in

 THE EISA PHOTOGRAPHY
MAESTRO CONTEST 2024
1ST PRIZE
This year’s theme: €1500 & EISA
Sports and Games Maestro Trophy
2ND PRIZE
Scope and Contest Rules: €1000 & EISA
Entrants should provide 5-8 photographs Maestro Trophy
on the theme of ‘Sports and Games’. Your 3RD PRIZE
subject matter may include professional €750 & EISA
and amateur sports as well as games. All Maestro Trophy
entries must be in digital format (camera
or scanned film originals) and must be
taken by you between May 1st 2023 and
April 30th 2024 (EXIF data will be
checked as proof). Older portfolios and
AI-generated images are excluded.
SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

NATIONAL DEADLINE: MAY 1ST 2024 The winning entries from each of the
All entries must be received by this date. 16 participating EISA countries will then
The 1st, 2nd and 3rd prizes will be chosen by be judged together at the Association’s
the editorial staff of Smart Photography General Meeting in June 2024. The final
and the National results will be published results of the International Maestro
in the June issue. contest will be celebrated at the EISA
INTERNATIONAL JUDGING: JUNE 2024 Awards Gala in Sept 2024 and revealed,
online, alongside the EISA product Awards
rs will also be
National Maestro winne the end of June on Aug 15th 2024
oo k at
published on Faceb
oice competition.
for the EISA Public’s Ch 0.
winne r: €1 00
Prize for the
The winning photographs will be published in the Sept/Oct issues of all 16 EISA photo magazines/websites.
Circumstances permitting, winners will be invited to the EISA Awards ceremony in Sept 2024

For further details, terms and conditions visit www.eisa.eu/maestro and www.smartphotography.in/maestro2024
learning

WHITE BALANCE
Rohinton Mehta will appear yellowish. So the question mentioned in kelvin (K). To keep the

T
is, do you want to show what your eyes writeup free of technical jargon (as far
here are several photographers saw when you took the photo (yellowish as possible), we shall not go into the
who are mystified by the term Taj), or do you want to show the actual physics of the topic. Even then, we
White Balance. So, what exactly is (white) colour of the Taj? If you prefer need to know that when a hypothetical
White Balance? How does it help us? Is it the later (original colour), then you black body is heated, it emits different
necessary to set the ‘correct’ WB? What would have to remove the yellow from colours depending on how much heat
happens if we set a wrong WB for the the Taj. This is exactly what White is applied to it. When it is heated to
scene we are photographing? Let’s try Balance does. approximately 1850K (approximately
and answer these questions. 1577 degrees Celsius (Kelvins, minus
So we can sum it up this way: White 273.15 equals degrees Celsius), the
Let us say that you are photographing a Balance is the correction applied to colour of the light emitted by it is
person who is wearing white clothes and make a scene appear to have been equivalent to the colour of a candle
you are photographing the subject under shot in neutral coloured light even flame (you see, it is just a comparison).
yellow coloured light. Will his white though the original scene was shot in
clothes remain white? No. His white coloured light. Here is a short list of kelvin
clothes will appear yellowish (unless you temperatures for few different light
have adjusted the WB). We say that the Digital cameras offer a choice of various sources:
subject has a ‘yellow colour cast’. WB settings: Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, • Candle light — 1850K
Shade, Incandescent, Fluorescent, Flash, • Sunrise/sunset — 2000K
Similarly, as an experiment, you light and Choose Colour Temperature (the • Incandescent light — 2700 to 3300K
up one side of a subject’s face with blue naming can vary with different camera (depends on the wattage of the bulb)
light and the other side of the face, with manufacturers). • Moonlight — 4100K
red coloured light. The face will exhibit • Daylight — 5500K (Neutral coloured
one side as blue and the other as red. So far so good. light; generally, between 11 am
These experiments tell us that whatever to 3.30 pm, depending on your
is the colour of the source of light, will be There is yet another term that we geographical location and weather
the colour in the photo. need to know. It is known as Colour conditions)
If you photograph the Taj Mahal in the Temperature. Colour temperature • Cool white LED bulbs – 6500K
late evening hours, the white Taj Mahal refers to the colour of light and is • Cloudy day — 7000K (blueish)

Auto

76 | Smart Photography | March 2024 www.smartphotography.in

 • Clear blue sky — 10,000K wrong WB for the scene we are Modern cameras are so well tuned
(Please note that the figures photographing? that in most conditions, they
above are not written in stone. As an example, let us take that the provide neutral or near-neutral
They can vary depending on your actual light source is Daylight and colours. But for greater accuracy,
geographical location) is at 5500K. Let us say you have we should shoot in Raw. When you
set the camera to Incandescent. shoot in Raw, you have the option
Note that this is something Recall that this is an instruction to change the WB in your Raw
counterintuitive because we always to the camera asking to add blue Converter (Adobe Camera Raw, for
think that blue has less temperature to neutralize the red. However, example) to what you like.
and red more. However, scientifically there is no red in the light source
it is incorrect. Just look at a gas stove now which is at 5500K. Hence Remember, White Balance is a
that is at its maximum setting and it there is no red to be neutralized matter of your personal taste;
gives out a blue flame but a candle that and the picture will exhibit it is not always necessary that
is at a much lower temperature has a excessive blue cast. all photos be neutral in colour.
reddish flame! I may prefer warmer colours
So, this gives rise to an interesting in a landscape while you might
Now there is one more ‘tricky’ thing paradox. If your camera WB prefer a cooler colour. People
you need to know. The WB setting in setting is at a lower temperature in Eastern countries prefer a
camera that you set is an instruction to than the actual source, you will slightly yellowish skin tone, in
the camera, telling it the temperature see excessive blue as explained. Western countries, they prefer
of the light source. So, if you set the Likewise, if your camera WB a slightly pinkish skin tone; in
camera to Incandescent, then you setting is at a higher temperature India we prefer neutral skin
are telling that the light source is at than the actual source, your picture tone. I must add here that if you
around 3000K which is reddish. What will exhibit excessive red cast! are photographing commercial
the camera does now, while processing products or interiors, your client
the image is that, it will add blue so No doubt this is a bit confusing, but will expect neutral colours.
neutralize the red. So, far so good. that is how it is!!
Now that you are well informed,
• Is it necessary to set the We sometimes do this for creative please try and put the knowledge
‘correct’ WB? effects, especially to create a very in practise and enjoy your
Yes and No — for a technically warm effect. creations.
correct rendition, yes; for an
artistic representation, no. • Can we not always set our Note: All photos are by Ashok
cameras to Auto WB? Kandimalla and were shot using LED
• What happens if we set a Many photographers do just that. lights (6500K). |SP

Sunlight

www.smartphotography.in March 2024 | Smart Photography | 77

learning

Cloudy

Shade

Incandescent

78 | Smart Photography | March 2024 www.smartphotography.in

 Florescent

Flash

6500K

www.smartphotography.in March 2024 | Smart Photography | 79

 Now read your favourite magazine wherever you go...
Available on PC... Mac... Tablet... or any other handheld device!

Available on Digital Platform Partners

 FInal
RaTIng
The final ratings
given in the reviews 82 lens Review
are not an indication
of the performance
or features of the
Sony FE 70–200mm
reviewed device F4 Macro G OSS II
in isolation. It is a
combination of all
parameters including
the price of the
product.

84
Mirrorless Review
Sony Alpha 6700

86
smartphone Review
Vivo X100 pro
lens review

Sony FE 70–200mm F4 Macro G OSS II `1,79,990

Super telezoom
Inside the Box
✓ Lens
✓ Lens hood (ALC-SH176),
petal shape
✓ Lens front cap
(ALC-F72S)
✓ Lens rear cap
(ALC-R1EM)
✓ Warranty card

Hoshang Billimoria well made and easy to use. The tripod

T
collar supplied with the lens can be
he 70 – 200 mm focal range has rotated and is removable.
been a favourite for photographers
seeking quality telephoto zooms. Performance
For professionals, a fixed aperture of Autofocus on the 70-200 mm f 4 is
2.8 across the zoom range is attractive; excellent. It is fast, quiet and precise.
however, for enthusiasts and amateurs, Autofocus tracking also works very well.
the bulk of such lenses and their high Although Direct Manual Focus ( DMF ) is
prices act as a deterrent. The 70 -200 available, we saw no occasion to use it.
mm F4 comes in useful here. Sony Images produced were sharp and crisp
has had a 70 – 200 mm f 4 for several with excellent colour rendition. No
years; it was now time to upgrade it vignetting or distortion was visible,
and therefore the new 70 – 200 mm f 4 perhaps because of in-camera correction.
Macro G OSS II. The new lens promises Thanks to the petal shaped lens hood, no
better image quality, better autofocus, flare was visible.
closer focusing, improved image
stabilisation and macro capabilities all in The lens offers an impressive 0.5 X
a smaller and lighter design. maximum magnification over the entire
zoom range. Sony’s 2 X teleconverter
Design & Build Quality Optical Steady Shot (OSS ) is designed (SEL20TC ) increases the focal range to
Sony’s new lens comes in an off-white to keep shots sharp. Two rings, one for 140–400 mm.
colour and is positioned as a premium focusing and the other for zooming are
lens. Build quality is top notch. The lens both large and rubber-gripped. A number Image stabilsation works very well to
is weather sealed. At 794 gms without of switches adorn the lens. They are for give rock steady pictures.
the tripod collar, the lens is neither heavy choosing AF/MF, full time direct manual What more could you ask for?
or light. In fact, it balances very well with focus, focusing range limiter, OSS on/off
Sony’s A 7 III and IV. A petal shaped hood and OSS mode. Four XD linear motors Value for Money
is standard. The lens accepts 72 mm have been used by Sony for fast and The Sony 70 – 200 mm f4 Macro G OSS II
filters and is made by Sony in China. precise focusing and tracking. A tripod- carries an MRP of Rs 179990. Discounts
mount collar is provided. There is no are available. At this price, the lens may
Key Features aperture ring on the lens. seem a tad expensive. |SP
19 elements in 13 groups are used to
make the lens. This includes three ED Ergonomics
glass elements, one Super ED glass Top build quality along with lighter VErDIcT
element, one aspherical lens element and bulk make this Sony lens a pleasure Version 2 of Sony’s 70 – 200 mm f 4 lens
comes with superb autofocus, improved
one advanced aspherical lens element. to use. The off-white colour keeps the image stabilisation, lighter weight,
A fluorine coating on the front element temperature under control in very hot solid build quality and macro ability.
helps to reduce flare and ghosting. Sony’s weather. All the switches on the lens are Performance is also top class. BEST BUY

82 | Smart Photography | March 2024 www.smartphotography.in

 camera: Sony ILCE-7M3
lens: Sony FE 70–200mm F4 Macro G OSS II
aperture: f/4.0
Shutter Speed: 1/8000 sec
Focal length: 135.0 mm
ISO: 800

Design and Build Quality

FInal ScOrE PlUS MInUS
 • Smaller and lighter • Very little
Key Features • Solid build quality
• Super optical quality
 • Macro
Ergonomics

 KEY SPEcIFIcaTIOnS

Mount: Sony E-mount
Performance aperture range: F/4 - 22
 aperture blades: 9, circular
MFD: 0.26 - 0.42m
Value for Money Max magnification ratio: 0.5x

 Filter diameter: 72 mm

Image stabilisation: Optical SteadyShot
Overall Dia x length: 82.2 x 149 mm
Weight: 794 g

www.smartphotography.in March 2024 | Smart Photography | 83
MIRRORLESS review Inside the Box
✓ Body
✓ Shoulder strap
✓ Body cap
✓ Accessory shoe cap
✓ Eyepiece cap
✓ Battery
✓ Lens
✓ Lens cap, lens rear cap and hood

by Sony’s Bionz XR processor and a

dedicated AI processing engine. The
new processor gives the option to record
losslessly compressed RAW files and the
ability to capture 10-bit video. Again, the
sensor can handle ISO speeds between
100 and 32000, extendable both ways to
ISO 50 and ISO 102400.

The a 6700 comes with Sony’s fast

hybrid autofocus system which
combines the advantages of phase
detection autofocus and contrast
detection autofocus. 759 AF points
with 93% coverage constitute an
improvement over the 6600. Also,
the 6700 provides AF tracking with
subject recognition with new subjects
added. The AF system works in low
light equating to -3 EV. 5.0 EV image
Sony Alpha 6700 `1,72,990 stabilization is also incorporated.

NEW APS-C
The corner mounted viewfinder has a
resolution of 2.36 m dots. Magnification
of .70X. A 3 inch fully articulating touch
screen with a resolution of 1.04 m dots of

STAR!
also new to the 6700.

1200 zone evaluative metering caters to

exposure and exposure compensation
upto +/- 5 EV is provided. Flash exposure
Hoshang Billimoria improved thanks to Sony’s Active Steady compensation is limited to +/- 3 EV.

S
Shot. A faster electronic shutter speed Shutter speeds range from 1/4000 to 30
ony’s 6000 range of cameras have of 1/8000 and a variangle screen are sec + bulb with the mechanical shutter.
proved to be quite popular in the other improvements. Does the Sony a With the electronic shutter, this is
market for APS-C cameras. The 6700 with its numerous advancements increased to 1/8000 to 30 sec.
6600 which was launched in 2019 has constitute an attractive buy? Read on.
now been replaced with the 6700. What The a 6700 will also shoot upto
are the major differences? Design & Build Quality 4K/60p with hardly any cropping and
The Sony a 6700 sports the same it can do this whilst capturing 10-bit
The 6700 comes with a brand new compact camera styling as the 6600. precision and upto 4:2:2 colour. 4K
sensor that is similar to the sensor found Dimensions at 122x69x75.1 mm are also /120 capability is also there but with
in the FX 30. Sony also claim improved very close to those of the a 6700. The significant cropping. Slow and quick
autofocus with 759 phase detection 6700 uses a magnesium alloy frame and motion shooting is also available.
points. The AI processing unit excels in is both dust and moisture resistant. At
subject detection and can recognize birds 493 gms, the a 6700 is 10 gms lighter Apart from JPEG and RAW, recording
and vehicles. Low light performance than its predecessor. Overall build quality formats include HEIF ( High Efficiency
is available upto -3EV. Buffer memory is good. The camera is made in Thailand. Image File). A variety of methods are
capacity is also up to 1000 JPEG files in available for video compression.
fine compression. Video 4K recording Key Features
upto 60p comes with a nominal 1.04 The a 6700 sports a 26 MP BSI CMOS The a6700 also lets you upload Look
x crop. Image stabilization in video is APS-C sensor. The sensor is supported Up Tables ( LUTs) that can be used for

84 | Smart Photography | March 2024 www.smartphotography.in

 camera: Nikon Z 8
lens: Nikkor Z 70-180 mm F/2.8
Aperture: f/7.1
Shutter Speed: 1/320 sec
Focal Length: 180.0 mm
ISo: 1000

pre-viewing and post production. The fully articulating screen is also a when using higher resolution and frame
The a6700 body also has mic and plus point. The battery life at upto 570 rates. However, the 6700 is aimed at
headphone ports, a USB Type C port and shots is also reassuring. The 6700 pairs enthusiasts who are unlikely to subject
a micro HDMI socket. well with the 18 -135 mm f 3.5/ 5.6 OSS it to long video usage. Overall, the Sony
lens. Some may feel the absence of a a 6700 is a fine camera and is probably
The NP-FZ 100 battery is good for AF joystick; the touchscreen however Sony’s best APS – C camera to date.
upto 570 shots. The camera has a single fulfills the same function.
SD card slot. Bluetooth and Wi-fi are Value for Money
built in for smartphone connectivity. Performance Along with the 18 – 135 mm lens, the
Pretty comprehensive specifications for Both still and video images are rendered a 6700 carries an MRP of Rs 172990.
an APS – C camera! in a manner that is pleasing to the eye. Discounts should be available. At this
Color is well saturated and dynamic price, the camera is fair to good value
Ergonomics range is good. The inclusion of a for money. |SP
The a6700 certainly boasts better touchscreen aids both handling and
handling than the a6600. Menus are performance. Autofocus works very well
better organized and easier to follow. and is excellent at subject tracking. Image
VerDIct
The a 6700 is a significant improvement
The grip is large and deep and hand stabilsation both in the body and the lens over its predecessor, the a 6600. It is
holding the camera is not an issue. The results in sharp pictures. The camera can Sony’s best APS – C camera. Strongly
inclusion of a front dial is a positive step. heat up a bit in video mode especially recommended.

Design and Build Quality

FInAl Score PluS MInuS
 • Compact and lightweight • Single card slot
Key Features • Excellent autofocus • No AF joystick
• Very good image quality
 • Fully articulating
Ergonomics

 Key SPecIFIcAtIonS

Sensor type: CMOS Minimum Shutter Speed: 30
Performance Size: APS-C seconds
 resolution: 26 megapixels
Maximum resolution: 1.03M
Self timer: Yes
Connectivity: Wi-Fi
Value for Money Shooting Modes: Movie
pixels
Additional Features: Face
 Focus Type: Auto Focus, Manual
Focus
Detection
Video resolution: 2160p
Overall Autofocus Points: 179 Video Format: AVCHD
Max Shutter Speed: 1/8000 Display Size: 3 inches
 seconds Display type: LCD

www.smartphotography.in March 2024 | Smart Photography | 85

Smartphone review

Vivo X100 pro `89,999 vivo.com

True flagship camera phone

The X100 and X100 Pro differs purely
on the camera system front, almost
inside the Box everything else is similar, so for most
user the X100 would suffice and it’s only
✓ X100 Pro photographers who would be willing to
✓ Quick Start Guide pay significant premium for the superior
✓ USB Cable camera system on the Pro. |SP
✓ Charger
✓ Eject Tool
✓ Phone Case VerdicT
✓ Protective Film (applied) it still does not match iPhone 15 pro or
Google Pixel 8 pro, but does a damn good job
✓ Warranty Card for the price.

T Final Score
he Vivo X100 Pro comes in three
colour and the camera is co-
engineered with Zeiss technology.
The camera system on this device really PlUS
sets this device apart from competition. • low noise levels in photo and video mode
It combines efficiently with onboard • Great portrait mode
16gb of RAM and 5400mAh battery, to • Zoom on the camera is a delight
provide a robust device for your all day There are 2 Nano SIMs card slots and
requirements. This device raises the supports 5G to 2G GSM Network. MinUS
bar for professional photographer like • exposure adaptation issues in video mode
imaging on a phone, as there are different The Vivo X100 Pro camera has a 1-inch • low light and backlit video not upto the
cameras for different needs, and this has Sony INX 989 sensor for the main camera mark
been further simplified by the various and this does a great job of lowering • Speed of auto focus could be improved
scene modes. noise levels across various lighting
conditions. This has been one of the
The battery was the super cool highlight biggest improvements. The autofocus and overall
with Bigger dual cell 2500 mAh (7.82V)
Battery and Superfast charging, 0 to
zoom on the camera has also improved
vs its predecessor. The telephoto lens 
100% in about 25 minutes. The charging provides great pictures across various
was unexpectedly fast for a phone with tele zoom settings, and it offers native Key SPeciFicaTionS
this size battery. zoom of 4x (100mm equivalent) and Front 32 MP / Rear 50 MP + 50 MP + 50 MP
this is across lighting conditions. The Front: 32 MP, f/2.0, 20mm (ultrawide)
The weight is 221grams that is justifiable ultra wide camera images contained lot Primary: 50MP 1/0.98″ sensor, f/1.75-
considering the camera system and of detail and also performed well across aperture lens, Dual Pixel PDAF, OIS
display size. But it doesn’t feel that heavy. lighting conditions. Ultra-wide: 50MP, 1/2.76″ sensor , 15mm
With Super Durable IP68 Rating and 8T Overall camera system a significant equivalent f/2.0-aperture lens, AF
Tele: 50MP 1/2″ sensor, 100mm equivalent
LTPO Eye protection display in Funtouch improvement over its predecessor on
f/2.5-aperture lens, AF, OIS
OS the eyes are not strained if you play all the three 50MP rear cameras. In the aperture: Front f/2.0 (32 MP), Rear f/1.75
games or watch movies. Pixel Density is portrait mode, the contrast and colour (50 MP) + f/2.0 (50 MP) + f/2.5 (50 MP)
453 PPI, so the viewing is detailed. tone impressed us. Video: 8K, 4K at 60/30fps, 1080p at
60/30fps
This phone has 5G MediaTek Dimensity The video mode on this phone also does Flash: Rear LED flash
9300 (4nm) processor helping in not disappoint, it includes good amount Scene Mode: Snapshot, Night, Portrait,
Photo, Video, High Resolution, Pano, Ultra
low energy consumption and high of image stabilization and captures
HD Document, Slo-mo, Long Exposure, Time-
performance. Display Size is 17.22cm details quite well. But the video mode is Lapse, Supermoon, Astro, Landsc. & Archit.,
(6.78 inches) with a capacitive multi- not as good on performance as the still Pro, Food, Live Photo, Cinematic Portrait
touch with refresh rate upto 120 Hz. pictures on this phone.

86 | Smart Photography | March 2024 www.smartphotography.in

www.smartphotography.in March 2024 | Smart Photography | 87
First look

Lexar Professional CFexpress Type B Diamond-series Memory Cards

Fast & Reliable

Rohinton Mehta

L
exar is a name that
immediately comes to mind
when looking for memory
cards. Besides memory cards, Lexar
offers a range of products like USB
flash drives, readers, solid-state
drives (SSDs) and DRAM for retail and
OEM customers.

Several camera models from different

leading manufacturers like Canon,
Nikon, Fujifilm, Panasonic and RED
use CFexpress Type B memory cards
to store the data (please check the
specifications for your camera).
CFexpress Type B memory cards
from Lexar are available in Diamond
series (up to 1900MB/s ‘Read speed’
/ 1700MB/s ‘Write speed’); Gold
series (up to 1900MB/s ‘Read speed’
/ 1500MB/s ‘Write Speed’); and Silver
series (up to 1750MB/s ‘Read speed’ /
1300MB/s ‘Write speed).

It is important to have reliable memory

cards, but it is equally important to
have ‘fast’ cards --- those that offer
superior ‘Read & Write’ speeds. This is
more so in view of the high- resolution
camera models available these days
that churn out large amounts of data.
Imagine taking a long burst of shots or
a 4K/8K video of a tiger chasing its prey
and your memory card is incapable
of clearing up of the buffer due to
the former’s slower write speed. The
consequence would be blocking up the
camera causing it to possibly miss out
on a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!

Fast and reliable cards from Lexar

ensures that you don’t miss out on fast
action, whether shooting ‘stills’
or video.
128, 256 and 512GB capacities with 10-year Lifetime Limited Warranty. The
Diamond-series CFexpress memory MRPs of Rs.19999, 28699 and 81452 cards are available for purchase both
cards from Lexar are available in respectively. They also come with a online and offline. |SP

88 | Smart Photography | March 2024 www.smartphotography.in

 REVIEW S NIKON
`200
E! ZF PANASON
GAZIN LUMIX G 9 IC
ING MA INDIA’S NUMB
II

IMAG ER 1 IMAGING
ER 1 MAGAZINE!
NUMB `200
INDIA’S
3
r 202
Octobe
07 • Volume 19
FE 50
MM Issue • Issue 08
SONY 19 • • Novemb
F/1.8 Volume er 2023

VR
OR Z �6.3
NIKK600MM F/5.6

S
180�
REVIEWS
CANON
EOS R 100
DG LEICA LVARIO�ELMAR
100�400MM F 4 � 6.3
INDIA’S NUMBER 1 IMAGING MAGAZINE! `200
REV IEW

Volume 19 • Issue 09 • December 2023

Interview
Tom Svensson
Photo Feature
Postcards from Cambodia
Profiles
Divya Cowasji
Sandeep Mall

For 3 Years

44% c lusive
Ex
Discount
Offer

THREE EASY WAYS TO SUBSCRIBE

Online Call Post
Next Gen Publishing Pvt. Ltd., 608,
Trade World, 6th floor, C wing,
Visit at Kamala Mills Compound, Senapati Bapat Marg,
http://secure.nextgenpublishing.in/ +91 93215 46598 Lower Parel (W), Mumbai - 400013

TO SUBSCRIBE
Cash Discount Offer
 Pay ` ` 4000 for 3 Years subscription and save ` 3200 Payment Mode
(44% Discount) on the cover price
Kindly draw the cheque/DD/PO in favor of NEXT GEN PUBLISHING PVT.LTD.
 Pay ` ` 3200 for 2 Years subscription and save ` 1600
(33% Discount) on the cover price (Please add Rs. 20/- extra for outstation cheque)Please Find enclosed

 Pay ` ` 1800 for 1 Year subscription and save ` 600 Cheque/DD no. Dated
(25% Discount) on the cover price Bank
International rate - 1 Year USD 160 by air mail post Branch
YOUR DETAILS (ALL DETAILS IN CAPITAL LETTERS) Name
Name: Mr/Ms Date Signature
Occupation OR

Date of birth Electronic payment may be made with RTGS/NEFT to current account
number 00602320009684 maintained with HDFC Bank Manekji Wadia
Address
Bldg. Ground Floor, Nanik Motwani Marg, Fort, Mumbai - 400001,
Maharashtra with IFSC code HDFC0000060

City State
TO GIFT A SUBSCRIPTION (ALL DETAILS IN CAPITAL LETTERS)
Pincode Email Please fill out both the recipient’s details, below, and your details above. To gift more
Phone (Off) Phone (Res) than one subscription, please provide address details on a separate sheet.

Name: Mr/Ms
Mobile No.
Occupation
Please send me latest updates on Special Offers and Events of Smart Photography Date of birth
Please complete the order form and mail it to us at Next Gen Publishing Pvt. Ltd., 608, Trade World,
6th floor, C wing, Kamala Mills compound, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel (W), Mumbai 400013, Address
For clari cations, email: [email protected] or call +91 93215 46598
March 2024*

TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Please allow 4-5 weeks for processing of your subscription. Copies will be sent City State
by ordinary post only. Next Gen Publishing will not be responsible for postal delay, transit loses or mutilation
of copies. No cancellation of subscriptions will be entertained after commencement of subscription. Please
Pincode Email
mention your name and address on the reverse of your DD/Cheque. All disputes are subject to the exclusive Phone (Off) Phone (Res)
jurisdiction of courts in Mumbai only.
Mirrorless lens Guide

CANON
PRICE MIN FOC FILTER DIAMETER LENGTH WEIGHT
(RS) (CM) THREAD (CM) (MM) (CM) (G)
EF-M 11-22mm f/4-5.6 IS STM 62,652 15 55 61 58.2 220
EF-M 15-45mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM 45,512 25 49 60.9 44.5 130
EF-M 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM TBC 25 52 61 61 210
EF-M 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM 36,995 25 55 60.9 86.5 300
EF-M 22mm f/2 STM 18,995 15 43 61 23.7 105
EF-M 28mm f/3.5 IS STM Macro 24,990 9.7 43 60.9 45.5 130
EF-M 32mm f/1.4 STM 69,564 23 43 60.9 56.5 235
EF-M 55-200mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM 25,495 100 52 60.9 86.5 260
RF 14-35mm f/4L IS USM 1,55,995 20 77 84.1 99.8 540
RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM 2,20,995 28 82 88.5 126.8 840
RF 16mm f/2.8 STM 26,995 13 43 69.2 40.1 165
RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM 2,20,995 38 82 88.5 127.7 900
RF 24-105mm f/4L IS STM 1,18,995 45 77 83.5 107.3 700
RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM 36,995 34 67 76.6 88.8 395
RF 24-240mm f/4-6.3 IS USM 81,995 50 72 80.4 122.5 750
RF 28-70mm f/2L USM 2,86,995 39 95 103.8 139.8 1430
RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro 44,995 17 52 74.4 62.8 305
RF 50mm f/1.8 STM 17,995 30 43 69.2 40.5 160
RF 50mm f/1.2L USM 2,23,995 80 77 89.8 108 950
RF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM 2,57,995 70 77 89.9 146 1070
RF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM 1,66,995 60 77 83.5 119 695
RF 85mm f/1.2L USM 2,57,995 85 82 103.2 117.3 1195
RF 85mm f/1.2L USM DS 2,94,995 85 82 103.2 117.3 1195
RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM 52,995 35 67 78 91 500
RF 100mm f/2.8 L Macro IS USM 1,34,995 26 67 81.5 148 730
RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM 58,995 88 67 79.5 164.7 635
RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM 2,72,995 90 77 94 208 1530
RF 600mm f/11 IS STM 74,995 450 82 93 200 930
RF 800mm f/11 IS STM 94,995 600 95 102 282 1260

FUJIFILM
PRICE MIN FOC FILTER DIAMETER LENGTH WEIGHT
(RS) (CM) THREAD (CM) (MM) (CM) (G)

XF 8-16mm f/2.8 R LM WR 1,59,999 25 N/A 88 121.5 805

XF 10-24mm f/4 R OIS WR 94,999 24 72 77.6 87 385
XF 14mm f/2.8 R 85,148 18 58 65 58.4 235
XC 15-45mm f/3.5-5.6 OIS PZ TBC 13 52 62.6 44.2 135
XF 16mm f/1.4 R WR 78,999 15 67 73.4 73 375
XF 16mm f/2.8 R WR 38,990 17 49 60 45.4 155
XC 16-50 f/3.5-5.6 OIS II TBC 30 58 62.6 98.3 195
XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR 94,999 60 77 83.3 106 655

90 | Smart Photography | March 2024 www.smartphotography.in

XF 16-80mm f/4 R WR OIS TBC 35 72 78.3 88.9 440
XF 18mm f/1.4 R LM WR 91,999 20 62 68.8 75.6 370
XF 18mm f/2 R TBC 18 52 64.5 40.6 116
XF 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR 90,999 45 77 75.7 97.8 490
XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 R LM OIS TBC 18 58 65 70.4 310
XF 23mm f/1.4 R 66,080 28 62 72 63 300
XF 23mm f/1.4 R LM WR TBC 19 58 67 77.8 375
XF 23mm f/2 R WR 45,900 22 43 60 51.9 180
XF 27mm f/2.8 38,000 34 39 61.2 23 78
XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR TBC 34 39 62 23 84
XF 33mm f/1.4 R LM WR 79,999 30 58 67 73.5 360
XF 35mm f/1.4 R 58,470 28 52 65 54.9 187
XF 35mm f/2 R WR 43,000 35 43 60 45.9 170
XC 35mm f/2 20,900 35 43 58.4 46.5 130
XF 50mm f/1 R WR 1,49,999 70 77 87 103.5 845
XF 50mm f/2 R WR 44,999 39 46 60 59.4 200
XF 50-140mm f/2.8 R LM OIS WR 1,48,000 100 72 82.9 175.9 995
XC 50-230mm f/4.5-6.7 OIS II 34,990 110 58 69.5 111 375
XF 55-200mm f/3.5-4.8 R LM OIS 67,990 110 62 75 118 580
XF 56mm f/1.2 R 96,490 70 62 73.2 69.7 405
XF 56mm f/1.2 R APD TBC 70 62 73.2 69.7 405
XF 60mm f/2.4 XF R Macro 50,998 26.7 39 64.1 70.9 215
XF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 R LM OIS WR TBC 83 67 75 132.5 580
XF 80mm f/2.8 R LM OIS WR Macro 94,999 25 62 80 130 750
XF 90mm f/2 R LM WR 74,000 60 62 75 105 540
XF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR 1,89,990 175 77 94.8 210.5 1375

LAOWA
PRICE MIN FOC FILTER DIAMETER LENGTH WEIGHT
(RS) (CM) THREAD (CM) (MM) (CM) (G)
4mm f/2.8 Fisheye 15,521 8 N/A 45.2 25.5 135
7.5mm f/2 MFT 38,919 12 46 50 55 170
9mm f/2.8 Zero-D 38,919 12 49 60 53 215
10mm f/2 Zero-D MFT TBC 12 46 54 41 125
17mm f/1.8 MFT 11,621 15 46 55 50 160
25mm f/0.95 APO MFT Argus 31,119 25 62 71 86 570
33mm f/0.95 CF APO Argus 38,919 35 62 71.5 83 590
50mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO MFT 31,119 13.6 49 53.5 79 240
65mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro 31,119 17 52 57 100 335
9mm f/5.6 FF RL 62,317 12 N/A 62.4 66 350
10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 54,518 15 37 70 90.9 496
11mm f/4.5 FF RL 54,518 19 62 63.5 58 254
14mm f/4 FF RL 42,818 27 52 58 59 228
15mm f/2 Zero D 58,417 15 72 66 82 500

www.smartphotography.in March 2024 | Smart Photography | 91

Mirrorless lens Guide

15mm f/4.5 Zero-D Shift 93,514 20 N/A 79 103 597

20mm f/4 Zero-D Shift 85,715 25 82 91 95 747
35mm f/0.95 FF Argus 70,116 50 72 76.8 103 755
45mm f/0.95 FF Argus 62,317 50 72 76.8 110 835
85mm f/5.6 2x Ultra Macro APO 35,019 16.3 46 53 81 291

NIKON
PRICE MIN FOC FILTER DIAMETER LENGTH WEIGHT
(RS) (CM) THREAD (CM) (MM) (CM) (G)
16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR Nikkor-Z DX 26,450 30 46 70 32 135
18-140mm f/3.5-5.6 VR Nikkor-Z DX 26,999 20 62 73 90 315
50-250mm f/4.5-6.3 VR Nikkor-Z DX 31,450 100 62 74 110 405
14-24mm f/2.8 S Nikkor-Z 1,99,995 28 112 88.5 124.5 650
14-30mm f/4 S Nikkor-Z 99,950 28 82 89 85 485
20mm f 1.8 G ED Nikkor Z 65450 20 77 84.5 108.5 505
20mm f/1.8 S Nikkor-Z 83,990 20 77 84.5 108.5 505
24-50mm f/4-6.3 Nikkor-Z 39,995 35 52 73.5 51 195
24-70mm f/2.8 S Nikkor-Z 1,90,000 38 82 89 126 805
24-70mm f/4 S Nikkor-Z 78,450 30 72 77.5 88.5 500
24-120mm f/4 S Nikkor-Z 97,995 35 77 84 118 630
24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR Nikkor-Z 68,995 70 67 76.5 114 570
24mm f/1.8 S Nikkor-Z 83,995 25 72 78 96.5 450
28mm f/2.8 Nikkor-Z 21,995 19 52 70 43 155
28-75mm f/2.8 Nikkor-Z 89,995 19 67 75 120.5 565
35mm f/1.8 S Nikkor-Z 52,748 25 62 73 86 370
40mm f/2 Nikkor-Z 21,500 29 52 70 45.5 170
50mm f/1.2 S Nikkor-Z 1,79,995 45 82 89.5 150 1090
50mm f/1.8 S Nikkor-Z 38,986 40 62 76 86.5 415
50mm f/2.8 MC Nikkor-Z 58,995 16 46 74.5 66 260
70-180mm f 2.8 Nikkor Z 119995 27 67 83.5 151 795
70-200mm f/2.8 VR S Nikkor-Z 2,04,995 100 77 89 220 1360
85mm f 1.2 S Nikkor Z 257995 85 82 102.5 141.5 1160
85mm f/1.8 S Nikkor-Z 52,766 80 67 75 99 470
100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 Nikkor-Z VR S 2,41,995 75 77 98 222 1355
105mm f/2.8 VR S MC Nikkor-Z 89,995 29 62 85 140 630
135mm f 1.8 S Plena Nikkor Z 242995 82 82 98 139.5 995
180-600mm f 5.6-6.3 VR Nikkor Z 169995 130 95 110 315.5 1955

SAMYANG
PRICE MIN FOC FILTER DIAMETER LENGTH WEIGHT
(RS) (CM) THREAD (CM) (MM) (CM) (G)
7.5mm f/3.5 UMC fisheye MFT 30,999 9 n/a 48.3 60 197
8mm f/2.8 UMC fisheye II TBC 30 n/a 60 64.4 290

92 | Smart Photography | March 2024 www.smartphotography.in

12mm f/2 NCS CS 26,990 20 67 72.5 59 245
35mm f/1.2 ED AS UMC CS TBC 38 62 67.5 74.2 420
50mm f/1.2 AS UMC CS TBC 50 62 67.5 74.5 380
85mm f/1.8 ED UMC CS TBC 65 62 67.5 81 423
300mm f/6.3 ED UMC CS Reflex 23,320 90 58 73.7 64.5 320
12mm f/2 AF 29,990 19 62 70 59.2 213
14mm f/2.8 AF 48,806 20 n/a 85.5 97.5 505
18mm f/2.8 FE AF 31,034 25 58 63.5 60.5 145
24mm f/1.8 FE AF 37,490 19 58 65 71.5 230
24mm f/2.8 FE AF 26,490 24 49 61.8 37 93
24-70mm f/2.8 FE AF 77,915 35 82 88 128.5 1027
35mm f/1.4 FE AF 38,606 30 67 75.9 115 645
35mm f/1.4 FE AF II TBC 29 67 75 115 659
35mm f/1.8 FE AF 31,544 29 58 65 63.5 210
35mm f/2.8 FE AF 25,400 35 49 61.8 33 86
45mm f/1.8 FE AF 31,034 45 49 61.8 56.1 162
50mm f/1.4 FE AF 39,900 45 67 73.5 97.7 585
50mm f/1.4 FE AF II 54,517 40 72 80.1 88.9 420
75mm f/1.8 FE AF 28,993 69 58 65 69 230
85mm f/1.4 AF 52,300 90 77 88 99.5 568
135mm f/1.8 FE AF 77,915 69 82 93.4 129.6 772

SIGMA
PRICE MIN FOC FILTER DIAMETER LENGTH WEIGHT
(RS) (CM) THREAD (CM) (MM) (CM) (G)
14mm f 1.4 DG DN A 138000 30 101.4 149.9 1170
16mm f/1.4 DC DN | C 36,990 25 67 72.2 92.3 405
16-28mm f 2.8 DG DN C 95000 25 72 77.2 100.6 450
18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN | C 46,210 12.1 55 61.6 76.5 290
20mm f 1.4 DG DN A 92500 23 82 87.8 111.2 635
24mm f 1.4 DG DN A 83000 25 72 75.7 95.5 520
30mm f/1.4 DC DN | C 28,990 30 52 64.8 73 140
56mm f/1.4 DC DN | C 39,499 50 55 66.5 59.5 280
14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN | A 1,23,443 28 n/a 85 131 795
20mm f/2 DG DN | C I-series TBC 22 62 70 74.4 370
24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN | A 1,05,032 38 82 87.8 122.9 835
24mm f/2 DG DN | C I-series TBC 24.5 62 70 74 360
24mm f/3.5 DG DN | C I-series 45,300 10.8 55 64 48.8 225
28-70mm f/2.8 DG DN | C 75,626 19 67 72.2 101.5 470
35mm f/1.2 DG DN | A 1,09,112 30 82 87.8 136.2 1090
35mm f/1.4 DG DN | A 80,034 30 67 75.7 109.5 645
35mm f/2 DG DN | C I-series 55,162 27 58 70 65 325
45mm f/2.8 DG DN | C 46,571 24 55 64 46.2 215
50mm f 1.4 DG DN A 92000 45 72 78.2 109.5 670
60-600mm f 4.5-6.3 DG DN OS S 205000 45 105 119.4 281.2 2485

www.smartphotography.in March 2024 | Smart Photography | 93

Mirrorless lens Guide

65mm f/2 DG DN | C I-series 62,404 55 62 72 74.7 405

85mm f/1.4 DG DN | A 96,004 85 77 82.4 94.1 630
90mm f/2.8 DG DN | C I-series TBC 50 55 64 61.7 295
100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS | C 1,39,293 112 67 86 199.2 1140
105mm f/2.8 DG DN Macro | A 78,990 29.5 62 74 133.6 715
150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS | S 1,18,990 58 95 109.4 263.6 2100

SONY
PRICE MIN FOC FILTER DIAMETER LENGTH WEIGHT
(RS) (CM) THREAD (CM) (MM) (CM) (G)
E 10-18mm f/4 OSS 76,490 25 62 70 63.5 225
E 16mm f/2.8 10,900 24 49 62 22.5 67
E 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ OSS 22,290 25 40.5 64.7 29.9 116
E 16-55mm f/2.8 G 1,08,990 33 67 73 100 494
E 16-70mm f/4 ZA OSS Vario-Tessar T* 55,490 35 55 66.6 75 308
E 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS TBC 25 49 62 60 194
E 18-105mm f/4 G PZ OSS 47,490 45 72 78 110 427
E 18-110mm f/4 G PZ OSS 2,86,990 40 95 110 167.5 1105
E 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS 55,490 45 55 67.2 88 325
E 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 OSS LE 77,490 50 62 68 98 460
E 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 PZ OSS 1,05,990 30 67 93.2 99 649
E 20mm f/2.8 37,990 20 49 62.6 20.4 69
E 24mm f/1.8 ZA Sonnar T* 92,990 16 49 63 65.6 225
E 30mm f/3.5 Macro 25,490 9 49 62 55.5 138
E 35mm f/1.8 OSS 41,490 30 49 62.2 45 155
E 50mm f/1.8 OSS 22,690 39 49 62 62 202
E 55-210mm f/4.5-6.3 OSS 21,190 100 49 63.8 108 345
E 70-350mm f/4.5-6.3 G OSS 80,990 110 67 77 142 625
FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM 2,99,990 28 n/a 97.6 137 847
FE 12-24mm f/4 G 1,51,990 28 n/a 87 117.4 565
FE 14mm f/1.4 GM TBC 25 n/a 83 99.8 460
FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM 1,92,990 28 82 88.5 121.6 680
FE 16-35mm f/4 ZA OSS Vario-Tessar T* 89,990 28 72 78 98.5 518
FE 16-35mm f/4 G PZ 1,24,990 23 72 80.5 88.1 353
FE 20mm f/1.8 G 89,490 18 67 84.7 73.5 373
FE 20-70mm f 4 G 124990 30 72 78.7 99 488
FE 24mm f/1.4 GM 1,29,990 24 67 75.4 92.4 445
FE 24mm f/2.8 G 63,500 24 49 68 45 162
FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM 1,59,990 38 82 87.6 136 886
FE 24-70mm f 2.8 GM II 199990 30 82 87.8 119.9 695
FE 24-70mm f/4 ZA OSS Vario-Tessar T* 79,900 40 67 73 94.5 426
FE 24-105mm f/4 G OSS 94,990 38 77 83.4 113.3 663
FE 24-240mm f/3.5-6.3 OSS 79,990 50 72 80.5 118.5 780
FE 28mm f/2 34,500 29 49 64 60 200
FE 28-60mm f/4-5.6 44,990 30 40.5 67 45 167

94 | Smart Photography | March 2024 www.smartphotography.in

FE 28-70mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS 34,990 30 55 72.5 83 295
FE 28-135mm PZ f/4 G OSS 2,17,990 95 95 162.5 105 1215
FE 35mm f/1.4 ZA Distagon T* 1,17,990 30 72 78.5 112 630
FE 35mm f/1.4 GM 1,64,990 27 67 76 96 524
FE 35mm f/1.8 55,490 22 55 65.6 73 280
FE 35mm f/2.8 ZA Sonnar T* 57,990 35 49 61.5 36.5 120
FE 40mm f/2.5 G 66,990 28 49 68 45 173
FE 50mm f/1.2 GM 2,28,990 40 72 87 108 778
FE 50mm f 1.4 GM 149990 38 67 80.6 96 516
FE 50mm f/1.4 ZA Planar T* 1,30,990 45 72 83.5 108 778
FE 50mm f/1.8 19,130 45 49 68.6 59.5 186
FE 50mm f/2.5 G 63,500 35 49 68 45 174
FE 50mm f/2.8 Macro 42,990 16 55 70.8 71 236
FE 55mm f/1.8 ZA Sonnar T* 68,990 50 49 64.4 70.5 281
FE 70-200mm f/4 G OSS 1,12,490 100 72 80 175 840
FE 70-200mm f 4 Macro G OSS II 170990 26 72 82.2 149 794
FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS 1,89,990 96 77 88 200 1480
FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II 2,44,990 40 77 88 200 1045
FE 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G OSS 1,03,990 90 72 84 143.5 854
FE 85mm f/1.8 53,069 80 67 78 82 371
FE 85mm f/1.4 GM 1,29,990 80 77 89.5 107.5 820
FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS 65,990 28 62 79 130.5 602
FE 100mm f/2.8 STF GM OSS 1,40,990 57 72 85.2 118.1 700
FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS 2,27,500 98 77 93.9 205 1395
FE 135mm f/1.8 GM 1,85,990 70 82 89.5 127 950
FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS 1,77,990 240 95 111.5 318 2115
FE 600mm f 4 G 1377990 4.5 metres 40.5 163.6 449 3040

TAMRON
MOUNT PRICE MIN FOC FILTER DIAMETER LENGTH WEIGHT
(RS) (CM) THREAD (CM) (MM) (CM) (G)
14-150 F/3.5-5.8 Di III MFT mount 55,500 50 52 63.5 80.4 285
11-20mm F/2.8 Di III-A RXD Sony APS-C 67,500 15 67 73 86.2 335
17-50mm f 4 DiIII VXD Sony E-mount 58,190 22 67 74.8 114.4 460
17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD Sony APS-C 67,500 19 67 74.6 119.3 525
17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD Fujifilm X 73,000 19 67 74.6 119.3 525
18-200mm F/3.5-6.3 Di III VC Sony APS-C 55,200 50 62 68 96.7 460
18-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD Sony APS-C/ Fujifilm X 65,000 15 67 75.5 125.6 620
20mm F/2.8 Di III OSD M1:2 Sony FF 32,000 11 67 73 64 220
24mm F/2.8 Di III OSD M1:2 Sony FF 32,000 12 67 73 64 215
35mm F/2.8 Di III OSD M1:2 Sony FF 32,000 15 67 73 64 210
17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD Sony FF 85,000 19 67 73 99 420
28-75mm F/2.8 Di III VXD G2 Sony FF 82,000 18 67 76 118 540
28-200mm F/2.8-5.6 Di III RXD Sony FF 64,500 19 67 74 117 575
35-150mm F/2.0-2.8 Di III VXD Sony FF 164,000 33 82 89 158 1165

www.smartphotography.in March 2024 | Smart Photography | 95

Mirrorless lens Guide

50-400mm f 4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD TBA 181665 25 67 81 149 810

70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VXD Sony FF 99,900 85 67 81 149 810
70-300mm F/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD Sony FF 50,000 80 67 77 148 545
150-500mm F/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD Sony FF 120,900 60 82 93 209.6 1725

TOKINA
PRICE MIN FOC FILTER DIAMETER LENGTH WEIGHT
(RS) (CM) THREAD (CM) (MM) (CM) (G)
atx-m 23mm f/1.4 X 42,750 30 52 65 72 276
atx-m 33mm f/1.4 X 35,905 40 52 65 72 285
Firin 20mm f/2 FE MF 55,417 28 62 69 81.5 490
Firin 20mm f/2 FE AF 39,999 28 62 73.4 81.5 464
atx-m 85mm f/1.8 FE 34,161 80 72 93.2 80 645
Firin 100mm f/2.8 FE Macro 47,990 30 55 74 123 570

VOIGTLANDER
PRICE MIN FOC FILTER DIAMETER LENGTH WEIGHT
(RS) (CM) THREAD (CM) (MM) (CM) (G)
10.5mm f/0.95 Nokton 1,49,207 17 72 77 82.4 585
17.5mm f/0.95 Nokton 58,417 15 58 63.4 80 540
25mm f/0.95 Nokton II 54,517 17 52 60.6 70 435
29mm f/0.8 Super Nokton 1,36,410 37 62 72.3 88.9 703
42.5mm f/0.95 Nokton TBC 23 58 64.3 74.6 571
60mm f/0.95 Nokton 58,417 34 77 82.5 87.7 860
23mm f/1.2 Nokton Aspherical TBC 18 46 59.3 43.8 214
35mm f/1.2 Nokton X 50,617 30 46 59.6 39.8 195
10mm f/5.6 Hyper Wide Heliar 74,015 50 n/a 67.8 58.7 312
15mm f/4.5 Super Wide Heliar III 54,517 30 58 66.4 62.3 294
21mm f/1.4 Nokton 77,915 25 62 70.5 79.5 560
21mm f/3.5 Color-Skopar Asph 82,751 20 52 62.8 39.9 230
35mm f/1.2 Nokton SE 68,556 30 58 66.5 59.9 387
35mm f/1.4 Nokton Asph TBC 30 58 67 39.6 262
35mm f/2 Apo-Lanthar 89,614 35 49 62.5 67.3 352
40mm f/1.2 Nokton 66,216 35 58 70.1 59.3 420
40mm f/1.2 Nokton SE 62,316 35 58 66.5 51.9 340
50mm f/1.2 Nokton 70,116 45 58 70.1 58.8 434
50mm f/1.2 Nokton SE 62,316 45 58 66.5 58.5 383
50mm f/2 Apo-Lanthar 81,815 45 49 62.6 61.3 354
65mm f/2 Macro Apo-Lanthar 74,015 31 67 78 91.3 625
110mm f/2.5 Macro Apo-Lanthar TBC 35 58 78.4 99.7 771

96 | Smart Photography | January 2024 www.smartphotography.in

Discover India’s
Blossoming Colours

The Shapoorji Open all days

9.00 am - 1.00 pm
Pallonji 2.00 pm - 4.30 pm
Native
Biodiversity address
Native Biodiversity
Garden has Garden, Next to
over 60,000 Teenvira Dam,
Mumbai-Alibaug Road,
plants of Alibaug, Maharashtra
530+ different
native
species in COntaCt (for group visits)
17 thematic Mr. Harshad Langi
+91 8983891617
sections www.spbiodiversitygardens.com

www.shapoorjipallonji.com

Shapoorji Pallonji And Company Private Limited Corporate Office : SP Centre, 41/44 Minoo Desai Marg,
Colaba, Mumbai 400 005, India. Tel +91 22 6749 0000
The lasT word

Top 10 besT selling

camera and lenses - 2023 Hoshang Billimoria

Yodobashi Cameras of Japan has released

their list of the best selling cameras in
Japan in 2023.
• Sony A 7 IV
• Nikon Z 8
• Sony A 7 R V
• Canon EOS R 6 II
• Sony A 7 IV Kit
• Nikon ZFc
• Nikon Z 50 kit
• Canon EOS R 50
• Sony FX 3
• Nikon Z 9

Yodobashi also released their list of the

best selling lenses in Japan for 2023.
• Sony FE 24–70 mm f 2.8 GM II
• Sony FE 70–200 mm f 2.8 GM OSS II
• Canon RF 100-400 mm f 5.6 -8 IS USM
• Tamron 28–200 mm f 2.8 – 5.6 Di III RXD E Mount
• Canon RF 100–500 mm f 4.5–7.1 L IS USM
• Canon RF 70–200 mm f 2.8 L IS USM
• Nikon Nikkor Z 24–120 mm f 4 S
• Tamron 28–75 mm f 2.8 Di III VXD G2 E mount
• Nikon Nikkor Z 70–200 mm f 2.8 VR S
• Sony FE 20–70 mm f 4 G

98 | Smart Photography | March 2024 www.smartphotography.in

 Now read your favourite magazine wherever you go...
Available on PC... Mac... Tablet... or any other handheld device!

`2 00
AZINE!
R1 IMAGING MAG
INDIA’S NUMBE
SONY
200MM ALPHA 6700
SONY FE 70�OSS II
F4 MACRO G rch 2024
RE VIE WS Issue 12 • Ma
Volume 19 •
16
2228

Interview
at
Chet Kam
re
Photo Featu
ter
Steve Win ia and Cro
atia
from Sloven
Postcards
Special
ies
Old Memor
Showcase
otography
Concert Ph
Tutorial
otography
Portrait Ph
nce
White Bala
d
Also Reviewe
pr o
Vivo X100

Digital Platform Partners

Available on

www.zinio.com/smartphotography
 MRP INR 3,000/-

‘Iranshah A Legacy Restored’ is a book about the heritage restoration

of the Iranshah Ātash Behram in Udwada.

Available at
The Zoroastrian Museum & Information Centre,
Udwada
&
Vada Dasturji Khurshed Dastoor’s residence
India
www.amazon.in
Global
www.pagdandi.org