QuickSnap FLASH Superia X-TRA 400 | Consumer Film FUJIFILM 200 & FUJIFILM 400

Fujifilm captures nostalgia

FUJIFILM India reignited nostalgia with two back-to-the-future film-based products, QuickSnap FLASH Superia X-TRA 400 and Consumer Film FUJIFILM 200 & FUJIFILM 400, at the Consumer Electronic Imaging Fair (CEIF) 2024. Held at Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai and organised by the All-India Photographic Trade and Industry Association, CEIF is one of the largest global imaging exhibitions that attracts participation from leading brands in the industry.

Within the niche film photography market, a stable consumer base actively seeks alternative visual experiences of analogue photography. This audience includes a diverse combination of users looking for a retro look, photography enthusiasts eager to experiment with film-based products and occasion-based users utilising film for events, travel or family occasions. Therefore, the newly launched products align perfectly with these nostalgic yet unique market demands. The QuickSnap FLASH Superia X-TRA 400 introduces a disposable camera pre-loaded with Fujifilm’s Superia X-TRA 400 film for instant photography. With its hassle-free functionality, this easy-to-use camera requires no manual settings, making it perfect for capturing everyday moments or special events. Its standout features include reliable image quality, disposable convenience and a built-in flash for low-light conditions.
The company’s 35mm consumer film rolls are now available for FUJIFILM 200 and FUJIFILM 400 ISO. These films cater to general-purpose photography, delivering clear and detailed images despite the lighting conditions. Films are versatile and capture the true essence with details of the memory.

Despite the rise of high-quality photos in today’s digital age, a youthful movement towards the authentic and timeless allure of film has emerged in the photography communities worldwide. Hence, fulfilling the current market needs, FUJIFILM India’s move involves a multifaceted approach: first, embracing the charm and authenticity of traditional analogue photography; second, undertaking awareness initiatives such as workshops, tutorials and exhibitions to showcase the unique artistry behind film-based photography; and third, maintaining a sustainability focus by highlighting the eco-friendliness and reduced waste prospects associated with film-based photography. The QuickSnap FLASH Superia X-TRA 400 camera will be available from January 2024 for only INR 2499, and the Consumer Film FUJIFILM 200 & FUJIFILM 400 from April across online e-commerce platforms.

How Solo Travel Makes You Mentally Resilient?

When you travel with friends, you spend most of the time either waiting for them to get ready or deciding where to go first! And when you get bored with such lousy holidays, the thought of solo travelling hits your mind. But did you follow through with it? If you answered yes, you’re already a part of the solo travel fraternity, but if you answered no, you need a hit.

Travelling solo is one of the most pleasant experiences you can have. It helps you build confidence, self-love, and mental health, along with the freedom to take all the shots. People usually turn their back on solo trips due to a fear of loneliness, but solo travelling doesn’t necessarily mean being alone, and you never know who’ll come across your path?

The Benefits of Solo Backpacking

People will not believe in what you’re trying to convince them unless they know the beneficial part of the narrative. We work hard to fulfil our needs, but along with our needs, we need to focus on ways to reclaim our mental health and much-needed headspace. Solo backpacking provides you with both of these essential things, which helps you clear your mind.

It makes you focus on yourself.

Sometimes being selfish is not a bad approach, especially when planning a solo trip. Travelling with others means you have to stick to the itinerary, but what if you want to spend 6-hours in a single museum, staring at the artefacts or start your trek when light first appears in the sky? To experience such things, you have to be selfish and go on a solo trip.

When you travel solo, you unconsciously start thinking about yourself, which gives you time to reflect on your life, to think about your actual likes/dislikes and where you want to go in the future. Solo trips don’t promise to solve your problems, but it certainly helps you get ready to face anything as it makes you confident, strong, smart and self-reliant.

It helps you in making new connections.

Being a solo traveller, I’ve met marvelous people whilst travelling alone, be it fellow travellers or locals. When you travel alone, you are more likely to reach out to people you meet on the road and interact with them, which helps you make new connections. Sometimes, it leads to building meaningful relationships, even if they’re locals.

A conversation over a cup of tea or at a breakfast joint can broaden your knowledge about many things, such as trying different food, understanding the local language, different cultures, art and indulging yourself in those experiences you could not do while travelling in a flock. Also, in my experience, it is easy to strike up friendships on the road.

It reduces your stress levels.

Everybody is dealing with some stress, which you can’t speak out in front of people. It is a silent killer, living inside your body like a parasite and feeding on your health. In such cases, travelling solo is one of the best antidotes to relieve your senses. Breaking free from the group, deadlines, and chaos of mundane routine will help you reduce the stress and come back strong.

Travelling solo boosts your confidence and releases happy hormones in your body, taking your mind off stressful thoughts. Also, taking time off from work makes you feel calm and composed as it relieves the tension and stress of your work life. Once the stress is gone, you’ll have a more productive and focused work life.

It improves your mental health.

I travel by myself most of the time. When I went on my first solo trip, it initially seemed challenging, but soon I realized how the solo trip helped me enhance my mental health, and since then, I haven’t turned my back on it. Backpacking solo and living someplace where your heart belongs or you feel excited about can help you toughen up mentally and emotionally.

When you travel solo, there’s no one to judge you, making you try your hands on the wildest things. You suddenly become more adventurous and start attempting more unexpected things, which helps reset your body and mind. Travelling solo brings mental peace, which benefits you from quickly getting over stressful situations and teaches you to handle such situations calmly.

It increases your creativity.

Solo travel is particularly constructive for people who’re dealing with creative blocks. It helps people to boost their creativity and come up with diverse ideas. Travelling solo is beneficial for improving brain function as well as creativity, and kicking yourself out of your comfort zone is an excellent way to embrace your artistic imagination.

New colours, patterns, sounds, food and immersing yourself in the local environment will help you enhance your creativity. When you explore new places and experience other cultures, it opens your mind and activates positive energies. So, once you’re home, you can channel the energy from your adventure to reactivate your creative subconscious.

It helps you to discover the real you.

People often ask me why do you travel alone, don’t you have any friends? I do have friends, and I travel with them, but backpacking solo has a special place in my life. Over the years, it has helped me discover the real me, and the one-on-one time is beyond priceless, you can’t have that when you travel in a group.

When you travel alone, from booking a hotel room to deciding what to eat, you regulate everything, which helps you learn more about yourself than you ever imagined. Solo travelling acts like therapy and provides you with a perfect time for deep introspection, which assists you in increasing your mental resilience and discovering the real you.

It improves your adaptability.

“Some beautiful paths can’t be discovered without getting lost”, and to discover such paths, you must have to be adaptable. The mundane routine forces you to stay within the comfort box, weakening your adaptability skills. In contrast, you understand your strengths, weaknesses, and adaptability skills when you go on solo trips.

Travelling alone comes with greater responsibility and gives you greater flexibility. While travelling solo, you learn things you couldn’t learn anywhere else, and it helps you become more flexible and responsible. Also, when you travel without a plan, it gives you incredible flexibility and can lead you to exciting and unplanned adventures. 

It helps you grow as an individual.

Don’t travel ‘for the gram’; travel to explore the inner you. Solo travelling is best for personal growth, as it lets you spend a lot of time with yourself, which allows you to figure yourself out and find peace within yourself. We often find it difficult to approach strangers, but when you’re on your own, you have no other choice than to ask strangers.

Travelling solo allows room for meaningful connections with strangers, which ultimately makes you humble and sharpens your troubleshooting skills. Sometimes you meet people and hear fascinating stories that help you to inspire in life. Also, when you venture out alone, you’ll bond deeper with yourself and come back as a different person.

It teaches you that setbacks are a part of life.

Whenever something terrible happens in our lives, we ask ourselves, “why is it happening to me?” and hold on to the point about what happened, which leads us to frustration. We can not alter life events, but we can always learn how to deal with the issues. Travelling solo helps you deal better with setbacks because we come across many while travelling alone.

Setbacks that arrive while you’re travelling solo add extra spice to your adventures and fill your pocket with experiences. It teaches you to go with the flow and not get plastered with the past life. So, if you’re wondering how to deal with setbacks, go on a solo trip, and you’ll come back as a solid person who knows how to stay patient and deal with the problems.

Travelling alone is often considered a risky venture, but the world is not what the media shows on TV. It still has great people with whom you can become friends in no time and even if you face some problems, they’re only going to help you in life. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and take a solo trip to experience more by yourself.

Top 7 Entry-Level Cameras for Aspiring Photographers

A number of aspiring photographers start their photography journey with a smartphone, thanks to the smartphone manufacturers who develop and market their smartphones primarily by showcasing their triple or quad camera setup. The offering saves money and helps aspiring photographers easily explore aspects of photography. These beginners start photography as a hobby and eventually, after receiving many accolades from friends, decide to promote their passion from smartphone photography to DSLR/mirrorless photography.

Now, when it comes to buying your first DSLR camera as a photographer, choose the camera that would be your companion for the next few years as you grow in the field. Of course, look for an affordable one, and don’t spend your hard-earned money during your initial days, but that doesn’t mean you should go for the cheapest possible camera. So, if you’re one of those aspiring photographers looking for an affordable DSLR camera to kick off your photography passion, here are some recommendations from our side but first, let’s understand what to look for when you’re buying your first camera?

  • Simple controls:

The expert at anything was once a beginner. So, while buying your first camera, take a good look at its functions and modes. Prefer the one with the most straightforward controls as it will help you boost your confidence and adapt to the basics in a short time.

  • Resolution & Sensor Size:

The resolution intimates the maximum size of images that a camera can capture, while the sensor size indicates the image quality. A number of entry-level cameras lie between 16MP to 24 MP, and companies try to attract buyers by highlighting more on megapixels, but the whole game depends on sensor size. So, prefer a camera with a larger sensor size as it produces more attractive tones and depth.

  • Interchangeable Lenses:

When buying a camera, you’re investing in an entire ecosystem, including lenses and accessories. Do a little research on the lens support and mount systems because a large number of cameras support only their native lenses, which means if you buy a Canon EF mount camera, then you’ll have to stick with EF mount lenses. So, look for a camera that supports Interchangeable Lenses.

Nikon D3500 (Price – ₹53,950)

Type: DSLR

Sensor: APS-C

Megapixels: 24.2MP

Screen: 3.0-inch, 921k, fixed

ISO Range: 100-25600

Max burst speed: 5fps

Max video resolution: 1080p (Full HD)

Nikon D3500 is one of the best entry-level cameras for aspiring photographers as it includes a dedicated Guide shooting Mode that acts as an interactive guide to photography and camera settings. Nikon D3500’s guide mode, which appears on the rear LCD screen, works as a digitutor and gives access to various frequently used and valuable camera functions. The camera is compact for an SLR and features a wide handgrip with the trademark Nikon red stripe. It sports a top-quality 24.2MP APS-C sensor and offers an 11-point focus module along with a solid autofocus system to help you click extraordinary images. The Nikon D3500 camera is less expensive, but at the same time, it offers equally appealing features. So, if you’re more into photography rather than videography, then D3500 may be the perfect match for you as it provides a retouch menu for quick image adjustments in the camera and comes up with long battery life.

Canon EOS M50 / Mark II (Price – ₹58,995)

Type: Mirrorless

Sensor: APS-C

Megapixels: 24.1MP

Screen: 3in vari-angle touchscreen, 1040k dots

ISO Range: 100-25600 (Extended: 100 to 51200)

Max burst speed: 10fps

Max video resolution: 4K UHD

Canon EOS M50 / Mark II is the most popular entry-level camera from the house of Canon. The Mark II is recently replacing the original M50 with very few noticeable updates. The M50 / Mark II has a built-in viewfinder which is rare to find in many similarly priced mirrorless cameras. The versatile camera has a simple user interface and a unique Dual Pixel Autofocus system. The compact and lightweight camera has a number of features for vlogging, including live YouTube streaming and vertical video support. The EOS M50 / Mark II camera provides a 24-megapixel APS-C sensor with a 4K video recording option making it the tailor-made camera for casual and aspiring photographers. If you’re considering a camera for everyday photography, the Canon EOS M50 Mark II is a reliable option, but if you are getting an older version at a fairly discounted price, go for it, as most of the features are identical.

Fujifilm X-T200 (Price – ₹66,999)

Type: Mirrorless

Sensor: APS-C

Megapixels: 24.2MP

Screen: 3.5in vari-angle touchscreen, 2760k dots

ISO Range: 100-51200

Max burst speed: 8fps

Max video resolution: 4K

The old-school looking X-T200 35mm SLR film camera from Fujifilm is feature-packed with great controls and is one of the best mirrorless beginners’ cameras in the current market. The Japanese multinational camera company has put a lot of work into making the X-T200 as its previous version, X-T100, was a letdown for most buyers. The stylish X-T200 camera is offered in three finishes, dark silver, silver and champagne gold. The camera has an electronic viewfinder and can shoot excellent 4K videos. The camera offers one of the largest LCDs (3.5 inches diagonal) you’ll find in a consumer camera and an improved hybrid AF system comprising the whole frame, together with updated face and eye detection. The fine starter camera for aspiring photographers is a little costly compared to its rivals, but it offers access to the X series of lenses, one of the highest-quality lenses for mirrorless cameras.

Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV

Type: Mirrorless

Sensor: Micro Four Thirds

Megapixels: 20.3MP

Screen: 3-inch 180-degree tilting touchscreen, 1037k dots

ISO Range: 200 to 25600 (Extended: 100 to 25600)

Max burst speed: 8.7fps

Max video resolution: 4K UHD

Olympus is famous for making travel-friendly mirrorless cameras, and if you travel often and like to click attractive images on the go, then you should definitely consider buying the new pocket-sized powerhouse camera, Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV. The camera lags in advanced features but offers plenty of assistive shooting modes, which helps the user click brilliant stills. The lightweight Mark IV is designed explicitly for smartphone switchers, and it retains the 4K video option and attractive styling from its predecessor Mark III. The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV has one of the widest lens catalogues on the market, and if you’re looking for the first camera of your life, this camera will surely make your photography experience memorable. The plastic-build camera is small enough to carry around anywhere and is considered one of the best cameras for vloggers, travellers and aspiring photographers.

Sony A6000 (Price – ₹48,990)

Type: Mirrorless

Sensor: Micro Four Thirds

Megapixels: 20.3MP

Screen: 3-inch 180-degree tilting touchscreen, 1037k dots

ISO Range: 200 to 25600 (Extended: 100 to 25600)

Max burst speed: 8.7fps

Max video resolution: 4K UHD

The award-winning Sony A6000 is one of the oldest devices on the list. Sony first launched the A6000 camera about 6-years ago, and even after a half-decade, it is still one of the best entry-level cameras from Sony. The company is still manufacturing it, which confirms the camera will not disappear any time soon. The widely available camera has a tiny body that packs a 24.3MP image sensor and electronic viewfinder. The A6000 camera can capture detailed photos at up to 11fps but fails to record 4K movies, but if you can manage without some of the latest innovative features and photography is your primary focus, this camera is a strong alternative.

Nikon Z50 (Price – ₹85,995)

Type: Mirrorless

Sensor: APS-C CMOS

Megapixels: 20.9MP

Screen: 3.2-inch tilted touchscreen, 1040K dots

ISO Range: 100 to 51200 (Extended: 100 to 2,04,800)

Max burst speed: 11fps

Max video resolution: 4K UHD at 30p

The small and lightweight Nikon Z50 shares the same DNA as Nikon’s full-frame Z6 and Z7 cameras. The highly versatile camera instantly grabs aspiring photographers attention as it’s from one of the trusted companies and has a good grip along with good external controls. The beginner-friendly entry-level mirrorless camera from Nikon is an ideal option for travellers and aspiring photographers. The main selling point of the Nikon Z50 is its ability to shoot 4K videos and impressive APS-C sensor, which lets you connect with dedicated Nikon Z series lenses. Along with these features, the Z50 offers a burst speed of 11fps, a decent electronic viewfinder and a helpful tiltable screen. The all-rounder Nikon Z50 is a bit expensive compared to its competitors but is an excellent option for aspiring photographers as it could last longer.

Panasonic Lumix G100

Type: Mirrorless

Sensor: Micro Four Thirds

Megapixels: 20.3MP

Screen: 3-inch vari-angle, 1840k dots

ISO Range: 200 to 25600 (Extended: 100 to 25600)

Max burst speed: 10fps

Max video resolution: 4K UHD at 30p

Panasonic’s latest compact vlogging camera, Lumix G100, is one of the best beginner cameras for aspiring photographers and content creators. The highly versatile camera has an approachable button layout that lets you quickly capture high-quality videos in 4K/30p and excellent 20.3MP stills. The super-small Lumix G100 camera offers Nokia developed OVO Audio technology, which enables you to capture better-sounding audio without any external microphones, and it is the first camera in the world to incorporate OVO technology. The camera also offers five-axis hybrid image stabilization and built-in flash, making it a perfect first camera for vloggers and aspiring photographers.

Gadgets To Keep You Cool & Busy At Home

Summer has arrived and we’re already struggling with it; due to global warming and extreme heatwaves, many parts of the world are supposed to undergo one of the hottest summers in recent years. Along with scorching summer, humans are also worried about the Covid-19 pandemic and its newly developed mutants.

While several vaccine facilities are available now to beat the pandemic, and there are plenty of traditional ways to beat the heat, for instance, diving into the ocean or a pool, travelling to the nearest hill stations. However, in these harsh times, we can’t do much as staying home is the best alternative we have, and in order to save ourselves from the wrath of the pandemic, we must have to follow the rules.

Nevertheless, it turns out there are a lot of innovative gadgets available online to keep you cool and occupied at home during these untimely days, plus there’s nothing quite like the excitement of buying a brand new gadget. With that in mind, here’s a compiled list of gadgets that could be beneficial for you.

DJI FPV drone:

When all of us were trying to cope with the new normal, the DJI team was working on the gadget, which will help us see the world through its eyes. DJI launched a new FPV drone a few months ago that records up to 4K videos at 60fps. The FPV system was initially designed for the drone racing industry, and it consists of the DJI FPV Air Unit Module, DJI FPV Camera, DJI FPV Goggles, and DJI FPV Remote Controller.

The intriguing new breed of drone radiates the view from its camera to a headset back on terra firma that means its first-person view allows you to see what the drone sees, which means you can roam around and enjoy the outer world without even walking out of the house. The drone also provides an incredibly immersive flying experience; thanks to the fantastic DJI FPV Goggles, it also features equally compelling video footage from the forward-facing camera.

The DJI FPV is mainly aimed at shooting mesmerised FPV 4K video, and it has the ability to shoot still images at a primary level; the drone is easy to fly in Normal mode and suitable for beginners who’re trying their luck at flying for the first time. 

The DJI FPV can shoot 4K video up to 60fps and shoot 1080p at 120fps. The drone has a maximum flying range of 10 KM, and it can move at a top speed of 140kmph and reach 0-90 kmph in just two seconds. The biggest advantage of buying an FPV drone is that it makes you feel like you’re flying along with the drone, making it the coolest gadget to have these days.

HyperX Cloud II Wireless Gaming Headset:

HyperX is one of the big names in the gaming world, and its newly launched HyperX Cloud II Wireless Gaming Headset offers an excellent, straightforward gaming experience. Every hardcore gamer wants the right gear to make a difference in the world and stay at the top of the game. Amongst all the gaming abettors, the one that matters most to the gamer is a good headset. 

The current situation in the world has given us a chance to do something that we always dreamed of, and being a gamer, if you’re looking for a gaming headset that sounds good, works efficiently on multiple platforms, and offers enough comfort throughout the day, then the HyperX Cloud II Wireless Gaming Headset is the best bid you got. The Cloud II Wireless looks and feels almost identical to the wired Cloud II, with its aluminium body, a flexible headband and oval-shaped black plastic earcups that feature solid memory foam cushions covered in soft leatherette. 

On PC, the Cloud II Wireless provides optional 7.1-channel simulated surround sound into HyperX’s Ngenuity software, which also manages other HyperX peripherals like the QuadCast S microphone. One can hear all the major and minor sounds while playing the game, like sounds of footsteps, rustling grass and much more. The HyperX Cloud II priced at ₹12,990.00, is one of the market’s finest headsets.

Vaonis Vespera Smart Telescope:

If you’re not a big fan of binging a series or don’t like to spend your time late-night chatting, then here’s something that might grab your attention during the night. Since childhood, we all wondered about stars and always wanted to see them a little closer, some of us went far away and discovered them, but most of us are still wondering about them. But with the launch of the Vaonis Vespera, now we can reach out to space right from our very balconies.

Vaonis, a French startup that raised eyebrows in 2018 when it debuted the pricey, sci-fi robot-looking Stellina smart telescope, revealed an affordable telescope Vespera, in CES 2021. Innovative and fully automated Vespera can be your new observation station; it’s a perfect combination of telescope and camera. Vespera has the same sleek, futuristic design as its larger counterpart Stellina but it is more affordable than its predecessor, also looks more compact in size and weighs only 5 kgs, making astronomy even more accessible to aspiring enthusiasts. 

Vespera displays images on a smartphone, and the telescope is controlled via a mobile app. Vespera offers pretty nice views of the night sky but compromises some of its abilities. However, it successfully maintains the image quality compared to Stellina’s images. These telescopes are easy to use and operate; they needn’t require any virtual setup at all. It stands 15 inches tall, making it easy to carry around during camping trips. Get a Vespera to cherish your stargazing wish and stay cool and occupied at home.

Logitech StreamCam:

If somehow you’ve managed to turn your lockdown pastime into a fruitful side hustle by streaming it over the internet, and now you’re looking for an upgrade to take your content to the next level, then here’s a gadget that will take care of your further streaming. The Logitech StreamCam is created with aiming at streamers and content creators. It’s an ideal starting package for live streamers, with a versatile 1080p60 webcam, screen and table stands, and flexible video processing software.

The StreamCam offers smart autofocus to stop losing focus in the middle of streams and videos. The auto-exposure of Logitech StreamCam is finely tuned, so you look your best in all types of lighting conditions. The StreamCam is a smartly designed boxy camera in a graphite or white colour that measures about 2.3 inches in height, 1.9 inches wide, and 2.4 inches deep, with a five-foot cable ending in a USB-C plug. 

The front of the camera highlights the Logitech logo on the bottom and an indicator LED in the upper right corner. The camera has two flexible mounting options, one for monitors and laptop screens that features the ability to tilt and pan, and another is a small tabletop tripod that allows you to set up the StreamCam on any flat surface. The innovative auto-framing features keep you always in the middle in all your streams and videos; it also offers premium and vibrant audio performance, which helps your audience receive authentic sound.

WAKEcup Self Cleaning Water Bottle:

Nowadays, hygiene is the key to staying safe and healthy, but maintaining hygiene is always tricky as it takes much time and energy. However, in a world of modern technology, some options will take care of your hygiene at a remarkable level, and WAKEcup’s new Self Cleaning UV Water Bottle is one of them. The WAKEcup Ultraviolet Light Water bottle gives you pure drinking and hence peace of mind with its Innovative UV-C technology. 

The WAKEcup 550ml water bottle has an ultraviolet light in the lid that promises to clear 99.99 per cent of the bacteria, viruses, and mould that you might have missed while scrubbing. Click on the UV activation button, and after 3 minutes, your water will be pure and clean, leaving no germs, odour or taste. The self-cleaning water bottle is beneficial for everyday use and weekend campings where you’re not sure about water quality. The double-walled UV bottle can contain 550ml of hot or cold liquid, keeping water cold for 12 hours and hot for 4.

The UV bottle comes in rich matte black stainless steel, with an UltraViolet WAKEcup logo. It works on a USB rechargeable Lithium battery and stays up to a month on a full charge. Also, if all of these benefits didn’t excite you to buy one of them, you should know that for every product sold, 10% of the profits are donated to the Marine Conservation Society to support their vital work protecting marine habitats and campaigning and against plastic pollution.

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