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Nikon’s nocturnal marvel: Z5II raises the bar for low-light photography
MUMBAI: Nikon has unleashed its latest weapon in the camera wars—the Z5II, a full-frame mirrorless marvel that promises to turn night into day. Unveiled yesterday in Mumbai, this 24.5-megapixel powerhouse boasts what the company rather immodestly calls “unparalleled performance” in challenging conditions, particularly when the lights go down.
The Z5II’s party trick is its astonishing -10EV autofocus detection range—the lowest in Nikon’s stable—allowing photographers to capture sharp images in environments so dim that rivals would be fumbling for a torch. Paired with a hefty 5-axis in-body stabilisation system offering up to 7.5 stops of shake compensation, the camera practically laughs in the face of tripods.
Speed demons will appreciate autofocus that’s three times nippier than its predecessor, with a 14fps burst rate to freeze even the flightiest subjects. “Whether to capture a bird taking flight or a split-second moment in sports,” Nikon boasts, “the Z5II is the perfect camera to capture fleeting instances with precision.” One might say it puts the “snap” back in snapshot.
Filmmakers haven’t been forgotten, with 4K 60p recording in crop mode and 4K 30p in full-frame—using 6K oversampling for extra detail—plus 12-bit N-Raw for those who enjoy torturing their computers during editing. Slow-motion aficionados can revel in Full HD at 120fps, perfect for capturing dramatic hair flicks or champagne corks in exquisite detail.
The Z5II flexes its artificial intelligence muscles with nine types of subject detection—tracking everything from dogs to trains—and introduces a dedicated picture control button for quickly cycling through “Imaging Recipes,” Nikon’s rather culinary term for its filters and presets.
For those shooting in harsh sunlight, the electronic viewfinder pumps out a retina-searing 3,000 cd/metre square of brightness, while a 3.2-inch vari-angle screen handles awkward angles with aplomb.
Nikon remains mum on pricing and availability, directing eager shutterbugs to its website for more information. With its impressive specs and focus on low-light performance, the Z5II appears poised to light up the mirrorless market—even in the darkest corners
Brands
Ather Energy doubles service network to 500 centres nationwide
EV maker scales support alongside growth to keep riders on the road
MUMBAI: Ather Energy is quietly building more than just scooters. It is building the backbone to keep them running.
The electric two-wheeler maker has expanded its service network to 500 authorised centres across India, nearly doubling its footprint in a year from 277. The move mirrors its growing retail presence and signals a clear focus on one often overlooked part of EV ownership, what happens after the purchase.
From the outset, Ather has prioritised service support in every city it enters, aiming to make ownership as smooth as the ride itself. Its Gold Service Centres bring in upgraded customer lounges, modern equipment and processes designed to make servicing more transparent and reliable.
Speed, too, is part of the pitch. Through its ExpressCare initiative, riders can get periodic maintenance done in about an hour, now available across 82 centres, turning what used to be a chore into a quick pit stop.
Ather Energy chief business officer Ravneet Singh Phokela said, “Crossing 500 service centres is an important milestone as we scale across the country. Reliable after-sales support is central to the ownership experience, and our focus remains on consistent service quality and accessibility.”
The expansion comes as demand grows for models like the Ather 450 and the Rizta, which have helped the company reach a broader set of riders across metros and emerging cities alike.
Alongside servicing, Ather continues to power up infrastructure through the Ather Grid, now one of the largest fast-charging networks for two-wheelers, with over 4,300 charging points.
With plans to scale further and deepen its presence, Ather’s approach is clear. Selling the scooter may start the journey, but keeping it running smoothly is what sustains it.
