The Tribune, Chandigarh, India

Shoot & scoot
The latest range of compact cameras with technical advancements that give you simplicity and precision can tempt even the most serious of professional photographers
Roopinder Singh

No serious photographer likes to be caught with one but the overwhelming popularity of point-and-shoot cameras has made democratised photography. Single lens cameras (SLR) are most coveted by professionals, largely because of their ability to accommodate a vast number of specialised lenses. Compact cameras have a built-in lens which often has a zoom lens that covers most of the situations that a photographer is likely to encounter.

Another major difference is the way you see the picture. While in an SLR camera, what you see through the viewfinder is the same light that will reach your camera's sensor when you press the shutter button, a compact camera, uses an electronic viewfinder through which it endeavours to recreate what an SLR viewfinder would see.

Manual vs automatic

SLR cameras give the photographer the ability to manually control various parameters such as aperture, shutter speed, ISO (image sensor), etc. Compact cameras, on the other hand, make it far easier for amateur photographers to take pictures by taking auto decisions on aperture, speed, light conditions, etc and thus allowing the photographers to concentrate on the fun aspects of picture taking, such as composition.

It comes as no surprise that SLR cameras are far more expensive than compact cameras. Naturally, the latter is what sells in large numbers. Given the numbers, top camera companies in the world like Nikon, Cannon, Sony and Leica, have devoted time and resources to improve this genre of cameras and the results were for the world to see at the recently held Photokina exhibition.

Cologne, Germany, plays host to the trade show that draws a crowd of more than two lakh photo enthusiasts and professionals. It is described as the world's largest imaging show, and is held every two years.

Star of the show

This year the star of the show was the 37.5-megapixel Leica S. This medium-format/DSLR has the same sensor as its predecessor, some improvements in autofocus and buffering capabilities and will cost a cool $21,950 when it hits the market at the end of the year.

Requiring less deep pockets, is also the Leica rangefinder Leica M. This 24.3-megapixel camera can shoot full 1080p HD video and has video and live view; you can attach an optional electronic viewfinder to this $6,950 camera.

Technically advanced

Canon's latest PowerShots-the G15, S110, and SX50 HS-are alluring. The G15 28-140mm lens is with an f/1.8-2.8 aperture. The $500 camera also has an optical viewfinder. The G15 can shoot at up to ISO 12800. It can also record full 1080p HD video at 24 frames per second.

Fuji presented it Fuji XF1, a premium compact camera with a f/1.8 4x optical zoom Fujinon lens. The 12 megapixel camera has a 25-100 mm lens that retracts into the body, and makes it easy to slip the $ 500 camera into a pocket or purse.

No matter which point-and-shoot camera you pick, technical advance have made them quite good. In fact, even some professional photographers have been using compact cameras.

So go forth and pick up the latest, you will have fun taking photographs while your camera does all the work.

LEICA M
24.3-megapixel
Video and live view
10x zoom and focus peaking
Full 1080p HD video
An optional electronic viewfinder can be attached
Price: $6,950

FUJIFILM
12 megapixel
Has a f/1.8 4x optical zoom Fujinon
25-100 mm lens
Lens retracts into the body, and makes it easy to slip the camera into a pocket or purse
Price: $500

Gifting happiness
Markets are flooded with idols of Lord Ganesha in various shapes and sizes, besides a lot of paraphernalia associated with the elephant-headed God, to suit all pocket

Shobita Shivshankar

INDIAN mythology has been enriched with a variety of religious festivals. If it is Ramnavmi one day, it is Janamashthami another day, Mahavir Jayanti is followed by Buddha Purnima and Ganesh Chaturthi by Diwali. Out of all these gods, the symbol of all auspicious beginnings is Lord Ganesha — gana (follower of Shiva) and isha (lord) — the elephant-deity who blesses everyone with health, happiness and prosperity and takes away all miseries and sorrows.

As one of the five prime Hindu deities, Lord Ganesha is the embodiment of all positive attributes — physical beauty, strength, knowledge, wisdom, material wealth, and spiritual enlightenment.

He is considered the lord of the letters and learning and such is his wisdom and vast knowledge that he is widely believed to have written the shlokas of the Mahabharata, when these were being articulated by Maharshi Ved Vyas, using just the tip of his right tusk.

He also has four hands. Each one represents the four truths — Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha. They also convey the idea of four directions symbolising the omnipresence and omnipotence of Lord Ganesha.

His elephant head signifies his immense wisdom and intellect. His large ears and small mouth teach mankind to listen more and talk less, his small eyes signify the power of concentration and his large stomach implies that people should have the capacity to digest the good and bad. The all-poweful Ganesha with his vast wisdom grants us good fortune and removes the obstacles in our path.

Ganesha is revered as the remover of all obstacles and the God of all propitious beginnings. Before any auspicious event or starting of any new enterprise most Hindus invoke the blessings of Lord Ganesha. He is also widely worshipped as the god of education, knowledge, wisdom and wealth.

Business opportunity

Apart from Ganesh Chaturthi, Diwali and Mahashivratri, Lord Ganesha is worshipped throughout the year making the deity’s merchandising a great business opportunity for entrepreneurs and shopkeepers. The markets are flooded not only with idols of Lord Ganesha in various shapes and sizes but also a lot of paraphernalia associated with the elephant-headed god.

As soon as Ganesh Chaturthi arrives, people are caught in religious fervour, and pandering to their spiritual predilections are idols and merchandising of Lord Ganesha. Apart from idols, there are other accessories ranging from Ganesha T-shirts and mugs as also paperweights, calendars, wall hangings and other decoration pieces, which are considered auspicious for the house.

Over the years, designers have become more innovative and have been bringing out imaginative accessories like water bottles in the shape of Lord Ganesha, clocks and handbags with Ganesha embossed on these as also clothing and puja thalis.

High-end merchandising

Even high-end international companies have been cashing in on this marketing opportunity. Swiss luxury company Chopard recently launched Ganesha pendants in collaboration with the celebrated British jewellery house Highglow.

These limited edition pendants have been made in different combinations — 18-carat white-gold with diamonds on the outer circle and 18-carat white-gold with white gold outer circle. Obviously of high value, the company gives away prices only upon the request of serious potential buyers.

Japanese pen giant Sailor Pens has launched a limited edition fountain pen Shri Ganesh, which has been drawn by hand by famous Japanese artist Kosen Oshita. The pen has a 21-carat gold nib and has been released as a limited edition of only 36 pieces the world over. Again the price is not disclosed, which is indicative of its high value of the writing instrument.

Ganeshas for all pockets

However, apart from the paraphernalia, it is the idols of Lord Ganesha that top the list of merchandising. The prices of these can range from a few rupees to millions depending on the material used and the level of fine craftsmanship. There are Ganeshas to suit all pockets.

This year, for example French glassware company Daum & Lalique has on display a crystal idol of Lord Ganesha at its DLF Emporia outlet in Delhi with a staggering price tag of more than Rs 24 lakh. Rivalling that was the Ganesha idol at the Gaud Saraswat Brahmin Mandal at King’s Circle in Mumbai made of — believe it or not — 68 kg of gold and 435 kg of silver.

The well-known diamond company Orra showcased in Pune an idol of Lord Ganesha made of 514-karat diamond. The amazing fact is that this rough diamond was found in one of Orra’s factories in Africa in its trinity form naturally emerging from it. Such is the uniqueness of this natural diamond that it was also showcased at the famous Forbes Gallery in New York.

Green Ganeshas

Interestingly, this year Lord Ganesha went eco-friendly. Mounting awareness of the environmental damage caused by immersing lakhs of Plaster of Paris idols in the sea, many manufacturers are offering Lord Ganesha idols made of biodegradable material, which have a minimum impact on the environment.

The prices of the ‘Green Ganeshas’ between one and three feet range between Rs 1,200 and Rs 3,500. And according to newspaper reports of the 1.72 lakh Ganeshas immersed in the sea in Mumbai, more than 13,000 were eco-friendly and were made of dissolvable clay and herbal paints. With the concern for pollution mounting, the manufacturers are hoping for a spike in demand with every passing year.

But, says a market source, "It is not that eco-friendly Ganesha idols will wipe out the ones made from POP, marble, brass and wood. There’s room for all kinds of Ganesha idols and even as the following of the elephant God increases, so is the demand for the merchandising."

Gold-plated Ganesha with Om

This is an ideal gift for any auspicious occasion. The face of Lord Ganesha is made in red stone with Om forming the backdrop. Both are symbols of Hindu piousness and devotion — Lord Ganesha is the remover of all obstacles and Om is the symbol of the Absolute source of all universal existence.

Price: Rs 366

Marble Ganesha in red turban

This marble Ganesha is intriguing as he is uncharacteristically wearing an attractive and unusual red turban. His ears are intricately designed and studded with stones in Meenakari style. There is a garland around the neck and the trunk is studded with semi-precious stones. The 10-cm-high statue is ideal for auspicious occasions.

Price: Rs 888

Diamond Ganesha pendant

This sparkling diamond Ganesha pendant by P.C. Jewellers will simply take your breath away. Made of 14-carat gold, it is studded with 0.06-carat diamond and weighs 1.43 grams. Wear this pendant to receive the blessings of the elephant-headed deity.

Price: Rs 5,500

Rose Ganeshas

A keen design eye and skilled hands combine to create the Lord Ganeshas in gold, precious and semi precious stones by the Rose group. Its ‘Gems & Divinity’ collection has stunning Lord Ganeshas in diamonds, emeralds and rubies at its outlets in Mumbai and Delhi.

Price: Rs 50,000 onwards

Big Ganesha by Daum & Lalique

Luxury and elegance define the figurines of art nouveau dealers Daum and Lalique who have jointly opened a showroom at the DLF Emporio in Delhi. As part of the first exclusive Art in Crystal series they are offering the intricately sculptured and hand-finished Big Ganesha which showcases their 100 years of experience in crystal moulding techniques.

Price: Rs 24,60,300

Lladro Ganesha collection

This is one of the most exquisite collections of Lord Ganesha in different poses by Spanish luxury figurines company Lladro. The glazed porcelain statuettes portray the Dancing Ganesha, Mridangam Ganesha, Veena Ganesha and Bansuri Ganesha, which make a stunning foursome.

Price: $1,150 per figurine (Around Rs 63,250)

Tibetan silver gilt Ganesha

In this Tibetan silver gilt statue, Lord Ganesha is sitting in a relaxed pose as the protector of the world. Created by skilled Tibetan craftsmen in traditional style, in this pose devouts believe that Ganesha exudes positive energy, which makes your family and surroundings flourish and prosper. He blesses you with good luck and success.

Price: $160

The 12-idols necklace

Twelve idols of Lord Ganesha adorn this beautiful 22-carat gold necklace weighing 77.19 grams by Chennai's VBJ group known for its jewellery based on deities. The necklace crafted with precision is a must-have jewellery for those who believe in the power of Lord Ganesha as remover of obstacles and bestower of blessings.

Price: Rs 2,80,340

Precious stones pendant

The high fashion jewellery store Mirari has unveiled a beautiful Ganesha in his carnation as the lord of success and destroyer of evils and obstacles. The graceful pendant captured is available at the store in DLF Emporio. It has been paved with 0.55 carats emeralds, 0.17 carats diamonds and 0.46 carats rubies.

Price: Rs 1,10,000

Ganesh statue & incense burner

Ganesha, the lord of wisdom and learning, invoked by seekers of knowledge is seated on an incense holder that forms the base of this intricate statue with gold finish. In this pose, Ganesha symbolises intelligence and supreme wisdom. It represents the eternal soul.

Price: $19 (Rs 1,045)

White gold pendant

Revered for being a remover of obstacles, Lord Ganesha is a popular deity for most Hindus. This intricately crafted pendant of 18-carat white gold and inlaid with diamonds by VBJ is just the kind of jewellery suited for the religious and spiritually inclined people. The highly polished and well cut diamonds add sparkle and splendour to this inspired piece.

Price: Rs 29,780

Cast metal Ganesha

The cast metal Lord Ganesha idol with golden polish is suited for every pocket. The idol is studded with artificial diamonds (jerkens) and imitation stones and comes in the size of 1.5 x 3 inches. The budget Ganesha can adorn your home or make an ideal gift for an auspicious occasion.

Price: $8 (Rs 440)

Padmasana Ganesha

Lord Ganesha is shown in the Padmasana or lotus pose with legs crossed, as depicted in the early sculptures from the Gupta period. This piece by Spanish sculptor Virginia Gonzalez opens a collection of spiritual and religious icons pictured on top of a lotus.

Price: $1,100 (Rs 60,500)

Ganesha with hand on serpent Kaliya

This one-of-a-kind statue is a combination of two other unique statues. One of Shiva bringing the goddess Ganga down to earth and the other of Krishna’s taming of the serpent Kaliya. Ganesha is shown coming from the heavens down to earth with his hands upon the hood of serpent Kaliya. Ganesha’s trunk is upright, his feet are over his head as he speeds towards the earth.

Price: $2,475

The many names of Ganesha
Although there are 108 names of Lord Ganesha, some like Ganapati and Siddhivinayak over centuries have become more popular. Here's a list of some of the most prevalent names of the elephant-headed God:
Amit: Many religious scholars call give the name of Amit to Lord Ganesha, which means the incomparable Lord.
Avaneesh: In Tamil, Ganesha is sometimes called Avaneesh which means lord of the entire universe.
Buddhinath: Since Ganesha is associated with education, knowledge and wisdom, he is also called Buddhinath.
Chaturbhuj: As a reference to the power of Ganesha, Chaturbhuj translates to god with four arms.
Gadadhara: This name refers to the gada or mace that Ganesha wields to destroy all evil from the world.
Ganapati: The second most common name of Ganesha, it means the lord of all lords — the supreme almighty.
Kapila: The name refers to a person who has a yellowish-brown complexion, which is associated with wisdom.
Kirti: Being a Nada Brahmin, Ganesha is also called Kirti, which translates to a lover of cosmic music and rhythm.
Mangalmurti: Someone who personifies all that is beautiful, charming, handsome and auspicious.
Omkara: Ganesha is referred to as Omkara as the sacred syllable Om is the sound that precedes creation.
Siddhivinayaka: The bestower of success, Ganesha is so called as he grants knowledge and wisdom to his devotees.
Tarun: Meaning ever youthful, Ganesha is called Tarun as he is considered ageless, everlasting and eternal.

BLING IT ON

STAMP OF HISTORY
It has left an indelible stamp in the history of philately. Issued by the Governor of Mauritius in 1857, it was the first colonial stamp in the world. It is the rarest of rare flawed stamp as the designer incorrectly printed the word ‘Post Office’ instead of ‘Post Paid,’ which is why it has been a collectors’ delight since over a century and a half. Of the 200 produced, only a handful remain and are put up for auction time and again. So if you have cash to burn you can stamp your authority at the next auction.

Last auctioned for $3.8 million (Rs 20.90 crore)

DIAMONDS FOR YOUR BEST FRIEND
These diamonds have literally gone to the dogs. La Jeune Tulipe, an American dog accessories company has brought out an all-diamond dog collar that will put your furry friend in a league of his own. The exquisite dog collar is adorned with 1.52-carat marquise-cut diamond blooms. The pear-shaped, intricately arranged diamonds have all been handcrafted and engraved with extreme precision. Of course, once you buy this collar the next thing you’ll have to buy is a high-value insurance policy for the collar and your dog.

Price: $150,000 (Rs 82.50 lakh)

MUSICAL MASTERPIECE
For the guitar geek this is music to the ears. German guitar- manufacturing giant Jens Ritter’s latest is a masterpiece in wood, diamonds and gold. The Ritter Royal Flora Aurum, as it’s called, has a body carved from a rare, solid piece of maple while the nut is carved from—believe it or not — 10,000-year-old ivory. The fingerboard is decorated with a floral inlay pattern made of 24-karat gold. There’s even a flawless black diamond (3.3 carats) set in platinum which decorates each leaf pattern. Even the bridge and tuner buttons are cast in gold. The golden knobs on this luxurious bass hold an additional embellishment—they’re both topped with diamonds. Nobody should mind the cost. Such babies are pricey.

Price: $ 100,000 (Rs 55 lakh)

SMELL THE CRYSTAL!
The company is known for making some of the world’s most exquisite decanters and crystal-encrusted bottles for spirits and perfumes. Baccarat has now stepped into the world of perfumes. Like its exquisite decanters, its perfume called Les Larmes Sacrées de Thebes is one of a kind and comes in a crystal bottle in the shape of a pyramid. It is giving stiff competition to some of the best perfumes like Caron’s Poivre, Ralph Laurent’s Perfume Notorious and Chanel No. 5. The perfume evokes ancient Middle Eastern essences like frankincense and Myrrh. Little wonder then that it comes in a pyramid-shaped bottle and its whiff will transport you to the land of deserts and mirages.

Price: $6,800 (Rs 3.74 lakh)

CROWNING JEWELLERY
The 175-year-old Swiss luxury watch maker Jaeger has come out with a jewellery set that is guaranteed to dazzle the wealthiest of the wealthy. The Parure extraordinaire Le Lierre, is a set comprising a cuff-watch, a necklace, a pair of earrings and a ring. The company is calling it an exceptional work of art. Which it is considering it is made of 14,000 precious stones of approximatively 160 carats and two flawless yellow diamonds – a 5.19-carat oval diamond on the necklace and a 2.32-carat oval diamond on the ring. Let nothing stop you from indulging yourself.

Price: $ 4.3 million (Rs 23.65 crore)

TAKE OFF IN THIS CAR
Italian luxury auto maker Lamborghini has launched its 700-hp Aventador LP700-4 which uses the same advanced materials as in the 787 Boeing Dreamliner. This is the company’s most powerful car ever which has a carbon fibre body, is fitted with a V12 engine and can go from 0–100 kmph in 2.9 seconds. The two-door two-seater racer is two generations ahead of all other cars and uses Formula-One styled suspension to give it that added power and road grab. So get ready for the time of your life when you sit behind the wheel of the car named after the most courageous champion bull to ever enter the Italian arena.

Price: $370,000 (Rs 2.35 crore)

BILLIONAIRE’S YACHT
It's a concept yacht being built for the uber rich. Called Streets of Monaco, it is being modelled after Europe’s richest principality which is a haven for some of the world’s wealthiest billionaires. On the top deck it has the replica of Monaco’s iconic Monte Carlo casino. It also has to-scale models of Monaco’s Hotel de Paris, Cafe de Paris, La Rascasse, and Loews Hotel, as well as a fully functional go-kart circuit based on the Monaco Grand Prix race track. The interior design and furnishings are truly one of a kind. It has twin generators, stabilisers, bow-and-stern thrusters and electronics that include a night-vision camera. And not to forget a real submarine and a helipad! Want to pre-book it? You need to be a billionaire many times over.

Price: $1 billion (Rs 5,500 crore)

ROYAL SUITE
What do Bill Clinton, Mikhail Gorbachov and Michael Jackson have in common? They have all stayed in this suite while visiting Geneva in Switzerland. The royal suite occupies the entire top floor of the President Wilson Hotel. It has 12 rooms with 12 bathrooms and is replete with multiple bars, numerous TVs, walk-in closets, a lounge with billiard table and a library with expensive art collections and also private gyms, spas and a private elevator. You can enjoy the incredible view of Lake Geneva, the Alps and Mont Blanc from its windows. One of the most expensive suites in the world, it guarantees you a kingly vacation.

Price: $65,000 per night (Rs 35.75 lakh per night)

BANG FOR YOUR BUCKS
It is going to be one blast of an auction. London auction house Bonham’s will oversee the auction of a magnificent and exceptionally rare pair of cased silver Flintlock holster pistols, that was produced almost two-and- a-half centuries ago in 1768. The pistols were designed by one of 18th century Britain's greatest gunsmiths, Joseph Heylin. These are unique as they have gold barrels, mounts and locks. They are also highly decorated, and the combination makes them extremely attractive to collectors. So go ahead take a shot at the pair.

Expected to be auctioned for $95,000 (Rs 52.25 lakh)

ART OF MAKING A FORTUNE
It’s official now. The world’s costliest painter is Austrian Gustav Klimt whose Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bleur has been bought by the New York’s Neue Galerie. It has beaten the earlier records held by Vincent Van Gogh, Pablo Picasso and Peter Paul Rubens. The painting that was stolen by the Nazis during World War ll was returned to Austria by a court intervention and sold off recently.

Price: $135 million (Rs 550 crore)

CLICK INTO THE PAST
The world may have gone digital and the art of clicking pictures and developing them in dark rooms may be a thing of the past. But those passionate about photography still savour the click of the old fashioned film roll camera. And one of the most sought after is the Leica O Series Nr. 107. Such is the demand for this camera from photography aficionados that it can only be procured from international auctions. But then to lay your hands on one of the known 25 pieces still in existence you must be more than a photographer — you have to be among the richest people in the world.

Price: Last auctioned Price $1.9 million (Rs 10.45 crore)

CHEERS TO THIS HEADTURNER
For almost two and a half centuries, Hennessy has been the Grand Emperor of cognacs. The popularity of the iconic French brand can be gauged from the fact that it meets over 40 per cent of the world’s cognac demand. The hallmark of the company is innovation and the latest entrant, Hennessy XO Mathusalem is a connoisseur’s ultimate delight. The minted edition is of royal heritage, this ultra-fine grade of cognac and comes in a six-litre hand-blown crystal decanter encased in a Shoemaker Berluti leather trunk. The packaging and the intricately chiselled decanter are complete head-turners and are sure to set the mood for the most romantic evening.

Price: $25,000 per bottle (Rs 13.75 lakh)

HANDS-FREE SUITCASE
Tired of lugging your strollers in and out of airports. Now help is at hand. This hands-free luggage will follow you wherever you go. Called Hop, the prototype connects to a Bluetooth signal from your mobile and rolls after you. If the signal is lost, the suitcase locks itself securely so that no one can take it away. It also makes a call on the mobile to alert you. Designed by Rodrigo Garcia Gonzalez, the case is ready to hit the market and will not just be a boon for frequent travellers but a boon for differently abled travellers as well.

Expected to cost around $160 (Rs 8,800)