It is not often that a photographer gets to travel to a scenic location just to test out a new camera. So, when the chance to do so came my way, I could barely contain my excitement. At the airport, on our way to Pokhara, Nepal, from New Delhi, our group were handed new Huawei P20 Pro smartphones. While everyone else opened their phone boxes right away on the flight to Kathmandu, I resisted. It was only after we checked into the beautiful and panoramic hilltop resort at Rupakot did I give in to the temptation.
The aluminum frame on the glass body gave the phone a classic feel, while there was no compromise on the optics. Huawei has installed three Leica lenses in one phone. If you are a fan of Leica but, um, can&rsquot afford one, this phone is a great option, as I discovered over the next two days.
A workshop conducted by Vineet Vohra, the Leica India ambassador, was of immense help as we tried out the camera around Phewa Lake, in the town, in cafés and at a deserted amusement park. I usually carry a full-frame DSLR and heavy lenses on assignments. This time, I had a 180g, 40MP camera in my pocket. In just 48 hours, I managed to shoot a variety of images. The cherry on the top was a stamp of approval from Vineet.