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menzelrobovision-blog · 11 months ago

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Navigating Lens Selection Challenges in Video Surveillance Systems: Lessons Learned from School Security

In the realm of video surveillance systems, lens selection is a critical yet often overlooked aspect of system design. This article delves into the importance of diligent lens selection through two case studies from the public school sector. By examining both a failed and a successful project, we uncover the key considerations that can make or break a video surveillance system.

Case Study 1: New Jersey High School

The New Jersey High School faced safety concerns, seeking to address aggressive student behavior and theft. The school aimed to upgrade its existing analog surveillance system, opting for megapixel cameras to achieve higher image resolution. The security staff conducted thorough research, comparing various camera brands, models, and features. They discovered that not all megapixel cameras could meet their specific needs.

In their lens selection process, the school evaluated samples from different manufacturers, encountering challenges such as fisheye effects and blurry images. Despite facing opposition from vendors and installers due to aggressive angles in the school's hexagonal hallway, the team persevered. They selected 8-megapixel, 360-degree multi-sensor cameras, coupled with 5-megapixel lenses from Theia Technologies (https://mvrpl.com/theia-technologies-dealer-india.html) .

The results were impressive – the project came in under budget, achieving excellent resolution, image fluidity, and rapid response time. The unique challenge of the hexagonal hallway was overcome by Theia lenses, providing the necessary wide angles without the dreaded fisheye effect. The success of this project paved the way for potential upgrades in other schools within the district.

Lessons Learned:

Thoroughly research and test both cameras and lenses. Address unique challenges with specialized lenses. Seek solutions that align with specific goals and locations.

Side Bar: Wide Angle Lens Selection

The hexagonal hallway in the New Jersey school posed a significant challenge. Project manager Nick Steele emphasized the importance of finding a lens that could prove skeptics wrong. The Theia lens not only delivered the wide angles needed but also avoided fisheye distortion, providing clear and detailed images. The tailored approach to lens selection proved crucial in achieving the desired resolution.

Case Study 2: Southern California High School

Similar safety concerns led the administration of a Southern California high school to revamp its surveillance system. The existing 170-analog camera system suffered from poor reliability, frequent breakdowns, and high maintenance costs. The administration sought a consultant to design a system that would offer improved coverage, image clarity, and system uptime.

The consultant recommended a drastic reduction in camera count, opting for 43 megapixel cameras and 43 5-megapixel lenses from Theia Technologies. However, shortly after installation, the lenses were returned. The cause? The CSI effect.

The CSI effect, popularized by crime investigation shows, creates unrealistic expectations regarding the capabilities of megapixel cameras and lenses. The crucial trade-off between image resolution and field of view was neglected. The school administration expected the system to cover a wide parking lot while zooming in for detailed views, an unrealistic demand for a one-size-fits-all approach.

Lessons Learned:

Understand the trade-off between image resolution and field of view. Tailor equipment selection to specific needs and locations. Avoid overengineering based on unrealistic expectations.

Image Resolution versus Field of View

An often neglected consideration is the trade-off between image resolution and field of view. The wider the field of view, the lower the pixel density and image resolution. The article emphasizes the need to strike a balance based on the specific requirements of each location.

One Size Does Not Fit All The importance of a tailored approach to equipment selection is highlighted, emphasizing that different locations may require varying resolutions. The pitfalls of a one-size-fits-all mentality are illustrated through the failed California project, leading to the return of incorrectly chosen lenses.

Use Available Tools

The article emphasizes the use of tools, such as Theia's free image resolution and lens calculator, to support systems design and equipment selection. These tools assist in calculating image resolution based on camera resolution, sensor size, lens field of view, and other project variables.

Do I Need a Megapixel Lens?

The necessity of using a high-quality lens matching the resolution of a megapixel camera is discussed. The example of the New Jersey high school underscores that a standard resolution lens with a megapixel camera can result in a blurry image, wasting the potential of the high-resolution camera.

Do I Need a Day/Night Lens?

The article explores the importance of Day/Night or IR-corrected lenses in scenarios involving infrared (IR) light. While the Theia SY125 lens used in the case studies is not Day/Night corrected, the article clarifies that the choice depends on the specific lighting conditions and requirements of the application.

What about F#?

The lens F/#, determining the amount of light passing through the lens, is discussed in the context of low-light situations. Security applications are advised to look for lenses with F/# 2.0 or lower for optimal performance in varying lighting conditions.

No Substitute for Homework

The article concludes by reiterating the importance of thorough research, understanding the specific needs of each application, and testing technical solutions in real situations. It emphasizes that investing time upfront in the selection process can save both time and money in the long run.

In summary, the lens selection process for video surveillance systems requires careful consideration of the unique challenges and goals of each location. Tailoring equipment selection, understanding trade-offs, utilizing available tools, and avoiding unrealistic expectations are key elements in ensuring the success of such projects. The lessons learned from these case studies serve as valuable insights for anyone involved in the design and implementation of video surveillance systems.

Mvrpl

To Know More about Lens Selection

Visit:

Case Study 1: New Jersey High School

Lessons Learned:

Thoroughly research and test both cameras and lenses. Address unique challenges with specialized lenses. Seek solutions that align with specific goals and locations.

Side Bar: Wide Angle Lens Selection

Case Study 2: Southern California High School

Lessons Learned:

Understand the trade-off between image resolution and field of view. Tailor equipment selection to specific needs and locations. Avoid overengineering based on unrealistic expectations.

Image Resolution versus Field of View

Use Available Tools

Do I Need a Megapixel Lens?

Do I Need a Day/Night Lens?

What about F#?

No Substitute for Homework

Mvrpl

To Know More about Lens Selection

Visit:

Case Study 1: New Jersey High School

Lessons Learned:

Thoroughly research and test both cameras and lenses. Address unique challenges with specialized lenses. Seek solutions that align with specific goals and locations.

Side Bar: Wide Angle Lens Selection

Case Study 2: Southern California High School

Lessons Learned:

Understand the trade-off between image resolution and field of view. Tailor equipment selection to specific needs and locations. Avoid overengineering based on unrealistic expectations.

Image Resolution versus Field of View

Use Available Tools

Do I Need a Megapixel Lens?

Do I Need a Day/Night Lens?

What about F#?

No Substitute for Homework

Mvrpl

To Know More about Lens Selection

Visit:

Case Study 1: New Jersey High School

Lessons Learned:

Thoroughly research and test both cameras and lenses. Address unique challenges with specialized lenses. Seek solutions that align with specific goals and locations.

Side Bar: Wide Angle Lens Selection

Case Study 2: Southern California High School

Lessons Learned:

Understand the trade-off between image resolution and field of view. Tailor equipment selection to specific needs and locations. Avoid overengineering based on unrealistic expectations.

Image Resolution versus Field of View

Use Available Tools

Do I Need a Megapixel Lens?

Do I Need a Day/Night Lens?

What about F#?

No Substitute for Homework

Mvrpl

To Know More about Lens Selection

Visit: http://mvrpl.com/index.html

#Video surveillance lens selection #School security camera mistakes #Megapixel camera and lens trade-offs

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newsgoats · 1 year ago

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Vivo V29e with Crystal Back Design, 50MP Selfie Camera Launched: Price, Offers, and More

The tech world is buzzing with excitement as Vivo unveils its latest masterpiece - the Vivo V29e. Combining cutting-edge technology with an elegant design, this smartphone is set to redefine your mobile experience. In this article, we delve into the details of Vivo's latest creation, covering its price, features, and special offers that make it an irresistible choice. Vivo V29e Price in India:Pre-Orders and Availability: Exclusive Offers: Vivo V29e: Specifications and Features:Captivating Display: Powerhouse Performance: Seamless Software: Camera Excellence: 50MP Selfie Marvel: Fuel for the Journey: Connectivity and More: Conclusion: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Vivo V29e Price in India:

The Vivo V29e arrives in two captivating variants for Indian consumers. The 8GB RAM + 128GB storage version is priced at Rs. 26,999, while the 8GB RAM + 256GB storage variant is available for Rs. 28,999. The phone arrives in two appealing color options, Artistic Blue and Artistic Red, adding a touch of personality to your device. Pre-Orders and Availability: Excitement kicked off with pre-orders for the Vivo V29e commencing on August 28. Those eager to embrace its brilliance can secure their units through the Vivo e-store and Flipkart. Come September 7, this exceptional device will be available for purchase both online and at select retail outlets nationwide. Exclusive Offers: Vivo is committed to enhancing customer delight with a range of exclusive offers. For those looking to trade in their old device, there's a potential discount of up to Rs. 2,000 through exchange offers. Specific bank offers extend the benefits even further, with the potential to save up to Rs. 2,500. Eligible cardholders can avail themselves of up to 10 percent cashback, enhancing the overall value proposition. And don't miss out on the upgrade bonus of up to Rs. 2,500 when acquiring the Vivo V29e.

Vivo V29e: Specifications and Features:

Diving into the core of the Vivo V29e, let's explore its exceptional specifications and features that make it stand out in the crowded smartphone arena. Captivating Display: The Vivo V29e boasts a brilliant 6.78-inch full-HD+ display, treating your eyes to a resolution of 2400 x 1080 pixels. The visual experience is further enhanced by a speedy 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth interactions and seamless scrolling. With an impressive peak brightness of 1300 nits, your content truly shines, even in challenging lighting conditions. Powerhouse Performance: At the heart of the Vivo V29e beats the octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 SoC, an embodiment of raw power and efficiency. The accompanying Adreno 619 GPU ensures your graphics and visuals are rendered with precision. The phone offers 8GB of RAM, allowing for multitasking without breaking a sweat. Storage options extend up to a generous 256GB, providing ample room for all your digital treasures. Seamless Software: The Vivo V29e is powered by the Android 13-based FuntouchOS 13 operating system. This harmonious pairing guarantees a user-friendly interface, intuitive navigation, and a seamless experience as you explore the phone's myriad features. Camera Excellence: Vivo's commitment to capturing moments with brilliance continues with the Vivo V29e's camera setup. The dual rear camera configuration features a 64-megapixel primary sensor equipped with optical image stabilization (OIS), delivering sharp and steady shots even in motion. Complementing this is an 8-megapixel sensor with an ultra-wide-angle lens, accompanied by an LED flash unit for stunning low-light photography. 50MP Selfie Marvel: The selfie experience receives a monumental upgrade with the Vivo V29e's 50-megapixel front-facing camera. This incredible sensor captures every detail with unmatched clarity, ensuring your self-portraits are nothing short of breathtaking. Say goodbye to mediocre selfies, and say hello to a new era of stunning self-expression. Fuel for the Journey: A smartphone is only as good as its battery life, and the Vivo V29e doesn't disappoint. With a robust 5,000mAh battery, you'll have the power to conquer your day without constant recharging. And when you do need a quick boost, the 44W wired fast charging support ensures you're back in action swiftly. Connectivity and More: The Vivo V29e ensures you stay connected with support for 5G and 4G networks. Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac ensures rapid internet connectivity, while Bluetooth v5.1 facilitates seamless wireless interactions. The inclusion of USB Type-C ensures hassle-free charging and data transfer. With dimensions measuring 164.42mm x 74.92mm x 7.57mm and a weight of 180.5 grams, the phone is designed to fit comfortably in your hand.

Conclusion:

The Vivo V29e emerges as a true testament to Vivo's commitment to innovation and excellence. With its crystal back design, 50MP selfie camera, Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 SoC, and a myriad of impressive features, this smartphone is a game-changer in every sense. From capturing memories in stunning clarity to powering through your day with its robust battery, the Vivo V29e is a device designed to elevate your mobile experience. Embrace the brilliance and make the Vivo V29e your new companion in innovation and style.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q: What sets the Vivo V29e apart from other smartphones? A: The Vivo V29e stands out with its crystal back design, a powerful 50MP selfie camera, and a Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 SoC, offering exceptional performance and stunning visuals. Q: Can I purchase the Vivo V29e online? A: Yes, the Vivo V29e is available for pre-order through the Vivo e-store and Flipkart. It can also be purchased from September 7, both online and at select retail outlets. Q: What benefits can I avail through exchange offers? A: Vivo is offering a potential discount of up to Rs. 2,000 through exchange offers, allowing you to save while upgrading to the Vivo V29e. Q: Are there additional benefits for eligible cardholders? A: Absolutely! Eligible cardholders can enjoy up to 10 percent cashback on their Vivo V29e purchase, enhancing the overall value proposition. Q: How powerful is the Vivo V29e's battery? A: The Vivo V29e features a robust 5,000mAh battery, ensuring extended usage without frequent recharging. The 44W wired fast charging support ensures quick refueling when needed. Q: Does the Vivo V29e offer 5G connectivity? A: Yes, the Vivo V29e supports 5G connectivity, allowing you to experience high-speed internet and seamless data transfer. Read the full article

#mobile #Tech

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captainmdhridoyhossain-blog · 2 years ago

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cosmotographer · 5 years ago

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The Leica M10 Review

…yes I know it’s 2020 and it’s late

This review was a long time coming since I had originally planned on writing this review last Spring. It was during that time when I was fortunate enough to get the opportunity to pick up a second-hand Leica M10 in black from a fellow forum member in exchange for two of my lenses at the time (Summilux 35mm FLE and the Summicron 50mm V5). Was it worth selling my M240 at the time and trading off two lenses for the M10?

Before I continue with this review, I should caveat by saying that this is my second M10 as I sold the first one during the first draft of this review last year after my trip from Miami and Key West. I had sold it over the summer because I didn’t feel the premium wasn’t worth it to me, therefore I had sold it off and picked up a mint silver chrome M-P 240 which I loved and took it several trips with me.

Fast forward to 2020, an opportunity had come up for an M10 while I was at the gym one morning. I was catching up on Leica things during a break (as you do) and I had found a silver chrome M10 for sale for a price that was hard to pass up. A price so good, that I had completely stopped working out and went into full-time stalker mode with the seller on securing the purchase via text message. After less than 5 minutes of communicating back and forth, we had agreed on a price and a successful transaction was made.

I said farewell my beloved M-P (Typ 240) as it sold in less than a day to a gentleman in Texas. You were the best iteration of the best value digital Leica M camera, but how does the M10 compare and do I still think it was worth the money to upgrade?

My first Leica M10 in black

“Minute changes like these is what legendary products need. Nothing drastic, but incremental improvements.”

Introduction

When the M10 was first introduced in January 2017, it was a cause for celebration as reviews sang their praises as the ‘best Leica yet’ while commenting on its new 24 megapixel sensor paired with the latest Maestro II processor, a bigger viewfinder magnification with better eye-relief, a body that is as slim as the M7 film camera, a new manual ISO dial and what is this?

They’ve removed video recording!

Nobody cared. Moving on.

Not only did Leica giveth and taketh away with the M10, but they had also made the camera significantly more simplified compared to its predecessor. Leica’s new devotion to minimalism that could be seen back in 2015 with the introduction of the Leica Q, transferred over to the M10 as the camera now has less buttons, removed any superfluous menu options which led to a more structured and cleaner menu system. They even changed the power switch so that it only does one thing now: On or Off. This is a big deal as the Leica Q had a problem with some users accidentally switching to “Continuous” as the power switch had the tendency to go full-auto. Minute changes like these is what legendary products need. Nothing drastic, but incremental improvements.

Look at every new iteration of the the Porsche 911. It’s not the same car, but just improved.

As the difference in technology between the M240 (2012) and the M10 (2017) span 5 years, the improvements of the M10 can be noticed instantly with its new slimmer profile when you pick it up for the first time. While the M240 wasn’t a big camera compared to other full-frame cameras, but if you compared Leica’s other rangefinders, the M240 was a thicc boy. After a few weeks of getting reacquainted with the M10 again, I felt that the M10 is just like any other Leica: it’s more than the sum of its parts and more about its evolution rather than revolution. That’s why, at least currently, it’s the best digital iteration of Leica’s fabled rangefinder (until the M11).

My new Leica M10 in silver chrome

“…it’s more than the sum of its parts and more about its evolution rather than revolution.”

Build & Design

The M10’s new slimmer body and lighter weight compared to the M240 was very obvious and noticeable to me. As your right thumb rub against the right corner of the body next to the exposure dial, you’ll also notice the new paint finish as Leica had decided to use matte/chrome treated paint compared to the previous “black paint” finish in the previous gens. I personally prefer the black paint finish as the lacquer paint would fade over time, showing the dull gold glow of the brass underneath. This brassing gave the camera a nice patina, like a worn leather jacket after years of use.

Brassing on a Leica M240

I believe that Leica did this intentionally to give the camera a more timeless look as the brassing would give the camera an aged look over time, but I feel that the patina brings out the character of the camera. With each worn paint on different parts of the body, there is a story that comes with it. The new chrome paint finish will not age as gracefully, as it will just dull over the time, losing its matte luster to just a shiny sheen of metal.

Leica M10 Cutaway | Courtesy of Leica Camera AG

Tough as Nails

Just because the M10 doesn’t brass like its predecessors, doesn’t the camera feels cheap. The components are still machined from solid brass and magnesium alloy chassis, holding in all the components in such a small body. Nothing about the build quality is different with the M10 and they are still built to same high standards. Don’t let the smaller size of the M10 fool you either as the weight between the M240 and the M10 are almost identical (1.46 lbs vs. 1.50 lbs).

Width: 33.7mm

Weight: 1.46 lbs

Leica may not openly advertise this, but the body is weather-sealed against light precipitation and dust.

Refined Shutter

The shutter sound is definitely quieter and more refined than the M240, but the feel is about the same. Half press locks the exposure and full press releases the shutter with a refined “click”. I can’t explain the sound, but it feels slightly muffled compared to the M240. It’s definitely quieter than the M9’s robo-sex doll shutter cock sound, but I kind of like that as that’s part of the M9’s many charms.

I can’t speak for the shutter feel on the M10-P or M10-D as I don’t have any experience with them yet, but they have the quietest mechanical curtain shutters. Maybe one day I’ll pick one up (actually I know I’ll have one in the future).

Diamonds are Forever

Most of the back panel is dominated by a 3-inch TFT LCD monitor which has 1,036,800 dots and can display 16 million colors in addition to providing 100% frame coverage during live view. The difference in resolution between the M240 and the M10 may not be noticeable, at least to me, but the difference in contrast is very apparent. It’s also years ahead of the M9, which is only useful for checking exposure as it has the same screen quality of a GameBoy.

The LCD glass screen itself deserves its own paragraph as it’s sporting the latest Gorilla Glass, specifically developed for this camera by Corning. While the glass feel strong and strudy, I personally question its durability compared to the Leica M-P’s (Typ 240) more robust and exotic sapphire glass. Something that Leica had also omitted from the M10-P and M10-D. This is a big difference as sapphire glass is borderline industructible by conventional means, which is why it’s used on high-end watches that can only be scratched by diamonds. I wouldn’t be surprised if the M10’s screen is very similar to the Leica Q.

Balanced

Lastly, the body feels more balanced due to better weight distribution between the front and rear of the body if you hold the camera up by just the strap with a lens attached. This is one of the major benefits of the M10’s slimmer body as it pairs perfectly with compact lenses like the Summicron 35mm ASPH or the Voigtlander Ultron 35mm. This may not seem like a big deal, but weight distribution is counts if you want to pull some weight off your left hand, relieving some pressure off your fingers as you focus.

Miami, Florida | M10 + Summicron 35mm ASPH

“…body is weather-sealed against light precipitation and dust”

User Experience

There is something to be said about the user experience of a thinner, faster, and more accurate Leica rangefinder, especially with its improved eye relief for people with glasses. Compared to the M240, there are some noticeable improvements.

Pin-Point Accuracy

The new viewfinder has a magnification of .73x compared to the M240’s .68x magnification. This may not seem much, but that is a big difference when you’re looking inside a tiny window and you’ll notice it right away when you’re focusing your lenses. It’s much easier to nail a sharp focus and with fast lenses, this is a big improvement. By just walking around with the Voigtlander Ultron 35/1.7 ASPH I had at the time, I noticed that I was nailing focus with very little to no micro-adjustments to get a sharp focus patch. That means there is one less thing to worry about on getting a sharp focus. The second one being the quality of your eye sight to see the patch clearly.

This new viewfinder can also be a double-edged sword for those that wear glasses as composing with 28mm or 36mm lenses will have a more difficult time to compose since the eye-relief, while is improved, it’s still not ideal for glasses.

New Viewfinder | Courtesy of Leica Camera AG

Simplified Menu System

Leica had released a firmware update in 2018, which introduced the Favorites Menu that was brought over from the Leica Q. A very handy upgrade since it no longer required you to dive into the 2.5 pages of menus to change something as simple as White Balance. These are mostly quality of life improvements and once you set up your menu settings, you will very rarely ever go back in terms of shooting experience as I have everything that I need on the body of the camera: ISO, Aperture, Shutter. The dials feels solid and tactile, as you would expect from a Leica.

Carry Spares

The battery life will be a hit for people as the Leica M10’s BP-SCL5 battery has 1300 mAh of charge, which is noticeably smaller than the M240’s 1600 mAh battery. The difference of 300 mAh may not seem much and you should be able to hit 300 photos on one battery if you don’t use Live View (or EVF), but this is a far cry from the M240’s BP-SCL2 battery as a single one of those guys would last me all weekend.

Thumbs Up

The exposure compensation dial is just where it needs to be like the M240, but the Leica M10 has a slight curvature on the left side of the dial that acts as a pseduo thumb rest. Doesn’t seem like much, but it makes a noticeable difference in ergonomics, especially on a slimmer body like the M10. I still ended up buying a OEM Leica thumb grip and I recommend it wholeheartedly as we all know that Leica cameras were built for Lego people.

Controls at your finger tips

“…you will very rarely ever go back in terms of shooting experience as I have everything that I need on the body of the camera.”

Big Brains

The MAESTRO II processor is quick and depending on the Read/Write speed of your SD card, it’s as quick as the Leica Q on writing those DNG files. It’s capable of taking 5 shots per second on continuous which is impressive for a M camera.

Wi-Fi is Lo-Fi

The built-in Wi-Fi feature is nice to have, but I doubt I’ll ever use it as my dedicated source of raw transfers since I prefer to use the SD card to transfer photos via iPad Pro or on the PC. The app itself is cumbersome and the transfer speeds are abysmally slow. To make matter worse, using the Wi-Fi feature absolutely destroys your battery life.

A Bakery in Richmond, VA | Leica M10 + Voigtlander 35/1.4 MC II

“…thumbs up grip is crazy expensive at $240 a pop”

Things I Don’t Like

Despite all these improvements, not everything is perfect with the M10. This may be the best digital Leica M camera to date, but there are a couple of issues I want to point out as they were noticeable that prevented the camera from winning over me completely.

Double Thumbs

The buttons on the back are big and easy to use, but it will take some time to get used to getting around the menu system if you’re coming from the M240…especially when you want to delete a photo.

You first have to press the “PLAY” button, which is one of the three primary buttons on the back, then press “MENU” to bring up the delete option since there is no dedicated delete button anymore. Then once you do that, you have to use the center button on the D-Pad to confirm your choice (what would be the INFO button on the M240). It’s not very intuitive but neither was the M240’s use of the “SET” button on the left. This is a minor issue as you’ll get use to it after a couple of days.

That ISO Dial

The new ISO dial on the left of side of the camera was one of the defining features of the M10 and while it is nice to have, I personally think it’s highly overrated. To change the ISO, you need to lift the switch up to unlock it (which surprisingly takes a bit of effort with your left fingers) and then turn the dial to your desired ISO settings, then press the dial back down until it snaps in to lock the ISO dial. I’m not of fan of this effort of using the ISO dial and practically impossible with gloves on.

I personally leave the dial unlocked and upright position while I’m shooting without the fear of accidentally bumping the dial to the wrong settings since theres enough resistance to stay in place. The constant adjustments to the ISO dial will require you to alter your grip a lot when it’s in locked position.

Also, good luck using the ISO dial in the dark as you can’t see anything. At least on the previous M240, you could easily manipulate the ISO on the LCD screen while turning the exposure compensation dial.

Overall, I think they just should have made the dial more tactile to reduce the chance of accidentally bumping the dial, a la Fujifilm X-Pro3. It’s a cool feature but I hated using it and I promise you that this feature will either be revised or removed in the next generation Leica M11 body.

The Options List

This should come to no surprise to anyone as Leica anything is expensive, but I want to point out that the accessories for the Leica M10 are noticeably more expensive than the M240. Par for the course, but here is the breakdown in costs for my recommended accessories.

Leica Thumb Grip – $240

Leica BP-SCL5 Batteries – $190 (however, cheaper than the M240 batteries)

Periscope

This is a WTF moment for me and for those that need GPS coordinates baked into their DNG files. If you want this feature, it’s only available if you use the optional Leica Visoflex EVF which costs a cool $600, which is odd to me. I never used or cared about this feature but it made me raise an eyebrow.

Image Quality

It’s strange to categorize the quality of the image output from a camera body, so I guess you can call this part the sensor’s characteristics.

The overall fidelity and tonality produced by the Leica M10 is excellent and while it may not win any DXO scores because Leica couldn’t give a shit about winning sensor awards, the overall output is absolutely beautiful. This is also very dependent on the type of glass you put in front of the sensor, but to keep things consistent, I’ve used both the 35mm and 50mm Summicron lenses to get a good reading on how the M10 likes to paint its pictures.

The M10’s DNG files have noticeable bump in saturation, and contrast straight out of camera when you upload them into Lightroom. Compared to the DNG files from the Leica Q, the output from the M10 is consistently more “colorful” with a hint of warmer tones. Another underrated improvement over its predecessor is the the white balance. How the M10 figures out its white balance is a big improvement as it is definitely more accurate compared to the M240’s yellowish tint.

The dynamic range is actually pretty good based on my experience in Lightroom. You can pull several stops on both highlights and shadows without destroying the file, and it should be satisfactory as long as you don’t expect Sony levels of dynamic range.

This doesn’t mean that you should be lazy on setting your exposure before taking the photo because a good baseline photo in RAW is much more preferable than trying to salvage your mistakes in post. A good rule of thumb is to underexpose my photos just a little bit to save the highlights during your tricky in/out lighting situations.

Expose for those highlights

This photo was heavily underexposed but the dynamic range headroom on the M10 allowed me to pull up the shadows while maintaining micro-contrast. The windows are actually looking inside the factory floor with the flood lights and not actually looking outside.

In Summary

What Leica had done here was to take a successful formula and make minor improvements to an already successful camera, but doing this also risked alienating fans. This is a known problem with any manufacturer that have a rabid fanbase with a long history (a la Porsche 911). When Leica developed the M10, it took some risks with some of these changes, but it’s easy to see that Leica went back to what they were very good and just made improvements to their existing core strengths. They understood who their base customers were and listened. It simplified the camera to its basics (it has three menu buttons for crying out loud) and took video out. While most DSLR and Mirrorless photographers will laugh at the idea of taking stuff out but charging the same price (if not more) for such a “low-tech” camera, this is not what Leica is about.

They cater to the niche and not the masses – something they’ve been doing for a long time and longer than any manufacturer.

M10 vs. M240

Now, some of you on the fence of purchasing a Leica M10 may be asking yourself if this camera was worth the upgrade over the M240?

Yes and No. Let me explain.

I came from a background of owning the following Leica cameras chronologically.

Leica M9 (Black),

Leica M9 (Steel Gray),

Leica M240 (Silver),

Leica M10 (Black),

Leica M-P 240 (Silver),

Leica M10 (Silver).

So I’ve been around the block and back and I feel as though I have some experience on this topic and for the most part, I would say no, it’s not worth the upgrade in my opinion. While the M10’s improvements are tangible, I don’t feel as though the incremental improvements are worth the premium. For example…

While the ISO dial is great, M240 owners can just as easily change their settings using the rear LCD and rear dial.

The improved viewfinder is wonderful and the magnification is great, but if you shoot between 35mm-50mm lenses, you won’t really notice it too much.

The battery life is worse on the M10.

The M240 is thicker than the M10, but I don’t think you’ll notice the difference when you’re out in the real world taking photos, especially if you use a thumb grip for both.

The improved LCD screen is nice, but I never looked at the M240’s screen and thought it was crap in 2020.

ISO Performance – if you’re not Batman and prowl the street at night often and don’t shoot a lot in low light, this is hard to justify.

This is how I feel after owning the two cameras (twice) back to back, but it’s ultimately up to you if you feel that it’s worth it to you. Otherwise, the M10 is the best digital M camera that you can get right now. With the predictable upgrades without changing the primary formula of what made the Leica M so great, it makes you wonder what the future holds for the next Leica M as we’re going to be due for an upgrade in 2022.

If you’ve enjoyed this review, please subscribe to our email subscription on the top right side and follow on our Facebook page for the latest updates.

If you’re planning on making a purchase, please help out the site by using the affiliate links below as that helps the site to maintain its good relationship with its WordPress overlords and buy the writer a cup of coffee.

[eafl id=”5679″ name=”Leica M10″ text=”Leica M10″]

[eafl id=”5419″ name=”M10 Battery” text=”Leica BP-SCL5 Battery”]

[eafl id=”5421″ name=”Leica M10 Thumb” text=”Leica M10 Thumb Grip”]

[eafl id=”5267″ name=”Leica Summicron-M 35mm f/2 ASPH II” text=”Leica Summicron 35mm f/2 ASPH II”]

[eafl id=”5282″ name=”Voigtlander Nokton 35mm f/1.4 MC II” text=”Voigtlander Nokton 35mm f/1.4 MC II”]

[eafl id=”5285″ name=”Voigtlander Ultron 35 f/2 Vintage” text=”Voigtlander Ultron 35mm f/2 ASPH”]

I finally review the Leica M10 and wanted to share my experience and if it's worth the upgrade over the M240 The Leica M10 Review ...yes I know it's 2020 and it's late This review was a long time coming since I had originally planned on writing this review last Spring.

#leica #Featured #gear #m10 #review

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supplyacbglobal · 2 years ago

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Factors to consider while buying an HD camera

Now might be a good time if you've been waiting to buy your first HD camera until the "right" one came along. Most models are already "good enough" in price, performance, and sensor size/resolution to please even the most demanding photographers. Shortly, only small improvements are likely. But when you spend a thousand dollars or more of your hard-earned money on a piece of gear, you need to know that it's worth it. So here are some of the most important things you should think about.

Sensor Size -

Regarding picture quality and exposure options, which are the main reasons people buy HD cameras, the sensor size and each photosite are the most critical factors. The more light a photosite can capture and the more information it can store, the more surface area it has. Therefore, when more information is sent to the camera's image processor, the image that comes out has a broader range of tones, making the picture look better. If you are thinking of by Online HD camera must try on "ACB GLOBAL Commerce" (www.acbglobalsupply.com).

Megapixel Resolution -

Even though most advertising and media hype is about megapixels, buying an HD camera is not a big deal. The megapixels in an image file should define its "photo" print size. For example, a 5- or 6-megapixel HD camera can print A3-sized photos if the original shot is adequately lit and processed.

8-megapixel sensors have 30% more photosites than 6-megapixel sensors. At the proper distance for A3 printing, this difference isn't noticeable. Few photographers will require A3+ photos, which all current models can print.

The newest model you can afford -

Since camera technology changes so quickly, it is always best to buy the newest cameras. If you can't afford the latest model, you can often find a good deal on an older one, but try to stay away from anything older than this.

Lenses -

Most beginner DSLRs come with at least one medium-range zoom lens, but more and more are coming with two lenses. Most of the time, the extra lens is a tele zoom with a focal length range of about 70-200mm in 35mm format. Don't be put off by people who say "cheap optics" because twin lens kits are a great deal. Even though the optics are usually housed in plastic (to keep the weight down), the main trade-off is lens speed (maximum aperture), not performance. The plastic bodies aren't as strong as metal bodies, but they're still strong enough for everyday use and much easier to carry and use.

Final Words…!!!

It can be scary to buy a digital camera because there are so many options. Also, it's important to remember that, while the type of camera matters, almost any model can take great photos. "ACB GLOBAL Commerce" (www.acbglobalsupply.com) is the best platform if you are planning to buy an Online HD camera.

#online video camera #online photo camera #online dslr camera

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campark12 · 3 years ago

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kichanzo · 4 years ago

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Apple iPhone 11 Review in Kenya – Just Another Expensive Phone

Apple iPhone 11 DEALS

Jumia Kenya

ksh88000 VIEW

Ghulio

ksh89000 VIEW

Last year Apple had it rough with the XS. But this iPhone 11 review in Kenya will show you that it’s a better device. Apple did an exceptional job with the additional features of the iPhone 11. The phone has a new chipset, increased performance, superb camera improvements, and excellent battery life.

They released it on September 20, 2019. It is very similar to the iPhone XR. They simply took their popular product, made slight improvements, and lowered the price. If you are on a budget, it’s a better option.

This review highlights the trade offs that you will make when selecting it. Read till the end to know our verdict.

What You Will Read

Things to Consider Before Buying iPhone 11

Apple iPhone 11 Price in Kenya

The Display

Chipset /iOS

Display

Performance

Battery Size

Camera

Colors

Extras

iPhone 11 Accessories

Consumer Ratings and Reviews

The best iPhone 11 Alternatives

Samsung Galaxy S10

Huawei P30 Pro

IPhone 11 Pro

Should you Buy It?

Things to Consider Before Buying iPhone 11

Here are 3 things to consider before choosing this device.

Apple iPhone 11 Price in Kenya

Price of the phone is a major factor for selecting your device. iPhone 11 goes for Ksh69,900 in Kenya. The iPhone 11 Pro goes for Ksh 99,900 and the iPhone 11 Pro Max goes for Ksh. 109,999. The Pro model is expensive. Ksh. 30,000 is a big jump that should seriously be considered when comparing the iPhone 11 and the iPhone 11 Pro.

The Display

photo courtesy: The Verge

This is one of the biggest difference between the iPhone 11 and the pro version.

It uses a LCD display, apple calls it Liquid Retina HD. Though the 6.1 inch screen is not a full HD with 1792 x 828 resolution. It does look great.

The iPhone 11 Pro has a 5.8-inch OLED screen it has brighter dipper of black and richer color compared to iPhone 11. It also has a screen resolution of 2436 × 1125 pixels. Apple calls it the super Retina HD display, that simply means that it is awesome.

Craig tech compared the display of the two phones and he said that the iPhone 11 might be the Goldie lock size for you. its not too big.

Chipset /iOS

The iPhone 11 uses A13 Bionic 7-nanometer processor along with a third-generation neural engine. Apple claims the A13 Bionic is the quickest chipset ever used in a smartphone with 20% faster CPU AND GPU than the A12 chipset. This advancement is “years ahead of the pack.”

According to Cnet, Apple promise is that the U1 chip will enable Airdrop to work more precisely by pointing one device to another. The U1 chip will also improve AR by discovering signals in a space.

Display

youtube

The iPhone 11 has an LCD display screen of 6.1 inches, Apple calls it Liquid Retina HD display. This means that the content on the phone won’t be rich in color, nor deep blacks and bright whites that you would find in other phone models.

You will get a decent display with a screen resolution of 1792 x 828 pixels. What you might not like is the fact that the display in the middle occupies most of the front space. This is because Apple believes in hosting the front-facing camera and Face ID sensor to let you easily access your phone.

The body is made of steel, while they protect the back with a glass that has a matte finish.

The display is sensitive and bright, it will respond well to your finger sensors. The phone performance is excellent when under bright sunlight, and you enjoy streaming videos and playing games.

Performance

It has an excellent performance and a strong speed using latest chipset A13 Bionic paired with 4GB of RAM.

It runs on the latest operating system, iOS 13, which has intelligent mini notifications. This means that when you change the phone volume or switch it off, the minor element will pop us to inform you of what’s happening to the gadget. Giving you a satisfying experience when flipping the applications.

Apple has upgraded the FaceID. They have made better use of the sensors, allowing you to unlock your phone from your seat when you lift up your phone a bit.

If your hands are always full of shopping and the kids, you will enjoy typing with one hand. You can easily access the emoji stickers from the side of the keyboard when you are composing a text message.

Overall performance, iPhone 11 is an accomplishment. It has outstanding performance compared to the price.

You could also get the iPhone 11 Pro and the iPhone 11 Pro Max you will definitely get higher specs. Though Apple guarantees that the iPhone 11 will serve you for several years.

Battery Size

With a battery capacity of 3,110 mAh, Apple claims that this phone battery will last an hour longer than the impressive iPhone XR. One of the outstanding features of iPhone XR is that it was the longest-lasting iPhone’s ever created by Apple.

You are guaranteed that you are getting a good phone if the battery capacity of iPhone 11 is higher than that of XR.

When fully charged the battery life can last up to 27 hours, when you are not using the phone as much, otherwise, if you are having a busy day of downloading applications and streaming music using Bluetooth, the phone battery will last up to 10 hours.

The phone does not have a fast charge, if you deplete you battery, you will have to wait up to 3 hours to fully juice it up.

Cnet.com conducted a formal battery test, after living with iPhone 11 for 30 days and found that the battery life of iPhone 11 is the same at iPhone XR.

Camera

Over the last few years, there have been remarkable strides made by Apple on improving the camera quality. We’ve seen same efforts made by Huawei, Google Pixel and Samsung.

The iPhone 11 camera allows you to capture some of the finest photos and videos that you would buy form a professional.

You can take amazing videos with QuickTake, and the Ultra wide angle camera produces a great photos on portrait mode. The iPhone 11 automatically switches to night mode feature when there is low light.

The main camera in the iPhone 11 is categorized by accurate target exposure, color, detail, and auto focus.

It’s impossible to avoid the camera bump when laid flat on a table. Some say it’s stylish but I don’t like it. For each their own. I blame it on the two lenses, a wide-angle and ultrawide-angle lens with a 120-degree field of view. Both use 12-megapixel sensors.

Colors

You will love the 6 colors black, green , yellow, purple, red, and white that you can select from. You will notice they fade the iPhone branding on the back, allowing you to enjoy a minimalist look.

Extras

Additional features that come with this phone include:

Swipe typing when using the keyboard

Control of the Wi-Fi

New Memoji stickers

Bluetooth options from Control Center.

iPhone 11 Accessories

Inside the package you will find:

A regular Lightning cable,

A pair of ear pods

Ending on a Lightning plug

The ancient 5W charger in the box

Consumer Ratings and Reviews

Jonathan at Amazon says

Pretty sure the reviews of it smells like poop are kids that can’t afford this don’t listen to them iPhone 11 is a great phone .

Shopping Guru left a 1 star amazon review and said,

I finally got the refund! Thank Jesus! Do not purchase this phone! It is utter trash! Do not waste your time purchasing this garbage ass phone! You will be wasting time and money. Save yourself the trouble! Garbage ??! Gorgeous on the outside, detective on the inside! Save yourself the trouble of waiting weeks for a refund!”

The best iPhone 11 Alternatives

Samsung Galaxy S10

If you are looking for a simple phone then the Samsung Galaxy S10 is your everyday phone. It is the middle child of the Galaxy S series. it will give you remarkable experience thanks to the high-end specs on the device.

It has a 6.1 inch, Quad HD+ Dynamic AMOLED display, in-screen fingerprint sensor, Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 processor, with 128 GB storage that can be expanded all the way to 512 GB.

The battery of Samsung Galaxy S10 is 3,400 mAh, it is greater than the iPhone 11. it has two 12 MP cameras and 16 MP ultra wide camera on the back while the selfie camera is 10 MP.

Huawei P30 Pro

Huawei did a fantastic job with the P30 Pro specs. The phone has a gorgeous 6.47 screen display of 6.47 1080 x 2340 resolution. It has a 128 GB and 8 GB of RAM.

The camera section is something to boast about, with three cameras, one 40 megapixel, the other 20 megapixel, and the last 8 megapixel cameras. The front selfie camera has a 32 MP. All features are juiced up with a sizable battery capacity of 4200 mAh.

IPhone 11 Pro

If you want the extra features that are provided in the Pro version, you could always get it at an extra cost.

Pay more for the pleasure of an impressive OLED display. The screen looks brighter and better than the iPhone 11. You will definitely find it a joy of watching videos and playing games.

You will love taking photos with the additional rear camera. Plus, the battery life will longer. You can also take a look at the Samsung Galaxy Note 10 or the Oneplus 7 pro which is just as good.

Should you Buy It?

Most people would consider the iPhone 11’s as Apple’s best products. This is especially true for those who are interested in a smart home or smart apps. By lowering the XR price, they created one of the best mid-range phones in Kenya.

It’s as good as the pro models and still about ksh. 30,000 cheaper.

The Review

Apple iPhone 11

4.5 Score

This is probably the best mid range phone that Apple has ever made. A pricier version of the XE with better features.

PROS

Day Long Battery Life

Another Great Camera

Better Priced than the X Series

CONS

No 2x telephoto

No USB-C port

No fast charging mechanism

Review Breakdown

Battery

Display

Camera

Performance

Value

Apple iPhone 11 DEALS

We collect information from many stores for best price available

Best Price

ksh88000

Jumia Kenya

ksh88000 Buy Now

Ghulio

ksh89000 Buy Now

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asfeedin · 5 years ago

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GoPro Hero 8 Review Compilation

While we’ve gotten pretty used to the small upgrades from GoPro from each version of their action cameras, this time they did something a little different. The GoPro Hero 8 decided to take some risks with the design and features of the latest camera, and most of them seem to have paid off.

With this iteration of the Hero lineup, you no longer need a case to mount accessories to the camera, or mount it directly, as this time it’s built-in! What is missing, however, is the ability to remove/add existing filters to the lens which may be disheartening to hear to some. The trade-off seems to be a much-improved stabilization for video (Hypersmooth 2.0), slow motion features, as well as a boost mode and hyper-lapse feature! Additional UI improvements make the system faster and easier to use out of the box from previous generations and then we get into the “Moto Mods” section!

Currently, the new mods and accessories for the Hero 8 include screen protectors, roll cages, LED lights, display, microphones, display mods, floating cases, and a new filter system. Pairing these with the existing and standard line up of mounts, grips, and more, you’ve got yourself a very versatile photo & video camera system, that can even be a great Vlogging system for the influencer or journalist on the move!

[Related Reading: GoPro Hero 7 Review | More Than Just Another Action Camera]

GoPro Hero 8 Technical Specs:

Sensor 1-Chip CMOS

Sensor Resolution 12 MP

Focal Length 24.4 to 15.1mm

Recording Media 1 x microSD (256 GB Maximum)

Video Format

3840 x 2160p at 24/25/30/50/60 fps (78 Mb/s MP4 via H.264/AVC)

3840 x 2160p at 24/25/30/50/60 fps (78 Mb/s MP4 via H.265/HEVC)

2704 x 1520p at 24/25/30/50/60/100/120 fps (MP4)

1920 x 1440p at 24/25/30/50/60/100/120 fps (MP4)

1920 x 1080p at 24/25/30/50/60/100/120/200/240 fps (MP4)

1280 x 960p at 100/120/200/240 fps (MP4)

1280 x 720p at 50/60/200/240 fps (MP4)

Still Image Resolution JPEG: 12 Megapixel, 4000 x 3000

Audio Format WAV

Display Type LCD

Touchscreen Yes

Screen Size 2″

Screen Resolution 320 x 480

Shutter Speed 1/16000 – 1 Second (Video)

Photo ISO Range 100 to 6400 (Auto)

Video ISO Range 100 to 6400 (Auto)

Burst Photo 30 Photos / 1 Second

Image Stabilization Digital

Waterproof Depth Rating 33.0′ / 10.0 m (Camera)

Built-In Mic Yes

Wi-Fi Yes

Tripod Mount None

Battery Rechargeable Battery Pack, 3.85 VDC

Charging Method USB

Dimensions (W x H x D) 2.4 x 1.3 x 1.8″ / 6.2 x 3.2 x 4.5 cm

Weight 4.13 oz / 117 g

Package Weight 0.97 lb

Box Dimensions (LxWxH) 9.3 x 4.5 x 2.7″

Price – $299 – Adorama | B&H | Amazon

GoPro Hero 8 Product Shots

GoPro Hero 8 Reviews

Like I mentioned above, we’re very excited to get our hands on it and complete our original review in the near future. Until then, here are some of our favorites from around the web from other respected sources:

GoPro Hero 8 Introduction Video

GoPro Hero 8 First Look from B&H

GoPro Hero 8 Review from The Verge

GoPro Hero 8 Brutally Honest Review from AuthenTech – Ben Schmanke

DC Rainmaker Review of the GoPro Hero 8

GoPro Hero 8 Review by CNET

Chris Rogers Review of the GoPro Hero 8

GoPro Hero 8 Review by Matti Haapoja

Conclusion

According to what we’ve seen so far, the GoPro Hero 8 may only offer a minor Image quality upgrade but it does provide a major improvement to its capabilities as an all-around video camera. With an improved stabilization, additional accessories for video recording and audio, the only real drawback from this version is the camera gets hot while recording, and due to the external mod attachments, the camera may not be as durable as previous models. Honestly, given the quality capability of the Hero 8, this doesn’t seem to be that bad of a trade-off all things considered. So let’s summarize;

Pros:

New design doesn’t need special mounts or housing

Much improved image stabilization

New mods and accessories provide much more power and versatility to the camera

Easy to use

Battery life is similar to previous models

Price is consistent and very affordable.

Cons:

Camera heats up noticeably

New lens isn’t as easy to repair as previous generations

New design may not be as durable and rugged as previous generations

Makes old accessories obsolete

So, while you still may have to get some new mods and accessories, if you’re looking to step up your action camera game, the Hero 8 from GoPro does seem to be the right choice to make. GoPro continues to lead the pack when it comes to an impressive, compact, and durable system for capturing whatever you can throw at it. Especially since it’s also a capable Vlogger camera with all of the new accessories available, an influencer can carry everything they’d need to record on the move in a much smaller footprint, other than ensuring to bring along a lot of spare batteries and chargers of course!

So what do you think? Have you used the new Hero 8 yet? are you considering it? Let us know your thoughts or questions in the comments below so we can address them when we do our own review of the GoPro Hero 8 soon.

Check Pricing & Availability Here

Adorama | B&H | Amazon

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magzoso-tech · 5 years ago

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New Post has been published on https://magzoso.com/tech/poco-x2-realme-c3-launched-in-india-google-maps-hack-whatsapp-dark-mode-and-more-news-this-week/

Poco X2, Realme C3 Launched in India, Google Maps Hack, WhatsApp Dark Mode, and More News This Week

The week past had its fair share of tech headlines, from the latest launch under the Poco brand – the Poco X2 being launched in India – to the arrival of the latest budget smartphone from Realme in the country – the Realme C3. Other big highlights of the week included a Berlin-based artist tricking Google Maps into seeing a traffic jam where there was none, improvements to WhatsApp Dark Mode, Xiaomi teasing the launch of the next Redmi smartphone, the launch date of the flagship Mi 10 series finally being revealed, and major organisations pulling out of MWC 2020 over coronavirus fears.

Poco X2 launched in India

The Poco X2 was launched in India this week, and the smartphone for all intents and purposes is essentially a rebranded variant of the Redmi K30 4G smartphone that was launched in China late last year. Highlights of the Poco X2 (Review) include its 120Hz refresh rate display, its gaming-focussed Snapdragon 730G SoC, a massive 4,500mAh battery with 27W fast charging, liquid cooling tech, a dual selfie camera in a hole-punch display, and finally, up to 8GB of RAM.

The first sale of the Poco X2 will be held on February 11 via Flipkart – no, it won’t be available via Mi.com, thanks to the separation of the Poco brand from Xiaomi’s announced earlier this year. The smartphone has been priced starting at Rs. 15,999 for the base variant with 6GB of RAM and 64GB of inbuilt storage. The next model in the lineup, with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of inbuilt storage, is priced at Rs. 16,999. Finally, the top model with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of inbuilt storage, is priced at Rs. 19,999.

Specifications of the Poco X2 include dual-SIM (Nano) support, MIUI 11 Designed for Poco based on Android 10, a 6.67-inch full-HD+ display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 730G SoC, up to 8GB of RAM, a quad rear camera setup (64-megapixel + 8-megapixel + 2-megapixel + 2-megapixel), a dual front camera setup (20-megapixel + 2-megapixel), up to 256GB of inbuilt UFS 2.1 storage, the standard bunch of connectivity options including a USB Type-C port, a 4,500mAh battery with support for 27W fast charging.

Realme C3 debuts in India

The Realme C3 was launched in India earlier this week, and it is the latest budget smartphone offering from the Oppo spin-off brand. The Realme C3 succeeds the Realme C2 in the country, and its highlights include a gaming focused MediaTek Helio G70 SoC, up to 4GB of RAM, a massive 5,000mAh battery, and dual rear cameras, all at the starting price of Rs. 6,999. It will go on sale in the country from February 14 via both Flipkart and Realme.com. The company also reveals that the smartphone will soon be available via offline stores in the country.

Specifications of the Realme C3 (Review) include dual-SIM (Nano) support, Realme UI based on Android 10, a 6.5-inch HD+ display with a waterdrop-shaped notch, a MediaTek Helio G70 SoC, up to 4GB of RAM, a dual camera setup (12-megapixel + 2-megapixel), a 5-megapixel front camera, up to 64GB of onboard storage expandable via a dedicated microSD card (up to 256GB) slot, the regular bunch of connectivity options including a Micro-USB port, a massive 5,000mAh battery, dimensions of 164.4x75x8.95mm, and a weight of 195 grams.

Google Maps hack

A story that made headlines this week was the Google Maps hack by a Berlin-based artist – Simon Weckert. Wanting to show how the system can be fooled, Weckert loaded up 99 second-hand smartphones, each signed into Google Maps, onto a hand cart and lugged them around the German capital. On empty roads, as long as there was not another vehicle passing by with Google Maps enabled, the slow moving hand cart registered a jam on Google Maps.

Google responded to the hack, in an amused statement by a spokesperson, saying, “Whether via car or cart or camel, we love seeing creative uses of Google Maps as it helps us make maps work better over time. [..] Traffic data in Google Maps is refreshed continuously thanks to information from a variety of sources, including aggregated anonymized data from people who have location services turned on and contributions from the Google Maps community. We’ve launched the ability to distinguish between cars and motorcycles in several countries including India, Indonesia and Egypt, though we haven’t quite cracked travelling by wagon. We appreciate seeing creative uses of Google Maps like this as it helps us make maps work better over time.”

Also this week, Google Maps celebrated its 15th birthday by unveiling a brand new logo inspired by the iconic maps pin, while also introducing new features, including the new ‘Contribute’ tab. The tab is meant to allow users to share their local knowledge, helping others who use the navigation and mapping service. There’s also a new ‘Updates’ tab, which shows trending, must-see spots in the area as recommended by local experts and publishers. A new Saved tab was also introduced, containing all the spots that users have bookmarked for future reference.

WhatsApp Dark Mode solid colours

This week, WhatsApp introduced a new Android beta that brought along six solid colour options for wallpapers, giving users the choice of contrasting the dark green bubbles produced by WhatsApp Dark Mode. Seen in WhatsApp v2.20.31 beta on Android, the new feature can be tried out by people if they sideload the APK build. It can be found under Settings > Chats > Wallpapers > Solid Colour.

Also this week, WhatsApp brought Dark Mode to iPhone users – but, only in beta. Unlike Android, where users not part of the Google Play Beta programme can still enjoy beta features by sideloading the relevant APK file, those on iPhone have to be part of the TestFlight beta programme, and that is completely full. Those a part of it however, have shared screenshots of Dark Mode enabled on WhatsApp for iPhone beta v2.20.30 (2.20.30.13). It works exactly how Dark Mode works on Android, and so while there is nothing really new to see here, it does tip that the feature is set to launch soon for stable build users on both Android and iPhone platforms.

Finally, as per a report, WhatsApp is said to have received a nod from the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) to begin a phased rollout of its WhatsApp Pay UPI-based payments system that has been in beta testing for nearly three years now.

Redmi India teasers

Xiaomi this week had some teasers to share with its fans. The first of those was published early this week, and the company said a new Redmi phone was ‘coming soon’. Unfortunately, the teaser didn’t contain any further information. Later in the week, Xiaomi also teased something powerful was coming, and featured a video teaser that had a glimpses of an unidentifiable product. Speculation indicates it would be either a power bank or a speaker, with Redmi branding.

The latest teaser by Xiaomi this week revealed that the new Redmi phone would probably be the successor to the entry-level Redmi 8A smartphone in the country. Thanks to using a similar tag line for other Redmi A-series smartphones, ‘Desh Ka Dumdaar Smartphone’, we can expect the Redmi 9A to be launched in the country. This last teaser included a launch date – February 11 – as well as details such as a 5,000mAh battery and a textured rear panel design for strong grip.

Mi 10 launch date

Xiaomi has long been anticipated to launch its Mi 10 flagship, and now, we finally have a launch date – both local and global. The company on Friday announced that the Mi 10 would be unveiled in Barcelona, Spain, just ahead of MWC 2020, on February 23. The invite image shows off what looks a multi-lens camera setup, and we came expect some amount of optical zoom to be offered by the company.

The next day, Xiaomi then revealed that the Mi 10 would actually be unveiled first in China – as is traditional – on February 13. Thanks to the coronavirus outbreak in the country however, the company will announce the launch of the Mi 10 series at an online-only event, for the safety of its employees and its fans. Alongside the China announcement, the company revealed a few features of the series, such as LPDDR5 RAM and UFS 3.0, as well as Wi-Fi 6 and 5G connectivity.

MWC 2020 pullouts

Also this week, major companies pulled out of the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona over fears of the coronavirus outbreak, which is slowly making an impact globally. Amongst those that cancelled appearances, were Ericsson and Nvidia. Both companies have a significant presence at the trade show, and their decision represents a big blow for GSMA, the organiser of MWC 2020.

LG Electronics also pulled out of the trade show, saying, “With the safety of its employees and general public foremost in mind, LG has decided to withdraw from exhibiting and participating in MWC 2020 later this month in Barcelona, Spain.” ZTE was initially reported to have pulled out, but later said it would still be attending. Huawei also said it would be attending despite coronavirus fears.

#Miscellaneous

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allenmendezsr · 5 years ago

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Phone Photography Tricks - Trick Photography With Your Iphone!

New Post has been published on https://autotraffixpro.app/allenmendezsr/phone-photography-tricks-trick-photography-with-your-iphone/

Phone Photography Tricks - Trick Photography With Your Iphone!

Buy Now

WARNING: You Don’t Want To Snap Another Photo Until You Read This Startling Report…

Just Use These Proven Techniques To Instantly Become A “Mini Celebrity” On Social Media Sites… Without Ever Using Photoshop!

Now can take amazing photos like these on your smartphone camera. And the cool thing is, you don’t need an expensive DSLR… or even Photoshop!

Dear Friend,

If you would like to take mind-blowing photographs with your smartphone…

If you would like to dazzle and shock your friends with your shots…

If you would like to become a trick photography expert, almost overnight…

…Then this is going to be the most exciting message you will ever read.

Hi, name is Carl Hartman and I’m a professional photographer.

Some of my friends even claim that I’m a complete photography nut. But there’s been a recent change in photography technology that has really ticked me off. Here’s why…

For more than 25 years, I’ve been studying and mastering FX and trick photography.

Early in my career, I earned a mentorship with award-winning industrial photographer, Robert Thornton. I then became the editor and executive producer at Universal Studios and PBS for 12 years.

Later, I worked as the director for the live action sequences in the best-selling computer games, DOOM and Chess Wars. More recently, I won the “Best of the Best” award at PBS and the “Most Creative” award from US International Film and Video.

But thanks to some new technology, complete photography newbie’s can take photos almost as good as what I can do ¬¬– and they can do it without spending thousands of dollars and months of time learning tricks of the trade.

See, when I was first starting out, the digital single-lens reflex camera (DSLR) was just invented. And it quickly became “all the rage” among serious photographers. I had to scrap together $1,200 to buy my first professional camera (Nikon D230 #).

With my new DSLR, I took breathtaking special effects shots I never even dreamed of taking with my old point-and-shoot camera. Some of my photos were so amazing that my friends refused to believe I took them, until I showed them the photos on my camera.

That was 20-some years ago. Today, things are completely different.

Technology has evolved at the speed of light. While many photographers still believe they need fancy-schmancy DSLRs to capture quality photos, the honest to goodness truth is you can actually…

“Transform” Your Smartphone Camera Into A High-End DSLR!

It’s true!

Once you know how to use your smartphone as a high-end DSLR, you can use it to capture spectacular shots like these:

Not quite convinced?

Okay, take a look at the two images below.

Can you guess which one was taken by the iPhone 5… and which one was taken by the Canon EOS 7D ($1,599.00)?

Can you spot the difference?

Well, the photo on the left was taken by the iPhone 3GS (with the help of a special image enhancement app we’ll talk about in just a bit.)

Since camera phone technology has become super advanced, the qualities of the photos are nearly identical.

In fact, there’s an entire “iPhoneography” movement going on right now, where world-class photographers are ditching their regular camera equipment and snapping shots only their iPhones!

And here’s the kicker (and why I’m so ticked off): There are still loads of self-righteous photography “experts” out there who claim you need at least a Nikon D5100, telephoto zoom lenses and their 6 week evening course just to start taking great pictures yourself.

As someone who has been living, sleeping and breathing photography his entire life, I can tell you….

That’s Pure Hogwash!

I’m tired of seeing struggling photographers get beat down because they can’t fully grasp perplexing camera functions… or sit through hours of mind-numbing and boring lectures, or shell out the funds for any 6-week money-grubbing course.

I blame arrogant photo “gurus” who think they’re helping you out by offering professional photography lessons. But they’re actually scaring away new photographers with their lucrative prices and complicated instruction.

I’ve gotten so hot under the collar by this nonsense that I made it my personal mission to show everyone a much easier way to take breath taking photos…

Without using fancy lenses, lighting and other extravagant equipment…

Without needing any pricey classes and dull lectures…

And without dropping boo-coo bucks for a DSLR!

The truth is, if you own a smartphone (iPhone, Samsung, HTC, Blackberry, whatever), then you already have everything you need to take create incredible photographs that will blow away you and your friends.

Like these…

In fact, the phone you already have can be an even better camera than some high-end DSLRs.

The Amazing Reasons Why The Best DSLR Camera Is… Probably Already In Your Pocket

FACT: Newer smartphone models have ultra-sharp image quality. They can do practically everything (and sometimes more) as your standard DSLR. (Even the old iPhone 3GS – which has a “puny” 3-megapixel camera¬– can give DSLRs a run for their money. And the iPhone 4, 4S and 5 are even better.)

FACT: Smartphones are “pocketable” and portable. You have the freedom to take pictures anywhere you go, without having to lug around heavy camera equipment. And because they’re less intrusive… you’re less likely to draw attention to yourself and get a bunch of “weird stares” whenever you take a photo. Certainly not the case with bulky DSLRs!

FACT: You can easily add special effects to your photos with free photo-editing apps. Then, quickly upload them to your favorite photo sharing sites with the touch of a button. There’s no hassle of transferring files to your computer or messing around with Photoshop.

When you finally discover the secrets to trick photography and special effects on your smartphone, you’ll be able to…

…Master photography basics and “shortcut” your learning curve by at least 6 months…

…Instantly apply these tricks and techniques to the very next photo you snap –Many pros have paid thousands of dollars to learn these secrets… and absolutely hate revealing them at any cost!…

…Skyrocket the activity on your Instagram, Tumblr and Flickr pages… and receive massive praise and recognition from other members on online photo-sharing communities!

The good news is, this is all possible because I just put together a complete 20 video training course. You’ll discover how to improve your “regular” shots while you also transform become a trick photography pro.

Announcing…

Phone Photography Tricks:

The Revolutionary Video Course That Shows You How To Capture Mind-Blow Artistic Images Using Only Your Smartphone

The videos are split into easy–to-follow lessons that enable you to take awesome photos and breathtaking special effects shots you and your friends won’t believe.

Like these…

This course is designed to turn a complete photography newbie into an accomplished smartphone photographer in the shortest time possible.

Each lesson contains the core essentials you need to know so you can take mind-boggling pictures with your smartphone. There’s no fluff or filler and I’m not going to waste your time with stale theory either.

I’ve taken the most crucial trick photography concepts I learned in my 25+ years of professional photography and distilled them into a potent collection of lessons that I’ll be serving you throughout this course.

Most beginners take 6 to 12 months to get through the struggling amateur stage, but you’ll bypass it completely with these shortcut secrets.

I’ve included assignments at the end of every lesson so you can apply what you learn and take stunning shots right away. These exercises will “hardwire” each lesson into your brain, so you actually get better… in a flash.

You’ll put every other smartphone users to shame.

While they still haven’t got a clue, they’ll only sit in wonder about why everyone online is absolutely mad about your photos, and not theirs.

Here’s exactly what’s you’ll discover inside Phone Photography Tricks…

Essential smartphone camera features that can instantly enhance your picture quality by 100%. (Even the most savvy smartphone addicts don’t know about these…)

How to use special focus techniques to create photographs with a subtle “meaning”…Screw this up and you can kiss any emotional impact in your photos goodbye!

The secret “depth of focus” technique… just use this to always get crisp, focused pictures – even if your subject is in motion or you have shaky hands!

How to split someone in half… If you ever want to freak out your friends, just try this simple trick…

And believe it or not, you’ll be able to create these spectacular images…

Without Photoshop!

That means you can create jaw-dropping images without investing $599 for Photoshop CS5.

You won’t need PhotoShop because I’ve included my course is photo-editing software that’s virtually identical.

In fact, you may find it even easier and more intuitive to use. So you can recreate some of the more “advanced” photography tricks without getting slapped in the face by Photoshop’s harsh learning curve.

You’re just a few minutes away from developing pro-level skills that will stay with you for life.

It doesn’t matter if you’re a real photography nut, or simply interested in improving your shots. As long as you have a smartphone and a desire to take some killer photos, then this course will revolutionize the way you take pictures forever.

Thousands of facebook likes, and hundreds of friend requests all thanks to your site! Now I’m excited every time I post photos on facebook because I know it will get lots of likes and praises from my family and friends!

Michelle Adams Los Angeles, California.

All my Facebook friends were shocked after I posted the photographs from my travel vacation to Miami. They thought I paid a professional photographer to capture these photos or I took photography tutorials. Some thought I bought a new DSLR camera. I got hundreds of comments of different praises and questions on my photography skills. They don’t believe me when I told them that I only used my smart phones! Now, they want me to come to their travel trips and vacations – all paid expense – just to take their photos! All thanks to Phone Photography Tricks!

Robert Owens Chicago Ridge, Illinois

Zero view a day, no comment in posts or photos and zero add friend request are things of my online dating site’s profile in the past. Now, I have many friends. I have their attention. Some I have dated, some I already met over the coffee, and some are for my games’ networking to level up and some men I chat with during lonely nights when I can’t sleep. I can’t believe what the Phone Photography tricks can do! Just one amazing profile photo using their tricks, my life had changed overnight! Kudos!

Jo Paredes Calgary, Canada

I have never been comfortable in posing in front of the camera until a friend showed a photo of me that he has taken using his phone. It was insanely awesome picture! I never saw myself that way in my whole life! I bought myself the same feature in PhonePhotographyTricks.com and from then on I love capturing myself photographs everywhere I go. It is addicting really. Already started arranging my own album and collecting beautiful shots of my travel events! Thank you Phone Photography Tricks for my new found hobby. More power!

Maurizio Amario Rome, Italy

Most of my friends are in to photography. Some of them had chosen photography as their profession. I envy then coz they have the latest and expensive DSLR camera. When we have get together or outings, I always heard them talking about the latest gadgets. It is always makes me want to own one but I couldn’t afford it. Then I tried the PhonePhotographyTricks.com using my Android phone and posted some of my shots on my social network profile. Our paths crossed again in some party, they go nuts after I told them that I don’t have new camera! They love my pictures. They thought I became one of them and stealing their clients when some of them commented on the post wanting to hire my service! Thanks to Phone Photography Tricks, the program proves that you don’t need to buy an expensive camera to have wonderful and professional looking photographs. Who knows and maybe later, I’ll consider this as a sideline.

Gary Edcel Phoenix, Arizona

Inside Phone Photography Tricks, you’ll also discover…

Now, you might be wondering…

“Carl, This Sounds Great, But How Much Is It?”

If you were to sing up for a typical an Intro to Photography evening class, then you’d have to spend $1000 to $2000 for the class.

Many of the online photography courses can still reach you $499 to $999 each.

… And on top of that, your professor will force you to buy an expensive DSLR camera and equipment…

What’s worse, these courses will be made up of long, drawn out instruction and uninteresting theory. Instead of having fun learning photography, you’ll feel like you’re in a boring physics lecture.

And if you ever had to sit through boring classes before, then you know just how quickly you start forgetting what you learned the weeks before. That’s money and time down the drain.

(Don’t get me wrong. These classes are fine if your goal is to become a professional photographer. But for the average person who simply wants more activity on their Flickr page, win a few photo-contests, or just take more pleasing pictures, these options are way too expensive.)

I could decide to offer this program for $200 and I would probably have countless photographers ready, eager, and willing to sign up just to get access to my more than 25 years in-the-trenches experience as a professional photographer.

But you’re not even going to pay half of that – $100.

If you grab your copy of “Phone Photography Tricks” today, you only have to make a one-time investment of $27.

Look, it steams me to no end when I see young photographers get ripped off by greedy photography “experts” and their needless classes.

It turns my stomach when I hear young photographer saying that if they don’t have a top-end DSLR, then they’ll never be able to take quality shots.

And it makes my heart break when these new guys get discouraged and drop out of photography all together.

That’s why I’m pricing this course as low as possible.

Why?

Well, when I was starting out, there were more experienced photographers who lent me a helping hand when I had questions. While I don’t have time to personally mentor every worthy candidate, I’ve decided to help as many people as I can with this program.

In fact, I’m so sure you’ll be absolutely thrilled with this program, I’m going to back up every promise I make on this page with…

Here’s how it works: Go ahead and sign up for my “Phone Photography Tricks”.

Go through the video lessons and if you’re not convinced beyond a shadow of a doubt… at any time..this amazing course is not everything I’ve just written about, then I insist you immediately contact me for a full refund.

That’s right, if you’re not totally delighted with this course, just shoot me an email within 8 weeks of today, and I’ll send back every single dime… no questions asked.

That’s how confident I am these photography techniques will supercharge” every smartphone photo you take from now on.

To make your decision much easier, I’m also going to throw in some killer bonuses. (I’m feeling extra generous.)

Bonus #1: Unlimited Lifetime Consultation($500 Value)

Clients have paid me upwards of $500 to work me one-on-one. But because I’m close to retiring and photography is my obsession, I’ll give you my personal email address for free if you invest in this course today.

If you ever feel stuck, want additional insider tips, or just want to talk shop with a pro, just send me a message and I’ll get back to you quickly- usually in less in 1 business day.

Bonus #2: How To Get Your Photos Featured on Flickr and Instagram ($27 Value)

This report will reveal the secrets to getting your photos featured on Instagram and Flickr. You’ll discover exactly how to consistently produce amazing photos that earn the respect and admiration of others. Don’t be surprised when you start getting treated like a “mini-celebrity” on these sites.

Bonus #3: How To Make Passive Income With Photography ($27 Value)

This special report will show you how to make money with photography and turn your hobby into a part-time passive income stream. Even some pro’s don’t even know about these simple steps for collecting lifetime royalties from your photos… and it’s way easier you think!

Bonus #4: All-In-One Photo Editing Software with 41 Video Tutorials ($97 Value)

This is a simple-to-use photo-editing program that’s very similar to Photoshop (which can cost up to $599). And in my opinion, the editing interface is much more straightforward compared to Photoshop.

Note: These special bonuses is a limited time offer only and will be promptly pulled down soon.

To sum up, you’re getting my complete “Phone Photography Tricks” video course. It contains everything you need to start taking extraordinary phone photographs that will impress the heck out of your friends.

And if you order before you’ll also get 4 high-value bonuses to make it even easier for you to master camera phone trick photography. And take stunning photos like these:

So now you have 2 choices.

You can close this page and do nothing. And nothing will change. You’ll keep on taking same boring photos like most people, secretly wishing you could do better.

You can invest in my “Phone Trick Photography” course without any risk and receive 4 valuable bonuses. You’ll be able to immediately apply these closely-guarded trick photography secrets. And easily take pictures that earn you huge amounts of respect from everyone who sees them.

Just click the “Add to Cart” button below. You’ll be taken to a secure order page that uses top tier 128 bit security encryption to make sure your information is 100% safe.

After entering your credit card or Paypal information, you’ll be taken to the member’s area, where you can watch the videos and download the bonuses immediately.

It doesn’t matter if it’s 3am on a Saturday. You can grab this course right now and improve your photography skills by at least 5 times within just a few hours.

Go ahead and click “Add to Cart” now.

YES! Carl, I’m in! Please give me immediate access to your Phone Photography Tricks video course for just $27. I’m ready to discover the secrets to taking JAW-DROPPING photos on my smartphone… faster and easier than I thought was ever possible.

FAST ACTION BONUS! I’m ordering before so please also send me the 3 special bonus reports, AND your personal email address so I can easily get in touch with you if I have any questions at all. I understand I have 8 weeks to put your phone photography secret tricks and techniques to use.

Then, if you’re not absolutely thrilled by the content, you can simply shoot me an email and get a full refund. No hassles. No questions asked. But no matter what you decide, the special bonuses are yours to keep just for giving our program a try.

Join Now and Start Taking Amazing Pictures Today!

Remember, these are tricks and techniques I’ve personally invested over tens of thousands of dollars and more than 25 years of my life to learn. You’re getting all of my best secrets, knowledge and wisdom for just a tiny fraction of that.

Go ahead and order by clicking the link below. You’re just a few minutes away from taking amazing photos for the rest of your life.

To your success,

Carl Hartman

P.S. Unannounced bonus: If you invest in this course today, I’m also going to share with you my private portfolio of over 300 creative photographs taken by world-class photographic artists around the world.

Combined with the tricks and techniques you’ll learn in this course, these photos will massively inspire you and “unlock” your creativity, allowing you to create out-of-this world photos on demand!

P.S.S. We usually sell the bonuses seperately, so I’m taking down the 4 fast response bonuses (including your free lifetime consultation opportunity and the step-by-step “How to Get Your Photos Featured on Flickr and Instagram” special report) on . Act fast to secure your spot before it’s too late!

CLICK HERE TO HAVE INSTANT ACCESS

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kindlecomparedinfo · 6 years ago

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The Meizu 16s offers flagship features at a mid-range price

Smartphones have gotten more expensive over the last few years even though there have only been a handful of recent innovations that really changed the way you interact with the phone. It’s maybe no surprise then that there is suddenly a lot more interest in mid-range, sub-$500 phones again. In the U.S., Google’s new Pixel 3a, with its superb camera, is bringing a lot of credibility to this segment. Outside the U.S., though, you can often get a flagship phone for less than $500 that makes none of the trade-offs typically associated with a mid-range phone. So when Meizu asked me to take a look at its new 16s flagship, which features (almost) everything you’d expect from a high-end Android phone, I couldn’t resist.

Meizu, of course, is essentially a total unknown in the U.S., even though it has a sizable global presence elsewhere. After a week with its latest flagship, which features Qualcomm��s latest Snapdragon 855 chip and under-screen fingerprint scanner, I’ve come away impressed by what the company delivers, especially given the price point. In the U.S. market, the $399 Pixel 3a may seem like a good deal, but that’s because a lot of brands like Meizu, Xiaomi, Huawei and others have been shut out.

It’s odd that this is now a differentiating feature, but the first thing you’ll notice when you get started is the notchless screen. The dual-sim 16s must have one of the smallest selfie cameras currently on the market, and the actual bezels, especially when compared to something like the Pixel 3a, are minimal. That trade-off works for me. I’ll take a tiny bezel over a notch any day. The 6.2-inch AMOLED screen, which is protected by Gorilla Glass, is crisp and bright, though maybe a bit more saturated than necessary.

The in-display fingerprint reader works just fine, though it’s a bit more finicky that the dedicated readers I’ve used in the past.

With its 855 chip and 6GB of RAM, it’s no surprise the phone feels snappy. To be honest, that’s true for every phone, though, even in the mid-range. Unless you are a gamer, it’s really hard to push any modern phone to its limits. The real test is how this speed holds up over time, and that’s not something we can judge right now.

The overall build quality is excellent, yet while the plastic back is very pretty, it’s also a) weird to see a plastic back to begin with and b) slippery enough to just glide over your desk and drop on the floor if it’s at even a slight angle.

Meizu’s Flyme skin does the job, and adds some useful features like a built-in screen recorder. I’m partial to Google’s Pixel launcher, and a Flyme feels a bit limited in comparison to that and other third-party launchers. There is no app drawer, for example, so all of your apps have to live on the home screen. Personally, I went to the Microsoft Launcher pretty quickly, since that’s closer to the ecosystem I live in anyway. Being able to do that is one of the advantages of Android, after all.

Meizu also offers a number of proprietary gesture controls that replace the standard Android buttons. These may or may not work for you, depending on how you feel about gesture-based interfaces.

I haven’t done any formal battery tests, but the battery easily lasted me through a day of regular usage.

These days, though, phones are really about the cameras. Meizu opted for Sony’s latest 48-megapixel sensor here for its main camera and a 20-megapixel sensor for its telephoto lens that provides up to 3x optical zoom. The camera features optical image stabilization, which, when combined with the software stabilization, makes it easier to take low-light pictures and record shake-free video (though 4K video does not feature Meizu’s anti-shake system).

[gallery ids="1828731,1828730"]

While you can set the camera to actually produce a 48-megapixel image, the standard setting combines four pixels’ worth of light into a single pixel. That makes for a better image, though you do have the option to go for the full 48 megapixels if you really want to. The camera’s daytime performance is very good, though maybe not quite up to par with some other flagship phones. It really shines when the light dims, though. At night, the camera is highly competitive and Meizu knows that, so the company even added two distinct night modes: one for handheld shooting and one for when you set the phone down or use a tripod. There is also a pro mode with manual controls.

Otherwise, the camera app provides all the usual portrait mode features you’d expect today. The 2x zoom works great, but at 3x, everything starts feeling a bit artificial and slightly washed out. It’ll do in a pinch, but you’re better off getting closer to your subject.

In looking at these features, it’s worth remembering the phone’s price. You’re not making a lot of trade-offs at less than $500, and it’d be nice to see more phones of this caliber on sale in the U.S. Right now, it looks like the OnePlus 7 Pro at $669 is your best bet if you are in the U.S. and looking for a flagship phone without the flagship price.

What Pixel 3a tells us about the state of the smartphone — and Google

OnePlus redefines premium with the 7 Pro

from RSSMix.com Mix ID 8176395 https://techcrunch.com/2019/05/16/the-meizu-16s-offers-flagship-features-at-a-mid-range-price/ via http://www.kindlecompared.com/kindle-comparison/

#RSSMix.com Mix ID 8176395

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un-enfant-immature · 6 years ago

Text

The Meizu 16s offers flagship features at a mid-range price

Meizu, of course, is essentially a total unknown in the U.S., even though it has a sizable global presence elsewhere. After a week with its latest flagship, which features Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 855 chip and under-screen fingerprint scanner, I’ve come away impressed by what the company delivers, especially given the price point. In the U.S. market, the $399 Pixel 3a may seem like a good deal, but that’s because a lot of brands like Meizu, Xiaomi, Huawei and others have been shut out.

The in-display fingerprint reader works just fine, though it’s a bit more finicky that the dedicated readers I’ve used in the past.

Meizu also offers a number of proprietary gesture controls that replace the standard Android buttons. These may or may not work for you, depending on how you feel about gesture-based interfaces.

I haven’t done any formal battery tests, but the battery easily lasted me through a day of regular usage.

[gallery ids="1828731,1828730"]

What Pixel 3a tells us about the state of the smartphone — and Google

OnePlus redefines premium with the 7 Pro

#TechCrunch

0 notes

pixelproductions · 6 years ago

Link

4 Essentials Every Photographer Needs

Thinking of becoming a photographer? Just about anyone can say their a photographer, but here are 4 essentials you’ll need to go from amateur to a legit pro.

Photography is one of the art forms that manages to capture the many beauties hidden in the world. It’s a skill that’s highly sought after as well as one that can be learned. If you’ve decided that you want to become a photographer, you should know the basics and how to get started. This includes having the right knowledge on the equipment you’re going to need, as well as how to make a living from your hobby if that’s your aim.

This article is going to discuss four specific essentials you need as a photographer.

1. Education

The first thing you should do if you want to be a successful photographer is to get the right education.

It is crucial because although anyone can teach themselves to use a camera, in order to be excellent at it, there are fundamental skills that you need. By going to a school or taking a course, you’re more likely to get a better understanding of the art and history behind photography. However, it can be relatively expensive, and employment isn’t guaranteed afterward.

It is possible to learn without going to photography school, nevertheless. What you’d need to do to take this route is watch tutorials online, use self-help articles and find a community of photographers willing to show you the ropes.

2. Printer

Another thing you’re going to need as a photographer is a quality printer.

This is especially true if you intend on printing your images and selling them whether for clients or display. There is a number of printers that are excellent for photography and Epson happens to be one of them. When choosing a printer, you want to pay attention to the quality of your prints, color contrast and also how quickly it consumes ink. If you do buy an Epson printer, then you can purchase Epson Strawberry ink at an affordable price online.

3. Equipment

In order to be a successful photographer, you need the right tools.

Below you’re going to see a couple that you should be looking at purchasing if you haven’t already, so you’re able to check them off as you go along.

Camera: The most obvious tool you’re going to need when starting as a photographer is a camera! This is what you’re going to use to take your pictures, so you want to get one that works well. When buying a camera, think about size, sensor size, manual controls, and lenses. Take your time to look at the specs of each camera and read reviews before buying.

When it comes to digital cameras, my personal preference is Canon and here is my list in order of how I would select them:

1. Canon Rebel SL2 / EOS 200D

Best all-round: Canon’s smallest DSLR blends versatility and value

2. Canon EOS R

Runner-up: Canon’s first full-frame mirrorless camera means business

3. Canon EOS 5D Mark IV

Best pro camera: it’s a jack of all trades and master of most of them

For a complete list of the BEST Canon digital cameras for your specific needs, head over to this post at digitalcameraworld.

Accessories: Aside from the camera, there are multiple accessories you need too. It could include anything from a tripod to a case and memory cards. Other essential accessories you may want to get are a video mic, backpack, card reader or portable hard drive.

Here’s a short list of some of the essential accessories you’ll want right off the bat:

1. Nifty 50

The ‘nifty fifty‘ is a great lens that allows you to capture noticeably better images compared to those obtained using the poor quality kit lens that probably came with your camera. It’s got a great price and over 2,000 amazing reviews on Amazon, check it out here.

2. Camera Pack

The AmazonBasics Backpack for SLR Cameras and Accessories has room for all your photography equipment. The best feature is the main compartment with its adjustable cells that will accommodate your unique group of accessories. Buy it here.

3. Tripod

AmazonBasics 50-Inch Lightweight Tripod with Bag

Capture vivid, professional-style photographs with help from this AmazonBasics 50-inch lightweight tripod. The adjustable-height tripod makes it easy to achieve reliable stability and score just the right angle when going after that award-winning shot. A fun and useful camera accessory for both novice and professional photographers alike, the handy tripod accommodates a wide range of digital, video, and still cameras and comes loaded with user-friendly features.

4. Digital Platform

Whether you happen to be an established or aspiring photographer, another thing you’re going to need is a digital platform.

Your digital platform is where you will build your brand as a photographer as well as share your work. You can choose to use social media platforms or start a blog to achieve this. Remember to use social media to drive traffic to your website or blog as well as engage your audience.

#4 essentials every photographer needs

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phoneraid-blog · 6 years ago

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Nokia 8.1 Review: The Smooth Mid-range does nearly everything right

With the Nokia 7 Plus, HMD Global set up an astounding and mainstream mid-range and the Nokia 8.1 attempts to rehash this achievement. Regardless of whether that will work, you will discover in this Nokia 8.1 review.

Check out the Nokia 8.1 Review

2018 was a bustling year for HMD Global, the Finnish company in charge of the Nokia Android smartphones. Many models were released, for the most part including budget gears. The best (and as we would like to think the best) cell phone was the Nokia 7 Plus, a mid-range with great specifications, fine programming and great inducement for cash. Despite the fact that the name proposes something else, the new Nokia 8.1 is as per HMD Global the otherworldly successor of the 7 Plus. It's anything but a trade for the Nokia 8 from 2017, which was more a top of the line gadget. The 8.1 is a working class that handles a portion of the 7 Plus torment focuses, attempting to equal with a similar achievement. That has to a great extent succeeded, as you will discover in this Nokia 8.1 review.

Nokia 8.1: Strong Housing of metal and glass

On the off chance that you put the Nokia 7 Plus and 8.1 by one another, there are impressive outside contrasts. The 7 Plus has a full metal casing and a fine covering on the back, making the telephone feel superbly firm. The device can get hammered, and that inclination you have something less with the 8.1. This is on the grounds that the back is presently totally made of glass, which is obviously a progressively powerless material. The edge around the lodging is as yet made of metal.

hmdglobal.com HMD Global has unmistakably centred more around design, on the grounds that the Nokia 8.1 looks more modern and pleasant than its predecessor. The dimensions have continued as before with 154.8 by 75.8 by 8 millimetres, yet the 8.1 feels less awkward in light of the fact that the screen edges are thinner and you essentially have more screen in a similar configuration. A little drawback is that the Nokia 8.1 does not look extremely thrilling. The design is like that of the Nokia 7.1, which thusly takes after the Nokia 5.1 Plus. The design of Nokia with all Smartphones about the equivalent and that makes it somewhat exchangeable at this point. The 7 Plus had a progressively claim character.

Nokia 8.1: Incredible screen and Hardware

That screen is 6.18 inches tall and has a resolution of 2280 by 1080 pixels. That is more than adequate and makes for sharp pictures, while additionally with the colour reproduction and most extreme brilliance. Particularly the latter is valuable, on the grounds that the Nokia 7 Plus was somewhat hard to peruse in splendid daylight. With the 8.1 you have no issues with this and that is a decent enhancement. Much the same as pretty much every Android smartphone that has been released over the most recent couple of months, a notch is situated at the top of the screen. That notch is somewhat wide with the Nokia 8.1 and is 'off' by default. In the spaces by the notch, the notifications, time couple with the system information (wifi, battery rate) appear; however you have no choice to switch on the notch. This function may, in any case, be included during an update. Unlocking your phone with face recognition is likewise not present and that is a shame. Xiaomi’s Pocophone F1 has this function for instance and on that device, it works exceptionally well.

hmdglobal.com

hmdglobal.com In the hook is the new Snapdragon 710, an octa-core processor that we will presumably observe in a lot more midrange Android smartphones in 2019. The chip is helped by 4GB RAM and 64GB. The execution of the hardware is amazing: applications load rapidly, performing multiple tasks with no issue and the Nokia 8.1 takes off through the software. Just in case you're used to high-end phones, you'll see the contrasts between a faster processor and this Snapdragon 710. However, we set out to state that the 8.1 is quick enough for each user. The unique fingerprint scanner is on the back and works precisely and rapidly. Similarly, there is earphone connection, micro-SD card, Bluetooth 5.0 and a solitary speaker at the base.

Android One is an Assurance for Updates

As we have generally expected from Nokia, there is little to be said about the software. The Nokia 8.1 is an Android One gadget, which means you are ensured long haul software backing and three-year month to month security updates. The 8.1 is additionally one of the cheaper phones that run out of the box on Android 9.0 (Pie). This gives you quick access to the new motion control and valuable additional items, for instance, Adaptive Brightness and Adaptive Battery. These are some of the features embedded in Pie and how they function, you can peruse in our broad Android Pie review. On Nokia's own camera app and a support application, the 8.1 keeps running on stock-Android. This is Android as Google expected and by far the best form of the mobile operating system. On account of the ground-breaking hardware, Android Pie truly makes its mark on the 8.1, which serve as a big plus. Add to that the long stretches of updates, and you have an extremely future-evidence smartphone.

Nokia 8.1: Enhanced Camera

Likewise decent: the camera of the Nokia 8.1 is superior to that of the 7 Plus. On the back, there is again a double camera of 12 and 13-megapixels, in spite of the fact that the design is somewhat extraordinary. The telephoto lens of Nokia 7 Plus, with which you can zoom up to 2x optically, has vanished. The secondary lens is currently chiefly utilized for gathering profundity data for portrait photographs, and that functions admirably. The bokeh impact is connected flawlessly and works essentially better on the Nokia 8.1. Amid the day, the 8.1 makes amazing photographs, where a great deal of detail is obvious, hues look lovely and the self-adjust works quick. Occasionally, the smartphone experiences difficulty with the optimal adjustment of the lighting, yet that is definitely not a gigantic issue. It is more irritating than the camera application is sometimes a bit slow, in spite of the fact that it is a great deal clearer than the camera software of the Nokia 7.1. There is likewise a Pro mode, where you can modify a wide range of settings. For instance, you set the aperture yourself. Just for the genuine connoisseur, however, it conveys exceptionally pleasant pictures. The primary camera of the Nokia 8.1 has optical picture adjustment and that likewise helps in low light circumstances. Pictures remain sensibly sharp, however, don't expect brilliant photos. High-end phones consistently complete much better, however in this price range, the 8.1 has a place with the better. The 20-megapixel selfie camera, in addition, performs well, even with less light.

Nokia 8.1: Battery Life

The Nokia 8.1 has a 3500 mAh battery and that is more than normal in 2018. The real battery life can likewise be portrayed: great, yet not extremely amazing. That is positively not a debacle, on the grounds that on a full load you get during that time with no issues and I frequently figured out how to press multi-day and a half out of the 8.1. Very Good, in spite of the fact that there are devices in this price range - think about the Xiaomi Pocophone F1 with its 4000 mAh battery - that last more. Adjustable battery management, an element of Pie that guarantees that applications that you utilize less regularly also utilize less battery power, helps a bit. Because of a little bit smaller battery, the Nokia 8.1 has the favourite standpoint that charging goes quick. With a half hour of recharging, you have another 40 to 50 per cent battery and that is sufficient to get past an extensive usage on daily basis. From 0 to 100 per cent of charging takes around two hours with the included USB Type-C quick charger.

Nokia 8.1 Price

With a proposed retail price of 399 euros (equivalent to N164, 787), the Nokia 8.1 maintain between budget Smartphones (which have improved in 2018) and flagships that have since dropped in cost. Devices, for example, the Motorola Moto G6 Plus and Xiaomi Mi A2, both impressively cheaper, for instance, don't add up much for the Nokia 8.1. Are you set to pay in excess of 100 euros more, for instance, you end up with the Samsung Galaxy S9? What's more, that is a competitor that the Nokia can not so much handle.

Xiaomi Pocophone F1 Review

Additionally, the Pocophone F1 from Xiaomi is a decent alternative in contrast to the Nokia 8.1, and furthermore somewhat less expensive. The Pocophone F1 has all the more ground-breaking hardware, better battery life and excellent face recognition, yet is less well supported and has a shabby, plastic housing.

Summary of Nokia 8.1 Review

With the Nokia 8.1, the Finnish manufacturer is indeed exhibiting an astounding mid-ranger. The device has a strong device, quick hardware, fine cameras and is ensured by the Android One program. Less is that the smartphone looks to some degree generic and the battery life is not exactly with the Nokia 7 Plus. With everything taken into account, you get an extraordinary smartphone for 399 euros that you can use for quite a long time. All things considered, we would hang tight somewhat longer for the Nokia 8.1 to drop marginally in price. The device is pretty complete, yet does not have such an exceptionally focused price quality proportion as a few competitors. For significantly less cash you can get here of what this Nokia knows to offer.

Nokia 8.1 Release Date and Price

The Nokia 8.1 will be available in the most market in early January 2019 for the price of 399 euros which is equivalent to N164, 787 and you can be pre-ordered it. You will soon have the choice to select between three colours: blue/silver, steel/copper, iron/steel What is your take on this Nokia 8.1 features? Share your thought on the review box below. Read the full article

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tuffnutty · 7 years ago

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Believe it or not, but I paid £16 for the Canon Rebel T3i. Yes, you heard that quite clearly. How? Where? I can almost hear your silent thoughts thinking.

Let me break it down and address the how, where, why, when, etc.

It is true that I paid £16 for the Rebel T3i. However, that is not the whole truth about the entire transaction. I had a bridge camera with DSLR capabilities, the Fujifilm HS20EXR, that I used as part exchange for the Rebel T3i.

The Fujifilm HS20EXR Bridge Camera is a 16 megapixel camera with DSLR capabilities, a hot shoe, plus impressive 24 – 720 mm variable zoom lens.

The deal also included an old Nokia phone that I also included as part of the exchange package. The camera got me about £94 and that was quite impressive, considering that I bought it for a mere £100 more than two and a half years ago.

I also bought it secondhand which makes it even more impressive. That means it had only lost about £6 in value.The phone only brought in a meagre £10 but that helped to raise my balance for the part exchange to £104.

The Rebel T3i was on sale for £120. That means I only had to pay the difference – £16. To me, that sounds like a great deal.

The Canon Rebel T3i with the articulating screen and the 18 – 55mm F3.5 – 5.6 STM lens.

This transaction happened in a local store named CeX in Dunstable, Bedfordshire in the United Kingdom. They also trade as webuy.com online. They buy, sell, part exchange and trade in new and used electronic goods.

It was my first time conducting any business with them and I would do business with them again if the need comes up. Their terms are pretty fair and they pay good prices for your goods. That is my experience. I can’t speak for anyone else.

There are other people in the same type of business but from what I have seen, a lot of them are ripoffs. They underpay you for your goods. CeX are very open and transparent about what they offer for your goods.

In fact, you can look up their website and search for items similar to yours and see what they pay for something similar – model and condition. So there are no surprises if you decide to sell for cash or a voucher. You know where you stand prior to completing the transaction.

I guess, I have clarified most of the questions that you might have been asking yourself silently. Now, let me address the why.

I have the Canon 700D and I love it. Before I bought it, I was also considering the Canon 600d [Rebel T3i] and the Canon 650D as alternatives. There aren’t too many differences between these cameras. These differences are mainly limited to a few features. Their picture and video qualities are very similar.

However, I never found the latter two cameras at a price I found favourable. But the 700D came at a price I couldn’t refuse and I bought it.

The Canon 700D is the camera I use when I have important business to capture and the Fujifilm HS20EXR was the camera I used for less important stuff to allow me rest my DSLR and minimise the wear and tear and the shutter count.

There were many things I loved about the Fujifilm HS20EXR. The 24-720mm zoom was something I loved for the convenience and the ability to go from a very wide shot to an extreme telephoto perspective at the turn of the zoom ring.

A profile view of the Fujifilm HS20EXR Bridge Camera showcasing the impressing 24 – 720mm lens.

It could also do high speed sync without the use of triggers and receivers and flashguns with high speed sync features. As long as you had enough power, you could capture images that exceeded the sync speed of your camera without black bars appearing at the bottom or top of your frames.

The The Fujifilm HS20EXR Bridge Camera has a hot shoe on the top that you can attach a flashgun to provide fill in flash or accessories such as flash trigger and receivers for off camera flash. It also has the creative camera modes such as manual, aperture and shutter priority and program mode for advanced users.

However, in recent weeks, I had begun to experience some limitations in this camera. It’s video capabilities sucked. I knew that when I first purchased it but it became more pronounced when I tried to use it to record B roll.

The inability to manual focus and very little control over video exposure and a tendency to overheat if used for prolonged periods made it clear that I needed a better alternative.

I was at a point where I needed a camera that was equally as good as the Canon 700D or better and that is when I came across the Canon Rebel T3i.

From my experience with the Canon 700D, I knew that I had the right camera to compliment the DSLR I already owned.

Their video and picture qualities are very similar as illustrated in the straight out of camera images below, and that makes it easier if you are using both cameras because you know you are capturing footage that is identical aesthetically and in the colour reproduction.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

The Rebel cameras are adept at recording videos over prolonged periods of time without overheating. You can choose any lens of your choosing which allows you to have more control over your depth of field, manual focus capabilities, using external microphones, an articulating screen, picture profiles and much more.

The Canon Rebel T3i was the perfect choice for me. I had resisted part exchanging my Fujifilm HS20EXR over a long period of time because I couldn’t get a price I liked or a camera I could exchange with until the Rebel T3i came up.

Profile view of the Canon Rebel T3i showing the ports on the camera – A/V out, HDMI, MIC in and the remote shutter ports plus the articulating screen that can rotate 360 degrees.

The price was a major point in my decision to part exchange. I have been watching these cameras for a long time via various dealers and websites like London Camera Exchange, eBay, Gumtree, Preloved, Cashconverters, Cashgenerators and the likes but they were way above the £200 mark.

The Canon Rebel T3i was in very good nick. The sensor was clean and it was in very good condition aesthetically. The articulating screen was clean and had no marks. In fact, there were very few marks on the camera to show that it was used so I didn’t mind part exchanging it.

A rear view of the Canon Rebel T3i showing the screen folding back into the body, and the layout of the buttons at the rear and dial on top.

I knew exactly what I was getting. It also made sense to get the camera because it was exactly the same as the Canon 700D. The menus are similar. They use the same batteries. They have the same lens mount and that means I can use the numerous lens and film lenses I already own. I don’t have to worry about reinvesting in other lenses and or adaptors.

It was the perfect choice. The Digic processors in the camera are different. The Rebel T3i has a Digic 4 processor while the 700D has a Digic 5 processor. The latter also has a touch screen while the former doesn’t. They both record 18 megapixels. Therefore, the differences between them are minimal and not drastic.

If I had to do it again, I would go for the Rebel T3i. I love my £16 DSLR. I couldn’t justify paying for something like a 750D or 800D. I would be paying almost 40 – 50 times more than I paid for my Rebel T3i and not getting much bang for my buck or 40 – 50 times than the Canon rebel T3i.

I am pretty excited about the Rebel T3i. It is a game changer for me. I am going to be using a much better camera than the Fujifilm HS20EXR to do my lesser gigs but I will be improving on the picture quality I captured before. I will have better glass on my camera [prime lenses] and I will capture even better images.

The Canon Rebel T3i showing the hot shoe, dials and other buttons on top of the camera.

Don’t get me wrong, the Fujifilm HS20EXR was no slouch. But it had its limitations. The focus was slow, and it didn’t have auto focus points, plus it’s variable aperture was a bit of a pain in the arse. All that is gone, and I can focus on improving my images and the quality of my output.

I will miss my Fujifilm HS20EXR because it made me the photographer I am now. It introduced me to HDR, off camera flash, rejuvenated my love of photography, helped me master macro photography and made me a more competent and competitive photographer. Without it, my creative and technical skills would not be where they are today.

My beloved Fujifilm HS20EXR and I. This camera was instrumental in my photographic journey over the past two and a half years.

It was my first real camera and one I will always revere. I have captured many memories with that camera but now, I will continue the journey it kick started with the Canon Rebel T3i.

I love my £16 DSLR and I hope it will serve me just as well as my Fujifilm HS20EXR.

The Canon Rebel T3i ready to shoot.

The Canon Rebel T3i has that I-mean-business look. It is rugged. It is tough. It can easily handle prolonged use whether you are taking photos or videos without overheating. It sends out the message that I am serious, I am a pro but I want to have fun too and enjoy what I do and it reflects my current mood. That is why I love it.

I Love My £16 DSLR – The Canon Rebel T3i Believe it or not, but I paid £16 for the Canon Rebel T3i. Yes, you heard that quite clearly.

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magzoso-tech · 5 years ago

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New Post has been published on https://magzoso.com/tech/moto-e6s-review/

Moto E6s Review

Motorola is aiming to grab a slice of the action in the budget segment with its new Moto E6s smartphone. This is pretty much the same phone as the Moto E6 Plus, which we recently saw at the IFA trade show in Berlin. The company has launched it in India under a slightly different name, at a pretty attractive price of Rs. 7,999. For that amount, you get 4GB of RAM, 64GB of storage, and a fingerprint sensor, which not many manufacturers offer. It also has some throwback features such as a removable battery, which we don’t see much these days. Armed with a modern design and decent all-round specifications, should the Moto 6Es be your top budget pick? It’s time to review and find out.

Moto E6s design

The design of the Moto E6s is pretty simple and basic. The display gets a notch on the top and pretty thick borders all around, especially the chin, which is not unusual to see on budget smartphones. The volume rocker and power button are on the right side. The buttons don’t have a lot of travel but they are easy to press. We like the contrasting texture on the power button, which makes it easy to identify. The cutout for the 3.5mm headphone socket on the top is a little off-centre, but its placement is such that it shouldn’t come in the way when you’re using headphones while holding the phone in landscape mode.

The laminated back and sides might look like two different layers, but they’re parts of one shell that comes off. In India, the Moto E6s is available in Polished Graphite and Rich Cranberry colour options — both of which are huge fingerprint magnets. We saw more colour options with the Moto E6 Plus at IFA, but these haven’t made it to India, at least not yet. Of the two, the red version does a marginally better job of hiding fingerprints due to the dual-tone finish, but it still gets messy very quickly and the smudges don’t wipe off easily.

The Rich Cranberry colour option does a better job at hiding fingerprints

The shell snaps off easily, revealing two SIM slots and a dedicated slot for a microSD card (up to 512GB). One of the SIM slots accepts a Micro-SIM, which just like the removable battery, isn’t something we’ve seen in a while. The fingerprint sensor in the centre works well, and also has a Moto logo printed on it. Unlocking the phone with a fingerprint isn’t extremely quick but we found the success rate to be good. Face recognition works decently well under good light, but struggles a little in low light. Once again, it’s not as quick as what we’ve seen on other budget segment phones, but it does the job.

At the bottom, we have a Micro-USB port and the single loudspeaker. The 6.1-inch IPS display has a HD+ (720×1560 pixels) resolution. The display gets bright enough for outdoor use and colours are punchy. Viewing angles are decent too. The 19.5:9 aspect ratio makes this phone relatively tall but it isn’t very wide, so holding it feels comfortable. The Moto E6s is light at just 150g and is 8.6mm thick.

In the box, you get a USB cable, a 10W charger, some manuals, a case, and a Nano-to-Micro SIM adapter.

Moto E6s specifications and software

The Moto E6s has a modest processor, the Mediatek Helio P22. This is an octa-core chip, and we’ve previously seen it in phones such as the Realme C2 (Review) and the LG W30 (Review). In India, the Moto E6s is only available in one configuration with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage.

Other specifications of the Moto E6s include Bluetooth 4.2, single-band Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n, USB-OTG, FM radio, support for three satellite navigation systems, an accelerometer, an ambient light sensor, and a proximity sensor. Sadly the phone lacks a gyroscope or even a compass, so apps such as Google Maps won’t be able to show you the direction you’re facing.

The Moto E6s runs on a near-stock version of Android 9 Pie

The phone runs a near-stock version of Android 9 Pie, but unlike Motorola’s other offerings such as the One Action (Review), the Moto E6s is not part of the Android One programme. There are barely any extra apps, other than an FM radio app, Moto Help, and Motorola Notifications, which lets you find the nearest Moto Hub store or service centre.

Some of the Google apps are Sheets, Slides, News, and Files, besides the usual ones. Digital Wellbeing is also present, and is always handy to have. You get a few gestures for quickly turning on the camera with a double-tap of the power button. You can also switch the default gesture-based navigation scheme for old-fashioned, on-screen buttons.

Moto E6s performance and battery life

In terms of performance, the Moto E6s does a decent job running apps and doing a bit of multitasking. Navigating Android’s menus is generally quick but it’s not what you’d call fluid. At times, we noticed some momentary lag in the UI animations, but it didn’t hamper the experience too much.

Benchmark numbers aren’t great, which isn’t a surprise given the SoC. In AnTuTu, we got a score of just 79,208 while GFXbench returned 25fps in the T-Rex graphics test. This phone is definitely underpowered, even for this price, considering that there are other options at the same price such as the Realme 3i (Review) which offers a MediaTek Helio P60 SoC.

The 4GB of RAM helps keep a good number of apps in memory, and app loading times are not too bad. Heavier ones, such as games, also run decently well. This phone won’t deliver the best experience with the full version of PUBG Mobile, but PUBG Mobile Lite fared a bit better. There’s a still a little lag when the action gets intense, and aiming down the sights of a gun isn’t always very accurate. Still, we managed to win a few matches despite this. The Moto E6s does get quite hot after about 30 minutes of gameplay. We also noticed about an 11 percent drop in the battery level.

The Moto E6s features a removable battery and a second Micro-SIM — two things we haven’t seen in a while

The phone does a decent job with media files. The speaker doesn’t get too loud, even with the ‘BesLoudness’ sound enhancement option turned on. The display has good viewing angles and colours aren’t exaggerated too much. Ideally, we would have liked an option to boost the colours as animated videos could use a bit more vividness.

The 3000mAh battery isn’t huge but it does last for nearly a full day. In our HD video battery loop test, we managed to get just 12 hours and 22 minutes of runtime. If you’re not actively using the phone too much, then you can push one full charge past a day. Motorola calls the bundled charger a ‘rapid charger’ but we found it to be anything but that. The 10W unit manages to charge the phone to just 15 percent in half an hour and around 30 percent in an hour. Charging it completely takes almost 3 hours and 45 minutes.

Moto E6s cameras

The rear cameras on the Moto E6s are a 13-megapixel main sensor with an f/2.0 aperture, and a 2-megapixel depth sensor. In the front, we have an 8-megapixel selfie camera. The camera app is pretty straightforward. You have all the shooting modes and shutter button on the bottom, and the mode-specific toggle options on the top of the viewfinder. There’s AI scene detection too, which can be toggled on or off. You can also use Google Lens from within the camera app.

Autofocus isn’t very quick, so capturing fast-moving objects is a challenge, even in good light. HDR works well when shooting against the light, but dynamic range is a little limited. Details were decent in close-ups, but objects at a distance often looked a little soft. The camera struggles a bit with exposure, and most of the highlights in our daytime shots looked overexposed. Close-ups fared a bit better under good light.

Landscape daylight shot (tap for full-sized Moto E6s sample)

Close-up daylight sample (tap for full-sized Moto E6s sample)

Shot using Portrait mode on the Moto E6s (tap for full-sized Moto E6s sample)

In Bokeh mode, you get a slider to adjust the level of background blur. Edge detection is a bit of a hit or miss here, even with the dedicated depth sensor for both human subjects and objects. There’s a separate ‘Beauty’ shooting mode for smoothing you subject’s face. Other shooting modes include Video and Panorama.

In low light, the camera struggled to lock focus for a second or two at times, before settling down. The Moto E6s struggled to capture good detail at night, and landscape shots generally looked quite grainy. It did mange to retain good colours though.

Low light landscape shot (tap for full-sized Moto E6s sample)

Low light close-up shot (tap for full-sized Moto E6s sample)

Selfie shot in daylight (tap for full-sized Moto E6s sample)

The front camera captures strictly average-looking selfies in daylight. There is HDR but it’s not always very effective. This phone struggles a bit in getting skin tones and exposures right at times. There’s also a noticeable difference when taking a normal selfie and when using Portrait mode. Selfies taken at night had visible grain and lacked good definition. The screen flash isn’t too effective either.

Video quality is also just average in daylight and there’s no electronic stabilisation at 1080p, which is the highest resolution that this phone will go to. In low light, image quality is soft and details are very weak.

Verdict

The Moto E6s is possibly one of the only phones at this price to offer 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage, which is a great, but it compromises a bit too much in other areas, which makes it a little difficult to recommend. Plus, the omission of basic things such as a compass is a real letdown. We’ve also recently started seeing phones at this price with much bigger batteries, which makes the one in the Moto E6s feel small. With phones such as the Xiaomi Redmi 8A in the market, which features a Type-C port with fast charging and much bigger battery, the E6s doesn’t feel very competitive. The removable back cover and battery are nice touches but we doubt this is a feature that would influence anyone’s buying decision.

The Moto E6s is light, has a decent display, and offers good amounts of RAM and storage for the price. However, if you’re okay with having less RAM and storage, then there are better options such as the Realme 3i (Review) and Redmi 7 (Review) for around the same price. Plus, with so many online sales happening, you can even find big discounts on better phones that usually sell for around Rs. 10,000.

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