Wednesday, November 30, 2016

Sony Xperia XZ review: a beautiful phone most will overlook

Sony is great at making smartphones, but pretty lousy at getting the word out about them. While just about anybody could tell you when a new iPhone or Galaxy was about to be released, brilliant phones like the Xperia XZ just arrive one day and nobody but established Xperia fans seem to notice.

Part of this is probably because Sony puts out phones when they have some cool technology to show off, rather than doing it in predictable yearly intervals, but a big part of it is also that — while Apple and Samsung use numbers to denote that a new device is a direct replacement to an old one — Sony phone names often have a confusing set of letters and labels to decipher. So what on Earth is the XZ?

The Xperia XZ: a mystery to most. The Xperia XZ: a mystery to most. Photo: Sony

'X' stands for "experience", and is the latest line of Xperia phones, announced early this year. The idea behind X was, apparently, to replace all the various lines of Sony phones with a single upper-middle-tier handset that could work for most people, as well as a selfie-focused and performance-focused variant. Meanwhile 'Z' has always denoted that a phone is a collection of the very best technology Sony could muster in a single device.

XZ, then, is a continuation of the X line, but one that hopes to showcase the best the company has to offer in mobile photography, display technology, software and more. In different ways it's a successor to both the X and 2015's Z5, and the DNA of both is plain to see.

Sony's minimalist sensibilities return, but so do cutting edge features. Sony's minimalist sensibilities return, but so do cutting edge features. Photo: Tim Biggs

As ever the focus is not on building the brawniest machine but rather on battery life, industrial design, and grabbing the best stuff from elsewhere in the Sony empire including camera, display and audio technology. Thankfully though, no features have been dropped and the expected touches — like water resistance, side-mounted fingerprint scanner, microSD card slot and a physical shutter button — have been retained from previous phones and are still very welcome. All up it's enough to give the other big phones in the market a run for their money, and at $999 undercuts a few of them just a little as well.

Design

Physically, the XZ harks back to the monolithic lines and right angles of past Zs, but appears overall taller and skinnier thanks to its curved edges. The glass continues all the way to the edge and curves off, which combined with the perfectly flat back and front makes for a comfy fit in the hand. The ovular top and bottom surfaces of the phone (where the headphone jack and USB-C connector live, respectively) feature a brushed metal look.

I'll admit that in still photos I didn't think much of the phone's design, but in person I think it's gorgeous. The front is the usual featureless black glass, but the identically-shaped back panel is metal. Specifically, it's kind of alloy that Sony is very keen to tell you is a proprietary material called ALKALEIDO.

Whatever it is, the result is a phone with a kind of mysterious finish, giving off soft, dreamlike reflections despite being mostly matte. Under different lights the black version can appear jet black or a kind of very dark red. Give the back of the phone a polish and set it face down on your desk and it can look downright space-age.

The rear of the phone has a strange, fingerprint-hungry finish. The rear of the phone has a strange, fingerprint-hungry finish. Photo: Tim Biggs

The price to pay for this unique look, however, is that it collects fingerprints like a deranged CSI. The material is very comfortable to hold, and thankfully not as slippery as some past Xperias, but you better get used to either cleaning the thing regularly or living with the greasy, multicolour smudges that streak across it after minutes of use. An unusual greeny-blue version is available if you order direct from Sony.

Hardware

The XZ hums along on a Snapdragon 820 processor and 3GB of RAM. As with virtually all contemporary Android phones, there's an Adreno 530 for graphics as well.

The XZ's display generates colour like no other, although photography fans may want to turn of the image processing for ... The XZ's display generates colour like no other, although photography fans may want to turn of the image processing for photos to preserve a natural look. Photo: Tim Biggs

Sony remains one of the only players to stick with IPS LCD screens over AMOLED, but the 5.2-inch display on the XZ is amazingly bright. It's lower resolution than many high-end phones (at 1080x1920), but the company's image processing makes for better colour than the competition and great-looking videos and photos.

The big 23MP rear camera is supported by a bank of sensors, including for laser autofocus and white balance, making it on paper one of the most powerful and technologically advanced camera you can get on a phone. In practice though, it's clear other phones have the edge when it comes to photo software and post-processing. Colour accuracy and autofocus are both consistently brilliant on the XZ, and the images are much bigger, but both the Google Pixel and iPhone 7 are better at, for example, knowing when to sacrifice accuracy for visibility in darker situations.

Sony has made much of its triple-sensor camera setup. Sony has made much of its triple-sensor camera setup. Photo: Sony

Selfie fans should note that the 13MP front-facing camera — which is now wider angle to allow for several people to easily fit in the frame — is pretty much best in class.

For music fans the XZ supports Hi-Res audio (24-bit/192kHz) which you'll need compatible headphones and media to appreciate fully. There's a couple of options for elevating non-Hi-Res audio to make it sound clearer, but the phone's offer to automatically "optimise" sound for my headphones made everything unbearably bassy. With the right hardware and some tinkering, even streamed music can sound noticeably nicer though. Without headphones you have loud, clear stereo speakers which sound great for a phone, but that's a low bar to clear.

Music fans with Hi-Res headphones and quality music files will get the most out of the XZ's audio, but you'll want a big ... Music fans with Hi-Res headphones and quality music files will get the most out of the XZ's audio, but you'll want a big SD card. Photo: Sony

Sony has given up claiming its phones have a "two-day" battery life, but you could stretch the XZ that far if you needed to. At any rate it's difficult to exhaust the phone over the course of a single day, and if you do find yourself running low the suite of stamina modes give you options to keep your phone alive.

New this time is a series of features designed to keep the battery holding its charge for years to come, which is especially prescient given some of the issues we've seen with the advent of fast-charging. While most phones will race to 100 per cent as quick as possible when plugged in, the XZ learns when you usually go to bed and wake up so it can fast-charge when you need a top up but go slow at night to avoid constantly topping itself up for seven hours straight. The system also measures battery pressure and temperature to regulate how fast power is fed in to avoid dangerous or damaging charging.

The XZ doesn't look like other 2016 phones. From left: the iPhone 7, Galaxy S7, Pixel XL and Xperia XZ. The XZ doesn't look like other 2016 phones. From left: the iPhone 7, Galaxy S7, Pixel XL and Xperia XZ. Photo: Tim Biggs Software

The big (and not great) news here is that the XZ is launching with Android 6.0.1 and not the latest Android 7. Sony apparently has its Nougat update ready to roll out, but it's going to have to pass certification from the telcos before it finds its way to you.

Luckily this take on Lollipop is one of the better ones, with Sony improving Google's software where it can (for example a 'Smart Assist' that offers help based on your usage patterns and apps that give you special access to films or streaming video from your PlayStation) and otherwise leaving it alone.

The phone naturally taps into Sony's ecosystem of other devices, including playing your PS4 remotely. The phone naturally taps into Sony's ecosystem of other devices, including playing your PS4 remotely. Photo: Tim Biggs

Sony's keyboard and launcher are pretty much the only ones outside of Google's own that I'm perfectly happy to use straight out the box without tweaking, and that's mostly because they are literally versions of Swiftkey and Google Now themselves. Sony's main contribution to app management is a smarter way to organise and search for apps, which is great.

Aesthetically I also dig the painterly backgrounds and unique sliding lock screen that comes standard on the XZ, but that's a matter of personal preference. Overall the software is fast, beautiful and most important of all intuitive.

Should I get one?

Ultimately the XZ just beats out Google's Pixel to be my personal favourite phone of the year so far (I say so far because I'm yet to give LG's V20 a proper look), but if you're looking to grab the latest and greatest Android handset your decision is hardly cut and dried. The two phones (and, indeed, most flagship Androids) are similar in many ways, and it will come down to which little enhancements you prefer.

The Pixel has a newer processor, more RAM and the latest version of Android, while the XZ has a bigger battery with (unproven) longevity claims, an SD card slot and is IP68 certified dust proof and water resistant. The Pixel comes in your choice of 5-inch or 5.5-inch, while the XZ is a comfortable middle ground. Both feel great in the hand and have quick fingerprint sensors, although I prefer Sony's side-mounted unit to Google's rear one. The XZ is easier on the wallet, but not by much.

The Pixel comes with some very Google features like the all-seeing Assistant, tight integration with Google Photos and fantastic, artist-focused wallpapers built-in. Meanwhile the XZ comes with some very Sony features like PlayStation compatibility, Hi-Res audio and a brilliant display. The XZ lacks the software wizadry that makes Pixel's camera the undisputed king of all-rounders, with unmatched low-light photography, but its autofocus is fast and its panel of sensors nails white balance and colour correctness much more often.

Given the above I would already be leaning towards Sony's offering, but if I needed a tie breaker it would be aesthetics. There is simply no other smartphone that looks like the XZ, from its square minimalist shell to its cut-out lock screen, and I much prefer it to the rounded edges and candy icons of virtually every other 2016 phone.


Source: Sony Xperia XZ review: a beautiful phone most will overlook

Tuesday, November 29, 2016

Snaking roads through Transylvania and shipwrecks off the coast of South Africa: Stunning images revealed in drone photography contest

  • The SkyPixel 2016 Photo Contest aims to celebrate images snapped by drones
  • The contest ends next month, but judges have chosen 10 of their favourites from thousands of submissions
  • These include camels in the desert, snow covered trees, a shipwreck and rice terraces in Asia
  • Winners will be announced next month and the grand prize values at $5,500 
  • View comments

    Drones have taken photography to new heights - allowing snappers to capture breathtaking shots from a bird's eye view.

    As a way to highlight these spectacular images, SkyPixel and drone maker DJI has teamed up for a drone photography contest.

    Thousands of submissions were entered in the SkyPixel 2016 Photo Contest and the judges have selected their top 10 favorites, which included a shipwreck off the coast of L'Agulhas, South Africa and a windy road to Transylvania.

    Scroll down for video 

    SkyPixel and drone maker DJI teamed up for a contest that features both 'enthusiast' and 'professional' groups to which users can submit their photos taken by drones. Pictured is 'Infinite road to Transylvania', an image by Calin Stan. It shows a long road that appears to curve like a rippled ribbon nestled in a thick forest of Cheia, a road in Romania

    The SkyPixel 2016 Photo Contest teamed up with DJI to celebrate the drone maker's 10th Anniversary Celebration and SkyPixel's two-year anniversary.

    The goal is to show the world why aerial imaging is the next evolution of photographic art and showcase new talents from around the world.

    When signing up for the content, photographers have the opportunity to choose between the categories of 'beauty', encompassing natural landscape and urban architecture and '360-degree aerial panorama', which showcases immersive 360-degree views from above, aided by Virtual Reality (VR). 

    A final category, 'Drones In Use', is all about capturing images of drones in flight.

    'Through this competition, we aim to show the world why aerial imaging is the next evolution of photographic art, and highlight new talents found on SkyPixel,' SkyPixel shares on their website.

    THE SKYPIXEL 2016 CONTEST TOP 10 FAVORITES  

    1. Infinity Road to Transylvania by Calin Stan – The Drone.ro: The true beauty and w inding nature of Cheia (DN1A), a road in Romania that leads you into Transylvania, can only be shown through aerials as depicted here.

    2. Ship Wreck at L'Agulhas by Dirke Heydenrych: A dramatic sunset is the perfect backdrop for this shipwreck off the Cape L'Algulhas headland in South Africa

    Dirkie Heydenrych is next with his 'Ship Wreck at L'Agulhas' (pictured), which he used a DJI Phantom 3 Advance drone to capture. It shows a deteriorating vessel in the sea off the coast of South Africa. The abandoned boat is rolling with the waves in the blue-green colored sea and sits in a spot that has a perfect view of the mountains

    3. Dronie by Manish Mamtani: A bridge caked in snow in New Hampshire was the perfect opportunity for Manish Mamtani and his wife, both wearing bright clothing, to create a contrasting "dronie" (selfie taken by drone) against the monotonous white winter cold.

    < p class="mol-para-with-font">4. by 225158586: Rice terraces are more commonly synonymous with Bali, but the man-made phenomenon also occurs throughout Asia, as user 225158586 showcases the presence of this unique feature in Fujian through aerial means.

    5. WWII airplane by Salim Madjd: A World War 2 airplane at the outdoor display of the Belarusian Great Patriotic War Museum is caked in snow from a light snowstorm overnight, with a photo taken during 'blue hour' in the early morning.

    6. Crop Triangle by Eddie Oosthuizen: Crop irrigation and agriculture can also be fascinating visually, as shown here with a barren triangle forming between three crop types planted in a circular motion for efficient irrigation.\

    7. Barskog by Atle Goutbeek: The sun and snow form a beautiful contrast in a wintery forest

    8. Night lights by Jeff:  A private superyacht stand s out with its lights in the dark waters at night from above

    9. Winter by Tomasz Walczack: A road cuts through the harsh starkness of a forest experiencing winter.

    10. Camel by Abbas Rastegar: Camels cast a long shadow in the sun of the desert on a trek to find water. 

    'Dronie' by Manish Mamtani is next, which he used a DJI Phantom 3 while shooting in New Hampshire. The image is an aerial shot of a snow covered woodsy area, and Mamtani and his wife are laying in the middle of a bridge, holding an umbrella. 'We laid down on the bridge covered with snow and flew the drone above us to take this image,' he writes in the description

    'As the world's largest contest dedicated to aerial photography, the 2016 SkyPixel Photo Contest will give participants the chance to have their work elevated to the next level and seen by hundreds of thousands of people around the world.'

    'Adding to this, we've got incredible prizes from big sponsors including DJI, Adobe and Epson, and a Grand Prize that includes the recently released DJI Mavic Pro and Inspire 2.'

    The grand prize is valued over $5,500 and includes the recently released Inspire 2, Mavic Pro and Epson Moverio BT-300 smart glasses.

    A user by the name of '225158586' came in as the next favorite with a stunning image of rice terraces in Fujian, a southeastern Chinese province known for its mountains and coastal cities. The image shows water filled pools glistening in the sun and the barriers surrounding them are coated in a bright green moss

    'WWII airplane' was the fifth favorite, which depicts a World War II airplane displayed outside. Salim Madjd captured the scene of an a deserted area, with a s ingle light on in the corner and the ground surrounding the antique plane is covered in a fresh blanket of powdery snow. The airplane displayed at the Belarusian Great Patriotic War Museum in Minsk, Belarus

    Other winning contestants could receive another prize such as the DJI Phantom 4 Pro, Osmo, Osmo+, Osmo Mobile and the 'Above the World: Earth Through a Drone's Eye' coffee table book.

    To make it fair, the judge's panel consist of well-known photographers, digital directors, world renowned travels and more names in the photography industry – who have now selected their top 10 favorites so far.

    So far, the prestigious panel has chosen the windy Chei road in Romania that leads straight to the birthplace of Dracula – Transylvania.

    Called 'Infinite road to Transylvania' this image by Calin Stan was taken with a DJI Phantom 4 and shows a long road th at appears to curve like a rippled ribbon and is nestled among a blanket of trees – so far this is the number one favorite.

    Although crop irrigation and agriculture may not sound exciting to some, Eddie Oosthuizen was able to create a stunning visual of a barren triangle forming between three crop types planted in a circular motion for efficient irrigation in South Africa. The crops are planted in circles for efficient irrigation, this method of irrigation is called center pivot irrigation

    Atle Goutbeek submitted 'Barskog', which was snapped by setting a DJI P3A to 3500 Kelvin. The image shows how the sun and snow can create a beautiful contrast in a wintry forest. Although the trees are coated in a white blanket of snow, colors can still be seen on the top -adding life to this shot of a forest in Norway

    Dirkie Heydenrych is next with his 'Ship Wreck at L'Agulhas', which he used a DJI Phantom 3 Advance drone to capture a deteriorating vessel in the sea at sunset off the coast of South Africa.

    The next favorite is 'Dronie' by Manish Mamtani who used a DJI Phantom 3 while shooting in New Hampshire.

    'This image is an aerial selfie image,' Mamtani shares in the description.

    'We laid down on the bridge covered with snow and flew the drone above us to take this image.'

    A user by the name of '225158586' came in as the next favorite with a stunning image of rice terraces in Fujian, a southeastern Chinese province known for its mountains and coastal cities.

    A user simply by the name of 'Jeff' submitted 'Night Lights for the contest. The image was take during a three day shoot in Antalya, Turkey, when he was on a private 47 meter Superyacht just off the coast. Jeff captured the private vessel in the wat er that was standing out in the dead of night

    THE US AND UK DRONE RULES 

    In August, the US Federal Aviation Administration unveiled long-awaited new rules that clear the way for small, commercial drones to operate across US airspace.

    Under the FAA's rules, drone operators will be allowed to fly commercial craft weighing less than 55 pounds (25kg) during daylight hours, provided they can maintain a clear view of the drone at all times. 

    Limit drone operations to the hours from a half-hour before sunrise to a half-hour after sunset.

    Limit speed to no more than 100 mph and drones are not allowed to fly higher than 400 feet.

    While that effectively precludes the sort of robo-delivery services being developed by Amazon and other major vendors, the new rules will nonetheless ensure drones become increasingly commonplace in the skies. 

    The White House cites industry estimates suggesting drones could generate more than $82 billion (£63 billion) for the US economy over the coming decade, creating some 100,000 jobs. 

    Wal-Mart Stores said last month it was six to nine months from beginning to use drones to check warehouse inventories in the United States, suggesting drones will soon become part of our everyday lives. 

    But in the UK, drones are regulated by the Civil Aviation Authority. 

    These rules apply to unmanned vehicles not more than 44 pounds (20kg) without their fuel, and states they can be flown up to 400 feet in the air. 

    'A person must not recklessly or negligently cause or permit an aircraft to endanger any person or property,' the regulation says. Some experts say this regulation is not enough. 

    But Amazon said its UK partnership aims to understand how drones can be used safely and reliably, and identify the best regulations to put in place.

    'WWII airplane' was the fifth favorite, which depicts a World War II airplane displayed outside

    Salim Madjd captured the scene of an a deserted area, with a single light on in the corner and the antique plane surrounded by a fresh blanket of powdery snow.

    The airplane is part of the outdoor display at Belarusian Great Patriotic War Museum in Minsk, Belarus.

    Although crop irrigation and agriculture may not sound exciting to some, Eddie Oosthuizen was able to create a stunning visual of a barren triangle forming between three crop types planted in a circular motion for efficient irrigation for the next favorite.

    'This was taken just as the new crops were sprouting after a very cold winter,' Oosthuizen shares in the description.

    'The triangle was hidden between 3 different crop types.'

    'The crops are planted in circles for efficient irrigation, this method of irrigation is called center pivot irrigation.'

    'Winter' by Tomasz Walczack is next, which depicts a snow covered forest, bare trees and a jet black, plowed road cutting right through the middle. The image seems to give off a quiet feel, with no one or nothing in sight 

    'The tire track of the ir rigation system is visible in the crops, it also forms perfect circles. This triangle is only visible from above.'

    Atle Goutbeek submitted 'Barskog', which was snapped by setting a DJI P3A to 3500 Kelvin.

    The image shows how the sun and snow can create a beautiful contrast in a wintry forest.

    A user simply by the name of 'Jeff' submitted 'Night Lights for the contest.

    The image was take during a three day shoot in Antalya, Turkey, when he was on a private 47 meter Superyacht just off the coast.

    Jeff captured the private vessel in the water that was standing out in the pitch black of night.

    The 10th favorite of the contest is Abbas Rastegar's 'Camel' that was taken in Torud, which is a village in Torud Rural District, in the Central District of Shahrud County, Semnan Province, Iran. The image shows 10 camels standing in the desert, the sun beating down and their shadows cascading on the sand

    'Winter' by Tomasz Walczack is next, which depicts a snow covered forest, bare trees and a jet black road cutting right through the middle.

    The 10th favorite of the contest is Abbas Rastegar's 'Camel' that was taken in Torud, which is a village in Torud Rural District, in the Central District of Shahrud County, Semnan Province, Iran.

    The image shows 10 camels standing in the desert, the sun beating down and their shadows cascading on the sand.

    Although some favorites have been selected, the SkyPixel 2016 Photo Contest is still accepting entries and will continue to run until December 30, 2016.

    However, the firm says they will officially announce the 10 winners once submissions have been closed. 

     


    Source: Snaking roads through Transylvania and shipwrecks off the coast of South Africa: Stunning images revealed in drone photography contest

    Monday, November 28, 2016

    ASUS Flagship Smartphone ZenFone 3 Deluxe Now Available in the Philippines

    ASUS today announced the launch of ZenFone 3 Deluxe, the distinguished flagship model of the new ZenFone 3 Series designed for users who demand a smartphone with the very best performance and features. The desirable ZenFone 3 Deluxe has the highest-specification components of the ZenFone 3 Series models and is the ultimate expression of ASUS smartphone design.

    ZenFone 3 incorporates many world's-first technical achievements and breakthroughs, the result of a determined effort to empower users with the very best in smartphone design and technology.

    World's first all-aluminum-alloy smartphone with invisible-antenna design

    ZenFone 3 Deluxe features an incredibly slim and elegant all-metal unibody chassis, and is the world's first metal-bodied smartphone with an invisible-antenna design for uncompromised signal quality. Our world-class engineers' determination in pursuit of perfection and technical prowess enabled them to ascend a new pinnacle with ZenFone 3 Deluxe, integrating the antennas in such a way as to dispense with the ugly bands and gaps that blemish other metal-bodied smartphones.

    Other distinguished design details include its hyperfine sandblasted surface — polished to a beautifully smooth anodized finish that makes ZenFone 3 Deluxe incredibly tactile — and brilliant metallic diamond-cut edges that add to its stylish and desirable appearance. The barely-there 1.3mm bezel around the display gives ZenFone 3 Deluxe a huge 79% screen-to-body ratio, so users get the smallest body size possible for the smartphone's generous 5.7-inch display size.

    ZenFone 3 Deluxe is also the first ASUS smartphone to feature a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor — conveniently located below the camera lens on the phone's rear panel — for rapid unlocking and authentication.

    ZenFone 3 Deluxe is available in two sophisticated colors that enhance its desirability and elite status: Sand Gold and Glacier Silver.

    ZenFone 3 Deluxe features the world's first all-aluminum-alloy unibody with an invisible antenna design

    World's first smartphone with PixelMaster 3.0 camera featuring 23MP Sony IMX318 sensor

    Asus ZenFone 3 Deluxe

    ZenFone 3 Deluxe raises the bar for mobile photography with its ASUS PixelMaster 3.0 camera, the world's first smartphone camera to feature the 23MP Sony Exmor RS™ IMX318 image sensor. It has a bright f/2.0 wide-aperture lens, combined with four-axis optical image stabilization (OIS) that eliminates shakes caused by hand movements and enables the use of shutter speeds that are up to four stops slower than traditional smartphone cameras.

    This superb combination of premium components enables ZenFone 3 Deluxe to capture incredible high-resolution, blur-free, and low-noise photos in almost any lighting conditions. The camera's high resolution enables users to zoom in on subjects clearly and capture detailed photos that can be printed at large sizes or cropped in post processing with minimal loss of detail compared to smartphones with lower resolutions. The camera can also capture stunningly-detailed 4K UHD (3840 by 2160) resolution videos, with three-axis electronic image stabilization (EIS) technology to ensure the results are rock-steady and shake-free.

    ZenFone 3 Deluxe also features the new and exclusive ASUS TriTech auto-focus system that automatically selects the best focusing method: second-generation laser, phase detection, or continuous contrast-detection autofocus for near-instant 0.03-second focusing and subject tracking. The laser auto-focus system focuses on subjects at a distance of up to 1.5 meters — which is about three times the distance of conventional laser auto-focus systems.

    Asus ZenFone 3 Deluxe

    Other advanced PixelMaster 3.0 technology features include:

    l   Color-correction sensor — A sensor detects the lighting in the scene and automatically adjusts colors in the photo to look natural and accurate.

    l   Super Resolution mode — This mode creates ultra-high resolution, 92MP photos by capturing and combining four native 23MP photos to create a single image with exceptional clarity, greater detail, and less noise.

    l   Low Light mode — Increases the light sensitivity of the image sensor by up to 400% by combining four neighboring pixels on the sensor into a single one with greater light sensitivity, allowing photos to be shot in low-light conditions without the harsh, overpowering light of a flash.

    l   Comprehensive preset modes — A collection of preset modes enables optimized shooting of almost any subject in any environment. Highlights include special-effects filters, Miniature mode to mimic tilt-shift photography to make subjects appear like miniature toy figures, automated unwanted element removal, the automated Beautification mode for capturing attractive portraits, and an automated time-lapse mode.

    l   Professional manual creative controls — These settings give keen photographers advanced control of ZenFone 3 Deluxe's camera, giving them the ability to change settings like white balance, exposure value (EV), ISO sensitivity, shutter speed, and focus. This makes it a powerful tool for learning the fundamental skills of photography and allows users to shoot scenes with many different creative interpretations.

    Super-bright Super AMOLED display

    ZenFone 3 Deluxe features a 5.7-inch, Full HD (1920 by 1080) display and is the only model in the ZenFone 3 Series to employ Super AMOLED technology. This stunning display has a 3,000,000:1 contrast ratio, and a color gamut that's greater than 100% of the NTSC color space, so everything ZenFone 3 Deluxe displays looks as vibrant as real life — and with ASUS Tru2Life technology optimizing every pixel for maximum intensity. The display's barely-there 1.3mm bezel gives a huge screen-to-body ratio of 79%, for a vast view in a smaller space. And with always-on technology, the screen keeps vital information in constant view for whenever the user needs it — without waking up the whole display. The screen is covered by super-tough Corning® Gorilla® Glass 4, which offers twice the drop resistance and over twice the overall strength of the last generation of Gorilla Glass.

    Unrivaled smartphone audio with SonicMaster 3.0

    Matching ZenFone 3 Deluxe's impressive display is its class-leading audio capability. It features a five-magnet speaker driven with a metal voice coil and an expansive sound chamber, driven by an NXP smart amplifier that delivers powerful, emotional audio and also protects the speaker from damage. As ZenFone 3 Deluxe is certified for High-Res Audio (HRA), users can plug in their favorite HRA-compatible headphones or earbuds and experience true HRA quality anywhere they go with ZenFone 3 Deluxe's studio-grade 24-bit/192kHz playback — that's 4X better than CD-quality sound.

    AVAILABILITY & PRICING

    ASUS ZenFone 3 Deluxe 5.7 variant is now available in the Philippines and priced at PHP 34,995 and the ZenFone 3 Deluxe 5.5 variant is priced at PHP 22,995 which will arrive by 2ndweek of December 2016.

    You can purchase the Zenfone 3 Deluxe to select ASUS stores/ concept shop, kiosks and key ASUS authorized dealers Nationwide:

    Store Mall Location ASUS Kiosk SM Pampanga ASUS Kiosk SM City Baguio ASUS Kiosk SM City Rosales ASUS Kiosk SM Clark ASUS Kiosk SM Tarlac Asus Store SM Cabanatuan ASUS Kiosk ATC Mall Alabang ASUS Kiosk SM Bicutan ASUS Kiosk Robinsons Ermita ASUS Kiosk SM Taytay (temporary kiosk) ASUS Kiosk SM Sta. Mesa ZenFone Store Glorietta ASUS Kiosk SM Manila ASUS Kiosk SM San Lazaro ASUS Kiosk SM Mall of Asia Asus Concept Store SM North EDSA ASUS Lounge SM Megamall Asus Concept Store SM Mall Of Asia Asus Concept Store SM Fairview 3F Asus Concept Store Festival Mall 3F ASUS Kiosk SM Calamba ASUS Kiosk SM Lipa Batangas ASUS Kiosk SM Bacoor ASUS Kiosk SM Dasma ASUS Kiosk SM Sta. Rosa Laguna ASUS Kiosk SM City Cebu ASUS Kiosk Robinsons Iloilo Asus Concept Store SM City Cebu Asus Concept Store SM Ilo-ilo Asus Concept Store SM City Bacolod ASUS Kiosk Centrio Mall CDO ASUS Kiosk NCCC Mall Kiosk ASUS Kiosk Gaisano Mall Davao ASUS Kiosk SM Davao Annex Asus Concept Store Centrio Mall CDO Asus Concept Store KCC Mall Zamboanga

    BUNDLE AND SPECIAL PROMO

    The ZenFone 3 Deluxe 5.7 comes with a bundle of ZenPower Ultra and ZenFone 3 Deluxe 5.5 comes with a bundle of ZenPower Pro. Moreover, the ZenFone 3 Deluxe 5.7 is also available via credit card installment plan up to 12 months, and ZenFone 3 Deluxe 5.5 is up to 6 months.


    Source: ASUS Flagship Smartphone ZenFone 3 Deluxe Now Available in the Philippines

    Sunday, November 27, 2016

    How to shoot a perfect flat lay with a smartphone

    Posted on Friday Nov 25th at 11:12pm

    image

    MANILA, Philippines — Are you tired of the struggle? You know—standing on a chair, holding your smartphone directly above your subject, trying to be steady to get a perfect flat lay. But you couldn't get it right.

    How can you actually achieve those perfect flat lays you've been admiring on Instagram, Pinterest or Facebook? If you're a blogger, entrepreneur or just a social media-savvy person, you're probably aching to know the tricks and the secrets to capturing a great flat lay.

    The truth is there might really be no secret at all. You just need to learn the basics and keep on practicing. Patience is key.

    So, here are some important things you need to keep in mind and practice in order to snap an alluring flat lay:

    1. Use a simple background.

    For a perfect flat lay, it's best to keep the background simple with neutral colors and fewer details. It's not wrong, however, to be creative and play around various props to create a unique background. But just be careful not to overwhelm your products, especially your hero piece, when doing so.

    The reason why you would want to stick with a simple background as much as possible is it's easier to work with in terms of balancing out the elements and conveying the theme or story of your photo.

    2. Achieve balance.

    To achieve balance in your flat lay, check color, size and space.

    For color, just pick a color scheme that complements your theme then stick to it. Avoid using too many hues. Some people love adding a pop of color in a monochromatic theme. You can try that, too.

    Second, choose objects of different sizes. You may want the largest object in your photo to be your hero piece. You can add in small props to help balance out your flat lay. Same-sized objects may be easier to create balance with but it may be quite difficult to make a piece stand out.

    Lastly, maintain appropriate spaces between the objects. Placing them too close to each other can make your photo look cluttered. Empty spaces, however, sometimes don't look bad at all. You can experiment to see how it can work for your piece.

    image

    3. Catch the natural light.

    The best lighting not just for flat lays, but also in photography in general, is natural light.

    Get acquainted with the early morning or afternoon light as it usually gives off the kind of soft light that's perfect for shooting a photo. Avoid midday light as this one tends to be too harsh, washing off the lighter colors in your photo.

    Try different hours and spots in your house or outdoors to find out the best time and place for shooting perfect flat lays.

    Some photographers don't recommend using natural light with your camera's flash. But some say using flash with the right technique, and reflectors, too, can reduce shadows in the photo. You can try and experiment to find out.

    image

    4. Pick a great smartphone.

    You don't need to spend lots of money on a high-end camera, lighting equipment, reflectors, and what have you. You just need the right smartphone to create perfect flat lays.

    According to the most recent report by market research firm International Data Corporation or IDC, the top smartphone brands based on global market share are Samsung, Apple and Huawei. It's then no wonder why their latest devices, namely Samsung S7, iPhone 7 and Huawei P9, are the best-selling smartphones in 2016.

    You should consider these devices for mobile photography, not just because they're the hottest phones around now but also because they actually deliver in the camera performance department. Consumer insight provider Kantar Worldpanel found that camera performance is the second most important consideration for buyers when choosing a smartphone.

    Tech blog HungryGeeks.ph took a social experiment to the streets to find out which of the top three smartphones produce the best-quality photos. Nearly 60 percent of participants said they liked the Leica-equipped Huawei P9 for bokeh or depth of field. For vivid shots, iPhone 7 Plus caught the eye of 46 percent of the participants. And almost half picked P9's output for monochrome.

    image

    You can try and do the comparison yourself to find out which camera phone best suits your taste and photography style with this quiz.

    What are you waiting for? Check out these deals offering the iPhone7, Huawei P9 and Samsung S7 Edge!


    Source: How to shoot a perfect flat lay with a smartphone

    Saturday, November 26, 2016

    The best Microsoft Lumia 950 XL deals on Black Friday 2016

    Savvy bargain fans out there, you've waited long enough, November and Black Friday month are finally here. time to grab yourself that mobile phone deal you've been waiting for.

    Microsoft's finally brought out a top of the range smartphone in 2015, and while we're deep into 2016 now, this is the phone for you if you're thinking of getting a handset that could actually begin to replace your PC.

    The Lumia 950 XL is a phone with a huge 5.7-inch QHD (2560 x 1440) screen, oodles of power thanks to the Snapdragon 810 chipset inside (combined with a useful 3GB of RAM) and for those that love customisation, there's a removable back, battery and microSD slot as well.

    Let's talk camera – the sensor is a 20MP effort but with the Pureview technology nabbed when Microsoft acquired Nokia, which really helps to bring much better photography all over the place – low light, general landscapes, selfies, they're all accounted for if you're a fan of mobile photography.

    It's a phablet that offers the very best from Microsoft in a simple package – top end specs and something very different from the rest on the market.

    Microsoft Black Friday Lumia 950 XL (Screenshot/Microsoft Store)

    Microsoft Black Friday Lumia 950 XL (Screenshot/Microsoft Store)

    We liked

    Firstly, it has to be said that the Lumia 950 XL has a great camera. In almost every situation it coped admirably, nearly always turning in great shots, and a few particularly stunning examples.

    In terms of general performance, the XL is also a champ. No matter what I threw at the device, it was able to handle every app and game with aplomb. With an lovely 2K screen, watching videos and reading for extensive periods was a treat, and the ClearBlack coating really works well to improve visibility in bright sunlight.

    As ever, the Live Tiles of the Windows 10 Mobile operating system are a real draw, presenting glanceable information in an attractive way, and offering something different in what is increasingly becoming a sea of copycat and me-too devices.

    With expandable storage I was never in danger of running out of space, even when I exceeded the 32GB built-in limit.


    Source: The best Microsoft Lumia 950 XL deals on Black Friday 2016

    Friday, November 25, 2016

    How to shoot a perfect flat lay with a smartphone

    A simple background is easier to work with in terms of balancing out the elements and conveying the theme or story of your photo. @notjaya

    MANILA, Philippines — Are you tired of the struggle? You know—standing on a chair, holding your smartphone directly above your subject, trying to be steady to get a perfect flat lay. But you couldn't get it right.

    How can you actually achieve those perfect flat lays you've been admiring on Instagram, Pinterest or Facebook? If you're a blogger, entrepreneur or just a social media-savvy person, you're probably aching to know the tricks and the secrets to capturing a great flat lay.

    The truth is there might really be no secret at all. You just need to learn the basics and keep on practicing. Patience is key.

    So, here are some important things you need to keep in mind and practice in order to snap an alluring flat lay:

    1. Use a simple background.

    For a perfect flat lay, it's best to keep the background simple with neutral colors and fewer details. It's not wrong, however, to be creative and play around various props to create a unique background. But just be careful not to overwhelm your products, especially your hero piece, when doing so.

    The reason why you would want to stick with a simple background as much as possible is it's easier to work with in terms of balancing out the elements and conveying the theme or story of your photo.

    Lifestyle Feature ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch:

    2. Achieve balance.

    To achieve balance in your flat lay, check color, size and space.

    For color, just pick a color scheme that complements your theme then stick to it. Avoid using too many hues. Some people love adding a pop of color in a monochromatic theme. You can try that, too.

     

    Second, choose objects of different sizes. You may want the largest object in your photo to be your hero piece. You can add in small props to help balance out your flat lay. Same-sized objects may be easier to create balance with but it may be quite difficult to make a piece stand out.

    Lastly, maintain appropriate spaces between the objects. Placing them too close to each other can make your photo look cluttered. Empty spaces, however, sometimes don't look bad at all. You can experiment to see how it can work for your piece.

    3. Catch the natural light.

    The best lighting not just for flat lays, but also in photography in general, is natural light.

    Get acquainted with the early morning or afternoon light as it usually gives off the kind of soft light that's perfect for shooting a photo. Avoid midday light as this one tends to be too harsh, washing off the lighter colors in your photo.

    Try different hours and spots in your house or outdoors to find out the best time and place for shooting perfect flat lays.

    Some photographers don't recommend using natural light with your camera's flash. But some say using flash with the right technique, and reflectors, too, can reduce shadows in the photo. You can try and experiment to find out.

    4. Pick a great smartphone.

    You don't need to spend lots of money on a high-end camera, lighting equipment, reflectors, and what have you. You just need the right smartphone to create perfect flat lays.

    According to the most recent report by market research firm International Data Corporation or IDC, the top smartphone brands based on global market share are Samsung, Apple and Huawei. It's then no wonder why their latest devices, namely Samsung S7, iPhone 7 and Huawei P9, are the best-selling smartphones in 2016.

    You should consider these devices for mobile photography, not just because they're the hottest phones around now but also because they actually deliver in the camera performance department. Consumer insight provider Kantar Worldpanel found that camera performance is the second most important consideration for buyers when choosing a smartphone.

    Tech blog HungryGeeks.ph took a social experiment to the streets to find out which of the top three smartphones produce the best-quality photos. Nearly 60 percent of participants said they liked the Leica-equipped Huawei P9 for bokeh or depth of field. For vivid shots, iPhone 7 Plus caught the eye of 46 percent of the participants. And almost half picked P9's output for monochrome.

    You can try and do the comparison yourself to find out which camera phone best suits your taste and photography style with this quiz.

    What are you waiting for? Check out these deals offering the iPhone7, Huawei P9 and Samsung S7 Edge!


    Source: How to shoot a perfect flat lay with a smartphone

    Thursday, November 24, 2016

    7 worldwide journalism opportunities to apply for in December

    Looking to expand your journalism toolkit, take on a new beat or receive recognition for your work? Check out these promising courses, fellowships and competitions with deadlines in December. Each is open to journalists worldwide.

    John S. Knight Journalism Fellowships Deadline: December 1

    Journalists who want to collaborate with their peers to solve a pressing issue within the industry can apply to become a John S. Knight Journalism Fellow at Stanford University. For 10 months, fellows will have access to the world's most innovative thinkers and organizations. A US$75,000 stipend is provided, along with tuition and other benefits. For more information, click here.

    Bellagio Residency Program Deadline: December 1

    The Rockefeller Foundation is seeking scholars of all disciplines for its four-week residency in Bellagio, Italy. Participants will be able to establish new connections and solve complex global issues like health and ecosystems. Room and board are covered, and some travel stipends are offered. For more information, click here.

    Mobile Photography Awards Deadline: December 4

    Do you take great photos with your mobile phone? Enter the Mobile Photography Awards and you could win up to US$3,000. This year's theme focuses on groundbreaking images despite the medium's limitations. For more information, click here.

    World Nomads travel photography scholarship Deadline: December 14

    Aspiring photographers can apply to take a 10-day mentored trip to Japan from World Nomads. The winner will work alongside travel photographer Richard I'Anson documenting Japan's culture. He or she will also receive Kathmandu outdoor gear, valued at about US$750. For more information, click here.

    CUNY business journalism fellowship Deadline: December 15

    The McGraw Center for Business Journalism at the City University of New York's Graduate School of Journalism offers fellowships to journalists who want to report on in-depth, complex topics in business and the global economy. Fellows receive a US$5,000 per month stipend for one to three months, as well as editorial support. For more information, click here.

    Knight-Wallace Journalism Fellowship Deadline: December 16

    Exceptional journalists from around the globe can spend an academic year at the University of Michigan with this fellowship. Fellows follow a personalized study plan and are granted access to the university's resources. Stipend is US$70,000, and tuition and travel costs are covered. For more information, click here.

    Earth Journalism Network biodiversity media grants Deadline: December 23

    The Earth Journalism Network (EJN), in partnership with the Arcadia Foundation, are offering a total of US$30,000 in grants to support reporting on environmental conservation and biodiversity. Projects that focus on conservation in high-biodiversity regions of the world, such as the Amazon, Central Africa and Southeast Asia, are especially sought. For more information, click here.

    Main image CC-licensed by Flickr via Riccardof.

    Get more of the latest journalism opportunities delivered to your inbox each week — sign up for the IJNet bulletin here.


    Source: 7 worldwide journalism opportunities to apply for in December

    Wednesday, November 23, 2016

    3D Cameras Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2016 - 2023

    Global 3D Cameras Market: Overview

    3D cameras enable photographers to capture images that create a depth illusion in 2D photographs, enhancing the visual appeal of the photograph. Incorporation of 3D technology in video cameras is, of course, not a novel concept and has been a mainstay in the entertainment industry for many years. 3D videos allow viewers to immerse themselves into the on-screen action much more naturally than with 2D footage. 3D still cameras are a relatively more recent innovation and took much more time to take off commercially, only becoming a commercial hit around the turn of the ongoing decade. However, 3D cameras are now steadily rising in demand.

    Stereo camera technology is a popular method of getting 3D still photographs. Stereo 3D cameras work by utilizing two camera lenses instead of the one that defines the current paradigm of cameras. This allows the camera to function like a pair of human eyes and thus provide depth perception to the photo. The global 3D cameras market is primarily propelled by the enhanced visual appeal 3D cameras provide and the rapid rate of innovation in the industry.

    Global 3D Cameras Market: Drivers and Restraints

    The rising popularity of 3D content is the primary factor propelling the global 3D cameras market. The engaging nature of 3D photography is becoming increasingly commercially lucrative in the modern market, with many publications trying to boost their user reach through the use of 3D photography. This will be a strong factor boosting the demand for 3D cameras in the coming years. The growing demand for 3D TVs is also a major factor driving the demand for 3D cameras.

    PDF Sam ple For Full Details with Technological breakthroughs is @ www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag...

    The relatively easy incorporation of 3D cameras in smartphones is another factor expected to drive the global 3D cameras market in the coming years. Due to the ease of carrying a smartphone with an advanced camera instead of a bulky and expensive SLR camera, many amateur photographers are starting to choose mobile phones for photography over SLRs. Smartphone manufacturers, recognizing the popularity of mobile photography, are expected to incorporate 3D cameras as a USP in the coming years. The rising popularity of high-end smartphones in the increasingly urbanized economies in Asia Pacific and the Middle East will thus boost the global 3D cameras market significantly. From the point of view of 3D camera manufacturers, smartphones are the cheapest vehicle for 3D cameras to make a commercial impact, which will ensure rising usage of 3D camera technology in smar tphone cameras.

    The rising use of 3D cameras in home automation and security technologies is also a major factor driving the global 3D cameras market. 3D cameras provide higher precision in security videos, which is naturally a sought-after attribute. Rise in the demand for 3D scanning is also helpful for the global 3D cameras market.

    On the other hand, the major restraint on the global 3D cameras market is the high price of devices that incorporate them. In spite of the growing purchasing power of consumers in developing regions, the 3D cameras market is still largely restricted to developed regions such as North America and Europe. Ongoing technical innovation will help the 3D cameras industry ameliorate this concern, as will efforts by 3D camera manufacturers to expand their distribution network in emerging economies.

    Global 3D Cameras Market: Regional and Competitive Dynamics

    The global 3D cameras market is dominated at present, as mentioned, by North Ame rica and Europe. Major companies in the 3D cameras market, such as Nikon, Canon, GoPro, Kodak, Panasonic, Sony Electronics, and LG all have well-established sales networks in these regions, in addition to advanced R&D facilities. The future of the 3D cameras market, though, is expected to be dominated by Asia Pacific, as the region contains many dynamic economies that are exhibiting increasing financial clout.

    Market Insight can be Viewed @ www.transparencymarketresearch.com/3d-cameras-market.html

    Transparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMR's experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.

    Transparency Market Research90 Sate Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: www.transparencymarketresearch.com

    This release was published on openPR.


    Source: 3D Cameras Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2016 - 2023

    Tuesday, November 22, 2016

    Sony Prepares for a Historic, First-Ever Sony Fair

    Sony Philippines will be holding its first-ever Sony Fair at Bonifacio Global City on December 9-18, 2016. It aims to showcase all of Sony's key product lineups spanning mobile, digital imaging, home entertainment, personal audio, and gaming.Sony designs and creates products that will provide consumers the best experience in entertainment. In addition, Sony Philippines commits to engaging the consumers' creative potential with constant tech innovations.

    In celebration of Sony Corporation's 70th Anniversary, we at Sony Philippines are very excited to share our current product line and introduce our new ones during the opening of our Sony Fair. Through this event, we are making our products more accessible to our consumers. Our goal is to give them tools to help them discover their talents and capabilities through our products. And we want them to do that while having fun,

    Nobuyoshi Otake, President and Managing Director, Sony Philippines.

    sony-fair

    The Sony Fair will be a two-weekend long event that will include interactive displays, community activities and workshops.  Thus, there'll be various art, dance, and music activities conducted with the supervision of Sony ambassadors.  One of these will be Sony Personal Audio Ambassador Rammy Bitong who will conduct an Extra Bass DJ Workshop and Silent Party.

    Other Ambassadors would be Juno Oebanda, whose in-depth clinic about hi-res audio and related products will surely enlighten all.  There's also UPeepz, an award-winning dance group from UP Diliman, who will oversee a Dance Workshop.  Finally, the festivities will sport activities like mural painting, Just Dance games, and Design Your Own Headphones events. Finally, Sony plans to set up movie nights every weekend.If you're into photography, Sony will prepare photography workshops for all skill ranges. This will culminate in an Xperia on-the-spot Mobile Photography contest. Workshop guest mentors and speakers will include Pilar Trigo Bonnin, Paco Guerrero, and Mayad wedding studio.

    For fashion, travel, and flat lay photographers, Kimi Juan, Jelito de Leon and Charisma Lico will be there to guide you. At the end of the two weekend Sony Fair, there'll be a Photo Clique get-together where guests can hang out with the Sony Digital Imaging Ambassador, Nadine Lustre, on December 18.

    For more information on the upcoming Sony Fair 2016, visit the Official Sony website, Facebook page, Twitter and Instagram.


    Source: Sony Prepares for a Historic, First-Ever Sony Fair

    Monday, November 21, 2016

    10 Beautiful Photos Of Lone Figures Taken With An iPhone

    The theme of this weeks showcase of mobile photography looks at 10 beautifully shot photos that include a lone figure. Such shots often evoke feelings of isolation which in turn stir an emotion in the person viewing the image.

    From Alexandre Lecuyer's seaside flock of seagulls scene to Aco Konikoni's wonderful black and white image that uses the surrounding buildings to frame the figure. All photos in this weeks showcase show how effective this compositional technique can be.

    Featured photographers this week include; Ushi Grant, Mark Fearnley, Kapa1966, Alexandre Lecuyer, Geek1956, Aco Konikoni, Manuel Vilaca, Johnny777, and Koopsdk.

    Do you have a favourite photo from this week's showcase? Let us know which in the comments section at the bottom of the page. Finally, hashtag your photos with #mobiography for a chance of getting featured in future showcases.

    Finding the Light…

    sombra_y_luz_17_11_2016_14_20_5_462

    'Finding the Light…' by Ushi Grant – "I was drawn to the play of light on the floor when suddenly I saw this figure coming into the space. I loved the way the light caught her face. In these uncertain times, the title I gave it is my hope for the world going forward"

    Projected Destiny

    mark-fearnley_17_11_2016_14_20_8_353'Projected Destiny' by Mark Fearnley – "This image was taken in a disused railway line close to my house. I decided to visit the tunnel for some back lit/silhouetted shots. It had been raining on our way down and I asked my wife to put the umbrella up as we were leaving the tunnel. I edited the image through Snapseed for strong vignetting, and Pics-Art for a motion blur."

    Untitled

    kapa1966_17_11_2016_14_20_3_111

    'Untitled' by Kapa1966 – "I often go nordic walking, and this photo was taken during my walk. This place is an underpass to the Football Stadium Energa in Gdansk, Poland. I walked towards the stadium and saw how the sun casts beautiful human shadows on the wall. The decision was immediate, I took the picture. I converted the photo to black and white in Snapseed using "dramatic" preset and "black and white" in high contrast with a red filter. "

    La fille et les mouettes

    iphotofr_17_11_2016_14_19_55_271

    'La fille et les mouettes' by alexandre.lecuyer – "Most of my pics are done with Hipstamatic app. This picture was shot in March 2016 in Deauville (French Normandie). I saw this group of seagulls and I asked my daughter to walk towards them. I knew that the reaction should be amazing. I shot 2 pics. The second one was great with the reflect of my daughter in the sea and a good balance of seagulls in flight."

    Untitled

    geek1956_17_11_2016_14_18_25_201

    'Untitled' by Geek1956 – "This photo was taken during my regular early morning walk before work. I was walking around Sydney University which I find is a great place for people and architecture. I decided to stand at the bottom of the stairs and just waited for people to show up. I shot about 13 photos using the Hipstamatic classic camera app and this was the one I liked. The John S lens and Inas's 1982 film is great for silhouette's and for capturing low light and mood. This is a great combo, unfortunately you don't see it posted much these days."

    Now, let's go‼︎

    aco-konikoni_17_11_2016_14_19_58_116

    'Now, let's go‼︎' by aco.konikoni – "I took this picture at the Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art in Japan. The image is the person who goes toward the future and I made it black and white to express that image."

    Cosmic Gate

    shootermag_portugal_17_11_2016_14_19_22_993

    'Cosmic Gate' by Manuel Vilaca

    Get higher

    johnny777_17_11_2016_14_18_16_955

    'Get higher' by johnny777

    Untitled

    koopsdk_17_11_2016_14_18_20_701

    'Untitled' by Koopsdk

    Do you have a favourite from this weeks showcase? Let us know your thoughts on the featured photos in the comments below.

    If you haven't already done so, follow Mobiography on Instagram and hashtag your photos with#mobiography for a chance of getting featured in future showcases. Don't forget to sign up to the Mobiography email list to get the latest news and updates direct to your inbox.

    Save

    Save

    Save


    Source: 10 Beautiful Photos Of Lone Figures Taken With An iPhone

    Sunday, November 20, 2016

    Who is the Reigning King of Smartphone Photography?

    When was the last time you ever saw someone holding up a mobile phone with a VGA camera to take photos? Nowadays, it is unusual to even see someone owning that kind of mobile phone. When you walk down the streets, you would mostly see people holding smartphones. These smartphones have cameras that can capture megapixels. The higher, the better and more accurate in terms of image resolution.

    The camera game has definitely changed. Smartphone brands are constantly upgrading their cameras to challenge professional cameras in the best way that they can. However, to be able to know who the reigning king of smartphone photography is, there is a need to directly compare the capabilities of various smartphone cameras.

    Seven participants, comprised of Instagram influencers and photography enthusiasts, have been invited to test out smartphone photography. In respective order, Samsung, Apple and Huawei came out as the top 3 with the most smartphones sold globally during Q2 of 2016. As such, for the challenge, the selected smartphones to be used were the Samsung S7, Apple iPhone 7 Plus and Huawei P9.

    Battle of the Smartphone Photography

    innity-smartphone

    The Rules of the Challenge

    On the battle, each participant was instructed to shoot different subjects using the iPhone 7, Huawei P9 and Samsung Galaxy S7 in same angles. This method is mostly used to easily compare shots, but we've also added more context as they need to shoot in 4 different kinds of categories, vivid, bokeh/depth of field, low light and monochrome/black and white.

    The iPhone 7 Plus trumps Samsung Galaxy S7 and Huawei P9 in the lowlight category with 6 voting it to be the best in that segment. It further proves what the brand claims as a mastery to taking photos even at the most unexpected moments.

    However, Huawei P9 takes the lead for most of the categories namely the bokeh feature, monochrome and vivid portions with 7, 5 and 4 respondents respectively voting for the brand to have the best in these specifications.

    In a similar phone blind test that Vox Pop did, this time with 50 respondents, the results are almost the same. The Samsung Galaxy S7 lags behind the two other brands in all categories, getting only 12%-18% of the respondents' nod. The iPhone 7 Plus ranks in second, getting 30% of the votes for the bokeh category and 34% for the monochrome selection.

    Unsurprisingly, the Huawei P9 got the most votes for Bokeh with 29 respondents agreeing it has the best feature in that category. It finished a close second to the iPhone 7 Plus in the Monochrome and Vivid categories, gathering 24 and 22 total votes, respectively. Overall, the participants seem to favor Samsung Galaxy S7 the least and Huawei P9 the most when it comes to three key features: bokeh, monochrome and vivid.

    The Result of the Challenge

    As this was a blind test for all the respondents, both surveys swing in the same results with the Samsung Galaxy S7 as the least favorite for all of the features suggested. Meanwhile, the iPhone 7 Plus gets applauded for its excellent lowlight capacity.

    As for the rest of the features tested – bokeh, monochrome and vivid – Huawei P9 proves to be the best and it can be said that the brand's partnership with Leica has turned out to be the most wonderful decision it has made to date.

    Do you agree with the result? What's your choice and what would you say works best for you? Find out here.

    Sources: Rappler, Hungry Geeks (1) (2), IDC

    Share This Article WhenInManila Contributor

    As a contributor you may share one single story, or become a regular columnist and do it more often. Your works will be read by our millions of followers and you also get lots of other benefits, as listed here - WhenInManila.com/contribute. ***   For media partnerships, possible features or other inquiries, you can find answers on our "Frequently Asked Questions" (FAQ) page here - WhenInManila.com/faq


    Source: Who is the Reigning King of Smartphone Photography?

    Saturday, November 19, 2016

    Stories through frames

    After Fanushi-4.0, Calcutta Instagrammers united to hold another exciting event -- India Pictures: Global Meet 2.0 organised by the India Pictures, Zostel and Creative Image Magazine. This is an event where anybody with an urge to capture their surroundings can take part. The pictures are then uploaded on Instagram with the event hastags.

    The city witnessed one such photowalk on 6  November which was held across 25 cities of the country. The founder of Calcutta Instagrammers, Sammya Brata Mullick was the curator of the photowalk. The walk criss-crossed through the lanes of North Kolkata beginning from Beadon Street and covered parts of Goa Bagan. Red-bricked houses, the old lanes and the happy faces of the people had it all. The cold November winds, the tea stalls preparing a hot cup of tea, children overjoyed with their on-going football match and everything was beautifully in sync with the theme "Street Photography", which captured the textures of the place. More than 150 photo-enthusiasts of Kolkata were a part of this.

    "The second year for the India Pictures Global Meet- Calcutta Chapter received an overwhelming response. During the walk, people were given an hour to shoot photographs using their mobile phones/DSLRs and upload them on Instagram using the pre-decided hashtags to qualify for the contest. The theme was 'Street Photography' and people got a chance to capture the rich patterns and textures of North Calcutta, most importantly to weave stories through their frames. The photography enthusiasts covered in and around Beadon Street, Goa Bagan area, Girish Park and North Calcutta," said Sammya Brata, founder, Calcutta Instagrammers.

    There has been an incredible rise in the number of photo-enthusiasts being a part of this endeavour. The on-spot mobile photography contest with the hastags ip meet 2 and ip zostel witnessed a huge number of entries out of which two were selected as the winners. Uber, one of the prime sponsors of the event is holding yet another contest as a part of this project, the theme of which is "view from my uber", and the winner gets 20 uber rides free.

    However, the grand prize remains the main attraction. The winner stands a chance to meet the renowned photographer, Padmashree Shree Raghu Rai and receives a DSLR as a winning prize. This all-India contest has got more than 17,000 uploads from across the country within just a span of 24 hours, while more than 270 entries are from Calcutta within the same period of time. With the current generation pouring their hearts out on social media, this is quite a unique way to explore one's one city in ways never seen before.


    Source: Stories through frames

    Friday, November 18, 2016

    Sony kicks off December with cool gadgets, fun activities, and exciting workshops at the Sony Fair

    MANILA – Consumers are constantly challenged with choosing products that would best fit their needs, fuel their imagination, and provide a more immersive experience. They often visit stores multiple times before making their pick. In response, Sony Philippines will be holding its first-ever Sony Fair (at Bonifacio High Street, BGC) on December 9-18, 2016 that will showcase all of Sony's key product lineups spanning mobile, digital imaging, home entertainment, personal audio, and gaming.

    Sony designs and creates products that will provide consumers the best experience in entertainment, thereby improving their quality of living. Over the years, Sony Philippines has continuously committed to inspire and fulfill their consumers' curiosity and creative potential with their slew of innovative products.

    "In celebration of Sony Corporation's 70th Anniversary, we at Sony Philippines are very excited to share our current product line and introduce our new ones during the opening of our Sony Fair. Through this event, we are making our products more accessible to our consumers. Our goal is to give them tools to help them discover their talents and capabilities through our products. And we want them to do that while having fun," said Mr. Nobuyoshi Otake, President and Managing Director, Sony Philippines.

    The Sony Fair will be a two-weekend long event that will include interactive displays, community activities and workshops that provide the total Sony experience. Catch various art, dance, and music activities with Sony Personal Audio Ambassador Rammy Bitong as he spins tunes for the crowd and conducts an Extra Bass DJ Workshop and Silent Party.

    For those looking for a more in-depth take on music, Sony Personal Audio Ambassador Juno Oebanda will be holding a hi-res clinic that focuses on hi-res audio and the different products that one can choose from. If dancing is your passion, catch UPeepz, UP Diliman's well-awarded dance group who will be performing and conducting a Dance Workshop for consumers. Sony has also prepared more festivities with its Extra Bass "Share Your Passion" activities that include mural painting, Just Dance mini-series, and Design Your Own Headphones.

    Sony will likewise set up movie nights every weekend, so if you are big on watching films, the Sony Fair is the best place to be in this December.

    For the shutterbugs, Sony will hold several photography workshops both for beginners and those with advanced skills. Mobile photographers will surely learn essential tips on self-portrait and urban art mobile photography. There will also be an Xperia on-the-spot Mobile Photography contest. If you want something more professional, come join a series of photo and video workshops with international photographers Pilar Trigo Bonnin and Paco Guerrero, and wedding studio, Mayad.

    Sony will provide workshops on travel, flat lay and fashion photography featuring Kimi Juan, Jelito de Leon, and Charisma Lico. To top it all off and as part of the culminating activity for the two-weekend Sony Fair, Sony will be hosting a Photo Clique get-together where guests will be able to meet and mingle with Sony's Digital Imaging Ambassador Nadine Lustre on December 18. Join this talented star as she shares a few of her favorite tips when it comes to taking great photos using her Sony A5100.

    "We're preparing a lot of fun activities and workshops for our consumers and partners to participate in. The two-weekend long Sony Fair is our opportunity to provide different experiences, allowing guests to discover the endless possibilities that our products offer. We're inviting everyone to drop by from December 9 to18 to catch all the activities they want," said Alvin de Vera, Senior Director, Brand & Customer Communications Division, Sony Philippines.

    For more information on the upcoming Sony Fair 2016, visit www.sony.com.ph, like facebook.com/SonyPhilippines, or follow twitter.com/SonyPHinc and Instagram.com/sonyPHInc.  


    Source: Sony kicks off December with cool gadgets, fun activities, and exciting workshops at the Sony Fair

    Thursday, November 17, 2016

    Canon tags social influencers to spread its photography challenge

    canon instagram challenge

    Canon's Instagram challenge

    Photography product manufacturer Canon is changing the way the classic game Tag is played by bringing it into the social media space, tapping celebrities to get the game going to promote its latest camera. 

    A new version of Tag is being played on Instagram with a focus on photography, promoted by celebrities in which users tag each other in photo challenges. Actress Jamie Chung is kicking off the #TagYoureIt campaign, promoting it to her massive social media following along with other popular photographers who will be challenger each other to take a specific type of picture within 24 hours. 

    "I'm honored to kick off the #TagYoureIt campaign as it really resonates with how I challenge myself every day to see the world differently," said Jamie Chung, actress and Canon brad ambassador. "I love to have fun with my looks and no matter what bag I'm wearing, the Canon EOS M5 is a great camera to pack when shooting for my channel since it's lightweight and compact but still powerful." 

    Digitizing classic games

    Canon is hoping to show off the nimbleness of its new EOS M5 Digital Camera with the new challenge. Ms. Chung will be the first to participate in the game, after Canon tagged her in a post on Instagram prompting her to photograph an outfit that costs less than $5. 

    The brand's post read, "The nimble new #EOSM5 lets you be more impulsive than ever. To put it to the test, we're putting your favorite Instagrammers to the test in the #TagYoureIt Challenge. First up is fashionista @jamiejchung – you have 24 hours to snap an outfit costing no more than…$5." Ms. Chung then shared a post herself advertising the challenge and announcing she will be completing it. 

    Canon's #TagYoureIt challenge on Instagram

    In her challenge completion post, Ms. Chung tags one of the other participants to complete a similar task. Each user tags another to continue on the game. 

    Another 12 influencers and photographers will be participating in the challenge, each tagging each other in their posts and passing on the game. Other participants include Natalie Amrossi, Morgan Phillips, Lucy Laucht, Rodrigo Trevino, Cole Younger, Matt Crump, Tiffany Mitchell, New Fork City, Sarah Phillips, Madeline Lu, New Darlings and Emily Ann Gemma. 

    Ms. Chung's response to the Canon challenge

    Each participant will also share a challenge to their Instagram followers, all of which have sizable following numbers, giving the campaign more reach. 

    Instagram ingenuity 

    Old Navy similarly diversified its social media content by enabling fashion fans to view an interactive map of Instagram posts depicting influencers' street styles from all 50 states and glean more inspiration for their own wardrobes.

    The mass-market retailer's 50 Styles, 50 States campaign, done in collaboration with Collectively, tapped 50 social media creators to display their regional-inspired styles on their Instagram accounts. The influencers' outfits, all of which feature Old Navy apparel and accessories, are available on Instagram as well as on a People microsite (see more). 

    Anheuser-Busch's Lime-A-Rita brand and GE were two of the marketers already leveraging Instagram's pinch-and-zoom feature, bringing an added degree of interactivity into otherwise static social media posts.

    The photo-sharing application announced that the hotly anticipated pinch-and-zoom feature has made its way onto the iOS platform. A slew of brands, including GE, Ruby Tuesday, Kohl's, Noosa Yoghurt and Lime-A-Rita, have already implemented the new feature into several social media posts, enabling Instagram users to receive close-up glimpses of products and locate hidden surprises, suggesting that this technology could become well-suited to showcasing sneak peeks of new items (see more). 

    "The EOS M5 Digital Camera is the perfect creative tool for the spontaneous nature of these photo challenges," said Yuichi Ishizuka, president and chief operating officer at Canon U.S.A., Inc. "We hope that the photographic journey started by these influencers through #TagYoureIt lives on through their fans and followers who we hope are inspired by these photo challenges."

    Sign up to receive Mobile Marketer Daily. The premier mobile marketing publication. Free!

    Brielle Jaekel is staff writer on Mobile Marketer and Mobile Commerce Daily, New York. Reach her at brielle@mobilemarketer.com.


    Source: Canon tags social influencers to spread its photography challenge

    Wednesday, November 16, 2016

    {the last daily pic} Gianluca Ricoveri ~ Landscape 1225

    Gianluca Ricoveri ~ Landscape 1225Gianluca Ricoveri ~ Landscape 1225

    Strange memories on this nervous night in Las Vegas. Five years later? Six? It seems like a lifetime, or at least a Main Era—the kind of peak that never comes again. San Francisco in the middle sixties was a very special time and place to be a part of. Maybe it meant something. Maybe not, in the long run . . . but no explanation, no mix of words or music or memories can touch that sense of knowing that you were there and alive in that corner of time and the world. Whatever it meant. . . .

    History is hard to know, because of all the hired bullshit, but even without being sure of "history" it seems entirely reasonable to think that every now and then the energy of a whole generation comes to a head in a long fine flash, for reasons that nobody really understands at the time—and which never explain, in retrospect, what actually happened.

    My central memory of that time seems to hang on one or five or maybe forty nights—or very early mornings—when I left the Fillmore half-crazy and, instead of going home, aimed the big 650 Lightning across the Bay Bridge at a hundred miles an hour wearing L. L. Bean shorts and a Butte sheepherder's jacket . . . booming through the Treasure Island tunnel at the lights of Oakland and Berkeley and Richmond, not quite sure which turn-off to take when I got to the other end (always stalling at the toll-gate, too twisted to find neutral while I fumbled for change) . . . but being absolutely certain that no matter which way I went I would come to a place where people were just as high and wild as I was: No doubt at all about that. . . .

    There was madness in any direction, at any hour. If not across the Bay, then up the Golden Gate or down 101 to Los Altos or La Honda. . . . You could strike sparks anywhere. There was a fantastic universal sense that whatever we were doing was right, that we were winning. . . .

    And that, I think, was the handle—that sense of inevitable victory over the forces of Old and Evil. Not in any mean or military sense; we didn't need that. Our energy would simply prevail. There was no point in fighting—on our side or theirs. We had all the momentum; we were riding the crest of a high and beautiful wave. . . .

    So now, less than five years later, you can go up on a steep hill in Las Vegas and look West, and with the right kind of eyes you can almost see the high-water mark—that place where the wave finally broke and rolled back.

    —Hunter Thompson, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, 1971

    This is a very appropriate image for our last {daily pic} on this site, pixelsatanexhibition.com, evocative of promises to keep and miles to go before we sleep.

    I believe in the power of art and music and literature to sustain and guide us in dark times. I have never given on my hopes for a more just world (and for true love).

    So maybe it's time for the oceans to rise again. I'm hoping the new P1XELS site will engender a second renaissance in the mobile arts.

    The official launch date for the new site will be November 29, the seven-year anniversary of the launch of the very first P1XELS site and the calls for submission for the very first iPhone photography gallery show.

    We have published 29,000 images here over the past seven years. It has been an amazing journey. The curated history of mobile photography and the arts. This site will become a permanent and searchable static archive as a sub-domain of P1XELS.com.

    I am very excited about the next incarnation of the site as a true social network.

    I won't be posting as much here for the next two weeks since there is a lot to do still to get the new site where I want it for when we open it up to the public.

    If you want to get in there early & help get the forums going & create your profile & add some galleries to it, write me.

    And don't worry, I'll be doing the {daily pic} on the new P1XELS website!

    Happy Trails by Roy Rogers and Dale Evans

    Categories: Country Life | Permalink


    Source: {the last daily pic} Gianluca Ricoveri ~ Landscape 1225

    Tuesday, November 15, 2016

    Three top smartphone cameras take real-world test

    Let me begin by saying this: I'm not a professional photographer. I have a slightly better-than-101 understanding of how cameras work and why things such as sensor size and f-stops matter. Looking at tech specs is far from my idea of an engaging read.

    As a travel editor, I do love taking pictures, though. And I take tons of them-thousands and thousands on any given trip, almost entirely on smartphones. For years, I've been so dependent on mobile photography that I've committed to carrying around two phones-one, an Android, that's easier to type on, and the other, an iPhone, that has stronger apps and a killer camera.

    For the last few weeks, I carried three: Google's Pixel, the iPhone 7 Plus, and the Moto Z, the latest entrants to the mobile photography race. (The Moto has flown largely under the radar, but its key selling point is its compatibility with magnetic "mods" that include a portable speaker and an attachable Hasselblad 4116 True Zoom camera.) We truly are living in the first true golden era of smartphone photography.

    Which is best? That answer is a bit complicated. But after five head-to-head layman's tests, where I focused on experience and results (and not hardware specs), I'd be happy with any of them.

    I'm probably a lot like you when it comes to my smartphone camera: All I want is for it to take good pictures, quickly, clearly, and without much effort. If I wanted a real camera, I'd get one of these new mirrorless, DSLR, and rugged models. But with my phone, as long as I can compose a decent shot whenever there's a great subject in view, and whatever the given situation is, I'd like to think my phone can meet me the rest of the way.

    Here's how each performed against key selling points. All you have to do is determine your top priorities before your next upgrade.

    If You Need ... Auto-Focus

    The idea of never missing a shot is what really drives mobile photography; it's why every phone has shortcuts for opening the camera app. But that quick-draw image is no good unless it's in focus. My auto-focus tests were conducted both in daylight and at dusk, with both fast-moving and still subjects.

    Winner: The iPhone 7 Plus won for crispest images across the board. Even when I was snapping from the window of a moving car, it managed to deliver beautifully defined shots of the Manhattan skyline-one frame after the next.

    (Very Close) Runners-up: The Pixel more or less flopped from the moving car window, but take out the fast-moving subject, and man, does that phone shine. In both daylight and low light, the auto-focus performed faster than those of its competitors, never taking more than a second to go from blur to fab.

    The Moto Z fell in between. Two out of three frames on the Manhattan bridge came out clearly; everywhere else, I really appreciated the fact that the Hasselblad attachment lets you trigger its autofocus with a halfway press of the shutter button, just as on a real camera. It's way easier than repeatedly touching the screen and makes one-handed shooting a breeze.

    If You Need ... Low Light Handling

    Luckily for the purposes of my experiment, I was able to head to the Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze, a spooky pumpkin festival in the Hudson Valley, ahead of the Halloween weekend, with all three phones in tow.

    Winner: The Pixel-no contest. It did a commanding job of focusing quickly in low light and offering warm (but accurate) color balance. It had a stronger dynamic range, by far, which is what kept the red foliage in check in the background. You'll also be thankful for these features in dimly lit restaurants.

    Runners-up: While the MotoZ offered color that felt truer to life, the iPhone7 offered a sharper low-light image.

    If You Need ... a Powerful Zoom

    Usually, if I need a great zoom, I'm not relying on my smartphone. But that's starting to change. Both the MotoZ (with its Hasselblad attachment) and the iPhone 7 Plus have a 10x zoom capability, whereas the Pixel is limited to 4x.

    Winner: MotoZ, which I was able to use it to get a crisp shot of the third-floor lettering on the side of an Upper East Side Synagogue from across the street. That's because the attachable camera has a proper optical zoom lens that you won't find on any other phone camera-not just a digital zoom that works by tightening the crop of your shot. The difference here was palpable.

    Runner-up: The iPhone still has an exceptional zoom capacity-even if its 10x range is purely digital. But pushing it to the edge means you're likely to get a blurry shot. That's still better than the Pixel, whose zoom fell flat by comparison.

    If You Need ... Great Portraits

    Pets and babies: They're two of the most common subjects for smartphone photographers. So even if you're not getting beautiful street style portraits, this is a feature that you'll use on the regular.

    Winner: The iPhone 7 Plus has a portrait mode is designed to deliver flattering depth of field. (Read: Your background is softened while your subject is in clear view.) The result is really as beautiful as they make it sound. Getting there requires a little legwork, but thankfully, the phone will coach you through it: It tells you if you need more light or more distance from your subject. Sometimes you're straight out of luck. But when it works, it really works wonders.

    Runners-up: Even though the MotoZ has two dedicated portrait modes (one for night portraits and the other to correct backlighting), I struggled to capture my dog's eyes or to get fully focused shots of her face. The Pixel, meanwhile, has no fancy portrait mode. But remember that excellent auto-correct? It helps deliver lovely portrait shots in a pinch.

    If You Need ... Macro Mode

    Please forgive me: I took a bit of one cookie before I found my favorite composition. (It was delicious and fresh out of the oven.)

    Winner(s): The MotoZ, maybe, by a hair. The three images are almost identical. That's why I conducted a follow-up test, shooting the backside of a coin. I got the tightest shot with the MotoZ, with the iPhone a close second place. The Pixel struggled. Good thing nobody needs photos of a penny, anyway.


    Source: Three top smartphone cameras take real-world test