Daily Archives: November 13, 2021

What a frustrating game the Eagles loss to the Chargers was... lets get to the film quickly. The usual disclaimer - I will be breaking down film on my Twitter account and then uploading the tweets with some more analysis in this piece. I obviously cannot post everything so I will focus on certain things each week that stand out to me. I might see something a few times on film but only upload one example as you dont need to see everything, so you will have to take my word if I say that I have seen something multiple times.

I am going to break down the offense followed by the defense each week and I will post the plays in order so you can see how the game played out.

This week I am going to focus largely on the defense because I think a lot of people have questions about this unit. As always, let me know your thoughts in the comments and I look forward to discussing the game with you all. Lets get to the film!

Right, lets begin with this miss! Meant 11 personnel clearly, but I think this is a bad miss but not a terrible one? I am glad to see Jalen Hurts getting off his 1st read but you would like a top QB to make this throw. All QBs will miss throws like this. Id just like Hurts to make more big time throws than he does currently.

Ill be honest, I dont usually break down running plays in detail because I find studying the pass game more interesting. But this was the same gameplan as last week. A ton of under center running. One drive was literally just 13 personnel under center runs, which was awesome. I thought all the OL run blocked pretty well and Scott and Howard both looked really good. The run game is looking very, very good right now.

Sirianni done a fantastic job keeping Hurts reads simple for the most part. There was a lot of 1-read isolation routes to Smith on the outside and a lot of simple reads such as the one below. You basically read the safety, throw the post or the cross depending on what the coverage is or check it down. Just a feeling I have, but I think Hurts throws the ball with much better timing and accuracy on simple reads when he stays calm and he isnt being asked to read too much. I could write a whole article on DeVonta Smiths route running from this game too - it was awesome.

It was weird how bad the Chargers were at containing Hurts this game. I cant see many teams making it that easy... but fair play to Hurts for taking advantage. Would love to see him keep his eyes downfield here but I am nitpicking as it was 3rd down and he got the 1st so, I am not going to complain!

Everyone was talking about this play on Sunday! Its another example of a bad miss (not a terrible one) but one you would like a top quarterback to make. For Hurts to really get to the next level, you want to see these completed. Personally, I actually dont mind him drifting slightly as it makes it a better angle to complete the ball but he has to reset his feet before throwing. People often say arm strength doesnt matter but it does because certain quarterbacks can throw this ball off platform (Josh Allen, Aaron Rodgers etc) but Hurts doesnt have the ability to. He needs to be properly set in order to complete this.

I dont like picking on individuals much but Ill just say this - I am surprised the Eagles are not starting Nate Herbig at right guard.

Oh baby. My favorite position to break down is wide receiver and I already cant wait until the offseason where I can study Smith in more detail. This guy gets how to get open. This stuff is so hard to teach.

Lets talk offensive design for a second. In a good, well-designed offense, you ideally want each play to have an option against coverages and to be prepared for blitzes. Normally, if you sense the defense is bringing more men than you have blockers (it looks like 6v5 presnap) then you should have a hot route built into the play. I cant see it here. I am guessing (total guess) the running back is meant to turn around if there is a blitz and catch the checkdown. Good offenses would do this. This passing game sadly is not great. Its hard to blame Hurts unless he is meant to check it down to the receiver running the drag but that is a weird hot route to have built into the play. I want to see immediate improvement in this area.

My favorite throw by Hurts all game. He seems to grow in comfort throughout the game each week and when he trusts his protection and steps up he looks very good usually.

I am going to talk about the defensive system and coaching in the second half of this article. Lets get one thing clear though... do not criticize Jonathan Gannon for not blitzing (he did about 30% of the snaps) and dont criticize him for playing 2 high all the time (he played a ton of single high) or for playing zone coverage all the time (he played a lot of man). This game plan was not the same we saw earlier. But... it yielded the same results. And that is a problem. I still think the Eagles have too many snaps like the one below where there is no presnap disguise and the cornerbacks are too soft. I think Gannon needs to trust his corners more, especially on 3rd down like below.

The Eagles played a lot more single high man coverage this game. I thought it was Darius Slay and Steve Nelsons worst game of the season. I think it is very likely that those two things are linked.

We spoke offensive design earlier... now lets talk defensive design. There are way too many plays where a mistake happens. Its not always easy to see why or who made the mistake but they happen to frequently. I dont know if its poor coaching. Too much change. Bad players who cant handle change. I dont know. But it happens too much. Personally, I would lean towards the coaches changing the defense a lot throughout the season and the players struggling to remember every play or every call. Or the coaches arent coaching each play properly. I dont know... I just hope it gets better.

Here is a simple corner blitz but no one covers the flat. A good quarterback will take advantage of this all day long. This is an aggressive play call but still gives up an easy completion.

Heres another one! Avonte Maddox is clearly playing with outside leverage and expecting inside help. Surely this inside help isnt McLeod as hes far back. So you would think Singleton should be in the middle... but it looks like hes taking the running back. So, maybe it is Barnett who should be covering the middle? But how is he going to do that from the defensive end? In which case, its bad defensive design. Or... maybe Maddox isnt supposed to take outside leverage! We dont know the call, we cant be sure. I just know there are too many plays like this that leave me feeling annoyed.

Last negative... I just threw this in as I love good football and this is such a lovely play design. Well done Chargers.

Onto the positives... can we talk TJ Edwards for a minute? I have always loved him playing in base and attacking the running back but I did not think he had the athleticism to be a full time linebacker. I think I was wrong. He will never be great in coverage and still isnt an elite athlete but he is playing outstanding against the run and his instincts are so good on plays such as wide receiver screens that he can compensate for his lack of athleticism. I am not going to describe all these in detail... just have a look at these plays from Sunday. Some are them are as good as Ive seen an Eagles linebacker make in a long time!

Marcus Epps is one of my favorite players to watch on tape this season. He flies around, can cover the slot, play in 2High and is competent against the run. I think he has a chance of being a decent safety moving forward, personally.

I thought Fletcher Cox had a good game on Sunday... moving on...

Thats all for this week... lets hope for a win next time. Go Birds.

Read more:

Eagles All-22 Film Review: Observations from the loss to the Chargers - Bleeding Green Nation

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In today's world, there's really nothing we don't access online, whether it be your bank information, email accounts, credit card numbers, or photos, which leaves you susceptible to your personal information falling into the hands of a hacker. Whether or not you're aware of it, we're all guilty of clicking an enticing pop-up ad that makes us the perfect prey for a cyberattack.

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Read this article:

Keep hackers out with VPNSecure, now just $34 during this-Black Friday sale - Boing Boing

Analysis: researchers have developed adversarial image generators to fool facial recognition software and protect privacy rights

When you post an image of yourself on a social media platform, what audience do you have in mind? Friends? Family? Facial recognition software? Probably not the latter. But images which we post online are used routinely as reference examples for facial recognition systems. These may be developed by social media companies, security companies, intelligence agencies or any private individual with enough computer power to create a Deep Neural Network system.

Clearly lots of people dont care as we post images of ourselves with abandon. However, there is a privacy concern here that is coming back to bite us, especially our children who generally post the most and tend to have the least information about what the imagery is used for. Once you can be recognised by AI, your image can be-cross referenced with CCTV footage or pictures taken of you in public, giving the holder of the captured image, access to your online identity. Public anonymity is breached.

Such abuse of images is in violation of peoples privacy rights, but it is very difficult to counter. The laws do not yet exist to protect peoples imagery and minors currently have no right to be forgotten online.

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From RT Radio 1's Today show, CNN"s Donie O'Sullivan discusses Clearview AI's facial recognition technology

Researchers at the Insight SFI Research Centre for Data Analytics at DCU have been working on a technique that gives power back to the individual to hide their own face and the faces of their loved ones from any facial recognition software that is scraping images from social media platforms or anywhere else online. Its an ingenious technology that uses an aspect of the recognition software against itself.

'Adversarial example images are used by developers to disrupt facial recognition technology in order to test the process. Andrew Merrigan, working with ProfAlan Smeaton, is looking at ways to make adversarial image generators that can be applied by ordinary social media users to make their images unrecognisable to AI, while looking exactly the same to the human eye. The researchers envision a simple app through which users could run images before posting them online. To their friends and family, the image looks exactly the same. To AI, it does not provide a match to any other photo and is of no use as a data point in facial recognition models.

The use of facial recognition systems, coupled with the unauthorised use of images taken from social media sources, is a threat to individuals' privacy. The use of facial recognition systems is constantly increasing throughout the world. The development of open-source facial recognition models based on Deep Neural Networks makes it possible for anyone with access to moderate computing power to create this software. More troubling perhaps is the rise of companies using images from social media with or without users' consent.

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From RT Six One News in 2015, new facial recognition software system launched by Garda

Deep Neural Networks are known to have superior performance compared to more conventional approaches when applied to a variety of computer vision tasks including facial recognition. They are, however, susceptible to adversarial examples where images are crafted so that the machine's interpretation differs greatly from that of a person looking at the same image. The original image is altered by adding patterns of noise to the image of the face at the level of individual pixels, noise which is imperceptible to the human eye but cannot be ignored by face recognition algorithms.

This is another example of how images and videos contain information encoded at the pixel level, which can be hidden in plain sight. An example of this hidden information are the slight changes in skin colour caused by the pulses of our heartbeat. As blood rushes to our skin it changes colour and gets redder with every heartbeat. This can be identified in videos, but is not visible to the human eye. Last year, the team used this hidden pulse information as a way to detect deepfake videos.

A user uploading largely adversarial images of themselves would poison any pool of reference example images of their face

The motivation behind the work is to create a small effective model, which can be deployed on user devices, to enable them to convert facial images into adversarial examples, prior to sharing them online. The model needs to be efficient enough to run quickly on small user devices like mobile phones. It must be able to modify images in a minimal way so as to be largely unnoticeable by human observers.

Using a model such as this, a user uploading largely adversarial images of themselves would poison any pool of reference example images of their face. This would mean that images taken from a source not controlled by the user, such as a surveillance camera, would not have a strong match to the user because the examples used as reference would not match the users true identity. This could be an important step in helping individuals maintain privacy against those who would use their images for facial recognition without their consent.

The views expressed here are those of the author and do not represent or reflect the views of RT

Read more here:

Here's how to stop facial recognition systems in their tracks - RTE.ie

In the previous episode of Dhindora, Bhuvan and his friends did their best to find out who was behind the accident of Babloo Ji. After chasing the culprit for a while, they found out it was none other than Titu Mama behind it. Meanwhile, Titu Mama has his reasons for doing that. Bhuvan and his friends reaction to it in Dhindora episode 5 will be amazing.

Speaking of episode 5, lets first take a look at its release date. The new episode will be live on November 11, 2021. This will follow the usual release time of 2:00 PM India Standard Time (IST). Before the release of it, you can probably catch Bhuvan Bam in an Instagram Live video. The popular YouTuber has been quite active with announcements on Instagram since the release of Dhindora.

By the way, if you are looking for a streaming guide on Dhindora episode 4, no need to look any further. With that being said, lets talk about where to watch the fantastic comedy series online.

So far, every episode of the series has been released on YouTube. Bhuvan has been uploading them on his channel BB Ki Vines religiously. You can watch Dhindora episode 5 on his YouTube channel as well.

One of the best things about the series is that you can watch all the episodes for free. Keeping that in mind, if you are looking for more websites to watch movies and shows online in 2021, check out our guide on the same.

The last time around, Bhuvan and his friends saw the face of the person who caused the accident. It was none other than Titu Mama working for Papa Maa Ki Chu. The latest episode will focus on the aftermath of that shocking reveal.

Elsewhere, Babloo Ji is yet to regain his memory. So despite the Bam family sitting on Rs. 11 Crore, they cannot access it. Will they finally be able to get their hands on the money or not? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.

Read more:

Dhindora Episode 5 Release Date And Time: Where To Watch It Online? - Fossbytes

Published on November 13, 2021

More than one year into the pandemic, and professionals across the globe have seamlessly eased into the new normal of remote working. Rather than WFH (work from home), WFA (work from anywhere) is the new norm and is expected to be the future of workplaces. This has permanently altered our professional and personal lives and enabled us to literally WFA be it an office cubicle, your kitchen counter, your friends house, the beaches, or even the hills.

We are now witnessing an emerging trend of professionals finding comfort in their vacation houses across the country to take a much needed workcation. With paid cloud storage models, and internet connectively still a challenge in remote areas, having offline storage has become even more essential. Here are some leading products from brands such as WD and SanDisk to help you work seamlessly, no matter where you are:

Wake-up to the experience of a fully charged and backed-up phone

Multiple Qi-compatible devices to charge but dont want the hassle of carrying too many wires? Dont fret as SanDisk has got you covered. The SanDisk Ixpand Wireless Charger Sync is the worlds first 2-in-1 dual functionality device equipped to help you charge as well as back-up & store your data. Travel, sleep, charge, repeat and with the convenience of just one cord, back-up your precious memories to 256GB of expandable storage without changing your daily habits. Consumers looking for a fast and hassle-free charging solution can opt for the SanDisk Ixpand Wireless Charger 15W too.

The Ixpand Wireless Charger Sync is available now in 256GB* capacity with MSRP of Rs. 9999 and the Ixpand Wireless 15W Fast Charger with QC 3.0 Adapter is priced at MSRP of Rs. 2999 on Amazon India. The wireless chargers are backed by a two-year limited warranty.

Multiple devices one solution

Transfering data between devices that use different operating systems can be a nightmare. Well, not anymore, the SanDisk iXpand Flash Drive Luxe is the perfect knight in shining armor. This is SanDisks first 2-in-1 flash-drive with dual Lightning and USB Type-C connectors allowing seamless access and file transfer between Type-C devices, including Android Phones, and iOS devices. Every time youre on the move and dont have your laptop handy to transfer content from one phone to the other, this flash drive can offer hassle free content transfer. Another added benefit available to users of SanDisk storage devices is the SanDisk Memory Zone App. An easy and one stop solution to file and manage storage that makes backups and freeing up space much easier for the customers across their SanDisk ecosystem. Go, globetrotter!

64GB, 128GB and 256GB storage variants | Rs 4,449, Rs 5,919 and Rs 8,999 INR respectively on Amazon India

Unlimited Storage in the palm of your hands

The SanDisk Ultra Dual Drive Luxe is designed keeping in mind the high penetration of Type-C and Android smartphone users in the country. This high performance USB allows users to transfer and back-up content between multiple Type-C and Type-A devices without any hassle. The ease of data transfer makes this the best alternative to cloud storage, as you dont have to pay monthly subscriptions and works even when youre crossing borders and are in a low connection zone. The next time youre on the road and someone sends you high-res images on your non-work phone and you need to pass them along urgently without affecting the quality, you know what to do.

32GB, 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB capacities, with an introductory price of INR 856 for the 32GB version and INR 11,813 for the 1TB version

Unleash the creator in you

All work and no play indeed makes Jack a dull boy, which is why you need to relax and rejuvenate too on your next workcation. Especially, if you love going on challenging treks and nature walks capturing scenic views through your lenses then the SanDisk Extreme Portable SSDs are the perfect fit for you. These SSDs have a tough rubberized coating that can withstand impact and are weather-resistant built for all seasons. With an unmatched combination of superfast data transfer speeds and portability, they are purpose-built to keep up with todays high-quality content demands. Now you can go out for a photography session amidst that spot everyones talking about show off your shots to your friends back home real time by uploading that photo on your chat groups in a blink.

500GB for Rs 7,999, 1TB at Rs 12,999 and 2TB for Rs 27,499, with a 4TB model as well. The PRO version is available in 1TB for Rs 19,999 and 2TB for Rs 34,999.

The rest is here:

Enjoy your workcation without worrying about low bandwidths and depleting storage! - APN News

Trying to decide which camera you should buy? This is the guide you need. From action cams and travel compacts to mirrorless models and full-frame flagships, our expert guide covers almost every kind of camera you can buy in 2021.

Choosing the right type of camera can be tricky. With so many formats on offer, spanning such a wide range of budgets and features, its easy to be overwhelmed by choice. To help you narrow down the options, weve shared our top tips for selecting the right kind of camera for your needs.

Because we regularly review and rank the latest releases across all camera categories, were very familiar with what each type of camera can offer for different photographers. As photography enthusiasts ourselves, we also know what the most important considerations are when deciding which format is right for you, including budget limitations and lens availability.

In the following step-by-step guide, well outline the highlights and limitations of each type of camera to give you the full picture in a few short paragraphs. Well also recommend our favorite camera model in that genre. So once youve landed on the right type of camera, youll have a shortcut to the top option.

Well start with the basics and work up through more advanced cameras, ending with gear thats fit for professionals. So whether youre wondering which format best suits your style of photography, or trying to decide between two specific camera categories, this guide should help you make the right choice.

One other factor to bear in mind when perusing this guide is that Black Friday 2021 is fast approaching, which means well start to see some offers on many of the cameras on this page very soon. Were expecting the Black Friday camera deals to quickly ramp up throughout November, its a great time to be researching the best cameras for you. Luckily, our guide is here to help you do just that

Its no secret that smartphone photography has come on leaps and bounds in the last decade. The best smartphones in 2021 can capture images as well as any regular point-and-shoot, plus their connectivity means its easy to share your snaps straight to social media.

The top mobile options now ship with multiple lenses to suit all sorts of shooting scenarios. The iPhone 13 Pro, for example, features three lenses, each dedicated to a different scene: besides the main sensor, theres an ultra-wide and a telephoto lens. This means you get a lot of versatility from a device that can still slip easily into your pocket.

Whats more, the best smartphones today deploy AI smarts to help enhance your images automatically, whether thats portrait modes for shooting sharp profiles or night settings that allow you to capture sharp, bright shots after dark. Certain flagship smartphones also offer a degree of manual control, such as Samsungs Pro Mode.

Smartphones also make it incredibly easy to edit and share images, thanks to their comprehensive connectivity options and app support. With higher resolutions than ever (the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra features a 108MP main sensor, for example) you shouldnt come up short when shooting images for social media.

So smartphone cameras are more capable than ever. But there are still a few compromises to consider. Smartphone sensors are smaller than what youll find on premium compact cameras (and larger formats), which can limit low-light noise performance and ultimate image quality.

And while a few flagship smartphones do now offer optical zoom (the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra features 10x zoom on one of its lenses), the range of more affordable smartphones is pretty limited compared to the kind of flexibility offered by travel compacts and dedicated telephoto lenses for DSLR and mirrorless models.

If youre mainly looking to shoot images for social media, it probably makes sense to stick with your smartphone, or upgrade to one with a better array (rather than buying a dedicated camera). Youre most likely to rely on your smartphone for capturing life as it happens, because its the tool youll almost always have with you.

Pros: Its the camera you always have to hand, the results can match those from a regular point-and-shoot compact camera, you can share instantly to Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, you can get apps with amazing effects and additional tools and they can be easy to use.

Cons: In many cases you get a fixed focal length lens (though flagship models now often feature more than one lens), smartphones arent so easy to hold; limited control over shooting settings.

TODAYS BEST DEALS

+Versatile 10x zoom range+Four cameras to play with

Expensive for a smartphoneNo microSD card slot

As the name suggests, everything about the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra is impressive, including the camera setup. Despite its stunning, streamlined design, the S21 Ultra features a quartet of rear lenses. Besides the properly powerful 108MP f/1.8 main sensor, theres a 12MP f/2.2 ultra-wide and in a bold twist two telephoto cameras. Both are 10MP, but one has an f/2.4 aperture and 3x zoom, while the other has an f/4.9 aperture and a massive 10x optical zoom to get you closer to the action with astounding clarity.

The results are as impressive as the specs: stills are sharp with good dynamic range. Non-zoomed shots arent always as good as the best rivals, but a wealth of modes including Directors View (which allows you to shoot footage with the front and rear cameras simultaneously) and an improved night mode for finely tuned photos after dark together with a capable 40MP front-facing camera, make the S21 Ultra a powerhouse for smartphone photographers.

If your aim is to capture lifes adventures on video, you might want to look at an action camera instead of a standard compact or smartphone.

Built tough enough to withstand drops, dust and dunkings, the best action cams are rugged but simple to use. Most come with mounts that allow you to attach them to all sorts of things, from handlebars and helmets to car dashboards and even your pets. Whatever you choose to use it for, a good action cam should help you capture footage in conditions that would destroy normal cameras.

Most action cams can shoot good-quality 4K video through a fixed focal length wide-angle lens. Many are completely waterproof, but some still ship with a separate waterproof housing for going deeper beneath the waves. The best action cams are small and light enough to not get in the way, straightforward to operate and sturdily built.

GoPro is the biggest name in action cameras and its regularly updated range of Hero models epitomizes everything thats great about the format. Theyre made to survive some pretty extreme conditions, yet their touchscreen and button interfaces mean theyre easy to control. GoPro cameras can also capture high-resolution video, with class-leading image stabilization to keep fast-paced footage smooth and steady. Plus they feature a range of presets and modes for cinematic creativity, as well as excellent connectivity options for easy editing and uploading.

While GoPro is the most popular action cam brand, its not alone in the market. From affordable cams that you wont be afraid to put through the ringer, to flagship recorders from companies like Sony and DJI, there are plenty of action cam options. Some are bullet-shaped for a better helmet fit, while others are modular, meaning you can switch to different sensor or accessory setups as the situation requires.

Extreme sports enthusiasts naturally gravitate towards action cams for capturing their adventurous pursuits, but they have plenty of other uses. Action cameras are often favored by vloggers, for example, because of their portability, flexibility and ease of use. They can also be used to shoot in-car footage like a dash cam, or attached to just about anything. The best bit? Unlike a compact camera or smartphone, wherever you stick an action cam, you shouldnt have to worry about knocks, shocks or rain showers.

Pros: Cheap, tough and simple, surprisingly good 4K movie quality in most cases, you can mount them on practically anything.

Cons: Fixed wide-angle lenses mean theres no zoom capability, while theres little control over exposure. Still photos are snapshot quality only.

TODAYS BEST DEALS

+4K at 120fps+Powerful GP2 processor

Same small sensor as beforeNot a winner in low light

GoPro has long been the brand to beat in the action cam arena and the Hero 10 Black only cements its position. Featuring the same small sensor, screens and shell as the GoPro Hero 9 Black before it, the Hero 10 Black offers a more refined experienced than its predecessor. It features a snappy touchscreen interface and menu system, accompanied by that handy front screen for framing. Beneath its rugged exterior, a GP2 processor ensures polished performance: it can shoot 5K at frame rates of up to 60p, as well as slick 4K slow-mo at 120fps.

Stabilization is stellar as well, with HyperSmooth 4.0 backed up by horizon leveling, which can keep footage steady even if you tilt to angles of 45 degrees. Live-streaming of 1080p video is still subject to some limitations (YouTubers need at least 1,000 subscribers), but the ability to stream with HyperSmooth 4.0 enabled means viewers should get a steadier show. Add a hydrophobic lens cover to its established endurance skills and the GoPro Hero 10 Black becomes the clear winner if you need top-notch video in tricky conditions even if budget rivals offer better value.

Looking to get closer to the action while you travel? Travel zoom compact cameras combine the portability and simplicity of a point-and-shoot with a much longer zoom range thats capable of capturing a wider range of subjects.

With the rise of smartphone photography, cheap point-and-shoot cameras have declined in popularity. But one area where smartphones still fall behind is optical zoom: even the best flagships are limited to 3-5x zoom, while most rely on electronic trickery to digitally crop in on faraway subjects. Long-zoom travel compacts seize this as they main advantage, offering a much, much longer optical zoom range typically up to 30x.

The idea is simple: you still get a pocketable camera thats straightforward to use, but the huge telescopic zoom range means you can photograph practically anything you encounter on your travels from beautiful landscapes to distant landmarks. And because the zoom is optical rather than digital, theres far less degradation in quality (especially as the quality of compact lenses has improved).

Because travel compacts prize portability, youll still encounter some of the same compromises found in a standard compact. Sensor size, for example, is relatively small, meaning low-light performance usually cant come close to matching a mirrorless or DSLR model. The flip side is that you get long-zoom versatility without needing to stick a bulky telephoto lens barrel in your backpack.

The best travel zoom compacts do now utilise larger 1-inch sensors, including the Panasonic Lumix Z100 (labelled the Lumix TZ100 outside the US) which is our top pick below. This means improved image quality and performance, without sacrificing that all-important portability. Some also offer more advanced manual control options (such as shutter speed and lens aperture control), while the top options (including the TZ100 / ZS100) also feature built-in electronic viewfinders.

While smartphones might have sounded the death-knell for affordable point-and-shoot compacts, travel zoom cameras continue to offer a useful combination of portability and versatility. If you want a camera thats small enough to go in a pocket, yet flexible enough to shoot a whole range of scenarios, they are well worth a look. After all, you dont want to miss any once-in-a-lifetime photo moments.

Pros: Massive zoom range that copes with almost any kind of subject; quality generally slightly higher than a point-and-shoot compact; may have more advanced controls.

Cons: More expensive; still uses a small sensor (with some exceptions) which limits the ultimate picture quality, especially in low-light conditions.

TODAYS BEST DEALS

+15x optical zoom range+Large 1.0-inch sensor

EVF still feels pretty crampedImage smoothing at high ISOs

It might not have the longest zoom range for a travel compact camera, but Panasonics Lumix ZS200 (known as the Lumix TZ200 outside the US) is our pick of the travel compacts. Panasonic has managed to squeeze a much larger sensor into the ZS200 / TZ200 enables the pixels to be about 2.4x bigger than they are in models like the Lumix ZS70 / TZ90 and helps the ZS200 produce much higher quality images. The 15x zoom ranging from 24-360mm might look limited compared to some rivals, but the optics are decent and for general photography, you shouldnt need anything more. You also get an electronic viewfinder that makes it easier to compose images in bright sunny conditions and 4K video recording. It all adds up to be a powerful, if pricey option.

Bridge cameras are the original hybrid camera format. As the name suggests, they bridge the gap between accessible compact cameras and more advanced DSLR models.

Bridge cameras generally offer the handling and control style of a classic DSLR camera, with a chunky hand grip and dedicated manual control dials. Yet they also tend to be slightly more portable than DSLR models, thanks to smaller sensors inside. And instead of interchangeable lenses, you get a single fixed lens with the kind of massive zoom range usually associated with a travel camera.

Despite the flexibility of their generous zoom ranges (such as the massive 125x zoom on the Nikon Coolpix P1000), bridge cameras are not without their limitations. In order to deliver these zoom capabilities without adding to the weight or the price tag, many manufacturers use the same 1/2.3-inch sensors found in compact cameras. So although you get the look and feel of a DSLR, you dont get the same image quality or performance.

There are some exceptions: both Sony and Panasonic have released bridge cameras with much larger 1-inch sensors. These sacrifice some zoom range for the sake of a big step up in image quality. Both the Sony Cyber-shot RX10 IV and Panasonic Lumix FZ2500 (known as the Lumix FZ2000 outside the US) feature 1-inch sensors, while still delivering decent zoom ranges.

Although fewer new bridge cameras have hit shelves in recent years, the format remains relevant for photographers in a clear niche. Theyre not pocketable, but they represent an excellent alternative for travelers whod like the versatility of a wide zoom range, plus the handling of a larger camera, without having to carry around a bag of lenses.

Pros: Massive zoom range; DSLR-style controls and features; versatility and value for money.

Cons: Small sensor size limits the quality (with some key exceptions); detail often quite soft at full zoom; autofocus systems rarely match DSLRs or mirrorless cameras for responsiveness.

TODAYS BEST DEALS

+Excellent and fast 24-600mm lens+Superb stills and video quality

Pricey compared to rivalsTouchscreen control limited

Youll pay a premium for the RX10 IVs performance, but when you look at what else is out there for the same price, the RX10 IV is virtually in a league of its own.Featuring a huge 24-600mm f/2.4-4 zoom lens, the RX10 IV builds on the RX10 III with an overhauled AF system that now does justice to the rest of the camera, while the 1-inch, 20.1MP sensor is capable of achieving excellent levels of detail. Thats not forgetting the ability to capture video in 4K and shoot at up to 24fps. Impressive stuff.

Smartphone photography hasnt killed off the compact camera. Instead, its highlighted the value of high-end compacts: these pocketable premium models offer proper photographic performance and image quality to embarrass your mobile, in a physical form that can still slip comfortably into a coat pocket.

A premium compact offers a different route to better images. Youre not paying for a huge zoom range or DSLR-style handling. Instead, spending extra nets you a larger sensor, a better lens, enhanced connectivity and the kind of manual controls usually reserved for more expensive mirrorless models.

High-end compact models are designed for enthusiasts and experts who want a camera thats small enough to carry around when a regular DSLR or full-frame mirrorless camera would be impractical. Many photographers choose to own a premium compact alongside a larger interchangeable lens camera. By carrying one in their pocket at all times, they know theyll always have a capable tool to capture unexpected shots.

Zoom range is rarely special on a premium compact (its usually about the same as youd get from a regular point-and-shoot). Some even opt for a fixed focal length. The pay-off is a bigger sensor that leaves smartphones and standard compacts for dust when it comes to low-light photography and outright image quality (usually aided by a better, wide-aperture lens).

Many premium compacts today use large 1-inch sensors, such as the Panasonic Lumix ZS200 / TZ200 and Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III. Some find space for a Micro Four Thirds sensor (like the Panasonic Lumix LX100 II) while the very best manage to squeeze in an APS-C sensor, which is the same size as youll find in many mirrorless and DSLR cameras. Which is one of the reasons why the Fujifilm X100V is our favorite premium compact for those who can afford it.

Pros: DSLR features and DSLR-approaching quality in a pocket-sized camera.

Cons: Even the cheapest arent cheap, and the most expensive really are expensive; you cant change lenses.

TODAYS BEST DEALS

+Useful tilting touchscreen+Strong sensor and autofocus

Not weather-sealedQuite expensive

A different kind of camera, the Fujifilm X100V combines the capabilities youd expect from a premium compact with the iconic retro styling of an analogue camera from the Fifties. Somehow it works. With a 26.1MP sensor and a powerful X-Processor 4 at its disposal, image quality was never in doubt. What the X100V doesnt have is the kind of zoom range that some might like.

Instead, you get a fast, fixed focal length 23mm f/2 lens thats perfect for street and portrait photographers. So too is the speedy autofocus and solid low-light noise control. You also get a high-resolution hybrid viewfinder, plus a useful tilting touchscreen for straightforward framing and 4K at 30fps for detailed footage. Yes, the cost will be prohibitive for some, while the absence of weather-proofing means it isnt a camera for all conditions. All the same, you wont find many other premium compacts with this set of skills and none with such a striking throwback shell.

DSLR cameras are no longer considered the cutting-edge choice for serious photographers: with the rapid advancement of mirrorless models, those are now the top option if you want a high-performance camera. But theres still plenty to be said for the DSLR format in 2021.

Besides big sensors for superior image quality and interchangeable lenses for unrivaled versatility, DSLR cameras also offer a fundamentally different user experience. DSLR cameras are famed for their bigger bodies, which feature chunky, ergonomic grips that are comfortable and forgiving to use. They also feature optical viewfinders which allow you to see through the cameras lens while framing, as well as superior battery life. Plus the best DSLR cameras have sensor resolutions to rival the top mirrorless options.

DSLR cameras remain an excellent choice for students, too. There are many entry-level options which offer an affordable route into DSLR photography. Learners often find the larger grip and accessible controls make it easier to explore the basic principles of photography, while manual settings and multiple preset modes mean you can affordably experiment with more creative shooting as your skills improve.

The option to change lenses also opens up a new world of opportunities. DSLR cameras will usually ship with a kit lens thats designed to cover a range of everyday focus lengths. From there, you can diversify based on your style of photography. That might mean a telephoto for safari shots, a super-wide-angle for huge landscapes, a macro lens for extreme close-ups or a fast prime lens for sharp low-light street shots with dramatic depth of field.

Although mirrorless models are pushing the boundaries of performance in 2021, DSLR cameras are still a great option for many photographers. For beginners, they represent an accessible entry route into more advanced photography. For enthusiasts, the larger sensors and interchangeable lenses wont limit extermination. And for more serious snappers, the best full-frame DSLR cameras can still compete when it comes to outright image quality.

Pros: Interchangeable lenses; full manual controls; raw files; APS-C sensor for a big step up in quality.

Cons: Big and bulky compared to most compact cameras; focusing in live view on the rear screen is comparatively sluggish on most models.

TODAYS BEST DEALS

+Excellent image quality+Handy Guide mode

No touchscreenNo 4K video

Nikons D3500 builds on the brilliant D3400, which was until recently our top entry-level DSLR pick. Nikons D3500 is our top pick when it comes to entry-level DSLRs. While it shares quite a few features with the D3400, upgrades for the D3500 include a new 24.2MP sensor, better battery life (to a staggering 1,550 shots) and refined exterior controls. Its clever Guide Mode is a useful learning tool that gives real-time explanations of important features. Theres no touchscreen, but otherwise this is our favorite entry-level DSLR right now.

Mirrorless cameras are fast becoming the format of choice for enthusiasts and experts alike. Like DSLR cameras, they feature large sensors and support for interchangeable lenses. But theyre also more compact and tend to deliver more advanced performance and connectivity options.

As the name suggests, theres no mirror inside a mirrorless camera. That means they can be made both smaller and lighter than their chunky DSLR cousins. It also means that, instead of optical viewfinders, mirrorless models often rely on electronic equivalents for framing. These are usually small, sharp and bright OLED panels which show you the image as youll capture it, rather than the real analogue scene in front of you. Whether this appeals will be a matter of personal preference.

Many cheaper models dont come with a viewfinder at all, meaning youll need to use the rear screen. This can be a disadvantage in certain scenarios, but improvements to touchscreen technology mean that many mirrorless models now feature seamless interfaces which will be familiar to smartphone photographers.

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What camera should I buy? How to choose the right camera for photography or video - News Nation USA

Amid the pandemic, millions turned to TikTokthe short-form content app originally called Musical.lyfor solace. For months, lip-syncing and eight counts of elbow jabs and windmills took the place of doomscrolling. And for those not rhythmically inclined, there was a neck of the TikTok woods for everyone to discover from true crime to tech and, of course, one of the fastest-growing areas on the platform, beauty.

Beauty TikToka corner of the app where users can find 60-second product reviews, makeup transformations, hair tutorials, and more, became a beast on its own. The space is currently in a "hyper-growth phase," according to Olga Pelovangu, the global brand partnerships for beauty and tech at TikTok.

And with over 67.9B views on the hashtag beauty alone, the vertical even has the power to sell out a cult-favorite lipstick overnight. The appeal of beauty TikTok is understandable; long product reviews, tutorials, and educational videos are formed into bite-sized mini clips that make it easier for users to digest information. On the app, anyone with a ring light, iPhone, and a down-to-earth personality can become a star, unlike competitor YouTube, where multiple camera light sources, a quality high-definition DSLR camera, and a "certain look" was the formula for climbing up the ranks on the site.

TikTok allows creators to be, whether they're a board-certified dermatologist with a few extra hours on hand to respond to other users' burning skincare questions or a regular girl from Massachusetts testing out new products while "swearing like a sailor" in-between her makeup application. Unfortunately, navigating beauty TikTok can be overwhelming, especially when a straightforward hashtag yields millions, sometimes billions, of video results and a slew of questions such as, Who's the best in hair to follow? What dermatologist can I trust for product recommendations? Do I need this new foundation?

To cut through the noise, we created our very own TikTok Beauty Universitya guide to popular creators who have mastered the art of schooling users in hair, makeup, and skincare. So when they speak, we listen, we buy, we repeat.

Welcome to TikTok Beauty University. What class will you head to today?

Think of Dr. Camille Howard-Verovic as your guardian skincare angel. If youve ever skipped out on wearing sunscreen one day and felt like someone was watching you, chances are youve come across Dr. Camilles TikTok account. Her advice and recommendations come off as a concerned big sister or best friend reminding viewers constantly to wear sunscreen and not believe everything that goes viral on the app. Skeptical about a product? Dr. Howard-Verovic uses her platform to debunk the silliest skincare trends. She initially joined TikTok in May 2020 to see what was appealing to her TikTok-obsessed niece. I quickly found that the platform was an excellent medium to educate my audience about skin health. I also realized there was lots of skincare misinformation, and I wanted to address some crazy skin trends, she explains.

Like the time she came across the trend of people using menstrual blood to treat acne. Im happy that people are excited about skincare and skin health. But It doesnt have to be complicated, and you dont need a 10 step routine to have healthy skin, she adds. One of the most rewarding parts of being on TikTok is helping those who look like her find better ways to treat their skin woes. Dermatology is a dynamic specialty in which there is a healthy mix of procedures and clinical decision-making. I find so much in having an answer for my colleagues and patients, she says. I think it is important to be a Black physician on social media. After about six months on TikTok, I received so many messages from young women who want to be dermatologists.

TikTok Made Me Buy It: Finipil Lait 50 Antiseptic Cream, $17; amazon.com

Shocker, working at a furniture store is as dull as youd expect. When Alessandro took a job at his local furniture store, he would often sneak out to browse the aisles at the Ulta Beauty store located next door. I would leave my job and walk around Ulta Beauty for hours, talking to the employees and swatching makeup. I'd spend a good two hours out of my work shift at Ulta every day, just hanging out with the employees, he recalls. When the pandemic hit, Alessandro was laid off and turned to TikTok to respite from his woes. I remember I applied for unemployment. But that was a blessing in disguise because I was able to focus my time on TikTok. Right now, it's my full-time job, he says. A job that has garnered 47 million likes, over 822,000 followers, and a shout-out from Selena Gomez since he first joined in April 2020. Gomez reacted to his video using the brand's setting spray and exposed him to a larger audience. Whether reviewing high-end or drugstore products, Alessandros audience can always expect genuine takes on the industrys buzziest products.If its not worth the buy, Alessandro will let you know in a heartbeat. I say what's on everyone's mind, you know?" he says. "I feel like people appreciate the transparency."

TikTok Made Me Buy It: Rare Beauty Always An Optimist 4-in-1 Prime & Set Mist, $24; sephora.com

To command the attention of 6.6 million followers on TikTok on the giant topic of skincare is no easy feat. But thats the beauty of Hyram Yarbros pagehis takes on beauty and skincare are anything but boring. Cocktailing humor, authenticity, and research together, Hyrams following turns to him for unfiltered reviews on the skincare industrys buzziest products. Through his platform, he hopes to make information accessible for those who cant afford a visit to the derm's office. Growing up, Hyram wished he had someone like himself to introduce him to skincare.

Raised on a cattle ranch in Arizona, Hyram was only aware of skincare's luxury experience rather than the actual benefits. In Arizona, the humidity level was so low Hyram struggled with severe eczema breakouts. Once he moved to Hawaii for college, the humidity helped to hydrate his skin. But after experiencing breakouts during college due to stress and lack of sleep, Hyrams friends recommended that he start investing in skincare products. I have combination skin," he adds. "So my struggles put me in a good position to be able to trial all different kinds of products to be able to recommend to my audience because they have different skin types." On TikTok, he excels in the duet format in which creators can build upon another creators video by uploading a side-by-side clip reacting to the original video. Adopting this formula has allowed him to debunk skincare myths, respond to his audiences concerns, and inject humor in product reviews. However, he lives by one rule only: sunscreen is the most critical step in a skincare routine.

Yearning to make a bigger impact in skincare outside of TikTok, Hyram founded his own namesake label Selfless by Hyram earlier this year. "The idea of Selfless by Hyram was to show people that we can make a positive difference in the world through skincare, but also on the business side. We, as businesses, have so many opportunities to do so much more to leave a bigger impact on the world rather than just take from customers," he says. The best part about creating his line was tailoring products to concerns culled straight from his comment section.

TikTok is also grounds for making derms, estheticians, and influencers shriek in fear due to many DIY skin hacks. What Tiktok has introduced is the importance of preventative, not reversive skincare," he says. "So theres this perspective shift where people are taking care of their skin so that they can prevent that long-term damage, and that's what skincare is about."

TikTok Made Me Buy It: Evenprime Barrier Serum, $36; amazon.com

For Seun Okimi, her first memory of beauty was feeling like the other in a world that praised European beauty standards. I was wondering: Why didn't I fit into the beauty standard that I saw around me? Why am I different?" she says. So Okimi diverted her attention to the art of reinvention and began learning the process of crafting different hairstyles by installing wigs and weaves. She quickly realized that she could create a slew of styles that Black women could also try when they wanted to be different. She cut her teeth as a content creator on YouTube but turned to TikTok more recently. Her TikTok page is very unlike the content she was creating on YouTube.

With each video she uploads, sh,e teaches her audience never to lose hope or patience when it comes to your hair. I think a lot of people have this idea that their hair won't grow. So Im showing that we can grow our hair, or even if it is short, it's beautiful to have short hair as well, she says.

Okimi takes an educational approach to her videos, teaching her audience how to care for protective styles, install natural-looking wigs, and prevent breakage and shedding on 4C hair. "To feel beautiful, we feel like we have to do so much to our hair and struggle," she says. "We don't have to struggle so much to get to where we want with our beauty. We are beautiful without struggle."

TikTok Made Me Buy It: The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution, $8; ulta.com

Dermatologists have a bad rep of not always being the most personable, but with TikTok, Dr. Shah aims to show his audience that dermatologists arent robots. When you see a dermatologist in the office, the patient and doctor have to build that trust, so you feel comfortable opening up," says Dr. Shah. "Its the same thing on TikTok. I get so many messages from people who tell me they went to a dermatologist because of my videos and they found skin cancer, or that they finally got onto an active prescription treatment and their skin is getting better from my product recommendation."

He offers some more wisdom for TikTok users. When you're authentic, people will see that, and then more organic opportunities will come to you, he advises. Always be skeptical when something's going viral, whether it's good or bad. If a product is the best product ever, ask yourself, Is it really? Do I personally really need it? Finally, always think about why you're buying what you're buying.

TikTok Made Me Buy It: Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, $30; nordstrom.com

On Makeup By Tammis page, everything is better with a littleerr, a lot ofcolor. In a world of soft glam mugs, Makeup By Tammi and her dramatic purple winged liner looks stick out amongst the crowd. The London makeup artists aesthetic is not for the faint of heart; eyeliners and eyeshadows bend to her will as she draws cow spots around her eye in one video and a smoky sunset eye in another. At the height of the pandemic, she launched her Bandana Series, in which she selected a random bandana shade to base her makeup look. People should have fun with their makeup; add colors or graphic liners, there are no rules, she says. A lot of people can be intimidated by bright makeup, but when they see it on someone, especially someone that looks like them, it can encourage them to try it.

Clarke enjoys watching and creating short yet concise videos that teach users how to take care of their skin and makeup in mini videos. Beauty TikTok is so amazing because it almost simplifies the process; it can show people they can take care of their skin with just three simple steps, or how to make their makeup last longer with just two steps, she adds. Her favorite makeup tip? Use a little powder before foundation if you have oily skin like me because it buys you a few extra hours wear before the oils come through the foundation, she advises.

TikTok Made Me Buy It: L.A. Girl Pro Matte Mixing Pigment, $10; ulta.com

Mikayla Nogueira may opt for soft yet stunning makeup looks now, but her entry into the makeup world began with blood, zombies, and clowns. I was eight years old when I discovered makeup for the first time. My dad ran a top-rated haunted house attraction, and I got to watch special effects makeup artists every single day doing this crazy Halloween makeup on people. I was fascinated by it, she says. By 15, she joined her fathers haunted house as a makeup artist and even decided to take on prom and wedding clients. I was obsessed with [makeup]; I didn't care about anything else. Makeup was my whole life. I would have done anything for makeup, she says. Until she became discouraged by the lack of beauty gurus who she could relate to. My dream was to be social media beauty star. I wanted to make a bigger impact. But I felt like I didn't fit the mold of what was accepted in the beauty realm. And I didn't think that that was possible for me, she remembers. After facing several rejections from top makeup retailers, Nogueira was convinced makeup wasnt the path she should embark on. Then, Ulta called back and offered her a job. Then, the pandemic happened, and she was suddenly out of a job with a lot of free time on her hands. Enter: TikTok.

I kept watching hours worth of TikTok and loved how cool the app was. The catfish challenge was popping off at the time where you show a before and after of yourself in glam, she says. At first, her years-long acne struggles discouraged her from posting the video, but she uploaded it anyway and went viral. If her goal was to teach people to be their unapologetic selves, she also had to walk the walk. I'm unapologetically and authentically myself in my videos," she says. "And I will never change that. I will never try to be someone I'm not because my biggest value that I have as a person is just to be myself."

Fans of Nogueira love her intricate eyeshadow designs just as much as they love her thick Boston accent. I swear like a sailor and that who I am, she says proudly. Just dont call her an influencer. Yes, I heavily influence people, and I've had these viral videos that have caused makeup artists to sell out. But in my opinion, that's just a result of me having a good time and me showing people that makeup can be fun and it's not so serious. I'm a beauty content creator. I create fun, energetic, authentic, unique content, Nogueira adds.

TikTok Made Me Buy It: Kryolan Ultra Setting Spray, $39; amazon.com

You go to Deborahs TikTok page for natural hair tips, but stay for a masterclass in the art of transformation. When shes not morphing her natural hair into twists or puffs or wigs, shes offering natural hair product recommendations or tips for growing your hair in under a minute. I slowly noticed the lack of representation for people with kinky/coily hair while scrolling through my FYP. I decided that there wasnt enough relatable or helpful content for people who look like me and have my hair texture, so I decided to be a part of that representation, she says of her account, which boasts over 123,000 followers and over 5.6 million likes. The message of Deborah Oguches platform is simple: Type 4 hair is worth caring for and worth celebrating, Oguche says.

The lightbulb moment to start creating her own hair love content didnt spark until September 2020, when she joined TikTok in the thick of the pandemic. So by December 2020, the biology student at Temple University picked up a new side hobby: creating relatable content for people who type-4 hair.I want to build a community where all hair textures are uplifted and represented, she adds. If I can be the reason just one person out there starts their hair love journey, I consider that a win for my platform.

TikTok Made Me Buy It: Gold 'N Hot Professional Ionic Soft Bonnet Hair Dryer, $50; ulta.com

Three years ago, Afsennahand her followersnoticed her hair was thinning. I got comments about my hair, which made me insecure, so I started to buy everything in the hopes that it would work, she explains. She turned to oiling her hair, as in lathering her strands with a slew of different oils, to strengthen her hair but was left hopeless. Instead of giving up, she began to research scalp care and specific ingredients for her hair type. She couldve chosen to gatekeep her discoveries but turned to TikTok in January 2021 to share her hair journey and tips. Having healthy, nice, and long hair is not only genetics. When you dont take care of your hair, your hair will get damaged regardless of whether you have the most beautiful hair. Prevention is everything, she tells ELLE.com. You can learn everything on Afsennahs page, from the difference between hair porosities to the best foods that promote hair growth to her very own hair routine. The self-professed BFF your hair needs, Afsennah, can be found in her TikTok comment section, answering her follower's questions, no matter how small. Her straightforward approach to the seemingly never-ending world of hair oil keeps her 293,000 followers coming back for more.

TikTok Made Me Buy It: Yootech Wireless Charger, $14; amazon.com

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An Extensive Guide on Who To Follow on Beauty TikTok in the Haircare, Makeup, and Skincare Space - ELLE.com

If you dont hear one, dont worry another will be along soon, was the philosophy pop used to revolve around in the days before algorithms and smart speakers.

Back then you couldnt move for catchy songs in major keys, choruses you could yell, middle eights and cute little guitar solos. Welcome to the world of mass consumption.

Brighton quartet Fur appeared to still be clutching that memo over twenty-five years past its eat by date when in 2017 they scored a completely unexpected coup after uploading their first single If You Know That Im Lonely to YouTube.

Suddenly, from playing compact and bijou hometown venue Sticky Mikes Frog Bar, the band William Murray, guitarist Harry Saunders, bassist William Tav Taverner and drummer Flynn Whelan were getting offers to play venues twenty times its size, from exotic places like Indonesia. So far, the distinctly Beatles sounding tune has piled up streams in the tens of millions.

Critics snarked about blatant attempts to surf the AI waves to glory (an accompanying video with the lads doing a passable Monkees impression didnt help) but when youre hot, youre hot, right?

Well, wrong. Sort of. Its taken four years to get from that overnight success to getting their debut album out, but Murray and co. have remained sanguine about it, releasing the lo-fi stopgap Facing Home mixtape in 2020, and now arriving here in an assured, collective state of mind.

They wisely choose not to include their millstone/moneymaker (depending on your perspective) amongst the eleven tracks here, but anyone expecting radical departures (or anything you could class as radical at all) has on this basis definitely confused their Radios One and Two.

No matter though, because when youre sort of writing for all the people who only know one of your songs the job is to gently wean them off the Abbey Road-isms of your past, and for the most part When You Walk Away does the job nicely.

Perhaps illustrating the dilemma they faced, the title-track comes in two renditions, one at the beginning and then again at the end. Part 1 (hey, this is what they called it) is a jangle overture which appears to have spent some time in close proximity to an early Strokes record, but satisfies neatly enough.

Last but not least, the Cast-esque second stanza boldly embraces environmental issues by recycling the chords from its twin but winds its way downtempo and lasts a climactic five minutes plus; with a trace of sax to round things out, its also comfortably the better version of the two.

The rest sounds like feeding tokens into an indie jukebox; Anybody Else But Me is so sugary your dentist would probably warn you about it whilst To Be Next To Her and Shes The Warmest Colour Of My Life still have Alan McGee on hold. The wistful strum of No Good For You provides a moment of introspection, but What I Ams icky retro-gloop never escapes the box with token written on it.

So, is this all this a plan, or just dumb luck? Fur reckon that its down to fate, saying: Theres something looking over us a natural development of patience and how we perceive things.

When You Walk Away is just about good enough to make you care which, but a hit factory needs better finished articles than this.

Andy Peterson

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Fur - When You Walk Away | Album Review | Live4ever - Live4ever

Twas the night before Christmas... and your child was desperate to open a present. Sound familiar? We thought so.

Christmas Eve has a tendency to be a bit of a rollercoaster. Its the last day to get your ducks in a row and the kids excitement levels are through the roof.

Much like leaving a mince pie or swig of the strong stuff out for Father Christmas, and a carrot or two for his fleet of reindeers, the Christmas Eve box is becoming quite the festive tradition. It allows kids to open a present a day early, and is a lovely way to kickstart the celebrations. But which one should you buy?

How we tested

Christmas Eve came early for our two little testers, aged three and five years old. Together, we looked at a range of boxes both pre-filled and empty suitable for the job. We paid close attention to the festive detailing, the size of the box in question and gave extra kudos for those that could be personalised.

Of course, price was under close inspection too, given not only the expense of Christmas, but the contents that may be required to put in the box too.

Read more:

The best Christmas Eve boxes for 2021 are:

Best: Overall

Rating: 9/10

Personalisation adds to the magic of Christmas and, naturally, the personalisation experts at My 1st Years are offering a selection of unique Christmas paraphernalia, from decadent decorations to enchanting gifts, for 2021. Before the big day though, kick proceedings off with this charming Christmas Eve box. Theres complimentary personalisation up to 12 letters, and the boxs dimensions are 28.1cm x 16.3cm x 14.2cm, meaning theres room for a teddy, a pair of socks, Christmas jumper and any extra festive fodder you fancy. We love the American airmail-inspired design, complete with cute star handle for easy opening. Made from plywood, the quality is impressive and will see you through plenty of Christmas Eves to come. Time to start a new tradition, we think.

Best: For toddlers

Rating: 9/10

A dead giveaway that theres only one more sleep to go is a new pair of pyjamas to cosy up with on Christmas Eve. Baby and childrens specialist, JoJo Maman Bb has gone one step further by creating this beautifully presented Christmas Eve pyjama gift set. Untie the ribbon and inside youll find cotton reindeer pyjamas with tartan bottoms, adorable matching reindeer slippers with a Velcro fastening, and a stocking to hang out in anticipation of the big day. Only available from ages 18 months to two years, while your toddler mightnt show quite as much appreciation as the doting parents, this is a festive fanfare which will see you uploading #babyspam in no time at all.

Best: For playing

Rating: 9/10

Orchard Toys is the king of educational games. We recently crowned its famous shopping list game (8.50, Orchardtoys.com) our best buy in our review of the best kids memory games, and continue to be impressed with the brand. This dedicated Christmas Eve box features a festive version of the award-winning shopping list matching memory game, with the trolley replaced by a stocking, and a 20-piece jigsaw puzzle. Designed for ages three to six, were confident this will occupy overexcited kids.

Best: Luxury box

Rating: 9/10

Want to add a touch of luxe to the night before Christmas? Available in sizes two to seven years, this Christmas Eve box from Selfridges is the most indulgent of all the boxes we tested. At 70, its a little pricey, but we think its a seasonal showstopper. So, whats inside? Every child deserves to snuggle up to a soft Jellycat toy on Christmas Eve, and it doesnt get much more apt than a furry penguin. Its Polar Express paperback book makes for a wonderful pre-Christmas read, but the real standout product for us are the navy star pyjamas. With an all-over satin texture, these 100 per cent cotton pyjamas have gorgeous gold star embroidery and pearlescent buttons making them the perfect pair of PJs to fall asleep in on a special night, and wake up in on the most magical day of the year.

Best: Gift experience

Rating: 8/10

Now, for something a little different, look no further than a Christmas Eve box from the company that allows your family to have a live video call with Santa from the comfort of your home. Designed to be opened either before or during your call with Santa, or on Christmas Eve (its worth bearing in mind that the call is an additional 19.99), youll be sent a selection of Christmas-inspired paraphernalia. If you want to heighten your childrens experience, wed suggest sourcing an extra box to put the items in to add to the excitement. Youll get Santas bingo and Santas dice games to play as a family, two colouring-in sheets complete with four mini colouring pencils, a sachet of reindeer food a personal favourite as well as a letter from Chief Elf, and a fridge magnet.

Best: Festive-inspired design

Rating: 8/10

In the shape of a traditional gingerbread house, this Christmas Eve box is illustrated as a winter wonderland with Christmas trees, mince pies and snowmen to name but a few. Our favourite feature? It has to be the multicoloured pom-pom attachments sitting atop of the snowy roofed lid, mimicking Christmas lights. At nearly 20cm wide and 22cm tall, itll fit a handful of small festive treats. We love the fun design of this box, which is printed on recycled Kraft paper and is widely recyclable after use.

Best: For timelessness

Rating: 8/10

With plenty of space for fun festive treats (sized 30cm x 20cm x 13cm), this sturdy wooden Christmas Eve box from Hobbycraft is a classic. Inscribed with Christmas Eve Box and snowflake detailing, the light wood gives an understated Scandi feel. Fill this box up each year to celebrate the night before Christmas in a new family tradition.

Best: For versatility

Rating: 9/10

Not your conventional Christmas Eve box, but gold is part of the Christmas palette, right? American-born brand Meri Meri is known for its partyware and seasonal decorations, so naturally its set of cat suitcases clawed its way into our round-up. Made with some serious attention to detail, the suitcases are beautifully crafted from laminated card featuring brass buckles, neon cord stitching and gold leatherette handles (and ears, of course!). The large case is just the right size for pre-Christmas treats at 29cm wide, while the smaller one is 24cm wide, and will fit a few smaller objects. Okay, so its not full of yuletide cheer like many others in this round-up, but we think these suitcases will be used beyond Christmas Eve, making them a purrrrfect choice.

Best: For gifting from afar

Rating: 9/10

Have a chocolate lover in your household? Yes, youre not alone. This year Marks & Spencer has thought of it all with its Christmas letterbox gift, which we think makes a wonderful Christmas Eve gift if youre unable to be there in person. It may be compact enough to fit through your letterbox, but fear not, as its packed to the rafters inside. Containing some of M&Ss favourites, Colin the Caterpillar mint faces, and festive inspired Percy Pig sweeties, youll also find unusual suspects like tasty sprouts and minty snowballs. Theres also a little pack of Christmas jokes, which had the whole family chuckling.

Best: Purse-friendly option

Rating: 8/10

No peeking this Christmas Eve box is inexpensive at 7 and the cheapest of all that we reviewed. But it does the trick and is surprisingly sturdy given that its made of cardboard. At 28cm wide and a similar length in height, with just one more sleep to go, open the lid and fill with festive trinkets such as a small book, something edible and a little toy to cuddle up with before the big day arrives.

The personalised red Christmas Eve box from My 1st Years is a worthy winner for us. Made from sturdy wood, itll see you through many Christmas Eves, while the festive detailing provides Yuletide splendour. But the star on top of the tree has to be the complimentary personalisation, which is a magical touch!

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Excerpt from:

10 best Christmas Eve boxes that will fill children with festive cheer - The Independent