Page 29«..1020..28293031..4050..»

Category Archives: Mind Uploading

"If somebody wants to fight, I’m easy to reach": Utah Jazz superstar Rudy Gobert calls out players who are… – The Sportsrush

Posted: November 15, 2021 at 11:49 pm

This week NBA had more brawls than it usually does in a year. And as the brawls increase, competition increases so does the entertainment.

NBA has barely seen brawls since the start of last decade maybe because of stricter rules or the fact that players are much friendlier with the opponents than they ever used to be. It looks like that is going to change this season.

On Thursday, the match between the Utah Jazz and the Indiana Pacers suddenly turned into a wrestling event after Pacers center Myles Turner made a sensational block on his counterpart Rudy Gobert.

While going down Rudy pulled Myles with him and they both ended up on the ground and when they both got up, they started a brawl. In a matter of seconds, players from both teams started getting involved and referees intervened to break it up.

Also read: Kendrick Perkins applauds Heat and Jazz superstars after they win Conference Players of the Week awards

At the end of the biggest brawl (by ejections) of this NBA season, 4 players found themselves out of the game. Three from the Jazz and one from the Pacers.

Rudy Gobert doesnt feel so. The Frenchman after the game said he did not feel threatened by Turner at any point, while Turner blamed Gobert for forcing him down by pulling his shorts after the block, which was Turners second block on the 3-time Defensive player of the year.

Turner said,I thought it was a dirty play, when [Gobert] pulled my shorts, I wasnt about to have that, so I had to stand up for myself in that situation.

It barely looked like a fight with both the players tackling each other. Gobert felt the same. He said,If I dont feel threatened, Im not going to throw a punch. And I didnt feel threatened. I am not going to do it on the basketball court, if someone wants to fight, Im easy to reach.

Charlotte Hornets guard Terry Rozier Scary Terry felt the same, that it is not fighting, its wrestling.

It wasnt a WWE show in Denver on Monday. The fight could have turned to an even bigger brawl had Markieff Morris been looking that an anger-possessed seven-footer is about to knock off his head. But he had his back turned. Since that incident, there has been a Twitter war between the Morris Brothers and Jokic Brothers threatening each other.

Also read: 3x DPOY Rudy Gobert doesnt mind having a drug test, after uploading buffed up photos of himself on Instagram

There will be extra excited to watch NBA games this season with players irrespective of fines and suspensions not holding back to standing up to the bullying on the court. Lets see whether we will have this fake wrestling or some real swinging like the famous Malice at the Palace.

Read more from the original source:

"If somebody wants to fight, I'm easy to reach": Utah Jazz superstar Rudy Gobert calls out players who are... - The Sportsrush

Posted in Mind Uploading | Comments Off on "If somebody wants to fight, I’m easy to reach": Utah Jazz superstar Rudy Gobert calls out players who are… – The Sportsrush

The return of the Maharajah – The Times of India Blog

Posted: at 11:49 pm

The pandemic graph finally seems to have come down. And this has raised a million hopes in a million hearts of a million people all over the world, hoping for flights to resume, airports to reopen, people to reunite with their families and for others to get away from families they were stuck with through the lockdowns. In short, for life to return to normalcy.

I am, of course, one of them. I needed to travel to India from the UAE, but thought it was better to wait for some guinea pigs to travel before me. Because frankly, traveling has become a challenge ever since the virus was born. Travel rules and restrictions have this tendency to change overnight like a womans mind. And different countries have different requirements. By the time weve wrapped our heads around the whole rigmarole its apparently stale news and we need to begin all over again. And looking at the number of documents to upload before traveling, I was beginning to feel its easier taking a 10 minute trip to space rather than the 3 hour trip from Abu Dhabi to Mangalore, but of course, its better to verify this little bit with Branson & Co., not having been to space myself yet!

And as if all these are not enough deterrents to make one reluctant to take a trip, one is also forced to listen to dozens of warnings from some well-meaning friends and one skeptical husband who spoke darkly about a 3rd wave and asked questions like what-will-you-do-if-the-airports-shut-down-again-without-warning and more along these mournful lines.

In the meanwhile, some noisy news anchors informed us about the return of Air India to the Tatas and this was a bit of cheerful news in some dreary times. It gives me hope that the British might return the Kohinoor back to India too, some day along with at least one or two of those absconding Indian billionaires who are hiding, (no scratch that), who are living it up in Britain.

Anyway, I took this as a sign from above for the simple reason that only Air India operates flights between Abu Dhabi and Mangalore and I promptly booked myself on the next available flight. I was a nervous wreck on the actual travel date, what with waiting for the PCR test result, downloading appropriate apps, uploading appropriate documents along with trying to find the suitcase, which was finally located hiding beneath a thick layer of dust.

At the airport, suitably attired in battle gear with mask, face shield, gloves and sanitisers dangling from my belt like swords ready to be drawn at the slightest hint of a virus attack, I asked for a window seat and the guy at the counter looked at me as if I was asking him for an elephant to carry me to India. He studied the computer screen intently and informed me loftily that a window seat would be a bit difficult to get but he would do some jugaad and allot me one, out of the goodness of his heart. I thanked him profusely almost falling at his feet, but it transpired later that the guy was lying through his teeth. The flight was empty and the few travelers who had braved the challenge like me had not only window seats but the aisle seats as well and the seat in between too, in short each of us had a row of seats to ourselves and plenty to spare. The entire 3 hour ride to India was covered with all of us stretched out luxuriously across our seats to the accompaniment of the soft drone of the aircraft and the loud snores of my fellow passengers. We returned to India like kings, for this flight at least, which makes me dream of better days to come for our much-maligned carrier. Heres hoping that the gracious Maharajah will return to his rightful place and former glory.

Views expressed above are the author's own.

END OF ARTICLE

More:

The return of the Maharajah - The Times of India Blog

Posted in Mind Uploading | Comments Off on The return of the Maharajah – The Times of India Blog

Photographer Cheriss May finds new perspectives in the sameness – The Undefeated

Posted: at 11:49 pm

Alum Cheriss May went to Howard Universitys 2016 homecoming game dressed to impress in a fresh new school sweatshirt. During halftime, the Golden Delight dance team from North Carolina A&T State University, Howards opponent, took the field. It had been raining, and the ground was muddy and wet, May said. I laid down on the sideline, and when they came out to perform, I remember clicking, knowing I had something special. I messed up my clothes, but it was worth it. PHOTO BY CHERISS MAY/NDEMAY MEDIA GROUP

Jan. 6 started out like any other day for Washington D.C.-based photographer and Howard University adjunct professor Cheriss May. On assignment for Getty to cover the ceremonial Electoral College vote count for president inside the U.S. Capitol, May remembers the morning began quietly but security was high.

I thought that the Capitol was the safest place in this country, and [Jan. 6] turned all of that upside down for me, said May, who had also been at the Capitol during the height of the George Floyd protests, when building security was at its peak.

Folkus is an ongoing series created with Getty Images that features Black photographers who put the focus on folks like us.

May was barricaded for hours inside Congressman Jim Clyburns office while insurrectionists ran amok. May tried to get word out to her loved ones but she couldnt get a cellphone signal. I felt like my life was in danger. I felt trapped, she said. May remembers kneeling on the floor, camera by her side, as unidentified people tried to break in. This happened three times. The final time, the doors opened to FBI and Capitol police with guns drawn.

My life flashed before my eyes three times that day, May said. I didnt know if I was going to make it out of there. What has helped me is the work. It helps me to live through it and to move forward. This is my passion and my purpose. To have that gives me strength.

Long before May understood she was a visual storyteller, she fell in love with the power of photography to create connection and foster community. After studying advertising and graphic design at Howard University, May worked in features and sports for several newspapers before making the leap to professional photography in 2010. Over the past decade, she has worked as a portrait and editorial photographer, chronicling scenes of contemporary Black life with an artists eye and a warriors heart. In Mays hands, the camera becomes a tool to uplift, inspire, and speak truth to power.

These 10 photographs from Mays career archives bring together luminaries then-President Barack Obama and then-first lady Michelle Obama, U.S. Rep. John Lewis of Georgia and actor Chadwick Boseman alongside survivors of the Tulsa Race Massacre, Frederick Douglass living descendants, protesters and activists. I wanted to start with joy and end with joy, May said of her collection. There are so many things in between those moments that is our life: pain, death, legacy, possibility, and the audacity of hope.

I was about 8 years old when I got my first taste of racism. My parents wanted to give us better opportunities, so we moved from Kansas City, Missouri, to a suburb called Lees Summit. We were the only Black family on our street. I remember one afternoon in grade school, my brother, who was 4, and I were coming home on the school bus. He was asleep and one of the kids said, Look at the little monkey sleep. Other kids joined in laughing and continued with hateful remarks, and throwing around the n-word.

When we got off the bus, I told my parents what happened. They sat us down and told us about racism, and how, Youre going to experience this again, but dont let it stop you from pursuing your dreams. Know that you belong there just as much as the other kids. Its a conversation shared by other Black families. This is how the world is. Its not going to be kind. Its going to be hateful even, but dont let that deter you from what you need to do. My parents instilled in my brother and myself the confidence to rise above, have a strong sense of self and know that whatever we put our minds to we could do.

My mother was a high school business teacher. She was also the yearbook advisor, so she had a camera and let me play with it. I remember being so excited to take pictures and see how they looked. I would show up at all the family functions with a camera and pose people and photograph the scene. I would get them developed, bring the prints to the next family function, and spread them out on the table. Everyone would look through them and pick them up, laughing and pointing. I liked that kind of togetherness that brought out happiness and joy.

My family saw my strong interest in photography and were very supportive and encouraging. Every Christmas, they would upgrade my camera. I dont even know how good my photos were back then but to them I was one of the best photographers. They would pour into me and give me compliments. All that positive feedback and reinforcement helped me to think, I can really do this!

I was taking pictures at an event and a male photographer pushed me out of the way. Fred came over and lit into him, Hey, man, dont do that. Afterward we exchanged numbers and stayed in touch. Fred started mentoring me without me having to ask. He would drop nuggets of wisdom all the time: tell me protocol and etiquette working in political spaces. Fred was mentored by photographer and filmmaker Gordon Parks, who gave him advice that he in turn passed on to me, like, You belong there as much as any other photographer. Stand your ground. Do what youre there to do. Keep on going. Dont let anybody push you around.

Early on Fred told me, Always look for a different perspective. That really stuck with me. Things can be very repetitive at press conferences, especially if youre covering the same person. Fred helped me think about finding ways to say or show something different within that sameness.

Fred also shared opportunities. One time, he told me he had a trip coming up to South Africa to be the photographer for a Black press tour, but had a conflict and couldnt go. He asked me if I wanted to be the photographer. At the time I was working as a graphic designer for a newspaper, and I said yes without even checking my schedule. Its one of those things I felt in my spirit. I made up my mind that if they said no I was going to resign. It was a bold decision because I wasnt thinking about how I was going to pay my bills but they ended up saying yes.

I come from a family of educators and entrepreneurs. I was raised with that entrepreneurial spirit, so it wasnt that scary to step out on my own. It was something unknown, where I didnt know if it would work out, but I stepped out on faith and had to try. I had a support network of family and friends who were very encouraging. One of my best friends told me, This is your time. You can do it. Having so many people in your corner cheering you on, you start to believe it yourself.

As a child, I was always enamored with patterns, colors, and fonts. How they all worked together it caught my eye. When I take pictures, Im looking at those same things. When I got into photography full time, I would think about the story, but also how I would lay it out on the page. I play with negative space a lot. One of the reasons is I am thinking about someone reading the photo who can place themselves in that space to create a connection or a conversation with the person in the picture.

Kansas City will always be home. That was my start, but D.C. is special. Its the perfect intersection of culture, history and politics. This is the city where whatever your interest or culture is, you can find it. Howard instilled in me a confidence to know that I come from a beautiful legacy and it is my responsibility to do those things that my ancestors fought and died for me to do.

With that great responsibility comes a love and pride to be able to open those doors and help create opportunities for those that come after me and to be able to enter spaces where traditionally you wouldnt see a Black woman doing the work. I always think about in doing that I am creating space for others to come after me so that its not foreign when they get there.

It was something that will be with me forever. I will never forget that day. The morning was very quiet. Security was high. My friends and family were sending messages saying, Please be careful and I told them, Im fine. Im going to be inside the Capitol. Nothing ever happens here. I said that with such confidence and clarity.

I was in the balcony overlooking Statuary Hall where former Vice President Mike Pence and members of the Senate and staff just walked through leaving the House Chamber. I was uploading my photos when I heard some commotion below. I looked over the balcony to see Capitol Police scurrying about, piling up bike racks to block the hallway. I thought they were doing that out of an abundance of caution. Then I saw one of the officers draw a gun and closed my laptop.

Two of Congressman Clyburns staffers brought me into his office. They pulled out the furniture to barricade the doors, and at that point it hit me that this was really serious. All the lights were turned off, the TV was muted and everyone was quiet. We could hear them in [Speaker of the House] Nancy Pelosis office, hollering and cheering. People came to the doors of the office and tried to get in on three different occasions. I had my cameras with me and was standing in direct line of the door. Then I thought let me move to the side in case something happens and they start shooting through the door. I remember taking out my phone like, Should I make a note for my family in case they find my phone?

We were there for over two hours. Someone yelled at us on the third attempt to open the door but didnt identify themselves, so we didnt know it was the police. I told them to put their ID under the door. I got on my knees with my cameras in my hands because I was going to start taking pictures as soon as whoever it was came through the door. They breached the door and came in with their guns drawn. They yelled at us to put our hands up, then checked our IDs. After checking everyone, they led us out through back stairways to the tunnels of the Capitol to an office building where we waited for a few hours for the all clear to leave. It seemed like the longest day ever.

The very next day, I had an assignment to take a portrait of [former U.S. Rep.] Gabby Giffords. It was so apropos because I was with someone who by all means should not be alive. She is a picture of resilience and what it means to keep moving forward. We talked about what happened the day before and she hugged me, rubbed my back, looked at me, and said, Move ahead.

Cheriss May is passionate about visual storytelling. Her work centers on the intersection of race, culture and politics. She documented the Electoral College vote for president inside the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6. Although traumatic, May continued to work. She finds strength telling the stories of people passionate in what they do, resilient in the face of challenges.

Photo of Cheriss by Gorden Campbell | Story text by Miss Rosen

Miss Rosen is a New York-based writer focusing on art, photography, and culture. Her work has been published in Time, Vogue, Artsy, Aperture, and Dazed, among others.

Link:

Photographer Cheriss May finds new perspectives in the sameness - The Undefeated

Posted in Mind Uploading | Comments Off on Photographer Cheriss May finds new perspectives in the sameness – The Undefeated

Laura Whitmore wishes Caroline Flack a ‘happy heavenly birthday’ in touching tribute – The Mirror

Posted: at 11:49 pm

The current Love Island host took the time to honour Caroline on what would have been her 42nd birthday. Caroline tragically took her own life last year aged 40.

Video Unavailable

Play now

Laura Whitmore posts tribute to Caroline Flack on presenters birthday

Laura Whitmore has paid tribute to Caroline Flack on what would have been the late TV presenters 42nd birthday.

The 36-year-old Irish television host and influencer had a close working partnership with Caroline who tragically took her own life in 2020 at the age of 40-years-old.

Laura had been standing in for Caroline as the host of Love Island while the original host took time out of the spotlight to address personal issues before tragically ending her own life in February last year.

Friends and family of the star have been honouring her on what would have ben her 42nd birthday on Tuesday with Laura paying tribute via social media.

Image:

Image:

Taking to Instagram Stories, Laura shared a drawing of Caroline along with the message be kind a phrase that the star promoted during her life.

Adding a message to the post, Laura wrote: Happy heavenly birthday Flack.

Still doesnt feel real youre not here.

She added: Hope were doing you proud, alongside a red heart emoji.

Image:

Image:

Laura also shared footage of herself dancing with Caroline as the pair threw shapes and giggled together to the tune of Ameries song One Thing.

Uploading the short video clip to her Instagram Stories, Laura added another red heart emoji alongside the video clip.

A string of other celebrities including Keith Lemon, Dawn OPorter and Lou Teasdale also paid tribute to Caroline on her birthday.

Fellow presenter Dawn, 42, shared a photo of Caroline at a fashion even alongside a caption reading: Happy birthday you plum.

Image:

Keith Lemon who is the character created by 48-year-old Leigh Francis meanwhile simply penned: Appy birfday Flack! Miss you x while sharing the same illustration that Laura Whitmore had shared.

While hair stylist Lou, 38, shared a collection of photographs on her own Instagram along with the caption: Happy birthday beautiful, I miss you every day.

Lou had been caring for Caroline moments before she took her own life with the TV host committing suicide when her friend had gone to a shop.

When Lou returned to Carolines North London home and found she was unable to open the door, she called the stars father who then found her body inside.

Image:

Caroline took her life in the wake of news that she would face prosecution and a court case relating to an alleged attack on her former tennis player boyfriend Lewis Burton in December 2019.

Coroner Mary Hassell recorded Carolines death as a suicide and linked it directly to her looming court battle while speaking at an inquest into her death last year.

Mary said: The key decision for me to make is whether Caroline took her own life. I have to be satisfied she acted in a way so as to cause her death, and secondly that she intended to cause her death.

In Caroline's case I am entirely satisfied she intended to cause her own death. She hanged herself. She had only one expectation - her own death. There's no doubt in my mind at all.

She continued: Caroline had fluctuating mental ill health, she had had struggles in the past. She had had difficulties.

In spite of the fact she may have led - to some - a charmed life, actually the more famous she got the more some of these difficulties increased - she had to deal with the media in a way most of us don't.

View this post on Instagram

It was played out in the national press - and that was incredibly difficult for her. She faced the prospect of not working in the job she loved, losing a great deal.

I find the reason for her taking her life was she now knew she was being prosecuted for certainty, and she knew she would face the media, press, publicity - it would all come down upon her. To me, that's it in essence.

* Samaritans (116 123) operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. If you prefer to write down how youre feeling, or if youre worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at jo@samaritans.org

Follow this link:

Laura Whitmore wishes Caroline Flack a 'happy heavenly birthday' in touching tribute - The Mirror

Posted in Mind Uploading | Comments Off on Laura Whitmore wishes Caroline Flack a ‘happy heavenly birthday’ in touching tribute – The Mirror

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

Posted: November 13, 2021 at 11:19 am

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

Posted in Mind Uploading | Comments Off on Eagles All-22 Film Review: Observations from the loss to the Chargers – Bleeding Green Nation

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

Posted: at 11:19 am

We thank our sponsor for making this content possible; it is not written by the editorial staff nor does it necessarily reflect its views.

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.

Although the internet can sometimes feel like a warzone, there's a way you can take control of your cybersecurity: A reliable VPN can keep ad trackers and blockers off your back, allow you to bypass censors, and more, all without logging your activity. VPNSecure delivers just that, and it's now on sale for $33.99 when you use our Pre-Black Friday sale coupon code: SAVE15NOV.

VPNSecure is a cross-platform VPN service that guarantees your information will be safe and private every time you go online. VPNSecure hides your location and IP address, avoids geolocation blocks on content viewing networks when abroad, supports P2P torrents, and allows you to simultaneously connect five devices. It also securely encrypts your traffic when logging into your private email accounts because nowadays, even a 2FA login isn't enough to keep the hackers away.

Not only can you surf the web undetected, the VPNSecure guarantees zero browsing logs are recorded, relieving any doubts that your online activity won't be private. Additionally, the subscription grants you the ability to choose a data cipher and provides you with unlimited bandwidth when downloading and uploading data. Don't fall victim to one of the many different cyber crimes happening every day, when the solution to online security is one subscription away.

Gift yourself eternal peace of mind this holiday season with the VPNSecure subscription service, now at the incredible price of only $34 with the Pre-Black Friday coupon code SAVE15NOW.

Read this article:

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

Posted in Mind Uploading | Comments Off on Keep hackers out with VPNSecure, now just $34 during this-Black Friday sale – Boing Boing

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

Posted: at 11:19 am

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

Posted in Mind Uploading | Comments Off on Dhindora Episode 5 Release Date And Time: Where To Watch It Online? – Fossbytes

Here’s how to stop facial recognition systems in their tracks – RTE.ie

Posted: at 11:19 am

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.

We need your consent to load this rte-player contentWe use rte-player to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review their details and accept them to load the content.Manage Preferences

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.

We need your consent to load this rte-player contentWe use rte-player to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review their details and accept them to load the content.Manage Preferences

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

Posted in Mind Uploading | Comments Off on Here’s how to stop facial recognition systems in their tracks – RTE.ie

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

Posted: at 11:19 am

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

Posted in Mind Uploading | Comments Off on Enjoy your workcation without worrying about low bandwidths and depleting storage! – APN News

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

Posted: at 11:19 am

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.

See the original post here:

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

Posted in Mind Uploading | Comments Off on What camera should I buy? How to choose the right camera for photography or video – News Nation USA

Page 29«..1020..28293031..4050..»