Stanika said the way her date talked to his mother was a ‘big red flag’ on this exclusive clip of TLC’s new hit show ‘Match Me Abroad.’
Stanika said the way her date talked to his mother was a ‘big red flag’ on this exclusive clip of TLC’s new hit show ‘Match Me Abroad.’
Reddit CEO Steve Huffman will publicly address the community for the first time over the company’s planned API changes that have sparked mass outrage on the platform. “Reddit CEO, u/spez, will be here tomorrow to host an AMA about the latest API updates, including accessibility, mod bots, and third-party mod tools,” the company shared in a brief update.
A Reddit spokesperson said the AMA would likely kick off around 10:30 AM PT on Friday, June 9th. News of the AMA comes just after the developers of Apollo and RIF, two of the most popular third-party reddit clients, said they would be shutting down their apps at the end of the month due to the company’s new API pricing.
The AMA will take place just three days before a mass protest among much of the Reddit community over the controversial changes. More than 3,000subreddits, including several with more than 1 million subscribers, have said they plan to “go dark” for 48 hours beginning June 12th.
With the upcoming protests, and the closure of two beloved apps, tensions are likely to run high during the AMA. Notably, Reddit’s post about the upcoming Q&A doesn’t directly refer to third-party clients, though they will likely feature prominently in users’ questions. Instead, the company highlighted accessibility features and moderation tools, both of which stand to be impacted by the API changes as well, though the company has made some concessions in those areas.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/reddit-ceo-will-host-an-ama-on-api-changes-as-thousands-of-subreddits-plan-to-go-dark-193423226.html?src=rss
A number of actors have passed away since ‘Friends’ ended in 2004. Look back on some of the stars from the classic series who have passed away.
A number of actors have passed away since ‘Friends’ ended in 2004. Look back on some of the stars from the classic series who have passed away.
Reddit’s controversial decision to charge for API access has led the creator of Apollo to shut down the third-party client. “Apollo will close down on June 30th,” Christian Selig wrote on Twitter. “Reddit’s recent decisions and actions have unfortunately made it impossible for Apollo to continue.”
Selig, who is the only developer working on Apollo, sounded the alarm bell about the changes last week. He estimated that keeping the app running as is under Reddit’s new rules, which are set to take effect on June 19th, would cost him around $20 million per year.
In a post on Reddit, Selig accused the company of slandering him during calls with some of the site’s moderators following an alleged misunderstanding. He claimed to have told Reddit that, if a high volume of API calls from Apollo was costing the company a significant amount of money (i.e. in the region of $20 million per year), “I suggested you cut a check to me to end Apollo. I said I’d even do it for half that or six months worth: $10 million.”
Selig said Reddit representatives apologized for misunderstanding his remarks as a threat of some kind. Even so, he claimed CEO Steve Huffman told moderators that “Apollo threatened us, said they’ll “make it easy” if Reddit gave them $10 million … This guy behind the scenes is coercing us. He’s threatening us.”
The Apollo developer suggested these allegations were the final nail in the coffin for his app. “I don’t want Reddit slandering me to internal employees or public people by saying I threatened them when they reality is that they immediately apologized for misunderstanding me,” he wrote. “I’ve finally come to the conclusion that I don’t think this situation is recoverable.” Selig said he likely won’t sell Apollo, which has around 50,000 subscribers who were paying an average of $10 per year.
Reddit declined to comment on the situation to Engadget at the time of publication. The company said it would provide more information later today and tomorrow.
There was a swift backlash against the API changes from the community after Reddit announced them. The company backtracked on them to a certain degree by making the API available for free to the operators of some accessibility apps. Nevertheless, the moderators of many major subreddits are planning to make them unavailable for at least 48 hours to protest the changes. Critics claim the new rules will make the platform inaccessible for many users.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/third-party-reddit-app-apollo-will-shut-down-on-june-30th-174305150.html?src=rss
The last few months in the camera world have been tumultuous, to say the least. Since our previous guide, we’ve seen numerous new models from Sony, Canon, Fujifilm, Nikon and Panasonic with better shooting speeds, autofocus and video. That’s exciting if you’re after the latest cameras, but it also means that deals can be found on great older models, as well.
If you’re confused about which models have the best AF capabilities, stabilization or other features, don’t worry. Our 2023 guide will catch you up on all the latest models and deals, so you can select the best camera whether you’re a vlogger, sports shooter or wildlife photographer.
To learn more about mirrorless tech and why it’s taken over the digital camera world, check out our previous camera guide for an explanation, or watch our Upscaled video on the subject for an even deeper dive.
Why get a camera when my smartphone takes great photos, you may ask? In a word, physics. The larger sensors in mirrorless cameras let more light in, and you have a wide choice of lenses with far superior optics. Where smartphones have one f/stop, cameras have many, which gives you more exposure control. You also get natural and not AI-generated bokeh, quicker shooting, a physical shutter, more professional video recording, and so on. Smartphones do have impressive AI skills that help make photography easier, but that’s about it.
With that settled, mirrorless is the best way to go if you’re shopping for a new camera. Both Canon and Nikon recently announced they’re discontinuing development of new DSLR cameras, simply because most of the advantages of that category are gone, as I detailed in a recent video. With putting all their R&D in mirrorless, that’s where you’ll find the most up-to-date tech.
Compact cameras still exist as a category, but barely. Panasonic has built a number of good models in the past, but recently said it would focus only on video-centric mirrorless models going forward. And we haven’t seen any new ones from Canon or Nikon lately, either. Only Sony and Fujifilm are still carrying the compact torch, the latter with its $1,400 X100V model, which has become famously hard to find. Most of Sony’s recently compact models, like the ZV-1F, are designed for vloggers.
Now, let’s talk about features you need in a mirrorless camera. The one that affects your photography (and budget) the most is sensor size. The largest is medium format, but that’s only used on niche and expensive cameras from Hasselblad, Fujifilm and Leica, so we’ll skip over those for this article. (See my Fujifilm GFX 100S and Hasselblad X2D reviews for more.)
The most expensive category we’ll be discussing here is full-frame, largely used by pros and serious amateurs. Models are available from all the major brands except Fujifilm, including Sony, Canon, Nikon and Panasonic. That format offers the best image quality, low-light capability and depth of field, with prices starting around $1,000. With the right lenses, you can get beautifully blurred backgrounds, but autofocus is more critical. Lenses are also more expensive.
Down one size are APS-C cameras, offered on Fujifilm, Sony, Nikon and Canon models. Cameras and lenses are cheaper than full-frame, but you still get nice blurred “bokeh,” decent low-light shooting capability and relatively high resolution. With a sensor size equivalent to 35mm movie film, it’s ideal for video recording.
Micro Four Thirds, used by Panasonic and Olympus, is the smallest mainstream sensor size for mirrorless cameras. It offers less dramatic bokeh and light-gathering capability than APS-C, but allows for smaller and lighter cameras and lenses. For video, it’s harder to blur the background to isolate your subject, but focus is easier to control.
The next thing to consider is sensor resolution. High-res cameras like Sony’s 61-megapixel full-frame A7R V or Fujifilm’s 40-megapixel APS-C X-H2 deliver detailed images – but the small pixels mean they’re not ideal for video or low-light shooting. Lower-resolution models like Panasonic’s 10.3-megapixel GH5s or Sony’s 12.1-megapixel A7S III excel at video and high-ISO shooting, but lack detail for photos.
Image quality is subjective, but different cameras do produce slightly different results. Some photographers prefer the skin tones from Canon while others like Fujifilm’s colors, for example. It’s best to check sample photos to see which model best suits your style.
What about handling? The Fujifilm X-T5 has lots of manual dials to access shooting controls, while Sony’s A6600 relies more on menus. The choice often depends on personal preferences, but manual dials and buttons can help you find settings more easily and shoot quicker. For heavy lenses, you need a camera with a big grip.
Video is more important than ever. Most great cameras deliver at least 4K at 30 frames per second, but some models now offer 4K at up to 120p, with 6K and even 8K resolution. If you need professional-looking results, choose a camera with 10-bit or even RAW capability, along with log profiles to maximize dynamic range.
In-body stabilization, which keeps the camera steady even if you move, is another important option for video and low-light photography. You’ll also want to consider the electronic viewfinder (EVF) specs. High resolutions and refresh rates make judging shots easier, particularly in sunny environments.
Other important features include displays that flip up or around for vlogging or selfie shots, along with things like battery life, the number and type of memory card slots, the ports and wireless connectivity. Lens selection is also key, as some brands like Sony have more choice than others. For most of our picks, keep in mind that you’ll need to buy at least one lens.
Now, let’s take a look at our top camera picks for 2023. We’ve divided the selection into four budget categories: under $800, under $1,500, under $2,500 and over $2,500. We chose those price categories because many recent cameras slot neatly into them. Manufacturers have largely abandoned the low end of the market, so there are very few mirrorless models under $500.
My top pick in the budget category is Canon’s brand new $680 24.2-megapixel R50, an impressive model considering the price. It can shoot bursts at up to 15 fps in electronic shutter mode, and offers 4K 10-bit at up to 30p with supersampling and no crop. It has a fully articulating display, and unlike other cameras in this category, an electronic viewfinder. It uses Canon’s Dual Pixel AF with subject recognition mode, and even has a popup flash. The only drawback is the lack of decent quality lens that’s as affordable as the camera itself. Pre-orders are open with delivery set for spring.
Your next best option is an older model, the 20.7-megapixel Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV, as it offers the best mix of photography and video features. You get up to 15 fps shooting speeds, 4K 30p or HD 120p video, and it’s one of the few cameras in this price category with built-in five-axis stabilization. It’s portable and lightweight for travel, and the lenses are compact and affordable. The drawbacks are an autofocus system that’s not as fast or accurate as the competition, and a small sensor size.
If you’re a creator, Sony’s 24.2-megapixel ZV-E10 is a strong budget option. It can shoot sharp, downsampled 4K video at up to 30 fps with a 1.23x crop (or 1080p at 120 fps) and uses Sony’s fantastic AI-powered autofocus system with face and eye detection. It also has a few creator-specific features like Product Showcase and a bokeh switch that makes the background as blurry as possible so your subject stands out. Another nice feature is the high-quality microphone that lets you vlog without the need to buy an external mic. The main drawbacks are the lack of an EVF and rolling shutter.
Another good creator option that’s better for photography is Panasonic’s Lumix G100, on sale right now with a 12-32mm lens. As with the ZV-E10, it can shoot 4K video at 30 fps (cropped 1.47x), though 1080p is limited to 60 fps. Unlike its Sony rival, though, the G100 has a 3.68-million dot EVF and 10 fps shooting speeds. Other features include a fully-articulating display, and 5-axis hybrid image stabilization.
Honorable mentions go to two models, starting with Nikon’s 20.9-megapixel APS-C Z30, another mirrorless camera designed for vloggers and creators. It offers 4K using the full width of the sensor, 120fps slow mo at 1080p, a flip-out display and AI powered hybrid phase-detect AF. The drawbacks are the lack of an EVF and autofocus that’s not up to Sony’s standards. And finally, another good budget option is the Canon EOS M50 Mark II, a mildly refreshed version of the M50 with features like a flip-out screen, tap-to-record and focus, plus 4K video with a 1.5x crop.
Your best option overall in this category is Canon’s 32.5-megapixel APS-C EOS R7. It offers very fast shooting speeds up to 30 fps using the electronic shutter, high-resolution images that complement skin tones, and excellent autofocus. It also delivers sharp 4K video with 10 bits of color depth, marred only by excessive rolling shutter. Other features include 5-axis in-body stabilization, dual high-speed card slots, good battery life and more.
Full-frame cameras generally used to start at $2,000 and up, but now there are two new models at $1,500. The best by far is Canon’s brand new EOS R8 – basically an R6-II lite. It has Canon’s excellent Dual Pixel AF with subject recognition AI, and can shoot bursts at up to 40 fps. It’s equally strong with video, supporting oversampled 10-bit 4K at up to 60 fps. The R8 also offers a flip-out display, making it great for vloggers. The main drawback is a lack of in-body stabilization. It’s now on pre-order with delivery set for spring.
A better choice for video is Panasonic’s Micro Four Thirds GH5 II. It’s one of the least expensive models with 10-bit, high data rate 4K 60p video. It also offers effective image stabilization, pro inputs, dual high-speed card slots and a flip-out screen. Negative points are the small Micro Four Thirds sensor and relatively low 20-megapixel photo resolution.
Several cameras are worthy of honorable mention in this category, including Canon’s 30.3-megapixel EOS R, still a great budget option for 4K video and particularly photography despite being released over four years ago. Other good choices include the fast and pretty Olympus OM-D E-M5 III and Sony’s A6600, which offers very fast shooting speeds and the best autofocus in its class. Finally, Nikon’s 24.3-megapixel Z5 is another good choice for a full-frame camera in this price category, particularly for photography, as it deliver outstanding image quality.
This category currently has the most choices, with the Sony A7 IV leading the charge. Resolution is up considerably from the 24-megapixel A7 III to 33 megapixels, with image quality much improved overall. Video is now up to par with rivals with 4K at up to 60p with 10 bit 4:2:2 quality. Autofocus is incredible for both video and stills, and the in-body stabilization does a good job. The biggest drawbacks are rolling shutter that limits the use of the electronic shutter, plus the relatively high price.
The next best option is the EOS R6 II, Canon’s new mainstream hybrid mirrorless camera that offers a great mix of photography and video features. The 24.2-megapixel sensor delivers more detail than the previous model, and you can now shoot RAW stills at up to 40 fps in electronic shutter mode. Video specs are equally solid, with full sensor 4K supersampled from 6K at up to 60 fps. Autofocus is quick and more versatile than ever thanks to expanded subject detection. It’s still not quite up to Sony’s standards, though, and the microHDMI and lack of a CFexpress slot isn’t ideal.
If you’re OK with a smaller APS-C sensor, check out the Fujifilm X-H2S. It has an incredibly fast stacked, backside-illuminated 26.1-megapixel sensor that allows for rapid burst shooting speeds of 40 fps, along with 4K 120p video with minimal rolling shutter. It can capture ProRes 10-bit video internally, has 7 stops of in-body stabilization and a class-leading EVF. Yes, it’s expensive for an APS-C camera at $2,500, but on the other hand, it’s the cheapest stacked sensor camera out there. The other downside is AF that’s not quite up to Canon and Sony’s level.
Video shooters should look at Panasonic’s full-frame S5 II. It’s the company’s first camera with hybrid phase-detect AF designed to make focus “wobble” and other issues a thing of the past. You can shoot sharp 4K 30p video downsampled from the full sensor width, or 4K 60p from an APS-C cropped size, all in 10-bit color. It even offers 5.9K 30p capture, along with RAW 5.9K external output to an Atomos recorder. You also get a flip-out screen for vlogging and updated five-axis in-body stabilization that’s the best in the industry. Photo quality is also good thanks to the dual-gain 24-megapixel sensor. The main drawback is the slowish burst speeds.
The best value in a new camera is the Fujifilm X-T5. It offers a 40-megapixel APS-C sensor, 6.2K video at 30p/4K 60p 10-bit video, 7-stop image stabilization, and shooting speeds up to 20 fps. It’s full of mechanical dials and buttons with Fujifilm’s traditional layout. The downsides are a tilt-only display and autofocus system that can’t keep up with Sony and Canon systems. If you want to go a step up with better video specs for a bit more money, Fuji’s X-H2 has the same sensor as the X-T5 but offers 8K 30p video and a flip out display.
Honorable mentions in this category go to the $2,000 Nikon Z6 II, which offers excellent image quality, solid video specs and great handling. For budget options, take a look at Sony’s compact full-frame A7C, along with Fujifilm’s older, but still great X-T4.
Finally, here are the best cameras if the sky’s the limit in terms of pricing. At the apex is Sony’s 50-megapixel stacked sensor A1, a stunning high-end camera with a stunning $6,500 price. It rules in performance, with 30 fps shooting speeds and equally quick autofocus that rarely misses a shot. It backs that up with 8K and 4K 120p video shooting, built-in stabilization and the fastest, highest-resolution EVF on the market. The only real drawbacks are the lack of a flip-out screen and, of course, that price.
For a bit less money, the Nikon Z9 packs a 45.7-megapixel stacked sensor that’s so fast, it doesn’t even have a mechanical shutter. It has Nikon’s best autofocus system by far, and delivers outstanding image quality. Video is top notch as well, with 8K 30p internally and 8K 60p RAW via the HDMI port. The main drawbacks are the lack of an articulating display and high price, but it’s a great option if you need speed, resolution and high-end video capabilities.
Tied for the next positions are Sony’s A7S III and A7R V. With a 61-megapixel sensor, the A7R V shoots sharp and beautiful images at a very respectable speed for such a high-resolution model (10 fps). It has equally fast and reliable autofocus, the sharpest viewfinder on the market and in-body stabilization that’s much improved over the A7R IV. Video has even improved, with 8K and 10-bit options now on tap, albeit with significant rolling shutter. If you don’t need the video, however, Sony’s A7R IVa does mostly the same job, photo-wise, and costs a few hundred dollars less.
The 12-megapixel A7S III, meanwhile, is the best dedicated video camera, with outstanding 4K video quality at up to 120 fps, a flip-out display and category leading autofocus. It also offers 5-axis in-body stabilization, a relatively compact size and great handling. While the 12-megapixel sensor doesn’t deliver a lot of photo detail, it’s the best camera for low-light shooting, period.
And if you want a mirrorless sports camera, check out Canon’s 24-megapixel EOS R3. It can shoot bursts at up to 30 fps with autofocus enabled, making it great for any fast-moving action. It’s a very solid option for video too, offering 6K at up to 60 fps in Canon’s RAW LTE mode, or 4K at 120 fps. Canon’s Dual Pixel autofocus is excellent, and it offers 8 stops of shake reduction, a flip-out display and even eye detection autofocus. The biggest drawback for the average buyer is the $6,000 price, so it’s really aimed at professionals as a replacement for the 1DX Mark III DSLR.
Honorable mention goes to Canon’s 45 megapixel EOS R5. For a lot less money, it nearly keeps pace with the A1, thanks to the 20 fps shooting speeds and lightning fast autofocus. It also offers 8K and 4K 120p video, while besting Sony with internal RAW recording. The big drawback is overheating, as you can’t shoot 8K longer than 20 minutes and it takes a while before it cools down enough so that you can start shooting again. Another solid option is Panasonic’s S1H, a Netflix-approved mirrorless camera that can handle 6K video and RAW shooting.
You’re now caught up, new models have been arriving thick and fast, including potential rumored APS-C models from Canon. Another known model coming in May is Panasonic’s S5 IIx, which offers the same features of the S5 II plus internal SSD recording and live streaming for just $200 more. We’ll have full coverage of those when they arrive, so stay glued to Engadget.com for the latest updates.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/best-mirrorless-cameras-133026494.html?src=rss
It’s just about time to go back to Cousins Beach. The premiere of ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’ season 2 is around the corner. Here’s all the key information you need to know.
It’s just about time to go back to Cousins Beach. The premiere of ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’ season 2 is around the corner. Here’s all the key information you need to know.
DC Young Fly broke his silence on Ms Jacky Oh’s death on June 8 and called his late partner ‘an amazing person’ and ‘a great mother’.
DC Young Fly broke his silence on Ms Jacky Oh’s death on June 8 and called his late partner ‘an amazing person’ and ‘a great mother’.
E3 may be dead, but Summer Game Fest kicks off today with an opening-night livestream from the YouTube Theater in Los Angeles.
The show is expected to run for two hours, featuring game announcements and updates from many of the industry’s most prominent studios and indie publishers. Nearly every big hitter is a partner, including PlayStation, Xbox, EA, Activision and Square Enix. Notable absentees from the show’s promotional materials include Nintendo and Ubisoft. Nintendo participated in E3 when that show was still a thing, but it’s not terribly surprising to see the company skip Summer Game Fest, considering it just dropped The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. Ubisoft has its own event on Monday, but it isn’t officially tied to Summer Game Fest — Ubisoft’s name was on the show’s website until this week, but it’s been scrubbed from the schedule and partner list.
Organized by the team behind The Game Awards, Summer Game Fest’s live event is the first of 10 streams taking place between June 7th and June 12th (plus a bonus Ubisoft event). The opening show will be followed immediately by a Day of the Devs stream from Double Fine and iam8bit, highlighting a number of games from independent developers. You can see the full Summer Game Fest schedule, including what to expect from each show, here.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/watch-summer-game-fest-2023-here-at-3pm-et-170045929.html?src=rss
If a single point of access for your wireless connections just isn’t cutting it, a mesh WiFi system might be what you need. A few different routers, including Google’s Nest WiFi Pro 6E routers are currently on sale at Amazon and at Google’s own store. A three-pack of the Pro routers is down to $320, which is a 20 percent discount and a record low. The deal is part of a larger sale at Amazon, that also includes deals on other Nest smart home devices like doorbells, cameras and thermostats.
The Nest WiFi Pro routers use the latest WiFi 6E technology, covering up to 6,600 square feet and granting access to the newly opened 6 GHz band, which gives compatible devices faster throughput and more reliable connections, particularly in densely populated areas. The routers are Matter-compatible and act as Thread border routers — something that may come in handy as you expand your connected smart home with new deices like smart plugs and lights. And unlike some routers, the rounded design looks nice enough to display on a shelf and won’t make you feel like you need to hide it away.
The sale further includes the Nest Thermostat, which is down to $99. That’s about $10 higher than its lowest price this year, but is still a decent 23 percent discount. The smart thermostat can help you save energy by setting schedules and not unnecessarily heating or cooling your space when you’re not home. It also grants control via the app or thought your smart assistant of choice (unless you choose Siri). Before diving in, you may want to make sure your system is compatible.
A battery version of the Nest Doorbell is on sale as well. It’s down to $130 after a 28 percent discount off its $180 price tag. That’s also about $10 more than its lowest price ever, which we saw during the shopping holidays last November. The video doorbell will send alerts and footage to your smart phone or compatible smart display and allows you to see, hear and talk to whomever comes to the door.
Follow @EngadgetDeals on Twitter and subscribe to the Engadget Deals newsletter for the latest tech deals and buying advice.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/nest-wifi-pro-routers-are-down-to-record-low-prices-in-a-google-smart-home-sale-171544829.html?src=rss
The spotted lanternfly may look innocent, but these ravenous creatures have been known to decimate crops, causing more than $500 million in damages to various fruit trees since being accidentally introduced to this country nearly a decade ago. The big idea right now is to introduce several species of wasps into the mid-atlantic ecosystem to hunt and eat the lanternflies, but students at Carnegie Mellon University’s Robotics Institute have developed an alternative plan in the form of a robot death machine.
It’s called TartanPest and uses a combination of technologies and components to autonomously hunt down and destroy lanternfly egg masses. It starts with an electric tractor for movement and a suite of cameras for traversal. This computer vision is also constantly on the hunt for egg masses, containing up to 50 lanternfly eggs. Once it finds a mass on a tree, rock or even a rust metal surface, a robot arm with a spinning brush attachment goes in for the kill, scrubbing the eggs away like so much trash.
“Currently, spotted lanternflies are concentrated in the eastern portion of the nation, but they are predicted to spread to the whole country,” said Carolyn Alex, an undergraduate researcher on the TartanPest team. “By investing in this issue now, we will be saving higher costs in the future.”
There’s some deep-learning algorithms at work here to locate the egg masses, trained using a large image data set. The robot does work autonomously but requires a human on-hand to fix any issues as they arise. So it’s probably not the most efficient way to eradicate spotted lanternflies. Still, it’s pretty darned cool and everybody loves a good killer robot.
This is just a prototype design for now, as the team designed the construct as part of Farm-ng’s 2023 Farm Robotics Challenge. In other words, if lanternflies are getting you down, you have a while to wait before you can unleash an army of killer robots. In the meantime, you can always try an army of killer wasps instead.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/students-create-robot-death-machine-for-invasive-spotted-lanternflies-173438368.html?src=rss
