Tag: tech review

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Fashion Technology

My Paris Partner

I knew I had a noticeable camera for covering Paris Fashion Week Couture when the hotel staff told me to be careful walking around the city with a camera like this. The warning: Do not let that camera out of your sight. I took it to heart. The funny matter of the situation. At many events i got asked, “Are you a photographer?” I could have been in the photographers pit. I gained respect over my other colleagues carrying an iPhone. There is still credibility having a DSLR.  

Felt good on my shoulder 

The Canon EOS 750D feels and looks like a good professional camera at an entry level point.  I managed to get some fast shots sitting front row. At 6fps combined with 24.2 pixels, I did not worry. 

  • Perfect in a Low Light Setting
  • I got the pics

The Auto Focus was reliable. I used the control dial a bit depending on the lighting situation  never sure whether to use the screen or view finder for a shot. I noticed I got better shots with using the viewfinder. The common critical thread about the viewfinder for this model is the viewfinder only covers 95%, not 100%. It means the user has to be careful when framing a shot or prepare for a surprise reviewing the images later.

Simple TouchScreen 

  • Paris
  • Canon EOS 750D

The simple to use touchscreen  flips making it easy for me to use the HD video feature. I produce walking video commentaries on the streets of the French Capital while dashing to a show. I mix producing both videos and  pictures but need something light to carry around on the run.  If the quality is good enough for streaming online immediately, I am happy.  The 750D matched those needs. 

  • A runway shot
  • Fashion Designers

I did not use the WiFi Connection for my tablet. There is a Canon app for controlling the camera remotely.

As a creative device The EOS 750D has good merit. There is no need to spend an arm and leg to go to the next level. There are enough goodies to stay in the content production game. 

Please forgive me.  I made this video in August. 

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Technology

IFA 2019 Coming Soon

IFA 2019 is around the corner. Our coverage starts September 4 from Berlin. 27 halls filled with A.I.,Virtual Reality, Connectivity, Headsets, and Automotive devices. All the latest news and trends from world’s most important consumer electronics show. 

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Technology

Tech Coming Soon

Technology Preview 

The IFA Innovation Media Briefing 2019 showed the world of connectivity  is expanding. The emphasis was centered on lifestyle. New home appliances with features aimed at making life easier were shown. I was reminded of those 1950’s television commercials showing new microwave ovens to housewives

A.I. or Artificial Intelligence moves forward. But the subject is so large it felt we are seeing pieces not the whole picture. The moral implications as well as social aspects were examined.  

5G roll out continues from carriers.  

My Highlights:

How Dependable is the door? 

Korean brand LG launched a new washer machine with the meaning “durable” as the center piece. (See Video) After seeing the demonstration I can say, “That is Durable”. A second piece of added technology is the steam function, making clothing less wrinkled after washing.

Philips Fryer 

The Philips Fryer evolves. A counter top cooking appliance designed for preparing all types of foods.

Chinese appliance maker Hisense has moved upscale with new kitchen looks with smooth rich surfaces.  

MediSana Robot 
R2D2 has arrived.

The Medisana droid is the Star Wars is here now moment. A robot with multiple cameras, screen, and self movement made for senior care monitoring. Soon, R2D2 will soon be a household appliance.

WMF Fondue Grill

Small appliance goods producer WMF introduced a few  products for relaxing. A herbal pot with light, a wine chiller, and a table top fondue set for 8.

Tech giant Samsung is rolling out Bixby. A smart-home voice service challenge to Google Assistant and Alexa. 

Karcher Steamer

I hate moping floors. The Karcher floor steamer maybe my life saver. The brand still produces in it’s home country, Germany.

The Inside Info 

The side conversations at IMB were interesting. They are opportunities for learning inside information and getting real opinions.  

Media Gathering
Berlin Dome

Google Assistant and Amazon now dominate the home leaving Microsoft and Apple in the dust.

Will American technology dominate in the future in the face of Trade Wars?

I was a bit surprised by the lack of mobile phone technology this year.

Stay Tuned for full coverage of IFA 2019 starting September 6th.  We will have the latest news and trends.

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Fashion

Apple TV+

Apple has entered the content business in the form of a new streaming service. Apple’s TV+ is the Cupertino’s answer to household name “Netflix”.  No one can accuse the tech giant of being cheap. With an open check book, Tim Cook went to Hollywood to get the biggest names in show business. Spielberg, Oprah, Jennifer Anniston, J.J. Abrams to name a few were onstage introducing new shows.

Better late than never but there are many entrenched players.  HBO/AT&T has a head-start while super content owner Disney has brand titles to insure a competitive advantage for its soon to be launched service. What type of content chances will the service take? Getting the attention of Millennial Apple users may prove difficult. These viewers tune into edgier programs by YouTubers.  Let’s face facts, Apple is not the same tech juggernaut it was 3 years ago. Sales of iPhones have slowed. Currently, there are no buzz worthy products in the pipeline. 

Money Does Not Always Buy The Best

The film business has been luring deep pockets investors with stars in their eyes for decades. Many came in with enthusiasm, many left humbled. Kennedy patriarch and father of a President, Joseph, at RKO Radio Pictures sold his interest in the always unstable studio in the early 1930’s. Insurance giant Transamerica became the parent company of United Artists only to sell after the “Heaven’s Gate” crash. Coca Cola’s tumultuous seven year ownership of Columbia Pictures resulted in “Ishtar”. Matsushita’s foray with Universal made a case study of corporate culture clashes leading up to the “Waterworld” nightmare. Apple’s advantage is its relationships to talent but it could take time to generate a program on the cultural level of “Game of Thrones”.

My concern, could Apple loose its creative edge to focus on a business segment that can be fickle. Merging, talent, software, and hardware is not an easy feat.  Sony has been trying for 30 years with little to show. 

Success in a crowded field will be built around the company’s $250 billion in the bank.   This could be good or bad.  Time will tell. 

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Fashion

The Geek In Me

Drones bring out the geek in me.  As a kid who played with toy airplanes, drones are the high tech evolution.  During IFA 2018 while on my to an appointment I happen to pass the DJI Drone stand.   I stopped to get a video.

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Technology

A review of the SX 740 HS Powershot

I used the Canon Powershot SX 740 HS camera during Pitti Uomo in Florence and in Milan for Menswear Week.  I found it hand and practical for my needs because the best feature was I could slip it into my pocket on the run.  There are many other features to this solid point and shoot including, a zoom lens and top video recording quality.  It is made for being on the go.

I am not a photographer.  I appreciate their work.  It is an art form and skill set I value.   

Stay Tuned, I will have more after Milan Fashion Week.

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Technology

Small but GREAT

A Good Camera 

As a person who is not a photographer but I take pictures at many events like fashion weeks, film festivals, and trade shows. I attended Pitti Uomo and Milan Fashion Week Men recently. Two events where I needed to make a lot of images and videos.

I wanted an SLR camera with many capabilities: external mic, able to shoot in all lighting conditions. Imagine my surprise seeing a point and shoot in the mail.

For YouTube

I got the SX740 HS point and shoot from Canon for a test. At first I was not sure if the camera would fit my needs. I wanted to send it back. To my surprise, the little image maker device worked well, easy to use, and convenient. 4K video feature is excellent, fantastic picture quality. I would say any YouTubber content producer would be happy to have this as their main production camera. It captures details. The flip 3.0” LCD screen is good for selfie lovers. I placed the camera on a tripod, then flipped up the screen for one man production.

The sound quality was my biggest concern because of the loud background noises. Normally I use an external microphone during interviews and commentaries. I made my first video commentary from Pitti Uomo using the Canon SX740 HS The sound quality was fine, good for YouTube and other social media channels.

I liked the portable aspect of the camera. I just popped the camera in and out of my jacket pocket at a moments notice. As I said, I am far from a professional photographer. My strategy for taking pictures, point a shoot, hope I get the right light and composition. I was not afraid to play with the camera control dial. I switched form one setting to another, experimenting with speed and opening.

Shooting in close quarter, I did not use the 40x optical zoom but not as much as I would have liked. I shot a few model on the runway pics without problems.

I did not use the built in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth features that enable connection to mobile devices. I do not carry a smartphone.

Overall 

Canon has built a powerful camera in a small package. I am not just saying that. Check out other reviews as well.

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Technology

APPLE 2018


It is the middle of September, the annual roll out of Apple’s new devices is upon us. All eyes are on Cupertino.

Apple Watch is the #1 Smartwatch in the world. It is like taking sand to a beach. Apple Watch is the #1 watch in the world. I’ll be the JUDGE OF THAT! It is ugly. Who wants this thing? The redesigned screen and display is a step above. It is still a niche watch. All the new gimmicks, ECG, heart monitors, Fall Detection. Is this device for an EDERLY HOME? FDA and American Heart Association clearance. The term “complications” being used for the Apple Watch. Sounds like a winning product for the insurance companies. An 18 hour battery life. If your heart stops during the other 6 hours, you are out of luck! I stopped paying attention after the battery specs, no clue about the price.

The new iPhone is becoming a device for everything, gaming, video, and picture.

iPhone 10s, 2 displays 5.8 and 6.5 inch display.

iPhone 10 X SMax. Is a creative smartphone. OLED display. Fast response. Face ID for data protection. The 12 Bionic chip and Neural Engine. It got too technical for me but it is a powerful handset.

Able to process 5 trillion operations per second with a number of Siri shortcuts This phone is about engagement from sun up to sundown.

7MP front camera

The camera is impressive with BROKEH and depth of field benefits.

Battery life 90 minutes longer than the previous devices.

Dual Sims.

Premium prices for all models.

The brand has a sustainable , recycle, give back programs

iPhone 10R Edge to Edge LCD Display A cheaper smartphone for 750 euros.

Haptic Tech. I am not a fan.  It reminds of being hit with a ruler at school. 

Will I buy the iPhone? The price tag puts me off a bit. I can wait. I do not take selfies. I see myself in the mirror everyday.  

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Fashion Technology

IFA 2018 Continues

IFA 2018 coverage sponsored by Canon Camera/Werbung 

IFA 2018 was not all about the glamour tech of smart phones or pc’s.  There was also a lot on offer for new devices that do not get the attention but are just as innovative.  Check out these 3 stories.

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Fashion Technology

An IFA 2018 Highlight

A Headset Conversation

Sponsored by Canon Camera/Werbung 

I had an interesting conversation at IFA 2018 with a audiophile. This journalist writes about audio products, in particular headphones. German audio group Beyerdynamic just introduced a new entry level in ear set for 25 euros. It is a curious move for the high-end label which retails headsets at 1200 euros. The bottom to middle range market is competitive. This move was about introducing the brand to a younger crowd in the hopes of attracting long term loyalty. Saying they are aimed at a young group with their bright orange color as well the sound range is meant for pop music.

Going Youthful and colourful

At the top end clients tend to be loyal to one brand, expecting a very specific sound quality.

I have not used the new in ear set yet. The audio writer gave the Beyerdynamic pair a good review, “well designed” and “comfortable”. .

We started talking about the ear buds. Many brands have new models. Our discussion turned to Apple AirPods. His review was than stellar, saying they lacked real sound quality. This is coming form a guy working on a MacBook attached to iPhone with an iPad in the bag. CALL THE STEVE JOBS POLICE! A fan is going ROGUE on an Apple product. I proceeded with caution in my questioning, trying to hide my shock. The story I was told at the press table, “people are buying into the concept”, not the quality of the product or the sound. Walking down the street with white plastic dripping from the ears looking “ultra in” at 180 euros a pop, the price you pay for being a part of tech first adapter. A pair of 20 euros headphones with cord will do a better job or even a lower price cordless set. You learn something new everyday, especially at IFA.

I will let you know what I think of my new in ear Byerdynamic headsets shortly.