Tag: portrait

Twelve South Curve Mini Review

Universally compatible with iPad, tablets and e-readers, the Twelve South Curve Mini raises devices up to 6 inches for optimal viewing comfort and usability, whether streaming a show at home, working in a cafe, or having a second screen at hnad at your desk, conference calling or sketching, the precision hinges ensure a smooth transition to any desired angle. The hinges are strong and will not move to where you set them at.

Easily adjustable in both portrait and landscape modes, the stable slip-resistant base and silicone padding ensure sturdiness and prevent scratches.

The Curve Mini is made of anodised aluminium weighs just 0.24kg and folds completely flat so it can slip into the included travel sleeve for easy portability which can be tough to remove at first but will loosen up over time. It’s the perfect travel companion for creatives, remote workers or those who use their tablet for gaming and entertainment. Also this can hold laptops which I actually tested it with or you could use a foldable phone too and will have no issues with either.

In addition to its functionality, it also makes a stylish accessory. Available in three different matte colours: dune, slate and coastal blue to complement Twelve South’s Curve Nano Qi2-compatible smartphone stand.

Available now for £49.99 from Twelve South UK.

See our Twelve South Reviews

Video Review

JOURNEY launches ALTI Lift: A Fast-Charging, Dual-Sided Mat

The latest in tech and lifestyle company JOURNEY’s growing range of ALTI desk mats is set for debut.

ALTI LIFT, the fifth mat in the ALTI range, is JOURNEY’s first to include a phone stand feature.

The lift-up phone stand, which nests in the wireless charging panel’s recessing when inactive, delivers fast wireless charging while magnetically standing a phone in landscape or portrait mode.

JOURNEY said phone users can adjust the stand to optimise how they perform different work activities.

They can swivel the bi-directional base 360 degrees (180 degrees each way), and tilt the phone upwards or downwards for the most ergonomic-friendly view.

“There’s extra screen space for the work activities people perform on their phones,” said a JOURNEY spokesperson.

“Phone users can customise their phone display for video calls, streaming, and notification checks.

“It adds a new dimension of desk-based productivity.”

ALTI LIFT features a double-sided surface (felt and vegan performance leather), an interior hideaway pocket for loose documents, and black and beige colour varieties.

Its Qi2-certified wireless charging panel, which attaches to either side of the mat, simultaneously delivers up to 15W to Qi2-certified iPhones (including iPhone 12 onwards) and 5W for AirPods.

JOURNEY said ALTI LIFT marks a new stage in the wider ALTI series’ activation of desk-based productivity.

“We’re continuing to reimagine the traditional desk mat,” said JOURNEY’s spokesperson. “ALTI LIFT’s utility signifies there’s potential to make desk mats useful beyond the functions a traditional desk mat offers.”

ALTI LIFT is now available.

Twelve South launches Curve Mini

Twelve South, a leading designer of stylish and innovative tech accessories, launched the Curve Mini, a sleek, portable stand that elevates tablets and e-readers to the perfect angle at home, work or on-the-go.

Universally compatible with iPad, tablets and e-readers, the Twelve South Curve Mini raises devices up to 6 inches for optimal viewing comfort and usability, whether streaming a show at home, working in a cafe, conference calling or sketching, the precision hinges ensure a smooth transition to any desired angle.

Easily adjustable in both portrait and landscape modes, the stable slip-resistant base and silicone padding ensure sturdiness and prevent scratches.

Curve Mini is made of strong stuff – anodised aluminium – weighs just 0.24kg and folds completely flat so it can slip into the included travel sleeve for easy portability. It’s the perfect travel companion for creatives, remote workers or those who use their tablet for gaming and entertainment.

In addition to its functionality, it also makes a stylish accessory. Available in three different matte colours: dune, slate and coastal blue to complement Twelve South’s Curve Nano Qi2-compatible smartphone stand.

Available now for £49.99 from Twelve South UK.

See our Twelve South Reviews

Twelve South Curve Nano Review

The Twelve South Curve Nano is a new simple accessory which is ideal for those who want to keep their hands free and their smartphone at hand at any angle or in portrait or landscape mode.

This is a premium built product which looks well and comes in several colour and portable and being portable in this case is perfect for those that travel like myself and can be used at home or in the office, it is also ideal for your bedside locker or even your kitchen to watch cooking classes and so on without the need to hold your phone keeping your hands free.

For me it is ideal for travel and home use and can be placed beside my laptop where i can look at social media or emails not disrupting my work flow on the laptop I also can use on my bedside locker to watch media which I have a bad habit of and also easy access to interact with social media videos and podcasts etc without the need to pick the phone up.

This as mentioned works in portrait and landscape but also works at angles and with the hinge being solid it can go to any angle and almost 90 degrees depending on how heavy the phone is.

The base has a rubber footing which also keeps it in place and wont mark your desk or locker, overall this is a nice looking simple effective product that is small and light yet robust and not intrusive to your set up in the office or at home. I tested several devices and MagSafe compatible and Qi2 devices all work fine even with cases on and devices not compatible but have cases with MagSafe will also work.

Check the video below for a closer look.

 

Features

  • Holds MagSafe/Qi2 phones securely
  • Adjusts smoothly to any angle
  • Stays stable with anti-slip base
  • Ultra-light and compact

BUY

More Twelve South Reviews 

Video Review

Sony Announces the FE 85mm F1.4 GM II Lightweight Portrait Lens

Sony today announces the FE 85mm F1.4 GM II (SEL85F14GM2) a premium lens offering a supreme blend of high resolution and stunning bokeh with fast autofocus (AF) in a compact body. This is a second-generation lens that inherits the optical design that achieved a high-level fusion of bokeh and resolution that was highly praised in the first-generation model, and generously incorporates the latest technology. When paired with the latest Sony’s Alpha series cameras, it is an ideal option for a wide variety of creative uses in both photography and videography, including portraiture, wedding, travel, and cinematic video.

“In 2016 we launched our G Master lineup and the first generation 85 mm F1.4 lens was one of the three lenses part of that pivotable moment for Sony. Our goal with our G Master line is to design glass that delivers stunning resolution and beautiful bokeh, while incorporating the highest level of technology available at the time, and we are proud to continue that message with the next-generation FE 85mm F1.4 GM II we are announcing today,” said Yann Salmon Legagneur, Head of IP&S Marketing, Sony Europe. “We know how many photographers and videographers rely on the large aperture 85 mm focal length. We are excited to offer an updated version packed with our latest lens technologies, all while maintaining a lightweight lens and extremely compact in size.”

 High Optical Performance & Beautiful Bokeh 

The advanced and refined optical design and elements of the FE 85mm F1.4 GM II bring together appealing bokeh and enhanced high resolution, making it ideal for portrait photography.

Packed with two XA (extreme aspherical) and two ED (extra-low dispersion) lenses, the state-of-the-art optical design effectively suppresses aberrations. This combination offers corner-to-corner resolution and rendering, resulting in outstanding image quality. Moreover, Sony’s original Nano AR Coating II technology effectively subdues flare and ghosting for clear, crisp images. The 11-blade circular aperture and optimisation of spherical aberration during the design and manufacturing process provide the beautiful, soft bokeh that is the hallmark of G Master series.

Fast, Precise, Quiet Autofocus and High Tracking Performance

The FE 85mm F1.4 GM II’s AF is agile, maximising the speed advantage of advanced camera bodies. For stills, it is up to 3 times faster compared to the previous model, tracking moving subjects with high precision. It keeps up flawlessly with the Alpha 9 III’s 120fps continuous shooting, and subject tracking performance is improved by as much as 7 times.

Lightweight and Stylish Design without Compromises

Compared to the current FE 85mm F1.4 GM the weight of the FE 85mm F1.4 GM II (642 grams, 22.7 oz.) is approximately 20% lighter and 13% smaller in volume, which is achieved through the latest mechanical technology and optical design.  The FE 85mm F1.4 GM II has a filter diameter of φ77 mm, diameter of 84.7 mm (about 3-3/8 in) and length of 107.3 mm (about 4-1/4 in).

Effective Cinematic Creation Features

For smooth movie creation at F1.4, the FE 85mm F1.4 GM II has an XD linear motor. Focus breathing is minimal, and in-body focus breathing compensation is supported. It has two customisable focus hold buttons and an AF/MF switch offer flexible operability, while an independent aperture ring and Linear Response MF focus control provide the kind of intuitive control that creative shooting demands.

Crafted for Durability

The front lens element features a fluorine coating, which makes it easy to remove fingerprints, dust, oil, and other contaminants from the lens surface. The dust and moisture resistant design provides extra reliability for outdoor use in challenging conditions.

Pricing and Availability

The FE 85mm F1.4 GM II will be available in September 2024 for approximately €2,100 EUR at a variety of Sony’s authorised dealers.

A product video on the new FE 85mm F1.4 GM II can be viewed here.

For detailed product information about FE 85mm F1.4 GM II please visit here.

Also announced today was their latest earbuds

HONOR Launches HONOR 200 Series, bringing Studio-Level Portrait Photography to Europe

HONOR, the fastest growing smartphone brand in Europe, unveiled the HONOR 200 Series line-up during a landmark event at the iconic Hipódromo de París-Longchamp in Paris. At the event, attended by over 800 media representatives and partners from across Europe, HONOR confirmed that the HONOR 200 Series will be available in Europe almost immediately, with pre-sales starting today. This marks the first time the Pro version of this product range will be available in the region. The HONOR 200 Series will be available in the UK from today. And make sure you stay tuned as we are here at the event for more coming soon.

Central to the keynote presentation was further detail on the partnership with Studio Harcourt, a legendary Parisian portrait photography house, which was unveiled recently by HONOR CEO, George Zhao. Demonstrating HONOR’s unwavering commitment to innovation, HONOR’s product team have worked closely with Harcourt’s expert photographers to analyze thousands of images and co-engineer the HONOR AI Portrait Engine. By combining Studio Harcourt’s expertise and artistry with HONOR’s cutting-edge platform-level AI capabilities, the HONOR 200 Pro enables users to manipulate light and shadow, the foundation of studio-level portraits, to get the perfect shot every time.

“With the HONOR 200 Series, we’re proud to bring the perfect fusion of artistry and technology to Europe, allowing anyone to take studio-level portraits every time”, said Tony Ran, President of HONOR Europe. “While a studio-quality portrait has been out of reach for many until now, the HONOR 200 Series sets a new standard in smartphone portrait photography, putting a professional studio in your pocket. This unprecedented achievement in AI technology not only showcases HONOR’s commitment to innovation but also underscores our relentless pursuit of excellence in redefining the boundaries of mobile photography.”

Other key announcements at the event included a major collaboration with renowned portrait photographer, Rankin, famous for his iconic shots of celebrities including Queen Elizabeth II, David Bowie and Kate Moss. Further details of what the partnership entails will be announced in the coming weeks but a potential summer event in London was teased. Additionally, it was announced that the MagicBook 16 Pro, previously unveiled at this year’s MWC, will be available in some European countries this summer.

At the event, we had the opportunity to celebrate the new HONOR 200 Series and experience its capabilities firsthand through interactive experience zones and pop-up portrait studios, provided by Studio Harcourt.

Unlocking the Mastery of Studio Harcourt Portrait Photography

Recognizing the most important tools in portrait photography are light and shadow, the HONOR 200 Series has been equipped with advanced hardware and meticulously co-engineered AI-powered software that recognizes even the most subtle nuances of lighting. The HONOR 200 Pro features a 50MP Portrait Main Camera with a Super Dynamic H9000 Sensor enabling users to capture compelling images with the perfect balance of light and shadow in even challenging lighting scenarios. With support for 4-in-1 pixel binning technology with a pixel size of 2.4μm, users can capture intricate details in their images even in low light scenarios. Additionally, the HONOR 200 Pro features a 50MP Portrait Telephoto Camera and a customized telephoto sensor from Sony. The HONOR 200 Pro also provides better light sensing capabilities, ensuring clear and true captures of distant objects with exceptional details.

The HONOR 200 Pro takes portrait photography to new heights with the powerful AI-enhanced HONOR AI Portrait Engine. With a rich history of photographing legends from Roger Federer to the esteemed Queen Rania of Jordan, Studio Harcourt is synonymous with timeless portraits that showcase a symphony of visual storytelling through the skillful use of light and shadows. In collaboration with Studio Harcourt, the HONOR AI Portrait Engine distilled Studio Harcourt’s craftsmanship and understanding of shadow and light expression, empowering users to capture unique, distinctive portraits on their smartphones effortlessly.

The mutual ideation process involved an extensive exploration by more than 20 Studio Harcourt and HONOR imaging experts over 400 days. The team analyzed over 1,000 lighting scenarios and millions of datasets, ensuring Studio Harcourt’s classic essence can be captured on smartphones. In addition, the Triple 50MP Portrait Camera incorporates an upgraded HONOR RAW Domain Algorithm, producing well-balanced portraits that manage exposure in bright areas while preserving intricate details in darker lighting scenarios.

Innovative Eye Comfort Display for Extended Immersion

Adhering to its commitment to human-centric innovations, the HONOR 200 Pro features 3840Hz Risk-free PWM Dimming, as verified by the TÜV Rheinland Flicker Free Display Certification and the TÜV Rheinland Full Care Display Certification. To ensure extended eye comfort, the HONOR 200 Series also features Natural Tone 2.0, which optimizes the display color temperature gradient based on ambient light, and an AI Circadian Night Display that leverages AI to intelligently adjust the color temperature of the screen to regulate blue light and transition to a melatonin boosting setting at night to improve sleep quality based on users’ sleep cycle. Furthermore, the HONOR 200 Series supports Adaptive Dimming, which adjusts screen brightness based on external light input and the application use, ensuring a more comfortable viewing experience. With the 1.5K Quad-curved Floating Display and a peak HDR brightness of 4000 nits, the HONOR 200 Series allows users to enjoy excellent visibility even in the most challenging scenarios such as direct sunlight.

Enhanced Hardware Performance for Seamless Connectivity

The HONOR 200 Pro is packed with a large 5200mAh Silicon-carbon battery that enables up to 61 hours of continuous music streaming on a single charge. To maximize user productivity, the HONOR 200 Pro features powerful supercharge capabilities. With lightning-fast 100W Wired HONOR SuperCharge and 66W Wireless HONOR SuperCharge, users can charge their device fully in only 41 minute making it the ideal device for busy users who are always on the go. The HONOR 200 Pro also provides an impressive 12GB memory and large 512GB storage drive, which allows users to store and access their data without limitations, guaranteeing a seamless and hassle-free experience.

Equipped with the robust Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 Mobile Platform, the HONOR 200 Pro achieves a CPU clock speed of up to 3GHz, guaranteeing seamless graphics rendering and real-time responsiveness. Featuring MagicOS 8.0, the HONOR 200 Pro offers an intelligent user experience enriched with a range of AI-powered smart functionalities. MagicOS 8.0 also offers flagship features such as Magic Portal, Magic Capsule and Magic Ring on the HONOR 200 Pro that streamline user digital interactions.

HONOR 200 Lite: Capture Every Moment with its Versatile Triple Camera System

Launched alongside the HONOR 200 PRO and HONOR 200, the HONOR 200 Lite equipped with a powerful triple camera system, the HONOR 200 Lite excels in portrait photography, empowering users to capture stunning images with exceptional detail. The system consists of a 108MP Main Camera with f/1.75 aperture and HIGH-RES mode, a 5MP Wide & Depth Camera, and a 2MP Macro Camera. The 50MP Front Camera with a Selfie Light that creates artistic lighting effect. It also boasts an impressive 6.7-inch Eye-comfort AMOLED Display with the 3240Hz risk-free PWM Dimming and the display’s peak HDR brightness of 2000nits, 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage and exceptional durability.

Pricing and Availability

Showcasing an elegant design inspired by nature, the HONOR 200 Pro is available in three colours: Ocean Cyan, Moonlight White, and Black, while the HONOR 200 is available in Moonlight White, Emerald Green, and Black.

The HONOR 200 Pro and HONOR 200 will be available for purchase in the UK from today on HONOR.com/uk and pre-order through major retailers on the 21st June, with general sale on the 26th June. Both devices will also be available in Three on the 28th June and other key UK operators in due course.

The HONOR 200 Pro launches at£699.99 RRP, and customers will also receive a FREE Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 8, worth£279.99 RRP, across all available sales channels, whilst stocks last.

The HONOR 200 is priced at just £499.99 RRP, and customers will also receive a FREE JBL Charge 5 Wi-Fi, worth£199.99 RRP, across all available sales channels, whilst stocks last.

For those looking to perfect their portraits at a more affordable price, the HONOR 200 Lite is also available at £279.99 RRP on HONOR.com/uk and major UK retailers. Plus get £30 off on HONOR.com/uk with code “A200L30”.

Visit HONOR online store at https://www.honor.com/uk/.

UNBOXING HONOR 200 PRO

The event in 7 minutes

Walkthrough of the HONOR 200 Pro