Blog

  1. November 08, 2022

    2019 Lexus ES is first mass-produced car to replace side mirrors with cameras

    Concept cars have been trying to replace side mirrors with cameras for decades, and now Lexus is actually going to do it on a production car. There's one important caveat though: It's only for Japan.

    First implemented for the recently redesigned (and recently reviewed) 2019 Lexus ES, the side mirrors are being replaced with small, aerodynamic camera stalks. Those small cameras tucked into the stalks provide a constant video feed to five-inch screens placed at the base of the car's A-pillars. The biggest reason manufacturers are pushing this kind of tech is to improve aerodynamics. Swapping those side mirrors out for something much smaller creates less drag, and ultimately, better fuel economy.

    Lexus says there are a couple other advantages for going digital here too. For one, the camera modules are able to resist the accumulation of raindrops and snow due to their design. There's also less wind noise since the mirrors cut through the air so well. This will become even more important as silent electric cars trickle their way onto the market. The actual visibility is supposed to be better as well. Lexus says that the view is "enhanced" when you activate a turn signal, and helps provide better rearward vision when put into reverse — think Honda LaneWatch, but way cooler.

    We won't be seeing this futuristic-looking side mirror technology in the U.S. for some time, because it's still not legal here. The technology is legal to use in Europe, but Lexus says it'll only be offered in Japan for the time being. Audi, though, will be bringing its side camera mirror technology to Europe by the end of the year with the E-Tron. There's still no release date on the electric SUV, but it might be the first to market with the tech on that continent.

    Audi wants to bring side mirror camera technology to the U.S. in its E-Tron, but the regulations still need to be changed to allow that here - the E-Tron is expected to be for sale in the U.S. sometime in 2019. B

    Read More
  2. November 08, 2022

    Canon got it right on International Women's Day

    "For International Women's Day, Canon..." as I read the subject line of the email, I cringe at the possible endings to that sentence.

    Not outside the realm of possibilities is something like, "Releases Commemorative Pink Camera Strap!" In 2018 I think we're better than that. Probably. I keep reading.

    "...Lends Support to 'Women Photograph'" is how it ends, and I feel a real sense of relief. This was an organization I knew and had covered in the past. It aims to 'elevate the voices of female visual journalists,' offering an additional resource for editors as well as grants and workshops for female photographers. I read on.

    "Canon will work with Women Photograph to aid their travel grant program which funds female and non-binary photographers to attend workshops, hostile environment trainings, festivals, and other developmental opportunities."

    If you're a brand looking to grab a slice of the #MeToo pie, you could definitely do much worse than this. Case in point: McDonald's put on a master class this year in getting it wrong. The fast food giant announced that it would be turning its logo upside down to recognize International Women's Day... a "W" instead of an "M"... for women... get it? Critics spoke up quickly, pointing out that it felt like an empty gesture coming from a company that can afford to do much more.

    The upside down arches were on my mind when I started reading that press release from Canon this morning, so it felt very reassuring to see the brand pledging real support behind an effort created by, and created for, women photographers. Sure, it's all marketing at the end of the day, and I truly hope Canon's support of Women Photograph doesn't begin and end with a one-time workshop. Issuing a press release is cheap. Following through, and staying committed in the long term isn't.

    But if you're going to talk about supporting

    Read More
  3. November 08, 2022

    Panasonic Lumix DC-GX9 First Impressions Review

    The Panasonic Lumix DC-GX9 is a rangefinder-style Micro Four Thirds camera whose most recognizable feature is its tilting electronic viewfinder. The GX9 provides a healthy serving of new features and performance improvements over its predecessor, the GX8.

    The most notable changes include the removal of the low-pass filter on the GX9's 20MP sensor, 5-axis in-body image stabilization (up from 4-axis), slightly faster burst shooting and Bluetooth connectivity. The shutter unit has also been redesigned, with Panasonic claiming a 90% reduction in 'shutter shock' compared to the GX8. There's also a built-in flash - something the GX8 lacked - as well as some tweaks to image processing.

    Panasonic appears to have rearranged their lineup a bit, with the GX9 serving more as a midrange model than its predecessors, sitting alongside the DSLR-style DMC-G85. The price has come down to $999 with a kit lens, compared to $1199 for the GX8's body alone. Alongside the price drop, some features found on the GX8 are now gone, such as weather-sealing. The EVF is smaller and battery life has dropped by about 25%, as well.

    The GX9's closest peers are the Fujifilm X-E3 and Sony's a6300, both of which have 24MP APS-C sensors, hybrid autofocus systems (which the GX9 lacks) and 4K video capture.

    You can see that the differences between the GX9 and GX8 are a mixed bag. The GX9 loses the low-pass filter, get an extra axis (rotation) of image stabilization and adds Bluetooth and a flash. However, its viewfinder is smaller, body no longer weather-sealed and battery life has taken a turn for the worse. Speaking of viewfinders, Panasonic has gone back to a field sequential panel (a different technology than traditional LCD or OLED,) which some people may find distracting due to 'color tearing'. The LCD is now tilting versus fully articulating, which some people may find as an upgrade,

    Read More
  4. November 08, 2022

    iPhone 8 review Impressions Review for you

    The Good The iPhone 8 offers wireless charging, lightning-fast performance and small but solid upgrades to its camera, screen and speakers. Its starting storage size is a roomy 64GB, double that of the iPhone 7.

    The Bad This phone has the same pedestrian design, missing headphone jack and battery life as the iPhone 7 -- and no dual camera either. The iPhone 8 costs a bit more than baseline new iPhones in years past, and comes only in black, silver and a new shade of gold.

    The Bottom Line The sensible, speedy iPhone 8 makes a nice upgrade to the iPhone 6S and earlier siblings, but we won't know until November how it compares to the much pricier iPhone X.

    On Nov. 3,  Apple will roll out its seductive sports car of a phone: the all-new, totally redesigned, edgy, giant-screened iPhone X.

    So why buy an iPhone 8 when that sexy iPhone X is just around the corner? The 8 is last year's design with this year's technology. It feels familiar. It's a safe pick. It's a "let's not spend a thousand dollars on an iPhone" iPhone. It's a "Touch ID and a home button matter more to me than a leap of faith into the world of Face ID" iPhone.

    Make no mistake: The iPhone 8 is essentially the "iPhone 7S." Apple saved the cool features and radical new design for the iPhone X, which costs 43 percent more -- $999, £999 or AU$1,579 to start. And if you want the truly impressive dual camera, with portrait mode and 2x optical zoom -- both seriously nice step-ups -- you'll need to invest in the much larger  Read More

  5. November 08, 2022

    Inspired Bedroom Suite

    KNOWN FOR…

    his keen sense of understated elegance, Belgian architect Nicholas Schuybroek began his career in Canada before returning to Antwerp to work alongside renowned designer Vincent Van Duysen. A few years later, in 2011 Schuybroek struck out on his own – establishing his eponymous firm and distinct brand of minimal yet soulfully warm design. In the years since, the architect/designer has turned out an array of projects ranging from houses on the Cote d’Azur, and hotels in Chicago, to offices in Belgium and high design home accessories. His finely tuned sense of balance, space, and material have won Schuybroek international accolades, including a spot on AD France’s top 100 Designers in 2013, 2015, and 2017. If you’ve yet to acquaint yourself with his enviable aesthetic, this Paris apartment just may be the perfect first peek into his beautiful world…

    Paris Apartment by Nicolas Schuybroek Architects

    Read More
  6. November 08, 2022

    Contemporary Hamptons Living

    KNOWN FOR…

    his keen sense of understated elegance, Belgian architect Nicholas Schuybroek began his career in Canada before returning to Antwerp to work alongside renowned designer Vincent Van Duysen. A few years later, in 2011 Schuybroek struck out on his own – establishing his eponymous firm and distinct brand of minimal yet soulfully warm design. In the years since, the architect/designer has turned out an array of projects ranging from houses on the Cote d’Azur, and hotels in Chicago, to offices in Belgium and high design home accessories. His finely tuned sense of balance, space, and material have won Schuybroek international accolades, including a spot on AD France’s top 100 Designers in 2013, 2015, and 2017. If you’ve yet to acquaint yourself with his enviable aesthetic, this Paris apartment just may be the perfect first peek into his beautiful world…

    Paris Apartment by Nicolas Schuybroek Architects

  7. Read More
  8. November 08, 2022

    Cube Apartment V-S

    KNOWN FOR…

    his keen sense of understated elegance, Belgian architect Nicholas Schuybroek began his career in Canada before returning to Antwerp to work alongside renowned designer Vincent Van Duysen. A few years later, in 2011 Schuybroek struck out on his own – establishing his eponymous firm and distinct brand of minimal yet soulfully warm design. In the years since, the architect/designer has turned out an array of projects ranging from houses on the Cote d’Azur, and hotels in Chicago, to offices in Belgium and high design home accessories. His finely tuned sense of balance, space, and material have won Schuybroek international accolades, including a spot on AD France’s top 100 Designers in 2013, 2015, and 2017. If you’ve yet to acquaint yourself with his enviable aesthetic, this Paris apartment just may be the perfect first peek into his beautiful world…

    Paris Apartment by Nicolas Schuybroek Architects

  9. Read More
  10. November 08, 2022

    A Belgian Architect in Paris

    KNOWN FOR…

    his keen sense of understated elegance, Belgian architect Nicholas Schuybroek began his career in Canada before returning to Antwerp to work alongside renowned designer Vincent Van Duysen. A few years later, in 2011 Schuybroek struck out on his own – establishing his eponymous firm and distinct brand of minimal yet soulfully warm design. In the years since, the architect/designer has turned out an array of projects ranging from houses on the Cote d’Azur, and hotels in Chicago, to offices in Belgium and high design home accessories. His finely tuned sense of balance, space, and material have won Schuybroek international accolades, including a spot on AD France’s top 100 Designers in 2013, 2015, and 2017. If you’ve yet to acquaint yourself with his enviable aesthetic, this Paris apartment just may be the perfect first peek into his beautiful world…

     

    Paris Apartment by Nicolas Schuybroek Architects

     

  11. Read More
  12. November 08, 2022

    Even Nonrebels Will Want to Go Punk

    Life is tough when you’re incapable of ordering swimwear online because you don’t know how it’s going to fit or look - and, well, we get you. With a million-and-one options out there, it feels close to impossible to choose. Not that we ever choose just one (or two, if we’re being honest), but still, being presented with a ‘swim’ page featuring 700+ options can feel overwhelming to say the least.

    But from curvier frames to athletic body types, we're helping to make sense of the endless swimwear options and narrowing them down to the style categories that were made to fit and flatter every frame.

    The classic 50s pin-up bikini is almost as famous as the women who wore them - and for good reason too.

    Best for those: who are fuller on top, pear shapes (wide hips and narrow shoulders) and classic hourglass figures (symmetrical shoulders and hips).

    What to look for: This one's a no-brainer. The trick to scoring a one-piece that flatters a larger chest is simple: choose a swimsuit with underwire. Not only does it provide mor

    Read More
  13. November 08, 2022

    Even Nonrebels Will Want to Go Punk

    Life is tough when you’re incapable of ordering swimwear online because you don’t know how it’s going to fit or look - and, well, we get you. With a million-and-one options out there, it feels close to impossible to choose. Not that we ever choose just one (or two, if we’re being honest), but still, being presented with a ‘swim’ page featuring 700+ options can feel overwhelming to say the least.

    But from curvier frames to athletic body types, we're helping to make sense of the endless swimwear options and narrowing them down to the style categories that were made to fit and flatter every frame.

    The classic 50s pin-up bikini is almost as famous as the women who wore them - and for good reason too.

    Best for those: who are fuller on top, pear shapes (wide hips and narrow shoulders) and classic hourglass figures (symmetrical shoulders and hips).

    What to look for: This one's a no-brainer. The trick to scoring a one-piece that flatters a larger chest is simple: choose a swimsuit with underwire. Not only does it provide

    Read More