One of the US Air Force's first official combat drones has taken to the air after only a year of building and development. General Atomics's YFQ-42A is currently undergoing flight testing in anticipation of a future fleet of 1,000 autonomous planes
Category: Military, Technology
Tags: US Air Force, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Autonomous flight, Anduril
The new Sky Rover rooftop tent from Chinese gear manufacturer Wild Land aims to bring a little more RV comfort to the car top with a slick design like none we've ever seen. In fact, it boasts a few features some small camper vans and trailers don't. The hardshell expander combines a remote-controlled pneumatic lift system, fully transparent roof panel, dual-wing expandable floor, and even a dining table and toilet ... kind of.
Category: Tents, Gear, Outdoors
Tags: roof-top tent, Tent, Camping, Outdoors and Camping, dusseldorf-caravan-salon-2025
BMW Motorrad is back at the drawing board, dreaming up a wild two-wheeler concept that I'd love to see it bring to life post-haste. With its seat-belt-equipped bench and roll cage, the Vision CE is designed to take you places without the need for bulky safety gear or a helmet.
Category: Motorcycles, Transport
Tags: BMW Motorrad, Electric Motorcycles, Concept Motorcycles, Self-balancing
One of the biggest challenges in recycling plastic is that there are several kinds of plastic that end up in our bins – and those variations in composition necessitate sorting out waste before processing it. Sorting is expensive and time-consuming, even with tech involved, and it greatly reduces the effectiveness and efficiency of recycling programs.
Category: Environment, Science
Tags: Recycling, Plastics, Northwestern University
A single fecal microbiota transplant in obese teens delivered long-lasting metabolic benefits, shrinking waistlines, reducing body fat and inflammation, and lowering heart disease risk markers, which were still visible four years later.
Category: Wellness and Healthy Living, Body and Mind
Tags: Obesity, Microbiome, fecal transplant, Metabolic syndrome, University of Auckland
The extraordinary evolution of humans is often exemplified by two defining traits: large brains and highly dexterous hands. Together, they enabled the development of tools, the rise of complex cultures, and the ability to adapt to a wide range of environments.
Tags: Evolution, Hand, Brain, University of Reading
The Mini lineup is no longer mini and the move to fully electric models isn’t as dynamic as one might hope. The Countryman, the largest of BMW’s British brand, rivals most compact SUVs for size. Our time behind the wheel wasn't big on fun, practicality, or that classic Mini spirit.
Category: Automotive, Transport
7artisans has announced the AF 35mm F1.8, a wide-angle full-frame prime for Sony E mount. While it's not the cheapest or smallest autofocus lens of its type for the system, it's reasonably priced and has some nice quality-of-life features that more budget options don't.
The lens is made of 11 elements in 8 groups, with two aspherical lenses, two high-refractive elements and one ED element. It has an 11-bladed aperture, and a minimum focusing distance of 0.4m (15.7").
Its body is made of metal, which likely contributes to it being relatively heavy at 426g. The lens can take 62mm filters, and is 94mm (3.7") long. Its autofocus system is driven by a stepper motor.
As for the features, it has a clickless aperture ring, an auto/manual focus switch and a customizable function button. There's also a USB-C port on the bottom for firmware updates.
The lens costs $299 and is available now.
Buy Now:
Buy at 7artisans Buy at AmazonPedestrians explore the Pavilion at Riverfront Park in Spokane, Washington, built for the Expo '74 world's fair.
iPhone 11 Pro | F1.8 | 1/25 sec. | ISO 640
Photo: Dale Baskin
Our September Editors' photo challenge theme is "Pixels in Your Pocket."
This month, we’re celebrating the camera that’s always with you: the smartphone. As we all know, sometimes the best camera is the one you have with you. Wow us with the best images captured on a phone or tablet, and show us how small sensors can tell big stories, anywhere, anytime.
Photos can be submitted between Sunday, September 7, and Saturday, September 13 (GMT). The challenge is open to photos captured at any time.
Important: Images MUST include a title and a caption of at least 25 words to be eligible. We need to be able to share the story behind your photo. We will consider both photos and captions when selecting our winners, so make sure to tell us that story!
Visit the challenge page to read the full rules and to submit your photos for consideration as soon as the challenge opens.
In the largest study of its kind, scientists have accurately documented the massive change in animal morphology over the last 1,000 years, with domesticated animals growing larger across the board and their wild relatives becoming smaller. It underlines the true impact of one species in particular – us.
Tags: Animal science, Climate Solutions: Livestock, Biodiversity, Global Warming, Human, Ecosystem, Sustainability
Doctors may no longer need trial-and-error when prescribing blood pressure drugs. A huge new study has mapped exactly how much each medication, alone or in combos, lowers blood pressure, and offers doctors an online tool to guide treatment.
Category: Wellness and Healthy Living, Body and Mind
Tags: Hypertension, Blood Pressure, Medication, Predictions, University of New South Wales
Expect only Lambretta to go all out on a special-edition scooter like no one else – except this time, it’s rarer, fancier, and well … pricier than ever before. I’m speaking of the new Casa Lambretta X300 special edition, which the Italian company has produced jointly with its performance arm, Casa Lambretta.
Category: Motorcycles, Transport
Tags: Scooter, Moped, urban transport
At a glance, you might be forgiven for assuming that MVRDV's upcoming project is a cluster of naturally formed boulders. Look closer, though, and you'll notice a number of concrete tourism buildings that are carefully designed to blend in with the rugged coastal landscape.
Category: Architecture, Technology
Tags: Building and Construction, MVRDV, Taiwan
CPR is a technique that has saved countless lives since the modern version was developed in the 1960s. However, it turns out it doesn't work very well in zero gravity, so a team of European cardiologists has been testing alternatives for astronauts.
Tags: Heart attack, First Aid
Minerals such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are very effective sunscreen ingredients, but they can harm coral reefs if used in their non-nanoparticle form. An experimental new sunscreen forgoes the minerals altogether, replacing them with "just-as-effective" plant pollen.
Category: Environment, Science
Tags: Nanyang Technological University, Sunscreen, Coral Bleaching, Skin, Seoul National University, Pollen, Plants
Air and space were linked together in a recent flight test by General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) and Kepler Communications where a laser system was used to communicate between a standard aircraft and a low-Earth orbit satellite.
Category: Military, Technology
Tags: General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Laser, Communicate
Starting aerobic exercise just two months after a stroke is safe and may help protect thinking skills, according to new research. The study provides fresh hope for stroke survivors that they can reduce their elevated risk of dementia.
Category: Illnesses and conditions, Body and Mind
Tags: Stroke, Brain, Exercise, Dementia, Monash University
Recycling lithium-ion batteries – whether they're the large ones in your EVs or the small ones in your gadgets – is no easy task, as it requires specialized processes, high heat, and a range of chemicals to achieve. Owing to the complexity and costs involved, many used up batteries are simply sent to landfills.
Category: Energy, Technology
Tags: Batteries, Electric Vehicles, Recycling, Sustainability, MIT
Got asthma? Then you might also go on to get Parkinson's. Celiac? You'll want to watch out for lung cancer. That's the kind of information you can get on a new website that uncovers the links between common conditions based on genetic analysis.
Category: Body and Mind
Tags: molecular biology, Genetics, Supercomputer, Barcelona, Disease
Whether you're looking to capture daily life, start a new hobby or hoping to build a professional career, choosing the right camera is an important first step. Cameras come in various sizes and formats, but compacts, DSLRs and mirrorless cameras are three of the most common options. Those choices can feel confusing if you're relatively new to the photography world, though.
Each type of camera provides a different balance between convenience, image quality and creative control. Understanding those differences will help you narrow down which device might best match your needs.
Compact cameras Compact cameras are very small.As the name suggests, compact cameras (or compacts) are small, easy-to-carry devices. They feature integrated lenses that can't be changed out, saving you from spending additional money on lenses. Some compacts offer a zoom lens, whereas others use a fixed focal length with no zoom capabilities.
Compact cameras are often called point-and-shoots, too. This is because many are designed to be very simple to use with fully automated settings. However, there are also more premium, advanced compact models that still offer some creative control, so not all are meant for casual users.
Unfortunately, compact cameras aren't as prevalent as they used to be, as smartphones have largely replaced them. As a result, there are limited new models available. There have been some releases in the past year, but they are typically quite pricey for casual users. Many of the newer models are designed for vlogging with more video-centric features that aren't great for pure photographers. Alternatively, you can still find older compacts second-hand, though there are some risks with buying aging cameras.
Who are compact cameras best for?Because of their simple operation and limited need for additional accessories, compact cameras are great for casual photographers who want something other than their phone to make photographs. The small size also makes them ideal for travel use, since you can easily fit them in a jacket pocket or small purse.
However, compact cameras aren’t just for beginners. A basic point-and-shoot can be a fun outlet for those who already have advanced, technical gear. Plus, there are premium compact models, including a medium-format camera with a larger sensor. Experienced photographers who simply like the idea of a convenient camera with an integrated lens may also enjoy these compact devices.
DSLRs Image: NikonDigital single-lens reflex cameras (DSLRs) are probably the most widely recognized digital interchangeable lens cameras (ILC). Unlike compact cameras, DSLRs don't use an integrated lens, so you'll need to buy one separately (or as a kit with the camera). This adds cost, but also adds flexibility and creative control, as you can choose the lens(es) that allow you to achieve the look you're after.
The other key component of DSLRs is a mirror that directs light from the lens into an optical viewfinder. That style of viewfinder gives you a real-time, direct through-the-lens view. It also results in longer battery life since the viewfinder isn't a display that uses up power. The mirror mechanism adds bulk, however.
While DSLRs are still widely used, they are past their heyday. For the last five years, major brands have been entirely focused on mirrorless technology for both cameras and lenses. Canon and Nikon last released DSLRs in 2020. Additionally, Sigma hasn't released a new lens for DSLRs since 2018 and recently changed its lens naming strategy to ditch the label that was used to identify its mirrorless lenses. Only Pentax remains committed to the DSLR format at this time.
Who are DSLR cameras best for?Because DSLRs represent older technology, they are available at relatively affordable prices. The same is true for DSLR lenses. As a result, they are a popular choice for beginners looking to buy their first dedicated camera. Some professionals also opt for DSLRs because you can get a lot of image quality for the price at this point.
Investing in a DSLR today will leave you with outdated technology right out of the gate.However, it would be wise to consider carefully if you want to invest in a DSLR system right now because they are end-of-life systems. They are well supported for now, but investing in a DSLR today will leave you with outdated technology right out of the gate. After all, even entry-level mirrorless cameras offer much more reliable autofocus and advanced features. New features, firmware updates and compatible accessories will also be increasingly rare for DSLRs.
Additionally, it's important to remember that you're also investing in lenses. While there are adapters that allow you to use DSLR lenses on mirrorless bodies, this adds additional bulk and can reduce the functionality of some lenses. Plus, mirrorless lenses are significantly improved over DSLR lenses, so you'll also be missing out on the latest advancements in lens technology as well.
Mirrorless cameras Photo: Richard ButlerMirrorless cameras are the more modern take on the interchangeable lens format. They ditch the bulky mirror mechanism found in DSLRs, allowing for a more compact, lighter body. The sacrifice, for some, is that they use an electronic viewfinder (EVF), instead of an optical one. EVFs consume more power, and there may also be a subtle lag in low light conditions (though it's rare for that to be noticeable for most users).
Since mirrorless cameras are newer than DSLRs, they offer more recent technology. That includes faster and more advanced autofocus with subject detection and tracking, faster burst shooting rates and real-time exposure simulation. They also provide better video capabilities.
Who are mirrorless cameras best for?Mirrorless cameras are available for just about every need and preference. There are entry-level beginner models, video-centric options and high-end, professional-grade mirrorless cameras. In short, mirrorless cameras are best for anyone who wants an interchangeable lens camera for the flexibility and creative control. They are also ideal for those who need relatively compact camera bodies, advanced autofocus or greater video capabilities.
The best camera is the one that fits your needsWhen shopping for a new camera, you'll hear a lot about what the best cameras are. At the end of the day, though, the best camera for you is entirely dependent on your particular needs and how you plan to use it. Each of the formats above has pros and cons and is suitable for different situations. Be sure to consider what you want to get out of the camera and what the most important features are before narrowing in on one particular device.
