A camera that connects wirelessly to the internet enabling you to instantly share your photos on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
What fun! I have never sent a "selfie" out into the world – except perhaps by mistake – but given the increasing propensity of the population at large to share – or indeed overshare – on social media, Samsung's Galaxy NX has the potential to be extremely popular.
But given the excellent photos it is possible to take with smartphones, is a Wi-Fi DSLR camera really necessary? I roped in a professional photographer to help me to put the camera through its paces. He took the job seriously. “Do we have to be nice?” he asked? “No? Then let’s kill it.”
It was ridiculous how quickly he was won over.
“This is really cool, actually,” he said after playing around with the device for a few minutes.
The camera operates on android technology – and it is extremely simple to set up and get going. I slotted in the microsim card I had bought and was good to go.
The screen is gorgeous, taking up almost the entire back of the camera. You navigate through the various menu functions and applications by swiping the screen (though there are dials too). It was easy to download Instagram and other applications.
There was definitely a novelty value in checking my Gmail on the back of a camera.
What separates the camera from a smartphone is the quality of the lenses – a variety of interchangeable lenses are available.
“The biggest problem with phone cameras is that they have wide angle lenses built in,” said my pro. “It’s almost impossible to take photos with any depth of field. The camera has a much better quality of lens and a larger sensor. With this you can take an Instagram photo with a zoom lens.”
My expert was also really excited about being able to back up photos straight to the cloud or send them to Dropbox.
“I always dreamed of this with my regular camera,” he said.
lgutcher@thenational.ae
How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
Emergency
Director: Kangana Ranaut
Stars: Kangana Ranaut, Anupam Kher, Shreyas Talpade, Milind Soman, Mahima Chaudhry
Rating: 2/5
A cheaper choice
Vanuatu: $130,000
Why on earth pick Vanuatu? Easy. The South Pacific country has no income tax, wealth tax, capital gains or inheritance tax. And in 2015, when it was hit by Cyclone Pam, it signed an agreement with the EU that gave it some serious passport power.
Cost: A minimum investment of $130,000 for a family of up to four, plus $25,000 in fees.
Criteria: Applicants must have a minimum net worth of $250,000. The process take six to eight weeks, after which the investor must travel to Vanuatu or Hong Kong to take the oath of allegiance. Citizenship and passport are normally provided on the same day.
Benefits: No tax, no restrictions on dual citizenship, no requirement to visit or reside to retain a passport. Visa-free access to 129 countries.
German intelligence warnings
- 2002: "Hezbollah supporters feared becoming a target of security services because of the effects of [9/11] ... discussions on Hezbollah policy moved from mosques into smaller circles in private homes." Supporters in Germany: 800
- 2013: "Financial and logistical support from Germany for Hezbollah in Lebanon supports the armed struggle against Israel ... Hezbollah supporters in Germany hold back from actions that would gain publicity." Supporters in Germany: 950
- 2023: "It must be reckoned with that Hezbollah will continue to plan terrorist actions outside the Middle East against Israel or Israeli interests." Supporters in Germany: 1,250
Source: Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution
