Technology
Top 10 Digital Cameras for Beginners
While digital cameras are fairly easy to use, finding one suitable for beginners is still a good recommendation. If you’re in the dark about where to find them, here is a list of the best digital cameras for beginners:
1. KODAK SMILE Instant Print Digital Camera
Small and lightweight, the Kodak Smile Instant Print digital camera is ideal for those new to photography. It lets you shoot good-quality photos in daylight and bright scenes. It has a controllable or automatic flash, focus, and exposure, making shooting easy for first-time photographers.
The Kodak Smile Classic has a sliding mechanism that turns it on and opens the lens and the controls. It has four filters: normal, vintage, monochrome, and aqua. Its prints are good enough to practice on as its quality isn’t for professional use.
2. Fujifilm FinePix XP140
An excellent option for beginners, the Fujifilm FinePix XP140 will also see you through as you get more experienced taking photos. It is ruggedly built as it is waterproof, freezeproof, shockproof, and dustproof. It features a 5x optical zoom and 4K movie recording capabilities.
This digital camera has a 16.4 megapixel back-illuminated CMOS sensor that lets you shoot images underwater or in low light settings. Its advanced SR auto mode automatically optimizes the settings as it detects the subject. Its battery allows for up to 240 images on a single charge.
3. Ricoh GR IIIx
Small enough to fit in your pocket, the Ricoh GR IIIx is another great option for beginners. If you want to move forward with your photography journey, this camera is the ideal choice. It is simple for beginners but has advanced features that professionals can appreciate.
Its intuitive design will train you to use manual controls and produce high-quality images with its large APS-C sensor. This camera is perfect for street photography and casual walking as it does not feature weather sealing. Its built-in stabilizer and ND filter make it a good choice for landscape and travel photography.
4. Nikon D3500
Described as similar to shooting with your phone’s camera, the Nikon D3500 suits beginners wanting to become pros. It has a Guide Mode that you can turn on for simple on-screen guidance. It has an auto mode feature that delivers fantastic results, whatever the situation is.
The D3500 has simple controls that won’t confuse newbies. You can just point, shoot, and, voila, pictures ready for sharing! You can download Nikon’s SnapBridge app to get your images to instantly appear on your smartphone or tablet.
5. Sony W800 Compact Camera
One of Sony’s most affordable digital cameras is the W800. At around $99, this camera is ideal for beginners because of its basic features and small and lightweight build. However, it has an impressive auto mode, several scene modes, panoramic shooting, and an ‘Easy’ mode that enlarges the icons to make it even easier to use. It has a 5x zoom lens, a 20mp CCD sensor, and a maximum video recording resolution of 720p (1280×720 pixels).
This budget option from Sony does not have some of the advanced features of other models, but it still has features not found on most smartphone cameras.
6. GoPro Hero10 Black
A good action camera, the GoPro Hero10 Black is another excellent option for those new to the photography scene. It has a user-friendly interface and easy-to-navigate menus that quickly prepare you for those once-in-a-lifetime shots. It has slow-mo frame rates and small image quality, making it a perfect camera for b-roll footage and outdoor adventures.
It has a 23MP 1/2.3 inch sensor and is waterproof for up to 10 meters, thanks to its hardier lens cover and water-repelling coat. Its small and compact size is excellent for helmet mounting.
7. Leica SOFORT 2
Designed to be easy to use, the Leica SOFORT 2 is a hybrid camera that looks stylish and sophisticated. It can take instant film pictures, so this is a great way to learn if you want to experience loading film to your camera. It lets you save images permanently through the Leica Fotos app.
The SOFORT 2 has a 1/5-in CMOS sensor and a printer that uses Fujifilm’s Instax Mini prints. It is equipped with a very thin pancake lens that is ideal for shooting wide-angle street scenes and pictures of large groups. It also has a second shutter button for quick and easy selfies.
8. Panasonic LUMIX DMC-TS25
If you’re a beginner who wants to take pictures in wet and dirty conditions, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS25 digital camera is your best bet. It has a dustproof, shockproof, freezeproof, and waterproof compact and portable build. It has a 25-100 mm F3.9-5.7 4× zoom lens with a maximum aperture of f3.90 at 25mm.
The TS25 has optical image stabilizers ideal for low shutter speed scenarios. Its proprietary battery will give you a battery life of up to 250 shots. It also lets you record videos at a resolution of 1280 x 720 at 30 fps and save them in MPEG-4 formats.
9. Sigma fpL
A high-resolution, compact, full-frame camera, the Sigma fpL is a user-oriented camera that is easy and fun to use. It has a flexible, adaptable, and lightweight build. It comes with a 61MP BSI-CMOS full-frame sensor, an on-sensor phase detector, a full-time silent electronic shutter, and twin control dials.
The fpL is packed with features that can be good if you don’t want to upgrade once you become more experienced in photography. It is well-equipped with features that allow you to record high-quality videos.
10. DJI Osmo Action 3
An excellent action camera, the DJI Osmo Action 3 has a rugged build quality ideal for shooting outdoors. It has horizontal and vertical mounting, front and rear parameter and playback controls, and a full-color touchscreen to take fast-action images. It has a wide field of view, long battery life, and is waterproof for up to 16m.
The Osmo Action 3 offers solid low-light performance, 4k resolution video recording capabilities, and color temperature calibration. It is also cold-resistant to up to -20° C (-4° F).
Conclusion
Starting your photography journey is easy with these top cameras for beginners. With the many options out there, finding the right one can be a tedious task. This list narrows down your options and helps you make an informed decision.
Offering customers multiple payment solutions is another way to make them choose you over your competitors. Since the world has started this online shift to everything, people prefer convenience via mobile phones. Mobile payment solutions make shopping and paying effortless. If you’re wondering what online payment systems you can offer, we’ve listed the top mobile payment options in this article.
What is a Mobile Payment Solution?
A mobile payment solution is a payment system people use on their mobile phones. They use smartphones or other cellular phones to pay for products or services. It’s a more convenient, efficient, and faster payment solution since you no longer have to bring cash or change customers’ payments. This type of payment option also means customers pay directly to your account, allowing you to transfer the funds to your bank if the app permits.
These mobile phones will require the corresponding app or software to enable mobile payment solutions. Some are also done via SMS, depending on the network. Some apps also require users to connect their credit or debit card so people can use the app to pay, and the funds are deducted from the credit card. These apps are called “peer-to-peer” mobile payment apps.
What are the 5 Types of Mobile Payment Systems?
Business owners can choose from five payment options. While each solution is unique, all alternatives offer a convenient way of transferring money from end to end.
1. SMS payments
SMS payments refer to payments made through your local cellular network to another. This means a user transfers money by sending it through another person’s number. In most cases, this is only used locally since most can’t transfer from one mobile number to an international mobile number.
2. Mobile wallet
This is another common form of mobile payment. To make a mobile payment, apps like Samsung Pay, Apple Pay, or Google Pay must be installed on portable gadgets like tablets, smartphones, smartwatches, or computers. Most of these apps are linked to credit cards, debit cards, or bank accounts.
3. Mobile peer-to-peer
A mobile peer-to-peer payment system is another efficient solution if you cater to global customers. Some examples are PayPal, CashApp, and Venmo, and most of these accept all business retailers, big or small.
4. Mobile eCommerce
Mobile eCommerce is also the most commonly used online payment system. This is when a user makes a transaction online from a browser or a seller’s app or webpage and completes the transaction by inputting their credit card details. Users who pay from a mobile wallet or accelerated checkout systems like Shop Pay are also under the umbrella of mobile eCommerce.
5. Mobile POS (Point of sale)
This payment type refers to paying for products or services using your credit card by swiping it on a terminal or chip reader. You can also use your mobile phone by tapping it on the terminal via QR codes.
Benefits of Mobile Payments
Most businesses accept mobile payments nowadays due to their security and convenience. While paying cash offers a more secure transaction since you only have to hand the cash to the cashier, online app payments are equipped with robust security measures. On top of that, here are some benefits of mobile payment solutions:
- Security: Mobile payments require authentication to proceed. This can be done via passcodes, OTPs, fingerprints, or facial recognition.
- Speed: Mobile payments can be made in the blink of an eye, making mobile checkout or online shopping easier.
- Convenience: Customers prefer mobile payments because they no longer have to bring cash or find the nearest ATM to withdraw. All they need is connectivity and their portable gadgets.
- Popular: Your business shouldn’t lag behind competitors. It’s no surprise that more and more brands are expanding their online payment systems. Mobile payments are beneficial, especially if your audience is younger.
8 Top Mobile Payment Systems
Here are the eight best mobile payment systems you can look into.
1. Apple Pay
Apple Pay would be appropriate for Apple devices. You can make contactless payments when you make in-app purchases. Apple Pay uses a unique account number, and customers get a security code for every transaction.
2. Google Pay
Android users can also pay via Google Pay. You can pay via NFC in-store, online, or within apps. Google Pay integrates with most Google apps, letting users enjoy loyalty card management, ticket storage, and money transfers.
3. Samsung Pay
Samsung Pay is suitable for both NFC transfers and magnetic stripe terminals. This payment mode is also secured with tokenization, biometrics, and Samsung Knox.
4. PayPal
PayPal is another online payment system that allows peer-to-peer money transfers. It’s easy to send, receive, and manage transactions with PayPal. PayPal also links with credit cards and bank accounts and is mainly linked to various eCommerce websites.
5. Venmo
Owned by PayPal, Venmo is another mobile payment system for peer-to-peer transfers. It works similarly to PayPal and lets users buy, sell, and hold cryptocurrencies.
6. Zelle
If you’re from the U.S., Zelle is the app for sending money between bank accounts. This platform is integrated into most U.S. mobile banking apps. It lets you send money instantly using a mobile phone number or email.
7. Square Cash
Also known as the Cash App, Square lets you send and receive money and even invest in stocks and Bitcoin.
8. Alipay
This mobile payment system is for online payments, financial services, and in-store purchases. Alipay is also widely used in China. Users link their credit, debit, and bank accounts to make payments through NFC, QR codes, or in-app purchases.
While tech companies exhibited their hiring spree during the pandemic to meet online demand, this year leans toward workforce reduction. Most tech juggernauts are looking at AI initiatives for some work processes. This begs the question—are tech experts’ skills in danger of being replaced by faster and more cost-efficient AI tools and platforms? Even the tech tycoon Google continues to lay off thousands of employees. And while tech experts and professionals enjoy Google’s office amenities, these tech layoffs make them ponder: How long will this enjoyment last? Here are some of the top tech company layoffs in 2024.
1. Dell
Dell Technologies, a computer manufacturer, has laid off about 12,500 employees, constituting 10 percent of the company’s workforce. The company claims it’s part of a “sales and marketing reorganization” that will center on AI services. But this isn’t the first time the company has had a significant layoff. They also cut off about 6,000 workers last February 2023. This restructuring intends to streamline operations and processes, boosting efficiency. This way, the brand can evolve and adapt to a changing and growing market.
Research Chief Analyst Dave Vellante said, “It’s unlikely the number is that high because that would typically trigger an SEC filing.”
2. Intel
Intel embarked on a cost-saving plan, a good move for the company in 2025. However, this will mean job losses for 15 percent of its workforce. Laying off about 15,000 employees will save the company $10 billion in 2025. While it’s the estimated number, it may go up to 19,000 out of Intel’s 125,000 employees. The company representatives said it would restructure to stop “non-essential work.” Although the company hit product milestones in Q2 this year, they are still down in the mouth over the loss of $1.6 billion by the end of Q2.
Representatives said they will “reduce layers, eliminate overlapping areas of responsibility, stop non-essential work.”
3. Qualcomm
Qualcomm, a company that manufactures software, semiconductors, and other services that pertain to wireless technology, plans to lay off 1,258 employees by December of this year. These employees will mostly be in their Santa Clar and San Diego branches. The company will cut off positions like analysts, software developers, engineers, legal, finance, and human resources. Qualcomm had a 23 percent drop in revenue and a 52 percent drop in net income during Q2 this year.
Palkhiwala said, “Until we see sustained signs of improving fundamentals, our operating framework does not assume an immediate recovery.”
4. Jam City
Jam City is a video game developer and publisher also in for the 2024 tech layoffs. The company has reported to cut 85 employees. And while this number isn’t as shocking as the others on this list, it constitutes 10 percent of their workforce. This is also the second time the game developer laid off its employees, with its first in 2022, letting go of 17 percent of its workforce. Jam City is the genius behind games such as Disney Emoji Blitz, Jurassic World Alive, and DC Heroes and Villains. Some gaming analysts predict an upward trend for this niche in 2024.
However, Jam City CEO said, “While we have seen moderate improvements in some areas, the overall upward trend has not materialised as expected.”
5. Microsoft
Microsoft also swooped another round of layoffs in multiple departments from various locations. Although the company didn’t disclose the exact number of layoffs, these employees included roles in program and product management. The company confirms this is part of the “regular organizational adjustments” to focus on strategic growth areas. This isn’t the first time the tech company has done a significant layoff. They also cut off around 2,000 employees in January 2024, particularly in the gaming departments, HoloLens, and Azure Cloud divisions.
A Microsoft representative stated, “Organizational and workforce adjustments are a necessary and regular part of managing our business.”
6. EBay
The online shopping brand eBay is also joining the layoffs this year. EBay is cutting off around a thousand employees, accounting for nine percent of its full-time workforce. Jamie Iannone, eBay CEO, announced these changes, stating that the brand is prioritizing more sustainable long-term growth. He said that the number of employees and expenses outpaced the company’s growth. He also noted that employees were encouraged to work from home, so they have the needed space during this challenging period.
CEO and President Jamie Iannone said, “We have to say goodbye to people who have made so many important contributions to the eBay community and culture, and this isn’t easy.”
7. Twitch
Another popular live-streaming platform, Twitch, joins the tech layoffs bandwagon. Amazon’s Twitch cuts 35 percent of its employees, resulting in hundreds of employees scrambling to find job replacements. Twitch CEO Dan Clancy announced that it would have to cut off over 500 people across all departments and claims this is for sustainability in business operations. Although Twitch earns from multiple revenues, such as ads and subscriptions, it’s reported that the company is still unprofitable for nine years.
Clancy stated, “Unfortunately, we still have work to do to rightsize our company, and I regret having to share that we are taking the painful step of reducing our headcount by just over 500 people across Twitch.”
If you’re an avid gamer, setting up or buying a gaming PC will make games more enjoyable. Whether you play esports professionally or not, getting the right equipment suitable for your preference is critical to seamless gaming. If you’re unsure where to start, we’ve made a list of the top 10 best gaming PCs you must check out.
1. Corsair One i500
The Corsair One i500 leans more on the higher-end spectrum, with a sleek wooden front panel and stylish fabric side panels. The Corsair One i500 is a high-end gaming PC with power and an elegant, compact design. It features an Intel Core i9-14900K, Nvidia RTX 4090, 32GB DDR5 RAM, and a 2TB NVMe SSD. Its custom AIO liquid cooling keeps things calm and quiet. With an 850W 80 Plus Platinum power supply, RGB lighting, VR readiness, and plenty of connectivity options, it’s perfect for gamers and pros alike. Upgrading RAM and SSD is easy, though CPU and GPU upgrades are trickier.
2. HP Victus 15L
Looking for a budget-friendly gaming PC with impressive specs like an Intel Core i7-13700, Nvidia RTX 3060, up to 32GB DDR4 RAM, and a 1TB NVMe SSD + 2TB HDD combo? Running Windows 11 Home, the HP Victus 15L has a 500W power supply and efficient cooling. Its compact, sleek design fits easily into any setup. With customizable configurations, VR readiness, and easy upgrades, it’s a great choice for gamers seeking good performance without breaking the bank. It runs quietly and has customizable RGB lighting for that stylish touch.
3. Acer Predator Orion 7000
The Acer Predator Orion 7000 is a high-end gaming PC that packs a serious punch with specs like a 13th Gen Intel Core i9, Nvidia RTX 4090, and up to 64GB DDR5 RAM. It offers loads of storage with a 2TB NVMe SSD and 2TB HDD, all running on Windows 11 Home. Its advanced cooling system, upgradeable design, and customizable RGB lighting make it a gamer’sgamer’s dream. Plus, with excellent connectivity options and DTS Ultra audio, it’s perfect for immersive gaming sessions and virtual reality. Its futuristic design makes it pop in any setup!
4. Alienware Aurora R16
This top-notch gaming PC pairs powerful specs with a sleek, modern design. It features a 13th Gen Intel Core i9-13900KF, Nvidia RTX 4090, up to 64GB DDR5 RAM, and up to 4TB NVMe SSD storage. Running Windows 11 Home with a 1350W Platinum PSU, it delivers outstanding gaming performance. Its advanced cooling, tool-less upgradeable design, customizable RGB lighting, and versatile connectivity make it a gamer’sgamer’s dream. With VR readiness and superior audio, it’s perfect for serious gamers.
5. iBuyPower Y60
Nothing beats a favorite among gamers for its top-notch performance and sleek design. The iBuyPower Y60 gaming PC boasts an Intel Core i9-13900K or AMD Ryzen 9 7950X, Nvidia RTX 4090 or AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX, and up to 64GB DDR5 RAM. With up to 2TB NVMe SSD + 2TB HDD storage, it runs Windows 11 Home on a 750W to 1000W PSU. Featuring advanced cooling, customizable RGB lighting, VR readiness, and premium build quality, it’s perfect for serious gaming and easy upgrades.
6. MSI Infinite RS 13th
The MSI Infinite RS 13th is a beastly gaming PC packed with up to a 13th Gen Intel Core i9-13900K and Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090, paired with up to 64GB DDR5 RAM. It offers tons of storage with a 2TB NVMe SSD and 4TB HDD, running Windows 11 Home on a 1000W 80 Plus Gold PSU. With advanced cooling, customizable RGB lighting, and easy tool-less upgrades, it’s perfect for high-performance gaming. It’s VR-ready, boasts great sound with Nahimic 3D, and has a stylish design with a glass side panel.
7. Maingear MG-1 Silver
This is a solid mid-range gaming PC that offers strong build quality and professional assembly. It features an Intel Core i5-13400F CPU, PNY GeForce RTX 4060 GPU, and 16GB of RAM, delivering exemplary performance for its price. This compact system includes customizable RGB lighting and a magnetic front panel. It’s a great choice with 512GB NVMe SSD storage, efficient cooling, and quiet operation. While it could use better dust protection and a faster SSD, it’s neatly built and bloatware-free. The Shroud Edition adds cool faceplates for an extra $100.
8. Alienware Aurora Ryzen Edition R14
The Alienware Aurora Ryzen Edition R14 is a high-performance gaming PC featuring an AMD Ryzen 9 5900X processor and Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 Ti GPU. It boasts 32GB of DDR4-3466 RAM and a 1TB SSD, ensuring smooth multitasking and fast storage. The sleek, mid-tower design includes options for liquid cooling and various power supplies. With Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, and running Windows 11 Pro, it offers a modern user experience. While it performs well and looks great, it’s pricey and can get noisy under load.
9. CyberPowerPC Gamer Xtreme VR
Look no further if you want a powerful, sleek gaming PC, perfect for gamers. The CyberPowerPC Gamer Xtreme VR features an Intel Core i7-13700F or i9-13900KF CPU, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Ti or 4070 GPU, 16GB DDR5 RAM, and a 1TB NVMe SSD. Running Windows 11 Home, it offers Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, and multiple USB ports. It delivers high performance and cool operation with optimized airflow, customizable RGB lighting, and VR readiness. Ideal for modern gaming and VR, it’s a top choice without breaking the bank.
10. Asus ROG Strix GA35
The Asus ROG Strix GA35 is a powerhouse gaming PC perfect for demanding tasks. It features an AMD Ryzen 9 7950X or Ryzen 7 7800X3D processor and top-tier NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 or 4080 graphics. With 32GB DDR5 RAM (expandable to 64GB) and a 1TB NVMe SSD, it offers fast performance and ample storage. The custom liquid cooling ensures efficient heat management, while the sleek design boasts customizable RGB lighting. With Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, and easy upgrade options, it’s a top choice for serious gamers and professionals.
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