Singapore
Smartphone photography 101: How to take slice of life photos
Aim for a variety and tell a story
Whether you want to capture random mundane activities or annual festivities like National Day, making sure you tell a story with your photos is important. There are so many ways to snap slice-of-life images, no matter which platform they’re made for — the challenge is to make each photo interesting.
Here are some tips from actual photographers on how you can take pro-looking photos of everyday life using just an iPhone. The best camera, after all, is the one that you have with you at all times:
Use the horizon as your guide
When it comes to photographing buildings, Darren Soh says to keep your iPhone level to the horizon. There’s no shame in taking a few seconds to frame your shot so the building remains straight in your photos as in real life.
Aim for variety
No matter how mundane, a picture is worth a thousand words. Franz Navarrete says to ask yourself before tapping that shutter: “What’s the story I want to tell?” Spontaneity is fun but when time allows for it, plan and research the place you’re going to to give you a sense of what you should be looking for. Make an effort to explore and walk a lot the unbeaten path — go to the alleys and climb those stairs.
Use long exposure
Live Photo isn’t just for taking moving Harry Potter-like photos. When you swipe up on any Live Photo, you’ll see a variety of effects including long exposure. Melissa Patrice says you will want to be as steady as possible when taking photos with long exposure as the intension. A tripod will help, but if you don’t have one, she says you can find a stable surface to rest your phone on while taking the photo. Keep in mind that this effect works really well only when you have a steady subject and a lot of movement in the background.
Hold your breath
This is one of the most underrated and least talked about trick, even in videography. If you don’t have a tripod, Jason Lim suggests holding your breath when taking a photo to keep your phone steady and make sure the photo is sharp.
Use portrait mode
We’ve talked about using portrait mode sparingly before, and that applies here as well. Ivan Kuek says the trick for making it work is to look for good lighting. Framing your shot with a foreground or background that relates to your subject also helps tell a more meaningful story.
Clean your lens
This is another underrated and overlooked step when taking photos. Franz Navarrete reminds users to make sure you wipe the lens of your phone with soft fabrics, like a microfiber cloth to clear off dusts and smudges.
Do you have tips in taking slice of life photos? Share them with us in the comments below!
Singapore
Xiaomi Singapore expands lineup of smart washing machines
With different capacities and functions to suit modern household needs
Xiaomi has expanded its range of smart washing machines in Singapore. These laundry offerings come with different capabilities and functions to suit modern household needs.
The new products include the Mijia Front Load Washer 8kg, Mijia Front Load Washer Dryer 10.5kg, and Mijia Front Load Washer Dryer 9kg.
Both of the Mijia washer-dryer combos are designed for superior cleaning and drying performance.
An ultra-slim and extra large drum offers more tumbling space and strong centrifugal force for fast and efficient drying.
Xiaomi’s Power Wash technology creates deep and effective cleaning, with a dedicated Steam function to remove up to 99.99% of bacteria, viruses, and mites.
There are over 30 programs to choose from on the user-friendly touch control panel, including Baby Care and Underwear. Users can also connect via the Xiaomi Home app for extra care on specific materials.
In addition, both come with a fast 59-minute wash-and-dry cycle, 24-hour delay timer, and function to add clothes during a mid-cycle, further enhancing convenience.
Meanwhile, the ultra-slim Mijia Front Load Washer 8kg is big on cleaning capabilities and energy efficiency.
It is similarly equipped with Power Wash technology and Steam cleaning functions to remove stubborn stains and protect everyone’s health.
With a 15-min super fast Quick Wash, its load-sensing system automatically detects laundry weight to optimize water volume and cycle time, improving energy efficiency.
Price, availability
Depending on the model, the latest Xiaomi Mijia washing machines are available on mi.com, Xiaomi Stores, Lazada, and Shopee.
Pricing are as follows:
- Mijia Front Load Washer 8kg: SG$ 349
- Mijia Front Load Washer Dryer 10.5kg: SG$ 699
- Mijia Front Load Washer Dryer 9kg: SG$ 599
Cameras
Sony announces new FX5 full-frame camera
Newly-developed sensor, Open Gate recording, more enhanced capabilities
Sony has launched the new FX5 full-frame camera in its Cinema Line series with enhanced capabilities.
The camera is equipped with a newly-developed fully stacked Exmor RS CMOS sensor and the latest high-speed BIONZ XR2 image processing engine, which includes a dedicated AI processing unit.
When shooting in S-Log3, the camera achieves 15+ stops of dynamic range. The broad latitude and low-noise performance enable seamless roll-off from highlights to shadows and natural texture reproduction, even in high-contrast scenes.
Three Base ISOs of ISO 800, ISO 4000, and ISO 12800 enable low-noise image expression under a wide range of conditions.
Moreover, Dual Gain Shooting function, supported for the first time in the FX series, maximizes the performance of the image sensor to enable smooth gradation reproduction with even wider latitude, while effectively reducing noise without compromising shadow detail.
For the first time in the Cinema Line FX series, the FX5 supports Open Gate shooting, as well as in-camera recording in X-OCN, Sony’s proprietary RAW format.
This includes a variety of scan modes like 17:9, 16:9, and super 35mm. This allows for flexible angle-of-view selection for the user’s creative intent.
The camera is capable of shooting in 5K at up to 60 frames per second, in 4K up to 120 frames per second and in FHD up to 240 frames per second.
These features bring together the Cinema Line look and operability designed to meet the needs of production environments in a compact, highly portable body.
The Sony FX5 will also include two new optional accessories: a detachable OLED viewfinder and an XLR Handle that enables recording in-camera at up to 96 kHz, 32-bit float.
The camera system incorporates expertise that Sony has cultivated through the development of Cinema Line cameras, which have earned high praise from cinematographers and video creators around the world.
Price, availability
The ILME-FX5 with XLR Handle Unit (SG$ 7,199) and ILME-FX5B Body Only (SG$ 6,399) will be available for pre-order until August 9.
The DVF-EL1 OLED Detachable Viewfinder (SG$ 899) and VMC-BNCU1 Timecode Adapter Cable (SG$ 129) will be available after Mid-August.
Meanwhile, the XLR-H2 XLR Handle (SG$ 1,099) will be available by special order.
On July 28, the FX5 will also be on display atThe Arts House At The Old Parliament from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M., giving creators the chance to experience it for the first time.
Sony has officially expanded its professional audio lineup with the debut of the Sony IER-M500 in-ear monitors.
These new stage-ready monitors target a specific niche of live performers — they’re built for amateur musicians, emerging artists, and professional monitor engineers.
The launch fills a critical gap in Sony’s professional audio ecosystem.
Currently, the company covers recording with its microphones and mixing with headphones like the MDR-M1. Now, Sony supports live stage monitoring with this new affordable option.
The Sony IER-M500 will be available in Singapore by August for SG$ 139. Available colors are Red, White, and Black.
Stage-tuned audio designed by experts
Sony engineered the IER-M500 monitors to handle the harsh, loud environments of live concerts.
The company collaborated closely with top industry professionals during development. This includes veteran tour monitor engineer Noel Edwards.
Edwards noted that the sound quality of the universal-fit IER-M500 comes incredibly close to expensive custom-molded monitors.
The monitors feature a fully sealed internal structure. This design isolates your ears by blocking out loud stage noise.
Consequently, the high passive isolation protects your hearing during long sets. Inside, a dynamic driver pairs with a large acoustic chamber.
This combination produces deep, controlled bass frequencies. At the same time, the optimized internal layout refines high-frequency reproduction.
The system is also fully high-resolution audio compatible. Artists can easily hear every cue, harmony, and subtle detail on stage.
Secure fit, durable build
Comfort is highly critical during extended live performances. Sony addresses this by using original fitting supporters alongside flexible ear hangers and clips.
These additions ensure the monitors stay locked in place while you move. The package includes four sizes of noise-isolating earpieces.
These earpieces utilize a thin polyurethane wall to maximize seal and wearability.
Furthermore, the design easily stands up to the physical demands of touring. The housing resists moisture, splashes, and sweat.
Performers can move freely without worrying about water damage. The monitors also feature a detachable 1.6-meter cable. This cable is thick and durable, built specifically to handle frequent plugging and unplugging.
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