Latest news with #travelphotography
CNET
2 days ago
- Business
- CNET
I Pack This Tiny 4K Action Cam No Matter Where I Travel (and It's on Sale Right Now)
As part of my job, I travel frequently and work from many different parts of the world. No matter where I go, I'm always careful to pack a a variety of must-have items, and my Insta360 Go 3S camera is one of them. I like to document my travels in the most convenient manner possible, and this tiny action camera does exactly what I need. Normally, action cams can cost a pretty penny. But right now, the Insta360 Go 3S has dropped from its usual retail price of $400 and is down to $341 when you apply a $59 off coupon on Amazon. That's just a dollar more than its all-time low. The Insta360 Go 3S, released last summer, introduced a minor but significant upgrade to its predecessor by adding 4K video recording -- a first for this ultracompact camera line. I've been using it since its launch, and so far, I've been pleased with the image quality, stabilization and the magnet mounting system. This action cam lets me get POV shots with unmatched ease, far beyond what I can get with my phone. Why I chose the Insta360 Go 3S I carry the Insta360 Go 3S with me for its portability and quality. It's smaller than the GoPro Hero cameras I've used and weighs 3.4 ounces (96.3 grams) with the Action Pod and just 1.38 ounces (39.1 grams) for the camera unit. The design is pretty slick, with a capsule-shaped camera that pops out of its "Action Pod" and can be mounted magnetically to unconventional places like railings, poles, streetlights, etc. This lets me capture myself on the go without needing a tripod. The Go 3S also comes with a pendant-style accessory in the box, which I wasn't entirely sure I would use. But unlike the GoPro Hero 13 Black, this pendant allows me to attach a camera to my chest without needing a chest strap, so I've used it a lot. Prakhar Khanna/CNET Apart from the sharp 4K footage, Insta360's Go 3S can also shoot slow motion at 200fps in 1080p resolution, but I found the 2.7K at 100fps videos to be better in quality. I've also noticed better footage of motion shots than the Go 3, likely because of the higher bit rate of 120Mbps (versus 80Mbps). It obviously shoots the best quality videos in bright daylight with vibrant colors, great dynamic range and better shadows. Insta360's FloState stabilization is pretty good, too -- I've used it while running and riding a bike. The videos were close to GoPro-level stability. Watch this: Insta360 Go 3S Review: We Took the Smallest 4K Action Cam to Big Sky, Montana 05:38 I shoot most of my 4K videos in FreeFrame mode at 30fps so I can edit them later in the aspect ratio I want. It goes up to 50fps in 1080p resolution but I prefer 4K. The app allows me to transfer media, edit videos, add color profiles, add fun effects to my edits and more. The Insta360 Go 3S offers a narrower field of view (16mm versus 11 of 35mm equivalent) than the Go 3 but the difference is barely noticeable. It's slightly narrower. While it can also capture images (JPG as well as DNG), I use my Go 3S to shoot videos. The only downsides of Insta360's camera are nonexpandable storage and average battery life. I recommend you buy the 128GB version instead of the base 64GB, which is double that of the predecessor but might not be enough for everyone. Plus, add a power bank to your backpack to keep it charged at all times. Essential Insta360 Go 3S specs Size (camera): 1 x 2.1 x 0.9 inches 1 x 2.1 x 0.9 inches Size (Action Pod): 2.5 x 1.9 x 1.2 inches 2.5 x 1.9 x 1.2 inches Weight (camera): 1.38 ounces (39.1g) 1.38 ounces (39.1g) Weight (Action Pod): 3.4 ounces (96.3g) 3.4 ounces (96.3g) Video resolution: 4K 4K Maximum waterproof depth: 33 feet 33 feet Battery life: 140 minutes (with Action Pod) A standard bundle includes the Insta 360 Go 3S camera, magnet pendant, Easy Clip, Action Pod and pivot stand. Insta360 Yes, there are lots of action-cam alternatives As much as I travel, I appreciate the convenience and portability of the Insta360 Go 3S, and with its current discount, it's a pretty great deal right now. But there are plenty of worthy action cam competitors, depending on your needs and budget. If you're interested in checking out other action cameras from the likes of GoPro, DJI and Akaso, here are CNET's top action cams tested by our expert reviewers. And if you happen to be doing some early shopping for Father's Day or a soon-to-be-graduate in your life, check out our list of the best gifts for dads and the best gifts for grads.
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Revealed: The breathtaking winners of the 2025 National Geographic Traveller Photography Competition
From a 'chance encounter' between an eagle and a fox to an 'untouched' glacial lake, these incredible images showcase the best of global travel photorgapher in 2025. National Geographic Traveller has announced the winners of this year's Photography Competition which sees both amateur and professional photographers submit incredible travel shots. Pat Riddell, editor of National Geographic Traveller (UK), said: 'Our competition goes from strength to strength, with this year's easily one of the strongest yet. World-class photography remains at the heart of the National Geographic brand, and the winners happily sit in that category. 'Capturing everything from the dramatic landscapes of Iceland and Italy to incredible wildlife shots in Spain and Canada, the 18 finalists - who made the cut from thousands of entries - have really elevated the level of travel photography with their ingenuity and skill.' This year's winner is Justin Cliffe for his incredible portrait of a woman and her great granddaughter doing embroidery together in Vietnam. The judging panel says: 'This is such an intimate moment between generations that captures so much beauty and humanity. 'The colours, light and textures work really well.' In this striking photo taken by Hari Kumar Prasannakumar in Spain, an endangered female lynx is snapped while drinking from a pond. The photographer says: 'A curious honey bee buzzes near her ear, adding a playful twist to the serene moment' Photographer Jo Kearney took this cheerful photo at the Chilam Joshi Spring Festival in Pakistan. She explains that the festival is both 'spiritual' and 'social' where 'people pray for crops and animals' but also 'search for potential marital partners' Jordan Banks took this colourful photo on a rainy day in Nantes, France. The photographer snapped the shot from under an umbrella but says it was 'definitely worth getting a little wet for' LEFT: Photographer Bianca Goldman took this powerful image of a member of the Suli Muli tribe in Papua New Guinea. She says she was driven to take the photo as 'part of a personal journey to capture the textures, expressions, and the stillness of time in this community'. RIGHT: Joshua Mallett took this striking photo on a journey that took him from Nepal to France and wins the Portfolio category. He says his photography is designed to 'capture moments where time seems to pause' The winner of the 'Landscape' category, Pawel Zygmunt took this impressive aerial photo at the Hveravellir geothermal area in Iceland. The photographer explains: 'The camera hovers over a geothermal pool that mimics the form of a dragon's eye' Taken in Italy, this incredible photo is of Ra Gusela, one of photographer Christopher West's 'favourite peaks' in the Dolomites. To take the shot, Christopher had to hike up to the viewpoint in the cold on a -14 degree winter night This enchanting shot was taken by Dylan McBurney in China as part of a ten image portfolio depicting the photographer's experience of travelling in Changsha and Zhangjiajie Winner of the City Life category, Scott Antcliffe took this captivating photo in Singapore. He explains: 'I want to demonstrate the juxtaposition of old and new [in Singapore]. I was keen to capture its more unassuming areas of natural beauty' Taken in Alberta, Canada, this cute image shows snow bunting birds in flight. Photographer Jo Noon reveals that 'upwards of three hundred bunting were congregating on this patch of snowy hillside' The winner of the Wildlife category, Victoria Andrews snapped this incredible photo 'during one of the hottest summers in Toledo, Spain'. She watched the Bonelli's Eagle and fox as the two animals came 'almost nose to nose' in a 'chance encounter' Dylan McBurney captured this haunting image while travelling in China. The whole portfolio of 10 images is designed to 'encapsulate everything China has to offer for travellers' LEFT: Andrew Nelson took this photo in Tokyo's Shinjuku district. He explains: 'The abstraction is intended, and there is a lot of subject in the scene, depicting the chaos, beauty and complexity of Tokyo city life'. RIGHT: Joshua Mallett, winner of the Portfolio category, snapped this photo as part of his mission to 'form a visual narrative of places shaped by nature and history, where past and present meet in striking harmony' This incredible photo taken by Prabir Kumar Mitra in Lhasa is the winner of the 'Food' category. It was taken in a 'family run restaurant' that served 'authentic Tibetan food' including locally produced 'yak meat, noodles, and cheese' James Maloney took this incredible photo in the Shimbashi district of Tokyo. He says: 'The bustling streets are alive with the sizzle of fresh ingredients, the inviting aromas wafting through the air, and the vibrant colours of beautifully plated dishes'
Travel Daily News
4 days ago
- Business
- Travel Daily News
Lev Mazaraki: How off-season photography can elevate destination marketing
Off-season photography is more than a stylistic choice or a niche genre. It's a perspective that allows us to better understand how visual tourism functions—and on what kinds of images trust is built. My name is Lev Mazaraki, and I am a travel photographer. One of the key areas I focus on in my work is off-season photography—capturing destinations during periods when tourist flows are low and the atmosphere becomes particularly expressive. This focus complements my broader projects, which explore the visual language of cultures, landscapes, and everyday life across different regions. Photography has long become an integral part of the travel product. Images shape expectations, influence moods, and play a central role in how destinations are perceived and chosen. Yet the visual representation of most places has become highly standardized: familiar landmarks, predictable lighting, generic vacation scenes. Such content serves recognition, but often lacks engagement and emotional resonance. Off-season as a resource for visual diversity Off-season photography offers an alternative perspective. When destinations are free from the pressure of mass tourism, they can be portrayed in a more intimate, authentic light. Shooting conditions become more challenging—light is variable, the atmosphere less polished, and weather can play a starring role. But this is precisely where the creative potential lies. These images feel honest, carry depth, and spark curiosity. They become part of a destination's narrative—showing how it 'breathes' when no one is watching. Photographing outside the high season requires not only technical adaptability but also observational sensitivity. It's not about capturing events, but rather capturing presence: the quiet of a street, the glow of a window at dusk, the fog of a morning, the slow pace of daily life. This is a visual vocabulary that appeals to the inner perception of a place rather than its external staging—and it's what makes these images stand out from the visual noise of typical travel content. This approach is especially relevant for conscious and sustainable tourism, where travelers seek not just entertainment but a sense of connection. Images taken off-season provide destination marketers and regional representatives with the tools to build deeper, longer-lasting visual communication. Emotional differentiation and strategic value Visual materials created off-season do more than offer a fresh perspective—they become powerful marketing tools. They extend the narrative of a destination beyond peak calendars, making it visible and relevant year-round. This is increasingly important in an industry working toward infrastructure balance and seasonal sustainability. Emotional differentiation is the defining strength of off-season imagery. These are not shots filled with crowds and postcard clichés; they capture air, silence, rhythm. They offer the viewer a sense of personal experience, of discovering something overlooked. In a content environment where competition lies not in topic, but in tone, this kind of visual storytelling delivers meaningful results. There's also a strong reputational aspect. When a brand, destination, or operator relies on unconventional visual content, it communicates confidence, maturity, and individuality. This can be especially valuable during periods of repositioning or transformation—whether a shift in infrastructure, a move toward a new audience, or a change in strategic narrative. Practical approach and implementation Working with off-season content means thinking in terms of series rather than single shots. These are not incidental images, but visual essays where tone and consistency matter as much as subject. A small, well-curated set of photographs can say more about a place than dozens of promotional banners. Such projects are invaluable for internal storytelling, digital campaigns, editorial content, and trade presentations where authenticity matters. This kind of photography also requires logistical flexibility and a mindset open to uncertainty. Weather may change plans; expected scenes may vanish—but a compelling story might emerge from a side alley instead. Off-season photography thrives on observation, not orchestration. That is where its strength lies. An often-overlooked benefit is the potential for exclusive content. Off-season scenes are rarely replicated. They become a unique resource—impossible to mass-produce—and thus hold long-term strategic value in building a destination's visual identity. Conclusion Off-season photography is more than a stylistic choice or a niche genre. It's a perspective that allows us to better understand how visual tourism functions—and on what kinds of images trust is built. In a time when travelers seek individuality, authenticity, and depth, these visuals are not a supplement to marketing—they are its foundation.
CNA
17-05-2025
- CNA
Say cheese! Tourists in China pose for CCTV cameras to snap ‘surveillance souvenir photos'
SICHUAN: Towering high above the clouds and offering majestic views of its snowy mountain range and surrounding forests, the Wawu Mountain range in Sichuan, is a major draw for many Chinese tourists. Determined to get a good panoramic photo was Wei Xi, who travelled to the area with friends in January. An idea struck her when she noticed several official CCTV cameras in the area, which were mounted on poles and pointed in different directions. 'I had a brainwave. Since we could access the public surveillance feeds of these places, we could (pose in front of cameras) at the location and take screen grabs,' Wei wrote on her Xiaohongshu account. No selfie sticks or expensive camera equipment was necessary. Live feeds from the surveillance cameras also proved useful for observing conditions atop the mountain, she said, as the group had been worried 'there would be no snow' during their visit. With an extensive and sophisticated surveillance network of 600 million cameras monitoring its 1.4 billion population, China is one of the most surveilled countries in the world. And tourists have been making use of CCTV cameras planted at popular scenic areas to take their 'surveillance souvenir photos' - screenshots from live video feeds accessible to the public. On Xiaohongshu, users have been sharing their CCTV travel photos and experiences. A user by the name Jiang Baibai, had lost his camera when visiting the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum in Nanjing city with a friend and decided to make do. 'The surveillance cameras are proof that I was there,' Jiang said, adding that live feeds monitoring visitors were easily accessible on official sites and Chinese messaging apps like WeChat. Jiang did not mention if there were guards or a heavy security presence at the site, but said the process of capturing images through live feeds could encounter slight lags. To overcome this, Jiang and his friend held their poses slightly longer so good images could be captured. Xiaohongshu user Wei Xi described her experience of posing like 'criminal suspects' while travelling as funny. 'It's quite fun to (take a photo like this), even if the resolution isn't clear,' Wei added. A tourist who visited Mount Emei, another popular mountain range in Sichuan, also realised that official CCTVs could be used to take photos in real time from different angles. Mount Emei has several live camera feeds which are accessible from their official WeChat account, she said, which visitors can use to observe crowds and monitor weather conditions before visiting. High-tech CCTV surveillance cameras are found in almost every corner in all Chinese cities. Chinese authorities have long maintained that surveillance is necessary in deterring crime and ensuring public safety. Live video footage connects to official state security networks and allows police to quickly match faces or details like car license plates with database records. But the issue remains a double-edged sword, with the increasing presence and accessibility of surveillance cameras and recording devices allowing for illicit recordings and voyeurism cases.
CNA
16-05-2025
- CNA
Say cheese! Tourists in China pose for CCTV cameras to snap ‘souvenir photos'
SINGAPORE: Towering high above the clouds and offering majestic views of its snowy mountain range and surrounding forests, the Wawu Mountain range in Sichuan, is a major draw for many Chinese tourists. Determined to get a good panoramic photo was Wei Xi, who travelled to the area with friends in January. An idea struck her when she noticed several official CCTV cameras in the area, which were mounted on poles and pointed in different directions. 'I had a brainwave. Since we could access the public surveillance feeds of these places, we could (pose in front of cameras) at the location and take screen grabs,' Wei wrote on her Xiaohongshu account. No selfie sticks or expensive camera equipment was necessary. Live feeds from the surveillance cameras also proved useful for observing conditions atop the mountain, she said, as the group had been worried 'there would be no snow' during their visit. With an extensive and sophisticated surveillance network of 600 million cameras monitoring its 1.4 billion population, China is one of the most surveilled countries in the world. And tourists have been making use of CCTV cameras planted at popular scenic areas to take their 'surveillance souvenir photos' - screenshots from live video feeds accessible to the public. On Xiaohongshu, users have been sharing their CCTV travel photos and experiences. A user by the name Jiang Baibai, had lost his camera when visiting the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum in Nanjing city with a friend and decided to make do. 'The surveillance cameras are proof that I was there,' Jiang said, adding that live feeds monitoring visitors were easily accessible on official sites and Chinese messaging apps like WeChat. Jiang did not mention if there were guards or a heavy security presence at the site, but said the process of capturing images through live feeds could encounter slight lags. To overcome this, Jiang and his friend held their poses slightly longer so good images could be captured. Xiaohongshu user Wei Xi described her experience of posing like 'criminal suspects' while travelling as funny. 'It's quite fun to (take a photo like this), even if the resolution isn't clear,' Wei added. A tourist who visited Mount Emei, another popular mountain range in Sichuan, also realised that official CCTVs could be used to take photos in real time from different angles. Mount Emei has several live camera feeds which are accessible from their official WeChat account, she said, which visitors can use to observe crowds and monitor weather conditions before visiting. High-tech CCTV surveillance cameras are found in almost every corner in all Chinese cities. Chinese authorities have long maintained that surveillance is necessary in deterring crime and ensuring public safety. Live video footage connects to official state security networks and allows police to quickly match faces or details like car license plates with database records. But the issue remains a double-edged sword, with the increasing presence and accessibility of surveillance cameras and recording devices allowing for illicit recordings and voyeurism cases.
