Stats Show iPhone Owners Get More Sex


Gadget lovers have long held to the secret belief that the right camera, smartphone or large-aperture lens will make them sexier.

Now dating site OK Cupid has proof.

According to OK Cupid’s survey of 552,000 user pictures, digital SLRs make you look more attractive, Panasonic cameras make you sexier than Nikons, while using a flash will make you look 7 years older, and large-aperture lenses make you hotter.

And iPhone users have more sexual partners than BlackBerry or Android owners. By age 30, the average male iPhone user has had about 10 partners while female iPhone users have had 12. By contrast, BlackBerry users hover around 8 partners and Android users have a mere 6.

As the blog’s author’s wryly observe: “Finally, statistical proof that iPhone users aren’t just getting fucked by Apple.”

That should give iPhone and iPad users some comfort for being considered ‘selfish elites,’ as another recent survey found.

OK Cupid has been analyzing the behavior of the site’s millions of users for some time, and has discovered many interesting tidbits: People tend to lie on their profiles, people’s political preferences change as they age, and men can increase their chances of getting a date by being open to older women. The site’s massive dataset, huge volume of activity, and interesting slicing and dicing combine to produce some keen observations on human nature.

But for gadget heads, there’s no more pertinent observation than (hard) data. The Panasonic Micro 4/3 camera will make you look far more attractive than a Canon DSLR, which in turn is better than a Nikon or Sony DSLR. And forget about cameraphones: Android, Nokia, BlackBerry and Windows phones all make you look less attractive, with Motorola phones at the absolute bottom of the list.

Similarly, the type of camera you wield makes a big difference. There’s a dramatic illustration showing how the same woman looks photographed with a cameraphone, a point-and-shoot camera, and an SLR. That makes sense: As we’ve explained before, larger image sensors give you better-quality images.

Along the same lines, a larger-aperture photo lets you put the background out of focus, increasing the apparent attractiveness of the person you’re taking a picture of.

So if you wanted an excuse to buy a fancier camera with a bigger lens, OK Cupid’s got all the rationale you need.

As for switching from Android or BlackBerry to an iPhone? Well, that’s up to you. Unlike with the photos, it’s hard to tell whether iPhone use is the cause, or the effect, of having more notches in one’s bedpost.

OkTrends, via EthanZ

Image: via OKCupid

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How would you change Nikon’s D3S?

It’s still not as widely available as we would like, but Nikon’s D3S has finally moved from “this thing simply has to be vaporware” to “I may catch one in stock if I stay up all night clicking around.” Without a doubt, it’s one of the most impressive leaps in digital imaging at the $5k DSLR level that we’ve ever seen, and it has become next to essential when dealing with tragic lighting conditions on trade show floors. But as with every gem, there’s a flaw or two be found somewhere. For those who plunked down thousands to bring home Nikon’s low light monster, how would you change things if given the opportunity? Would you have bumped the movie mode to 1080p? Put a few more buttons on the rear? Lightened the load a bit? Go on and spill your guts below — you’ve earned the chance, chief.

How would you change Nikon’s D3S? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 06 Aug 2010 22:10:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Canon EOS 60D turns up in DxO’s optics modules roadmap

We’ve heard some Canon EOS 60D rumors before, but this one might just be the most convincing yet — the as-yet-unannounced camera recently turned up in a roadmap that wasn’t leaked but actually posted on the site of optics module manufacturer DxO. As you might have guessed, all mentions of the camera have now been removed from the site, but what was there before seemed to indicate that the 60D would be turning up in November or December (or, at least, DxO’s modules supporting it would be). Of course, there’s no details on the camera itself, but if that launch date is accurate it would line up nicely for an announcement at Photokina in September.

Canon EOS 60D turns up in DxO’s optics modules roadmap originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 30 Jul 2010 13:38:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Canon developing smaller DSLRs to compete with mirrorless cameras?

Ever since we heard that Nikon was joining the league of mirrorless cameras, the whole world’s been waiting for its arch rival to make the next move in the battle of smaller prosumer cameras. Today, Canon finally gave away some hints about which camp it’ll side with — probably just sticking with traditional DSLRs, but smaller. Canon’s Masaya Maeda didn’t share any specific details, but here’s how he dodged Reuters inquiry: “It’s not a question of whether or not you have a mirror. There is a consumer need for good-quality cameras to be made smaller. We will meet this need.” And to add some icing to that bland statement, Maeda reinforced that it wouldn’t be a challenge for his company to retain a mirror (hence a viewfinder, which is essential for obtaining better results and higher shooting rates) in a smaller design, and that they’ve made very small SLR cameras before (likely in reference to the film era). Whatever happens, here’s hoping that Canon’s new toy won’t be any bigger than the much-loved G11.

Canon developing smaller DSLRs to compete with mirrorless cameras? originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 20 Jul 2010 18:11:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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iPhone DSLR: the next generation (video)

Everything you know about awkwardly attaching SLR lenses to iPhones is wrong. This is how you do it. What started out as a quick and less-than-perfect mod of OWLE’s Bubo iPhone mount by one Jeremy Salvador (pictured above) has turned into a collaboration between production company Vid-Atlantic and OWLE itself on a more finely tuned, iPhone 4-friendly prototype that delivers some truly impressive results. Sadly, the actual iPhone 4 version of the rig won’t be available for a while yet, but you can get an idea of what will be possible with it after the break.

Continue reading iPhone DSLR: the next generation (video)

iPhone DSLR: the next generation (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 17 Jul 2010 16:11:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony Alpha A390 and A290 DSLRs hands-on

While Sony may have its pricey NEX-VG10 camcorder sucking up the limelight at yesterday’s showcase, let’s not forget the electronic giant’s more humble photographic devices. Just a few steps away we stumbled upon these near-identical Alpha A390 and A290 entry-level DSLRs, with the former donning a tilting LCD and live view capability to live up to its bigger price tag. We can’t comment on picture quality due to the lack of sample shots, but we were certainly impressed by both cameras’ build quality — kudos to Sony for the much improved grip, and we also liked the firm chassis (plus its various knobs and flaps) that didn’t feel cheap despite sounding hollow. On a similar note, the 2.7-inch LCD looked sharp and served us well for all purposes, although we didn’t get to test it outdoor. What really bewildered us was the lens continuously auto-focusing while the camera remained stationary — that couldn’t be good for the battery, and we’d like to see how battery life fares in upcoming reviews. Anyhow, enjoy our hands-on photos.

Sony Alpha A390 and A290 DSLRs hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 16 Jul 2010 19:53:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nikon D3100 to split the D5000 / D3000 difference?

We’d obviously take this one with a grain (or two) of salt, but Nikon Rumors has it that Nikon’s fixing to give entry level DSLR buyers yet another option in the not-too-distant future. Of course, with the planet’s largest photo show coming up in just a few months (Photokina, if you’re curious), it’s about time that some of these rumors start to pick up traction. Truth be told, this isn’t the first time we’ve heard of the D3100 — a few months ago it was being bandied about as the D4000. Word on the street has it that the shooter will boast a 10 megapixel CMOS sensor, a dozen autofocus points and a fixed LCD on the rear (read: no swivel). But that’s just the beginning; the D3100 will purportedly boast 1080p and 720p movie modes, and each will support continuous autofocus while filming. Yeah, you read that right — continuous autofocus in video mode. That’s a killer feature that we’ve been begging for ever since the D90 became a reality, and while we’ll probably want to swap out the stock 18-55mm lens for something with a bit more flexibility, we couldn’t be happier to hear of these features hitting Nikon’s range. Look forward to a price and release “in a few weeks.” We are.

Nikon D3100 to split the D5000 / D3000 difference? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 16 Jul 2010 07:14:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony NEX-VG10 HD camcorder preview

Well, that was quick. Right after yesterday’s surprising announcement, Sony flew its yet-to-be-released NEX-VG10 camcorder into London just in time for today’s showcase event. Naturally, we had to get our hands on this shiny baby, and boy we were impressed. In case you missed the news, this snazzy device is the world’s first consumer HandyCam with interchangeable lens, meaning you can share E-mount lenses with your young NEX DSLRs, or take advantage of the abundant A-mount lenses with the help of an adapter. Likewise, there are also hot and cold shoe mounts on the mic shaft to cater your current camera accessories. Read on for our thoughts on the rest of the camcorder — we’ve put together a little sample clip for you at the end as well.

Continue reading Sony NEX-VG10 HD camcorder preview

Sony NEX-VG10 HD camcorder preview originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 15 Jul 2010 20:34:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sigma’s mysterious SD15 DSLR finally ships to US, gets unboxed enthusiastically

We’ve all waited close to two years for this day to come, and now that it has, just a single question remains: “Does your credit card have the space?” Sigma’s SD15 — which is outfitted with a 14 megapixel Foveon X3 sensor, 3-inch LCD, True II processor, an ISO range from 50 to 3,200 extended) and support for SD / SDHC cards — is now available to order on American soil. Better still, both B&H Photo and Adorama show the beast as “in stock” for just under a grand ($989, if we’re counting), and the fine folks over at Akihabara News have managed to wrangle one for a glorious unboxing. Dig into those links below if you’re hungry for more, but don’t blame us if you come away a fair bit poorer.

Sigma’s mysterious SD15 DSLR finally ships to US, gets unboxed enthusiastically originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 15 Jul 2010 10:55:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony issues NEX-VG10: first interchangeable lens HD camcorder

What a way to celebrate 25 years of the Handycam brand, right? Out of absolutely (almost) nowhere, Sony has just upended the entire prosumer camcorder universe, and it may very well sway you from purchasing that Canon EOS 7D for video purposes. For all intents and purposes, this is Micro Four Thirds for your camcorder, but since Olympus and Panasonic own that specific technology, Sony’s left calling the NEX-VG10 an “interchangeable lens HD camcorder.” Moreover, it’s the first Handycam to sport an Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor (the same one found in the NEX-5 and NEX-3), and it’ll shoot 1080p (1,920 x 1,080/60i at 24Mbps, if we’re being precise) with a wealth of E-mount and A-mount lenses. When not handling live action, it’s also capable of snapping stills at 14.2 megapixels, and the 18-200mm lens that’s bundled with it is about as versatile as they come. Budding videographers will also appreciate the Quad Capsule Spatial Array Stereo Microphone (yes, seriously), not to mention the 3-inch swivel display, Optical Steadyshot image stabilization, BIONZ processor and twin accessory shoes. There’s no internal storage to speak of, but it will accept SDHC / SDXC (huzzah!) in addition to MS Pro Duo. Get ready to get wowed this September when it lands for around $2,000.

Continue reading Sony issues NEX-VG10: first interchangeable lens HD camcorder

Sony issues NEX-VG10: first interchangeable lens HD camcorder originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 14 Jul 2010 00:42:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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