Showing posts with label Audio-Visual. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Audio-Visual. Show all posts

Fuji XQ2 - smart-looking compact camera is small but strong.

SUMMARY
A thoroughly enjoyable camera to use. It does everything pretty well but falls short of challenging the very best in its class – a 1-inch sensor, better lens and a tilting touch-screen would potentially make the difference.
PROS
Pocketable and well designed
Intuitive menu system
Good focal length range
CONS
Lens and sensor not up with the very best in its class
Dynamic range a little limited
Noisy at higher ISOs
Features

 This very pocketable little camera is capable of shooting in both JPEG and raw formats, as well as offering both simultaneously. It has a maximum image resolution of 4000 x 3000 pixels, when used in its native 4:3 format; however, 3:2, 16:9 and 1:1 ratios are also available. It can also shoot full HD movies at 60 and 30 fps.


 The 25-100mm equivalent lens offers a fast (f/1.8) aperture at its widest setting although, by the time you zoom to 35mm, the largest aperture available is f/3.6, finishing at f/4.9 at its longest end. With macro mode enabled, you can focus as close as 3mm, although this is only achieved at the widest focal length. Digital zoom allows further reach in full auto modes.

 All the excellent film simulation modes found on the more advanced Fuji cameras are available on the XQ2 along with many of the other features found on its more expensive siblings. Wi-Fi functionality allows connection to both your PC and smartphone/tablet through Fuji's Camera Remote app - it's a little clunky in use but a very welcome addition.
PHOTOS TAKEN

Samsung UE48JU7000T- A terrific 4K TV

SUMMARY

 An excellent - if slightly small - UHD TV with an impressive set of specifications. You will though have to get your hands dirty in the system settings to nail a quality image.
PROS

  • Affordable for high-end UHD
  • Outstanding contrast performer
  • Great with 3D
  • Good smart system
CONS

  • Needs careful setup otherwise…
  • …There's significant motion blur
  • Blooming during off-axis viewing
Resolution revolution
That native UHD resolution finds it sporting 3840x2160 pixels rather than the 1920x1080 of full-HD TVs, delivering four times as much resolution. Some will question the usefulness of so many pixels on a screen that's only 48 inches across, arguing that you can't appreciate all those pixels on a relatively small screen.
Backlight chat
Also catching my eye is the UE48JU7000T's backlighting system. For rather than the edge LED lighting engine I would have expected on a £1,400 UHD TV, it sports direct backlighting, where the LEDs are positioned directly behind the screen.
Introducing Tizen
This smart system feels like a work in progress in some areas - for instance, it's still waiting for Samsung's Recommendations engine to be added, and can occasionally respond sluggishly to your commands.
Enter the third dimension

 I couldn't help but be struck by how the UE48JU7000T doesn't ship with any 3D glasses included as standard. Samsung has previously been one of the most generous manufacturers when it comes to including 3D glasses, so you have to wonder about the format's future if even Samsung is no longer enabling 3D viewing right out of the box on one of its poshest TVs.

Monster SuperStar BackFloat-A Bluetooth speaker that doesn't offer up much

SUMMARY
Monster's SuperStar BackFloat offers a unique and water-friendly twist on your average Bluetooth speaker, but the results sink it. The inconsistent sound performance across genres, average battery life and high price prove that you should look elsewhere.
PROS
Floats in water
Sophisticated design
CONS
Costly
Average battery life
Narrow listening angle
Design

Being the waterproof floatation device that it is, you'd think that the Monster SuperStar BackFloat would be shaped like a lifesaver or a neon pool toy. Thankfully, that's not the case. The speaker is small, easy enough to grip with one hand and is simple, yet confident in its design.
Performance 
It's tough to sort out what the biggest selling point of Monster's SuperStar BackFloat is, and that's mostly because it does most of what it sets out to do quite well. The speaker has an appealing design, it floats in water like a champ - but it can do more than that.
At Last
What the Monster SuperStar BackFloat does best is in the name. It floats in water on its back and plays your tunes. Other than that admittedly cool ability, this Bluetooth speaker doesn't offer up much in the way of game-changing features.

Altec Lifejacket-This speaker is beating more than its capability


SUMMARY

 If the sound performance of Altec's Life Jacket excelled to the level of its strong build, we'd recommend it. Unfortunately, aside from awesome battery life, the rest of the offering doesn't stack up to be a good value.

 PROS

  • Long battery life


 CONS
  • Tacky design

FEATURES
  • IPX67 waterproof.
  • Works with all Bluetooth compatible devices or around a 3.5mm Aux jack. 
  • Lets you answer phone calls with voice confirmation.
  • The built-in rechargeable Li-ion battery works up to 16 hours at 50% volume with one charge.
  • NFC wireless check-in creates easy pairing and easy on/off with NFC supported devices.
Design

The Altec LifeJacket is built with its focus narrowly on durability, and its design reflects that choice in ways both good and bad. The good is that the layers of silicon wrapping around the device evoke a rather playful vibe. The bad is that these materials used to boost durability lack sophistication and end up looking cheaper than its price suggests.

Performance

In terms of design, the Altec LifeJacket isn't necessarily good-looking, but it succeeds in providing durability to stand up to the elements. Similarly, when speaking on its performance capabilities, the speaker doesn't exactly sound fantastic, but the battery lasts a long time and it performs with grace under water, dust and pressure, which makes it a winner for the outdoors.

At Last

The Altec LifeJacket is a Bluetooth speaker built with misguided design choices. Sometimes, it's brilliant, especially when it comes to durability and battery life. However, its poor sound performance and tacky design are harsh reminders that this speaker is only as good as its weakest component.
Copyright © 2014 Androsten