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Best DSLR cameras 2014: The best interchangeable lens cameras available to buy today

Hitechnex 0 Camera, Canon, Gadgets, Nikon, Pentax, Technology 1.1.14

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You want to buy a DSLR camera but don't know what to go for? Then you've come to the right place, as this is where we round-up the best DSLR cameras of 2014. We'll guide you through the hottest cameras available - and only models that we've reviewed in full - to save you time when it comes to working out what the best options are.</div>
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DSLR - which stands for digital single lens reflex - cameras have removable lenses so that different optics can be attached in order to give a different view on the world. This variety allows you to start small and build-up to the more varied, sharper and desirable featured lenses as you go along. It also adds hands-on control for zoom and focus precision unlike that of most compact cameras.</div>
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DSLRs aren't to be confused with the newer compact system cameras that are also infiltrating camera shops up and down the land. They are the ones that typically look like point-and-shoot cameras but also have interchangeable lenses. We'll be covering the best of the best of those in another feature due shortly. </div>
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Whether you're new to the DSLR concept, are looking to upgrade, already know plenty about cameras already and are weighing up the options, or are considering a more pro-spec option, we've broken down our list of great DSLR cameras into sub-headed categories to make things that bit easier to digest. You name it, we've got you covered.</div>
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We’ll be regularly updating this feature with the latest and greatest DSLR cameras as and when we review them, so you can see where your money is best spent as the best models float to the surface.</div>
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A quick lesson in lenses</h2>
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Lens mount</h3>
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First thing's first: cameras don't work in a one-size-fits-all way. Brands like to keep their own heritage and, as such, each manufacturer has its own lens mount.</div>
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For Canon it's EF, for Nikon it's F-mount, for Pentax it's K-mount, and Sony has A-mount. There are some additions and exceptions, but those are the current four to focus on. Don't fall into the trap by buying the wrong lenses just because the brand names match up.</div>
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Sensor size</h3>
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Second to the equation is sensor size. Entry and mid-level cameras typically have what's called an APS-C size sensor. Some pro-spec cameras have full-frame sensors that, because they're physically larger, need specific - typically pricier and more advanced - lenses that are capable of covering the larger dimensions. In each case the mount size remains the same, irrelevant of the sensor size. If you are looking at a top-of-the-range lens for a top-of-the-range camera, you'll know all this already. For those starting out, don't worry: it may seem a bit of a minefield out there, but a fairly easy one to understand once you get into the lingo of the manufacturer you've chosen. </div>
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Focal length equivalent</h3>
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There are plenty of things to consider with lenses and this all depends on the type of photography you are planning on doing. If it is all about portraits you'll want something like around the 50mm or 75mm mark. If you are trying to snap that lion on the Savanna and don't want to get eaten then you'll want something with a long zoom closer to 300mm.</div>
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Best entry-level DSLR</h2>
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Nikon D3200</h3>
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You've decided that a DSLR is the one for you, but you don't want to fork out masses of cash and don't want overbearing or complex controls to get in your way. The Nikon D3200 is a well-balanced choice to introduce you to the world of DSLR. Recently replaced by the D5300, which is a relatively subtle upgrade, the price of the D3200 continues to drop, thus making it an affordable offering in the market.</div>
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Complete with a Guide mode on its main mode dial, the camera can assist you in a visual way to generate the types of photographs you want. These visual cues will help in expanding your understanding of exposure, aperture values, depth of field and all those things that - quite probably - you don't know about just yet. But at the same time if that that sounds too daunting then just stick the camera in auto mode and press the shutter button - it'll do all the autofocus and exposure metering for you and, more often than not, do it well.</div>
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If there's a drawback it's that the optical viewfinder has a 95 per cent field-of-view, meaning that the outermost five per cent of the shot will be captured, but won't show up in the preview. It's typical of DSLR cameras at this level without exception.</div>
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Image quality from the D3200's 24-megapixel sensor is top quality, and at the time of writing it's possible to pick up a model for a fair price too. Competition comes in the form of the Canon EOS 1100D, but that's far older and not as up to the task these days. An alternative may be the Sony Alpha A58, but we've not tested it in full.</div>
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<strong>PRICE:</strong> £379 (at time of writing)</div>
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<strong>QUICK VERDICT:</strong> The D3200 has produces great images at high resolution and the accessible street price makes it well worth the investment. It's the camera to usher in a new level of image quality to the entry-level DSLR market without over-complicating things to ensure it's suitable for its target audience.</div>
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<strong>FULL REVIEW:</strong> <a href="http://hitechnex.blogspot.com/2014/01/nikon-d3200-review.html" sl-processed="1" style="color: #4c5f7e; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Nikon D3200 review</a></div>
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Best small DSLR</h2>
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Canon EOS 100D (Canon EOS SL1)</h3>
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The Canon EOS 100D sits in a world of its own. It's as small as DSLR cameras come and that in itself is the single biggest reason for buying it. It's a technological mini marvel with a suitably affordable price tag to boot.</div>
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This is the DSLR to take up less bag space while delivering quality akin to the EOS 650D and EOS 700Dmodels. One that stands out on its own.</div>
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<strong>PRICE:</strong> £399 (at time of writing)</div>
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<strong>QUICK VERDICT:</strong> The EOS 100D is an engineering marvel and while we doff our hats to Canon for showing off in making such a small DSLR, it doesn't match up to head nor heart: the 700D is better in every way on paper and while this, in part, puts the brakes on the 100D it still has its small size trump card. That's the one standout feature here: if you want small then this is the one to go for.</div>
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Best all-round DSLR bargain</h2>
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Pentax K-30</h3>
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Pentax is often the unsung brand outside of its strong Japanese following. But that's not the way to view this company, which makes excellent DSLR cameras.</div>
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If anything, the image quality that we've come to see from Pentax models tends to better its nearest competitors and the K-30 - which comes in at a very fair price but delivers beefier features than entry-level models - is no exception.</div>
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If you're not tied to any one brand by lens mount then we'd thoroughly recommend the K-30: it's weather-sealed, has a sturdy build, 100 per cent viewfinder, but such features never come at the cost of overall quality. This one's a cracker.</div>
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PRICE: £409 (body only, at time of writing)</div>
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QUICK VERDICT: The Pentax K-30 is a true return to form. The tough, rugged DSLR produces great images and is affordable too. Its only shortcoming is a relatively slow autofocus system that won't match up to similar competitors. Apart from that we struggle to find downsides to this DSLR.</div>
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Best mid-level DSLR</h2>
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<span style="font-family: Open Sans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 20px;">The 70D represents the DSLR in the post-mirror age. If you're looking for an all-rounder when it comes to both still images and movie capture then there's no other pure DSLR out there that can offer such a varied and successful feature set.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Open Sans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 20px;">It's the camera's autofocus systems that wins out though. The Dual Pixel AF system - on-sensor phase-detection via live view and a different phase-detection system via 19-point AF system through the viewfinder - truly closes the gap on the compact system camera market. We've been genuinely impressed how each system works independently depending on how you use the camera - and there's no compromise for one or the other. A revelation when considering how poorly the Canon EOS M functioned.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Open Sans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 20px;">It's a shame that the 70D's viewfinder doesn't offer a 100 per cent field-of-view, but otherwise a strong feature set - including a 3.2-inch, tilt-angle touchscreen - counters at almost every other avenue.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Open Sans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 20px;">PRICE: £859 (body only, at time of writing)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Open Sans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 20px;">QUICK VERDICT: Great new technology, great image quality, and great in use - there are only a few nitpick shortcomings to the Canon EOS 70D. Otherwise it's as close to redefining the mid-level DSLR sector as we've seen in recent years.</span></span></div>
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Best entry-level full-frame DSLR</h2>
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Full-frame is the holy grail of DSLR photography. Sensors the same size as traditional 35mm film negatives are considered full-frame. This large sensor sizes produces a pronounced depth of field, while the sensor's "pixels" are typically larger for a cleaner signal and, therefore, usually superior image quality compared to APS-C sensors (this can be resolution dependent).</div>
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The words entry-level and full-frame tend not to go hand in hand. Given that near to £2,000 needs to be spent for that full-frame experience - and that's before considering lens costs - you need to be sure that you're ready to dip into the larger-sensor world.</div>
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The D600 isn't the newest full-framer out there, as it's since been replaced by the ultimately similar D610, but that positions the D600 at a far more favourable price point.</div>
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This camera is like the lovechild of the high-resolution D800 (see below) paired with the D7000's spec - which is a grand mix. As most people won't need the full feature set of the D800, the 24-megapixel D600 dutifully opens up the full-frame door to a wider audience. Top image quality for a great price. Sounds fair to us.</div>
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PRICE: £1,200 (body only, at the time of writing)</div>
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QUICK VERDICT: The D600 opens the full-frame door to many that would otherwise never be able to afford such a DSLR. It’s not exactly cheap, but it’s great value for money when considering both the build and image quality. The feature set is much like a D800 mashed up with a D7000 - an excellent blend of pro and consumer features kit out this full-framer. It definitely gets our seal of approval.</div>
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Best DSLR cameras 2014: The best interchangeable lens cameras available to buy today

You want to buy a DSLR camera but don't know what to go for? Then you've come to the right place, as this is where we round-up the...

Nikon D3200 review

Hitechnex 0 Camera, Gadgets, Nikon, Technology 1.1.14

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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC3peI_C5aoHuzBEvCwAWpaRJdV_pl-GG9B4MDkf0qgc-Ctt09pxeehyphenhyphenMLHtuNJtFAcUQjsmtFMkKAP4faGT2t3klmoKiVGe7TmbpDqF41guZQJU2ZPgxAW0ZWKOb_IsjndJCYegafYOg/s1600/against.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a>The Nikon D3200 set tongues wagging when announced last month. Its headline-grabbing 24-megapixel sensor promised to be unlike anything the entry-level DSLR market had seen before.</div>
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But in a world where the megapixel isn’t <em>always</em> king, can the D3200 deliver across the board, and, more importantly, is it what beginners truly need?</div>
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The might of megapixels</h3>
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There’s no denying it, high megapixel counts have been used to sell cameras for years now. But most users don’t have the need for such resolution, in particular at the beginner or "entry-level" end of the market.</div>
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Arguably the D3200 isn’t just aimed at those newcomers. It is, after all, the highest-resolution DSLR in its class, and certainly the most affordable 24-megapixel camera on the market today. That resolution may speak volumes to landscape or portrait photographers that want a budget option capable of outputting huge file sizes for optimum quality prints - but these are people that, most likely, already know what they’re doing.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg21p_BAS61wTdJh8xG08y8tyLQclszO9bKhPB37RuxOoymocqap3SbjDLlz5GYr00e3Ac8DkDKV2OVOCc23nrnT-NLGSYMXo9gKmAq8a2yyQWH1rRPNuo-C-El35u67-L3wAkgLdhNP0o/s1600/nikon+for.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a>For the beginner, the megapixel count may be almost inconsequential to their work, yet it does present the option to crop into shots without overall quality loss. This is an appealing prospect, bettered by the camera’s in-camera crop function.</div>
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But Nikon has missed a trick here, one that Sony has had in its Alpha line for some time now: the ability to magnify the preview and, therefore, final image, by using less of the sensor’s real estate. A 2x magnifier, for example, would double a lens’s telephoto reach and, in the case of the D3200, still output images at 12-megapixels without quality loss - but that beginner-friendly approach hasn’t made it into the Nikon model.</div>
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Guide-ing light</h3>
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Ease of use is at the forefront of the D3200. Its guide mode, as adapted from the D3100, is an illustrated walkthrough guide that helps to achieve certain types of shots. For example, "capture red in sunsets" will adjust the camera’s white balance. Text and an accompanying image show that "color temperatures 5000K or more bring out reds most effectively". Change the settings within the guide mode and the corresponding image shows how the final result will differ. So it’s a learning process that’s well suited to newcomers that might know the desired result, but not know the camera mode or settings to use.</div>
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It’s not infallible though and there are always other settings that can have knock-on effects, or conditions might not suit the desired shot. For example an auto ISO sensitivity is available, but is switched off by default - a little menu digging will find the option, but newcomers may not know to head here, nor understand its relevance. The auto modes also have a tendency to pop the flash up at the drop of a hat and, while it is possible to turn this off from within guide mode, it can become a nuisance.</div>
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More advanced users will use Nikon's longstanding i-button to jump into a quick menu that displays on the rear LCD. Although the "info" name may not make perfect sense to newcomers, this Nikon staple is an essential to the camera's design and a key way to access the important settings. To further speed things up there's also a programmable function (Fn) button towards the front left side of the camera, which is well placed to adjust in use in combination with the rear thumb dial. </div>
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Performance</div>
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It’s possible to shoot using either the D3200’s viewfinder or the rear LCD screen set in live view mode.</div>
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The 3-inch, 921k-dot LCD screen may sound like it delivers on paper, but its playback is too cold/cyan which makes accurate colour balance tricky. This isn’t isolated to our review sample either, as we checked multiple camera bodies.</div>
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Live view uses a user-positioned focus point that can be placed anywhere around the screen from edge to edge and, although not as fast as autofocus when using the viewfinder, is standard for this level. Just don’t expect to use it for action shots - it's more one for still life shots and can be useful for unusual framing when it's not possible to have the viewfinder to your eye. </div>
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Burst speed comes in at four frames per second. Paired with the Expeed 3 processor the camera can crunch through images at pace. Although 4fps may not sound fast, consider that the 6016x4000px JPEG files can exceed 12MB each and the Raw files are around 25MB and it’s an impressive statistic. With a Class 10 SD card loaded up in the camera it was possible to shoot eight consecutive raw and JPEG files, or 23 JPEG "fine" shots in one burst. Good show.</div>
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It's worth mentioning there's also a wireless transmitter unit available, priced at £55. The WU-1a is only compatible with the D3200 (to date) and is a fun way of transmitting images or controlling the camera using your Android phone. </div>
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The camera’s autofocus system is the same 11-point multi-CAM 1000 system that’s been used for many years by some Nikon product lines. It works well in good light and there’s an AF-assist lamp for when things get a bit too dim, yet the overall speed isn’t lightning fast. It’s an entry-level performance, though the camera’s price tag might suggest it would have stepped things up a gear or two in this department – a potential oversight when considering what else is available on the market. </div>
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Price wars</div>
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So, is the D3200 worth it?</div>
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The £649 launch price is more than the (mostly) better-specified Nikon D5100 - the model which is supposed to sit above the D3200 in Nikon’s DSLR range.</div>
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While the D3200 adds the high-resolution sensor to its features arsenal, it doesn’t add any extras in the autofocus performance department.</div>
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Then there’s the Sony Alpha A65. This mid-level SLT uses the very same 24-megapixel sensor, but has a more advanced feature set which includes a faster autofocus system. But it also have a heftier price tag, at around £755 with a kit lens.</div>
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Megapixels to marvel at?</div>
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But then the D3200’s images are great.</div>
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Despite the 24-megapixel resolution the entirety of the ISO 100-6400 sensitivity range is usable to some degree. A feat even more impressive when considering just how high resolution this camera is.</div>
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Critical detail is more visible at the lower ISO settings, though processing does render JPEGs softer than their raw counterparts. ISO 100-200 hold the most detail, while ISO 400-800 show more evidence of processing - these middle sensitivity settings look slightly softer yet grainier but are still of good quality.</div>
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At the higher settings ISO 1600 is where colour noise becomes noticeable and there’s a steeper turn to softness, while ISO 3200 is yet softer, colour is more muted, and although detail isn’t as prominent as at lower ISO settings there’s room to get a decent shot. ISO 6400 lacks detail but will be useful for some scenarios, and the inclusion of a Hi1 (ISO 12,800) setting pushes the limits of usability, yet isn’t awful.</div>
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Hyper-critical eyes will see some evidence of colour noise in gradient areas at any ISO setting upwards of ISO 100. This is negligible until ISO 400 where it has some presence, though won’t be to the detriment of most images.</div>
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Overall exposure is accurate, as is auto white balance - even if, in the case of the latter, the camera’s rear LCD screen isn’t the best at displaying the true colour balance.</div>
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Resolution hounds, take note, the D3200 has got this one in the bag.</div>
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Movie maestro</div>
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It was only a matter of time before an entry-level model went out all guns blazing in the moving image department. The D3200 is exactly that model: it includes a 1080p movie mode with 30, 25 or 24 frames per second capture using the H.264 codec to output MOV files.</div>
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As well as an onboard mono microphone there’s also a 3.5mm microphone input. This is particularly useful as Nikon AF-S lenses will, in general, create autofocus motor sounds that will be picked up in recordings. But that’s little to no problem when a third-party microphone is attached.</div>
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Continuous or single autofocus are both available, as is manual focus. Metering, however, is automatic - there's no manual control to be found here.</div>
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Verdict</div>
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There are two ways to think about the D3200: as a souped-up D3100 with ultra high resolution, great quality images; or as a camera that’s purporting to be entry-level when it’s straddling the mid-level DSLR market.</div>
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The latter is a view to take seriously, as the Sony Alpha A65 - which shares the same sensor as this camera - is roughly £100 more, yet offers both faster autofocus and burst modes and similar, if not the very same, 24-megapixel image quality. In fact the D3200 is pricier than either Nikon’s higher spec D5100 model or the Canon EOS 600D.</div>
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But when every penny counts, the D3200 does pull out the image quality stops. This already proven sensor produces fantastic images and ushers in a new era of quality to the entry-level end of the market.</div>
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Guide mode is a great tool, as proven by the D3100, that will help first timers to develop their understanding of photography. But then the budget D3100 has the same mode (bar a couple of changes) and costs far less.</div>
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In summary it’s all about your imaging needs: If great quality images at high resolution and a decent movie mode to match are a must, or if you’re a newbie, then the D3200 is excellent and outperforms middleweight DSLRs on those fronts.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC3peI_C5aoHuzBEvCwAWpaRJdV_pl-GG9B4MDkf0qgc-Ctt09pxeehyphenhyphenMLHtuNJtFAcUQjsmtFMkKAP4faGT2t3klmoKiVGe7TmbpDqF41guZQJU2ZPgxAW0ZWKOb_IsjndJCYegafYOg/s1600/against.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC3peI_C5aoHuzBEvCwAWpaRJdV_pl-GG9B4MDkf0qgc-Ctt09pxeehyphenhyphenMLHtuNJtFAcUQjsmtFMkKAP4faGT2t3klmoKiVGe7TmbpDqF41guZQJU2ZPgxAW0ZWKOb_IsjndJCYegafYOg/s1600/against.PNG" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg21p_BAS61wTdJh8xG08y8tyLQclszO9bKhPB37RuxOoymocqap3SbjDLlz5GYr00e3Ac8DkDKV2OVOCc23nrnT-NLGSYMXo9gKmAq8a2yyQWH1rRPNuo-C-El35u67-L3wAkgLdhNP0o/s1600/nikon+for.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg21p_BAS61wTdJh8xG08y8tyLQclszO9bKhPB37RuxOoymocqap3SbjDLlz5GYr00e3Ac8DkDKV2OVOCc23nrnT-NLGSYMXo9gKmAq8a2yyQWH1rRPNuo-C-El35u67-L3wAkgLdhNP0o/s1600/nikon+for.PNG" /></a></div>
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Nikon D3200 review

The Nikon D3200 set tongues wagging when announced last month. Its headline-grabbing 24-megapixel sensor promised to be unlike anything...

Cheap point-and-shoot cameras may fade out of market

Hitechnex 0 Camera, Gadgets, Technology 1.1.14

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KOLKATA: Cheap point-and-shoot cameras may fade out of the market soon. Two top camera makers, Canon and Fujifilm, said they would trim their sub-Rs 10,000 compact camera portfolio in the Indian market with industry sales of such entry-level models having almost halved in 2013, cannibalised by smartphones.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-bE-ElyUq49MG1sAE2C4tcU1ftVBdcNlOhtDNgN52eoAYdDKDSqE9VduPTQR_JREQR5hCBuj_hx_YttXM5RPPkHfX_d5Um7sjjwZmCtLfZHNSUxCu7fO5Nt7K3qX0wWyLC8QEzqhBDhs/s1600/CanonIXUS255HS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-bE-ElyUq49MG1sAE2C4tcU1ftVBdcNlOhtDNgN52eoAYdDKDSqE9VduPTQR_JREQR5hCBuj_hx_YttXM5RPPkHfX_d5Um7sjjwZmCtLfZHNSUxCu7fO5Nt7K3qX0wWyLC8QEzqhBDhs/s1600/CanonIXUS255HS.jpg" /></a>These units, which were until recently heavily advertised and endorsed by celebrities such as Anushka Sharma, Priyanka Chopra and Deepika Padukone, have failed to remain competitive with smartphones, which promise almost equal resolution along with instant sharing capability.<br />
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Sales of the devices, which used to contribute almost 80% of total digital camera sales by value in 2011 with the remainder accounted for by SLRs, dropped to 30% in 2013 and is expected to drop further to 15-20 % in 2014, the manufacturers said.<br />
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While some Canon models would still be available for below Rs 10,000, the brand won't push the segment, said executive vice president Alok Bharadwaj. The compact camera market declined by more than 40% in 2013, necessitating a change in the focus on mid-to-high-end compact cameras and digital SLRs, which are growing at more than 30%.<br />
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"But we are still trying to add features in the entry-level models such as more optical zoom and low-light photography which smartphones can't match. This might also lead to some price hike but the market for plain-vanilla cameras is over. It's going to be a challenging year ahead," said Bharadwaj.<br />
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Fujifilm India will reduce the number of models in the entry segment and instead expand the high-end compact segment, said executive vice president Rohit Pandit.<br />
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"There has been a steep decline in the sales of compact cameras this year and hence we want to reduce our dependence by launching more feature-added models," he said.<br />
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However, Sony India sales head Sunil Nayyar said the company will continue with its sub-Rs 10,000 cameras for at least one more year before taking a final call.<br />
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"Despite the market scenario, since Sony controls almost half the compact camera market in India by sales, we would continue with the segment," he said.<br />
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Nikon said there would be no change in strategy as sales have grown in the category.<br />
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"As digital camera prices are becoming more affordable, consumers are lured to upgrade for superior quality," said Nikon India managing director Hiroshi Takashina.<br />
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Retailers said supplies of entry level compact cameras have dried up for all brands in the last two months. "Post-Diwali, there is no fresh import of compact cameras from any of the brands in the sub-Rs 10,000 segment," said Pulkit Baid, director at Great Eastern Appliances, a leading electronics retail chain.<br />
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"All brands are clearing their old inventory which is getting channelised to upcountry locations and at best just one or two sub-Rs 10,000 models will remain," Baid added. Nikon's Takashina said camera makers are upgrading products and introducing features such as Wi-Fi connectivity, advanced shooting modes and inbuilt GPS.<br />
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"The industry is already seeing a growing demand for DSLRs and this shall only complement the mass segment of compact cameras," Takashina said. At the same time, camera makers such as Canon and Nikon are seeking to boost sales of DSLRs with models below Rs 30,000, combination lens offers and photography workshops.</div>

Cheap point-and-shoot cameras may fade out of market

KOLKATA: Cheap point-and-shoot cameras may fade out of the market soon. Two top camera makers, Canon and Fujifilm, said they would trim the...

Google Nexus 5 vanquishes Nexus 4 on all counts

Hitechnex 0 Android, Gadgets, Google, Nexus, Nexus 5, Smartphone, Technology 1.1.14

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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEVg1iPjrjd1RGyWR0Fwcd0VQ4s3GP1AsSZ1QaXP0ofbEa87TrstOjFA3cTmpPWkHO6JNe0sQPBL-VQ6DiI2aVnFkWsmjCaJ620zOwC0mxU_t-pMblS2SY32GsgN-UGweYOTgj18Rbb-8/s1600/1280x1024_wallpaper_dragon_ball_kai.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEVg1iPjrjd1RGyWR0Fwcd0VQ4s3GP1AsSZ1QaXP0ofbEa87TrstOjFA3cTmpPWkHO6JNe0sQPBL-VQ6DiI2aVnFkWsmjCaJ620zOwC0mxU_t-pMblS2SY32GsgN-UGweYOTgj18Rbb-8/s320/1280x1024_wallpaper_dragon_ball_kai.jpg" width="320" /></a><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">SUMMARY</span></b><br />
Nexus 5 is no different, and gives experience that Google wants to offer to users on Android.<br />
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Google launched its Nexus 5 smartphone globally and much to our surprise, the company redeemed itself for the mistakes it made with Nexus 4 in India by bringing the latest Nexus much earlier than last time around (almost one year). The stock Android 4.4 KitKat version is the best way to differentiate between the experience on a Nexus device and other vendor branded devices. The latest Nexus 5 therefore is no different, and gives the experience that Google wants to offer to users on Android.</div>
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LG has flourished under the stewardship of Google for its Nexus devices, enabling it to iron out the flaws they have had in their previous smartphones. With Nexus 5, LG has taken the expectations to a whole new level. It is priced at R29,999 for the 16 GB version and R33,999 for the 32 GB phone.</div>
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So what’s all the hoopla about Nexus 5 you may ask? For starters, it sports a five inch full high definition display, runs on the latest stock Android 4.4 KitKat OS, packs in a 2.2 GHz Snapdragon 800 CPU with 2 GB RAM and then the usual culprits—8 megapixel rear and 1.2 megapixel front cameras, plenty of connectivity options and a 2300 mAh battery.</div>
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Not the most good looking smartphone, but it’s a definite step up from the glossy looks of the Nexus 4. That said with Nexus 5, you get a well-built sturdy device that comes with Corning Glass 3 display. During our usage, we found the display to be effective and even after some rough treatment the display refused to wither down. The full high definition display is bright, crisp and offers a colourful viewing experience. At 130 grams, the phone is a hair lighter than the Nexus 4, which weighs 139 grams.</div>
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The other change in Nexus 5 is the placement of speakers, which are now more conventionally placed at the bottom unlike at the rear as was the case in the Nexus 4. Stock Android version has its hits and misses. The performance is smooth but we did miss some applications that should have been pre-installed.</div>
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One really interesting thing</div>
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is that Hangout is the default app for messaging and SMS on the Nexus 5. So one has to install an SMS app from the Play Store to get standalone SMS capability. Camera is a big improvement over Nexus 4, but it is still well short of other major devices in the market, most notably the Nokia Lumia 1020. But for the pricing, Nexus 5 offers images of credible quality. Imaging capability in real time is sluggish and the auto-focus and clicking images is not the smoothest ride though.</div>
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Battery life on the Nexus 5 is average and during normal usage, which we define as two hours of Web surfing and messaging, three hours on Wi-Fi, three-four hours on 3G and one hour of gaming, the smartphone lasted for little over half a day. Nothing to really boast about, but manageable. Google Voice feature deserves a mention, as it stands out for its effectiveness and accuracy. It is quick, effective and informative with any information delivered in no time.</div>
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In terms of raw performance the Nexus 5 scored 21754 on Antutu, 7813 on Quadrant, 13402 (Unlimited) on 3DMark and 1353 on Vellamo HTML5. The Nexus 4 on the other hand scored 16440, 4245, 7075 (extreme) and 1159 respectively. It clearly indicates that the Nexus 5 is a far better performer.</div>
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Overall, the Nexus 5 is a pure delight and ranks as one of the top smartphones in the market this year. LG has done it again; the product is a sure value-for-money. If an iPhone or Windows Phone device is not your cup of tea, then the Nexus 5 is a must have.</div>
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<i style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Estimated street price: Rs 29,999 (16 GB)</i></div>
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Google Nexus 5 vanquishes Nexus 4 on all counts

SUMMARY Nexus 5 is no different, and gives experience that Google wants to offer to users on Android. Google launched its Nexus 5 s...

Lenovo Vibe X review: More beauty than brawn

Hitechnex 2 Android, Gadgets, Lenovo, Reviews, Smartphone, Technology 1.1.14

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 NEW DELHI: For Lenovo, 2013 has been a big year in the Indian smartphone market. The company is known for its desktops and laptops but with the sale of traditional computers slowing down, Lenovo is turning its focus to the smartphone industry. In China, its home country, it is already one of the biggest phone makers.<br />
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In India, 2013 was a sort of beginning for Lenovo and with the phones like P780 and K900, it managed to make a mark for itself. It promised good features, decent quality and fast performance at a relatively affordable price, and with some of the handsets delivered on these promises.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCTAduxHzwAacevQMdBNfM0ggUx_ZGakG0JcS4We5LMYo9JsWU2iXmbVxNJeSem8gaRefthpuIg7ZoKRatt1Hrlz71lmbAEahxPDtJnXD9mGas3dabcCdszaV15XgZR0mn1hq6vyxUJi4/s1600/lenovo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCTAduxHzwAacevQMdBNfM0ggUx_ZGakG0JcS4We5LMYo9JsWU2iXmbVxNJeSem8gaRefthpuIg7ZoKRatt1Hrlz71lmbAEahxPDtJnXD9mGas3dabcCdszaV15XgZR0mn1hq6vyxUJi4/s320/lenovo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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For the company, 2014 is all about working on the inroads made in 2013. And in this endeavor, Lenovo is counting heavily on Vibe X, its new flagship phone.</div>
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On paper, the price of Vibe X sure looks good. With an MRP of Rs 25,999 it is one of the more affordable phones with a FullHD screen, promise of good aftersales service and a quad-core processor. But this is also a segment of the market where competition is very strong.</div>
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Does Vibe X manage to compete with the likes of Google Nexus 5, which sells for just Rs 3,000 more, and Sony Xperia ZR?</div>
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After spending some time with the handset, we can tell you the answer is a no. Lenovo seems to have missed a trick or two with Vibe X. And that is disappointing because this phone does have a few things going for it. Read on to know why we reached this conclusion...</div>
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Sleek, lightweight and with a terrific screen</div>
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Vibe X is a good-looking device. In fact, it is more than good looking. It is incredibly thin and very light, especially for a phone that has a five-inch screen.</div>
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At 6.9mm, Vibe X is as thin as Lenovo K900 but feels thinner because unlike the boxy shape of K900, this phone has gently curved sides and rounded edges. This gives it a pebble like shape and makes it easier to hold it in hand. The back cover, which is non-removable, is made of plastic but has faux metal finish and a pattern of very fine dots.</div>
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The frame around the screen is also made of tough plastic but has faux chrome finish. It is shiny and adds to the style of the device, though we are not sure how well the shine will hold up with the use. The volume rocker on the right and the power button on the left have chamfered edges. These buttons fit in their sockets snuggly and feel perfect.</div>
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The speaker grill on Vibe X is on the top of the screen. Below the screen there are three touch-sensitive and backlit buttons. The screen is topped with a layer of Gorilla Glass 3, which is very tough and adds to the premium feel of the device.</div>
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Overall, we like the design and build quality of Vibe X. The design is especially nice. But we can't help feeling a bit disappointing that the phone lacks a metal body. K900, the flagship Lenovo phone of 2013, was sturdier and tougher because of its steel body.</div>
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Before we detail the hardware in Vibe X, let's talk about two components - screen and speakers.</div>
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The 5-inch screen in Vibe X is incredible! It has FullHD resolution. Text and images look clear and sharp on it. For an IPS screen, it also dazzles by the way it shows colours. They look punchy and pleasantly saturated. The brightness and contrast in Vibe X could have been better, though. In our use, we found screen to be bright enough in most conditions. But in direct sunlight we wished it was a bit less reflective.</div>
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Speaker is the other highlight of Vibe X. It is very loud. If you play songs on Vibe X, it can easily fill a small silent room with sound.</div>
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On paper, Vibe X seems to have decent hardware. But relying on specifications to judge a phone can be misleading.</div>
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Let down by performance issues</div>
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Given its ambitions, Vibe X is a shockingly slow phone. It is not as slow as a Rs 10,000 or a Rs 15,000 Android phones. But compared to the performance on phones like Nexus 5, Xperia ZR or even last year's phones like Galaxy S3 and Nexus 4, which now sell for less than Rs 25,000, the Vibe X is slow.</div>
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In fact, it feels slower than Lenovo K900!</div>
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The lag on the phone was visible when we swiped between the home screens, opened apps, browsed the web and opened gallery app to view photos. It lagged while we played games like Asphalt 8. This is a very demanding game but a phone that costs Rs 25,000 should be able to run it well, with smooth frame rates. We didn't see the smooth performance on Vibe X.</div>
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One reason why Vibe X feels slower is probably due to the software it runs. On top of Android 4.2.2, Lenovo has put a modified user interface. This interface, which is partly inspired by the user interface of iOS operating system, is a sort of oddity. It introduces a number of changes in the Android interface just for the sake of change. For example, there is no app drawer. The method to multitask has been changed. On Vibe X, the multitasking tray doesn't show the thumbnail of running apps. Instead, it is more like the multitasking in iOS 6. Long pressing on the menu button shows the icons of all the active apps at the bottom of the screen.</div>
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Similarly, the settings panel has been changed. The quick access panel on the notification shade has been changed. The icons are different - they are more colourful and cartoonish. In our opinion, none of these changes are helpful to a consumer.</div>
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It is also clear this unique interface makes the phone slow. We replaced the default launcher with third-party launcher - Nova - and that improved the performance slightly. But we could not get rid of a security app that runs all the time on the phone, whether you need it or not. Also we could not reverse some of the deeper changes, such as the new way to multitask, that Lenovo has made.</div>
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In fact, Lenovo K900, which has a different - and more Android like - user interface, did not suffer from the performance issues. It provided a mostly lag-free user interface.</div>
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Vibe X packs in a 13MP camera. But the performance of the camera is average. In most of the conditions, Vibe X shoots images that lack adequate contrast. In low-light, the phone attempts over smoothening to keep the level of colour noise down. It succeeds but that also results in low amount of details. The phone can shoot FullHD videos. For shooting videos, performance is slightly better. If you hold the phone steady, it is possible to shoot decent quality footage with Vibe X. But if you are shooting from a moving car, the videos have some focus issues. The front camera in Vibe X captures clear footage during video chats.</div>
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The voice quality and cell reception during calls was very good on Vibe X.</div>
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The battery in the phone lasts around 11 hours when used with a 3G connection. This is slightly below average.</div>
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Should you buy it or not?</div>
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As we said earlier, our recommendation is a no. The competition around Rs 25,000 mark is strong in the phone market. At this price point, not only a phone has to offer a good screen and usable camera but also fantastic performance. Performance is particular crucial. If you can't play the latest game with a Rs 25,000 phone or if it lags while you are sorting your holiday photos, what is the point of spending so much money?</div>
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There are handsets that offer better experience with the same price. Nexus 5 is one choice if you are willing to spend around Rs 3,000 more. Xperia ZR is another decent option and it costs less than Vibe X. Slightly older devices like Galaxy S3, Lenovo K900, Nexus 4 and Galaxy Note II are also better devices than Vibe X.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnFTK_o0B2dZr3gsPIdTUKU0EZ5-4XnXqZy9Bd4gYJUKjV71z-CxQgrf3mqPu8fwiaN0gsZ3JkrUs-ySVEI_945HUfxXgsngpArNh7WkFTAUO6DSrVa4WjZLCgaKnI5sVMur59d-x04K8/s1600/lenovsdaaso.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBG751a8QZahAd0a155sKCO6GZ60n5vdvfs0FdYkvdIoXIF5zHf4UVTent4vDDyY6FiXEk0OkhQIkpXCmHicuFdtiTP5My_0u-fUxirbBYI25cEkQGKRM5prMUKVuTMd8CXFd_qGURC9s/s1600/leaanovo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBG751a8QZahAd0a155sKCO6GZ60n5vdvfs0FdYkvdIoXIF5zHf4UVTent4vDDyY6FiXEk0OkhQIkpXCmHicuFdtiTP5My_0u-fUxirbBYI25cEkQGKRM5prMUKVuTMd8CXFd_qGURC9s/s200/leaanovo.jpg" width="200" /></a><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnFTK_o0B2dZr3gsPIdTUKU0EZ5-4XnXqZy9Bd4gYJUKjV71z-CxQgrf3mqPu8fwiaN0gsZ3JkrUs-ySVEI_945HUfxXgsngpArNh7WkFTAUO6DSrVa4WjZLCgaKnI5sVMur59d-x04K8/s200/lenovsdaaso.jpg" width="200" /></div>
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Vibe X has a great screen and a good design but the performance is a real downer. May be Lenovo will fix it with a software update in future. May be the device will get a price cut that will make it more appealing. But currently, Vibe X is not a phone that we can recommend.</div>
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Specs</div>
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* 5-inch IPS touchscreen (1920 x 1080 pixels resolution)</div>
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* MediaTek MT 6589T quad-core processor with 1.5GHz speed</div>
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* PowerVR 544MP2 graphics chip</div>
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*2GB RAM</div>
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*16GB memory</div>
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*13-megapixel camera, 1080P video recording</div>
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*5MP front-facing camera</div>
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*3G, Wi-Fi</div>
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*Bluetooth, GPS</div>
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*2000 mAh battery that lasts around 11 hours</div>
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*Android 4.2 Jelly Bean</div>
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Lenovo Vibe X review: More beauty than brawn

NEW DELHI: For Lenovo, 2013 has been a big year in the Indian smartphone market. The company is known for its desktops and laptops but wit...

Smarter, Better, Faster: Tech trends from 2013

Hitechnex 0 Android, Gadgets, Laptops, Smartphone, Technology 31.12.13

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It is that time of the year, the time to take stock of trends that worked for tech companies and the ones that didn't. It is becoming increasingly tough for them as product cycles get shorter and consumers more demanding. In 2013, things changed faster than most of us expected. What was predicted to be a trend at the beginning of the year was nowhere to be found by Christmas. New ones emerged mid-year and became stronger as the months passed. Here are three trends that impacted you the most in the year that was.<br />
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Smartphones, smarter phones<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUgRt1f2OTISJ3l7Wi1yk-a3Jq-nN3rcdQ3UMFqK2wJOfSrlljST_jYT5VRQBszR42BXmcrkHVK5t8BikoV26vXQBPXMckIN74c_PSldyI9D8lrmvtpqeihZDsXZ_nvfo0ckpYHi-D4aw/s1600/M_Id_452925_eye.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUgRt1f2OTISJ3l7Wi1yk-a3Jq-nN3rcdQ3UMFqK2wJOfSrlljST_jYT5VRQBszR42BXmcrkHVK5t8BikoV26vXQBPXMckIN74c_PSldyI9D8lrmvtpqeihZDsXZ_nvfo0ckpYHi-D4aw/s320/M_Id_452925_eye.jpg" width="320" /></a>This was the year in which smartphones started selling more than feature phones. And the credit for this has to go to affordable Android phones powered by cheap processors from companies like MediaTek, and Nokia's Lumia 520 which has made Microsoft's Windows Phone operating system affordable. In India, you can buy an Android smartphone for as low as Rs 4,000 though the performance of such devices does not compare to high-end models. But that is immaterial when you consider that these phones are democratising not just smart devices, but also taking the internet to places it has never been before. The result: More Indians access the Web from phones than from computers.<br />
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The smartphone has also become smarter than before. Yes, it is evolution, but the march of the smartphone has been at the cost of many devices, ranging from point and shoot cameras to radios. The smartphone can now be an assistant, not one that needs to be spoken to like iPhone's Siri, but one that will speak to you like the Moto X. Voice control has been there for a few years now. But 2013 will be remembered as the year in which it was perfected, well almost. Smartphones have also become intelligent to the extent of being able to take some decisions on their own. The calendar on iOS when working at full capability will tell you how long it will take you to reach from one meeting to the other, and reschedule the second according to the expected time of arrival. It will even send a text message about the delay to the person you are supposed to meet. Apple also ushered in a technology that might change our lives in a couple of years. The finger print reader on the new iPhone 5s could be the death of passwords as we know it. Soon you might just need your finger to get through to your email, bank account and app store.<br />
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C<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 23px;">onverting Computing</b><br />
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The two-in-one is not dead and buried. In fact, the term made a re-appearance this year. Not as a music system that you could carry on your shoulder, but a laptop that could become a tablet when needed. The first wave of Windows 8 devices that could turn, twist or tear to bring the screen close to the user to make the best of the touch-optimised operating system appeared this year. But despite their flexibility, they did not really fly off the shelves, as they were expensive at one end of the scale and underpowered on the other. By the end of the year, what has started out as ultrabook convertibles and tablet hybrids is being branded as 2-in-1s. Rest assured, you haven't heard the last of these devices.</div>
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The biggest visible change in personal computing was the advent of touch, thanks to Windows 8. Now, even entry-level devices have touchscreen options. It is not that you cannot use Windows 8 without touching the screen, but it is definitely a better experience. It also helped that touchscreen panels became affordable as their numbers started increasing. There are still laptop screens without touch, but this added feature will soon become a standard as the price will hardly make a difference.</div>
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We have all been talking about cloud computing for years now. This year, however, the cloud literally came down with the Google Chromebook. This new breed of computers, which have finally made their debut in India, are among the most affordable PCs as they keep almost everything in the cloud, right from the software to your files. Microsoft too has made cloud the default in its new operating system, as far as saving files is concerned. And, you might not have realised it, but almost all of the internet services you use are enabled by the cloud.</div>
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Everything is Wireless</div>
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When Nokia Launched the Lumia 920 in 2012 with Qi wireless charging, many thought of it as a gimmick. A year down the line, there are more phones from the company and many others that support this feature without the need to tout it. With the last frontier in wireless technology almost breached, you will now see this feature coming to all sorts of devices, from cameras to electric cars. Finally, a way out of the tangle of wires that we find ourselves in.</div>
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Wireless technology, meanwhile, has made inroads into a lot of new device streams, from cameras to televisions. Digital cameras can now share an image they have shot and corrected without help from wires or a computer to which it had been fettered since their inception. Televisions, on the other hand, now link up directly to the internet, thus shrugging off their dependence on programmed content. Many people now just watch YouTube on large screen televisions, not bothering with what local channels have to show.</div>
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The wireless capabilities of devices are ushering in what is being called the internet of Things, characterised by their ability not only to go online but to talk among themselves. A typical example are smartwatches which are synced with smartphones, letting you take and make calls, see messages and even keep a tab on your engagements. My cameras, too, can now talk to phones and the computer. The dialogue has truly begun.</div>
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Predictions</div>
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In these days of flux, it is difficult to stick your neck out and predict what will happen in the coming year. But we are putting ourselves under the guillotine and noting five trends:</div>
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<b>1. Larger smartphones: </b>The phablets — smartphones larger than five and smaller than seven inches — will become the norm, as there will be no real reason to buy a smaller device when the larger one will cost the same.</div>
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<b>2. Smaller tablets: </b>The larger 10-inch tablets will become a niche product as the seven and eight inches will become the sizes of choice since they are easier to handle. Most of them will also be able to make calls.</div>
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<b>3. Newer ways to communicate:</b>Voice has been conquered, now the focus shifts to gesture and a more natural experience on touchscreens. You will see a push towards better ways of communicating with your devices than pushing buttons.</div>
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<b>4. Wearable devices:</b>From intelligent fabrics to goggles and smartwatches, the market will soon flood with stuff that can be worn and won't need to be carried around. It remains to be seen if they can actually replace popular devices.</div>
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<b>5. Intelligence inside:</b> More devices will connect to the Web on their own and talk to their smart counterparts to make life easier for you. Cars, home appliances and security devices are first in line for this makeover. </div>
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Smarter, Better, Faster: Tech trends from 2013

It is that time of the year, the time to take stock of trends that worked for tech companies and the ones that didn't. It is becoming i...

Review BSNL Champion Trendy 531: Buy this phone if you need decent performance and a great battery

Hitechnex 0 Android, BSNL, Gadgets, Reviews, Smartphone, Technology 31.12.13

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BSNL it trying its best to woo the non-metro crowd. Its latest is a collaboration with Champion computers, a Phablet called BSNL Champion Trendy 531. Products with the BSNL tag, like the company's services, have most of the time failed to impress me. But I unboxed Champion Trendy 531 with the hope of finding something good, something that might get it some buyers.<br />
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At first glance the device looked fine, But was it good enough to change my perception about BSNL? The Champion Trendy 531 is a dual SIM phablet, and works well with both GSM and GSM/WCDMA SIMs. However, the only concern is that you need a microSIM to access 3G as the SIM slot 1 supports only 2G.<br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">Design</span></b><br />
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BSNL Champion Trendy 531 looks like any other 5-inch phablet and features a generic budget smartphone look. The curvy plastic body holds a with 5.<br />
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3-inch QHD touchscreen display which offers 540x960 pixels at 240dpi. But the glossy finishing attracts a lot of smudges and fingerprints. And the resolution of the screen, makes you want more. Plus, it is almost impossible to see anything on this screen under direct sunlight.<br />
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The back panel felt cheap and there is always the fear that you might end up breaking it while opening the cover. The rear 13MP camera has a LED flash, while the front 5MP camera -- mistakenly quoted as 2MP on the box -- is placed on top of the display.<br />
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Thanks to the responsive touch screen and stock Android it was quite easy using the phone. The audio quality is good for calls, though at times there seemed to be a drop in volume. We did not notice any lag in usage, even with multiple apps open. So the 1.2Ghz quad-core processor seems to be doing a good job. To test the Trendy, I ran games like Temple Run and Angry Birds and hardly felt any lags .<br />
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BSNL 531 makes use of a massive 3200mAh battery and is good enough to last a couple of days with regular use. That is impressive. I was able to stream video over the Wi-Fi for five hours with full brightness. Also, the handset was able to deliver eight hours of talk time on one charge. yes, this battery is as good as the one on the Samsung Note III.</div>
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On of the biggest disappointments with the phone is the lack of storage space. In fact, there is just 2.70GB available for users and you will need to add a micro-SD card for more.</div>
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The 5MP front camera is quite good. In fact, the camera quality is good enough to give decent images indoors and outdoors.</div>
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<b>Should you buy it :</b> At Rs 13,999, this phone is a good option for those who need stable performance and a battery that will last.</div>
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<b>What is inside :</b>BSNL Champion Trendy 531 comes with a 1.2GHz MTK MT6589T quad-core Processor with 1GB RAM.</div>
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The handset is further operated on Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean OS, and there is no skin overlaying. As expected, the handset comes with stock Android and most of the features are similar to that of other Jelly Bean handsets.</div>
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<b>Price: 13,999</b></div>
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<b>Rating: ****</b></div>
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Review BSNL Champion Trendy 531: Buy this phone if you need decent performance and a great battery

BSNL it trying its best to woo the non-metro crowd. Its latest is a collaboration with Champion computers, a Phablet called BSNL Champion...

Review Lenovo Yoga Tablet: Excellent ergonomics and battery, but an inferior display

Hitechnex 0 Android, Gadgets, Lenovo, Lenovo Yoga, Reviews, Smartphone, Technology 31.12.13

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Can you use a tablet with one hand? For most tablets, the answer is no, especially for long periods. Chinese manufacturer Lenovo is attempting to change that perception with a cylindrical metal grip on one side that lets users hold the tablet easily.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsdxtExNz2S79VPIRtwxZReMgb01W_6C2350n32hkqakrN43B6jJJvB0QBlQaZFTcKsBMHl2gX1kMsZ3yYxSOWsCVMcSONgY_OotykM9OpPozdKX6NpQwVic1TsaoKHPj3oaMaFQN-k4A/s1600/lenovo440dec30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsdxtExNz2S79VPIRtwxZReMgb01W_6C2350n32hkqakrN43B6jJJvB0QBlQaZFTcKsBMHl2gX1kMsZ3yYxSOWsCVMcSONgY_OotykM9OpPozdKX6NpQwVic1TsaoKHPj3oaMaFQN-k4A/s320/lenovo440dec30.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsdxtExNz2S79VPIRtwxZReMgb01W_6C2350n32hkqakrN43B6jJJvB0QBlQaZFTcKsBMHl2gX1kMsZ3yYxSOWsCVMcSONgY_OotykM9OpPozdKX6NpQwVic1TsaoKHPj3oaMaFQN-k4A/s1600/lenovo440dec30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsdxtExNz2S79VPIRtwxZReMgb01W_6C2350n32hkqakrN43B6jJJvB0QBlQaZFTcKsBMHl2gX1kMsZ3yYxSOWsCVMcSONgY_OotykM9OpPozdKX6NpQwVic1TsaoKHPj3oaMaFQN-k4A/s1600/lenovo440dec30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsdxtExNz2S79VPIRtwxZReMgb01W_6C2350n32hkqakrN43B6jJJvB0QBlQaZFTcKsBMHl2gX1kMsZ3yYxSOWsCVMcSONgY_OotykM9OpPozdKX6NpQwVic1TsaoKHPj3oaMaFQN-k4A/s1600/lenovo440dec30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a>Lenovo's Yoga moniker is no longer reserved for ultrabooks that can be bent backwards. The Chinese manufacturer, which recently said it has moved from being a PC maker to a PC-plus company, has brought the Yoga brand name to two unconventional tablets. Lenovo Yoga Tablet comes in two screen sizes. The 8-inch variant costs Rs 22,999, while the 10-inch model costs Rs 28,999. We reviewed the 8-inch Yoga Tablet, so read on to find out if the tablet is worth buying</div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">Design</span></div>
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Before venturing into the tablet's build, it is best to take a look at what is new. In a tablet market full of lookalikes, Lenovo Yoga Tablet stands out for its unique design. The tube grip on one edge of the tablet makes it easy to hold. Twisting the tube reveals a tiny stand, which is by far the most innovative addition to a tablet. If you have ever used an iPad with Apple's smart cover, you would know how much the typing experience improves after you fold the cover into a triangle to raise one edge of the iPad. The stand on the Yoga Tablet lets you do the same thing without paying around Rs 4,000 more, unlike the iPad. But at 401 grams, the tablet is too heavy for one-hand use.</div>
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Users can also use the stand to prop up the tablet. This, along with the front-facing speakers and Dolby sound, make watching films enjoyable on the Yoga Tablet. The only gripe is that the speakers were not loud enough for noisy places, but are good for watching films at home. Holding a tablet in your hand while watching films is cumbersome for various reasons such as aching or sweating hands, and the device's rising temperature, especially during summers. The stand eliminates that irksome experience altogether.</div>
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Lenovo is known for making sturdy devices, as evident with the company's rugged ThinkPad laptops, and the Yoga Tablet is no exception. The back panel of the tablet is made of metal and so is the tube grip. This gives the tablet a sturdy feel.</div>
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The placement of the power button is unconventional – at one end of the tube grip – but it's easy to find once users get used to the device.</div>
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Performance</div>
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Lenovo's practical approach to the tablet's design was encouraging, but the display is far from the best. Yoga Tablet 8's pricing pits it squarely against last year's iPad Mini and the display is just a shade inferior when compared to Apple's device. However, those looking to buy the 10-inch Yoga Tablet can get a much better display on the iPad Mini Retina (Rs 28,900). Those used to Retina display will find it very hard to accept the lower resolution screen on the Yoga Tablet. However, that is a compromise users will have to live with at this price point.</div>
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Yoga Tablet runs Android 4.2.2, but Lenovo has customised the OS. The app drawer has been removed entirely, which means that you will not have to tap a button to view a list of apps. All your apps are on the home screen by default, just like the layout in Apple's iOS. One area where the software differs from iOS is that you can place widgets on the home screen. I did not like Lenovo's customisations since stock Android feels much smoother and refined. There is no point trying to change the interface if the company cannot improve user experience. A slight lag was noticed when swiping between home screens, especially when many widgets were placed on one of the home screens.</div>
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For a mid-range tablet, the device performed as expected. This tablet is capable of running most games, but don't buy it if you want to play heavy games, such as Real Racing 3, all day. As with most tablets, the Yoga Tablet's camera is poor.</div>
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Android and excellent battery life are rarely seen in the same sentence. Earlier this year, Lenovo's P780 smartphone proved that stereotype wrong, although the phone was a little too bulky for most people. With the Yoga Tablet, Lenovo has given users excellent battery life in a sleek form factor. The secret – the tube grip houses its battery. It lasted around 10-11 hours on moderate to heavy usage.</div>
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Review Lenovo Yoga Tablet: Excellent ergonomics and battery, but an inferior display

Review Lenovo Yoga Tablet: Excellent ergonomics and battery, but an inferior display Can you use a tablet with one hand? For most t...

Review Sony a7: This full-frame can compete with any Canon or Nikon camera, if you can afford it

Hitechnex 0 Camera, Reviews, Sony, Technology 31.12.13

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Camera manufacturers are a worried lot. The improvement in phone cameras have over the past few years eroded almost all of their business in the point and shoot range. Almost everyone clicks pictures these days, but not all are using something that has been built exclusively for the purpose. This is why innovation has become the key to survival in the camera business. Nikon pushed the envelope a bit too far when it launched the D800 with a 36MP sensor, Canon was silent for a while before it thought of the ultra compact 100D. But since then, most of the innovation has happened from Sony, not exactly the first name that comes to your mind when you think of cameras. They launched the stunning RX1, a compact camera with a full-frame sensor, the RX100s that took compact cameras to a whole new level and now the new Sony Alpha a7 and a7R DSLRs, both full-frame mirror-less cameras in very manageable sizes. I put the Sony a7 to the test.<br />
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The design reminded me a lot of the RX1. In fact, the body is not much larger even though this is a full-frame DSLR. But the RX1, the great camera that it is, would develop a serious complex in front of this one. That is because this has a tiltable LCD panel, a proper eye piece though looking into an electronic OLED viewfinder and whole range of lenses to play with. It is compact, but build like a Colt with a body that will weather most storms, and dust storms, that come its way. All the ports are tucked away behind sturdy flaps. Despite the small built, the camera offers a very steady, DSLR-like, grip. There is a thumb rest near where all the controls are settles. There is a ring here to adjust the settings and another on up front accessible with your fingers. While framing a shot, both these will come in more than handy. There are two customisable buttons that maker life much easier. Plus, you can switch between auto focus and auto exposure lock on the body itself. I would have preferred this to have been a switch for manual focus.</div>

Review Sony a7: This full-frame can compete with any Canon or Nikon camera, if you can afford it

Camera manufacturers are a worried lot. The improvement in phone cameras have over the past few years eroded almost all of their business...

Revealed! Most downloaded smartphone apps of 2013

Hitechnex 0 Android, Apps, Gadgets 31.12.13

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TORONTO : Snapchat, Vine, and Candy Crush Saga earned coveted spots on smartphones this year, making them among the most downloaded apps of the year.<br />
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There are more than a million apps on Apple's App Store and Google's Play store, the two dominant marketplaces for apps, which see billions of downloads each year.<br />
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This year, the most downloaded apps were new takes on communication, gaming, and entertainment, according to mobile app experts.<br />
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"2013 was a really interesting year in terms of maturation, milestones and new trends," said Craig Palli, chief strategy officer at Fiksu, a mobile marketing company based in Boston.<br />
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"The most downloaded apps were in familiar categories, but offered new twists," he added.<br />
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While old favorites such as Instagram, Facebook and Twitter — available for iPhone, Android and other devices - continued to be popular ways of communicating with friends, Snapchat eclipsed them in downloads in 2013, becoming the sixth most downloaded free app of the year on the App Store, according to Apple.<br />
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"Snapchat went from being a niche app to achieving much more critical mass, so much so that Facebook was reportedly willing to spend billions of dollars to acquire the company," said Palli.<br />
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With Snapchat, users can send photos and videos that disappear shortly after they are viewed.<br />
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Launched in 2011, the app's user base continued to grow rapidly in 2013, with over 13 million people using the app in October, according to the latest available estimates from global information and measurement company Nielsen. In December alone, over 400 million pieces of content were shared through the app, according to Snapchat, based in Venice, CA.<br />
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Vine, a video sharing app released earlier this year by microblogging company Twitter, was the fourth most downloaded free app in 2013. The app, for iPhone, Android and other devices, allows users to share videos under six seconds in length. Nielsen estimates over 6 million people in the US were using the app in October of this year.<br />
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Snapchat and Vine fall into a category that mobile analytics firm Flurry calls camera-enhanced messaging, which they said grew eightfold in 2013.<br />
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"The communications category underwent phenomenal growth this year. Messaging apps like Snapchat, Line, Kakao (KakaoTalk) and WeChat are all exploding and becoming bigger than the carriers in their home countries in terms of users," said Simon Khalaf, chief executive of San Francisco-based company Flurry.<br />
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Crushing saga<br />
Games were another popular category, with Candy Crush Saga for iPhone, Android and Kindle Fire securing its position as the top downloaded free app, and as the top revenue grossing app. It has been downloaded over 500 million times since its launch last year, according to its creator King, based in the UK. Nielsen estimates that over 20 million people in the US were playing the game in October of this year.<br />
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In the entertainment category, Pandora continued to be the leading way to stream music and was the ninth most downloaded, and third top grossing, app in 2013.<br />
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"Clearly the device has swallowed radio," said Palli. "Despite the new entrants, Pandora remains the dominant player in the space," he added.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuvOBGunYqISWtv7a2jMhUj7RR6fRsnWOHvumB6fS4njmKUMT2mbeVvddHoRIVpe8SEW6XaND8eycPfoCGkC7rzxqRlPL6-ZzszxiOotR8k9RHfDxockJhyphenhyphenBth_I8LhboO5xEFQ0v95v8/s1600/open-app.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuvOBGunYqISWtv7a2jMhUj7RR6fRsnWOHvumB6fS4njmKUMT2mbeVvddHoRIVpe8SEW6XaND8eycPfoCGkC7rzxqRlPL6-ZzszxiOotR8k9RHfDxockJhyphenhyphenBth_I8LhboO5xEFQ0v95v8/s1600/open-app.jpg" title="This year, the most downloaded apps were new takes on communication, gaming, and entertainment, according to mobile app experts." /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This year, the most downloaded <br />apps were new takes on <br />communication, gaming, and <br />entertainment, according to mobile app experts.</td></tr>
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But the biggest trend of 2013, according to Palli, is the emergence of apps as a way to control companion devices, which he believes will continue to grow in 2014.<br />
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On Christmas Day, apps that pair with devices were among some of the top downloaded apps on the App Store.<br />
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The Fitbit app, for iPhone and Android, pairs with an electronic wristband to track metrics such as steps taken, distance traveled, and calories burned. It was the 16th most downloaded app on December 25, according to Palli, who monitored the Apple rankings.<br />
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Other apps that pair with devices, such as Chromecast, UP by Jawbone, and GoPro were also among the top downloads that day.<br />
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Khalaf predicts that apps for televisions will be the trend to watch for 2014.<br />
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"I think 2014 could be the year the TV industry gets disrupted by mobile," said Khalaf.<br />
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"If you think about it, every American spends $100+ dollars per month on a service that is not personalized and not mobile. It's an area that's ripe for disruption and I think someone will come up with new content, maybe a new device and more importantly a better business model."<br />
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Revealed! Most downloaded smartphone apps of 2013

TORONTO : Snapchat, Vine, and Candy Crush Saga earned coveted spots on smartphones this year, making them among the most downloaded apps of...