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The Google Chromecast is not only one of the most useful and innovative gadgets of the last few years, it's also dazzlingly cheap. And if you're looking to pick one up for the cheapest possible price, you've come to the right place!
Chromecast is a Wi-Fi HDMI dongle that you plug directly into your TV. From there you can use your smartphone or tablet to 'throw' video at your TV over Wi-Fi – whether it be Netflix movies, live football matches from the major broadcasters or simply just a funny YouTube video. On this page we'll find you the best prices for the Chromecast Ultra, Chromecast 2 (or just Chromecast now) and Chromecast Audio and explain how they differ.
This one's easy. The standard price for a Chromecast 2 is $54. You should never, ever pay more than that because you can always find one for that price.
The Chromecast 2, or 'new Chromecast' as it's also known, is very similar to the now discontinued 2013 Chromecast. Sure, it looks a little different. And it's got slightly faster network performance and a few other tweaks such as coming with a dangly cable instead of as a rigid stick. But essentially the same product in a different shape.
While it doesn't offer true multi-room streaming at the moment (fingers crossed that comes soon), this easy-to-use and affordable device modernises any trusty set of wired speakers you already own with wireless capabilities. In doing so, it also opens them up to features that will grow and get even better over time. Got an old set of speakers or an ancient iPod dock? Turn it into a wireless speaker with Chromecast Audio!
The 4K Chromecast Ultra is the newest member of the Chromecast family. If you have a 4K TV or are planning on getting one, it's certainly worth picking one of these up. The Chromecast Ultra is a cheaper alternative to Amazon's Fire TV or the US-only Roku 4 for getting 4K content on your TV. Chromecast Ultra deals are usually around $88, so anything cheaper is an added bonus.
The World Photography Awards is celebrating a decade-long partnership with headline sponsor, Sony, with the aim of the awards being to recognize and reward the very best contemporary photography captured over the last year.
The awards incorporate four competitions – Professional, Open, Youth and Student Focus – with the overall winners of the 2017 Sony World Photography Awards announced on April 20.
In the build-up to the awards next month, the winners of the Open (amateur) categories have been announced.
Whittling the winners down from more than 105,000 entries, the expert panel of judges looking for the best single photographs across 10 categories picked the following winners:
Each winning photographer will receive a Sony Alpha A7 II kit, and will now compete to win the title of Sony World Photography Awards’ Open Photographer of the Year title.
The winner will also earn a trip to the winners' awards ceremony in London in April and $5,000 prize. You can see more images and learn more about the competition at the World Photography Organisation website.
The winners of the Open categories will be shown at the Sony World Photography Awards 2017 Exhibition, held at Somerset House, London.
The show opens on April 21 and runs until the May 7, with the exhibition showcasing all the winning, shortlisted (top 10) and commended (top 50) images drawn from more than 227,000 entries that have been entered from 183 countries.
It will also feature a special dedication to British photographer Martin Parr, recipient of the Outstanding Contribution to Photography prize.
It's not all phones at today's Samsung Galaxy showcase – alongside the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8 Plus, the company also showed off its new Gear 360 livestreaming camera.
As the name suggests, the pistol-grip shaped camera lets you livestream 360-degree video – perfect for sharing with a Gear VR headset. If you're shooting a standard flat video, it'll capture it in 4K resolution (a step up from the 3840 x 1920 resolution of last year's model), while 360 video is captured in 2K.
These are captured with a pair of 8.4 megapixel fish eye cameras, combining for 15MP stills – an admitted step down from the 30MP shots of the original Gear 360 camera.
Straight out of the box though, the new Gear 360 camera will work with iOS devices. If you've an Apple device running iOS 10 or above, it'll happily pair with the Gear 360 for instant feedback on your livestreamed video.
The pistol-grip shape is also a change from last year's tripod-like model. Though it's easier to hold, it does mean battery life drops down to 1160mAh against last year's 1350mAh.
Set for release "this Spring", there's no pricing details to share yet, though Samsung has teased that it may come in cheaper than the $349 you were expected to cough up for last year's model.
A common sight at weddings, outdoor BBQs, and house parties, Fujifilm's Instax Mini instant cameras are insanely popular, and the line of portable, print-as-you-shoot snappers are getting a refresh next month.
The Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 sports a few new features and colors that should help the camera fit right in at any exciting get-together. The new shades include Flamingo Pink, Ice Blue, and Lime Green, while Cobalt Blue and Smoky White variants launch later this summer.
In addition to keeping the tradition of instant film alive, the Mini 9 adds a selfie mirror near the iris to help you get the perfect angle, as well as a closeup-ready lens and a high-key mode for brighter photos — ensuring you spend more of that precious, finite film on good memories than wasted, botched shots.
The Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 hits the US and Canada in April to the tune of US$70/CAD$100. The Mini 9 is compatible with all Fujifilm Instax Mini film refills, to include the company's newly released monochrome instant film.
Though digital photography has understandably put physical picture-taking in doubt, there's still plenty of demand for instant film. Fujifilm's Instax Mini cameras dominate Amazon's best-selling camera list, with refills for the portable cameras' film even taking the #1 and #2 slot at the time of writing.
The Fujifilm X-T2 is one of our favourite cameras at the moment, but Fujifilm thinks it can be even better. As we've seen with previous models, the company regularly updates the firmware of its cameras to improve operability and add new functions.
To that end, Fujifilm is announcing a total of 30 updates for the X-T2 and 19 for the X-Pro2. The first round of updates will be made available in the next few days, with the second batch due to arrive in late May.
1. Shooting raw in Bracketing and Advanced Filter modes
The update enables you to use the raw format when shooting not only in AE Bracketing but also in other Bracketing modes (ISO, Dynamic Range, White Balance, Film Simulations) and also in Advanced Filter modes.
2. Extended ISO125 and 160 selectable
The update adds ISO125 and ISO160 to extended ISO levels available.
3. Programmable long exposure of up to 15 minutes
Long exposure in the T mode currently goes only up to 30 seconds. The update will allow users to extend it up to 15 minutes.
4. ON/OFF for 1/3-step shutter speed adjustment (X-T2 only – already in X-Pro2)
The update allows you to turn off the Command Dial's function to adjust shutter speed by 1/3 steps in order to prevent unintended adjustments.
5. Full-range ISO adjustments with the Command Dial (X-T2 only)
With the update, set the ISO 'A' position to Command to adjust ISO sensitivity across the full range, including extended ISOs, with the Front Command Dial.
6. AUTO setting added for the minimum shutter speed in the ISO Auto setting
The update adds an AUTO option for the minimum shutter speed in the ISO Auto setting, which allows the camera to automatically define the minimum shutter speed according to the focal length of the lens attached.
7. Faster Face Detection AF
The update enables the use of Phase Detection AF for faster performance in Face Detection AF.
8. Improved in-focus indication in the AF-C mode
The update reduces focus hunting in the AF-C mode, making it easier to track a subject.
9. Addition of a smaller Focus Point size in Single Point AF
The update adds a smaller Focus Point size in Single Point AF, bringing the total number of available sizes to six. The new smallest size facilitates pin-point focusing.
10. Addition of AF Point Display (X-Pro2 only – already on X-T2)
With the update, you can choose to have AF Points constantly displayed in Zone AF and Wide / Tracking AF, making it easier to track a subject.
11. Addition of AF-C Custom Setting (X-Pro2 only – already on X-T2)
The update adds AF-C Custom Setting for specifying focus-tracking characteristics. Choose from five presets according to your subject's type of movements.
12. Addition of Portrait / Landscape AF Mode Switching (X-T2 only)
The update allows you to specify separate AF mode and AF point settings for portrait orientation and landscape orientation.
13. Change of focus frame position while enlarging it
The update allows you to move the position of focus frame while enlarging it in Single Point in the AF-S mode, or in the Manual Focus mode.
14. Activation of the Eye Sensor in video recording (X-T2 only)
The update allows you to use the Eye Sensor during video recording to automatically switch between EVF and LCD.
15. Change of ISO sensitivity during video recording (X-T2 only)
The update allows you to change ISO setting during video recording.
16. Re-autofocusing in video recording
With the update, half-press the Shutter Release button or press the button assigned to AF-ON function during video recording to re-initiate autofocusing.
17. Display live histogram during video recording (X-T2 only)
The update allows you to display a live histogram during video recording.
18. Optimization of external microphone's input level (X-T2 only)
The update optimizes the external microphone's input level (lower limit revised from -12dB to 20dB) to reduce white noise when an external microphone with preamp is connected.
19. Addition of Eye Sensor + LCD Image Display in the View Mode
The update adds the Eye Sensor + LCD Image Display option in the View Mode that allows you to shoot through the viewfinder and check images on the LCD, just as you would with a DSLR.
20. Shorter EVF display time-lag (X-Pro2 only – already in X-T2)
The update shortens EVF's display time-lag in the AF-C mode.
21. Constant Dual mode display (X-T2 only)
With the update, the small window in the Dual mode stays on even when you half-press the shutter release button.
22. Automatic vertical GUI for LCD (X-T2 only)
With the update, when you hold the camera in the portrait orientation, the camera will automatically display the GUI on the LCD in the same orientation.
23. Name Custom Settings
The update allows you to assign a specific name to Custom Settings 1-7.
24. Copyright information in EXIF data
The update allows you to register the photographer's name and the copyright holder's name in advance, so that the camera automatically adds the information to EXIF data for each image.
25. Voice Memo function
The update enable you to record 30-second voice memo clips in the Playback mode.
26. Extended AE Bracketing
The update extends AE Bracketing from the current three frames +/-2EV to up to nine frames +/-3EV.
27. Addition of Shoot Without Card mode
You can set the Shoot Without Card mode to off so the camera can't shoot if an SD card isn't inserted.
28. Support for computer tethering via Wi-Fi (X-T2 only)
The update adds support for computer tethering via Wi-Fi.
29. Addition of 'All' AF mode (X-T2 only)
With the update, select All in the AF mode so that you can select the AF mode and Focus Area size by only using the Command Dial.
30. Function extension for Shutter AF and Shutter AE (X-T2 only)
With the update, you can specify different settings for AF-S and AF-C in Shutter AF and for AF-S / MF and AF-C in Shutter AE.
31. Addition of -6 and -7 to EVF's brightness setting
Additional options of -6 and -7 to the EVF Brightness setting so that, even in extremely low-light conditions, the brightness of the EVF doesn't distract you from shooting.
32. Switchover of the main and sub displays in the Dual Display mode (X-T2 only)
The update allows you to switch between the main and sub displays in the Dual Display mode.
33. Function assignment to the Rear Command Dial
With the update, you can assign a specific function to be activated when the Rear Command Dial is pressed.
Sometimes overlooked when we talk about Sony cameras are the range of PlayMemories Camera Apps that can be downloaded and installed, but the new Digital Filter app has caught our eye.
It enables you to divide a scene you're shooting into two or three areas. It's then possible to set the exposure and white balance for each of these zones, so it's ideal when you're presented with a high-contrast scene.
You could use it like a built-in graduated neutral density filter if you wish, but the Digital filter app also has options for Reverse Graduated ND, Color Stripe, Blue Sky, Sunset, and two Custom options as well.
Here's how it works…
It may look a little bit of a faff to use initially – we could be a bit harsh and say that by the time you've set up in camera and merged your shots, you might as well have screwed in a filter on the front of your lens – but there's certainly potential here for those who want to get the shot they want out in the field.
The Digital Filter app is available to download from the PlayMemories app store for a pretty steep $30/£26, where you'll also find a full list of supported cameras.
First sold in 2004 as a waterproof 25mm film camera for shooting action sports, the GoPro has gone on to become the world’s best-selling action camera. Current models like the Hero5 Black are small, lightweight and offer up to 4K video recording alongside a host of advanced stills and video recording features. GoPro cameras can be taken anywhere, and attached to almost anything.
Whether you’re a professional videographer, photographer or simply someone enjoying the convenience of a small camera, GoPros have opened up new possibilities thanks to the help of innovative accessories. This means the market for accessories is huge, and the options available potentially more diverse than any other camera system. From camera mounts to lights to microphones to filters to 360° time-lapse and more, there are almost infinite ways to pimp your GoPro.
The Manfrotto PIXI Xtreme is a version of the popular mini tripod designed for use with GoPros thanks to the addition of a GoPro tripod mount adaptor. The PIXI Xtreme weights just 197g so you won’t even know you’re carrying it, and with a folded length of 21.5cm it will fit into almost any bag or even a pocket. The extended height of the tripod is 16.5cm, with simple ball head offering 360° rotation for positioning the camera. To get the height you need in some situations the PIXI Xtreme will need to be positioned on a wall or table.
The PolarPro Hero 5 Black Venture Filter 3-Pack provides three extremely useful filters for shooting both video and stills with your GoPro Hero5 Black. In the pack there’s a polarising filter, ND filter and a graduated ND filter. The polariser saturates skies and colours in the scene, and also helps to reduce glare and reflections from shiny surfaces. The ND8 filter reduces light enter the lens by three stops so you can shoot video with a slower shutter speed for more fluid results. The ND grad reduces light at the top of the filter and graduates to no effect at the bottom to help maintain sky detail. The filters simply attach to the front of the Hero 5 and come in a handy carry case to protect them when not in use.
With the fantastic options shooting timelapse stills and video with GoPro cameras, a simple way to create dynamic results is to make the camera rotate during shooting. The GoPole Scenelapse allows you to do just that, offering a rotation of 360° over the course of 60 minutes. Simply set up your GoPro, wind the unit and let it do its thing. The GoPole Scenelapse is fully mechanical so no batteries are required, and it features a standard tripod screw on the bottom allowing you to attach it to a mini or full size tripod. On the top is a removable GoPro mount with a high torque thumb screw, so you can attach your GoPro or even a small DSLR or mirrorless camera. The small and easy to use unit weighs just 85g/3oz and is compatible with all GoPro cameras.
The Tenba Shootout 14L ActionPack is designed to allow you to comfortably carry a large GoPro system while you’re participating in an action sport or simply exploring the city or countryside. At just 1.4kg the bag is lightweight and the padded straps with waist belt make it comfortable and secure. Inside the bag are four removable pods, and two wallets, so you can organise your kit and gain quick and easy access to exactly what you need. The capacity of the bag allows you to carry up to four GoPros, mounts, batteries, cables and other accessories etc. Plus there’s enough room to carry a small hydration pouch and food. There’s even a tripod attachment at the bottom of the bag large enough to accommodate a travel tripod.
The Knog Qudos Action Light is a rugged light with three XB-D CREE LEDs offering brightness levels between 70 and 400 lumens with a colour temperature of 5000k. There are also three light modes providing six beam settings, allowing you to select the perfect spread and of course intensity of light to suit your needs. This tough light source is waterproof up to a depth of 60m, making it ideal for both action sports and less adventurous shooting. Alongside the Knog Qudos Action Light you also get an Action Camera Mount Bracket to connect the light and your GoPro together, a Cold Shoe/Tripod Adaptor, rechargeable battery and a USB cable for charging. At just 150g this small and highly versatile LED light can be taken anywhere and everywhere you go.
The GoPro Remo is a waterproof (up to 5m/16ft) voice controlled remote for the Hero 5 Black and Hero 5 Session cameras. This means that while both cameras offer built-in voice activation, the Remo is said to improve voice activation in noisy conditions and allows you to activate the cameras from a short distance, or works as a one button remote from up to 10m/33ft away. The Remo comes with a strap allowing it to be worn on your wrist for convenience. It can also be clipped to clothing. With 13 commands available the Remo certainly adds convenience to shooting but it’s not cheap for what it is. And unlike the older GoPro WiFi remote there’s no screen so you rely on voice commands and scrolling through functions.
One of the problems of travelling with a GoPro is that battery life is obviously finite. You can of course buy an extra battery or two, but if you’re out in the field and away from a power outlet, charging can be difficult. Plus, if you’re shooting a long time-lapse you can’t change batteries part way through. While GoPro does manufacture its own portable power pack, the Anker Powercore 20100 provides a much higher capacity at a seriously low price in comparison. Anker claim the pack can charge smartphones up to seven times, and can even charge a MacBook using USB-C, so plenty of juice for GoPro cameras and you can even charge up to three devices at once! To ensure the safety of your devices the Powercore features smart-charging PowerIQ and current-stabilising VoltageBoost providing the fastest possible safe charge up to 2.4 A. Then there’s surge protection and short circuit prevention.
The GoPro Pro 3.5mm Microphone Adapter allows you to connect professional microphones with a 3.5mm jack to your Hero5 Black or Hero5 Session camera. This allows you to drastically improve sound compared to the camera’s built-in microphone. So whether you want to use a lapel, condenser or shotgun mic etc. this is an essential accessory. The adaptor connects to GoPros via, and is powered by USB-C, allowing for stereo sound to be recorded. It also features a 106dB stereo analogue to digital converter. With the GoPro Pro 3.5mm Microphone Adapter in use the GoPro side door will be open so the camera will no longer be waterproof, but this accessory is geared more towards vlogging than capturing great action sound.
An ultra solid GoPro mount makes a huge difference to the quality of video when shooting from a bike, and the K-Edge couldn't be more secure. The all metal design is as simple as they come and clamps directly to the rails under your seat where it bolts on tight. The only issue is that the GoPro once attached sits upside down so all footage needs flipping when it comes to editing.
Whether you're skiing, mountain biking, white water rafting, or any other activity, GoPro's chest mount is a great piece of kit to not only capture the action. Fully adjustable to fit a wide range of adult sizes, the placement's great for getting some unique angled shots, though you will have to move your whole body to change the framing.