Reviewed.com Weekly Roundup: April 12, 2013
This week, we went to the NAB trade show in Las Vega, tested a high-end Samsung LED TV, Nikon's latest semi-pro DSLR, a new Fujifilm retro-inspired shooter, and the Toyota Camry of induction ranges.
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The Roundup
For nearly 15 years, Reviewed.com has put thousands of products to the test, all to help consumers buy, use, and understand electronics and appliances. Here’s what we’ve been up to this week.
Samsung F8000 LED TV Review
Samsung delighted us with the F8000 LED TV’s tantalizing design, simply wowed us with its updated Smart Hub, and treated us to terrific picture quality. It didn’t earn the best score we’ve seen in the high-end LED category, but the user interface is a glimpse into the future of how we’ll interact with our TV sets. Overall, it’s more than impressive enough set to earn our Editor’s Choice award. It’s available in 46, 55, and 60-inch screen sizes (MSRP $2,499-$3,699).
Nikon D7100 DSLR Review
Nikon’s latest semi-pro DSLR packs a 24-megapixel APS-C sensor into a burly, weather-resistant body. The result is a powerhouse camera, accessible to general consumers and legitimate to professionals. Streamlined yet detailed controls make it a joy to shoot with, and resulting photographs are gorgeous. While full-frame DSLRs like the Nikon D600 might take richer photos, enthusiasts who want a fast, sturdy camera for shooting action will love the D7100 (MSRP $1,599.95 w/ 18-105mm lens).
Coverage from National Association of Broadcasters Trade Show
We headed out to the NAB show in Las Vegas this week, and got early looks at some exciting new high-end video products. Canon showed off their new XA25 fixed-lens pro camcorder (MSRP $2,999). Blackmagic Design debuted their semi-pro Pocket Cinema Camera (MSRP $995), built with a Micro Four Thirds lens mount. Perhaps the most talked-about product was the Freefly MoVI M10 compact stabilization rig. Words have a hard time doing it justice, so check out preview for photos and video.
Fujifilm X100S Digital Camera Review
Fujifilm took everything that photographers loved about the original X100—classy retro design, clever hybrid viewfinder, great lens, and compact profile—and fixed all the stuff that they hated. The X100S (MSRP $1,299.99) is the result, and it’s a great update. Autofocus is quicker and more accurate, and it isn’t riddled with UI bugs. Fuji also gave it a new X-Trans APS-C sensor for even better image quality, plus two new manual focus-assist modes. It’s a camera with a lot of personality, and earns our Editor’s Choice award.
Frigidaire FPIF3093LF Induction Range Review
We’ve tested a handful of induction ranges this year, which use the power of magnets to create heat. At best, they’re outstanding. Even the lesser models are better than average. The Frigidaire FPIF3093LF (MSRP $2,099) provides the best bang for the buck that we’ve found in the category so far—the Toyota Camry of induction ranges, if you will. The cooktop is phenomenal, as we’ve come to expect from induction tech.