Mysteries in sand

By: Lior Kestenberg

Originally published on Mar 4, 2019

On the shores of the Andaman islands, a mysterious creature creates beautiful patterns in the sand. Who is it and why does it do so? This is a short film I made about the peculiar Sand bubbler crab. It was shot over a month on Havelock island using mainly Sony A6500 and a Canon 6D.

Please visit me on Instagram for more works: instagram.com/space_invaders_macro

Photography, editing and writing: Lior Kestenberg

Narrator: Michael Alan

○ALL RIGHTS RESERVED FOR LICENSING INFORMATION CONTACT ME AT lioron.k@gmail.com

Techradar Camera and Camcorder reviews

Latest from TechRadar US in Reviews

One-minute review

It looks like a GoPro with its mounting case and front-facing screen, but the Akaso Brave 8 comes at a more modest price, with image quality that will meet the demands of most users. With 2x batteries, a dual charger, a remote control, and a range of mounts, it has everything you need out of the box.

During my review, the small front-facing screen made it easy to vlog adventures, whilst the rear touchscreen was responsive enough to touch to make changing settings easy. However, there are also negatives; the image stabilization in-camera is good, without being great, but the so-called SuperSmooth option, which requires processing in the accompanying camera app, isn't a patch on what GoPro offers; and the improvement over the Brave 8's in-camera stabilization is modest. The app is useable but clunky in places, and the sound recording could also be improved.

Overall, the Akaso Brave 8 is a solid little action camera with all you need to get started; the video quality is good, and the stabilization ok if you aren't hammering the camera on a bike, be it pedal or motorized. The problem is that older generation GoPro Hero cameras can still be purchased new in some places for around the same price, and more recent ones will solve many of the faults of the Akaso Hero 8. So, whilst it is cheaper than the GoPro Hero 13 Black, those thinking about the Akaso Hero 8 may want to step back a GoPro generation or two instead. For ideas of other options check out our best action cameras guide.

That said, Akaso is an emerging brand, and its products regularly seem to be discounted or have extras, such as memory cards, also offered as part of the package. So if the stabilization and audio issues won't affect you significantly, it may be worth keeping your eyes open for an offer.

Akaso Brave 8: price and release date

The Akaso Brave 8 is available via Amazon and, at the time of writing, is priced at $289.99, but there is the option of a promotional $50 money-off voucher. In the UK, the kit also includes at 64GB Micro SD card and is £244.99, not including a £40 off voucher promotion.

Keep an eye out for deals and limited-time offers on Amazon, particularly during sales periods when additional memory cards or money-off vouchers may be applied.

Akaso Brave 8 specs

Akaso Brave 8 in-hand

(Image credit: Future)

Akaso Brave 8: design

The Akaso Brave 8 action camera adopts a familiar design: let's be honest, it is a GoPro clone in a market that is already flooded with GoPro competitors. However, even at a glance, you can tell that it is far from a cheap knock-off, with a rear touchscreen, front facing screen, all packaged in a body that is waterproof up to a depth of 33ft / 10m.

Size-wise the Akaso Brave 8 measures 63x45x36.5mm which overall makes it slightly smaller than the GoPro Hero 13 Black, which measures 71.8 x 50.8 x 33.6mm

Behind the 16mm f/2.5 lens sits a 1/2 inch size sensor. As a comparison, the GoPro Hero 13 uses a 1/1.9inch sensor, which means the two sensor sizes are comparable. The sensor can capture images at up to a 48MP resolution, and video can be captured at up to 4K 60fps. If you want to shoot timelapse videos, then these can be captured at 8K resolution, whilst moving timelapses (hyperlapses) can be captured at 4K 30fps.

If slow motion is more your thing, then 2.7k footage can be captured at up to 120fps and Full HD can go to an impressive 200fps.

All of that footage is saved on to Micro SD cards, and the Brave 8 can accept cards with a capacity of up to 512GB. In terms of speed, my review sample of the Akaso Brave 8 was supplied with an Akaso-branded 64GB Micro SD XC UHS I card with U3 rating, meaning the card had a minimum write speed of 30MB/s - which is the same as a V30 card.

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Image of the Akaso Brave 8 Action camera

(Image credit: Future)
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Image of the Akaso Brave 8 Action camera

(Image credit: Future)
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Image of the Akaso Brave 8 Action camera

(Image credit: Future)
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Image of the Akaso Brave 8 Action camera

(Image credit: Future)
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Image of the Akaso Brave 8 Action camera

(Image credit: Future)
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Image of the Akaso Brave 8 Action camera

(Image credit: Future)

The layout of the camera is straightforward; there is a rear touch-sensitive screen, as well as a smaller square front screen that sits alongside the lens. There are just three buttons on the camera with the power/display button on top and a Recording start/stop button. On the side is the Mode button.

The Micro SD card socket and a USB-C socket are located on the side of the camera, behind a well-sealed waterproof door. The USB-C socket can be used to power the camera or charge the battery.

On the bottom of the camera is an equally well-sealed battery compartment. Akaso supply two batteries, each with a capacity of 1,550mAh, which is a little less than the 1,900mAh batteries of the GoPro Hero 13 Black. However, credit to Akaso for supplying two batteries so that you can always been filming and charging, which, as I found out, is needed with this camera.

The extra battery is just one of a whole host of supplied accessories, including a tiny USB-C dual battery charger, so you can charge both batteries at the same time. A remote control is also included, as well as a camera mounting frame/case, a GoPro style mount, a helmet mount, a handlebar mount, an adhesive pad, a zip tie, a strap, and a lens cloth. It is a very solid set of accessories.

Akaso Brave 8: performance

Overall, the Akaso Brave 8 performed very well, especially considering its price. However, it wasn't without its quirks, and we will discuss those shortly.

Of course, the main thing is the video quality. I did most of my shooting in the 4K / 30fps setting, which produced quite nice footage that is on par with what you would expect for an action with a sensor of this size.

Key to a lot of action cameras is, of course, stabilization performance, and there are three different modes to choose from. The first is no stabilization. Then, there is a Normal, an in-camera stabilization mode with a six-axis gyroscope that applies the EIS 4.0 algorithm to stabilize the footage electronically. Finally, there is a Super Smooth option. This mode records all of the gyroscopic information but doesn't apply any of it in the camera; instead, you upload your clip to the app, where the gyroscopic data is read, and then stabilization is applied.

I found that the difference between the Normal stabilization and the Super Smooth stabilization wasn't as dramatic as I thought it would be. In most circumstances, I believe that users are probably better off just sticking to the Normal option, which softens rather than completely smoothing out any bumps or shakes. The extra step of uploading and applying Super Smooth in the app seems like a significant additional effort for a very little extra reward. Here, the camera falls way behind the stabilization that the latest GoPro cameras offer.

A decent amount of settings allow control of the video image. You can change the exposure metering to any one of several modes, and there is exposure compensation should you wish to make adjustments, which I did.

Generally, the camera produced images with a good exposure. I did tweak it a few times in extreme conditions. For example, filming in a forest could be pretty dark, with the bright light coming through the trees, causing the image to be dark, and then at other times, with no sky in the shot, it lightened the image quite a lot. I found myself making +/-0.3EV changes to the image to balance this out. What it was good at was getting the exposure correct when a face was in the scene, which is great for vlogging and filming your adventures. I advise experimenting with the different metering settings and seeing what suits your needs best.

In addition to exposure compensation, you can also change the ISO sensitivity, sharpness, plus there are two color settings - Normal or Vivid. It may not be the most comprehensive in terms of all the color settings or image styles. Still, it is good enough for the basics, particularly if your goal is capturing memories rather than producing cinematic experiences.

Some lasting memories I captured included filming my children running in and out of the sea on holiday. I put the Brave 8 on a selfie stick and shot low-angle shots of them running and jumping over the waves. The waves sometimes smashed over the camera, completely submerging it in salty Atlantic water. After a few months, the camera still works perfectly fine, with no adverse effects from the sand or saltwater.

The in-camera microphone recorded voices clearly enough, but it should be noted that wind noise was picked up quite significantly, even when it wasn't obviously windy. I wouldn't think of using the audio if I was on a motor or pedal bike. Additional microphones can be attached via USB-C, but sadly, the camera has no mounting points.

The touchscreen worked well and was responsive, with onscreen buttons and navigation presenting no problem. I found it was easy to change settings and navigate the menu.

As well as the included remote control, there is also the option to control the camera via voice commands. Again, I tried this - it is especially useful when you have the camera mounted to a helmet. The real trick is remembering the exact commands that you have to say to start and stop recording and to make sure that you say them clearly.

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Image taken with the Akaso Brave 8 Action Camera

(Image credit: Future)
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Image taken with the Akaso Brave 8 Action Camera

(Image credit: Future)
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Image taken with the Akaso Brave 8 Action Camera

(Image credit: Future)
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Image taken with the Akaso Brave 8 Action Camera

(Image credit: Future)

I didn't take many images with the camera as the video aspect is more appealing to people, but the photos look okay. There are problems with exposure, which is largely due to the sensor's small size. There didn't seem to be much HDR processing going on in terms of lightening shadow areas or pulling back highlights like you would get with a smartphone these days.

Given it is a wide-angle lens, you probably want to stick to the 48MP resolution just in case you do want to crop in a little bit more as images are very very wide on the camera.

As you would expect, there are further record modes, such as being able to shoot a time-lapse video or a time-lapse photo, that I'll be honest I didn't delve too much into, however, I did have a quick play around with them, and there seems to be quite a long interval between the images taken to create a time-lapse video, so I wouldn't use it for any activities such as mountain biking or running or skiing or anything like that. If you want to create a little clip of a ride, you're better off using the Hyperlapse setting for that, while the timelapse mode is better for things you would traditionally use a timelapse for, such as clouds passing over city scenes.

Overall, I am pretty impressed with the image quality and features that the Akaso Brave 8 offers. However, it lacks the finesse and quality you expect from a GoPro, DJI, or Insta360 action camera. Sadly, the image stabilization will be a letdown for those wanting super steady footage. Similarly, the microphone and audio processing need some tweaking to bring it up to scratch.

However, Akaso will be a budget action camera brand to keep an eye on as they have a solid foundation on which to build, particularly as some of the issues can be updated via firmware or more power processing in a future camera.

Should I buy the Akaso Brave 8?

photo of the Akaso Brave 8 action camera

(Image credit: Future)

Buy it if...

You can't afford GoPro
Although GoPro has faced competition from DJI in recent years, they are still the leading action camera brand. However, if you can't stretch to a GoPro the the Akaso Brave 8 provides most of the features at a cheaper price.

You want an all-in-one solution
With so many accessories included in the box, the akaso Brave 8 is great for those who want to get started filming straight away rather than trawling Amazon for the mounts and extra batteries that they need.

You want to stand out from the crowd
If you don't want to go with the usual brands and try something new, Akaso seems to be a brand to keep an eye on in the action camera world.

Don't buy it if...

You want to take photos
Although the Akaso Brave 8 can capture photos, its quality falls way behind that of most contemporary smartphones. If you think you will be taking more pictures than videos, then it is probably best to avoid the Akaso Brave 8.

You don't mind having an older kit

If you don't mind an older action camera, then the GoPro Hero 10 Black has many of the same features, but with with better stabilization, for around the same price new, or significantly cheaper if you go with a used camera.

You won't be getting wet.
If you like to keep your feet dry, then something like the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 offers superior image quality and stabilization but obviously lacks the ability to be used underwater.

Image of the Akaso Brave 8 in its case with a GoPro style mount

(Image credit: Future)

How I tested the Akaso Brave 8

  • I used the camera for a couple of months in a variety of situations
  • I filmed a hike I did in British Columbia
  • I tested the waterproof properties by filming on the beach and in the sea

I used the Akaso Brave 8 for several months as a compact camera to film family events and vacations. I even used it a few times to film my kids playing in the sea, which allowed me to test the camera's waterproof qualities.

On a trip to British Columbia, Canada, I turned the camera on myself, using a selfie stick to film myself while hiking and mounting it on a small tripod while swimming in a glacial lake.

Finally, I used one of the included mounts to attach the camera to my bike helmet. With my iPhone mounted to the bike, I could monitor what was being filmed using the Akaso app.

At various points during the camera's use, I connected it to my smartphone to check footage and add stabilization to specific videos. I also used the voice control options and the physical remote control.

First reviewed January 2025

Posted: January 9, 2025, 12:00 pm

Arzopa Digital Picture Frame WiFi 15.6-inch review

The Arzopa Digital Picture Frame WiFi 15.6-inch is an affordable digital photo frame that uses the third-party Frameo app to enable you to easily share your snaps via the frame. Right out of the gate, the first thing you’re likely to notice is that price; while its $149.99 / £169.99 retail price isn’t anything to write home about, during sales season we've been seeing prices around $89.99 / £89.99 – that’s a seriously low price for such a sizeable digital photo frame.

Connecting with the Arzopa Digital Picture Frame is nice and easy. Once you’ve powered it up and connected it to your Wi-Fi, you can scan an on-screen QR code to download the Frameo app. Now, simply press the "Add a Friend" button on the Arzopa’s screen, punch in the code that appears into the Frameo app, and you’re ready to start sharing pics. Even better, you can repeat this step to set up friends and family so they too can share their snaps with your frame.

Not everyone wants to share their photos with the cloud, particularly if they’re security conscious or have young children. If this is you, then the Arzopa’s offline storage will be music to your ears. The frame includes 32GB of internal storage and, should you fill this up, you can easily expand its storage capacity up to 128GB via its SD card port. This does fall short of what some of the best digital photo frames offer, but it still isn't bad, all things considered.

All digital photo frames built on the Frameo app work in the same way and, generally speaking, I’d say this is a positive. The app is easy to use: you can browse your device’s whole image library or just specific albums, adding individual photos or uploading up to 10 at a time. Unfortunately, if you want to upload more than this in one go, you’ll need to upgrade to Frameo+. The cost of this isn't exorbitant at $1.99 / £0.99 a month or $16.99 / £7.99 a year, but you'll need to bear this in mind when calculating if this frame is the right price for you.

As I mentioned in my Pexar 11-inch Digital Picture Frame review, I’m not entirely keen on the way the Frameo app handles cropping images for digital photo frame’s auto-rotate feature. When uploading each image, you’ll set a circular focal area that the frame will ensure remains in frame in either orientation. However, this can still leave some images oddly centered or cropping out details you hadn’t anticipated. I’d rather just have the option to manually set the crop for each image.

The Arzopa Digital Picture Frame WiFi 15.6-inch showing a macro image of a bumblebee in front of a muted purple rhododendron.

(Image credit: Future / Josh Russell)

Once your shots are on the Arzopa, its 15.6-inch display definitely delivers your snaps with impact; the frame feels generously sized compared to many of the other affordable frames out there. Since its 1920 x 1080 resolution is shared over that larger screen estate, pixel density does fall somewhat next to rivals such as the Pexar 11-inch Digital Picture Frame at 212ppi. However, images still look pretty crisp; rendering my macro shot of a bumblebee, the Arzopa frame shows off every grain of pollen and every hair of her fuzzy coat in decent detail.

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The Arzopa 15.6-inch WiFi Digital Picture Frame showing a macro image of a bumblebee in front of a muted purple rhododendron.

(Image credit: Future / Josh Russell)
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A macro image of a bumble bee collecting nectar in a bright pink rhododendron.

(Image credit: Josh Russell)
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Bright red maple leaves with hues of scarlet, burgundy and amber.

(Image credit: Josh Russell)

Unfortunately, where things start to come undone is with color. On my iPhone 16 Pro’s screen, a photo I took of a fireworks display reveals a shower of magenta and violet stars in a glowing pink nebula. But when I uploaded it to the Arzopa, the red and pink hues looked washed out, completely robbing the image of any punch. Similarly, floral shots completely underwhelmed, the lack of vibrancy going far beyond slight variations in color profile to looking actively anemic and poorly shot.

The Arzopa Digital Picture Frame WiFi 15.6-inch does fare better when it comes to black-and-white photography at least. Thanks to its deep blacks and bright highlights, its display is sufficiently contrasty to deliver monochrome landscape and architectural shots with impressive details. The Arzopa frame definitely shows off HDR photography to a high standard.

However, even this bold contrast was slightly undermined by its screen. Perhaps even more than its muted hues, the lack of a matte finish really damages the Arzopa’s performance in bright light. Without any treatment to diffuse incoming light, my photos were always obscured by hard-edged, geometric reflections of the panel lighting in the TechRadar offices; it was almost impossible to ignore since it made it difficult to make out details in the images. Worse, this reflectiveness means the frame is almost certainly unusable in direct sunlight, further restriction its position in your home.

This tendency toward glossiness extends to other elements of the frame’s design. The Arzopa’s frame feels a little cheap and plasticky, but thanks to its black color, this doesn’t feel so in your face. However, the frame’s bezels are much harder to ignore – despite the fact their beveled edges are designed to make them look more like mounting, the white plastic is so cheap-looking and reflective that it does detract from the overall quality of the frame.

Plus, there are other unusual design choices: the frame’s stand is literally just a plastic stick that screws into one corner of the frame. While it seems to do an okay job of supporting the frame in either horizontal or vertical orientation, I’m not convinced it’s sturdy enough to withstand becoming damaged over time.

Buy it on sale, however, and the Arzopa Digital Picture Frame WiFi 15.6-inch is available for an astoundingly good price – and it’s almost certainly better quality than some of the bargain-basement frames you’ll find on Amazon. In terms of crispness of picture, contrast and ease of use, it’s great value for money. However, its muted hues, overly reflective screen and the cheapness of its finish do make my recommendation here equivocal – if you can only find it at a higher price, some of the similarly priced best digital photo frames might make a better choice.

The Arzopa Digital Picture Frame WiFi 15.6-inch showing the screen reflecting its immediate surroundings.

(Image credit: Future)

Arzopa Digital Picture Frame WiFi 15.6-inch review: price & release date

  • MSRP of $149.99 / £169.99 but currently reduced to $89.99 / £89.99
  • Available now in both the US and UK
  • Frameo app free or $1.99 / £0.99 a month for Frameo+

The Arzopa Digital Picture Frame WiFi 15.6-inch is available now in both the US and UK.

Its price varies to quite a degree, which has a huge impact on the value you’re getting. At its full price of $149.99 at Amazon US or £169.99, at Amazon UK, it effectively costs as much as the $159.99 / £149.99 Pexar 11-inch Digital Picture Frame, which I'd argue is a much higher-quality frame, thanks to its anti-glare screen and delivery of bold colors. However, some of the sale prices we’ve seen bring the Arzopa frame down to around $89.99 / £89.99, which makes it a far more appealing option, especially if you can’t stretch to the more expensive Pexar.

One other important consideration here in terms of price is the Frameo app. While the base tier is free, to upload more than 10 photographs at a time or videos longer than 15 seconds, you’ll need to upgrade to Frameo+, which costs $1.99 / £0.99 a month or $16.99 / £7.99 a year. That will allow you to upload 100 images at a time, send two-minute video clips, and manage the content on your Arzopa remotely via the app.

The bottom of Arzopa Digital Picture Frame WiFi 15.6-inch showing its ports.

(Image credit: Future)

Arzopa Digital Picture Frame WiFi 15.6-inch review: specs

The Arzopa Digital Picture Frame WiFi 15.6-inch showing a monochrome image of the Roman Bridge of Córdoba.

(Image credit: Future / Josh Russell)

Should I buy the Arzopa Digital Picture Frame WiFi 15.6-inch?

Buy it if…

You want a big, crisp screen
At 15.6-inches, the Arzopa Digital Picture Frame WiFi delivers a lot of screen estate on which to display your snaps. And while pixel density is lower than the 212ppi of the Pexar 11-inch Digital Picture Frame, photos still look crisp and clear.

You can get it on sale
Whether the Arzopa frame delivers good value very much depends on the price you pay for it. Pick it up for the sale price of around $89.99 / £89.99 and you’re getting a very good deal, but you don’t have to spend much more than its MSRP of $149.99 / £169.99 to get a superior product.

Don’t buy it if…

You want your colorful snaps to pop
Vibrant hues aren't the Arzopa frame’s forte – colorful subjects such as flowers and fauna can look muted at best, and downright drab at their worst. Fans of black-and-white photography needn’t worry – but if you want your walls to be a riot of color, other frames might prove a wiser investment.

You want to use it in bright rooms
The Arzopa’s glossy screen means it's entirely unforgiving when it comes to reflections – whether using it during the day or at night, I found natural and artificial sources of light completely overwhelmed the brightness of the screen. Fundamentally, if it's to sit opposite windows or under harsh lighting, you’d be better off looking for a frame with a matte screen.

Arzopa Digital Picture Frame WiFi 15.6-inch review: also consider

Pexar 11-inch Digital Picture Frame
The Pexar 11-inch Digital Picture Frame scarcely costs any more than the Arzopa at full price, at $159.99 / £149.99; however, performance is superior. It offers a 2000 x 1200 resolution across its smaller 11-inch screen, delivering higher pixel density, while colors are far more vibrant. Plus, its matte, anti-glare screen keeps reflected light to a minimum. Read our full Pexar 11-inch Digital Picture Frame review.

Aeezo Portrait 01
If you’re unable to stretch to the Arzopa – or can’t find it at a reduced price – the Aeezo Portrait 01 is a bargain alternative that also includes internal storage and costs just $69.99 / £55.99. You’ll get bolder albeit sometimes slightly unnatural, colors; but the sacrifice is resolution at only 1280 x 800, rather than the Arzopa’s 1080p. Read our full Aeezo Portrait 01 review.

How I tested the Arzopa Digital Picture Frame WiFi 15.6-inch

I tested the Arzopa Digital Picture Frame WiFi 15.6-inch over several weeks. I uploaded a range of photos to it using the Frameo app and connected multiple other people to enable them to share images with the frame, too.

To test the performance of the frame, I uploaded a wide array of portrait and landscape images and included everything from brightly colored shots of flowers and animals to monochrome architectural shots. Additionally, I positioned the frame in multiple places around my home and the TechRadar office and changed its orientation between portrait and landscape.

I have many years of experience taking photos, both on my Canon DSLR and my iPhone 16 Pro and, over the past 15 years, I’ve taken over 40,000 photos. I’ve also spent many years working in print publishing, doing post-production on photos and preparing images for print. This means I have a lot of experience in making images look as close to their source as possible.

Posted: December 17, 2024, 11:34 am

Lomo’Instant Wide Glass: One-minute review

Lomography has released an updated version of its popular Lomo’Instant Wide camera, with a new glass lens replacing the previous plastic one. The Lomo’Instant Wide remains one of the few and best instant cameras on the market that makes use of Instax Wide format film, but many Lomo fans will be glad that Lomography has listened to customer demand in launching the Lomo’Instant Wide Glass model. It's a direct rival to Fujifilm's Instax Wide 400 camera, which has also been given a modern upgrade and fresh design, (but which doesn't offer as much creative control).

The Lomo’Instant Wide Glass is being marketed as the sharpest instant camera on earth, and as a long-time fan of instant cameras, I was very eager to test this claim. Lomography sent me an early prototype of the Lomo’Instant Wide Glass for this review, and I've been hugely impressed.

Lomo’Instant Wide Glass review

(Image credit: Beth Nicholls)

Lomography has made only very minor design tweaks with the new model, and it's easy to see why – if it ain't broke, don't fix it. I love the retro suitcase-style design of the camera, though it's a shame that it still has the offset viewfinder, which has been a bugbear since the original Lomo’Instant Wide was first released in 2015. This can cause issues with framing your subject, though the viewfinder parallax markers do help.

In short, this camera takes beautiful and sharp photos with the 90mm glass lens (35mm equivalent) when focused correctly. It allows for creative shooting with a multiple-exposure mode, flash control, exposure tweaking, and bulb settings, while accessories like the splitzer and colored gels add to the instant fun. The remote-shutter lens cap is genius (just be careful not to accidentally trigger it), and the camera can be used in a studio setting too with external flash thanks to the PC sync port and tripod mount.

Lomo’Instant Wide Glass: Price and availability

The Lomo’Instant Wide Glass is available for $279 / £249 / AU$299, which I think is a very reasonable price given the image quality it produces and its gorgeous design – I'd buy this camera purely for it to sit on my camera shelf.

It's more expensive than Fujifilm's recent Instax Wide 400 model ($149.99 / £129.99 / AU$229.99), but isn't quite as premium-priced as other wide-format glass competitors like the Polaroid I-2 ($599 / £599 / AU$1,099), which uses i-Type film, or even the Mint InstantKon RF70 (approx $900 / £999 / AU$1,200), which has been considered for some time as the GOAT of instant cameras (sorry).

Anyone who's looking to buy an instant camera should know that film costs are still quite high, and you aren't guaranteed the same quality that you get with one of the best cameras for photography, or even from using a camera phone in most cases. Instant photography should be more about experimentation and having fun, rather than outright image quality. That said, Instax Wide film is one of the more affordable formats, and it's also very accessible and easy to source for most people.

Lomo’Instant Wide Glass: specs

Lomo’Instant Wide Glass: design

  • Lots of manual controls
  • The built-in flash can be on/off
  • Viewfinder is a bit of a mess

The design of the Lomo’Instant Wide Glass is one of my favorite things about it. I've seen some pretty ugly instant cameras come to market in the last few years, *cough, Instax Wide 400*, but I love the retro-style design of this Lomo, and the glass lens makes it look much more premium than its predecessor.

It's easy to see why Lomography hasn't changed much in the way of design from the Lomo’Instant Wide to the new Wide Glass model. Although, I did question why the selfie mirror has disappeared from the front of the camera with this latest model. I asked Lomography for some clarification, and a spokesperson told me: "We developed this camera more for professional, studio use in mind and less so for selfie shooting, which is why we didn't feel the need for this feature in this instance."

It's a fair point, and the camera does admittedly look much smarter without it. I managed to still take a selfie with this camera despite the lack of a selfie mirror, which you can see in the sample images section, and I'll talk more about how I captured it in the performance section below too.

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Lomo’Instant Wide Glass review

(Image credit: Beth Nicholls)
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Lomo’Instant Wide Glass review

(Image credit: Beth Nicholls)
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Lomo’Instant Wide Glass review

(Image credit: Beth Nicholls)
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Lomo’Instant Wide Glass review

(Image credit: Beth Nicholls)
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Lomo’Instant Wide Glass review

(Image credit: Beth Nicholls)

In terms of build quality, the Lomo’Instant Wide Glass does have a fair bit of weight to it, and it feels incredibly sturdy and premium thanks to the metal lens barrel and glass element. There are two buttons on the back of the camera, one for toggling the flash and the other for multiple-exposure mode, plus a switch for selecting the level of exposure compensation and a dial at the bottom for selecting modes.

I think it's great that the flash can be turned on and off, although be aware that it's always-on by default when you turn on the camera, so if you don't need it remember to turn it off once you're ready to shoot. There are two LED lights above the flash button, one to let you know when the flash is charged (it will light green or blue) and another to tell you it's on.

The shutter button is the striped rectangular button on the front of the camera, and I love that it not only looks cool but has a nice clicky feel to it. The viewfinder is a bit of a mess, though. I often had to triple-check that what I could see through the viewfinder actually lined up with the direction in which the lens was pointing. Inside the viewfinder there are close-up frames to help you compensate for parallax and get a more accurately composed shot, but you still need to keep an eye on this.

Lomo’Instant Wide Glass review

(Image credit: Beth Nicholls)

The only real gripe I had with the design in terms of handling was the lack of grip, and the width of the camera, which made it hard to carry around at times (Lomography doesn't include a camera strap accessory with this camera, and I didn't have a spare). I understand that instant cameras, and especially wide-format ones, tend to be on the large side, and this is something that can't really be helped.

I found it slightly annoying that the print counter on the back of the Lomo’Instant Wide Glass counts up from 1 to 10 once a new film had been loaded, and that when it shows 10 that means you have one print left to shoot. I'm used to instant cameras counting down from 10, so this took some getting used to.

However, I really like that Lomography included another little window on the back of the camera for you to see the yellow stripe on the film cartridge, as a quick way to tell if film is loaded. Not many film cameras I've used have this, and it's a nice touch.

Lomo’Instant Wide Glass: Performance

  • Can capture super-sharp shots
  • Selfies and portrait shots are tricky (use a tape measure)
  • Remote shutter-control lens cap

Testing the Lomo’Instant Wide Glass was my first experience of using a Lomography camera, and it took me some serious trial and error to get used to the zone-focusing modes for close-up shots. There are four zones – 0.3 m, 0.6m, 1-2m, and infinity – and you can switch between these by twisting the lens. The original Wide’s closest focus zone is 0.6m. I've used manual instant cameras before, like the Instax Mini 99, and had no issues. So I'm not sure why this particular Lomo camera was so tricky to shoot with – maybe it's just me.

I ended up wasting a ton of film during the testing process with the Lomo’Instant Wide Glass, but I learnt plenty. Pro tip: take a tape measure with you on shoots if you want to gauge the exact distance from the lens to your subject, and measure from the film eject slot, and not from the front of the lens.

Lomography says it plans to release an official camera strap with distance markers soon, to help with assessing the distance for zone-focusing, and this will be available from the Lomography online shop (it's not available at the time of writing).

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Lomo’Instant Wide Glass review

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Speaking of accessories, the Lomo’Instant Wide Glass comes with possibly the coolest camera accessory I've ever used: a remote shutter-control lens cap. You just need to put in 1 x CR2025 (3V) battery, and you can click one side of the lens cap to act as a remote shutter, while the other side offers an additional button with a timer feature. It works really well, although you do need to be relatively close to the camera for it to pick up the signal, as I found when using it to take a selfie in 0.6m mode.

The Lomo also comes with colored gel filters to place over the flash, as well as a splitzer lens attachment for more control over multiple exposures. I wasn't sent these extra accessories with the prototype camera, only the lens cap, so I didn't get to test them unfortunately. I would have loved to use the splitzer for creating multiple exposures, which came out beautifully in most cases using the Lomo’Instant Wide Glass, and this kind of creativity paired with the unknown element of instant analogue photography gets very addictive.

Lomo’Instant Wide Glass review

(Image credit: Beth Nicholls)

The mode dial on the back of the camera has options for A (automatic), B (bulb), f/22 (for manually setting exposure – the prototype I was sent has an f/6 marking but just ignore this), and 1/30 (shutter speed) which is primarily useful for shooting in the studio or when using a tripod. I stuck with using 'A' a lot of the time, and switched to 1/6 (f/22) whenever I wanted a super-sharp shot.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time testing the Lomo’Instant Wide Glass, although I didn't manage to get a single clear macro image, despite many many attempts. With that said, for every blurry and out-of-focus macro shot I got a perfectly crisp landscape shot, so maybe this balances out.

I also found that the prints produced exhibited a lot of vignetting, even when the exposure compensation was set to zero. A bit of research has told me that this tends to be a common theme with Lomography cameras, and it's considered one of those love-it or hate-it aspects of instant photography. Not every print came out like this, and in a lot of cases it occurred when I didn't use flash, so perhaps this contributed to it.

Lomo’Instant Wide Glass: Sample images

You'll be able to see from the sample images below just how many tries it took for me to get a clear image of my dog surrounded by autumn leaves. What I thought would be within the 0.6m zone was actually sharper using the 1-2m mode – it was all very confusing. This is not an easy-focusing point-and-shoot instant camera like some others I've used, and you'll really need to work at it to get the focus right.

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Lomo’Instant Wide Glass sample images

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Should I buy the Lomo’Instant Wide Glass?

Buy it if...

You love wider prints
The Lomo’Instant Wide Glass uses Instax Wide film, which is double the size of credit card-sized Instax Mini prints. If you're serious about showing off your photos there’s nothing like shooting on wider-format film for the maximum amount of detail in your images.

You care about quality
Instant cameras aren't typically known for being sharpshooters, but the Lomo’Instant Wide Glass changes things with a glass lens, and the option for pairing with an external off-camera flash for studio-quality prints.

You're looking for a speedy turnaround time and love the retro vibes
Instant cameras aren't for everyone, but those who appreciate the artistry and nostalgia behind analogue photography will love the gimmick of having an image appear before your eyes, as opposed to shooting with a film camera where developing can take weeks (and is more expensive than ever).

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Lomo’Instant Wide Glass sample images

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Don't buy it if...

You're big into macro photography
I had a difficult time using this camera for close-up shots, and while this doesn't necessarily mean that you will too, instant cameras in general aren't typically used for macro shooting, and can be extremely fiddly to master, with zone-focusing and extra lens attachments to work with.

You hate spending money on film
Instant cameras are an investment. If you want to keep shooting with your camera, then expect to spend a fair amount on film costs (and accidentally waste a few shots), and ensure that you're stocked up. Instax film, and camera film in general, can be very expensive, but it's worth it if you ask me.

You want an easy point-and-shoot
Unlike some instant cameras on the market, the Lomo’Instant Wide Glass is aimed at more advanced users and is much more complicated to use than your standard point-and-shoot cameras. This is great if you're willing to learn and master the controls, but not if you want something quick and easy.

How I tested the Lomo’Instant Wide Glass:

Lomo’Instant Wide Glass review

(Image credit: Beth Nicholls)
  • I used five packs of Instax Wide film (50 shots), including one pack of the black-edition Instax Wide film (10 shots)
  • I shot with the camera in a variety of indoor and outdoor locations, and in cloudy, overcast, and sunny weather conditions
  • I experimented with self-portraits, landscape shots, multiple exposures, and closer subjects (which I didn't have much luck with).

I used the new Lomo’Instant Wide Glass instant camera for a few weeks, and I fell in love with it pretty quickly (it was hard to give it back) after putting in so much time and effort to get to grips with it. This involved learning how to master the focusing zones by shooting the same subject using different focus points, using a tape measure to accurately measure distances, and physically moving both myself and the subject to determine what worked at which distances.

I put the Lomo’Instant Wide Glass through its paces in most areas and settings, excluding studio use (I sadly didn't have access to one). I tested the performance of this camera by venturing around my home city of Bath in the UK to capture landscape images, and shot portraits and still lifes, using my dog and house plants as my primary test subjects. I got an all-around feel for the camera's handling and user-friendliness too, with the biggest pain point being the viewfinder.

First reviewed November 2024

Posted: November 22, 2024, 10:22 am

Viofo A329 Dash Cam: one-minute review

I’m a big fan of any dash cam, no matter what the brand or its capabilities. They just make good sense, and offer some peace of mind when I’m behind the wheel. And, while I really liked recent arrival the Nextbase Piqo for its no-frills setup and operation, the Viofo A329 Dash Cam is an altogether more sophisticated offering.

The Viofo A329 Dash Cam is a step up from the Viofo A229 Pro Dash Cam, which preceded it, but it’s also up against some very stiff competition from the other best dash cams out there. Bear in mind, this is a premium model, so while it comes with lots of features and functions, the Viofo A329 Dash Cam carries a high-ish price tag too: in excess of $300 / £300, though exactly how much you'll pay depends on the bundle you choose.

However, the upside to that added expense is lots of great features. The Viofo A329 seen here also arrives as a two-channel offering, which means there’s a forward-facing camera and a smaller supplementary unit that captures video out of the back of your vehicle. As a result, there’s more work involved in getting it set up and running, with plenty of cable concealment to be done as part of the process.

Nevertheless, I'd say it’s well worth the effort, as the Viofo A329 Dash Cam offers 4K, 60 frames per second, Ultra HD footage at the front and 2K at the back, with each camera equipped with a Sony Starvis 2 image sensor and HDR recording. Add in 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi, voice control, and notifications, along with advanced parking mode capability plus support for external SSD storage, and the Viofo A329 Dash Cam soon starts looking like very good value for money.

It’s all about the performance with this premium dash cam. I found the Sony Starvis 2 IMX678 1/1.8-inch 8-megapixel image sensor and rear-facing Sony Starvis 2 IMX675 1/2.8-inch 5-megapixel image sensor more than able in most driving scenarios. Footage captured after dark was no less impressive than the footage taken during dull and grey days, with both cameras adept at picking out details such as license plates and road signs.

Thankfully, Viofo has taken into account the fact that 4K files soon bulk out microSD cards. Therefore, it’s possible to hook up an available SSD drive and store content directly to that, using the benefit of integrated Wi-Fi 6 technology. This is a practical solution for dealing with bulky chunks of data, and promises to be three times quicker, operating in the 5GHz band at speeds of up to 30Mbps. The specification also means that the A329 is optimized so that you can view and manage files quickly and easily via a phone too, using Viofo's own very decent app.

Viofo A329 Dash Cam

(Image credit: Future)

Viofo A329 Dash Cam: price and availability

The Viofo A329 Dash Cam is available now with a single front camera directly from Viofo being reduced by 18% to $329.99 at the time of writing, while the front and rear camera from Viofo is currently reduced by 15% to $399.99. It’s a similar story for the UK market with the former costing £329.95 (currently reduced to £299.95) and £399.95 (currently £359.95) for the latter two-camera bundle.

Viofo A329 Dash Cam: specs

Viofo A329 Dash Cam: Design

When it comes to design Viofo hasn’t changed too much compared to the Viofo A229 Dash Cam, with the A329 having a virtually identical front-facing camera unit. That’s no bad thing, as I liked the way the A229 was styled, with some neat design touches that make it a little more practical than its rivals. I particularly like the way the camera it can be attached to your windscreen, using the sticky patch on the mount or via static sheets for easier removal. The lens can then be moved into the perfect position using a click-based lever movement that adjusts it upwards and downwards.

There’s also the benefit of a sizable rear screen, which is crisp and clear, with operational buttons directly beneath that. This arrangement allowed me to access most if not all of the controls without the need for the supporting app. However, I also found that it’s possible to squeeze even more from the Viofo A329 Dash Cam by exploiting the software features, especially when it came to file management if I was hooked up using the SSD external drive option.

Viofo A329 Dash Cam

(Image credit: Future)

The unit itself is chunky, without being overly bulky, and feels nicely made, as the A229 did. Viofo includes everything you need to get up and running in the box, although if you’re very enthusiastic about your dash cam it might be worth considering the additional Viofo accessories for this model. These include a polarizing lens filter and a wireless Bluetooth remote control. In addition, there's an optional hardwire kit, which enables a more permanent installation than plugging the camera in via a 12V vehicle socket.

For the rear-facing camera, Viofo has kept the design lines simple and straightforward. The camera is easily mounted to the glass using another sticky pad, and can be angled into the optimal position using the same type of lens adjustment method.

Viofo A329 Dash Cam

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Viofo A329 Dash Cam: Performance

The Viofo A329 Dash Cam does feel like a step up from the competition. Much of that is down to the fact that it records video in 4K at 60fps. Having this capability means it trounces many rivals, with many lesser models shooting 4K at 30fps, and upping the frame rate potentially results in smoother and crisper video. I found having the HDMI 4K video-out port made it very quick and easy to view even sizeable chunks of footage too.

Being sure that things like license plates are being captured legibly is reassuring, but this unit is good at helping to pick out things like badges, car logos and even facial features too. The beefier specification is also good for high-speed scenarios, thanks to the faster capabilities of the camera. Of course, there’s a slight trade-off in that this creates a larger bank of video files over time, but Viofo has thought of this by making the A329 Dash Cam fully compatible with external SSDs, so a drive can be used as a backup if my microSD card starts groaning under the weight of content.

Viofo A329 Dash Cam

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Up front, the Sony Starvis 2 IMX678 1/1.8-inch 8-megapixel image sensor proved very impressive, with footage showing plenty of crisp detail. Even the rear camera, which has a smaller and lower-resolution Sony Starvis 2 IMX675 1/2.8-inch 5-megapixel sensor, was very good when it came to capturing things like license plates. Better still, after dark it proved quite good at capturing the faces of drivers sitting in the car behind, which is notable in itself.

Viofo A329 Dash Cam

(Image credit: Future)

All this 4K content soon stacks up mind, so Viofo has integrated Wi-Fi 6 technology for this model. This, it claims, is three times more potent at operating within the 5GHz band and offers up to 30MBps. Viofo reckons a one-minute 4K video can be downloaded in under 10 seconds and, during my time with the dash cam, I see no reason to disagree. Using this in tandem with an external SSD is a good way to go, allowing storage of lots of content for as long as it is needed.

Should you buy the Viofo A329 Dash Cam?

Viofo A329 Dash Cam

(Image credit: Future)

Buy it if...

That price tag is fine
This is a premium dash cam bundle and the combination of twin cameras and a beefy specification means it’s not cheap to buy. However, the Viofo A329 Dash Cam offers potent performance in return.

You need two cameras
The two-channel, twin camera approach is handy if you’re keen to keep all bases covered. This is a serious bit of kit that also benefits from being hardwired into a vehicle in order to get the best from all the features.

You want top quality footage
Sometimes it’s the little things that can make all the difference in the event of an incident or insurance claim. Having the benefit of crisp and clear 4K 60fps video could be invaluable and even the rear-facing camera is impressive too.

Don't buy it if...

You like things simple
The Viofo A329 Dash Cam is intuitive and easy to use, but the dual camera arrangement could be a little too labour intensive for some. There’s quite a lot of cabling to plumb in and the connectors are excellent, though very hard to undo if you’ve plugged the ends in the wrong way around.

You don’t need lots of features
While it’s certainly potent, the Viofo A329 Dash Cam might be more than some want or need. A basic dash cam will capture video and offer the same stripped down features for a lot less money.

You’re not after dual cameras
The simple solution to this is to plump for the single camera edition, although having a rear-facing unit does offer additional piece of mind. Viofo does offer three camera bundles too, however.

How I tested the Viofo A329 Dash Cam

  • I installed the dash cam into a test car for a set period of time
  • I used it for several journeys during both day and night
  • I connected it to my phone and downloaded recordings for comparison

I reviewed the Viofo A329 Dash Cam during the course of several days, when it was faced with capturing footage in a range of weather conditions. The camera units were installed in a test vehicle and powered via the 12V socket, rather than being hardwired in. As always, it should be noted that this temporary route does occasionally limit some of the features and functionality, especially when it comes to parking surveillance.

  • First reviewed November 2024
Posted: November 13, 2024, 5:56 pm

Nextbase Piqo Dash Cam: two-minute review

Nextbase is a well known brand name in the world of dash cams, and one of its recent models, the Nextbase iQ smart dash cam, was a real step forward in terms of providing shooting potency along with a bevy of brilliant features. While it’s little wonder that that model currently tops our list of the best dash cams, another impressive recent addition to its lineup is the Nextbase Piqo Dash Cam, which is akin to a ‘Lite’ edition of the Nextbase iQ bruiser.

This is a more basic offering, but that’s not to say it should be overlooked. In fact, anyone wanting a straightforward, non-nonsense dash cam that can capture great video but needs very little effort when it comes to the installation part should certainly consider it. The Nextbase Piqo Dash Cam is keenly priced, and while it doesn’t have a rear screen, which might put some off, the supporting Nextbase app more than makes up for that.

If anything, using the Nextbase Piqo Dash Cam along with the app makes this compact model even more appealing. The other appealing aspect of this model is its dainty form factor. It’s much smaller and lighter than the Nextbase iQ, which means it's barely noticeable when mounted just in front of the rear-view mirror. However, despite its diminutive stature, the Nextbase Piqo Dash Cam packs a reasonable punch when it comes to performance, with many of the same smart features and functions found on the Nextbase iQ squeezed into a more compact design.

The Nextbase Piqo Dash Cam is quick and easy to fit. It can be powered using the supplied 12V plug connector, while anyone wanting a more permanent fixture can buy an optional hardwire kit, which might require professional installation if meddling with car electrics isn’t your thing. Either way, all of the fitting kit is inside the box, including the 12V cable and connector, windscreen stickers, and a tool for pushing the cable behind trim panels.

While the 1K HD version of the Piqo is cheap, and delivers decent video that's slightly better than 1080p thanks to the 2560 x 1080 pixel resolution and 140-degree field of view, the model to go for is the 2K, which boasts 2560 x 1440 pixels and a 145-degree field of view. Price-conscious purchasers will find it more than suitable, even compared to the high-end muscle of the 4K Nextbase iQ. It’s an ideal compromise.

While the Nextbase iQ is an always-connected camera, the Piqo can be simply plugged into the 12V socket, but there are optional pro install cable and the connect cable kits available to unlock advanced features like the smart parking functionality to capture any car park mishaps. Additional smart features are present within the Piqo, but they’re not quite as potent as the iQ’s.

Nextbase has a subscription model which lets users add a customized overlays or ‘skins’ to video clips., with its ‘Protect’ plan feeling like reasonable value for £29.99 per year, or its $2.99 / £2.99 / AU$4.99 per month. There’s a free ‘Solo’ subscription too, which is leaner but still lets users add a single ‘skin’ to video clips. Standard footage still gets the benefit of journey data anyway, with the likes of date, time and speed all shown in a nice typeface at the foot of the video clip.

Nextbase Piqo Dash Cam

(Image credit: Future)

Nextbase Piqo Dash Cam: price and availability

The Nextbase Piqo Dash Cam is as easy to buy as it is to install thanks to the worldwide presence of this brand. It can be purchased from the Nextbase website, and from leading online and bricks-and-mortar retailers. There are two versions to consider, depending on your needs. The 1K (HD 1080p) edition costs $129.99 / £99 / AU$199, while the beefier 2K (HD 1440p) model retails for $149.99 / £119 / $299. Even the more expensive model is less than half the price of the Nextbase iQ, which is available from $399.99 / £349.99 / AU$799.99.

Nextbase Piqo Dash Cam: specs

Nextbase Piqo Dash Cam: Design

The main appeal of the Nextbase Piqo Dash Cam is its compact form factor – it's much smaller than the chunky Nextbase iQ, and there are a few other rival dash cam models that are similarly svelte. The Piqo really stands out thanks to its small and lightweight construction, and it's a good-looking device too, with a smooth black plastic main case that comes with the mounting bracket already attached. The design and build quality feel every bit as good as other Nextbase models, but the lightness of the Piqo is striking, especially compared to the Nextbase iQ.

Nextbase Piqo Dash Cam

(Image credit: Future)

Inside the box are static sheets for the windscreen. These enable the Piqo to be fixed to the glass without the need for putting the very sticky 3M self-adhesive pad directly on the glass, which is handy if the camera needs to be moved to another vehicle from time to time. A slot for the microSD card is on one side of the case, and a connector socket for the power cable sits on the other. The camera lens sits on the front of the unit, while a circular LED on the back glows or pulses depending on what the Piqo is doing during setup and operation. Power is supplied simply by plugging the camera into a vehicle's 12V power socket, via the supplied cable and adaptor, although as mentioned an optional hardwire kit is available.

Nextbase Piqo Dash Cam

(Image credit: Future)

Nextbase Piqo Dash Cam: Performance

The Nextbase Piqo Dash Cam is an ideal option for anyone who wants a dashcam that has the potential to be more helpful than just videoing the road ahead, but equally works perfectly well without unlocking its extra potential if it’s not needed. Considering the cheap and cheerful price point, the 2K model delivers very respectable footage, and worked particularly well during grim and grey autumnal days during testing in the UK. There are compromises, of course, especially when comparing footage to that from the 4K Nextbase iQ.

A variety of footage captured by the Nextbase Piqo Dash Cam revealed that it's very capable, with the benefit of journey data being captured and displayed along the bottom of the footage for good measure. Audio seemed to be less impressive, with an occasional crackle present in test footage, although so far I've not been able to determine if this is something to do with the test car itself or the dash cam unit. It certainly shouldn't be enough to put anyone off buying the Nextbase Piqo Dash Cam.

Nextbase Piqo Dash Cam

(Image credit: Future)

Capturing footage is simplicity itself, with a setup process that's pretty much plug-and-play, and which is completed by downloading the Nextbase app (for iOS or Android). The app is impressive, although interestingly, once plugged in the Piqo gets on with recording footage during journeys even if the app setup hasn’t been completed. Anyone who's not bothered with setting up accounts and entering login details might find this appealing, but added value comes from the Nextbase subscription options outlined above.

Nextbase Piqo Dash Cam

(Image credit: Future)

A subscription gives you access to extra features like SOS, Guardian Mode, Witness Mode and Smart Parking, albeit in Lite versions compared to those found on the Nextbase iQ. The free Solo subscription offers Smart Parking, Guardian Mode Lite, Witness Mode Lite, access to the Piqo Mobile app and voice control, plus 30 days of cloud storage. Optional kits to turn the Piqo into an always-on dash cam are available, and adding the Protect subscription gets you 180 days of cloud storage and emergency SOS functionality, along with an extra two years warranty.

The Nextbase iQ offers an example of how handy the extra features can be, but the reality is that many budget-conscious dash-cam buyers are looking for a simple way to capture the road ahead, and for such users this is a dash cam that's simple to set up and offers great value for money. In fact, that’s really the essence of the Piqo's appeal: it’s no-nonsense, and all the better for it.

Should you buy the Nextbase Piqo Dash Cam?

Nextbase Piqo Dash Cam

(Image credit: Future)

Buy it if...

You want simplicity
The Nextbase Piqo is wonderfully quick and easy to set up. It can be plugged in and configured in minutes, with power supplied via a cable from the 12V socket found in the majority of vehicles.

You might want extra features
The beauty of this dash cam is its simplicity, but with a subscription upgrade and a constant power supply the Nextbase Piqo offers a wealth of advanced features including parking surveillance.

You love an app
Controlling the Nextbase Piqo Dash Cam is best done via the Nextbase mobile app, which is perfect for managing video content and tweaking those additional features if they’ve been configured.

Don't buy it if...

You prefer a rear screen
The Nextbase Piqo Dash Cam is a compact model, and as a result there's no rear screen. Setup has to be done in tandem with the Nextbase app, so there’s basically nothing on the camera unit aside from a microSD card slot and power port.

You want 4K video
The Nextbase Piqo comes in two model variants, with the cheapest model offering 1K and the slightly more expensive edition boasting 2K video. Both are good for everyday monitoring. However, more discerning video fans might prefer the crispness delivered by the 4K of the premium Nextbase iQ.

You want to avoid a subscription
To get the best from the Nextbase Piqo you'll want to take out a subscription. The paid option costs £29.99 per year, and offers more functionality and more cloud storage.

How I tested the Nextbase Piqo Dash Cam

  • I installed the dash cam into a test car for a set period of time
  • I used it for several journeys during both day and night
  • I connected it to my phone and downloaded recordings for comparison

I lived with the Nextbase Piqo Dash Cam for a week after installing it in a vehicle I was also testing. Following set up and installation, I then powered up the dash cam any time I did a journey, which meant it was used during daylight hours and after dark too. I tested the Nextbase Piqo Dash Cam using the 12V plug in power option, rather than the more permanent hard wiring route. However, aside from not having the always on power functionality, I got to explore all of the available features of the 'Free' subscription option.

  • First reviewed November 2024
Posted: November 5, 2024, 5:21 pm

Thermal Master NV300 MAX: One minute review

The Thermal Master NV300 Max is one of a new generation of advanced road detection systems that utilises infrared thermal technology and AI to highlight dangers and obstacles on the road, even in the dark and when weather conditions make it otherwise hard to see.

The system is made up of three separate parts; the camera, which sits on the exterior of the vehicle, the screen, which is linked to the camera by a cable and sits on your dash and the OBD II dongle that plugs into your car's OBD II port. This port is often hidden away under the dash and once plugged in wirelessly links with the rest of the system.

The main unit, which sits on the exterior of the vehicle, features two cameras, one standard and the other IR, and this attaches via a large magnet onto the roof of your car. This unit is relatively large, and there's no way that you can miss it once it's attached; on some vans, such as the Ford Transit Custom, with the unit on the roof it's over 2m in height which could be an issue, especially for height restricted barriers. However, with the magnet attachment system it is quick and easy to remove, as long as you remember.

The other two parts are the OBD II plug, that simply plugs directly into the car, and the screen that magnetically attaches to a fold-up stand, which is stuck permanently with a sticky pad to your dash. 

The overall fitting process takes some DIY skill, and how you do it really depends on where your skill level is and your car; essentially, once the camera is in place, the cable can then be fed around the Window Screen and secured. Then, the cable is routed through the engine bay to the interior of the car and into the LCD screen, which is then plugged into the 12V socket for power. The OBD II is then plugged in, and the App downloaded to your phone - that setup process involves a few adjustments to your phone name, which is a bit off, but once done, everything can be switched on and you're ready to go. 

In use, the system works well with the dual camera design, giving you a clear view of the road using the standard camera in the day and the IR as soon as dusk falls. On the screen, boxes highlight in red, amber and green the level of the threats, and audio alerts accompany these. All settings and options are controlled through the connected App with a cut down settings menu that can be accessed through the screen. 

As an alert system the Thermal Master NV300 Max works incredibly well - it's easy enough to fit although that additional bulk might be an issue for some. Once it is up and running, it is incredibly fast at spotting potential dangers, and the audio alert "hazard" is superb. As a passenger checking out, the screen as it highlights objects and dangers in thermal mode the vivid colours are impressive alongside those audio alerts. If you want the support of a night vision and alert system, then the NV300 Max is a great choice.

Thermal Master NV300 Max: Price and availability

The Thermal Master NV300 Max is currently on Kickstarter, which you can check out by clicking here.

  • Value: 4.5 / 5

Thermal Master NV300 MAX

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

Thermal Master NV300 Max: Specs

Thermal Master NV300 Max: Design

This night vision system has been designed to attach to the exterior of your vehicle quickly, and while the camera section and the screen are connected by a cable, they can both be disconnected quickly. The connecting cable is essentially fed through the engine bay to the vehicle's inner cabin during the initial setup, but after that, it can be left in place. When it comes to the installation, set aside at least an hour, after which the link cable can be left in place while the camera can be quickly removed. 

The overall quality of each part is solid, with both the camera unit and screen being made from metal and having a high-quality feel. The main camera unit that attaches to the vehicles roof measures approximately 153 x 148 x 63mm weighs 630g, and is weatherproofed. This unit has two forms of attachment, either the large magnet that is built in or the large sticky pad, one obviously being more permanent than the other. 

Thermal Master NV300 MAX

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

The screen is relatively large as well at 167 x 80 x 10mm with a weight of 180g and a resolution of 512×384. This is worth noting as the screen fits to a magnetic stand which can be stuck to your dash, then rather than leaving it in place when you leave the car, it can be quickly removed so it doesn't attract unwanted attention. Its connection to the rest of the system is via a standard USB cable so it is nice and easy.

The last hardware part of the system is the OBD II dongle, which plugs directly into the vehicle - if you are unfamiliar with car maintenance, refer to your car's manual, and its position will be highlighted there.

Other than the hardware, you also have the iOS or Android App, which can be quickly downloaded and installed. This is used for the setup but can also used to monitor the feed from the cameras.

  • Design: 4 / 5

Thermal Master NV300 MAX

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

Thermal Master NV300 Max: Features

As an AI-driven automotive camera, the Thermal Master NV300 Max has quite a list of features that stretch well beyond just being a standard night vision system. 

On the front, the main focus of the product is obviously the cameras, both standard and thermal, which enable the unit to work in both day and night conditions. Both cameras also feature a recording function, so all visuals are stored on a MicroSD card that can be inserted into the screen. This means that before you even get started on the object detection, you essentially have a dashboard cam. 

The system consists of three parts: the camera, which mounts on the exterior of the vehicle; the screen, which sits on the dash and connects to the camera via a cable; and finally, the OBD dongle that plugs into a port in the car and connects wirelessly. In addition to the hardware, there's also the App that enables you to access and adjust settings, playback footage and receive a live feed from the camera. 

Thermal imaging and AI object detection are the main features of the unit, and all options and settings for these can be adjusted through the Thermal Master App, which is available for both Android and iOS mobile devices. Once everything is connected, you can then adjust the settings, including the AI detection distance and IR colour overlays and alerts.

The IR camera, when selected manually or using the systems auto mode will at night, during fog, smog or under the glare of bright headlight, will pick up what's ahead, so while it might be too dark to see using traditional methods, the specialist IR, camera will see all. As standard, the display for this is just black and white; however, with pseudo colours selectable, you can quickly change the display to something far more visually appealing. 

With the display set, the AI can then start to work, and any objects that could pose a potential threat are highlighted with a boundary box and highlighted in red, amber, and green, depending on their threat level; it's very clever. 

Alongside the visual alerts are audio alerts, which are again handy and, in fact, far more useful when driving than the visual as you can keep your eyes on the road. The AI camera will also alert you if you get too close to the vehicle in front, which is another nice safety feature. 

Alongside the safety features are a couple of nice additions, including voice control, which enables you to flick through the different displays, as well as a few other options by just using your voice. Then there's speed display that utilises accurate data from the OBD.

Thermal Master NV300 MAX

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)
  • Features: 5 / 5

Thermal Master NV300 Max: Performance

Before you get started with the Thermal Master NV300 Max, the system and all components need to be installed and fitted. The first step is to unscrew the protective camera cover and then plug in the first cable before screwing it back together; there are five screws in total, so nothing complex. Next on the base of the camera unit is a large magnet with a softer surface covering to protect the car; this holds firmly in position and, once in place, doesn't require any additional fixings. If you have a glass roof, then part of the base of the unit features a large 3M sticky pad, which will securely attach the unit, but using this does mean that it will be an almost permanent feature. 

After the cameras are positioned, the cable can be fed around the windscreen; there's usually a gap, and then hooked in under the bonnet and through the engine bay so that it can then be fed through to the interior cabin. With electric cars, this is a little more tricky, so it's best to refer to the car's manual to see if there is a way through. Once into the cabin, you can then link up the screen and plug in the 12V plug, tidy the cables, and you're essentially done with this part of the installation. 

Next, you plug in the ODB II reader, which is usually found under the dash and can often be covered; the good thing about the design of the dongle is that once it is in place, you can close the ODB II cover, and it's then hidden from site. These ports are essentially a direct data connection to the car's computer and are used by garages mainly for diagnosing faults, but you can also use this port for re-tuning or, in this case, getting a direct live feed of some of the car's statistics, such as speed, RPM and acceleration. 

The final step is to download the Thermal Master App. We did this on the iPhone 15 Pro. One quirk for the use of the App is that you need to change the name of the phone to "nv' in order to create a hotspot with the correct name and password, which is hard set in the Thermal Master NV300 MAX and at present can't be updated.

Once that's done, you can switch it on, and it's ready to go. Realistically, once the unit is setup, you only need the App to adjust settings, firmware updates, or view the footage you've captured, so you can change your phone name back to what it was before. If you do need to access settings for the system, then most can accessed by quickly by touching the bottom right-hand corner of the screen.

One of the settings that you'll want to update from the outset is the "Infrared pseudo-color", and there's a good selection of colour options to choose from; as standard, the IR or Thermal display is obviously just in black and white. 

As you start to drive, the usefulness of the system quickly becomes apparent, with the small screen alerting you to the audio "Hazzard" every time it detects a car, van, person, or animal. On the screen, you can see the hot spots, and across the top, small icons pop up showing what type of object has been detected; it's all very quick and clever. Another feature of the detection system is that the objects are surrounded by a boundary box, with green showing that they're at a safe distance, amber showing they're getting closer and red being that they could be an imminent threat. The detection system works well, and while you can't really make the most of viewing the screen while driving, the audio alerts are really handy - the visuals, on the other hand, will keep your passenger entertained. 

Alongside the thermal imaging, the OBD II reader is also working to transmit Speed, RPM and acceleration information to the display. Essentially, this is much the same as your vehicle's speed dials, just a little more involved with plenty of additional data - at present, this data isn't recorded down, but if it is in future, then this could be handy alongside the dashboard cam footage if you are involved in a crash.

The other handy feature is voice control; this enables you to switch display types, but is most handy for increasing or decreasing the volume or brightness of the screen, with all commands activated with "Hey Max". 

Overall, the performance of the NV300 Max is exceptional, alerting you to potential hazards at night and when the conditions mean that visibility is poor. The audio alerts are key, and the visuals are handy. One of the early reservations about the system was the bulk of the unit on the exterior of the vehicle, but actually, as it's secured with the large magnet, removing and replacing the unit only takes a few moments, and the cables can be routed in and left in place, so its really not an issue. You can install it when you need it and remove it when you don't.

  • Performance: 4.5 / 5

Thermal Master NV300 MAX

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

Thermal Master NV300 Max: Final verdict

Thermal Master NV300 MAX

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

As an automated night detection system, there's no doubt that the NV300 Max works exceptionally well. Early doubts about the size and bulk on the exterior of the vehicle were quickly dismissed, and even on the van where the height of the vehicle with the addition of the unit would be an issue for barriers, the unit was quick to remove so aside from some slight inconvenience this was a non issue. The only slight stumbling block for some people will be if they have glass or plastic roof sections where the unit would need to be stuck in place, at which point this becomes a more permanent fixture. The App connection to mobile is also a bit of an odd one, requiring you to change the name of the phone in order to make that connection; still, once done, you can always switch back, so again, it's just a small inconvenience rather than a huge issue. 

Otherwise, the NV300 Max is fast to fit and remove when needed and works flawlessly in daylight as well as at night and in adverse conditions, highlighting potential dangers. Then there are those additional features that really make this stand out - the fact that it can be used as a dash cam with a MicroSD recording the footage in case you need to review it. Then there's the OBD II data, which is really interesting and could be helpful if you do have a crash or even if you're caught speeding and want to check. 

All these features make it a comprehensive safety feature that you can add to your vehicle and is suitable for anyone who hates driving at night, fears hitting something that they cannot see and will be reassured by the presence of a reliable alert system.

Should I buy a Thermal Master NV300 Max?

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Posted: November 5, 2024, 3:01 pm

 

I got the the Fujifilm X H1! But is it any good?

By: Palle Schultz

Originally published on Feb 14, 2018

The features of the Fujifilm X-H1 and my opinion about it.

In this space, the link for the mentioned Nepal video will be, when it becomes public.

Note by Camaras.net: A fantastic overview of this new camera, by somebody who has extensively used it (in the field), and is an excellent photographer and videographer. Big thanks to Palle, for doing this video for the benefit of all parties interested.

Awesome follow up video with examples, Thanks Palle!!

By: Palle Schultz

Originally published on Feb 23, 2018

I collected a bunch of clips from Nepal, that shows the features of the X-H1.

Watch this space for a link to the Nepal movie at the 26th of February

http://instagram.com/palleschultz

8 Cinematic LUTs Pack by Mathieu Stern ( ZOOLOGY)

By: Mathieu Stern

Originally published on Jan 8, 2018

►► Download the LUTs here: https://www.mathieustern.com/luts/

8 High Quality Cinematic LUTs That I Created and use all the time
Compatible with Adobe Premiere Pro, Adobe Photoshop, After Effects, Davinci Resolve, FCPX*

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▲▲ WHERE I GET MY MUSIC  ▲▲ AMAZING for YouTubers
https://goo.gl/R8dSUu

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New to my Channel?? Here are some playlists to get you started.

➜ Best Of – Watch These First : https://goo.gl/pC31Ae

➜ The Weird Lens Challenge : https://goo.gl/F14AmC

➜ The Cheap Weird Lens Reviews : https://goo.gl/4Esi2p

➜ How To / Tutorials : https://goo.gl/mMZlTk.

The Nikon Photo Contest, 2014-2015: Call for Entries

Put your lens on the world

By: Nikon. June 12, 2014 (http://www.nikon.com)

TOKYO – Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce that entries for the Nikon Photo Contest 2014-2015 will be accepted between September 15 and December 15, 2014.

Nikon Photo Contest (NPC) is one of the world’s most prestigious international photo contests. Held since 1969, the goal behind the contest is to provide an opportunity for photographers around the world to communicate and to enrich photographic culture for professionals and amateurs alike. The name of the contest was changed to “Nikon Photo Contest” the last time it was held (34th time), and with 99,339 entries—the largest number of entries in the history of the contest—from 153 countries and regions around the world judged by a globally diverse panel of 17 judges, Nikon Photo Contest is a truly international contest.

Full press release at the source>