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Showing posts from January, 2025

Panasonic Lumix G97 review: enthusiast-level camera, beginner-level price

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Panasonic Lumix G97 two-minute review The Panasonic Lumix G97 is effectively an updated refresh of the 2019 Lumix G95/90 , with a higher-resolution rear screen, the video recording limit removed, and a new USB-C port for charging and power. Granted, that doesn’t sound like much of an update – but when you use the G97 you realize just how responsive, well-made and powerful this camera still is, even by todays’ standards. It does have a 20MP Micro Four Thirds sensor, which is half the size of the sensors in its APS-C rivals, which also offer more resolution at 24-26MP+. This has some effect on the ultimate image quality, but perhaps not as much as you might expect, since the G97’s sensor has no anti-aliasing filter in order to maximize fine detail; and while there is more digital noise at higher sensitivities, you have to push the ISO quite a long way before it shows (and APS-C cameras also produce noise, of course). Does the Panasonic Lumix G97 look familiar? It's VERY clo...

I tested the Epson QB1000, and this stunning, super-bright projector is perfect for gaming

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Epson QB1000: two-minute review The Epson EH-QB1000 is a fantastic projector, and in terms of performance, specifications and features, no other beamer comes close at this price. The QB1000 uses a three-chip LCD design and laser light source that’s capable of producing an incredibly bright 3,300 lumens, which is higher brightness than many of the best 4K projectors can manage. In addition, thanks to excellent out-of-the-box accuracy the resulting images are not only bright but also naturally saturated. There’s a very low input lag, 4K 120Hz high frame rate support, and even HDR10+ high dynamic range support, making this beamer a cracking all-rounder. The SDR performance is clean and detailed, with good motion handling and great accuracy. The HDR images are even better thanks to the dynamic tone mapping that gets the most out of the specular highlights and expanded shadow detail. The result is a rich and nuanced image with plenty of visual pop. The same goes for HDR10+ content, wit...

Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector is an immersive sci-fi tale about the strengths of community

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Review info Platform reviewed: PC Available on: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, PC Release date: January 31, 2025 Rather than just the bombast of dizzying intergalactic battles, modern science fiction tales are imagining futures shaped by pervasive inequality and technological conquest. Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector , a roleplaying game by Gareth Damian Martin and one-person studio Jump Over the Age, is a science fiction tale of that pedigree. It also brings to mind a New Yorker profile of science fiction writer Liu Cixin from a few years ago, who achieved international acclaim for his book, The Three Body Problem . Liu insisted science fiction merely allows readers to indulge in escapism rather than serve as metaphors for real-world affairs. Perhaps this reflects his perspective that Chinese people are more concerned about immediate needs like healthcare and the economy, as opposed to more altruistic concepts like individual liberty - a nice to have, but not...

I tested the Bose QuietComfort headphones and the noise-cancelling is still flagship quality –but that's not the full story

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Bose QuietComfort headphones: One-minute review The Bose QuietComfort over-ear headphones landed in September 2023. Although there’s now a (slightly) newer and more premium model from the brand on the market, the standard QuietComfort cans are still well worth considering. That’s because they present buyers with all of the basics, like great comfort levels, sound and ANC, done incredibly well with the Bose seal of approval. Let’s get any confusion out of the way first. Where do these headphones sit in the Bose line-up? Rewind back to 2021 and the Bose Quietcomfort 45 over-ear headphones were released. The newer over-ear headphones we’re reviewing here, officially named just Bose QuietComfort, came out in September 2023 to replace them. Bose released the QuietComfort Ultra just a month later, in October 2023, but it's best to think of them as a solid step up from the QuietComfort headphones we’re reviewing here, making our best noise-cancelling headphones and best over-ear hea...

Hori Mario Kart Racing Wheel Pro Deluxe review: great for kids, one to miss for everyone else

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Hori Mario Kart Racing Wheel Pro Deluxe: One-minute review The best thing I can say about the Hori Mario Kart Racing Wheel Pro Deluxe is that it’ll make a good gift for younger gamers, especially if they’re into racing games on the Nintendo Switch. As a budget-friendly wheel, it performs admirably, even if it does lack features compared to many of the best racing wheels out there. Still, as a kid-friendly racing wheel, it more than gets the job done. But is it worth considering for those looking for a new racing wheel in general? Well, its relatively low price tag makes it a decent option for first-time buyers. And with it being compatible with PC as well as Nintendo Switch , you certainly won’t be lacking in options for games. If you’re okay with the bold Mario aesthetic (which I actually think is quite nice), you will have to contend with a relative lack of features. Build quality really takes a hit here for both the wheelbase and pedals - both certainly lacking compared to pric...