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RATED | Kit
AXiS X3
Looks great, sounds great; could this be the best digital radio in its class? £199 Manufacturer Revo, revo.co.uk Features Internet DAB, DAB+ and FM radio Connectivity Apple Lightning connector aptX Bluetooth
The third release of Revo’s award-winning AXiS digital radio brings welcome new features, but it’s not a radical overhaul. It drops the black bodywork in favour of a gunmetal finish, but looks every bit as stylish as before, with its colour touchscreen, sleek contours and outsized volume control. It’s just as easy to set up and use, too. Within minutes of taking it out of the box, we’d set up internet radio and network streaming, scanned for DAB stations, set alarms and connected to our iPhone over Bluetooth.
Talking of Bluetooth, the new AXiS supports aptX for CD-quality streaming from your Mac (iOS devices aren’t aptX-compatible). The dock on top of the unit is now Lightning, but the USB charging port on the side has gone. It would have come in useful for charging nonLightning devices, and also iPads, which won’t fit the dock. Also a better remote would be welcome, as it currently just has the basics. Sound quality takes a step up, though; it’s now warmer, more human and more complete. Not
The new AXiS boasts a gorgeous gun-metal exterior. that it was poor before but the new release offers an improvement, especially over Bluetooth. The top end is lively, crisp and clear, though the bass is a little muffled, but you can connect your AXiS to your sound system using RCA-outs, if you wish. The composite video-out has now gone, mind. AXiS X3 is a radio for the discerning. It looks good, sounds gorgeous and is a real joy to use. Ian Osborne
If you need a stylish, versatile radio with a polished sound and a small footprint, look no further. Extremely versatile Lightning dock aptX Bluetooth Poor remote controller
Sony NEX-5T
An ideal all-rounder compact system camera for budding photographers
£540 Manufacturer Sony, sony.co.uk Features 16.1 megapixels, APS-C CMOS sensor, three-inch 921,600 LCD touchscreen, Wi-Fi and NFC built in
The beauty of compact system cameras, such as the 5T, is that they offer high image quality in a miniaturised body. Sony has teamed up the 16.1 megapixel APS-C sized CMOS sensor with other good specs, including a Bionz image processor, hybrid autofocusing system, tilting threeinch touchscreen and built-in Wi-Fi, which is fast becoming standard. The NEX-5T is capable of producing great images, with bright, punchy colours. The detail produced by the 16.1 MP sensor is also
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fantastic, and we’ve been impressed by low-light performance, with resulting images demonstrating low noise levels. Autofocusing speeds are also pretty quick, while automatic white balance and metering systems produce decent results; the ability to take full manual control over your images will appeal to those looking for something a little more serious. Because this camera is Wi-Fi enabled, you can control it from your iPhone or iPad using the Sony PlayMemories app – great for
A capable camera that has all the features without the bulk. shooting from awkward angles. The Wi-Fi capability also means you can share images to your iPhone or iPad for instant sharing on social networking sites. You can download a number of apps directly to the camera through Sony’s PlayMemories store. While the number currently available is limited, it’s hopefully something Sony will expand on in the future. Amy Davies
An excellent choice for both beginners and those looking for something more advanced. Tilting, responsive touchscreen Instant sharing, remote control Large sensor, small body size Limited PlayMemories apps
