When we say cool accessories, we aren’t really talking about a Smart Cover or a set of headphones. Instead, we are interested in more fascinating accessories which will allow you to do exciting things with your iPad. Here are a few such accessories:

1. Apple Camera Connection Kit - If you were slightly disappointed by the camera quality of your new iPad, this will definitely cheer you up. The Camera Connection Kit contains two 30-pin dongles – one of these can read SD cards while the other works as a USB port. Using these dongles, you can connect your camera to the iPad, transfer photos and view them on a large screen. At the same time, you can also use the USB port to connect your iPad to other devices.

2. Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard Cover - It is a well known fact that  typing long documents with a virtual keyboard can be quite uncomfortable. If you hope to do a lot of typing on your iPad, you must get the Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard. Owing to the presence of magnets, it operates as a stand and holds your iPad still while you type. It is thin and sleek and works efficiently.

3. CCM Capacitive Stylus - The touch screen of an iPad is an absolute delight to work with, isn’t it? With a stylus, you can do so many fascinating thing on an iPad – you can draw, paint, play games which involve these activities etc. Some would say that you can do all this with your hand, but it is impossible to achieve the same degree of precision as with a stylus.

4. Jawbone Jambox – The Jawbone Jambox is a small bluetooth speaker that can act as the perfect audio companion to your iPad. Even as the original audio quality of an iPad is quite impressive, you will need an amplifying device if you are playing games or having a party or watching a movie. The Jawbone Jambox is a portable speaker that can provide the much needed boost to your iPad’s audio output.

Here is a list of some of the most exquisite gadget gifts for your friends and family:

1. Samsung DA-E750 – The Samsung DA-E750 is the most beautiful set of speakers you are ever going to set your eyes on. With the wooden exteriors, they have a distinct old school charm about them, which will work perfectly well with your Christmas decorations. On the technical front, the speakers are compatible with AirPlay, iOS devices, and some Android devices as well. Did we forget to mention that the audio quality is phenomenal. The Samsung DA-E750 is the gift of a lifetime, it will sit perfectly in your living room, adding to the beauty of your home.

2. MacBook Air – The MacBook Air needs no introduction. Its only the most perfect combination of aesthetic design and technical performance. The ultra thin 13-inch laptop comes with a 1.8 GHz Intel Core i5 processor and 4GB memory. The ultrabook weighs less than 3 pounds and it is an absolute pleasure to work on it. It is thin, it is light and it is simply an epitome of luxury. Go the Mac way this holiday and surprise your friends and family.

3. Nikon D4 – The best memories belong to the holiday season. Therefore, a high quality DSLR camera makes for an ideal holiday season gift. The Nikon D4 is one of the most impressive cameras in the market as of now. Besides producing excellent photographs, the Nikon D4 is the one of the fastest cameras you will ever work with. That means no time lags at all. Additionally, it comes with a high resolution sensor and better video quality.

4. Grado PS1000 – Headphones are available for as cheap as $20. But any music enthusiast knows the difference between these headphones and the high end ones. The latter will alert you to the presence of beats in a song that you had never heard before, transporting you to a different world altogether. The Grado PS1000 is one such pair of headphones. These are extremely comfortable to wear and the ear cups are made of wood and solid metal. The sound quality is excellent as well. All in all, they make for the perfect gift for anyone who likes listening to music.

As opposed to a DSLR, shopping for a compact camera is a relatively easy affair. There are a few basic rules that you need to know, firstly, megapixel don’t matter as much as you think they do. Instead, it is the lens that really matters, so, look for the kind of lens used, the focal length etc. Finally, consider other features like display resolution, low light performance, image stabilization and video quality. Based on all these criteria, we have put together a list of the best compact digital cameras:

1. Canon Power Shot SX260 HS – This Canon Power Shot camera comes with a 20x25mm ultra wide lens, backside illuminated CMOS sensor and Digic 5 image processor. Simply put, these are the some of the most advanced features in the world of compact digital cameras. This 12 megapixel camera boasts of excellent image quality and image stabilization. Additionally, it has a long zoom lens and it offers a variety of shooting modes. The Canon Power Shot SX260 HS is one of the best point and shoot cameras, one that should please both the amateur and the professional photographer.

2. Nikon Coolpix S9100 – The Nikon Coolpix S9100 has much in common with the Canon Power Shot SX260 HS. Both of these 12 megapixel cameras come with CMOS sensor and long zoom lenses. The Nikon Coolpix S9100 takes excellent photos even in low light thanks to its 18x zoom optical lens. For a camera that can easily fit into your pocket, the S9100 offers many automated modes. All you have to do is click a single button and you can have sharp and crisp photos under any conditions.

3. Sony Cyber Shot DSC-HX30V- This 18 megapixel camera is an absolute favorite among consumers with its high quality lens and performance. It has a significantly wide lens with improved auto focus speed and image stabilization. Additionally, it comes with built in Wi-Fi, improved GPS and Sony’s Clear Image Zoom, all of which make it a force to reckon with.

Besides these, there are several variants which are equally promising. Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20, Sony Cyber DSC-RX100, Canon Power Shot 92 and Fujifim Finepix Z800EXR come highly recommended. The truth is that there is very little separating all of these models and one just has to rely on personal choice as the last resort.

A professional DSLR camera is a huge investment; the body alone can cost anywhere between $1,500 to $6,000. The steep price is just another reason why you should do a careful study of the the features offered by a DSLR. Ideally, a good DSLR camera will allow you to modify the settings manually. Every professional photographer wants to have complete control over the settings to get the photos exactly as he or she imagined them. Additionally, the shutter lag must be almost non existent and the camera must be compatible with multiple lenses. These are the broad criteria for choosing a high quality, performance oriented DSLR. However, they can vary according to professional specializations. For instance, the requirements of landscape photography are completely different from sports photography. At alaTest, we have put together a collection of the best DSLR categorized according to specialized fields.

1. Wildlife Photography

When it comes to professional wildlife photography, DSLR’s have to be quick and precise. Firstly, a DSLR must have a high megapixel count so that it can take gather maximum details even from a distance. Secondly, one does not really get the time to use the manual focus feature while taking photographs in jungles or wildlife reserves. Therefore, you must look for a DSLR with a decent auto manual mode. Besides this, a DSLR meant for wildlife photography must come with minimal shutter lag, good performance at high ISO and a sensor dust remover. Based on all these factors, these are the cameras which are known for their high quality performance in the realm of wildlife photography- the Canon EOS-1D Mark III, Nikon D300, Olympus E3 and Samsung GX 20.

2. Sports Photography

In the case of sports photography, it is all about capturing the moment. One needs a DSLR with auto focus which has the ability to focus on a single subject even while others might appear in the same frame. Simultaneously, it must be able to perform well in low light high ISO and it must have the ability to shoot at a high frame advance rate. In the recent few years, Nikon D700, Nikon D3 series and Canon 5D and 7D series have emerged as the best DSLR’s for sports photography.

3. Landscape Photography

A DSLR meant for landscape photography should allow the photographer to capture the beauty of the surroundings in its most natural state. Since the photographer has a lot of time at his disposal to adjust settings, a DSLR with a wide range of manual settings is preferred in landscape photography. Ideally, you must be able to balance the color and the light to match the surroundings. Apart from this, an ideal DSLR must have a lot of megapixels, a sensor dust removal system, an efficient viewfinder with live view and grid lines and features which take care of image stabilization. The Canon EOS 40D is one of the most popular DLSRs in the world of landscape photography. At the same time, Nikon D300, Panasonic Lumix DMC-L10 and Pentax K20D come highly recommended.

Then came camera phones which changed things quite a bit. However, in the initial stages, the cameras weren’t all that great and people usually preferred to use a traditional camera instead. Over the years, the quality and specifications of in built phone cameras have improved radically, so much so that some of them are as good as point and shoot cameras.

Here is a list of the best camera phones available in the market as of now:

1. Apple iPhone 5- Soon after the Apple iPhone 5 was launched, people were already calling it the best smartphone around. The Apple iPhone 5 is certainly a complete phone as it offers excellence in every department including its camera. It comes with an 8 megapixel camera and a new sapphire crystal lens. The new iPhone also features dynamic lighting and image stabilization, making way for better quality photos. Significantly, the quality of photos doesn’t depreciate too much in low lighting and you can also click photos while shooting in video mode.

2. Nokia Pure View 808- If we were to consider just the camera and nothing else, the Nokia Pure View 808 with the much talked about 41 megapixel camera would be the best investment. The great part about the camera is that it lives up to its hype. The photos are sharp and the precision of detail is impeccable. The phone’s camera has an extra large sensor which lets more light in and captures more detail in a photo. This is backed by an equally efficient software to process the photos. On the flip side, the phone has some major problems like the Symbian OS is largely outdated, the outer body is bulky and the price is extremely high.

3. HTC One S- In the recent past, HTC has produced some excellent camera phones including HTC One X, One  S and HTC Amaze 4G. HTC One S has an 8 megapixel autofocus camera with a 28mm wide lens. The camera produces high quality, razor sharp photos both indoors and outdoors and just like iPhone 5, it allows you to take photos in the video shooting mode as well.

4. Samsung Galaxy SIII- Samsung Galaxy SIII is another big player in the smartphone world. The 8 megapixel camera is endowed with backlit sensor and LED flash.  The colors of the photos taken with this camera are bright and well defined. Additionally, the shutter lag is next to zero which means that the photos are processed almost instantly. Even the front facing camera manages to produce some very decent photos.

Everything You Need to Know About Waterproof Digital Cameras

Waterproof digital cameras are fairly recent and therefore, producers are still trying to iron out flaws and errors. To begin with, let’s clearly state what these rugged cameras can and cannot do. For starters, they are not meant for professional underwater marine photography. For that purpose, you will have to invest in some underwater camera housing which is available for several cameras, including DSLR’s. However, if you are looking for a camera to click photos in the pool or around a beach, waterproof cameras will be perfect for you.

A waterproof camera usually has a seal which protects the inner components of the camera from water damage. This seal has to be extremely tight and resilient to work efficiently. In some cameras, the seal can leak or break easily, thus defying the whole purpose of an underwater camera. Therefore, the quality of the seal is a crucial factor in a rugged camera. Besides that, a good waterproof camera should be physically tough and it should have the right color balance for underwater photography.

Given below is a list of some of the most efficient waterproof cameras available in the market:

1. Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS4- The DMC range of Panasonic has produced some of the best waterproof cameras till now and this one is no exception. It has a rock solid, aluminum body which is drop proof to a depth of 6.6 feet. The 12.1 megapixel camera boasts of a Leica lens and produces exceptionally lively and vibrant photographs, even during the night. The camera is slightly bulky, but that is a common problem with all waterproof cameras.

2. Sony Cyber Shot TX20- Quite surprisingly, the camera from Sony is rather sleek for an underwater digital camera. The waterproof quality can last up to a depth of 16 feet and it is drop proof up to 5 feet. The camera comes with a Carl Zeiss lens and it shoots at 16.1 megapixels. More importantly, image quality is exceptionally good. On the flip side though, the battery life is quite poor.

3. Olympus Tough TG-1- This camera from Olympus is among the heaviest and largest waterproof cameras and it can operate till a depth of 40 feet underwater. Significantly, it has a mode dial which makes it easier to switch between modes while shooting underwater. The lens is produced by Olympus and the camera shoots at 12 megapixels. When it comes to picture quality, the camera delivers with great color balance. Additionally, the battery life is as good as it can get in an underwater camera.

4. Nikon CoolPix AW100- The Nikon CoolPix AW100 boasts of exceptionally high performance in the image quality department as it has a number of underwater settings. This 16 megapixel camera can stay waterproof till a depth of 30 feet. Finally, it has a very rugged and resilient body which is shockproof up to 5 feet.

So, the next time you plan a vacation to the beachside, these waterproof cameras can be of great assistance. You can take high quality photographs without worrying about damaging the camera. While none of the above mentioned models are without their share of flaws, nevertheless, they will not give you a lot of reasons to complain. And the good news is that better ones are on their way to the market.

Canon PowerShot G1 X

When you’re after full manual control in a digital camera, there aren’t many options that aren’t big, bulky SLRs, but the G1 X occupies a near-perfect middle ground between the compact usability of a point and shoot and the manual control of an SLR. The price is a bit steep, but you’d be hard-pressed to find a better manual camera in a compact frame.

Olympus OM-D E-M5

While it’s not the most compact of compact cameras, the E-M5 has a very light weight magnesium body. Similar to the G1 X, it represents a compromise between compact and SLR; however, unlike the G1 X, the E-M5 features an interchangeable lens, though it does sacrifice some manual control and features a 4/3-inch sensor compared to the G1 X’s 1.5-inch. It, too, has a very high price tag, but it does come with one of the nicer lenses you’ll find on a compact.

Fujufilm FinePix X10

The FinePix X10 is a more affordable (though less feature-packed) version of the extremely popular X100. It shares many of the same design cues that made the X100 a hot product, though the X10 has a hard time living under its older sibling’s shadow. The X10 does still feature an excellent lens and a great overall design that keeps it very portable without sacrificing image quality.

Canon PowerShot SX260 HS

The SX260 HS is our currently top-ranked true compact digital camera. Unlike the others mentioned so far, the SX260 HS will fit easily into most pockets. Setting it apart from other compacts is its 20x optical zoom lens with surprisingly good image stabilization. It really does feature some of the best image quality available at this size and price, though it can sometimes struggle with low-light situations.

Canon PowerShot S100

The S100 is another very compact digital camera, even smaller than the SX260. It doesn’t feature the impressive 20x zoom lens found in the SX260, but offer many other compelling features such as HDR and RAW format support. In overall performance, it’s a significant step up, offering less shutter lag, better low-light performance, and faster continuous shooting. It’s one of the few compact cameras with better image quality than the SX260 and can often go toe-to-toe with the G1 X.

If none of our current top 5 compact cameras appeal to you, feel free to check out our full list. It’s full of excellent cameras for all needs. Sony’s Cybershot DSC-HX9V makes a compelling alternative to the PowerShot SX260, for example. Nikon’s Coolpix P300 competes well against the PowerShot S100, too. We’ve collected reviews for every popular camera on the market, and we can tell you exactly how they stack up to one another.

BenQ XL2420T

While it’s a bit on the pricier side for a 24-inch monitor, the XL2420T is feature packed and offers all-around great performance, especially for those looking to do a bit of PC gaming. Its 120Hz refresh rate and Nvidia 3D Vision certification, the XL2420T is an excellent choice for a gamer. Image quality is excellent and even includes several gaming presets optimized for specific games. The only caveat to consider is the fact that people are sometimes dissatisfied with BenQ’s company policies (such as limited warranty support), but still love their products.

Asus PA Series PA238Q

When it comes to design and ergonomics, the PA238Q is quite nearly unmatched, making it an excellent display for general productivity. Color reproduction is also exceptional, and as an IPS panel, viewing angles are very good; however, refresh rates do suffer slightly, so gamers may want to pass on this one. Blacklight bleed has also been a reported issue with the PA238Q, so those looking for an immersive video experience should tread carefully.

Asus VG278H

The VG278H is another display well suited for gaming, though like the BenQ, it’s a bit pricey for a monitor of its size (27 inches in this case). It features a 120Hz refresh rate and is Nvidia 3D Vision certified as well. Color reproduction is excellent, though it too suffers from poor viewing angles. In terms of price per performance, it represents a great value, though it lacks a few popular features, such as USB ports.

Wacom Cintiq 24HD

As far as drawing tablets have been concerned, Wacom has always been the brand of choice. Wacom’s foray into the display market has been a welcomed one by those in the computer graphics profession. The Cintiq 24HD is really less about the display and more about the tablet capabilities, featuring the Cintiq Pen with 2048 levels of sensitivity. At upwards of $2000, it’s certainly expensive, but if you’re in the computer graphics business, you won’t regret it.

Dell U2412M

The Dell U2412M is about as close as you can get to professional grade color reproduction and performance without spending an awful lot of money for something like Apple’s new Thunderbolt Display. It makes an excellent display for an aspiring video or photo editor and is an all-around great choice for any multimedia work. With an astonishing 5 USB ports, it can also help clear up some of the clutter around your desk.

This, of course, is just a tiny portion of our extensive list of monitors reviewed on alaTest. While the top 5 are currently of a slightly more expensive nature, our Monitors Section has a long list of well reviewed displays of all price ranges, such as the more affordable AOC I2352VH (a very good value) and the Samsung Syncmaster S27A850D (a high-performance professional grade display).

Compact Cameras and Digital SLRs

With summer holidays still right around the corner, digital cameras remain among the most viewed products on alaTest, but surprisingly, the list isn’t quite the same.

Fujifilm FinePix X10 – The FinePix X10 is the perfect camera for those who love the retro look and feel of the FinePix X100 but want something a bit less expensive. It lacks quite a few of the features found with its pricier sibling, but it still performs well against similarly priced enthusiast compact camera models, like the PowerShot G12.

Canon EOS Rebel T3i – Canon’s EOS Rebel T3i made our top 10 list last month, and it will likely be there next month as well. Overall, it is bested in the SLR category by the Sony Alpha NEX-7, but it still manages to keep a leg up on the NEX-5N, its closest competitor.

Canon PowerShot S100 – It seems that the PowerShot S100 has bumped the Sony DSC-HX9V from the top 10 list this month. It’s very compact, yet still extremely feature packed, making it a great choice for the slightly more advanced photographer; however, it’s not so advanced that a novice wouldn’t be able to handle it.

Laptops

HDTVs mysteriously vanished from our top 10 list this month and have been replaced by notebooks. We suspect it likely has to do with graduation season, since laptops are a very popular graduation gift.

Asus Zenbook UX31 – For those who appreciate the style and practicality of Apple’s MacBook Air but doesn’t much care for the “Apple Tax” that comes with it; the Zenbook is an excellent alternative. It has the same style and performance all in a super thin package while costing a fraction of the price.

HP Pavilion DV7 – The Pavilion DV7 has been a top choice for those looking for a great all-around value in a laptop. It also comes in a variety of configurations, so it is possible to customize it to your needs.

HP Pavilion DV6 – The Pavilion DV6 is simply the DV7’s smaller brother, sporting the same great value and customizability but featuring a 15.6-inch display as opposed to the DV7’s 17.3-inch.

Smartphones

There were a handful of smartphones on our list last month, and there likely will be for months to come since they compose one of the fastest growing markets in technology for the time being. Interestingly, they’re all Android devices once again.

Samsung Galaxy Ace – At slightly more than a year old, the Galaxy Ace is a somewhat aged device, but it’s also one of the best valued off-contract smartphones on the market, often available new for less than $200.

Samsung Galaxy S II – The Galaxy S II is another slightly older device, but still features top-notch specs (and still a top ranked product on alaTest). Its popularity this month is likely due to the upcoming release of the Galaxy S III and people hoping to score a second hand S2 at a reduced price.

Samsung Galaxy GIO – The GIO is another one of those great value smartphones on the market. Like the Ace, it’s on the older side and certainly isn’t the fastest device out there, but its price might make you willing to overlook all of that.

Digital Cameras

With trips for spring break and summer just around the corner, it’s not surprising that digital cameras are on the top of the list. These are the three that made the cut.

Canon EOS Rebel T3i – Canon’s Rebel series has always managed to hold onto the top spots in our SLR ranks. The T3i is an excellent entry-level Digital SLR with great manual and automatic features, large 18MP CMOS image sensor, and 1080p video capability. Its burst shooting modes are bit slower than the high-end cameras, and the automatic focus lacks a few feautes; however, its price makes it an excellent value for the budding photographer.

Sony DSC-HX9V – The HX9V isn’t the newest compact digital camera on the market, but it’s still a solid 16MP shooter with a TON of features. If you’re looking for an affordable camera that has a setting for just about any lighting situation you might come across, the HX9V is for you.

Nikon CoolPix P300 – The CoolPix P300 is very similar to the HX9V, featuring many different shooting mode presets. It does cut back a bit on the feature list compared to the HX9V, which makes it a bit easier to use, but you also pay a bit of a premium for the Nikon name.

HDTVs

There is a lot of new HDTV technology coming out this year, but the models topping out list aren’t the latest, most advanced. Instead, they’re excellent sets whose prices have recently fallen.

Samsung UE/UN D5000 Series – Samsung’s D5000 series has a very attractive price tag for the features and image quality that it offers. As far as LED TVs are concerned, it’s one of the best values on the market right now.

Philips PFL7606K Series – The PFL7606K is another affordably priced HDTV. Its key feature is 3D capabilities. As far as 3D features go, the PFL7606K does an excellent job. 2D image quality takes a small hit, but is still quite good for a set of this caliber.

Panasonic TXP GT30 Series – For anyone in the market for a large, affordable plasma screen TV, the TXP GT30 is certainly one of the top choices. Its 3D features won’t wow you, but its 2D picture quality is everything you’d expect from a top-notch plasma display.

Sony KDL-EX720 Series – The KDL-EX720 is the least expensive 3D TV Sony has to offer. For an LED TV, its picture quality is only about average, but it has a long list of useful features such as a matte screen, excellent internet services, and energy saving utilities.

Android Phones

Android devices are extremely abundant and range from budget friendly to unique and high-end. Both ends of the spectrum are popular amongst consumers

Samsung Galaxy Note – The Galaxy Note is currently the highest ranked Android phone on alaTest (coming in just behind the iPhone 4S). Its very large screen and powerful processor make it a popular choice for those looking for a more tablet-like experience.

Sony Ericsson Xperia Ray – Going in the other direction, the Xperia Ray has a smaller, 3.3-inch display for a more pocket-friendly experience. It still features a quality screen and capable processor, making it a great choice for an entry-level device.

Samsung Galaxy GIO – Though it’s an older device, the Galaxy GIO makes a solid choice for those looking to get the most out of their money. It cuts a few corners, such as featuring a QVGA display, 3MP camera, and 800MHz processor, but is still a good value.