FOR UP-TO-DATE NEWS VISIT STUFF.CO.ZA OR STUFFSA ON FACEBOOK, TWITTER AND INSTAGRAM 99 SYSTEM CAMERAS TOP TENS HOT BUY 1 SONY A7 IV R44 000 (body) / takealot.com The A7 series has become a premium range, and the A7 IV improves it with even better image quality, improved performance and thoughtful design touches. Its 33MP sensor and Bionz XR image processor make fantastic images, with 4K footage at framerates up to a silky 60fps, or 1080p at an even silkier 120fps. It’s still fairly pricey compared to some - but there’s a lot here for the money. Stuff says +++++ Pitched as a standard camera, Sony’s mirrorless all-rounder has the prowess and the performance to deliver premium stills and video The touch functions can be used to adjust menu options and swipe through the contents of your SD cards. In-body image stabilisation works best in its Active form, which combines sensorshift and digital stabilisation, but that does involve a slight crop to the camera’s field of view It shut down to cool off after 38 minutes of recording 4K/60fps video. Worth noting if you need to record long, continuous sequences. custom settings. TIPS & TRICKS UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE Fujifilm X-T4 R29 000 (body) ⁄ photofreedom.co.za The Fuji X-T4 might be the highend mirrorless camera of your dreams. Relatively affordable for a flagship, it excels at stills and video thanks to in-body image stabilisation, high-speed shooting and 4K recording at up to 60fps. Rapid shooting is backed up by fancy AF tricks and even the battery life goes above and beyond. A worthy successor to the fabulous X-T3. Fujifilm X-H2S R37 300 / cameraworld.co.za Fuji’s long-running X-Series mirrorless camera range has a new hero. If you’ve got the need for speed, the APS-C X-H2S deserves a spot on your shortlist. Excellent image quality in JPEG and RAW, its 40fps continuous-shooting performance puts it firmly among pricier systems from rivals like Sony, Canon and Nikon, and better video help it compete with go-to models for filmmakers. Sony A7C +++++R34 500 / takealot.com The Sony A7C unites portability and precision into a very appealing package. Panasonic Lumix G9 +++++R28 300 (body) / newworld.co.za The G9 is still the best Lumix to date, with staggering shooting speeds. Fujifilm X-T30 II +++++R13 100 (body) / takealot.com You get the X-T3’s sensor in a cheaper, smaller body with more spare change for buying lenses. Fujifilm X-T200 +++++R16 000 (body) / photofreedom.co.za A compact, lightweight and easy-to-master camera that won’t break the bank. Canon EOS 90D ++++R27 000 (body) / ormsdirect.co.za An updated all-rounder, the 90D builds on the 80D with increased power and more megapixels. Fujifilm GFX 100S +++++R108 000 (body) / ormsdirect.co.za Light for a medium-format camera, except maybe in the wallet area. 2 3 4 5 6 8 9 10 ONOW ADD THIS Sony FE 28-70mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS lens This Sony lens has a built-in optical SteadyShotTM which stabilises your image even when your hands aren’t. Add R5 000 bundled / ormsdirect.co.za Stuff says +++++ Class-leading speed, exceptional autofocus, wonderful stills and improved video Stuff says +++++ A superbly capable mirrorless camera for shooting pretty much anything 7 Nikon Z6 ii +++++R49 000 (body) / kameraz.com The Z6 is still a good option, but the Z6 ii’s extra processing power makes it better for video.
Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 +++++from R6 900 / e-piphany.co.za These cans offer stellar battery life with 60 hours of playback from a single charge. Sony WH-1000XM5 R9 500 / incredible.co.za Finally, something’s knocked Sony’s WH-1000XM4s off the top spot. The XM5s’ new design looks slightly less premium but the noise-cancelling remains absolutely best-in-class, with new smart features too. They’re an improvement over their predecessor and represent great value. Any negatives are just minor quibbles really – the simple fact is that these are the best noise-cancellers around by almost every measure. You really won’t regret buying them. Stuff says +++++ An unrivalled combo of great sound, ANC and comfort Stuff says +++++ Still pricey, still worth it. Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 R8 600 / soundxshop.co.za The PX7 S2 are almost identical to the PX7. But slight tweaks to their design and drivers at the same price see them replace the old version of Bowers & Wilkins’ great cans. Stuff says +++++ Nearly the best noise-cancellers you can buy Sony WH-1000XM4 from R7 000 / takealot.com Despite their age, Sony’s XM4s are sticking around on our list because they still offer superb ANC and audio performance, especially when they’re on sale. Bose NCH 700 +++++R8 100 / leroymerlin.co.za Bose are still the masters of the medium, if comparatively a little overpriced. TOP TENS HEADPHONES Bose Quietcomfort Earbuds II R8 700 / makro.co.za Smaller, lighter and simply more wearable than the model they replace, the QC Earbuds II also up the comfort and styling. Each bud also has a big full-range driver for better sound. Pop ’em in your ears and they play a quick tone burst. In under half a second algorithms measure the response and tailor the audio profile and ANC to your ears. Yes, the Boses can be bettered (just slightly) for sound quality, and bettered (fairly comfortably) for battery life. But as a total package they shine, and their near-flawless ANC clinches the deal. Stuff says +++++ Bose is back, baby – and these buds are its best effort in quite a while 100 FOR UP-TO-DATE NEWS VISIT STUFF.CO.ZA OR STUFFSA ON FACEBOOK, TWITTER AND INSTAGRAM Stuff says +++++ You’ll seldom regret buying a pair of Sennies Beats Fit Pro +++++from R4 000 / takealot.com The Beats Fit Pro are eerily close to Apple’s AirPods Pro, thanks to the same H1 chip inside. The only difference is these are wearing their gym kit so they won’t fall out. Sennheiser MOMENTUM TW 3 R5 200 / takealot.com Sennheiser’s new ‘buds feature a smaller design and better ANC than the last, all while retaining excellent sound quality. They’re also cheaper than most of the others here. Jabra Elite 3 +++++R1 600 / incredible.co.za These may cut a few corners here and there, but they keep the bits that count. Stuff says +++++ They can now connect to two devices at once Sony WF-1000XM4 R6 000 / takealot.com Serious noise-cancellation skills, the inclusion of Speak-to-Chat and typically well-balanced sound reproduction make these the in-ear to have.
Stuff says +++++ WIRELESS AND SMART SPEAKERS TOP TENS FOR UP-TO-DATE NEWS VISIT STUFF.CO.ZA OR STUFFSA ON FACEBOOK, TWITTER AND INSTAGRAM SONOS BEAM (Gen 2) R13 000 / takealot.com Not the biggest nor most advanced Sonos soundbar, the Beam is still a winning package. Sonos has managed to squeeze some serious tech into a streamlined slab that’s small enough to sit beneath screens of pretty much any size. The second-gen Beam features the same acoustic architecture as the first, but Sonos now employs psychoacoustic techniques across five speaker arrays (versus three on the original Beam) to trick your ears into believing sound is around and above you. Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen) R1 600 / evogames.co.za The newest iteration of the popular Echo Dot (with or without clock) promises twice the bass performance of its predecessor, making it more sonically robust. Naturally, you’ve got built-in Alexa smarts at your disposal and a new temperature sensor, along with the usual volume and Mic Off buttons for added peace of mind. It also functions as an Eero mesh Wifi extender. The clock version gets our pick due to the extra functionality offered by its improved higher-density LED display. Stuff says +++++ The addition of virtual Atmos magic makes an already excellent compact soundbar even more appealing Stuff says +++++ Added features take the latest generation Dot to the top of the heap 101 Sonos Era 300 R11 000 / audicoonline.co.za The Era 300 really excels at spatial audio and is a super-smart speaker if you add Alexa. And it can do all that Sonos multiroom stuff. Sonos Era 100 R6 500 / audicoonline.co.za The Era 100 is the other new addition to Sonos’ stable. Like the Era 300, it features support for Bluetooth Playback and Amazon’s Alexa. But unlike the 300, it can’t do spatial audio. Google Nest 2nd gen ++++,R1 990 / smartspeakers.co.za Sleep Sensing is cool, but that does mean you’ve got to stick it in the bedroom. UE Megaboom 3 +++++ R3 600 / takealot.com You’ll struggle to find a better, longer-lasting or more feature-laden portable speaker. Stuff says +++++ Sonos’ new all-round smart speaker champ Apple HomePod Mini +++++R2 200 / geewiz.co.za This smart speaker and Siri will do what you need and look good while it’s at it. Stuff says +++++ Small package, big sound, loads of features JBL Charge 5 R3 600 / makro.co.za Compact enough to take anywhere, it’ll last 20 hours on a charge and it’s waterproof too. Sonos Roam SL R3 900 / takealot.com Boasts the same great feature set, sound, and build quality found in the original Roam, but Sonos has removed the microphones and reduced the price. Marshall Emberton II R3 900 / takealot.com Feel like a rockstar on your road trips with this mini Marshall amp that fits in your pocket. Stuff says +++++ Unashamedly premium and unashamedly brilliant, this Sonos will bring a big smile to your face
5 3 4 O BITING COMMENTARY O BRILLIANT INSIGHTS O (BAD) JOKES! O GADGET HANDS-ONS www.stuff.co.za/stuffed/ or anchor.fm/stuffsa FIND IT ON SPOTIFY OR YOUR PODCAST PLAYER OF CHOICE. SIMPLY SEARCH FOR “STUFFED” YOUR ESSENTIAL AUDIO GUIDE TO WHAT’S HOT IN GADGETS GOT EARS? THEN CHECK OUT… HOT BUY UPDATE NEW NEW 1 Steam Deck (64GB) +++++ from R17 000 / incredible.co.za You won’t be hitting 120Hz like Asus’ handheld, but Valve’s Steam Deck offers enough processing power to keep us entertained. Nintendo Switch OLED +++++ from R8 900 / game4u.co.za Nintendo’s latest and greatest includes an OLED screen and a library that cannot be matched by many others. PlayStation 5 from R10 500 / koodoo.co.za Next-gen is finally here and it’s looking better than ever. The PlayStation 5 is a behemoth of a console and that size isn’t just for show. Games load faster and look better than ever before thanks to the new solid state drive and the actual machine is quieter than ever. Then there’s the DualSense 5 controller which is just… monumentally cool. Alongside a stellar lineup of launch games, Sony has really outdone itself with its latest console, justifying that price tag. The PS5 is an amazing console all round. Stuff says +++++ An amazing controller and some solid launch titles make for a great kick off to next-gen gaming Stuff says +++++ This 2-in-1 console is the real deal ROG Ally R16 000 / asus.com At first glance, Asus’ latest entry into the world of gaming doesn’t look like much, but under the hood, it’s hiding a fully-specced PC complete with a 1080p touchscreen that’s capable of 120Hz. Not bad for a handheld, where we’re concerned. TOP TENS CONSOLES 102 FOR UP-TO-DATE NEWS VISIT STUFF.CO.ZA OR STUFFSA ON FACEBOOK, TWITTER AND INSTAGRAM Stuff says +++++ Much more worthy of your time now Xbox Series X R12 000 / game.co.za Microsoft’s new console is a beast of a bit of hardware. It’s also a far better proposition than it was at launch. Games Pass is a solid investment, making this a far closer race than it was a year ago.
FOR UP-TO-DATE NEWS VISIT STUFF.CO.ZA OR STUFFSA ON FACEBOOK, TWITTER AND INSTAGRAM 103 GAMES TOP TENS 5 2 9 10 8 6 7 UPDATE 4 NEW Diablo IV +++++ R1 380 / PC, PS5, PS4, XSX, XB1 A finely-tuned sequel that slows things down a bit in favour of a refreshed story that brings with it a new antagonist. 1 Returnal +++++ R900 / PC, PS5 Two years later, Returnal is sweeping up a whole host of new PC players. Dead Space (2023) +++++ R1 000 / PC, PS5, XSX A solid remake and a treat for new players – it also adds enough novelty for returning players. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom From R1 330 / Switch Somehow, Nintendo has done it again. It took what’s considered as gaming’s best-ever achievement – Breath of the Wild – and compounded everything that made it so great to create something that’s different yet feels so familiar. We’re talking about, which reinvents the Kingdom of Hyrule, its controversial combat system and includes an excursion for Princess Zelda that inspires awe. And at times even a few tears. Tears of the Kingdom introduces Ultrahand, a mechanic that the Zelda fanbase has abused to no end, building contraptions that violate the Geneva Convention and traumatise a few Koroks while they’re at it. It’s beautiful. Stuff says +++++ A shoo-in for 2023’s Game of the Year and a real candidate for the best game of all time. Hearts aren’t everything. Don’t be afraid to trade up those Light of Blessing’s for a stamina upgrade every now and then. Your Purah Pad Sensor exists for a reason. Use it. Not just on shrines, but on anything you’re in need of. A rocket fused to your shield a day, keeps the bokoblins away. Stuck in a search for a Shrine? The map of The Depths should help you out. Take every Bomb Flower you can find. You never know when they might come in handy. TIPS & TRICKS Elden Ring from R850 / PS5, PS4, XSX, XB1, PC Rise, Tarnished and enter the Lands Between – FromSoftware’s crowning achievement and 2022’s Game of the Year. Step into the shoes of a Tarnished guided by grace to wield the power of the unruly Elden Ring, defeating From Software’s most spine-chilling bosses along the way. Stuff says +++++ The word masterpiece gets overused, but Elden Ring is a masterpiece. Hogwarts Legacy +++++ from R850 / PC, PS5, XSX A Harry Potter game without Harry Potter, set in an 18th century Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Resident Evil 4 (2023) +++++ R1 070 / PC, PS5, PS4, XSX Continuing Capcom’s stellar year, we have Resident Evil 4, a remake that adds enhanced visuals and the spirit of the first. Street Fighter 6 +++++ R1 070 / PC, PS5, PS4, XSX Street Fighter is back! This time with a modern control set, a wonderous story mode and, of course, Ryu. Star Wars Jedi: Survivor +++++ R1 070 / PC, PS5, XSX Continue Cal Kestis’ story in this excellent sequel that makes itself known as a Force to be reckoned with. 3 God of War Ragnarök from R900 / PS4, PS5 Emotionally compelling storytelling, breathtaking visuals, and rock-solid gameplay. Picking up where the last game ended, you can expect a deeper pool of side quests and more exploration of a familiar but also different Midgard. You won’t want to miss out on this one. Stuff says +++++ An absolutely fantastic game and well worth your time and money. UPDATE NEW UPDATE NEW NEW UPDATE UPDATE NEW
DON’T MISS THE NEXT ISSUE! ON SALE 2 OCT hat there is a camera. Why’s it special? It looks far too normal for this page. To borrow a phrase, the Samsung Galaxy NX was ‘business in front, party in the back’. To the untrained eye, it looked like any other mid-range camera. You could mount lenses, prod a button to take a snap, and revel in the large (for the time) 20MP sensor. But spin the thing around and you were bathed in the glow of a 4.8in touchscreen. And that existed because this was the world’s first mirrorless interchangeable-lens camera to run Android. You know, the phone OS. Android on a camera, in 2013! Blimey! Could you play Angry Birds on it, then? Indeed. In fact, since this snapper had the clout of a pretty good Android tablet, it could go a lot further. You could even tackle a few tracks of Asphalt 8: Airborne, although you’d feel like a massive idiot while doing so… and would need to plug in headphones, as the piddly speaker only played system sounds. Add a SIM and you could make Skype calls too. But sensible types would use Android and wireless connectivity for on-device editing and flinging snaps to social networks and cloud storage, directly from the camera. Sounds amazing. Or terrible. Or possibly both. It’s… going to be both, isn’t it? You could write a pros and cons list as long as your arm for the NX, if you could find a big enough strip of paper. It was solid, with a great screen, and could capture good JPEGs. But RAW support was poor, and Android compromised the experience, making the unit slow. Pros reckoned it wasn’t camera-y enough; normal people had a heart attack on seeing the price: from R18 000, which back then could net you an Android blower and a quality digital camera. All in all, then, not the prettiest picture. It was gone by 2017. RANDOM ACCESS MEMORIES 2013 Samsung Galaxy NX T Wouldn’t it be rubbery? Say what you will about this oddball hybrid, but at least the rubberised grip meant it wouldn’t slip out of your mitts and fall down a ravine while you were busy snapping away.
TOBY TALKS Stuff publisher Toby Shapshak interviews the tech leaders creating the future SUBSCRIBE TO STUFF STUDIOS LET US MAKE YOU AN EXPERT DIGITAL INNOVATION Meet the people and ideas making it happen TECH BYTES All this week’s tech news – in under two minutes UNBOXING We reveal the best gadgets for pro’s & consumers FIRST LOOK Expert opinions on the latest tech EVERYTHING YOU WANT TO KNOW ABOUT EVERYTHING YOU WANT online
Meet the elegant automatic watch for navigating urban journeys, with shock resistance and high-end ceramic unidirectional bezel. For further information please contact: PICOT & MOSS, 011 669 0500 www.picotandmoss.co.za FROM THE MAKERS OF THE ORIGINAL SWISS ARMY KNIFE™ ESTABLISHED 1884 JOURNEY 1884 A SHOCK-RESISTANT AUTOMATIC WATCH 5+ W A R R A N T Y FIVE YEARS