Projectors

Top 10 Projectors in 2016

   Projectors have come a long way from the days when the most useful way to categorize them was by their weight class. Today, there are any number of more meaningful kinds of categories, including intended use (business presentations, home theater, and gameplay), technology (LCD, DLP, and LCOS), throw distance (how close to the screen you can place the projector), and more. Here are some questions to answer that will help you find a projector with the right features and performance for your needs.

Home entertainment always looks better when it's been super-sized. Whether you want to splash Blu-ray movies across a large white wall, magnify your gaming experience, or want to throw photographs or slides from a mobile device onto a 100-inch plus screen, a home cinema projector should be your first choice of display.

To help bring the big-screen home we've tested some of the top models of home cinema projector. They range from budget-oriented HD beamers right up to cinema-grade 4K Ultra HD models; the surprisingly affordable to reassuringly expensive.

The days of fuzzy old pub projectors are thankfully long gone.

With HD now ubiquitous, you can get great results from 1080p source material. And as more Ultra HD content becomes available from media streamers like the new Amazon Fire TV and the Nvidia Shield, as well as the upcoming Ultra HD Blu-ray revolution, the future's looking great. So let’s take a look at top 10 projectors in 2016:

1. Sony VPL-VW300ES

Projection system: SXRD | Resolutions: 4096 x 2160 | Brightness: 1,500 lumens | Video inputs: 2x HDMI 2.0 (1x HDCP 2.2), 1x S-Video, 1x VGA

Those after a Full HD home cinema projector are unlikely to think of Sony, but mention 4K and there's really only one brand in town.Since it specialises in ultra-high-end projection for large venues, the Sony VPL-VW300ES is something of a trickle-down attempt. Nevertheless, the VPL-VW300ES's eight million pixels do come with a few restrictions you need to be aware with.

The VPL-VW300ES is a home cinema beast.It's not designed to be used in daylight or, at least, not much. Its 1,500 lumens rank it less bright even Sony's step-up 4K home cinema projector, the VPL-VW500ES.And its hulking physical size rule it out for occasional use; its 496x195x464mm chassis and 14kg weight has been created for a permanent installation in a dedicated home cinema room.

At the core of the VPL-VW300ES is a Silicon X-tal Reflective Display (SXRD) a Sony-only tech that's essentially a hybrid between DLP and LCD. The key benefit of SXRD is an ultra-fast response, so a lot of that 4K detail ought to remain even during high-octane video.

2. BenQ W1070+

Projection system: DLP | Resolutions: 1920 x 1080 | Brightness: 2,200 lumens | Video inputs: 2x HDMI (1x MHL), 1x RCA, 1x Component, 1x VGA

As its name cunningly suggests, the BenQ W1070 DLP projector is a revamped version of the original W1070 which made such a great first impression on us when it appeared at the end of 2012.The W1070 is an attractive projector, as usual for BenQ. Its top and bottom sides sport a fetching gloss white finish, while its front, sides and arced area above the lens barrel are clad in a shiny grey finish that contrasts cutely with the white. The lens sits deep within a large circular recess set slightly to the right side of the projector’s front edge, and there’s access to simple zoom and focus wheels through a hole in the top panel.

The W1070 is handily small too, making it easy to move in and out of a cupboard if you’re not looking for a permanently installed projector solution. There’s a slight concern that the hefty amounts of grilling around the W1070’s sides may lead to some light pollution and excessive cooling noise, but overall BenQ’s new projector update makes a good first impression.

It’s with its connections, though, where the W1070 makes its first move to improve on the original W1070. For starters, it can now handle the MHL mobile phone connection format via an optional dongle. Much more significant, though, is the W1070’s compatibility with a new optional extra Wireless Full HD Kit.

As you would expect these days, this kit comprises transmitter and receiver boxes that can stream uncompressed 1080p 2D or 3D content from your sources to the projector without the need for any cabling. It’s rated as being good for wireless coverage up to 30 metres, and uses four built-in antennas to support streaming through furniture doors and even through walls between rooms.

3. Sony VPL-VW520ES

Projection system: SXRD | Resolutions: 4096 x 2160 | Brightness: 1,800 lumens | Video inputs: 2x HDMI

The VPL-VW520ES is Sony’s latest 4K projector. This is significant in itself given that no other brand currently offers a 4K projector with a native 4K resolution. But that’s just the start of the VW520ES’s attractions, since it also happens to be the first projector to support high dynamic range (HDR) playback.

With Star Wars fever sweeping the globe at the time we’re writing this review, we can’t help but think that the VW520ES’s design looks a bit like Darth Vader’s helmet. Its black bodywork, arched top, curved edges and the venting grills that appear either side of the centrally mounted lens really do have a touch of the Dark Lord about them. Though if this scares you, a white version is also available, which reduces the threat level to Stormtrooper…

Without suggesting that we’ve got the hots for Vader, we do find the VW520ES’s design quite attractive in a no-nonsense kind of way - especially as Sony has applied a dash of panache in the form of a circle of short gold stripes around the lens.

The lens itself is large and looks high quality, joining the projector’s considerable weight, robust build and substantial size in raising expectations of an uncompromising performance.

4. Epson EH-LS10000

Projection system: 3LCD laser | Resolutions: 1920 x 1080 | Brightness: 1,500 lumens | Video inputs: 1x HDMI 1.4, 1x HDMI 2.0 (HDCP 2.2), 1x Composite, 1x Component, 1x VGA

The EH-LS10000 (called the Powerlite Pro Cinema LS10000 in the US) is Epson's flagship projector for 2015. It also broaches the subject of 4K, but although it claims to present 4K-like detail and accept 4K video signals the LS10000 is resolutely a Full HD projector, albeit a very, very capable one.

Really, the LS10000's major innovation isn't to do with 4K at all, but with an innovative lamp. Anyone who's had a projector lamp run out on them will know the frustration that follows; a few weeks with no big-screen movies while you conduct a frantic online search for an official-looking bulb.

Step forward the LS10000's laser light engine, which promises to last an incredible 30,000 hours. That's about ten times longer than most, and should see the LS10000 last for years without any bulb shenanigans.The use of the word 'laser' is pure marketing gold, but there's more to it than that.

Epson is using a dual laser diode illumination system that provides two separate light sources, one for red and green, and the other for blue. That laser light source might be stunningly long lasting, but it's not incredibly bright. The 1500 lumens it peaks at is absolutely fine for watching movies in blackout conditions, and around dusk, but you'll experience a bleached image if there's direct sunlight coming through into the room.

5. Optoma HD36

Projection system: DLP | Resolutions: 1920 x 1080 | Brightness: 3,000 lumens | Video inputs: 1x HDMI 1.4a, 1x S-Video, 2x VGA, 1x Composite, 1x DVI-D

The HD36 pulls off the impressive trick of managing to look simultaneously serious and fun. It’s surprisingly beefy for such an affordable machine, possessing both more height and more depth than we’d typically expect – all promising signs of quality innards, efficient venting systems and, potentially, plenty of shielding to suppress running noise.

Also hitting the right note is the large size of the lens located to right of centre on the front edge. The circular housing for this actually stretches beyond the upper edge of the projector, creating a cute bulge in the projector’s top that runs back for the whole length of the lens barrel.

The projector’s black bodywork is nicely finished too, and both the top-panel buttons and optical zoom slider are large and easy to access. The only fiddly part of the design is the focus ring around the lens, which requires you to fit your fingers inside the cowling around the lens.

Connections are adequate, if a little odd. The odd bit comes from the way that instead of giving you two HDMIs as we’d normally expect, the HD36 gives you one HDMI and one DVI. This isn’t a deal breaker, but it could mean that someone looking to install the HD36 permanently rather than just getting it out when they want to use it will need an HDMI adaptor for potential second sources.

6. BenQ W2000

Projection system: DLP | Resolutions: 1920 x 1080 | Brightness: 2,000 lumens | Video inputs: Composite Video In x 1, Component Video In x 1, HDMI x 3

There was a time when, if you weren’t thinking of spending upwards on a projector, we’d have told you to proceed with caution.But things are changing, and no more so than with BenQ’s W2000 projector.

The W2000 is a Full HD single-chip DLP projector, and boasts BenQ’s CinematicColour technology, which aims to deliver the full Rec.709 colour standard for HD images. This should mean more accurate colours straight out of the box.

It’s a compact, lightweight projector, neatly designed with gently curved edges and a mostly white plastic body, save for a flourish of gold along the front edge.There are some top-mounted controls for when you don’t have the included backlit remote to hand, with all inputs placed on the back panel.

These are covered by two HDMI inputs, one each of composite and component video, RCA audio ins, a 3.5mm audio loop, a D-Sub PC port and an RS-232 port for control.There are also standard and mini USB ports but the latter is for servicing and the former for connecting up BenQ’s optional wireless HD kit for wireless streaming – you can’t connect any external hard drives for media playback.

7. ViewSonic LightStream PJD7830HDL

Projection system: DLP | Resolutions: 1920 x 1080 | Brightness: 3,200 ANSI Lumens | Video inputs: 2x HDMI 1.4, 1x Composite, 1x RGB input, 1x Video out

The PJD7830HDL is a startlingly good-looking projector. Its glossy white finish is wrapped around a bold, top-heavy chassis design featuring seductively rounded corners and an attractive arch that protrudes above the lens barrel. ViewSonic even provides a detachable cover for the rear connections, so that the chic design isn't ruined by cabling.

The PJD7830HDL’s connections are puzzling – at first glance it seems as if the projector has only one HDMI, despite a big logo on its top edge stating that it has two.

Further investigation finds the second HDMI tucked away under a slide-off panel to the right of the lens barrel on the projector’s upper edge. Why here? Because it provides a bay where you can permanently slot in an optional WPG-300 MHL-capable Wi-Fi presentation dongle , rather than having it sticking out of the projector’s rear and having to detach it every time you want to move the projector.

This dongle supports Wi-Fi display, media streaming, screen mirroring, content broadcasting, four-way split screen, live camera and live annotations.Other notable connections include a D-sub PC port, a powered USB port capable of supporting streaming dongles such as Google Chromecast and the Amazon Fire TV stick, and a collection of audio ports.

8. Optoma HD26

Projection system: DLP | Resolutions: 1920 x 1080 | Brightness: 3,200 lumens | Video inputs: 2x HDMI (1x MHL)

The HD26 is quite a looker for such a cheap projector. Our model came clad in a chic, crisp white over all four of its sides, and the bodywork’s blend of subtle curves, sharp angles and a boldly protruding lens comes together very fetchingly.

The projector’s connections are fine for the money, too, with two HDMIs, a USB port (for servicing purposes), a 3.5mm audio output, a port for attaching an optional 3D sync transmitter, and surprisingly a 12V trigger output for, say, firing up an electronic screen. One of the HDMIs is compatible with the MHL mobile phone protocol.

The HD26 uses a single-chip DLP projection system with a colour wheel, and sports a Full HD DLP chipset. Its 3200 Lumens maximum brightness rating is unusually high for such a cheap home entertainment projector, yet promisingly this is partnered by a high claimed contrast ratio of 25,000:1. On paper, this combination of specifications may help the HD26 deliver that rare trick of being able to function both in rooms with a bit of light in them and completely blacked-out spaces.

The claimed contrast ratio is not, it must be stressed, native; it’s measured via the HD26’s dynamic black feature, which continually adjusts the output of the projector’s bulb in response to the requirements of the image content. But actually, finding a dynamic black option like this on such a cheap projector is itself impressive – so long as the HD26 makes a decent fist of it, of course.

9. Epson EX9200 Pro Wireless WUXGA 3LCD Projector

Projection system: LCD | Resolutions: 1920 x 1200| Brightness: 3,200 ANSI Lumens | Video inputs: 2x HDMI, VGA, Composite video, RCA audio in, USB Type A, USB Type B, WiFi

The Epson EX9200 Pro Wireless WUXGA 3LCD Projector is a standout entry in the small, but growing, category of high-resolution projectors that are both light enough to carry easily and bright enough for a small to midsize room. Along with its WUXGA (1,920-by-1,200) resolution, its 3,200-lumen rating, and its sub-six-pound weight, it delivers excellent quality for data images and better video quality than most data projectors.

At 3.2 by 11.7 by 9.6 inches (HWD) and 5 pounds 11 ounces, the EX9200 is light enough to carry easily if you need to, and it even comes with a soft carrying case, so you don't have to buy one separately. However, it's also in a size and weight class that's appropriate for permanent installation in a mount or on a cart.

The EX9200's quality for data images is excellent with all but one of its predefined modes. The exception is Presentation mode, which has an annoyingly low contrast ratio, and an unusually bright glow in what should be black areas on screen. Fortunately, you can avoid the problem completely by using any other mode.

If you need 3D and high resolution, consider a DLP projector and put the Optoma EH341 high on your list, since it offers the same WUXGA resolution as the Epson EX9200. However, if you don't mind having slightly lower resolution—1,920-by-1,080—you might also want to look at the InFocus IN119HDx and the BenQ MH630, which both cost less.

10. NEC Display Solutions NP-P452W

Projection system: DLP | Resolutions: 1920 x 800| Brightness: 4,500 ANSI Lumens | Video inputs: 2x HDMI, 1x Composite, 1x RGB input, 1x Video out

The NEC Display Solutions NP-P452W offers a bright image that can stand up to ambient light in a midsize to large room, WXGA (1,280-by-800) resolution, and lots of flexibility for where you can put the projector relative to the screen, thanks to its 1.7x zoom lens and both vertical and horizontal lens shift. Add in quality for data images that's excellent in most ways, plus video that most people will consider at least watchable, and it's a better-than-average choice if you need a WXGA projector for permanent installation.

Better than average or not, the P452W is up against some stiff competition, including the Epson PowerLite 1975W WXGA Wireless 3LCD Multimedia Projector, our Editors' Choice WXGA model for a midsize to large conference room or classroom, and, to a lesser extent, the Sony VPL-EW345 that I recently reviewed.

Both the Epson and Sony models are built around three-chip LCD engines, compared with a single-chip DLP engine for the P452W. The three-chip engine guarantees that they're free of rainbow artifacts (red-green-blue flashes) and also gives them an advantage for brightness. The P452W has the advantage over the LCD models of being the only one of the three that offers 3D support. However, few data-projector applications need 3D, so for most people, that won't matter. It's also the only one of the three that offers lens shift, which will be of more use to more people.

DSLR’S

Top 10 DSLR’S in 2016

      A digital single-lens reflex camera (also called a digital SLR or DSLR) is a digital camera that combines the optics and the mechanisms of a single-lens reflex camera with a digital imaging sensor, as opposed to photographic film. The reflex design scheme is the primary difference between a DSLR and other digital cameras. In the reflex design, light travels through the lens, then to a mirror that alternates to send the image to either the viewfinder or the image sensor. The alternative would be to have a viewfinder with its own lens, hence the term "single lens" for this design. By using only one lens, the viewfinder of a DSLR presents an image that will not perceptibly differ from what is captured by the camera's sensor.

DSLRs largely replaced film-based SLRs during the 2000s, and despite the rising popularity of mirrorless system cameras in the early 2010s, DSLRs remained the most common type of interchangeable lens camera in use as of 2014.

For decades, the DSLR (digital SLR) has been the top choice for anyone who wants to take their photography to the next level. Whether you're a beginner or a pro, a DSLR offers three key ingredients: manual controls, excellent picture quality and interchangeable lenses.

A DSLR is still the cheapest way to get a camera with interchangeable lenses and a viewfinder (entry-level mirrorless cameras don't have viewfinders) and, at the other end of the scale, almost all professional sports, press and wildlife photographers choose full-frame DSLRs over every other camera type.

In between are a whole range of digital SLRs aimed at different users, different levels of experience and different budgets. Here's the list of Top 10 DSLR’S in 2016:

1. Canon EOS 5DS

Sensor: Full-frame CMOS | Megapixels: 50.6 | Autofocus: 61-point AF, 41 cross-type | Screen type: 3.2-inch, 1,040,000 dots | Maximum continuous shooting speed: 5fps | Movies: 1080p | User level: Expert| 

With three cameras in its entry-level range Canon already had plenty to interest novices and enthusiast photographers on a budget. Now the company has replaced the 700D with two models, the EOS 760D and 750D, rather than one. As the 700D continues in the line-up (for now at least), this means that there are five cameras in what Canon calls its beginners' range. The new 760D and 750D, known as the Rebel T6s and T6i in the USA sit at the top of this group above the 700D, 100D and 1200D.

While the 750D could be considered the more logical upgrade to the 700D and is aimed at novices, the 760D is designed with more experienced photographers in mind and it has a few features from Canon's high-end cameras.

Although they are aimed at slightly different people, the Canon 750D (Rebel T6i) and 760D (T6s) are essentially the same camera as they share many components. For a start they both have Canon's new APS-C format CMOS sensor with an effective pixel count of 24.2 million, a Digic 6 processing engine and an autofocus system with 19 cross-type points for use when focusing images in the viewfinder.

The cameras can select the appropriate AF point to use automatically in 19-point AF mode, or it can be set manually in groups in Zone AF mode (there are five groups of points for selection) or individually in Single point AF mode.

2. Nikon D810

Sensor: Full-frame CMOS | Megapixels: 36.3MP | Autofocus: 51-point AF, 15 cross-type | Screen type: 3.2-inch, 1,229K dots | Maximum continuous shooting speed: 5fps | Movies: 1080p | User level: Expert

Nikon''s D800 and D800E caused great excitement when they were first announced in February 2012 largely because of their groundbreaking 36 million pixel count. These two full-frame SLR cameras are identical apart from the fact that the D800E's sensor has a weaker anti-aliasing (AA) or optical low-pass filter (OLPF) to enable it to deliver sharper details straight from the camera.

Thanks to their impressive detail resolution the two cameras quickly went to the top of the wishlist for many professional and enthusiast photographers, especially those looking for a comparatively lightweight camera for landscape, still life or macro photography. They have remained firm favourites ever since, setting the bar for resolution by which other cameras are judged.

Now the replacement for these two cameras has been announced in the form of the 36.3Mp Nikon D810, one camera without an anti-aliasing filter to replace both models. Interestingly, we have been told that while the D800E was widely reported as having no AA filter, the filter over the sensor did actually have some anti-aliasing element and this has now been completely removed from the D810's filter.

This should enable the new camera to record even more detail than before, and Nikon is claiming that the D810 produces 'the highest image quality in Nikon's history'. Omitting the AA filter brings increased risk of moire patterning in images, but it hasn't been found to be a major issue for D800E users

3. Nikon D500

Sensor: APS-C CMOS | Megapixels: 20.9MP | Autofocus: 153-point AF, 99 cross-type | Screen type: 3.2-inch tilting touchscreen, 2,359,000 dots | Maximum continuous shooting speed: 10fps | Movies: 4K | User level: Expert

For a long time the top slot in Nikon's APS-C (DX) format SLR line-up was occupied by the popular D300S, but that camera dates from 2009 and production ceased ages ago, leaving a vacancy that Nikon photographers have been wanting to see filled for years.

During that time there's been plenty of rumour and speculation, but earlier this year, as I headed out to the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, I had a hunch that Nikon might be about to deliver what so many photographers had been hoping for.

Happily I was right, and the D500 was announced alongside Nikon's new flagship, the D5. The D500 is aimed at serious enthusiast and professional photographers who want a smaller, lighter camera than a full-frame (FX) model such as the D810 or D5. It's also designed for pros who want the focal length magnification of the DX-format sensor.

One surprise about the D500 is that its APS-C sensor has 20.9 million effective pixels, less than the company's other recent (24MP) DSLRs of the same format; this is to enable the photosites to be bigger, to improve low-light performance.

4. Canon EOS 7D Mark II

Sensor: APS-C CMOS | Megapixels: 20.2MP | Autofocus: 65-point AF, 65 cross-type | Screen type: 3.0-inch, 1,040,000 dots | Maximum continuous shooting speed: 10fps | Movies: 1080p | User level: Expert

As the Canon 7D was launched way back in 2009, its update is somewhat overdue and there have been rumours of a Mark II version for quite some time. Now at last the Canon 7D Mark II has been revealed and can take its place as the manufacturer's flagship APS-C format camera. Canon is claiming that it will produce 'best in class' image quality.

Although the new camera has a 20.2-million-pixel sensor like the Canon 70D , we are told that it is a new device. The micro lenses have also been redesigned for improved efficiency (i.e. light transmission) and this should contribute to an improvement in image quality.

What's more, this sensor is coupled with Dual Digic 6 processing engines to make the camera faster and more responsive. This enables a maximum continuous shooting speed of 10 frames per second (fps) for 31 raw files or until the card is full with JPEGs; and a native sensitivity range of ISO 100-16,000 with expansion settings taking it up to ISO 51,200.

That's the highest non-expansion setting in any Canon SLR. The maximum continuous shooting rate can be set to 2-10fps in High mode, 1-9fps in Low and 1-4fps in Silent shooting mode.

5. Canon EOS 80D

Sensor: APS-C CMOS | Megapixels: 24.2 | Autofocus: 45-point AF, 45 cross-type | Screen type: 3.2-inch tilting touchscreen, 1,040,000 dots | Maximum continuous shooting speed: 7fps | Movies: 1080p | User level: Intermediate5. Canon EOS 80D

The new 80D, which replaces the 70D launched in July 2013, sits smack in the middle of Canon's SLR line-up, above the 760D and below the 7D Mark II.

That puts it in prime enthusiast territory, which means it needs to appeal to people who want to shoot a range of subjects in a variety of conditions. These users also want an extensive feature set with plenty of control options, but they don't need a full-on professional-grade camera.

Canon has given the 80D a new 24-million-pixel sensor along with a Digic 6 processing engine. This may sound similar to the 24Mp 750D and 760D, but these lower-level cameras have Hybrid AF III devices, not the Dual Pixel CMOS AF sensor of the 80D.

The 80D's sensor and processor combination brings a native sensitivity range of ISO 100-16,000 (a third of a stop higher than the 70D), and a maximum expansion value of ISO 25,600 (the same as the 70D).

And while the maximum continuous shooting rate is the same as the 70D's at 7fps, the burst depth has been increased to 110 JPEGs or 25 raw files when a UHS-1 SD card is used; that's a significant step up from the 65 JPEG or 16 raw files possible with the 70D.

Modern SLRs have two autofocus systems, one for when using the camera conventionally and composing images in the viewfinder (i.e. in reflex mode) and the second for use in Live View and video mode. Canon has improved both of these systems for the 80D in comparison with the 70D.

6. Nikon D7200

Sensor: APS-C CMOS | Megapixels: 24.2MP | | Autofocus: 51-point AF, 15 cross-type | Screen type: 3.2-inch, 1,229,000 dots | Maximum continuous shooting speed: 6fps | Movies: 1080p | User level: Intermediate

Roughly two years have elapsed between the introduction of the D7100 and the arrival of its successor, and on the surface the new D7200 seems more like an incremental update than a major overhaul.

The D7200 is built around a sensor with a resolution of 24.2 million pixels, a tiny increase on the D7100's 24.1 million pixels, and the body is identical, with the same weight and dimensions, and the same viewfinder.

In common with its predecessor, the D7200 has no anti-aliasing filter in front of the sensor, an innovation designed to produce sharper images and better rendering of fine detail. Anti-aliasing filters are used to prevent moiré, or interference effects, when photographing fine textures or patterns, but at the time of the D7100's launch, Nikon claimed that the high pixel density of its sensor would make it unlikely to suffer from any moire patterning and we've not seen any reports from users suggesting it's a problem.

There are some significant improvements over the D7100, however, the first of which is the upgrading of the camera's internal processor from the Expeed 3 to the newer and more powerful Expeed 4.

The frame rate remains the same as the D7100 - 6fps at full resolution, or 7fps when using the 1.3x crop mode - but the faster processor delivers improved buffering capacity, which was one of the biggest let-downs in the previous model.

7. Nikon D750

Sensor: Full-frame CMOS | Megapixels: 24.3MP | Autofocus: 51-point AF, 15 cross-type | Screen type: 3.2-inch tilting, 1,229,000 dots | Maximum continuous shooting speed: 6.5fps | Movies: 1080p | User level: Intermediate

Full-frame photography used to be the preserve of professional photographers, but SLRs like the Canon 6D and Nikon D610 have made it a more realistic proposition for amateur and enthusiast photographers. Nikon's latest full-frame camera, the D750 sits above the D610 and the Nikon D810 in the company's range, giving enthusiasts another model to choose from.

At the heart of the D750 is a newly designed 24.3-million-pixel CMOS sensor and an Expeed 4 processing engine. Unlike the 36Mp D810, the new camera has an anti-aliasing filter over the sensor.

This sensor and processor combination enables a native sensitivity range of ISO 100-12,800 with extension settings taking this to ISO 50-51,200. It's also possible to shoot at up to 6.5 frames per second (fps) and record Full HD video at up to 60p. While 6.5fps is a fair rate, some sports photographers may have been hoping for something a bit higher, perhaps 8fps or more.

Enthusiast videographers will also appreciate the stereo microphone and headphone ports along with the ability to fine-tune audio levels in isolation before and during recording. It's also possible to select the sound range (wide/voice) for adjustment. Wind noise can also be reduced when recording with the built-in microphone.

When shooting in Live View or video mode, there's a handy Zebra pattern display to indicate on the screen which areas are in danger of burning.

8. Pentax K-1

Sensor: Full-frame CMOS | Megapixels: 36MP | Autofocus: 33-point AF, 25 cross-type | Screen type: 3.2-inch tilting, 1,037,000 dots | Maximum continuous shooting speed: 4.4fps | Movies: 1080p | User level: Enthusiast/expert

Pentax is one of the big traditional photographic brands to make the transition from film into digital camera manufacturing, and it always seemed likely that it might one day make a full-frame digital SLR. However, it wasn't until February 2015 that the company announced that it was planning to take that step - and now, after a year of looking at mock-ups under glass domes at trade shows, we finally have the Pentax K-1.

Specification-wise the new camera has plenty to attract enthusiast photographers - especially those who still have a collection of full-frame K-mount optics. For starters, the full-frame (35.9 x 24mm) 36 million-pixel sensor (supplied by Sony), 14-bit PRIME IV processing engine and 33-point SAFOX 12 autofocus system are new.

Furthermore, to enable greater detail resolution the sensor has no anti-aliasing (AA) filter; instead Pentax has included its AA filter simulator to reduce moire patterning when needed. This system uses a combination of in-camera software and micro vibrations at a sub-pixel level during the exposure to reduce moire patterning.

Pentax likes to make good use of the ability to shift the sensor in its cameras, and it's no different with the K-1. The primary purpose of the technology is to compensate for accidental movements, and the Shake Reduction II system acts across 5 axes, having a claimed 5-stop impact.

There's also the clever Astro Tracer system, which uses data from the GPS system to guide the movement of the sensor during exposures of up to five minutes to record stars as sharp dots rather than streaks. And let's not forget the sensor-shifting composition adjustment and level correction options.

9. Nikon D3300

Sensor: APS-C CMOS | Megapixels: 24.2MP | Autofocus: 11-point AF, 1 cross-type | Screen type: 3.0-inch, 921,000 dots | Maximum continuous shooting speed: 5fps | Movies: 1080p | User level: Beginner

Despite the growing popularity of mirrorless cameras, the entry-level DSLR market is still incredibly popular for those looking to take the next step in their photography journey.

Nikon''s range of D3xxx models has proved incredibly popular over the years for new users looking to expand their creativity thanks to their blend of easy handling and solid performance, backed-up by an impressive range of lenses and accessories.

The D3300 is the latest in that line, so let's take a look to see if it's the perfect choice for the new user. The D3300 features a high resolution 24.2MP APS-C sensor, with Nikon deciding to omit the low-pass filter this time round. What does this mean? It should mean the even more detail is captured, resulting in even sharper images compared to previous models like the D3200.

In addition to this, the native sensitivity range runs from ISO100 to 12,800, and there's an expansion setting that takes it to the equivalent of ISO25, 600, providing plenty of flexibility for a range of lighting situations.

Like the Nikon D5300 , the D3300 sports Nikon's now second-generation processing engine, the EXPEED 4, allowing the D3300 to shoot continuously at a maximum rate of 5fps, while it can sustain this burst rate for up to 100 fine quality JPEGs. More than enough for most people's needs.

10. Canon EOS Rebel T6i / Canon EOS 750D

Sensor: APS-C CMOS | Megapixels: 24.2MP | Autofocus: 19-point AF, 19 cross-type | Screen type: 3-inch articulating touchscreen, 1,040,000 dots | Continuous shooting speed: 5fps | Movies: 1080p | User level: Beginner/enthusiast

With three cameras in its entry-level range Canon already had plenty to interest novices and enthusiast photographers on a budget. Now the company has replaced the 700D with two models, the EOS 760D and 750D, rather than one. As the 700D continues in the line-up (for now at least), this means that there are five cameras in what Canon calls its beginners' range. The new 760D and 750D, known as the Rebel T6s and T6i in the USA sit at the top of this group above the 700D, 100D and 1200D.

While the 750D could be considered the more logical upgrade to the 700D and is aimed at novices, the 760D is designed with more experienced photographers in mind and it has a few features from Canon's high-end cameras.

Although they are aimed at slightly different people, the Canon 750D (Rebel T6i) and 760D (T6s) are essentially the same camera as they share many components. For a start they both have Canon's new APS-C format CMOS sensor with an effective pixel count of 24.2 million, a Digic 6 processing engine and an autofocus system with 19 cross-type points for use when focusing images in the viewfinder.

 The cameras can select the appropriate AF point to use automatically in 19-point AF mode, or it can be set manually in groups in Zone AF mode (there are five groups of points for selection) or individually in Single point AF mode.

The cameras also have Canon's new Hybrid CMOS AF III system (with Face detection, Tracking AF, FlexiZone-Multi and FlexiZone-Single modes) for use when images or video are composed on the screen in Live View mode. This Hybrid system has a greater number of focusing pixels arranged in a more regular array than in the past, and Canon says it's about 4x faster than version II (used in the EOS 100D) and two generations ahead of the original Hybrid CMOS AF system in the EOS 700D.

   So here is my Top 10 DSLR’S that were impressive in terms of features, quality, built and design. Hope this blog will clear your confusion and help you to pick up one of them. Let me know your choice in comment section below and if you like my blog then make sure you hit follow button and share as much as you can. Thanks for reading .

CES 2017

The 10 Innovative Products at CES 2017

CES (formally known as the Consumer Electronics Show) is an annual trade show organized by the Consumer Technology Association. Held January at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States, the event typically hosts presentations of new products and technologies in the consumer electronics industry.

The first CES was held in June 1967 in New York City. It was a spinoff from the Chicago Music Show, which until then had served as the main event for exhibiting consumer electronics. The event had 17,500 attendees and over 100 exhibitors; the kickoff speaker was Motorola chairman Bob Galvin. From 1978 to 1994, CES was held twice each year: once in January in Las Vegas known as Winter Consumer Electronics Show (WCES) and once in June in Chicago, known as Summer Consumer Electronics Show (SCES).

CES 2017 has been the biggest year so far for the annual Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Nevada. More than 175,000 attendees converged on the strip this week to be among the first to see what the world’s top technology companies have to offer. Car tech took center stage for much of the show, which is certainly understandable considering all the disruption sweeping the automotive industry right now. Connected devices were a top theme once again as well, as the Internet of Things continues its shift from fantasy to reality.

There was plenty to take in at CES 2017, and we had a blast checking out all of the exciting new gear headed to store shelves in 2017 and beyond. In this post, we’ll focus on 10 products in particular that rose above the rest and really wowed us at CES.

1. Faraday Future FF 91

Tesla turned the auto industry on its head when it released the Model S, and rival automakers have had no choice but to embrace electric cars far sooner than they would have liked. There are some truly exciting cars in the works, but nothing else we’ve seen in development comes anywhere close to packing in as much innovation as the Faraday Future FF 91.

The Gardena, California-based startup has had a difficult time this past year due to financial woes and several executive departures. But Faraday has managed to stay the course, and the company wowed CES 2017 attendees on Tuesday night when it finally took the wraps off its first production car.

Faraday Future’s FF 91 is an entirely new breed of automobile, and it’s scheduled to enter production next year. We were lucky enough to tour Faraday’s labs and even go for a ride a couple weeks before CES began, so be sure to check out our first impressions of the FF 91.

2. LG Signature OLED TV W7

An iPhone 7 is 7.1 mm thick. A number 2 pencil is 6 mm thick. LG’s new Signature OLED TV W7 television is 2.59 mm thick.

This stunning next-generation television truly represents the future, packing 4K Ultra HD resolution and HDR into a razor-thin panel that practically becomes part of the wall thanks to a special magnetic mounting system. The components are offloaded into an accompanying sound bar, and the result is a design that will literally reshape televisions for years to come.

3. Ford Alexa integration

Amazon’s virtual personal assistant Alexa was everywhere at this year’s CES, and for good reason. Alexa facilitates a seemingly endless range of functionality and electronics companies are eager to make use of it, rather than having to build their own voice-powered assistant solutions. Of all the Alexa integrations we saw, however, Ford stood out from the crowd.

Ford SYNC 3 AppLink puts everything Alexa offers at a driver’s fingertips. Them home integration will also allow people to start their car, lock and unlock the car, and even check fuel levels using Alexa commands with any compatible Amazon or third-party device. The video above runs through the highlights.

4. Samsung Chromebook Plus

Samsung’s just-announced Chromebook Plus is everything a person could want from a Chromebook in 2017. The 12.3-inch touchscreen display features Quad HD resolution and support for a built-in S Pen stylus. The 2.0GHz hexa-core processor packs plenty of power.

The nifty hinge design allows the screen to rotate all the way open so the device can be used as a tablet. And it ships with the Google Play store preinstalled, giving users access to millions of Android apps in addition to apps made for Chrome OS.

Best of all, preorders are live right now, and the Chromebook Plus starts shipping the week of February 5th.

5. Energous WattUp

This is the second consecutive year that Energous has made our Best of CES list, and both times it was for the company’s WattUp long-range wireless charging solution.

WattUp is no longer just an exciting futuristic technology only available in demos. Energous announced a number of partnerships that will see a number of commercially available products launch with support for the first version of the WattUP wireless charging solution.

This first round of devices have to be within a few inches of the charging transmitter in order to refuel, but Energous plans to launch longer-range transmitters later this year and they will be backward compatible with all previously released devices.

6. AirTV Player

The AirTV Player in an Android-powered box that combines the ability to stream online video services -- including Netflix, Sling TV and other apps available in the Google Play Store -- and access live over-the-air TV channels, too.

While nearly every TV can already receive those free channels with the addition of a cheap antenna, the AirTV is offering the convenience of combining them with the online services into a "one-stop shop," without the annoyance of switching inputs. It unifies the antenna-based channels into the Sling TV online channel guide, too.

AirTV supports up to 4K resolution, as well as 2.4 and 5GHz Wi-Fi. The Bluetooth remote incorporates voice, too, and it has dedicated buttons for Netflix and YouTube.

Note, however, that it lacks both local and cloud DVR capabilities, which Sling TV is also missing. (A Sling TV cloud DVR service is in beta.) No timeshifting for you!

The AirTV will compete with newly announced 2017 products such as the new Tablo Droid, Tablo Live and Mohu AirWave, all of which aim to integrate antenna-based TV channels with online streaming options.

7. TPCast for HTC Vive

Virtual reality is one of the hottest spaces in consumer tech right now, and the HTC Vive offers one of the best VR experiences money can buy. Like all dedicated VR experiences from big-name brands, however, using the Vive means being tethered to a PC. That’s where TPCast comes in.

With financing from HTCs Vive X Accelerator fund, TPCast created a simple solution that connects to the standard Vive headset and converts it into a wireless VR system. In other words, users get the best-in-class VR experience the Vive provides while also enjoying the freedom that a smartphone VR solution affords.

TPCast will initially launch in China, where it will cost just over $215.

8. ODG R-8 and R-9 Smartglasses

Beyond VR, augmented reality is the other half of the computing experience of the future. AR solutions involve overlaying digital elements on top of the physical world around you, opening the door to a wide range of exciting possibilities. Microsoft is leading the way in this space with its HoloLens headset, but ODG’s next-generation R-8 and R-9 smartglasses offer a much more compact solution.

Powered by the same Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 chipset destined to be found in nearly every flagship Android smartphone this year, the R-8 and R-9 smartglasses are both lightweight solutions capable of immersing the wearer in mixed reality.

The higher-end R-9 model features a 50° field of view and 1080p resolution, while the less expensive R-8 glasses have a 40˚ field of view and 720p resolution.

9. AirBar

It's what you've always wanted. A 13-inch MacBook Air with a touchscreen. We've all done the same thing, reaching out to tap or swipe a MacBook before realizing it was, in fact, a MacBook and not a touchscreen Windows laptop. Put a MacBook Air in front of any kid under 10, and they'll instinctively do the same thing.

Only, it's not exactly a MacBook with a touchscreen. It's actually a MacBook with a sold-separately add-on sensor bar that sits just below the display and connects via USB plug. We've played around with one of these devices -- called the AirBar -- late last year, but that version was for Windows PCs.

The AirBar works by sending up a light field that your fingers break by swiping and tapping. In the Windows version we tried, it worked surprisingly well, at least for an add-on that cost less than $70 (£55 or AU$94). The key was to find a laptop with a screen that was precisely the right size for the AirBar, which is why the company has been selling both 13-inch and 15-inch models.

The new MacBook Air version is designed for the 13-inch MacBook Air and costs $99 , although models for other Macs are said to be in the works. One for a new MacBook Pro or for the 12-inch MacBook, for example, would need a USB-C plug, rather than the USB-A one used now.

10.  Sleep Number 360 Smart Bed

Gadgets aimed at helping people get more restful sleep each night come and go each year at CES, typically never to be heard from again. Millions of people suffer from sleep disorders of varying degrees, but gadgets and gizmos rarely offer long-term solutions. The Sleep Number 360 Smart Bed, however, looks like the exception to the rule.

Sleep Number’s latest “smart bed” isn’t just another connected mattress that lets owners make adjustments here and there on a remote or a smartphone. This is an entirely new sleep solution that monitors each partner individually and makes adjustments on its own to keep people sleeping soundly. This way, as sleeping positions change throughout the night, the bed self-adjusts to optimize the sleep surface and ensure comfort.

Wireless Routers

Top 10 wireless routers in 2016

Every household sporting broadband internet needs a wireless router. Without it, accessing the web on a mobile device will require either a pesky (and quite limited) mobile data plan or a complex workaround. Even older routers are due for an upgrade after a handful of years, thanks to the advent of new technologies such as Netgear's dead spot-deterring Orbi Wi-Fi system and Wi-FI CERTIFIED ac spec improvements.

If you have an existing router, it may be getting to the point where it's a bit long in the tooth, that it doesn't have the latest hardware or support the latest 802.11ac networking standard, which exhibits faster speeds and range, courtesy of directional beamforming. This equates to less time-consuming downloads and nippy web browsing. Plus, today's top-end best wireless routers are blisteringly quick, thanks to a technology called NitroQAM.

You may even be enticed by the benefits of the new software produced by router companies, which make it easier to administer to your home network for necessities like parental controls and even basic maintenance. In most situations, you'll even get to take advantage of USB ports for over-the-air storage or to share printers throughout the house.

Here is the list of top ten wireless routers in 2016 to give your home a high speed internet boost.

1. TP Link Archer AC3200 Wireless Tri-Band Gigabit Router

Speed: 802.11ac: 2x 1300 Mbps, 802.11n: 600 Mbps | Connectivity: 5x Gigabit Ethernet, 1x USB 3.0, 1x USB 2.0 | Features: Dual 802.11ac networks, 1GHz Dual-core processor with three co-processors, Smart Connect| Price: $285.99(amazon.com)

If you have a high-traffic network with multiple clients vying for bandwidth, you may want to consider upgrading to a tri-band router. Whereas dual-band models offer one 2.4GHz and one 5GHz Wi-Fi band, tri-band routers offer one 2.4GHz and two 5GHz bands. The extra 5GHz band goes a long way in easing wireless network congestion and gives you more control over how clients connect wirelessly.

With the TP-Link AC3200 Wireless Tri-Band Gigabit Router Archer C3200, you get good 5GHz throughput and a slew of management settings, and it does a solid job of transferring files to and from attached USB storage devices. However, it can't match the overall performance of its triple-band competitors.

The C3200 is an AC3200 router; its 2.4GHz band has a maximum data-link speed of 600Mbps and each of the 5GHz bands can reach speeds of up to 1,300Mbps. It is powered by a 1GHz dual-core processor and supports the 802.11 b/g/n/ac networking standards.

 In addition to Beamforming, which sends Wi-Fi signals directly to clients rather than in a broad spectrum, this router features TP-Link's Smart Connect technology, which, when enabled, automatically assigns the best frequency band to clients based on network traffic.

2. Linksys EA9500 Max-Stream AC5400

Speed: 802.11ac: up to 5.3Gbps | Connectivity: 1 x Gigabit WAN port, 8 x Gigabit LAN ports, 1 x USB 3.0, 1 x USB 2.0 | Features: Easy setup, Tri-band Wi-Fi technology, MU-MIMO, Seamless Roaming| Price: $325.99 (amazon.com)

The EA9500 is a tri-band, quad-stream router with a combined Wi-Fi bandwidth of up to 5,333 megabits per second. Specifically, it has two 5GHz bands, each with a top on-paper Wi-Fi speed of 2,166.67Mbps and its 2.4GHz band tops out at 1,000Mbps. (Read more about Wi-Fi standards here.) The reality, however, is that you won't experience speeds of this magnitude with the EA9500, at least not today. That's because the fastest Wi-Fi clients (such as tablets, smartphones or laptops) top out at just 1,300Mbps. But the powerful specs don't hurt and they also put you in a good position for when clients can reach those ungodly levels of performance.

The router supports Multi-User Multiple Input Multiple Output (MU-MIMO), which is a technology designed to efficiently handle Wi-Fi bandwidth in homes with clients of different speed grades. Each client can connect to the router at its highest speed without adversely affecting the speeds of others.

Looking like a giant mechanical spider, this router is primed for anything from gaming to professional work. The AC5400 is outfitted with a single 2.4GHz band that can reach up to 1000 Mbps, in addition to two 5GHz radios that max out at 2,167Mbps. Together, it adds up to a whopping 5.3Gbps.

This router brings a plethora of features including MU-MIMO, a dual-core CPU, beam forming and eight adjustable antennas. Its coolest feature is "Smart Connect", which lets you assign separate SSIDs for the two 5GHz bands, allowing you to have one network purely for your gaming desktop PC, and another for media streaming or professional work, without the two getting in the way.

3. Asus RT-AC88U

Speed: 802.11ac: 2167Mbps 802.11n: 1000 Mbps | Connectivity: 9x Gigabit Ethernet, 1x USB 2.0 1x USB 3.0 | Features: 1024-QAM, MU-MIMO, WTFast Gamers Private Network, Asus AiProtection, AsusWRT Software | Price: $269.99 (amazon.com)

The Asus RT-AC88U is a dual-band 802.11ac router with a massive feature set and an equally large price tag. It uses Multi-User Multiple Input, Multiple Output (MU-MIMO) technology to serve multiple Wi-Fi clients simultaneously without sacrificing bandwidth. However, each client must contain a MU-MIMO-compatible network adapter in order to take advantage of the technology.

The router is equipped with numerous Gigabit LAN ports and multiple USB ports. The RT-AC88U offers a wealth of management options in a thoughtfully designed user interface and delivers blazing throughput on both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands. It's our top pick for high-end routers.

The RT-AC88U is a nice-looking router. It measures 3.3 by 11.8 by 7.4 inches (HWD) and uses a matte-black housing, with a beveled top and angular sides. The front of the router is home to LED indicators for power, wireless activity for both bands, Internet (WAN) connectivity, Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS), LAN connectivity, and USB port activity.

 It utilizes a Broadcom 1.4GHz dual-core processor and Broadcom's NitroQAM technology to deliver up to 3,167Mbps of combined (theoretical) throughput (1,000Mbps on the 2.4GHz band, and 2,167Mbps on the 5GHz band).

The Asus RT-AC88U justifies its above-average pricing with unrivalled record-breaking next-generation 802.11ac wireless performance. With four antennas and NitroQAM technology, which pushes speeds further still, this router enables wireless performance that can break the 1GB/sec limit.

There's a minor catch - you'll need to invest in a NitroQAM wireless adapter, such as the Asus PCE-AC88, to see those faster speeds. It's worth it though. Coupled with comprehensive built-in software, a generous array of eight external LAN ports and 100MB/sec performance from its USB 3 port, this router is a champion.

4. Netgear Nighthawk X4S VDSL/ADSL Modem Router D7800

Speed: 802.11ac: 1733Mbps, 802.11n: 800 Mbps | Connectivity: 5x Gigabit Ethernet, 2x USB 3.0, 1x eSATA | Features: VDSL 2 modem | Price: $244.99 (amazon.com)

The Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart Wi-Fi Router (model R7800) is an updated version of the X4 R7500 and not only is it much faster, its Wi-Fi signal reach much farther. What's more, the new router now supports MIMO, an increasing popular feature that helps boosts the speed for supported Wi-Fi clients in a crowded home. (Note: Netgear has also released a D7800 version of the X4S that includes a built-in DSL modem.)

It's not perfect, however, and shares the same bloated Web interface as previous Netgear routers and having relatively slow network storage performance when coupled with an external hard drive. Nonetheless, if you're looking to cover a large home (of 4,000 square feet or less) and you have a dozen or so Wi-Fi-connected devices, the X4S is a great choice.

4x4 wireless up to 1733 Mbps for great wireless performance VDSL 2 modem Lacks 1024-QAM Requires special hardware to use fastest speeds

Netgear's D7800 wireless router also has four antennas and can deliver much faster speeds than a standard 802.11ac router, which again, depends on using a compatible adapter or bridge. It comes with two USB ports and an eSATA connector for a huge amount of connectivity, and a VDSL 2 modem built-in. The software is pretty good too, with a simple Dynamic QOS system to make it easier to manage a home network with a massive amount of devices.

5. Linksys WRT1900ACS

Speed: 802.11ac: 1300 Mbps, 802.11n: 600 Mbps | Connectivity: 5x Gigabit Ethernet, 1x USB 2.0, 1x USB 3.0, eSATA | Features: OpenWRT compatible, LinkSys Smart Wi-Fi support | Price: $174.99 (amazon.com)

The WRT1900ACS is the updated version of Linksys’ flagship router of 2015, the WRT1900AC. It packs in a faster processor and double the RAM of its predecessor, which should result in faster overall performance – particularly in more demanding multi-user scenarios.

Otherwise, it's a similar beast to before, capable of up to 1900AC Wi-Fi speeds with its dual-band, four-aerial setup. It also has four Gigabit Ethernet ports, a USB 3.0 port and a combi eSATA/USB 2.0 port for sharing files or printers.

In addition, it continues to supports the open-source router firmware OpenWRT, making it potentially ideal for those users who want to fine-tune their network.

With three wireless streams, the Linksys WRT1900ACS is a less expensive proposition than the above quad-stream 802.11ac routers, and while it doesn't offer the same blistering performance, it still packs performance and great software. Its internals are very powerful.

A dual-core 1.6 GHz processor and 512MB of memory drives a great-looking software interface that makes it a doddle to set up and customise a home network, with a built-in VPN, great wireless range as well as fast external connectivity via USB.

6. D Link EXO AC1750 WiFi Router DIR-869

Speed: 802.11ac: 1300 Mbps, 802.11n: 450 Mbps | Connectivity: 5x Gigabit Ethernet | Features: Dual-core processor | Price: $131.67 (amazon.com)

Even the fastest laptops, tablets and phones have a capped Wi-Fi speed of 1,300Mbps -- no device on the market currently is capable of anything more. So purchasing a top-tier router, like one that supports AC5400 or AC2400 speed standards, will not likely bring you any speed benefits.

The new D-Link EXO DIR-879 is an AC1900 router, meaning that as far as real-world performance goes, it's as fast as you can get, until devices with faster Wi-Fi standards become available.

The EXO is part of a new line of routers from D-Link with a new orange-and-black design and collapsible non-detachable antennas. The look is pleasing to my network world-weary eyes.

 With four Gigabit LAN ports and one Gigabit WAN port on the back, and four collapsible antennas on the sides, the DIR-879 also nails it on practicality. With no USB port or SD card slot, however, which would allow you to easily share a drive with everyone on your network, you'll instead need to connect that drive to a computer on the network.

With four wide antennas that look like solar panels, the orange DIR-869 is a mid-range router from D-Link that uses the company's flat, angular design. It doesn't do anything particularly clever, but is still fast enough to work with the vast majority of all wireless hardware on the market at maximum capacity. It's a dual-band model with a dual-core processor, driving a minimalist but slick software interface. 2.4GHz up to 450Mbps and and 5GHz up to 1300 Mbps is covered.

7. Asus RT-AC68U

Speed: 802.11ac: 1300 Mbps, 802.11n: 600 Mbps | Connectivity: 5x Gigabit Ethernet, 1x USB 3.0, 1x USB 2.0 | Features: Asus AiProtection, AsusWRT Software | Price: $234.33 (amazon.com)

This is Asus’ second 802.11ac router and follows the hugely successful RT-AC66U - the fastest wireless ac router we have tested, until now.

Asus isn’t sitting on its laurels though, as the AC68U upgrades almost every aspect of its predecessor and there is a new design, chipset, upgraded processing power and the addition of a USB 3.0 port. To say our expectations are high would be an understatement.

Asus makes great routers with particularly good on-board software, but if your budget can't stretch to the all-singing RT-AC88U, the firm's slightly older RT-AC68U is still rather nifty.

It's a more traditional 3x3 802.11ac model, but with the same software as used on all other Asus networking kit, which is a very good thing. So many small details are covered, from a notification system to simplified updates, that it puts Asus in front of nearly every other manufacturers by some distance. And with still-excellent wireless performance and range.

8. Synology Router RT1900ac

Speed: 802.11ac: 1300 Mbps, 802.11n: 600 Mbps | Connectivity: 5x Gigabit Ethernet, 1x USB 3.0, 1x USB 2.0 | Features: Synology Router Manager Software | Price: $149.99 (amazon.com)

For technology enthusiasts the name Synology is, aptly, synonymous with Network Attached Storage. The company has offered a string of well-regarded NAS drives for many years. What it’s not known for, however, is routers, but with the RT1900ac it’s clearly looking to change that.

One of the strengths of Synology’s NAS drives has always been its software, so that’s one area that we hope is carried over into this new arena. As its name suggests, the Synology router offers a maximum theoretical throughput of 1900Mb/s – 1300Mb/s at 802.11ac 5GHz, and up to 600MHz at 802.11n 2GHz. Of course, real-world speeds are much lower than this, but for an AC1900 router the Synology is one of the less expensive in its class.

If you've used a Synology NAS, you'll be familiar with the company's Linux-based software interface that presents a Windows-like environment, with icons, folders and so on with all the settings to configure your hardware. Synology has gone with the same software design with the Synology Router Manager on the RT1900ac, its first wireless router.

 Hardware-wise it offers the same sort of thing as other 802.11ac routers, with 1300 Mbps 802.11ac and 600 Mbps 802.11n. Unsurprisingly, there's also great support for shared storage, with well-designed iOS and Android apps to access files. Uniquely, there's also an SD card slot joining the single USB 3 port for shared external storage.

9. TP-Link Archer C9

Speed: 802.11ac: 1300 Mbps, 802.11n: 600 Mbps | Connectivity: 5x Gigabit Ethernet, 1x USB 3.0, 1x USB 2.0  | Price: $119.99 (amazon.com)

The Archer C9 is among the cheapest AC1900 known-brand routers you can buy, undercutting the likes of the Netgear R7000 by some £30 or so. Yet it wants for little when it comes to other extra features, such as USB support for sharing hard drives and printers and four gigabit Ethernet ports.

So if you want to get the up to 1,300Mbit/s wireless speeds of AC1900 but don't want to break the bank, it's well worth a look.

Although the Archer C9 is relatively inexpensive, there's very little lacking from its specification list. It supports 1300Mbps 802.11ac wireless speeds that will deliver maximum performance for just about all laptops currently on the market.

It has good software, powerful internals and a bright white, inoffensive look that won’t look garish in the middle of your living room. Although the built-in modem only supports DSL, rather than VDSL 2, very little else has been left out, making this a solid value option.

10. AVM Fritz!Box 3490

Speed: 802.11ac: 1300 Mbps, 802.11n: 450 Mbps | Connectivity: 4x Gigabit Ethernet, 2x USB 3.0 | Features: VDSL 2 modem | Price: $128.56 (amazon.com)

The new mainstream Fritz!Box 3490 offers the guts of the company's top-end 7490 router, including 3x3 MIMO 802.11ac wireless, but without the built-in hardware to manage DECT or analogue telephony, which brings down the unit's cost considerably.

The 3490 has a built-in a modem that supports ADSL and VDSL with the same vectoring technology that allows for faster fibre connections. Of course, as with just about any other router, it works fine with cable connections too. There are two USB 3.0 ports, one at the side and one at the rear, with four gigabit ethernet ports at the back, along with a DSL connector.

AVM's more high-end 802.11ac routers support built-in VOIP hardware and act as a base station for DECT cordless phones, in addition to router and DSL functions. But the Fritz!Box 3490 leaves all those extras behind in favour of affordability and simplicity.

Sporting an unusual red and silver appearance, the recently updated 6.50 software has some features that more technical users will love. It gives you plenty of control over your home network, such as the ability to scan for local wireless networks that may cause interference, and extensive logging to see exactly how much bandwidth each of your computers is consuming.