26 Apr
Blog

Garmin Venu Review: A Great Balance of Sport and Everyday

Garmin Venu review 13

"The Garmin Venu is a solid fitness tracker, but its beautiful AMOLED display is the killer feature."

  • AMOLED display

  • Activity tracking

  • Training animations

  • Many sensors

  • Lack of detailed fitness indicators

  • Lack of space

The line between a smartwatch and a fitness watch continues to dissolve every day.

It used to be that if you are interested in fitness, you get a dedicated, nondescript fitness tracker with a super simple dot matrix display (I'm looking at you, Nike FuelBand). Then Apple came out with her watch and I remember how silly it sounded. I mean, I already had a smartphone – wasn't a smartwatch a little superfluous?

Oh, how times are changing, and there is no better example of watch development than the Venu from Garmin.

display

The Venu is basically the same as the Vivoactive 4 – a multisport smartwatch that still has all the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections required for Android and Apple notifications. However, the Venu has a significant difference in its display.

The AMOLED display of the Venu with 390 x 390 pixels blows the 260 x 260 MIP display of the Vivoactive out of the water. While their physical sizes are similar at 1.2 inches and 1.3 inches, respectively, the Venu's screen shows a much sharper picture with darker blacks and a range of colors that are surprisingly vivid.

The newly discovered vibrancy of the Venu is underlined by its active graphics and dials, which are far better than most Garmin wearables. The Venu heart rate chart alone is a rainbow of colors that made me do a workout just to make my metrics more fun.

Battery life

The only downside to the AMOLED display is its battery drain, and you will most likely be frustrated if you don't immediately change the dial setting to "always on".

I tried to live with the Venu in its default setting, which turns the display off automatically to see if the battery life information is correct. Garmin claims 5 days of battery life in smartwatch mode and 6 days in GPS mode, or up to 20 days when both modes are turned off.

Still, it only took me two days to get angry at shaking my wrist like a crazy person to make the display glow. As a result, I've set the display to stay on.

The penalty for switching is a longer drain on battery life, but I've still seen a little over 3 days of life with workouts a day, so this seemed like a worthwhile trade to keep my mental health.

design

The Venu doesn't want to weigh things down and has only 43 grams and a body of 43.2 x 43.2 x 12.4 mm. The size took a few days to get used to big clocks. This may be a deal breaker for some, but with the Venu's sharp display, I don't feel like I'm missing anything.

One of the best things about the Venu is that it has a touchscreen display. This makes for a more intuitive experience when scrolling through activities and daily statistics. With two physical buttons on the side, the Venu offers a satisfactory medium of universal usability and familiarity for existing Garmin users.

Venu's usability is enhanced by adding Garmin Pay for contactless payments and storing up to 500 songs. That number seems a bit low compared to Venu's competitors, but since you can stream Spotify, Amazon Music, or Deezer, that's not a big deal.

In addition to these features, the Venu has a calendar, weather, music controls for your smartphone and all the notifications you can ever request. While the usual "smart" features are covered, fitness tracking is where the Venu shines (and all of Garmin's previous experiences come into play).

Fitness tracking

Garmin loaded the Venu with sensors. On board are a GPS, a heart rate monitor, a barometric altimeter, a compass, a gyroscope, an accelerometer and a pulse oximeter. This is almost the same sensor array as the high-end Fenix ​​6 Pro, which also includes a thermometer.

All this sensitivity enables automated goals. The Venu learns your activity levels and begins setting daily goals based on your current activity. It can also record calories burned, climbed floors, minutes of intensity, VO2 max and estimates of energy and stress levels.

With all of these follow-ups, the Venu creates a fairly well-rounded view of your overall health and fitness. This is the metric ecosystem that die-hard Garmin fans have come to know and love over the years. With every firmware update they become more and more precise.

The core competencies of Venu are in the usual suspects when running, swimming and cycling. Running has pace and cadence tracking. While swimming, stroke, Swolf score, time and distance alarms are displayed. Cycling has triggers for distance, time, and calories burned, as well as the ability to connect to Garmin's Varia radar and lights.

I had no problems keeping track of runs or rides I did. However, when it came to connecting the Venu to my indoor cycling trainer, it made a connection, but never realized that I was pedaling. This wasn't necessary since the Venu still had my heart rate data and I was tracking the distance with Zwift. But there were some strange training logs that showed 0.00 miles.

Guided workouts

Venu is not just about tracking what you do. It can also guide you through training.

The most interesting are the animations available for yoga, pilates, strength and cardio. There are several training routines available, but you can also create your own workouts.

These animations are helpful because you are asked to try something different. It felt a bit awkward at first when I tried to keep an eye on the watch for the next yoga pose. Over time, however, I learned when to look at the watch and focus on my shape.

Once you have completed an activity, the Venu estimates your sweat loss based on the measurement data it has collected. I am a little doubtful of how accurate this value is, but after a little effort I thought about my hydration.

After a three kilometer walk, the Venu estimated that I had lost 201 ml. It's not much, but the memory that I could have a drink was a welcome piece of mindfulness.

Stat tracking

For the stat junkies, the Venu has the all-important VO2 maximum score. Your VO2 max is essentially a measure of how well your body uses oxygen and a relatively accurate way to measure your basic aerobic fitness.

Real VO2 max tests are done by putting maximum effort into it while monitoring your oxygen uptake and carbon dioxide emissions with lots of tubes and expensive looking medical devices. I am highly doubtful whether the Venu can keep up with the validity of a real VO2 max test, but most people will never do the utmost to do a real test, so the Venu estimate must be enough.

HR zones are what most people will look out for, but I've missed having more advanced metrics.

Unfortunately, the Venu lacks other key figures that will interest real fitness junkies. Are you interested in your current training or training status, whether you are doing basic or threshold training or monitoring your weekly training load? Then move on, because the Venu has none of it.

The Venu has heart rate zones to control effort during exercise. HR zones are what most people will look out for, but I've missed having more advanced metrics.

I also missed the route finding. Navigating the Garmin Fenix ​​6 Pro is one of the most powerful features. The Venu, on the other hand, only keeps track of where you went and has no idea how to say where to go. The only exception is golf, as the Venu has access to 41,000 courses that can be downloaded via the Garmin Connect app.

While the lack of navigation is kind of a mess, the Venu continues its list of features with elements like a sleep monitor to track your REM and deep sleep, and event detection that automatically sends your location to certain contacts when it detects a crash during a bike ride.

guarantee

Standard 1 year product guarantee.

Our opinion

The Venu has a solid list of features that are suitable for the vast majority of people who are fitness aficionados but not fanatical. While you may miss out on some navigation and detailed training metrics, the Venu's streamlined design and beautiful touchscreen is worth the $ 350 price tag, and if you find it for sale, it's all the more worth it.

Is there a better alternative?

The obvious alternative is the Apple Watch Series 5 for $ 400. When the App Store is available, the Apple Watch is extremely hard to beat if you're already an iPhone user. However, Garmin's experience with fitness and Venu's touchscreen makes it a viable option for anyone who isn't yet fully immersed in the Apple ecosystem.

How long it will take?

Garmin is robust as nail products, but the Venu doesn't have a raised bezel, so scratches on the Gorilla Glass Screen are more likely than usual. That means the Venu should last for at least several years.

Should you buy it

Yes, if you use an Android phone. If you already have an iPhone, you can raise the extra money for the Apple Watch Series 5 as it is a better choice by integrating it into the iPhone.

Editor's recommendations




08 Mar
Blog

2020 Toyota Camry Hybrid Review: It’s Great, But Buy The LE

Toyota Camry Hybrid

2020 Toyota Camry Hybrid Review: It's great, but get the LE

"The Toyota Camry Hybrid remains a reliable choice among hybrid sedans."

  • Outstanding reliability and security

  • An improved entune system is an improvement

  • The latest redesign still looks good

  • The basic equipment offers many great functions

  • With higher equipment, the fuel consumption is lower

  • The XLE can get quite expensive

  • Trunk is small for a medium sized sedan

The Toyota Camry Hybrid has been around for more than a decade, unlike the Corolla, which received a hybrid version for the first time in 2020. The Camry, however, benefited from regular updates from Toyota through its characteristic and reliable hybrid system. It also benefited from a major redesign in 2018 that gave it a sportier look and cutting-edge technology.

I drove the Camry Hybrid XLE, the highest configuration. The MSRP starts at $ 32,730, and some extras have been added to my test car, including the driver assistance package, adaptive headlights, a sunroof, and the navigation package that also updated the audio system. All in, including the target fee, my lender Camry was priced at $ 39,766.

A Camry hybrid without a bell or whistle starts at just over $ 28,000 for the base LE fairing. There's also a Hybrid SE that starts at $ 30,130 and adds a few luxurious details like faux leather upholstery and shift paddles.

Since I've driven the fanciest Camry Hybrid, it's only fair to compare it to the fanciest versions of its closest competition: the Honda Accord Hybrid and the Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid. The Accord Hybrid's upper fairing is similar to that of the Camry Hybrid XLE (with the extras in my loaner) and starts at $ 36,245. The Ioniq Hybrid starts at $ 31,200, several thousand dollars lower.

The competition also comes from the house. The Toyota Prius is synonymous with hybrid technology, and its top spec also has a starting price north of $ 32,000.

design

Toyota's design is often designed as boring, boring, and for the masses, rather than having style. The redesign of the Camry in 2018, however, churned up the company's design language with a sportier look for the four-door mid-size sedan. The front end is more aggressive and the lines along the body stretch towards the rear of the car.

Toyota Camry Hybrid exteriorToyota

The inside of the XLE is clean and tidy. The middle touchscreen of the updated infotainment system does not hover uncomfortably over the dashboard like the screen in the Camry. This trim also has tiger eye wood paneling that enhances the feeling of luxury.

Spaciousness and comfort are close to most mid-size sedans. The batteries are arranged so that they do not penetrate the seat or trunk, but the trunk is slightly smaller than that of the Accord and much smaller than that of the Ioniq. The Prius has less passenger space, but if you have to carry large or awkwardly shaped items, its hatchback is a big plus over the Camry's trunk.

technology

My lender Camry's updated Entune infotainment system had razor-sharp graphics on a screen that could be split up to display several types of information, such as: B. the next round in the navigation area and the current title in the satellite radio. The touch inputs were simple, with physical buttons on either side of the screen. My Camry's improved infotainment included a bird's-eye view camera, which I appreciated when parking in parallel.

Toyota Camry Hybrid interiorKristen Hall-Geisler / Digital Trends

Setting up my phone for the Entune system was a breeze. I was able to pair my phone in less than 10 seconds. Both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on all Camry hybrids, a major advance over previous model years where Android Auto was missing.

The driver receives a screen between the analog displays. This ad is full of information, though I'm sure it can be customized if you take the time to figure out how. If I own the car, I bring a cup of coffee to the driver's seat and spend some time in the driveway with the electronic instruction manual to set everything up as I like it. However, not everyone will be so patient.

Toyota Camry Hybrid instrument displayKristen Hall-Geisler / Digital Trends

The flood of information on this 7-inch TFT screen was overwhelming but useful, and the steering wheel controls made it easy to scroll through different types of information. I was able to check the fuel consumption of my trip, the route I was listening to, and the status of my driver assistance functions such as lane departure warning and adaptive cruise control. My lender also had a 10-inch heads-up display (HUD) that was massive and visible in every light. I relied on the HUD for basics like speed, more than the 7 inch screen.

When you upgrade to expensive panels and add packages, you need to choose which high-tech features you like best. The top panel of the Accord Hybrid contains many functions of my Camry Hybrid XLE with additional packages. However, the Accord also has a WiFi hotspot, while the Camry can connect to Alexa. If you care about screen size, look elsewhere. The upper fairing of the Ioniq Hybrid has a 10.25-inch screen and the Prius Limited has an 11.6-inch screen.

Fuel consumption

Toyota made a fascinating choice for the Camry hybrid system. The basic LE cladding has lithium-ion batteries that are light and efficient. It combines 52 mpg.

But this is not the car that I drove. I had the XLE, which like the medium-weight SE has heavier and less efficient nickel-metal hydride batteries. It is an older technology that has served the Toyota hybrid system well for years, and it is less expensive. Unfortunately, this means that the fanciest Camry Hybrid has the lowest fuel consumption: an estimated 44 mpg city / 47 mpg highway / 46 mpg combined.

Toyota Camry HybridToyota

This is much better than a conventional gas-only sedan, but not particularly good for a hybrid. The Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid achieves a total of 55 mpg and the Prius XLE a total of 52 mpg. If you want to buy the Camry and save money, choose the cheaper and more efficient basic Camry.

The EPA estimates are also optimistic. They are a great way to compare apples to apples, but I personally find that my mileage rarely lives up to the EPA sticker. During my time, I only drove the Camry Hybrid XLE on roads and made no special efforts to reduce fuel consumption. I've seen just under 40 mpg, which is frankly better than I expected.

Regardless of which equipment package you drive, the Camry Hybrid delivers a total of 208 hp. The transmission was smooth and quiet, and the acceleration is punchy. It was not a problem to get into the traffic flow or carry out a quick pass.

safety

Every Toyota is equipped as standard with a version of its Safety Sense Suite with technical functions for driver assistance. The Camry Hybrid has Safety Sense P, which includes a forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, a lane departure warning system and adaptive cruise control. If you want more, the driver assistance package offers a bird's-eye view camera, rear traffic alarm and the head-up display.

The insurance institute for road safety has awarded the 2020 Camry the Top Safety Pick +, its highest recommendation.

Safety Sense is as easy to use as any other system on the market. The controls are on the steering wheel and are easy to reach without a glance once you know where they are. By switching the middle display to show the safety technology, the tracking distance between you and the car in front of you and your lane keeping status become clear.

The insurance institute for road safety has awarded the 2020 Camry the Top Safety Pick +, its highest recommendation. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration awarded the Camry Hybrid five out of five stars in all of its crash tests.

The predicted reliability values ​​are above average for the Camry Hybrid, although there is currently a recall with a coolant leak. Toyota offers a typical warranty for the Camry Hybrid with 3 years / 36,000 miles for a comprehensive warranty and 5 years / 60,000 miles for the drivetrain. All hybrid components are guaranteed for 8 years / 100,000 miles.

How DT would configure the Toyota Camry Hybrid 2020

While it was great to have all the bells and whistles in the Camry Hybrid XLE, the better fuel economy in the LE is attractive. I would go for this model and add the package that includes the sunroof, blind spot monitoring, and updated 8-inch touchscreen and entune system for around $ 2,700.

Wrap up

The 2020 Toyota Camry Hybrid has been around for years. The technology is proven and reliable, and improvements over the years have kept the design and technology up to date. It is still a good choice for hybrid sedan buyers.

There are only a few disadvantages of a car that has so many features even in its basic configuration. But paying for the top panel of this test car didn't seem to work. The base Camry hybrid already contains a lot, and you can add most goodies at a reasonable price. In addition, the basic model is more efficient.

Should you get one?

Yes, if you want a reliable, efficient limousine at a reasonable price. Just rethink the suspension for the top fairing.

Editor's recommendations




07 Mar
Blog

EufyCam 2 Review: Great night sight and a year-long battery

eufyCam 2 at night

"The EufyCam 2 signs up for subscriptions but maintains excellent video quality."

  • Rechargeable

  • The battery can last up to a year

  • Clear night vision

  • Wireless installation

  • Slight video delay

  • Some video distortion

The eufyCam 2 von Anker is an intelligent wireless surveillance camera that works with Google Assistant, Alexa and Apple Homekit. It has a 100 dB intruder siren, a long-lasting battery, impressive video quality and can detect human movements. It compares well with other large companies in the surveillance camera market, but has some disadvantages.

Installation couldn't be easier

I'm not the one who climbs a ladder to connect cables to a surveillance camera, and I hate hiring people to install things. Nobody has time for it. Fortunately, the EufyCam 2 is wireless. Plus, the battery lasts a full 365 days, so you don't have to worry about the cameras after they've been installed for a year. When electricity is needed, the batteries are rechargeable.

eufyCam 2 and HubAlina Bradford / Digital Trends

Setting up the EufyCam 2 takes longer than other wireless surveillance cameras because it has a hub that you have to set up before you even get to the cameras. Fortunately, the process is easy and the Eufy Security app (a different app than the other Anker Eufy Smart Home products) guides you through the steps.

Free, free, free

Other cameras like the Arlo Pro 3 and the Ring Stick Up Cam charge premium services or save your videos in the cloud. This is a big trouble. The monthly payment is a charge that significantly increases the total cost of ownership. The last thing you need is a different subscription.

I think the people in anchor heard our cry for help. There is no fee for storing videos or anything. This is because everything is stored in the Eufy Hub. The hub has 16 GB of storage space for up to 3 months of video.

Video quality

eufyCam 2 video

The eufyCam 2 has two thumbs up when it comes to video quality. It has a breathtaking video that is super clear. In fact, the video is much clearer than what I've seen from the Ring Stick Up camera, although both have 1080p HD cameras.

However, there is a little distortion that you don't normally see with high-end cameras like the Arlo Pro 3 and Ring. While distracting, I noticed that the video improves when the camera sees a person, so the face is amazingly clear.

That is the intention. Anker programmed the camera's recognition algorithm to recognize people. When a person is recognized, the AI ​​improves video quality around the person's face to make the image as clear as possible.

The camera’s night vision is the clearest and sharpest I’ve ever seen.

Even better, the night vision of the camera is the clearest and sharpest I've seen on a surveillance camera. Usually night videos with most cameras are pixelated. The EufyCam 2 has sharp night shots that make it easier to see who is lurking on your veranda or in your garden.

The Eufy website says the video is real time, but I would be different. I noticed that there was at least a few seconds between the occurrence of an event and its appearance in the app's live feed. Well, a few seconds doesn't seem like much, but in an emergency situation, a few seconds can mean a lot.

Our opinion

It's hard to impress me when it comes to surveillance cameras, but I was really impressed with the EufyCam 2. It offers great videos, is compatible with a variety of smart home assistants, is easy to install, and lasts for a surprisingly long time Batteries are rechargeable. For me, these advantages outweigh the low video delay and the slight distortion of the fish eyes.

Is there a better alternative?

Yes and no. Other cameras, like the Ring Stick Up Camera and Arlo Pro 3, don't have the same video distortion, but the EufyCam 2 offers better clarity, especially at night. When it comes to price, this camera costs $ 350 more than most wireless cameras of its caliber, although it is cheaper than the Arlo Pro 3. It is worth noting that the price includes two EufyCam 2 cameras and the hub additional cameras includes price at $ 150 each.

How long it will take?

The EufyCam feels robust. It will definitely withstand the weather and curious birds. It also comes with a limited warranty and a 30-day money-back guarantee, no matter why you want to return it.

Should you buy it

Yes. The excellent night vision alone would be a reason to buy it.

Editor's recommendations




03 Mar
Blog

Nikon D780 Review: A Great DSLR is Still a DSLR

"The Nikon D780 is the DSLR to buy."

  • Phase detection in live view

  • Eye AF works very well

  • 4K video with 10-bit output

  • Weatherproof design

  • 1 / 8000s to 15m shutter speed

  • Viewfinder AF feels out of date

  • More expensive than Nikon Z 6

  • Some advantages over mirrorless

If you want a DSLR, you should buy the full screen Nikon D780. The $ 2,300 D780 is a new Goldilocks camera and Nikon's first DSLR with built-in phase detection auto focus.

But do you want a DSLR?

Appearance. I like the D780. It is a balanced camera with strong performance and excellent picture quality. But in 2020 it will be difficult for me to find a reason why I would choose the smaller, lighter and cheaper Nikon Z 6, the mirrorless counterpart of the D780.

Instead of fueling my enthusiasm for DSLR, shooting the D780 tipped the scales in favor of mirrorless. It is a good camera. It is also part of a dying race.

Design and interface

Daven Mathies / Digital Trends

The DSLR is the direct further development of the SLR camera or SLR camera from the film era. A SLR camera, which was revolutionary for its time, let photographers see directly through the lens with a reflective mirror and prism (which is old-fashioned for reflective).

DSLRs carried this design into the digital age and replaced silver with silicon, but left the mirror and the viewfinder alone.

However, digital cameras can feed a live feed directly from the sensor, providing another way to display an image through the lens without the need for a bulky mirror box. This is how the mirrorless camera was born.

The supposed advantage of a DSLR is the optical viewfinder, which offers a clear, excellent view. Since electronic viewfinders (EVFs) with OLED screens and resolutions of 6 million pixels have improved, optical viewfinders do not consider themselves necessary.

EVFs are also more powerful. You can view exposure and white balance previews, review images, and even call up exposure and focusing aids such as a histogram, zebra crossing, or focus peaking.

Daven Mathies / Digital Trends

The D780 has numerous live view functions that do not work with the optical viewfinder. Where DSLRs used to be valued for their auto focus, Live View AF now offers many advantages, such as better image coverage and face recognition.

As a result, the DSLR is beginning to feel out of date. And yet Nikon believes that if the Nikon Z 6 – now over a year old – costs only $ 1,850 at the time of writing, it can sell a D780 for $ 2,300.

Why do photographers appreciate DSLR so much? I think there are a few small but important factors that matter. Old-school Nikon photographers have a large collection of F-mount lenses, the battery life of a DSLR is better thanks to the low power consumption of an optical viewfinder, and the DSLR feels familiar.

There is also less competition in the DSLR space since Canon is the only company that makes a competitive camera (and, to be honest, the EOS 6D Mark II doesn't really compete). Nikon can charge anything it wants for the D780. It owns this part of the DSLR market.

Nikon D780 vs. Nikon D750

Daven Mathies / Digital Trends

Despite being half a decade old, following the D750 is difficult. In our 9 out of 10 reviews, Digital Trends called it "outstanding". It was the best camera for the money at the time, and remained class-leading among DSLRs for years.

The new functions of the D780 concentrate on processing and electronics. Thanks to a new 24 megapixel sensor and an Expeed 6 processor, this enables autofocus with phase detection in live view as well as face and eye tracking.

It's all great stuff, but nothing the mirrorless Nikon Z 6 doesn't have.

Daven Mathies / Digital Trends

The data sheet is littered with minor but important upgrades. The shutter speed is now 1/8000 second, which is faster than the D750. It can also slow down and allow 15-minute exposures without a remote control. This is a huge increase over the 30 second limit of the D750. For continuous shooting, the speed increases slightly from 6.5 to 7 frames per second, but in live view, the D780 can achieve impressive 12 fps with the electronic shutter (if you drop down to 12-bit RAW).

The image sensor has essentially the same resolution, but is now backlit and helps bring the ISO to a new extended maximum of 204,800, 2 steps above the D750. The LCD resolution has increased by over 1 million pixels to a total of 2.36 million.

Video shows significant improvements from Full HD to 4K when expected. The flat N-Log color profile from Nikon and the 10-bit 4: 2: 2 output via HDMI are one of the best DSLRs for videos alongside the massive (and very expensive) EOS 1D X Mark III from Canon. However, this is no better than the mirrorless Nikon Z 6.

Daven Mathies / Digital Trends

The battery life is significantly improved by a CIPA rating of 2,260 exposures with the optical viewfinder. It's impressive in every context, and it's about 1,000 more than the D750. Part of this increase, however, is due to the fact that the D780 no longer has a built-in flash, a feature of the D750 that would have had a negative impact on CIPA test results.

There is no question that the D780 is a worthy replacement for the D750. But whether the D780 as DSLR 2020 is the right camera for you … well, that's not so clear.

characteristics

While the D780 benefits from the mirrorless technology of the Z series, the DSLR-specific components of the D750 can hardly be updated. It recycles the same autofocus system with 51-point viewfinders, although it has been updated with the flagship D5 focusing algorithm.

I was impressed with how well the D780 could keep up with moving subjects with continuous autofocus in Nikon's 3D tracking mode, but when the Nikon D6 arrived this year and brought a brand new AF system, I'm not sure why Nikon did this did not give the D780 the entire 153-point AF module of the Nikon D5 instead of just the algorithm.

It is strange to hold back if the D780 is to survive another 5 to 6 years. The Multi-Cam 3500FX II focusing sensor has roots that go back to the 2007 Nikon D3.

Daven Mathies / Digital Trends

The viewfinder is the same. It's a good viewfinder with a bright penta prism and 100% coverage, but its 0.7x magnification is significantly less than the 0.75x magnification of the D850. Yes, the D850 is bigger, but I'm not sure if Nikon will have to worry about keeping the D780 as small as possible because its mirrorless cameras offer a better solution for photographers who need a compact system.

I would have loved to see an AF joystick, something that Nikon has on its other high-end cameras, including the D500 crop sensor. It's a simple addition that increases usability more than you would expect. Choosing a focus point with the multi-selector pad is okay, but not so ergonomic.

None of these things make the D780 a bad camera. It just can't be anywhere near the revolutionary leap I hoped for on a DSLR.

picture quality

The viewfinder makes it difficult for you to distinguish the D780 from the D750. However, when you turn on live view, the difference becomes clear.

After generations have waited for Nikon to use Live View autofocus properly, the time has finally come. In combination with the touchscreen, the focus is quick, accurate and flexible. Eye detection turns on automatically and works well, even if the eyes of a subject are recognized with dark sunglasses.

Daven Mathies / Digital Trends

All of this is great and makes the D780 tilt screen more useful than the Nikon D750.

However, it is the same system as the Nikon Z 6, where things like eye AF can be used through the electronic viewfinder, which is not possible with the D780's optical viewfinder.

In addition, the Live View autofocus is simply more accurate because the focus is measured on the image sensor itself. Although this is usually not a problem for first-party lenses, I have tested three Sigma Art Primes. One of them focused frontally through the viewfinder and was sharp in live view. I used Nikon's AF fine-tuning feature to fix this. This is a great feature, but I wouldn't have had to do anything without a mirror.

nikon d780 evaluation example 18

Nikon D780 evaluation example 13

Thanks mainly to Eye AF, I used more live view than the viewfinder. But such shots make the D780 an overweight mirrorless camera.

That brings me to my biggest problem with DSLRs. They behave like two different cameras, depending on whether you are using the viewfinder or the LCD screen. This is certainly confusing for beginners and frustrating even as an experienced DSLR shooter.

This does not mean that the D780 does not offer clear advantages for certain applications. A DSLR is still better for wedding and event photographers thanks to the long battery life and compatibility with the AF auxiliary grille projected by an external flash. This helps enormously when taking pictures in dark reception halls, but is not compatible with autofocus with live view. The two SD card slots are ideal for a live event with high stakes and offer security with redundant memory.

In fact, I will be shooting a wedding with the D780 in about a week. Even as a fan of mirrorless cameras in general, I'm glad I have a DSLR for this job, and I'm happier that the Nikon D780 is the DSLR.

But for anything else? Just give me a Nikon Z 6.

Our opinion

Even if Nikon made the changes that I think are missing – with the D5's 153-point AF system and the addition of an AF joystick – the D780 would leave me heavily in the mirrorless camp. It's a good DSLR, but feels like a makeshift solution for Nikon D750 owners who aren't yet ready to go mirrorless.

Nikon nudges people to the Z series and I see no reason to complain about it. From EVF to image stabilization in the body, Nikon's Z-cameras offer decisive advantages. I also like the strategy Nikon is pursuing with the Z-series lenses, which focuses on high quality 1: 1.8 aperture glass to keep size and costs under control. That's the future.

The D780 is a thing of the past. A brilliant piece of it, no doubt, but still in the past.

Is there a better alternative?

Yes, the Nikon Z 6. For most people, a mirrorless camera makes more sense. The Z 6 is currently available with the F-mount lens adapter and a memory card for under $ 1,850.

Strictly speaking, the D780 is the best in its class within DSLRs and has no real competitor, although Canon's EOS 6D Mark II is cheaper at just $ 1,400 at the time of writing.

How long it will take?

The D780 is well built, weatherproof, and should withstand professional wear and tear. If the D750's lifespan in half a decade is an indication, we expect the D780 to last at least 5 years. If you haven't done so yet, you will be attracted to new mirrorless cameras during this time.

Should you buy it

If you are still convinced that you need a DSLR, then yes. This is the best in the $ 2,000 price range. Take a moment to consider whether you really need it.

Editor's recommendations




02 Mar
Blog

2021 Kia Seltos First Drive Review: Great Tech, Great Value

2021 Kia Seltos

2021 Kia Seltos

"The 2021 Kia Seltos offers functionality and technology alike."

  • Spacious interior

  • Capable all-wheel drive

  • Peppy turbo engine

  • Great technical value

  • Control elements for driver assistance buried in the touchscreen

  • Mediocre handling

Variety can be the spice of life, right? But too much spice can cause heartburn.

In the media campaign for the Seltos 2021, Kia listed no fewer than 17 vehicles as potential competitors for its new subcompact crossover. This list includes prestigious models such as the Honda HR-V and the Hyundai Kona, the latter from Kia's parent brand. What did Kia do to differentiate the Seltos from this large group of rivals?

Shoppers may think they'll get sturdy SUVs, but vehicles in this class are essentially hatchbacks on stilts. Nevertheless, Kia made the Seltos as SUV-like as possible and gave it a more sophisticated all-wheel drive system than many of its competitors. Kia also emphasized the value and gave the Seltos a long list of driver aids and technical features.

Kia offers buyers a unique selection. The base price of $ 23,110 buys either an LX model with all-wheel drive or an S model without all-wheel drive (with more technical functions). Kia provided a four-wheel drive SX model with all-wheel drive for testing that starts at $ 29,010.

2021 Kia Seltos

Design & interior

The Seltos shares a base platform with the Hyundai Kona, but the two crossovers couldn't be more different when it comes to the exterior design. Where the Hyundai consists only of science fiction curves, the Kia looks more traditional and angular. It may be more like a compact hatchback, but the Seltos looks like an SUV.

It also offers more SUV-like benefits than many of its competitors. The Seltos offers significantly more space in the rear seats than its Kona platform mate and more cargo space than any direct competitor. However, the "Magic" folding mechanism of the Honda HR-V in the rear seat makes it easier to use the available cargo space. The Honda also offers more legroom in the rear seats than the Kia, while the Jeep Renegade offers more headroom in the front and rear. Regardless, the Seltos offers enough additional benefits to justify buying a car of comparable size – which is not always the case in this segment.

The interior of the Selto is also a nice place. It's not exactly fancy, but the materials feel reasonable for this price range. The upright roof leaves plenty of space for glass, offers a good view to the outside and gives the interior an airy feeling. The front seats felt decently comfortable in one day, and the back seats lean back.

2021 Kia Seltos

Tech, infotainment & driver assistant

The standard infotainment system includes an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. SX models receive a 10.25-inch touchscreen as well as integrated navigation and satellite radio. While the systems have Kia's Uvo branding, they have the same graphics as the BlueLink systems we saw in the last Hyundai models.

It is not a bad thing. It is typical for Kia (and Hyundai) that the infotainment interface is not a problem, but is still easy to use. The only big mistake is that Kia forces the driver to dive deep into the on-screen menus to turn the driver aids on and off. It's not exactly easy to drive while driving, and we'd like Kia to have some hard buttons instead.

Speaking of driver aids: The Seltos offers more than its sibling Hyundai Kona. The LX equipment variant is equipped as standard with autonomous emergency braking (including pedestrian and cyclist detection) and a driver's attention monitor. For the same basic price, the S equipment variant offers a lane departure warning system and an automatic high beam. However, you have to do without the all-wheel drive to get it.

The infotainment interface is a bit uncomplicated, but still easy to use.

The adaptive cruise control is available, but only in the upper SX equipment variant. This function is not available on the Kona at all, but is available on some competitors and on the Honda HR-V standard. The Nissan Rogue Sport is available with the automaker's ProPilot Assist system, which combines adaptive cruise control with automated lane centering.

The Seltos also has a lane keeping assistant, which gives the lane keeping assistant a little more functionality. As standard, equipment variant S shows the center of the lane and not the lane markings in order to keep the vehicle on the right track. This means that the system steers proactively instead of waiting for the car to get off track. You can feel how the tracking support works, almost as if there are another pair of hands on the steering wheel. However, the inputs are relatively gentle, unlike some of the more basic lane keeping assistants we've come across.

2021 Kia Seltos

Experience behind the wheel

The Seltos comes standard with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder naturally aspirated engine that delivers 146 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque. This engine is connected to a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which Kia calls the intelligent variable transmission (IVT). Our test car had the optional 1.6-liter four-cylinder with turbocharger. Thanks to turbocharging, this smaller engine delivers 175 hp and 195 lb-ft. Kia paired it with a seven-speed dual clutch transmission for a sportier driving experience.

The turbocharged powertrain is a winner. The engine offers a lot of grunt and the fast gear changes of the double clutch transmission help to form the post. This is basically the same as the Hyundai Kona Ultimate, and it was also a standout feature of this car.

However, the Kia lacks the sporty handling of the Hyundai. There's nothing wrong with handling the Selto, but it's not as sharp and precise as the Kona. However, the Seltos is more comfortable to drive than the Kona, and the target buyer is more concerned with it than with the ability to carve corners. If you want your little crossover to feel like a sports car, buy the Hyundai or even better the Mazda CX-30.

The turbocharged powertrain is a winner.

The Seltos is available with front or four-wheel drive, the latter offering more functions than many systems in this segment. It allows the driver to manually lock the torque in a 50/50 split front / rear to ensure that the car doesn't drive front-wheel as standard. Torque vectoring directs performance from side to side to turn the seltos into corners. Hill start assist and hill descent control are standard. The four-wheel drive system even has a cool name: Dynamax.

These functions should increase confidence in bad weather or on unpaved roads, but do not make the Seltos an off-roader. Kia quickly pointed out that the Seltos has a better approach angle than a Jeep Renegade or Subaru Crosstrek, which means you're less likely to smash the front end into something when driving over uneven terrain.

But the Seltos has less ground clearance than the Crosstrek or Renegade. On a dirt road that was part of the route, something scratched the floor of the car. It is therefore hard to imagine that you feel safe when driving the Seltos on an actual off-road trail. The Renegade remains the only vehicle in this segment with real off-road capabilities.

2021 Kia Seltos

Fuel consumption and security

The fuel consumption values ​​for the 2.0-liter / CVT combination are 31 mpg (29 mpg city, 34 mpg motorway) with front-wheel drive and 29 mpg (27 mpg city, 31 mpg motorway) with all-wheel drive. The 1.6-liter turbo engine and the dual clutch transmission are only available with all-wheel drive and have a total output of 27 mpg (25 mpg city, 30 mpg highway).

Fuel consumption is quite competitive compared to other vehicles in this segment, not to mention some conventional cars. Less aerodynamic body and extra weight usually result in crossovers being penalized for mileage, but this is not very serious.

The Seltos delivers the things that distinguish crossovers from ordinary cars.

The Seltos is a new model, so it is difficult to predict future reliability. However, Kia has an overall good reputation for reliability and offers generous warranty coverage. The Kia 10-year warranty on the drivetrain and the five-year warranty of 60,000 miles on the drivetrain are only covered by the parent company Hyundai.

Crash test assessments by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) are currently not available.

How DT would configure this car

The SX trim level seems to be the best option. It not only receives the livelier turbo engine and the fast-switching dual clutch transmission, but is also the only equipment variant from Seltos with adaptive cruise control. Since the SX is the top equipment variant, it also contains the technical features of the bottom equipment variants such as autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning and charging the mobile phone. Even with a base price that's about $ 6,000 higher than the cheapest Seltos, the long list of features of the SX is a good value.

Our opinion

Many crossovers in this price range claim to offer SUV robustness, but are really just glorified hatchback models. The 2021 Kia Seltos is the real deal.

The Seltos delivers the things that distinguish crossovers from ordinary cars. It offers impressive cargo space for a vehicle of this size and an all-wheel drive system that makes a real difference in bad weather. This is in contrast to the platform colleague of the Selto, the Hyundai Kona. While the Kona is a good vehicle, its lack of cargo space and car-like behavior make it difficult to buy a vehicle instead of a conventional hatchback.

In such a crowded field, competitors inevitably do certain things better than the Seltos. The Kia lacks the off-road capability of the Jeep Renegade or the off-road capability of the Mazda CX-30. While Seltos is available with many driver aids, the Honda HR-V offers more of them as standard. Although it may not be the best in some areas, the Seltos does everything well.

Should you get one?

Yes. The Seltos is an impressive value.

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