Only for a single purpose - monitoring kids in a car
Garmin sat-navs only
Pricey for a wireless camera
KEY FEATURES
Wireless in-car monitoring camera
640 x 480 resolution, 30 frames per second
2.4GHz wireless video sending
Receiver cable for a range of Garmin satnavs
Powered by 2 x AA batteries or mini-USB
Manufacturer: Garmin
Review Price: £129.99
WHAT IS THE GARMIN BABYCAM?
The babyCam is an in-car camera designed to allow you to see someone sitting in the rear of your vehicle via the screen on your satnav. As the name suggests, this is primarily for those who have a baby strapped into the back seat of a car, who may even be facing backwards.
With the babyCam you can grab a peek at your little occupant with a press of a button, for reassurance, or if you're worried that something might be wrong. Normally, you'd either have to pull over for a quick check, or crane your neck round, which means you wouldn't be paying attention to the road ahead.
GARMIN BABYCAM – MOUNTING AND SETUP
The babyCam itself is a relatively small, tubular device that's mostly made up of its battery compartment. This takes a pair of AA batteries, although there's also a mini-USB connection on the rear that can be used for power. The mount included is designed to attach to the metal rods of an extending head rest, so if your car doesn't have such a fixing then you may struggle to find a suitable position to place the camera.
The Nikon D5 is a phenomenal performer, as long as you don't want to shoot 4K videos longer than three minutes
OUR VERDICT
The Nikon D5 will keep pros happy with its great burst-shooting and low-light performance, but a couple of niggling build issues mean it isn't as convincing an upgrade over the D4S as it could have been
FOR
High-specification autofocus system
Huge sensitivity range
Durable build
AGAINST
4K recording limited to 3 minutes
Vertical grip control arrangement doesn't match the horizontal grip's
The information screens should be more useful
In November 2015 Nikon announced that the D5 was in development to replace the D4S, the company's flagship SLR aimed at professional photojournalists and sports photographers.
With the Olympic games arriving this summer it was odds-on that we'd see something concrete at CE in January, and sure enough Nikon obliged, revealing its new 20.8MP full-frame model at the show in Las Vegas.
Few at the press conference could claim not to be surprised by the new camera's top expanded sensitivity setting: ISO3,280,000 or a little over three million (actually, even 280,000 is quite a lot in ISO terms).
This is something Canon hasn't matched with its new 1DX Mk II, which has a maximum expansion setting of ISO409,600, and it begs the obvious question: does ISO3,280,000 actually produce usable results? More on this later.
While a maximum setting of ISO3,280,000 might attract the headlines, the real reason for this huge hike in sensitivity is the work that Nikon has done to improve image quality and noise control at the more commonly used settings, those within the native range of ISO100-102,400.
According to Dirk Jasper, Product Manager for Nikon Europe, the main target area for improvement with the D5 was the ISO6400 to 12,800 range, as these values are most commonly demanded by professional sports and news photographers.
Another feature that's incredibly important to the D5's target audience is the autofocus (AF) system, and Nikon has also upped the ante here, giving the new camera a 153-point system that has 99 cross-type sensors, with a central point that's sensitive down to -4EV.
Of the 153 points, 55 or 15 are individually selectable – the rest are support points – and the cross-type points extend closer to the edges of the frame than in previous cameras. The system can be set to operate in single-point, 25-, 72- or 153-point dynamic-area AF, 3D tracking, group-area AF or auto-area AF mode.
There's also a new ASIC (computer) unit that's dedicated to the AF system to ensure consistently high performance. The AF 'workflow' and tracking systems have also been improved, to better keep up with fast-moving subjects.
Of course, a fast AF system needs to be paired with fast continuous shooting capability, and thanks to the EXPEED 5 processing engine the D5 can shoot at up to 12 frames per second (fps) with full autofocusing and metering capability. What's more, this can be maintained for up to 200 raw files when writing to an XQD card, giving plenty of scope for capturing Usain Bolt's exploits this summer.
It's possible to push the continuous shooting rate to 14fps, but when this option is selected focus and exposure are fixed at the start of the shooting sequence. In addition, the mirror stays up from the moment the shutter release is fully depressed, so the viewfinder is blacked out.
The ability to record 4K (3840 x 2160-pixel) video was expected for the D5, but surprisingly it's only capable of recording for a maximum of three minutes internally. While this will be sufficient in many situations, there will plenty of others where it'll be nowhere near enough, so the D5 is unlikely to be of interest to serious videographers.
Some better news about the 4K recording, however, is that it's possible to employ a native crop so there's no pixel binning, giving better image quality. There's also an HDMI output to enable connection to an external monitor.
It's worth mentioning at this point that there are two varieties of the D5, one that has two CompactFlash (CF) card slots, and one that uses XQD cards. Those wanting the maximum burst depth will need to opt for the QXD model; according to Nikon the burst depth is cut roughly in half when writing to a CF card.
Like the D500, the D5 has a 180,000-pixel RGB metering sensor, which also helps to inform the white balance, scene recognition and AF system.
Build and handling
Anyone with a D4S will feel at home with the D5, as the control layout has been kept the same. The grips on the front and rear of the camera, however, are more ergonomically shaped to make it more comfortable to use for long periods of time. I certainly had no problems holding it for a few hours at a stretch during this test, although a monopod would be beneficial to take some of the weight when shooting with a large lens.
Like the D4S, the D5 feels like it would be safe to use in the toughest of environments, having a full metal body and extensive weather sealing. There's even a weatherproof cover for the hotshoe, to keep the contacts dry when a flashgun isn't mounted – I experienced no problems when shooting in rainy conditions during this test.
Although the D5's control arrangement is very familiar, it's not absolutely perfect. The mini-joystick sub-selector that's used to set the AF point when holding the vertical grip, for example, is more awkward to reach with your thumb than the one associated with the horizontal grip.
And, while there are three buttons around the horizontal shutter release, there's only one by the vertical button. This means you have to adapt the way you control the camera depending on the orientation you're shooting in – it would be better if the vertical controls were the same as the horizontal grips, although this would require some remodelling of the memory card port area.
While the D5's 3.2-inch 2,359,000-dot screen is touch-sensitive, it doesn't make much use of the touch control – it's only for scrolling through images and zooming in to check sharpness. It works intuitively with taps, swipes and pinch-zooming and responds promptly, but it's not possible to navigate the menu, make settings selections or set the AF point by touching the screen – it would be helpful if some of the settings displayed when pressing the Info button could be selected and adjusted with a tap.
As I've suggested with other Nikon SLRs, it would also be helpful to combine the functions of the Info and 'i' button to streamline some of the control. As it stands, pressing the i button reveals a list of eight features that can be selected for adjustment; the list seems somewhat random, and contains items such as Color space and Custom control assignment, which are unlikely to be required on a frequent basis.
Meanwhile, pressing the Info button activates a screen that looks like the Quick Menu of many other cameras, displaying an extensive collection of settings (including some that appear in the i button list), but none of these can be selected for adjustment.
Not surprisingly given the high dot count of the screen, images look great on it, and it's easy to check sharpness. However, at the default setting I found it often made captured images look brighter than they are, so it's a good idea to keep an eye on the histogram view, and consider turning down the screen's illumination.
Best smartwatch 2016: Apple, Pebble, Samsung, Sony, Tag and more
We help you pick the perfect smartwatch companion
Choosing the best smartwatch right now is a tough task given the plethora of new models now on sale from the likes of Apple, Pebble, LG, Motorola, Tag Heuer, Fossil, Samsung and Sony.
There are so many great smartwatches to choose between, from the Android Wear army to the latest Pebble watches, and the Apple Watch is selling like hotcakes too.
We've completely overhauled our best smartwatch guide to try and help those looking to make the right decision. Whether you're after a functional, sporty or something downright stylish, read on for our choice of the top tech timepieces to own right now.
Best smartwatch
Samsung Gear S2
As easy to live with as a Pebble, as slick as an Apple Watch and with a tactile, rotating bezel as its secret weapon, the S2 is the kind of smartwatch you'd kick yourself for leaving at home. You'll have to pay extra for the cellular version to make the most of the GPS features but even the standard version feels like a leap forward.
The battery life is better than most rivals; we've used Android Wear watches day to day, and Samsung's smartwatch beats these hands down.
Whether you find the Apple Watch the leading example of fashion blended with tech or a boxy abomination is really down to personal taste. But for our money, it's one of the best looking smartwatches made to date (especially when paired with a quality Apple Watch strap) and, coming in two sizes, is one of the most unisex as well.
The build quality is superb, and the footprint of both the 38mm and 42mm watch is much smaller than you'd expect. Despite its flaws (poor sports features and the lack of GPS), the Apple Watch was one of the first wearables that was actually a pleasure to wear. The Apple Watch 2 is set to arrive soon though...
A confession first up – we've not yet tested the new Tag smartwatch enough to fully review it. However, we have spent some time with the Intel-powered device and it doesn't take long before you realise it's the best built, and highest quality, Android Wear device to date. From afar it genuinely looks like a regular Tag Heuer watch – it's only when you get up close that you notice it's quite a bulky beast.
The Sony SmartWatch 3 was the envy of its rivals, thanks to its built-in GPS connectivity, which means you can leave your smartphone at home when you go for a run (the Moto 360 Sport has matched it on that front now though).
The sports styling make it perfect for a weekend jog, and while the screen is a little dull compared to some of its rivals, the latest Android Wear update means it can pair with wireless headphones for beats on the go. The Steel edition adds a touch of class to the smartwatch that we at Wareable (well,almost all of us) agree offers the most bang for your smartwatch buck.
The focus of the ZenWatch 2 is choice, and Asus is approaching the evolving smartwatch market in a mature way. The all-new ZenWatch comes in two sizes - essentially, male and female models. There are also a wealth of strap options including rubber, steel, leather and even a Swarovski covered one. This makes it a nice first step for potential Android Wear buyers.
While little has changed on the ZenWatch 2 on the hardware front, the Taiwanese company has installed a Wi-Fi chip to make use of the new features in Android Wear, and fast charging tech means you can juice up 50% of the battery in around 30 minutes.
Arguably the first modern smartwatch that went mainstream, the original Pebble is still going strong two years after launch. But for Pebblers wanting to upgrade, look no further than the now-shipping Pebble Time. Everything that made the original brilliant is still on board: that affordable price, an impressive seven-day battery life and both iPhone and Android compatibility.
There are also some serious upgrades to both the software and hardware, the most notable of which are the new colour e-paper screen and the revamped Timeline OS.
The world had only just caught its breath from the record-breaking Pebble Time launch when the Steel version was announced. The Pebble Time Steel is thicker than its plastic brethren, making it feel much more regular watch than geek accessory.
That extra 1mm isn't a bad thing though – it means room for a larger battery, which should keep the Steel going for 10 days.
The Moto 360 2 comes in two sizes - 42mm and 46mm (two different sized displays: 1.37 or 1.56-inch) - in fact, it's three sizes if you count the different band sizes on offer. Using Moto Maker, you can choose between hundreds of different combinations of straps, bezels, finishes and colours.
Put the new Moto 360 next to the first-gen Motorola watch and you can see the subtle differences that really turn this design into a watch rather than last year's circle on a strap.
Before the Garmin Vivoactive was released, the perfect fitness device for the truly active person was a pipe dream. Arguably Garmin's first smartwatch, the Vivoactive promises full notifications on the wrist and a dizzying array of sports tracking for a relatively low price.
With running, cycling, swimming, golf and a whole lot more all on board, Garmin has combined an incredible set of fitness features with top notch notifications to create the first truly every day sports wearable.
Sadly, the dated design and questionable screen tech call into doubt whether anyone would actually want to wear the device every day, and that's a crying shame.
At last, an Android Wear device to match the Sony SmartWatch 3's GPS skills - the Moto 360 Sport is actually a better running aid thanks to the Moto Body app already built in.
The Moto 360 Sport boasts an AnyLight LCD display that is naturally adaptable, meaning it should be nicely backlit in dim lighting situations but be easily readable when out running in sunnier conditions.
There's no missing the Urbane, whether it's the silver or gold model you're sporting; that fully round bezel is seriously eye- and light-catching. It's a smartwatch that looks like a traditional timepiece, and unlike the more premium-looking Urbane LTE, with its classic watch shape and extra physical buttons, the regular Urbane looks much more fashionable and feminine.
It's pretty pricey though. If you really want to go all out, the LG Watch Urbane Luxe features a 23-karat gold watchcase and handcrafted alligator leather strap. It's $1,200 mind.
The stunning AMOLED display on Huawei's Android Wear debutant is a 1.4-inch, 400 x 400, one with a 286ppi count - the highest density on an Android Wear smartwatch so far.
The screen is made all the more impressive thanks to a 10,000:1 contrast ratio. Side by side with the smaller Moto 360 2 – its closest rival in terms of aesthetics – it's clearly a much clearer display. Not just because it offers genuine 360-degree visuals, but because everything just looks sharper.
The Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge is the brother to the regular Galaxy S7. It’s bigger, has a longer lasting battery and is probably the best looking phone I have ever held. In terms of design, it's right up there with the HTC 10.
Samsung’s transformation in the mobile space is quite remarkable. To go from the very poor Galaxy S5 to this in just two years is exceptional. This is a real do it all phone. It’s water resistant, boasts wireless charging, an eye-catching curved display and top-of-the-line specs.
The result is a fantastic, so close to perfect device that will prove tough to beat. There's big competition coming, I expect, from the Apple iPhone 7, but I'd stick my head out and say nothing this year will be quite as eye-catching as the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge.
SAMSUNG GALAXY S7 EDGE – DESIGN
Metal and glass build, curved display, IP68 water resistant, available in black or gold
Design hasn't always been Samsung's strong suit. Just two years ago, Samsung released the Galaxy S5. The handset was the most powerful phone available at the time, but it wasn’t a looker. Last year’s Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge signalled a much needed change for Samsung, and the change is only more obvious with the S7 Edge.
