Best overall		Logitech C920s Pro HD		SEE IT
Best for Zoom		Logitech Brio Ultra HD Pro Business Webcam		SEE IT
Best with microphone		Wansview 1080p Webcam		SEE IT

The pandemic changed the working lives of billions of people worldwide, resulting in more people relying on webcams for Macs. Working from home in your pajamas became the norm, and the need for better webcams increased. Most of Apple’s laptop offerings have fairly decent webcams, but until the most recent release, the camera on iMacs lacked quality and features. The best webcams for Macs will always be the ideal option when you want top quality for your streaming or work calls.

• Best overall: Logitech C920s Pro HD
• Best for Zoom: Logitech Brio Ultra HD Pro Business Webcam
• Best with microphone: Wansview 1080p Webcam
• Best for video conferencing: Meeting Owl Pro
• Best for streaming: Logitech StreamCam
• Best budget: eMeet C960

How we picked the best webcams for Macs

The team at PopPhoto has decades of experience in a variety of photography and technological situations. We chose the best webcams for a range of budgets, with the most valuable features that everyday users will need and want. We thought about those using the camera for streaming, those working from home, and those using it for meetings of 2 or more people. We researched each webcam above thoroughly to give you the best options available.

The best webcams for Macs: Reviews & Recommendations

Best overall: Logitech C920s Pro HD

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: The Logitech C920s Pro HD has some great additional features that give you extra bang for your buck, such as a physical privacy shutter. The image quality is fantastic at 1080p/30fps, and it comes at an affordable price. 

Key features

• Resolution/frame rate: Up to 1080p/30fps
• Field of view: 78°
• Privacy shutter: Yes
• Microphone setup: Dual omni-directional mics
• Autofocus: Yes

Pros

• Removable privacy shutter
• Quality microphone
• Auto light correction
• Low cost

Cons

• Field of view not the widest

The Logitech C920s Pro HD is a fantastic webcam with some great additional features. The ability to autofocus is very useful if you move around a lot, such as when gaming and having an animated game. You can also protect your privacy with a shutter, which flips down to cover up the camera. The dual microphones also mean that your voice will be clear to everyone on the other end, so it’s perfect for important meetings, game sessions, or if you have a lot of background noise. 

The C920s Pro has automatic light correction, which means it will automatically make the images brighter if you’re in a low-light setting. It is helpful if your meetings drag on into the afternoon and the light changes. You’d expect these features would break the bank but surprisingly, the C920s Pro is not that expensive and easily affordable.

The field of view is 78°, which isn’t very wide, but it’s perfectly okay for most people and is the standard field of view that Logitech webcams have (except their more premium webcams). Of course, it will mean you can’t have more than one to two people on the camera at once, but if you’re buying this webcam for just yourself, then it’s not an issue.

Best for Zoom: Logitech Brio Ultra HD Pro Business Webcam

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: As the name suggests, the Logitech Brio Ultra HD Pro Business Webcam is a great webcam for meetings and large video conferences. The field of view is adjustable from 65° to 90°, which is not a standard feature on webcams except for the more premium ones. 

Key features

• Resolution/frame rate: 4K/30fps, 1080p/30 or 60 fps, 720p/30, 60, or 90 fps
• Field of view: 90°/78°/65°
• Privacy screen: Yes 
• Microphone setup: Dual omni-directional mics
• Autofocus: Yes

Pros

• Adjustable field of view
• 4K resolution
• Auto exposure fixes tricking lighting conditions
• Two omni-directional mics

Cons

• Expensive

Besides being a mouthful, the Brio Ultra HD Pro Business Webcam is the ultimate webcam for those that need the best. 4K resolution at 30fps is incredible for a webcam, maybe too incredible as you will be clear as day! Bear in mind, though, that not many web-based video conference companies even allow 4K resolution. However, it won’t be long before this becomes an option, so you’ll be future-proofing yourself with this purchase. It is also useful if you are recording content and want high-quality footage. That said, even at 1080p, the image quality is excellent. 

The ability to adjust your field of view is a welcome feature. This is not a standard feature on webcams, but it is definitely useful. For example, you can go from 65°, which will result in approximately shoulder and head views, to 78°, which shows someone more of your surroundings. At 90°, you can fit more people in the field of view for larger meetings. 

The high dynamic range is great for when you are in a low light area or if you’re backlit (such as a window behind you). The webcam will automatically adjust the settings so that the darker areas in the field of view are brighter and vice versa for the brighter areas. 

As expected, all these premium features will cost a lot, so unless you need the best quality and premium features, this might not be the best webcam for you.  

Best with microphone: Wansview 1080p Webcam

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: If you need to focus on quality audio at a low cost, then the Wansview 1080p webcam is a great option. It has a built-in noise-canceling mic for filtering out background noise and can also work up to 20 feet away.

Key features

• Resolution/frame rate: 1080p/30fps
• Field of view: 90°
• Privacy screen: No
• Microphone setup: Dual mics
• Autofocus: No

Pros

• Mic works up to 20 feet away
• Can filter out background noie
• Low cost
• Wide field of view

Cons

• No autofocus

Some people may need a webcam with a better mic than a camera, for example, teaching classes via an on-screen PowerPoint presentation. This webcam is excellent for that because the mic is fantastic. It is noise-canceling, so a lot of background noise can be automatically cut out. That is especially helpful these days as more people work from home. In addition, it can capture audio up to 20 feet away, so if you need to pop to the kitchen to make a cup of tea, then you can carry on talking!

The resolution is still 1080p, and the images are sharp and crisp. 30fps is standard in the industry for 1080p, and it does a decent job. Despite the low cost, the field of view is very wide at 90°, so you can capture more of the room and the people in it. 

The biggest issue is that there is no autofocusing. A dial on the camera allows you to adjust the focus manually, so you’re not limited to one focal point. Focusing is only really an issue if you intend to move around a lot during the video call; if you are planning on being stationary, then it won’t be such an issue. 

Best for video conferencing: Meeting Owl Pro

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: With its impressive 360° field of view, the Meeting Owl Pro is designed for meetings in large rooms with multiple people. It also has powerful AI for video conference-focused features, such as speaker tracking.

Key features

• Resolution/frame rate: 1080p
• Field of view: 360°
• Privacy screen: No
• Microphone setup: 8 omni-directional mics
• Autofocus: Yes

Pros

• Fully encompassing field of view
• AI powered operating system 
• Highly collaborative
• Atttractive design

Cons

• Expensive

With a 360° field of view, using the Meeting Owl Pro means that you will be able to see everyone in the meeting room at once (say goodbye to just seeing someone’s shoulder!). You can also adjust the field of view via their app, should you only want to focus on a particular part of the room. 

There are eight omni-directional mics with an 18-foot pickup radius, which means everyone in the room will be audible. You won’t be able to use external mics or speakers, but the mics on the Meeting Owl Pro are more than enough. In addition, there are three built-in speakers for 360° coverage, so everyone will be able to hear.

The Meeting Owl Pro automatically works with all the main web-based video conferencing companies, including Zoom, Google Meet, Skype, and Teams. You can also use two Meeting Owls simultaneously if you have a really large meeting room, which extends the range the speaker and mics are capable of. 

The main feature of the Meeting Owl Pro is the AI-powered operating system. It uses motion and voice recognition to know who is talking and autofocuses on them. If you’re not using the full 360° cameras, the AI will automatically track the speaker, and the camera will follow them. This is perfect for meetings or classes where someone is presenting as the camera will focus on them as they walk around. 

All of this is incredible on a less than 30cm tall product, but, naturally, that comes at a cost. It is not designed for individual use but rather for large companies or schools. If you can afford it, though, this is a fantastic option for large video conferences. 

Best for streaming: Logitech StreamCam

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: Designed, as the name suggests, for those that stream their sessions online, you get 1080p at 60fps for high-quality and smooth video.

Key features

• Resolution/frame rate: 1080p/60fps
• Field of view: 78°
• Privacy screen: No
• Microphone setup: Dual front-facing mics
• Autofocus: Yes

Pros

• Smart auto-tracking
• Intelligent light exposure
• Smooth frame rate

Cons

• USB-C connection only

Logitech designed the StreamCam for content creators. Logitech understood that content creators are likely to move around a lot, so they added smart auto-tracking. The webcam knows where you are on screen and then autofocuses on your face every time. It will also adjust the color balance and light exposure to compensate for your different positions on screen so that you will always look fantastic on camera. 

The 1080p at 60fps is great for content creators because you will be sharp, and your movements will be smooth. There will be no lags as you celebrate beating your friend at that popular game! They would also be able to hear your celebration with two quality front-facing mics.

The issue with this camera is that it can only connect via USB-C. However, this connection is becoming very popular, and more and more laptops are starting to have them, so it may not be a significant issue. You can also always use a port extender, which will give you some additional port.

Best budget: eMeet C960

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: If all you need is a basic webcam without the frills, the eMeet C960 will get the job done. It is still 1080p and has dual omni-directional mics. If you are on a tight budget and don’t need much, this is perfect.

Key features

• Resolution/frame rate: 1080p/30fps
• Field of view: 90°
• Privacy screen: No
• Microphone setup: dual omni-directional mics
• Autofocus: No

Pros

• Dial omnidirectional mics
• Good resolution
• Simple to use
• Low cost

Cons

• No software for changing settings
• No autofocus

The eMeet C960 is a plug-and-play webcam, which means there is no fuss with getting things set up. So, you don’t need to be that technologically knowledgeable and can easily use this, which makes it great as a gift for parents or grandparents. 

It’s not expensive, hence why it is our choice for those on a budget, but it still offers plenty of quality. 1080p gives clear image quality for those that need it, and the 30 fps will keep your video plenty smooth.

The lack of software means that you can’t control or change its settings, and there’s no autofocus either. However, if you want an upgrade on your laptop’s webcam, are on a tight budget, and don’t need additional features like autofocusing, then this webcam is perfect for you. 

Things to consider when shopping for the best webcams for Macs

As with many products, whether a webcam, a camera lens, or even a TV, there are many things to consider. The rise of cell phones and other smart devices that allow people to instantly video call someone means that most will only use a dedicated webcam for two reasons: work meetings and video game streaming. Therefore, the following are the things one must consider when buying a webcam for Macs.

Apple compatibility

While this is perhaps obvious, some webcams allow you to plug it into a Mac and work immediately, but the software might not be Mac-friendly. This is not the end of the world, but it does mean that you might not be able to adjust settings on your webcam or receive updates. To be sure you are getting the most out of your webcam, buy one that is meant for use with Apple products.

Resolution and frame rate

Resolution and frame rate are critical as they will determine how clear you appear to your viewers and how smooth your video is. As you might guess, the higher the resolution, the better the quality. So, if you have important presentations to make or want top-tier quality, 4K resolution may be best. 

In terms of frame rate, the higher it is, the less lag there will be, which will make a difference in situations like gaming sessions. Aim for at least 60 fps for the smoothest video. Be aware that some webcams have specific features that only work at a lower resolution and frame rate.

Privacy shutter

Most webcams are packed with security features that will ensure that it’s difficult for hackers to gain access, but having a physical shutter for an added layer of privacy will be valuable for those who are concerned. Of course, you could unplug your webcam, but it can become tedious very quickly if you have to do this every time.

Field of view

The field of view indicates how wide or narrow the webcam can see. If you are buying a webcam for a large meeting room, having a wider field of view (a higher number) will ensure everyone is in the frame. On the flip side, if you are the only one streaming, you could go with a narrower field of view and show less of your home.

Autofocus

While this is not necessarily a must for everyone, it can be frustrating if you move around a lot or move your computer around during a video chat and your webcam can’t keep up with focus. Many webcams in the middle price band and up will usually have some basic autofocus, while the more premium ones may have a dedicated AI or software that will track you. The cheaper ones tend to either have a fixed focal point or a dial you can use to adjust the focal point.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best webcams for Macs

There are many options out there for webcams for Macs, though the Logitech C920s Pro HD has the most well-rounded feature set. Along with its reasonable price, you can’t beat it.

The post The best webcams for Macs of 2023 appeared first on Popular Photography.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best overall		Nokia G20		SEE IT
Best camera		Nokia 9 PureView		SEE IT
Best battery		Nokia G50		SEE IT

It wasn’t that long ago that Nokia was the leading phone manufacturer in the world and churned out some popular Nokia phones. But then along came Apple, Google, Samsung, and dozens of small independent manufacturers, such as Xiaomi and OnePlus, making it a very tough market to break into and survive in. 

It may have been a while since Nokia released a phone that everyone desperately wanted, such as the infamous Nokia 3310, but that does not mean that its phones are in any way poor or not worth your consideration. On the contrary, the best Nokia phones will give you plenty of quality and features at a more budget-friendly price than more prominent brands. 

• Best overall: Nokia G20
• Best camera: Nokia 9 PureView
• Best battery: Nokia G50
• Long lasting: Nokia XR20
• Best budget: Nokia 8.3

How we picked the best Nokia phones

The team at PopPhoto has decades of experience in a variety of photographic and technological situations. We reviewed all the available phones that Nokia makes to compile the above list of phones. We considered essential specs like RAM, processor, screen technology, and storage. Lastly, as many choose smartphones to have a camera in hand at all times, we aimed to select products with quality cameras. 

Our focus was on those who want the best but may have a limited budget or don’t want to spend a fortune on a phone. The above list offers a range of budget-friendly phones that do an excellent job on a day-to-day basis.

The best Nokia phones: Reviews & Recommendations

Best overall: Nokia G20

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: While all Nokia phones are aimed at a lower budget target audience, the quality of the G20 still makes it feel like it’s at the higher end of the mid-range market. 

Key features:

• Processor: Mediatek Helio G35
• RAM: 4GB
• Screen: 6.65 inch HD+
• Cameras: Rear: 48MP main camera, 5MP ultra-wide angle & 2MP macro | Front: 8MP
• Storage: 64GB (expandable up to 512GB)
• Battery: 5050mAh and 10W charging

Pros

• Large battery
• Expandable storage
• Stylish design
• 3.5mm headphone jack

Cons

• Slow processor and RAM

The Nokia G20 is a very stylish-looking phone with beautiful curves that make the phone seem like a smooth pebble. The front camera is small and discreet, while the rear camera arrangement is a circle at the top of the phone that looks strangely like a Tardigrade’s mouth.

Another great feature that has unfortunately become absent from phones in recent years is the 3.5mm headphone jack. Granted, many people use wireless headphones and earbuds now, but the option to use wired headphones is a welcome one.

Expandable storage is another feature that has more or less become extinct. It can be frustrating having to pay significantly more to get double the storage, so it’s great to see that Nokia is one of the few manufacturers keeping this option. The G20 can expand up to 512GB, which is on top of the 64GB it already has.

Considering that this is a very affordable phone, it is somewhat surprising to see a 5050mAh battery inside it, which means the phone can last longer when you need it. While 10W charging isn’t considered fast charging these days, given we now have 120W charging, it is still very decent and, again, considering the low price, is a welcome addition.

The processor and 4GB RAM aren’t the best in Nokia’s lineup, and at least on paper, it will be a slower phone. But most casual users will not notice. However, if you have a need for speed, then perhaps consider another Nokia phone. 

Best camera: Nokia 9 PureView

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: The Nokia 9 PureView has a unique, five-camera setup that results in better color and depth thanks to three of the cameras capturing in black and white, allowing it to retain more detail.

Key features:

• Processor: Snapdragon 845
• RAM: 6GB
• Screen: 5.99 inch QHD 2k OLED
• Camera: Rear: five 12MP cameras (2 in color, 3 in monochrome) | Front: 20MP
• Storage: 128GB
• Battery: 3320mAh

Pros

• Unique five-camera set up
• Decent processor and RAM
• Large storage 
• Affordable price

Cons

• Small battery

Remember when phones didn’t even have cameras, much less five of them? These days, most phones that employ multiple cameras provide different focal lengths for multiple fields of view. The Nokia 9 PureView, however, has a different reason for the five 12 MP cameras, all of which have a 28mm fixed-focal length. Instead, the five-camera array has two (the centermost and central bottom) full-color cameras, and three are in black and white. The combination of color and monochrome cameras allows the phone to capture the full spectrum of light and gives you better photo quality. 

The method that the camera produces an image requires fast processing. And as a result, the processor, while an older Qualcomm processor, is a reasonably fast one. Combined with the 6GB RAM, the Nokia 9 PureView is a fast device that can do everything you need. Moreover, it comes with 128GB storage as standard, which is more than enough for everyday users. 

The screen itself isn’t the largest compared to other phones these days, but 5.99 inches is more than reasonable, and when you consider the affordable cost, this is a great size. 

The biggest downside to this phone, considering that it gives you a fast processor, large storage, and a great camera setup, is that the battery is only 3320mAh. It will still last approximately 10 hours on paper, but it’s not a lot if you use your phone throughout the day. 

Best battery: Nokia G50

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: The impressive 5000mAh battery with 18W fast charging means you will rarely get caught with a dead battery, meaning you can use your phone without fear. 

Key features:

• Processor: Snapdragon™ 480 5G
• RAM: 4GB
• Screen: 6.82 inch HD+
• Camera: Rear: 48MP main camera, 5MP ultra-wide angle, and 2-megapixel depth sensor | Front: 8MP 
• Storage: 64GB/128GB (expandable up to 512GB)
• Battery: 5000mAh and 18W fast charging

Pros

• Large battery and fast charging
• Great camera arrangement on rear of the phone
• Expandable storage
• Stylish design

Cons

• Not the best screen

Released in 2021, the G50 is one of Nokia’s most recent phones. It has a very affordable price, like all current Nokia phones. Despite its reasonable cost, the Nokia G50 still has some fantastic features that give you more bang for your buck. 

For example, Nokia included a 5000mAh battery giving you more time to use your phone between charges. However, if you do find yourself running low on battery, the 18W fast charging capabilities can charge your phone in less than an hour. 

The phone comes in two storage options, 64GB and 128GB. There is also an option to expand storage to 512GB. It’s frustrating to see manufacturers move away from expandable storage as it is far cheaper to get a microSD card to expand your storage than paying for larger integrated storage. So it’s great to see Nokia keeping hold of this tradition.

With the Nokia G50, you get two cameras, a 48MP primary camera, and a 5MP ultra-wide-angle camera. It’s nothing groundbreaking, but they do a decent job and give you good quality when taking photos of your family and friends.

Sadly, the screen is not great. Surprisingly, this phone has some high-end features but loses out on a low-quality screen. That is to say that it is low quality by today’s standards. However, it is still decent enough to get by, especially if you aren’t using the phone for watching movies or editing photos. 

Long lasting: Nokia XR20

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: It’s a beautiful phone designed and tested to military-grade standards, giving you something close to the legendary Nokia 3310.

Key features:

• Processor: Snapdragon™ 480
• RAM: 6GB
• Screen: 6.67 inch FHD+
• Camera: Rear: 48MP main camera, 13MP ultra-wide-angle camera | Front: 8MP
• Storage: 128GB (expandable up to 512GB)
• Battery: 4630mAh

Pros

• IP68 rated
• Rugged and durable
• Attractive design

Cons

• Average processor

The Nokia 3310 is infamous in the phone industry for being the toughest, meanest phone ever made. People have reported throwing it, stepping on it, even setting it on fire, and the crazy little phone carries on working like it was nothing.

It’s been many a year since Nokia released anything similar to this level of indestructibility. While the Nokia XR20 isn’t as indestructible as the 3310 (simply because modern technology is more fragile), it is a beast in its own right. 

The XR20 was designed and tested to MIL-STD-810H rating. That rating means that it is a military-grade phone and can withstand temperatures as low as -13°F and as high as 131°F. In addition, it’s IP68 rated, so it is dust, dirt, and sand resistant and can be submerged up to 4.9 feet underwater for an incredible 30 minutes. So if you need to make a call while it’s raining, or you drop it in the mud and need to wash it, you won’t need to worry much about damaging it. 

It can also withstand drops up to 5.9 feet. If you are concerned about dropping it in general, then there’s an accessory attachment loop (another helpful feature of a bygone era) where you can add a loop to wrap around your wrist. Finally, if the above doesn’t convince you how durable this phone is, the screen is made from Gorilla™ Glass Victus™, which is the toughest screen Nokia has ever used on its phones. 

In the photography industry, a weatherproof compact camera is well protected and durable but usually looks incredibly ugly. That is not the case with the Nokia XR20. It is, simply put, beautiful. The two cameras are arranged at the back in a simple square but with an “X” shape that connects the cameras, light, and sensor, which is very aesthetically pleasing.

The 48MP main camera and 13MP ultra-wide-angle cameras are standard Nokia cameras with lenses made by Zeiss. It’s not outstanding, but it’s not terrible either. The 4630mAh battery is decent enough and will last the better part of the day on paper. 

The processor is rather average, though, which is surprising considering the 6GB of RAM. It’s not the worst, by any means, but it feels like a bit of an oversight given the specs the rest of the phone has.

Best budget: Nokia 8.3

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: This phone came out in 2020 but still has some fantastic features and specs, giving you a great phone at a highly affordable price. 

Key features:

• Processor: Snapdragon™ 765G
• RAM: 6GB/8GB
• Screen: 6.81 inch FHD+
• Camera: Rear: 64MP main camera, 12MP ultra-wide-angle, 2MP macro | Front: 24MP
• Storage: 128GB (expandable up to 512GB)
• Battery: 4500mAh and 18W fast charging

Pros

• 3.5mm headphone jack
• Large battery and fast charging
• Dual SIM
• Striking design

Cons

• Inconvenient Google Assistant button

Nokia released its 8.3 in September 2020, so it’s a fairly old phone by today’s standards. That said, this phone is still very good and worth considering if you are on a budget.

It comes with a Snapdragon™ 765G processor, which isn’t the fastest Qualcomm makes but is more than enough for everyday use. And when paired with the 6GB or 8GB RAM, the phone does a good job handling all your needs. 

Overall, the phone is rather stunning with its two-tone gradient back. The rear camera arrangement doesn’t take up much space, so looks rather striking. The front camera is in the top left corner rather than centrally located, which may be an issue for some. It feels good to hold in your hand, although with a 6.81-inch screen, it’s not the smallest of phones.

The 68MP main camera is good enough for most users. Keep in mind, however, that as a budget phone, it will not provide groundbreaking quality by any means. The battery is 4500mAh and comes with 18W fast charging, which is a welcome surprise as you don’t often see a large battery and fast charging on a budget phone. It should reliably last a day, depending on your use. 

Like most Nokia phones, you get the inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack. A headphone jack is handy, even if you do not use it very often, as it’s great to have a backup in case your wireless headphones/earbuds run out of juice. However, one thing that is not as useful is the inclusion of a Google Assistant button on the left side of the phone. It’s not in the best location and can result in accidental requests for Google Assistant’s help, which pauses your music or movie and becomes an inconvenience. You can turn this feature off, but you cannot remap it to something else, so it just becomes a useless button.

Things to consider before buying the best Nokia phones

Looking for a new phone can be overwhelming. Even within the Nokia brand, there are many different models offering different features and specs. But, one thing that all Nokia phones have in common is that they run on an Android user interface. So while there are many other decisions to make, you won’t have to decide on a UI. Read on to learn what you should consider when choosing a new Nokia phone.

Processor

The processor is what controls the phone. A faster processor means it can handle instructions and information better and quicker. If you are someone that opens multiple apps, watches movies a lot, and/or plays games on their phone then a faster processor is ideal. In addition to this, the more cores (or processing units) that a processor has the less energy it uses and the cooler it will be to hold.

RAM

The RAM, or Random Access Memory, is how much data the phone can handle. One example of what RAM, denoted by a higher GB, does is it helps store your current activities in short-term memory banks that let you pick up where you left off. So the more RAM you have, the faster you can access that information, which is perfect if you jump from app to app, activity to activity. Your phone will feel much faster if you get one with more RAM.

Camera

Most people want a phone with a decent camera as a minimum. Premium phones will focus on advanced features like night modes, portraits with shallow depth of field, or long exposures. But the Nokia range will suit you fine if you are not that interested in fancy camera tools and want a phone camera that just takes sharp photos. Most of them will have a wide-angle and ultra-wide-angle lens so that you can take pictures of groups or landscapes during your travels. 

In terms of quality, the more megapixels the camera has, in theory, the better the quality. While this doesn’t tell the full story, as many factors affect a camera’s abilities, such as AI and the quality of the hardware, it gives you a rough indication of the camera’s potential. 

Battery

One other thing that old phones have over modern smartphones is battery life. An older phone, such as the Nokia 3310, uses far less power to operate. Most people would only use those phones to call and text and maybe play Snakes (remember that classic game?). However, these days people use their phones for all sorts of functions, which requires much more battery power. 

Battery charge is measured in milliampere-hour (mAh), and the higher the number, the longer that battery will last, on paper at least. Keep in mind that external power banks are relatively small and affordable, allowing you to charge your phone on the go. So battery charge these days is more a matter of convenience than a deal or no deal feature.

Storage

The more storage the phone has, the more apps, photos, and other data you can keep on it. If you are not planning on playing games or downloading dozens of apps, smaller storage, such as 64GB, should be okay. However, almost everything nowadays requires an app, which quickly eats up storage space. So, if possible, it is worth going for a higher storage capacity. 

Screen size

Screen size is important to consider because of how it will feel in your hand and pocket. The 3310 was tiny, and you could easily work it with one hand, but the same cannot be said for some modern phones. While a larger screen is more beneficial for watching media on your phone, larger phones can be cumbersome. So unless you know you’ll be using the phone primarily for consuming media, a moderate screen size is likely ideal.

FAQs

Final thoughts on buying the best Nokia phones

While Nokia isn’t leading the industry with new designs, it is producing well-made phones built to last at an affordable price. Its phones also retain things like expandable memory and headphone jacks, making them enticing for users who prefer those. 

The post The best Nokia phones for 2023 appeared first on Popular Photography.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best overall		Logitech C920s Pro HD		SEE IT
Best for streaming		Logitech C925e		SEE IT
Best for video conferencing		Logitech MeetUp Webcam		SEE IT

Logitech webcams are some of the most popular ones available, which shouldn’t be surprising since it is a world-renowned computer accessories manufacturer. It was founded in 1981 and is famous for making all sorts of computer equipment, including mice, keyboards, and of course, webcams. As experts in the computer accessories industry, Logitech has developed some fantastic products and designs over the years. The best Logitech webcams are no different and have a range of excellent features to meet your needs.

• Best overall: Logitech C920s Pro HD
• Best for streaming: Logitech Streamcam
• Best for Zoom: Logitech C925e
• Best for 4K: Logitech Brio 4K Ultra HD Webcam
• Best for video conferencing: Logitech MeetUp Webcam
• Best budget: Logitech C270 Webcam

How we picked the best Logitech webcams

The team at PopPhoto has decades of experience in almost every photography and technological situation. We’ve thought a lot about how most people use webcams, from streaming to classes and from home office calls to conference calls in a business office. The cameras that we’ve listed cover a wide range of uses, so they are suitable for all sorts of situations. We’ve also thought about different budget needs and provided a range of price points.

The best Logitech webcams: Reviews & Recommendations

Best overall: Logitech C920s Pro HD

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: The Logitech C920s Pro HD has excellent features without breaking the bank. The auto light correction works remarkably well and helps you look as professional as possible no matter the conditions. 

Key features:

• Resolution/frame rate: Up to 1080p/30fps
• Field of view: 78°
• Privacy shutter: Yes
• Microphone setup: Dual omnidirectional mics
• Autofocus: Yes

Pros

• Removable privacy shutter
• Dual omni-directional microphones
• Auto light correction
• Low cost

Cons

• Field of view not the widest

One of the nicest features of the Logitech C920s Pro, besides the low cost, is the privacy shutter. While webcams are heavily protected with security features, having that physical shutter will give a lot of people peace of mind as they go about their business. 

Dual omni-directional mics allow the other end to hear you clearly, no matter where you’re sitting in relation to the webcam. It has excellent automatic exposure correction, which adjusts the settings to ensure that the light across the image is more even and properly exposed. This helps in low-light situations and with backlighting, such as if you have a window behind you.

These features come at a low cost, so you won’t be breaking the bank by purchasing the Logitech C920s Pro. That being said, the field of view is not the widest. At 78°, the field of view will cover one person and some of their surroundings. So it won’t be an issue if you intend to use the webcam for one person rather than group meetings. 

Best for streaming: Logitech StreamCam

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: The Logitech StreamCam is an ideal webcam for streaming due to its 1080p video at 60fps. Your viewers will watch you celebrate your victory while playing a video game in HD and movements so smooth that Lionel Richie will be tuning in your session!

Key features:

• Resolution/frame rate: 1080p/60fps
• Field of view: 78°
• Privacy screen: No
• Microphone setup: Dual front-facing mics
• Autofocus: Yes

Pros

• Facial tracking
• Intelligent light exposure
• Smooth frame rate

Cons

• USB-C connection only

The Logitech StreamCam is one of the best webcam out there for streaming your content. Video is very smooth at 60fps and 1080p, so you’ll be clear as day to all your viewers.

In addition to this, the camera has some useful smart features. For example, the ability to track where you are on the screen. This will then automatically focus on you and adjust both light exposure and color balance so that you are as perfect on camera as you are in person!

The 2 front facing speakers also mean that your viewers will be able to hear every cheer, celebration, and frustration during your sessions. This webcam was built for content creators in mind, so the quality and the bonus features stand out and make the StreamCam Logitech’s best streaming webcam to date.

The biggest downside is that it is only a USB-C connection. Not an issue for most laptops these days as they usually have at least 1 on each side. Older laptops and computers may not have this but you can still get around it by buying a port extender, so it’s not the end of the world.

Best for Zoom: Logitech C925e

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: With Logitech’s RightLight 2 technology, the C925e constantly monitors the light in your surroundings and adjusts your video’s exposure and color balance, giving you the best quality possible.

Key features:

• Resolution/frame rate: 1080p/30fps & 720p/30fps
• Field of view: 78°
• Privacy screen: Yes
• Microphone setup: Duel omni-directional mics
• Autofocus: Yes

Pros

• Certified for use with Skype & Teams
• Designed to adjust when internet connection is poor
• Integrated privacy screen

Cons

• Pricey for casual users

The Logitech C925e looks similar to the C920s Pro that we’ve listed above and spec-wise, it is rather similar too. The key difference is that the C925e was designed for video calls in situations where bandwidth is shared. We’re all familiar with the phrase “I think you cut out,” and the C925e works to prevent it. It supports H.264 with Scalable Video Coding (SVC) and UVC 1.1 encoding, which means that it minimizes what it needs from a computer and network resources to still use the webcam when your internet connection is poor.

The C925e is certified for use on Skype for Business and Microsoft Teams, meaning it’s optimized for those programs. It also has enhanced features for Zoom and other video meeting platforms. 

When your meeting is over, the integrated sliding privacy shutter turns white to show that it’s closed and is more discreet and stylish than the C920s Pro. This webcam is slightly more expensive than the C920s Pro, so while it does have great features, it is meant for a particular type of user.

Best for 4K: Logitech Brio 4K Ultra HD Webcam

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: The Brio 4K Ultra HD is full of great features, such as an adjustable field of view and amazing 4K video quality.

Key features:

• Resolution/frame rate: 4K/30fps, 1080p/30 or 60 fps, 720p/30, 60, or 90 fps
• Field of view: 90°/78°/65°
• Privacy screen: Yes 
• Microphone setup: Dual omnidirectional mics
• Autofocus: Yes

Pros

• Adjustable field of view
• 4K resolution
• High dynamic range

Cons

• Expensive

The Logitech Brio 4K Ultra HD is an amazing webcam. It comes loaded with premium features to make your streaming top-notch. The issue is that this is an expensive webcam. Yes, it has a high dynamic range feature to adjust the light balance for tricky lighting situations, but this and the other features come at a cost. 

The most helpful feature is the ability to adjust the field of view, which is not common on webcams. The most narrow field of view is 65°, which will only give someone a view of your head and shoulders. It then goes up to 78°, which is Logitech’s standard field of view, covering some of your surroundings. Finally, 90° is the widest this lens can go, and it will allow you to fit a few more people in the field of view for group meetings.

The webcam has a resolution of up to 4K at 30fps. However, most video conferencing companies don’t even offer 4K video calls yet. The keyword being yet. It will probably only be a matter of time before they do, as technology begins to catch up. Therefore, getting the Logitech Brio 4K Ultra HD Webcam will be future-proofing yourself. For now, 1080p at 30fps and 60fps is more than plenty, so the quality of this webcam is not to be understated.

Best for video conferencing: Logitech MeetUp Webcam

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: If you have a small meeting room in the office that needs the best quality camera and sound, the Logitech MeetUp webcam is fantastic for this. The 120° field of view will capture everything in your room and auto-track the talking subjects.

Key features:

• Resolution/frame rate: 4K/30fps, 1080p/30fps & 720p/30fps
• Field of view: 120°
• Privacy screen: No
• Microphone setup: 1 mic with 3 beamforming elements
• Autofocus: Yes

Pros

• Excellent built-in microphone
• Tracks movement and auto adjusts framing
• Doubles as a speakerphone for video free calls
• Multiple mounting options
• 5x zoom capabilities

Cons

• Expensive

The first thing to note is that the Logitech MeetUp webcam is expensive. It is meant as an office solution and not for individual users. Having said that, this is an amazing webcam. It has a lot going for it. For example, the resolution goes up to 4K at 30fps. You can also zoom 5x into your surroundings at no loss of quality because of the higher resolution.

Logitech’s RightSight technology recognizes where people are sitting and then pan the camera to ensure everyone is in the frame, even if people move around. The beamforming microphone is equally impressive because it captures speech and automatically levels out louder and softer voices while suppressing other noise. There are also multiple mounting options, including on the table or a wall, if you have limited space in your meeting room. 

Best for budget: Logitech C270 Webcam

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: If you’re on a budget and don’t need additional bonus features, then the Logitech C270 will be perfectly suitable. It’s easy to use and still high quality at 720p. 

Key features:

• Resolution/frame rate: 720p/30fps
• Field of view: 55°
• Privacy screen: No
• Microphone setup: Mono
• Autofocus: No

Pros

• Very low cost
• Automatically adjusts exposure
• Mic filters out background noise

Cons

• No autofocus

The Logitech C270 isn’t a webcam that tries to be anything more than a simple and basic webcam. It doesn’t have autofocus (the focus is fixed, so there are no manual adjustments either) or a privacy screen. There are, however, still some nice features for the price.

Logitech’s RightLight 2 technology adjusts the settings to match your surroundings so you’ll always look as clear and bright as possible. Combined with the 720p/30fps, the C270 webcam will provide plenty of quality for most users. In addition, the mic on the front picks up your voice very well, so your listeners will have no problems understanding you. It also filters out background noise, so the traffic out your window or kids playing won’t be as much of a factor.

Things to consider before buying the best Logitech webcams

Though most laptops have built-in cameras, a dedicated webcam is sometimes needed. Perhaps you want something higher quality, or maybe you use an external monitor and want the ability to look straight ahead at that. No matter what the reason, deciding on the best webcam can get confusing with so many different specs to pay attention to. We’ve highlighted some of the more important ones below to help you decide.

Resolution and frame rate

The resolution and frame rate will determine how clear you appear on the screen and how smooth your movements will be. The better the resolution, the clearer you will be. Most webcams go up to 1080p, but some go up to 4K. While this is obviously much better in quality, bear in mind that most video conferencing companies do not currently have 4K capability. This could change, though, as more and more 4K webcams are manufactured, so buying one will help you future proof the purchase. 

Moreover, the higher the frame rate, the smoother your actions will be. Most webcams offer 30fps, but some go up to 60fps. You’ll find that the faster frame rate is better for streaming quality content as your movements will have less lag to them. Therefore, if you want to use the webcam as a content creator to produce top-notch videos, then look for one with 60fps and at least 1080p.

Privacy shutter

A privacy shutter is a physical shutter that you can either flip over or switch on to cover up the camera lens. It will give you an extra layer of security to protect your privacy.

Field of view

Field of view determines how wide the camera can see. The lower the number, the narrower the view. So, for example, 55° will only capture roughly your head and shoulders. Therefore, don’t expect to be able to use this in meetings with multiple people. Meanwhile, a higher number will show more, so a 90° field of view will accommodate 2-3 people on the screen. 

Also, keep in mind that a wider field of view will show more of your surroundings. A narrow field of view may be best if you want some privacy as to where you are located or if you don’t want to clean up the room before every meeting.

Autofocus

In recent years, like a lot of technology, webcams have advanced significantly. One of the most notable advancements is the ability to autofocus, whereas 10 years ago, you’d likely find that most had a fixed focal point or a dial to manually focus. Autofocus is where the camera recognizes a person and will focus on them as they move around the room. This results in the person being in focus at all times. In addition, some more premium models use this technology to work with other technologies to continuously adjust the light and color balance.

Microphones

Most webcams will have built-in microphones, but they are not created equally, and there are different options available. A front-facing microphone might be all you need if you’re only using your webcam for a home office setup. But, if you know that you might have multiple people in the video call, an omni-directional microphone is better suited to capture sound from all angles.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best Logitech webcams

How you intend to use your webcam is very important in deciding which might be best for you. However, for most users, the Logitech C920s Pro HD offers the best balance of price and features.

The post The best Logitech webcams in 2023 appeared first on Popular Photography.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best for GoPro Hero10 Black		Lexar 1066x Silver Series microSDXC		SEE IT	The GoPro Hero10 Black can only take cards that are V30, or UHS-III rated, which is why the Lexar 1066x Silver Series is perfect for this camera.
Best for GoPro Hero9 Black		SanDisk Extreme PRO microSDXC		SEE IT	The SanDisk Extreme Pro range is perfect for any GoPro camera, from the amateur to the professional users, and any situation or setting.
Best GoPro Hero7 Silver		Samsung Evo Plus		SEE IT	Samsung cards are renowned for their exceptional build quality, offering peace of mind for the hardiest of adventurers.

GoPros have provided some of the most amazing action camera footage in the last decade. From Felix Baumgartner’s stunning stratosphere jump in 2012 to the men that “raced the tube” in London. They allow us to see things that we otherwise would not be able to (or, in my case, too scared to). Having a GoPro is one thing, but you need to have the right memory cards to ensure your footage is as good as possible. You don’t want to be jumping off a cliff edge only to realize your card can’t handle the 1080p or 4k setting and therefore have no evidence of such a fantastic feat. The best SD cards for GoPros enable these little cameras to work at their limits.

• Best for GoPro Hero10 Black: Lexar 1066x Silver Series microSDXC
• Best for GoPro Hero9 Black: SanDisk Extreme PRO microSDXC
• Best for GoPro Max: PNY PRO Elite microSDXC
• Best for GoPro Hero7 Silver: Samsung Evo Plus
• Best for GoPro Hero6 Black: SanDisk Extreme SDXC
• Best for GoPro Hero5 Black: Kingston Canvas Select Plus microSD

How we picked the best SD cards for GoPros

We thought a lot about what you’d need when using your GoPro. Ultimately, those who buy them are usually doing some adventure sport or point-of-view videos, so the ability to record and transfer quality video is critical. They’re more likely to use higher quality settings, faster frame rates, and other things that will affect the size of the file. Therefore, the best SD cards for GoPros we’ve chosen are tailored toward those that need that extra bit of support from their memory cards.

In addition, we’ve tried to select a range of GoPro cameras from the last five years rather than the newest models to help those who either currently own a GoPro or is interested in purchasing one.

The best SD cards for GoPros: Reviews & Recommendations

Best for GoPro Hero10 Black: Lexar 1066x Silver Series microSDXC

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: The GoPro Hero10 Black can only take cards that are V30, or UHS-III rated, which is why the Lexar 1066x Silver Series is one of the best SD cards for GoPros and is perfect for this camera. With read and write speeds of 160MB/s and 120MB/s, respectively, it will handle the highest quality settings the Hero10 Black can offer. 

Key features

• Read speeds: Up to 160MB/s
• Write speeds: Up to 120MB/s
• Storage options: 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB
• Speed Classes: U3, V30, UHS-I

Pros

• Fast read and write speeds
• GoPro Hero10 Black compatible
• Rugged build

Cons

• Write speed limited on 64GB

The GoPro Hero10 Black, which came out in 2021, is GoPro’s current flagship camera. It can shoot up to 5.3K at 60fps, so you need a fast memory card to keep up with it. Bear in mind that the GoPro Hero10 Black can only take microSD cards with V30 or UHS-III, so you cannot use a card that is slower than this. 

Therefore, the Lexar Silver Series is ideal for the GoPro Hero10 Black and for situations where you need to transfer videos quickly, such as at a sporting event where you need to promptly submit the video for media outlets. 

Lexar memory cards are of high quality and designed for high-speed performance in various devices. They are thoroughly tested and designed to be water, shock, vibration, and X-Ray proof. Unfortunately, the write speed drops to up to 70MB/s when using the 64GB sized card, so if you are going for the smaller storage option, that your write speed will not be as fast as the larger options. 

Best for GoPro Hero9 Black: SanDisk Extreme PRO microSDXC

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: With read speeds of 170MB/s, the SanDisk Extreme Pro range is perfect for any GoPro camera, from the amateur to the professional users, and any situation or setting. 

Key features

• Read speeds: Up to 170MB/s
• Write speeds: Up to 90MB/s
• Storage options: 32GB, 256GB, 400GB, 512GB and 1TB
• Speed Classes: U3, V30, UHS-I

Pros

• Fast read and write speeds
• Rugged build
• Great warranty protection
• Low cost

Cons

• Read speed limited on certain devices

SanDisk is one of the most popular memory card manufacturers in the world. They are very reliable and durable, with the Extreme PRO range being shock-proof, temperature-proof, water-proof, and x-ray-proof. SanDisk’s warranty varies between products and when you purchased it but, it’s generally around 5 years and the process is very simple. If, in the unlikely event your card does corrupt, then knowing that SanDisk is there to support you makes everything a littleless stressful.

The SanDisk Extreme PRO range is Sandisk’s top of the range of memory cards and is designed for users that require the highest quality and speeds. This means that you can shoot up to 8K effectively and efficiently without worry. They are also reasonably priced so you won’t need to break the bank just to purchase one. 

The only downside to this product is that most devices limit the UHS-I speeds to 104MB/s, so you won’t be able to fully use the 170MB/s read speed. However, devices are becoming more advanced, and the SanDisk Extreme PRO range is perfect to future-proof yourself, so it won’t be long before you will be able to utilize the card to its full ability. 

Best for GoPro Max: PNY PRO Elite microSDXC

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: The PNY PRO Elite has storage options up to 1TB. That’s eight 128GB memory cards! If you are shooting long, continuous videos, such as cycling or security footage, this is the card for you.

Key features:

• Read speeds: Up to 100 MB/s
• Write speeds: Up to 90 MB/s
• Storage options: 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB
• Speed Classes: C10, U3, V30, and UHS-I

Pros

• 4K and 8K ready
• Large storage options

Cons

• Not the fastest read and write speeds on the market

The PNY PRO Elite microSDXC is currently one of the largest microSD cards on the market. This means that you can shoot continuously on one card for longer. Larger storage options means not needing to constantly change cards, which is useful for a 360-degree camera because you can have it recording during a commute or as a security camera.

The transfer speeds aren’t the fastest on the market, though they’re not the slowest either. It doesn’t mean that it won’t work well on your GoPro, but it does mean a lot more waiting time, so if you’re in a rush to transfer cards to your computer, then this card is not for you.

Best GoPro Hero7 Silver: Samsung Evo Plus

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: The Evo Plus has fast transfer speeds at a reasonable price. In addition, Samsung cards are renowned for their exceptional build quality, offering peace of mind for the hardiest of adventurers.

Key features:

• Read speeds: Up to 100MB/s
• Write speeds: Up to 90 MB/s
• Storage options: 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB
• Speed Classes: Class 10, U3, and UHS-I

Pros

• Perfect for 4K and 8K videos
• Rugged build
• Fast transfer speeds

Cons

• Limited storage capacity options

Fully protected through what Samsung calls “four-proof protection,” namely water-proof, temperature-proof, x-ray-proof, and magnet-proof, so you’ll be protected no matter what adventure sport you’re doing. Plus, fast transfer speeds allow you to continuously record no matter the subject. This enables you to shoot up to 8K and use your camera to its full ability. 

Best for GoPro Hero6 Black: SanDisk Extreme SDXC

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: A variety of storage options, all the way up to 1TB, means that the SanDisk Extreme range gives a lot more flexibility to the user. 

Key features:

• Read speeds: Up to 160MB/s
• Write speeds: Up to 90MB/s
• Storage options: 32GB, 64GB, 126GB, 256GB, 400GB, 512GB, and 1TB
• Speed Classes: C10, U3, V30, and UHS-I

Pros

• Large storage options
• Fast read speeds

Cons

• Slower write speeds

The SanDisk range has an extensive range of storage options, which is perfect for the GoPro Hero6 Black. While the higher-end GoPros allow you to shoot in 4k and higher at a faster frame rate, the GoPro Hero6 Black is capable of 1080p at 240fps and at a lower cost than the newer models.  The high frame rate is great for slow-motion videos but will increase the amount of storage you use, so having a microSD card that has large storage capacities is very important. 

It’s also more suitable than the PNY range, mentioned above, because of the faster read speeds at 160MB/s as opposed to 100MB/s of the PNY range. But like the PNY range, the write speed is not that fast, though is still plenty for most users.

Best for GoPro Hero5 Black: Kingston Canvas Select Plus microSD

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: Kingston is a good low-cost brand that comes in various storage options, which give you more freedom to choose. Good transfer speeds mean you can use this with the GoPro Hero5 in 1080p and 4k without any issue. 

Key features:

• Read speeds: Up to 100MB/s
• Write speeds: Up to 85MB/s
• Storage options: 32GB, 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB
• Speed Classes: U1, V10, and UHS-I

Pros

• Low-cost
• Large storage options
• Durable build

Cons

• Slow speeds

Kingston memory cards are not as well known as SanDisk or Lexar, but they are still good cards that will do what you need when you need it. The Hero5 Black is an older model that sits in the middle of GoPro’s mid-range collection. You can still do 4K (at 30fps) and 1080p (at 120fps), but overall the quality is not as good as its newer siblings. This means you don’t really need the fastest transfer speeds. 100MB/s read and 85MB/s write is plenty for most users, so this card will do fine if you’re on a budget.  

Things to consider when searching for the best SD cards for GoPros

First things first, GoPros don’t take your standard SD card. So, the one you use in your DSLR will not fit into any GoPro. Instead, they take a smaller variation called microSD; you can find them in a lot of phones that allow additional memory storage. Of course, when purchasing any memory card, there are many things to think about. It is no different with GoPros, and there are specific things to consider, namely memory card capacity, write speed, speed, and video speed. Unfortunately, memory card terminology and classifications are generally written in symbols and can be quite confusing. Below you will find clarification on some of the most important specs.

Memory card capacity

How much storage your card can handle is necessary because video footage requires more storage space than photos, and higher-quality video will use up a significant amount of storage space. For example, 4K video uses approximately double the storage space 1080p does. Depending on your frame rate and other settings, an hour of video could easily use up 45GB of data in 4k, so you’ll need something that can hold that much footage. Card capacities go all the way up to 1TB (though 2TB cards are expected to be released soon). That is perfect for longer videos, but they are more expensive. Another thing to consider is that if they do corrupt then you’ll potentially lose everything stored on that one card. As a result, multiple smaller capacity cards could be better for keeping your files safe.

Write speed

As your GoPro records you swimming with sharks or BASE jumping off a skyscraper, your memory card needs to be able to keep up. It simply won’t record correctly or at all if it isn’t able to write the data as fast as you are recording it. There are six different speed classes, four for standard and HD use (on the memory card, they’re shown as a C with one of the below numbers next to it) and two Ultra High Speed (UHS) classes that were designed for 4K and higher (these are shown as a 1 or 3 inside a U). The following are the different classes and what they are appropriate for::

• Class 2: Normal videos and photos
• Class 4: HD videos
• Class 6: HD videos
• Class 10: Longer HD videos
• Class 1/U1: 4K (minimum write speeds of 10MB/s)
• Class 3/U3: 4K (minimum write speeds of 30MB/s)

It is also important to note that card manufacturers generally want to put the fastest speed on the card and will sometimes only include read speeds. Therefore, if you only see one number provided, typically speaking, it is the read speed, not the write speed. In fact, some manufacturers don’t provide the write speed at all, whereas some just require you to do some digging.

Read speeds

The next thing to consider is your read or transfer speed, also known as UHS Bus Interface or class. As mentioned above, your GoPro will use up a significant amount of data, whether recording in 1080p or 4k. In order to transfer it to your laptop, the read speed has to be fast; otherwise, you’ll be waiting for a very long time. Read speeds are shown as UHS-I, UHS-II, and UHS-III on cards or the display descriptions. The UHS speed class is like a car and the UHS Bus Class is the highway; the more bus interfaces or “roads” on the memory card (the gold strips at the back of the card), the more data or “cars” can transfer over. UHS-II and UHS-III have 2 rows of interfaces, which allow super-fast transfer speeds. 

Video speeds

Finally, we have the video speed. This is really for those shooting in 4K or higher. Essentially, they are shown as a V and a number next to it. The number represents the minimum write speed, so V6 (the slowest) is 6MB/s, while V90 (the fastest) is 90MB/s. The higher the number, the faster card. It’s also important to note that GoPro’s latest flagship camera, the Hero10 Black, cannot take anything less than V30 or UHS-III.

Budget and warranty

Other considerations include your budget and the brand. Some brands, such as SanDisk memory cards, offer a great warranty should your card corrupt or break. This happened to me, and I was able to quickly replace it with a like for like or similar card for free.

Now you know the importance of the various letters and numbers on memory cards, read on to find out our pick for the best microSD cards for GoPros.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best SD cards for GoPros

GoPros are so much fun when used correctly. With the above list of the best SD cards for GoPros, you’ll be able to utilize your camera to its full potential. There’s no point buying a Ferrari and replacing the wheels with a cheaper option that won’t handle the power. It’s also important to remember what you intend to use the camera for. If it’s simple home or travel videos then you probably won’t need V90 or U3, as having the best quality likely isn’t as important. Whereas if you’re using it to shoot a movie, amateur or professional, you’d most likely want or need the fastest speeds. In addition, if you intend to use your camera to record long continuous videos, such as sporting events, a larger capacity might be more recommended as opposed to short clips of holiday footage, where it might be easier to change memory cards when one reaches capacity.

The post The best SD cards for GoPros of 2023 appeared first on Popular Photography.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best for landscapes		Sony E 10-18mm F4 OSS		SEE IT	This super-wide lens draws in tons of detail.
Best zoom		Sony E 70-350mm F4.5-6.3 G OSS		SEE IT	Get lots of zoom in a relatively compact package.
Best for portraits		Sigma 56mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary		SEE IT	It’s the perfect focal length for people photos.

The Sony a6000 is a fantastic camera–especially when paired with lenses for the Sony a6000–that has stood the test of time since its release in February 2014. Since then, Sony has launched several new versions and higher-spec models in the a6100, a6300, a6400, a6500, and the a6600. However, the a6000 is still one of the best beginner or backup cameras available.

While these lenses are great for the a6000, offering excellent image quality and a range of features, they would also be good companions to the newer, higher-end Sony models mentioned above. So rest assured, if you buy one of these best lenses for your a6000 and then decide to upgrade, they will carry over perfectly well. 

• Best overall: Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN Contemporary
• Best for portraits: Sigma 56mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary 
• Best zoom: Sony E 70-350mm F4.5-6.3 G OSS
• Best landscape lens: Sony E 10-18mm F4 OSS
• Best on a budget: Sony E 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 OSS
• Honorable mention: Tamron 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD

Things to consider before buying lenses for the Sony a6000

There are many things you need to consider when buying a lens. However, before we move on to those, it’s important to note that the Sony a6000 is an E-mount camera, which means that it can only take a lens with Sony’s E-mount. When looking at lens options, especially third-party options like Sigma and Tamron, be sure to choose the correct mount. 

The a6000 has an APS-C sensor, which results in a 1.5x crop factor. The crop factor means that the lens’s effective focal length will differ from what is listed. For example, if you are looking at a 50mm lens, it will act like a 75mm lens on the a6000. As a result, it’s helpful to do that math when choosing which focal length will be best for you.

Use

Your typical subject matter and shooting style will significantly impact which lens is best for you. For example, if you were to use the Sony a6000 for portrait photography, a prime lens, such as the 50mm, might be better than the 18-135mm, which is better suited for travel photography. Or, if you intend to use it as a street photography camera, you should consider the smaller pancake lenses because of their compact size.

Cost

As with most photography gear, cost is a significant factor. Though the Sony a6000 is relatively low-priced due to its 2014 release date, lenses can still get quite expensive. As you get into higher-quality lenses, the price will, of course, go up. Buying a quality lens for an older camera is still worth it, though; you can always future-proof yourself with a higher quality lens now and upgrade the camera later.

Size and Weight

The Sony a6000 is a small camera, weighing just 12.13 ounces. Large, heavy lenses will mean that your setup becomes front-heavy. The unbalanced weight can be awkward to carry and potentially cause aches on your neck or shoulder from carrying it. If staying lightweight is essential to you, focus on more compact lenses.

Build quality

Determining what you intend to use the camera for is important for choosing the best lens for the Sony a6000. Many forms of photography require you to be outside and sometimes in wet and windy conditions. Some types of shooting may mean the lens is liable to bump into things or generally get roughed up. If this is the case for you, it will be critical to have a lens with good build quality. A metal casing and weather sealing that can withstand the worst nature can throw at us are two things to look for.

Here are our picks for the best Sony a6000 lenses:

Best overall: Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN Contemporary

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: Equivalent to a 27-75mm on a full-frame camera, The 18-50mm is a versatile focal range ideal for most photographic situations. With a wide, f/2.8 maximum aperture and a low price, this is the best lens you can buy for the money.

Key features:

• Weather sealed: No
• Image stabilization: No
• Weight: 10.2oz
• Filter thread: 55mm
• Effective focal length: 27-75mm

Pros

• Wide and constant aperture
• Lightweight
• Affordable

Cons

• No AF/MF switch
• No Image stabilization

Product description

The 24-70mm range is a very popular, versatile zoom range found in most photographers’ kits. Sigma’s 18-50mm f/2.8–which is equivalent to 27-75mm–is a fantastic lens that comes at an affordable price. The images it produces are sharp, with excellent center sharpness between f/2.8 and f/11 at most focal lengths. There is some softness on the edges, though it is minimal, especially considering the price of the lens.

The wide f/2.8 aperture allows you to create a nice separation between your subject and the background, with some very pleasing bokeh as well. It also makes it better in low-light conditions. Unfortunately, there is no physical AF/MF switch, which could be a deal-breaker for those who frequently switch back and forth between the two. But, the autofocus is excellent, with the STM motor quickly and very quietly achieving focus, even when going from close to far. 

One of the biggest perks of this lens is its compact size. It’s only 2.9 by 2.6 inches and 10.2 ounces, which compliments the small size of the a6000. Overall, the Sigma 18-50mm is a great lens, especially for those just beginning in photography or want something lightweight and affordable.

Best for portraits: Sigma 56mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: With a fast f/1.4 maximum aperture and tiny 2.62 x 2.34 inch size, this is a beautifully bright little lens perfect for portraits. 

Key features:

• Weather sealed: Yes
• Image stabilization: No
• Weight: 9.9oz
• Filter thread: 55mm
• Effective focal length: 84mm

Pros

• Weather sealed
• Wide and constant aperture
• Sharp photos
• Lightweight

Cons

• No image stabilization

Product description

85mm is considered by many to be the ideal portrait focal length, and the Sigma 56mm comes in at 84mm equivalent. Though it is part of Sigma’s “Contemporary” range, the second tier behind its premium “Art” line, it is still an incredible little lens. The fast f/1.4 aperture will allow you to tackle difficult lighting situations because the wider aperture allows more light in the camera. This is especially useful for indoor or nighttime portrait work without a lighting setup. The wide aperture also results in wonderful bokeh and beautifully shallow depth of field.

Sigma’s 85mm is extremely sharp, producing crisp, quality images. Furthermore, it’s small at only 2.34 inches in length and weighs just 9.9 ounces. Combined with the Sony a6000, the total weight is just 22.03 ounces, the same weight as the next lens on this list! So, you could also use this for street and travel photography as it’s light and small enough that it’s easy to carry, and you won’t scare the subject away. 

The addition of weather sealing is also very welcome, and that means you can take it out for longer without needing to fear rain or bad weather. 

Best zoom: Sony Alpha 70-350mm F4.5-6.3 G OSS Super-Telephoto APS-C Lens

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: The Sony 70-350mm is a powerhouse of a lens. With weather sealing, image stabilization, and a long zoom range, this lens is versatile enough to get you through many photography situations. 

Key features:

• Weather sealed: Yes
• Image stabilization: Yes
• Weight: 22.1oz
• Filter thread:  67mm
• Effective focal length: 105-525mm

Pros

• Long zoom capabilities
• Weather sealed
• Image stabilization
• Fast autofocus

Cons

• Heavy
• Slow maximum aperture

Product description

When you need to cover that extra distance, the 70-350mm (equivalent to 105-525mm in full-frame format) is the lens to pick. It covers a huge range, ideal for different types of photography. For example, it’s perfect for sports and wildlife photography, where you can’t be as close to the subject as you’d like. It can also be a fun lens for certain landscapes, as the telephoto range visually shortens the distance between the background and foreground, resulting in aesthetically pleasing photos.

The slower f/6.3 at the lens’s most narrow focal length isn’t the best in low-light situations, but the in-lens stabilization will help with that. Sony’s image stabilization (OSS) is fantastic and does a wonderful job of ensuring your images are sharp. Image quality is sharp, and the autofocus is quick, so you’ll come away feeling happy knowing that you got the shot.

As this lens is less likely to be used indoors, Sony included dust and splash-resistant sealing on the lens. It is also made of sturdy polycarbonate, making it durable enough to take on your adventures. However, it is quite heavy at 22.01 ounces, which will be a bit front-heavy on the a6000. 

Best for landscapes: Sony E 10-18mm F4 OSS

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: Sony’s 10-18mm is a sharp wide-angle lens with 3-stop optical stabilization and a lightweight yet sturdy metal body.

Key features:

• Weather sealed: No
• Image stabilization: Yes
• Weight: 8oz
• Filter thread:  62mm
• Effective focal length: 15-27mm

Pros

• Wide field of view
• Very lightweight
• Durable metal shell

Cons

• No weather sealing

Product description

Wide-angle lenses are incredibly useful, from landscapes and real estate to group photos and quirky portraits. Sony’s 10-18mm will give you 15-27mm in equivalent full-frame format, making this a solid wide-angle lens. It has a primarily metal shell yet only weighs 8 ounces. The lightweight and compact size make it a useful travel companion as it wouldn’t burden you too much. The metal build also provides protection when traveling, so you’ll feel confident that the lens can survive most bumps and nudges. 

This lens has image stabilization to help you keep things pin-sharp even when using it in low light conditions. That’s even more helpful considering that the lens’s maximum aperture is only f/4, which takes away some low-light performance. However, it is a constant aperture, meaning you can use that throughout the focal range.

Best on a budget: Sony E 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 OSS

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: This low-cost lens is an ideal all-in-one zoom. At 18-135mm, it covers the full spectrum of what most photographers use and need. The addition of image stabilization means this lens is well suited for everyday use and is a great beginner lens.

Key features:

• Weather sealed: No
• Image stabilization: Yes
• Weight: 11.5oz
• Filter thread: 55mm
• Effective focal length: 27-202mm

Pros

• Versatile zoom range
• Low cost
• Compact

Cons

• Not weather sealed

Product description

Most photographers have a lens they love and always have on their camera, whether it’s the nifty fifty or a 24-70mm. This lens is perfect for that always-on status, as it covers a long focal range but is small–only 4.41 inches at maximum extension–and light enough to carry on your neck or shoulder all day. With dimensions of just 2.65 x 3.46 inches, it doesn’t take up much room in the camera bag, making it a great travel companion, especially if you’re traveling long term.

Image stabilization is a useful feature considering that the aperture is f/3.5 at its widest but narrows down to f/5.6 when zoomed all the way. It gives you that extra reassurance that you’ll get the photo you want without camera shake. The lack of weather sealing might be a deal-breaker for some, especially if you’re using it as your go-to lens. However, cameras and lenses are very robust these days, so you’ll still be able to use it in light rain in the short term.

Honorable mention: Tamron 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: The Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 is a fantastic lens at a reasonable price that offers a 25-105mm full-frame equivalent focal length. It is one of Tamron’s flagship lenses and checks many boxes a lot of photographers look for in a lens.

Key features:

• Weather sealed: Yes
• Image stabilization: Yes
• Weight: 18.51oz
• Filter thread: 67mm
• Effective focal length: 25-105mm

Pros

• Close focusing
• Versatile zoom range
• Affordable
• Fast & quiet autofocus

Cons

• Strong distortion across focal length range

Product description

The Tamron 17-70mm offers a lot of bang for your buck. It’s weather sealed, has Tamron’s Vibration Compensation (VC)–their term for image stabilization–and is a constant f/2.8. In addition, it can focus as close as 7.5 inches at the wide-angle end and 15.4 inches at the telephoto end, which makes it useful for macro photography. 

The autofocus is super fast, and you can barely hear it when using it. This makes it great for situations where you need to be as quiet as possible. For example, you don’t want to be photographing a wedding, and just as the bride is about to say “I do,” your camera’s autofocus starts buzzing and causing a distraction. There is some noticeable barrel distortion at the wide end and pincushion distortion when zoomed in, but you can easily adjust that in editing.

It has almost no focus breathing, meaning the focal length doesn’t change as you adjust focus. In combination with the fast and quiet autofocus and vibration control, this lens is an excellent choice for video work on a budget. 

FAQs

Methodology

There were many considerations for choosing the lenses above, but ultimately, it came down to usage and budget. There are many lenses out there, both Sony and third-party lenses, and they all have their pros and cons. At the end of the day, the Sony a6000 is not one of Sony’s high-end models, and therefore the higher-end lenses that are available were not selected. 

Instead, the editors and writers at Pop Photo chose the lenses that we believe our readers will find most useful. We looked at factors such as the weight of the lens, low light capabilities, and versatility. The Sony a6000 is a great camera for all kinds of situations, and the lens that you buy should, ultimately, be able to handle those varied situations.

Final Thoughts

The Sony a6000 is a great little camera that holds its own and continues to be one of Sony’s most popular choices. Despite being older, this camera has no shortage of lens options, especially as new iterations of the camera are released and lenses continue to be usable with this E-mount camera.

The post The best lenses for Sony a6000 in 2023 appeared first on Popular Photography.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best overall		Moto G200		SEE IT
Best camera		Motorola Edge 20 Pro		SEE IT
Most durable		Motorola Defy		SEE IT

Motorola phones dominated the 1990s and 2000s with their innovative designs. But as the innovation of smartphones became more prolific, Motorola slowly disappeared from the public eye. Though it isn’t as popular these days, it still produces fantastic phones that meet the needs of millions worldwide.

Yes, Samsung and Apple (and to a certain extent Google and Huawei) dominate the cell phone industry, but this leads to tunnel vision for consumers. Many seem to think that there are no choices beyond the major brands. While there is no denying that they produce impressive phones, the question is, do you need the high-end specs of their phones? And do you want to spend that much on a piece of technology that will age quickly?

If the answer to these is a resounding, or even a timid, “no,” then Motorola might be the phone for you. The underdogs of the phone industry are not finished yet, and these are some of the best Motorola phones. 

• Best overall: Moto G200
• Best camera: Motorola Edge 20 Pro
• Most durable: Motorola Defy
• Best display resolution: Motorola Edge+
• Best budget: Motorola Moto G30

Things to consider before buying a Motorola phone

Processor

Like your brain, the processor controls everything within the phone. The more powerful the processor, the faster thing the phone will function. A quicker processor comes in handy when you are more media and game heavy on your phone. It’s like having an engine in your car; if you plan on using the car for more heavy performance-related activities, then you need a more powerful engine. But if you are just reading your emails or the latest story about how a celebrity went off the rails, then you don’t need a Ferrari; a budget Ford will do just fine.

RAM

RAM, or Random Access Memory, is a short-term memory bank. For example, say you are in an app but have to close it because your brother texted you a funny joke. You don’t need to worry about losing your place in that app. Instead, RAM remembers your place in the app and opens it exactly where you were. 

This short-term memory for bouncing between apps is not the only thing that RAM does, but it is a big part of it. Essentially, the more RAM you have, the more data it can store and the faster your phone will be. Like the processor, if you are only using your phone for casual use like emails and calls, you don’t need to pay for a lot of RAM. But more RAM will be helpful if you like to use lots of apps.

Camera

For some users, the camera is the most important feature of a smartphone. Many people don’t have a camera beyond the one on their phone, so they focus on that. It allows them to capture everything from holidays and special events to their baby’s first steps without spending money on a dedicated camera. 

If you want a good camera, look for a phone with multiple cameras for different angles of view (wide-angle, telephoto, and normal) and a high megapixel count. You may also want to check what types of camera modes a phone has to give you more creative options while taking photos and videos. 

Battery

Over the past few decades, there has been a desire to reduce the size of cell phones to make them smaller and slimmer. The thinner size means that the technology inside the phone has to be more compact to fit inside. Even so, there is less space left for a battery. Also, we use our phones more these days than we did with the early cell phones, which drains battery life. As a result, gone are the days when phones can last more than several weeks, let alone a few days. 

Battery capacity is measured in milliampere/hour (mAh). The higher the number, the more charge the battery can hold. However, the phone’s processor and other software also help to determine how long a battery can last. For example, a good processor can improve battery usage compared to a lower-end processor. That means a 4500mAh battery can, in theory, last longer than a 5000mAh one. 

Storage

Just about everything we do requires a specialized app, with some taking up a lot of space on your phone’s storage. For example, Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp use between 200MB and 500MB on my phone. Photos from phones are also getting larger, which requires more space. So if you need lots of apps or take lots of photographs or videos with your phone, you’ll need one with a lot of internal storage. But you won’t need as much if you will solely use your phone for calling, texting, and the odd photo.

Don’t forget that you can always purchase cloud storage. Although this won’t save you space for apps, you can free up room by clearing out photos and, more importantly, videos which take up a lot of data. 

Screen

There are several reasons why a better screen is useful. Firstly, a higher resolution screen will give you better color, making watching movies and playing games better. It will also make your photos more accurate when you view and edit them. Secondly, a better frame rate will mean smoother motions and movements, such as opening and closing apps and playing games, which will help with eye or headache problems. 

These are our picks for the best Motorola phones:

Best overall: Moto G200

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: It has a powerful processor and is 5G ready. The Moto G200 is a great phone for those that don’t want to break the bank but want some fantastic features.

Key features:

• Processor: Qualcomm® Snapdragon® 888
• RAM: 8GB
• Screen: 6.8-inch FHD+
• Camera: Rear: 108MP main camera, 13MP ultra-wide-angle | Front: 16MP 
• Storage: 128GB
• Battery: 5000mAh

Pros

• Fast processor
• Long battery life
• Great camera setup
• Great screen refresh rate

Cons

• Large screen isn’t ideal for one handed use

The Moto G200 is one of Motorola’s latest phones. It comes with the powerful and fast Qualcomm® Snapdragon® 888. Combined with the 8GB RAM, this is a lightning-fast phone that handles gaming and movies incredibly well. It also comes with a 5000mAh battery, which lasts up to 36 hours, according to Motorola. The long battery life is partly due to the processor, which handles power usage much more effectively. 

The phone itself does not have the most stunning design. It’s also rather big, and it might not be the most comfortable phone to hold for those with small hands or one-handed use. There’s a nice curve to the back, but overall the design lacks a sense of beauty. 

Unfortunately, the display is LCD, which isn’t as attractive as the OLED many of its competitors use. But the G200 makes up for the lower quality display with a fast refresh rate. The refresh rate is a fantastic 144Hz, which is great for gaming and movies.

The camera setup is decent. There are two cameras at the back and a depth sensor, which, as the name suggests, detects depth and provides better photos as a result. The 108MP main camera and 13MP ultra-wide-angle lens cover a variety of photographic situations. The ultra-wide-angle camera has a 120-degree field of view, perfect for taking group photos or stunning views while on holiday. 

Best camera: Motorola Edge 20 Pro

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: The Motorola Edge 20 Pro has a three-camera setup that gives you everything you need to take the most amazing photos possible, wherever you are. 

Key features:

• Processor: Qualcomm® Snapdragon® 870
• RAM: 12GB
• Screen: 6.7-inch FHD+
• Camera: Rear: 108MP main camera, 8MP 5x telephoto, 16MP ultra-wide-angle | Front: 32MP
• Storage: 256GB
• Battery: 4500mAh

Pros

• The three-camera setup is great
• Plenty of RAM 
• Large storage capacity
• Decent battery life

Cons

• No wireless charging

The Motorola Edge 20 Pro is a fantastic phone that comes with 12GB of RAM. Unfortunately, the Snapdragon® 870 processor is a slightly older one that came out in early 2021. That’s not to say it is slow or ineffective, as it will still do a good job, but you aren’t getting the latest tech here. 

The best part of the Motorola Edge 20 Pro is the cameras. It comes with a 108MP main camera, a 5x telephoto camera at 8MP, and a 16MP ultra-wide-angle camera with a 119-degree field of view. The three-camera setup makes this a highly versatile camera. The main camera also has an aperture of f/1.9, which will work well for low light photography. If you like to take photos indoors, then this is perfect for you. 

It’s also surprising to see a phone manufacturer give more than 128GB of storage capacity on their phones, so it’s a very welcome addition for the Edge 20 Pro to have 256GB. The ample storage is more than enough to support dozens of apps, media, and the endless photos and videos that you take. The battery capacity is also very generous, with 4500mAh of charge available. However, the downside is that it is missing wireless charging despite this being a flagship phone. Missing wireless charging capabilities is not a dealbreaker for many people, but it is useful if you have wireless charging support in your car or on your desk.

Most durable: Motorola Defy

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: As the name implies, Motorola designed the Defy to defy the norm and survive all but the most severe drops and conditions. Its durability is perfect if you’re clumsy or need a phone to take to extreme locations.

Key features:

• Processor: Qualcomm® Snapdragon® 662
• RAM: 4GB
• Screen: 6.5-inch HD+
• Camera: Rear: 48MP main camera, 2MP macro camera | Front: 8MP
• Storage: 64GB (expandable)
• Battery: 5000mAh

Pros

• Highly durable and rugged
• Includes a lanyard attachment
• Great battery 
• Textured back for better handling

Cons

• Only 64GB of storage
• Not the best camera setup

The Motorola Defy is a beautiful-looking phone. The back of the phone, which has two cameras, a depth sensor, and a flash, has a great feel and look. The back is textured with crisscrossing lines, which makes it easier to hold, even if wet. Motorola truly designed this phone to survive the great outdoors. It’s a phone you can throw at a charging bear as a distraction while you climb up a tree and pick it up to call for a ride home when it leaves. 

It’s drop-proof up to 5.9 feet, waterproof up to 4.9 feet for 35 minutes, dust and sand proof, and can survive temperatures as low as -13ºF to 131ºF. Motorola even tested it to military-grade standards. It’s a great choice if you are likely to drop your phone or like to go into extreme conditions. However, there is no official bear-proof test, so please don’t test that.

Motorola states that the phone can last up to two days on a single charge. While 5000mAh is a lot of battery for a phone, be aware that all aspects of the phone can reduce the battery life. Although, with the ability to withstand extremely cold conditions, the Defy’s battery life in cold weather can, in theory, last longer than a standard phone without this protection. 

The camera itself is simply okay and nothing outstanding. It’s strange to see a macro camera on the phone as it’s a relatively niche photography subject. It would have been far more beneficial to have an ultra-wide-angle lens, given that this phone is meant for outdoor use. Sadly, the phone only has 64GB of internal storage. But you can get more storage by inserting a microSD card that you can buy separately, so it’s not the end of the world if you need the space. 

Best display resolution: Motorola Edge+ (2022)

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: The phone that Motorola threw everything at which produced an exceptional flagship device and caters to all your wants and needs in a phone. 

Key features:

• Processor: Qualcomm® Snapdragon® 8 Gen 1
• RAM: 8GB
• Screen: 6.7-inch FHD+
• Camera: Rear: 50MP main camera, 50MP ultra-wide-angle camera | Front: 60MP
• Storage: 512GB
• Battery: 4800mAh

Pros

• Qualcomm®’s latest and fastest processor
• Fast refresh rate
• Large storage capacity
• Long battery life

Cons

• No optical zoom

The Motorola Edge+ (2022 edition) has Qualcomm®’s latest processor inside it, the Snapdragon® 8 Gen 1. This new processor is 20% faster than the Snapdragon® 888, which came out in 2021, and uses 30% less power. Paired with 8GB of RAM, this fast phone can handle lots of information and activities. So if you play games and watch movies a lot, this is the phone for you as you will not see much lag on it. 

The Edge+ has a 6.7-inch” FHD+ screen with a 144Hz refresh rate. Movement is smooth and clear, perfect for anyone who gets headaches with phone screens. The colors are also beautiful and vivid. Furthermore, the pinhole selfie camera does not take up much room on the display. The battery is also great, with 4800mAh of charge. The Snapdragon® 8 Gen 1 processor also does a great job of reducing battery usage so that you can use your phone for longer when you need it the most. 

The back features a 50MP main camera and a 50MP ultra-wide-angle camera with a field of view of 114 degrees. These camera choices are ideal for those that want to take photos of everything from holidays to street photography. In addition, the fact that this phone comes with 512GB is excellent news. You can take more photos and videos thanks to that abundant storage. And, if you want to, you can download movies and TV shows from the latest streaming service to watch on the vivid screen without running out of room. 

Most people don’t particularly care about the looks of their phones, especially as we tend to put them into protective cases anyway. However, for those who do care, this is not the most stunning phone out there. The arrangement of the cameras combined with the Motorola logo gives very 1990s and 2000s phone vibes. That makes sense, given that Motorola was very popular in those decades but is outdated and does not look great. That being said, if you can overlook this or like the design (as it is subjective), you will most certainly get a great phone.

Best budget: Motorola Moto G30

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: Phones are expensive; there’s no doubt about it. However, if you don’t need a lot of flashiness and just want a phone for the most basic use, then the Moto G30 is perfect for you. 

Key features:

• Processor: Qualcomm® Snapdragon® 662
• RAM: 4GB or 6GB
• Screen: 6.5-inch screen
• Camera: Rear: 64MP main camera, 8MP ultra-wide-angle, 2MP macro | Front: 13MP
• Storage: 64GB or 128GB
• Battery: 5000mAh

Pros

• Long battery life
• Useful camera variety
• Low cost

Cons

• Slow processor

The Motorola Moto G30 is a good phone for those looking for something basic. It’s not outstanding and will not come close to the quality and speeds of Motorola’s flagship range, much less than some of the more premium brands’ phones, but it does a great job at doing the basics at a low cost. 

The phone comes with a generous amount of battery charge at 5000mAh, which on paper can last a day or two. However, the Snapdragon® 662 is not Qualcomm®’s fastest or most powerful processor, so it won’t be able to control battery usage as well. Still, it will last a decent while, as chances are you won’t be using this phone for anything more than the basics. It can easily handle tasks such as phone calls, emails, and maybe some social media. However, if you want to play intensive games or watch movies, we suggest you consider a phone with more power.

The camera is decent and features a 64MP main camera, an 8MP ultra-wide-angle camera, and a 2MP macro. While the former two are helpful for a variety of situations, the macro isn’t as much. Still, it’s not a bad thing to have some options and variety.

Overall, if you are on a tight budget and need a phone for the basics, then the Motorola Moto G30 will be a perfect choice.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best Motorola phones

We picked the Moto G200 as our best overall because it has an exceptional camera setup, stunning screen, and a powerful processor. It’s also lower cost than the Motorola Edge+ (2022) or the Edge 20 Pro, so you’re getting a flagship phone at a lower cost than Motorola’s other flagship phones. If you have the budget, the Motorola Edge+ (2022) has the American company’s latest hardware and tech, including Qualcomm® Snapdragon® 8 Gen 1.

Methodology: How we picked the best Motorola phones

The editors and writers at Popular Photography have decades of photography experience with a wide variety of products and situations. I am a Google 6 user and have owned various phones from brands such as Samsung, Nokia, Huawei, and OnePlus. 

There are many things to look out for in a cell phone, and not everyone will buy a phone for the same reason. We chose performance (such as the RAM and processor), camera setup, storage, battery charge, and screen size as the most important features because these significantly impact how you use the phone.  

The post The best Motorola phones for 2023 appeared first on Popular Photography.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Most affordable		Xiaomi Poco X4 Pro 5G		SEE IT
Best Redmi		Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro		SEE IT
Best mid range		Xiaomi 11T Pro		SEE IT

Chances are you might not have heard of Xiaomi phones (pronounced shao-mee, think “show me the money”!), which translates to “little rice.” And yet they are one of the biggest tech companies in the world, making everything from phones and fitness trackers to TVs and air purifiers. They are fast becoming a big household name outside of Asia and are known for their innovative and smart tech approach. Their phones are no different as they are packed with high-tech features while being budget-friendly, giving you lots of bang for your buck. 

From a design perspective, Xiaomi phones are visually stunning. These days, most phones will have multiple rear cameras, and making a four-camera setup look minimalist is hard. However, the designers at Xiaomi nail it more often than not, with the best Xiaomi phones giving you a beautifully inspiring phone that you cannot resist showing off. 

• Best overall: Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra
• Best camera: Xiaomi 12 Pro
• Best Redmi: Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro
• Best mid range: Xiaomi 11T Pro
• Most affordable: Xiaomi Poco X4 Pro 5G

Things to consider before buying a Xiaomi phone

There are many things to consider with phones in general. However, some specific factors make all the difference between a mid-range phone and a premium one. The features below are some of the most important things to look at when choosing the right phone for your needs.

Processor

The first thing to consider is the processor. The processor is essentially the brain of the phone or any electronic device, like a computer. It essentially gives instructions to the rest of your phone, and the faster, more up-to-date processor you have, the quicker your phone will be. Speed is especially important for those who like playing games or watching media on their phone.

RAM

RAM, or Random Access Memory, is the short-term memory bank for your phone. The more RAM you have, the more data it can handle and the faster you’ll be able to switch between applications. Most phones will have between two and six gigabytes of RAM. 

RAM and the processor work hand in hand. If you have too much RAM, your processor may not be able to handle it. Think of it as a powerful car engine in a car that is rusty and breaking down. Yes, you have a fast engine, but it won’t go very far if the car can’t handle the power.

Camera

The introduction of cameras on phones is one of the most significant society-changing moments in the 21st century. It’s resulted in the rise of companies like Instagram, Snapchat, and Tik Tok and made photography more accessible.

Nowadays, most phones have multiple rear and front cameras, which limits the space on the phone for other tech and increases the manufacturing cost. However, numerous cameras on a single device offer better quality and versatility. For example, a single camera that has to do it all will not be as good as having dedicated telephoto and wide-angle cameras. A single camera may also require you to rely on digital zoom, which significantly degrades image quality. 

If you want to use your phone as a camera replacement, look for one with multiple cameras with different angles of view, ideally including telephoto and wide-angle. You’ll also want a high megapixel count for better quality.

Battery

Gone are the days when phones could last weeks on a single charge. Nowadays, you’re lucky to get through an entire day without needing to charge your phone. Batteries on phones are not all created equal, and paying attention to battery specs will only be beneficial.

Battery capacity is measured in milliampere hour (mAh). The higher the number, the longer the battery life. For example, a 3000 mAH battery can last around 10 hours. However, bear in mind that the more you use the phone, the faster it will drain. In addition, a better processor and operating system will help reduce battery usage. 

While this is an important aspect of a phone, it may not necessarily be the end of the world. You can always carry a power bank for portable charging when you aren’t near an outlet should you want to ensure you always have power. Sure, it’s not the most convenient, but it does mean that a small battery in a phone isn’t that bad. 

Storage

Obviously, the more storage a phone has, the more you can store. But many manufacturers are limiting the amount of storage you get, partly due to, ironically, physical space on the phone. They also may be trying to get you to buy their cloud storage services. 

The larger the storage a phone has, the more it will cost, so you need to consider what you will use it for. Storage space isn’t as crucial if you primarily use your phone for calls and web browsing. But if you use it for work, take loads of photos, or plan on downloading many apps and games, then you’ll need more storage. 64GB is usually plenty for most people, but if you have more, you’ll have more freedom to use your phone as needed without restrictions. Furthermore, some manufacturers will give you more RAM when buying a phone with more storage, so you’ll also have a faster device.

Screen

We’ve seen phones as large as bricks during the 90s and as small as a bank card in the 00s. There is a fine line these days, especially as smartphones require more power for the technology they hold. To keep phones thinner, companies make the screen larger, giving you more screen space. Most Xiaomi phones are approximately 6.5 inches on average, which is a decent size to both hold in your hand and carry in your pockets. 

When considering screen quality, refresh rate is one aspect to pay attention to. A higher refresh rate will give you smoother and clearer images, which is helpful if you intend to use your phone to watch media or play games. In addition, the more premium phones allow you to adjust it to save battery life or suit your eyesight better.

Here are our picks for the best Xiaomi phones for 2022

Best overall: Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: It may have slightly older hardware, but the quality of this phone is still incredible, with usability at the forefront of design. 

Key features:

• Processor: Snapdragon® 888
• RAM: 12GB
• Screen: 6.8-inch WQHD+ AMOLED DotDisplay
• Camera: Rear: 50MP wide-angle, 48MP ultra-wide-angle, 48MP telephoto | Front: 20MP
• Storage: 256GB
• Battery: 5000 mAh

Pros

• Large storage capacity
• Lots of RAM
• Great camera options
• IP68 waterproofing

Cons

• Front selfie camera is not central
• Rear camera arrangement sticks out substantially

Released in 2021, the Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra was the predecessor to the 12 Pro, Xiaomi’s current flagship phone. The designers of the Mi 11 Ultra placed a lot of thought and attention on how the end user would use their phones. For example, the Mi 11 Ultra has a small display at the back near the cameras. It provides details such as time, battery life, and notifications. It is handy if you don’t want a 6.8-inch screen showing you everything or causing a bright light at night.

You can also use the rear screen to help with taking selfies if you want to take advantage of the much higher quality rear cameras or the ultra-wide angle for group photos. However, the downside to this is that it’s not the most stylish looking back of the phone, as it takes up a quarter of the back and sticks out more than others. It is also a touch screen prone to getting accidentally tapped, which is less than ideal.

The Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra has three cameras: a 50MP wide-angle, 48MP ultra-wide-angle (128° FOV), and 48MP telephoto lens. The 50MP wide-angle has an aperture of f/1.95, making it better for low light conditions. Moreover, combined with Xiaomi’s Ultra Night Photo mode, you can take photos in near darkness. The 48MP telephoto camera has 5x optical zoom and up to 120x digital zoom. Digital zoom usually results in lower quality, but with Xiaomi’s AI, 48MP, and the 1/2.0-inch sensor, the quality is still excellent in the right conditions. Furthermore, Xiaomi employs a 64-point laser focus, which means it can track subjects and keep them in sharp focus. 

The phone has an older processor, the Snapdragon® 888, but it is still one of Qualcomm’s best processors ever. Coupled with the 12GB RAM, the Mi 11 Ultra is a fantastically fast phone. There is also 256GB of storage, giving you more space for your photos and videos without needing to delete your media or save them onto cloud storage. 

Besides the look of the rear camera setup, the Mi 11 Ultra is a beautiful phone. It looks and feels like a premium phone. However, the selfie camera is on the corner of the screen. This placement allows you to have more screen space, but some may find it not ideal when taking a selfie. 

Best camera: Xiaomi 12 Pro

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: Xiaomi’s current flagship phone, released in April 2022, is a fantastic phone with a three rear camera arrangement to cover all your photographic needs. It comes with Qualcomm’s latest and most powerful processor, which is 20% faster than its predecessor.

Key features:

• Processor: Snapdragon® 8 Gen 1
• RAM: 8GB or 12GB
• Screen: 6.73-inch AMOLED DotDisplay
• Camera: Rear: 50MP wide-angle, 50MP ultra-wide-angle, 50MP telephoto | Front: 32MP 
• Storage: 128GB or 256GB
• Battery: 4600mAh

Pros

• Stylish design
• Fantastic camera set up
• Fast charging

Cons

• Not IP rated

The Xiaomi 12 Pro is the Chinese manufacturer’s current flagship phone and is packed with amazing features, such as an in-screen fingerprint scanner and AI face unlock for extra security. Inside the box is a 120W charger, which allows you to charge the phone very quickly, though, with its 4600mAh battery, you can use the phone for longer. Xiaomi’s AdaptiveCharge technology learns and adapts from your daily charging and sleeping routines. It stops charging at 80% to prolong the battery’s life and then slowly charges so that it will be fully charged when you wake up. 

The three-camera setup has an impressive 50MP wide-angle lens, 50MP ultra-wide-angle lens, and a 50MP telephoto lens. The front camera is just as good at 32MP and provides clear selfies. There are also several modes that you can use, such as Ultra Night Photo and Distortion Mode, to give you more flexibility and creative control. When using the phone in long exposure mode with a phone tripod, the night and astrophotos are amazingly high quality and beautiful. 

The design is reminiscent of older Samsung models, such as the Samsung Galaxy S7, but still looks stunning. Phone manufacturers have begun adding more cameras on the back of the phone to give you more flexibility and quality, but with that comes the issue of how it looks. Fortunately, the Xiaomi 12 Pro has balanced looks and functionality with the main camera at the top and the two other cameras just below it. 

The front camera is not obtrusive, making more of the 6.67-inch screen available for use. The screen itself is an AMOLED DotDisplay with beautiful colors. You can adjust the refresh rate from as low as 1Hz to 120Hz, which allows you to save power and help with different eye sights or conditions. In addition, Xiaomi worked with Harman Kardon to give you fantastic sound quality. It also comes with Dolby Atmos, which means that your movies and games will have crystal clear sound. 

One disappointing aspect, especially for a premium flagship phone, is that it is not IP rated. This means that, while it does have some protection, it is not fully protected when using it in the rain or if you drop it in the toilet.

Best Redmi: Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: Xiaomi built its Redmi Note line with business users in mind. With the Note 11 Pro’s expandable storage and 3.5mm headphone jack, it is very well suited to the modern world of Zoom calls.

Key features:

• Processor: Snapdragon® 695
• RAM: 6GB or 8GB
• Screen size: 6.67-inch FHD+ AMOLED DotDisplay
• Camera: Rear: 108MP wide-angle, 8MP ultra-wide-angle, 2MP macro | Front: 16MP 
• Storage: 64GB or 128GB (expandable up to 1TB)
• Battery: 5000 mAH

Pros

• 5G ready
• Expandable storage
• 3.5mm headphone jack
• Stylish phone

Cons

• Not the best camera

The Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G is a gorgeous phone. It comes in Polar White, Graphite Gray, and Atlantic Blue, with the latter having a wavy water effect that is so beautiful that it would be a shame to cover it up with a phone case. The 6.67-inch full HD AMOLED display renders colors beautifully and comes with a 120Hz refresh rate, making things very clear. It’s 5G ready, so you can hit the ground running with the fastest possible connection. In addition, the 5000mAh battery means more prolonged use and less need to charge your phone. A 0% to 100% charge takes approximately 42 minutes, according to Xiaomi, which means if your battery runs out, you can be on the move again quickly. 

64GB and 128GB are not the most extensive amounts of storage possible. Although that is more than enough for most users, it is possible to expand the storage to 1TB. That means you can store more work, personal documents, and media on your phone without needing to free up space constantly. 

However, arguably the best feature is the inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack. I use wireless headphones, but I miss the option of a headphone jack, especially when my headphones run out of battery. Including this near-extinct feature is very welcome for those who tend to forget to charge their headphones or still prefer old-school connections. It is also helpful if you are on a zoom call and need to plug into a wired headphone for better clarity.

The most disappointing aspect is that the cameras aren’t the best. They’re still good, but an 8MP ultra-wide-angle is less than some of Xiaomi’s phones and many of its competitors. It would have been nicer to see a 50MP wide-angle and a 50MP ultra-wide-angle instead of the 108MP main camera. That being said, the cameras are still great and have amazing low-light capabilities, thanks to the phone’s AI. 

Best mid range: Xiaomi 11T Pro

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: The Xiaomi 11T Pro is a mid-range version of the Mi 11 former flagship phone. The specs aren’t quite as good as the flagship phone, but it is a fantastic phone that punches far above its weight and gives you great value for money.  

Key features:

• Processor: Qualcomm®️ Snapdragon™️ 888
• RAM: 8GB or 12GB
• Screen size: 6.67-inch AMOLED Display
• Camera: Rear: 108MP main camera, 8MP ultra-wide-angle lens, 5MP telemacro lens | Front: 16MP 
• Storage: 128GB
• Battery: 4500mAh

Pros

• 120W charging via dual-cell battery
• Fast refresh rate
• 5G ready

Cons

• No wireless charging

Xiaomi’s website focuses significantly on the Xiaomi Hypercharge’s battery charging capabilities, and it’s easy to see why. With 120W capable charging, the phone can charge from 0% to 100% in only 17 mins. It has two battery cells inside the phone, which means it can charge the phone much faster than a single cell as each cell is smaller and therefore takes less time to charge up individually. 

The screen is a 6.67-inch AMOLED display that renders clearly and smoothly with a 120Hz refresh rate making it an excellent phone for everything from movies and gaming to emails and e-books. The Harman Kardon speakers are incredibly good and sound sensational. The collaboration with Dolby Atmos also gives you clear, immersive sounds. 

This Xiaomi phone isn’t that bad looking, but it’s hardly the most inspiring phone. Not exactly the end of the world, especially if you use a case, but some people want a decent-looking phone. One thing lacking from this phone is wireless charging. As with the phone’s design, it’s not the worst thing to miss. However, it is convenient when you are at a desk, so it would have been nice to have this addition. 

Most affordable: Xiaomi POCOX4 Pro 5G

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: These days, many mid-range and premium phones usually cost as much as a small laptop, but the POCO X4 Pro is much more affordable while retaining premium features, such as a 120Hz refresh rate and 67W fast charging. 

Key features:

• Processor: Snapdragon® 695
• RAM: 6GB or 8GB
• Screen size: 6.67-inch FHD+ AMOLED DotDisplay
• Camera: Rear: 108MP main camera, 8MP ultra-wide-angle, 2MP macro | Front: 16MP
• Storage: 128GB or 256GB
• Battery: 5000 mAh

Pros

• Stunning design
• 5G ready
• Affordable price
• Large battery capacity

Cons

• Macro lens is not really needed

On paper, the POCO X4 Pro has some very premium features but at a very affordable price. For example, the 6.67-inch FHD+ AMOLED DotDisplay with a 120Hz refresh rate is a feature usually reserved for more expensive, high-end phones. And the 5000mAh battery with 67W fast charging is very welcome and surprising for a phone at such a low price. It is also 5G ready, giving you a future-proof phone. 

The phone itself, like many Xiaomi phones, is beautifully designed. It comes in three colors, Laser Blue, Laser Black, and yellow. Each is stunning to look at with lines, like lasers, on the back of the phone. While the camera arrangement at the back may put people off, it is nonetheless a very well-designed phone.

Storage capacity is very generous, with 128GB for the 6GB RAM option and 256GB for the 8GB RAM option. The larger RAM is worth the upgrade when paired with the Snapdragon® 695’s octa-core processor, which provides eight cores or processing units, making the POCO X4 Pro an exceptionally fast phone, given the price.

Users will get a decent 108MP f/1.9 main camera on the rear of the phone and an 8MP ultra-wide-angle. While the main camera and ultra-wide angle camera are useful for everyday situations, such as group photos, the same cannot be said for the 2MP macro camera. It would have been better to have a telephoto camera; the macro will likely not be used by anyone other than photographers.

FAQs

Final thoughts on Xiaomi phones

The Xiaomi team has clearly thought about how the end user will use its phones. The specs and tech inside each phone, particularly the flagship phones, are fantastic and take the fight to the market leaders, such as Samsung and Apple, at a portion of the cost. So if you are looking for a phone with high-end specs, a beautiful design, and fantastic features but are on a budget, the Xiaomi phones are the right way to go.

Methodology: How we picked the best Xiaomi phones

The team at PopPhoto has decades of experience in a variety of photographic and technological situations. We have thoroughly researched the Xiaomi phones and considered what most users would want in their phones. Features such as the cameras, built-in storage, and processing speed were deemed most important. We also looked at the sound quality, the ability to expand storage, display quality, and any unique features. Finally, though Xiaomi phones are already budget-friendly, we aimed to choose products at different price points to suit various needs.

The post The best Xiaomi phones for 2023 appeared first on Popular Photography.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best overall		Ray-Ban Stories		SEE IT
Best video camera		Snapchat Spectacles 3		SEE IT
Best sports action		OhO 4K Ski Goggles		SEE IT

In May 2014, Google released its camera glasses, which it thought would revolutionize the camera and eyeglasses industry at the same time. For various reasons, this did not change the world beyond the initial surprise and awe at such a device. The rise of GoPros and other action cameras led to a change in how we perceive footage captured. The expanding popularity of action footage led to more and more action glasses as the demand for more point-of-view action rose. Google may not have revolutionized the industry; nevertheless, there is still a market for the best camera glasses in 2023.

• Best overall: Ray-Ban Stories
• Best video camera: Snapchat Spectacles 3 
• Best sports action: OhO 4K Ski Goggles
• Best 4K: iVUE Vista Action Camera Glasses 
• Best budget: Sheawasy Camera Glasses

How we picked the best smart glasses

The team at PopPhoto has decades of experience in most photography and technological situations. Comfort was one of the primary considerations when selecting the options on this list. As a long-time glasses wearer, I know the discomfort one gets from wearing them and how important comfort is. Many other factors were considered, too, such as style and use, and of course budget.

The best camera glasses: Reviews & Recommendations

Best overall: Ray-Ban Stories

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: Everyone has heard of Ray-Bans! You have, I have, Lionel Ritchie has (probably). The point is that Ray-Bans are the world’s leading sunglasses manufacturer. So if they say they’re making smart camera glasses with a 105° field of view, then you stand up and take notice.

Key features:

• Image quality: Up To 2592 x 1944px
• Video quality: Up to 1414 x 1414 at 30fps
• Field of view: 105°
• Privacy light: Yes
• Weight: 1.76oz

Pros

• Lightweight
• Stylish
• Touch control
• Comes with a charging case

     Cons

• Can’t record for long

Ray-Bans are cool. Well cooler than me, anyway. When you wear Ray-Bans, you just feel more confident. And these camera glasses are just as cool as standard Ray-Ban sunglasses. They look stunning and make you feel stunning because you are stunning. They come in a variety of designs and colors to suit many different people, from Wayfarers to round glasses. In addition, you can get clear glasses or polarized sunglasses, so you have multiple options to choose from.

Wearing these won’t be uncomfortable as they only weigh 1.76oz, which is good for a pair of glasses packed with technology. Ray-Ban worked with Facebook to build these glasses from the ground up, and they allow you to record and share stories via Facebook using the phrase “Hey Facebook.”

The field of view is nice and wide at 105°, enabling you to capture more of the scene. With three built-in microphones to capture sound in all directions and built-in speakers, you can take calls and listen to music while on the go. And the arm of the glasses has a touchpad, so you can easily take a photo or turn the volume up by tapping the side.

The downside, though, is that you can only record for 30 seconds at a time. But thirty seconds is the maximum length for Instagram Story videos, so this makes sense. If you want longer videos, look elsewhere, but the quality these camera glasses ooze makes you wonder, “Why am I wearing normal glasses?!”

Best video camera: Snapchat Spectacles 3

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: Snapchat took camera glasses one step further and added a second camera to allow you to record in 3D, giving you the opportunity to make fun and unique videos.

Key features:

• Image quality: 1728 x 1729 pixels in 3D
• Video quality: 1216 x 1216 pixels at 60 fps in 3D
• Field of view: 105° in 2D, 86° in 3D
• Privacy light: No
• Weight: 1.99oz

Pros

• Two cameras to record in 3D
• Four built-in microphones
• Wirelessly syncs to your phone
• Edit and share on Snapchat
• VR compatible

Cons

• Not weather resistant
• Expensive

Even Snapchat is getting into the camera glasses industry, and the Snapchat Spectacles 3 stand out amongst the rest. The most unique feature of the Spectacles 3 is the 3D-capable camera; it has two cameras that work in sync to give you a three-dimensional video. You can wirelessly sync to your phone, where you can then edit and share on Snapchat. 

You can relive your memories captured by the Spectacles 3 in virtual reality (VR), as it comes with a 3D viewer that simply requires your phone. Furthermore, you can use the glasses as an augmented reality (AR) device and add things like birds flying around you or confetti, which can be a fun way to spend the day! Finally, with not one, not two, but four built-in microphones, the Spectacles 3 will ensure every sound is perfectly captured. 

These features will set you back quite a lot as it’s a costly pair of glasses. If you have the money, though, it can be a fun pair of camera glasses to have. Another factor is that it’s not water-resistant. That may not be the be-all and end-all, but given that this camera allows you to use AR in your surroundings, some weather sealing would have been a great bonus feature, especially at the price point. 

Best sports action: OhO 4K Ski Goggles

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: Yes, these are ski goggles and not glasses. Having said that, James Bond regularly had chases along down some stunning mountains, so we’re allowing this! You can capture the best action with 4K at 24fps or step down to 1080p but get smoother action at 60fps. 

Key features:

• Photo quality: 24MP 6000 x 4000 px
• Video quality: 1080p/60fps or 4K/24fps
• Field of view: 70°
• Privacy light: Yes
• Weight:  1.17 pounds

Pros

• Great frame rate
• High quality photos
• Wi-fi for live streaming
• 60fps at 1080p

Cons

• Heavy
• Limited to snow sports

Snapchat, Facebook, Instagram, and many other social media platforms provide the ability to live stream your life. So whether it’s your daily commute, brunch with your friends, or that epic ski trip, the OhO 4K Ski Glasses have built-in Wi-Fi for live streaming those unforgettable moments in life. 

These goggles can record 1080p at 60fps, which is fantastic, especially for those fast-paced skiing moments. The high frame rate will ensure clarity and smoothness in your videos. It can also record in 4K, but it is limited to 24fps. This frame rate is still reasonable, but it is not the best, especially if you want to slow down your footage at all.

These goggles weigh in at 1.17 pounds, which is quite a bit heavier than standard ski goggles. But, you do get a high-quality camera built-in and don’t need to fuss with attaching a GoPro to your helmet. In addition, the goggles are designed to be fog-resistant, have UV protection, and remain well ventilated.

Best 4K: iVUE Vista Action Camera Glasses

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: The iVue Vista Action Camera Glasses have up to 4K resolution for high-quality footage. Plus, they are shock and water resistant, so you can worry less while documenting action.

Key features:

• Photo quality: 8MP
• Video quality: 720p/120fps, 1080p/60fps, and 4K/24fps
• Field of view: 70°
• Privacy light: Yes
• Weight: 9.9oz

Pros

• High frame rate
• TR90 shock-resistant and water-resistant at IP44
• Polarized lenses
• Comes with clear lenses
• Up to 4K resolution

Cons

• Short battery life
• No option to expand storage
• Heavy

The iVue Vista Action Camera Glasses is a great pair of camera glasses that supports up to 4K resolution with 24fps, the standard frame rate for movies. If you want or need a faster frame rate, such as for slow-motion or action shots, you have to step down to a lower resolution. 1080p records at 60fps, and you can even get 120fps at 720p. Essentially, you can do fast-paced action shots at 720p and turn it into slow motion if you want to. 

The camera glasses also have a nifty vibrating feature when you take a photo or start/stop recording so that you know if you got the shot. The iVue comes with 64GB of built-in memory, but unfortunately, you cannot expand this further as there is no microSD card slot.

The frames are TR90 frames, which means that they are very flexible and durable. Even if you drop them, they should be fine. The lenses are also polarized, so you can wear them on a sunny day or anywhere there are bright lights and reflections. Finally, the glasses are IP44 rated, meaning that they are dust and rain resistant, allowing you to use them outdoors in light rain. Of course, heavy torrential rain or submerging them underwater will break them, so please don’t do that!

One thing to note is that battery life isn’t great at only 1 hour of recording. That should be plenty for most scenarios, but be aware if you plan to take these into the backcountry with you. Finally, at 9.9oz, it’s the heaviest of the true glasses options on our list. It’s fine for the short term, but you’ll find the iVue begins to feel more uncomfortable for long-term wear. The upside is that you will need to charge it after an hour, which gives you some rest time!

Best budget: Sheawasy Camera Glasses

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: The Sheawasy camera glasses give you full HD video at 30fps at an extremely budget-friendly price.

Key features:

• Photo quality: 2MP
• Video quality: 1080p/30fps
• Field of view: 70°
• Privacy light: Yes
• Weight: 5.3 ounces

Pros

• Affordable
• Unisex design
• Easy to use

Cons

• Video quality is average
• Memory limited to 64GB

The Sheawasy Camera Glasses look like a standard pair of glasses and can be worn by men or women because of their unisex design. 

They can shoot 1080p at 30fps with a 70° field of view, which is plenty wide to capture most things that you need. While there is no built-in memory, it does have a microSD card slot, and there is the ability to expand up to 64GB. That isn’t a huge amount of storage, but these glasses don’t put out very large files, so it shouldn’t be an issue. The camera can record up to 60-90 minutes with a full battery. 

The Sheawasy Camera Glasses are also really easy to use. To record video, you long-press the button on the side and short press for photos. It’s as simple as that.

These camera glasses are very affordable, but the video quality is average as a result. If you’re on a budget and want a pair of camera glasses for some fun or to try them before you purchase something more premium, then the Sheawasy Camera Glasses are a great beginner camera glass. 

Things to consider before buying the best smart glasses

Comfort

Those that don’t wear glasses long-term will never fully understand the discomfort of wearing one. You get marks on the bridge of your nose, and if not fitted correctly, they’ll be either too tight or too loose, both of which are frustrating to no end. Therefore, getting camera glasses that are comfortable is incredibly important. 

Weight is a critical factor in these glasses. They will, naturally, be heavier than normal glasses because of all the technology, which puts more pressure on the bridge of your nose. Camera glasses vary in weight from around 1oz to 7oz or more, depending on the type of camera. So if you plan on wearing yours for long periods, be sure to go with something lighter.

Style

If you have glasses on your face that also double up as a camera, you’re already cool, but you must also look cool. Unique designs will make you stand out in the crowd. Alternatively, some look like an average pair of glasses if you’d like to be more subtle.

Storage

Some camera glasses have built-in storage, but most can also take microSD cards, the smaller cards found in your phone or GoPro. If you will be using your camera glasses a lot, it’s essential to have as much memory as possible. 32GB is the bare minimum that you would need, though the exact amount is dependent on your settings and how frequently you use the camera.

Camera quality

Camera glasses are still relatively new in terms of technology, but many are already capable of 1080p. The frame rate is just as important because this will determine how smooth your footage is or if you can slow your footage down later. The higher the number, the better, especially if action is involved. Are you doing a backflip on a ski jump? No problem, just be sure to get a high frame rate!

Price

The price of camera glasses can vary depending on the features it has. Prices can go from as low as $30 to over $400. Naturally, as the price goes up, so does the quality of the camera. You’d also gain additional features, such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi for quick social media sharing, which gives you more entertainment value for your money. 

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best smart glasses

Camera glasses are a great way to capture memories without worrying about bringing along a bulky dedicated camera. The best camera glasses are stylish while also capturing quality images and video.

The post The best camera glasses in 2023 appeared first on Popular Photography.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.