The Stuff Hot Five

5) Sony A7C: full-frame fun in a compact package

Sony’s full-frame mirrorless cameras are mighty popular with would-be photographers and filmmakers, but they’ve never been the most compact of snappers. That’s changing with the introduction of the A7C, a new “entry-level” model for the range (yes, we know it still costs almost two grand without a lens, but it’s all relative) which squeezes a 24.2MP full-frame sensor into a body smaller and lighter than any other full-frame model on the market. It also comes with a front-facing screen with real-time eye autofocus (vlogger points!) and the sort of 4K movie skills that’ll endear it to anyone who wants to shoot great-looking footage.

4) GoPro’s latest Hero cements its status as action cam king

GoPro’s Hero range of action cameras have long been considered the industry standard and the latest model in the series, the Hero9 Black, does nothing to tarnish the company’s reputation.

In fact, with 5K video recording, improved battery life and built-in horizon levelling, it’s taking the Hero range to dizzying new heights. Extreme sportspeople and vloggers take note – and might we suggest you also take a closer look at our in-depth review of the camera.

3) Oculus Quest 2 is our new favourite all-in-one VR package

Its requirement that you have a Facebook account might strike a duff note, but otherwise we think the new Oculus Quest 2 VR headset is a sweet-sounding hit. Building on the impressive original Quest with a higher resolution display, faster processor and more lightweight build, it’s a high-quality package that includes everything you need for a winning VR experience.

Want a more in-depth look at its pluses and minuses? Then take a gander at our full review of this virtual virtuoso. Just hit the link below.

2) The PlayStation 5 finally gets a price tag

Sony dumped a load of fresh info about the PS5 this week, including a price and release date. Here in the UK we’ll be getting the new console from 19th November (a week later than its US release), and early adopters can now pre-order it: the disc-free Digital Edition costs £359.99, while the drive-possessing deluxe model comes in at £449.99.

That £450 price is the same as Microsoft’s forthcoming Xbox Series X, so anyone picking up a top spec next-gen console will be paying the same regardless of their choice.

1) The Apple iPad Air and Watch get timely makeovers

Often regarded as the awkward middle child of Apple’s tablet range, the iPad Air was one star of this week’s launch event. With an eye-catching redesign that echoes the lines of the pricier iPad Pro while adding a dash of colour (it’ll be interesting to see how well the new blue and green finishes sell), 2020’s iPad Air also comes with a 10.9in screen, a power button with Touch ID built in and the new A14 Bionic chip (also in the forthcoming iPhone 12).

The other headline-grabber from the Time Flies event? The Apple Watch Series 6, for our money, which is 20 percent faster than its predecessor and features seven new faces and a 20-second timer that fires up when you start washing your hands. Its hottest new feature might just be its ability to detect blood oxygen levels via infrared LEDs on its back – or perhaps it’s its stretchy Solo Loop wristband?