Fujifilm has extended its X Series lens lineup with the announcement of two new lenses, an ultra-wide-angle zoom and a prime telephoto.
The ultra-wide lens is the Fujinon XF 8-16mm f/2.8 R LM WR lens, a fast optic with a focal length equivalent to 12-24mm in the 35mm format.
The lens promises outstanding edge-to-edge image-resolving performance. It’s made up of 20 elements in 13 groups, including four aspherical lens elements to control distortion and spherical aberration, and six ED lens elements (including three super ED elements) to control lateral chromatic aberration.
It’s robustly built, with the lens barrel designed to repel dust and moisture, and perform in temperatures down to -10 degrees Celsius.
The Fujinon XF 8-16mm f/2.8 R LM WR will be available in November priced at £1,799; US pricing is expected to be just under $2,000, with Australian pricing to be confirmed.
Image 1 of 2
Image 2 of 2
Super-fast prime telephoto
The Fujinon XF 200mm f/2 R LM OIS WR telephoto lens offers a very fast f/2 maximum aperture, and a focal length equivalent to 305mm in 35mm format.
Its optical construction comprises 19 elements in 14 groups, including one large-diameter super ED lens element and two large-diameter ED lens elements.
Fujifilm has used its high-precision polishing technology, developed for broadcast lenses, to prepare the large-diameter lens elements, which should ensure superior image-resolving performance and creamy bokeh.
Focusing should be swift thanks to the lightweight focus lens group and the use of linear motors, while the lens also offers a 5-stop image stabilization system.
As you’d expect for a pro-spec lens it features a magnesium alloy construction, while the barrel includes 17 seals to make the lens resistant to dust, moisture, and temperatures down to -10C. The front lens element is also coated with fluorine to repel water and dirt.
The Fujinon XF200mm f/2 R LM OIS WR will be available in October priced at £5,399. US pricing is expected to be just under $6,000, with Australian pricing to be confirmed.
New lens roadmap
As well as the two new lens announcements, Fujifilm has also updated its lens roadmaps for its X Series range of mirrorless cameras. For now, all we know is there new lenses are coming, but there’s be no indication when we’re likely to see final production samples and what order they’ll arrive.
The first of the three lenses added to the lens roadmap is XF 16mm f/2.8 R WR compact prime lens. This should be a compact wide angle lens with a 35mm-equivalent focal length of 24mm .
The second lens to be announced is the XF 16-80mm f/4 R OIS WR standard zoom lens, while the final lens will be a ultra-fast XF 33mm f/1 R WR – you read that right: it’ll have an maximum aperture of f/1, while the focal length will be equivalent to 49.5mm.
There was a time, about 10 years ago, that a 40-inch TV was considered big. Now, sure, we’re talking back at the end of the CRT era where TVs were thicker than most entertainment centers and weighed more, too, but 40-inch TVs were nearly the peak of AV enthusiasm in the early Aughts.
For both better and worse, those days are long behind us. Today, 65-inch TVs are the main staple of American living rooms and Europe isn’t far behind with its penchant for 55-inch screens. One might assume that, given the need to go bigger and better all the time that the lowly 40-inch TV might be going the way of the dodo. Thankfully, it’s not.
That’s because if you want an upgrade from a 32-inch set that won’t suddenly overwhelm your living room, a 40-inch TV is a great choice. You still get a great experience for movies and games and 40-inch TVs are much cheaper on average than their 55- and 65-inch counterparts.
The only stinger is you don’t always get the latest tech with a 40-inch TV. You won’t find 40-inch OLEDs, or ones with the latest, greatest processors inside. That can mean that 4K and HDR are off the table or that motion interpolation and upscaling are spotty at best – especially if you buy whatever TV’s on sale this week.
The good news is that not all TVs and TV brands are created equal, and there are a number of exceptional 40-inch TVs with 4K HDR at a reasonable price. We’ve done all the hard work and research for you and can safely ensure that what you are about to look at are the best 40-inch TVs of the year.
What TVs does TechRadar recommend?
Ahead of the main event, let’s quickly go through what makes a good 40-inch screen.
To begin with, do you want smart TV? We would. A TV with a smart interface and Wi-Fi will let you watch streaming services like Amazon Prime Video, Netflix and YouTube.
You’ll want at least a Full HD panel, if not a 4K one, to keep movies and games looking sharp. Also check out the connections on a set. Make sure the number of HDMI ports at least matches the number of devices you want to plug in.
Ultra HD vs. Full HD: That you can’t see a difference between Full HD and Ultra HD on a screen smaller than 55 inches is a common misconception. Now, we’re not saying those people are flat-out wrong, but we can promise that if you take your time and really look at a picture – especially if that picture is using High Dynamic Range – you’ll see a difference.
We recommend picking a TV with 4K Ultra-HD and HDR if you can find one. They’re not the standard at this screen size because the cost might outweigh the benefits for someone shopping for an ultra-cheap TV, but if you’re serious about video, 4K is vital.
Operating system: 40-inch TVs didn’t always come with a smart TV operating system in the past. These dumb TVs were incredibly cheap to make, and therefore cheap to buy, too. But there was a problem: As Netflix and YouTube became more and more popular, people wanted to stream those services on their TV without resorting to a streaming video device like a Roku, Amazon Fire TV or Chromecast.
These days, it’s fairly easy to find good Smart TV on a 40-inch TV. All but the most bare-bones of screens will have them. But what you’re looking for, ideally, is a well-maintained operating system like Roku TV, LG’s webOS or Samsung’s Tizen operating system. If you go with a TV that uses a proprietary operating system (basically an operating system exclusive to that one TV) you might have some serious issues down the road.
Inputs and outputs: Connections seem boring. But trust us, this is something most folks don’t think about until they bring the TV home and get it all connected, only to realize their great new TV only has one HDMI port.
Having multiple HDMI ports (along with options for optical audio out and RCA connectors) allow you to connect most – if not all – of your devices. This will save you time in the long-run as you won’t have to get up and switch the cables around any time you want to change the input.
Now you know what to look for in a TV, here are a few screens that we think might be a good addition to your burgeoning home entertainment center.
Samsung NU7100 Series
New for 2018, the NU7100 has awesome upscaling, UHD dimming and 4K resolution
Powerful upscaling engine
4K resolution and good dimming
Limited viewing angles
Samsung has long led the way in the mid-range and until very recently was almost unchallenged for the throne. While TVs like the TCL 5-Series and VIZIO E-Series offer much fiercer competition than we’ve ever seen before, Samsung still beats all the rest with its NU7100. While it doesn’t offer as colorful of HDR as the TCL or VIZIO, Samsung’s NU7100 does a significantly better job upscaling content, which means those of you still rocking HD content – cough, cable, cough – will appreciate this TV’s ability to make 1080p content look great in any circumstance.
While the TV suffers from limited viewing angles and is slightly more expensive than the rest of the TVs you’ll find on this list, the NU7100 is our pick for the best 40-inch TV in 2018.
Samsung MU7000 Series
Samsung’s 2017 MU7000 is a winning combination of picture quality and value
Bright, colorful HDR pictures
Attractive space-saving design
UK model’s awkward legs
If you can’t afford to get the latest and greatest model, the NU7100, you should definitely seek out the MU7000 which, in the UK, it goes by the designation UE40MU7000T, and in the US, it’s called UN40MU7000. We love this TV. It delivers bright 4K HDR images and a price in temptingly low impulse buy territory.
It’s not without its flaws, but no other 40-inch TV we’ve tested around this price is even close to the MU7000. What it is able to do with native 4K resolution and HDR content is simply amazing.
If we’re being picky, high contrast scenes can look slightly grey, there aren’t as many color tones as you’d get with a more expensive 10-bit panel, and viewing angles are limited. But these concerns aren’t going to be fixed on a 40-inch screen. For the money, this is now the second best 40-inch screen money can buy.
OK, so the TCL 43S517 isn’t exactly a 40-inch TV – it’s 43-inches. But look, you can get three extra inches for less than some 40-inch screens! Beyond the extra length, however, the TCL is an extraordinary value. It packs Dolby Vision HDR into a 4K TV that’s built on top of Roku TV. Not only does that save you from buying an external streaming video device, but Roku TV is one of the best platforms on the planet.
Samsung and LG might have done an exceptional job improving their UIs over the years, but Roku TV is fast, responsive and packed to the gills with content – thousands of channels are available. Not only does it have a ton of content, that content is super easy to find thanks to its universal search feature. It scans over 200 channels to find films and shows at their lowest possible price.
If you’re after the best deal, you can do no better than this.
Panasonic TX-40EX600B
A fantastic 40-inch TV with 4K and HDR for UK buyers
4K HDR detail
My Home Screen 2.0
Freeview HD
Awkward feet
UK residents don’t know how good they have it when it comes to mid-size TVs. Panasonic, one of the finest panel makers out there, makes high caliber 40-inch screens at an affordable price, like the Panasonic TX-40EX600B.
The screen was released in 2017 and packs both 4K and HDR into its 40-inch panel.
While long time Panasonic owners might be a bit concerned not to see the trusty Firefox OS at the helm of the screen, don’t worry – the My Home Screen 2.0 interface is almost the same thing, but developed entirely in-house by Panasonic.
Add to that three HDMI ports and you have a pretty fancy screen without a high price attached.
Vizio D-Series D40f-E1
Serious connectivity options in an affordable package
Tons of connectivity options
Crazy cheap
Full HD only
Proprietary OS
If you’re looking for the most bang for your buck, and you live Stateside, VIZIO’s D-Series offers great FHD visuals for next-to-nothing.
This year’s model to beat is the VIZIO D40f-E1. The TV offers a 120Hz effective refresh rate, full-array backlighting and a 200,000:1 contrast ratio. This ensures solid image quality.
The VIZIO D40f-E1 looks good, has a great contrast ratio and can keep up with the action if you’re watching a game of football on Sunday. It doesn’t look as good as our top picks, but considering that VIZIO’s screen usually costs less than $300, we’re more than happy.
Panasonic TX-40DX600
Panasonic’s 2016 40-inch screen is still a star
Clean, colourful 4K
4K digital file support
Tight viewing angle
The 40DX600 is Panasonic’s best value 4K TV. Four pegs down from Panasonic’s flagship DX900 range –five, if you count its OLED – the DX600 series claims a 4K Edge LED-backlit panel with adaptive backlight dimming, 800Hz scanning and Quad Core PRO processor for super-quick smart TV navigation.
It also has both a Firefox OS (now called My Home Screen) and a Freeview Play catch-up TV app. It’s a smart, usable interface that lets you watch Netflix or Amazon Prime Instant Video.
Best Smart TV Buying Guide: Welcome to TechRadar’s round-up of the best smart TVs and smart TV platforms you can buy in 2018.
“What’s the the best Smart TV I can buy?” It’s a familiar question, especially if you’re looking to replace your TV. A new flatscreen isn’t exclusively about sharper pictures or better sound. The user experience is important too.
These days, connected sets have become ubiquitous. An internet-connected smart platform is the norm, not a luxury; indeed it’s central to how the set works.
The good news here is that TV platforms on offer have matured dramatically over the past few years. TV makers no longer try and emulate the tablet experience on a bigger screen, although you will still see holdovers from that early smart phase on cheaper models – no, you really don’t need Facebook and Twitter on your TV.
Today, the best smart TV platforms actually enhance the viewing experience. They help you access streaming content services and curate your viewing. If you want viewing recommendations, your smart TV should provide them.
Similarly, if you need to simplify streaming from your mobile device, or want to share images quickly and conveniently, your connected set should facilitate that too. And when so many of us have content elsewhere on our home network, be it video files, music or JPEGs, offering seamless access to that through DLNA should be a given.
Most smart TVs give access to leading streaming services like Netflix, BBC iPlayer and YouTube (although some are inexplicably absent on some sets – we’re looking at you Amazon Video). Beyond that, there can be a bewildering array of second (or third) tier streaming apps available to download from the resident portal. These might serve particular interests, such as the subscription-based UFC Fight Pass app, or offer VoD pay movies, such as Wuaki.tv.
Today’s Smart TV ecosystem is split between proprietary platforms tied to a specific manufacturer, like LG’s webOS and Samsung’s Smart Hub, or a generic alternative such as Android TV, as found on Sony and European Philips TVs.
All are usable, functional and most of the time downright enjoyable to use. But while they may look similar on the surface, under the hood there are a plethora of differences between them.
So, what’s the best smart TV platform you can buy? We’ve ranked the the world’s major connected TV platforms, putting equal emphasis on ease of use, functionality, stability and content support.
Plus, once you’ve decided on a smart TV platform, we’ve included our favorite TVs that use it – that way you’ll have a good starting point when it comes time to finding the perfect TV for you.
Just want to know to know the Best Smart TV on every platform? Here you go!
Best Smart TV with Samsung Smart Hub
The Samsung Q9FN is the best Smart Hub/SmartThings TV on the planet
Spectacular HDR picture quality
Good smart system
Cutting-edge gaming features
Limited viewing angles
While the 65Q9FN’s Smart TV system is based closely around the Eden platform Samsung has been busy refining for the past couple of years, expect a few tasty new morsels that add to the experience without taking anything away.
For starters there’s now compatibility with Samsung’s SmartThings platform, which provides an onscreen hub for monitoring and even controlling other smart devices (fridges, washing machines, lights etc) on your network.
There’s also much better integration of the TV listings and live broadcasting into the TV’s content searching features: There are now hour-by-hour show recommendations, for instance, as well as TV shows getting much more prominence in the content browsing menus.
Samsung has delivered enhanced interactivity with your smartphones and tablets too, as well as some seriously cool new gaming related features.
Overall, a slick, easy to use and helpfully customizable interface belies the impressive sophistication and comprehensiveness of Samsung’s latest smart TV engine.
The Bravia A1 OLED combines innovative engineering with stunning design – making it easily one of the best TVs to sport Android TV.
Not only does it look great, but it sounds great, too, despite not having a soundbar. Instead, it uses a pair of sonic actuators, positioned on the rear of the panel which vibrate, creating stereo sound. Bass comes from an 8cm subwoofer in the stand.
The set’s Android smart platform has Chromecast built-in, making it easy to cast content from a compatible mobile phone. Apps include Netflix and YouTube in 4K.
Picture quality is drop dead gorgeous. A Triluminos wide colour gamut display, colour vibrancy is high, while a 4K Reality Pro picture processor maximizes image detail. Integral to the set’s image success is Sony’s new 4K HDR X1 Extreme image engine. Object-based HDR remastering does a great job making regular SDR TV look like HDR.
If you’re looking for the top Android TV display, the A1 is the model to beat.
The winner is the Panasonic TX-55FZ952B OLED TV (UK only)
Superb 4K image quality
Effective HDR performance
Elegant smart platform
No Dolby Vision or Atmos
Panasonic’s My Home Screen smart platform is decidedly simple compared to much of the competition, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Currently on its third generation, it remains largely the same as the Firefox OS on which it was originally based.
When you press the Home button on the remote, you get a choice of three options: Live TV, Apps, and Devices. This simplicity is the platform’s greatest strength, making it easy to navigate and find things by helpfully storing all the apps in single location; you can also pin your favourite apps to the home page for quicker access.
Since the smart platform is relatively simple, it doesn’t require a vast amount of processing power to operate, which makes it responsive, robust, and free from crashes. My Home Screen isn’t fragmented like some platforms, nor does it bombard you with recommendations, it simply delivers all the streaming and catch-up services you need.
Thanks to Freeview Play it’s a fairly comprehensive list of catch-up services with BBC iPlayer, ITVhub, All4, My5, BBC News & Sport and UK Play. The iPlayer app supports 4K and HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma – the broadcast version of HDR), both of which the BBC are trialing during the World Cup. There’s also Netflix, Amazon and YouTube, all of which support 4K and HDR, along with services like Rakuten and Chili Cinema. In fact the only major streaming service missing is NOW TV.
A tiny software upgrade makes a huge difference to the OLED range
Awesome picture quality
Excellent operating system
Much improved gaming potential
Occasional picture noise
At the heart of the OLED65E8’s smart features lies webOS: LG’s groundbreaking, oft-copied but never bettered interface. This still does a brilliant job of finding and organizing all the myriad content sources available to modern TV viewers, thanks to its simple, attractive layout, and effortless customizability.
LG provides access to all of the main video streaming apps, including the full 4K, HDR implementations of Netflix, Amazon and YouTube. UK users can also benefit from Sky’s Now TV platform, as well as Freeview Play, which provides the catch up TV services of all the main UK terrestrial broadcasters in a handy umbrella interface.
LG in Europe has also recently added Rakuten TV, providing the continent with its first film streaming platform that supports both Dolby Vision HDR and Dolby Atmos sound. The US, of course, can get such streams from VUDU.
WebOS is no longer the be all and end all of LG’s smart features, though. There’s now a much enhanced voice recognition/control system, for instance, which provides straightforward access both to the TV’s features and an exceptionally comprehensive and effective voice search feature. This looks through (some) apps, the internet and the TV listings for answers to your content requests.
The OLED65E8 is compatible with Alexa and, following a recent update, Google Assistant, and even has the potential to monitor and control other devices and appliances on your home network via its ThinQ platform.
Our only issue with webOS is that the single scrolling bar of icons along the bottom of the screen can start to get pretty long once you’ve added a few of your own apps.
The winner is the TCL 6-Series R615, R617 (US only)
Bright, colorful HDR
Roku TV is amazing
Supports Dolby Vision
Upscaling isn’t world-class
Once you get this TCL TV up and running, you’ll be met with the familiar veneer of Roku TV – an egalitarian operating system that handily retains its top spot as (arguably) the best operating system year after year. It’s intuitive to use (if a bit boring) and its lack of ties to a particular streaming platform allow it to point you to all the places content can be found without bias.
That last bit is important, especially if you’ve ever used an Apple TV or Amazon Fire TV, both of which would much rather have you stream from their ancillary streaming services over any of the third-party ones. Because Roku doesn’t have ties to a major streaming service – other than a vague deal to include FandangoNow on the home screen of the OS – it doesn’t push you any direction you don’t want to go and happily supports everything from Netflix, Hulu, Sling TV and Amazon, to lesser-known channels like Pluto.tv, tubi, Crackle and others.
That’s to say nothing of Roku’s own streaming service that it launched at the end of last year, which provides its own collection of entirely free movies that change in and out every few months. Most aren’t anything to write home about, but this month’s featured film is Whiplash – which, if you’ve never seen it, is entirely worth capitalizing on the free admission.
While it’d be nice to see the inclusion of artificial intelligence and personal assistants on Roku TV – similar to what LG is doing with WebOS and Samsung has done with Tizen and SmartThings – all things considered, this is still one of the best TV operating systems and a fantastic overall TV.
