The Maxidok 17-in-1 is the most comprehensive docking station Ugreen has ever made. With compatibility for three displays, superfast 120Gbps data transfer, 240W total power output, and built-in M.2 storage expansion, this dock is a serious beast, comparable with the 4.5-star CalDigit TS5 Plus Thunderbolt 5 Dock.

This 17-in-1 dock is for uncompromising professionals who want access to (almost) every type of connectivity. I say "almost" because there's no native HDMI port. Why Ugreen, why? You could use an adaptor, but that could have repercussions in terms of resolution and quality of output.

Ugreen also sells a smaller version of this dock with 10 ports and a much smaller overall size. I gave the Ugreen Revodok Maxidok 10-in-1 4.5 stars and called it a "great solution for photographers". The 17-in-1 alternative steps it up in every conceivable way, and in my testing I was interested to find out why anyone would go for the 17-in-1 rather than the 10-in-1.

Revodok Maxidok 17-in-1: Specifications

Revodok Maxidok 17-in-1: Design & Handling

The Maxidok 17-in-1 dock features a rugged, industrial aesthetic, but even though it's part of the Revodok line-up, it doesn't follow many of the design elements that are found in the rest of the lineup. The most obvious difference is the distinctive copper-colored strip which angles from front to back, accentuating the rear port panel.

But more than providing a stark contrast to the space gray chassis, this ribbed strip acts as a passive heatsink, dissipating heat across a larger surface area to minimize the requirement for the internal fan to kick in. I think it looks fantastic, and the fact that it serves a purpose is even better.

The other primary difference is that the aluminum alloy which Ugreen has landed on for the 17-in-1 dock is much more plastic-feeling than the 10-in-1. As a result, it feels a lot less premium, and even though it's thick enough to remove any possibility of deformation or cracking, it does feel a little substandard. I can only imagine that Ugreen did this to keep the overall weight down but I think that was unnecessary.

Moving on to ports, at the front, the 17-in-1 features USB-C ports for device charging and data transfer. The SD and TF ports are also located on the front panel so you're not rooting around the back every time you need to transfer media from your camera. At the back you'll find more permanent connections, such as the DisplayPort, Ethernet, and Thunderbolt 5 USB-C ports.

The lack of a native HDMI port is disappointing, even though this is probably in favor of a DisplayPort to cater to professional, multi-monitor workstations rather than consumer setups. I still think they could have included one.

More positively, on the base there is an access panel that provides access to an M.2 NVMe SSD slot, allowing for up to 8TB of internal storage without disrupting the visible sides of the dock. This feature is lacking on the CalDigit TS5 Plus Thunderbolt 5 Dock and helps to set Ugreen's offering apart from the competition.

Revodok Maxidok 17-in-1: Performance

I began by testing the display technology of the Maxidok 17-in-1. This involved using the provided USB-C cable to connect the dock to the MacBook Pro, followed by another USB-C cable to connect the dock to my 4K BenQ Creative Pro monitor. The dock instantly recognized the monitor and delivered a 4K image from my MacBook Pro.

The picture was clear and consistent, and even though it maxed out at 100Hz rather than 144Hz, it will be sufficient for almost all types of creative work. The dock is capable of 8K output to two monitors and 4K to three displays. I wasn't able to test these due to a lack of 8K monitor resolution and not having three displays in my setup. I'm confident, though, that the dock will deliver as per its specs.

Another key function of any dock is power delivery. The Maxidok 17-in-1 can deliver a 140W single output and 240W across multiple ports. I was able to charge my laptop, phone, and smartwatch and keep a number of peripherals powered, all at the same time.

As for data transfer, most creatives will need to move files between laptops, SD cards, TF cards, and external drives. All of this is possible with the Maxidok 17-in-1. But more than that, the up to 120Gbps bandwidth means that you can access and edit files directly from an SSD rather than needing to transfer them for local access.

The dock features an internal fan, although at no point in my testing did it ever get louder than a quiet hum. With music playing, you'll never even notice it. This goes to show how well designed the unit is and how effective the case is at dissipating heat.

Revodok Maxidok 17-in-1: Verdict

The Ugreen Revodok Maxidok 17-in-1 is a powerful, high-end docking station designed for creative professionals who require uncompromising performance and expansive connectivity. With blistering 120Gbps bandwidth, 140W laptop charging, and the ability to drive triple 4K displays, the dock excels in high-demand environments. In testing, its performance remained rock-solid, maintaining consistent 4K output and managing heat effectively through a clever copper heatsink design that keeps the internal fan down to a quiet hum.

As good as it is, the Maxidok 17-in-1 is let down by a couple of things. The first is the omission of a native HDMI port, forcing users to rely on DisplayPort or adapters, which may frustrate those with standard consumer monitor setups. The second is that the aluminum alloy casing feels surprisingly more like plastic, lacking the premium tactile finish found on Ugreen’s smaller models. It is also a physically "chunky" unit with a significant price tag. However, for professionals who need a hub for fast data transfers, multi-device charging, and internal storage expansion, it represents one of the very best on the market at the moment.

The Maxidok 10-in-1 Thunderbolt 5 Docking Station is part of a new lineup of docks that Ugreen released in March 2026. It's designed for the average high-end laptop user who wants the speed of Thunderbolt 5 without the bulk of a massive station. It'll also appeal to the person who is on a limited budget but still likes the idea of a minimalist desk setup.

The docking station offers a reasonable range of ports, although the lack of native HDMI is disappointing. Depending on your monitor setup, that might not be a dealbreaker, and you can always buy an adaptor if it is. On the subject of monitors, it does boast support for dual 6K (macOS) / 8K (Windows) monitors, which is impressive.

100W power delivery is good but not excellent and, alongside the missing HDMI port, is one of my biggest gripes. Let's be realistic, though. Ugreen had to limit the features somewhere; otherwise, paying more money for their 17-in-1 alternative would become pretty pointless.

If it's Thunderbolt 5 technology that you're after, then take a look at our reviews of the CalDigit TS5 Plus Thunderbolt 5 Dock and Anker Prime TB5 Docking Station.

Revodok Maxidok 10-in-1: Specifications

Revodok Maxidok 10-in-1: Design & Handling

If I'm ever looking for a docking station, power bank, or charger, then Ugreen will be my absolute first port of call, with Caldigit following a close second. They are designed and built so incredibly well that I lack no assurance that they will stand the test of time.

The Revodok Maxidok 10-in-1 follows in this vein without compromise. Opting for a robust zinc-aluminum alloy enclosure, the dock sits firmly on the desk and feels more like high-end audiophile equipment than a standard computer peripheral.

Other than the discreet on-button at the front of the dock, there's not a single bit of plastic in sight. The chassis oozes class with a minimalist two-tone design, blending a sleek space-grey case with a much darker grey for the text.

The choice of materials goes well beyond aesthetics, with the dense metal shell acting as a massive passive heatsink, essential for managing the significant thermal load generated by the 120Gbps Thunderbolt 5 controller and 100W power delivery.

One of the most notable design choices is the integrated host cable, which could be argued as a positive, but I've put it down as a negative. I appreciate that having the Thunderbolt 5 cable built-in and non-removable guarantees a permanent, stable connection, ensuring that the host cable cannot be misplaced or swapped with a lower-spec USB-C cable that might throttle performance.

But my issue is, what if that cable fails? Well, then you would need to buy a whole new dock, which, as you could imagine, would be seriously frustrating. Ugreen has made a number of attempts to mitigate this, including using a weaved cable sheathing and putting a durable rubber connector where the cable enters the dock. But whether these two factors will be enough, only time will tell.

In terms of the ports, Ugreen has opted for three USB-A ports at the front alongside the two card readers. This makes sense, although I would have swapped one of those USB-A ports for a USB-C. The rear features all the permanent connections, including the DisplayPort 2.1, dual Thunderbolt 5 downstream ports, and Gigabit Ethernet.

You'll notice the distinct lack of an HDMI port, and even though you could buy a DP to HDMI adaptor, this can cause problems with the resolution, refresh rates, and graphics card detection. If your setup depends on HDMI, then buying a dock with a native port would be advised.

Revodok Maxidok 10-in-1: Performance

The Revodok Maxidok 10-in-1 performs incredibly well and is able to transfer photos and videos as fast as 1,250MB/s. At these speeds it was possible to transfer a 10GB 4K video file in less than 15 seconds. Achieving these speeds will of course require a fast NVMe external SSD.

One of the primary features of this 10-in-1 dock is the dual display that offers up to 8K resolution on Windows and up to 6K on macOS. Users can choose to utilize the Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) ports on the back to make this happen or use just one of these alongside the DisplayPort. I had no problems connecting my MacBook Pro using the dock's display functionality.

Total power delivery is 140W, but a single device maxes out at 100W. This will be more than sufficient for most laptops, although if you have anything like the 16-inch MacBook Pro, then you won't be able to take advantage of its ability to recharge at 140W. It's worth checking your specific laptop to see if you'll be affected by this limit, and only you can decide how important super-fast charging is to you.

The dock is capable of charging much more than just a laptop, but if you're using two Thunderbolt USB-C ports for displays and your devices are mostly USB-C-enabled, then you might need some USB-C to USB-A adaptors. You'll be fine if it's just a phone, but as soon as you throw other devices, such as smartwatches and the like, into the mix, you might start running out of ports.

The dock operates in complete silence thanks to an intelligent passive cooling system. The internal components are thermally bonded to the metal exterior, allowing heat to dissipate evenly across the surface. This solid-state cooling approach is incredibly effective, so much so, that you won't even know it's there.

Using the Revodok Maxidok 10-in-1 is like driving a basic Ford Fiesta rather than a Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Both cars will get you to where you need to go, but the Fiesta offers a much simpler and stripped-back set of features to get you there. This is evidenced by the missing HDMI port, the non-detachable Thunderbolt cable, and the power delivery that tops out at 100W.

None of these are performance issues but rather design decisions that Ugreen has made to exclude certain features rather than include them. Ugreen hasn't made those choices because they want to make a 'bad' product but, instead, because they want to make a more affordable device that appeals to a specific set of people. More power-hungry users can always go for the 17-in-1 alternative.

Revodok Maxidok 10-in-1: Verdict

The Ugreen Revodok Maxidok 10-in-1 is a high-performance Thunderbolt 5 docking station that is ideally suited to photographers and videographers who work with multiple displays and are regularly transferring files between devices.

The premium and durable all-metal chassis is an attractive choice for creatives who want a clutter-free desk without sacrificing the cutting-edge bandwidth required for large 4K video files and high-resolution workflows.

However, its focus on affordability and a small footprint leads to several notable trade-offs. The dock lacks a native HDMI port, relies on a non-detachable host cable that could be a point of failure, and tops out at 100W power delivery.

Having reviewed the CalDigit TS4, I was excited to get my hands on CalDigit's latest flagship docking station, the CalDigit TS5 Plus. This is a significant upgrade over the TS4 and indeed over the TS5. This Plus edition serves up dual USB controllers, faster networking speeds, native video output, and a greater port count. Those are flagship docking station features if ever I saw them.

The headlines are 20 Ports, 120Gb/s, 3 Displays, 10GbE, 140W Charging. This is a docking station that competes with the best and delivers everything required for the ultimate home-working setup.

With laptop manufacturers increasingly choosing to jettison ports in favor of slimline aesthetics, there's no better time to invest in one of the best docking stations or laptop chargers. With compatibility for multiple displays, the TS5 Plus is also ideally suited for professional creative workflows that require multiple displays.

CalDigit TS5 Plus: Specifications

CalDigit TS5 Plus: Design & Handling

The build quality of the TS5 Plus is exactly what we've come to expect from CalDigit: well-built products with solid materials. The chassis is constructed entirely from high-grade, brushed aluminum, giving it a heavy, premium feel that is guaranteed to keep it free from damage.

In terms of looks, it maintains the iconic industrial aesthetic that CalDigit is known for while adopting a space black finish reminiscent of the modern Pro line of MacBooks. There's also the signature finned exterior that adds to the industrial look while allowing the unit to handle the intense thermal demands of Thunderbolt 5 speeds without the need for a noisy internal fan.

The dock can be placed either vertically or horizontally, which helps to ensure compatibility with most types of desk setup. While on the subject of placement, there is a set of adhesive rubber feet to keep it from slipping, although at 900g there's little chance of it moving very easily at all.

The ports are separated between the front and rear, with those required for daily use located on the front panel and more permanent desktop peripherals at the back. Creatives will love the easy access to two card readers, a combo audio jack, and three high-speed USB ports, including a 36W USB-C port specifically for fast-charging phones or tablets.

Meanwhile, the rear of the device is densely packed with a 10Gb Ethernet port, a native DisplayPort 2.1, and a primary Thunderbolt 5 host connection, which is tucked away to allow for a cleaner single-cable exit toward the laptop.

A notable aspect of the TS5 Plus design is its sizeable external power brick, which is nearly as large as the dock itself. Because the unit provides 140W of charging to the laptop and maintains high power for its downstream ports, CalDigit decided to go for a separate 330W power supply to keep the desktop unit relatively compact and cool to the touch.

CalDigit TS5 Plus: Performance

The TS5 Plus has a lot of ports, which required varied testing, but it'll surprise no-one when I say that it performed well across the board. I put it through its paces while working on several creative projects which required the use of a laptop, tablet, mobile phone, monitors, and various types of file transfer.

I began by powering up the dock and connecting it to my laptop using the 240W cable that was provided. This delivered instant fast charging up to 96 W, which is what my MacBook Pro 2023 is capable of. Faster speeds, up to 140W, are possible, but you'll need the technology to take advantage of it. The other 36W ports were perfect for charging other peripherals, including my phone.

With charging out of the way, I hooked up a monitor, only to find that the dock couldn't finding it. After some troubleshooting, I discovered that I needed a system upgrade to take my Mac from Sonoma (version 14) up to the latest Tahoe (version 26). Without that I wasn't able to perform other functions, including SD card reading, audio output and file transfers. I'd recommend upgrading to your latest OS to avoid running into any problems.

With that complete, my monitor was found instantly, and I experienced no problems such as flickering or lag, even on a 4K monitor with 144Hz support. Additionally, the audio output started coming directly through my Rode headphones.

In terms of file transfer, I began with the SD card slot, which is my most commonly used form for transferring media files. I was able to transfer 5GB of photos in 55 seconds using an SD 4.0 UHS-I card. This equates to just north of 90 MB/s. This is the same speed that I achieved transferring the same files to my laptop using my built-in card reader. If you have SD 4.0 UHS-II cards, then you'll be able to achieve up to 312 MB/s.

The other primary way of data transfer is through the Thunderbolt ports that support up to 80 GB/s bi-directional and a Bandwidth Boost Mode, which bumps that up to 120 GB/s. More often than not I utilized the standard USB technology, which offers up to 1,000 MB/s+ speeds, and was able to hit these with no problems at all.

Throughout testing, the dock remained cool and almost silent during operation, which is exactly what you want from a device that's going to sit on your desk day after day and year after year.

CalDigit TS5 Plus: Final Verdict

The CalDigit TS5 Plus is undoubtedly one of the best docking stations on the market. With a flagship feature set and a serious level of raw performance, this is absolutely the dock to go for if money isn't an issue.

The dock has more ports than most average users will need, but if you're regularly engaged in high-end creative workflows, it'll provide everything you need and more. That includes card slots for media files and multiple USB-C ports for file transfers and charging. Support for a massive 80Gb/s bandwidth with Thunderbolt 5 also helps with future-proofing.

Ultimately, the TS5 Plus is less of a simple hub and more of a comprehensive desktop engine. While it requires a high upfront investment, the sheer utility of its port count and its ability to power the most demanding laptops make it the best choice for power users who refuse to compromise on speed.

When you're travelling internationally, you just need a normal travel adapter, right? Well, in most cases, yes. If you just want to charge a low-powered device such as phone, camera, tablet or laptop then any one of the best travel adapters should do the job. However, when it comes to more high-powered gadgets such as hairdryers, curling tongs or straighteners – whether they're yours or being used on a model that you're shooting – then you need to take voltage into account.

That's because different countries around the world can have strikingly different standard voltage levels. Most notably, North America uses 110-120 volts (V) whereas many European countries use 220-240V. And so plugging in an appliance designed for 110V into a 220V outlet could damage the appliance or even cause a fire. (The exception is if it's been specifically designed to be "dual voltage", so always check the manufacturer's instructions to find out). 

A voltage converter, as the name suggests, transforms the voltage from the outlet to a level your appliance can handle. So if you're a North American taking a 110V hair dryer to the UK, you're going to need a step-down converter. (Note: If you're going the other way, this won't work but we have a recommendation for you in the Alternatives section at the end). 

In short, the Ceptics Travel Voltage Converter offers a comprehensive solution to North Americans for power conversion and charging across different regions. But is it any good? I got hold of a review model to test it out.

Ceptics 220V to 110V Travel Voltage Converter: Specifications

Ceptics 220V to 110V Travel Voltage Converter: Price and Availability

With an RRP of around $50 (depending on the bundle), the Ceptics Travel Voltage Converter offers decent value for its capabilities. While not the most affordable option, its versatility and compatibility make it a worthwhile investment for this specific need.

Ceptics 220V to 110V Travel Voltage Converter: Build and handling

The converter features a white design with a power switch and soft LED light indicator. It doesn't look particularly stylish or attractive, but it looks fine nonetheless.

The compact size ( 4.8 x 3.1 x 1.5 inches) and lightweight construction (weighing just under a pound) make it easy to pack and carry during travel. At one end, you'll find three USB-A ports and one USB-C, while on the top there are two standard US AC outlets, and a third for hair dryers only. That means that in theory you could power up to seven devices at once.

Also in the box is a lead that you plug in at the other end, and plug adapters covering a huge range of types (A, B, C, E/F, G, I). These can be easily swapped out by sliding them into the slot at the other end of the lead, allowing to use the adapter in over 150 countries around the world.

Despite its compact size, the converter feels sturdy and secure when plugged in, even with multiple devices connected simultaneously.

Ceptics 220V to 110V Travel Voltage Converter: Performance

I'm a big fan of Dyson products, so it was a big disappointment to learn that it's not compatible with this brand, or indeed any other electronic hair dryers; only those with a mechanical button or knob. Oh well, I did have alternatives so I pressed on.

And in truth, other than this initial niggle, I found this voltage converter did a decent and reliable job in all the scenarios I tried, across three different countries. Safety features such as surge protection and overload prevention kept my mind at ease, and I liked the fact that the information about what could and couldn't be connected was so clearly displayed on the converter itself.

In practice, my devices all worked perfectly with no interruptions or causes for concern. The multiple charging ports added an extra flourish that made it easy to power up my phone, laptop, tablet and power bank at the same time, and I didn't notice any issues with the speed of charging. Most importantly, all the slots are nicely spaced out so I didn't end up with leads or plugs getting in each other's way.

I have to say that a few customers have reported inconsistent performance and heating issues online, particularly when multiple high-power devices are connected simultaneously. It's hard to know whether this was an issue with the converter itself, the device they connected, or them not following the manufacturer's guidelines properly. Either way, I did and I had no problems myself at all.

Ceptics 220V to 110V Travel Voltage Converter: Verdict

For frequent travelers who need to power low-voltage devices in high-voltage countries, this step-down converter delivers exactly what it promises. And so if you're a North American looking to use your personal hairdryer, straighteners or curling tongs abroad (as long as they're rated less than 200W, and are mechanical and not electronic), this is what you need. This compact and lightweight converter also offers a good selection of USB ports, and its wide range of interchangeable plug adapters  means you'll be able to use it across a huge range of countries.

On the other hand, if you're a Dyson fan you'll need to look elsewhere. And more broadly, this is quite a niche solution that's going to be overkill for anyone not interested in haircare gadgets.

Ceptics 220V to 110V Travel Voltage Converter: Alternatives

The Anker 14-in-1 Charging Docking Station has a whopping 13 ports with an additional USB-C port for connecting to your laptop. The device boasts an abundance of USB-C and USB-A ports but lacks any card reader functionality. Display extension is possible for up to two displays and at 60Hz. This dock is compatible with Windows and Mac devices but macOS does not support Multi-Stream Transport.

Anker has done a fantastic job of providing excellent charging capabilities and data transfer functionality. Charging is made possible through four different ports spanning across three USB-C ports and one USB-A port. The upstream connection delivers 100W PD 3.0 charging providing a seamless connection to your laptop. A further two USB-C ports deliver 100W of charging power which is guaranteed to keep all your other devices fully charged. The final USB-A port tops out at 12W and is ideal for older-style electronics that still rely on this technology.

Alongside excellent power delivery, you can also transfer data across 11 ports. Speeds up to 10Gbps are possible although only across 2x USB-C and 1x USB-A ports. The three USB-A ports on the back are limited to 480Mbps.

Power and data transfer cover the core features of this device but that doesn't mean we're done with the features. Through two HDMI ports, Anker makes it possible to extend your display to two different monitors up to 60Hz. Unfortunately, due to macOS limitations, connecting multiple monitors to a MacBook via this dock will result in screen mirroring only as these operating systems support only Single-Stream Transport (SST). There are no such problems for Windows machines.

Anker 14-in-1 : Specifications

Anker 14-in-1: Design & Handling

Anker's Prime Charging Docking Station is a lightweight and compact unit that sits firmly on any surface it's placed on. Rubber feet are positioned on the bottom only so there's only one possible orientation. This limits desk configuration but isn't too much of a problem.

The unit is sub $249/£199 so it's very much on the more affordable side compared to the likes of similar units from UGreen and CalDigit. As a result, the material quality isn't as robust. Every part of the case is plastic with the two sides weak enough to result in wobble when pressed. This won't affect the integrity of the dock but it doesn't feel as nice as more premium metal alternatives.

One of the standouts that you don't get on all docking stations is the digital display that tells you how much power the device is putting out. The graphics are clear and the display is bright enough to work in most office environments.

The power cable exits out the back of the unit and is hardwired. I would prefer to have seen a removable cable to aid with portability and longevity because if that cable fails then the whole device is ruined.

Anker 14-in-1: Performance

In almost every way, this charging docking station performs admirably. Files are transferred quickly and devices are charged without issue. 

The main selling point of the station is the charging capabilities so I wanted to see how good it was compared to its specs. The rear upstream port should deliver 100W of power but when connected to my MacBook Pro was only able to provide 89W. it's not far off capacity but considering it's capable of receiving 96W I would have preferred to see it hit its limit. 

The same story is true across the other USB-C ports on the front although these can only manage 82W. The USB-A port is capable of 12W charging and I managed just over 9W. All in, it's not bad but it doesn't quite hit the limits.

Anker 14-in-1: Verdict

The Prime Charging Docking Station from Anker is very capable of both a charging station and a docking station. Up to 160W of power is delivered through three USB-C ports and one USB-A port. This device is guaranteed to keep your laptop, phone, and other devices fully charged. There are plenty of ports for connecting all your favorite peripherals although the lack of an SD card reader will be disappointing for creative professionals. 

The $249/£199 price tag makes this considerably more affordable compared to alternatives from CalDigit and UGreen although those devices offer a better build quality. If you need a docking station that keeps all your files moving and your devices charged then this is one of the best on the market.

Magnetic charging cables never really took off. Apple’s MagSafe charging for MacBooks had been around for years before Apple decided to pursue a USB-C-only design. However that didn’t last long, and the beloved charger made its way back into Apple’s laptops with the latest redesign. Where Apple goes – usually everyone else follows, yet despite this, few companies have really tried to push magnetic cables.

I recently was sent a Connect Pro magnetic cable from Chargeasap, which is currently running a very successful Kickstarter campaign. Capable of 100W fast-changing, and with three magnetic adapters for USB-C, Lightning, and Micro-USB, I can pretty much charge every device I own from one cable. And after using it for the last few weeks, I am convinced that this is the future of charging.

The elephant in the room is of course – wireless charging, but the idea that wireless charging is going to make wired charging obsolete is still many years off, with wireless charging being slow and inefficient versus using a cable. Wireless charging is also cumbersome, as the chargers are large – and increasingly vertical for MagSafe-equipped iPhones. Without a magnetic array, this isn't useful for our myriad of smaller devices, and it is still an additional effort to make sure these devices are lined up with the coil.

Slotting the USB-C adapter from Chargeasap Connect Pro into my phone, it is now so simple to snap the cable on and off and get the maximum wattage my phone is capable of charging at, it breaks away if pulled too hard, so minimizes the risk of yanking my phone out of my hand, and unlike wireless charging, I can walk around and comfortably still use my device. It might sound like a minor convenience, but it's a quality-of-life improvement that I now wish was in my other devices.

So could magnetic connection mean we can banish ports altogether? Ports are fundamentally flawed, they are an ingress for dust and moisture, and often need extensive waterproofing – shavers and bathroom devices mostly still have their own proprietary charging port. The depth of ports also means they are hard to incorporate on devices like watches or smart rings, with those devices already having their own magnetic pucks.

The issue for this reaching the mainstream however would be standardization. Apple’s MagSafe is proprietary, which means it is different from say, Microsoft's Surface Laptop (which is the only other magnetic-cabled device I can think of), and each company's cables cannot charge the other device. For magnetic cables to achieve widespread popularity, everyone needs to agree on a universal design to ensure maximum compatibility.

But with USB-C (with a little help from the EU), only just reaching de-facto charger status, and with all the wrangling that took, I don’t think we are going to see another huge revolution just yet. However, I am convinced we are headed for a simpler and more magnetic future one day. For now, I’ll just have to invest in a few more magnetic USB-C adapters.

For more charging solutions check out our guide to the best iPhone charger, the best GAN charger or the best iPhone charger cable.

Usually when I am picking the best charger for my phone or camera, I don’t put much consideration into how my charger looks, sure I want it to be compact and sleek, but at the end of the day, I care more about how functional it is at powering my devices up quickly. 

That is until I was sent the Ugreen Nexode RG chargers, which might be the cutest chargers I have ever used...

Ugreen Nexode RG: Specifications

Ugreen Nexode RG: Price

Despite the unique design and tiny screen, the Ugreen Nexode RG doesn’t actually come as much of a premium over more traditional (i.e. boring) 65w chargers from Ugreen, Anker, or even Apple. At the time of writing, there is even a slight discount on the RG that puts it cheaper than Ugreen’s regular 65w charger.

Ugreen Nexode RG: Design & Handling

The Ugreen Nexode RG charger resembles a little robot wearing headphones – and why not, it's fun and it's cute. There are two versions of the plug, one in black and grey, and one in white and pink. The white and pink model also has a little bow on the back. 

When you plug the chargers in, you’ll immediately notice the robots also have a little face that lights up. This small screen displays three faces, one expression for no device connected, one for fast charging, and one for trickle charging/charging complete. The faces admittedly aren’t that different, or particularly obvious which one means which, and I quickly forgot, but they are very cute. The USB ports for charging are located along the headphone headband, with three ports consisting of two USB-C ports and one USB-A port. 

The plug prongs are disguised under the robot’s lower half – you pull off the legs, or perhaps pull its trousers down, whichever you prefer, which exposes the plug. However, this does cause an issue of where to put the detached set of legs after they have been removed as there is no joint that keeps them locked onto the main body.

As well as all the cuteness, the charger also is packed with tech including the latest GaN (Gallium Nitrate) chips for cooler performance, and constant thermal monitoring so the plug doesn’t overheat. There is also a mention of the charger being made of skin-friendly materials, which is nice if you want to hug your little robot pal I guess.

Ugreen Nexode RG: Performance

The charger itself is capable of outputting a total of 65W, which breaks down as 45W+7.5W+7.5W when using all three ports, or you can get all 65W through the USB-C 1 connection. There are also a plethora of other combinations which I will post below.

65W is a very decent output for a charger of this size and I could comfortably charge and use my MacBook Air. I am sure it would be perfect for a Surface Laptop, or other Windows and Chromebook equivalents, although more power-hungry laptops with beefier graphics will struggle to draw enough power in use. 

For charging cameras, phones, wearables, and other small devices though, this breakdown of outputs enabled me to top up several small devices at once. The 45W+20W combo charged my iPad Air and Pixel 8 Pro simultaneously at full speed using the two USB-C ports, and I had no issues charging up other devices like my Fujifilm X100VI. 

Ugreen Nexode RG: Verdict

Whether you are buying this for a child or yourself as a full-grown adult, this is the charger to get if you love your tech to be adorable. The robot design is incredibly cute, while also managing to not be too kitschy. 

There are just a few fumbles that stop it being perfect. The screen (or robot’s face) is a delight, but it could be more useful. There is also a big flaw in where to keep the legs once you detach them to get at the plug. 

However these minor design issues aside, it is also just a very good charger, with quick speeds for small devices and even low-powered laptops.

Alternatives

Tether Tools is a well-known brand for providing reliable tethering cables, which are easily recognizable due to their distinctive orange color. However, the company offers more than just the orange cable and has launched a new tethering accessory that can significantly enhance workflow speed.

Tethering cables are widely used in studio photography to display your images on an external device, such as a tablet or computer, enabling you to view and edit your photographs on a larger screen as you shoot. The new TetherGuard LeverLock Plate speeds up connecting and removing the cable from a camera, bypassing the need to remove the plate.

You can see it in action in the video below:

As anyone who has shot tethered will tell you, accidentally knocking the cable out of the camera is a common and frustrating occurrence – one that can set back your shoot and potentially damage your cable and port. Tether Tools produces several accessories that help with this accidental mishap, such as the JerkStopper and more efficiently the TetherBlock.

The TetherBlock is a handy cable management tool that enables you to pass a cable through a base plate that's attached to the camera's tripod screw at the base. However, removing the cable requires you to remove the entire Tether Block – which can be inconvenient. 

The new TetherGuard LeverLock Plate addresses this issue, by enabling users to connect and remove the cable more efficiently.

Locking the camera cable ensures a secure and sturdy connection that protects the cable from damage and unwanted removal. LeverLock's "5-Point Protection System" guarantees improved reliability.

The LeverLock includes a CamCleat Lever, an Anti-Slip Speed Bump, two Retention Ridges, and an S-Channel that helps create a stable and secure connection. Additionally, the plate is compatible with Arca-style tripod mounts for added efficiency.

"We listen carefully and work to address the challenges photographers face each day while shooting," says Tether Tools CEO Josh Simons.

"Streamlining their workflow is our passion. The TetherGuard LeverLock Plate was designed to make it easier, faster, and more secure to setup, break down, and change out cameras on set."

I had the good fortune of trying out the LeverLock at this year's Photography & Video Show and I can confirm that it is an improvement on the TetherBlock. The lever feature makes it much easier to remove the cable, and you can even keep the plate attached to the camera when storing it away, which further speeds up workflow.

The TetherGuard LeverLock Plate is available to order now for $99.99 / £79.29 (AU pricing TBC). 

You may also be interested in our guides to the best photo editing software, the best laptop for photo editing, and the best monitor for photo editing. 

With 13 ports, there are features for pretty much everyone, unless you require HDMI ports. Through the Thunderbolt-powered USB-C ports, it is possible to transfer data at 40Gbps. That's a lot of bandwidth. The two USB-A ports on the front are capable of 10Gbps GB, while the two rear ones are capable of 5Gbps. In short, there are plenty of options for USB-C and USB-A connectivity.

One of the main benefits of these docks is their ability to extend displays. The Revodok Max gives 8K capability, but only for a single monitor up to 30 Hz. If you want a dual screen, then that's limited to 4K at 60 Hz. All of this is pretty standard, although the TS4 does support 6K resolution for a dual monitor setup.

Charging laptops is made possible up to 90W through a USB-C cable. At the same time, it's possible to charge phones or other USB-C devices, but this is only up to 20W. The GaN charger (included) must be plugged in to make any of these charging capabilities possible. 

The Revodok Max provides a wide range of compatibility with support for Thunderbolt 4, Thunderbolt 3, USB4, and USB-C devices.

Specifications

Design

The Revodok Max has 13 ports, including Thunderbolt 4 connectivity. A mix of USB-C and USB-A ports enables a range of charging and data connections. 8K is supported through the DisplayPort, but only for a single monitor at 30 Hz. Two monitors can be connected at 4K at 60 Hz. All of this is possible on both Windows and MacOS platforms, with the exception of MacBooks, which only support up to 4K.

The Revodok Max costs the best part of $399 / £399, and for that, you get one of the toughest and best-designed docking stations out there. The 100% aluminum metal case ensures a premium feel while at the same time being sufficiently sturdy to withstand all knocks or even a small drop. 

The design of the unit is equally nice. Beveled edges and a curved front face show Ugreen's devotion to beautiful design. Towards the rear of the dock, there are two strips of pleated metal that not only look great but also serve the purpose of increasing the overall area for cooling. This is very similar to CalDigit's TS4, although that has a much larger surface area for this type of pleated design. The power button is nicely inset into the case, with a power indicator just below it. 

There are rubber pads on the bottom face and one of the sides, which means it can be placed either in a vertical or horizontal orientation.

Performance

There are no performance issues with this dock. Data transfer is handled like a boss through two Thunderbolt 4 ports supporting a bandwidth of 40Gbps and a collection of USB-A and USB-C ports supporting data transfer up to 10Gbps. For most users, this will be plenty. Charging a laptop at the same time as other devices, including phones, is possible without losing any overall performance. I would have liked to have seen a little more oomph with pass-through power for laptops, but at 90 watts, most laptop users will be fine.

Verdict

The Ugreen Revodok Max is a fantastic dock for both Windows and MacOS users. Support for Thunderbolt 4 and an abundance of USB-C and USB-A ports means data can be transferred between devices at the quickest of speeds. Through 13 ports, it is possible to connect a laptop, phone, hard drives, SD cards, and a range of other devices. With the capability of charging multiple devices at once, you can ensure all your tech will stay online. 

The quality of the build is second to none, but this does come at a cost. At nearly $400, the Revodok Max is $80 more expensive than one of its closest competitors, the CalDigit TS4. But at such a high spec, it's hard to find many that are capable of competing.

While battery technology gets better each year, we still need a way to ensure that our cameras stay topped up and full of juice.

Hahnel’s UniPal Mini II is aimed at travel and business, claiming to be the one charger for all. To do this, the Mini II uses a pair of large thumbwheels so users can adjust the terminals to fit the positive and negative connections of “practically any” Li-Ion battery. There are two positive and negative connections to help fit batteries at different angles that might suit them best, the polarity is also automatically reversed which will help fit a wider assortment of Lithium Ion cells too. This universal camera battery charger could make it an ideal replacement for bulky chargers for your cameras, video equipment, drones, and peripherals that use removable Li-Ion cells.

Hahnel’s universal charger range has been simplified and now consists of the UniPal Mini II which we’ll cover in this review, as well as its bigger brother: the UniPal Plus which is a larger unit with an LCD display, more power plug options, and the ability to charge AA and AAA batteries. So if you're looking for a universal charger with a few extra features the UniPal Plus could be one to consider too.

Hahnel UniPal Mini II: Design & Handling

The design of the UniPal Mini II is very simple and straightforward. It comes with a Micro USB to draw power, though doesn’t come with a power supply plug, which Hahnel says this choice is for environmental reasons.

Unlike its more expensive sibling, the UniPal Plus, the Mini II swaps an LCD panel for an LED light which flashes to show battery status. It also omits a USB for charging phones and tablets, or a dock to charge up AA and AAA batteries, but this is the trade-off for making the Mini II a more portable and budget-friendly model.

We loved how small and portable the Mini II is. It can do the job of multiple different camera chargers so is a great way of streamlining your workflow and replacing lots of different chargers with one simple solution. It can also be a much better value buy over a proprietary charger, so could be a good choice if you’ve misplaced your original battery charger.

The Mini II can draw power from a 12v cigarette lighter adapter for charging in the car on the go, though it doesn’t come with an adapter so you’ll need to buy one at your own cost if you wish to do this. However, if your car has USB ports it can plug directly into these instead.

Overall, the design is foolproof and robust. Made from plastic it feels sturdy and solidly built. It also doesn’t matter which way around you put in the battery (so long as the positive and negative terminals are lined up correctly) as the polarity will automatically reverse if needed.

Hahnel UniPal Mini II: Performance

Impressively, the UniPal Mini II has similar charging times to its bigger UniPal Plus sibling, taking roughly one hour to charge 1000 mAh.

Its small form factor and slender proportions mean it takes up hardly any space in your camera bag or luggage. This is particularly handy if you’re usually fighting for space in your camera bag with various chargers for your cameras, gimbals and drones etc, as this can replace them all, providing they run off removable Li-Ion cells with terminals that fit up with its adjustable pins.

The build quality feels strong and sturdy and although only made from plastic, we get the impression it could survive a tumble or two.

One downside of the UniPal Mini II is the omission of an LCD screen. The LCD on its bigger brother, the UniPal Plus clearly shows the charge status as a percentage so you know roughly how long is left on a charge. With the Mini II, you have two simple LED lights, one which lights up red to indicate the unit is turned on, and another which flashes red to show the inserted battery is charging, then turning constant red to show when charging has finished.

There’s no ability to charge up AA/AAA batteries or from a USB port to charge up peripherals like a smartphone. Though, this is a compromise you’ll need to weigh up as it trades these features for a more portable build and lower price point.

The Mini II is powered by the included Micro USB cable, though we’d expect to see this be changed to a more modern USB-C if the product was refreshed down the road.

Hahnel UniPal Mini II: Final Verdict

The UniPal Mini II is a great option for those looking for a portable battery charger that can charge up different Lithium-Ions from different camera types and models. It would also be a good option if you’ve lost your original camera charger. Priced reasonably at around half the price of its bigger brother: the UniPal Plus, it is missing some noteworthy features, such as an LCD screen, the ability to charge AA or AAA batteries, a supplied car charger, and plug adapters for the US, UK, EU and AUS. So if you’re after those more advanced features it would be worth spending the extra on Hahnel’s Unipal Plus instead.

Alternatives

The USB-C Dual Display Dock has a small range of ports that focus on display with 2 HDMI ports. A 1Gb Ethernet provides reliable connectivity and USB-A ports enable users to connect a keyboard, mouse, external SSD, USB stick, etc. There is also Audio In/Out for mic and headphones support. The USB-C connector delivers 85 watts of power for charging a laptop or other accessories.

Belkin USB-C Display Dock: Specifications

Display handling / Resolution: Dual 1080p HDMI
Thunderbolt 4: No
Compatibility: USB-C and USB-A
Charging: 85W
Cable Lock: Yes with Kensington Cable Lock
Dimensions: 196 x 124 x 166 mm
Weight: 131 g
Total Ports: 8
Ports: 2x USB-A 3.1 Gen 1, 1x USB-A 3.1 Gen 1 with BC 1.2, 1x USB-C (10Gb/s), 2x HDMI 1.4, 1x Gigabit Ethernet, 3.5mm audio in/out
Power: DC In

Belkin USB-C Display Dock: Design & Handling

The USB-C Dual Display Dock is small, compact, and lightweight. At only 131 grams it actually weighs less than the power adapter that comes with it. I like the square design with curved edges and corners but I'm not a fan of the 100% plastic construction. At this price, there's no reason why it shouldn't take a metal form. The choice of plastic gives it a lightweight and flimsy feel. That is not to say that it's just going to split open at the first sight of a knock but it just doesn't feel nice. 

Due to the weight, it doesn't sit particularly pleasingly on the desk but it does have four rubber pads on the underside which help keep the dock in one place.

Belkin USB-C Display Dock: Performance

If you need to transfer big files regularly then you'll want a Thunderbolt enabled dock. That isn't this one, unfortunately. USB-A ports top out at 5Gbps which isn't anywhere near as fast as even USB-A ports can go.

The dock gives 85 watts of passthrough power which is lower than most of its competitors but will still keep most lower power-intensive laptops charged up.

The big selling point for this dock is the two HD displays and Display Link technology. This is provided through two HDMI ports. Users who need 4K or higher resolution support will need to look elsewhere. DisplayLink provides a universal display connection for working across computing platforms and connector types, making nearly every monitor and system work together - MacBook, PC, or Chromebook.

Belkin USB-C Display Dock: Final Verdict

I was really excited to get my hands on Belkin's Display Dock. I thought we were going to be in a treat for extending displays to 8K and 4K monitors but unfortunately, this display dock offers only HD resolution. 

In fairness, this will cover the needs of most users but will be distinctly lacking for video creators who are filming in anything like 4K or even up to 8K. Data transfer speeds are also lacking with 5Gbps on offer with their USB-A ports. I'm not quite sure who this dock will appeal to considering it doesn't do either display extension or data transfer particularly well. 

It's great that the dock can be secured but that does require the purchase of an additional lock.

The CalDigit TS4 has 18 ports and is compatible with Thunderbolt 4, Thunderbolt 3, USB4, and USB-C computers. A single monitor at 8K 60Hz can be connected using either the Display Port connector or a Thunderbolt 4 port. HDMI monitors can be connected using an Active DisplayPort to HDMI Adapter, or a USB-C to HDMI Adapter. A dual monitor setup is also possible up to 6K and at 60Hz.

CalDigit TS4: Specifications

Display handling / Resolution: Single 8K 60Hz, Dual 6K 60Hz
Thunderbolt 4: Yes
Compatibility: Thunderbolt 3 & 4, USB-C, and USB 4
Charging: 98W
Cable Lock: Yes
Dimensions: 113 x 42 x 141 mm
Weight: 640g
Total Ports: 18
Ports: 1x SD 4.0 (UHS-II), 1x microSD 4.0 (UHS-II), 5x USB-A (10Gb/s), 3x USB-C (10Gb/s), 3x Thunderbolt 4 (40Gb/s), 1x DisplayPort 1.4, 1x 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet, 1x Front Combo Audio In/Out (3.5mm), 1x Rear Audio Out (3.5mm), 1x Rear Audio In (3.5mm)
Power: DC 19.5V 11.80A

CalDigit TS4: Design & Handling

Where do you begin when you are dealing with one of the most comprehensively featured docking stations available? How about with the ports? The TS4 features three Thunderbolt 4/USB4 ports supporting 40Gbps of bandwidth performance. This amount of bandwidth ensures unparalleled data transfer between devices. 

After using one for a laptop or desktop machine, the remaining two can be used to connect Thunderbolt 4, Thunderbolt 3, USB4, or USB-C devices to the TS4. This includes monitors, SSDs, hubs, and so much more.

There isn't a single negative thing to say about the build quality of the TS4 docking station. A solid metal construction means the contents will stay safe and make it able to withstand serious knocks and drops. The presence of 4 screws at the back of the unit really demonstrates the robust quality of the device.

For extra versatility on positioning, this dock can be placed either horizontally or vertically. I personally prefer the vertical option because I can then make use of the large rubber pad that sits between my desk and the device. This isn't present when positioning horizontally. 

At 640g it is far from the lightest docking station but when you're getting 18 ports and such a sturdy metal case it's hard to complain. The weight definitely makes this a dock rather than a portable hub.

CalDigit TS4: Performance

The TS4 performs well in every way from data transfer, charging of devices, and build quality. Three Thunderbolt 4 ports support a bandwidth of 40Gbps with USB-A and USB-C ports supporting data transfer up to 10Gbps. All of this is a significant amount of bandwidth for handling heavy loads. 

The Thunderbolt port supports charging up to 98 watts and is smart enough to provide less power for smaller devices and to be able to slowly charge devices that need more power.

Aside from Thunderbolt 4 ports, there are a further 8 USB ports that are a mixture of USB-C and USB-A. This number of ports is fantastic for ensuring support for both legacy devices and newly released peripherals that have the latest USB-C technology.

One of my favorite features on any dock is having a USB-C charging port for my phone and that's exactly what the TS4 provides. It is located on the front of the dock for easy accessibility. This port can supply up to 20W of power for your attached USB-C device.

In terms of display support, it is possible to extend to a single 8K display or dual 6K displays, both at 60Hz. This capability will be a dream for all creatives wanting that ultimate home monitor setup.

CalDigit TS4: Final Verdict

The TS4 Thunderbolt Station 4 has a whopping 18 ports that enable users to connect pretty much any peripheral they want. Thunderbolt 4, USB-C and USB-A ports contain enough bandwidth for the fast and efficient transfer of data. The Thunderbolt connection to a laptop or desktop provides all the required charging with support for 98 watts. 

Those concerned about security, and who wouldn't be at that price, will be pleased to know it comes with cable-locking functionality. The docking station case is solid metal with a nice ribbed design on 3 sides. The device can be positioned either vertically or horizontally for maximum flexibility when it comes to positioning.

Kensington's Dual 4K can connect to a range of devices including dual 4K monitors. A total of 13 ports are well spread across USB-A, USB-C, HDMI, and SD card to name a few. This docking station is a great all-around that delivers everything but a dual 8K display. The inclusion of a 3.5mm audio port completes the spec.

Kensington AD2010T4: Specifications

Display handling / Resolution: Single 8K @ 60Hz (Thunderbolt 4) Dual 4K @ 60Hz (HDMI)
Thunderbolt 4: Yes
Compatibility: Thunderbolt 3 & 4, USB-C, and USB 4
Charging: 96 watts
Cable Lock: Yes with Kensington Cable Lock
Dimensions: 155 x 254 x 92mm
Weight: 1690 g
Total Ports: 13
Ports: 1x SD Card Reader, 1x microSD Card Reader, 2x USB-A 3.2 Gen1, 2x USB-A 3.2 Gen2, 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen2, 2x HDMI, 1x Thunderbolt 4 port, 1x Thunderbolt 4 host port, 1x Gigabit Ethernet port, 1x audio combo jack
Power: DC 20V

Kensington AD2010T4: Design & Handling

Kensington's docking station is well-built with solid materials throughout. The case itself is built with metal, to the top, and plastic to the bottom and sides. It is weighty but not too heavy to detract from its portability. The curved corners make it really nice to handle and overall it sits on the desk without moving around.

A good amount of thought has been given to which ports should be placed on the front with USB slots, SD Card and Micro SD card slots, and a 3.5mm audio port winning out. This is perfect for quickly connecting those more commonly used devices.

A small power indicator on the rear of the unit is a nice touch. It is also possible to lock this dock using a Kensington cable lock. This is a dream for security-conscious users.

Kensington AD2010T4: Performance

The Thunderbolt 4 Dual 4K performs will in almost every area that it needs to. Data is transferred quickly and efficiently and a whole range of different components can be connected in.

The standout feature of this docking station has to be its display extension. Through a Thunderbolt 4 port, it is possible to extend to a single 8K display at 60Hz. Most creatives won't be dealing with 8K footage yet but thankfully it's possible to use two 4K displays instead at 60Hz. This is made possible through the two HDMI ports.

Files are transferred with ease from any external drive including SSDs. Productivity is exactly what this docking station delivers with 40Gbps data transfer speeds and daisy chaining, as well as 96W of dynamic Power Delivery.

UHS-II SD and Micro SD card readers are built-in which is ideal for creatives like photographers, video editors, and graphic designers. These ports offer lightning-quick data transfer speeds.

Kensington AD2010T4: Final Verdict

If 8K or 4K video editing is essential to your workflow then the Kensington 4 Dual 4K docking station will serve you well. Having Thunderbolt technology makes this lightning fast and ensures 8K data can be transferred to a display without issues. 

The dock is incredibly well built with a beautiful metallic top that looks great in any desk setup. With an increase in home-working, extending displays is becoming more popular, as is having a dock that you can plug in and get up and running quickly. If you're happy parting with over $250 then you won't go far wrong with this dock.

The Connect Core Hub has four Thunderbolt 4/USB 4 ports with one of these dedicated to a host machine connection. This port also offers 96 watts of charging power. One USB-A port is included with the USB 3.2 Gen 2 interface for a 10Gbps transfer rate. The device itself is powered with a DC IN 21V 7.1A power supply.

Belkin Connect Dock: Specifications

Display handling / Resolution: Single 8K monitor 30Hz, Dual 4K screens 60Hz
Thunderbolt 4: Yes
Compatibility: USB-C and USB-A
Charging: 96W
Cable Lock: No
Dimensions: 193 x 122 x 81 mm
Weight: Not specified
Total Ports: 5
Ports: 1x USB-A 3.2 Gen 2, 4x Thunderbolt 4 USB-C
Power: DC 21V

Belkin Connect Dock: Design & Handling

Belkin has designed and built a really nice hub with a nice and compact form factor. A metal face wraps around the top, sides, and bottom, with curved edges for a minimal and sleek design. The front and back have mirrored curved profiles which means the hub looks great on the desk. The build quality is high with premium materials delivering a truly robust solution.

There are four rubber pads on the bottom which enable the hub to grip to a table. Unfortunately, the unit can't change orientation which means you are limited to the host machine cable coming out the back. This is different from CalDigit's Element Hub, for example, which lets you flip the device and send the host cable out either the left or right of the hub.

Belkin Connect Dock: Performance

The Connect Core Hub is all about Thunderbolt 4 so it's super quick. After connecting a laptop there are three Thunderbolt 4 ports providing transfer rates of 40Gbps. This Belkin hub performs incredibly well, assuming you have peripherals that can also cope with this level of speed. Although there is only one USB-A port, thankfully it supports transfer rates of up to 10Gbps, otherwise, you would really be struggling with legacy drives.

Thunderbolt 4 technology enables transfer speeds of up to 40Gbps which equates to the transferring of a 4K movie in less than 10 seconds.

Display extension is possible up to 8K at 30Hz for a single monitor. A dual monitor setup is limited to 4K at 60Hz. This is all possible through the Thunderbolt 4 ports which will require HDMI or DisplayPort users to buy adapters.

Peripherals can be charged with the Thunderbolt 4 ports up to 96 watts upstream and 15 watts downstream. This is plenty for charging most laptops and additional devices such as mobile phones.

Belkin Connect Dock: Final Verdict

Belkin's Connect 4 Core Hub delivers fast Thunderbolt technology for fast transferring of files, speedy charging, and display monitor extension. There's no getting away from the fact that this hub is designed for the future and won't suit users with legacy USB-A devices. 

If, on the other hand, you have SSD drives, dongles, and monitors with USB-C technology then this will be great for you. If you do need the USB-A options then CalDigit's Element Hub is a great alternative at a slightly cheaper price. 

The Connect Core Hub lacks other connectivity such as HDMI, DisplayPort, and audio port. Get this hub if you have the latest peripherals and have a strong requirement for fast data transfer.

The Element Hub is so simple. It contains four Thunderbolt 4 ports with 40Gbps of bandwidth and four USB-A ports that support the latest USB 3.2 Gen 2 interface for bandwidths up to 10Gbps. All of this is great for connecting multiple peripherals including SSDs, displays, network adapters, or dongles.

The Element Hub is a universal hub that supports Thunderbolt 3 and 4 across four USB-C ports and a USB 3.2 Gen 2 interface across four USB-C ports. This number of connection points will be more than enough for almost all users and the fact that they are all super fast ports will be pleasing for those who are transferring files around SSDs and external hard drives a lot.

CalDigit Element Hub: Specifications

Display handling / Resolution: Single 8K 60Hz, Dual 6K 60Hz
Thunderbolt 4: Yes
Compatibility: Thunderbolt 3 & 4, USB-C, and USB 4
Charging: Yes
Cable Lock: No
Dimensions: 114 x 70 x 18 mm
Weight: 180 g
Total Ports: 8
Ports: 4x USB-A 3.2 Gen.2 (10Gb/s), 4x Thunderbolt 4 (40Gb/s)
Power: 1 x AC Power

CalDigit Element Hub: Design & Handling

CalDigit is well known for its well-built docking stations and hubs and the Element Hub is no outlier. As soon as I picked it up I could tell that this device was going to last. The metal construction on four out of the six sides not only gives this hub a premium feel but also serves the purpose of creating a remarkably robust structure. I tried bending the case and it didn't flex at all. The two remaining sides are made of plastic but this is equally thick and provides adequate protection to the ports on those sides.

The unit is reversible which is really neat and enables users to direct the laptop thunderbolt cable to either the left or right side of their machine. The design to both top and bottom is identical so it looks the part whichever way you flip it. The package includes two rubber strips which can be applied to whichever side you have facing down. These help to protect the case and give it more grip on the desk.

CalDigit Element Hub: Performance

Speed and bandwidth will obviously depend on the peripherals you're connecting to it but it's hard to match the performance that this hub offers. The four Thunderbolt USB-C ports, one of which is the host machine connection, provide 40Gbps of bandwidth. This is the latest Thunderbolt technology and is as good as it gets at the moment. 

The four USB-A ports could be considered legacy ports for devices that have these connectors but these are supercharged and support the latest USB 3.2 Gen 2 interface. This gives bandwidths up to 10Gbps and can only be bettered by USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 which takes advantage of all four lanes to achieve up to 20Gbps transfer rate.

There are no HDMI or Display Ports which is a little disappointing but CalDigit has opted to provide Thunderbolt 4 connectivity and force HDMI and DisplayPort users to buy adapters instead. This isn't too major a problem although it does mean the hub solution is not quite so neat and tidy. In terms of displays, it is possible to extend to a single display up to a full 8K in resolution. Dual displays are possible but only up to 4K at 60Hz.

CalDigit Element Hub: Final Verdict

The Element Hub is incredibly simple and yet the things it does it does incredibly well. Having four Thunderbolt 4 ports provides the necessary connection to support all your latest peripherals with super fast speed. All of your older devices are also covered with four USB-A ports with a USB 3.2 Gen 2 interface for super fast transfer speeds. 

The lack of HDMI and Display Ports might be an issue for users who need them but if you have a monitor with Thunderbolt 4 connectivity then you've got everything you need. Display adapters can obviously be utilized too. 

The only thing that lets this hub down is its power pack which removes all possibility of this being portable. The hub itself is small enough to be carried around but not with the adapter.

The Belkin Connect 11-in-1 dock has a wide array of ports including a 3.5mm audio input, a VGA port, an SD 3.0 card reader, a microSD 3.0 card reader, a Gigabit Ethernet port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, USB-A 2.0 port, 4K display port 1.2, 4K HDMI 1.4 and a USB C PD (power delivery) port.

Belkin Connect 11-in-1 Dock: Specifications

Display handling / Resolution: Single 4K through HDMI, DisplayPort, and VGA video ports, Dual Display HDMI+DP 3840x2160 @30Hz, Triple display 1280x720 @60Hz
Thunderbolt 4: No
Compatibility: USB-C and USB-A
Charging: 100W
Cable Lock: No
Dimensions: 90 x 23 x 162 mm
Weight: 348.8 g
Total Ports: 11
Ports: 1x SD 3.0 card reader, 1x MicroSD 3.0 card reader, 1x USB-A 3.0 1.2, 1x USB-A 2.0, 1x USB-C PD, 1x 4K HDMI 1.4, 1x 4K DisplayPort 1.2, 1x VGA, 1x Ethernet, 1x 3.5mm audio in/out
Power: USB-C (built-in)

Belkin Connect 11-in-1 Dock: Design & Handling

One of the most obvious things about the Connect 11-in-1 multiport dock is that it doesn't look like most other docks. This is because it's been designed to also act as a laptop stand, pushing the back of your laptop higher for better ergonomics when typing. This also has the added benefit of pushing all the cables to the back of your laptop and partially out of sight. It doesn't have to be used in this way but that is very much the intention behind the design.

The case itself is mostly metal with two small side panels made of black plastic. It very much follows Belkin's latest design ethos with curved edges and a grey and black design. The case itself is quite thin but this by no means affects its durability or robust characteristics. The case can't be flexed at all and at this weight sits nicely on the desk or firmly underneath any laptop. A rubber strip on the top provides a grippy connection between the dock and the laptop. Two rubber strips on the base give a similar connection but this time between dock and desk. I found these grips perfectly sufficient for keeping everything in place.

Belkin Connect 11-in-1 Dock: Performance

This Connect Multiport dock performs fine when it comes to its monitor connections and SD/Micro SD card readers. This continues to be true with the 1Gb Ethernet port. It is unfortunately significantly let down by the USB transfer speeds topping out at 5Gbps. This just isn't enough for video editors working with 4K or 8K files and is far from ideal if you're moving files around SSDs or external hard drives regularly.

The USB-C laptop connection is hard-wired into the dock and provides 100 watts of pass-through charging. This will be sufficient for most laptops.

Multiple displays can be connected using either the HDMI 1.4 port or the Display Port. Both of 4K and enable dual 4K output.

External devices such as mobile phones can be connected through the single USB-C port or the three USB-A ports. These offer a maximum of 5Gbps data transfer speeds which falls woefully short from the latest Thunderbolt technology of 40Gbps and is half what the USB 3.2 Gen 2 interface can provide.

Photographers and video editors will be pleased with the inclusion of SD and MicroSD 3.0 card reader ports. Stable connectivity is made possible through the 1Gb Ethernet Port.

Belkin Connect 11-in-1 Dock: Final Verdict

Belkin's Connect USB-C 11-in-1 Multiport Dock seems to be bridging the gap for users who are not too concerned about data transfer speeds but need a wide range of different connection types to make their desk setup work. USB transfer speeds of 5Gbps will be insufficient for data-hungry users. 

The inclusion of an HDMI port and a Display Port enables dual 4K display which is fantastic. There is also a legacy VGA port for the occasions that you just need to plug in a really old monitor. Creatives will love the SD and MicroSD ports for transferring their photos and videos across.

This USB-C dock delivers dual 4K at 60Hz via two HDMI 2.0 ports. 100 watts of pass-through power is available but a USB-C PD power adapter must be purchased separately. There are two USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 ports with one for fast charging if a power adapter is connected. Stable connectivity comes through a 1Gb Ethernet connection. There are also SD and Micro SD card slots.

Targus USB-C 4K Dock: Specifications

Display handling / Resolution: Dual HDMI 4K
Thunderbolt 4: No
Compatibility: USB-C and USB-A
Charging: 100W
Cable Lock: No
Dimensions: 150 x 100 x 30 mm
Weight: 130 g
Total Ports: 8
Ports: 1x SD 3.0 card reader, 1x MicroSD 3.0 card reader, 2x USB-A 3.1 Gen 1, 1x USB-C (10Gb/s), 2x HDMI, 1x Ethernet
Power: USB-C (built-in)

Targus USB-C 4K Dock: Design & Handling

The Dual Monitor Travel Dock is lightweight, solid, and compact. At only 130 grams and with no connected power supply, this dock can be thrown in a bag and quickly set up on the go.

The case is almost entirely made of metal with two small strips of plastic, one on the left side and one on the right. The case is strong enough to withstand knocks and will cope well with traveling around.

I was particularly confused by the port placement. One side contains the Ethernet and two USB ports with the other side taking the SD, Micro SD, and two HDMI ports. It would have made far more sense to pair the card readers with the USB ports as these will all need regular access. The Ethernet and HDMI cables could then have been paired together to push all those cables out towards the back of the desk.

Targus USB-C 4K Dock: Performance

Transferring files is not particularly high up on the list of priorities for this dock. 5Gbps transfer rates are available through the USB-A ports but this is far inferior to the latest Thunderbolt speeds.

100 watts of pass-through charging is impressive and delivers enough power for most laptops minus the most power-hungry machines.

Two 4K monitors at 60Hz can be connected via two HDMI 2.0 ports. This dock future proofs creatives who are already beginning to record and deliver 4K content. 

And while the 100 watts of pass-through power enables the charging of laptops, phones, and other devices such as bike lights. Unfortunately, this is only possible if a USB-C PD power adapter is purchased and connected.

Two USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 ports are included for transferring data at up to 5Gbps. One of these can be used for fast charging but only if the power adapter is connected. 

Targus USB-C 4K Dock: Final Verdict

The Targus Dual Monitor Travel Dock has two HDMI ports enabling extension to two 4K resolution monitors at 60Hz. This is a dream for video editors who want to view and edit their videos in such a high resolution. 100 watts of pass-through power is available but only if you purchase a separate power adapter. 

The case itself is well built with sturdy materials and is light enough to be thrown in a big for working on the go. Its portability is let down by its USB-A ports which only have USB 3.1 Gen 1 technology with 5Gbps transfer rates.

Ugreen has a large range of docking stations that meet the increasing demands of creative professionals. Their 9-in-1 docking station opens up a world of possibilities for 4K video output at 60Hz and significant speed capabilities for uploading and downloading files. This particular model sits in the middle of their range in terms of port extensions and price. 

Ugreen 9-in-1 Docking Station: Specifications

Ugreen 9-in-1 Docking Station: Key Features

Files can be transferred in super quick time with 10GB files taking only 16.5 seconds to move across. Transferring 6k or even 4k footage will be done in a flash and help to keep the creative process moving.

This hardware makes it possible to extend your MacBook to two independent displays which is ideal, if not essential, for photo and video editing as well as complex design projects. The fact that it supports 4K means that with compatible monitors you can view your 4K footage in 4K resolution. 

Ugreen 9-in-1 Docking Station: Build & Handling

The build quality of this docking station is top draw. The metal frame gives it both a high end feel and considerable protection for the contents. The bottom of the unit has two rubber strips which grip the surface of your desk and provide a comfortable connection between the dock and desk. It is fairly weighty which means it stays firmly wherever you place it but that might put users off who want something more portable. 

Ugreen 9-in-1 Docking Station: Performance

In terms of speed, it is quick, seriously quick. Through USB A&C, 10GB files are transferred in only 16.5 seconds. It’s not just uploads that are quick though, the ethernet port boasts 1000Mbps to keep downloads flowing. The high-speed charging capabilities means that you’ll never be left without charge for long.

Ugreen 9-in-1 Docking Station: Verdict

This docking station boasts an impressive set of specs and is guaranteed to speed up your workflow. Those needing 8K video output will need an alternative hub but most users will be happy with the 4K capabilities of the dock in question. There are more affordable options available but if speed and reliability is of the essence then there’s not much that compares. 

Read more: find out more of our top picks for best laptop docking stations.

Ugreen’s 12-in-1 docking station boasts quite the spec; 12 incredibly powerful ports that let you connect just about anything including up to 3 monitors. Ugreen has a substantial range of hubs and docking stations but this one stands above them all in both capacity and capability. One of the most notable inclusions is the triple display option all the way up to 8K.

Ugreen 12-in-1 Docking Station: Specifications

Ugreen 12-in-1 Docking Station: Key Features

Probably the most notable feature is its ability to extend your display to three further displays. This is achieved through two HDMI ports and one Display port. 8K functionality is supported at 30hz which is good but I would like to have seen this extended to 60hz. Users can easily work on multiple shots, edits, or projects thanks to this dock. 

Files can be transferred without any hassle at all. Video files, in particular, are getting larger all the time so to have a device that can get those onto your machine quickly is paramount. Cutting down the time between capture and editing is easily achieved with this docking station.

Alongside display extension and data transfer, there is a lightning-quick charging port which is perfect for getting your laptop, phone, or other compatible device charged up in a hurry.

Ugreen 12-in-1 Docking Station: Build & Handling

This dock is solid and well-built with nice beveled edges. The metal construction and matt finish means it looks great in any setup. The input cables and cards slot in well demonstrating the quality of the build. The bottom includes four rubber pads giving a soft contact between the dock and the desk. Due to the number of inputs it supports, this is a heavy item, weighing in at 748 grams. At this weight, and with the bulky power adapter, you’ll be fine using it in one location but it doesn’t lend itself to portability.

Ugreen 12-in-1 Docking Station: Performance

This device performs well on all fronts. Data speeds of 10Gbps can be achieved through USB 3.0 and USB-C with a LAN port supporting 1000Mbps. The dock is great but in reality, it opens up a whole world of possibilities for efficient and streamlined working. 

Ugreen 12-in-1 Docking Station: Verdict

If you want a dock that will do it all and you’re not concerned about how much money you’ll need to part with then this is the dock for you. Benefitting from triple display capability, lightning-quick data transfer, and a range of other connections, this dock has it all. The only downside is the significant cost but if you can stomach that then you won’t be disappointed with the results.

The likes of Satechi, Corsair, and Anker offer alternative solutions but Ugreen’s docking stations devoted to display extension are really pushing the market forward. Video editors or those working on demanding design projects will find this dock to be pretty unmatched.

Read more: find out more of our top picks for best laptop docking stations.

As more and more companies are excluding chargers from the box, unpacking your brand-new camera to find out it doesn't have a charger is incredibly frustrating! However, since investing in the ProCube 2 I haven’t looked back, and in fact, I’d recommend ditching the branded one your camera comes with and investing in one of these anyway. 

Capable of charging two batteries at once, dual charging is incredibly helpful when you have a big shoot ahead of you as it speeds things up, it has a digital display that tells you your battery's health and charge percentage and I’ve found it’s much quicker than standard chargers.

Build & Handling

This versatile charger can be plugged straight into the mains but it also comes with a 12V car socket for when you’re on the move, making it perfect for traveling and holidays - especially camping ones! A USB port at the back of it also enables you to charge a camera phone, laptop power bank, or other USB device. 

Unlike a lot of standard chargers, the ProCube 2 has a really nice feel and finish to it thanks to a smooth metal casing. The cube design is compact with an attractive brightly colored body and the screen display is clear and easy to read.

The screen is one of its most useful features, you can check your battery's health using the digital display.  You can also do this in-camera but I find it much easier to do using the charger. All you need to do is make sure your battery reaches 100% and then check exactly how many mAh it’s charged to. If it doesn’t say your battery is at its maximum capacity it means your batteries are on their way out and might need replacing soon!

Performance

For a fast charger, it really does do what it says on the tin. If you’re low on battery and just need a quick top-up,  a 20-minute charge will give you around 25% (I was testing it using the Sony FZ-100 batteries and a Sony A7 III). To fully charge two completely drained batteries to 100% it only took an hour and a half while a single battery took just less than an hour. 

Verdict

As far as third-party chargers go, the Hahnel ProCube 2 is pretty much the best you can get. Not only can you charge two batteries at the same time, but it also comes with an insert for rechargeable AA batteries that can be used simultaneously. If you own multiple camera systems and are looking for a one-charger-fits-all solution, you can also buy different charging plates for Sony, Olympus, Fujifilm, Nikon, and Canon so you don’t have to buy multiple chargers. 

The Hähnel ProCube 2 is very good value for money and if you can afford to, I’d invest in one regardless of whether your camera comes with a charger. It’s much more efficient than branded chargers, is incredibly versatile, and looks a damn site nicer. I literally can’t fault it and in some ways, I’m glad Sony didn’t provide a charger otherwise I may not have bothered to invest in this very useful bit of kit. 

Read more: simplify your battery charging with our top picks for the best universal camera battery charger or the best camera batteries.

If you’ve ever stared at your Mac webcam feed and wondered why the picture is so grainy, Apple’s Continuity Camera is your way out. This nifty feature lets you use your iPhone’s far superior rear camera as your Mac’s webcam; meaning crystal-clear video calls, flattering lighting, and fewer “is your camera on?” moments. All you need (besides a compatible iPhone and Mac) is a clever little mount to hold your phone in place while you dazzle colleagues or charm clients.

The best Continuity Camera mounts come in all shapes and sizes, from sleek MagSafe clips to fully adjustable arms with ring lights. And picking the right one can make all the difference between a chaotic balancing act and a pro setup.

To help you out, we’ve drawn on our experience in reviewing camera mounts, and rounded up the best options available... so you can stop propping your phone on a coffee mug and start looking your best on camera.

Best Continuity Camera mounts 

Best Continuity Camera mount overall

This compact circular mount from Belkin is the best all-around option for most people. It's impressively small and lightweight at just 35g, making it perfect for throwing in your bag without a second thought. The rubberized finish protects both your iPhone and MacBook from scratches, while the strong magnetic hold ensures your phone stays securely in place.

What sets this mount apart is its versatility. Two-hinged elements on the back allow you to attach it to your MacBook display, while a small kickstand lets you prop up your phone for watching movies or video calls away from your laptop. There's even a finger hook option for added security when holding your phone.

The engineering is solid throughout, with robust hinges and zero flex in the magnetic panel. While it lacks integrated charging and a tripod thread, these omissions keep the design beautifully simple and portable. For anyone wanting a reliable, well-made mount that does the fundamentals perfectly, this Belkin offering is hard to beat.

Read more: Belkin MagSafe Continuity Camera Mount review

Best Continuity Camera mount for content creators

If you need more than just a simple webcam mount, the Neewer SP08 is a feature-packed option that punches well above its budget-friendly price. Its unique tri-fold design lets you raise your iPhone up to 185mm (7.3 inches) above your display, giving you a much more customizable eye-level camera position that's perfect for video calls.

What really sets this mount apart is its Arca-type base, which lets you quickly attach it to tripods, monopods, and sliders. This makes it ideal for content creators who want to use their iPhone for both webcam duties and standalone video capture. A slider mechanism allows for precise front-to-back positioning of up to 42mm, giving you even more control over your framing.

Constructed from black anodized aluminum alloy, it's strong and durable, though the additional moving parts mean there's more that could potentially go wrong with heavy use. If you're planning to move between monitors and tripods regularly, or want a mount that does double duty for content creation, this versatile option is worth considering.

Read more: Neewer SP08 Continuity Camera Mount review

Best metal Continuity Camera mount

This is a circular magnetic mount like many others, but this time it’s made from aluminum and offers a degree more versatility. Not only does Stouchi’s mount work with Continuity Camera, attaching solidly to the top of the laptop screen in the classic piggyback style, it also functions as a desktop stand and as a grip ring: you can put your finger through it while holding your phone up for filming or video calls, giving it extra stability and theft protection.

The surfaces that come into contact with your phone or laptop are coated in rubber to prevent scratching, and you can easily rotate your phone into portrait orientation if you need to.

Read more: Stouchi Continuity Camera Mount review

Best Continuity Camera mount for Mac desktops

Got a Mac desktop rather than a MacBook? Then you'll want this versatile accessory, designed to take advantage of macOS Ventura's Continuity Camera features with Mac desktops and displays.

Providing a secure magnetic attachment for MagSafe-compatible iPhones, a tilting hinge allows you to adjust viewing angles from vertical to 25 degrees downward, along with the ability to rotate between portrait and landscape orientations. It works with MagSafe-compatible cases, is compatible with most external displays and monitors, and includes a 1/4" tripod screw mount for extra flexibility.

Read more: Belkin iPhone Mount with MagSafe review

Best tilting Continuity Camera mount

This clever little design sets out to cover all the bases. A magnetic disc attaches to your MagSafe-compatible iPhone, and sits on a simple hinged mechanism that enables you to adjust the height to tilt the viewing angle. The hinge system also goes wide enough that it can clip not only to a MacBook screen, but also to the top of a modern iMac or pretty much any external flat-screen monitor.

The icing on the cake is that the magnetic disc can also detach from the hinge and has its own clip, so you can use it on your MacBook screen in the same way as many of the other mounts you’ll see here. If you want to travel with as few extras as possible, just leave the hinge at home.

Alternatively, you should be able to use a disc-shaped MagSafe charger (not included) with the hinge, so that you can charge your iPhone while you’re on a video call. This configuration works with official Apple chargers, but not necessarily with some third-party chargers.

How to choose the best continuity camera mount

Which is the best continuity camera mount for you? That will vary according to a number of key factors. These include the specific iPhone or MacBook you have (see below for compatible models). Also think about your preference for mounting options (magnetic or clips), whether you want to adjust the angle and height, how portable you want the mount to be, and whether you need additional features such as wireless charging or privacy covers.

FAQs

Buying the best HDMI cable for your needs and budget can be a surprisingly complex task. On the one hand, the ubiquitousness of HDMI cables and ports means that any HDMI cable should just work - even budget ones.

However, since HDMI launched 20 years ago, there have been various new standards and upgrades to HDMI, so while a 20 year-old HDMI 1.0 cable may work fine, you could be missing out on newer features, such as higher resolutions and frame rates, Audio Return Channel (ARC) and high-speed data transfer. If you're a photographer, film maker or content creator, some of these new features are essential, and that means you need to pay attention to the type of HDMI cable you are buying.

HDMI Ethernet and Audio Return Channel (HEAC) and ARC were introduced with HDMI 1.4, and are primarily designed to reduce the amount of cables you need to connect to your devices. Using HEAC, you can have a single HDMI cable transmit (and receive) visual, audio and network data.

A standard HDMI 1.4 cable can handle resolutions up to 1080i and 720p - which these days isn't ideal. A High Speed HDMI 1.4 cable can support 1080p and 4K resolutions, though 4K is limited to 30Hz. These cables also support 3D footage and deep color.

In 2015, HDMI 2.0 was introduced, and the cables (sometimes known as Premium High Speed HDMI cables) got higher data bandwidths, along with extra testing requirements that were aimed at improving stability and image quality.

Then, in 2017, HDMI 2.1 was launched (also known as Ultra High Speed HDMI Cable), which again increased the bandwidth so that these cables can support 4K, 5K, 8K and even 10K resolutions at 120Hz refresh rates.

For the absolute best image quality, then, you'll want to look for HDMI 2.1 cables. You'll also need to make sure the devices you're connecting together have HDMI 2.1 ports. If they don't, then you won't get all the features. However, as HDMI 2.1 cables are backwards compatible, they will still work with older HDMI ports.

There are also different HDMI connector types, which determines what ports the HDMI cable can plug into. The most popular is the full-size Type A HDMI connector, which is found on most devices, including TVs and monitors.

There are also the smaller HDMI Type C (Mini) and HDMI Type D (Micro) which are sometimes used on smaller devices such as cameras and some laptops. If you want to connect these to a monitor, you'll need a HDMI cable that has HDMI Type C or Type D on one end, and HDMI Type A on the other.

If this all sounds a bit confusing, don't worry, as below you'll find our picks for the best HDMI cables you can buy right now.

The best HDMI cables

Not only is Amazon the largest retailer on the internet, but it also does a range of budget products in its 'AmazonBasics' range, including this HDMI cable, which comes in a variety of lengths, and supports HDMI 2.0 speeds.

It's one of the cheapest HDMI cables you can buy, but it's also well built and dependable compared to some ultra-cheap HDMI cables you may find from brands you've never heard of.

As the name (and price) suggests, however, this is a basic HDMI cable, so you don't get any flashy features such as gold-plated connectors or braided cables, and it only comes with two Type A male connectors. It also doesn't support HDMI 2.1, so it's not the best for people looking for high-end ultra resolution image quality, but for the price, this HDMI cable does the job, and does it well.

Tether Tools is a company that makes high-quality HDMI cables that are very popular with photographers thanks to their performance and dependability. Thanks to the HDMI Mini connection (Type C), this cable makes it easy to connect your camera to a TV or monitor without needing any fiddly adaptors.

As it's HDMI 2.0, it can handle 4K up to 60fps (frames per second), as well as eARC compatibility, which should be plenty for a lot of people, though power users may be disappointed there's no HDMI 2.1 support.

The maximum length of these cables isn't the longest, either, so do make sure you know how long the cable is you need before purchasing.

If the device you're looking for has a HDMI Micro connection (such as some cameras and camcorders), then the good news is that Tether Tools also does a HDMI cable with Type D to Type A connectors.

Apart from the Type D (HDMI Micro) connector, this cable is essentially exactly the same as the TetherPro HDMI Mini to HDMI 2.0 above - and that's a good thing, as it means after checking what connector your device has, you can pick the correct TetherPro cable for your needs.

Do make sure you know which connector your device uses, however, as you don't want to order a cable with a HDMI Micro connection if you need to plug it into a HDMI Mini port - it won't work without an adaptor.

If you want the very best HDMI cable that offers all the latest features, then the Belkin HDMI 2.1 Ultra High Speed is the cable to get. It supports HDMI 2.1, which offers 48Gbps video bandwidth, which means it can support up to 10K resolution, as well as HDR (High Dynamic Range) specifications like Dolby Vision and HDR 10.

Belkin is also a trusted brand when it comes to cables, so you can rest assured that this cable will last a long time.

However, it is very expensive compared to other HDMI cables out there. However, if you view this as an investment thanks to its future-proof feature set, then that price makes more sense. If you buy this cable, there's a good chance that you won't need to replace it for a very long time.

If you're connecting a device such as a TV or set top box that is close to a wall or back of a cupboard, then consider getting an angled HDMI cable, as they allow you to connect a HDMI cable in hard to reach areas. The LINKUP Swivel Angle Connector HDMI 2.1 Cable is in our view the best angled HDMI cable you can get as the flexible connectors aren't locked at 90 degrees, so it gives you even more flexibility when it comes to connecting devices.

Even better, these cables offer HDMI 2.1 support, so you'll get the full suite of extra features, and the price isn't bad either, considering the unique design.

The only issues we have with this cable is that it only comes in three lengths, and the connectors are just standard Type-A, so you'd need an adaptor to plug one end into a camera with a micro or mini HDMI port.

If you don't want chunky cables spilling from your TV or monitor and spoiling the look of your home, office or studio, then consider getting some flat HDMI cables. While the connectors remain the same, the cable themselves are flat, which makes it easy to install them unobtrusively.

Flat HDMI cables are also easier to carry around, which makes them a good choice for people who travel a lot. In our opinion, the JSAUX Flat HDMI 2.0 Cable is a great choice. It's affordable and comes in a range of lengths, and the braided cable itself is flat, but also robust enough that it won't get easily damaged.

Also, unlike many other flat HDMI cables, which are HDMI 1.4, this cable is HDMI 2.0, and while it doesn't offer the speeds or features of HDMI 2.1, it's still a good step up from the older standard.

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Questions have arisen over whether you should use HDMI to connect your monitor to your computer. In a recent interview between UK photographer, videographer and author Glyn Dewis, and Chris Bai, Vice Chairman of the ICC (International Color Consortium) and Senior Color Expert at BenQ, Bai revealed that it's possible for an HDMI connection to transmit two color formats: full range, and limited range. The former transmits the full 0-255 RGB color values, whereas limited range truncates this to 16-235.

According to Bai, this is a hangover from past TV signal transmission standards where it was necessary to save signal bandwidth, while such clipping of image data also had the effect of increasing image contrast - potentially advantageous for punchy TV output, but less so for accurate image editing. Bai also reveals - rather worryingly - that it is in fact the limited range color format that's the default for color transmission over HDMI. The result of this for overall image quality could be a distorted gamma curve, visible through an obvious color cast. Calibrating a display with this color distortion would then throw up calibration errors/failures, making you think it's your monitor that's performing poorly. Bai then goes on to assert that this color inaccuracy is the fault of the HDMI cable, and recommends connecting a monitor via USB-C or DisplayPort instead.

I'm sure I'm not alone in saying that all this came as news to me. I had assumed that if a high-end monitor was equipped with an HDMI port and included an HDMI cable in the box, it would therefore function just as well using this connection as if you'd hooked it up it via DisplayPort. I then went straight to Google and searched frantically for "full range HDMI cable". And yet, I couldn't find any such product - only cables conforming to the usual HDMI generational standards - 1.4, 2.0 - with no mention of 'full' or 'limited' color range.

What's going on here then? Well, in a demonstration of the finest, most reliable journalism, I did some additional research.... I read the comments below the YouTube interview video. Obviously we have to take any YouTube comments with many pinches of salt, but it seems that the problem may not actually be the HDMI cable at all, but simply the way your computer is configured. While there is indeed a definite distinction between full and limited range color, it's not the HDMI cable that determines which is used, but rather a simple computer setting located in your display driver software. I was able to verify this with a quick check of my nVidia display driver control panel:

Although full-range output was already pre-selected when 'use default color settings' was checked, you can also take manual control of this setting to be doubly sure you're set to full-range color output. The screenshot below shows how to achieve the same result in AMD graphics card drivers.

So don't rush to burn your HDMI cable under the misconception that it's been transmitting substandard color fidelity all this time. Chances are everything is just fine, and even if it isn't, a simple graphics driver tweak could well solve the problem. If your monitor is still showing a color cast, or poor image quality in general, it may be time to calibrate it with one of the best monitor calibrators, or failing that, think about upgrading to one of the best monitors for photo editing, or best video editing monitors.

Story credit: Glyn Dewis

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True to past form, the USB world is about to get even more incomprehensible. Just when USB4 was helping us forget the USB 3.1/3.2/Gen1/Gen2 headache, the USB Promoter Group has announced the upcoming release of USB4 Version 2.0 (side note - apparently the spelling is indeed USB4, not USB 4. Consistency has never been a major concern when it comes to USB naming/numbering convention).

Where the original USB4 standard enabled transfer speeds up to 40 Gbps, the new Version 2.0 revision theoretically doubles this to 80 Gbps by using a new "physical layer architecture". What's more, this speed increase is possible while still using existing 40 Gbps-rated Type-C 'passive' USB cables. However, the USB Promoter Group also reveals that dedicated 80 Gbps 'active' cables are also in development. Quiet why these would be necessary if existing 40 Gbps cables can already be 'overclocked' to transfer at 80 Gbps is as yet unknown - we speculate that the new cables may be able to sustain higher speeds for longer, or could simply be future-proofed to handle even higher transfer speeds?

Aside from a 2x increase in raw data throughput, the new USB4 Version 2.0 benefits also include "updates to data and display protocols to better use the increase in available bandwidth", as well as "USB data architecture updates [which] now enable USB 3.2 data tunnelling to exceed 20 Gbps". We can also expect the latest version to be backward-compatible with the original USB4 standard (now called USB4 Version 1.0), USB 3.2, USB 2.0 and Thunderbolt 3.

At this stage we can safely assume we won't see cameras supporting USB4 Version 2.0 for quite some time, as camera USB interface technology tends to lag behind that of desktop and laptop computers. Take, for instance, the Nikon D7500. Released in 2017, it still made do with a USB 2.0 connection, a full six years after USB 3.0 was introduced.

Even laptops and desktop computer motherboards with USB4 (Version 1.0) haven't been around for long, so don't expect to see USB4 Version 2.0-equipped machines any time soon, either.

Read more:

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Atomos describes the Zato Connect as a whole new product category. This device acts as a bridge between regular video cameras and live streaming and video conferencing platforms.

Atomos says it supports nearly all HDMI and USB UVC sources, with input and output ports for both. It’s small enough to mount on on a DSLR or mirrorless camera rig or it can be used next to a laptop, desktop computer or even a gaming console.

It has its own ‘SuperAtom’ IPS 5-inch 1,000nit display, and incorporates Wi-Fi 5 and Gigabit Ethernet (via USB-C). It can even join cellular hotspots for live streaming out in the field.

Power comes from either an NP-F battery or USB-C power delivery. The Zato Connect has a 3.5mm audio jack for adding or mixing audio with the audio embedded in streaming video, and the AtomOS Lite software has tools for combining sources, recording streams and overlaying graphics. A future update will add further Atomos Cloud Studio services – a suite of cloud-based production tools due to launch in June 2022.

The Atomos Zato Connect is actually the second product in the Connect range. It joins the Shogun and Atomos Connect devices for Atomos external recorders.

Watch the Atomos Zato Connect video below:

Atomos is aiming the Zato Connect at two distinct markets – content creators who want to live stream from regular video camera gear, and conferencing pros who want to achieve a higher production values.

It will use the Atomos Stream service, which will offer free delivery to a single platform from launch, such as Facebook Live, Twitch or YouTube, with a premium ‘restreaming’ service via Atomos Cloud Studio scheduled for later in 2022 – this will enable simultaneous streaming to multiple platforms.

Atomos’s plan is to make streaming available for all user levels and all types of video capture gear, from high-end cinema cameras through DSLR and mirrorless cameras to iOS devices.

The Atomos Zato Connect is available for pre-order now at $399 (about £318/AU$558), and anyone who pre-orders now will get an additional 3 months Atomos Cloud Studio subscription and free NDI®|HX IP streaming activation, worth $99.

Read more:

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The days of Apple's Lightning connector look set to be numbered, as the European Union edges closer to mandating the USB Type-C standard as the only charging solution for low-power devices permitted in EU member states.

The idea has been around for years, but the rule was officially proposed by the European Commission (EC) in September 2021. Now an EU panel has backed the proposal, paving the way for an assembly vote in May and the directive to be potentially enacted by the end of the year. EU member states will then usually have two years to enact the rules into national law, and manufacturers will have 24 months to change their charging ports.

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Of course, this will be of little concern to manufacturers of Android phones, which almost all use a USB-C charging port already. However, Apple is predictably opposed to the rule. Its steadfast commitment to the Lightning connector, first introduced back in 2012 with the launch of the iPhone 5, has resulted in a decade-long supply of Lightning-based chargers for multiple generations of iPhones and iPads. Apple claims that if these were to become obsolete overnight, it would result in a huge volume of e-waste, and it asserts that the universal adoption of the USB Type-C connector would 'stifle innovation'. The last objection being a little puzzling, since Apple itself has already moved to the USB-C connector for various iPad and Macbook models.

In justifying the attempt to standardize phone chargers, Alex Agius Saliba, who is leading the debate in parliament said: 

"With half a billion chargers for portable devices shipped in Europe each year, generating 11,000 to 13,000 tonnes of e-waste, a single charger for mobile phones and other small and medium electronic devices would benefit everyone"

While the attempt to standardize phone chargers could be viewed as beneficial for charging convenience, we can't help but think the move has come years too late. Rewind to the pre-smartphone era and almost every phone manufacturer would use its own, proprietary charging connector, making the prospect of one single standardised charging solution extremely appealing. But in 2022 with just USB-C and Lightning being the two dominant charging connectors around (now that USB micro-B is all but obsolete), the move to a single phone charging interface is unlikely to be a game-changer.

However, it's not only phone chargers which would be subject to the EU's USB Type-C charger standardisation. Tablets, headphones, e-readers, low-powered laptops, keyboards, computer mice, earbuds, smartwatches and electronic toys would all be required to have common USB-C charging interface.

Faced with the collective power of the EU, it's hard to see how Apple can retain the Lightning connector for much longer. But rather than move over to the 'dark side' and adopt USB-C for iPhone charging, it may simply do away with a physical charging port altogether and move exclusively to wireless charging. This would potentially have the added benefit of improving the iPhone's ingress protection, as well providing Apple with additional income as users are forced to to purchase a MagSafe charger.

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The Kensington StudioDock is a beautiful bit of design, and elevates what is essentially a glorified USB-C hub to the upper echelons of the accessory world with blasted metal and Apple-esque styling. It’s designed for new models of the iPad Pro and iPad Air, adding a host of ports to the tablets, an SD card reader, and two wireless charging pads. 

While it doesn’t add any revolutionary function to your tablet or workspace, and it does cost a lot, the longer we’ve been using it, the more we’ve relied on it as part of our iPad workflow, both as a versatile stand that holds your tablet in either portrait or landscape orientation, and as a dock that ekes out extra functionality out of Apple’s finest tablet. 

Kensington StudioDock: pricing and availability

The Kensington StudioDock was announced in early 2021, but has taken a bit of time to launch around the world. It’s currently available in the US from roughly $379, and in the UK at around £350. Available in two versions, one with support for the 11-inch iPad Pro and Air and another supporting the 12.9-inch iPad Pro, we reviewed the larger of the two with our 12.9-inch 2018 iPad Pro. Compatible models include the iPad Pro 11” (2018/2020/2021), iPad Air (2020), and iPad Pro 12.9" (2018/2020/2021).

• Best iPads for photo editing

Kensington StudioDock:  Design

The Kensington StudioDock is a solid thing. At 5.58kg, it sits firmly on a surface, weighing not much less than some small monitors. This is handy when poking cables into its ports – it won’t be sliding all over the place – and when docking your iPad, which magnetically secures onto the tablet, everything feels very solid.

Comprised of metal, plastic, and some fabric and rubber over the wireless charging pads – the dock’s curves and industrial shape match the design language of Apple’s iPads well.

With a swivel hinge that both tilts and turns, you can easily angle your iPad to face you both in portrait and landscape orientation, though the dock doesn’t rise and fall, so vertically, the tablet is relatively fixed. All in all, until you start tapping the plastic back panel, which is a touch hollow, everything about the StudioDock feels premium. Our one bugbear was that on our unit, the SD card reader’s spring mechanism is a little sticky.

• iPad generations - which Apple tablet is best for me?

Kensington StudioDock: connectivity

There are two aspects to the Kensington StudioDock: charging and docking. Starting with charging, the dock powers up your iPad at 37.5W, which is over double the speed of the charger that ships with the iPad. The dock also sports USB-A and USB-C ports that can power up gadgets by plugging them in directly. Finally, there are two wireless charging pads, one for a phone that charges at up to 7.5W, and the other for earbuds, which charge at up to 5W – though it can be used for a phone too, turning the dock into a multi-device charging hub. 

As for the StudioDock’s connectivity, it features a single 4K HDMI 2.0 port, an SD card slot, which works well with apps like Lightroom for iPad, a Gigabit Ethernet jack, two USB-C ports and three USB-A ports, and finally, a headphone jack. There’s also a power button on the left side of the port. 

As for the iPad docking process, the back panel of the iPad is magnetically guided as it nears the StudioDock, it slides over a USB-C connector which charges it, and powers up. On the subject of power, the StudioDock itself charges by plugging directly into the mains by way of a power brick with an IEC C5 connection. 

Kensington StudioDock for photography

Thanks to the SD Card Slot matched with features available in the last few iterations of iOS, the StudioDock is primed to be a fantastic photography tool. The tablet has one of the best colour-calibrated screens around, so when matched with Lightroom and RAW files from your digital camera, you can edit extensively on it, and it’s especially ergonomic when paired with an Apple Pencil.

Additionally, with its HDMI output, the dock can project to any of the best monitors for photo editing around. Connect a Bluetooth mouse and keyboard, and the experience closely matches a laptop. For the most part, while the dock is incredibly pricey and you can get an SD card reader for a lot less, the all-in-one nature of the dock, and iPad OS’s rich photography app library come together well to make the dock a compelling option.

Kensington StudioDock Verdict

We didn’t find the Kensington StudioDock’s HDMI connectivity to be too useful, given the fact iPad OS doesn’t support extended screens and you can pick up an inexpensive dongle for a lot less.  That said, Kensington has still made a very powerful accessory that could elevate your iPad Air or Pro workflow significantly. 

The dock’s ports, docking mechanism, wireless charging points and finish all make it stand out, and anyone who uses their iPad as a second screen with an app like Sidecar or Duet, the StudioDock’s a great option, making your iPad a real alternative to a monitor. Given the hefty price tag of over $350 or £350 though, it’s anything but cheap. 

You can get all the StudioDock’s features for less – two wireless charging points, a USB-C hub or dongle, SD card reader, headphone jack dongle etc; that will set you back a couple of hundred dollars or pounds – less if you’re thrifty. But what you can’t get elsewhere is all these elements in such a fine looking, all-in-one package, and that makes the StudioDock a unique, elegant, handy option that could be worth the cash for a specific type of iPad user. 

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Nikon and Olympus have stopped supplying the usual power adapters with their latest cameras, in a move sure to frustrate those used to charging their kit in a familiar way. 

Both the Nikon Z7 II and the Nikon Z7 will now come without the Nikon EH-7P charger that had previously been included with the cameras, while the new Olympus PEN E-P7 comes without the Olympus BCS‑5 battery charger that had been supplied with previous PEN bodies. 

• Read more: Best mirrorless camera

All three cameras still come with a means of charging them up, of course; the Nikons continue being bundled with the Nikon Battery Charger MH-25a, enabling you to charge a battery directly from a power outlet, while the Olympus still comes with the Olympus F‑5AC with which to charge the battery in-camera via USB. 

However, in the case of the Z7s you no longer have the included option to charge your battery in-camera – and it's the opposite for the PEN, where you no longer have the option to charge the battery on its own. 

In the case of Nikon, the reason is due to the global shortage of semiconductors making it difficult to procure parts. 

"With regard to the 'main unit charging AC adapter EH-7P' (hereinafter 'EH-7P') that was included as an accessory to the 'Nikon Z7 II' and 'Nikon Z7', we are now supplying semiconductors worldwide," stated the manufacturer (as spotted by Digital Camera Watch). 

"Due to the influence of the problem, it is difficult to procure some electronic parts, so the 'Z7 II' and 'Z7' that previously came with the 'EH-7P' will be bundled sequentially from Thursday, July 1st. We have decided to end."

With Apple famously deciding to stop supplying chargers for new iPhones, is it only a matter of time before all camera manufacturers follow suit, and simply give us a USB lead to charge our gear? 

Read more:

Nikon Z7 II review
Nikon Z7 review
Olympus PEN E-P7 review
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If your desk is a mess of wires and card readers, the Kingston Workflow Station could be the solution to your woes. It's a modular, customizable USB-C docking station that enables you to connect up to eight USB devices or SD-family memory cards at the same time. 

Where the Kingston Workflow Station differs from the other best USB-C hubs on the market, though, is that its connections aren't pre-ordained; you can purchase Modules to give your dock exactly the connections you want. 

Want to have six SD card readers and two microSD readers? No problem! Two USB-C connections, two USB-A connections, and four SD card readers? Sure thing! Plug in a eight cameras directly via USB-C? Go nuts! 

The dock enables you to chop and change the Modules according to your needs – and they each operate on their own, too, so you can pop one in your camera bag to take on a shoot with you. 

Will the Workflow Station replace your current USB hub and the best SD card readers out there? Let's take a closer look.

Kingston Workflow Station: specs & features

The base Kingston Workflow Station features the dock itself along with a USB miniHub Module that provides one USB Type A and one USB Type C input. The system supports USB 3.2 Gen 2 speeds, so you can expect snappy transfers and support for the latest devices. 

Also available separately are Workflow SD Reader and Workflow microSD Reader Modules, which enable you to insert two respective cards at the same time. There are slots for four Modules, so you can have a maximum of eight connections simultaneously – which would enable you to download eight memory cards at once, for example. 

Best of all, each Module can also be used standalone – which means that you can take a Workflow SD Reader, for example, with you on a shoot and transfer your files without having to lug the whole dock around with you. 

Kingston Workflow Station: build and handling

The Station has a beautiful, Apple-like brushed aluminum finish – indeed, it seems designed specifically to sit beside your MacBook and look equally lavish. 

It's very discreet at just 160.27 x 70.27 x 55.77mm, and despite its premium finish suggesting a weighty product it actually tips the scales at just 292g, with each Module weighing a scant 30g.

The base unit feels nice and sturdy, with rubber feet to prevent slippage, though the Modules rattle about in it ever so slightly. They also feel a bit hollow, clearly designed to uniformly fit the Station's slots even though not all of them require the same amount of circuitry inside. 

However, at just 62.87 x 16.87 x 50mm they are the ideal size to slip in your camera bag, laptop bag or back pocket to take with you on a shoot or when traveling.

Kingston Workflow Station: performance

It's not until you actually use the Workflow Station that you realize what a revelation it is. We've all owned US hubs that don't have enough of the ports or connections that we want, or that have plugs and slots on every side that therefore means it can't sit on your desk tidily without cables spewing in all directions. 

With Kingston's product, you choose the connections you want and slot them in – with all the devices and cards plugging in the same direction, so it's neat and uniform and makes accessing your data a breeze.

Transfer speeds are good – we pinged across a 10-minute 4K video in 30 seconds. Certainly when you have two, three or even eight cards or devices plugged in and transferring simultaneously, transfer speeds take a hit. However, it's still much quicker than having to do them one by one and switch them out in-between. 

The modular design also means that you can have, for example, the USB miniHub Module with a USB-A hard drive and USB-C SSD permanently connected to it, which can be quickly swapped out for a second USB miniHub when you want to plug in your camera or flash drive or other occasional device. So it saves wear and tear, as well as the hassle of unplugging and re-plugging the connections you use most often.

It's also great that each Module can be used without being plugged into the dock, if you're taking your laptop to the coffee shop or you need to transfer something away from your desk. 

However, it feels like a bit of an oversight that the main dock has to be connected to mains power in order to read cards or devices that don't themselves need power; you can take the SD Module out and connect it directly to your computer, but the dock has to be plugged into the mains if you want to use it from there. 

Obviously it's designed to sit on a desk, and some USB devices need to draw power in order to work, but it would have been nice to have the option to go mains-free if all you have are four SD card Modules.  

Kingston Workflow Station: Verdict

In a world where USB-C is king according to the likes of Apple, yet many of our data devices don't have a USB-C connection, hubs like this are utterly invaluable for creatives, and the Kingston Workflow Station is the most well thought-out and versatile of them all when it comes to data transfer. 

Build it with exactly the connections you want, transfer to and from them all simultaneously if you want to, and relax safe in the knowledge that you're getting the speed and reliability of one of the biggest names in data. 

It's a minor quibble that the dock can't be used without power, and there are currently only three connections offered (USB-A, USB-C, SD and microSD) – we would love to see a CFexpress Module, for instance, but we're sure that's on the drawing board. Regardless, this is a brilliant USB-C hub that will genuinely improve the way you handle your data. 

CES 2021: Kingston has announced a new modular desktop card reader dock, named the Workflow Station, and a selection of compatible card reader modules. The aim is to speed up your file transfers by enabling multiple memory cards or USB storage devices to simultaneously transfer content to a PC or Mac.

The Workflow Station connects to your computer via a 10Gbps USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C connection, and each card reader module slots into one of the dock's four bays, each of which contains its own USB Type-C plug. This enables you to use the reader modules as conventional standalone card readers linked via a Type-C cable, though each reader module can only transfer at 5Gbps USB 3.2 Gen 1 speed.

At launch three types of Workflow modules are available: an SD reader containing two UHS-II SD card slots, a microSD reader - also with dual slots - and a USB miniHub featuring one USB-A and one USB-C port - useful for adding to the USB ports on a laptop.

The Workflow Station dock measures 160.27 x 70.27 x 55.77mm, so is best suited to desktop use rather than life on the go. But at 63 x 17 x 50mm, each reader module is much more portable.

It should be noted that this modular/dock concept isn't new - Lexar's Professional Workflow card reader ecosystem was a very similar setup launched back in 2013. However, Lexar released many more types of reader modules in addition to SD and microSD, expanding its appeal to professional photographers. We can only hope Kingston releases CFexpress/XQD, CompactFlash or even CFast 2.0 modules in due course to extend the Workflow Station's versatility.

The Workflow Station is available to pre-order now from B&H, priced at $190.

The Kingston Workflow SD Reader and Kingston Workflow microSD Reader, each priced at $51 at B&H.

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Looking for a big portable hard drive to keep your photographs and videos backed up, at home and when out on location? How about a big data deal that makes that a bit easier on the wallet? We have just spotted this great offer at B&H which is ideal if you want to archive your images, or ensure they are safely copied and stored when travelling. 

This offer is on the G-Technology 4TB G-DRIVE USB 3.0 mobile hard drive - and with $35 knocked off the price is now an appealing $94.95.

The drive measures a pocketable 4.4 x 3.2 x 0.8 inches (11.2 x 8.1 x 2.0 cm) and weighs just 0.5 lb / 0.2 kg. 

It uses USB 3.1 Gen 1 connectivity offering transfer speeds of up to 130MB/s using either the USB-C or USB-A cables that are supplied with this SATA drive.

This is such a good deal that you might even want to buy two, so you can keep a mirrored back-up in a separate location, for extra security against losing your images and files!

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Tether Tools has built up a great reputation amongst pro photographers offering a range of cables and contraptions that take out all the stress of tethering your camera to a laptop. You can barely go into a professional studio without seeing the bright orange wires that are the Tether Tools trademark.

But now Tether Tools are offering to cut the wires, and let you shoot cable free with the launch of the Air Direct. Originally shown last year, the Tether Tools Air Direct accessory connects your camera to your laptop over its own wifi network  - allowing you to upload your RAW and JPEG files direct to your computer as you shoot them. 

The dual-antenna 802.11AC Wi-Fi connection has operating distance of up to 60m (200 feet). There is a choice of either 2.4GHz or 5GHz bandwidth. RAW files can be transmitted to your laptop in as little as seven seconds, with JPEGs taking as little as one second. 

It is not Tether Tools first wireless device, but the big advantage of the Air Direct is that it can be used with your choice of tethering software, including pro favorites Lightroom and Capture One Pro. Furthermore, Air Direct can be used with a wide choice of compatible cameras from Canon, Nikon, Fujifilm, Phase One, Sony, Olympus, Panasonic and Hasselblad.

The unit has its own LP-E6 rechargeable battery, so doesn't draw power from the camera - giving a running time of between three and five hours. Set up is made easy, as the Air Direct connects  to your camera's USB port (using a short supplied orange cable), and can be attached to your hotshoe, or to the optional Arca-Swiss-compatible L-bracket, or strapped to a tripod leg.

Although the Air Direct has immediate appeal to the studio photographer, the ability to send an image to a computer at speed and without cables is also of use for professionals working on a location, that, say want to see the images they are shooting on a bigger screen. 

The Air Direct retails for $330/£358.

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Imagine, if you will, a fantasy land where every lens fits every mount and you can mix and match your gear as you pleased… Unfortunately, in the cold, hard reality we actually live in, we're often trapped by the camera system we bought into when we first started shooting. However, there is a way to pick up a new camera without having to immediately trade in every lens you own as well - an adapter. Now, if you're a Canon user who's been itching to try out the new Nikon Z system, then you're in luck.

Techart has released a Canon EF to Nikon Z TZC-01 Adapter that allows EF-mount lenses from Canon, Sigma, Tamron and Tokina to retain autofocus, aperture control, lens stabilization and more when used on Nikon Z6 and Z7 cameras. 

Read more: Best Canon lenses

Techart has advised that the adapter supports AF-S, AF-C, AF-F and MF modes for both still and video shooting. The Nikon Z6 and Z7's lauded Face and Eye Detection software can also be used via the adapter, plus lens vibration reduction as well. Techart also says that Phase-detect autofocus has also been adopted to guarantee that both the AF accuracy and speed will be close to native Z-mount lenses.

The Techart TZC-01 adapter is currently able to support most of the Canon, Sigma, Tamron, Tokina and Zeiss lenses that use the EF mount. This means legendary pieces of glass such as the Canon 16-35mm L, 24-70mm L, 70-200mm L, Sigma Art series, and Tamron zoom lenses are now available for Nikon Z users. Plus, as if that wasn't already enough, it also comes with a complimentary lens dock for firmware upgrades. 

While the quality of Techart's adapter remains to be seen (some adapters will promise the world and then fail to deliver), if it really is able to retain the autofocus capabilities of the EF lenses, then this would be a great way to start using the Nikon Z system without having to bite the bullet and exchange all of your glass at once.

The Techart TZC-01 with a one-year warranty is available for immediate delivery for just $249. 

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The USB Implementation Forum has revealed the final specifications for the upcoming USB 4 standard. The big news is that, at 40Gbit/s, it’ll be twice as fast as the current fastest version of USB 3.2. The specs are very similar to the Thunderbolt 3 standard, largely because USB 4 is based on Intel’s Thunderbolt protocol.

USB 4 devices are expected to be available in 2020, with USB 4 itself being backward compatible with Thunderbolt 3, and USB versions as old as USB 2.0. The connector is the reversible Type-C plug to which we’re now getting well accustomed, enabling cross-compatibility with Thunderbolt 3 ports.

While computing equipment manufacturers will likely be quick to adopt USB 4 in their products, camera manufacturers are almost certainly going to be slower to the party, given their reluctance to incorporate USB 3. Take, for instance, the Nikon D7500. Even though this DSLR was released as recently as 2017, it still makes do with a USB 2.0 connection - a full six years after USB 3.0 was introduced.

Time for a rant...

Possibly even more exciting than the speed boost provided by USB 4 will be that, for at least a brief period of bliss, order will be restored to the USB numbering convention.

As it stands, the recent renumbering and re-renumbering of USB 3 generations is getting ridiculous. First there was USB 3.0, launched in 2011, with a 5Gbit/s transfer speed - great, no confusion there. This was then improved upon by USB 3.1 in 2013, which, at 10Gbit/s, was twice as fast as USB 3.0. All well and good.

But then, for some unfathomable reason, both versions received a name change, with USB 3.0 becoming USB 3.1 Gen 1, and USB 3.1 becoming USB 3.1 Gen 2. Confused yet? Well, there’s more!

Now everything’s changed yet again, with USB 3.1 Gen 1 renamed USB 3.2 Gen 1, USB 3.1 Gen 2 now being USB 3.2 Gen 2, and these are joined by a new (genuinely new, not just a name change), 20GBit/s version of USB 3.2. You might imagine this would be called USB 3.2 Gen 3. Oh no, far too logical. This 20Gbit/s revision has actually been labelled USB 3.2 Gen 2 x 2, so called because it uses dual data lanes to achieve the doubled speed over 10GBit USB 3.2 Gen 2.

Hopefully USB 4 will put this naming insanity firmly in the past. 

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Designed for those who want to slim down their collection of gadgets and cables, the Sony MRW-S3 is a new UHS-II SD/microSD card reader and USB Hub. 

Whether you’re handling high-resolution RAW files or UHD 4K video, the Sony MRW-S3 is equipped with the speed to handle it. It supports USB 3.1 Gen 2, which allows for data transfer speeds of up to 1000MB/s, and it can also receive up to 100W USB Power Delivery, ensuring a stable connection with USB devices. There are also USB power level indicators at each port which show whether the ports are ready to be connected at maximum power supply levels.

The MRW-S3 also has an HDMI output with 4K 30fps capabilities, allowing it to be easily and directly hooked up to an external monitor. It is also constructed of solid aluminium, and features a grip for better handling. Despite this, it weighs an impressively slender 95g, making it easy to take on your travels. This, combined with the potential the MRW-S3 has to slim down the number of cables and readers you need, makes it a potentially compelling addition to any photo or video kit bag.

As well as the MRW-S3, Sony also launched some additions to its TOUGH SD card range in the form of the TOUGH SF-M series. These new cards provide data transfer speeds of up to 277MB/s read speed and 150MB/s write speed, and are available in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB capacities. Sony says the new cards will pair well with the MRW-S3 for fast backups and image/video transfers, though of course, they would say that.

The Sony MRW-S3 and the TOUGH SF-3 cards are all expected to be available in Autumn 2019, with exact pricing yet to be confirmed.  

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Kippon, manufacturer of adapters that enabled just about any lens to be used on just about any camera, has just announced the world's first adapter that will mount Canon EF lenses to the Nikon Z6 and Nikon Z7 – complete with autofocus.

Previously a somewhat pejorative term referring to the two dominant camera brands, 'CaNikon' is the name Kippon has given its latest adapter. It will attach any Canon EF or EF-S, Sigma EF or Tamron EF lens to Nikon's full-frame mirrorless Z-mount bodies. 

There are already adapters in the wild that enable you to mount Canon lenses to Nikons and vice-versa, but this is the first time that autofocus capabilities will remain operational; until now, adapted lenses were manual focus only.

In fact, with the advent of mirrorless cameras and their shorter lens flange distances, the whole lens adapter market has really taken off. If you own a full frame Sony Alpha, for example, you can track down adaptors for practically every lens mount ever made. You are usually restricted to manual focus, but this has become a whole lot easier with mirrorless cameras, live views and focus zoom features.

As has been pointed out by the photographic community, it will be interesting to see how Nikon reacts to its name being appropriated for this product. We won't have to wait long to find out, as the CaNikon will be officially unveiled at the CP+ show in Japan on 28 February. 

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