Articles by Chris Rowlands

For more than a decade, Chris has been finding and featuring the best kit you can carry. When he's not writing about his favourite things for Stuff, you'll find Chris field-testing the latest gear for TechRadar. From cameras to classic cars, he appreciates anything that gets better with age.

Articles by: Chris Rowlands

I tested Sony’s 28-70mm f/2 GM lens and it’s the best standard zoom I’ve ever used

By Chris Rowlands published 12 May 25

Editor's Choice

Fast, sharp and versatile – this standard zoom ticks every box

House of Marley Roots Solar Bluetooth Speaker outside on a wooden sleeper in a garden

House of Marley Roots Solar review: an eco speaker built for beach parties

By Chris Rowlands published 3 May 25

The House of Marley Roots Solar is a portable speaker that’s built for beach parties. Its features sound neat, but solar-charging is ineffective and audio quality isn’t the best.

Fujifilm tipped to launch the weirdest compact camera of 2025 soon – here are 5 things to expect

By Chris Rowlands published 1 May 25

Fujifilm’s next camera is rumored to be a digital half-frame revival, featuring a vertical LCD display, fixed 10mm f/2.8 lens and 1-inch sensor.

Two Amazon Project Kuiper satellite terminals next to a rocket launching

What is Amazon's Project Kuiper? The Starlink rival explained as its first internet satellites launch

By Chris Rowlands last updated 29 April 25

Amazon is launching a low-cost satellite internet service and you'll be able to access it later this year. What is Project Kuiper and how can you get online?

DJI Mini 5 leak suggests beginner drone could land soon with two big upgrades

By Chris Rowlands published 25 April 25

DJI is rumored to be working on the Mini 5 and leaked images appear to show the new drone in testing, complete with front LiDAR sensors and a larger lens.

Fujifilm has officially teased its unique half-frame camera – and there could be a secret screen

By Chris Rowlands published 23 April 25

Fujifilm has teased its rumored half-frame camera and the video clip appears to show a mini display for Film Simulations.

Best Sony Lens – Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II

Best Sony lenses 2025: top lenses for Sony mirrorless cameras

By Chris Rowlands, Timothy Coleman last updated 22 April 25

Updated If you've got a Sony mirrorless camera, these are the lenses you need to know about.

Sigma is rumored to be working on a new 200mm f/1.8 lens, although it wasn't on show at CP+ 2025 like the 300-600mm F4 lens

Rumored Sigma telephoto prime could be world-first 200mm F1.8 for mirrorless, and it sounds like a next-level portrait lens

By Chris Rowlands published 6 April 25

Rumors suggest that Sigma is working on a world-first 200mm f/1.8 telephoto prime for Sony and Leica full-frame mirrorless cameras.

The Canon EOS R7 camera sitting on a stone step

Canon EOS R7 Mark II rumored for 2025 with these significant upgrades – watch out Fujifilm

By Chris Rowlands published 4 April 25

Rumors suggest that Canon will announced a replacement for the EOS R7 later this year, with a 40MP sensor among the upgrades.

A still image from a Studio Ghibli film called Ponyo

Is ChatGPT's Studio Ghibli craze a copyright timebomb? Here's the verdict from expert lawyers

By Chris Rowlands published 3 April 25

Fans are using ChatGPT to generate artwork and memes in the iconic hand-drawn style of Studio Ghibli. But is it legal and sustainable?

Lead image for the best $1000 camera, featuring the Canon EOS RP

Best camera under $1000 in 2025: top bargains for every photography lover

By Timothy Coleman last updated 31 March 25

Updated From compacts to full-frame mirrorless models, these are the best cameras you can buy for less than $1000 in 2025

What is Pika.art: everything you need to know about the AI video generator

By Chris Rowlands published 28 March 25

Create cinematic AI clips from images and text prompts

What is Steve.ai: everything you need to know about the AI video content tool

By Chris Rowlands published 28 March 25

Generate polished AI videos with text and templates

What is Signal, and how secure is the messaging app? Everything you need to know in the aftermath of Signalgate

By Chris Rowlands published 27 March 25

Signal is the most secure messaging app for your smartphone, but a recent leak from a US government chat group has raised questions. So how safe is Signal and how do you use it properly?

Three angles of the Apple MacBook Air 15-inch M4 laptop above a desk

Apple MacBook Air 15-inch (M4) review roundup – should you buy Apple's new lightweight laptop?

By Chris Rowlands published 27 March 25

The MacBook Air M4 reviews are in – here's the verdict on Apple's latest lightweight laptop.

What is Viggle: everything you need to know about the AI animation tool and meme generator

By Chris Rowlands published 24 March 25

Viggle uses AI to animate still images based on reference videos. It can also add characters into existing clips, giving it major meme potential. Here’s what you need to know.

What is Murf.ai: everything you need to know about the AI voice generator

By Chris Rowlands published 24 March 25

How to generate realistic voiceovers using AI

What is Asana AI: how the productivity tool uses AI to make your workflow more efficient

By Chris Rowlands published 24 March 25

Asana is a task management and productivity tool. Its automated AI features are designed to make your team workflows more efficient. Here’s how it works.

What is Dream Machine: everything you need to know about the AI video generator

By Chris Rowlands published 21 March 25

How to transform text prompts into realistic videos with AI

What is Zapier AI: everything you need to know about the AI automation tool

By Chris Rowlands published 21 March 25

Zapier AI is a powerful cross-platform tool for automating everyday tasks. With the help of AI, you can create complex automations using natural language. Here’s what you need to know.

What is Mention: everything you need to know about the free AI caption generator

By Chris Rowlands published 21 March 25

Mention is a free web-based tool that can generate social media posts and captions based on short text prompts. Here’s how to use it.

What is Le Chat: everything you need to know about Mistral AI’s chatbot

By Chris Rowlands published 21 March 25

Le Chat is an AI chatbot developed by France’s Mistral AI. Europe’s answer to ChatGPT, it’s faster and more affordable than other AI models. Here’s what you need to know.

What is Meta AI: everything you need to know about the social network’s AI assistant

By Chris Rowlands published 19 March 25

Meta AI is a virtual assistant accessible via Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and Messenger. A chatbot with growing powers, Meta AI could change the way you use social networks. Here’s how.

Two examples of the Asus Fragrance Mouse MD101 sitting on a table

Your next computer mouse could have a fragrance compartment for aromatherapy oils – and this Asus idea is nothing to sniff at

By Chris Rowlands published 16 March 25

Asus is making a Fragrance Mouse with an essential oil compartment that'll be available to buy soon – and it could actually be a stress-busting idea, for some.

A person holding a phone looking at a scam text with warning signs around

A massive SMS toll fee scam is sweeping the US – here’s how to stay safe, according to the FBI

By Chris Rowlands published 15 March 25

A widespread SMS scam is targeting thousands of smartphone users in the US – here's how to stay safe.

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