review

Nvidia Shield Android TV Review

Mike ConnellyConnected Home

The Nvidia Shield Android TV, released in May 2015, holds the title of the best Android TV set-top box and outperforms the Apple TV Gen 4, Amazon Fire TV 2, and the latest Roku in raw processing power. This article examines how the Shield stacks up against its main competitors across ecosystems, content libraries, and gaming performance. The Shield’s hardware advantage does not translate into a clear win for every buyer, and the case of who should actually purchase it hinges on a single practical distinction.
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Nikon D7200 Camera: Review & Comparison to the Nikon D7100

Mike ConnellyPhotography

The Nikon D7200 shares the D7100’s body, viewfinder, and 51-point autofocus array, while adding a threefold RAW buffer increase, 1080p video, Wi-Fi, and roughly 160 additional shots per charge. This review weighs each specification gain against the D7100’s continued strengths. The buffer improvement alone changes the D7200’s viability for continuous burst shooting in a way the resolution bump does not. Continue reading Nikon D7200 Camera: Review & Comparison to the Nikon D7100

Fujifilm X100T Camera: Review & Comparison to the Fuji X100S

Mike ConnellyPhotography

The Fujifilm X100T replaces the X100S’s traditional optical viewfinder with a hybrid unit that overlays electronic exposure data onto a real optical view, useful for street shooting where peripheral awareness matters. This review covers the silent electronic shutter, incremental autofocus improvements, and Classic Chrome. The central question is whether that viewfinder refinement justifies the step up for X100S shooters. Continue reading Fujifilm X100T Camera: Review & Comparison to the Fuji X100S

Nikon D7100 Camera: Review & Comparison to the Nikon D7000 and D300

Mike ConnellyPhotography

The Nikon D7100 restores the 51-point autofocus array that the D7000 dropped and adds a 24MP sensor without an optical low-pass filter, a combination that rewards photographers willing to manage moiré in post. This review traces my progression from D300 and D7000 models, covering burst performance, weather sealing, and real-world action and wildlife results. Continue reading Nikon D7100 Camera: Review & Comparison to the Nikon D7000 and D300

Yamaha Electro-Acoustic Nylon NCX1200R Guitar Review

Mike ConnellyGuitars

I recently bought a Yamaha NCX1200R, the guitar that Gabriela of Rodrigo y Gabriela plays on tour. This guitar incorporates construction elements from the handcrafted GC Series including a solid Sitka spruce top and rosewood back. My review analyzes the build quality, the dual-contact pickup system, and the physical distinctions between the NCX and Rodrigo’s NTX model. Continue reading Yamaha Electro-Acoustic Nylon NCX1200R Guitar Review

Epiphone Les Paul Ultra-II Guitar Review

Mike ConnellyGuitars

The Epiphone Les Paul Ultra-II routes its acoustic signal through a Nanomag pickup embedded in the fingerboard past the 22nd fret, a design licensed from German maker Shadow. This article covers how the Ultra-II pairs Alnico Classic humbuckers with acoustic-like tone from a chambered body. The same chambering that trims the guitar’s weight is also what gives the acoustic signal its depth and resonance. Continue reading Epiphone Les Paul Ultra-II Guitar Review