What Hi Fi Sound and Vision
01 OCT 2009
Apple iPod nano 16GB
Loads of new features and better sound and video – the new nano is all gain and no pain
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The nano pictured here might look identical to the 2008 model at first glance, but look beyond the familiar dimensions and the fifth-generation model proves an interesting evolution. And no, we're not talking about the new, polished finish.
Turn it over and Apple's big gamble is revealed. Yes, that's a lens, accompanied by a tiny microphone: the nano's evolved from a tiny media player to a tiny media-maker.
Obviously we're not camcorder reviewers, but we can safely say that while the lens placement makes capturing video very fiddly, the quality of recorded footage is surprisingly good.
There's a bit of judder and it's not great in low light, but colours are nicely balanced and there's decent detail.
Even if the new nano's camcorder quality were atrocious it wouldn't put us off, and that's because music and movie playback is so darn good.
Portable perfection
True, the headphones are still pants, but upgrade to something like the Sennheiser CX 300-IIs and you've got the balanced, exciting delivery of the previous model with a pinch of extra attack and detail.
The screen is marginally bigger than before, and has a wider aspect ratio for watching movies in proper widescreen. Images are just a smidge sharper and more vibrant, too.
Add a great-sounding FM radio with live pause, as well as new fitness features, a dictaphone, and typically brilliant usability and software, and you've got ultra-portable perfection.
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