Fresh Gear: best new gadgets

KOGAN ULTRA HD 55 INCH

$999 / kogan.com/au

Ultra high-definition (also known as 4K) televisions are set to be all the rage with

up-market TV buyers this year. Online retailer Kogan is hoping to get a slice of that action with a 55-inch UHD TV that sneaks in just under the $1000 mark. This unit, launched at the International CES in Las Vegas, runs on Android 4.2 and has wi-fi, ethernet, a micro SD and four USB ports.

TAMRON SP 150-600MM AO11

$1399 / maxwell.com.au

Tamron lenses have a following with those photographers seeking an alternative to the range sold by the makers of their DSLR. This f/5-6.3 lens, which can fit Canon, Nikon and Sony cameras, has vibration compensation image stabilisation and an ultrasonic silent drive. It is aimed at budget-minded photographers who like shooting subjects such as sports and wildlife.

SONY XPERIA Z1 COMPACT

TBA / sony.com.au

At a time when most smartphone makers are going bigger and bigger with their screens, this compact version of the Xperia range bucks the trend. It has a 20.7 megapixel camera with time-shift burst capabilities, a 4.3-inch screen and is waterproof, which is great for swimmers or clumsy folk. It launches in the Australian market in February, but you can already register to purchase through Telstra.

NIKON COOLPIX L830

$299 / mynikonlife.com.au

For those wanting to get close to the action, Nikon's newest addition to its Coolpix range offers a 34x optical zoom which is equivalent to 22.5-765mm in 35mm. The 16 megapixel camera can shoot full HD video with stereo sound and has special effects features and a smart portrait system. It's powered by four AA batteries. On the back is a 3-inch LCD that tilts downwards to 85 degrees and upwards to 90 degrees. It has a f/3-5.9 lens and an ISO range of 125 to 3200. It's not small enough to fit in a pocket, but at 508g it won't weigh you down on your travels. This Coolpix comes in black, red and plum.