CyberLink’s PowerDirector is an interesting multi-platform video editing appl. When we last reviewed the editor, we noted that it “offers something for you, and it can grow with you as you become more proficient and want to take on more challenging projects”, whatever your skill level.
The same relaxed user experience remains, making it one of the best video editing software tools. And its under-the-hood power places it high on the list as a genuine contender for best Premiere Pro alternative. There’s even a subscription option, PowerDirector 365, mirroring Adobe’s Creative Cloud.
But when it’s not challenging Adobe Premiere Pro for the top spot, what does PowerDirector offer editors of all experiences today?
Under the hood
First up, CyberLink's video editing software now supports 4K video. Great news since 4K is fast overtaking regular HD media, although it’s worth noting that other software for editing video already cater to 8K. Even some of the newest consumer phones and cameras record at that resolution.
Another welcome under-the-hood addition is compatibility with HEVC. This relatively new format (although it’s been used for a few years now, even when we reviewed version 18) is the codec of choice for iPhones for instance, so it’s great news to learn these files will no longer cause a problem with PowerDirector.
In addition to new templates, themes, and effects packs, there have been a multitude of new features added to PowerDirector’s arsenal. They’re too numerous in fact to list them all here - which in itself is an impressive thing. So instead, we’ll showcase some that we found to be best ones for video editors.
Flipping layers
This new option we noticed when launching the app for the first time will probably be more appreciated by old fogeys like us, who have explored more video editing software than most, but we feel it’s worth mentioning nonetheless.
Previously, we found that PowerDirector orders its layers in the opposite way than “normal”. A clip on a bottom layer obstructing what is present on the upper one. Most other editing tools do it more akin to how it would work in real life - imagine putting a piece of paper on top of another and it obstructs what’s beneath it.
PowerDirector has now opted for the best of both worlds approach. You can switch the order in the preferences. The PC version even offers you the choice when you first launch the app. Great move by CyberLink and much appreciated. It’s the little things, you know.
Change the orientation of your layers, so you can choose whether you want the obstructing ones to be above, or below the others.(Image credit: Future)
AI-powered
Some of the most interesting new additions are all powered by AI, where complex computer algorithms do impressive work and take actions based on past learnings.
Here in PowerDirector, we now have AI in Motion Tracking. This lets you add text boxes or graphics that follow a chosen object over time, with greater accuracy. The tool is coupled with Object Detection to help you apply a mask around a person or object. You could then, for example, remove it or its background.
A lot of this kind of AI has been applied to audio components, such as Speech Enhancement to reduce background noise, and improve the quality of a spoken recording. Wind Removal is a godsend should you be forced to record someone outdoors in windy conditions.
But the one that surprised us the most is one that, to our minds at least, looked just like a fancy gimmick.
It’s called AI Sky Replacement.
At first glance, it seems to be just a simple background remover, but there’s complex motion tracking involved as well.
The results are nothing short of impressive, with clouds in the sky for instance moving as you’d expect them to with the motion of the shot. It also comes with various changeable parameters, so you can fine-tune the effect, and make it look ever better.
PowerDirector's AI results are impressive, even in something as gimmicky as a sky removal feature.(Image credit: Future)
Control
This granular level of control can actually be found throughout PowerDirector.
Check out the Particle Designer for instance, where you can create and modify existing templates, with numerous changeable parameters at your disposal.
The same applies to being able to fully customize motion graphic titles (or use them as-is of course). Shapes are there for you to use and alter, and come with useful parameters such as auto-fit text and keyframing possibilities. There’s also aTitle Editor, where you can alter your font, color and position.
You have control over so many parameters throughout the tools and interface.(Image credit: Future)
Feature-rich
And there’s still so much more to talk about. It’s clear that PowerDirector has gone from strength to strength over the last couple of years. Just quickly, here’s a list of some more impressive new features:
On the audio editor side of things, you can now automatically lower the volume of background audio when someone starts speaking (Audio Ducking), your background score can be automatically altered so it perfectly fits the length of your footage (Smart Background Music).
The animated previews, and the transitions themselves, have been improved.(Image credit: Future)
There’s a great timesaver if your recorded audio and video aren’t combined at the source. PowerDirector can automatically sync them up for you - as long as your video comes with its own, inferior, audio, which most usually do.
You can create, upload and export, SRT files - for embedded subtitles - including support for font, color and style.
Nesting projects is now possible, allowing you to add multiple projects into a single timeline, when complex editing becomes a necessity.
You now also have controls to stabilize video footage and remove unwanted camera movement, or apply motion blur to moving objects. You have color matching parameters to make sure your shots remain consistent color and lighting-wise across a scene, and are able to adjust hues and vibrancy while protecting skin tone from distortion.
Create your own subtitles and export them as an SRT file.(Image credit: Future)
Pricing
There are three versions of CyberLink PowerDirector: Standard, Ultra, and Ultimate. Obviously, the more expensive the version, the more features included. So, those advanced AI tools, such as Wind Removal, Speech Enhancement, Sky Replacement and Audio Smart Fit, are only accessible with PowerDirector Ultimate.
If you’re running PowerDirector on Windows, you have the option of grabbing a lifetime license of Ultra and Ultimate. For everyone else, including Mac owners, there’s the option of starting a monthly or annual subscription to PowerDirector 365.
This offers bonus access to premium plug-ins and effects, some of the best free stock photos from Shutterstock and iStock, and all future software updates.
Final verdict
We were impressed before. We’re more impressed now. CyberLink PowerDirector is an affordable, feature-rich video editor that you can use to create anything from a simple cut to a really complex project filled with effects, titles, slick transitions and effects.
If there's one thing our Dell UltraSharp U3223QZ review proves, it's that one can be a Jack-of-all-trades and still be a master of things. And, in this case, several of them. This new brilliant display from Dell is a welcome addition to a fresh, growing generation of monitors that are just the ticket for work from home or living that hybrid lifestyle.
But, the Dell UltraSharp U3223QZ proves much more than just another homogeneous entry. It's a step up above the rest by targeting different types of users and doing a swell job at it. Creative professionals will be impressed by its color coverage, good contrast ratio, and factory-calibrated color space modes that are highly accurate. Productivity pros will appreciate the number of connectivity options, multitasking features, Fast Wake, and built-in KVM switch. Meanwhile, users who consume an inordinate amount of media content will appreciate its 4K resolution, DisplayHDR 400, and built-in speakers.
And, for good measure, because these days, having a reliable, high-resolution webcam in your home seems just as vital as the most used kitchen appliances, Dell throws in a 4K webcam that comes with its own long list of features as well.
It does carry the usual disclaimer that comes with most monitors of its caliber: the Dell UltraSharp U3223QZ isn't what you'd call cheap. However, for everything you're getting, who wouldn't want to break open that piggy bank and splurge?
Dell UltraSharp U3223QZ review: Price and availability
The Dell UltraSharp U3223QZ, available globally as of May 2022, will cost you $1,599 (around £1,265, AU$2,225). Considering everything that Dell has packed into this model, the price tag is not that surprising. However, it does sit firmly in the upper echelon of displays price-wise, even when compared to other video conferencing monitors.
You can find plenty of models equipped with built-in webcams for half the price or less, but very few offer the same amount of screen real estate. In fact, most of the video conferencing monitors on the market come in smaller sporting panels with 1080p or 1440p resolution.
The only monitor that comes close to the Dell UltraSharp U3223QZ might be the Samsung 32-inch M8 monitor, a $729 (699, about AU$1015) display that offers smart TV functionality but only has HDR 10 and none of the multitasking capabilities of the U3223QZ. So, while the Dell is pricey, it is in a class of its own.
Dell UltraSharp U3223QZ review: Design
(Image credit: Dell)
Classy, robust design that fits most setups
Loaded with input ports as well as a USB hub
Dell has taken cues from Apple and eschewed the typical all-black affair that you find with most monitors. Instead, its rear panel, stand and base are covered in a platinum finish reminiscent of more premium products like the MacBook Air or Dell’s own XPS laptops. It’s not the most exciting-looking model out there, but it is classy and will fit into most computer setups.
(Image credit: Dell)
The front is more muted, but it’s still unique compared to most displays out there. A cloth grill covering the largest bezel on top hides two 14-watt speakers and two echo-canceling mics. Nestled in the center of that uppermost bezel is the U3223QZ’s most unique feature: the built-in 4K webcam.
The bottom bezel is relatively thin but thick enough to host a number of touch controls on its left side for use with video conferencing. Outside of the touch controls on the front, only a power button and a joystick for controlling the OSD menu are on hand, situated behind the right side of the monitor.
(Image credit: Dell)
At a little over 26 pounds, the Dell UltraSharp U3223QZ is a robust monitor. And, that heft is most noticeable when trying to attach the base to the monitor. Though the base’s weight made assembling a little tricky, it’s a design choice that we appreciate as it keeps the monitor stable even when we accidentally bump into our desk.
While cleverly hidden, you do get several useful ports here. Though there’s only one HDMI, you do get two DisplayPorts and two USB-C ports, one of which provides 90 watts of power delivery to charge up a laptop (though not your Alienware laptop, which guzzles more than that). You can also use the USB-C to daisy chain a second 4K monitor to your setup. There’s a USB hub as well equipped with six USB and one USB-C port, a few of which have been situated on the bottom right near the front of the monitor for easy access. Lastly, an ethernet port and analog headphone input are also included.
Dell UltraSharp U3223QZ review: Features
(Image credit: Dell)
4K at 30fps webcam is a vital accessory for remote and hybrid workers
Multitasking features and creative color modes equal versatility
The Dell UltraSharp U3223QZ is among the most feature-filled monitors we’ve reviewed, with video conferencing capabilities, multitasking elements and even various factory-calibrated color modes on hand, as well as a built-in webcam that is just as feature-rich.
(Image credit: Dell)
The intelligent webcam employs a Sony STARVIS CMOS Sensor, giving you up to 4K at 30 fps or 1080p at 60fps. It comes with a number of other features including AI auto-tracking, which keeps you centered when you’re moving around inside the frame, digital overlap HDR that recovers details in shadowy parts of the frame, and presence detection that allows you to log in automatically when you approach it. Other mention-worthy features are an adjustable field of view, zoom functionality and the ability to switch between manual and autofocus via the Dell Peripheral Manager app.
As good as it is, the webcam is not perfect. 4K video is not quite as sharp as we expect. And setting up the Windows Hello Login on our HDMI-connected computer required updating software before working. More frustratingly, we couldn’t enable Presence Detection as it required going into a second app called My Dell to turn on settings that did not seem to exist.
Outside of our troubleshooting issues, however, its performance is snappy. Autofocus works smoothly and almost instantaneously, keeping us looking sharp. The HDR makes sure to keep us well lit even with dark lighting conditions, although the image noise is a little worse when enabled. And, the webcam’s noise reduction keeps the video quality smooth without looking unnatural. The AI auto framing is a little slow to react but does a good job of keeping us at the center of the frame, which is more important.
(Image credit: Dell)
The security features on the monitor also revolve around the webcam. Its SafeShutter feature results in the camera’s shutter only opening when we open up any video conferencing app. As soon as we exit the app, it’s triggered to automatically close. There’s also the Express Login, which allows you to unlock your computer just by sitting down in front of the monitor and locking it by stepping away. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to test this feature due to the issue with Presence Detection mentioned earlier.
A webcam alone is not enough for video conferencing so Dell included two mics situated on either top corner of the monitor. The sound quality is not quite up to the standards of streamers – it’s not particularly crisp or detailed. However, it is still clear enough that you won’t have any issues being understood. To help with that, the “echo-canceling” mics have excellent background noise rejection. Unless you’re in front of the monitor talking directly at it, the mics will not pick up any sound. Of course, the downside to this is that your own voice will disappear when you’re off-camera or facing away from it while speaking.
The other video conferencing feature worth mentioning here are the touch controls on the front of the monitor. There’s a Microsoft Teams icon that alerts you to teams notifications, an “answer call” button, volume controls and a mic mute and video disable button. They all work seamlessly and instantaneously. Our only gripe is that disabling the video doesn’t show a black screen as one would expect. Instead, it’s just the physical shutter closes, showing purple static that’s distracting and unattractive.
When it comes to multitasking features, the Dell UltraSharp U3223QZ has about all you can ask for. You can set up Auto KVM (Keyboard, Mouse, Video) between two computers so that you can easily switch between them and use the same keyboard and mouse. Just make sure to plug your peripherals into the monitor’s USB hub. You can also see two sources at the same time using Picture-By-Picture and Picture-in-Picture.
Of course, like the webcam, it’s not perfect. We experienced some latency using the mouse with the KVM feature. And, as is usually the case with Picture-by-Picture, we ended up with some strange resolutions. Unless you’re willing to put in the time to manually set the resolutions to fully fill their part of the frame, it’s a feature that you probably won’t end up using much. We find it best to stick with one of the Picture-in-Picture formats.
Then there’s Fast Wake, which allows you to sync your monitor with your computer. By doing so, you can use the monitor’s power button to wake both the monitor and that computer, even if it’s a laptop with its lid closed. There are some limitations, however. It only seems to work with the PCs connected via USB-C. It also only works with Dell computers.
While this monitor is not necessarily for creatives, those who need to do some creative work will appreciate that the different color modes are available: sRGB, DCI-P3 and Rec.709. Professional graphic artists, colorists and editors might need a pro-level monitor for their intensive creative workflows, but you won’t have to invest in a separate monitor for the easier ones, especially since these color modes are factory-calibrated.
Dell UltraSharp U3223QZ review: Performance
(Image credit: Dell)
Wide color gamuts and accurate color modes
Rich, vibrant visuals
Speakers could be better for a display this pricey
With color gamuts of DCI-P3 99%, sRGB 100%, AdobeRGB 90%, a contrast of 2,070:1 at 50% and 100% brightness, not to mention its DisplayHDR 400 and a brightness of 433.8 nits at 100%, the Dell UltraSharp U3223QZ can tackle some creative workloads. Not only does it provide wide color gamuts, but it has color modes that have been factory-calibrated for accuracy. For instance, our colorimeter test readings gave us Delta E <2 in sRGB mode, Delta E <1 in DCI-P3 mode and Delta E <1 in Rec.709 mode.
Unfortunately, outside of these color modes, you’ll certainly need to calibrate the monitor yourself if you want higher color accuracy. During our testing, our colorimeter also yielded a Delta E average of < 6 while the panel is set to its default setting. Luminance uniformity could also be better as certain sections of the panel are up to 11% dimmer.
(Image credit: Dell)
Without doing your own calibration, however, you’ll still find the Dell UltraSharp U3223QZ to be sharp, detailed and vibrant, particularly when watching something like the new season of Stranger Things or the Thor Love and Thunder Trailer in 4K. Colors pop just a little more with HDR on, though the monitor is not bright enough for it to make that big of a difference. Also, since this monitor has a refresh rate of 60Hz, you may experience some ghosting as well – but only if you’ve got a trained pair of eyes.
The speakers included on the Dell sound somewhat mediocre. The low end is barely there, the mids are recessed and the highs are a bit dull. The sound quality is thin in general. However, to give it credit, they are actually quite powerful, pumping out 14 watts of sound. They aslo boast a low-mid bump that actually does a good job of making dialogue come out more prominently, especially deeper male voices. In essence, they’re great for video conferencing and folks who aren’t as nitpicky with their audio experience.
Meanwhile, the webcam works really well as long as you’ve got everything setup. It’s snappy, especially when it comes to facial recognition logins and ensuring that the privacy shutter works as it should, opening quickly when you need it and closing instantaneously when you don’t.
Outside of the speakers and default color accuracy, our Dell UltraSharp U3223QZ review proves that this new entry from Dell is quite an incredible monitor. Whether you’re hoping to watch some movies in between conference calls, streamline your workload, or even tackle some creative work, this monitor is up to the task.
The Layla Kapok Pillow is a popular adjustable bed pillow made from shredded memory foam blended with natural Kapok (a sustainably-sourced fiber that feels similar to cotton). It's created by mattress manufacturer Layla Sleep, and there's a big focus on cooling comfort here, making it a good choice for hot weather and sleepers prone to overheating at night. It comes with a bag of extra fill too, so you can make the pillow as shallow or as deep as needed to suit the position you feel most comfortable sleeping in.
After sleeping on a queen size Layla Kapok Pillow for three weeks, we now highly rate it as one of the best pillows for side and back sleepers prone to overheating. It's plush but with enough firmness to balance it out for proper support and alignment, and a winning combination of copper and kapok (pronounced kay-pok) makes for a well-ventilated pillow that quickly draws away body heat. We'll explain the material technology behind this further into our review.
This isn't a perfect pillow though - the Layla Kapok loses its shape easily so we had to re-fluff it each morning, but that's a hardly a nuisance when the result is night after night of restful sleep. And despite the use of memory foam we didn't detect any off-gassing pong when unpacking and sleeping on our review model.
The cost of the Layla Kapok Pillow is on the higher end of the mid-range and priced $109 for a queen size, $129 for a king size. However we frequently see it on sale and you'll be entitled to a 120-night risk-free trial too — most comparable brands offer a minimum trial of 30 nights, if any trial period at all. The five-year warranty is a sign of longterm quality.
Overall, if you want a well-made, durable and cooling pillow that's especially comfy for side sleepers, and one you can adjust in terms of height and firmness, the Layla Kapok is an excellent choice.
See the Layla Kapok Pillow from $109 at Layla Sleep
We feel this luxury adjustable pillow is well-suited to side and back sleepers, but in truth the height and firmness can be customized to suit a wider range of body types and sleeping positions. It has a cool, soft-touch feel and a removable cover for washing. Layla Sleep often places it on sale, and offers it on a 120-night risk-free trial too.View Deal
Layla Kapok Pillow: Materials and care
Made with shredded memory foam for contouring comfort
Blended with natural Kapok fibers for a down-like feel
Removable and washable pillow cover for hygiene
We tested a queen size Layla Kapok Pillow for three weeks(Image credit: Future)
The Layla Kapok Pillow arrives over-stuffed, so don't be alarmed when you unpack it and see how plump it is. Any excess fill can be quickly removed and stored in the included travel bag, and we had fun adding and removing fill to create our perfect pillow height and feel during testing.
As mentioned earlier in our review, this pillow is made with shredded memory foam blended with kapok fibers. To us, kapok feels like cotton or wool, and Layla Sleep chose it to create a down-like feel without any down being used. This combination of foam and kaypok also enables the pillow to contour to the shape of your head and shoulders, all while promoting good airflow to keep you cool.
Layla Sleep makes some of the best mattresses for hot sleepers on a budget, and the outer cover of the Kapok Pillow borrows inspiration from those beds in the form of woven copper fibers. In addition to its cooling properties, copper is antimicrobial. So if you're prone to sweating (or drooling) in your sleep, any associated odors and moisture will be kept to a minimum. This is important because sweat is one of the main culprits behind why pillows turn yellow and decay faster than they should.
However, you'll still want to wash your pillow and nestle it inside a good quality pillow protector to keep it fresh and clean going forward. The outer zipped cover of the Layla Kapok Pillow is also machine-washable in cool water, so you'll have an easier time keeping it clean.
Layla Kapok Pillow: Prices and deals
Buy one get the second for 50-70% off
Pricier than comparable adjustable pillows
Comes with a 120-night risk-free trial
The Layla Kapok Pillow is available to purchase direct from Layla Sleep as well from Amazon. It retails for $109 in a queen size and $129 for a king, with free shipping on each, and the prices are the same whether you buy from Layla or Amazon. The trial period is also the same.
Those prices have increased slightly from their original MSRPs, with the queen pillow previously costing $99 and the king pillow previously priced $119, but we're seeing the effects of inflation in many different sectors.
Doubling up is really the only way to save here as Layla Sleep runs 'buy one get one half price' offers on its pillows most months. Some months the discount is even larger. In April of this year, for example, you could have bought one Layla Kapok Pillow and nabbed 70% off a second.
Our reviewer Alison has a comfy nap on the Layla Kapok Pillow during testing(Image credit: Future)
Right now, Layla is running its 'buy one get one half price', so you could bring home two queen size pillows for $163.50 or two king size pillows for $193.50. That's a total saving of up to $65.
How does the Layla Kapok compare in price with similar pillows? One of the most well-known and highly rated adjustable pillows is the Coop Home Goods Adjustable Pillow, and it regularly fluctuates in price, ranging from $55-$80 at Amazon. There's a big difference between these two pillows though, in that the Coop Home Goods pillow has none of the cooling tech found in the Layla Kapok. So while you can adjust its height and firmness, it won't sleep as cool.
Saatva's Memory Foam Pillow offers contouring and cooling support, but it's priced from $165 at Saatva. We occasionally see a 12% discount in the Saatva mattress sale, but the Layla Kapok is still more affordable, especially if you need two.
Layla's 120-night risk-free trial is a genuine benefit for extra peace of mind and the longest trial we've seen on comparable pillows. If you're not satisfied with the Kapok Pillow during that time, you'll be able to return it free for a full refund. Keep it and you'll be covered by a five-year limited warranty relating to materials and workmanship.
Layla Kapok Pillow: Performance
Medium firm feel suits side and back sleepers
Copper-woven cover stays cool to the touch
Requires regular fluffing every morning
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Here's the super-bright box our Layla Kapok Pillow arrived in for testing(Image credit: Future)
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Inside the box, the pillow was wrapped tightly in plastic(Image credit: Future)
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It also comes with a free travel bag - handy for storing extra fill(Image credit: Future)
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And here's our fully inflated Kapok Pillow, ready for reviewing (snoozing on)(Image credit: Future)
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The fill is a blend of shredded memory foam and kapok fibers, but they need regular fluffing(Image credit: Future)
We slept on a queen size Layla Kapok Pillow every night for three consecutive weeks. Our lead reviewer is a side sleeper who tends to wake up in a slight sweat, so we were particularly keen to check out this pillow's temperature regulation. Especially as Layla Sleep makes a lot of noise about the cooling performance of the Kapok Pillow.
Set-up
Our testing sample arrived rolled-up and vacuum-sealed. Unlike the Coop Home Goods Original Adjustable Pillow, we didn't have to place the Layla inside our dryer to fluff it up. The brand recommends giving it about an hour to fully expand though, then laying it flat so that you can knead it to evenly distribute the fill.
A fully-stuffed Layla Kapok Pillow has quite a high loft once fully expanded, so we had to make adjustments in order for it to comfortably plug that gap between our ear and shoulder for optimal side sleeping. We hit the sweet spot after removing about a quarter of the shredded foam and kapok fibers, then stuffed the spare fill into the included drawstring storage bag.
Temperature regulation
The highlight of the Layla Kapok's show is the copper-woven exterior. It remained cool to the touch from the moment we unboxed it. Best of all, our lead reviewer, who is prone to overheating at night, has yet to wake up with her hair sticking to her sweaty neck when sleeping on this pillow. In other words, it does a fantastic job of drawing away body heat.
This is all thanks to the breathable Kapok fibers and open-cell memory foam, plus the breathable copper to ensure heat escapes quickly and doesn't build up in the pillow. We used this with a pillow case too and it didn't affect the cooling feel. Some customers had a different experience and have challenged the temperature regulation claims in their user reviews, which we'll look at shortly.
Firmness and support
The Layla Kapok Pillow is described as having a medium firmness and we'd agree with this. It's plush but not in a 'you'll sink too far in' way, meaning it will also suit back sleepers looking for a comfy spot to nestle their head and neck into.
Once we achieved the ideal loft for us, we found the blend of shredded, squishy memory foam and kapok fibers very comfortable to sleep on. It didn't smell either, as we've found with other memory foam bedding accessories.
Our only gripe is that the Kapok Pillow becomes quite flat after a full night's sleep. You'll have to be diligent in fluffing it each morning to redistribute the fill, otherwise you'll possibly end up with a sore neck depending on your sleep position.
Layla Kapok Pillow: User reviews
Rated 4.3 out of 5 stars from over 3,500 user reviews
Side sleepers praise its plush support
Reviews are mixed on temperature regulation
(Image credit: Layla Sleep)
Our lead reviewer is a side sleeper of average build who tends to overheat at night, but the Layla Kapok Pillow has appeal to other types of sleepers too. In order to provide you with a more comprehensive overview of the pillow's performance, and in addition to our testing data, we've combed through thousands of user reviews published on Layla Sleep and on Amazon to see if any specific issues pop up.
At the time of us publishing this review, the Layla Kapok Pillow has a 4 out of 5 star rating on Amazon, generated from over 500 user reviews. At Layla Sleep it has accumulated over 3,000 reviews with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.
A large majority of the positive reviews come from side sleepers who claim the pillow is extremely supportive along the head and shoulders. It also scores high marks for being easy to adjust and for alleviating neck pain issues for a substantial number of customers, which is fantastic to hear and tallies with our testing experience.
But when it comes to the Layla Kapok Pillow's cooling properties, the user reviews are mixed, with some sleepers claiming that the pillow retains heat and the cover isn't consistently cool to the touch. That wasn't our experience but it is worth flagging here for anyone who sleeps very hot or who is dealign with hot flashes or night sweats. Don't forget that you'll also be eligible for a 120-night risk-free trial, so if the Layla isn't cooling enough for you, contact the brand for a refund.
Should you buy the Layla Kapok Pillow?
We spent three weeks sleeping on the Layla Kapok Pillow and loved it. There's a lot to like here if you're a side sleeper, as the pillow has the right balance of plushness and firmness, with ample support from head to shoulder. Back sleepers should also find relief when they adjust the Layla to a low-to-medium loft (any taller and it will push the neck forward and out of alignment). In any case, you'll want to give the Layla Kapok a good fluff every morning to retain its shape. This is to be expected from a pillow that uses down-like materials though.
Your experience may vary when it comes to temperature regulation. We experienced rising-and-falling temperatures in the Mid-Atlantic during our testing period, and through it all we slept comfortably cool each night on the Layla Kapok Pillow. However, some users found that the memory foam retained heat, and the outer cover may lose its cool-touch feel in such scenarios.
At $109 for a queen and $129 for a king size, the Layla Kapok Pillow appears expensive at first glance, but after thorough testing we feel its worth the money. It's well-made, adjustable and breathable, and the cover is removable for washing to help keep it fresher for longer. You'll also be getting a 120-night risk-free trial plus a five-year warranty in return, and those are among the best perks we've seen from any pillow manufacturer so far.
If you want an adjustable pillow yet have a smaller budget, the Coop Home Goods Original Adjustable Pillow retails for $72 from Coop Home Goods (the price fluctuates a lot on Amazon). It comes with a 100-night trial and is also backed by a five-year warranty, just like the Layla.
However, if cooling is your priority, check out the Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex Pillow, priced from $66.75 at Brooklyn Bedding. It comes in low and high loft options and features natural breathable materials with a Talalay latex fill plus organic cotton top cover, but it only includes a 30-night trial.
Before you purchase the Layla (or any pillow), we'd recommend performing this simple test, courtesy of a neurologist and sleep research expert, to find out which type of pillow would suit your sleep style, build and mattress. You could also fire up your sleep tracker to see how much better you're snoozing on your new pillow compared to before.
The Fujifilm X-H2S is a new X-series flagship and the most powerful camera the Japanese giant has ever made. Built around a new, stacked 26MP X-Trans CMOS 5 HS APS-C sensor, it brings the kind of speed and video powers that make it the Fujifilm equivalent of flagships like the Nikon Z9, Sony A1 and Canon EOS R3.
Like its Fujifilm X-H1 predecessor, the X-H2S is a new leader for its mirrorless camera system, but one that marks a far bigger upgrade over the company's more hobbyist-friendly X-T and X-Pro ranges. Thanks to that new sensor and X-Processor 5, it offers blackout-free continuous shooting at 40fps (with the electronic shutter), some significantly upgraded autofocus-tracking skills, and the option of shooting 6.2K/30p or 4K/120p video with 4:2:2 10-bit color depth.
In this sense, the Fujifilm X-H2S is an uncompromising hybrid camera that has echoes of the new OM System OM-1. The latter is another cropped sensor camera (with an even smaller Micro Four Thirds chip) that uses its stacked design to unlock the kind of speed and video performance rarely seen outside of the top-end flagships from Canon, Sony and Nikon.
(Image credit: Future)
But with a price tag that's in a similar ballpark to many professional full-frame cameras, does the Fujifilm X-H2S really have the power and lenses to compete with its established rivals? Or has it traded Fujifilm's traditional charms for a sparkling spec sheet?
We played with one for a couple of hours at Fujifilm's House of Photography in London to find out, and have boiled down our early thoughts in this hands-on Fujifilm X-H2S review.
Fujifilm X-H2S release date and price
The Fujifilm X-H2S will be available to buy in July for $2,499 / £2,499 / AU$4,449 (body-only). You'll also be able to buy new accessories for the X-H2S at the same time, including the VG-XH vertical battery grip ($399 / £399 / AU$749) and, for video shooters, a FAN-001 Cooling Fan ($199 / AU$369).
This price is a pretty big step up from the Fujifilm X-H1, which arrived in 2018 for £1,699 / $1,899 / AU$3,399. But the X-H2S combines a new 26.1MP stacked sensor with the X-Processor 5, which allows it to make improvements across the board to autofocus, video, burst shooting and more.
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That said, the X-H2S faces stiff opposition in that price bracket, including the Canon EOS R6 ($2,499 / £2,499 / AU$4,499), Sony A7 IV ($2,499 / £2,400 / AU$$4,299) and Panasonic Lumix S5 ($1,999 / £1,799 / AU$3,199).
All of those cameras have larger full-frame sensors, but none offer the speedy performance of a stacked APS-C sensor, which is the USP of Fujifilm's new flagship.
Fujifilm X-H2S: design
The Fujfilm X-H2S looks and feels like a professional camera, with its pronounced grip, top-plate LCD screen and overall heft helping it to balance out the longer lenses you'll likely want to pair it with.
Weighing in at 660g, the X-H2S is slightly smaller and lighter than the X-H1. But it also borrows many of its design cues from the medium format GFX series. Its top plate, for example, is pretty similar to the Fujifilm GFX50S II.
This means that the X-H2S does away with Fujifilm's signature array of manual dials, instead adopting the PASM (Program, Aperture, Shutter Speed, Manual) approach favored by its rivals.
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While this might deter Fuji traditionalists, it does makes sense on a camera like the X-H2S, where settings like shutter speed will be largely tweaked while looking through the viewfinder at speeding subjects. Fuji has also previously stated that many photographers have been put off from switching to the X-series because they find its dials too confusing.
This PASM dial, with its seven custom modes, sits to the left of the viewfinder, although it lacks the handy drive mode switch underneath that we saw on the X-H1. Still, on the right-hand side of the top plate you'll find that useful LCD screen (for quickly checking settings like shutter speed, aperture and ISO) on the right next to buttons for ISO, white balance and video recording.
Unlike cameras like the Canon EOS R7 and Sony A7 IV, the X-H2S only has a standard hot-shoe rather than a 'multi-function' one that can power or transfer data to external accessories. If you regularly use flashes or external microphones, you might find the setup of those rival cameras to be a bit simpler and cleaner due to the lack of cables.
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Around the back, the Fujifilm X-H2S is pretty similar to the X-H1. There's a fully articulating touchscreen, which flips around the front for video shooters. One of the main changes is a new AF joystick, which is larger than before and has moved up next to the viewfinder. We found this joystick to be a bit of a stretch for our thumb during our brief time with the camera, but that's hopefully just a case of retraining muscle memory.
One significant upgrade that the X-H2S has over the rest of the X-series is its 5.76-million dot OLED viewfinder, which has a decent 0.8x magnification. Thanks to its size, resolution and 120fps refresh rate, we found it delivered an excellent view of our scenes and made it difficult to go back to the EVFs found on the rest of the X-series. We're looking forward to seeing how well it fares when shooting more demanding scenes.
Fujifilm X-H2S: features and autofocus
Fujifilm's X-series is renowned more for its retro style and fancy Film Simulations than its shooting power, but the X-H2S changes that. It's clearly Fuji's attempt to matched the stacked-sensor power of Canon, Sony and Nikon's flagships, although who exactly it's for is another matter. Sports and action shooters are, after all, not exactly short of options right now.
Still, if a cross between a Fujifilm X-T4 and a Nikon Z9 is what you've been pining for, then the X-H2S could be up your street. For stills shooters, its most impressive skill is its burst shooting power (hence that 'S' for 'Speed'). It can blast through 40fps (raw or JPEG) when using the electronic shutter, all with full AF / AE tracking and with no blackout in the viewfinder.
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Impressively, this mode sounds like it'll be pretty usable for those rare occasions you actually need that speed, with the buffer allowing you to shoot 140 uncompressed raw files, 170 lossless compressed raws or 184 JPEGS before it starts to stutter. In other words, you get 4-5 seconds of 40fps shooting at a time, which should be more than enough for most rapid-fire scenarios.
That isn't quite up to the ridiculous 120fps speeds (albeit at 11MP) that the Nikon Z9 is capable of. But the table below shows that the Fujifilm X-H2S can, on paper, match that camera's burst shooting power at the more-than-decent speeds of 30fps or 20fps, when using the electronic shutter.
According to Fujifilm, the X-H2S' stacked sensor means rolling shutter should be "substantially reduced" when using the electronic shutter for stills and video. But you do also get the option of switching to the mechanical shutter for 15fps burst shooting with a near-unlimited buffer.
Unfortunately, we didn't get the chance to push the X-H2S to these limits in our brief time with the camera. There is also one caveat to apply to these theoretical speeds, and that's autofocus. After all, there's no point in a camera offering these speeds if its autofocus can't keep up to produce a good hit-rate.
The good news is that the X-H2S does mark a long-awaited step up for Fujifilm's autofocus. Sony, Canon and Nikon have all recently made Fuji's AF performance look a little dated, particularly with Canon recently bringing its latest Dual Pixel CMOS AF II system to the relatively affordable Canon EOS R7 and EOS R10. But the X-H2S' stacked sensor and some new subject-detection algorithms have helped it close the gap.
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The X-H2S can track human faces and eyes, along with animals, birds, cars, motorcycles, bicycles, airplanes and trains. Importantly, these AF modes also work when shooting video, which is good news for vloggers and solo video shooters. On the downside, we simply didn't have long enough with the camera to judge how well this subject-tracking works in reality, but it'll be top of our testing list when we get a full-production sample soon.
Like a super-powered Fujifilm X-T4, the X-H2S is also shaping up to be a fine video camera. The new processor apparently boosts the camera's five-axis in-body image stabilization system (IBIS) to help it deliver up to seven stops of compensation. That's an improvement on both the X-T4 and X-H1, although we're hoping it's also sorted some of the IBIS-related jerkiness that's been an occasional issue on those cameras.
The X-H2S' video resolutions, frame-rates and bit-depths are all a step up from the current generation of Fuji cameras. You can shoot 6.2K/30p video internally with 4:2:2 10-bit color depth, or 4K/120p slo-mo video if you're prepared to accept a 1.29x crop. Unfortunately, there is also a slight crop when shooting Full HD/240p video too, but the sensor's speedy read-out speeds (of 1/180s) promise to control any rolling shutter issues.
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Pro videographers will also be pleased to see support for the flat F-Log2 profile, which offers 14 stops of dynamic range for color-grading in post. If you bring a CFexpress card to the party, there's also support for three Apple ProRes codecs: ProRes 422 HQ, ProRes 422, and ProRes 422 LT.
Perhaps the only question mark over the X-H2S, and one that we're looking to testing on a final production sample, are its video recording times. Fujifilm says the X-H2S has a new heat-dissipating structure to boost its maximum video-record times, which are claimed to be 90 minutes of 6.2K/30p or 70 minutes of 4K/60p video (due to the increased processing load).
These times are for when 'Face detection' is switched off, so expected less if you use subject-tracking AF modes. Perhaps worryingly for some video shooters, Fujifilm has also created an external cooling fan called the FAN-001 ($199 / £169 / AU$369), which connects to the back of the camera when the screen is flipped out. But this has really been designed for those who regularly shoot in the searing heat of 40 degrees, when it can significantly boost the 4K/60p battery life from only 17 minutes to around 51 minutes.
Otherwise, the Fujifilm X-H2S' battery life promises to be pretty decent for stills, with the usual NP-W235S battery producing a CIPA-rated 580 shots per charge, though this is again something we'll stress test when we get our hands on a full-production sample.
Fujifilm X-H2S: image and video quality
The Fujifilm X-H2S's new 26.1MP stacked sensor uses an X-Trans design, rather than the more common Bayer filter found in other cameras (along with Fujifilm's own GFX100S and X-S10). Both of these sensor designs describe the way color is processed and captured and both have, in different ways, compromises of some kind.
Traditionally, the main benefit of the Fujifilm X-trans design has been a reduction in the so-called moiré effect in fine patterns and textures, though this is something that bayer sensors combat well using anti-aliasing or optical low-pass filters. The demosaicing (or reconstruction) process for the more complex X-Trans layout also usually involves more processing power, so this is where the X-Processor 5 engine can theoretically help.
What does this all mean for image quality? It's too early for us to have a good pixel-peep at the X-H2S' files, given there's no support for it among raw processors, but it looks likely that the camera will please photographers who are fans of the signature look that earlier X-series cameras became known for.
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Discussions around 'color science' can be highly subjective, but this is certainly the case if you use Fujifilm's 'Film simulations' to bake some particular looks into the X-H2S' JPEGs. As you'd hope, the X-H2 has all 19 of the film simulation modes we've seen before, including Classic Chrome and Eterna, though unusually Fuji hasn't introduced a new one for the launch of its new camera.
This is perhaps because the X-H2S is more of a pro-focused sports and action camera, whereas Fuji's film simulations are more suited to a its hobbyist-level models. Still, we're certainly looking forward to seeing how the new sensor performs when paired with glass like the newly announced XF 150-600mm f/5.6-8 R LM OIS WR.
While the X-H2S' new stacked sensor is more about improving the camera's performance in areas like burst shooting, rather than boosting image quality, the new flagship should be a fine choice for those who don't need full-frame or a higher-resolution that gives you more options for cropping.
Fujifilm X-H2s early verdict
The Fujifilm X-H2S has left us feeling a little torn. There's no doubt it fills a high-performance gap in the X-series lineup and is an exciting option for Fuji shooters who've been yearning for more speed, better autofocus performance and more powerful video features. But it also lacks some of the personality and charm that are the traditional hallmarks of the X-series, which arrived just over a decade ago.
If you're a Fujifilm fan who mostly shoots fast-moving objects and lots of video, then the X-H2S is probably the next-gen camera you've been waiting for. Thanks to its new stacked sensor, the X-H2S is one of the most rapid cameras around for continuous shooting and Fuji seems to have finally caught up with its rivals on autofocus (although we need to do some more real-world tests on this).
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On the downside, the ergonomics and button layout didn't seem ideal to us, and the size and weight savings aren't significantly different to a full-frame camera. The X-H2S also faces some significant competition in this price bracket, with options like the Sony A7 IV and Canon EOS R6 offering the benefits of full-frame (and their mature autofocus systems) to those who don't need the 40fps burst shooting.
The X-H2s' stiffest competition, though, could be the new Canon EOS R7, another APS-C camera with impressive burst speeds. We'll let you know how it fares against Fuji's new flagship in our full Fujifilm X-H2s review very soon.
