If you’re a fan of Leica, but can’t afford one (nobody blames you), then this may be just the ticket. You’ll get the style, the compact package, and $5,000 remaining in your bank account.
Yi, the Chinese camera manufacturer who have tried giving GoPro a run for their money, are now squaring up to Fuji and Leica. Their Micro-Four-Thirds camera boasts some impressive specs, and is a steal for what they’re offering. A Leica M will set you back a cool $5,400, and their style is certainly similar. That's where the comparisons end, however. Let it not be said that we're comparing a full frame digital rangefinder to Yi's M43 offering. This could be a wonderful purchase, if you’re after the same look, and willing to trust an underdog before the reviews come out.
Yi’s entry into the mirrorless world is bolstered by a 20MP Sony sensor, 4K video, 25,600 ISO, a touch screen, and the ability to shoot raw images. It even has a companion app, making use of its Bluetooth/Wifi connectivity for firmware updates and camera controls. Its stock lenses are a 12-40mm f/3.5-5.6 and a 42.5mm f/1.8 lens.
All for $330 in China, or $499 in the US. At this price, and those specs, it could be the perfect camera for a fan of the retro style and size.
However, with Fuji’s X-A3 coming soon it’s unclear whether Yi can compete. The X-A3 doesn’t shoot in 4K, but its stock lens has built in image stabilization and it’s only $100 more in the US than Yi’s camera.
Food for thought anyway, since Yi could be onto a winner with this one.
[Via The Verge]
Cool feature of the Yi is that due to the open source nature of it, you can use it for Facebook live/other live video features
If it was $330 in the US it would be a killer hit. Five bucks is a bit steep for an unknown player. No EVF either, good luck in bright sunlight.
What Leica is this supposed to compete with, it doesn't have a rangefinder, isn't hand made and doesn't look as cool as a Leica T. Looks like a good competitor to the discontinued Samsung NX line of cameras. Sorry to be a negative commenter on this :( but this seems too click-baity.
You seem to agree "That's where the comparisons end, however."
It may not look as good as the Leica T but it looks damn similar so that's the comparison.
Wonder how image quality will compare using the same glass.
To me it looks like more like a Samsung NX than a Leica.
It is weird how biased people are... Fuji with the X-pro and the X-E line gets a free pass on having a really similar Leica resemblance but YI doesn't?