DxO, a company best known for its software, has unveiled a pocket-sized DSLR quality camera that is meant to be paired with your iPhone. Using the iPhone as a control panel and proofing screen, the camera itself concentrates on capturing images using it's own lens and settings. This idea could be the best of the DSLR and iPhone worlds. It's small and offers much more versatility and control than the normal iPhone camera all the while, still capitalizing on the immediacy of sharing with an iPhone camera.
The above image shows the control and versatility which we're accustomed to seeing with DSLRs.
Certainly, this is not the first company to introduce an outboard camera to pair with the iPhone, but it may be the best to date. DxO has packed their camera with a 1 inch CMOS BSI sensor, which is the same size as the popular Nikon 1 mirrorless cameras. The lens is the equivalent of a 32mm and has an impressive range from 1.8/f all the way to 11/f. The ISO performance range is also impressive, starting at 100 and expanding all the way up to 51,200. You will be able to shoot video in 1080p at 30 fps as well as in 720p at 120 fps. The goal is clearly to sit in the niche between iPhone and DSLR. As you can see in the photos above and below, it has accomplished that. While it provides the versatility and control that DSLRs users love, it is still immediately able to share photos to social media, which is probably the most attractive feature to anything paired with an iPhone.
Ease of sharing photos captured to social media, familiar to those using an iPhone.
The DxO ONE boast a few other interesting features, such as SuperRAW which "takes four RAW images and merges them into one to bring you beautifully dynamic photos, even in extremely low light." The camera can be used as a stand alone unit as well and has it's own microSD card slot. All these features, which are packed into a camera that only weighs a few ounces and sits at 2.65 inches tall, is rather impressive. DxO has begun taking preorders for their ONE with the introductory price of $599. Unfortunately, this is probably too steep for someone just wanting to try it out of curiosity, but if you're in the market for a small and convenient camera, this may be something to seriously look into. Shipping begins in September. For more information and to preorder the DxO ONE, check out their website. Below are a few photos taken with the DxO ONE.
[via theverge]
Should this be titled "Give your iPhone manual controls with the DxO" since this technically isnt a DSLR?
I enjoy photographing with my smartphone. I have it with me all the time and it's handy. So I get why there might be some market demand for an accessory to improve the capabilities of the device. What I don't get though is the price! $599 could buy an excellent small high spec compact or a even a mirrorless and with wifi built in or eyefi connectivity I can get my pictures 'out there' almost as quick and with a separate camera I am not going to run the risk of my expensive accessory going out of date with an iOS update or yet another change in the connector. I like the idea of this but the cost benefit just isn't there.
Exactly! You could get the Sony A6000 which would crush this add-on. Love the concept but not worth the money, even for a hobbiest/enthusiast.
I've been reluctant to get an iPhone again, but if this turns out to be a good product I just might have to reconsider. I absolutely love the idea of always having a decent camera with me. I've considered an MFT-system, but it's still not tiny enough. It's not pocketable.
DSLR? Do you even know what that means?
What about the Sony QX1? APS-C sensor, can be attached to your iPhone OR android, and costs £249 (much less than this 1" add-on)
Why not take pictures with your DSLR or mirroless or whatever? I use my iPhone to take quick snapshots and it's fine, but if I want to take higher quality images, I'll use a better camera. The only thing this does is make it possible to use your iPhone to control another little camera. It may take fine pictures, but I think it's like squeezing a square peg in a round hole. Just get a round peg.
I agree. I'd rather photograph with my DSLR (quick autofocus) or SLR (manual focus).
I didn't see any specs about shutter lag or autofocus performance. Besides, it's not for me since I use Android smartphones.
I can see this coming in handy for people who want to travel as light as possible and take high quality photos. This can come in handy when shooting in certain locations in which you dont want to risk having a flashy camera.
Now imagine if they can figure out a way to add OCF.
"The goal is clearly to sit in the niche between iPhone and DSLR." – Sorry guys this isn't a niche. This is actually a VERY broad field between the two. ;-) Just sayin' ...
Which is going to continue to narrow as technology improve.
Question is "how it works with flashes"
P.T. Barnum sleeps soundly in his grave...