Monday, September 19, 2016

Xiaomi debuts a $330 mirrorless camera

The latest out of Xiaomi's ecosystem partner XiaoYi is a $330 mirrorless camera dubbed the Yi M1 that looks awfully familiar. The Micro Four Thirds mirrorless camera features a 20.16MP Sony IMX269 imaging sensor, offering a mechanical shutter, 4K video recording at 30fps, ISO up to 25600, and ability to shoot in RAW.

The camera doesn't offer an electronic viewfinder or built-in flash, but you do get a 3-inch touchscreen with an interface similar to that of a phone's camera app. The M1 will be available in black and white color options. According to Engadget, the camera also offers Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to transfer images to your phone with ease.

The camera is available with two lens options: the first one includes the body with a 12-40mm f/3.5-5.6 lens and will set buyers back ¥2,199 ($330), and the second option features the camera body and a 42.5mm f/1.8 lens for ¥2,999 ($450). The camera and lenses will go on sale from September 23 at JD.com.

Much like XiaoYi's other wares, like the Yi action camera, the M1 mirrorless camera will likely be limited to China. You should be able to buy it from third-party stores in due course of time, but as of now there's no information to suggest the camera will make its way outside the country.