Tag Archives: Photography

This digital camera with hollow viewfinder creates direct eye-to-eye contact for more engaging shots

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DSLR cameras have evolved from their bulky forms into compact versions, that are now superseded by mirrorless versions that are more consumer-oriented. If you are someone who is a social butterfly, chances are you need high-resolution photo and video shooting equipment handy at all times. Sure, smartphones are the best bet when it comes to quick reels or IG-worthy stories, still they cannot match the details of DSLR or mirrorless shooters.

Traditionally both these versions have an optical viewfinder to shoot the subject in the frame. Now, a designer has taken a completely different approach to what a camera should be like.

Designer: Yasuaki Matsuura

This is the Eye to Eye camera that takes a completely radical approach to digital photography both in form and function. Right where you would find the viewfinder and the lens of the digital camera, this one has a flush hollow part that lets the shooter see the subject without anything in between. This creates a direct eye-to-eye between the photographer and the subject right at the moment of capture. More than a mere gimmick, the digital camera actually shoots photographs.

According to Yasuaki, the idea is to create a deeper connection between the two individuals and also let them be more aware of their visual surroundings. Since the subject knows the human eye instead of a lens looking straight him/her in the eye, the final shot has a more engaging emotion to it. It’s beyond just the digital recording or picture shooting moment, staying as a cherished memory. This interesting gadget is a part of his art series, and a limited edition artwork that we are sure will have more interesting things to follow.

The in-person interaction of this interesting digital camera can be a bit too much for shy individuals, however, more confident people can take advantage of this unique proposition.

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Aether creates special jacket for photographers, designed with Leica

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I’ve had the opportunity to see some of my photographer friends in action while shooting sports and events. It’s not just as simple as carrying around a camera anymore as they also have to carry a lot of accessories and gears while running around. Bags are of course handy but wouldn’t it be better if they had something lighter to wear and still be able to hold all of their stuff?

Designer: Aether for Leica

The AETHER + Leica Reporter Jacket is one such item that would be convenient for photographers and even just mere travelers. It was designed with Leica photographers so they had the input of the actual people who will use it. Well, if they’re one of the 125 people who can get a hold of this limited edition jacket, which actually matches the Reporter camera series of Leica, color-wise. As expected, this jacket is designed for all kinds of weather and has a lot of pockets and compartments to hold their gear.

The army green colored jacket is weather-resistant and has waxed cotton-nylon blend fabric. This means it becomes breathable in warm weather but when it becomes colder, it creates a windproof barrier as well. The front pockets can fit a Leica camera, specifically any of the Q or M series while the back stash pocket can carry larger items like lens and even a tablet. It also has a built-in microfiber cloth so you can use it to clean your lens. The internal pocket is able to hold 4 Leica batteries while the chest pocket can hold your SD card case. There’s even a hidden SD card pocket at the collar, in case you need to hide something.

These features of the jacket can also be used by non-photographers who want to carry around stuff while traveling without using a bag. But they were of course specifically built for photographers and there are only limited items available. So if you have $795 to spare, you should get it while you still can.

The post Aether creates special jacket for photographers, designed with Leica first appeared on Yanko Design.

vivo X200 Series Hands-On: For Concerts and Nature Adventures

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Smartphones have pretty much become more than just communication tools, at least in the traditional sense. We still use it to connect with others, especially via the Internet, but we do so more through images and multimedia, whether they’re the ones we capture ourselves or generated by an app. Cameras and AI have become the focal points of these devices today, no pun intended, and vivo is pressing three new smartphones under its X200 series, all equipped with the latest and greatest innovations promising the ultimate user experience.

Designer: vivo

Design: Nature-inspired, Classic Looks

If you simply compared them with the X100 phones at the start of the year, you might walk away disappointed. That said, the vivo X200 opted to ignore flashy novelties that wear off in a few weeks, preferring designs that stand the test of time. And what better way to embrace evergreen designs than taking a page from the most evergreen design of all: nature.

The vivo X200 Pro’s new Sapphire Blue colorway, for example, has patterns that seem to recreate the enchanting ocean waves on the back of your phone. The vivo X200 Pro mini’s Light Pink, on the other hand, is a nod to the romantic colors of cherry blossoms. Whichever color you pick, you will have a stylish and elegant phone in your hand.

The vivo X200 Pro mini adopts the current design trends with its flat 6.31-inch screen and flat edges, giving it a more modern personality. In contrast, the vivo X200 and X200 Pro stick to tradition with a “Quad Curved Screen” and gentle slopes on all sides and corners. All models of the X200 series are enhanced with ZEISS Natural Color, expanding the collaboration between brands beyond cameras.

Power: New Ways to Communicate

The vivo X200 series is powered by the newly-baked MediaTek Dimensity 9400 processor, the chipmaker’s first 3nm process, to deliver unmatched power and power efficiency. While that already translates to a huge performance boost, most users will probably be interested in how it greatly improves AI performance across the board, from the usual photography touch-ups to popular applications like AI note-taking and, of course, Circle to Search.

Completely new to the X200 series is a kilometer-level network-free communication technology, a product of its close collaboration with MediaTek. This would allow long-distance communication via Bluetooth even when cellular networks are unavailable but without relying on satellite technology. Sending text messages, making voice calls, or even broadcasting SOS signals in extreme environments like mountains and forests are critical features that will make outdoor adventures safer and more enjoyable using these phones.

Cameras: Zooming to the Scene

Of course, photography is a major piece of the X200 series formula, and it’s where vivo flexes its muscle the most. On the vivo X200 Pro, the roster is led by a Sony LYT-818, a 1/1.28-inch sensor that, paired with an f/1.57 aperture lens, is advertised to rival even larger 1-inch sensors. Together with the custom V3+ Imaging Chip, the X200 Pro is promised to deliver not only captivating still photos but also cinematic videos.

Portrait mode, 35mm

Portrait mode, 50mm

Portrait mode, 85mm

The real star of the show, however, is probably the 200MP ZEISS APO Telephoto camera, capable of up to 100x zoom, making short work of capturing live events like concerts. In addition to 85mm HD portraits, this camera is also capable of the new 135mm portrait focal length as well. A Telephoto Macro feature with a magnification ratio of 20x for stunning closeups of nature.

Macro, 3.5x (85mm)

Macro, 7.4x (170mm)

All in all, the vivo X200 series delivers quite a potent package that tries to serve the sub-$800 market. With impressive photography capabilities, innovative features, and a classic, nature-inspired design, vivo is aiming to strike a chord with an audience that loves living in the moment, whether it’s in concerts, live events, a nature trek, or an outdoor adventure.

The post vivo X200 Series Hands-On: For Concerts and Nature Adventures first appeared on Yanko Design.

Nikon Z fc HERALBONY limited edition cameras radiate self-expression with artful designs

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Thanks to the popularity of smartphone cameras, photography is no longer something limited to seasoned veterans, a term that’s often applied to older people. The younger generation has been captivated by the joys of preserving fleeting memories and sharing them with friends, whether it’s snapping up Instagram photos or using a dedicated camera for more professional-looking shots. That said, the majority of these DSLRs and mirrorless cameras still seem to be designed for those veterans who might have less colorful tastes when it comes to their equipment. It’s a bit ironic that such a tool for capturing expressions would itself lack the kind of self-expression that younger photographers thirst for, which is why Nikon is launching a limited edition Z fc camera series dressed up in a few of HERALBONY’s vibrant artwork.

Designer: Nikon x HERALBONY

Granted, there are quite a few cameras designed to capture the attention and patronage of younger customers, GenZ or otherwise. Most of these, however, are either of the Polaroid-style instant camera variety or the point-and-click cameras that have been made redundant by smartphones. Professional-level cameras, in contrast, come in the usual shades of black and gray and pretty much nothing else. They look and feel premium, mind you, but they might not have the visual impact some users might want.

That’s what makes the Nikon Z fc mirrorless camera a bit of an outlier because it actually has different color options that don’t sacrifice that premium leatherette material in the process. Admittedly, it’s not a full customization feature, but it’s the closest you’d get in this product category. With this collaboration with HERALBONY, however, there are even more exterior options, ones that convey the liveliness of youth and freedom of expression.

[Yurinoyoakeri] Masaharu Honda

[Cone Flower] Masahiro Fukui

[Joyful Time] Teppei Kasahara

[Samba] Momoko Eguchi

These four pieces come from HERALBONY’s collection of more than 2,000+ artwork, each crafted by artists with neurodiversity and disabilities. The brand’s mission to “Radiate Your Color” seems like a perfect match to Nikon cameras’ ability to capture those colors through photos and videos. With this unique Nikon Z fc edition, cameras are no longer just tools for capturing expressions and moments but become vehicles of expression as well, at least through artful camera exteriors that best capture your own aesthetic inclinations.

The four artful pieces add to the existing eight color options for the Nikon Z fc, creating a wider palette of cameras to choose from. Unfortunately, the HERALBONY cameras will be available for only a limited time and in limited quantities, with details of their availability dependent on the region. And in case you’re wondering, Nikon isn’t selling these Premium Exteriors on their own so you can’t just buy a “skin” to warp around your existing Nikon Z fc either.

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nubia Z60 Ultra Leading Version Review: A True Camera in Your Pocket

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PROS:


  • Distinctive, quirky design

  • True fullscreen design with invisible under-display camera

  • Unbeatable price tag for performance and battery size

  • Outstanding camera output

CONS:


  • Creamy selfies

  • Bulky and hefty chassis

  • No wireless charging

RATINGS:

AESTHETICS
ERGONOMICS
PERFORMANCE
SUSTAINABILITY / REPAIRABILITY
VALUE FOR MONEY

EDITOR'S QUOTE:

The nubia Z60 Ultra Leading Version will delight smartphone shutterbugs with a powerful smartphone with a design that clearly marks its photography lineage.

It’s pretty obvious by now, but it probably still bears noting. Cameras have become one of the most important factors people consider when buying a smartphone. Even those who primarily use a phone for social media want great cameras that can show off their attempts at becoming Insta-famous. But more seasoned photographers look for things that go beyond things like AI retouching or dramatic filters, details that are often lost on most users. Back in late 2023, nubia launched the Z60 Ultra to scratch a very specific mobile photography itch, and less than a year later, it is launching a slightly beefed-up variant with an odd name, the nubia Z60 Ultra Leading Version. Can this model, based on a late 2023 smartphone, keep up with the latest roster of flagships, or has it fallen by the wayside? We put this quirky-looking phone through the wringer to bring you that answer.

Designer: nubia

Aesthetics

We’ve seen plenty of phone designs over the years, and some have left us scratching our heads. Some have, in an effort to look distinctive and unique, adopted designs that leave a lasting impression in a rather unfavorable way. Fortunately, the nubia Z60 Ultra Leading Version isn’t of that variety, and while it might look odd when viewed from its back, it has enough playfulness, charm, and balance that actually makes the composition look interesting.

The phone is a very blocky device that is almost like a throwback to the early days of the Sony Xperia. Flat edges and sharp corners are making a comeback anyway, so the nubia Z60 Ultra isn’t exactly an outlier. It is, however, chunkier and boxier than today’s phones, which does have usability consequences that we’ll get to in a bit. It gives the phone a handsome and sharp appearance, but it’s also an acquired taste.

The most notable aspect of its design, however, is the three cameras on its back. Where most manufacturers do their best to lump the cameras together, nubia actually gives each of them their own distinct design. The result? It’s almost as if each of the three cameras represents a different professional camera design, from DSLRs to point-and-shoot cameras. It’s like the whole ensemble, which takes up a good third of the phone’s back, is a wall that pays homage to the camera industry’s greatest designs, perhaps also symbolizing its aspiration to be part of that set.

The Leading Version comes in only two color options, each with its own distinct design. The Black model looks like it has a ribbed surface, but it’s purely an optical illusion. The back is still glass, just like on our Silver review unit which gives the impression of liquid silver rippling and swirling underneath. It effectively hides fingerprint smudges, though the smooth surface of the glass means very few leave their mark anyway.

We usually leave notes about the display in the hardware section of our reviews, but this screen is different. With an under-display camera, it delivers a true edge-to-edge full-screen visual that blows the mind. The bezels are thin enough to be negligible and the area that hides the camera on its forehead is nowhere to be seen. Because of its very boxy and flat design, the nubia Z60 Ultra Leading Edition almost looks like a miniature flat-screen TV, and it definitely looks great at showing videos, pictures, and games.

Ergonomics

The nubia Z60 Ultra Leading Edition is a chunky box of metal and glass, and there’s no getting around that fact. It does pack quite a lot of hardware, including one of the largest battery capacities for a smartphone, but that doesn’t come without its costs. At 8.8mm thick and weighing 246g, it is definitely one of the heftiest and bulkiest handsets in recent years. To some extent, that might not be that big of an issue for its intended audience of mobile photographers who won’t be holding the phone up in the same position for long periods of time, at least not without a tripod or a gimbal.

It does have a few things that help improve its usability, though. The fingerprint scanner underneath the screen is placed a little bit higher where your thumb would naturally rest so you avoid having to readjust your grip and precariously hold it near the bottom edge. The power button and the action toggle also have textured surfaces that make them easier to feel and use without having to look at their location. All in all, the Z60 Ultra Leading Version isn’t the most comfortable thing to hold for a long time, but it’s not without its merits as well.

Performance

The phone’s odd name actually comes from the only real difference it has from the original nubia Z60 Ultra. That’s the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Leading Version, an overclocked variant of the flagship chip that everyone else is using. In a way, this is nubia’s response to Samsung’s own “for Galaxy” variant, which makes the same proposition. In other words, it takes an already powerful chipset and dials it up to 11, giving most tasks a boost, especially gaming.

It’s no wonder then that the nubia Z60 Ultra Leading Version would have some impressive numbers in benchmark tests, sometimes even scoring the highest. It can handle any task you through at it with aplomb, making short work of mobile games. That also means it won’t even break a sweat when handling image and video processing in real-time. However, your hands might sweat a bit as the phone did get a little too warm with graphics-intensive tasks like gaming.

One of the biggest reasons for the Z60 Ultra’s heft is also one of its biggest strengths, its 6,000 mAh battery. That is definitely one of the largest we’ve seen of late, discounting the 7-inch “phablets” of old. The long battery life will be critical for photographers who don’t want to miss a moment just because their battery died. The 80W charging speed also means you’ll only be away from the action for as long as 40 or so minutes, presuming you didn’t bring a power bank with you. Unfortunately, the phone doesn’t have wireless charging capabilities, which should already be a staple for an “ultra” phone like this.

Despite its Leading Version chip, the real centerpiece of the Z60 Ultra is its camera system, led by a 50MP Sony IMX906 1/1.56-inch sensor with OIS. That might not actually be that uncommon, but its most distinctive feature is the 35mm equivalent focal length. It’s a rare trait in smartphone cameras but is one of the most favored in traditional photography. In a way, nubia is positioning the phone as a camera lover’s choice, allowing budding photographers to level up their craft to more professional standards.

It doesn’t stop there either, because nubia pulls off something that still very few manufacturers dare to do: high-quality cameras all around. The ultra-wide shooter with an 18mm focal length carries a large 50MP 1/1.55-inch sensor with OIS, while the 80mm periscope telephoto gets an equally impressive 64MP sensor with 3.3x zoom, also with OIS. Yes, all three have optical image stabilization, and all three are capable of 4K video recording, though only the main camera can do 8K.

Suffice it to say, the images and videos that these cameras deliver are clear, sharp, vibrant, and detailed, no matter the lighting situation. There are a few hiccups here and there, but the overall performance is quite impressive. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said of the 12MP front-facing under-display camera, which unsurprisingly comes out with pasty and washed-out images. Despite the advancements nubia achieved in making the camera invisible, it still needs work on matching the quality of regular “notch” cameras.

Sustainability

When talking about smartphone makers that have strong or concrete sustainability endeavors, nubia is often left unmentioned. It’s not an old player in this market, nor is it a small one, so it’s rather disappointing not to see more action coming from it on this front. Even the use of sustainable materials for the back cover isn’t one of its strong points, but we’re hoping the brand takes a turn for the better in the years ahead.

The nubia Z60 Ultra Leading Version is at least IP68-rated, which speaks well for its survivability and longevity. The same can’t be said for nubia’s guaranteed software support, though, which is just three years. That’s just one year over the old two-year standard, one that is becoming a liability to the brand rather than an asset.

Value

If it wasn’t clear yet, the nubia Z60 Ultra Leading Version is a premium flagship with a processor that runs circles around its rivals and a camera system designed to appeal to photographers at heart. And yet for all that it offers, it only asks for $649 for 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. Yes, that’s $50 more than the starting price for the non-Leading Z60 Ultra, and some might question if the souped-up Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is actually worth that much. In the grand scheme of things, however, it’s still a very accessible price tag, especially when it offers just as much or even more than $1,000 devices.

Unfortunately, it won’t be easy to get your hands on one, because nubia’s global distribution channels aren’t that many. And even if you manage to import one, you still have to worry about carrier network support. There’s also that nagging question about the $50 increase for a Leading Version chip, which, truth be told, isn’t exactly a mind-blowing difference overall. That said, if you’re a mobile photographer that has access to nubia’s products and have the extra $50 to spare, you should definitely have this in your crosshair.

Verdict

It’s extremely tricky to balance power and design in smartphones because of the limited space you’re allowed. You can’t have a super-slim device and expect to have a large battery and powerful cameras at the same time. nubia’s solution is bold and creative: why bother with those limitations at all? Yes, the nubia Z60 Ultra Leading Edition is thick and heavy, but it still manages to balance performance and a distinctive design. It’s a smartphone that is unabashedly walking in the footsteps of traditional cameras, and it definitely has the chops to prove it.

The post nubia Z60 Ultra Leading Version Review: A True Camera in Your Pocket first appeared on Yanko Design.

Vivo V40 Pro Review: Prime Mobile Photography Arrives in a Sleek Package

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PROS:


  • Elegant and aesthetic design

  • Powerful quad 50MP camera system

  • Large 5,500mAh battery despite thin profile

  • IP68 rating

CONS:


  • No wireless charging

  • Telephoto camera only supports 2x optical zoom

  • Limited global availability

RATINGS:

AESTHETICS
ERGONOMICS
PERFORMANCE
SUSTAINABILITY / REPAIRABILITY
VALUE FOR MONEY

EDITOR'S QUOTE:

The Vivo V40 Pro builds on the brand's outstanding photography performance to deliver an even more powerful experience in a stylish design.

Cameras have become one of if not the most important aspects of a smartphone these days. Of course, the display is functionally the most critical component, but other than being large and crisp, people tend to gravitate to the best smartphone camera their money can buy. Unfortunately, the best ones are often reserved for the most expensive handsets as well, leaving the majority of consumers, especially the younger generation, dreaming of better days. Vivo’s V series of smartphones has always aimed to make smartphone photography more accessible, and last year’s Vivo V30 Pro definitely put more expensive devices on notice. Can the Vivo V40 Pro top that or has the brand already reached its peak? We take Vivo’s latest and greatest V series phone for a spin to find out.

Designer: Vivo

Aesthetics

Right off the bat, we can already say that Vivo has outdone itself with the design of the Vivo V40 Pro. Last year’s flagship was already a looker, but it suddenly feels a bit lacking compared to its younger sibling. You still have a sleek appearance, smooth curves, and a thin profile, but the real winner here is the camera design. That Vivo was able to fit three 50MP cameras in such a compact space is already a marvel, but the way it managed to make the design look appealing is a rare feat these days.

Vivo calls it a “Gemini Ring Design,” which is a fancy term for what looks like a curvy keyhole. Two of the three cameras are enclosed in a circle that sits on top of a pill-shaped elevation. Inside that is another oblong enclosure housing the third camera and the Aura Ring flash. There is a subtle beauty to the play of balance and asymmetry in this design, and it definitely gives the Vivo V40 Pro a unique visual character.

The company didn’t pull punches in the different colors and materials available for both the Vivo V40 and the V40 Pro, and all of them are beautiful in their own way. The Sunglow Peach colorway with its warm hues and dynamic magnetic ink is quite an eye-catcher, and our review unit’s Moonlight White with its pale blue streaks has a soothing and calming effect. Other than the camera bump and the small vivo branding at the bottom, there are no distractions on the back of the phone, allowing you to appreciate the beauty of these designs.

At only 7.58mm, the Vivo V40 Pro is already thin, and the curved edges of both the screen and the back panel make it look even thinner. This could be a divisive decision in 2024, though, with many seeing curved edges as a thing of the past. It definitely still has appeal and it perfectly matches the smoothness of the rest of the phone.

Ergonomics

The Vivo V40 Pro is not a small phone by any means so that thin profile helps offset the size of the device. It’s incredibly light as well at only 192g, especially considering what it packs inside, like a very generous battery. All in all, it’s difficult to hold it up for long periods of time, though the glass material on its back could prove to be slippery for some hands.

The debate around flat versus curved edges continues here as well. With part of the screen curving off to the sides, there’s always the possibility of accidental touches in those areas. There isn’t much surface area or sharp corners for your hand to grip either, and you might find yourself straining a bit just to hold the phone tight. It’s partly personal preference and partly the shape of your hand, but thankfully Vivo ships a protective case with the phone just in case.

Performance

It might not be part of Vivo’s top-tier X series, but the Vivo V40 Pro definitely packs quite a punch, starting with the MediaTek Dimensity 9200+, the chipmaker’s flagship silicon. It’s paired with up to 12GB of RAM, as was the case in our review unit, which can be boosted with another 12GB. That said, it takes some of that from the 512GB internal storage, which isn’t expandable like many phones these days. All in all, the Vivo V40 Pro performs like a champ for any use case, whether it’s social media, watching videos, or playing games. The latter is helped by an Ultra-Large VC Cooling System that keeps the phone running at a stable pace without throttling.

More impressive, however, is the 5,500mAh battery the phone crams inside its thin and light body. It’s definitely one of the largest capacities available in a phone that’s barely 7.6mm thick, allowing it to easily support all your shutterbug adventures. With an 80W charging speed, you can quickly top up to full in around 30 minutes, at least with the right charging brick. Unfortunately, Vivo hasn’t yet decided to put wireless charging on its V series phones, but maybe that will change next year.

The real stars of the show, however, are the cameras, all of them with 50MP sensors. Yes, that includes the selfie camera with a Samsung ISOCELL JN1 sensor and a wide 92-degree field of view for those “wefies” or “groufies.” If that sounds familiar, then you might have heard of the Vivo V30 Pro last year. In fact, in almost all but one case, it’s nearly the exact same set of 50MP cameras, like the 50MP Sony IMX816 telephoto shooter and the 50MP Samsung JN1 119-degree ultra-wide camera.

What’s different this year is the new 50MP Sony IMX921 with a larger 1/1.56-inch sensor. That means it is able to take in more light information even in darker environments, improving its overall quality. In fact, the entire ensemble is actually commendable in their output, delivering super images bolstered by AI and computational photography. Of course, these cameras have optics tuned by ZEISS, so there’s little surprise there. And one can’t forget Vivo’s signature Aura Light that takes the regular flash and turns it into a mini ring light for softer and more natural lighting. Its most recent incarnation includes Electronic Control Technology that lets you adjust the brightness of the light depending on the distance of the subject.

In essence, the Vivo V40 Pro builds on the success of its predecessor and adds some extra value with upgraded specs and improved software. Unfortunately, it also carries over the flaws, most notably the short optical zoom range of the telephoto camera. It only goes as far as 2x zoom, but Vivo is heavily advertising what it calls “50x ZEISS Ultra HD Zoom,” which is a mouthful that really means software-assisted digital zoom.

Sustainability

Just like the Vivo V30 Pro last year, the brand is sadly silent on any of its efforts in using even a fraction of sustainable materials for this year’s V series flagship. It also hasn’t stopped shipping chargers in its boxes, which is unsurprising since it wants to make sure that its phones use the right 80W charger for the fastest speed they can support. We’re still holding out hope that Vivo will take the lead in this area soon.

That said, it does have some good news when it comes to keeping the Vivo V40 Pro away from the trash for as long as possible. It’s the first in the V series to reach an IP68 rating, ensuring that it’s protected from dust and water which can mean the end for many smartphones. It also advertises a “50-Month Smooth Experience” guarantee that basically says the phone can run for over four years without losing its fluidity and performance. Unfortunately, it doesn’t translate to having four years of updates, and Vivo has made no promises on that matter.

Value

It’s perfectly clear from our time with the Vivo V40 Pro that it delivers everything it promises on paper. The Quad 50MP Camera System it carries over from last year continues the tradition of excellent mobile photography, but this time with a larger 5,500mAh battery that better supports all those photo and video content creation. Even better, the phone comes in a sleek, slim, and light design that makes you feel like you’re holding an art object rather than a cold piece of technology.

In other words, the Vivo V40 Pro would have been perfect if not for the fact that some people might not even be able to get their hands on it. The $560 price tag it carries (converted from Indian figures) isn’t that heavy, but global availability is still undisclosed at the moment. Hopefully, it will fare better than the Vivo V30 Pro which didn’t get a wider distribution that would have spread the word of its amazing camera chops.

Verdict

Smartphones are getting more powerful and so are their cameras. But with this increase in technical performance, designers are often forced to make many compromises to fit all of them inside a product that should still fit our pockets. In that regard, the Vivo V40 Pro is quite a feat, cramming not only four 50MP cameras but a large 5,500mAh battery inside a body that’s as thin and as light as it can be. It’s a beautiful phone with impressive performance and an accessible price point, and it deserves to be made available to more markets this time.

The post Vivo V40 Pro Review: Prime Mobile Photography Arrives in a Sleek Package first appeared on Yanko Design.

SwitchLens Pro Camera System turns any Smartphone into a Photography Powerhouse

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Smartphone cameras have come a long way and have become quite capable tools in preserving memorable moments for posterity. There is, however, still a very good reason why they haven’t completely overthrown pro cameras. You can only squeeze so much hardware into a slim smartphone, and you can’t really have large lenses or even a lens mount bulging out from the back of the phone. There are admittedly a few accessories that try to bring some of that interchangeable lens experience but usually limit themselves to small lenses made just for smartphones. Bringing a true “pro camera” experience to mobile requires taking a few cues from pro cameras themselves, and that is exactly what the SwitchLens does to level up your mobile photography game.

Designer: sneaki design

Click Here to Buy Now: $199 $329 ($130 off). Hurry, 33/450 left! Raised over $490,000.

SwitchLens is a complete pro camera system that not only takes the lessons learned from digital cameras but even the technologies employed there. In particular, it embraces the popular micro four thirds or MFT system that leverages large sensors and interchangeable lenses to create highly detailed and breathtaking shots. The large 20.75MP 1.33-inch CMOS sensor that SwitchLens uses is unmatched by even flagship phones, which means it can take in more light and record more details just with the hardware alone, no post-processing or AI touch-up required.

And just like the MFT used in compact digital cameras, you can also swap out lenses to get the best shot out of a scene, whether that’s a 25mm f1.8 portrait lens for closeups or a 12mm f2.8 wide-angle lens for sweeping panoramic shots. What makes the SwitchLens system even more impressive is that it can actually support MFT lenses from Panasonic or Olympus that you might have lying around. You are no longer limited to what the manufacturer provides, and you are definitely not limited to tiny lenses that compromise on performance in return for their pretty sizes.

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Unlike other such accessories, SwitchLens is a powerful device that can function even when detached from the back of your phone. Using a stable and fast Wi-Fi connection, you can control SwitchLens remotely for more difficult shots, or magnetically stick it to the back of your iPhone or Android phone to recreate the experience of using a digital camera but with a much larger and clearer viewfinder. From selfies at extremely low angles to macro photography, SwitchLens gives you the flexibility to take a shot in the most comfortable and most convenient way.

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The pro camera experience doesn’t end there. SwitchLens’s Peaking Focus assistance feature easily marks out which objects are in focus with vibrant, eye-catching colors to ensure sharp and in-focus images every time. With support for microSD cards up to 1.5TB in capacity, you have nearly limitless room for taking thousands of RAW photos and recording 4K 30fps videos without filling up your phone storage. With the SwitchLens MFT modular camera system, your phone is no longer a stumbling block for a pro photography experience and becomes the launch pad for taking stunning photos and videos like a pro.

Click Here to Buy Now: $199 $329 ($130 off). Hurry, 33/450 left! Raised over $490,000.

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realme 13 Pro is coming with ultra clear camera powered by HYPERIMAGE+ AI

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Smartphone cameras have gotten quite powerful, that they might have hit a wall when it comes to hardware. Although they have reached mind-blowing 100 megapixels, sensors have also gotten a little too large for the ever-thinning smartphones. To make up for that slump in optical solutions, manufacturers are turning to software, specifically everyone’s favorite AI special sauce, to produce astounding images and experiences that wouldn’t have been possible with hardware alone. That said, AI alone won’t be enough either, so at its AI Imaging Media Preview Event in Bangkok, realme unveiled a new AI photography architecture that harnesses both powerful optics and powerful algorithms to bring mobile photography to the next level.

Designer: realme

realme’s new HYPERIMAGE+ AI photography architecture, which it claims is a first for the industry, leverages three layers to create its seemingly magical imaging feats. It stands on a solid foundation of powerful hardware, delivered by a new Sony LYT-701, a 50MP sensor with OIS, and a 50MP Sony LYT-600 paired with a periscope-style telephoto lens that lets it zoom in up to 3x without any loss in detail. The hardware alone would have been enough to handle any photography task even in challenging lighting situations, so you can imagine how much more impressive the results would be with help from AI.

HYPERIMAGE+ also utilizes both on-device AI imaging algorithms as well as cloud-based AI image editing to go beyond what the hardware is capable of. HyperRAW, for example, brings image processing capabilities to the high-quality RAW domain, boosting image quality and dynamic range to faithfully recreate light and shadows. AI Pure Bokeh helps in the separation of foreground, midground, and background elements, applying pixel-level segmentation and targeted optimization to create realistic portrait photos, all within seconds. An in the event that the cameras weren’t able to capture enough resolution for rich details, AI Ultra Clarity enhances the image to still produce crystal clear and stunning images.

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Of course, all these benefits of AI would be meaningless if it doesn’t get into the hands of those who need it the most. Young users, in particular, are always craving stunning photos, striking videos, and unforgettable memories, pushing the boundaries of what their smartphones are capable of. They are, therefore, the perfect audience for this ultra clear camera with AI, and are exactly who the upcoming realme 13 Pro+ will be aiming for. realme’s AI-empowered flagship is set to launch soon, though details are still scant and will be provided closer to the launch date.

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World’s Smallest 4K Mirrorless Camera is as tiny as a GoPro and has Interchangeable Lenses

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Move over, mirrorless cameras… It’s time for the micro-mirrorless camera to shine.

If you think about it, there’s really no reason a mirrorless camera has to be as big as it is. Without pissing off the photography community, a GoPro is nothing but a smaller version of the mirrorless camera. It uses the same technology of light directly hitting a sensor to capture an image; and the only real difference is the fact that compact action cameras have slightly smaller sensors, and don’t have interchangeable lenses… so Samuel Mello Medeiros decided to change things. Partnering with Yashica, Medeiros created the world’s first-ever micro-mirrorless camera. The ‘Yashica – I’m Back’ camera is as small as a stack of playing cards, but packs a Sony CMOS sensor that captures 4K video and 12MP images. Despite its size, the camera doesn’t compromise on features – it comes with 3 interchangeable lenses, the option of adding a larger battery, a flash hot-shoe on the top that lets you also attach a shotgun microphone or other accessories, and yes, WiFi capabilities so you can share your photos directly to your smartphone once they’re captured.

Designer: Samuel Mello Medeiros

Click Here to Buy Now: $239 $299 ($60 off). Hurry, only a few left! Raised over $380,000.

Medeiros founded ‘I’m Back’ in 2018, creating unconventional cameras for photobugs. While his earlier experiments revolved around reviving older cameras with new technology, the Yashica – I’m Back may just be his magnum opus. It sits at the junction between smartphone photography and pro camera photography, offering the best of both worlds. The Yashica – I’m Back measures 3 inches wide (77mm) and 1.9 inches high (50mm), making it nearly 1/4th the size of your standard mirrorless camera. That’s small enough to fit right in your pocket and whip out when you need to click photos. Sure, the ergonomics are a little challenging considering the size, but the camera is a healthy balance between tiny and powerful, sitting at the intersection between convenient smartphone photography, and advanced camera photography.

Micro Mirrorless Yashica – I’m Back emerges, a fusion of tradition and innovation!

Use three different lenses for diverse scenes and styles, adjust settings manually, and expand options with larger lenses through an adapter.

The micro-mirrorless camera banks on Yashica’s 75-year history in the camera business. Designed in partnership with the legacy camera brand, the camera sports cutting-edge tech including a 12MP Sony IMX 117 sensor that outputs 4K@24fps, 2K@30fps, and 1080p@60fps with the ability to take 40MP interpolated images or 12MP real-dimension images. Just like a professional camera, this one has a digital viewfinder that opens out and flips over, letting you click selfies or take vlogs while monitoring your feed. The 2-inch touchscreen gives you the convenience of a smartphone, allowing you to swipe through settings and look at your carousel, or even plug an external display in using the HDMI port for a more professional setup. You can also leverage Yashica – I’m Back as a webcam for creating videos and conducting high-quality live broadcasts. Images get stored on a MicroSD card, with the camera accepting as high as 128Gb cards, and there’s also built-in WiFi that lets you share images and videos directly to Android and iOS devices. The kicker, however, is that this tiny camera comes with not one, not two, but three interchangeable lenses in the box.

Wide lens 3,4mm.

Normal lens: 8,6mm.

Tele lens 25,7mm.

In my opinion, where the GoPro went wrong was in cementing itself into the action camera box. With just a wide-angle lens and nothing else, there wasn’t much you could do with a GoPro than basic vlogging activities… but that isn’t the case with the Yashica – I’m Back. The camera comes with a standard 8.6mm lens that’s comparable to a 50mm lens for a normal camera, a 75° wide-angle lens, and a 25mm telephoto lens (which actually translates to 150mm on a normal camera), with the ability to manually focus on images to get that gorgeous depth of field in your images and videos. That isn’t all, a simple adapter lets you attach a whole host of third-party lenses, including ones for SLR, DLSR, and mirrorless cameras from leading brands. Medeiros and his team are also working on giving the camera macro capabilities using the standard 8.6mm lens, which would just make the camera an all-round photography powerhouse.

The highlight of the Yashica – I’m Back micro-mirrorless camera lies in its tiny-size-zero-compromise approach to photography. It’s perfect for carrying around with you wherever you go, allowing you to take quality photos and videos without the expensive gear, or letting you bank on a good camera without needing to whip your smartphone out. The Yashica – I’m Back comes bundled with a remote control for wirelessly operating the camera, a USB-C charging cable, and a wrist-strap… although you can upgrade to a bundle with all the accessories, which also include the three lenses, a tripod/selfie-stick, and an additional battery grip. The Yashica – I’m Back ships globally and comes with a 2-year warranty on hardware/software defects.

Click Here to Buy Now: $239 $299 ($60 off). Hurry, only a few left! Raised over $380,000.

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Pebble-shaped camera concept blends object and subject in a lenticular image

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Smartphone cameras have become the primary way people record memories, whether it’s a dramatic view of a travel destination, an unforgettable snapshot of a once-in-a-lifetime stunt, or viral selfies to announce to the whole world that you are here. Given how smartphones are designed, you can only take a shot either from the rear camera or the front selfie cam, never both at the same time. There are apps that do attempt that but those are rare and they only insert a small square frame of your face like a sticker on a photo. There are, however, more artistic ways to combine opposite views of the same scene, and this camera design concept applies a particular “holographic” effect that makes each photo taken even more memorable and special.

Designers: JiHoon Park, Eojin Jeon, Jagyeong Baek, Jeseok Poong, Dongheun Kang

We often use cameras to record memories, but those memories always come with an unseen element: the person taking the picture. In many cases, it is definitely better not to see the person behind the lens if the focus is on the scene or object. There are times, however, when such moments are best remembered with your presence, but perhaps in a way that makes it more unique and distinctive, without simply slapping your face or name on the photo.

Ditto is a camera concept that takes a photo both forward and backward, capturing both the object of the photo as well as the person taking it. In some aspects, it’s almost like those 360-degree action cameras, but the focus isn’t on an all-encompassing view of the world around the camera. It isn’t even something that you wear or have powered on all the time. You have to slide its top portion up to reveal the forward-facing camera as well as the viewfinder on the back that lets you frame the shot perfectly.

In truth, it’s not the camera itself that’s actually the most magical part of the design. It’s the conical printer that serves as the base of the camera that produces the biggest impact. It prints out the photo with a lenticular effect, so that you see either the target or yourself on the same sheet, depending on the angle you’re viewing it from. It is a less obnoxious yet also more dramatic way of embedding yourself in a scene, ensuring that your presence will be in each and every photo.

Truth be told, the same experience can probably be achieved using a specialized smartphone app and a special printer. Having a dedicated camera, however, adds a certain flavor to that moment as you slide open the camera and take a shot, either by yourself or with your friends behind you. The design of the camera itself is quite interesting to look at, removing the awkwardness that usually comes when taking photos and especially selfies with a phone. Practical or not, Ditto sparks the imagination and raises the question of what role the photographer’s presence plays in every shot, expressing the answer in an artistic and beautiful way.

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