One of the few suprises on this year's Photokina was the new and first Chinese mirrorless camera from YI Technology, the M1. Some voices saw it on par even with Sony's A6300. This made me curious and inspired me to take a closer look.
There is a new firmware 1. 0. 20. -int from 28th November 2016 that adds several features and some fixes. Release Notes:NEW 1. Adding live view interface for video mode, long - press the REC button for 2 seconds to enter. The original one click recording video function is still retained. 2. Adding ISO upper limit setting function of ISO AUTO option. Valid for P / A / S mode. 3. Adding GUI MF function for 42. 5mm F1. 8 lens. 4. Adding EIS menu for video mode. EIS off by default when recording 4K video. 5. Adding file storage status indication. When the file is written to the memory card, the original location for remaining number will display the corresponding Icon. 6. C-AF video performance improved. Continuous autofocus performance is further enhanced. 7. 4K Video performance improved. 8. Adding German menu.
FIXEDFixed some known bugs, and improved the overall stability of the system.
YI's first Micro Four Thirds (MFT) camera features the Sony IMX269 sensor, capable to deliver 12 bit raw photos with 20 MP and 4K video with 30 fps. You find this sensor also in the Lumix GX8 and the Olympus PEN-F. Beside some Chinese sellers, the YI M1 meanwhile is offered also in the U. S. with prices between $499 (body with 12-40mm f/3. 5-5. 6 zoom lens) and $699 for the double lens kit including also a 42. 5mm f/1. 8 macro capable portrait prime lens. You may see the camera for about 2/3 of these prices in some Chinese stores but this is not the international model. I ordered the international double lens kit directly from China, it gets delivered in a nice packaging:
2017-1-5 12:00
