YI M1 Review: A Micro Four Thirds body with lens and Sony sensor for under $300—so what’s the catch?

 

 

Late last year, Shenzhen, China-based XiaoYi -- known stateside as Yi Technology -- launched the YI M1 to great fanfare. Its first standalone camera (and an interchangeable-lens camera, at that!) the Yi Camera drew plenty of attention for its reserved Leica-like looks, its quality Four Thirds-format Sony Exmor image sensor, and its broadly-supported Micro Four Thirds lens mount. But more than that, what got folks talking was its pricetag.

Originally shipping at around US$350 list (and that's with a 12-40mm kit lens), the compact little YI M1 can now be picked up for under US$300 with lens. Heck, you can get a twin-lens kit adding a 42.5mm prime for US$370 all told. Sure, the pricing is spectacular, but is there a catch to this affordable little Micro Four Thirds model, and if so what is it?

 

 

That's what we set out to answer in the just-published conclusion to our real-world YI M1 review. Hop on over now, and find out if we think the YI Camera belongs in your camera bag!

• YI M1 Review • Field Test Part I • Field Test Part II •

 • Conclusion • Gallery • Buy Now •