Add-on lenses for your smartphone are ten a penny. But add-on cameras? The DXO One is one such device that turns your iPhone or iPad into a semi-pro shooter with the benefit of a 1in sensor. Just like the Sony RX100 or the new Panasonic LX15.
I had a play with this little Lightning-connected device and fell in love. With its built-in shutter release and clear information screen, the DXO One feels just like a camera grip, with your phone taking the place of the camera’s screen. The little device can even be used in stand-alone mode although there is no live view so you need to connect up the smartphone to see the results.
With a one-inch 20.3MP sensor, f/1.8 maximum aperture, sharp six-element spherical lens and RAW shooting capability, the DXO is no toy. The free iOS app provides a full arsenal of settings, just like a normal digital camera. I was up and running with my own phone within seconds while on the DXO stand at Photokina.
Another great feature is the ability to connect wirelessly, using wi-fi so you can control the camera from your phone without the need to have it physically connected. The DXO is a featherweight at only 108g or four ounces and it does everything you would expect a modern digital camera to do.
Since most of us have an iPhone in our pockets most of the time, this is a small additional burden to carry everywhere. About the only downside is the price, which was quoted as €499. I see it is available in the UK from Amazon at £399. I can be tempted with this one.
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Yes this DXO jobby is a nice idea, but unless the connection method has changed Mike, it has a serious flaw which Kevin Raber (Luminous Landscape) had problems with.
But maybe this is a mkII or something?
LuLu reviewed it last year and he felt that it was difficult to hold the phone and the camera at the same time in a secure manner. He concluded that it was not a good idea to drop his new iPhone 6+ (might have been a 6S+), nor his review DXO cam…
…But he thought that the idea was good and the software bundle was very capable too.
Sorry that should be LuLa.