A potelyt.com – Photography & Imaging Resources
ad

When you use links on apotelyt.com to buy products,
the site may earn a commission.

PW

YI M1 Comparison Review

The YI M1 is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera that was officially introduced in September 2016 and is equipped with a Four Thirds sensor. It offers a resolution of 20.2 megapixel.

camera

Is the YI M1 a good camera? The M1 has a Camera Elo of 2208. This rating puts the M1 below average of all mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras. In terms of its sensor size category (Four Thirds cameras), the M1 ranks among the top 40 percent. Based on its within category standings, the camera earns a 3-star performance rating.

Headline Specifications
YI M1
Mirrorless system camera
Micro Four Thirds lenses
20.2 MP, Four Thirds Sensor
4K/30p Video
ISO 100 - 25 600
no viewfinder, LCD framing
3.0 LCD, 1040k dots
Fixed touchscreen
5 shutter flaps per second
450 shots per battery charge
114 x 64 x 34 mm, 281 g

Read on to find out more about the camera's size, sensor, features, reception by expert reviewers, and how it compares to other digital cameras.

ad

Body comparison with a credit card

The physical dimensions of the YI M1 relative to a credit card are illustrated in the side-by-side display below. Three consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are presented. All width, height and depth dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

YI M1 vs credit card front
M1 versus credit card top view
M1 and credit card rear side

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the YI M1 alongside a set of similar cameras. If you want to review a particular camera pair side-by-side, just move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible comparisons there.

scroll hint
Body Specifications
#   Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
YI M1 114 mm 64 mm 34 mm 281 g 450 n Sep 2016 349ebay.com
2.
 
Canon SX430 104 mm 69 mm 85 mm 323 g 195 n Jan 2017 299 amazon.com
3.
 
Canon SX730 110 mm 64 mm 40 mm 300 g 250 n Apr 2017 399ebay.com
4.
 
Canon SX420 104 mm 69 mm 85 mm 325 g 195 n Jan 2016 299ebay.com
5.
 
Canon SX720 110 mm 64 mm 36 mm 270 g 250 n Feb 2016 379ebay.com
6.
 
Canon SX710 113 mm 66 mm 35 mm 269 g 230 n Jan 2015 349ebay.com
7.
 
Fujifilm X-A3 117 mm 67 mm 40 mm 339 g 410 n Aug 2016 399ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon 1 J5 98 mm 60 mm 32 mm 231 g 250 n Apr 2015 399ebay.com
9.
 
Panasonic GX850 107 mm 65 mm 33 mm 269 g 210 n Jan 2017 549ebay.com
10.
 
Panasonic GF7 107 mm 65 mm 33 mm 266 g 230 n Jan 2015 499ebay.com
11.
 
Sony HX80 102 mm 58 mm 36 mm 245 g 390 n Mar 2016 349ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
padding

The listed prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The YI M1 was launched in the US market at a price of $349. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

logo
Check M1 offers at
ebay.com

Sensor comparison with a 35mm slide

The imaging sensor is at the core of digital cameras and its size is one of the main determining factors of image quality. A large sensor will tend to have larger individual pixels that provide better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixel-units in a sensor of the same technological generation. Moreover, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more control over depth-of-field in the image and, thus, the ability to better isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors are more costly to manufacture and tent to lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

The YI M1 features a Four Thirds sensor and has a format factor (sometimes also referred to as "crop factor") of 2.0. Within the spectrum of camera sensors, this places the YI M1 among the medium-sized sensor cameras that aim to strike a balance between image quality and portability.

YI M1 sensor measures

For most cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. This service assesses and scores the color depth ("DXO Portrait"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports") of camera sensors, and also publishes an overall camera score. The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of alternatives.

scroll hint
Sensor Characteristics
#   Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
YI M1 Four Thirds 20.2 5184 38884K/30p23.012.6103073
2.
 
Canon SX430 1/2.3 19.9 5152 3864720/25p20.511.990049
3.
 
Canon SX730 1/2.3 20.2 5184 38881080/60p20.511.992450
4.
 
Canon SX420 1/2.3 19.9 5152 3864720/25p20.311.780648
5.
 
Canon SX720 1/2.3 20.2 5184 38881080/60p20.311.881748
6.
 
Canon SX710 1/2.3 20.2 5184 38881080/60p20.211.671247
7.
 
Fujifilm X-A3 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p23.813.1166481
8.
 
Nikon 1 J5 1-inch 20.7 5568 37124K/15p21.112.047965
9.
 
Panasonic GX850 Four Thirds 15.8 4592 34484K/30p23.213.358673
10.
 
Panasonic GF7 Four Thirds 15.8 4592 34481080/60p22.712.387470
11.
 
Sony HX80 1/2.3 18.0 4896 36721080/60p20.411.882248
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.
padding

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but can also record movies. The M1 indeed provides movie recording capabilities. The highest resolution format that the M1 can use is 4K/30p.

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. The adjacent tables list some of the other core features of the YI M1 along with similar information for a selection of comparators.

scroll hint
Core Features
#   Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
YI M1none n3.0 / 1040 fixed Y 1/4000s 5.0/s n n
2.
 
Canon SX430none n3.0 / 230 fixed n 1/4000s 0.5/s Y Y
3.
 
Canon SX730none n3.0 / 922 tilting n 1/3200s 5.9/s Y Y
4.
 
Canon SX420none n3.0 / 230 fixed n 1/4000s 0.5/s Y Y
5.
 
Canon SX720none n3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/3200s 5.9/s Y Y
6.
 
Canon SX710none n3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/3200s 6.0/s Y Y
7.
 
Fujifilm X-A3none n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 6.0/s Y n
8.
 
Nikon 1 J5none n3.0 / 1037 tilting Y 1/4000s 60.0/s Y n
9.
 
Panasonic GX850none n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/500s 10.0/s Y n
10.
 
Panasonic GF7none n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/500s 5.8/s Y n
11.
 
Sony HX80638 n3.0 / 922 tilting n 1/2000s 10.0/s Y Y
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
padding

It is worthwhile pointing out that the M1 has a touchscreen. Touch control can be particularly helpful, for example, when trying to adjust the focus point.

ad

Connection comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the YI M1 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

scroll hint
Input-Output Connections
#   Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
YI M1Ystereo / mono--micro2.0Y-Y
2.
 
Canon SX430-mono / mono---2.0YY-
3.
 
Canon SX730-stereo / mono--micro2.0YYY
4.
 
Canon SX420-mono / mono---2.0YY-
5.
 
Canon SX720-stereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
6.
 
Canon SX710-stereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
7.
 
Fujifilm X-A3Ystereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
8.
 
Nikon 1 J5-stereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
9.
 
Panasonic GX850-stereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
10.
 
Panasonic GF7-stereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
11.
 
Sony HX80-stereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
padding

It is notable that the M1 offers wifi support. Wifi can be a very convenient means to transfer image data to an off-camera location.

Further information on the features and operation of the M1 can be found in the free online YI M1 Manual or on the YI support site.

ad

Expert reviews

While the comparison of technical specifications can provide a useful overview of the capabilities of different cameras, it remains incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the M1 handle or perform in practice. At times, user reviews, such as those published at amazon, address these issues in a useful manner, but such feedback is on many occasions incomplete, inconsistent, and unreliable. This is why expert reviews are important. The adjacent table relays the overall verdicts of several of the most popular camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]).

scroll hint
Review Scores
#    Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
YI M1......69/100.... Sep 2016 349ebay.com
2.
 
Canon SX430........3.5/53.5/5 Jan 2017 299 amazon.com
3.
 
Canon SX730..+....4/54/5 Apr 2017 399ebay.com
4.
 
Canon SX420..........3/5 Jan 2016 299ebay.com
5.
 
Canon SX720..+....4/54.5/5 Feb 2016 379ebay.com
6.
 
Canon SX710..+....4/53.5/5 Jan 2015 349ebay.com
7.
 
Fujifilm X-A3......74/1004.5/54/5 Aug 2016 399ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon 1 J5........4.5/54.5/5 Apr 2015 399ebay.com
9.
 
Panasonic GX850..+..76/1004.5/54.5/5 Jan 2017 549ebay.com
10.
 
Panasonic GF74/5+....4.5/54.5/5 Jan 2015 499ebay.com
11.
 
Sony HX80............ Mar 2016 349ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
padding

The review scores listed above should be treated with care, though. The assessments were made in relation to similar cameras of the same technological generation. Hence, a score should always be seen in the context of the camera's market launch date and its price, and comparing ratings of very distinct cameras or ones that are far apart in terms of their release date have little meaning. Also, kindly note that some of the listed sites have over time developped their review approaches and their reporting style.

logo
Check M1 offers at
ebay.com

YI M1 FAQ

Below are some additional questions and answers concerning some particular features of the M1.

What type of imaging sensor is used in the YI M1?

The camera has a CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensor at its core.

What is the ISO sensitivity range of the YI M1?

The camera has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 25600.

What is the life expectancy of the shutter in the YI M1?

YI does not publish a shutter rating for the M1. Yet, shutters in comparable cameras from other manufacturers are said to be good for at least 100 000 actuations. It should be noted, though, that this number represents a Mean Time before Failure. The shutter might fail earlier, or it might last longer. Anyway, in order to exhaust an expected shutter life of 100 000 shots over, say, three years, one would have to take about 100 pictures each and every day.

Do I need to purchase an external camera trigger to shoot time-lapse sequences with the YI M1?

No, the YI M1 has an intervalometer built-in, so that low frequency shooting (for example, flower blooming, sunset, moon rise) can be undertaken without the need to purchase a separate external intervalometer and related software.

Is it difficult to use manual focus lenses with the YI M1?

The M1 offers focus peaking as a manual focus aid. This feature works by placing a colored highlight on in-focus zones within the image.

Does the YI M1 feature an autofocus assist light?

Yes, the camera has a lamp built-in that can illuminate the subject and improve autofocus in low-light settings.

What is the fastest shutter speed that can be used with the YI M1 for flash photography?

The M1's flash sync speed is 1/125 sec.

Which battery does the YI M1 use?

The camera gets its power from the BXM-10, which is a rechargeable Lithium-Ion power pack.

Camera to camera comparisons

If you would like to see a side-by-side review with another camera, just make a corresponding selection in the search boxes below. Alternatively, you can follow any of the listed hyperlinks for comparisons that others found interesting.

~
    loader
    ad
    Specifications Summary
    Camera Model YI M1
    Camera Type Mirrorless system camera
    Camera Lens Micro Four Thirds lenses
    Launch Date September 2016
    Launch Price USD 349
    Sensor Specs
    Sensor Technology CMOS
    Sensor Format Four Thirds Sensor
    Sensor Size 17.3 x 13.0 mm
    Sensor Area 225 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 21.6 mm
    Crop Factor 2.0x
    Sensor Resolution 20.2 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 5 184 x 3 888 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 3.34 μm
    Pixel Density 8.96 MP/cm2
    Moiré control Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability 4K/30p Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 25 600 ISO
    Screen Specs
    Viewfinder Type No viewfinder
    Top-Level Screen no Top Display
    LCD Framing Live View
    LCD Size 3.0 inch
    LCD Resolution 1040k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen
    Touch Input Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs
    Focus System Contrast-detect AF
    Manual Focusing AidFocus Peaking
    Maximum Shutter Speed 1/4000s
    Continuous Shooting 5 shutter flaps/s
    Shutter Life Expectancy100 000 actuations
    Silent Shootingno E-Shutter
    Time Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer Built-in
    Fill Flash no On-Board Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot
    UHS card support no
    Connectivity Specs
    External Flash Hotshoe
    USB Connector USB 2.0
    HDMI Port micro HDMI
    Wifi Support Wifi built-in
    Bluetooth Support Bluetooth built-in
    Body Specs
    Battery Type BXM-10 power pack
    Battery Life (CIPA)450 shots per charge
    In-Camera Charging USB charging
    Body Dimensions 114 x 64 x 34 mm
    (4.5 x 2.5 x 1.3 in)
    Camera Weight 281 g (9.9 oz)

    Did you notice an error on this page? If so, please get in touch, so that we can correct the information.

    You are here Home  »  CAM-parator  »  YI M1 Review