Yashica, a Chinese company of Japanese origin, has announced the launch of two new compact cameras: the Yashica City 100 and City 200. Equipped with a 13 MP CMOS sensor (1/3” type), these cameras stand out mainly for their zoom capabilities: 25.4-76.3mm for the City 100 and 33.8-338mm for the City 200. In terms of design, their appearance strongly resembles the Sony ZV-1F.
Article update on February 12: We received feedback from Digit-Access, the distributor of the Yashica brand in France. The 72 MP resolution and 5K video should be achieved through upscaling. As a reminder, upscaling is an image and video processing technique that artificially increases the resolution of content. The prices have also been corrected to €249 for the City 100 and €299 for the City 200.
Sommaire
- The New Golden Age of Compact Cameras?
- A Sensor from Another Time?
- With Autofocus and Subject Detection
- Optical Zoom as a Differentiator
- 5K Video at 30 fps, Really?
- A Design Heavily Inspired by Sony
- Pricing and Availability of the Yashica City 100 and City 200
- Our Initial Impressions of the Yashica City 100 and City 200
The New Golden Age of Compact Cameras?
Are compact cameras making a comeback? While expert models like the Fujifilm X100VI and the Leica Q3 43 are grabbing attention, manufacturers are also updating their more affordable models by equipping them with a USB-C port to comply with European regulations. Examples include the Leica D-Lux8, the Panasonic TZ99, and the Nikon Coolpix P1100. Even Canon has re-entered the market with the Powershot SX740 HS Lite.
Meanwhile, Yashica – now owned by JNC Datum Tech International, a subsidiary of MF Jebsen Group, a Hong Kong-based company – is launching two “new” compact cameras: the City 100 and 200.
Here is the list of features for the Yashica City 100 and 200:
- Sensor: BSI stacked CMOS 1/3” 13 MP
- Low-pass filter: N/A
- Processor: N/A
- Electronic viewfinder: N/A
- LCD screen: TFT, 2.8 inches, 921K dots on a swivel
- Autofocus: Yes
- Number of AF points: N/A
- AF coverage: N/A
- Subject detection: Person
- AF detection range: N/A
- ISO sensitivity: 100 – 3200 ISO
- Burst mode: N/A
- Shutter: N/A
- Video: 5K 30 fps, 4K 60 fps, FHD 120 fps
- Video color profiles: N/A
- Lens: 25.4-76.3mm f/1.6-2.8 (City 100) & 33.8-338mm f/2-3.2 (City 200)
- Digital zoom: 4x
- Minimum focusing distance: 50 cm – 1 m
- Storage: 1x microSD
- Wireless connectivity: Wi-Fi 4 (2.4 GHz)
- Battery: NP-40, 1250 mAh
- USB charging: Yes, USB-C
- Weather sealing: N/A
- Dimensions: 61 x 106 x 65 mm
- Weight: 220 g (with battery and memory card)
- Launch price: €249 (City 100) / €299 (City 200)
A Sensor from Another Time?
When examining the specifications of the Yashica City 100 and 200, the choice of sensor is puzzling. The Sony IMX-458, a 1/3” CMOS sensor with 13 MP, is a model launched over six years ago, with a size smaller than most smartphone sensors.
Yet, Yashica claims that its cameras can capture images up to 72 MP, with resolution options ranging from 5 to 72 MP (5, 8, 13, 24, 36, 48, 64, and 72 MP). The method for achieving this variation remains unclear.
Update February 12: The technique used is upscaling, which artificially increases the resolution of an image using artificial intelligence.
One certainty: the photos will be in JPEG format, and the ISO sensitivity range is 100 to 3200. To customize images, Yashica explains that its compacts will include 15 filters and effects (vintage, monochrome, sepia, fisheye, etc.).
With Autofocus and Subject Detection
The Yashica City 100 and 200 feature an autofocus system whose details also remain elusive. Phase detection? Contrast detection? Number of AF points? Nothing has been revealed. We only know that the cameras include a subject recognition system, which remains rather vague.
Optical Zoom as a Differentiator
While the cameras are quite similar, they differ in the focal range of their integrated lenses. The City 100, being more compact, features a 25.4-76.3mm f/1.6-2.8 zoom, while the City 200 has a 33.8-338mm f/2-3.2 zoom. Additionally, Yashica mentions that the cameras also have a 4x digital zoom function.
These focal ranges are quite versatile (especially for the City 200) and should cover a wide range of subjects, provided there is good lighting. Yashica does not mention any optical (or even digital) stabilization.
5K Video at 30 fps, Really?
For the video aspect, the information is, again, quite limited. At most, Yashica indicates that its cameras can record sequences up to 5K at 30 fps. It also mentions the ability to film in 4K at 60 fps and even 120 fps in Full HD.
However, examining the details of the Sony IMX-458 sensor, this sensor is not capable of recording in 5K. Indeed, 13 MP is not sufficient to cover this format. Similarly, the IMX-458 cannot capture sequences in 4K at 60 fps, maxing out at 30 fps. Likewise, in Full HD, it cannot exceed 90 fps.
Update February 12: Here again, the video will rely on upscaling, which has been confirmed to us.
A Design Heavily Inspired by Sony
At first glance, the Yashica City 100 could be mistaken for the Sony ZV-1F. Indeed, the cameras share a similar size and design. On the front, there is a small rounded grip (for the City 100) and a more rectangular one for the City 200. Also on the front, there is a small built-in flash.
The back is identical for both, with a 2.8-inch screen (and 921K dots) mounted on a swivel. Yashica does not specify whether it is touch-sensitive or not. There is no viewfinder here, only some basic controls under the thumb rest.
The top edge of the cameras differs slightly. The City 100 is quite bare, while the City 200 features a motorized zoom control. To zoom with the City 100, you will need to use the lens more traditionally. Note that the lens of the City 200 has an AF/MF switch.
The City 100 is 6.1 cm tall, 10.6 cm wide, and 6.5 cm deep, all with a weight of 220 g. Yashica has not provided the exact dimensions of the City 200. Given the more substantial lens, it is logical to assume it will be slightly deeper and heavier.
Connectivity is minimal, with a USB-C port and a single 3.5 mm micro jack. File storage is on a microSD card.
Pricing and Availability of the Yashica City 100 and City 200
The Yashica City 100 and City 200 are available for pre-order at €249 and €299, respectively. Deliveries are expected to begin in February 2025. The cameras are available in black and white.
The compact cameras are available at Digit-Photo, IPLN, and in specialized stores.
Our Initial Impressions of the Yashica City 100 and City 200
Although Yashica has lost some of its former glory, the announcement of a new digital compact camera still piques curiosity. This type of camera, once thought to be nearly extinct, is making a strong comeback, with many manufacturers (both major and niche) riding the trend.
That being said, the City 100 and 200 leave us somewhat skeptical, with an outdated image sensor and the use of upscaling to achieve high-resolution images and videos. The new owners of Yashica have also gained a poor reputation by launching numerous questionable projects, often funded through crowdfunding, such as the Y35 digiFilm.
Pending the first reviews, it is difficult to recommend these enigmatic Yashica compacts. Caution is advised before giving in to curiosity.
