Tag: optical viewfinder

  • Insta360 Go 3S: Retro Action Camera with Optical Viewfinder

    Insta360 Go 3S: Retro Action Camera with Optical Viewfinder

    Key Takeaway

    – The Retro Bundle replaces the Action Pod with a top optical viewfinder for waist-height photos and selfies, powered by a separate battery pack (no built-in battery in the viewfinder).
    – Battery and runtime: the pack adds 393 mAh to the camera’s 310 mAh, giving about 38 minutes of video solo or 76 minutes with the pack.
    – Specs and features: 12 MP 1/2.3″ sensor, 4K at 30 fps, 1080p slow motion up to 200 fps, plus three retro filters and eleven color profiles; controlled via the Insta360 app.
    – Availability and contents: 64 GB for $299.99 or 128 GB for $319.99; includes camera, battery, NFC skin, retro viewfinder, cord, and magnetic pendant; does not include the Action Pod (unlike the standard bundle).

    The regular Insta360 Go 3S ($319) is already one of the most unusual cameras on the market, as the manufacturer combines a tiny, 39 gram action camera with a pod that adds a larger battery and a fold-out display, making the camera look more like a GoPro.

    Overview

    In the retro bundle, Insta360 not only gives the camera a retro look, but also replaces this Action Pod with a new base with an optical viewfinder. This viewfinder sits on the top so photos can be shot from waist height, just like with a classic TLR camera. Alternatively, the viewfinder can be flipped into a mirror for selfies.

    Viewfinder swap

    Since this viewfinder, unlike the Action Pod, lacks an integrated battery, Insta360 included a battery pack that expands the camera’s built-in 310 mAh battery with a 393 mAh one. The camera can record 38 minutes of video on a single charge, or 76 minutes with the pack.

    Specs & Battery

    Three retro filters and eleven color profiles are made to give photos and videos a retro vibe. You must use the Insta360 smartphone app to switch recording modes or tweak settings. The core features stay the same, so the Go 3S still uses a 12 MP sensor in a 1/2.3 inch format and can record 4K at 30fps and 1080p slow motion up to 200fps.

    Retro Bundle Pricing

    The Go 3S Retro Bundle is now available at the Insta360 online store with either 64 GB for $299.99 or 128 GB for $319.99. In addition to the camera, the bundle includes a battery, an NFC skin, a retro viewfinder, a cord, and a magnetic pendant. The Action Pod with fold-out display, which is included in the cheaper standard bundle, is not included in the retro bundle.

    Insta360

    Insta360


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  • Ulanzi VF-01 Clip-On Viewfinder for Retro Camera Vibe

    Ulanzi VF-01 Clip-On Viewfinder for Retro Camera Vibe

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Ulanzi VF-01 is an optical viewfinder that attaches to the camera’s hot shoe for easy framing of shots.
    2. It features a mirror and three lenses for 28mm, 35mm, and 50mm focal lengths, but lacks parallax correction for close subjects.
    3. Compatible with modern compact cameras and interchangeable lens cameras with the right focal length, ideal for subjects at least five meters away.
    4. The viewfinder has a foldable design with a magnetic closure for portability, measuring 45.2 × 38.2 × 44.2 mm and weighing 63 grams.
    5. Priced at $47.59, the Ulanzi VF-01 is available in silver and black, but does not include a carrying case.

    The Ulanzi VF-01 is a handy optical viewfinder that you can attach to your camera’s hot shoe. It lets you look straight down at your camera to frame your shots. This device includes a mirror and three lenses that show the field of view for a 28mm lens, but it also has frame lines that show you the views for 35mm and 50mm lenses.

    Compatibility with Various Cameras

    This viewfinder works well with many modern compact cameras that have fixed focal lengths, like the Fujifilm X100 VI, Leica Q3, and Ricoh GR IV. It’s also good for cameras that use interchangeable lenses, as long as you use a lens with the right focal length. Ulanzi suggests that it’s best for photographing subjects that are at least five meters away. However, keep in mind that since it doesn’t have parallax correction, if your subject is much nearer, the frame lines might not line up perfectly with what you see.

    Design and Portability

    One useful feature is that the viewfinder can be folded down, which helps protect the lenses and makes it smaller for easier carrying. It has a magnetic closure on the top that keeps it securely shut, and you can open it with just one hand. The dimensions of the viewfinder are 45.2 × 38.2 × 44.2 millimeters, and it weighs 63 grams. However, it’s worth noting that Ulanzi does not provide a carrying case with it.

    The Ulanzi VF-01 viewfinder is currently priced at $47.59 and can be purchased from the Ulanzi online store, available in both silver and black.

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    Ulanzi VF-01 Clip-On Viewfinder for Retro Camera VibeUlanzi VF-01 Clip-On Viewfinder for Retro Camera Vibe

     

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