Tag: optical zoom

  • Osmo Pocket 4 Pro with 4x Zoom Camera to Launch at $700 This Summer

    Osmo Pocket 4 Pro with 4x Zoom Camera to Launch at $700 This Summer

    Key Takeaway

    1. The DJI Osmo Pocket 4 Pro is expected to be released in June 2026, with a staggered launch following the standard Osmo Pocket 4 debuting on April 16, 2026.
    2. The Pro model will feature a dual-camera setup with 4x optical zoom, aligning with high-end smartphones like the iPhone 17 Pro.
    3. Estimated prices suggest the Pocket 4 Pro will cost around $200 more than the standard version, possibly bundled with accessories as a “Creator Combo.”

    Another Leak About DJI Osmo Pocket 4 Pro

    Today, there’s another news about the DJI Osmo Pocket 4 Pro. While the regular Osmo Pocket 4 is planning to debut tomorrow, April 16, a new leak has emerged. This leak talks about the more professional version, the Osmo Pocket 4 Pro, and little details about it. Interestingly, this supports the idea that DJI plans to launch the Pro model later, most likely in June 2026, as it was previously suggested. The leak also gives us some clues about how the camera might be configured, hinting at a dual-camera setup. Earlier rumors said it will have a 3x optical zoom, but now it seems it will have 4x optical zoom combined with a 2x in-sensor crop, which has already been seen on the Pocket 3 and Pocket 4 before.

    Camera Features and Comparison

    When talking about the zoom, the switch from 2x to 4x seems more logical than moving to 3x, considering real-world uses. The jump from 2x to 3x doesn’t make much difference, but a 4x zoom provides a more noticeable focal range. This makes the second camera more worth the extra size and cost. Interestingly, this new setup would match the camera zoom capabilities found on newer iPhone models, like the iPhone 17 Pro and the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro, which also feature 4x optical zooms. However, it’s important to note the iPhone 18 Pro is not expected to get a new zoom camera.

    Pricing and Possible Packaging

    The leak included some potential prices, but these are not final. It mentioned the Pocket 4 might cost around 3,499 RMB, about 513 USD, and the Pro version might be roughly 4,999 RMB, which is approximately 733 USD. Based on this, the Pro model could be about $200 more expensive than the standard version. Interestingly, another recent leak estimated the Pocket 3’s replacement might start at $499 during a promotional offer. The significant price difference might be justified if the Pocket 4 Pro only comes in a bundled “Creator Combo,” which could include accessories like the DJI Mic 3 and a battery handle to make the higher cost more reasonable.

    Conclusion and Expectations

    Of course, as with any early leaks, take these details with some caution. Rumors are not always accurate, but it’s confirmed that the DJI Osmo Pocket 4 is set to be announced tomorrow, April 16, 2026, at 12:00 PM GMT. Fans and potential buyers should stay tuned for official news about the launch and full specifications of these new camera devices.

    Mauro Trandoi


    Sources

  • Oppo Find X9 Ultra Hands-On: Massive Hasselblad Zoom Lens Kit

    Oppo Find X9 Ultra Hands-On: Massive Hasselblad Zoom Lens Kit

    Key Takeaway

    1. The Oppo Find X9 Ultra features a “Hasselblad Earth Explorer Master Kit” with a 300mm teleconverter lens, enhancing optical zoom capabilities.
    2. The 300mm teleconverter provides approximately 4.28x magnification, extending the phone’s zoom range, especially when used with the 200MP 3x zoom camera.
    3. Despite the high zoom potential, the external lens creates some redundancy, as it approaches the native 10x optical zoom range of the phone’s camera system.

    Upcoming Oppo Find X9 Ultra Gets Leaked Features

    Days before its expected official launch on April 21, the Oppo Find X9 Ultra is already grabbing all of the attention across social medias and tech talk shows. Unboxing and promotional images reveal that the flagship device will come with a unique camera kit specifically called the “Hasselblad Earth Explorer Master Kit,” which includes a hefty 300mm teleconverter and a special camera grip or case. The camera kit seems to be geared toward photography enthusiasts who desire professional-grade zoom capabilities in their mobile devices.

    Massive 300mm Telephoto Lens

    The standout feature of this camera bundle is the long 300mm teleconverter lens. This lens aims to boost the phone’s current optical zoom capabilities, reaching approximately 4.28x magnification. This considerably enhances the Ultra’s zoom range, allowing users to capture distant objects with more clarity and detail. It looks like the teleconverter is designed specifically to perform with the device’s 200MP three-times zoom camera, making the overall zoom experience more versatile and powerful.

    Potential Camera Configurations and Limits

    Visualizing the extendable zoom ability on the Oppo Find X9 Ultra would show some interesting results—if only Oppo permits users to attach the teleconverter to both the optical zoom cameras. Although the numbers are quite impressive, some might wonder if this extra lens is redundant considering the phone’s existing camera setup. The external lens, coupled with the 200MP sensor, provides a reach of around 13x, which is somewhat comparable to the phone’s native 10x optical zoom capability. This raises questions about the real added value of this accessory.

    Competitive Landscape and Market Position

    While carrying an extra piece of glass might not appeal to everyone, Oppo seems motivated to compete with other tech giants like Vivo and Xiaomi, which also offer teleconverters in their flagship smartphones. Regardless, the Oppo Find X9 Ultra looks set to be one of the most adaptable camera phones anticipated in 2026. Or, perhaps more better, it is a phone that combines top-tier photography options with classic phone functions—essentially, a camera powerhouse that also makes calls.

    Official Specs of the Find X9 Ultra

    Oppo has disclosed some preliminary camera specifications for the upcoming device, though full details might still be private. The specs include strong imaging capabilities, presumably to match or surpass current high-end phones. The camera features are designed to support various modes and zoom levels, making it ideal for professionals and hobbyists alike.


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  • Xiaomi 17 Ultra: Leica Camera Samples & Telephoto Comparison Q&A

    Xiaomi 17 Ultra: Leica Camera Samples & Telephoto Comparison Q&A

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Xiaomi 17 Ultra will feature a collaboration with Leica, offering a genuine optical zoom camera with a variable aperture.
    2. The device is expected to have a 200-megapixel sensor, similar to the Sony Xperia 1 VII.
    3. A significant price increase for the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is anticipated due to rising memory costs and expensive new camera components.
    4. The new 1-inch Omnivision OV50X main sensor promises improved dynamic range thanks to LOFIC technology.
    5. An initial image taken with the main camera showcases impressive performance, maintaining natural darkness in shadows, with f/1.67 aperture settings.


    The Xiaomi 17 Ultra is set to be revealed in just a few days, and there’s already a wealth of information circulating, particularly on the Chinese social media site, Weibo. Among the exciting updates are screenshots of the camera app that suggest a collaboration between Xiaomi and Leica to create a genuine optical zoom camera featuring a variable aperture. This device is said to be similar to the Sony Xperia 1 VII, although it utilizes a much larger 200-megapixel sensor. Interestingly, the enhanced telephoto lens was not the main topic during a recent Q&A session with the Xiaomi president that was broadcasted on Weibo. Sadly, not all of the updates shared are positive.

    Price Increase Ahead

    Lu Weibing has indicated that a notable price hike for the Xiaomi 17 Ultra in China is unavoidable, primarily due to the significant increase in memory prices. Additionally, the new camera parts are considerably pricier, including the larger periscope module equipped with APO Leica optics. This is illustrated in a size comparison with the telephoto lens from the Xiaomi 15 Ultra. The new 1-inch Omnivision OV50X main sensor also boasts enhanced features, like a notably improved dynamic range compared to the LYT-900 found in its predecessor, thanks to the incorporation of LOFIC technology.

    Camera Performance

    An initial official image taken with the 23mm main camera of the Xiaomi 17 Ultra showcases its impressive capabilities, utilizing a low ISO of 64 and a shutter speed of 1/50s. The aperture is set at f/1.67, and true to Leica’s style, the photo maintains its natural darkness without artificial brightening in shadowy areas. The image presented gives a rough idea of what the Xiaomi 17 Ultra will look like, and it’s anticipated that green will be among the color options available.

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  • Xiaomi 17 Ultra Set to Outshine Oppo Find X9 Pro and Vivo X300 Pro

    Xiaomi 17 Ultra Set to Outshine Oppo Find X9 Pro and Vivo X300 Pro

    Key Takeaways

    1. Xiaomi has launched the Xiaomi 17, Xiaomi 17 Pro, and Xiaomi 17 Pro Max, with plans for the Xiaomi 17 Ultra.
    2. Only the smaller Xiaomi 17 and Xiaomi 17 Ultra are expected to be available globally, similar to previous releases.
    3. The Xiaomi 17 Ultra will feature ‘true’ optical zoom, utilizing an external teleconverter lens instead of in-phone components.
    4. This new telephoto lens aims to provide a superior visual experience compared to previous models.
    5. The Xiaomi 17 Ultra is anticipated to be launched before the end of the year.


    Xiaomi has recently launched the Xiaomi 17, Xiaomi 17 Pro, and the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max. However, it seems the company is already focusing on the upcoming Xiaomi 17 Ultra. According to the latest information, it looks like only the smaller Xiaomi 17 will be available globally alongside the Xiaomi 17 Ultra, similar to how the Xiaomi 15 Ultra and the compact Xiaomi 15 were released earlier this year, with the current price being $897 on Amazon.

    Exciting Features Ahead

    In recent weeks, a known tipster, Digital Chat Station, has revealed that the Xiaomi 17 Ultra will be the first smartphone from Xiaomi to feature ‘true’ optical zoom. Interestingly, instead of following the trend set by recent Sony Xperia flagship models that include all periscope zoom components within the phone, Xiaomi is said to be exploring a new direction. The leaker claims that Xiaomi is working on an external teleconverter lens, much like what Oppo and Vivo have done with their latest flagship devices.

    A New Telephoto Lens

    This is expected to be a specialized telephoto lens, diverging from the camera kit accessories Xiaomi has provided for its Ultra models in recent years. The tipster also points out that this new solution will offer a better visual experience compared to those made for the Find X9 Pro or X300 Pro. It’s worth noting that Xiaomi presented a similar external camera lens earlier this year at MWC 2025 in Barcelona. This Laserlink-supported lens might be the foundation for Xiaomi’s camera strategy with the Xiaomi 17 Ultra, although it may not include a specific 100 MP M/4.3 camera sensor. Currently, it is anticipated that Xiaomi will introduce the Xiaomi 17 Ultra before the year concludes.

    Digital Chat Station

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