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Alice Camera: A Revolutionary Photography Companion

2024-11-23

As a dedicated YouTuber with the channel "All The Gear, No Idea", I'm constantly on the hunt for tech that simplifies the art of photography. Enter the Alice Camera – a unique device that combines the power of a smartphone with the optics of a proper camera. It's not your typical camera; it's smarter and more innovative.

Unlock the Potential of Photography with Alice Camera

Sensor and Lens Mount

The Alice Camera features a Micro Four Thirds sensor and lens mount, offering a wide range of affordable and lightweight lenses. This setup provides the best of both worlds – the processing power of a smartphone and the optical performance of a proper camera. It's a game-changer for photographers who want to expand their creative possibilities without breaking the bank.

Compared to traditional cameras with complex menus, the Alice Camera's interface is intuitive and user-friendly. It's as easy to use as a smartphone camera app, yet it offers advanced features that allow you to control everything from shutter speed to white balance. With real-time sharing of your shots, you can instantly showcase your work to the world.

Processing Power and Software

Powered by a Snapdragon chip, the Alice Camera harnesses the processing power of a smartphone to deliver exceptional performance. Its software is open source, allowing users to build extra features and settings. This gives photographers the freedom to customize their camera experience and make it truly their own.

In contrast to leading camera brands like Canon and Sony, which maintain strict control over their software, the Alice Camera empowers users to explore and innovate. It's a breath of fresh air in a market dominated by closed systems.

Design and Build Quality

The Alice Camera has a premium metal body that is lightweight and ergonomic. It feels solid in the hand and provides a comfortable shooting experience. The secure phone grip can accommodate smartphones ranging from the iPhone mini to the iPhone 16 Pro max, making it versatile for different users.

The unboxing experience is like discovering a hidden gem. The sleek design and metal finish add a touch of luxury, while the internal components, such as the unique identifier that links the Wi-Fi on your phone to the camera, are essential for seamless pairing. The camera strap and overall build quality enhance the premium feel of the device.

Performance and Capabilities

Equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon and Google AI chip, the Alice Camera excels in computational photography. It captures 11MP photos that are perfectly suitable for everyday photography and social media. The 4K 30fps and 2K 60fps video captures high-quality footage, making it ideal for content creators and vloggers.

Despite some challenges with manual focusing, especially outdoors, the Alice Camera has delivered some stunning images. When paired with high-quality lenses like the Leica 90mm, the results are sharp and full of character. The smooth resistance in the focus wheel makes manual focusing a more satisfying experience.

Price and Availability

At the time of writing, the Alice Camera costs $845 / £1,026. Pre-orders for batch 4 are available, and prices may vary depending on the batch of backers. While it may not be the cheapest option, it offers unique value. Considering that most of us already own a smartphone, the cost is mainly for the camera and lens. And for that investment, you get the ability to instantly share and livestream high-quality photos and videos.

When compared to other cameras in the market, the Alice Camera stands out with its combination of convenience, innovation, and quality. It's a worthy investment for photographers who want to take their skills to the next level.

How to Test and Use the Alice Camera

I bought two Alice Cameras and used them as my primary cameras for over one month. I took them on early morning photo walks, portrait shoots, and used them for both stills and video. The camera handled moving subjects well, although manual focusing could be a bit challenging at times.

I paired the camera with different lenses, such as the Lumix 25mm f/1.7 and the Leica 90mm f/2 APO-Summicron. Shooting in RAW format allowed me to capture high-quality images with great detail. I also experimented with different apertures to achieve the desired background blur.

DJI has been on an extraordinary journey, emerging as a dominant force in the tech industry. In the TechRadar Choice Awards, it has been named the Camera Brand of the Year for the past two consecutive years, leaving behind renowned names like Sony and Canon. Beyond drones, DJI has also made a mark with its exceptional action cams, vlogging cameras, gimbals, and more. The Black Friday period is particularly exciting as it offers great opportunities to pick up new DJI gear at discounted prices. I have dedicated significant time to find the best DJI deals that I have personally used, and I am excited to share them with you below.

Unbeatable DJI Deals for the Tech Enthusiast

DJI's New Drone for Beginners

The DJI Mini 4K, already a great value, has now become even more affordable. In the US, it is available at Amazon for just $239 (was $299), and in the UK at Amazon for £209 (was £269). During our in-depth review, this 4K drone truly charmed us. Its compact size and excellent performance make it an ideal choice for beginners looking to enter the world of drone photography.Another aspect that makes the Mini 4K stand out is its ease of use. With intuitive controls and a user-friendly interface, even novice pilots can quickly get the hang of it. It captures stunning 4K footage with remarkable clarity and detail, allowing users to capture every moment with precision. Whether it's capturing landscapes, wildlife, or family gatherings, the Mini 4K delivers exceptional results.

The Lowest-ever Price for the Osmo Action 4

DJI's Osmo Action 4 is a recently updated action cam that competes directly with GoPro. During the summer holidays, I had a great time using it and was amazed by its performance. Now, it is available at an unbeatable price. This action cam is designed to withstand extreme conditions and capture high-quality footage in any environment.One of the standout features of the Osmo Action 4 is its 4K60fps recording capability. This allows users to capture fast-moving action with smooth and clear footage. Additionally, it has a wide-angle lens that captures a vast field of view, ensuring that no important moment is missed. The camera also has excellent image stabilization, which reduces shake and provides stable footage even when shooting in challenging conditions.

No Deal for the Top-ranked Vlogging Camera Yet

Although there is no deal available for the DJI Osmo Pocket 3, which is our top-ranked vlogging camera, there are still plenty of other DJI deals to explore. The Osmo Pocket 3 is known for its compact size and portability, making it ideal for vloggers on the go. It has a built-in screen and a variety of shooting modes, allowing vloggers to create professional-looking videos with ease.While we wait for a deal on the Osmo Pocket 3, there are other DJI products that can still enhance your vlogging experience. For example, the DJI Gimbals provide smooth stabilization, ensuring that your footage remains steady even when you are on the move. With these gimbals, you can capture smooth and professional-looking videos that will impress your viewers.Today's best DJI deals in the US:Amazon: TVs, smart home & air fryers from $12.99Apple: AirPods, iPads, MacBooks from $89.99Best Buy: $1,000 off 4K TVs, laptops & headphonesCheap TVs: smart TVs at Best Buy from $69.99Christmas trees: top-rated trees from $54.99Dell: best-selling Inspiron & XPS laptops from $279.99Dreamcloud: mattress deals from $349 + free shippingHoliday: decor, lights, Christmas trees & PJs from $10.99Home Depot: 40% off tools, appliances & furnitureLowe’s: holiday decor, appliances & tools from $17.31Nectar: up to 50% off all mattressesNordstrom: 46% off boots, coats, jeans & jewelrySamsung: $1,500+ off TVs, phones, watches & appliancesTarget: save on furniture, tech & clothingWalmart: cheap TVs, robot vacs, furniture & appliancesToday's best DJI deals in the UK:Amazon: up to 68% off toothbrushes and TVsAO: savings on games consoles and appliancesArgos: up to 50% off toys, Lego, TVs and giftsBoots: up to 50% off Dyson, Oral-B and PhilipsCurrys: early deals on TVs, appliances, laptopsDell: laptops, desktops, monitors from £299Dyson: up to £150 offEbay: up to 50% off refurbished techEE: up to £600 off Samsung and AppleJohn Lewis: up to £300 off appliances and TVsLG: £1,000 or more off TVs and appliancesSamsung: up to £600 off TVs, phones and tabletsVery: up to 30% off phones, appliances & clothing

DJI has made a significant mark in the world of audio accessories with the introduction of its tiniest wireless mic, the Mic Mini. Weighing just 0.35oz / 10g, this mic pairs effortlessly with smartphones and cameras, providing on-the-go users with enhanced audio quality. In contrast to the recently announced Rode Wireless Micro, which is specifically designed for smartphones, DJI has taken a unique approach by creating a Bluetooth mic that works seamlessly with cameras as well. Although the receiver may be a bit chunkier, as seen in the attached picture with it attached to a smartphone, its functionality is undeniable.

Product Details and Pricing

The mics, also known as transmitters, attach easily using a clip or magnetic mount. They are like a shrunk-down version of DJI's Mic 2, which was crowned the best camera accessory in the TechRadar Choice Awards 2024. DJI sells the components individually and also as kits. The transmitters (mics) are available in Infinity Black or Arctic White. One transmitter costs $59 / £49 / AU$69. A transmitter with a receiver costs $89 / £79 / AU$125, and a kit that includes two transmitters, a receiver, and a charging case costs $169 / £145 / AU$245. If you're starting from scratch, the complete kit is likely the best choice. The receiver includes a USB-C connector. However, if you're using an iPhone with a Lightning port, you'll need to purchase the adapter separately, which costs $19 / £19 / AU$39. Despite the Mic Mini's greater versatility, the list price for the kit is similar to that of the Rode Wireless Micro. It is also around half the price of DJI's Mic 2.

Comparing DJI Mic Mini and DJI Mic 2

Both the Mic Mini and Mic 2 are compatible with smartphones and cameras. They connect to your phone via Bluetooth or to a phone or camera via a wireless receiver that connects directly through USB-C. The main difference is that the pricier Mic 2 features 32-bit float audio, which can better avoid clipping when the audio suddenly gets loud. It also has internal storage for direct recording, allowing you to use it independently of a camera or as a backup. Additionally, its receiver features a display to monitor audio levels. On the other hand, the Mic Mini is a much simpler device. Its receiver offers ±12db audio level control, providing a straightforward user experience. It is a reliable mic system that we have been testing for several weeks and will be publishing our review soon. Spoiler alert: DJI has once again delivered a slick, glitch-free, and well-built mic.

Which Model is Best for You?

For those who need a simple experience and mainly use their phone for content creation, I would recommend the Mic Mini. It is half the price and twice as easy to use. However, if you are a serious creator who cares about audio quality, the Mic 2 offers seriously powerful audio features and would be the better option. Both mics are excellent choices for use with the best mirrorless cameras and make a perfect pairing with the DJI Osmo Pocket 3, a top-rated vlogging camera. When comparing the Rode Wireless Micro and Mic Mini, it's a tougher call. If you're only creating video with a smartphone, Rode's offering makes more sense as its receiver is smaller and fits snugly into the USB-C charging port. However, you don't have the option to use the Rode Wireless Micro with a camera if you decide to upgrade. In conclusion, both DJI's Mic Mini and Mic 2, as well as the Rode Wireless Micro, offer unique features and benefits, allowing users to choose the one that best suits their needs.