(Daniel Howley
Technology Reporter
The point-and-shoot camera is dying, and you know why: smartphones. They are the best way to snap quick photos, because you always have your phone with you.
But for those who still want some of the functionality of a standalone camera without having to carry an extra device, there’s this new thing: Lenovo’s Vibe Shot.
A two-in-one device, the Vibe is essentially a full-on point-and-shoot camera with the screen and brains of a smartphone. The back of the handset is even designed to look like a point-and-shoot.
But for those who still want some of the functionality of a standalone camera without having to carry an extra device, there’s this new thing: Lenovo’s Vibe Shot.
A two-in-one device, the Vibe is essentially a full-on point-and-shoot camera with the screen and brains of a smartphone. The back of the handset is even designed to look like a point-and-shoot.
The Vibe’s 16-megapixel camera has a six-piece modular lens and a low-light image sensor that helps when taking photos at night or in a dimly lit room. There’s also a tricolor flash that Lenovo says helps the camera automatically adjust photo luminosity based on the type of light in which you’re shooting.
Smart and Pro shooting modes let you decide whether you want the camera to adjust image quality or if you want to take the reins and control everything from ISO to white balance. Switching between the two modes is extremely easy thanks to the toggle button situated just above the shutter button.
Adding to the Vibe’s camera quality is its optical image stabilization feature, which physically moves the camera’s lens to eliminate blurring caused by your hand shaking or just general motion.
Adding to the Vibe’s camera quality is its optical image stabilization feature, which physically moves the camera’s lens to eliminate blurring caused by your hand shaking or just general motion.
Outside of its photo capabilities, the Vibe Shot is a standard midrange smartphone. It’s got a 5-inch, 1080p display, runs on Google’s Android 5.0 Lollipop, and offers 32 GB of storage with the option to expand that by 128 GB via the phone’s microSD card slot.
The Vibe Shot has an 8-megapixel front-facing camera for taking selfies, too.
Lenovo isn’t the first smartphone maker to go heavy on the camera capabilities. Samsung’s Galaxy S4 Zoom and Galaxy K Zoom were both essentially cameras with smartphones attached to them.
The problem with those devices was that they weren’t exactly conducive to everyday use because their large lenses made them exceedingly thick. The Vibe Shot, on the other hand, manages to keep the same slim profile of your average smartphone.
Lenovo isn’t the first smartphone maker to go heavy on the camera capabilities. Samsung’s Galaxy S4 Zoom and Galaxy K Zoom were both essentially cameras with smartphones attached to them.
The problem with those devices was that they weren’t exactly conducive to everyday use because their large lenses made them exceedingly thick. The Vibe Shot, on the other hand, manages to keep the same slim profile of your average smartphone.
Lenovo hasn’t said whether it will be bringing the Vibe Shot to the U.S., though it’s highly unlikely considering that the company tends to keep its phones away from our shores.
We never get to have any fun.
Email Daniel at dhowley@yahoo-inc.com; follow him on Twitter at @DanielHowley or on Google+.
We never get to have any fun.
Email Daniel at dhowley@yahoo-inc.com; follow him on Twitter at @DanielHowley or on Google+.
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