With the new City 300, Yashica aims to eliminate the weaknesses of its predecessor models City 100 and City 200. The compact camera features a significantly larger 50-megapixel sensor, a fast f/1.8 lens and, for the first time, the ability to save photos in DNG RAW format. The model is therefore aimed at users who value better image quality and more control in post-processing without having to sacrifice a handy format.
- 50 MP 1/1.56″ CMOS sensor for significantly improved image quality
- Fast 24 mm f/1.8 lens with optical image stabilization
- RAW and JPEG recording for flexible image editing
- 4K video at 30 fps, slow motion in Full HD at 120 fps
Significantly improved hardware for sharper images
Probably the biggest leap compared to its predecessors is the change from a small 13 MP 1/3.06″ sensor to a 50 megapixel CMOS sensor in 1/1.56″ format. This not only promises finer details, but also better low-light performance, as the larger sensor can capture more light. The fixed lens with 24 mm (KB equivalent) and an aperture of f/1.8 is equipped with optical image stabilization (OIS) – a rarity in this price range.
However, Yashica does without optical zoom, which concentrates the range of use primarily on everyday and landscape photography. With 2x digital zoom, the resolution drops to around 12 MP, which should still be sufficient for social media posts, but reaches its limits for large-format prints. Thanks to RAW support, exposure, colors and sharpness can be adjusted much more precisely in post-processing than with pure JPEG images.
Video features and compact design
The City 300 is capable of 4K video recording at 30 frames per second and 1080p slow motion at up to 120 fps. This covers the common requirements of vloggers and amateur filmmakers, even though modern smartphones often offer even higher frame rates and video functions in this area. An included clip-on flash provides additional light if required, while the data is stored on microSD cards with up to 256 GB.
The integrated battery is charged directly via a USB-C port, making the camera particularly flexible when on the move. Measuring 10.6 × 6.2 × 4.5 cm and weighing just 192 grams, the City 300 fits easily into jacket or trouser pockets – a plus point for anyone who wants to take spontaneous photos on the go without having to rely on a smartphone.
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Conclusion
With the City 300, Yashica delivers a noticeable improvement on its predecessor models. The large 50 MP sensor, the fast OIS lens and RAW support make the camera a compact option for ambitious amateur photographers. Limitations such as the lack of optical zoom remain, but should be manageable for the target group. The Yashica City 300 is now available in the manufacturer’s online store for around 360 euros (plus shipping, customs and import VAT).
