The YI M1 from 2016 was a rare non-Japanese entry into the M43 market, using a 20MP Sony IMX269 sensor in a 280g flat body with a fixed touchscreen, 4K video, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. No IBIS, no viewfinder, no weather sealing. YI Technology priced it aggressively to compete with Panasonic GF-series bodies, but ecosystem support and firmware updates were limited. It is now discontinued and largely forgotten, offering no advantage over mainstream M43 bodies on the used market. At 280g, this is one of the lightest M43 bodies available, 258g below the M43 average of 538g. Step up to the Panasonic Lumix G100D if you want more controls at the cost of 53g extra.
Best for: Everyday and casual photography
Cons
- No in-body image stabilisation
- Contrast-detect AF only, slower on unpredictably moving subjects
- Not weather sealed
Specifications
| Body | |
| Brand | YI Technology |
| Status | discontinued |
| Released | 2016-09 |
| Weight | 280g |
| Dimensions | 121.4 × 61.4 × 41.6mm |
| Weather sealed | No |
| Screen | Fixed |
| Touchscreen | Yes |
| Sensor | |
| Description | 20MP Sony IMX269 sensor |
| Megapixels | 20MP |
| Resolution | 5184 × 3888 |
| Viewfinder | |
| EVF | No |
| Stabilisation | |
| IBIS | No |
| Dual IS | No |
| Autofocus | |
| Phase detect | No |
| Subject recognition | No |
| Shooting | |
| Video | |
| 4K | Yes |
| 4K 60fps | No |
| Log | No |
| Ports & storage | |
| Card slots | 1 |
| Card type | SD UHS-I |
| HDMI | micro |
| Headphone jack | No |
| Mic port | No |
| WiFi | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Battery | BLS-50 compatible |
| Pricing | |
| Price (approx.) | N/A |
Frequently asked questions
Does the YI M1 have IBIS?
No. The YI M1 does not have in-body image stabilisation. You will need a lens with OIS for any stabilisation benefit.
Is the YI M1 weather sealed?
No. The YI M1 does not have weather sealing. Take care in rain or dusty conditions.
Does the YI M1 shoot 4K video?
Yes. The YI M1 records 4K video at up to 30fps.
Does the YI M1 have phase-detect autofocus?
No. The YI M1 uses contrast-detect autofocus. It is slower to lock on to moving subjects than phase-detect systems.
What card does the YI M1 use?
The YI M1 has 1 card slot and accepts SD UHS-I cards.
How much does the YI M1 weigh?
The YI M1 weighs 280g (body only, with battery and card).