Yashica DigiMate - Small digital camera for everyday use
Sometimes you just want to take photos, without the distraction of apps, notifications or social media on your smartphone. Away from the screen, back to the moment. That was exactly my motivation for trying the Yashica DigiMate. This small, stylish camera helps me photograph the everyday with more focus and peace of mind. No complicated settings, no distractions, just look and click. Since then, my smartphone stays in my pocket more often and I take the charming DigiMate everywhere I go.
My first impression? Small, light, stylish. Not only does the camera look good, it is so compact that it really does fit in any jacket or trouser pocket. Moreover, it promises easy operation a la point-and-shoot with an analogue-inspired user experience. It is everything you need for a camera as an alternative to a smartphone.
About Janina Avramidis-Steinmetz
Janina works as a freelance photographer specialising in people and lifestyle photography in Berlin. She is fascinated by the people in front of her lens and her images are characterised by a high degree of authenticity. Besides her photographic work, Janina Steinmetz has been teaching for several years and shares her knowledge and love for photography in various workshop formats.
Design & build quality: Simple and compact
I was immediately impressed by this camera. The Yashica DigiMate is available in several colours - from classic black to delicate mint green and plain white. Personally, I immediately fell in love with the mint green version, which just looks fresh and cheerful.
Weighing just 110 grams and measuring barely bigger than the palm of your hand, the camera is extremely light and handy. It fits into the smallest of pockets, is extremely discreet and provides a relaxed and, above all, unnoticed photographic experience. On a walk through the park, on the way to your next job or simply while shopping - the DigiMate is always with you.
The casing looks simple but is robust enough without worrying about scratches. If daily use without any protection is too delicate for some people, a small cotton pouch is also included that you can use as scratch protection for your handbag. The buttons are clearly labelled and the display is large enough for quick image checking. No frills, but that's what makes it so charming.
Always with you, instantly ready to photograph
I used the DigiMate every day for four weeks - almost like a notebook for visual thoughts. I took it with me on walks, to coffee with friends, to the playground, to the supermarket and even to a restaurant in the evening. And what can I say? I thoroughly enjoyed using it.
As soon as the camera is switched on, it is immediately ready to use - point-and-shoot in the best sense of the word. No long navigation through menus, no searching for functions. Just turn it on, point it at the subject and press the shutter. This is golden, especially for spontaneous everyday shots. Especially practical: besides photos, I can also shoot videos - also at the touch of a button and without much preparation.
"Just turn it on, point it at the subject and press the shutter."
I also liked how quickly the DigiMate was ready for action compared to cameras in the same price segment. Especially in fleeting moments - an interesting shadow, a spontaneous smile, a bird on a branch - I could react immediately. In less than 4 seconds from turning on, to focusing, to taking the picture. Of course, if that's not fast enough for you, you can just leave the camera on. The battery lasts several hours for occasional shots.
Image quality: light, shadow & print results
Of course you shouldn't expect DSLR quality, but that was never my expectation either. The DigiMate offers an interpolated resolution of up to 64 megapixels, which sounds impressive at first glance. In practice, it mainly impresses with bright, well-exposed photos in daylight, as long as the light is not too strong.
Especially in recent weeks, with the spring sun over Europe, I had to deal with very bright light several times. This is where the DigiMate showed slight weaknesses. In direct sunlight or strong contrast, it tends to overexpose, especially for light-coloured areas or faces in the foreground. Manual exposure compensation would be desirable, but is not present on this camera.
In fact, I would recommend adjusting the ISO value yourself according to lighting conditions and not using the built-in automatic ISO function, as it seems to tend towards overexposure.
However, it surprises with surprisingly good image quality under normal lighting conditions. The integrated flash is also a real plus - especially for indoor or evening shots. It works well at short distances and provides bright, clear results without overshadowing the subject.
One particularly positive point to mention: the resolution is perfect for editing photos later and printing them in high quality. In my test, the prints could easily match those of today's mid-range smartphones - sometimes even better. So if you like making creative collages or working with prints, you will be happy with the Yashica DigiMate.
Filters and features: Something for everyone
The camera offers several filter modes that allow you to create creative looks right as you take the photo. Personally, I rarely used these functions - they seem a bit playful and don't quite fit my style. However, they are certainly interesting for a younger audience that likes retro looks or colour moods.
What was more important to me was that the image files are easy to process. I edited some photos on my laptop afterwards, like adjusting the contrasts and correcting the colours. I was surprised at how much you can do with the files. So if you like working with Adobe Lightroom or other editing software, you have good starting material here.
A digital camera for young and old
The Yashica DigiMate is not just for a young audience that wants to become more aware of technology or is looking for a simple tool for creative projects.
I also see it as an interesting option for older users looking for a simple digital camera. Perhaps installation is a bit tricky at first: the microSD card is small and the battery has to be inserted correctly. Also, the menu navigation may take some getting used to.
But once everything is in place, operation is extremely intuitive - switch on, switch off, start, done. No confusing menus, no touch gestures, no update madness. Just a camera as you know it, but more modern.
Conclusion: A companion for great little moments
The Yashica DigiMate won me over - not with technical superlatives, but with style and suitability for everyday use. It is easy to use, looks good without being too flashy and motivates you to focus on the little things in everyday life. For me, it has become a conscious alternative to shooting with my smartphone. A way to slow down a bit in everyday digital life. And best of all, it is so small and light that you always have it with you.
Frequently asked questions about the Yashica DigiMate 100
What's in the box of the DigiMate?
The box contains: the Yashica DigiMate camera, a storage pouch, the manual, a Type-C charging cable, a cord, a lens cloth and a keychain.
What is a good microSD card for this digital camera?
The Yashica DigiMate supports a microSD card of up to 128GB. For example, the Lexar microSD Blue Series UHS-I 633x 128GB V30 memory card is a good microSD card for a digital camera. Tip: format the memory card in the camera before you start shooting.
Is this digital camera suitable for beginners?
Yes, thanks to its simple point-and-shoot operation, you can start right away, without any knowledge of photography.
Can you shoot videos with the Yashica DigiMate digital camera?
Yes, you can also record videos with this digital camera.
Are the files easy to transfer to a laptop?
You can transfer files by inserting the microSD card into your computer's card reader. How fast this is depends on the transfer speed of your microSD card.
How long does it take to charge the battery?
It takes about two hours to fully charge the DigiMate's battery.
Can you use the camera while charging?
Yes, you can use the camera while charging. Charging will be slightly slower.
