Honor Expands Photography Capabilities with New Magic8 Pro Imaging Kit
Honor has introduced the Magic8 Pro Professional Imaging Kit, designed in partnership with Telesin, to enhance the photography experience on the Magic8 Pro smartphone. This new kit centres around a magnetically attachable camera grip and a 2.35x Telephoto Extender lens, effectively boosting the phone’s existing 85mm zoom lens to an impressive 200mm focal length. The kit aims to offer smartphone photographers more versatility and control, pushing the Magic8 Pro further into the realm of professional imaging.
Detailed Features and Components of the Imaging Kit
The kit is composed of nearly ten individual components, with the core being a specialised case for the Magic8 Pro. This case not only facilitates photography but also incorporates built-in Qi2 magnets and a unique radiator grille design to aid heat dissipation during intensive use. Included with the case are practical accessories such as a wrist lanyard, a neck strap, the magnetic grip, and a USB cable for charging the grip.
The case features a 67mm filter thread that supports three types of filters: a standard filter, an adapter for attaching common 67mm filters like neutral density or circular polarizers, and a dedicated mount for the telephoto extender lens. The telephoto lens itself is comparable in design and weight to similar lenses available for devices like the vivo X200 and X300, as well as the Oppo Find X9 Pro, weighing in at 207 grams.
Innovative Magnetic Grip Enhances Usability
One of the standout elements of the kit is the magnetic grip, which attaches effortlessly to the phone or any case equipped with Qi2-MagSafe magnets. This case-agnostic design means users can easily snap the grip on or off without fiddling with release mechanisms. The grip connects via Bluetooth and offers several essential controls, including a two-stage shutter button, a control dial, a zoom lever, and a record button. Additionally, it features a 1/4″ threaded hole, allowing the phone to be mounted on a tripod for more stable shooting.
The magnetic attachment also supports flexible positioning, enabling use in both landscape and portrait orientations. This adaptability enhances the shooting experience, making it more convenient for various photography styles.
Software Improvements and Imaging Performance
Alongside the hardware launch, Honor has rolled out a firmware update for the Magic8 Pro that brings significant camera enhancements. The update improves the stabilisation of the main and telephoto cameras, achieving a CIPA rating of 6.5, which Honor claims is the highest stabilisation rating currently available on a smartphone. This advanced stabilisation system utilises thermal-awareness, motion-adaptive logic, and situational intelligence to deliver stable previews, reduce motion blur, and improve night photography performance.
Moreover, the update introduces the AiMAGE Colour Engine, a new technology designed to produce more authentic and vibrant colours in photos. Users can also enable a teleconverter toggle within the camera interface to properly use the telephoto extender lens; failure to activate this feature results in an inverted image preview.
Practical Photography Results with the Telephoto Extender
Testing the telephoto extender lens reveals its capability to significantly extend the optical zoom range of the Magic8 Pro. Sample images demonstrate the difference between the native 85mm zoom, the 200mm telephoto extender, and a 400mm digital zoom. While digital zoom beyond 400mm tends to degrade image quality, the optical zoom provided by the extender maintains clarity and detail.
Beyond just increased reach, the telephoto lens offers optical advantages such as background compression and enhanced subject isolation. This effect makes the background appear closer and more blurred compared to the subject, which is a desirable trait in portrait and telephoto photography.
Looking Ahead
With the Magic8 Pro Professional Imaging Kit, Honor is clearly targeting photography enthusiasts who want to push the limits of smartphone photography without carrying bulky equipment. The combination of hardware enhancements and software improvements positions the Magic8 Pro as a compelling choice for mobile photography. It will be interesting to see how this kit performs in broader real-world usage and whether Honor will expand this approach to other devices in the future.
Source: Honor