DxO ONE camera now available for Android in $499 "Early Access" bundle

If you’re a photography fan you’re probably already familiar with the camera testing and consulting firm DxOMark. What you might not know is as well as ranking the best phones for budding mobile photographers, its parent company, DxO Labs, also develops image processing software and a piece of hardware called the DxO ONE camera.

The DxO ONE is essentially an ultra-compact detachable smartphone camera accessory that DxO says is capable of producing DSLR-standard image quality. In terms of basic specs, the DxO One comes with a 20.2 MP 1-inch CMOS sensor with an f/1.8 aperture. It can capture images in RAW format and record 4x slow motion video.

Up until now the device has only been compatible with Apple’s iPhone via a Lightning port, but DxO has created a new model designed for USB-C Android phones. The DxO ONE for Android hasn’t technically launched just yet, but early bird buyers can purchase an “Early Access” pack from today.

As with the iOS version, you’re looking at a hefty price tag of $499 for the camera itself, although “Early Access” buyers get a couple of extras.

These are a heavy duty Outdoor Shell case that provides waterproofing down to 45 meters, and DxO’s PhotoLab editing software. These usually cost $60 and $199, respectively, so you’re at least getting your money’s worth if you jump in early.

All you have to do to sign up is hand over your email address and select the model of phone you currently use. Strangely, the preselected list includes a bunch of flagship handsets, but has a number of interesting omissions. These include the Google Pixel, Pixel 2, LG V30, and any Sony devices. You can just select other, but there’s a chance the DxO ONE is only intended to support the listed phones for now.

Are you tempted by the DxO ONE camera? Let us know in the comments.