CES is always an exciting time for product reviewers – it’s like our second Christmas. This year was no different and there were plenty of gadgets and gizmos to keep us entertained. As content creators, however, we’re always specifically on the lookout for devices that can make our lives easier and the images and videos we produce, better.
It didn’t take us long to gravitate towards the Infinix ZERO 30 5G, a phone which seems to have everything an aspiring vlogger could wish for. This got us thinking about what we truly need in a smartphone in 2024. Our phones are at the heart of everything we do and as more and more of us choose to capture life as it happens, we need vlogging features which take the hard work out of the process. Inspirational products like the ZERO 30 5G encourage young and aspiring creatives to push boundaries and take advantage of the tools they are afforded today. The team at Infinix kindly let us play with the ZERO 30 5G, since this will, without a doubt, set a new standard and be the vlogging phone all others will be compared to. So let’s take a look at what truly makes this phone stand out from the competition and why it's our top pick from all others at CES 2024.
The ZERO 30 5G's amazing vlogging features
Buttery Smooth Video A casual glance at the spec sheet of the ZERO 30 5G reveals how far technology has come in a short time and gives us a taste of tomorrow’s vlogging tools today. While only five years ago, a 20 megapixel cameraphone sensor would have been considered extreme, the ZERO 30 5G offers a whopping 108MP BSI (back-side illuminated) CMOS chip for its stunning OIS Ultra-Clear Camera. While great for stills, this also enables the gorgeous 4K video recording for which vloggers will want to get this phone. The Cinematic Front Camera has the option to shoot at 60fps, providing extra scope for altering the look of your movies. It’s great to see this level of customisation available in a pocketable device. At this frame rate, it’s possible to create choppy, edgy footage that looks great in action scenes. Just imagine vlogging your morning run and capturing your Personal Best for all of your followers, with maximum drama.
Supercharged speed We also have to draw attention to extended RAM capacity. This has come along massively in recent years and, on the ZERO 30 5G, it’s huge! At 21GB, this phone isn’t going to be running slow any time soon. This is a pet hate of ours on the Digital Photographer Magazine team. There is little point in squeezing a huge resolution into a vlogging phone, along with a bunch of other clever features, if there isn’t sufficient memory to support it. It’s an element we’ve been disappointed by in past years, on other phones, so it’s great to see Infinix’s forward-thinking philosophy. This is complemented by a vamped-up 5G Power Processor MediaTek Dimensity 8020, which ensures the ZERO 30 5G can keep up with our busy vlogging lives.
Ultra-crisp optics One of the concerns many videographers have about using a phone is the danger of image noise creeping into low-light scenes. However, in addition to the processing power, we were happy to see that Infinix has the hardware to back this up. The ZERO 30 5G front camera has a maximum aperture of f/2, which lets in bags of natural light, allowing you to keep your ISO sensitivity down. This produces lovely clean files while also controlling background detail through subtle depth-of-field fall-off. This is what sets apart average footage from great video – noise-free shots and shallow focus give clips a more professional feel. The rear camera takes this even further with f/1.65 on offer.
Enter the Infinix ZERO 30 5G – a taste of tomorrow’s vlogging tools today
Pro-level power
Thankfully, none of these amazing vlogging features come at the expense of battery performance. When buying a smartphone for vlogging, it’s important to remember that you live your life all on one device – you have to leave juice for everyday usage too. The ZERO 30 5G features an excellent 68W Super Charge with 5000mAh Long Lasting Li-Polymer Battery, which has a 5000 mAh capacity – more than enough for the vlogging enthusiast who finds themself shooting all day long.
Conclusion
We are at a turning point in portable image-making tech. Vlogging features are no longer a luxury in a smartphone, they are a necessity. While the race is on across all brands, Infinix already has a foot in the door and the ZERO 30 5G phone is a remarkable product and a true standout device right now.
Tutorial: Top steps to better vlogging clips
Step 1: Open up the aperture
Let as much light into the lens as you can by shooting at maximum aperture. This might be something like f/2.8, f/3.5 or, where possible, f/2 and wider. Remember, the lower the number, the more light gets to the sensor.
Step 2: Control the frame rate
In cinema, filmmakers often shoot at 24 frames per second (fps), so for a natural look choose this option. For a sharper video style, and to allow better slow-motion clips in post, select 50 or 60fps where available.
Step 3: Be aware of backgrounds
Don’t forget about what’s behind you! You want your followers to be looking at you in your vlogs, not a distracting detail in the background. Avoid bright lights or strong colours here, so your audience’s eyes aren’t drawn away.
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