Nyko Zoom Case
The Nyko Zoom Case is a Nintendo DSi case with an 8x zoom lens that attaches to the DSi using the cases unique attachment point over the built in outer lens on the DSi.
Ease of Use, Performance: 20/25
Look & Feel: 20/25
Features 20/25
How much I enjoy 20/25
Total: 80/100
Nyko has created a unique and actually very useful case with an attachment point for an 8x zoom lens that fits over the outer camera lens. The Zoom Case makes a great protection for the Nintendo DSi's outer surface with convenient openings for the various slots and controls on the handheld gaming system.
The Nyko Zoom Case and the 8x zoom lens is an interesting addition to the Nintendo DSi camera system and adds some fun functionality to the handheld. The Zoom Case and the lens can actually add as much as an 8 time zoom to your camera using the lens on the outer camera with the attachment point of the case.
The Zoom Case comes with the two piece case, a small instruction manual, three colored filters and the Zoom lens along with a plastic case for the lens. The two piece case snaps in place on the Nintendo DSi and protects the outer surface as well as the camera when the small cover is in place.
The case has slots for the buttons, the stylus holder area and connections so you can use all functions of the handheld gaming system including the camera on the outer cover. All the connections and buttons on the outer halves of the handheld are useable and clear of the snap on cover and readily accessible.
The case snaps in place using some small tabs that fit over the DSi inner halves and holds the case snuggly in place while gaming. The case is black and works very well as a protection for the handheld even without the addition of the lens.
The camera on the outer half of the DSi is a simple twist off cover that is easy to use and has two slots on the circular hole that allows you to twist on the lens or cover. The lens also locks into place securely and has a zoom/focus adjustment by simply turning the rubber ring on the end of the lens.
Without and With 8x Lens
There is a small window on the barrel of the lens with a graph for focus from 3M to infinity but the lens turns further than the infinity symbol. The focus using the barrel is just like regular camera lenses and makes for an easy to use attachment to the DSi.
You simply lock the lens in place after removing the case lens cover and use the barrel ring to focus your subject while pointing the camera. The zoom easily increases the view by eight times and works just like a fixed zoom lens on a regular digital camera.
Using the zoom lens adds a great feature to the Nintendo DSi with its built in camera and the zoom lens makes it even more fully featured. You can combine the zoom lens with the built in camera features like the various effects the handheld can create.
Another interesting feature is the three snap on lens filters that are red, blue and a flourescent yellow/green for an added fun bonus. While the filters may not make the best additions for the little lens it does add some fun and unique features to the lens for a great way to experiment with your DSi and photography.
The 8x Zoom Lens works well but it does make focusing while on the case a little difficult while you also hold the Nintendo DSi. I found it easy enough to focus while holding but can be a little difficult, setting the Nintendo DSi on a table or other surface makes adjusting focus easier.
The zoom works well and you can even use it without the camera kind of like a spotting scope, just peer through the lens and you can focus on objects by twisting the barrel. The Nyko Zoom Case and 8x zoom lens makes a great addition to the Nintendo DSi for anyone wanting an extra feature for the built in digital camera of the DSi.
The Nyko Zoom Case also makes a great protective cover for the DSi and at the cost of about $25 makes a decent case with the added lens as a fun bonus.