Sony's detachable smartphone lenses aim to rejuvenate mobile photograph

[MightyJordan]

 

In a bid to take mobile photography in a new direction Sony has launched a pair of stand-alone lens that connect to smartphones via Wi-Fi or NFC.

 

The QX-100 and QX-10 are essentially a new category of consumer product, offering the high quality photography of digital cameras whilst connecting to users? smartphones for adjusting and cropping images, and sharing them via social media.

 

Sony hopes that the new products will be ?a dream come true for anyone who loves their smartphone, but wants the photo quality that only a dedicated camera can deliver.?

 

Both the QX-100 and QX-10 connect to Android and iOS smartphones via Wi-Fi and can either be clipped onto the mobile itself or operated independently, using your phone?s screen as a viewfinder.

 

The QX-10 will cost around ?170 a 10x optical zoom and 18.2MP lens. The QX-100 has a small 3.6x zoom but a bigger sensor with a resolution 20.2MP and an aperture that goes as wide as f1.8. It should retail for around ?399.

 

The QX-10 will be better suited for close-ups of people and shot of distant landmarks (think holiday snaps) whilst the QX-100 seems aimed at a more professional market, offering manual control of the lens and better performance under low lighting.

 

The launch of the two lenses comes at the same time as Sony reveals its Z1 Xperia smartphone: a waterproof handset with a 5-inch HD screen that Sony is hoping will take on premium Android devices like the HTC One and the Samsung Galaxy S4.

 

 

It remains to be seen whether or not Sony's innovations will be met with enthusiasm by customers. Mobile phones have eroded the sale of digital cameras but mainly because they are simply more convenient - toting around a second lens, no matter how well designed it is, might not bridge this gap.

 

Sony seems to recognise this, with Yosuke Aoki, a digital imaging spokesman for the firm, telling the BBC that the company is still discussing how many units to prepare. "We're waiting for after the Ifa announcement to see what the feedback will be to the models,? said Aoki.

 

 

 

Personally, I think this is a genius idea. Such a shame about the cost though. For the cost of the QX-100, you can get a DSLR, and a new one at that. :/

[techbeck]

Looks interesting.  would like to see a pic comparison with the other leading phones out there.

[Arceles]

If that can be used also as a webcam I'm all for it.

[spacer]

I'm sorry, but if you're carrying around one of these things to take better pictures, just buy a real camera already. The whole point of having a camera on your phone is that it's more convenient than a real camera.

[123456789A]

I wouldn't invest in a lens system for a mobile device that will be obsolete in a year.

[Arceles]

I wouldn't invest in a lens system for a mobile device that will be obsolete in a year.

The deal here is that the lens... can be used with a newer device.

[George P Global Moderator]

I'm sorry, but if you're carrying around one of these things to take better pictures, just buy a real camera already. The whole point of having a camera on your phone is that it's more convenient than a real camera.

 

I agree, I think this is Sony tossing something out and hoping it sticks.  

[123456789A]

The deal here is that the lens... can be used with a newer device.

 

Assuming this doesn't bomb and they keep making devices that can use it.

[Arceles]

Assuming this doesn't bomb and they keep making devices that can use it.

It's an android program, so yeah, any device can use it. camera connects wirelessly.

[Dick Montage]

Are these really "detachable lenses" or are they not self contained sensor and lens combos with a built-in communication protocol?

[ATLien_0]

I'd like to see how photos compare to the Lumia 1020. Nokia has already shown that you can achieve great photos in a compact solution