Sony announces iPhone-compatible QX30 camera lens with 30x zoom, QX1 with swappable E-Mount
The next generation of Sony's iPhone-compatible wireless camera lenses was officially unveiled on Wednesday with two new models: One with a whopping 30-times optical zoom, and another that allows users to insert any E-Mount compatible lens and connect and control it from their smartphone.
Sony's new QX1 has a swappable E-Mount for different lenses.
Sony's new QX1 and QX30 are both set to launch this holiday season, and connect with Apple's iPhone over Wi-Fi Direct using the company's PlayMemories iOS application. Like last year's QX10 and QX100, they are lens accessories that offer higher quality images than a built-in smartphone camera, but keep costs low by eschewing physical camera controls, instead allowing a connected smartphone to serve as the viewfinder and other key functions.
The more affordable of the two items is the $349.99 DSC-QX30, which boasts a 30-times optical zoom. It captures 20.4-megapixel images with a BIONZ X image processor.
Sony's new QX30 has a 30x optical zoom.
It includes Wi-Fi and near-field communications for connection to compatible devices, and a built-in microSD slot allows photos to be stored on the camera and viewed and transferred to a connected smartphone as desired.
The higher end model is the $399.99 DSC-QX1, which turns a smartphone into a mirrorless APS-C sensor camera. The QX1 has a 20.1-megapixel Exmor CMOS sensor, as well as its own dedicated flash module for superior low-light pictures.
But the unique selling point of the QX1 is the inclusion of an E-Mount, which means users will be able to insert their own popular Sony-compatible camera lenses as desired. The $400 price does not come with its own lens, which must be purchased separately.
The QX30 is scheduled to begin shipping in October, while the QX1 will launch in November. Both are available for preorder now.
Like last year's models, both feature their own microSD card slots, batteries, tripod mounts, and dedicated hardware shutter buttons. And they attach to an expandable clamp accessory that allows the lenses to be securely fastened to an iPhone or other smartphone.
Word of the QX1 model first leaked on Tuesday, revealing Sony's E-Mount model with dedicated flash.
Last year, AppleInsider took a look at both the QX10 and QX100, and found the hardware took excellent pictures that were a marked improvement from the built-in iPhone 5s camera, but Sony's PlayMemories application and connection issues marred the experience. Sony has gradually updated the devices since their release late last year, squashing bugs and adding new functionality such as shutter half-press to focus, and higher-resolution MP4 video recording.
Sony's new QX1 has a swappable E-Mount for different lenses.Sony's new QX1 and QX30 are both set to launch this holiday season, and connect with Apple's iPhone over Wi-Fi Direct using the company's PlayMemories iOS application. Like last year's QX10 and QX100, they are lens accessories that offer higher quality images than a built-in smartphone camera, but keep costs low by eschewing physical camera controls, instead allowing a connected smartphone to serve as the viewfinder and other key functions.
The more affordable of the two items is the $349.99 DSC-QX30, which boasts a 30-times optical zoom. It captures 20.4-megapixel images with a BIONZ X image processor.
Sony's new QX30 has a 30x optical zoom.It includes Wi-Fi and near-field communications for connection to compatible devices, and a built-in microSD slot allows photos to be stored on the camera and viewed and transferred to a connected smartphone as desired.
The higher end model is the $399.99 DSC-QX1, which turns a smartphone into a mirrorless APS-C sensor camera. The QX1 has a 20.1-megapixel Exmor CMOS sensor, as well as its own dedicated flash module for superior low-light pictures.
But the unique selling point of the QX1 is the inclusion of an E-Mount, which means users will be able to insert their own popular Sony-compatible camera lenses as desired. The $400 price does not come with its own lens, which must be purchased separately.
The QX30 is scheduled to begin shipping in October, while the QX1 will launch in November. Both are available for preorder now.
Like last year's models, both feature their own microSD card slots, batteries, tripod mounts, and dedicated hardware shutter buttons. And they attach to an expandable clamp accessory that allows the lenses to be securely fastened to an iPhone or other smartphone.
Word of the QX1 model first leaked on Tuesday, revealing Sony's E-Mount model with dedicated flash.
Last year, AppleInsider took a look at both the QX10 and QX100, and found the hardware took excellent pictures that were a marked improvement from the built-in iPhone 5s camera, but Sony's PlayMemories application and connection issues marred the experience. Sony has gradually updated the devices since their release late last year, squashing bugs and adding new functionality such as shutter half-press to focus, and higher-resolution MP4 video recording.
Comments
The concern I see on photography web sites is Sony's app being so laggy and dropping connections. I could have a use for the QX1 for making panoramas from high places using a pole mount system. We'll see.
I don't find a connection dropping issue - but I do find it can get laggy. It "seems" better on my newer rx100iii than NEX-6
I really wish they had ALSO used bluetooth 4 (ble) to auto-inittiate connection. Its a real pain to go to settings each time and use the ned wifi. Of course you can add the sony to your own wifi (infrastructure) but most of the time you are probably not at home when you want to connect.
I don't find a connection dropping issue - but I do find it can get laggy. It "seems" better on my newer rx100iii than NEX-6
I really wish they had ALSO used bluetooth 4 (ble) to auto-inittiate connection. Its a real pain to go to settings each time and use the ned wifi. Of course you can add the sony to your own wifi (infrastructure) but most of the time you are probably not at home when you want to connect.
That is good to hear. I just checked the app store review and people seem to like the newer versions of the software so I give credit to Sony for addressing the issues they had. Bluetooth would have been nice.
I like any innovation where photography is concerned but for me I'd rather take a good Canon body and a few nice lenses than mess around with extra lenses for an iPhone. However, I can see for those that want to take their iPhones to the next level and not get into ... dare I say ... real cameras (I know I know the iPhone camera is amazing) this might be fun.
OTOH if you already have Nex series - and thus you already have some very decent glass - its not a bad option. If they significantly improved play memories especially could improve the pairing process each time, the possibility of physical separation of display and lens provides some neat opportunities.
True, I hadn't considered that living in midst the Canon v Nikon wars as I do, I forget there are other cameras out there.
True, I hadn't considered that living in midst the Canon v Nikon wars as I do, I forget there are other cameras out there.
Sorry DC, i also own a Nikon SLR - the Nikon / Canon wars online can get quite heated, and often silly at times. When I attend a family function, such as one of my childrens weddings, rehearsal dinner, baby shower or the like, I like to hand out a Nion D90 with zoom lens and decent flash unit. Camera is switched to the green mode of course, and I encourage guests to just take lots of pics with it, and for them to encourage other guest to do the same. Its truly amazing how many really good pictures you get. Many pictures framed so differently than how I would do it, sometimes not posed, sometimes really badly posed for example. Its a very good SLR, in that people who have never used an SLR before can often take great pics.
This idea I might extend to one of these lenses. Pass the lens around, and have someone else operate the linked iPhone