NEW CONCEPT: The Sony DSC-QX100 and DSC-QX10 lens-style camera

NEW CONCEPT: The Sony DSC-QX100 and DSC-QX10 lens-style camera

61PDMBYgc1L._SL1200_

As has been spread around the internet for weeks on the rumor sites, the new Sony QX series of cameras are here and quite different from anything that has been created in the photo world. Basically, they look like a lens but they are fully functional cameras in a small lens like package! Each model includes the lens, the sensor and the ability to connect wirelessly to your smart phone so you can have a display to frame your images. It’s an all new concept and the sensor inside the QX100 is the same one as used in the RX100II, so yea, it’s a good one. What do you think about this? Sony seems to be moving forward with every camera related release, including this one in which they take the cel phone craze and turn it into something of higher quality. But the question is, will everyday cel phone users buy something like this? Maybe. How about enthusiasts? Maybe this is the next hot street camera  🙂 I expect to review them soon but I can already state that my preference would be for the QX100 due to the larger sensor and faster/brighter Zeiss 1.8 Zoom.

You can pre-order the QX100 at Amazon HERE for $498 – f/1.8 Zeiss Zoom, 1″ sensor, 30P video, 3.6X Zoom

You can pre-order the QX10 at Amazon here in Black or White for $248 – Sony G 10X Zoom, 1/2.3″ sensor, 30P HD Video

Check out the video by Sony below:

PRESS RELEASE FROM SONY BELOW:

New Sony QX Series “Lens-Style Cameras” Redefine the Mobile Photography Experience

New Concept Cameras Link Flawlessly to Smartphone, Offering High-Zoom, Stunning Quality Images and HD Videos for Instant Sharing

NEW YORK, Sept. 4, 2013 – Merging the creative power of a premium compact camera with the convenience and connectivity of today’s smartphones, Sony today introduced two “lens-style” QX series cameras that bring new levels of fun and creativity to the mobile photography experience.

The innovative Cyber-shot® DSC-QX100 and DSC-QX10 models utilize Wi-Fi® connectivity to instantly transform a connected smart phone into a versatile, powerful photographic tool, allowing it to shoot high-quality images and HD videos to rival a premium compact camera. It’s an entirely new and different way for consumers to capture and share memories with friends and family.

With a distinct lens-style shape, the new cameras utilize the latest version of Sony’s PlayMemories Mobile™ application (available for iOS™ and Android™ devices, version 3.1 or higher required) to connect wirelessly to a smart phone, converting the bright, large LCD screen of the phone into a real-time viewfinder with the ability to release the shutter, start/stop movie recordings, and adjust common photographic settings like shooting mode, zoom, Auto Focus area and more.

For added convenience, the app can be activated using NFC one-touch with compatible devices. Once pictures are taken, they are saved directly on both the phone and the camera*, and can be shared instantly via social media or other common mobile applications.

“With the new QX series cameras, we are making it easier for the ever-growing population of ‘mobile photographers’ to capture far superior, higher-quality content without sacrificing the convenience and accessibility of their existing mobile network or the familiar ‘phone-style’ shooting experience that they’ve grown accustomed to,” said Patrick Huang, director of the Cyber-shot business at Sony. “We feel that these new products represent not only an evolution for the digital camera business, but a revolution in terms of redefining how cameras and smartphones can cooperatively flourish in today’s market.”

The new compact, ultra-portable cameras can be attached to a connected phone with a supplied mechanically adjustable adapter, or can be held separately in hand or even mounted to a tripod while still maintaining all functionality and connectivity with the smart phone. They can also be operated as completely independent cameras if desired, as both the DSC-QX100 and DSC-QX10 cameras have a shutter release, memory card slot and come with a rechargeable battery.

 

Premium, Large-Sensor QX100 Camera

61PJ9gq0YQL._SL1200_

The Cyber-shot DSC-QX100 camera features a premium, high-quality 1.0 inch, 20.2 MP Exmor® RCMOS sensor. Identical to the sensor found in the acclaimed Cyber-shot RX100 II camera, it allows for exceptionally detailed, ultra-low noise images in all types of lighting conditions, including dimly lit indoor and night scenes.

The sensor is paired with a fast, wide-aperture Carl Zeiss® Vario-Sonnar T* lens with 3.6x optical zoom and a powerful BIONZ® image processor, ensuring beautifully natural, detail-packed still images and HD videos. As an extra refinement, the DSC-QX100 sports a dedicated control ring for camera-like adjustment of manual focus and zoom.

Several different shooting modes can be selected while using the camera including Program Auto, Aperture Priority, Intelligent Auto and Superior Auto, which automatically recognizes 33 different shooting conditions and adjusts camera settings to suit.

 

High-Zoom Cyber-shot QX10 model

613qVeRBTUL._SL1200_

Boasting a powerful 18.2 effective megapixel Exmor RCMOS sensor and versatile 10x optical zoom Sony G Lens, the Cyber-shot DSC-QX10 camera allows mobile photographers to bring distant subjects closer without sacrificing image quality or resolution, a common problem in smartphones. It’s also extremely portable and lightweight – weighing less than 4 oz and measuring about 2.5”X2.5”x1.3”, it’s a great tool for travel photography.

Additionally, the camera has built-in Optical SteadyShot image stabilization to combat camera shake, keeping handheld pictures and videos steady and blur-free. It has Program Auto, Intelligent Auto and Superior Auto modes to choose from, and will be available in two different colors – black and white.

 

Pricing and Availability

The new Cyber-shot DSC-QX100 and DSC-QX10 lens-style cameras will available later this month for about $500 and $250, respectively.

The cameras and a range of compatible accessories including a soft carry case and dedicated camera case attachment for Sony Mobile phones like the Xperia™ Z can be purchased at Sony retail stores (www.store.sony.com) and other authorized dealers nationwide.

Please visit www.blog.sony.com for a full video preview of the new Sony Cyber-shot QX Series cameras and follow #SonyCamera on Twitter for the latest camera news.

 

90 Comments

  1. I ordered the QX100 today. I think it’s a wonderful concept. It’s just 179 grams and it’s basically the same camera as the RX100 II. Will be easy to walk around with in my coat pocket. Ideal for travel.

  2. If Sony can add an small LCD on the back of the battery cover(for composition), this lens camera can become a stand alone unit. It may fly off the shelf a lot of quicker.

  3. Looks as if Sony has cured a problem that did not really exist! I can already control a small but brilliant camera from my phone if I want to – which 99% of the time I don’t. I’m all for invention and new ideas so bravo on that front just not sure outside of their domestic market how many they will sell. Android has just under 90% of the smartphone market so I guess it makes sense for Sony (who use Android) to push this OS and their own phone range first.

  4. It’s for teenagers and geeks.
    At least it takes photos, nothing wrong with that, even if it may be clumsy and inadequate for the more, how do you say, “enthusiast” style of shooter.
    Like someone perceptively pronounced in a previous post,………..it aint for us!
    Admittedly was initially a bit disappointed too, but, nothing wrong with more choices is there?

  5. For me it’s not about the lens. It’s all about the software. I’d be intersted if it allowed you to make custom interface for specific niches in photography and video. It’s also about having the ability to shoot, edit, and share with one device.

  6. Heck after what I seen and witnessed on vacation this weekend, most people have significant problems holding and operating their cell phones as cameras. Now adding and holding this strange looking device against a cell phone or using it in conjunction with one will only add to the users mania.
    IMHO this is the dumbest idea I’ve ever seen. As some have said earlier, this won’t be use by most.people that have only two hands. Just my opinion.

  7. This product is DOA. The real market for a product like this is the Go Pro, and these can’t compete with those at all, and the price point is ridiculous. This is classic Sony over pricing. Their current camera line up is finally good (as long as u don’t count their dslr’s) but they have priced themselves as a luxury brand, which in photography they just are not.

    • I have used Sony dslr and slt camera’s for some years now. What’s wrong with them that i didn;t notice? Probably the missing Canon or Nikon logo?

  8. Bully for Sony. No RAW. For me and NOT the rest do the market this is an issue. I want one anyway – I do have a V1- and what counts is Sony has moved the Market. Bully for Sony!

  9. I’m a film guy and I always enjoy the video assist on Panavision and other movie cameras: to be away from the camera and able to view/control. This kind of tool looks poor (no RAW,… read other comments) but honestly this is the kind of tool I’ve been dreaming since 10 years: a modular system with controls/EVF away from a lensor (Ricoh GXR Mount were a good start).

    Of course the OLED screen is unreadable in direct sunlight and the whole system seems clumsy but imagine a augmented reality Google Glass-like system: the display in front of your eyes, the lens in one hand and simple movement of the other hand to focus/trigger/record.

    It will be a gadget for sure but I predict there will be interesting clones. It’s a beginning…

  10. I certainly don’t want one, however I will be interested to see how people use it. It’s got some potential to be used in very creative ways, probably should have video too, or maybe it does?

  11. Obviously many of the enthusiast shooters who like physical controll points are not impressed. But the QXs are for a completely different kind of breed. People who own, and only shoot with, their smartphones can upgrade for little buck and have their images DIRECTLY on their phones, process them there and upload them instantly.
    And I must say that framing with a 4″+ screen doesn’t sound too shabby.

  12. one day they will sell you a car without steeringnwheel and tell you you can steer it with your iphone and call it an innovation.

  13. It is an interesting concept but I don’t see me buying it. I really respect Sony and their advances and lack of fear in taking new products to market. Making Canon/Nikon/Leica look slow and clumsy. I am more interested in the FF NEX or the successor to the NEX7.

  14. It is definitely not the camera for you or for anyone dedicated to super-top-notch quality pictures.
    Taking pictures for a cellphone/tablet may be horrible for you, put cellphones/tablets take more pictures than all cameras combined.
    Why would you need TWO lens caps? You don’t need ANY caps. The front closes automaticaly and the back is plastic.

  15. Not sure whether this product will be a big hit but I suspect this is only the first of many similar ones. Clever move by Sony. It’s frustrating that the smaller size unit, which i could see actually taking out with me, lacks the more advanced controls while the much less portable one has them. Combine the size of the one with the controls of the other and I might get one. By the way, anybody know whether these things will drain smartphone batteries any quicker? That would be another downer.

  16. An interesting idea, but I don’t see it doing well in the market, since I feel like it’s primarily advertised as more of an advanced-entry level level camera. This is just my opinion, but the success of the RX100 was due to its POCKETABLE size along with its image quality and low-ISO performance. The QX100 seems like a more tech-savy option because of how easily it links to social media, but it has no pocketability. For a slightly cheaper price than the RX100, I really wonder if people will spring for this over the RX100 (2).

    • not so sure, it has all a normal camera has, just stretched in a cylinder, not in a rectangular box. I don’t think that the release button and the program wheel make that much difference in price. The RX100-2 costs still a 200+ more.

  17. Sony is truly desperate and they found the 1970s issue of Pop Photo for what future cameras would look like.

  18. I fail to see the point. The QX100 is less pocketable than the RX100, not substantially cheaper, lacks flash and dials for direct control. There are two devices to be kept charged and the need for wireless communication between them drains batteries quicker. The main advantage of the combo is the larger touchscreen.

    Actually I would love to see a new digital Leica M body, slimmed-down to mechanical controls without LCD on the back. For a camera worn on a strap around the neck or dangling from the shoulder, the LCD is an achilles heel that gets scratched and breaks. And it makes the body thicker than the iconic M3. I would prefer to navigate in menus, view or edit images on a separate smartphone or tablet. And with no reading glasses at hand, I would even prefer to do that through an EVF.

  19. Howdy, It’s a real head scratcher to me. Why not just build a smart phone into a “real” camera?

  20. I’m confused…given the ungainly size of these (particularly the qx100) why not just buy an rx100?
    It’d be much much less awkward control wise, and be vastly more ergomonic. Cool concept though…
    maybe gen 2 will include a less awkward prime lens based model?

  21. Applications:
    –high quality substitutes for action cameras. Mount them on helmet, on car dashboard, bike handles, etc
    –cheap enough that one can set up a group of cameras for an event. Maybe even use one phone to control them all (if the software is implemented right).

    I think it’s exciting, to create separate modules for the traditional one-body camera.
    More and better things will come.

  22. Finally a camera that can fit inside my pants and see life as I truly witness it! Gotta say I really love the extendable zoom. It’s just soooo Iron Man!

  23. The smartphone as remote viewfinder/controller idea is cool but I think the physical size of these along with the “one extra thing to carry” is going to limit the appeal. However a RX100 style camera that could also pair with a smartphone for remote control would be a cool feature and I imagine will become a common feature over time.

    • It is easier to carry a round object as opposed to a small brick…………. compact camera is still that one extra thing

      • I don’t buy it… I don’t think carrying a round object the size of a small pop can is any easier to carry than a well designed compact And a compact is a full product with viewfinder / screen… this thing is useless without the smart phone as the screen. Don’t get me wrong I applaud Sony for trying something new… it’s just not for me and I don’t think it will appeal to the masses either. People either use there smart phone camera and consider it “good enough” or they want something more capable and make the decision to carry around a separate, better and more fully functional camera around with them !

        • Heaps easier put a cube in one pocket and a cylinder in the other……..

          Brilliant little teaching tool ……separate it from the phone , connect the phone to a projector or a computer that is linked with a bank of computers. Snap away under over in the nooks and crannies of objects etc

          The masses will lap it up maybe not people that post on photographic sites like theses but they are not the “popular culture” consuming masses

          • Cool teaching tool perhaps…. but still don’t think it will have mass market appeal… just look at the simplest use case from a time & motion perspective…

            compact camera: 1- pull out of pocket, 2- power up, 3-compose, 4-press shutter, 5- power down, 6- put back in pocket =3 seconds

            vs

            phone + QX: 1-pull out phone, 2- unlock it 3- navigate to and launch the QX app 4- Wait for app to load and connect to cameral 5- pull out the QX, 6-turn QX on 7- mount it to the phone (or hold in in position) 8- compose 9- press shutter 10- shut down QX 11- put QX away 12- turn phone off 13- put phone away = I’m guessing maybe 10 seconds if you are really fast !

            People may be drawn to the cool factor, but after half a dozen times of going through this song and dance… it will sit in a drawer.

          • stiffled thinking on your part it will go off like a bang in the Asian market not everything is made for Westerners.

  24. Nice concept but stripped of the basic necessities for most enthusiasts, no manual setting, no focus peaking, no magnification to confirm focus, no ISO adjustment and as mentioned no RAW. Maybe a next gen will be more photog friendly.

  25. I want the phone/camera integration or mashup to flow the other way. With the smartphone operating system running on cameras, editing and posting to the internet could be easier than using EyeFi cards etc. Display size and quality would be important.

  26. I could see it selling well, but not as much with enthusiasts or pros. I’m curious as to how quickly this will eat up the mobile phone battery. I think sales will start out briskly because it’s new and innovative, but once the newness wears off, I’d be surprised if it survives. In my opinion it’s a gimmick, much like interchangeable lenses for the iPhone.

  27. I have a RX100 but will probably also be in the market for this great teaching tool that the young could relate to visually. Plus it saves me buying a new iphone as there is no reason to update the sensor in the camera

  28. This is genius by Sony. Of course this isn’t targeted at someone who wants the RX100, or full camera controls, RAW, etc etc…those people will still buy the RX100. This is meant to replace the dying compact camera by directly tying it in with your phone. No one has created anything like this so it will take some time to shake out and be adopted by users, but, in the long run, Sony will win with these.

  29. I’m… really not sure how I feel about this.

    It’s great to see totally new / innovative design and ideas enter the photography world (and I love Sony for this!!)

    But I’m not sure if this is going to be a ‘home run’. It’s certainly not for me. Will Instagram shooters take to these? Or will it be too much cost and effort for people why typically want to take a quick snap?

    What I’m more interested in though is whether this will become a prototype of something more. Will Sony or other manufactures create ‘bodies’ more geared to accepting these lenses with some buttons and dials for those who like that sort of thing? How big of a sensor can you put in something like this? How much more can you bring the cost down? Will this be the genesis of some new, wacky, modular system??

    I’m interested to see what these ‘tadpoles’ turn into if/when the system starts to mature.

  30. This will appeal to those who love their phones and love gadgets that they can use with their phones. i’m guessing that once the novelty wears off, this thing will be left at home and the phone will once again be just used with its regular built in camera. in its regular much smaller and more convenient form.

  31. I think these cameras, though awkward as depicted in the video, would end up just staying attached sometimes and in a bag or pocket other times, depending on what the user is up to at the time. In that case, they probably have a decent market. Basically, you’re either carrying a camera or a phone, with the option to change your mind without too much hassle.

    For me, though, the big one is too big to appeal. The little one is more interesting. A stand alone, tiny camera with better-than-tiny (presumably) image quality has its uses. Or, better, something I can attach to my radio controlled helicopter and not only take stills but zoom and control from the ground. Now, those opportunities, for the price, excite me!

  32. Sony is really quite brilliant. I suspect that these gizmos will be hugely popular in Japan; the US, well, let’s wait and see. It seems, though, that people will find uses for these toys more as Smart Phone controlled cameras that anything else. Yes, I realize that process can be done already with many wifi enabled cameras, but these things could be a bit stealthier, and provide the ultimate in narcissistic (spying) enjoyment 🙂

  33. I assume the intention is that you buy a clip attachment for your phone, with the Sony ones being available now.

    I agree with most of you above, would rather carry a smallish camera, or just use my phone as is. But it is an interesting concept. A fixed focal length would be smaller, better, could house a better sensor, but I can see why they are going for a novelty consumer item first.

    What next?, voice control? No idea where it leads but fun to watch.

  34. Ten points for innovation, but probably not too many points for usability. Give up most of the physical camera controls for a flat glass screen interface? No thanks!

  35. just watched the video, complete with skinny unshaven guy who’s not smart enough to get out of the rain.

    geeking, holding it to his cell phone. The product may be “different” but the marketing is sickly the same.

    Nothing to see here for serious photography, or men for that matter…

  36. I’m completely surprised by all the positive comments.

    • Having just seen the video, i was shocked by the size of the thing. Carrying one will not be any easier than carrying a dedicated camera.
    • Seems a pain to ‘pair’ the thing to the phone, then attach it, and use it.
    • It’s already a horrid experience holding a cell phone for photography. This only compounds the problem.
    • So, carrying it around, you have to keep TWO lens caps on it at all times….
    • You still get that ‘camera phone snapshot aesthetic’ with the tiny sensor DOF.
    • No RAW. If your target audience is people who don’t care about RAW or ‘best possible image quality,’ why would you expect those same people to need something other than what’s already in their cell phone? And, if someone’s in the market for a camera, how does this serve them better?

    It amounts to being ‘a neat trick.’ A novelty. Something you Do, Because You Can. But, the usefulness, aside from being able to take the lens off and put it into a nook, to photograph your kitty while you monitor her separately, seems quite limited.

    I predict it will be a tremendous success.

    • here`s another positive commie for you. I guess lot of war fotogs would love to take their Canikon lens off and stick it out round the corner to snap a price winner without risking their body being shot off. Not talking about papparazzis and their disguise tricks.

    • or all those sweaty boys with pimply faces in the clubs just roll them on the dance floor and checking girls’ knickers 😉

  37. Oh, I get it. If I buy the camera I’ll get to meet a girl and fall in love. Looks kind of stupid to me. Sorry.

  38. Quite a hideous form factor here

    Clumsy no matter how you hold it

    Put it in your girl’s purse…? Not many women want more in their purses. Kudos to innovation, but this might sink like a stone.

  39. Gee, what a news boy! Ricoh had for years fullgrown lensor system with their GXR line. If only Ricoh got it`s inventive … up and made a cell phone that fitted their lensors, you could even shoot with your Leica or Zeiss m-mount glass and make a call to Solms or Oberkochen at the same time.

  40. Slow lens when zoomed. No RAW. Serious time lag in viewfinder and wireless shutter release. microSD slot.

    Color me unimpressed.

  41. Can anyone think of a reason NOT to have one? I mean if you are dedicated to going out to shoot you’ll take your required gear.

    But if you are just going to dinner with the girl, just get her to put it in her purse!!! YEAH!

  42. Thinking outside the box and recognizing mobile is handiest device to capture ‘the moment’. That said, another ‘thing’ you have to remember to carry with you, in which case why not carry a RX100 say… interesting to see how this plays out…

  43. These are amazing if you shoot JPEG, as they do NOT shoot RAW according to the leaked spec sheets. This was very disappointing to hear because I only shoot in RAW.

    If the end up allowing it to produce RAW files I can’t see WHY you wouldn’t want one of these with you all the time!

    Sony is really the best camera company out there, the only one innovating on ANY level.

Comments are closed.