Sony is crafting a new high-end lens system designed to work with smartphones, according to documents and photos published by Sony Alpha Rumors. First unveiled in photos last week, Sony’s lens accessories are actually fully functioning standalone cameras that are designed to attach magnetically to an iPhone or Android phone and connect to an app via Bluetooth.
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Leaked manual pages suggest that there are two lenses in the works, based on existing Sony hardware. The DSC-QX100 (featuring components from the RX100M II camera) comes equipped with a 20.2-megapixel sensor and a f/1.8 Carl Zeiss lens with 3.6x zoom.
The lower-end DSC-QX10 (with components from the WX150 camera) includes an 18-megapixel CMOS sensor and an f/3.5–3.9 lens.
Both lenses feature a power button, microphone, display panel (with indicators for battery life and SD card), a tripod mount, a dedicated shutter button, a multifunctional jack, and a zoom lever. The higher end version also comes with a ring control.
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It is unclear how Sony intends to price these extravagant smartphone accessories, but the existing camera hardware retails for $400 to $750. The new lenses are expected to be unveiled at an upcoming September 4 media event.
Top Rated Comments
But it is, isn't it?
What on earth is the scenario in which a camera magnetically attached to your phone and controlled by an app is easier and better to use than a full camera 5mm thicker?
You still need to carry two things around, because you're not going to keep this on your phone all the time. So given that, just buy sony's thinnest camera (I believe they have one at around 10mm thin) and carry them both!
Not to mention you would need to attach/detach the lens, connect Bluetooth, and likely open an app if you want a viewfinder. That's a lot of steps compared to just flipping on a power button.
This attachment is every blogger, social media addict or web junkie wet dream. Why? Because a smartphone allows you to edit and share your pictures instantly and much much better than any camera would ever do. Want filters? You can use snapseed, Instagram, photoshop whatever you want. You can have a high quality image posted to your blog in literally seconds. Your school just won state championship, boom, you have a nice contrasty low light photo on Facebook, you are at a fashion show and while everyone is sharing grainy silhouettes, you post nice high res pictures, etc, etc... It's a big, big deal. If you think your iPhone camera takes perfectly good pictures, its not for you, understood. People who care about connectivity and good photography should be excited.
"Here's something that allows you to use your smartphone to take better photos when the built in one doesn't cut it and it'll go with you when you upgrade your phone"
I for one think its genius
It might be useful for studio photographers. If you mount the 'lens' on a tripod, you're free to walk around with an ipad as remote viewfinder. You can be in front of the camera while you adjust/reposition your subject, mess with lighting, etc., as you hit the shutter. Who needs an assistant anymore?
Or you can unobtrusively hold the lens above your head at sporting events with your ipad on your lap. That should please some folks. :)