Much like the Xperia Z1 smartphone that Sony just unveiled, there was little surprise when it unveiled its new Cyber-shot DSC-QX100 and DSC-QX10 lens-style cameras given that recent rumours effectively revealed pretty much about these. They are billed as products that can “dramatically increase the quality of these shots, uniting the creative power of a premium camera with the convenience of your smartphone.”
Essentially, they connect to your smartphone or tablet via Wi-Fi or NFC and the display becomes the camera’s viewfinder as well as the way to control the lens. Functions like firing the shutter, starting and stopping movie recordings and adjusting settings like shooting mode, zoom and Auto Focus area are also done through the smartphone. Images and videos can also be shared through your usual phone apps.
Both come with a smartphone attachment that works not only with the Xperia Z1 and Xperia Z but other smartphones (with a width between 54 and 75 millimeters and a thickness of up to 13 millimeters). They can also be used without being attached to one another.
The QX100 comes with a 20.2MP 1.0-type Exmor R CMOS sensor that promises “sumptuous, ultra-low noise images.” It also comes with a wide-aperture Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens with 3.6x optical zoom with Optical SteadyShot. There is also a dedicated control ring for camera-like adjustment of manual focus and zoom.
The cheaper QX10 comes with an 18.2MP Exmor R CMOS sensor and a Sony G Lens. It also packs a 10x optical zoom and Sony’s Optical SteadyShot image stabilization.
Sony Cyber-shot QX10
Sony Cyber-shot QX100 and QX10 specifications
| Model | DSC-QX100 | DSC-QX10 |
|---|---|---|
| Image Sensor | 1.0 type (13.2 x 8.8mm) Exmor R CMOS sensor | 1/2.3 type (7.76mm) Exmor R CMOS sensor |
| Effective resolution | Approx.20.2 megapixels | Approx.18.2 megapixels |
| Image processor | BIONZ | BIONZ |
| Lens | Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T*, with 7 elements in 6 groups (4 aspheric elements including AA lens) | Sony G Lens, with 7 groups (including 4 aspheric elements) |
| Maximum aperture | F1.8(Wide angle)- F4.9 (Tele) | F3.3(Wide angle)- F5.9 (Tele) |
| Focal length (35mm equivalent) (still image 4:3) | f=28-100mm | f=25-250mm |
| Optical zoom | 3.6x | 10x |
| ISO Sensitivity (Still Image) | ISO160-6400 (iAuto), ISO160-25600 (Superior Auto), ISO160-3200 (Program Auto), ISO160-3200 (Aperture Priority) | ISO100-3200 (iAuto), ISO100-12800 (Superior Auto), ISO100-1600 (Program Auto) |
| Movie record | MP4: 12MP (1440x1080/30fps) | MP4: 12MP (1440x1080/30fps) |
| Image stabilisation | Optical SteadyShot? (with Active Mode for movies) | Optical SteadyShot? (with Active Mode for movies) |
| Focus type | Contrast detection AF | Contrast detection AF |
| Focus Modes | Single-shot AF; Manual Focus; Touch AF | Single-shot AF; Touch AF |
| Shooting modes | Superior Auto, Intelligent Auto, Program Auto, Aperture Priority, Movie Mode | Superior Auto, Intelligent Auto, Program Auto, Movie Mode |
| Wireless networking | Wi-Fi: Send to smartphone / control with smartphone | Wi-Fi: Send to smartphone / control with smartphone |
| NFC: One-touch remote | NFC: One-touch remote | |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | Approx. 62.5 x 62.5 x 55.5 mm | Approx. 62.4 x 61.8 x 33.3 mm |
| Media card compatibility | Memory Stick Micro? / Memory Stick Micro? Mark 2 and Micro SD/SDHC/SDXC Memory Card (Class 4 or Higher) | Memory Stick Micro? / Memory Stick Micro? Mark 2 and Micro SD/SDHC/SDXC Memory Card (Class 4 or Higher) |
| Weight (main unit only) | Approx. 165 g | Approx. 90 g |
| Weight (with supplied battery and Memory Stick Micro) | Approx. 179 g | Approx. 105 g |
| Supplied accessories | Rechargeable Battery Pack NP-BN; micro USB cable; Smartphone Attachment; Wrist Strap; Operating Guide | Rechargeable Battery Pack NP-BN; micro USB cable; Smartphone Attachment; Wrist Strap; Operating Guide |
Sony will launch the Cyber-shot DSC-QX100 and DSC-QX10 later this month in Europe. The QX100 will sell for about US$500 and the QX10 for about US$250.
Here’s a more in-depth look at both new lens cameras:
Update: The Cyber-shot DSC-QX100 and DSC-QX10 will both be available in Canada later this month for about CA$550 and CA$250, respectively.
Source : Sony