Sony announces iPhone-compatible QX10 and QX100 Cyber-shot lenses [video]

By Antony
On September 5, 2013

Sony has finally unveiled the iPhone-compatible QX10 and QX100 Cyber-shot “lens-style cameras”. Both devices will be available later this month from Sony. Customers can already preorder the devices through Amazon.

Both devices do not have extensive controls or a dedicated viewfinder. These features are relegated to the smartphone, which is connected to the devices through a peer-to-peer Wi-Fi network.

Both lens-style cameras run on the latest version of Sony’s PlayMemories app, which is available for free on the App Store. They are both compatible with Apple’s iPhone and will work with an iPad in case users need a larger viewfinder.

The DSC-QX10 and DSC-QX100 will feature an expandable and secure clip, which is compatible with a large number of smartphones. The lens can be attached at the back of the phone and the two units will work together as a high end camera.

How it works

The lens clips securely on the iPhone. The connection is also relatively simple using Sony’s app. Each QX-series camera uses a unique password that is found on the accessory battery compartment. Sony’s standard camera batteries are used on the lenses.

Both black and white colors are available on the low-end QX10. Users can also match a black lens and a white iPhone, which match quite well.

After pairing is done, users can snap pictures through the official Sony application. The pictures taken can either be stored on a microSD that is found on the lens or be transferred to the iPhone automatically. In order to conserve space on the iPhone, both high and low-quality transfer options are available for users.

There is a minimal lag between the iPhone and QX10 while viewing the camera’s perspective live through the peer-to-peer Wi-Fi connection. The wireless connectivity does not cause any issues while snapping pictures.

The automatic transfer of pictures to the iPhone is however, a bit slow. It takes a few seconds to transfer a full-size image over Wi-Fi due to the size of the lenses in the QX10 and QX100. Users in need of rapid-fire photos may need to switch off this automatic transfer.

Users can remotely control the cameras on the QX10 and QX100 through the wireless connectivity. A tripod mount is available at the bottom of each camera for sturdy placement. However, Sony has indicated that the cameras are not ideal for taking long distance pictures through the Wi-Fi-connected device.

The QX10 and QX100 are game changing accessories that are ideal for users who need to take high-end pictures through their smartphones. The devices appeal to users who need to snap pictures on the go, but do not have adequate space for carrying DSLR or a compact digital camera.

Tech specs

The QX series leverages on Sony’s existing technology that lets users capture images in a high end dedicated point-and-shoot device. Both devices connect wirelessly to a smartphone through Sony’s free PlayMemories Mobile app. The smartphone can serve as a viewfinder that is used while attached to the phone or remotely with the help of the app. The camera enables users to start and stop movie recordings, release the shutter as well as adjust the zoom, shooting mode and autofocus.

On the iOS, the QX series, Wi-Fi technology will be used to pair the camera with the devices. The photos taken will be stored on the internal memory of the camera as well as on the paired device. Near-field communications technology will also be used to help android users in pairing the devices by touch.

The QX100 device has a 1.0-inch, 20.2MP Exmor RCMOS sensor, which is also found on Sony’s Cyber-shot RX100 II. The sensor is also paired with a Bionz image processor as well as a fast, wide-aperture Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T lens with 3.6x optical zoom. Camera adjustment can also be done using its own dedicated control ring.

The Qx10 model has a 10x optical zoom Sony G Lens as well as an 18.2MP Exmor RCMOS sensor. It also has a built in Optical SteadyShot image stabilization and several shooting modes including Intelligent Auto, Program, Auto and Superior Auto.

Sony will avail both devices later this month. However, customers are able to preorder both devices through Amazon. The retail price for the QX100 is $498 while the QX10 retails at $248. The two devices are set to be formally released on September 27^th. Shipment from Amazon is expected thereupon or shortly after.