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Sony Cyber-shot QX10 review: a WiFi 'lens camera' that mounts directly on your smartphone
Earlier this month at IFA, Sony introduced an entirely new type of point-and-shoot camera. The QX10 and its big brother, the QX100, are missing a built-in LCD. Instead, framing, image review, configuration and even storage are all handled on another device: your smartphone. These "lens cameras," as they've become unofficially known, mount directly on a handset you already own, pairing with Sony's PlayMemories Mobile app via WiFi. The benefits are considerable. The absence of a display allows for a more compact body, improved power efficiency and a lower price tag. The QX100, for example, includes the same optics as Sony's flagship RX100 Mark II, but retails for $500, compared to $750 for its fully equipped counterpart. The QX10 is the more mainstream of the two, with a smaller footprint and an affordable $250 price tag. We focus on this model just below.
Sony's Camera Remote API allows WiFi-equipped devices to control its cameras, act as a second screen
This year's IFA has been rather eventful for Sony: the company unveiled a new handset, some interesting cameras and even a recorder that can turn you into the next Justin Bieber. But lost in the shuffle was an announcement that the Japanese outfit's also releasing its Camera Remote API, albeit in beta. Sony says the idea here is to provide developers with the ability to turn WiFi-ready devices, such as smartphones and tablets, into a companion for many of its shooters -- i.e. act as a second display or be able to shoot images / video remotely. The Camera Remote API will be friendly with novel products including the Action Cam HDR-AS30, HDR-MV1 Music Video Recorder and both DSC-QX lens cameras, as well as older models like the NEX-6, NEX-5R and NEX-5T. This is definitely good news for current and future owners of any of the aforementioned, since the new API can certainly add much more value to Sony's cameras via the third-party app creations that are born from it.
Sony's QX10 and QX100 lens cameras pop up on Amazon, leave few surprises for IFA
Sony won't have many rabbits to pull out of its hat once its big IFA press conference rolls around in a couple of hours. All of its latest camcorders have leaked out thanks to B&H Electronics, and now its rumored QX10 and QX100 'lens cameras' have appeared on Amazon. The Carl Zeiss zoom glass is married to a built in 2/3-inch, 18-megapixel sensor on QX10, while the QX100 has the same 1-inch sensor as the RX100 Mark II. The latter has an f/1.8-f/4.9 lens, while the Q10 has a more pedestrian f/3.3-f/5.9 aperture range. Each attaches to your smartphone via a clip, and will come in silver or black with an SD card slot. Your smartphone will link up via NFC and WiFi, and essentially act as a screen, shutter trigger, backup storage and social-media sharing tool. We also have the all-important price: the QX10 will run $248, while the QX100 is $498. That's quite a sum to spend on an unproven device that doesn't do anything without a smartphone. Then again, the stunning RX100 Mark II is $650, and Samsung's mirrorless Galaxy NX Android camera... well let's not even go there.
Manual leaks for Sony's QX10 and QX100 lens cameras, fills in more pieces of the puzzle
We'll admit to being puzzled by Sony's recently uncovered QX10 and QX100 lens cameras -- how do they work? Thankfully, SonyAlphaRumors has answered some of our questions with a leaked user manual. Both cameras are mostly independent from their mobile hosts, with each getting its own battery and storage. The two should also have their own shutter buttons and zoom levers, although the QX100 adds a ring control to go along with its larger sensor. The manual still doesn't answer questions about price or availability, but there's a chance that Sony will fill in those blanks at its IFA press event next month.
Sony's rumored QX10 and QX100 'lens cameras' pair with your smartphone or tablet, pictured ahead of release
Now this is innovation, folks. Sony's reportedly gearing up to announce a pair of "lens cameras" that attach to your existing smartphone or tablet. The unique devices are said to feature a sensor, processor, zoom lens, WiFi connectivity and an SD card slot, but no display or other typical controls (beyond a zoom toggle and perhaps a shutter release). You'll use your handset or slate to control the lens, adjust framing and transmit images. According to SonyAlphaRumors, the electronics giant is expected to release two models: the DSC-QX10 (pictured above) and the DSC-QX100. The latter will ship with the same 1-inch sensor used with the RX100 Mark II, while the other lens will include a larger 10x focal range and a 1/2.3-inch 18-megapixel CMOS sensor. There's no word on pricing or availability, but with Sony's IFA press conference right around the corner, we'll likely get the full scoop (and hopefully some hands-on time) come September 4th.
