Replacing film with digital sensor technology has sure reinvented photography over the years, but while the technology makes it quicker and easier to see what you’ve shot, the form-factor hasn’t changed dramatically, and that’s where Sony would like to shake things up.
Announced at the German equivalent to the Consumer Electronics Show, Sony’s reinterpreted way of viewing the digital camera is to take the camera and remove the body, making your smartphone the new body for that camera.
Compatible with devices running both iOS and Android, the Sony QX series of digital cameras is actually made up of small lenses with sensors built inside, as well the ability to connect to your smartphone using WiFi and Near-Field Communication.
With that technology employed, a smartphone turns into a big viewfinder for a QX lens-styled camera, and while the lens can be held against the smartphone to work, it’s not required, and you can actually move the lens away from the phone as long as it stays wireless connected to shoot.
There will be two distinct models of this new style of camera to start, with the QX10 featuring a 10x optical lens and optical image stabilisation on a 18.2 megapixel sensor, while the QX100 brings with 20.2 megapixels and a Carl Zeiss lens with 3.6x optical zoom and optical image stabilisation.
Both are capable of shooting HD video, and will even come with some of the auto settings seen on Sony’s other digital cameras, with the QX100 even including a dedicated ring for manual focus and quick zoom.
Pricing and release details have been made available, with the products set to hit Australia in mid-October, retailing for $279 for the QX10 and $599 for the QX100. Accessories will be made available too, including carrying cases and attachment cases designed to work with Sony’s own range of smartphones, if you do have one.
