Neil Hughes
New details on Sony's anticipated Bluetooth camera lens accessories, which will be able to use Apple's iOS devices as viewfinders, have been revealed through a leaked product manual, including an integrated microphone and hardware shutter button.
Part of the manual was published on Friday by Sony Alpha Rumors, revealing that Sony apparently plans to release two models: a high-end DSC-QX100, alongside a more basic model dubbed DSC-QX10. Both products will offer the same functionality, but feature different quality lenses.
The QX100 is revealed to have the same internal components as the RX100m2 camera, including a 20.2-megapixel Exmor R sensor and f/1.8 Carl Zeiss lens. The manual says it will include focus ring control, while weighing 179 grams.
The QX10 will have a lower end 18-megapixel CMOS sensor, and an f/3.3-5.9 lens, the same found in the Sony WX150 point-and-shoot camera. It will weigh 105 grams.
Prices for the accessories are unknown, but the RX100MIII sensor and Zeiss lens sell for $600 on Amazon, while the WX150 camera is available for $400.
Aside from the different lenses and inclusion of ring control on the QX100, both lenses will sport many of the same features, including a microphone, display panel for showing battery charge or lack of SD card, a hook for a belt, and a tripod mount. Both will also include a zoom lever, dedicated shutter button, and multifunctional jack.
The lenses are expected to offer compatibility with both Apple's iOS and devices running Google Android. Rather than mounting to the existing camera on an iPhone, as some current accessories do, the Sony lenses will be their own separate cameras that will connect wirelessly to an iOS device, allowing the Apple product to serve as the viewfinder for the higher-quality lens.
The anticipated products were revealed in leaked promotional photos earlier this week. Sony is expected to officially announce the products at a media event scheduled for Sept. 4.
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25 Comments
That sounds exotic!
While I bought a nex-6 because i like the convenience of the anywhere type wifi link to my iPhone, so i can send pics, even for example when out on a boat - i was hoping these lenses would connect to the lightning port of the iPhone - so there would be zero config to do each time
I would seriously consider buying one of these, depending upon reviews.
How about that? A camera case for your phone, but one that's even less drop-proof.
[quote name="Suddenly Newton" url="/t/159081/leaked-manual-reveals-features-of-sonys-upcoming-iphone-compatible-wireless-camera-lenses#post_2381360"]How about that? A camera case for your phone, but one that's even less drop-proof.[/quote] I'm sure Sony has a neck strap accessory for added convenience.