AppleInsider Staff
Sony this week issued firmware updates for its QX10 and QX100 wireless iPhone-controlled camera lenses, bringing higher ISO speeds and full high definition 1080p video recording support in the MP4 format to both models.
Firmware version 2.00 raises the max ISO from 1600 to ISO 3200 for the low-end Qx10 camera, while the high-end QX100 has been boosted from ISO 3200 to ISO 12800.
The wireless lenses also support full HD video recording in MP4 format with a resolution of 1,920 by 1080 pixels at 30 frames per second. In addition, the QX100 update also grants it a new Shutter Speed Priority shooting mode, granting users direct access control to shutter speed.
Firmware updaters for both the QX10 and QX100 are both available direct from Sony, and are compatible with both OS X and Windows. Availability of the new firmware versions for Sony's lenses was first reported by Xperia Blog.
Last year, AppleInsider reviewed both the QX10, which sells for $249, and the QX100, which is available for $499. The Cyber-shot lenses performed well, but we found that the hardware was held back by shaky software developed by Sony.
The devices connect to Apple's iPhone via Wi-Fi direct, and are then controlled by the handset. The iPhone also acts as a live viewfinder for the accessory, while the lens can be clipped to the back of the iPhone or even positioned and controlled remotely.
The defining feature of the QX10 is a 10X optical zoom that goes well beyond what the native iPhone camera can accomplish, while QX100 sports a 1-inch Exmor CMOS sensor and a Carl Zeiss lens. Both devices save photos and videos to a microSD card, but content can be transferred from the camera to the iPhone for editing and sharing on the go.
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12 Comments
Good news. I want a QX100 for its unique features. Good to see that it must be a going concern, otherwise why upgrade it?
I love the idea, but as long as the lens connects to the iPhone via WiFi Direct, its a non-starter. Too much lag and set up time. No reason these can't use Bluetooth LE. Also (if I remember correctly) you can only use it with the crappy Sony app. It has to be usable with any photo enabled app to be of any value.
I love the idea, but as long as the lens connects to the iPhone via WiFi Direct, its a non-starter. Too much lag and set up time. No reason these can't use Bluetooth LE.
Also (if I remember correctly) you can only use it with the crappy Sony app. It has to be usable with any photo enabled app to be of any value.
I'm looking at what's useful about it and ignoring the weaknesses. I want to use it mainly on a tripod for landscapes and static subjects. The usefulness I see is the remote control via an iPad, mini or full-size. The camera can be low or with sun to its back, or pointing down at the subject on the floor, and I'll be able to be in a comfortable position, sitting, shaded, under an umbrella, viewing the scene through a hood over the iPad, etc., and pop the shot when it's ready. I'm getting a quality Zeiss lens and a 20MP sensor for $500. That's not too shabby. And it's not a lot of equipment to lug around.
I love the idea, but as long as the lens connects to the iPhone via WiFi Direct, its a non-starter. Too much lag and set up time. No reason these can't use Bluetooth LE.
Also (if I remember correctly) you can only use it with the crappy Sony app. It has to be usable with any photo enabled app to be of any value.
Bluetooth LE would be far to slow to display the video on the screen of the iOS device as well as for file transfers.
Still aint worth it.