This post was published 10 years ago. Due to the rapidly evolving world of technology, some material it contains may no longer be applicable.
When Sony took the stage at IFA they showed us a couple of new additions to their range of clip on camera sensors and lenses which allow you to take really nice pictures using your smartphone.
The QX1 and QX30 join the existing QX10 and QX100. The first edition (the QX1) features compatibility with Sony’s interchangeable E-mount and A-mount (with an adapter) lenses and it sports an APS-C Exmor CMOS sensor with a 20.1 megapixel resolution. It also includes Sony’s Bionz X image processor which helps produce better low light shots.
The latter (the QX30), has a massive zoom factor of x60 (greater than any previous QX-series accessory). It also features optical image stabilisation, lock-on AF and can capture video in full HD at 60fps. This would make it ideal for action shots and footage.
The QX-series are still a very unique proposition so it is good to see Sony’s continued support of the line. We are not sure they are something that most people need but they sure are pretty cool from a technological standpoint. They represent an interesting alternative to the “smart cameras” launched by Samsung and Nikon.
Perhaps in the future everyone who wants a high-end camera will buy an accessory like this form rather than a full-bodied DSLR. It would certainly have many advantages, however we don’t think too many people will be ditching their current snappers for these just yet.
