Credit: Sony
Sony Cyber-shot QX "smart lenses" are a truly unique approach to the shortcomings of phone cameras. Most obvious of these shortcomings is absence of optical zoom; ameliorated to a degree by increasing pixel count. With 8 & 12 megapixels now common in smartphone cameras, 2x digital zoom (or cropping after the fact to achieve the same outcome) yields an image in the 2-3 megapixel range which is quite acceptable for many purposes.
Previous approaches to lack of zoom has been add-on lenses, most commonly wide-angle or macro, although occasionally, moderate telephoto. To my knowledge, all of these have been fixed focus; no zoom. Most have been under $100; at such prices, optical quality is not available.
Another problem with phone cameras is small sensor size. Small size is a major design parameter of mobile (cell) phones. This has included such measures as replacing mini USB with Micro USB, & restricting battery size & so runtime. Camera sensor size has been another casualty. Why is this a problem? All other things being equal, small sensor size leads to poor low-light performance & noisy images.
Finally, any add on lens to date has been a single phone solution, due to the need to optically align the add on with the phone lens. Add on lenses also restrict, or eliminate the possibility of fitting a case to the camera: a deal breaker for some.
Sony's Cyber-shot QX10 & QX100 "smart lenses" are a real thinking outside the square solution to the problems listed above. Part of the creativity of the solution is hinted at by the quotes around "smart lenses", above. These are not just lenses, they are complete cameras: complete at least, apart from a viewfinder. Viewfinder capability is provided by the screen of the attached smartphone. Because they are cameras in their own right, optical alignment is not necessary. As a result, these lenses can be used with any Android or iOS phone they can be physically clamped to. This means almost any recent model smartphone or tablet, including Kindle. Actually, clamping to the body of the phone isn't necessary, as the interface is via WiFi. This brings up a further benefit of the "smart lens" format: remote shutter release (up to 10 metres) is inherent in the design.
Final part of the solution is the 2 "smart lens" models:
QX10: cheaper model, smaller sensor (18.2mp, 1/2.3"), 10x zoom — aimed at a less serious photographer who values low price & more zoom.
http://www.pocket-lint.com/review/123782-sony-cyber-shot-qx10-review
http://www.engadget.com/2013/09/18/sony-qx10-review/
QX100: more expensive, aimed at a more serious photographer who understands the improved image quality afforded by a larger, 1 inch, 20 megapixel sensor & f1.8 aperture, 3.6x zoom, Carl Zeis lens. Also must be able to accept the substantially higher price.
http://www.ephotozine.com/article/sony-cyber-shot-qx100-hands-on-preview-22740 / based base Sony Cyber-shot WX200 small Smart Lens unit feature festures 18.2 megapixel backlit CMOS sensor 10x optical zoom lens image stabilisation stabilization built in Wi-Fi near field communication NFC lens camera unit connect any compatible smartphone smart phone device tablet remote operation photo viewing Sony research suggested top 3 issues smartphone photographers include optical zoom image stabilization low light performance 77% smartphone users saying primary use photography provide solution problems inherent smartphone photography Sony has developed develop development Smart Lens system any smartphone Android iOS compatible Kindle other tablets using camera another device as the remote control touch auto focus auto-focus AF Wi-Fi working 10m meter metre meters metres Smart Lens built in one touch connection NFC Smart Lens work with devices connect over Wi-Fi networking Sony Cyber-shot QX10 key features 18.2mp 1/2.3" type BSI CMOS Exmor R better low-light low light performance 10x zoom 25-250mm equivalent full HD Video MP4 NFC Wi-Fi stereo mic Micro SD M2 memory card slot white black transferring transfer images image full resolution images image stored memory card smartphone images transferred 2 megapixels by default full size set up setup camera link transfer images smartphone work without memory card store images directly on the smartphone battery life camera rated 110 minutes 220 photos, with the camera using an N series battery from standard Sony Cyber-shot cyber shot battery can be charged in the camera USB removable charge optional charger physically connected phone used separate camera screen smartphone viewing live view remotely see taking photos connected upgraded Sony Play memories Mobile App available improved number options over previous versions iA Superior Auto Program Auto Aperture Priority QX100 copy connected device white balance self timer self-timer focus mode MF AFS image size preview setting review image size beep setting format movie photo exposure compensation +/-3 app lets you change settings using the touch-screen QX100 QX10 feature tripod socket small LCD display show battery life shutter release zoom control adjustable attachment provided hold lens smartphone work with any smartphone certain size attachment work tablets lens locks into place attachment small button unlock detach detached Sony Xperia Z optional special attachment smartphone more neatly attach Smart Lens unit soft carrying case available storage /
