Sony Lens Cameras Reboot: QX30 And E-Mount QX1

IFA brings the Sony Lens Camera back to center stage this week with two new models: QX30 and QX1. These machines attach to your smartphone or tablet – or work on their own – as high-powered cameras in their own right. Attached to your smartphone, they've got their display in the Sony PlayMemories Mobile app – on the own your blind with a top notch lens that's able to take photos and video.

These Lens-style Cameras attach to your iPhone or Android device with version 5.0 of the Sony PlayMemories Mobile app. They'll connect to your device with a single tap if you've got a smartphone or tablet with NFC. If not, it's only a matter of finding and syncing with Bluetooth.

The QX1 model works with a-mount system lenses – Sony makes special note that you will need a Mount Adapter when attached with a-mount lenses, of course. This device also works with Sony's range of E-mount lenses, (as shown above), bringing on zoom, wide-angle, portrait, and a variety of other features depending on the lens you choose.

You can use this camera's built-in 20.1 megapixel APS-C size Exmor CMOS sensor as well, taking advantage of the newest BIONZ X image processor from Sony. This device will be sold for $400 USD and will be available worldwide in November.

With the Lens-Style camera QX30, you're working with a 1/2.3" (7.82mm) Exmor R CMOS 21.1 megapixel sensor. You'll have a Sony G 11-element lens with 30x optical zoom, F3.5 (W) – 6.3 (T), and focal length 4.3 – 129mm.

While you won't be able to replace the lens with this device (unlike the QX1), the QX30 still works with a BIONZ X image processor and microSD storage capabilities.

*NOTE: Both Lens-type cameras work with microSD card slots with up to 64GB cards.

This camera is also able to shoot Full HD (1080p) video at 60p frame rate as well as continuous photos at up to 10fps. The QX30 will be available this September for around $350 USD from Sony and through authorized detailers worldwide.