The new device will enhance your smartphone photography

Sep 4, 2014 08:04 GMT  ·  By
Sony ICLE-QX1 E-Mount Interchangeable lens camera attached to a smartphone
20 photos
   Sony ICLE-QX1 E-Mount Interchangeable lens camera attached to a smartphone

A few days before IFA 2014 started in Berlin, the first images of Sony’s ILCE-QX1 interchangeable lens style camera for smartphones have been leaked in all their glory.

And this week, among smartphones and tablets, the company took the opportunity to unveil this peculiar photo snapper that looks like a lens.

Before we tell you a little bit about the experience we had with the device, we’ll first dive into the technical specifications.

The ILCE-QX1 takes advantage of a 20.1MP APS-C type Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor working hand in hand with a BIONZ X image sensor.

It comes bundled with a built-in flash (GN4 in meters at ISO 100) and offers the capability of shooting 1080p (meaning 1920 x 1080) video recording at 30fps.

The brand new ICLE-QX1 is compatible with a whole wide range of storage cards including Memory Stick Micro / Memory Stick Micro Mark 2 and Micro SD/SDHC/SDXC Memory Card (Class 4 or Higher).

The camera takes advantage of a 1020mAh Sony NP-FW50 rechargeable battery, but the producing company doesn't tell us how long before you will have to pop in for another recharge.

It should be noted that the device is capable of shooting RAW image files. Also, if you’re in a dark room or just somewhere inside, you’ll still be able to shoot thanks to the pop-up flash.

The camera will be made available only with the E-mount, so if you want more, you will have to get the lens separately. Sony throws in a bunch of accessories as well, in the form of the LCS-QXA Case and Strap Kit, but you’ll need to take more cash out of your pocket in order to enjoy them both.

To be clear, you can attach this lens-style camera to the smartphone, but you can also use it separately. The gear is a little bit heavier than the smartphone per se (we compared to a Sony one) and weighs 216 g / 0.47 lbs, while its dimensions are 74 x 69.5 x 52.5 mm / 2.9 x 2.7 x 2.06 inches.

The cool part is that you can sync the camera to your smartphone and then detach it and film panoramas and basically gain more control on filming per se. Surely, the feat will come in handy for selfie-lovers.

We also noticed the lack of blur, despite us moving the device back and forth intentionally. The Sony ICLE-QX1 interchangeable lens style camera is already up for pre-order in the US and can be yours for $399 / €304. Expect the first batch to start shipping out later this month.

Sony ICLE-QX1 E-Mount Interchangeable Lens Camera (20 Images)

Sony ICLE-QX1 E-Mount Interchangeable lens camera attached to a smartphone
Sony ICLE-QX1 E-Mount Interchangeable lens camera attached to a smartphoneSony ICLE-QX1 E-Mount Interchangeable lens camera on its own
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