New Sony Cameras

Sony has addressed the rapidly dwindling market for point-and-shoot cameras in a novel way. They have introduced the Q10 and Q100 cameras that work with the smartphones that are trouncing simple cameras. It’s a classic example of “if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em”.

The new cameras work with an iPhone or an Android phone and provide the user with a MUCH better lens and sensor than the one in the phone. Connections are with WiFi for the lesser capable iPhones and near field connectivity (NFC) for the much more powerful and useful Android phones.

Physically, here’s how they work. Either lens can be attached to your smartphone via an adjustable, spring-loaded bracket. The bracket is designed to accommodate phones between 2.12 to 2.91 inches wide, which includes most phones with a display of 5 inches or less.

But you actually don’t need to attach the lens to your phone at all. You can hold it separately in your hand or even mount it to a tripod for steadier shots. All you have to do is remain within around 10-15 feet of the lens for it to connect to your phone. You can even use it completely independent of your phone if you choose, since each lens has its own shutter release and memory card slot, but you’ll be sacrificing the digital viewfinder of your phone’s display.