Last month a report from often reliable sources claimed that Sony was readying a new Carl Zeiss camera lens with a 20.2 MP sensor that would attach onto a smartphone and connect over WiFi or NFC. Today, SonyAlphaRumors is back with more details on the new products and this time has high-quality images of the upcoming “Lens-camera” accessory with what appear to be leaked press shots.
What you see on these images are the DSC-QX10 and DSC-QX100 lenses. Actually these are not normal lenses! They have built-in sensor, Bionz processor, Wifi/NFC wireless connection and SD card slot. These lenses have no LCD screen and no usual camera controls. You will be able to control them through your smart phone or tablet.
The report claims that Sony will be launching two models “soon”, one with a RX100MII sensor and Zeiss lens, and another that features a “10xzoom lens with 1/2,3 inch 18 megapixel CMOS sensor” (pictured in the image with the f/3,3-5.9 lens). It also says the camera lens will be available for both Android and iOS devices. 
In it’s previous report, the site claimed that you’ll be able to mount the lens on a smartphone, but also use it separately, and that Sony would be making a companion app available to power the experience. The Sony camera that includes the same RX100MII sensor and Zeiss lens sells for around $750, so this accessory might be priced higher than many of the other camera lens attachments on the market. The report didn’t provide any details on pricing, however.
More images below:
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I like the concept. How it works in the real world is another story. I’ll be watching for this product.
This is awesome, adds a lot of value to iPhone, let alone the iPad (and using it with iPhoto)
It might be interesting, but it doesn’t look like much of a space savings. Where I see it being most useful is detached if it allows for it – for example, getting a high view but still see what your shot is.
For 750 you can buy a lot of camera, which I bet will be a lot easier to use.
Very cool! I am a professional, been photographing seriously for 50 years, and the Sony RX100 is the most pleasurable pro-quality camera I have ever used. Sony and Fuji are really pushing boundaries with their new and revolutionary products, kind of leaving the other companies in the dust.