Sony to Update Both QX Lens Cameras in January, Will Play Nicer in the Dark
Fans of Sony’s QX10 and QX100 lens cameras — you know, the ones that use your smartphone as a controller/LCD but pack all of the important bits in an external unit — have reason to rejoice today, because it looks like there’s a major update coming to both versions.
For those who missed our previous coverage of the QX10 and QX100, they’re basically a lens, sensor and processor all packed into something that looks like no more than a lens. That lens, then, attaches to your smartphone, which controls the hardware using Sony’s PlayMemories App.
The QX10 is the smaller model, offering 18.2MP of resolution out of a 1/2.3-inch sensor packed inside a 10x, f/3.3-5.9 lens. The QX100 is the beefier, more capable model, and it’s basically an RX100II: a 20.2MP 1-inch sensor housed inside a 3.6x Carl Zeiss® Vario-Sonnar T* f/1.8-4.9 lens.
Both of those models now have a firmware update coming their way that promises to boost low-light capability, video quality and sports shooting ability (QX100 only) come January. And, if that’s not enough, the PlayMemories app itself will also get a hearty refresh.
The gist of the firmware updates is this: maximum ISO capability for the QX10 and QX100 increases to 3,200 and 12,800, respectively; both will now be able to handle shooting widescreen 1080p video; and the QX100 will complete its repertoire of manual controls by adding shutter priority mode.
The PlayMemories app will also see improvements. Namely, both iOS and Android users will now be able to review the photos they take, while iOS users should see a big speed improvement that allows you to connect with WiFi enabled Sony cameras up to twice as fast (Android users will have to wait until spring for the speed enhancements).
The PlayMemories update is already live on iTunes and Google Play, so go ahead and pick up your free copy or run your updates to see the latest and greatest there. However, you’ll have to wait until January for the firmware updates.
(via Engadget)
