Sony unveils Cybershot QX10 and QX100 camera lenses that clip on to smartphones

An interesting concept, the Cybershot QX10 and QX100 are cameras built into lenses that integrate via Bluetooth with smartphones for unprecedented control and zoom.

Both cameras make use of Sony’s PlayMemories mobile app (available for iOS and Android devices) to connect to your smartphone and turn it into a real-time viewfinder that lets you release the shutter, start and stop recordings, and adjust settings. The app can even be activated with compatible devices using NFC one-touch.

The QX100 features a 1-inch, 20.2MP Exmor R CMOS sensor (which is the same sensor on the Cybershot RX100 II) paired with a fast, wide-aperture Carl Zeiss-Sonnar T lens with 3.6x optical zoom and BIONZ image processor. Meanwhile, the QX10 uses an 18.2 effective megapixel Exmor R CMOS sensor and 10x optical zoom Sony G Lens as well as built-in Optical SteadyShot. 

The QX100 and QX10 lens-style cameras will be available later this month at Sony retail stores and authorized dealers nationwide for approximately $550 and $250, respectively.