"External camera" for mobile phones

[Ervin Farkas]

It seems like the point and shoot camera is dying a slow death, while mobile phones are taking over that segment of the market. Makes sense, doesn't' it? Why would you want to carry two pieces of equipment when you can carry just one - your cell phone? After all, no one is going out of the house without the cellphone anyway... Talk about convenience - you shoot the picture or video, and instantly post it on Youtube, FB, send it in an email...

So after a few companies experimenting with lenses that attach to the cell phone's existing lens, Sony came out with something different: a "wireless lens" complete with sensor - just attach it to your phone (only physical attachment, no cables to connect - the electrical connection is via WiFi) and you're ready to shoot much higher quality images than your cell phone would shoot. And control it with... that's right, with your cell phone!

DSC-QX100 | DSC QX Series | Overview | DSCQX100B.CE7 | DSCQX100 | Sony

Not bad for a new idea... will it catch on? What do you think?

[Zach Love]

I feel like if it was interchangeable lenses it would have a better chance. As it is right now, it seems like a nice gimic. Great if you really want to upload photos instantly. But by the time you pack this in your bag, you could easily pack a mirrorless camera too. And many mirrorless cameras are shipping with WiFi installed, so you just need an app that transfers photos from the camera to the phone (an extra step, but at least you can upload on the spot).

Also, the sensor size looks like it is a 1" chip. I think it would really need to be APS-C, or at least 4/3" & then this could really take off.