In a move that will impact sports action and virtual reality applications, Sony today unveiled their smallest digital camera to date, the Sony DSC-RX0. Rugged, lightweight and very compact, the RX0 is a new kind of waterproof and shockproof camera that is designed for multi-camera, multi-view imaging, and promises fast performance and high-quality image capture.
Using a 1.0-type stacked 15.3MP CMOS sensor and a Zeiss Tessar T* 24mm f/4 wide angle lens, the RX0 is a dwarf compared to previous RX models such as the RX100, but uses the same sized sensor, if not the same sensor, as its larger siblings.
https://youtu.be/blxMlJA6NJ4
All this in a camera that’s not much bigger than a matchbox. Here’s a product overview video provided by Sony:
Key features:
- 1.0 stacked 15.3MP CMOS sensor
- 24mm (35mm equivalent) f/4 Zeiss lens
- Top shutter speed 1/32000 sec
- ISO 125-12800
- Up to 16fps burst rate
- 40x Super Slow Motion
- 4K clean HDMI video output
- Wired or wireless Multi-camera control for multi-view shooting
- Ruggedized construction
- 2.4×1.6×1.2 inches, 3.9 oz
Sony seems to have lept beyond its compact sports cam competitors with the RX0, offering souped-up performance such as 16fps RAW image capture, super slow-motion video capture at up to 250 frames per second in HD or 960fps at lower resolution, and the ability to capture 4K video via HDMI.
While it offers impressive features as a stand-alone still and video action camera, the RX0’s ability to work in tandem with other cameras offers tantalizing possibilities to the VR 360-degree crowd. Using wired or wireless connection, an array of RX0s can be configured around a subject to simultaneously capture it in full-motion in-the-round “bullet time” video footage.
Multi-camera operation is accomplished a variety of ways to film and produce unique content like bullet-time, time-slice and many other unique styles of content creation. Sony’s wireless radio commander, the FA-WRC1M can be used to trigger up to 15 RX0’s simultaneously, while Sony’s PlayMemories Mobile app connects and controls up to five RX0 models via any paired device. Sony says a wireless multi-camera shooting solution capable of connecting additional RX0 units when an access point is used is currently under development with a target release date of January 2018. A camera control box is being developed and will also be released in January 2018.
Serious Video Features
Serious videographers will appreciate the super-slow motion of 960fps, as well as 4K clean HDMI output to an external recorder, as well as MF assist and Peaking. Picture Profile options, S-Log, and Time Code/User Bit features will make multi-camera shoots easier to sync up. A small 1.5-inch, 230,400 dot TFT LCD monitor is in back of the camera body for basic image monitoring. The camera records to Sony’s Memory Stick Micro as well as microSD memory cards.
All of these image capture features are driven by the Exmor RS “stacked” CMOS sensor, which incorporates innovations that have trickled down from Sony’s most advanced cameras. Thanks to its backlit structure, the sensor is able to collect more light for “cleaner” images. Sony says the stacked DRAM memory chip structure allows for fast readout that promotes better performance in many areas, including rapid-fire RAW fps and super slow motion.
The Sony RX0 boasts solid duraluminum construction with no protruding parts for extra protection. Underwater operation is possible to 33 feet and an optional housing that increases the depth tenfold. The camera is also crush proof up to 440 pounds and drop proof to 6.5 meters. This, combined with its pro resolution specs, make it a suitable camera for demanding “crash” video footage that might destroy a less-protected model.
Other features include an Anti-Distortion shutter software, which minimizes motion distortion caused by the rolling shutter. Users can customize the camera so frequently-used settings can be called up quickly. Preset as well as Manual focusing is available, and an Auto Power Off Temperature mode lets you extend the power on time for longer shoots.
Availability
The Sony DSC-RX0 will be available from Adorama in September for . The underwater housing kit will be available for . Pre-orders will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis starting Tuesday, September 5; ship date is expected to be October 17. Credit cards will not be charged until orders are shipped.
