Sony DSC-QX100 Smartphone Attachable Lens-Style Camera - BUNDLE - with 16GB micro SDHC Card, Table Top Tripod, and New Leaf 3 Year (Drops & Spills) Extended Warranty

2017-09-06T20:00:00

This used to work well during the first few months then suddenly started disconnecting from my phone a lot. I switched from Apple to Sony and bought an Experia Z3 and teh connection seemed to be stronger. Then the connection started to take way too long to happen, after waiting for connection to occur, I'd take a shot and then I'd be stuck waiting and waiting for the image to process. That would be followed by disconnection where I'd have to repeat that long boring procedure. Also, I would receive alert messages telling me about updates and I thought that would help but, when I'd log into my Sony account and go through the motions, the update would actually show that I did it already a year an a half ago. But, I still receive messages on my Play Memories app telling me to update?? Frustrating and feels like such a waste because this little camera takes amazing photos. (when it works)

jinvan

Originally posted at

2015-05-09T20:00:00

Carl Ziess best optic ever

johanngpro

Originally posted at

2015-01-24T19:00:00

I have owned the QX100 since Amazon first started shipping them in late September 2013. I've held off on reviewing the device in the hopes that Sony would fix the issues plaguing this device with a firmware update, but they have not. First things first - the image quality of this camera is spectacular. The concept of using a phone as a remote viewfinder is also a great idea. However, when Sony decided to make a product based solely on the PlayMemories Mobile remote viewfinder/control offered by many of the Nex/Alpha cameras, they forgot to do an analysis of what critical camera functions were not implemented by the protocol. As a result, the QX100 is massively crippled. 1) It is still, more than a year after release, not possible to delete photos/videos from the camera's SD card without attaching the camera via USB to a PC. The ability to delete bad photos in the field is a basic feature present in ANY digital camera since the beginning of the digital camera - except for this one! This alone merited a full star getting knocked off. 2) The device's concept implies it's for people who want to rapidly share photos/videos. For such purposes, people are likely to want to take reduced-resolution videos to save bandwidth. The QX100 forces 1080p recording - no option for 720p or 480p recording. 3) The device's firmware, even after multiple updates, is highly unstable. The camera frequently hangs, requiring it to be power-cycled before the Android app can connect to it. Even if it doesn't hard-lock, it frequently stutters for a few seconds at a time. The stuttering includes when you are attempting to transfer a photo after a shot. Transferring photos is slow and prone to freezing unless you switch the camera into browse mode. On my last vacation, I wound up using my phone's camera almost exclusively because the QX100 was simply too unreliable. Another star gone just due to this 4) The camera has evidence of Wifi Direct support, which would allow apps to connect to it without rendering the existing network interfaces (main wifi, cell radio) unusable, and would allow more rapid connections by the app. If issued a group invite from the Android Wifi Direct settings, the camera will start beeping in response, and the invite can be accepted by a long-press on the shutter. However, once the Wifi Direct group pairing is complete, it's not possible to use it. The app insists on switching the phone's wifi connection to the AP provided by the camera. 5) Sensors and optics of an RX100 II, $500 price, but still no manual exposure controls!!!!! 6) No autobracketing support. It appears that in certain circumstances in Superior Auto mode, the camera will generate an HDR image by bracketing multiple exposures and blending them (you can hear multiple shutter clicks), but it's difficult to determine WHEN the camera will do this. As a result, the camera is extremely hit-or-miss in high contrast scenes - it does great if it decides to turn on its HDR mode, but very poorly when it doesn't. There is no way for a user to force the scene mode, they can only accept what Superior Auto decides is best for them. Usually, Superior Auto's decision here is poor. Despite all these major flaws, there hasn't been a firmware update for the camera since Spring 2014. In addition to the two major issues that were each worth knocking off a star on their own, all of the other issues/annoyances with the camera merit another star getting knocked off, leaving only two stars remaining out of five.

Entropy512

Originally posted at

2014-09-15T20:00:00

Love the fact that you could use it your smartphone device and get a tremendous picture quality thanks to C. Zeiss lens on a very easy set up without having to carry a bulky camera.

LenteLoko

Originally posted at

2014-08-16T20:00:00

I bought the QX100 1 month ago, I wanted a portable good quality camera. Pros: The 3.0 firmware is a good advance, still some features missing like RAW, 1/3 rule grid and panorama and burst. But so far I do like it. I do like the camera overall, nice low light snaps, beautiful colors, nice and creamy bokhe. 17 seconds to set up and start with my Xperia Z1. Lightweight. Nicely made. Cons: I just noticed that my camera have a dirt in the sensor. At max zoom a hair is clearly visible in the low right corner. It is now at service, I do hope they replace it, because a sensor clean up is almost impossible. If Sony make a new firmware update with the items listed above it will be a great camera. Be sure to test the camera at full zoom on a clear and well illuminated surface to check for dirt at sensor. It is 2 stars until I have back my camera from service.

Gusarp

Originally posted at

2014-05-21T20:00:00

This is a great device. Photo quality is excellent. Wifi connection to my iPhone is solid. However, the firmware and software needs update to incorporate features that are deemed common in today's camera or smartphone camera apps, namely: 1) Control of the phone's flash. 2) Ability to shoot panoramic and boost mode. 3) Display of the camera's data such as battery status 4) Display on photos date and histogram 5) Ability to play/review videos stored on the SD card using the phone. 6) Ability to edit and delete photos/videos stored on the SD card using the phone 7) streaming of the photos and videos stored on the camera SD card to TV via the phone. As of now, the features are quite limited; it is lacking compared to programs/controls that are available in a regular camera or a regular camera app on our phones. This is an innovative design but needs better software to make it 5 stars.

Ruby123

Originally posted at

2014-03-21T20:00:00

I won't bore you. This is a major subset of the RX100ii. It can go were no one (camera) has gone before - on the leash of your iPhone. BUT, Sony PLEASE add raw. Then it gets five stars. There isn't anything out there at that price/image point. Keep up the good work Sony Digital. BUT ....raw, raw. raw...

Tgar

Originally posted at

2014-03-14T20:00:00

I want to buy one but i was wondering will a second version come out this year. Please i need to know before i put 500$ on this baby

Marc24

Originally posted at

2014-01-15T19:00:00

Sony did very nice advertising campaigns but the this product is far away from what they show, photography should be easy not complicated as qx100

zorangelev

Originally posted at

2014-01-01T19:00:00

I recently purchased the new QX100 and have been using it for the past few days. My impressions of the lens is really good and works great with an iPhone. There is a little lag in the picture, but worked better than I thought. I was worried that I was going to be disappointed with the connection because it would not be as fast as the NFC connection, but when I went to the store to try the lens out I actually thought that the iPhone connection was quicker.

tae12345

Originally posted at

2013-12-03T19:00:00

If this camera had 1920x1080/60p I would buy it in a heartbeat for double the price. 1440x1080/30p is so 2010.

RSM1988

Originally posted at

2013-11-21T19:00:00

This Camera would get the full five stars for the camera alone, and another full five stars for the idea... But and it is a big but... The interface is very weak, I do hope that it is still in development I can't even use the camera to do a panorama shot in camera. My mobile phone can certainly handle the processing as it does it itself. Aside from that there is very little difference between auto, super intelligent auto and program modes (program only shows Auto) That aside the pictures are great and keeping the screen off camera allows for some serious creativity if only the application was as capable. Thanks Sony but please work on the app.

Pic4Pic

Originally posted at

2013-11-04T19:00:00

Sounded like an interesting way to blend high quality phtography with a smartphone. I am frustrated by the interface. The camera is super good. Clear. Very good automatic settings that recognize specific shooting situations and make the proper camera settings automatically. Specifically, the ability to deal with high contrast situations is amazing. The connection to the phone is a disaster. Cumbersome to actually attach the camera to the phone. The agonizingly slow process of establishing a WiFi connection. The dropping of the WiFi connection if there is any significant time span between shots. The clunky shape of the camera attached to the phone makes it impossible to just stuff it in your pocket between shooting sessions. The phone timing out and dropping the connection. Lastly, no flash. Really! No flash!

theguy

Originally posted at

2013-10-06T20:00:00

I was one of the first to order the new Sony DSC-QX100 lens camera. I thought the concept seemed great, essentially improving upon the resolution, sensor capabilities of the built-in smartphone camera with a beautiful optical zoom lens. I have been somewhat disappointed by several things that I believe are all "fixable" via a firmware update. First of all, whenever I switch orientation of the lens from landscape to portrait, I experience a lock-up on my smartphone (an iPhone 5). I have to go out of the app and relaunch it or restart the iPhone entirely. This is perhaps the most vexing thing about the QX100 at present. I can live with the slow startup process (turning the lens on, finding the Wi-Fi connection, and launching the app). I cannot live with the "crashes." I also believe a RAW mode and manual mode should be available to provide full capabilities of the wonderful 1" EXMOR sensor and Carl Zeiss lens. As mentioned, I believe a firmware update can be instituted to incorporate this. I will continue to field test the lens camera, but I am disheartened by the issues mentioned earlier. Oh, and while I understand there might be wi-fi signal issues involved, it seems a shame that the lens could not have been constructed of aluminum. The plastic just feels disappointingly cheap to me, especially in comparison to my iPhone 5. On the plus side, the image quality is superb. I get beautiful bokeh from the large sensor that frankly exceeded my expectations. Also, the ability to separate the lens camera from the smartphone as a sort of remote viewfinder has some wonderful possibilities for selfies, wildlife photography, etc. Sony, please fix these issues soon. I WANT to like this lens camera desperately. The idea is a good one. It just needs some refinement to fulfill its promise.

sgseko

Originally posted at

2013-10-06T20:00:00

Great pictures and color quality. When with the apple iphone, the app is buggy at best. freezes. I would hope Sony fixes the connectivity issues soon. If i based the review on camera paired with phone it would be returned immediately. I am still in hopes that this is only software related.

Concerned1

Originally posted at

2013-10-06T20:00:00

That's very good idea! Because no matter what kind the phone,still can use it. But the QX100 still has two big problem, 1. If somewhere alot of ppl using wifi or wireless stuff, the QX100 will easy disconnect. 2. Sometime the cell phone couldn't catch up the speed, then will lag/freeze the screen. After all the QX100 is perfect.

Sonyfamily2001

Originally posted at

2013-10-03T20:00:00

So far I am finding this a very cool device to use. Wifi connection is a bit slow but once it connects it is very fast. The image quality is really superb! Thanks Sony for making a great add on for smartphones.

photobug22

Originally posted at

2013-10-02T20:00:00

The camera takes great photos, no question, but the App for the iPhone leaves a lot to be desired. It almost leaves the camera unusable. In fact, I may have to return it if the App doesn't improve. It constantly freezes while using it causing me to shut down the app and restart it (painful). Come on Sony, you can do better than this surely.

EAdopt

Originally posted at

2013-09-29T20:00:00

Smartphone camera is an amazing new idea. Lens itself is super. Android software needs more documentation as well as features but the basics are there, and I am looking forward to much anticipated software improvements. Strangers kept coming up to me on the weekend as they recognized I was using an unusual new device and they thought the concept was brilliant

CdnBlewsman

Originally posted at

2013-09-29T20:00:00

This is a good lens with good image quality. The depth of field for close up shot is awesome. But !! The software for iOS crash very often!! The connecting time with iPhone 5S is slow, you are not able to use it right away with iPhone 5S after you power it up. I am not sure about how long it's going to take through NFC. It's only good for taking self / group picture without asking other people's help or when you have a lot of time to wait for your phone link with the lens. Another downside is your cell phone battery will drop very fast. You need external power bank for your cell phone if you play them very often (Battery for lens does not drop fast). If Sony can make it link with cell phone faster and software not crash often, this will make it more useful.

PoTsun

Originally posted at

2013-09-28T20:00:00

First let me say that I love the idea that Sony is breaking ground with this novel camera. I think that is great. Since the camera has the same components as the Sony RX 100 II it should have the ability to take wonderful pictures and in many cases it does. With that said, there are are areas that could be improved 1. The PlayMemories software is not stable in iOS7. It is not uncommon to have the software freeze and the only solution is the quit the app and restart it. On a recent 35 minute walk (with the camera on) I had to restart the software 5 times. 2. This camera's hardware is capable of doing awesome things which is reflected by its high price. Why are the control options so crippled? Sony point and shoots are more customizable. Please give us an advanced option so we can adjust PSAM and ISO... PLEASE! It would also be nice to give users the option to shoot in RAW. The folks buying this camera are likely more experienced shooters. For those who just want a better camera than their cell phone there is the QX10. 3. I know that this can't happen with the QX100 but if there ever is a QX101 please consider some sort of flash. So useful, even if it is being used as a fill light. Again, I would like to complement Sony on taking this bold and creative step. A few simple tweeks could turn a novelty into a classic.

SavingSavvy

Originally posted at

2013-09-26T20:00:00

The only way to access the QX100 is via the PlayMemories Mobile app on the iPhone. The app is a generic app to connect WiFi enabled Sony cameras and there are no specific settings to change for the QX100. Thus, the QX100 pictures taken on the first day used was always dated 1/1/2013. Seems like there is no way to change the date on the QX100 module since cannot access the camera via any other means. Also, options are VERY limited in terms of ISO, Macro, etc. NO options at all in the app, basically!

SonyQX100user

Originally posted at

2013-09-26T20:00:00

The picture quality is fantastic. I love having my iPhone 5S as the view screen. I would like a firmware update to improve the wifi connectivity and reduce the lag.

cjb65

Originally posted at

2013-09-25T20:00:00

As a NEX-7 owner, and advanced amateur, I loved the concept of a DSLR quality camera that will couple with my i-phone. There is significant delay in the response of the cell phone screen to what the camera is " seeing". This impairs the ability to take action shots. The play memories mobile app puts the camera functions on the cell phone screen, but I could not find any way to choose ISO ratings, or various custom shooting modes such as beach, night portrait, sports, etc. I could find no definitions of the "intelligent auto" or "superior auto" shooting modes. There is no explanation anywhere as to whether the shutter speed is adjustable. There is no detailed manual, only a quick start guide. I suppose I was expecting the adjustablity of a DSLR, and maybe it exists, but I can't figure out how to get to it.

tedp

Originally posted at

2013-09-25T20:00:00

Just received this great product (great on paper) yesterday ... played with it with my new iPhone 5s running iOS7 .... - wifi network used to connect to the device drops every few seconds - date does not get synchronized with the phone .. so all photos appear to be taken on 1/1/'13 - settings do not stick ... I set the device to transfer photos at their original size every time ... but have to do this again after every single power-on of the device... I own a lot of iPhone accessories, and most manufacturers provided firmware updates and app updates ahead of the iOS7 launch (developer version of iOS7 has been available for 3 months now!!). Why can't Sony do the same? Particularly funny as this camera launched just a few days after the iPhone 5s, like if Sony wanted to position it as THE new accessory to own with a new iPhone ... Quite disappointing ...

DomB

Originally posted at

2013-09-24T20:00:00

My BF bought this for me, it's great! the picture is very clear, and very fashion!

Pauline1226

Originally posted at

2013-09-15T20:00:00

It is best Idea. This product very portable device. just a little pricey :( Thanks sony engineers.

Burhan07

Originally posted at