The Sony QX30 is a camera module meant for use with smartphones.
You will need to download a Sony PlayMemories Mobile App for the QX30 and smartphone to pair up via wifi which is simple enough to do
Range when paired is approximately 6-8m
When an image is shot, a JPEG will automatically be saved into the smartphone while the full resolution image will be saved on the QX30 ..... which accepts a MICRO SD card
Specs are as follows from Sony's website
Catch every part of the action in stunning clarity with 30x optical zoom from the Sony G Lens
Experience all the quality of a high-end camera with its 20.4MP Exmor™ R CMOS sensor
Track fast-moving subjects accurately with lock-on AF, so no detail can escape your frame
Shoot smoother, zero camera shake movies with ease with Optical Steadyshot
Capture sensationally beautiful images on the move in amazingly clear Full HD movies
See every detail with the BIONZ X image processor that reproduces textures and details faithfully in real time
Sensor Type 1/2.3 type (7.82mm) Exmor R CMOS sensor
Number of gross pixels Approx. 21.1 mega pixels
Number of effective pixels Approx. 20.4 mega pixels
Lens Type Sony G, 11 elements in 10 groups (including 5 aspheric elements)
F-number (Maximum Aperture) F3.5 (W) - 6.3 (T)
Iris Diaphragm 5 blades
Focal Length (f = ) f=4.3-129mm
35mm format equivalent (Still Image3:2) f=25-750mm
35mm format equivalent (Still Image4:3) f=24-720mm
35mm format equivalent (Still Image16:9) f=26-780mm
35mm format equivalent (Still Image1:1) f=28.5-855mm
35mm format equivalent (Movie16:9) f=26.5-1080mm
Focus Range (from the front of the lens) iAuto: AF (W: Approx. 5cm to Infinity, T: Approx. 200cm to Infinity)/ Program Auto: AF (W: Approx. 5cm to Infinity, T: Approx. 200cm to Infinity)
Optical Zoom 30x
Imaging Processor yes (BIONZ X)
SteadyShot Optical
Optical SteadyShot Active Mode (for Movie) Yes (Optical type with electronic compensation)
Focus Mode Single-shot AF, Touch AF
Focus Area Multi Point AF
Light Metering Mode Multi Pattern
Exposure Compensation +/- 2.0 EV, 1/3 EV step
Exposure Control Yes
ISO Sensitivity (Still Image) ISO80-3200(iAuto), ISO80-12800 *3 (Superior Auto), Auto/80/100/200/400/800/1600/3200(Program Auto), Auto/80/100/200/400/800/1600/3200(Aperture Priority), Auto/80/100/200/400/800/1600/3200(Shutter Priority) *2
ISO Sensitivity (Movie) Auto: (ISO80-1000 level)
Minimum Illumination(Movie) Auto: 10lux (Shutter Speed 1/15)
White Balance Mode Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Fluor.: Cool White, Fluor.: Day White, Fluor.: Daylight, Incandescent
Shutter Speed iAuto (1/1600 - 4)/ Program Auto (1/1600 - 1)/ Aperture Priority (1/1600 - 8)/ Shutter Priority (1/1600 - 30) *4
Aperture iAuto(F3.5-F6.3(W))/ Program Auto(F3.5-F6.3(W) )/ Aperture Priority(F3.5-F8.0(W))/ Shutter Priority(F3.5-F6.3(W))
Image Control Quality(Fine/ Standard)
Dynamic Range Functions Dynamic Range Optimizer
Shooting Mode Superior Auto, Intelligent Auto, Program Auto, Aperture Priority, Shutter Speed Priority, Movie Mode
Continuous Shooting Speed (maximum) (Maximum number of recoded pixels) Approx. 10 fps (for up to 10 shots) *5
Self-Timer 10sec./ 2sec.
Drive modes Single/Continuous shooting
Number of Recognized Scene Still Image: (Superior Auto 44, Intelligent Auto 33), Movie: 44
I have for a very long time been very skeptical of the capabilities of super zoom lenses and the QX30 is a sub-US$400 piece of equipment so I had my doubts from Day 1 .
I packed it along to the French Alps for a week-long ski trip. Now I have been humbled
a. although it will not replace fast and better featured and resolving dedicated telephoto lenses ... it has proven to be a life-saver in a pinch when tele reach is required
b. it works with a smartphone attached (via a smartphone clamp at the back of the module) or operated with the smartphone held in a seperate hand
c. it is so small and light ..... AND AFFORDABLE.... that just getting one to throw into a small pouch is a very simpe and affordable thing to do
d. image quality although nowhere near dedicated long zooms and primes, is TONs and LOADS superior to smartphone image sensors
e. it is easy to operate
f. at 720mm end of the zoom range, it MUST be mounted on a tripod (a table top tripod will be enough, it comes with a screw mount for tripods )
Last edited: