A set of leaked images allegedly shows a new device Sony is working on to turn smartphones such as the iPhone into the equivalent of a high-end point-and-shoot camera.
The photos supposedly reveal Sony’s “lens-camera” device, which the company is preparing to release in the near future, according to Sony Alpha Rumors. The devices will essentially pack the power of a high-end point-and-shoot camera into a lens that attaches to a smartphone and pairs with an Android or iOS app over Bluetooth.
Two variations are reported to be planned. The first would feature the same sensor-lens pairing from the Sony RX100. That will mean a 1-inch, 20.2-megapixel Exmor R sensor with a 2/1.8 Carl Zeiss lens. The second device would include an 18-megapixel CMOS sensor equipped with a 10x zoom lens, similar to the company’s $400 Sony WX150.
Both devices will have built-in camera sensors, a Bionz processor, Wi-Fi, NFC connectivity, and an SD card slot. The devices would pair with apps which would allow users to control the device with their smartphones.
A specific release date has not been officially announced. Some sources speculate Sony could reveal them on September 4th.
