Rumours are circulating that Sony may be planning to release a new type of “lens camera” that will mount onto smartphones. SonyAlphaRumors is reporting that two of its trusted sources say it is on its way and will come with a built-in imaging sensor, battery and memory.
The device will transmit pictures via NFC and Wi-Fi directly to the smartphone. Apparently the lens camera can be used on its own or attached to a smartphone using a special magnetic mount. The smartphone will then act as a live view for the lens.
SonyAlphaRumors says the first lens will be coming soon and will have the same sensor (1-Inch 20.2-megapixel Exmor R) and lens (f/1.8 Carl Zeiss) as found in the Sony DSC-RX100 II camera. A second model is planned with a smaller sensor and larger zoom. The image below is just for illustrative purposes, but as wacky as the idea sounds, would you buy into such a product?
If you are wondering how this may work in practice, check out the concept below from WVIL (Wireless Viewfinder Interchangeable Lens). This first appeared back in CES 2011 and appears to show something very similar to what Sony may have in store.
Via SonyAlphaRumors.
