Sony Comeback

So Sony introduced a couple of cameras (QX10/QX100) that is basically just the lens portion of a camera. It connects with your phone to become a viewfinder display and an method of interfacing to the camera. 

For $250 (QX10- 18.2 megapixels/10x zoom) and $500 (QX100- 1 inch 20.2 megapixel/3.6x f/1.8-4.9 lens) , both of these cameras are quite expensive. It is a novel concept that will allow you to take self-portraits without the need of the irritating timer feature. It will also allow you to capture moments that you may not have before by hiding it (whether that's a positive/negative is for you to decide). The NFC connection is a great feature (sorry iPhone users, for now).

These products are not solving the larger issue of phone cameras though. While it does provide optical zoom, it doesn't contain a flash for low light situations. Low light pictures are definitely the most common complaint from phone photos. I'm not sure I'm ready to sacrifice mobility for just optical zoom but I guess we will have to wait a few weeks to actually see the picture quality of the cameras.

Sony may have a returning customer with their phone, Xperia Z1 ("Zed-One") though. With the Info-Eye software feature (think a more capable Google Goggles), simple Android interface, and great looking and functioning hardware (waterproof! dedicated camera button!), it's hard not to be entranced by the phone. Though, it looks gigantic and the speakers are not directed to the front. Sony should definitely be making a jump on competition with this phone (as long as they can get carriers to carry it).

I'm not one to publicize my birthday but it is coming up soon... I may or may not be saying this phone would make me one extremely happy birthday man.