Sony QX30 Review - The QX30 is the latest of the manufacturer's camera units designed to be used in conjunction with either a smartphone or tablet. Does it take the concept to the next level?

Product Overview

Overall rating:

85%

Sony QX30

Product:

Sony QX30 Review

Manufacturer:

Price as reviewed:

£249.00

At a glance

20.4-million-pixel Exmor R CMOS sensor
Sony G Lens with 30x optical zoom
10fps burst-mode shooting

Sony QX30 product shot 1

Sony QX30 with an iPhone 4S attached

Sony has followed its entirely original take on the digital compact camera, with a new series of QX devices, proving a commitment to the marriage between smartphone and smart camera.

The DSC-QX30, could be considered as the entry-level model, and functions as a standalone digital camera, although it could easily be mistaken for a lens. It has a maximum aperture of f/3.5 at its wide end, narrowing to f/6.3 towards its telephoto end.

But the real kicker is the QX’s ability to be connected to an Android or iOS smart device. This may be an increasingly common feature of digital cameras, but the QX series has smartphone connectivity built into its core and encourages users to take an innovative approach to mobile photography. The QX30 takes your handset and puts a 20.4-million-pixel camera with a 30x optical zoom lens on the front of it.

Key features

Multi-cam
If you own one of Sony’s Live View Remotes, it’s possible to connect up to five QX or Sony action cameras and control them simultaneously.

Processing power
Featuring Sony’s latest powerful BIONZ X processor, the QX30 operates quickly and handles noise and sharpness well.

Wi-fi and NFC
Pairing the QX camera is straightforward, simply open the Sony PlayMemories app and press the QX’s Wi-Fi button.

Free shooting
The QX lets you shoot at any angle while still keeping your eye on the composition.

Sony QX30 product shot 2

Sony QX30 with an iPhone 4S attached

Verdict

The QX30 offers a good range of features including HD video recording at 60fps. But its strength compared with rival devices is its 30x zoom range, giving it an equivalent focal length from 24-720mm. Being able to add a decent quality lens to your smartphone is a real plus.

With the distinctive QX camera design, and using a smartphone screen to compose shots, you’ll found yourself taking pictures you wouldn’t have thought to take, thanks to the freedom to position the camera in unique orientations and angles.