They may have slipped quietly under most people’s radar, but Sony’s odd little QX lens cameras for smartphones and tablets have received a firmware update that promises to bring some nice new features to the table. The cameras may not be as good as a traditional point-and-shoot solution, but that doesn’t mean they don’t deserve firmware updates!
Available for the QX10 and its bigger, badder brother the QX100, the new firmware, which was announced back in December of last year, brings improved recording capabilities as well as better low-light performance for those that want to film in the dark.
Video recording for both the QX10 and QX100 has now been pushed to 1080p at 30fps, whereas it initially topped out at the distinctly more 4:3 ratioed 1440×1080, again at 30fps. A widescreen mode is a welcome addition indeed, and it’s good to see it make the jump to both devices rather than just the higher end model of the two.
That class difference is however evident in the increased low-light sensitivity, with the QX10 not receiving the same specification as the QX100. The former now tops out at ISO 3200, while the latter goes as high as ISO 12800. That top-end model also received a shutter speed priority mode, too.
If you own either of these cameras then you’ll be wanting to update them ASAP. In order to do just that you’ll need a USB cable, a Windows PC – No Mac!? – and a battery charge of at least three quarters. While the update is indeed welcome, especially thanks to that HDTV and smartphone-compatible widescreen shooting support, it’s unfortunate that the firmware still suffers from some of the bigger issues that have plagued Sony’s little shooters such as a distinctly slow shooting speed. Still, this is a start.
External cameras haven’t really hit the ground running for Sony, with limited success coming from the somewhat out of place accessory. Sony clearly isn’t ready to give up on them though, so we’re glad to see software updates rolling out anyway. Long may it continue.
If you’re in ownership of either of the external cameras, then you can download the firmware from here.
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