Is Sony launching the QX-1, an E-mount camera accessory for smartphones?

Sony had announced the unique QX100 and QX10 lenses last year, which would help you expand your smartphone’s photographic capabilities by allowing you to shoot using the same tech found in Sony RX100 II cameras. In the latest leaks from Sony Alpha Rumors , the ILCE QX-1 will be an independent E-mount module which will support various Sony E-mount lenses which are already selling in the market.

This leak, if true, will take the concept of smart lenses to a whole new level. With the QX100 and QX10, you got a fixed lens along with a sensor. But with the QX-1, you will get an E-mount onto which you can attach whichever Sony E-mount lens you prefer. So it is basically a mirrorless camera, where the smartphone in essence will act as the camera body. Although, technically speaking, the QX100 and QX10 could be used as cameras themselves since the lenses incorporate the sensor as well, there was no way to view what you are shooting without the screen on the smartphone.

According to the leak, the QX-1 is expected to be priced around 300 euros or approx Rs 24,000 for just the E-mount and will be around 450 Euros or approx Rs 35,800 along with the E-mount and 16-50mm kit lens. The only other detail known at this point is that it will house a 24MP sensor.

The QX-1 will most likely be announced at Sony’s IFA keynote. We will update the story with more details after the keynote.