Sony Cyber-shot DSC-QX10 Pro Reviews

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-QX10 is an add-on lens for use with smartphones. It's an example of a risky, forward-thinking concept, but some issues prevent us from recommending it.

If you enjoy taking photos on your smartphone, these unique QX cameras will offer you more flexibility, however the amount of use they get will come down to how desperate you are for better image quality. If the slow setup speeds, time lag over the Wi-fi network and lack of control of ISO and shutter speed put you off, opting for an advanced compact camera could be the better option. The Sony RX100II, which the QX100 adopts its lens and sensor from, is a great example. It is £220 more than the QX100, which is a lot, but when you take into consideration it shoots Raw, features a built-in flash, accepts a viewfinder and has a vari-angle screen, you certainly receive a better camera with more advanced features for your money. That said, we like the concept of the QX system, but being the first of its kind there's always going to be room for improvement. The main hurdle Sony will have to overcome if the QX is to be a success in the future is the lag between what the QX sees and how quickly the live feed is translated to a smartphone.

Ultimately the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-QX10 just falls a little short, regardless of whether you're a smartphone or compact shooter. It doesn't quite come up to scratch in terms of performance, feature-set or image quality, and is also a little over-priced too, perhaps inevitable given that it's a first-generation product. At the moment we'd choose a smartphone and wi-fi enabled compact to quickly share images, though that solution has its own challenges. Still, hats off to Sony for trying something new as smartphones cannabilise the entry-level compact camera market - it may well be that we'll all be using something like the Cyber-shot DSC-QX10 sooner rather than later...

We were admittedly hesitant when we first heard about Sony's new lens cameras, and we weren't even convinced after an extended hands-on earlier this month. But after spending a full week with the QX10, including shoots in Berlin and Alaska, it's hard not to revel in Sony's accomplishment. Built-in LCD or not, the Cyber-shot QX10 is truly a fantastic camera. It complements just about any smartphone, and at $250, it's within reach of many consumers. The image quality is just about as good as it gets for a sub-$500 point-and-shoot, and while the lag and start-up delays were irritating at times, the overall picture is worth the plunge.

A bold experiment to improve smartphone photography, but its failings are manifold

The Sony Cyber-shot QX10 makes a bit more sense that its linemate, the QX100. It's smaller, less expensive, and designed more for casual photographers who want some zoom range to supplement their smartphone photography. A regular point-and-shoot with built-in Wi-Fi is a better option, but if you're looking for something different than the standard pocket camera, it's worth at least trying one out. That said, it's still a second device and if you're already not willing to carry around something in addition to your phone, don't bother.

The Sony Cyber-shot QX10 is a compact, but not ultra-compact digital camera, with Wi-Fi for a direct connection to your smartphone, running Android or iOS. Without the connection you can still take photos but will be left to guesswork regarding whether you are getting the photo you want. The camera does not have a flash, and can not use the LED from your smartphone, therefore in darkness, you may actually be better off using your smartphone with LED flash, than the QX10. Another aspect of pairing this with your smartphone, is that both the camera and your smartphone needs to be charged. Whereas if you had a compact camera that works independantly you can still keep shooting, if your smartphone battery dies. It adds some of the benefits of a digital camera, such as a 10x optical zoom lens, however, doesn't add some of the more useful features, such as a real xenon flash, focus assist light or control over ISO settings. For the same price you can buy the camera the QX10 is based on, the Sony Cyber-shot WX200, which has a slimmer body and built in screen, flash, and more. I can imagine that the QX10 may seem like a good idea to some, however, if you don't want to carry two devices with you, then you'll likely just take your smartphone with you anyway, and if you are happy to carry two devices, then you may as well carry a dedicated, compact camera. A neat idea, however it could have been much better with a real flash, more control, and a more compact body.

A clever idea with a sound technical basis, but it's too sluggish to persuade us to dump our cameras

The ability to attach the QX10 to your phone, hold it in your hand, or stick it on a tripod while using your phone as a remote - and then throw it into your pocket after - make the Sony DSC-QX10 a versatile companion camera. Although we didn't initially take to the idea, we're more sold on it having used it for a couple of weeks. Taking shots low down to see under cars, putting a tripod on a table to raise the camera higher, all using the phone as the remote, does give you plenty of options. If, like us, you always have your phone in your pocket, the QX10 is easy to throw in a bag or pocket, ready for when you want a decent shot. The quality and access to proper zoom, is a real advantage when you want a great shot, rather than your smartphone's average one. Additionally don't have to compromise on your phone, either. You can pick the device you want an pair with the QX10 - although there is a lack of Windows Phone and Blackberry - which is a better approach, we feel, than Samsung's Galaxy S4 Zoom. Bear in mind also, that you can refresh your smartphone freely and your humble QX10 accessory will still be there: not so with Samsung's hybrid approach.