Sony just announced a new camera called the RX0,
but breaking from the trend of lower number = fancier camera, this one
is a tiny device that combines an action-cam form factor with some
traditional imaging prowess. It’s an unusual combination, yet somehow
tempting.
The waterproof, shockproof RX0 has a 1-inch, 15-megapixel (cropped
down from 21) sensor and a 24mm-equivalent F/4 lens, which right off the
bat differentiates it from GoPro cameras, which generally have smaller
sensors with super-wide-angle, relatively slow glass in front. But it
lacks a zoom and many of the other useful features of a pocket camera
like the RX100. So you’re not going to be walking around taking
snapshots with this thing.It seems that the RX0 is being put forth as a sort of modular system for videographers who need the ruggedness and versatility of a GoPro but want a bit more control and fidelity. B cameras on set and outside (depending on the image quality), shooting from multiple angles (multiple RX0s can sync together), super slow-mo footage (it goes up to 960 FPS), and so on.
While its $700 price tag might be a bit much for people who just want a camera to attach to their bike or surfboard, there are plenty of people who would opt for the RX0 instead of a GoPro.
It’s an odd little device, no doubt, but the more I think about it, the more I feel I’d prefer it for non-traditional duties. It’ll be available in October.
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