Sony introduces Xperia Z1, a camera phone with add-on lenses

By Ananthan 

Sony Mobile on Wednesday introduced the Xperia Z1, a waterproof smartphone that sports a massive 20.7- megapixel camera and combines the best of Sony’s technology, entertainment and wide range of companion products. “Xperia Z1 represents a significant milestone for Sony in our continued

efforts to deliver unforgettable experiences to our consumers,” said Kunimasa Suzuki, president and CEO, Sony Mobile Communications. The 5” Xperia Z1 is the latest addition to Sony’s premium Z series of products. It sports a 20.7- megapixel camera with the company’s 'G Lens', a 27mm wide angle and bright F2.0 aperture with a custom made large 1/2.3-type CMOS image sensor, Exmor RS for mobile and a BIONZ for mobile image processing engine.
Powering the phone are a Qualcomm Snapdragon™800 quad-core 2.2 Ghz processor and a 3000 mAh battery, 4G LTE along with 2 GB RAM, flash memory up to 16 GB, and an expansion slot microSD card, up to 64 GB.
In the entertainment section, Xperia Z1 integrates PlayMemories Online (subject to market availability), a cloud-based image and video service that is integrated into the Album application. A new ‘All Sync’ feature enables users to instantly auto-upload all of their photos without storage limitation.

Sony CEO Kaz Hirai at a press conference in Berlin spoke about the features of the Xperia Z1.
Here are some of the highlights from the Sony IFA 2013 press conference:
• "We designed Xperia Z1 to deliver Sony's compact digital camera quality, with tech and expertise from our digital imaging team"
• "With Xperia Z1, we evolved our OmniBalance design - one-piece aluminium frame and tempered glass - not only beautiful but fully waterproof"
• "Info-eye, lets you explore interest objects from the viewfinder - what food best suits a wine, book plotlines, even key city landmarks"
• "Xperia Z1 also integrates our WALKMAN, Album and Movies apps with @SonyEntNet services for easy access to your favourite content"

Kazuo Hirai, president and CEO of Sony presents the new Sony Xperia Z1 smartphone and an attachable camera for smartphones at an event ahead of the IFA. (AP Photo)

• "We've even extended battery life, including the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon processor"
• "Xperia Z1's Full HD TRILUMINOS Display with X-Reality for Mobile brings you the viewing experience you'd expect from a Sony TV"
• "You can access this library anytime from any product, and storage is unlimited"
• "PlayMemories Online All-sync feature instantly collects every photo you take on your Xperia Z1, compatible smartphone, tablet and stores them in a single, cloud-based library"
• "The only question will be how and where to store the photos you take..."
• "We're already working with a talented group of developers who are stretching its capabilities, building original features & experiences"
• "This is just the beginning of what Sony will deliver to enhance the camera experience on Xperia..."
• "And a bit of fun - AR Effect, lets you capture images with fun AR characters and effects"
• "With Timeshift Burst you'll never miss a perfect shot - 61 images captured in 2 seconds, starting even before hitting the shutter button"

Kazuo Hirai, president and CEO of Sony presents the new Sony Xperia Z1 smartphone and an attachable camera for smartphones at an event ahead of the IFA. (AP Photo)

• "With Social live, you can personally broadcast, direct from Xperia Z1's camera, streamed to your Facebook page"
• "Xperia Z1 features Sony's G-lens, our 1/2.3" Exmor RS for mobile image sensor and BIONZ image processing engine"
• "Additionally, Xperia Z1 owners will be able to enjoy an exclusive movie access pass that will allow them to be among the first people to see the digital release of Sony Pictures summer blockbuster, Elysium, right on Xperia Z1's beautiful screen"
• "To start things off, every Xperia Z1 sold here & many other markets will come with around 100 Euro worth of Sony's service content"
• "Xperia Z1 is at the heart of Sony's rich, connected experience, a vibrant and growing ecosystem of both content and hardware"
SmartWatch 2
• "Wearable tech is one element of this ecosystem, and an area where we're continuing to drive innovation"
• "Earlier this Summer we announced SmartWatch 2 - I'm pleased to tell you..."
• "SmartWatch 2 will start hitting stores across the globe from later this month"
• "Another companion device is the Smart Imaging Stand, which auto snaps photos using Sony's Face Detection and Smile Shutter tech"

• "We are concentrating so many of our leading technologies, together with our full suite of entertainment content"
• "Xperia Z1 is a watershed moment in Sony's history"
• "Using a custom-designed bracket, they can be attached to your Xperia Z1 or Xperia Z in an instant"
• "Cyber-shot QX10 and QX100 are both uniquely designed cameras, tailored to work with a smartphone"
• "It shows how a large image sensor, lossless zoom will help you capture great shots - but we're Sony, so we want to take things further"
• Sony is posed to lead from the front. We are moving forward. And I hope that every Sony customer will be moved"