Sony debuts smartphone with variable telephoto lens

GaryPageau , ,
Xperia 1 III

Sony Electronics Inc. announced two new additions to its Xperia 1 and 5 flagships series line-ups – Xperia 1 III and Xperia 5 III. Co-developed with the engineers behind the Sony Alpha brand cameras, the Xperia 1 III and Xperia 5 III feature fast, accurate continuous AF plus Real-time Eye AF in all lenses.

Xperia 1 III presents an even more sophisticated feature set for photographers that strive for picture-perfect results. Object tracking is upgraded with Real-time Tracking, allowing users to shoot the most challenging moving subjects with precise focus. Using AI-based algorithms and the 3D iToF sensor to measure distance, Real-time tracking can accurately detect and focus on a subject even if the subject temporarily moves out of sight so they can capture even the most difficult images with ease.

Both models offer continuous AF performing AF/AE calculations at up to 60 times per second – enabling users to shoot and store up to 20 shots (20fps) with high precision, accurate focus and optimized exposure, comparable to Sony’s pro DSLRs. The BIONZ X processor enables users to shoot in low-light scenarios in Burst Mode for the first time.

 Variable Telephoto Lens

Xperia 1 III lenses

The variable telephoto lens on each of the new Xperia models allows for focus to acquire instantly when users are switching between the 70mm and 105mm lenses. Xperia 1 III and Xperia 5 III offer a total of four focal lengths in photo and video recording: 16mm, 24mm, 70mm and 105mm focal lengths. giving creators the freedom to capture a variety of settings from landscapes to wildlife in stunning clarity. Both models continue to feature ZEISST optics calibrated specifically for the Xperia smartphone.

Creative Opportunities

Xperia incorporates a new AI super-resolution zoom, which uses Sony’s AI processing to restore detail and definition to images, ensuring precision is not compromised.

Additionally, like their older siblings, Xperia 1 III and Xperia 5 III feature the Photography Pro function. Both models were developed in collaboration with professional photographers to mirror many of the manual controls available in Alpha series cameras including ISO, shutter speed, EV Indicator, RAW support plus a dedicated shutter button (with embossed finishing exclusively on the Xperia 1 III). New for this year’s smartphones is the ‘Basic Mode’ feature in Photography Pro which enables fast access to a range of easy-to-use photography features including a touch shutter button, portrait orientation, artistic bokeh effect, panorama, and more.

Xperia 1 III will be available in Frosted Black and Frosted Purple and shipped with Android 11. Xperia 5 III will be available in Black and Green and shipped with Android 11 as well. Pricing for both models will be announced at a later date. The products will ship to U.S. customers this summer.