As unique as Sonyâs Cyber-shot QX-series of lens cameras is, weâre still not sure how viable it is in the long run. But two companies that think Sony is onto something are Kodak and Vivitar, and they have not only introduced lens cameras of their own (all camera components housed within the lens barrel, minus a display), but have copied Sonyâs design down to a T â flattery or rip-off, weâll let Sonyâs lawyers have fun with that one. (As reported by our buddies at the Phoblographer, via Photo Rumors.)Â
First up, the Smart Lens is one of the new Pixpro products from Kodak. But it isnât the Kodak of yore you remember: As Kodak was shedding most of its consumer business during bankruptcy, the company signed a licensing agreement with JK Imaging, which will sell Kodak-branded cameras. Back to the cameras: Like Sonyâs QX, there are two versions, the SL10 (shown above) and SL25, and both will go on sale in the spring (unless Sony has something to say about it). The SL10 ($199) has a 10x optical zoom, microSD card slot, 1080p video capture, and Wi-Fi; the SL25 ($299) has a 25x optical zoom. If the camera didnât say Kodak on it, we would have easily mistaken it for one of Sonyâs at first glance.
Vivitar, which is one brand licensed by Sakar (another being Polaroid), also has a new lens camera, the Vivicam IU680. While there are some similarities, the IU680 tries to one-up Sonyâs concept by using interchangeable lens and sensor modules. According to Photo Rumors, unlike the Kodak products, the IU680 is just a prototype and no real specs or details have been announced. (Sakar recently was banned from selling the Polaroid-branded iM1836 because it infringed on Nikonâs design patent; it will be interesting to see how Sakar plans to proceed with this one.)
Vivitar Vivicam IU680
Of course, we canât make any assumptions about performance and quality, but judging from our experience with these types of budget cams (and what weâve seen from Sakarâs Polaroid-branded gear), we wouldnât say they match Sonyâs QX in those areas. Itâs also clear that Kodakâs return to digital cameras is purely in name, not so much about introducing new technologies or concepts. Thereâs no indication that these products will expand the category Sony created, but, if they actually hit store shelves, you have some alternatives.
For comparison, here are (from left to right) the Sony Cyber-shot QX100, Kodak Pixpro SL10, and Vivitar IU680.
(Vivitar image via Photo Rumors)
Article source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/09/30/gdgts-best-deals-september-30/
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