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Sony Cyber-shot DSC-QX1 Point & Shoot Camera

The Sony DSC-QX1 is a 20MP APS-C compact camera — with 1080p video. Check GearFocus for current availability, with buyer protection on every purchase.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-QX1 Point & Shoot Camera

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-QX1 Point & Shoot Camera

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Camera Overview — Sony DSC-QX1

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-QX1 is a uniquely designed lens-style camera built around an APS-C sensor, offering a 20MP resolution and a maximum image output of 5456x3632 pixels. Unlike traditional point-and-shoot cameras, the QX1 is engineered to pair wirelessly with a smartphone via Wi-Fi, effectively offloading the display and control interface to your mobile device. It accepts Sony E-mount lenses, giving users access to a wide ecosystem of interchangeable optics.

Autofocus is handled through a contrast detection system, and burst shooting is supported at up to 3.5fps. For video, the camera captures up to 1080p footage at 30fps. Storage is handled via microSD, microSDHC, or microSDXC cards, keeping the form factor compact.

The camera uses Sony's NP-FW50 battery, a familiar choice for Sony mirrorless users. Connectivity includes Wi-Fi and USB, though Bluetooth is not present. There is no in-body or digital image stabilization on board.

The body measures 74 x 69.5 x 52.5mm and weighs just 216g, making it a highly portable imaging unit. ISO sensitivity spans from 100 to 16000, and a built-in flash is included. No viewfinder is present, consistent with the smartphone-tethered shooting approach.

Key Features — Sony DSC-QX1

20MP APS-C Sensor: Delivers 20-megapixel images at up to 5456x3632 pixels, offering image quality well beyond typical point-and-shoot cameras.

Sony E-Mount Compatible: Accepts the full range of Sony E-mount lenses, giving users access to a broad ecosystem of interchangeable optics.

Smartphone-Tethered Design: Pairs wirelessly with a smartphone via Wi-Fi, using your phone as the live view screen and remote shutter control through Sony's PlayMemories app.

ISO 100–16000 Range: Wide sensitivity range allows shooting across a variety of lighting conditions, from bright daylight to dimly lit environments.

Lens-Style Form Factor: Compact cylindrical body measuring 74 x 69.5 x 52.5mm and weighing just 216g attaches directly to a smartphone for a highly portable setup.

microSD Card Storage: Uses microSD, microSDHC, and microSDXC cards, keeping storage affordable and easy to source.

Camera Specifications — Sony DSC-QX1

Sony DSC-QX1 full specifications
SpecDetail
TypeOther
SensorAPS-C
Resolution20MP
ISO Range100 – 16000
AF SystemContrast Detection
Max Photo Resolution5456x3632
Burst Rate3.5 fps
Max Video Resolution1080p
Max Frame Rate30fps
Storage MediamicroSD, microSDHC, microSDXC
ConnectivityWi-Fi
BatteryNP-FW50

Description — Sony DSC-QX1

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-QX1 takes a distinctive approach to compact camera design, built around an APS-C sensor capable of 20MP stills at a maximum resolution of 5456x3632 pixels. Rather than featuring its own screen, the QX1 connects to a smartphone over Wi-Fi, using the phone as both the live view display and the remote control. It accepts Sony E-mount lenses, bringing interchangeable optics to a form factor that weighs just 216g and measures 74 x 69.5 x 52.5mm.

Autofocus relies on a contrast detection system, with burst shooting available at up to 3.5fps. Video capture tops out at 1080p at 30fps. The ISO range runs from 100 to 16000, and a built-in flash is included.

Storage is via microSD, microSDHC, or microSDXC cards, and the camera is powered by a NP-FW50 battery. USB connectivity is present, while Bluetooth is not supported.

Pros — Sony DSC-QX1

  • ✓APS-C sensor delivering 20MP resolution at up to 5456x3632 pixels
  • ✓Sony E-mount compatibility opens access to a broad range of interchangeable lenses
  • ✓ISO range of 100–16000 for flexible shooting in varied lighting conditions

Cons — Sony DSC-QX1

  • ✗No in-body or digital image stabilization of any kind
  • ✗No dedicated display — shooting experience is entirely dependent on a paired smartphone
  • ✗Contrast detection autofocus only, with no subject tracking or eye tracking

Videos — Sony DSC-QX1

Sony QX1 Smartphone Camera Review — MW Technology

Resources & Downloads — Sony DSC-QX1

Manuals & Guides

Frequently Asked Questions — Sony DSC-QX1

What lenses can I use with the Sony DSC-QX1?+
The QX1 uses the Sony E-mount, so it is compatible with Sony E-mount lenses. This gives users access to a broad range of lens options within that ecosystem.
Does the QX1 have a screen or viewfinder?+
No. The QX1 has no built-in display or viewfinder. It is designed to connect wirelessly to a smartphone via Wi-Fi, which then acts as the live view screen and control interface.
What memory cards does the QX1 accept?+
The camera supports microSD, microSDHC, and microSDXC cards, all of which are compact and widely available formats.
What is the maximum video resolution the QX1 can record?+
The QX1 records video at a maximum resolution of 1080p at 30fps. No additional frame rates are listed in the specifications.
Does the QX1 have image stabilization?+
No. The specifications confirm that neither in-body nor digital image stabilization is present. Stability will depend entirely on the attached lens and how the camera is held.
What battery does the Sony DSC-QX1 use?+
The QX1 uses the NP-FW50 battery, which is a standard Sony battery type also used across several Sony mirrorless cameras, making it easy to source replacements or spares.

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