Sony today announced a new waterproof camera, the DSC-RX0, which boasts a 1-inch type CMOS sensor and a fixed wide-angle lens.
Front view of the new Sony RX0 waterproof camera. (Source: Sony.)
Physically resembling an action camera and with many of the same features, the RX0 measures 59 x 40.5 x 29.8 mm (WxHxD) and weighs only 110 grams. It is waterproof to depths of up to 10 metres, capable of withstanding a drop of 2.0 metres and crushproof to 200 kgf /2000N (based on Sony tests). It comes with a 1.0-type (12.8 x 9.6 mm) stacked Exmor RS CMOS image sensor with an effective resolution of 15.3 megapixels plus a Zeiss Tessar T* 24mm f/4 with a focal length equivalent to 24mm in 35mm format.
Its Anti-Distortion Shutter can operate at speeds up to 1/32000 second and support continuous shooting at up to 16 fps. The RX0 also includes 4K movie recording and can output uncompressed video to an external recorder via the HDMI interface. Preset Focus, MF Assist and Peaking functions are included for focusing accuracy and Picture Profile options and S-Log2 provide scope for creative shooting and editing. Time Code / User Bit features provide a handy tool for multi-camera shoots.
Sony will release a host of new accessories to support the RX0, including the VCT-CGR1 MPK-HSR1 CPT-R1 VF-SPR1 VFA-305R1 NP-BJ1 ACC-TRDCJ Cage for increased system flexibility, the Housing, enabling the RX0 to be taken down to depths of up to 100 metres underwater, the Cable Protector, Spare Lens Protector, Filter Adaptor Kit which includes filter adaptor, lens hood and MC protector, Rechargeable Battery Pack and Accessory Kit.
The new Sony RX0 and the full range of accessories will be available from early October 2017. US price is being quoted as US$700.
UPDATE: Sony has just released local pricing and availability for the RX0. In Australia the camera will go on sale in early October 2017 at an RRP of AU$1049. The full range of accessories for the RX0 will be available at the same time, with pricing TBC.
