Xperia Pro-I, which was a "camera" more than expected, is important for Sony's unhappy attitude (Masahiro Sano)

Sony is October 26, 2021, 1.The new smartphone "XPEIRA PRO-I" equipped with a 0-type image sensor has been announced.Following the "Xperia Pro" released in 2020, we were able to immediately touch the model named "Pro" for professional and semi -professionals.

Looking back on Xperia Pro-I easily, it is a model that should be called "full camera", which is based on the company's flagship model "Xperia 1 III", but also further enhances the camera function.increase.Based on an image sensor mounted on the high -end compact digital camera "RX100VII" on the main camera 1.It is a symbol of the use of a 0 -type image sensor and adopting a ZEISS TESSAR T*lens of German Carl Zeiss.

Of course, a 1 -inch sensor and a smartphone that focuses on the lens is already ahead of Sharp's "AQUOS R6" and "Leitz Phone 1".However, Xperia Pro-I has an image sensor with a statue plane phase difference AF, and can shoot beautifully photographs, such as supporting the eyes AF and 20-frame/second continuous shooting of AF/AE.Yeah, F value 2.0 and 4.Points that can be changed to 0, and 1.The strength is that it can handle a wide range of shooting scenes and expressions, such as not only a 0 -inch sensor -equipped camera with a focal length of 24mm, but also a 16mm and 50mm camera.

In addition, Xperia Pro-I seems to be enhanced not only in photos but also for video shooting.Actually, for the first time in the Xperia series, the eyes AF and object tracking in video shooting are supported, and in addition to the strong performance of the subject that moves during video shooting, it also supports a new 120fps shooting in 4K, so it is a slow motion video.It is possible to shoot smooth video that can be handled.

A new app called "VideoGraphy Pro" is also available for the app.As soon as you think, you can easily shoot accurately, such as the use of Volgger, etc., is focused on the use of Volgger and other use, and prepares the microphone not only in the front but also on the back.Even in the hardware, there is a device that is conscious of the use of VLOGGER.

In addition, for Xperia Pro-I, a dedicated accessories for VLOGGER are also available.It can be seen that it is quite conscious of VLOGGER, such as providing a dedicated display on the back so that it is easy to take a selfie with the main camera.

The impression that I actually used is that this is a camera rather than a smartphone.Of course, it has a function as a smartphone, but if anything, it is considered that the main use of auxiliary usage such as high -speed transmission of photos at 5g or posting to SNS is.The concept is that it is a device that has evolved in accordance with the times, close to the DMC-CM1, a digital camera equipped with Panasonic, which was once sold by Panasonic.

In fact, if you look at the Xperia Pro-I website, you can see that the appeal as a smartphone is small, and that the camera is all swinging.I feel that Sony is trying to position Xperia Pro-I as a lineup of cameras such as "α" and "cyber-shot", not as a smartphone lineup.

However, the evaluation of Xperia Pro-I will vary greatly depending on what perspective you see.When viewed as a smartphone, the functions and performance are certainly substantial, but the expected market price exceeds 198,000 yen, which exceeds Leitz Phone 1 (187,920 yen), saying, "It is very expensive and cannot be bought.I think it will be evaluated.

However, if you look at it as a high-end compact digital camera from a different perspective, 1 of Xperia Pro-I.The price of RX100VII at the Sony Store, which was the base of the 0 inch sensor, was 159,500 yen at the time of writing.If you add about 40,000 yen and add value as a smartphone, you can see it as "cheap".

In the first place, XPRIA PRO-I is one of the PRO series targeting professional and semi-professionals as mentioned earlier, and it is certain that the concept of purchasing general smartphones is not aimed.However, compared to Xperia Pro's specifications that specialized for video professionals, XPRIA PRO-I is also a little expanded, such as aiming for camera lovers and VLOGGER, and the first Xperia Pro.Compared to, the way consumers perceive it is slightly different, so I am worried that the evaluation of smartphones is being evaluated more.

If it is evaluated as "amazing but expensive smartphone", it will not be accepted by consumers immediately, but in selling Xperia Pro-I, Sony targets people who seek functions and performance as a camera.You will need a promotion that launches a clear message of what you are, and for that, you may need to be able to say that this is a camera.