Sony launches ruggedised multicamera solution

· High-quality imaging technology in an ultra-compact and tough body - waterproof^{1, 2}, shockproof^{3, 1} and crushproof⁴

· Featuring ZEISS Tessar T* 24mm⁶ F4 Fixed wide-angle lens with maximum shutter speed of up to 1/32,000 second and ability to shoot at up to 16 fps⁷

· Range of creative video functionality including 40x Super Slow motion⁸ recording, Picture Profile (S-Log2), and 4K⁹ Clean HDMI Output


Sony has announced a waterproof^{1, 2}, shockproof^{3, 1} and crushproof⁴ camera which it says will enable entirely new imaging possibilities. The DSC-RX0 marries the hallmark image quality of the Sony RX series with advanced photo and video capabilities, all compressed into a robust and ultra-compact body.

The RX0 is equally adept at shooting still images, filming video or as part of a multicamera setup. Weighing just 110g¹⁰ and measuring 59mm x 40.5mm x 29.8mm (WxHxD)¹¹, the RX0 redefines how small and light a premium compact camera can be. It can be used as a standalone camera for capturing photos or videos in any shooting conditions including the rain, underwater, or in sandy or dusty environments.

Source: Sony. The RX0.

In addition to conventional bullet-time and time-slice shooting, the RX0 multicamera shooting solution can be organised in different ways. Sony’s wireless radio commander, the FA-WRC1M can be used to trigger up to 15¹² RX0s. The PlayMemories Mobile¹³ app allows up to five RX0 models to be connected wirelessly and the form factor means that units can easily be secured in tough shooting positions to capture new perspectives. A wireless multicamera shooting solution capable of connecting further RX0 units when an access point is used¹⁴ is currently being developed and will be released in January 2018 via a firmware update. For users looking for a more reliable wired connection, a camera control box is also being developed and will be released in January 2018.

RX0 is packed full of advanced Sony technology and features a 1.0-type stacked 15.3 MP6 Exmor RS CMOS image sensor⁵, BIONZ X processor and a wide-angle ZEISS Tessar T* 24mm F4 fixed lens to deliver high resolution and less distortion results for both RAW and JPEG stills and across all supported video formats. It has an Anti-Distortion Shutter of up to 1/32,000 second and can shoot at up to 16 fps, meaning that even fast moving objects are beautifully and accurately rendered.

The RX0 is waterproof^{1, 2} at depths of up to 10 metres and when used with the new MPK-HSR1 Housing, can be used down to 100m underwater¹⁵. It is shockproof^{3, 1} when dropped from up to 2 metres and crushproof^{4, 1} to 200kgf/2,000N, making it durable enough to withstand shooting in situations where traditional cameras cannot go.

The RX0 was conceived as a camera that is just as useful to the videographer as the photographer and this spirit manifests itself with a host of creative video features delivering stunning video results. For those who want to incorporate super slow motion footage⁸ the RX0 offers the opportunity to shoot at up to 1,000 frames per second.

For production flexibility, users can choose 4K clean HDMI output to record uncompressed video to an external recorder. With both MF Assist and Peaking Functions, the focus can be precisely adjusted to exact specifications and Picture Profile options and S-Log2 offer creative freedom. Time Code/User Bit features provide an essential tool for multicamera shoots in particular, making the editing process a much easier experience, while Preset Focus options more control.

New accessories for the RX0 have also been launched. These include the VCT-CGR1 cage for increased system flexibility, the MPK-HSR1 housing, the CPT-R1 cable protector, VF-SPR1 spare lens protector, VFA-305R1 filter adaptor kit which includes filter adaptor, lens hood and MC protector, NP-BJ1 rechargeable battery pack and ACC-TRDCJ accessory kit.

Interested?

RX0 will be available at all Sony stores, Sony Centres and selected Sony authorised dealers from October 2017. View the technical specifications. Get details of pricing and availability

1 Depending on usage conditions and circumstances, no guarantee is made regarding damage to, malfunction of, or waterproof performance of this camera.

2 Compliant with JIS/IEC protection levels (based on Sony tests). Shooting in depths of up to 10m is possible for up to 60 minutes (JIS: Japan Industrial Standards; IEC: International Electrotechnical Commission).

3 Capable of withstanding a fall of 2m from MIL-STD-810G C1 Method 516.7-Shock compliant 5 cm plywood (based on Sony tests).

4 Capable of withstanding a load of 200kgf /2,000N (based on Sony tests).

5 Approximate effective megapixels.

6 35mm equivalent.

7 In Speed Priority Continuous mode. Focus and exposure settings fixed at first shot.

8 Up to 1,000fps super slow motion can be recorded. Image quality approaches Full HD quality at 250fps in Quality Priority mode. Sound cannot be recorded when shooting slow motion and setting conditions of focus, exposure, focus area, frame rate and other settings are fixed when start shooting. Micro SDHC/ Micro SDXC memory card of Class 10 or higher is required.

9 QFHD:3,840×2,160.

10 Approximate weight with battery and media included.

11 Approximate dimensions.

12 Wireless Radio Receiver FA-WRR1 and Multi Terminal Cable VMC-MM1 are required.

13 For smartphone or tablet. Latest version is required.

14 Depending on the specifications of an access point, smartphone or tablet to be used as well as the radio wave environment of the installation location, the number of devices that can be connected will vary.

15 Under water, the shortest focal distance is increased, causing the angle of field to be narrower.

Panasonic launches rugged tablet for industrial applications

The submersion test. Staff at the Marina Bay Sands pour cold water onto the Toughpad FZ-X1, which remained operational during the entire process. Sudapa Chamod, Senior VP of Home Pro (middle) and Soh Peng Kiat, General Manager, Toughbook Solutions Team, Panasonic System Solutions Asia Pacific (right), look on.

Panasonic, which is well known for its ruggedised mobile products, has launched a rugged, 5" enterprise-class Android tablet in Asia at CommunicAsia2015. The Toughpad FZ-X1, with voice and data connectivity, is designed for mission-critical mobile workers.

“With the expanding mobile workforce and growing infrastructure investments across Asia, organisations of all sizes are evaluating their enterprise mobility strategy to ensure their mobile workers are equipped with the right devices to consistently get connected to secured data,” said Soh Peng Kiat, General Manager, Toughbook Solutions Team, Panasonic System Solutions Asia Pacific.

“Building on our legacy of nearly two decades of rugged devices, Panasonic designed the Toughpad FZ-X1 to withstand the harshest conditions, keeping workers connected to the data they need to do their jobs, to one another and to the customers they are supporting.”

Sudapa Chamod, Senior VP of Home Pro, Speaks about Home Pro's adoption of Toughpads.

Invited speaker Sudapa Chamod, Senior VP of Home Pro, a home improvement chainstore with 70 branches in Thailand and one in Malaysia, shared that the company had been looking for new mobile devices to replace an ageing handheld platform. Rather than simply replacing the handhelds, the company hoped to create more value with its investment.

"Panasonic has a good product. We did a study (and) saw that we could get cost savings, could do a lot more that would bring benefits to customers and to our business," she said. 

Home Pro uses Toughpad JT-B1 devices to serve customers, for example for price checks. "We can serve customers better, we can serve them on the spot. That's the best thing," she said. 

Panasonic’s Toughpad tablets are engineered to deliver performance, security and reliability in extreme operating conditions where consumer devices would fail. With 14-hour hot-swappable batteries, a built-in barcode scanner and sunlight-readable HD touchscreens that work even during rain, the Toughpad FZ-X1 is purpose-built to improve efficiency and productivity for mobile professionals in logistics, warehousing, utilities, retail, telecommunications and defence industries. 

The Toughpad FZ-X1 is submersible in up to 1.5 m of water for up to 30 minutes.

Resistance to drops of up to three metres show how the Toughpad FZ-X1 can go beyond MIL-STD-810G specifications to assure in-field reliability. The device is fully sealed against dust and is submersible in up to 1.5 m of water for up to 30 minutes, meeting IP68 certification requirements. It boasts an operating temperature range of -20°C to +60°C and is also tested for resistance to impact, shock, vibration, altitude and extreme humidity.

The device’s enterprise-grade features include a sunlight-readable, anti-reflective HD (1,280x720) 10-point capacitive multi-touchscreen that works even with heavy gloves, with a rain-sensing feature that allows for single touch use even in pouring rain. In addition to 8.0MP (rear) and 1.3MP (front) cameras, configuration options such as an integrated 1D/2D barcode reader and attachable magnetic stripe reader allow enterprises to customise the tablet for their needs.

The Toughpad FZ-X1 is the first device in the Toughpad line to offer optional voice connectivity. To ensure clear voice communication above engine or construction noise, the device is equipped with intelligent noise cancelling and dual front speakers reaching a maximum volume of 100 decibels — about as loud as the average home stereo system.

A major requirement for enterprise mobile solutions is full-shift battery performance. With a 6,200mAh battery providing up to 14 hours of continuous use based on Panasonic test conditions*, the Toughpad FZ-X1 is purpose-built to enable workforce productivity. A quick-charging feature allows for a 50% charge in just 1 hour and Hot Swap functionality allows a depleted battery to be swapped out for a fresh one without powering down the device, providing virtually unlimited use.

The Toughpad FZ-X1 with WiFi or mobile broadband data connectivity is available from 3 June in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia at a list price of US$1,499 (WiFi-only) or US$1,699 (mobile broadband data). All Toughpad devices can be purchased through authorised Panasonic resellers.

*Battery life measurement conditions: Wireless LAN connection enabled; continuous access to the server while browsing; swipe every 1 second; page change every 30 seconds, communication every 30 seconds.