Sony has announced the new Xperia PRO-I which features a 1.0″ type sensor, phase detection autofocus, and the ability to record 4K 120p video. The PRO-I was developed for and is being targeted directly at content creators.
The smartphone wars are certainly heating up, especially with more devices being aimed squarely at content creators. We now have some pretty impressive video capabilities in smartphones that allow them to be integrated into certain professional workflows.
Key features
- 1.0-type Exmor RS sensor
- phase detection autofocus
- First Xperia to support Eye AF and Object Tracking during video shooting
- 4K 120p
- BIONZ X image processor
- ZEISS® Tessar Optics with T* anti-reflective coating and dual aperture F2.0/F4.0
- Corning Gorilla Glass Victus
- 4K HDR OLED 120Hz refresh rate display
- High quality audio features, including Dolby Atmos, 3.5mm audio jack, Full-stage Stereo Speakers, 360 Reality Audio
Same sensor as the RX100 VII
According to Sony, the Xperia PRO-I is the World’s First Smartphone to include a 1.0-type image sensor with phase detection autofocus. Other companies have previously released smartphones with 1″ type sensors, however, none of them are using phase detect autofocus. The 1.0-type Exmor RS sensor is apparently the same one used in the RX100 VII camera, however, it has been optimized for the PRO-I smartphone. Whatever ‘optimized’ refers to I am not sure. The pixel pitch of the sensor is 2.4µm.
The Xperia PRO-I uses a BIONZ X image processor and a front-end LSI, which Sony claims helps to provide clear and noise-free images even when shooting in the dark.
Phase Detection AF
315 phase-detection AF points cover 90% of the frame. Sony states that this allows users to continually capture subjects at high speed with high accuracy, even in scenes where focusing is difficult.
The PRO-I is the first Xperia to support Eye AF and object tracking when shooting video.
Video Features
Sony claims that the Xperia PRO-I is the world’s first smartphone that is capable of capturing 4K at 120fps.
The Xperia PRO-I includes two new video features for video and filmmaking. For quick, high-quality videos and vlogging, the new Videography Pro feature includes creative settings in a single location. Users can intuitively and accurately adjust settings such as focus, exposure, and white balance.
The Xperia PRO-I also adopts a high-precision Level meter that has been calibrated one-by-one at the factory. By assigning the “Videography Pro” application to the “shortcut key” on the side of the body, you can start shooting video immediately like a dedicated camera. You can also assign other applications or features to the shortcut key.
For filmmaking, the Cinematography Pro feature pulls from Sony’s professional video camera technology to easily create a cinematic look with eight different color settings inspired by Sony’s VENICE digital cinema camera, including a 21:9 recording ratio.
The new Xperia PRO-I also features the latest Optical SteadyShot with FlawlessEye.
In addition to stereo microphones, the Xperia PRO-I features a built-in monaural microphone next to the main camera. The smartphone also includes Sony’s industry-leading audio separation technology to effectively filter wind noise, both for stereo and monaural microphones.
Sharing video files can be done using a 5G network or by connecting the Xperia PRO-I to a computer by USB 3.2 Gen 2 to transfer data twice as fast from the Xperia PRO-I to a PC.
Lenses
The Xperia PRO-I includes three lenses, and all three feature ZEISS T* anti-reflective coating and a 3D iToF sensor. The newly developed 24mm lens utilizes ZEISS Tessar Optics with less peripheral image distortion and more intense contrast and sharpness.
The Xperia PRO-I’s 24mm lens is complemented by two further lens options, 16mm and 50mm. The device’s 3D iToF sensor instantly calculates the distance between the camera and the subject, to help ensure fast, accurate autofocus.
The Xperia PRO-I can capture 12-bit RAW still images at up to 20fps AF/AE burst shooting. There is also an anti-distortion shutter. With Photography Pro on the Xperia PRO-I, users can customize manual settings or easily access automatic settings and shoot in RAW format.
The Xperia PRO-I features a dedicated shutter button that boasts the same shutter switch module as Sony’s RX100 series cameras and requires similar button strokes to operate AF and shutter release. The user can also long-press the shutter button to quickly launch Photography Pro and start shooting immediately, even when the display is off. In this new model, there is also a strap hole.
6.5” 4K HDR OLED display
The Xperia PRO-I lets the user edit and share video content directly from the device. It has a wide 6.5” 4K HDR OLED display and accurate, professional-level color reproduction with creator mode. As an added benefit, the color setting of the display can be adjusted according to the user’s monitor or printed photos.
The 4K HDR 10-bit equivalent OLED display also features a 120Hz refresh rate.
Vlog Monitor
Along with the phone, Sony has introduced a mobile vlogging kit called Vlog Monitor. This is a new accessory you can pair with the Xperia PRO-I, with an aspect ratio of 16:9 on a 3.5-inch LCD (1280×720) screen and a metal holder. This new accessory also features a magnetic detachable design, making it easy to attach and detach to the holder.
When shooting with the Xperia PRO-I and the Vlog Monitor, the user can connect a Bluetooth shooting grip, such as the GP-VPT2BT which allows you to start/stop recording without touching any buttons on the Xperia PRO-I itself.
The Vlog Monitor also features a 3.5mm 3-pole microphone jack so users can connect their own external microphone by mounting a microphone on the accessory shoe mount on the top of the holder.
The user can also display the screen when using “Photography Pro” or “Videography Pro” by connecting the Vlog Monitor to a smartphone with the supplied connection cable. In addition, since it is equipped with a USB Type-C port for supplying power from an external power source, users can shoot while supplying power to both the smartphone and accessories.
Size
The Xperia PRO-I has a length of approximately 6.5 in (166 mm), a width of approximately 2.8 in (72 mm), and a thickness of approximately 8.9 mm.
The new Xperia PRO-I has a frosted glass back panel and matt finish. It is water and dust resistant with an IP65/68 rating and features Corning Gorilla Glass Victus which is both drop and scratch resistance.
Battery
The smartphone has a 4,500mAh battery and users can fast charge the device up to 50% in just 30 minutes with the included 30W charger XZQ-UC1.
Internal & External Memory
The Xperia PRO-I has a large internal memory, with 12GB RAM to handle intensive computing tasks and 512GB ROM offering ample storage for photos, videos, and other files to support micro SDXC media up to 1TB.
Pricing & Availability
The new Xperia PRO-I will be available in early December starting from $1,798 USD for the 512GB version.
The new Vlog Monitor will also be available in early December for approximately $198 USD.
