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Sony Xperia 5 II is here and one of its biggest features is how it builds on camera technology. This intrepid Android smartphone doesn’t just have some of the same attributes as the Xperia 1 II. It also delivers an array of software and hardware improvements pulled directly from Sony’s Alpha division.
The improvements here go much further than the inclusion of a dedicated shutter button.
The Xperia 5 II camera hardware is noteworthy all on its own
For starters, Sony packed its Xperia 5 II with a three-camera array. That’s the same hardware found in the above-mentioned flagship. So there are three 12-megapixel sensors and each has autofocus. And real-time eye autofocus is part of that mix for both humans and other animals. The difference between the cameras comes down to their purpose.
Regardless, those are larger sensors and pixels to capture even more light. Specifically, with the lens at an f/1.7 aperture and the image sensor at 1/1.7”.
Sony utilized Zeiss Optics at 16mm for ultra-wide shots, 24mm for the primary camera, and a 70mm telephoto lens. The setup allows 70- to 200-equivalent zoom with autofocus across 70-percent of the sensor surface. It also allows 20 frames-per-second continuous shooting. And autofocus and auto-exposure control are present in every one of those frames.
Additionally, the company says it’s bringing over 4k 120p video capture and raw capture from its Alpha camera lines. That’s 2K or 4K video capture at 120 frames-per-second (fps) with support for 10-bit HDR. Captures are up to 5-times slow motion when recorded at 24fps or 4-times slow motion at 30fps.
What else is new on software and when can you get your hands on this phone?
Now, there are a few other details worth touching on for the Sony Xperia 5 II cameras. Not least of all, the device features multi-frame noise reduction with BIONZ X for mobile as well as Cinematography Pro powered by CineAlta. That’s the same or a similar tech to what’s found in Sony’s dedicated video cameras for professional-grade video. Summarily, it brings enhanced controls and better audio into the mix.
Finally, RAW and JPEG shots can be captured simultaneously in the pro mode for photos. Or users can choose to shoot in nothing but RAW formats in that mode.
All told, this Sony-built Android smartphone is shaping up to be a cut above the rest on cameras. The Sony Xperia 5 II is set to go on pre-sale in the US from September 29 but won’t be shipped or introduced to the market until December 4. It’s going to cost $949, according to the company. And it will be sold through ‘authorized retailers’ with unlocked compatibility for AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon.
