Capable of shooting 4K HDR Video, the new Sony Xperia 1 III and Xperia 5 III mobile phones promise to deliver an elevated content creation experience. Could it be that Sony has finally cracked the secret to ending the iPhone’s mobile filmmaking domination?
While the iPhone has been the de facto mobile phone of choice for many filmmakers, the irony is that more Android phones are in the market, by a long shot. So how can companies like Sony make inroads with content creators? Well, they’ve been slowly and steadily improving the Android platform’s ability to create. From better cameras to camera apps, Android may finally be on the crest of giving Apple a run for its creative money.
Sony’s new Xperia line could be the culmination of that effort.
Xperia 1 III & Xperia 5 IIICredit: Sony
The Xperia 1 III and Xperia 5 III are capable of shooting 4K HDR video at 120fps. Both models come packed with features, including a variable telephoto lens, a Dual PD sensor, optical image stabilization, and Sony’s 260 Reality Audio speakers. Sony says the result is creating content that is as the artist intended it to be experienced.
Sony’s built-in camera offers continuous autofocus, real-time eye autofocus, and object tracking to capture a variety of moving subjects with a simple tap of the OLED screen. The Xperia line also uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to measure distance so the real-time tracking can keep focus lock, even when the subject leaves the camera frame, making the device ideal for shooting sports. Additionally, Xperia’s camera harnesses the same continuous autofocus as Sony’s Alpha 9 mirrorless cameras.
Credit: Sony
The variable telephoto lens can switch from 70mm to 105mm on the fly and make for a focal range of 16mm-105mm across four focal lengths. The lenses feature ZEISS optics designed and calibrated for the Xperia line and offer ZEISS lens coatings to reduce unwanted lens flare and reflections.
Additionally, both devices come with expanded battery life from its 4500 mAh rechargeable battery, which can be refreshed up to 50% capacity in 30 minutes thanks to its 30w charger. Sony also guarantees that the batteries will last up to three years, far beyond the average 500 charge cycle lifespan of most mobile batteries.
Credit: Sony
Lastly, the Xperia line enjoys a powerful 6.1” 120Hz OLED display with a 21:9 CinemaWide aspect ratio, making it not only a great monitor for capturing your content, but also consuming it. It has been calibrated using “powered by CineAlta,” which gives 10-bit color and support for BT.2020, which Sony says is just as accurate as Sony professional color monitors.
As Android continues to chip away at the iPhone’s dominance in the creative space, it becomes clear from the feature set of the Xperia line that Sony means to lead the way. Here’s hoping that app developers continue to support the hardware to make it happen. Because that's really the key. If software programs only develop for iOS, it's going to handcuff great phones like these because of limited app options.
The Xperia 1 III will be available in frosted black and purple, while the Xperia 5 III will come in black and green. No pricing just yet, but it’s due to ship to the U.S. this summer.
More details about the Xperia 1 III can be found here and the Xperia 5 III here.
