Sony to launch Xperia PRO smartphone in the UK
Sony is on a roll with the Sony A1 and then adding, the Xperia PRO smartphone, to the range. Pity we’re not likely to see this type of functionality from Apple – though an HDMI adaptor is available for the iPhone. Looks like it will work with other cameras besides the Sony Alphas.
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UK press release:
New Xperia PRO launches in Europe as the world’s first smartphone with dedicated HDMI[i] input offering 5G speed and efficient workflow for content creators
6th May 2021, Sony Europe today announced the launch of Xperia PRO, a new professional 5G communication device that enables content creators, videographers and photographers to work faster and smarter than ever before. Having successfully launched in both the US and Japan in January, the Xperia PRO will be exclusively on sale in the UK, Germany and Nordic regions[ii].
The World’s First Smartphone with HDMI Input
Xperia PRO is the world’s first smartphone with a dedicated HDMI input – allowing users to enhance their workflow by connecting the device to an Alpha camera or any other HDMI input equipped camera to enable a 5G data link[iii] to broadcast video in real-time. Using compatible third-party live streaming applications[iv], Xperia PRO can stream video content from a camera that is connected to the HDMI input to an RTMP server or directly to popular social media platforms.
The Xperia PRO HDMI input can also transform the device into a high-quality 6.5-inch 4K OLED monitor[v] through the pre-installed External Monitor feature. The External Monitor feature features a screen lock function, screen brightness adjustment, zoom capabilities, adjustable grid lines and more.
Stable High-Speed Data Transfer for a Seamless Workflow
A wired Ethernet[vi] or USB connection enhances the speed and stability of still image file transfer between the device and the camera. Users simply need to connect an Alpha brand camera to the Xperia PRO mobile device through the wired Ethernet or USB connection and the still images will automatically transfer to an FTP server – allowing content creators to spent less time manually transferring and more time focussing on capturing the best shots[vii].
Optimised Design for Dependable Reception
The Network Visualiser feature developed for Xperia PRO provides easy-to-understand visualisation of the signal reception status, communication method and communication speed of the device to help camera operators on location locate the best spot for live transmissions[viii]. This feature shows the current signal reception, indicates the reception status of the 5G signal that is being received and provides communication throughput. A shortcut key is located on the side of the Xperia PRO, which can be assigned to launch a frequently used feature including Network Visualiser.
Outstanding Imaging Technology for Content Creators
Xperia PRO packs in all of the same imaging technology as the Xperia 1 II smartphone, which makes it – even as a standalone device – a powerful tool for photography and video content creation. Because the Xperia PRO is always with you, professionals and other content creators will never miss an opportunity to create high quality, professional-level content or share that content in real-time – even without a professional camera on hand.
Developed in combination with Sony’s Alpha camera engineers, the Xperia PRO integrates technology such as Real-time AF (autofocus) on both humans and animals. It also features an interface designed to meet the demands of professional photographers with a variety manual controls, the capability to shoot up to 20fps with 60 times per second autofocus/autoexposure calculations[ix] and RAW support.
Drawing on the expertise of Sony’s Digital Cinema Camera engineers, the Xperia PRO offers a range of tools to enhance filmmaking. Users can get creative with Look colour management pre-sets, 21:9 movie recording, 4K HDR in 24p, 30p, 60p and 120fps slow-motion[x] and Intelligent wind filter. The 6.5-inch 4K HDR OLED display features a 21:9 CinemaWide aspect ratio and supports the BT.2020 colour space[xi].
With Creator mode “powered by CineAlta”, and a specially calibrated D65 white point, it references the colour reproduction of Sony´s professional colour monitors.
Xperia PRO features ZEISS® optics calibrated specifically for Xperia with the ZEISS T* coating to reduce reflections. Xperia PRO also features a triple lens camera with a 16mm ultra wide-angle lens, 24mm lens wide-angle lens and 70mm telephoto lens for true creative freedom.
Reliable Performance
Robust and durable, the Xperia PRO combines IP65/68 rating water and dust resistance with Corning® Gorilla® Glass 6 on the front for protection.
The Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 865 5G Mobile Platform and the Snapdragon X55 5G Modem-RF system empowers the user to game, capture, cross-task and connect with staggering multi-gigabit 5G speeds and improved performance from a 25% faster CPU and GPU than on the previous Xperia model.
With a long lasting 4.000mAh battery, the Xperia PRO gets the job done. It is compatible with the optional UCH32C Fast Charger to quickly top-up when the battery is running low. It also has two technologies to keep the battery healthy longer. Battery Care prevents the phone from overcharging, while Xperia Adaptive Charging monitors the phone as it charges to make sure the battery isn’t overworked.
“After successful roll-out in both the US and Japan, we are excited to launch Xperia PRO in our key European markets.” said Tsutomu Sato, Director of Mobile Product Marketing, Sony Europe. “Xperia PRO opens up expansive opportunities for content creators that were simply not previously possible. We continue to innovate using Sony expertise in optical technology from our Alpha series and have incorporated this into a powerful communication device for professional content creators, photographers and videographers alike. Connectivity and speed are key thanks to 5G and HDMI input. Xperia PRO is designed to deliver an extremely efficient workflow and real-time content broadcasting, and distribution. We have a created and are introducing a portable and professional solution for creators within markets that are progressively adopting 5G connectivity.”
Pricing and Availability
The new Xperia PRO 5G device will be available to pre-order on May 6th, 2021 to 13th, May 2021 at 2,299 GBP. Customers can pre-order the Xperia PRO online at Wex Photo Video, the UK’s largest online photographic specialist and its nine stores throughout the United Kingdom and receive an exclusive pre-order kit worth £287* that includes:
- Sony ECM-W2BT Wireless Bluetooth Microphone
- Manfrotto MH492LCD-BH Micro Ball Head
- Manfrotto PIXI Universal Clamp
* Price reference as of www.wexphotovideo.com on 28th April 2021. Price of components may vary. Components may vary depending on availability.
Exclusive stories about Xperia PRO and Sony’s other imaging products can be found at www.alphauniverse.com and www.sonycine.com, resources designed to educate and inspire all fans of Sony’s technology for content creation and photography.
For detailed product information, please visit https://www.sony.co.uk/electronics/professional-smartphones/xperia-pro
A product video on the new Xperia PRO can be viewed here.
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