Sony is expected to announce the QX100 and QX10, two attachable lenses that fit onto consumers’ existing smartphones, at the IFA trade show tomorrow. A video ad has leaked early though, giving us a pretty good idea of what they look like and how they’ll operate.

The clip shows the user pairing the lens with a Sony Xperia smartphone simply by tapping it once on the back of the device. A PlayMemories app is then launched, before attaching the lens with a small plastic arm. The video makes it look a little tricky, but hopefully the process will be quicker and rather less taxing with a little bit of practice.

The app also suggests that the lenses can be detached at any time, while still being connected with the user’s smartphone. This means consumers can position the QX100 and QX10 away from their device, but still review, control and ultimately take the shot using their chosen handset.

There’s also the standard options for sharing images, as well as the ability to apply filters and edit them using “favorite apps”, whatever that means. It’s difficult to see this as a mass market product, but for aspiring photographers this could be rather compelling, especially if Sony expands the range over time.

➤ Sony QX100 and QX10 attachable Lenses (via The Verge)