Record HDR video underwater with the 

new Sony Xperia ZR

Sony just unveiled a new addition to its Xperia line, a waterproof and dustproof handset with mid-range specifications and a 4.6-inch 720p display.
Let’s give a warm welcome to the newest member of the Xperia family. After the Xperia Z and its more compact sibling the Xperia ZL wooed us with their sleek designs and great building quality, Sony tries to capitalize on the momentum with another elegant device.

The Xperia ZR is, in terms of specifications, a 2012 flagship – it features a 4.6-inch 720p (HD) display, a Snapdragon S4 Pro processor clocked at 1.5GHz, 2GB of RAM, and a 13MP camera. While the device isn’t full HD (like the Xperia Z and ZL), the display is most likely crisp enough for most users – the pixel density is 319ppi, which is adequate in our book. The Xperia Z’s display has been criticizedfor its poor viewing angles and low visibility in direct sunlight. Hopefully, the ZR will do better, as Sony touted the removal of the air gap between the touch sensor and the display, which should in theory improve contrast and reduce reflections.
The specs of the Xperia ZR are not cutting edge, but they should be more than enough for many customers. And the 140 grams device offers a few perks that make it more attractive, such as the NFC support, the 13MP Exmor sensor (BSI sensor HDR on video and photo), and the dedicated camera button that lets you take a picture without unlocking the device.

Coupled with the superior resistance to water (compliant with IP55 and IP58 standards), the camera button makes the Xperia ZR an ideal camera phone for the outdoorsy. The ZR will withstand being submerged in 1.5 meters of water for up to 30 minutes (for your reference, the Xperia Z can be submerged into 1 meter of water for the same time). Just like the Z, the ZR features plastic flaps that cover the ports and Sony touted the anti-shatter film on the display that should enable it to resist mechanical shocks better than other phones.
Because that the Xperia ZR has a dedicated shutter button, you'll be able to take photos and record full HD videos underwater. The presentation video below shows some images that Sony claims were taken underwater with the ZR, and they look pretty nice.

The device will be available in four colors, with the first markets to get in Q2 2013. Sony hasn't been more specific about the price either, but we'll keep an eye on it and let you know.
Check out the Sony Xperia ZR launch press release for full details about the phone. What do you make of this device? Worth your attention?