The market for compact cameras is seeing a decline. Thus camera makers are focusing on manufacturing cameras with ever-high picture quality that can be housed in what appears to be ever-smaller packaging.
[Important Notice: The RX100, also known as the DSC-RX100 by specific dealers, has subsequently been succeeded by five other, more recent cameras, the RX100 VI being the most recent of them. However, Sony continues to manufacture and sell all previous generations of their tiny cameras. Even though the RX100 does not have the most current and cutting-edge technology, it is still an excellent choice for those on a limited budget.
Consumers who purchase specialized image-taking equipment do so with the expectation that they will get a lot of value for their money and that the device will give them something their smartphone cannot.
To compete with the Canon S100, Panasonic LX5, Olympus XZ-1, and maybe even specific small system cameras such as the Nikon 1 J1, Sony is moving its attention well and thoroughly towards the high end of the market with the release of the RX100.
Sony RX100 Build Quality
Sony has designed the RX100 to have an immaculate and streamlined appearance, and the overall body size is outstanding compared to the amount of power housed within.
Despite its diminutive size, it has sufficient weight and consistency to give it the impression of excellent quality. The metal chassis also offers the appearance and sense of tolerating the occasional bump and scratch. This is supported by the automated drop detection feature, which causes the camera to protect itself by retracting its lens if it detects an unexpected drop.
Sony RX100 Performance
Since Sony has described the RX100 as a camera that would “change the game,” it is evident that the company has great expectations for it. Therefore, we are ecstatic to share that the photographs obtained from it are rather striking.
The colors are bold and vivid without being excessively saturated with intensity. In most instances, colors are also rendered accurately, with the sky looking like they were taken from real life and skin tones looking especially lovely.
The RX100 can create imaginative photos with blurred backgrounds thanks to its bigger sensor and wide aperture lens.
The wide aperture is also excellent for photographing in lower light circumstances. This means you can maintain a lower sensitivity value while maintaining quick enough shutter rates to achieve blur-free shots while shooting in moderately dark conditions.
Sony RX100 Image Quality
During this evaluation, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 captured photographs of exceptionally high quality. In addition, this camera handled noise well; it didn’t become noticeable until ISO 1600, and then it got increasingly worse at the higher levels of ISO 3200 and 6400. This performance was remarkable for such a tiny image sensor with a high pixel count.
Chromatic aberrations were present but were effectively controlled; nonetheless, a small amount of purple fringing appeared in conditions with a high contrast ratio. In addition, the photographs were a touch soft right out of the camera when the default setting was used, requiring further sharpening in an application like Adobe Photoshop. Alternatively, in-camera sharpening can be increased to compensate for the images’ lack of sharpness.
The macro performance is relatively strong, letting you focus on the topic from a distance as near as 5 centimeters. In addition, the built-in flash did a fantastic indoor job, producing images free of red-eye and with enough overall exposure.
The cameras have a maximum shutter speed of 30 seconds, enabling them to catch sufficient light for most after-dark scenarios. Moreover, when using the camera in a hand-held position at slower shutter speeds, the Steadyshot anti-shake feature performs quite well.
Sony RX100 Specs
Body type | Compact |
---|---|
Body material | Aluminum |
Sensor | |
Max resolution | 5472 x 3648 |
Other resolutions | 5472 x 3080, 4864 x 3648, 3888 x 2592, 3648 X 3648, 3648 x 2736, 2736 x 1824, 2592 x 1944, 2592 x 1944 |
Image ratio w h | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9 |
Effective pixels | 20 megapixels |
Sensor photo detectors | 21 megapixels |
Sensor size | 1″ (13.2 x 8.8 mm) |
Sensor type | CMOS |
Color space | sRGB, AdobeRGB |
Color filter array | RGB Primary color |
Image | |
ISO | Auto, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200, 6400, 12800, 25600 |
White balance presets | 9 |
Custom white balance | Yes (1) |
Image stabilization | Optical |
Uncompressed format | RAW |
File format | RAW (ARW2.3 Format)RAW+JPEGJPEG |
Image parameters | Contrast: -3 to +3 stepsSaturation: -3 to +3 stepsSharpness: -3 to +3 steps |
Optics & Focus | |
Focal length (equiv.) | 28–100 mm |
Optical zoom | 3.6× |
Maximum aperture | F1.8–4.9 |
Autofocus | Contrast Detect (sensor)Multi-areaCenterSelective single-pointTrackingSingleContinuousFace Detection |
Autofocus assist lamp | Yes, built-LED type |
Digital zoom | Yes (14x) |
Manual focus | Yes |
Macro focus range | 5 cm (1.97″) |
Number of focus points | 25 |
Screen/viewfinder | |
Articulated LCD | Fixed |
Screen size | 3″ |
Screen dots | 1,228,800 |
Touch screen | No |
Screen type | WhiteMagic TFT LCD |
Live view | Yes |
Viewfinder type | None |
Photography features | |
Minimum shutter speed | 30 sec |
Maximum shutter speed | 1/2000 sec |
Exposure modes | Auto AdvancedAutoProgram AUTOShutter priorityAperture priorityManualMemory RecallTele Zoom Hi Speed3D Sweep PanoramaSweep PanoramaAnti Motion BlurPicture EffectScene selection |
Scene modes | PortraitAnti Motion Blur (6 shot layering)Sports ActionPetGourmetMacroLandscapeSunsetNight SceneHand-held TwilightNight PortraitFireworksHigh Sensitivity |
Built-in flash | Yes (Pop-up) |
External flash | No |
Flash modes | Auto, On, Off, Slow Sync |
Drive modes | Single-frame advanceContinuous advanceContinuous adv Priority AESpeed Priority ContinuousSelf-timerSelf Portrait Self-timerContinuous Self-timer |
Continuous drive | 10.0 fps |
Self-timer | Yes (2 or 10 sec, Portrait 1/2) |
Metering modes | MultiCenter-weighted spot |
Exposure compensation | ±3 (at 1/3 EV steps) |
AE Bracketing | (3 frames at 1/3 EV, 2/3 EV steps) |
WB Bracketing | No |
Videography features | |
Resolutions | 1920 x 1080 (60 fps), 1440 x 1080 (30 fps), 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps) |
Format | MPEG-4, AVCHD |
Videography notes | 1920 x1080 60p PS: 59.97fps Progressive (appx 28Mbps), 1920 x 1080 60i FX : 59.97fps Interlaced (appx 24Mbps), 1920 x 1080 60i FH : 59.97fps Interlaced (appx 17Mbps), 1440 x 1080 30p :29.97fps Progressive (appx 12Mbps), 640 x 480 30p :29.97fps Progressive (appx 3 Mbps) |
Microphone | Stereo |
Speaker | Mono |
Storage | |
Storage types | SD/SDHC/SDXC, Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo/Pro-HG Duo |
Connectivity | |
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
HDMI | Yes (Micro HDMI) |
Microphone port | No |
Headphone port | No |
Wireless | Eye-Fi Connected |
Remote control | No |
Physical | |
Environmentally sealed | No |
Battery | Battery Pack |
Battery description | Lithium-Ion NP-BX1 battery and charger |
Battery Life (CIPA) | 330 |
Weight (inc. batteries) | 240 g (0.53 lb / 8.47 oz) |
Dimensions | 102 x 58 x 36 mm (4 x 2.29 x 1.41″) |
Other features | |
Orientation sensor | Yes |
Timelapse recording | No |
GPS | None |
Sony RX100 Verdict
Sony has created a highly fascinating and incredibly stunning camera in the form of the RX100. The image sensor is large enough to generate photos of high quality and give an excellent performance in low light while simultaneously being tiny sufficient to ensure that the total body size of the camera maintains an exquisite profile.
If we were to evaluate the camera based purely on what it can produce, it would be simple to assert that this particular camera is very close to being ideal for its intended market.
It can produce high-quality photographs with the ideal vibrancy, works well in various settings, and, perhaps most crucially, is small enough to fit in jeans pockets.
Sony RX100 FAQs
Is Sony RX100 suitable for beginners?
Although the Sony RX100 has more sophisticated features, the camera’s menu system and settings are notoriously difficult to navigate, making it less than ideal for newcomers.
Is Sony RX100 full frame?
The Sony RX100 is not a full-frame camera, despite popular belief. Instead, it has a sensor that is 1 inch in size.
Does Sony RX100 have WIFI?
The Sony RX100 does come equipped with WiFi capabilities.
Is Sony RX100 still good?
Yes, the Sony RX100 is still an excellent camera, mainly because it has such a compact dimension and produces high-quality images.
Is Sony RX100 good for vlogging?
Because of its small size, screen that flips up, and capacity to record high-quality video, the Sony RX100 is, in fact, an excellent camera for video blogging.
Is Sony RX100 worth buying?
The Sony RX100 is generally regarded as a high-quality and adaptable camera; however, the decision as to whether or not it is worthwhile to purchase one depends on the particular requirements and preferences of the buyer.
How long does the Sony RX100 battery last?
The battery on the Sony RX100 can take approximately 330 pictures before needing to be recharged.
Is Sony RX100 Touch Screen?
Touchscreen functionality was added to subsequent generations of the Sony RX100 III and onwards.
What does Rx mean in Sony RX100?
“Revolutionary Experience” is what the “RX” in Sony RX100 stands for.
Is Sony RX100 a professional camera?
Because of its small size and inability to accommodate interchangeable lenses, the Sony RX100 cannot be classified as a professional camera even tho its capable.
Is Sony RX100 suitable for beginners?
Although the Sony RX100 has more sophisticated features, the camera’s menu system and settings are notoriously difficult to navigate, making it less than ideal for newcomers.
Does Sony RX100 have Bluetooth?
No, the Sony RX100 cannot connect to a Bluetooth device.