Sony has apparently recognized this market niche of serious enthusiasts and targeted it with a serious new compact camera, the DSC RX100 Cyber-Shot. Sony is also aware that many longtime casual photographers with beginner or “standard” compact models are ready to upgrade, but at a moderate price point and without the “baggage” that comes with owning and operating a DSLR.
There were 27 real customer reviews of the Sony DSC RX100 all giving it 4-5 star ratings. If you would like to read these reviews you can do so here.
2. It’s clearly evident that Sony is as serious as a broken leg when you realize the RX100 Cyber-Shot contains a 1” Exmor CMOS sensor with 20.9 megapixels. The RX100’s sensor is twice and even two-and-a-third times larger than those found in most compact cameras. Only the Canon G1 X has a larger sensor, but many enthusiasts won’t view it as being truly compact, with its “mini-DSLR” look. The Sony DSC RX100 passes the most important compact test by fitting in a pocket or small purse or bag, and the lens retracts within the body dimensions.
3. Sony’s moderate use of manual controls is another functional philosophy that should appeal to the enthusiast crowd too. Enthusiasts have enough digital photography experience to prefer a customizable function menu instead of the “novice” interfaces often found on some interchangeable lens cameras. On the Sony DSC RX100, it’s easy to program the function menu with just the settings important to you and in the order you require them.
4. Sony has found a way to design and build a camera that feels comfortable in the hands of the casual photographer as well as the enthusiast. The RX100’s high quality, aluminum construction is immediately noticeable and it has just enough weight to provide a substantial, secure feeling and hold when in use. Many experienced digital photographers will find that the RX100 operates much the same as the better ultra-zoom travel cameras. The Sony RX100 weighs 7.5 oz. (213g) and is 4” x 2.3” x 1.4’ (102mm x 59mm x 36mm).
5. The 3.6x optical zoom Carl Zeiss lens translates to a 28–100mm focal length range (35mm equivalent), which provides a nice wide-angle view for landscapes and travel photos and a tighter focal length for casual portraits and group photos. The aperture range is f/1.8–f/4.9, and with a 7-blade diaphragm, excellent background blur, or bokeh, is possible.
6. Since the Sony DSC RX100 Cyber-Shot had not been released at the time of this PhotographyTalk article, many of its other serious specs haven’t been thoroughly tested, but they are sure to tantalize any enthusiasts until more information is available.
• Contrast-detection AF with 25 points, including tracking and flexible spot options.
• ISO 125–6400 (expandable to ISO 80 and 100, as much as 25,600, using multi-frame noise-reduction).
• Face Recognition and Face Registration (as many as 8 faces).
• Rear control dial and customizable front control ring.
• 10fps continuous shooting in 'Speed Priority' mode.
• 13 Picture Effects with 27 variations.
• Memory Recall feature stores as many as three groups of custom settings.
• 1080 60p video (AVCHD) with MP4 option.
• Built-in stereo microphone.
• 330-shot battery life (CIPA).
The Sony DSC RX100 Cyber-Shot Compact Camera can be pre-ordered from Adorama for $648.00, with an estimated late July 2012 delivery date. For more information, visit http://www.adorama.com/ISODSCRX100.html.
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