Contents
Conclusion
Pros:
- Very compact, rugged body with a big sensor
- Controls are within easy reach and very customizable
- Good image sharpness throughout the zoom range
- Outstanding dynamic range
- Good noise handling, allowing for quality images up to ISO 1600
- Responsive with very fast and accurate autofocus
- High quality video mode
- Very good out of camera JPEGs
Cons:
- Camera lacks any sort of front grip, so can be slick and slightly awkward to hold
- Some odd limitations on controls options such as the inability to have exposure compensation on the rear dial.
- Slightly confusing ‘wheel’ paradigm when changing settings
- Lens is soft on the edges and has relatively pronounced chromatic aberration
- Macro mode is pretty soft.
Overall, the Sony DSC-RX100 is a serious camera. Not just for those looking for a high quality point and shoot as their sole camera, but even for the serious photographer looking for a take anywhere camera. While the limited aperture at the long end would make me look elsewhere as my only camera, I loved shooting with it as a ‘take anywhere’ camera. Most importantly, I never really felt I was compromising my ability to get high quality shots when I left my OM-D in the car and was testing this little guy.
The RX100 is actually the perfect camera for someone looking to upgrade to something like a DSLR just for the image quality, but who doesn’t want to hassle with buying multiple lenses. All those people who own a DSLR and the kit zoom with no intention of ever buying additional lenses should seriously consider a swap to the RX100. It has similar image quality and capabilities in a much smaller package.
There are some odd interface issues that I eventually became used to, and the lens certainly isn’t perfect. However, while it has its quirks, the Sony RX100 is definitely the finest compact camera I have ever used.
Image Samples
Nice review and great images as always Jordan – thanks. A colleague of mine got one of these in addition to his D800, and I’ve seen good results already. For me, µ43rds is small enough, but if I would be considering a pocket camera, this would be it at the moment.
great review Jordan. i read from a forum that you can go as wide as 25mm on this rx100 when shot in raw. did you notice something similar to this assessment? thanks.
This a great little camera.
We had a light festival in Melbourne, Australia on the weekend, I bought my 7D with me as well as the RX100.
The 7D was to heavy and to big. I used the RX100 90% of the time and loved it. It really is a great little camera and the image quality is fantastic for the the size of the thing. I think I will buy the upgrade to the Nex 7 if this is the quality sonny puts out in their small cameras.
I sold my Sony, as I hated the video button placement. This caused me a great deal of stress and my hands were too big for this camera. As a older gentlemen my eyes weren’t too good either. I opted for the Fuji XE2 and never looked back!