We just back from the launch of Sony latest high end compact camera, Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 - One of the compact camera we have been anticipating. Reason why is because of the size comparable with the Canon S100. Which makes it pocketable.
* Sony RX100 VS Canon S100 *
Another reason is the 1 inch sensor size, which is around 4 times larger than normal compact camera that have 1/2.3" sensor size. Of course, you have guesses it correctly that it share the same sensor in Nikon J1 and V1 mirrorless camera, which giving this camera 2.7x crop factor.
Here are the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 Key Features :
- 20.2 megapixels.
- CX format (13.2 x 8.8 mm) CMOS Sensor.
- Bionz imaging processor.
- ISO 100 - 25600.
- Fixed Carl Zeiss® Sonnar T 28 – 100 mm F1.8 - F4.9 lens.
- 3" Fixed WhiteMagic TFT LCD screen.
- 1920 x 1080 (60, 24 fps) video.
- Lithium-Ion NP-BX1 battery and approximately 330 shot.
Our editor, Jackie Loi did a quick hands on video. Check it out!
There is an electronic control ring near the lens like Canon S100. You can set yourself what command to assign to the ring and you gain quick access from it. Not to mention, RX100 features more picture effect modes to play with.
We do a quick ISO noise performance test and lens sharpness as well. Here are the pics from RX100 ranging from ISO 100-6400. Picture are unedited and we only resize it to 50% from original size.
From our eye, the detail still sharp on ISO 3200 despite noise are pretty visible. On ISO 6400 the detail started to smudge and smooth. Noise become more visible but overall, it is pretty usable as well. It seem the 20mp sensor wasn't disappointing at all. Dynamic range is good as well.
However the lens on telephoto is at f4.9 (100mm) is pretty disappointing. Not to mention, it is hard to focus in telephoto especially when lowlight. We wonder why cant they add fast telephoto zoom like Olympus XZ-1? But the f1.8 is awesome when wide open ;) Image still sharp!
More sample from Sony RX100. All pictures are unedited beside resize. Too bad, environment are full with lowlight and the RX100 still able to cop up with it - we are amazed! Didn't manage to use the built in flash because the unit we tested cant trigger any flash.
* The famous Kenwooi *
* Eric - shoot with at 100mm f4.9 *
* Bokeh is achievable in f1.8 *
* The model of the day *
The retail price for Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 is RM2,499 and will available in every Sony store on early August.
Hopefully we could get a review unit from Sony so that we can did a full review for you all :)