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Sony RX100 III overview

Sony DSC RX100 III review

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Sony DSC RX100 III is not only versatile but also one of the most advanced point-and-shoot digital camera. Its large 20.1 megapixels 1″ Exmor R CMOS sensor produces high-resolution imagery and full HD video. It makes use of backside-illuminated technology, which leads o enhanced and improved clarity.

Sony DSC RX100 III review

The image quality remains top-notch even when working in dimly-lit conditions as the ISO sensitivity is 12800. Moreover, the BIONZ X image processor adds smooth tonal gradations and expedites the performance of the camera.

It also has a built-in Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* 2.9x zoom lens so that it can work in a wide variety of environments. Then it sports an Optical SteadyShot image stabilization, which reduces the appearance of the camera.

Moreover, an inbuilt three-stop ND filter is incorporated in the RX III design so that working in bright conditions becomes easy. It also has Wi-Fi and NFC to improve connectivity and a manual control ring to adjust settings!

Let us look at the features of this beauty by Sony to find out what makes this camera so worthwhile.

Sony DSC RX100 III – product overview:

First is the large 20.1 megapixel 1″ Exmor R CMOS sensor that comes with a backside-illuminated technology to improve low-light capabilities and retaining vivid clarity. It uses Sony’s Column A/D Conversion to produce images with smooth and impressive quality. Then the area specifies noise reduction minimizes apparent noise, thus further enhancing imaging quality.

There is detail reproduction technology, which creates a more three-dimensional and realistic image with more details. There is diffraction-reducing technology as well, which improves the optical capabilities by suppressing diffraction.

Additionally, enhancing the camera’s overall performance is the BIONZ X image processor, which gives it a continuous shooting rate of 10 fps, XAVC S movie recording at 50 Mbps, and a shutter release lag of 0.008 sec.

It has an inbuilt Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens, which gives a 35mm-equivalent focal length range of 24-70mm and covers wide-angle to portrait-length perspectives.

Sony RX100 III lens

This makes the camera well-suited to working in an array of shooting conditions. It has a maximum aperture of f/1.8-2.8, which benefits shooting in difficult light and gives users greater control for shallow depth of field imagery.

Smooth out-of-focus quality

A seven-blade diaphragm results in a smooth out-of-focus quality and nine aspherical elements reduce chromatic aberrations to create sharp and clear imagery. The lens is also covered with a Zeiss T* anti-reflective multi-layered coating, decreasing ghosting and lens flare, so that rich contrast and color neutrality are maintained.

Complementing the 2.9x reach of this lens and to support the camera in shooting in difficult light conditions is the Optical SteadyShot image stabilization.

This feature minimizes the impacts of camera shake. It is beneficial in recording movies, as it utilizes an Intelligent Active Mode, which compensates for both rolling shutter effects and camera shake.

Moreover, this camera also sports a neutral density 0.9 filters incorporated in its design, which leads to a reduction of three stops in exposure for better shooting in bright conditions and results in greater control of how subject movement is rendered.

Next is the display, which is not compromised due to size. The RX100 III may be compact, but its high-resolution electronic viewfinder and rear LCD monitor are large and bright.

Sony RX100 III screen

It sports a 0.39″ 1,440k-dot SVGA OLED Tru-Finder EVF, which is perfect for clear eye-level monitoring and is well-suited for critical compositions and hooting in bright conditions. It has a 100% frame coverage with a unique pop-up mechanism and a Zeiss T* coating on the optics, which reduces flare and surface reflections to enhance visibility.

Xtra Fine LCD screen

Even the 3.0″ 1,229k-dot Xtra Fine LCD screen features a tilting design and goes 180° up and 45° down to enable shooting from high, low, and front-facing angles. The LCD’s design has been applied with WhiteMagic technology to make it easier to view bright lighting.

Coming onto video, this camera can record Full HD 1920 x 1080 movies in high-quality XAVC S format, along with a Long GOP structure, linear PCM audio compression, and MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 video compression.

The files’ compression allows recording times to be extended to 29 minutes while permitting 50 Mbps recording at 1080/30p, 1080/60p, 1080/24p, and 720/120p frame rates. The full-pixel readout results in high-resolution and smooth shootings. Moreover, videos can also be recorded in both AVCHD and MP4 format, making it ideal for all purposes, including HDTV playback, Blu-ray disc burning, and uploading online.

This camera also supports advanced video applications as it produces clean HDMI output for recording uncompressed video. There is an option for an external recorder, and there is an accessory monitor for real-time viewing. The RX III has recording frame rates of 24p, 60p, and 60i.

Built-in Wi-Fi connectivity

Additionally, there is inbuilt Wi-Fi connectivity that permits instant sharing of photos with mobile devices. It also features NFC for one-touch connecting of the camera with compatible devices without any complex requirements. This leads to efficient and Smart Remote Control.

Furthermore, a manual control ring surrounds the lens and provides a smooth, quick, and quiet way to change settings.

Sony RX100 III top view

This camera intuitive and SLR-like adjustments of camera settings control an array of features like zoom, Picture Effects, and aperture.

What’s in the Box?

  • Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 III Digital Camera
  • NP-BX1/M8 Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery Pack (3.6V, 1240mAh)
  • AC-UB10 AC Adapter
  • Micro USB Cable
  • Wrist Strap
  • Strap Adapter
  • Limited 1-Year Warranty
  • Sony DSC-RX100 III

DSC-RX100 III Specs:

  • Pixels Actual: 20.9 Megapixel
  • Effective Pixels: 20.1 Megapixel
  • Aspect Ratio: 1:1, 3:2, 4:3, 16:9
  • Sensor Type: CMOS
  • Image Stabilization: Optical
  • Sensor Size: 1″
  • Max Resolution: 5472 x 3648
  • Image File Formats: JPEG, RAW
  • Focal Length: 8.8 to 25.7mm (35mm Equivalent Focal Length: 24 to 70mm)
  • Optical Zoom: 2.9x
  • Digital Zoom: 3.8x Maximum (11x Combined Zoom), 2x Optimized (5.8x Combined Zoom)
  • Max Aperture: f/1.8 to 2.8
  • Min Aperture: f/11
  • Focus Range (Wide): 1.97″ to Infinity / 5 cm to Infinity
  • Focus Range (Telephoto): 11.81″ to Infinity / 30 cm to Infinity
  • Optical Design 10 Elements in 9 Groups
  • ISO Sensitivity: Auto, 125 to 12800
  • Extended ISO sensitivity: 80 to 12800
  • Shutter Speed: 1/2000 to 30 Seconds
  • Metering Method: Center-Weighted Average, Multi, Spot
  • Exposure Modes: Aperture Priority, Auto, Manual, Shutter Priority
  • Exposure Compensation: -3 to +3 EV (1/3 EV Steps)
  • Metering Range: 0 to 20 EV
  • Continuous Shooting: Up to 10 fps at 20.1 MP
  • Interval Recording: No
  • Self-Timer: 2/10-Second Delay
  • Recording Limit: 29 Minutes
  • Video Encoding: NTSC
  • Audio Recording: Built-In Microphone (Stereo)
  • Audio File Formats: AAC LC, AC3, Dolby Digital 2ch, Linear PCM (Stereo)
  • Viewfinder Type: Electronic
  • Viewfinder Coverage: 100%
  • Viewfinder Resolution: 1,440,000 Dot
  • Diopter Adjustment: -4 to +3
  • Monitor Size: 3″
  • Monitor Type: Tilting LCD
  • Monitor Resolution: 1,228,800 Dot
  • Built-in Flash: Yes
  • External Flash Connection: No
  • Flash Modes: Auto, Flash On, Off, Rear Sync, Red-Eye Reduction, Slow Sync
  • Connectivity: HDMI D (Micro), USB 2.0, USB 2.0 Micro-B
  • Wireless: Wi-Fi
  • GPS: No
  • Storage Temperature: -4 to 140°F / -20 to 60°C
  • Operating Temperature: 32 to 104°F / 0 to 40°C
  • Battery: NP-BX1 Rechargeable Lithium-Ion, 3.6 VDC, 1240 mAh
  • Dimensions: 4 x 2.3 x 1.6″ / 101.6 x 58.4 x 40.6 mm
  • Weight: 10.23 oz / 290.02 g

Conclusion

So all in all, this camera is Sony’s best creation so far and never fails to impress. Its features are noteworthy, and its performance is impeccable.

It’s an investment that every photographer should undertake as it pays off. So make it yours <- Affiliate link  🙂 to add colors and quality to your photography!

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6 thoughts on “Sony DSC RX100 III review”

  1. Wow, you’ve created such a thorough and in depth review of this camera. It sounds like it’s a really valuable camera with very capable abilities to take amazing images. I love that it is so easy to use. I’m not a professional photographer and need to learn more about photography, so this looks like it could be really good one for learning how to do take excellent photos. Also, being a Sony product, I would trust it more than a no name brand. Thanks for sharing.

  2. Hi Condruzmh,

    Thanks for sharing! I really fancy the large sensor feature and the built in ND filter. Will definitely consider upgrading from my 3 years old Nikon camera.

  3. Fatsani Thomas Kafumbu

    Just what I’ve been looking for. I’ve been looking at buying a digital camera for some time now and this post has given me exactly what I wanted.
    Thanks for the information provided. It’s a great help.

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