The larger sensor, Bright F1.8 Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T lens, and full creative control, make the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 one of the best point and shoot under 500. This camera offers great video quality in 1080p 60fps mode, and has an excellent high ISO range. It also allows RAW image capture and has P/A/S/M modes for both video and stills. If you want 15 more cameras to browse, visit our best digital camera list.
Why We Like It – Sony RX100 Review
The Sony Cyber-shot RX100 features a large 1/2.3” CMOS sensor with 20.1-megapixel resolution and delivers very good image quality. It also features an ultra-bright Carl Zeiss/1.8 zoom lens and a control ring for aperture settings. The large sensor size enables improved low light performance.
- 20.1 megapixel Exmor CMOS 1/2.3” large sensor
- 10 frames per second continuous shooting
- High speed autofocus system
- No viewfinder
Performance
The Sony RX100 comes with a 20.1-megapixel Exmor CMOS sensor that can capture plenty of light due to its large size. It takes full advantage of the Carl Zeiss lens to offer images with reduced noise levels, clear details, and high dynamic range. The focal length of the lens is 28-100m, which means that it also delivers up to 3.6x optical zoom range. This mirrorless camera also offers shutter speed up to 10 frames per second. The Nikon Coolpix B700 is a great alternative if you don’t need a mirrorless camera.
Related: Read our Sony CyberShot TX9 review
Design
In terms of design, the Sony DSC-RX100 is similar to other mirrorless cameras available in the market. However, it does lack an optical or electronic viewfinder, which means that users have to rely on the 3-inch LCD display with touch support. This is a compact camera that has a fixed lens system, which makes it a great companion for your travels. It also gets an in-built pop-up flash, a customisable function button, and other features. You could also check out the Nikon P7700, if you need something compact and light.
Value
This Sony Cyber-shot mirrorless camera is total value for money. It’s got a great CMOS sensor, optical image stabilization, a powerful zoom lens with 3.6x optical zoom, a 3-inch LCD touch display, and more. The camera is also great when it comes to Face detection and autofocus. It can capture full HD videos at 60fps and the ISO range of 6400 makes it a good camera to use in low light as well. If you’d like more zoom, then perhaps you should try the Canon PowerShot SX710.
Related: Find out what so great about this camera with our Fujifilm XF10 review
Sony RX100 Review Wrap Up
The Sony RX100 is a great compact camera that you can carry around with you anywhere. It has a powerful high-resolution sensor, good quality fixed lens with 3.6x optical zoom, and a high-speed autofocus system and up to 10fps continuous shooting support. Although not having a viewfinder is a little bit annoying, it’s not a dealbreaker. This mirrorless camera is a great buy for beginners.
