The Sony RX100—also known as the Sony Cyber Shot DSC RX100 VA—comes equipped with impressive technology that makes it a powerhouse for snapping fast-moving moments. With excellent image quality, and an autofocus system to boot, Sony brings two important functions together that make it ideal as one of the best travel cameras available, if not the best travel camera. If you like the Rx100Va you might also be intrigued by our top-rated digital camera reviews as well.
Related: Take clearer selfies with the help of the portable SRL L191 Selfie Ring Light, which attaches to your smartphone to provide white light.
Why We Like It – Sony RX100 VA
Built for capturing fast-moving action, the Sony RX100 VA uses a sophisticated autofocus system and blazingly fast shutter speeds to snap an image at the right moment.
- 20.1 megapixels; 4K video resolution
- Impressive continuous shooting performance
- Excellent AF system
- Design lacks a grip
- Limited to 5 minute clips in 4K
Related: Designed for seasoned photographers, the Sony RX0 Mark II camera can record in 4K at 30 fps or 1080p at 120fps.
Performance
The Sony RX100 is more than capable of tackling high-action moments while you’re traveling all over, and seeing the sights. For starters, its battery life can handle 220 shots, which is solid, though a bit on the shorter side. However, its real bread and butter is the Bionz X image processor and Exmor RS CMOS sensor, which allows for continuous shooting up to 24 frames per second without sacrificing quality—even in low light shots. Outside continuous shooting, you can use Sony’s Eye AF function for highly accurate facial focusing.
Design
Sony RX100 makes the same mistake other compact cameras, like the Canon PowerShot ELPH 180, make: the lack of grip. Take the Olympus TG-5 for example. It’s small in size—one of the smallest on our list. That didn’t stop Olympus from adding a small, yet graspable hump on the right-hand side for your hand to hold. Aside from that, the Sony RX100 is still small in size, measuring 4.66 x 2.94 x 6.13 inches, while the LCD screen is a wide 3-inches.
Value
There’s no doubt about it: the Sony RX100’s performance really shines where it matters most. This is especially true considering you’re paying for the body and zoom lens (unless you prefer third party variants). Compared to its other siblings in the RX100 family—RX100 III, RX100 IV, and RX100 VI—it’s a better for pound deal. Those other models only perform ever so slightly in one category or another, but none make huge strides to differentiate themselves from one another.
For something more budget friendly, and just behind the RX100 in performance, consider the Panasonic Lumix FZ80.
Sony RX100 VA Wrap Up
For its price, the Sony RX100 will only find itself in experienced hands. Even its 5-minute 4K videos can be overlooked. After all, you wouldn’t direct a movie with this camera. Sony dumped impressive technology into the RX100—in particular its autofocus system and continuous shooting, making the Sony RX100 ideal in action-packed situations.
