Along with the new Sony A7 and A7R full frame cameras, Sony officially announced its new Cyber-shot RX10, which is basically the superzoom cousin to the very popular RX100.
The RX10 features a 20.2MP 1″ CMOS sensor and a 24-200mm equivalent fixed lens that sports a constant f/2.8 aperture throughout the zoom range. Let that sink in for a minute.
Now, it has a fast AF system, full HD video recording and an OLED viewfinder; however, the lens is the feature that matters on this camera. Again, it is a constant f/2.8 aperture through the zoom range, which is equivalent to a 24-200mm zoom range on a full frame camera.
Just hold onto to your horses though when you read the $1300 price tag.
Of course, there is a whole demographic of prosumers that will say “screw you Sony” at this point. However, I think the RX10 could be a very important high-end consumer camera. If it produces images comparable to the RX100, then soccer moms and dads may finally have a superzoom camera that does absolutely everything they need without the pain that comes with owning a DSLR system.
Let’s face it, getting a total beginner up to speed on a DSLR is a challenge. Trying to get someone to wrap their brain around why a 55-200mm f/4-5.6 lens won’t work for indoor basketball like it does for outdoor soccer can be impossible for someone who doesn’t want to improve their craft of photography. Many soccer moms and dads just want to take “good” photos of their kids.
I think this may be the camera for them.
Sony has finally made a superzoom that doesn’t have a crappy, tiny sensor. And now, the f/2.8 lens will aid in getting better shots indoors, as well as outdoors.
That’s my two cents, but I think Sony may have another big winner here. You can pre-order the Sony Cyber-shot RX10 here at B&H Photo.
This seems like it should be a very good camera. I’m guessing the $1300 price tag is mostly for the constant aperture Carl Zeiss fast glass.
Personally my limit for a bridge camera is $750 so I wouldn’t even consider buying the RX10. I still own and use A Konica Minolta Dimage A2 for stills that I bought in 2004 for $695.
I wish Sony, who acquired Konica Minolta’s camera division would make an updated version of the Dimage A2 or add a tiltable EVF to a camera like the RX10. Also, I have to disagree with calling the RX10 camera a “superzoom”. Relatively speaking the RX10 is a moderate zoom camera these days. I also have to disagree with calling the small sensors “crappy”. Small sensors have improved significantly over the years and eventually small sensors will be able to produce the quality that todays larger sensors produce.
Don’t forget that the majority of pictures taken now are with people using smartphone cameras and most of these people are satisfied with their pictures that is why the compact camera segment is losing ground in sales.
I think the price tag of the RX10 is fair considering the constant fast f2.8 and quality of the Zeiss lens that comes fitted.
I use a SONY NEX 6 for my digital imaging needs and I could be tempted to have the RX10 as a second camera that I can take anywhere just as it comes and not have to worried about extra lenses and accessories.
Robert is right, the quality of sensors have progressed enormously lately and the 1″ sensor of the RX10 should be more than adequate for non professional use.
SONY have made giant leaps for the imaging industry. I think they deserve a tap on the back for their innovation and for teaching Canon & Nikon a few things. It has become an exiting time to buy a camera these days with so many model to choose from.
SONY is calling the shots and shaping the future of this industry. How will Nikon & Canon respond to this? That is the question on many peoples mind right now.
$1300? Did I read that right? Okay, I get that people might not want to deal with all the settings of a DSLR, but $1300? Even with the zoom and 2.8 that just is too much. You could get an amazing DSLR and lens combo for much less and just leave the darn thing on auto.
Canon SL1 with the closest equivalent focal range lens 18-200mm which will cost around $1500 without the benefit of small aperture lens. This RX Sony seems to be an amazing all rounder camera. I am considering buying one, although I was hopping Canon to be the first to bring this kind of camera on the market , a bridge camera with (at least) 1 inch sensor. Disappointing screen tilting mechanism! In what terms the function of a tilting screen is better than a swivel screen – like the one in Nikon D5xx, Canon 70D, Panasonic GH3 or Canon Power Shot SH50? In portret mode, the tilting screen is useless!
What about focus peacking and touch screen?