Sony continues to reign supreme with the advanced compact camera market. It’s most recent camera, the Sony Cyber-shot RX100 III, takes the product line a step further by delivering a fast 24-70mm equivalent lens with an f/1.8-2.8 aperture. That’s a full stop better than what the RX100 II lens delivers at 70mm. Of course, you pay for it a bit in the lens size, which further results in a shorter telephoto reach (compared to the 100mm telephoto reach of the RX100 II). The RX100 III lens includes a built-in 3-stop ND filter.
The other big new feature on the RX100 III is a built-in EVF. The RX100 II offered an aftermarket EVF accessory; however, it runs $450. Somehow, Sony has managed to stuff the EVF inside the RX100 III and still keep the camera size relatively compact.
Sony RX100 III Key Features
- 20.1MP 1″ Exmor R BSI CMOS Sensor
- BIONZ X Image Processor
- Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* f/1.8-2.8 Lens
- 24-70mm (35mm Equivalent)
- 1440k-Dot OLED Tru-Finder Pop-Up EVF
- 3.0″ 1229k-Dot Multi-Angle Xtra Fine LCD
- Full HD Video in XAVC S, Clean HDMI Out
- Built-In Wi-Fi Connectivity with NFC
- ISO 12800 and 10 fps Continuous Shooting
- Manual Control Ring & Built-In ND Filter
The RX100 III sports a 1-inch class, 20MP BSI CMOS sensor, which is the same sensor found in the RX100 II. The new camera adds Sony’s BIONZ X processor, which is found in the Sony A7, A7R and A7S cameras.
Sony has also really stepped up the video features of the camera by adding the ability to capture XAVC S format video in full HD at 50Mbps data rate. Additionally, the RX100 III offers clean HDMI output and 720p recording at 120fps. You can also view zebras on the LCD and built-in EVF for monitoring exposure while shooting.
WiFi and NFC connectivity round out the main features of the camera. You can connect the camera to compatible smartphones using Sony’s PlayMemories Mobile app for iOS and Android.
The Sony RX100 III should be available in June for $799. Check it out here at B&H Photo.
The Sony RX100 and RX100 II will remain the lineup, with possible price drops coming at $499 and $649, respectively.
Check out the video below for an overview of the new RX100.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CeycRHUuYw0&w=640&h=360]
Any ideas how one builds in a NDF? Is it a physical item or something done with software wizardry?
It’s a physical ND filter. Pretty common in video cameras and are often 3-stage filters in prosumer and up camcorders. It’s basically a piece of ND glass that slides in place to cover the image circle between the lens and sensor.