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Sony RX100 Review: A Detailed Look

Posted by Amanda Rickles.

sony rx100

​Image from Amazon

The RX100 line from Sony is a popular line of point and shoot cameras. These cameras are suitable for amateur and professional photographers thanks to their high-quality sensor and wide range of features. These are six models in this line that we compared to help you choose the best Sony RX100 camera.

Quick Navigation
What ​is ​the Sony RX100?
The Original Sony RX100 and RX100 II
The Sony RX100 III ​and IV
The Sony RX100 V and VI
​What Makes The RX100 Unique?
Public Perception ​of ​the Sony RX100
How Does The Sony RX100 Compare To Other Cameras?
Panasonic LUMIX FZ1000 4K Point And Shoot Camera
Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II
What We Think
Coupons ​and Deals

What ​is ​the Sony RX100?

the sony rx100 camera

​4.1 Stars

​Sony RX100 20.2 MP Premium Compact Digital Camera w/ 1-inch Sensor, 28-100mm ZEISS Zoom Lens, 3” LCD

  • ​ Approximately 20.1 megapixels , Exmor CMOS Sensor, 28-100mm equivalent F/18-49 lens, ISO 125-6400 Expandable ISO 80, 100, and 25,600, 3-Inch LCD screen with 12M dots
  • Operating temperature:Approx. 0°C to 40°C (32F° to 104F°).1080p video, Steady-Shot image stabilization,Rear control dial and customizable front control ring
  • Burst Mode (shots)-Approx10 fps,(VGA) Moving Image Size -640x480 30fps Approx3Mbps. Flash range:ISO Auto: approximately 0.3 meter to 17.1 meter (W), approximately 0.55 meter to 6.3 meter (T)
  • Bright F18 Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T lens with 36x zoom, Full HD 1080/60p video with manual control and dual record, ,Ultra-slim, sophisticated aluminum body. Extensive features in a sleek camera
  • Dimension: 1016 mm x 581 mm x 359 mm, Weight: 213g (75 oz). Exposure Compensation: +/- 3.0 EV, 1/3 EV step
  • 20.2 MP Exmor"CMOS sensor - extreme low-light shots
  • Bright F1.8 Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T lens with 3.6x zoom
​Check Price

The RX100 line is sometimes called the Cyber Shot line. The first iteration of this compact camera was introduced in 2012.

Sony released five additional cameras over the years. The different models are differentiated with roman numerals. Each model has new features or improvements compared to the previous one.

The RX100 and RX100 II are great entry-level cameras for amateur photographers. These models make excellent point and shoot cameras and will allow photographers to start exploring manual features.

Being able to upgrade to a more recent model with additional feature is interesting since the learning curve won’t be too steep.

The Original Sony RX100 and RX100 II

sony rx100_1

Image from Amazon

The original RX100 model features all the core elements of the Cyber Shot product line. The CMOS sensor allows for highly detailed images. The ISO range goes from 125 to 64,000. This high ISO range allows you to take photographs in low-light settings while the 125 ISO number means you can get a fine grain in optimal light settings.

The lens focal length or zoom ranges from 10.4 to 31.1mm, and the camera has a large lens aperture of f/1.8 to f/4.9, which makes it very versatile.

There is a built-in flash, a fast shutter speed of 1/2,000 seconds, and a shooting speed of 10fps if you select the burst mode. You can also use this camera to record videos.

The main change you will notice with the RX100 II is that the camera can communicate with other devices via WiFi. This feature makes transferring your photographs to a computer easier. You can also tilt the LCD screen of the camera.

Sony RX 100 II

Image from Amazon

The second iteration of the RX100 has two improvements that are designed to help you take better pictures in low-light settings. The ISO range is increased to 160 to 12,800, and the sensor is back-illuminated. You can also purchase an RX100 II with an electronic viewfinder, but keep in mind that this feature is optional.

The Sony RX100 III ​and IV

The RX100 III features the same back-illuminated sensor you will find on the RX100 II model. The ISO range is slightly broader since it goes from 125 to 12,800. The lower ISO value will refine the grain of your photographs in optimal light settings​​​​​.

sony rx100 iii

Image from Amazon

The focal length ranges from 8.8 to 25.7mm. The zoom capacity is reduced compared to previous models, but you will benefit from a broader angle of view.

The RX100 III has a large lens aperture with specs ranging from f/1.8 to f/2.8, but the smaller aperture setting available on previous models is missing. The electronic viewfinder is no longer an optional feature and is standard on all third-generation models.

This model also introduced the slow-motion video feature.

The RX100 IV model uses a different sensor. The stacked CMOS sensor uses a layer to collect data and another layer to process this data. This speeds up the process of capturing a high-resolution image.

sony rx100 iv

​Image from Amazon

The shutter speed has been increased to match this faster sensor. The shutter speed is now 1/32,000 seconds, which is a significant difference compared to previous models.

There is also a higher shooting speed of 16fps. The ISO, focal length and lens aperture are the same as on the III model.

There are a few additional changes worth mentioning, including an anti-distortion filter added to the shutter, a higher resolution for the electronic viewfinder, and the ability to record 4K video.

The Sony RX100 V and VI

rx100 v

Image from Amazon

The RX100 V model uses the same stacked CMOS sensor you will find on the previous model. The ISO range, lens focal length, lens aperture, shutter speed, and electronic viewfinder have the same specs as on the previous model.

​The main difference is the introduction of autofocus points. The RX100 V has 315 autofocus points that you can manually set or use to have the camera automatically adjust the focus in an extremely precise manner.

The high number of autofocus points means this is one of the best point and shoot cameras for capturing movement. You can also manually adjust these points to set the focus on specific areas, for instance, when composing a portrait.

The shooting speed is also higher at 24fps, and the buffer size of the fifth-generation RX100 has been increased, which will make a difference when you record video.

The RX100 VI has an increased lens focal length compared to the previous model. The new lens focal length ranges from 8.8 to 74mm.

The lens aperture range is also wider since it goes from f/2.8 to f/4.5. The sixth-generation RX100 is the first one to feature an LCD touchscreen

rx100 vi

Image from Amazon

​What Makes The RX100 Unique?

rx100

Image from Amazon

The RX100 or Cyber Shot product line stands out due to the high-quality photographs you can take with these cameras. The ability to take excellent pictures in low-light conditions is another standout feature.

The sensors used in these cameras tend to be larger than in comparable cameras. This results in more detailed images, even in low-light conditions. The sensor resolution is either 20.1 or 20.2 megapixels depending on the model.

In the more recent iterations of the product line, the stacked sensor allows the camera to capture details faster, which is ideal if you are capturing movement or want to use a fast shutter speed for another reason​.

rx100 camera model from sony

Image from Amazon

Some models feature a large lens aperture of f/1.8. This feature helps you capture detailed photographs in low-light settings when combined with the fast shutter speed. It is also useful for creating a blurred background effect.

rx100 zoom

Image from Amazon

The zoom capability is impressive on the RX100 VI model since it goes up to 74mm. It is more limited but still adapted to most settings on the other models.

The resolution of the electronic viewfinder is another interesting feature for the most recent models of the line. If you are looking at the RX100 V or VI, the autofocus points are an interesting addition to the cameras.

We like this product line because the six cameras have varying degrees of performance. You can easily find a point and shoot camera adapted to your budget. The first iterations of the RX100 camera are affordable and very performing, while the more recent models have everything a professional photographer would need​.

Public Perception ​of ​the Sony RX100

The original RX100 model has a rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars on Amazon. People love the quality of the photographs and the long battery life of the camera.

the sony rx100 camera

​Sony RX100 20.2 MP Premium Compact Digital Camera w/ 1-inch Sensor, 28-100mm ZEISS Zoom Lens, 3” LCD

  • ​ Approximately 20.1 megapixels , Exmor CMOS Sensor, 28-100mm equivalent F/18-49 lens, ISO 125-6400 Expandable ISO 80, 100, and 25,600, 3-Inch LCD screen with 12M dots
  • Operating temperature:Approx. 0°C to 40°C (32F° to 104F°).1080p video, Steady-Shot image stabilization,Rear control dial and customizable front control ring
  • Burst Mode (shots)-Approx10 fps,(VGA) Moving Image Size -640x480 30fps Approx3Mbps. Flash range:ISO Auto: approximately 0.3 meter to 17.1 meter (W), approximately 0.55 meter to 6.3 meter (T)
  • Bright F18 Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T lens with 36x zoom, Full HD 1080/60p video with manual control and dual record, ,Ultra-slim, sophisticated aluminum body. Extensive features in a sleek camera
  • Dimension: 1016 mm x 581 mm x 359 mm, Weight: 213g (75 oz). Exposure Compensation: +/- 3.0 EV, 1/3 EV step
  • 20.2 MP Exmor"CMOS sensor - extreme low-light shots
  • Bright F1.8 Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T lens with 3.6x zoom
​Check Price

Shoppers often mention that this is the perfect point and shoot camera for their needs. It is performing, they take great pictures with very little experience, and don’t need to go through a complex set-up for each shot.

The RX100 II model has received a rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars. Reviewers usually mention how much they love the image quality and the WiFi connectivity feature.

Sony RX 100 II


​Sony RX100 II 20.2 MP Premium Compact Digital Camera w/ 1-inch Sensor, MI (Multi-Interface) Shoe and tilt LCD Screen (DSCRX100M2/B)

  • ​ 20.2 MP 1"-type Exmor R CMOS sensor. 28-100mm equivalent F/1.8-4.9 lens.
  • Continuous shooting up to 10 FPS. ISO 160-12800, expandable ISO 100, 125, and 25,600.
  • .1080 60p/24p HD video with full exposure control (MPEG-4/AVCHD)3.0 inch tiltable TFT LCD with 1,229,000 dots
  • Raw/JPEG/ Raw+JPEG. Optical zoom : 3.6x (Optical Zoom during movie recording), Digital Zoom : Still images: 20M approx. 14x, 10M approx. 20x, 5M approx. 28x, VGA approx. 54x, Movie: 14x*1.
  • Steady-Shot image stabilization. Rear control dial and customizable front control ring.
  • Includes expandable Smart Accessory Shoe for system accessories. Built-in WiFi and NFC for sharing and remote camera control.
  • 1-Inch 20.2 MP Exmor R sensor for extreme low-light shots
​Check Price

Some reviewers note that there are significant improvements compared to the first model. The results are closer to what one would expect from a professional camera.

There are some mixed reviews that say that there are better options in this price range for those who want a fast shutter speed.

The RX100 III has a rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars. The quality of the images is what is most often mentioned in the reviews. Shoppers love the electronic viewfinder that is introduced with this iteration of the RX100.

sony rx100 iii


​Sony RX100 III 20.1 MP Premium Compact Digital Camera w/1-inch Sensor and 24-70mm F1.8-2.8 ZEISS Zoom Lens (DSCRX100M3/B)

  • ​ 209 MP 1"-type Exmor R CMOS sensor ; Optical zoom:2.9x (Optical Zoom during movie recording)
  • Operating temperature:32-104°F / 0-40°C.24-70mm equivalent F/18-28 lens
  • Continuous shooting up to 10 FPS
  • Pop-up electronic OLED viewfinder with 1,440,000 dots
  • ISO 160-12800, expandable ISO 100, 125, and 25,600
  • 30 inch tiltable TFT LCD with 1,229,000 dots. The charging time is approximately 230 min
  • 1080 60p/24p HD video with full exposure control (MPEG-4/AVCHD)
​Check Price

There are a few negative reviews that mention the menus of the camera since navigation isn’t intuitive. Some shoppers also ran into issues with the shutter getting stuck.

The reviews for the RX100 IV are very positive with an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars. Some reviews mention that the navigation menu has been redesigned with this model and is more intuitive.

sony rx100 iv

Sony RX100 IV 20.1 MP Premium Compact Digital Camera w/ 1-inch Sensor, 4K Movies and 40x Super Slow Motion HD DSCRX100M4/B

  • ​World's first1 201 MP 1" Exmor RS stacked back illuminated CMOS, High resolution 4K movie recording with direct pixel readout and no pixel binning, Super slow-motion movie3 HFR (High frame rate) up to 960 fps (40x)
  • Operating temperature:Approx. 0-40°C (32-104°F).Super-speed Anti-Distortion Shutter at max 1/32000 sec up to 16fps, Bright F18- F28 ZEISS Vario-Sonar T* lens (24-70mm), Fast Intelligent AF thanks to the new Exmor RS CMOS sensor
  • Retractable XGA OLED Tru-Finer viewfinder and Sharp 3" multi-angle LCD, Simple connectivity to smartphones via Wi-Fi and NFC w/ camera apps, Dual record of 168MP photos while shooting movie w/ auto settings. Focal length : f is equal to 8.8-25.7mm
  • Enhanced pro-video functions and NTSC switchable. Power Consumption : DC3.6 Volt (supplied battery) / DC5.0 Volt (supplied AC Adaptor)
​Check Price

This camera takes excellent photographs, especially in low-light settings. People love that they can get professional results with this camera but feel that the 4K video capability is limited. Some reviews talk about the camera overheating with the 4K video is used.

The RX100 V has an average rating of 4.0 out of 5 stars. The slightly lower rating is mostly due to the limited battery life on this model. The autofocus points and high image quality seem to drain the battery faster.

rx100 v

Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-RX100 V 20.1 MP Digital Still Camera with 3" OLED, flip Screen, WiFi, and 1” Sensor DSCRX100M5/B

  • ​ ELECTRONIC VIEW FINDER: retractable Tru-Finder EVF provides sharp resolution, bright self-illumination, and high contrast to view shots and adjust settings through a ZEISS T* coated eyepiece.
  • AUTO FOCUS: World’s fastest (0.05 sec.) hybrid AF system (contrast + phase) which is great for action and wildlife photography
  • AF DETECTION: The most comprehensive phase detection coverage in a compact camera utilizing 315 Auto Focus points
  • SHOOTING SPEED: World’s fastest continuous shooting speed at 24fps3 w/ autofocus and auto exposure tracking to ensure exceptional high-speed photography
  • IMAGE SENSOR: 20.1 megapixel 1" Exmor RS stacked back illuminated CMOS sensor w/ DRAM for outstanding image quality and continuous shooting.Battery life(still images)(CIPA):Up to 330 shots / 165 minutes
  • 4K VIDEO: 4K movie w/ direct pixel readout, no pixel binning and fast hybrid AF make the RX100V one of the best cameras for vlogging
  • ​SUPER SLOW MOTION VIDEO: Up to 960 fps super slow motion movies
  • OPTICAL ZOOM: 3.6x zoom to get the most out of your compact camera
​Check Price

Some professional photographers have given excellent reviews for this camera. The image quality is amazing, but some wish the camera were more responsive in terms of shutter speed. Some reviews mention that the camera tends to overheat with the 4K video mode is used.

Overall, if you are looking for a professional point and shoot camera in this price range, it is difficult to find a product that is more performing.

The RX100 VI has an average rating of 4.0 out of 5 stars, just like the previous model. There aren’t many reviews and ratings available since this is a fairly recent release.

rx100 vi

Sony RX100 VI 20.1 MP Premium Compact Digital Camera w/ 1-inch sensor, 24-200mm ZEISS zoom lens and pop-up OLED EVF (DSCRX100M6/B)

  • ​24-200mm F2.8-F4.5 ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T lens
  • World's fastest (0.03 sec) hybrid AF system (contrast + phase)
  • Battery life:Up to 330 shots / 165 minutes
  • In-the-box: Rechargeable Battery Pack NP-BX1, AC Adaptor, Micro USB cable, Wrist Strap, Strap Adapter
​Check Price

Positive reviews mention the image quality and fast focus. Shoppers also love the touchscreen feature and the burst mode.

Reviewers have high expectations due to the price of the camera, and some were disappointed that the neutral density filter has been removed. This feature previously reduced the intensity of hues and light in some settings. Using a high zoom setting also results in a noticeable loss of light.

How Does The Sony RX100 Compare To Other Cameras?

We compared the RX100 product line to other point and shoot cameras.

Panasonic LUMIX FZ1000 4K Point And Shoot Camera

panasonic lumix

PANASONIC LUMIX FZ1000 4K Point and Shoot Camera, 16X LEICA DC Vario-ELMARIT F2.8-4.0 Lens, 21.1 Megapixels, 1 Inch High Sensitivity Sensor, DMC-FZ1000 (USA BLACK)

  • ​ 4K video & 4K PHOTO - Panasonic’s exclusive 4K PHOTO technology uses 30 frames per second in high resolution 4K Ultra HD video to extract them as photos. You’ll never miss that moment again
  • Leica DC VARIO-ELMARIT lens - 24x zoom (25-600mm) with full zoom range F2. 8 aperture for enhanced low light shooting meeting the stringent quality standards established by Leica
  • High image quality - The 12. 1-Megapixel high sensitivity MOS sensor with the Venus engine excels in diffraction compensation, yielding images that are crisp & free from artifacts associated with small aperture settings
  • Rugged camera design - splash proof/dustproof rugged camera design with tight seals on every joint, dial and button, so it stands up to harsh weather conditions and challenging environments
  • 5-Axis Hybrid optical image Stabilizer Plus - Reduces Blur from one-handed video shooting by compensating for five types of movement. Level shot function detects horizon line & maintains it, even if the camera is tilted
​Check Price

This Panasonic camera is an interesting alternative to the original or second-generation RX100 cameras. It has WiFi connectivity and can be remote-controlled from a laptop.

The 16x zoom is not as performing as what you will find with the RX100, and the sensor resolution is 10.1 megapixels, which corresponds to half of the resolution of the sensor used in the RX100.

The bright lens and macro shot modes are interesting features that are missing from the RX100. Overall, the Panasonic LUMIX FZ1000 is a good alternative if you want a lower price tag and don’t need a high zoom or sensor resolution.

Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II

canon powershot

​Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II Compact Digital Camera w/1 Inch Sensor and 3inch LCD - Wi-Fi, NFC, Bluetooth Enabled (Silver)

  • ​1.0-Inch, 20.1 Megapixel* High-sensitivity CMOS sensor.
  • Digic 7 image processor.
  • Ultra-slim, lightweight and pocket-size camera.
​Check Price

This camera uses a 20.1 megapixel CMOS sensor that is similar to what you will find in the RX100. It has a compact and lightweight design.

We like this camera because it features a touchscreen and is equipped with WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity. The 3x zoom is below the performance of the RX100, but the touchscreen and performing sensor make the Canon a viable alternative if you are shopping on a budget. It also has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars on Amazon.

What We Think

The Sony RX100 is an excellent line of point and shoot cameras. There are six cameras to choose from and you should be able to find a product that matches your budget and needs as a photographer.

The older models are interesting due to their affordable prices and performing sensors. These older cameras are lightweight and deliver professional photographs.

The downside of the newer models is that the weight increases and the battery life decreases. However, these are some of the most performing point and shoot cameras on the market due to the sensor specs and autofocus points.

We recommend that you invest in a protective case, additional battery, and tripod if you decide to get an RX100.

Coupons ​and Deals

Best Buy currently has deals on the RX100 line. The prices are comparable to what you will find on Amazon, but you will get a Shutterfly gift card with your purchase. The RX100 III comes with a free memory card and battery.

The RX100 line is an excellent choice if you want a performing camera that delivers high-quality photographs. Take the time to compare the different generations of the RX100 to figure out which camera is adapted to your budget and needs.

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About Amanda Rickles

Amanda is a self-taught photographer who only discovered the depths of the world of photography a couple of years back. She is still a college student, passionate about design and media. Amanda knows she has quite a bundle of photography do’s and don’ts to catch up with.
As the ‘baby’ of the Future Photographer team she is striving to do precisely that. She adores scribbling away on her pieces for the Coming Trends and Mobile Camera Insights sections. Amanda feels these are the two themes which keep her well-grounded in her decision to learn everything there is to know about photography with a look on the past and the future as well.

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