Sony RX100. Digital camera Sony RX 100 - specifications, prices

First of all, when you select a camera, modern users are interested in the quality of the images they receive. Considerable is also the cost of the device itself and its accessories, compactness and ease of control. After the appearance of the segment of mirrorless cameras on the market, the problem of successfully combining all the above characteristics in the device was solved only partially. The fact is that not all amateur photographers can satisfy their compactness. A successful practical solution to this request is to become the Sony RX100. Overview of this miniature device that creates frames of good quality, and is presented in this article.

External Settings

The weight of the device is 213 grams, taking into account the installed battery. The external dimensions of the model at the same time are 10.2х5.9х3.6 centimeters in width, height and thickness, respectively. If you compare the modification with its main competitors, then we can conclude that the lightest and compact is the Sony RX100. Review and analysis of the market is an additional confirmation. The main material for the body is aluminum.

Basic controls and connectors

To the right of the display on the back side you can see Fn keys, video recordings, menu entry, image viewing, and file deletion. There is also an operating disk in the center of which the consent button with a choice is installed. One can not help but emphasize that each of these authorities has an additional purpose. The left end of the device is empty, while on the right side there is only a USB port, which is covered by a rubber stopper. HDMI developers have placed the connector on the underside, next to the tripod thread. At the top there is an on / off key, built-in flash, a switch for shooting modes, and a trigger for selecting the focal length of the lens. As for the slot for installing the memory card and the battery shaft, they are also located at the bottom of the device.

An exception to the usual arrangement of control elements for many users is the operating disk, which is located around the objective mine. It is able to control one of the eight selected modes (starting from the length of exposure and ending with the focal length).

Display

The main part of the space on the back is occupied by an information screen, which also plays the role of a viewfinder. The diagonal of the display, which has a camera Sony RX100, is three inches, and its resolution - 1.228 megapixels. As for the matrix used for the display, it is based on the TFT LCD technology. In general, for the totality of its characteristics, the monitor of the device is considered more qualitative and modern, in comparison with its main competitors. On the other hand, it is necessary to note one of its significant drawbacks. The fact is that the screen of this device is not equipped with a swivel attachment mechanism (as, for example, the Canon PowerShot G1X model).

Ergonomics

One can not help but note the high ergonomics of the Sony DSC RX100. Reviews of experts and owners of the device indicate that it is very comfortable in the hands and has a thoughtful arrangement of controls. The design of the device can be called very laconic and convenient - the body has rounded edges, and the shaft of the telescopic lens is clearly on the center of the front part.

Matrix

At the heart of the camera Sony RX100 is a photosensitive CMOS-matrix. Her physical parameters are 13.2 by 8.8 millimeters. In this indicator, the device is superior to all its main competitors. The sensitivity of the matrix (ISO) is in the range from 100 to 25600 units. As for the maximum image size, it is 5472x3648 pixels. The camera shoots photos with a resolution of 20.2 megapixels. At the same time, the image density is 1741 points per square centimeter. Be that as it may, the final quality of the photos is influenced not only by the basic parameters of the matrix, but also by the complexity of the optics and the functioning of the processor algorithms.

Optical system

The optical system consists of five lenses. The transfocal lens is able to cover a range of equivalent focal lengths, which ranges from 28 to 100 millimeters. The lens of the device is equipped with the system SteadyShot, which provides optical stabilization of the resulting picture. This model, like almost any other camera Sony, is equipped with a BionZ processor, which belongs to the last generation. Due to this, the device boasts a high data processing speed. This is mainly due to the use of modern, clear algorithms in combination with some new functions.

Testing the basic parameters

As shown by numerous tests, the level of detail from the center of the frame, where it is quite high, toward the edges of it is slightly reduced. In addition, weak optical distortions (both in the body position and at wide angles), as well as moderate chromatic aberrations, are characteristic of the Sony RX100 lens when shooting in JPG format. In such an indicator as the level of color change and detailing with an increase in the ISO, the model can be called one of the best compact cameras of all that are on the market. More specifically, the camera is capable of creating printable photos in the 90x60 centimeter format even with the lowest sensitivity. If you select the highest possible ISO, then the print format can be up to A-4 inclusive.

Shooting

As practice shows, reviews left by Sony DSC RX100 camera owners regarding the practical possibilities of taking pictures in their majority are positive. This is not surprising, since the device boasts a high speed of serial shooting (2.5 frames per second) and the presence of a large number of creative modes, including panoramic shooting. The full charge of the battery is usually enough to create up to 330 frames, which can be called a worthy indicator in this segment of cameras. Do not forget the good quality of the videos, which are recorded at a speed of 60 frames per second.

In the opinion of experienced users of such devices, almost the only significant disadvantage is the built-in flash, which does not have a high power. In addition, it is equipped with a very slow charging mechanism, which leads to far from its most effective operation.

Image Quality

In terms of image quality, the Sony RX100 is able to please both amateurs and experienced photographers. In general, the camera is most suitable for landscape photography. Color rendering can be called neutral (the model itself does not embellish the picture and does not blur it). In the case of shooting in bright sunlight, the high quality of the images is greatly enhanced by the dynamic range optimization function. If you create a frame, for example, opposite the window, then the colors in the photo will be slightly whitened. To strengthen the shadows, experts recommend reducing the flash output. Speaking about the macro capabilities of the Sony RX100, one can not but note the nuance that according to the technical passport of the device they are very good even, because the shortest focusing distance is equal to five centimeters. Along with this, do not forget that the device is able to focus only when the lens is in a wide-angle position. As a result, the final proportions can be distorted, which makes one stop thinking about serious subject photography.

Overall Impression

Making the conclusion about the model, first of all, it is necessary to emphasize that, as of today, it is rightfully considered one of the best compact cameras. The device comes in a black aluminum case, so it can often be found under the name Sony DSC RX100 Black. Due to the fact that the developers have equipped the camera with a lens with excellent optical data, as well as a large matrix, it is able to compete seriously not only with some mirrorless modifications, but also with the "SLRs" in the basic configuration, relating to the initial level. Quite solid can be safely called and functional features of the camera. With all this, do not forget about the compactness of the device and the ergonomics of its controls. As for the cost of Sony RX100, the price of the device in Russia is about twenty thousand rubles.

The second generation: the main differences

After the success of the above-mentioned model, the manufacturer presented a new version of the device. The well-proven aluminum case remained the same, but the display became folding. Camera Sony RX100 2 generation also got a so-called hot shoe (it provides the possibility of connecting an additional flash), a microphone and a rotary viewfinder. The weight of the novelty increased by 68 grams. All other innovations are not so significant, but they have become quite useful. For example, the microHDMI port has been moved to the left end, which makes it much easier to find it. The battery from the novelty is not necessary to get, because it can be charged via the USB connector. Moreover, the developers have provided for the camera auxiliary power supply.

Some changes have occurred in the technical equipment. In particular, the device uses a new Exmor R matrix of twenty megapixels, characterized by an expanded one-level upward ISO range and the presence of backlighting. The noise level in the pictures is insignificant. As for the lens, it was inherited from its predecessor.

Separate words deserve a video, which this modification carries with a frequency of 24 or 25 frames. Videos are recorded in 1080p format. The user chooses the encoding format at his own discretion. During video shooting, it is also possible to use the manual modes, which allows not only to set the appropriate aperture value, but also to adjust the exposure. All sorts of vibrations, like in the previous version of the device, are smoothed out with the help of SteadyShot technology. The only drawback with video shooting is that the digital zoom can not be disabled during its execution. This can lead to the fact that the recording slightly slows down, and on the roller at the appropriate moment a pause is formed.

Results

Undoubtedly, the manufacturer company managed to significantly improve an already good camera. There is practically no difference between the photos created with Sony RX100 II and its previous version. If it exists, it is very insignificant. The main argument in favor of the device usually becomes its higher functionality and simplicity. In addition, do not forget about the improved technical equipment of the new items, namely - the presence of a flip-up screen and a "shoe". On the other hand, such innovations have led to an increase in its value. Whatever it was, the model deserves only positive recommendations and feedback.