Sony CyberShot DSC-RX100 VA bk Sony - Review 🏆

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Sony CyberShot DSC-RX100 VA bk Sony - Review 🏆

Sony CyberShot DSC-RX100 VA bk Sony - Review 🏆

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Brand: ‎SONY
Model Number: DSCRX100M5A.CE3
Colour: ‎Black
Continuous Shooting Speed: ‎24
Effective Still Resolution: ‎20.1 MP
Focus Type: ‎Auto Focus
Has Image Stabilisation: ‎Yes
Item Weight: ‎299 Grams
Max Focal Length: ‎70
Maximum Shutter Speed: ‎30 seconds
Memory Slots Available: ‎1
Min Focal Length: ‎24
Minimum Shutter Speed: ‎30 seconds
Model Year: ‎2018
Style: ‎DSC-RX100M5A
Zoom Type: ‎Digital
Brand: SONY
Effective Still Resolution: 20.1 MP
Photo Sensor Size: 1 inches
Model Name: Cybershot
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Review and analysis

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VA is a premium compact camera that packs impressive imaging capabilities into a pocketable form factor. Released in 2018, it's the latest iteration in Sony's popular RX100 series.

Key features of the RX100 VA include a large 1-inch type stacked CMOS sensor, a 24-200mm equivalent zoom lens with a bright f/2-4.5 maximum aperture, and Sony's advanced BIONZ X image processor. This combination delivers excellent image quality, fast autofocus, and 4K video recording. The pop-up electronic viewfinder provides a clear eye-level viewfinder when needed. Overall, the RX100 VA offers a versatile package for photographers looking for DSLR-like image quality and performance in a compact point-and-shoot body.

Design and Build Quality

The Sony CyberShot DSC-RX100 VA is a compact yet robust camera with a premium feel. The body is made of metal, giving it a durable construction that can withstand some bumps and knocks. Despite its metal build, it remains fairly lightweight at just 298g. The smooth body contours and small form factor make it very pocketable.

The size is 4 x 2.3 x 1.6 inches, so it can fit into a jacket pocket or small bag without hassle. The smooth finish resists fingerprints. There are no moving parts like a flip screen that could make it less durable. Overall, the premium metal materials and small but sturdy build make this a camera that can keep up with an active lifestyle.

Image Sensor and Processor

The Sony CyberShot DSC-RX100 VA features a 1-inch, 20.1MP Exmor RS CMOS sensor paired with an upgraded BIONZ X image processor. The large 1-inch sensor enables excellent light gathering capabilities, delivering superb image quality with low noise levels even in low light conditions.

The high 20.1MP resolution provides ample flexibility for large prints or aggressive cropping. Combined with the fast BIONZ X processor, the RX100 VA delivers outstanding image processing power, enabling up to 24fps continuous shooting with autofocus and autoexposure. The processor also helps produce stunning 4K video recording.

Overall, the pairing of a large 1-inch sensor with a powerful BIONZ X processor enables the RX100 VA to deliver professional-level image quality and performance in a compact body. The sensor and processor combination is a key highlight of this camera.

Lens

The Sony CyberShot DSC-RX100 VA has a fast 24-70mm f/1.8-2.8 ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T* lens, which provides a useful focal range for a variety of shooting situations. The wide 24mm end is great for landscapes, architecture and group shots. The telephoto reach up to 70mm allows you to get closer to your subject and capture nice portrait shots.

The lens has a bright maximum aperture range of f/1.8-2.8, which means you can shoot in lower light conditions and achieve a nice background blur for portraits. The wide f/1.8 aperture at the 24mm end enables more light capture and allows for shallow depth of field. As you zoom in, the aperture narrows to f/2.8 at the 70mm end, which is still respectable for a compact camera.

For its size, the RX100 VA packs in a generous 3.6x optical zoom range. This provides a very useful degree of zoom versatility that isn't common on large sensor compacts. The optical zoom gives you a lot of compositional flexibility without any loss in image quality like you'd get with digital zoom. Overall, the lens is high quality and versatile for a wide range of everyday shooting scenarios.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VA has a fast and accurate autofocus system. It uses a hybrid AF system that combines 315 phase-detection points with 25 contrast-detection points for quick and precise focusing.

For photographing moving subjects, the RX100 VA has a continuous shooting speed of 24fps with AF/AE tracking, which allows you to capture fast action shots with ease. The buffer depth is large enough to enable sustained burst shooting of over 150 JPEG images or around 50 raw files before slowing down.

The fast sensor readout contributes to the responsive autofocus as well as the ability to shoot continuously at high frame rates. Overall, the autofocus system and burst shooting capabilities make the RX100 VA well-suited for sports, action, and wildlife photography.

Video Recording

The Sony CyberShot DSC-RX100 VA is capable of recording high-quality video. It can shoot video at up to 4K resolution at 30 frames per second, with full pixel readout and no pixel binning. This results in very detailed, sharp 4K footage.

For slow motion, the RX100 VA can record Full HD 1080p video at up to 960 frames per second. This allows you to create stunning super slow motion effects in your videos.

The camera uses the advanced XAVC S codec for video recording. This is an efficient codec that provides high quality video while keeping file sizes manageable. XAVC S uses H.264 compression at up to 100Mbps bitrate.

You also have the option to record in AVCHD or MP4 formats if desired, at varying bitrates. So the RX100 VA provides a good selection of codec options to choose from depending on your video needs.

Overall, with 4K 30fps recording, 960fps slow motion, and XAVC S codec, the RX100 VA delivers excellent video capabilities in a compact camera body. It's a great choice if video recording performance is a priority.

Display

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VA has a 3-inch LCD display with 1,228,800 dots resolution and ability to tilt upward by 180 degrees and downward by 45 degrees. This allows for flexibility in composing shots above and below eye level. The high resolution provides sharp detail and accurate color reproduction.

The display uses a WhiteMagic technology that improves screen visibility in bright sunlight compared to standard LCD screens. This makes it easier to compose and review shots outdoors.

Overall, the display is high quality with excellent detail and articulation for flexible shooting. The WhiteMagic technology also improves usability in challenging lighting conditions.

Connectivity and Storage

The Sony CyberShot DSC-RX100 VA bk Black has a good selection of ports and wireless connectivity options, as well as support for SD memory cards.

Ports: The camera has a micro USB port for charging and data transfer, as well as a micro HDMI port for connecting to TVs and external monitors. There is no headphone jack.

Wireless Connectivity: The RX100 VA has built-in WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity for wirelessly transferring photos to your smartphone or connecting to the Sony Imaging Edge app. The Bluetooth allows for a constant connection to your phone for quick transfer of every shot.

Storage: The RX100 VA supports SD, SDHC, and SDXC memory cards for storage. Cards are not included so you'll need to purchase them separately. The camera has no built-in memory so a memory card is required. The high speed capabilities allow you to take advantage of fast UHS-I compatible SD cards.

Battery Life

The Sony CyberShot DSC-RX100 VA has a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that provides enough power for around 240 shots per charge based on the CIPA standard. This is a decent battery life for a compact camera.

The NP-BX1 battery is rated at 1240 mAh capacity. It can be charged in-camera via the USB port, which is convenient. However, using an optional external charger (sold separately) allows you to charge one battery while still using the camera, which can be helpful.

Overall, the battery life is good but not exceptional. The battery will get you through a full day of casual shooting, but you may need to carry a spare battery or charger if you plan to take hundreds of photos in a day. The battery life is similar to other cameras in this premium compact category. Just be aware you likely can't leave the camera on all day long and expect the battery to last. But the USB charging gives you some flexibility to top it off if needed.

Pros and Cons

The Sony CyberShot DSC-RX100 VA has many strengths but also a few potential drawbacks to consider.

Pros

  • Excellent image and video quality from the large 1-inch sensor and advanced processing
  • Bright f/1.8-2.8 zoom lens with flexible 24-70mm focal range
  • Fast autofocus and shooting up to 24fps with AF/AE tracking
  • 4K video recording and advanced features like HDR and super slow motion
  • Useful built-in viewfinder and tilting touchscreen
  • Large Z battery provides enough power for a full day of shooting
  • Compact, lightweight and stylish design that fits in your pocket

Cons

  • Relatively short zoom range compared to other compact cameras
  • No mic input for advanced video recording
  • Expensive price tag
  • No built-in flash
  • Smaller sensor size than some interchangeable lens cameras
  • No weather sealing

Overall, the RX100 VA performs extremely well as a high-end compact camera due to its versatile lens, excellent image quality, fast performance and 4K video capabilities. The price is quite high but may be worthwhile for photographers seeking premium point-and-shoot performance and portability. The short zoom range and lack of a built-in flash or mic input may be cons for some.

More Information

Features of Sony CyberShot DSC-RX100 VA bk Black
Brand‎SONY
Model NumberDSCRX100M5A.CE3
Colour‎Black
Continuous Shooting Speed‎24
Effective Still Resolution‎20.1 MP
Focus Type‎Auto Focus
Has Image Stabilisation‎Yes
Item Weight‎299 Grams
Max Focal Length‎70
Maximum Shutter Speed‎30 seconds
Memory Slots Available‎1
Min Focal Length‎24
Minimum Shutter Speed‎30 seconds
Model Year‎2018
Style‎DSC-RX100M5A
Zoom Type‎Digital
BrandSONY
Effective Still Resolution20.1 MP
Photo Sensor Size1 inches
Model NameCybershot

Сomparison table

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ModelSony CyberShot DSC-RX100 VA bkCanon EOS M200 Kit (White) + EF-M 15-45 IS STMRicoh Theta SC2 for businessFujifilm X100VKodak PIXPRO FZ45
BrandSONYCanonRicohFujifilmKODAK
Model NumberDSCRX100M5A.CE33700C010AA-16643000FZ45BK
Colour‎Black‎White-‎Black‎Black
Continuous Shooting Speed‎24‎6 fps-‎11‎5 fps
Effective Still Resolution20.1 MP24.1 MP14 MP26.1 MP-
Focus Type‎Auto Focus--‎Auto Focus-
Has Image Stabilisation‎Yes‎Yes-‎No‎Yes
Included Components---‎Li-ion battery NP-W126S, USB cable (type A to C), Lens cap, Hot shoe cover, Metal strap clip, Clip attaching tool, Protective cover, Shoulder strap, Owner's manual‎Camera, AA Alkaline Battery(×2), USB Cable, Wrist Strap
Item Weight‎299 Grams‎229 Grams-‎478 Grams‎0.26 Pounds
Max Focal Length‎70‎72 Millimetres-‎23 Millimetres‎19.6 Millimetres
Maximum Shutter Speed‎30 seconds‎1/4000 s--‎1/2000 seconds
Memory Slots Available‎1--‎1‎1
Min Focal Length‎24‎24 Millimetres-‎23 Millimetres‎4.9 Millimetres
Minimum Shutter Speed‎30 seconds‎30 seconds-‎1/32000 seconds‎30 seconds
Model Year‎2018‎2020-‎2019‎2022
Style‎DSC-RX100M5A----
Zoom Type‎Digital--‎Digital Zoom‎Optical Zoom
Photo Sensor Size1 inches--APS-C1/2.3-inch
Model NameCybershotCanon EOS M200Theta SC2X100V - BlackPIXPRO FZ45

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