A larger sensor and a bright lens give this compact
real pulling power
The Sony RX100 may cost a little more than the average
compact camera, but its 20.2MP Exmoor CMOS sensor is a 1-inch device, bigger
than that in the much-loved Canon G12 and beaten only by the likes of the much
bulkier Canon G1X and Fuji X100. This extra size allows the pixels to be
larger, which means that image quality is higher and less noise is generated
throughout the camera's IS0125-6400 range.
The retro-style
ring around the lens can be used to make speedy adjustments to the aperture
setting.
Added to this, the RXIOO has a 28-100mm (equivalent) Carl
Zeiss T* lens with an impressively bright f/1.8 aperture at the shortest focal
length (shrinking to a more modest f/4.9 at the telephoto end). As well as
allowing fast shutter speeds for use in low light, this large aperture enables
depth of field (the size of the sharp zone) to be controlled more accurately
than with most compact cameras, and backgrounds can be blurred to draw
attention to the subject.
Despite the size of the sensor, the RX100 is actually quite
small and sleek, with a sensibly arranged control layout including a lens ring
that can be used to adjust a number of different settings depending on the
shooting mode. And speaking of which, the RXIOO allows full manual control over
exposure and has aperture and shutter priority modes along with a selection of
automated shooting options, including Auto Portrait Framing and Sweep Panorama.
Images are composed on the superb 3-inch 1.229k-dot screen
and can be saved as raw or JPEG files to a memory card slot that supports a
range of Sony formats.
Sony has chosen to reveal a bit more noise than some other
manufacturers at the higher sensitivity settings, but this allows more detail
to be retained. We applaud their decision, as image quality is very impressive.
Colors are natural and punchy without being over-saturated and the exposure is
generally spot-on.
The bottom line. The RXIOO is a lovely camera that makes a
great alternative to an SLR and turns out high quality images.
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Information
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www.sony.com
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Price: $649.99
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Specs: 20.2 megapixels. 28-100mm equivalent lens, f/1.8-4.9,
supports JPEG and RAW
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(+) Excellent screen; customizable controls; raw and
JPEG file recording; superb image quality.
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(-) The quality is reflected in the price.
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