Product Listing

Sony Cyber-shot RX100 - A Compact Dream

By Hafeez Sim - 2 Sep 2012
Launch SRP: S$999

Introduction

Introduction

There's bound to be a camera that is suitable for even those with the most discerning of tastes. There's the digital compact for those who want something small, light and easy to use. Prosumer and bridge cameras will appeal to you if you happen to want something with a bit more features and better image quality. Mirrorless system cameras and DSLRs cater to the crowd who want flexibility with interchangeable lenses and superb image quality. Thus, form has always followed function when it comes to cameras. And in some cases, compromises have to be made. It's difficult to fit a large sensor in something small and light, and conversely larger cameras can never be light or fit into a back pocket.

However, camera manufacturers have managed to produce a solution in the form of premium digital compacts, cameras with better image quality and performance though they are also substantially more expensive than the average point-and-shoot . While it was previously difficult to come across something that can be thrown in your pocket for a weekend of casual shooting and yet produce high quality images, all of that is set to change this year. Quite a number oft major camera manufacturers are set to release (or have already released) high-performance digital compacts. Here's a quick look at some of the models in the market.

 

Sony RX100


Canon S100

  

Panasonic DMC-LX7

 

 

Samsung EX2F

Sensor
1.0-inch CMOS 1/1.7-inch CMOS 1/1.7-inch CMOS 1/1.7-inch BSI-CMOS
Effective Resolution
20.2MP 12.1MP 10.1MP 12.4MP
Optical Zoom 3.6x 5x 3.8x 3.3x
Aperture
F1.8 - 4.9 F2.0 - 8.0 F1.4 - 2.7 F1.4 - 2.3
ISO Sensitivity 80 - 3200 80 - 6400 (in P mode) 80 - 6400, (12800 with boost) 80 - 3200
Focal Length (35mm equivalent) 28 - 100mm 24 - 120mm 24 - 90 mm 24 - 80mm
LCD Display 3.0-inch, 1,229,000 dots, TFT LCD 3.0-inch, 461,000 dots, TFT LCD 3.0-inch, 920,000  dots, TFT  LCD 3-inch, Swivel VGA AMOLED display
Battery Life 330 shots 200 shots 330 shots Unknown
Dimensions 104.7 x 59.7 x 33.8mm 98.9 x 59.8 x 26.7mm 111 x 68 x 46 mm 112 x 62 x 29 mm
Weight 213g 198g 298g 294g
Price $999 $699 TBA $699


The RX100 is Sony’s answer to the Canon S100 and other high-end compacts in the market. While the RX100 doesn’t pack fancy features like GPS or Wi-Fi, it seems Sony is intent on providing a pure shooting experience with the RX100’s fast lens and sensor (which incidentally is the same size as those found in the Nikon 1 cameras). But will its handling and image quality impress us despite its hefty price tag and the lack of fancy functions? Read on for more.


 

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9.0
  • Performance 9
  • Design 8.5
  • Features 9
  • User-Friendliness 9
  • Value 8
The Good
Good image quality with lots of detail
Good low-light performance for a digital compact
Speedy autofocus
Fast F1.8 lens
The Bad
Battery can only be charged in-camera
Slower at f/4.9 at longest end
Pricey
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