Sony Cyber-shot RX100 Detailed Review

In additional Cyber-shot RX100 was introduced by Sony in June 2012. It belongs to the enthusiast Compacts category.

Sony is well-known and shouldn’t require further introduction, please see our manufacturer’s page for more digital cameras by Sony.

Also Cyber-shot RX100 has a 1″ CMOS sensor with size of 13 x 9 mm² (0.52″ x 0.35″).

Picture of Cyber-shot RX100’s sensor compared to popular format.

The 1-Euro coin has a diameter of 23.25mm.

The Cyber-shot RX100’s sensor has resolution of 20 megapixel.

The Sony supports taking images in RAW. RAW images are stored as they come from the sensor, without any in-camera processing or sharpening. Converting to JPEG or other formats takes place on the computer, using software like Adobe Lightroom or Sony’s RAW converter. This involves one extra processing step but almost always results in superior image quality. Some filters, like converting to monochrome (black and white) will only yield decent results when used with RAW images.

The Cyber-shot RX100 does not come with a built-in viewfinder. The camera’s display is used to compose the photo. That can be cumbersome in broad daylight.

The Cyber-shot RX100’s shutter speed varies from 1/2000s to 30s.

The highest shutter speed of the Sony is just 1/2000s. That’s no longer state of the art and may cause problems in challenging light conditions.

The Cyber-shot RX100’s sensitivity goes from 160 ISO und 12800 ISO, a very useful and practical range.

The Cyber-shot RX100 supports all general exposure modes.

The Sony allows spot exposure for the difficult occasion.

The Cyber-shot RX100’s auto focus processor uses 25 AF points (or sensors). A basic rule of thumb says that the more AF points you have, the better. More AF points mean a better chance to have a point at the location of interest in a scene, a big plus in challenging situations (e.g. with low contrast subjects).

Manual focus is also possible with the Sony, a plus in tricky situations or for some creative freedom.

The Cyber-shot RX100 features a built-in flash with a range of up to 10m (33 ft.). That range will work for most situations.

A hotshoe is missing from the Sony.

The Cyber-shot RX100 features a monitor with a diagonal of 75.00mm (3.0 in.) and a resolution of c. 1.20 megapixel. That’s about average.

Unfortunately, the Cyber-shot RX100’s monitor is not articulated. That can make it tricky to frame your subject in some situations, e.g. when taking selfies.

The Cyber-shot RX100 does not feature a touch screen.

Display characteristics at a glance:

Cyber-shot RX100 video supported the resolution with 1920 x 1080 pixel.

ACamera is not equipped with an external microphone.

Sony Cyber-shot RX100 Video parameters:

Built-in wireless connectivity is not available with the Sony. You will need appropriate accessories to wirelessly transfer images between camera and smartphone.

Connect the Sony to a monitor or TV set over HDMI.

The Sony supports USB 2.0.

Connection parameters:

The camera will accept all common SD HC and SD XC cards. Sony MemorySticks can be used, too.

Memory cards characteristics:

The Sony Cyber-shot RX100 has a NP-BX1 LiIon battery. The battery provides a shooting life of 330 shots. It`s enough for one day or more.

The battery can be charged over USB while in camera. Very useful, especially on vacation when most people bring a USB charger for their smartphone anyway.

The Cyber-shot RX100’s battery battery parameters:

The Sony Cyber-shot RX100’s dimensions are 101.6 x 58.1 x 36mm³. (4.0″ x 2.3″ x 1.4″). This includes the lens. The camera’s weight is only 240 grams (7.7 oz.), lens included.

Here is front and top view of the Cyber-shot RX100:

To put the size of the camera in context, here it is next to a typical ID card (c. 86mm x 55mm, about the size of a credit card).

The Cyber-shot RX100 is not much bigger: