Sony Cyber-shot RX100 III Detailed Review

See all images of the Sony Cyber-shot RX100 III

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In additional Cyber-shot RX100 III was introduced by Sony in May 2014. 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.

Brand Sony
Category Compact
Date 05/2014
Sensor Properties

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

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

Infographic: Cyber-shot RX100 III comparing sensor sizes

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

The Cyber-shot RX100 III’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.

Format 1″
Sensor area 13.20 x 8.80mm²
(0.52″ x 0.35″)
Type CMOS
Resolution (physical) 21.00 megapixel
Resolution (effective) 20.10 megapixel
Pixel size 18.40 µm²
Sensor cleaning
RAW support
Continuous 10 frames/second
Lens
Interchangeable
Focal length (min) 24mm
Focal length (max) 70mm
Aperture (max) 1.8
Aperture (min) 2.8
Viewfinder Properties

The Cyber-shot RX100 III uses an electronic viewfinder with a resolution of 1.44 megapixel, an above average value for a viewfinder like this.

The magnifcation is c. 0.59x, an average value for an electronic viewfinder.

Type Elektronic
Coverage 100%
Magnification 0.59x
Resolution 1.44 megapixel
Dioptric correction
Shutter

The Cyber-shot RX100 III’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.

Max. shutter speed 1/2000s
Min. shutter speed 30s
Sensitivity Properties

The Cyber-shot RX100 III’s sensitivity goes from 125 ISO und 12800 ISO, a very useful and practical range.

Automatic
Min. sensitivity 125 ISO
Max. sensitivity 12800 ISO
Exposure Modes

The Cyber-shot RX100 III supports all general exposure modes.

The Sony allows spot exposure for the difficult occasion.

Multi
Center weight
Partial
Spot
Auto Focus Properties

The Cyber-shot RX100 III’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.

Type Contrast Detection
AF points 25
Manual focusing
Flash Specs

The Cyber-shot RX100 III features a built-in flash with a range of up to 10m (34 ft.). That range will work for most situations.

A hotshoe is missing from the Sony.

Built-in
Range 10.20m
(34 ft.)
Hot shoe
Display Specs

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

The camera’s display is articulated, a plus for selfies and other challenging situations.

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

Display characteristics at a glance:

Type LCD
Size 75.00mm (diagonal)
(3.0 in.)
Resolution 1.20 megapixel
Articulated
Touch screen
Video Specs

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

ACamera is not equipped with an external microphone.

Sony Cyber-shot RX100 III Video parameters:

Max. resolution 1920 x 1080 pixel
…with frame rates 24 frames/second
30 frames/second
60 frames/second
External microphone
Connectivity & Wireless Specs

The Cyber-shot RX100 III has Wifi connectivity already built-in. Use Wifi to transfer images to a smartphone or computer and to remote control the camera. With NFC, camera and smartphone can be paired without the need for passwords.

Typical for Sony, the camera supports device specific apps that can enhance the functionality of the camera and that can be downloaded from the internet..

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

The Sony supports USB 2.0.

Connection parameters:

WiFi
Bluetooth
NFC
Remote (wired)
Remote (infrared)
Apps
HDMI (standard)
HDMI (mini)
HDMI (micro)
USB 2.0
USB 3.0
USB Micro
USB Mini
USB-C
Custom
Memory

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

Memory cards characteristics:

Slots 1
Memory cards SD
SDHC
SDXC
Memory Stick Pro Duo
Memory Stick Micro
Battery

The Sony Cyber-shot RX100 III has a NP-BX1 LiIon battery. The battery provides a shooting life of 320 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 III’s battery battery parameters:

Type NP-BX1 LiIon
Removable
In-camera charging
Battery life 320 photos
Size

The Sony Cyber-shot RX100 III’s dimensions are 101.6 x 58.1 x 41mm³. (4.0″ x 2.3″ x 1.6″). This includes the lens. The camera’s weight is only 280 grams (9.0 oz.), lens included.

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

Dimensions Comparison

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 III is not much bigger:

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