Professional "Large Sensor" Pocket Camera

RXellence

Pros: Sensor size, ease of use, fun, versatile, great

Cons: mild focus hunt, it isn't an rx1

This camera is great!

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Raw files can't be seen on Mac, PS5, etc

Cons: Bought for raw files

Get it together Sony and update your communication wit Mac, PS, LR etc

Best compact camera available

Pros: Image quality, fast operation, 10fps, fast focus, nice detail/resolution, small/light carry anywhere

Cons: No external battery charger available, battery life, no view finder, no menu option to disable shutter/focus sound

It's the little camera that could. The larger image censor really shines. Excellent detail in images allowing you to zoom in when viewing picture on computer screen to see all the details that the camera captured. Accurate/fast focus, having shot about 2000 outdoors pictures only a couple were blurry/out of focus. It's so fun to use you would want to buy a backup battery pack so you can shoot the whole day. Nice menu system and controls although video record button can be activated by accident. Popup flash can pop up annoyingly over your finger but can easily be disabled from the controls/menu if you don't plan on using flash (I seldom do). Image quality is superb right out of the camera. I haven't been able to make much use of RAW but found camera jpeg just perfect. Continuous shooting is superb at regular speed and shines at 10fps. Having used 10fps shooting on the camera I will not buy any future camera that does not have that feature. Great for capturing 1 sec of fast action such as diving, etc at 10fps. I have never been a fan of Sony digital cameras before, good electronics not so good image quality? This camera shows that Sony has changed that and image quality and electronics both deliver. It's nice to see Sony changing the rules and is making the best camera it can make rather than hamstring the camera to protect a higher margin DSLR. It's not perfect but very close to it. LCD can be difficult to see in bright sunshine and if there was one thing I would add to the camera it would be a view finder, but still the camera is very good without one.

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RX100 Raw format

Pros: good small-size companion to bulky DSLR

Cons: yet another proprietary raw format

I use Lightroom and CS6 to manage and process my photos. The Adobe Raw Converter of course does not support this new raw format. So I lose all the benefit of shooting in raw format. Why doesn't Sony support the DNG format? If not directly off the cam, then at least as an output option for the Sony RAW Converter? This is disappointing!

All that I could ask for

Pros: Near, if not the same as DSLR quality

Cons: Can't use a remote

I'm new to photography and chose this one over a DSLR because the fact is that I'll take 10X as many photos with this one. It's fast and small and I'll always have it with me. Walking along I stopped and took a closeup pic of an autumn leave (only 2 inches away) with no need of lens changing. Then, some distant pics of buildings. Then, an amazing shot of my beautiful daughter with background defocus. And finally, some low light shots in the night club. All point and shoot and you'd swear the pics were from a high end professional SLR. Even using it in automatic mode produces remarkable photo quality. I can't wait to learn and try all of the features. Friends are already asking me how I took such nice photos with a point and shoot. The video quality is amazing as well.

This camera has raised the bar

Pros: Really compact and pocketable, fast, excellen IQ, intuitive menus, strong flash (can be bounced), incredible high ISO IQ

Cons: Grip could be better, wish I could keep in display the picture I just took until half-pressing the shutter button again

Have had the camera for 3 days, well, there are many reviews on the web about this camera that will give you a lot more in depth and detailed information, but in general they all conclude that SONY has raised the standard in compact cameras, THEY ARE ABSOLUTELY RIGHT!. This marvel of modern technology rivals the IQ I get from my GF3 with the kit lens, in fact many times I get better images with the RX100 than with the GF3. I am a regular user, not a photographer by any means and was looking for the best IQ in a pocket size camera, with enough flexibility to get creative when I want, a camera that could produce beatiful portraits with nice bokeh, than can shoot on a variety of situations including very low light and all the way to sunny weather and high speed action. This camera takes outstanding high ISO low light shots (handheld!). If you can afford it, there is no need to get another camera but this.

The best camera to have around

Pros: Great image quality, ease of use and it is light!

Cons: No battery charger supplied

I have had this camera for less than a month, but I've used it everyday. It is always on hand and its capabilities are astounding in such a small package. The attached pic tells it all.

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A Really Fantastic Pocket Camera

Pros: fast, small, big sensor, high megapixels, features

Cons: No Viewfinder

I am very impressed with thtis camera. When I saw the NY Times state it was the best pocket camera ever made, I wanted to see for myself... and yes it is. I have never seen any pocket camera take pictures this sharp, clear, colorful, beautiful. It is very fast. 10fps. Lots of features. I love the HDR, the Panaramic, the selective color and black and white. The video mode is excellent. I love the speed of being able to turn the camera on and press the dedicated record video button all in a short couple seconds. The only thing that bugs me, is not having a viewfinder at all. Some will say the LCD is good even in bright sunlight... but while it is pretty good, when I was using it during the mid-day sun, I could barely see the image on the LCD. I don't think LCDs will ever be good enough to see in direct sunlight. That's where an optical or even electronic viewfinder would have made this camera a 10 out of 10. But as it is... I still rate it a 10 out of 10 or, 5 out of 5 because it is what it is, and it does not have a viewfinder and I knew this before I bought it. So it gets a perfect score from me.

Best pocket rocket cam today?

Pros: Great IQ ; nice build; compact; useful Fcn button; fast AF

Cons: a bit on pricey; 1/2000 speed;

IQ: perhaps the best of all p+s thanks to the large sensor (but dynamic range still a bit behind micro fourthirds and FF) better than the competition (except perhaps Nikon 1 series?) noise is quite good , image usable to ISO 800 Quality build, clean and sturdy a la Leica minimal design but Fcn button is quick and accessible to may features Control wheel is quite versatile (for ISO , zoom , aperture ..) LCD is bright , detailed and one of the best in industry AF is fast and AF points can be adjusted Great choices of filters, my favorite is Illustration low quite shutter great Zeiss lens Some negs: max speed is only 1/2000 thus can't sue max aperture under bright light no builtin ND (could have compensated for max speed) a bit slippery to hold (need a skin or a leather half case ; I use strap around wrist for security) would have preferred 24-85mm zoom to 28-100mm zoom a bit dim at longer end a bit pricey

RX100, Contax TVS Digital is back or even better

Pros: Image Quality, Menu system, Build Quality

Cons: Nothing

Perfect in its class. This is larger sensor point and shoot camera. No hot shoe, optical view finder, fixed lens blar blar blar My concern is below things. 1. fast operating. easy change setting even better than nex series 2. image quality is outstanding. Jpg, Arw both very good. illustration mode is much more fun. 3. very good inner flash on top. its head can be up for bounce. 4. original leather case is very nice and perfect fitted. 5. ring control is very useful. 6. image quality is very even with other mirrorless cameras. 7. body build quality is superb. there is no heavy stupid material grip. I don't care. only I know without bulky grip, it looks so sexy. 8. Minimum body design shows sony's philasophy of product design. It is not a retro It is not something else. It is just sonystyle.

Quite simply the best camera I have owned

Pros: Truely compact size, image quality, low light ability, video, LCD, build quality

Cons: HDMI port blocked if using a tripod

The Sony RX-100 is quite simply the best camera I have ever owned. Note I did not say it has the best image quality since my original 12 Mp Canon 5D still wins (but seriously only by a small margin). To be fair the RX-100 can only bring what amounts to a Bowie knife to a gun fight against the 5D's full frame sensor with L glass. But the combination of the RX-100's bring it anytime/anywhere portability plus it's jaw dropping image quality and low light performance gives it the edge over my 5D for plain old best photographic tool for the enthusiast. I simply love this thing. It is a game changer folks.

My love affair with Sony cameras continues

Pros: Lightweight, portal, great lens, mode dial

Cons: Flash can be a little harsh

A while ago I wrote a review on my Alpha A65 - I still love the camera and it takes amazing photos but I travel a lot with my job and it's not always practical to take the A65 with me, so after a lot of research I opted for the RX-100 as my 'short trip' camera. As always, I read a lot of reviews, watched a lot of videos and went to a store to try out the RX-100 and it's nearest competitors before buying. Yet again, in my opinion, Sony was 'head and shoulders' above the competition. The RX-100 is a wonderful camera, it goes everywhere with me. The quality of the pictures is incredible and it's low-light capabilities are amazing. The decision to include the Carl Zeiss lens was genius. I love the dial on the front of the camera for quick access to frequently used functions. I also love the mode dial on the top of the camera - for any regular D-SLT/SLR user, this is a must-have in order to give you the control you want. The rear display is excellent and I like the ability to be able to tilt the flash and bounce it off of other surfaces. The other thing that's really handy when you're travelling is that the RX-100 will charge from your USB port - very cool! I took the photo that I've attached at about 6:30am at Heathrow airport. The light was low, and there was a real contrast between the architecture in the foreground and the windows behind but the RX-100 did a superb job. This is no ordinary 'point and shoot' camera! Finally, although the recommended RX-100 case was incredibly difficult to get hold of, I think it's great. It's very retro, has an expensive look and feel to it, and most importantly (for me at least) is adds very little to the size of the camera so it's great for travelling. Hope this helps. Stuart

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Horrible Instruction Manual

Pros: Best in class camera

Cons: Horrible instruction manual

What a shame Sony couldn't do a better job developing a manual that was on par with their camera. Hopefully they will make one available on their web site. I bought the rx100 for my wife and personally use a Canon 7D, so feel qualified to say that Sony dropped the ball.

The absolute best portable camera in the market

Pros: Incredible image quality, 1" sensor, f/1.8 lens

Cons: None really!

Up to now, most of us had to make a tradeoff between portability and quality. No more. This camera can take shots as good –and sometimes better- as my trusted DSLR. Take a look at my sample shots at http://www.flickr.com/photos/gdada/sets/72157630705719378/ PORTABILITY This camera fits in my hand, in my pocket and in my laptop bag. In fact, I am using the case for my wife’s Lumix TZ8. I can bring this camera with me anywhere. One big advantage is safety: if you travel to places that are not 100% safe, any potential robber would mistake it with a cheap $200 camera. More importantly, you will nevr have to leave this camera in a hotel room, on the trunk of your car, or will have to carry a big backpack with camera and accessories. Why this is size so important? You miss 100% of the shots you can’t take because you cannot bring your camera. Because this is a camera you will carry anywhere. There have been many business trips, weekend opportunities and just in the moment photo opportunities where it was not practical or safe to bring my big DSLR. That is no longer a problem with a portable camera like this that gives me all the quality and control I need as an experienced photographer. The only downside to size it that it looks pretty ridiculous to have this camera mounted on a tripd (as I did last night taking skyline shots at dusk) and that you don’t have the ‘professional’ look of sdomeone carrying a large camera with a big lens, which sometimes is useful getting access to normally unavailable areas for tourists. QUALITY Sony has been improving the quality of its digital cameras steadily for the last few years. In February of 2011 I got a HX5V which was quite impressive, and delivered quality images even when compared with a DSLR except for low-light and other tricky situations. I traded it for a Canon PowerShot S95 which was a step ahead but still suffered from high noise levels in low light settings. What makes this camera unique is a 1” CMOS sensor. It is the only camera in this class or in similar size with a sensor this big. The law of physics is very simple: larger sensor, higher quality and lower noise. Sure you could get a NEX-5 with an even bigger sensor for slightly better quality but you would be stuck with a much, much larger camera, especially because of the size of the lens, and a much higher price. Combined with a minimum aperture of f/1.8, Carl Zeiss optics and a lot of cool features from Sony such as the Auto HDR and very cool camera effects, it is an amazing camera. After a week of playing with it I am wondering why would the average person need anything more than this camera. Last, I really love the on-screen information (and the quality of the display), especially the level indicator that helps you shoot straight pictures. EASE OF USE Don’t let the power scare you away from this camera. As most point and shoot cameras, this one has an ‘auto’ mode that is usually quite good at getting the right settings for each shot. If you ar enot an expert, you will feel at home with the Sony RX100 camera having used any pocket digital camera, and you will enjoy the high quality it delivers. I found the menus to be intuitive, the camera feels solid and built with high quality materials. AREAS OF IMPROVEMENT Processing speed takes a few seconds, but given the quality of the effects I would be surprised if they took significantly less time. Still, often you have to wait a second or two after a shot if you use advanced in-camera processing such as HDR. The 3.6 Zoom goes to 105mm I think, which is fine for most situations but could be nice to have a 200mm 9equivalent) zoom. I know adding such a zoom would require a larger lens so I rather keep the portability as is. Further, with 20 megapixels, you can zoom in to your photos easily in post production. Overall, if you are an experienced hobbyist or a semi-professional photographer looking for a camera to

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Best of both worlds

Pros: excellent flash performance; compact size

Cons: zoom could be longer

I take a camera with me almost everywhere I go and there are many times when a DSLR is simply too large. My Canon S95 got fried when my wife dropped it in the Dead Sea (!) so I needed a replacement. The biggest issue with prior compact cameras has been indoor flash performance. The RX100 solves this problem. This camera can substitute for your DSLR in just about every situation and since it is smaller and lighter, you are more likely to take it and use it.

Got 90% of what I wanted

Pros: High res, fast autofocus, fast write times

Cons: Ergonomics of a brick! Many compromises in macro

This was a replacement / upgrade from Nikon S53c and although it's specs are impressive, it's handling is difficult thus all the aftermarket grips, etc. Macro mode has fixed f stop and only works @ wide angle. Very fast write times considering the large files. This camera is pocketable, but reinforce your pockets! Why no magnesium ergo shape for this price? Fast lens at this size IF YOU shoot only wide angle. Lack of decent printed manual is cheesy marketing.

no instruction manual needed!

Pros: everything

Cons: nothing

to everyone complaining about 'no instruction manual', this camera is NOT for you. the RX100 is billed as a professional photographer's 2nd camera, so basically, someone who will pick up the functionality super duper quick. the RX100 is an amazing machine, my only worry is that my a77, a33 and a65 will become obsolete. i kid, mostly. but that's exactly what the RX100 is capable of, abolishing any other camera you own! 20.2mp! quick charging times! tons and tons of picture effects! amazing 1080 video quality! all in the palm of my hand? shoot, i might buy another...because, you know what they say...the best camera you own, is the one that's ALWAYS in your hand! the RX100 is ALWAYS in my hand. go, right now and buy yours today!!!

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problems to download

Cons: Sony program for pictures is TERRIBLE

i had problems when I tried to download the pictures because i shoot in RAW with HDR and the format ARW is not recognized in any programs like adobe and the sony program is not a good program and that my computer does not recognize. After shooting in RAW I had to change everything to JPEG which is also not compatible with my MAC so I think that RAW is no good and does not work.

Almost perfect

Pros: Excellent image quality (but see my reservations below), compact size, great lens

Cons: Some issues with image resolution at longer focal lengths, not great battery life

I have been waiting for a camera like this for a number of years. I mostly shoot DSLR, but I have bought several P&S cameras over the years (mostly Canon) and was never satisfied with them. The image quality that this camera gives from ISO 80 to 800 is nothing of outstanding (however, see some of my issues below). In auto mode, white-balance in images is outstanding, and it is easy to change to specific settings from either the Menu or Function buttons. The camera is small enough that it will fit comfortably in a pocket if you have baggy shorts or pants (people with tight-fit jeans, please don't try), even if it is inside a small camera poach. Now for the issues I have with this camera: 1) The lens is superb at its widest aperture (f/1.8) and lowest focal length (28mm). However, once the aperture gets smaller, especially past f/5.6, and at longer focal lengths, I find that small details in images can get quite mushy, even when shooting on a tripod with image stabilization off (to avoid having the sensor move during image capture). The lens at longer focal lengths is just not that great, and I try to avoid mid- to telephoto ranges. 2) Battery runs out too quickly, I get perhaps 200-300 shots out of it (which of course depends on how much one uses the LCD display). I also would prefer to charge the battery with a separate charger, like many have already mentioned. 3) The LCD display is excellent, giving bright saturated images. However, when its brightness is set to “Sunny Weather” (and not Auto, which is the default), I have found that it consistently has a problem displaying saturated yellow colors, and also reds to a lesser extent. The yellows tend to bloom to an ugly off-green color, even when the colors in the JPEG file viewed on a color-calibrated monitor are perfectly fine (I have set my camera to shoot RAW+JPEG high rez). In “Auto” mode, the files display properly.

Fine Camera, Poor Docs

Pros: Sensor Size, Zeiss Lens

Cons: No Manual in Box. No Mac Software

It's a great little camera, especially in its iauto+ mode. But...1. There is no instruction manual either printed or on CD in the box, and the one online cannot be downloaded for printing but only viewed. 2. No Macintosh software is available, so Mac users cannot process RAW files. These are two very serious shortcomings. Although billed as a professional camera, it functions best as a very sophisticated point and shoot that does create excellent pictures.

Consider the Bar Raised!

Pros: Size, Sensor, Lens, usable 3200 ISO pictures, 1080p 60fps video...EVERYTHING!!

Cons: Would like the Apeture to hold on to 1.8 further into the zoom range

I am literally rendered speechless by how amazing this camera is! It performs significantly better in many respects than my Canon 40D SLR from a couple of years ago and in a package that fits in my pocket. The image quality is outstanding, the video quality is stunning. I recently brought it to a friends wedding and the video it was taking was on par with the photographers 5D MK II ($4000 setup)...the portraits and low light images were breathtaking! I have been faithful to Canon my whole life and this is my first Sony camera purchase. Based on initial impressions and using it daily for nearly 3 weeks, I can comfortably say that this camera is the kind of thing that puts a company like Sony in the big leagues with companies like Canon and Nikon, and as is currently the case, surpasses comparable products from both companies by a significant margin! You simply can not get better pictures from anything else in a comparable size!

Powerful Camera -- Perfect for Baby-Boomers

Pros: Extremely sophisticated in-camera software and superb Carl Zeiss lens

Cons: Just a few inconveniences

This review comes after my having read all of the pre-release and early on-line reviews, then buying an RX100 in a local Sony Store -- it totally exceeds my expectations. This product review is probably different from most others. I am a Senior Citizen with very specific needs, needs which the RX100 is satisfying brilliantly, for instance: (1) I have been experiencing vision issues which challenge my use of a DSLR's eyepiece. The huge and hugely bright LCD display on the RX100 aides my composition and focusing comfort (as does the quick and accurate autofocus). (2) The combination of several features in one compact camera body precludes my needing other equipment. In particular, the 28mm-100mm optical zoom together with the digital zoom extension to 200mm; the ultra-wide angle panorama mode; and, its breath-taking 1080 HD video with full active camera functions and still frame capture ability. I'm using its MP4 format and Mac computers. (3) Also, besides adding years to its "Obsolescence Window" by jumping to 20Mpixel resolution [my last Nikon digital camera works but has only 5Mpixel, hence obsolete], having such large images allows me to crop down to smaller sections of the image and still have plenty of pixels to print -- effectively increasing the RX100's "magnification" even more than it's stated optical and digital zoom ranges. (4) The combination of a very large sensor and the F1.8 lens, together with the camera's uncanny ability to adjust for strong backlight, has allowed me to minimize the need for any flash at all. I'm taking pictures that my previous equipment simply couldn't handle w/o fill flash. (5) And, finally, the fast internal processor and support for large, fast memory cards, encourages me to use the RX100's 10 image per second burst capture, which is a major aide in getting just the right expression when I am photographing blinking adults and/or typically hyperactive Newborn to 4-year-old granchildren. The price of having to kill all of the "extra" stills in the burst is small compared to getting the perfect shot, or not getting it. I'm using a 16Gb Class 10 but intend to try a 95Mbps Extreme Pro memory to see whether the Rx100 is even faster! So, although there are a few "shortcomings" as mentioned in the on-line and other customers' reviews (i.e., weak on-camera flash, no hot shoe, HDMI port next to the tripod mount, weak user manual so far), this camera truly is top of its class and an excellent investment for people like me who do a lot of grandchild photos and vacation/travel photos -- I started photographing my latest grandson's birth the same afternoon that I bought the RX100; and I can hardly wait for next February to take this little beauty along to New Zealand and Australia (for this active vacation I am buying a trekking pole with a camera mount to use as a monopod).

Pocket Rocket of a Digital Camera!!

Pros: Excellent images, easy to use

Cons: Price, however once in your hands it is worth every penny.

I take my camera to my work and taking photos of my grand children at play. Great second camera to go along with your primary DSLR. Having said that I find myself bringing out this little bad boy instead of my large-heavy bigger brother the DSLR. Take great sharp images...I recommend this camera highly.

A landmark camera

Pros: Extraordinary capability for such a small compact. Beautifully designed.

Cons: Included manual is insufficient. RAW capability limited until Aperture, Lightroom etc update

As an owner of the a900 and a77 (and long-time Minolta user), I am also a pretty demanding photographer, needing professional results for some of my work. I hadn't previously considered a compact camera, as the NEX series doesn't really fit in that category, particularly when longer/interchangeable lenses are added. This compact changes all that, as it offers very good image quality, and a user interface that is very familiar to me, in an amazingly small package. No need for me to review these features in depth (I just got the camera this week), just google RX100 and you'll find a wealth of reviews from highly qualified sources, with very positive comments. Highly recommended for the price, especially for users of more advanced Sony DSLRs.