Sony has been cranking out RX100 models over the last four-five years constantly, and now they are announcing the Sony RX100 VI. Retaining basically the same shape and form factor as the predecessor, the big new feature with the new RX100 IV is the new 24-200mm f2.8-4.5 Zeiss lens. Compared to the 24-70mm f1.8-2.8 on the previous RX100 V model, which I must say was really nice, the new RX100 VI gets you much more with the newer (but slower) lens. Sony also boats ...world’s Fastest AF Speed in ultra-compact body of 0.03 seconds, as well as 4K HLG for in-camera HDR and built-in optical image stabilization.
The 315-point phase-detection AF system covers 65% of the frame and when combined with the horsepower of the 1-inch 20 megapixel stacked BSI CMOS chip with upgraded BIONZ X processor, gives the user some super-fast AF. It can also shoot at up to 24 fps at full resolution with continuous AF/AE tracking as well as 4K video with full pixel readout and no pixel binning.
Sony RX100 VI Features
- 1.0-type stacked 20.1 MP Exmor RS™ CMOS image sensor
- with DRAM chipand upgraded BIONZ X™ image processor and Front-end LSI
- ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T* 24-200mm f/2.8–f/4.5
- Compact body size of acclaimed RX100 series
- World’s Fastest 0.03 seconds AF speed
- 315 focal-plane phase-detection AF points covering approximately 65% of frame
- High-speed continuous shooting at up to 24 fps with full AF/AE tracking
- Optical image stabilisation equivalent to a 4.0-stop faster shutter speed
- 4K video full pixel readout and no pixel binning
- 4K HDR (HLG) for instant HDR workflow
- UltraHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 24/25/30p
- S-Log3/S-Gamut3
- Resolutions/Frame rates:
- 3840 x 2160p: 30 fps, 25 fps, 24 fps
- 1920 x 1080p: 60 fps, 50 fps, 30 fps, 25 fps, 24 fps
- 1920 x 1080i: 60 fps, 50 fps
- 1280 x 720p: 30 fps, 25 fps
- 1920 x 1080p: 240 fps, 480 fps, 960 fps
- 1824 x 1026p: 240 fps, 480 fps, 960 fps
- 1676 x 566p: 240 fps, 480 fps, 960 fps
- 1920 x 1080p: 250 fps, 500 fps, 1000 fps
- 1824 x 1026p: 250 fps, 500 fps, 1000 fps
- 1676 x 566p: 250 fps, 500 fps, 1000 fps
- Price: $1,198 (B&H, Adorama)
- Availability: July 2018
Although most of its user-base will use the RX100 VI for stills capture, the pocket and travel-friendly RX100 VI also packs a punch when it comes to moving pictures in high res. The RX100 VI features Fast Hybrid AF, the focal-plane phase-detection AF points ensures accurate focusing and tracking performance, even for the severe focusing requirements of 4K video capture. AF drive speed and AF tracking sensitivity can also be adjusted via the menu system, giving shooters plenty of flexibility based on their focusing preferences.
In 4K mode, the new RX100 VI utilises full pixel readout without pixel binning to ensure that all the finer details of 4K video are captured with minimal moire and aliasing artefacts.
Making a debut in the Sony RX100 series, the RX100 VI now features in-camera 4K HDR for quick delivery thanks to the HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma) picture profile that offers an instant HDR workflow solution.
For those that want to get the max oomph in the video department you get S-Log3/S-Gamut3, 120p Full HD mode, and Super-slow motion video at either 250 fps, 500 fps or 1000 fps.
However, it is worth to note that above 250fps things get really mushy. At least that was the case it the predecessors, and given the fact this is the same sensor, chances are the super-fast frame rates will give you diminishing returns the higher you go.
The codec is the good-ol’ XAVC-S pro-consumer codec at 100Mbps using the weak 8bit 4:2:0 colour sub-sampling. After-all this is a consumer camera. And speaking of consumerism – Sony also wants you to “vlog” using their RX100 VI and the Sony VCT-SGR1 Shooting Grip (a $100 accessory, that doubles as a tripod):
Sony RX100 VI 4K HLG Sample:
The new RX100 VI is also equipped with a high-contrast 2.35 million dot XGA OLED Tru-Finder with ZEISS T* Coating, ensuring true-to-life image preview and playback functionality. The EVF itself retracts in and out of the camera body based on user preference, and can be activated instantly by a single One-push Access button.
Sony are also debuting a sort of “pseudo-touch screen” functionality (for the RX100 series) with the RX100 VI called touch shutter or something of that sort, that can be activated by tapping the back LCD screen.
You also get a zoom lever (like the predecessors) customisable zoom speeds and an LCD that can be rotated 180 degrees upward or 90 degrees downward for a variety of shooting angles for the creator.
It’s 2018 so obviously for a product of such stature you also get Wi-Fi, NFC and Bluetooth functionality.
Pricing and Availability
The new Sony Cyber-shot RX100 VI will ship in Europe/North America in July priced approximately $1,199 / £1,150.
Pre-order:
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