This is my fourth Sony camera and easily my 10th digital and roughly 20th camera (counting both film and digital). It's a beauty, and as many have commented on these pages and elsewhere (such as DPReview), a significant improvement on the earlier generations of the RX100 (better sensor in RX100ii, better lens now in 100iii plus an EVF). I thought it would be hard to top the Sony RX1 as the perfect travel camera (please see my detailed review of the RX1 on Amazon), but I think on balance, this is a better travel camera than even that brilliant piece of full frame ingenuity. Not a better camera mind you, but a better travel camera, when space and size are at a great premium. Its lens and sensor produce images that are not quite as sharp as the RX-1's - but they are not that far off either. And the RX100-III does beat the RX-1 in one critical functional area, in terms of having a useful range of wide to mild telephoto focal lengths. No more zooming with just the feet . . .
Although the RX-100M3 cannot beat the RX-1 or any other full frame camera in overall photo image quality, it is superior in relationship to video quality to the RX-1/A99/A77-65 (and many other APS-C and FF DSLRs), where the improved Bionz X processor in the RX100III allows for a way better sampling heuristic (instead of the clumsy line skipping approach done in the RX1, A99, and all the other recent APS-C cameras). It's also astonishingly flexible in terms of shooting modes and operational styles, and additionally, Sony's improved image stabilization gives it a ~2 stop advantage, narrowing the low light performance gap between this sensor and a full frame sensor but without image stabilization (such as seen in the RX1) to basically nothing by allowing the RX100-III to shoot at slower shutter speeds, and thus keeping ISO lower. I'm able to shoot wide open at a 24 mm equivalent in low light at 1/5 second shutter speed, often without any image blurring, keeping my ISO relatively low and basically wiping out much of the low light advantage of the RX-1 FF sensor. It still of course doesn't quite create images that are as breathtaking as full frame equipment (still less dynamic range and color depth) - that is not a hittable or realistic performance target, but it comes amazingly close, and with only slightly more noise as ISO rises compared to the APS-C Sony sensor in a Sony A65 (although that camera was clearly no low light phenom). It might be slightly less noisy in RAW than the A65 at 3200 and 6400 - but they are certainly close. This is mighty impressive, given that this sensor is much smaller than an APS-C chip (but RX100's sensor is newer than the A65's). It's not quite one stop noisier than the newer Sony APS-C sensor in my A77II in head to head testing (The new A77ii is roughly 1 stop better sensor in terms of noise compared to the previous generation chip in the A65). This is still a mighty fine performance.
What this means is that there is a (roughly) one stop noise jump from these various levels of sensor size: most cell phone sensors > most compact cameras > RX-100 (and several other large sensor compacts) > newer APS-C (A6000/Nikon5300) > full frame (FF) RX1/Nikon600 > Sony A7s. Each level is a significant jump in low light performance, and thus impacts and limits you on exposure, shutter speed, and the whole range of shooting options. While noise/high ISO performance initially sounds like a lot of techno-obscurity that only geeks would care about or understand, it's really indicative of what basic physical restrictions there are on your creative options as a photographer. Not only that, and less appreciated by the average person, as noise does up, dynamic range, color depth, and virtually every other parameter that might index picture quality goes down in a linear and direct ratio. That's why noise and high ISO performance is so important. All this underscores also that the size of the sensor is critical - and kudos to Sony for its continual efforts to stuff the biggest sensor it can into smaller (and smaller) camera bodies.
All this just means simply that this camera has phenomenal low light performance, FOR ITS SIZE. Its low light performance is simply way ahead of every other compact its size, and is reasonably competitive with much larger cameras (such as m4/3 and APS-C where its noise is roughly one stop poorer than the best of the m4/3-APS-c crowd, and about two stops poorer than a typical FF pro-cam). The formal noise testing that I just did (comparing this to both an A77ii and RX1 in RAW) confirms this and shows it almost exactly two stops behind an RX-1. This is still mighty impressive, and with Sony's improved IS system giving it a 2+ stop advantage, I can do quite a bit of low light shooting, without worrying about noise (or heavy-handed noise reduction in the JPEG engine) wiping out details. I have to really want low light performance and/or slightly more resolution to lug the big A77ii around with me, and I mostly take the RX100 everywhere. That it has displaced as exceptional a camera as the RX1 speaks volumes.
Pros:
1) Simply the best photo and video image quality for its size without any question, no contest, end of discussion. Not even debatable.
2) Very sharp video, rivaling Canon full frame 5DII and Panasonic GH2/3/4, and with new video codecs (XAVC-S) that will allow 50mb bit rate. Reduced moire and yet still very sharp.
3) Fast Zeiss lens (1.8-2.8) with a 3X zoom range, covering the essential wide-angle 24 mm to 70 mm equivalent. Some loss of zoom reach relative to prior editions of the RX 100, but in exchange, the lens is significantly faster and goes to 24mm (highly useful), and allows F2.8 shooting at a moderate telephoto 70mm. This extra lens speed/brightness is more important for most individuals than the extra telephoto reach (but some may find this restricting and a bad tradeoff - see cons).
4) Lens is sharp in the corners from F4.0 and up and is decently sharp in the corners even wide open.
5) Comprehensive and flexible menu/operating system structures with considerable customizability. Way better there than previous generation Cybershot models. I'm totally baffled by the DP Review feedback that the camera is 'uninvolving' - might be the most friendly compact camera for the intermediate-to-advanced user, and can be easily pushed into many shapes and styles of operating.
6) Fits in your shirt pocket. Try that with your m4/3 or APS-C camera.
7) Wifi and NFC (but see cons). Here's a real head twister: the version of Play Memories software that runs on this camera is orders of magnitude better and more useful than the version that runs on the A77II (Sony's flagship APS-C system).
8) Excellent image stabilizing in both video and stills, with highly flexible IS in video (three levels with associated progressively larger crop factors). This also means that video can be shot at a ~ 100mm perspective (albeit with modest loss of resolution). Excellent photo IS that is transparent and highly effective.
9) Terrific little EVF with decent apparent view size (~0.6 - while the flagship A99 EVF is 0.7), and with adjustable brightness and display features vis a vis the LCD. Very neat and highly useful.
10) Bright and accurate LCD panel for viewing results (and shooting, if you don't like composing with the EVF).
11) Many aids for the videographer, including adjustable zebra to see areas of overexposure, option to change ISO and aperture on the fly with smooth front ring control while shooting, and HDMI output to an external recorder, but see last con (omission of 4K).
12) As an undocumented but very neat feature, flash head can be tilted up by hand to create impromptu bounce flash, with its usual smoothing of light and more natural appearance (but with limited range and power - see cons).
Cons:
1) Limited telephoto reach and of course no option to change lenses. Partially mitigated by modest digital zoom capacity (smooth segue from 1.1-2.0) but with predictable/proportional loss of resolution. Obviously will not compete with compact superzooms in this area. Not the camera for bird watchers and wildlife buffs!
2) Cost - this might be one of the most expensive cameras on a dollar per pound basis on the market.
3) Modest battery life, esp if you use the neat little EVF much, and once again, Sony did not provide a second battery. I thought initially Sony finally provided an external charger but its clear now that I jumped to conclusions. Still no option for external charging - (but check out Wasabi power!)
4) Did I mention it's $800?
5) No option that I can find for scaling the zoom speed, which is a bit confining and unexpected in a premium compact camera
6) Audible motor noise in the video during zooming (but at fairly low level).
7) Slightly hesitant auto focus in low light with some annoying hunting.
8) It is so compact that those with large hands may find it hard to manipulate.
9) Flash seems a bit underpowered for those coming from larger equipment. Will not adequately illuminate objects 6-8 ft away at ISO 100. No option for outboard flash, as hot shoe sacrificed for EVF.
10) Real disappointment that 4K video not included, as on new Panasonic superzoom using this Sony chip. Firmware update probably can't provide this. Suspect Sony didn't want to take sales away from their new and pricy 4K camcorder.
11) Sony AWB still struggles with fluorescent and tungsten lighting? You would think that they would have this figured out by now??
12) Mildly annoying automatic camera shutoff when retracting the EVF - commented on by many - probably easily fixed in firmware update as toggle function. Also, rather short time frame to retract lens when looking at existing images. Also easily fixed with user adjustable setting.
13) No touchscreen, which is a disappointment to those fond of such a control interface.
14) Clickless control dial in front? Again, a matter of personal taste and preference.
Conclusions:
Having as many cons as pros doesn't mean that I don't absolutely love this camera. Most of the cons are minor, while most of the pros are big. Several are huge (great video, great photos, and highly flexible and configurable OS). Still not perfect (no technology is without compromises), but this is clearly the most powerful photographic and videographic instrument of its size that anyone has ever made. Time will tell, but I think that this camera threatens the established order and the doctrine that all reasonably serious shooting requires big honkin' DLSR gear as much as anything Sony has done previously, even including the RX1/A7/A7r platforms (their elite FF mirrorless alternatives). And please, all you FF folks, don't get all bent out of shape - I'm not remotely suggesting that this little camera will supplant or compete with pro equipment in still photography. But it will mean that outside of the most critical and hi quality still shooting, this camera will provide a very credible alternative for those who want to travel (extra) light and still get very good stills - leaving a slim margin between this and large APS-C gear . . . with a slightly greater margin between this and even larger FF gear. Those modest IQ (image quality) margins now look like they have a really punitive weight penalty, still obviously worth paying for really critical shooting, but how many people want 20-30lbs of extra gear on vacation, toting it all through security lines? Not too many who aren't shooting for a living. And in terms of great video, this camera competes favorably with any FF system. Even those who love their big pro gear and would never dream of moving off of FF entirely are probably going to buy one for days when they just can't (or don't want to) lug the 30+lb bag of big gear and bigger lenses. This camera continues Sony's brilliant success in shoehorning the biggest possible sensor they can cram into a small body, like their fine effort in the RX1, but bests even that brilliant effort in flexibility, portability, 'zoomability' and video-ability. Overall, this little camera is a tour de force in digital technology and is likely to represent a TARDIS-like benchmark in the evolution of digital photography. Highly, highly recommended!
Update Oct 2014
New Canon PowerShot G7X (first real competition for the RX-100 III) finally has some formal testing. Scores slightly better than the RX100 in DxO testing (but the difference is not likely to be meaningful in terms of anything one can see in actual photos). Clearly has a Sony sensor (Canon probably got tired of people grousing about their poor scores in DxO testing.) Sony will sell their sensors to anyone, even their stiffest competition.
Advantages of the Canon G7X
1) $100 cheaper
2) Longer reach/brighter lens
3) Better IS (worth ~ 3 stops!)
4) More external control options (dedicated control dials)
5) Touchscreen (big for some, just not for me)
Advantages of the Sony RX100-III
1) EVF vs. just an LCD view screen
2) Better movie support/video quality and shooting options (Zebra, focus peaking, 24perf, 120p, XACS codecs)
3) Slightly faster focusing and ~ maybe slightly sharper lens (but not by much)
4) WAAAAY better battery life
5) Way better smartphone interface and WiFi functionality
6) Better lens (sharper by all accounts)
So if you need the reach, don't need or want the EVF, and movies are largely a secondary or even minimal consideration, or want a slightly brighter lens (which combined with the better IS might give you ~ a 1.5 stop advantage in low light) the Canon looks like the better deal and the better camera. If, on the other hand, you like composing in the EVF (I do), like to shoot lots of movies and get really high quality video (ditto), and don't care that much about the loss of telephoto reach, or you need more battery life, or want good smartphone control, the Sony might be the better choice. It's great to have options. In any case, Sony finally has competition in this segment! Competition is good for everyone. Keeps prices down and quality up. Maybe it will force Sony to lower their price, just as they had to do with the RX-10 after the Panasonic FZ1000.
Update: The RX100IV has taken all of this camera's virtues and added 1) 4k in body; 2) high frame rate video; 3) slightly upgraded JPEG engine; 4) modestly improved EVF; 5) modestly improved AF, but for significantly more money ($950 vs. $800). If those, particularly 4k, are worth it, I would recommend the RX100IV. If you don't shoot 4k and don't plan on ever using that due to its space hogging nature, then this is still a great buy. Most would probably value the extra functionality in the M4 version, and I plan to upgrade myself at some point. The only bummer is that 4k is limited to 5 minutes to prevent overheating. Not much space in this small and densely packed camera for much heat dissipation.
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Customer Rating | (610) | (473) | (133) | (911) | (250) |
| Price | $748.00 | $1,298.00 | $1,198.00 | $429.95 | $533.95 |
| Sold By | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | Ztron | TLC Cams |
| Screen Size | 3 inches | 3 inches | 3 inches | 3 inches | 3 inches |
| Has Image Stabilization | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Includes External Memory | No | No | No | No | No |
| Item Dimensions | 4.02 x 1.61 x 2.28 inches | 4 x 1.68 x 2.38 inches | 4 x 1.7 x 2.29 inches | 4 x 1.41 x 2.29 inches | 4 x 1.6 x 2.8 inches |
| Item Weight | 0.64 lbs | 0.61 lbs | 0.66 lbs | 0.53 lbs | 0.60 lbs |
| Optical Sensor Resolution | 20.1 megapixels | 21 megapixels | 20.1 megapixels | 0 megapixels | 20.1 megapixels |
| Optical Zoom | 2.9000000953674316 | 8x | 2.9x | 3.6x | 40x |
| Video Capture Resolution | 1080p | 2160p | 2160p | 1080p | 2160p |
| Viewfinder Type | Electronic | Electronic | Electronic | fixed LCD | Electronic |
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DPReview: Light-painting with the Sony Cyber-shot RX100 V
DPReview
From the manufacturer
 NP-BX1/M8 |  ACC-TRDCX |  VCT-VPR1 |  VCT-SGR1 |  GP-VPT1 |  LCJ-RXF |  LCJ-RXK | |
|
Accessory Type
| Battery | Battery Kit | Tripod | Shooting Grip | Grip and Tripod | Case/Bag | Case/Bag |
|
Product name
| Rechargeable Battery Pack | USB Travel Charger Battery Kit | Remote Control Tripod | Shooting Grip | Remote Control Tripod | Jacket For RX100 Series | Jacket Case for RX100 Series |
|
Compatibility with RX100 III
| ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
|
Dimensions
| H0.26 x W1.18 x D1.68 | - | - | 1 7/16 × 4 3/8 × 1 3/16" | - | - | 3 1/4× 4 5/8 |
|
Weight
| 0.88 oz | 0.6 oz (15 g) | - | 3.3 oz (93 g) | - | - | - |
With Some Caveats, This is a Great Point and Shoot Camera for Concerts
Reviewed in the United States on February 16, 2019
I went to a concert a few months back and had good seats, but only had an entry level smartphone to take pictures. As a result, the pictures were quite disappointing. I didn't want to be caught in a similar situation so after that experience, I decided to do some homework and look for a better camera. After reading many online camera reviews (articles and customer), I decided to go with the Sony RX100 III. The Sony RX 100 line is considered one of the highest quality cameras in a point and shoot form factor. As of today, there are six different RX 100 models, each with different capabilities and features. I chose the RX100 III over the other models for a few reasons. My main use of the camera is in a concert setting and the RX100 III, I believe, has the fastest lens of all the models and has the widest aperture which should be great for low light (though all models are considered great in low light also). Plus, though I don't plan on using often, having a flip-up screen for selfies can come in handy. The RX100 III has an EVF viewfinder whereas, the RX100 I and II models do not have a viewfinder. I'm really glad I decided to get a camera with the viewfinder as that comes in very handy using this instead of the LCD screen during a concert as to not disturb other audience members.I won't go into too much of the technical specs as but instead highlight features I like and dislike of the camera.Likes:- small size. I carry the camera in a case that I wear on my belt.- EVF viewfinder, great for concerts to turn off LCD display to not disturb others in audience- fast lens, 1 inch sensor, great for low-light situations- ability to shoot it JPG, RAW or RAW and JPG- three memory recall slots. This is great as I have saved all the settings I wish for concert picture taking in stored in one slot. All I need to do is recall the saved settings instead of having to fiddle with settings each time.Dislikes:- limited focal length of 24-70 mm optical zoom. Location, location, location. A good seat helps.- a lot of settings which can be a bit overwhelming- easy to accidentally bump the thumb wheel and change settings without knowing ( though the thumb wheel can be locked locked down)- buttons are not lit. So in the dark, I have to rely only by touch as to where the buttons areThere are a lot of various setting options with this camera. Some are not that intuitive. I highly recommend the book "Photographer's Guide to the Sony DSC-RX100 III" as that explains a lot of settings which aren't readily apparent, like having the LCD display to automatically go blank when using the EVF viewfinder.Along with the book, I bought a couple of accessories. I got the Sony LCD screen protector along with an external grip (Haoge RX100 Skidproof Camera Bracket Holder Hand Grip for Sony Cyber-Shot) as some say the camera is slippery. I also got an extra battery and external charger. However, I found that I use the USB cable to charge more often as with the external grip, just charging the battery with the USB cable is more convenient to me that removing the grip each time.I have the camera set to save pictures in both JPG and RAW format. This saves two pictures for each shot. RAW saves all the information. If a picture is over or under exposed, with proper software, photos captured in RAW format can be adjusted after the shot.The camera also records high quality video and is known as a good camera for vlogging, though I haven't tried that at all.Overall, I really like the camera. It does take some getting used to and trial and error. I'm still learning some of the features. I included some pictures of my camera (with a external grip and screen protector). Also, a couple of concert photos (untouched, JPG format to give an idea of image quality) along with an outdoor low-light photo.If you have an up close seat, this camera can take some really terrific concert pictures, especially for a point and shoot.However, the 24-70 mm focal length does come into play. For pictures where I've been a few rows back, to simulate a zoom, I shoot using the highest megapixel, then crop the RAW photo. This is better than nothing, but there then is some noticeable noise in the picture. Acceptable but not as good as non-cropped.The best compliment I received thus far is a friend said something like "What's gotten into you? Those are the best pictures I've ever seen from you!". Good to know, better than the fail with the low end smartphone.I give the RX100 III five stars.
Reviewed in the United States on February 16, 2019
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An astonishing little gem of a camera . . approaching APS-C and M4/3 image quality in a compact camera footprint
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on July 31, 2014Style: BaseColor: BlackVerified Purchase
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Fitnessinfinity
i choose this one as my budget was below 50K and yes there are other options as well like CANON g7x mark 2 and i would say that
Reviewed in India 🇮🇳 on July 5, 2017Style: BaseColor: BlackVerified Purchase
i choose this one as my budget was below 50K and yes there are other options as well like CANON g7x mark 2 and i would say that
Reviewed in India 🇮🇳 on July 5, 2017
[[ASIN:B00K7O2DJU Sony Cybershot DSC-RX100M3 20.1MP Digital Camera with Bag (Black)]]Reviewed in India 🇮🇳 on July 5, 2017
if you are seeing this than either you are looking for taking pictures or making daily vlogs or may be for any other reason.
let me tell you guys i choose this after 1 month of intensive research .
This model is sony rx-100 mark 3 but you can also get sony rx-100 mark 4 and mark 5 ,little bit of differences and cost increases as model number increases.
i choose this one as my budget was below 50K and yes there are other options as well like CANON g7x mark 2 and i would say that one is best model for vlogging and taking pictures BUT SONY MARK 3 has some advantages over canon g7x mark 2 as well.
this model is very small,you can keep into your pocket and even you hold it in your hand for hours you wont feel any tired ness.
lets talk about what i got in PACKAGE.
- Main camera
- charger adapter and wire
- FREE POUCH to keep camera
- 8 GB FREE memory card
as there was nothing written while purchasing but YES you will get free cover and memory card so hurayyy
this camera has
NO TOUCHSCREEN
this camera has
FLIP OUT SCREEN
this comes under point and shoot category.
if you thinking to buy this for daily pictures,or youtube videos just go with it.
this is the best pocket friendly,tiniest in this price segment camera deliver by sony.
dont think i am sony fan,only thing is canon g7x mark 2 was unavailable and this was the second best choice.
moreover if you see my other reviews i have been USING CANON DSLR 80D as well.
so this was my honest review as i got this for vlogging mainly and taking some sharp real (not over saturated ) landscape pictures.
Hope this helped
Thank you for reading
stay fit stay strong
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Amrit V.
Better than entry level DSLR
Reviewed in India 🇮🇳 on September 25, 2017Style: BaseColor: BlackVerified Purchase
Prem Prakash Shaukeen
Worst Product Seller Ships 4 year old Product
Reviewed in India 🇮🇳 on October 7, 2022Style: BaseColor: BlackVerified Purchase
Abhishek Maharana
Bag was not for this camera otherwise product is excellent.
Reviewed in India 🇮🇳 on January 5, 2019Style: BaseColor: BlackVerified Purchase
Bag was not for this camera otherwise product is excellent.
Reviewed in India 🇮🇳 on January 5, 2019
Everything about this camera is great. Light weight, pocket friendly and powerful. Only issue is that the bag provided was not for this camera. It doesn't fit at all.Reviewed in India 🇮🇳 on January 5, 2019
Battery backup is good too, more than happy about it. Pictures quality is mind blowing,low light performance is impressive, noise reduction, auto focus is the best for a camera of this size and the price.
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Amazon Customer
Too many knobs for adjustment
Reviewed in India 🇮🇳 on October 22, 2019Style: BaseColor: BlackVerified Purchase
