Sony RX100 VI Preview: the PERFECT Compact Camera?
This is a preview of the Sony RX100 VI that was just announced in NYC. We will be getting a hands on with the camera shortly to take out for a Real World Review. Below is the official press release from Sony. This video was shot on the Sony a9 with 24-70 2.8 G Master
NEW YORK, Jun.5, 2018 – Sony – a worldwide leader in digital imaging and the world’s largest image sensor manufacturer – has today announced another exciting model for their popular Cyber-shot RX100 series of compact cameras, the RX100 VI (model DSC-RX100M6).
The innovative new RX100 VI camera is the first of all the RX100 models to include a high magnification zoom lens, as it packs in an impressive ZEISS® Vario-Sonnar T* 24-200mmi F2.8 – F4.5 lens yet doesn’t sacrifice the pocket-size portability, fast responsiveness and high image quality that has become the hallmark of Sony’s RX100 lineup. It’s extensive zoom, impressive image quality and versatility for both still images and video make it an ideal choice for capturing daily life, cityscapes, portraiture, sports, wildlife and everything in between.
The new model is equipped with a 20.1 MP 1.0-type stacked Exmor RS™ CMOS image sensor with DRAM chip and an upgraded BIONZ X™ image processing system with a front-end LSI that maximizes processing speed and optimizes image quality in all shooting environments. Additionally, the RX100 VI features an incredibly efficient Fast Hybrid AF system with 315-point phase-detection AF points on the sensor that can acquire focus in as little as 0.03 secondsiii, the world’s fastestii AF acquisition time for 1.0-type sensor cameras. It can also shoot at up to 24 fpsv at full resolution with continuous AF/AE tracking and produces beautiful 4Kvii video with full pixel readout and no pixel binning.
“We’re continuing to innovate our RX camera lineup, providing our customers new and different ways to capture what they’ve never been able to capture before,” said Neal Manowitz, Vice President of Digital Imaging for Sony Electronics. “The new RX100 VI is the latest example, delivering extensive reach, extremely advanced autofocus, high-speed shooting and more, while still being able to slip easily into your pocket. It’s the ultimate pocket travel camera.”
New High-Magnification 24-200mm Zoom Lens plus Outstanding Image Quality
A first for Sony’s RX100 series of cameras, the new ZEISS® Vario-Sonnar T* 24-200mmi F2.8 – F4.5 lens packs the power of both 24-70mm and 70-200mmi focal lengths into a singular compact design. This is achieved thanks to its unique design featuring two ED (extra-low dispersion) aspherical glass elements and eight aspherical lens elements including four AA (advanced aspherical) lenses. All pieces work together seamlessly to deliver outstanding sharpness from corner-to-corner at all focal lengths, maintaining the acclaimed image quality of the RX100 series.
The impressive new lens on the RX100 VI maintains a large aperture throughout the entire zoom range, ensuring portraits can be created with beautiful background defocus, fast moving subjects can be captured with crisp focus and no blurring, and much more. Additionally, the lens has built-in Optical SteadyShotTM image stabilization that is equivalent to a 4.0-stopvi faster shutter speed, helping to prevent camera shake or blurry images even in a low-light condition or at telephoto zoom range.
Lightning-Fast AF Performance and Shooting Speeds
The new RX100 VI model features a Fast Hybrid AF system that ultimately allows the camera to lock focus in as little as 0.03 secondsiii. This innovative AF system combines the respective advantages of 315-point focal-plane phase-detection AF points that cover approximately 65% of the sensor and contrast-detection AF. This high speed focusing complements the versatile 24-200mmi range of the lens, ensuring all subjects can be captured with precise detail and clarity.
Additionally, a first for the RX100 series of cameras, the RX100 VI includes Sony’s advanced High-density Tracking AF technology, which concentrates AF points around a subject to improve tracking and focus accuracy. The popular Eye AF technology is also available with approximately 2x the tracking performance of the current RX100 series model[ix]. Further, the camera has LCD touch focusing and touchpad focus point control for users that would like to drag their fingers to ideal focus points of their choice.
An ideal complement to the AF system, the RX100 VI offers continuous high-speed shooting at up to 24 fpsv with full AF/AE tracking, with an impressive buffer limit of up to 233 images[x]. The display lag of the EVF has been substantially reduced compared to prior models, allowing shooters to capture the decisive moment with ultimate confidence. Also, for convenience during image playback, continuously shot images can be displayed in groups instead of individual shots.
The RX100 VI also has a high speed Anti-Distortion Shutter (maximum shutter speed of up to 1/32000 second) that reduces the “rolling shutter” effect commonly experienced with fast moving subjects, and can shoot completely silently in all modes, including continuous high speed shooting, when electronic shutter is engaged. A mechanical shutter mode is also available as well if required by the user.
Advanced Movie Capabilities Including 4K HDR
The pocket-friendly RX100 VI is packed with a variety of video capabilities that will satisfy even the most demanding video enthusiasts.
With Fast Hybrid AF, the focal-plane phase-detection AF points ensures accurate focusing and tracking performance, even for the severe focusing requirements of 4Kvii movie shooting. 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 4Kvii mode, the new RX100 VI utilizes full pixel readout without pixel binning to ensure that all the finer details of 4Kvii video are captured with minimal moire and ‘jaggies’.
For the first time in a Cyber-shot camera, the RX100 VI features 4K HDRviii compatibility thanks to its new HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma) picture profile that offers an instant HDR workflow solution. Additional professional caliber video features include S-Log3/S-Gamut3, 120p Full HD mode, Picture Profile, proxy recording and more. The RX100 VI is able to record super slow motion[xi] video at either 240fps, 480 fps or 960 fps[xii].
Premium Design, Control and Convenience
The new RX100 VI is 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.
A first for Sony’s RX series, RX100 VI has a touch shutter that can be activated by tapping the back LCD screen, a zoom lever with customizable 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. There is also a Monitor Auto OFF function that boosts max number of still images by up to 30%, and the camera is also Wi-Fi®, NFC™ and Bluetooth® compatible.
Pricing and Availability
The new Sony Cyber-shot RX100 VI compact camera will ship next month for about $1,200 US and $1,600 CA.
A variety of exclusive stories and exciting new content shot with the new RX100 VI camera and other Sony products can be found at www.alphauniverse.com , Sony’s community site built to educate, inspire and showcase all fans and customers of the Sony α brand.
The new content will also be posted directly at the global Sony Photo Gallery and the Sony Camera Channel on YouTube.
For more information on the new RX100 VI camera, please visit its product homepage on Sony.com HERE.
