Sony’s killer compact point-and-shoot RX100 line gets an update – the RX100 VI. While it looks the same as its predecessor, much of RX100 VI’s magic lies beneath the surface. The camera is the first in the family to gain a high magnification zoom lens, packing a ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T* 24-200mm F2.8-F4.5 lens. It also boasts the world’s fastest AF acquisition time for 1.0-type sensor cameras.
Small and powerful, the RX100 VI packs the same image sensor as its predecessor – the excellent 20.1MP 1.0-type stacked Exmor RS CMOS image sensor with DRAM chip and an upgraded BIONZ X image processing system with front-end LSI. This combination maximises processing speed and optimises image quality in all environments.
What’s also similar with previous generation’s is the Fast Hybrid AF system with 315-point phase-detection AF points which enables it to find focus in as little as 0.03 seconds, the world’s fastest AF for 1.0-type sensor cameras. This is an improvement over the mark V, which topped 0.05s.
The RX100 VI includes Sony’s advanced High-density Tracking AF technology that concentrates AF points around a subject to improve tracking and focus accuracy. The popular Eye AF that seen on its prosumer A-series cameras is also available, now offering 2x the performance of the RX100 V.
Similarly, the camera continues to support 24fps continuous shooting at full resolution with AF/AE tracking. Sony has improved buffer limit to up to 233 images, as well as reduced display lag of the pop up EVF.
The RX100 VI also integrates a high-speed Anti-Distortion Shutter (maximum shutter speed of up to 1/32000 second) that reduces the annoying “rolling shutter” effect. The camera can also shoot completely silently in all modes.
The standout feature for the RX100 VI is of course, the zoom lens. Equipped with the ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T* 24-200mm F2.8-F4.5 lens – it packs the power of both 24-70mm and 70-200mm focal lengths. Additionally, the lens has built-in Optical SteadyShot image stabilisation, equivalent to a 4.0-stop faster shutter speed to prevent camera shake and blurred images.
In terms of video, the camera can now shoot 4K video with full pixel readout and no pixel binning, which translates into footage that has minimal moire and “jaggies.”
For the first time ever in a Cyber-shot camera, the RX100 VI includes 4K HDR compatibility through its new HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma) picture profile that offers an instant HDR workflow solution.
Other professional video features include S-Log3/S-Gamut3, 120p Full HD mode, Picture Profile and more. The camera can also record super slow motion video at 240fps, 480fps or 960fps.
Sony has improved the EVF, which can now be activated instantly using the single One-push Access button. The EVF features a high-contrast 2.35 million dot XGA OLED Tru-Finder with ZEISS T* Coating.
The RX100 VI now has a touch shutter that can be activated by tapping the back LCD screen, and also comes with a zoom lever with customisable zoom speed.
The LCD can be rotated 180 degrees upward or 90 degrees downward, a marked improvement over previous generations’.
Alongside the RX100 VI, Sony also introduced the VCT-SGR1 – a versatile and compact new shooting grip, made for RX0 and RX100 series of cameras.
The grip and RX100 VI make a great combination for vlogging, travel photography and self-portraits. The lightweight and compact grip can adjust angles up 70 degrees or down to 100 degrees.
The grip features convenient shutter release, REC stop/start and zoom buttons for easy fingertip control.
Pricing and availability
The Sony Cyber-shot RX100 VI is available now at MYR4,899. The VCT-SGR1 Shooting Grip will be available in Malaysia from 13 August 2018, at a price of MYR399.
