Sony updates the RX100 (again)
Posted: Sat May 17, 2014 7:53 am
Sony has released the RX100 III, an update to its advanced point and shoot that has proved to be a hit with many photographers.
This update, which comes barely six months after the release of the RX100 II, has a couple of notable updates:
* A new Zeiss lens: Vario-Sonnar 24mm-70mm with a maximum f/1.8 aperture at the wide end and max f/2.8 aperture at 70mm. This replaces the Zeiss Vario-Sonnar 28mm-100mm f/1.8-f/4.9 lens from the previous RX100 and RX100 II models.
* Built-in pop-up viewfinder, negating the need to purchase the costly accessory viewfinder.
* An articulated LCD that swings upward 180 degrees for selfies (Sony used that term in its press release).
* Built-in WiFi and NFC capabilities that will allow you to use your mobile phone or tablet as a remote control device for the camera. The phone or tablet can show a live preview of what the camera sees.
* It uses the same 20.1-MP sensor as the RX100 and RX100 II, although the RX100 III is fitted with the same BIONZ X (pronounced BEE-onz) image processor that is used in the a7/a7R ful-frame models. Sony claims this unit is three times faster than the BIONZ processor in the RX100 and RX100 II models.
* HD video using the XAVC S format at 50 fps - you must use a Class 10 memory card.