UPDATED: Sony Cybershot DSC-RX100 M3 sample images

Still the camera to beat even with the IV.

3 weeks agopermalink

emare37

This page Studio Comparison is deceived. Rx100mk3 out sharply from all the cameras. This is a mockery. I rx100mk3 and this is the bottom. Through you, I did not buy the Panasonic tz100 because enter into comparisons terribly out of focus. This studio comparison spoils the opinions of cameras.

3 months agopermalink

I'm not sure what you mean by 'out sharply from all the corners.' By all means send me a personal message to discuss this.

3 months agopermalink

BRF1

Hi, I'd like to ask existing users of the RX100M3 if they have used the monochrome modes and what there experience was with these modes.

I was a keen black and white photographer and developer when I was at Uni (many years ago!), I'm after a new travel camera and was hoping that the image quality of the RX100M3 would give me good B&W images and prints.

Your feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Brad

4 months agopermalink

Still waiting for a camera to exceed the RX100 III/IV...the ultimate compact pocket camera with sharp lens, superior shutter speed, 4K and EVF. Most still refer to it as the pocket camera by which all others are judged.

Any nay sayers are simply envious....just look at the reviews.

First true competitor appears to be the Nikon 24-85, but too early to tell.

Sony keeps pushing the category and another new RX100 is hopefully just a few months away.

"The RX100 IV garners our top award for its pure ambition. Its class-defining image and video quality raise the bar even further, widening the gap between it and any potential competition. As such, the RX100 IV is, today, peerless".

6 months ago*permalink

G-D

Eh, this is the review page for the RX100 III, so posting quotes about the IV is quite silly.
Envious? Hahaha. I have no need for such a short zoom on a fiddly body. The feel of the shutter button alone was enough to put me off.

6 months agopermalink

No worries, plenty of consumers have made this camera still their top pick for pocket compact camera, with only the RX100 IV possibly surpassing it.

Other manufacturers have attempted to copy its success, while none have come close, let alone surpassed it. Due to strong demand while other manufacturers have resorted to price cuts to move inventory, the Sony RX100 III still commands it's initial pricing.

The RX100 series is definitely a classic by which all others are still judged.

5 months ago*permalink

G-D

Pls provide sales (and profit per product) numbers, or else it's all just gossip.
You keep repeating over and over again that 'Other manufacturers have attempted to copy its success, while none have come close, let alone surpassed it. '
Why is that so important to you? Why do you keep stressing that? You must have posted that at least a hundred times all over this website. Has it ever occurred to you that some manufacturers CHOOSE not to produce products that are at the highest technical standard, simply because it allows them to make more (and more sustainable) profit?
Anyway, it is really, really, utterly childish to relentlessly keep repeating all that "mine is better than yours" stuff. Only 8 year olds do that. Especially when replying to a comment that was posted a month ago.

5 months ago*permalink

G-D

Had a chance to use one for a couple of days. So I could test it to see if it lives up to its "status". Yes the lens is sharp but the zoom is way too short to allow for good creativity. Colors SOOC weren't pleasing either. Yes it's fast, but ergonomics get in your way. Not convinced, and the price is still too high for what it is: a fiddly pocket camera.

6 months agopermalink

Paul Sm

I already have Sony DSC-HX50V and bought Electronic viewfinder for that. Reason for this camera was primary 30x zoom. Does it make the sense to invest into RX100 III? Is this Aperture 1.8 in RX100 III versus 3.5 in HX50V and build less bulky viewfinder, even that I like the one I have. Looks to me as far better then the one in RX100 III. Also there is CMOS 1 versus 1/2. Not considering the viewfinder, but only Aperture and CMOS, what it will bring me? Is Zeiss optic versus Sony also something to consider? Is it worth the extra $800? Otherwise, I really have no problem with the old camera. As the second point. I am also considering Canon PowerShot G5X. In any case, if I get the new camera, I will keep both. Any help?

7 months agopermalink

PeterIbisL

From what I see, this compact is worth upgrading from the first two RX100 models. But Sony issued the RX100 IV last year (I don't know how I missed it, but I learnt that there is RX100 IV several minutes ago). It costs a lot more (around $1000) than the RX100 III (Amazon, Newegg and Hardware.eu sell it for $700-800). Is it worth those extra $300-400? PS: I really like the device.

8 months agopermalink

maccam

Had no idea that the minimum shutter speed with flash is 1/2000. My NEX6 min with flash is 1/160. Just tried to take a picture of my cat exiting the litter box; the camera was in "A" and I just took the picture (I never use flash but the lighting required it). All I got was a blur and then I looked that the shutter speed was .5 seconds. Thought what would I get if I shoot in "S". 1/2000 of a second. This is really something.

8 months agopermalink

surlezi

As I'm looking for my RX100 III base ISO spec here (and elsewhere, having a hard time finding it from a trusted source), I think it would be a nice addition from the staff to tell the base ISO of reviewed cameras in the specs... It should be 125 as I've read elsewhere, and as Auto ISO starts at 125, but you never know for sure...
TY DPR staff !

9 months ago*permalink

https://community.sony.com/t5/Cybershot-Cameras/The-AF-C-continuous-focusing-in-the-DSC-RX100-doesn-t-work/td-p/65869

Base ISO is 125, though I think you can extend ISO (with a reduction in highlight range) down to ISO 80.

8 months agopermalink

surlezi

Thanks Richard !

8 months agopermalink

stephengturner

I am thinking of buying the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 III. I under stand it runs hd photos and movies. It is still possible for me to load pictures and movies onto a normal computer or into a Samsung tab 3 and view these pictures. I am worried that I might have to purchase lots of other machines or operating systems to view pictures etc

11 months agopermalink

FlammableAnimal

Just as possible as it would be with any digital camera, ever: take out card, insert directly into laptop - or if no SD card slot in the laptop or the card isn't SD type, use an external USB card reader!

10 months agopermalink

Mike FL

DPR or others;

Does your RX100s has the same issue?

SONY RX100s have the same issue as I found in my M3 detailed in below.

I also tried "Sport modes" when I was in the store, all RX100s (M1-M4) have very much the same issue in Sport mode that " focus pulsates into and out of focus rapidly when the shutter button if pressed half way" as some others also noticed:

BTW, In Sport mode, my M3 has the issue regardless of the "Focus area" is set to Wide or Lock-On AF wide.

As well, the very same issue can be found in any mode when using AF-C.

Any thought?

BTW, I post under M4 as well in case you miss it.

11 months agopermalink

fabritio

what memory card should i use in this camera?

In the Sony RX100 IV review, there was this nice graphic with types of cards and witch functions work on witch cards. Does the Sony RX100 III have any function limitations due to card type?

Aug 19, 2015permalink

Anthony Milton

Having only just purchased this camera,(to replace a Canon G10) I am still getting used to it.I haven't checked all the comments here, so excuse me if my comment has already been covered. I haven't seen in any reviews of this camera that using the built in flash, with the lens set at the widest angle and taking a close up, the extended lens housing produces a shadow at the bottom of the image.This doesn't happen if the lens is zoomed out. However, the greater the zoom the longer the minimum focus distance.

Has anyone else noticed this?

Jun 10, 2015permalink

Mike FL

I confirm that "with the lens set at the widest angle and taking a close up, the extended lens housing produces a shadow at the bottom of the image" and the shadow reaches almost the center of the photo.

11 months agopermalink

Le Kilt

Good camera.

Very disappointed not to see an intervalometer included in the firmware.

Interesting smartphone type apps feature - you connect the camera directly to the internet using its Wifi, then (using a PlayMemories account you've set up) you can see and download new apps to the camera.
Not many yet, but a handfull of free ones.

BUT 9.99 € for an intervalometer app (albeit a good one), I feel a bit ripped off.

Sony :
- Please add the option not to turn the camera off when pushing the viewfinder back down.
- Please include an intervalometer in the firmware, or provide a free one in the apps.

But nice camera.

Jun 5, 2015permalink

(unknown member)

I think it would be helpful if DPR listed alternatives as part of these reviews.

May 16, 2015permalink

cd from nm

I am looking for a light weight travel camera with good video; however, I have Parkinsons so I have problems with shaking the camera. Stabilization is real important. I try to use tripod and remote as much as possible; however, sometimes you miss those spur of the moment shots. Does this camera have good stabilization? Does it have a remote? Any other recommendations? Love everything I read about the camera for my needs.

Thanks in advance.

Apr 27, 2015permalink

FrontRange575

Let me start out by stating that I typically respect and follow the intent of DPREVIEW's objective reviews- but- this was the most convoluted and good, but bad review I have read in a long time. I respect the someawhat constructive criticism and longing for this or that rendition of image processing/ functionality/ handling/ image quality etc. but come on! Taking pictures requires having a camera in hand- and to this end Sony deserves more even handed evaluation and less continual and constant criticism of every aspect of this camera. They might as well have compared it to the Nikon D4s as they compared it to competition not in the same realm (truly pocketable). I know DPR qualified all their in review comparison but really?

I invite the critically minded viewers of this excellent website to re-read this review and disagree with my assessment.

Apr 7, 2015*permalink

I'm looking for pocketable travel camera. GREAT review here of the RX100 III, but is there a better option for someone like me who never shoots RAW and doesn't care too much about video? I worry RX100-III is too complicated for someone who typically sticks with Scene or Program modes? For me a "Travel Camera" has to fit comfortably in a shirt pocket, or khaki shorts pocket (but probably not jeans pants pocket). EVA and flash are also required... and I really like the idea of flipping the screen 180 for selfies! (remember it's a travel camera).
The stated RX100-III dimensions of 102 x 58 x 41 mm (4.02 x 2.28 x 1.61″) seem about maximum for my needs, compared to the wife's Canon PS SX130-IS that definitely feels too big (113 x 73 x 46 mm (4.45 x 2.87 x 1.81″).
Can anyone recommend something even a little smaller, with EVF & flash of course.. oh and that 180 degree screen too.

Mar 14, 2015permalink

jmknights

Try shooting RAW, you might find it has more benefits than hassles. I said that once but now only shoot RAW or RAW/JPEG Just get some good post processing software.

Mar 25, 2015permalink

gavin

The RX100 is very simple to use. I use it when I don't carry my 5DII around as it is pocketable. The only other one in its class is the Canon GX7 but from the review the RX100III is still better. The GX7 does have a flippable view finder. Not sure what you mean by flash as the RX100 has flash built in.

Mar 26, 2015permalink

Best alternative is the Sony RX100 III.

Mar 27, 2015permalink

DaveClark

Get the new Sony DSC-HX90V.

Apr 14, 2015*permalink

Sensor too small and lens to slow, stick with the RX100.

Apr 14, 2015permalink

Mike FL

For "typically sticks with Scene or Program modes", the RX100-3 has:
- Scene and Program modes.

Plus two more Auto modes:
- Superior Auto
- Intelligent Auto

If you do not shooting RAW, just use JEPG in the setup.

Apr 16, 2015*permalink

QizmoGeek

Agreed, stick with the RX100. It is great cam with great image quality.

10 months agopermalink

HB Eugene

When Sony introduced the RX100, I was in the market some a very good portable camera which I could easily lug around when not using my Nikon DSLR's. I purchased the camera and was not disappointed. I loved it! Then along came the RX100 MII where a hot shoe was added and I quickly upgraded. I loved it even more than its predecessor. I complemented my new purchase with a remote and the flash unit accessory. A truly great combination. With the unveiling of the MIII, I set out to compare and with a plan to further upgrade, but alas, I did not. The reason? Despite the enhancements made to the MIII, the omission of a hot shoe was a major disappointment. Sony certainly dropped the ball in this area. The end result is that I'll hang on to the MII indefinitely and until Sony hopefully reintroduces the hot shoe on the MIV???. Hope they do take heed.

Mar 6, 2015*permalink

Sony did away with the hot shoe due to little use by customers and more people wanting and actually using the EVF. I wouldn't expect Sony to bring back the hot shoe on the IV given the type of camera and the EVF makes it far more valuable.

Mar 14, 2015permalink

thenewgap

I have a Canon 5D 1st serie, a great camera even if i don’t like big and heavy cams: they have great performances but for some situations it’s more useful a very small camera with a honest image quality. So I bought a Fujifilm X100S that was too big anyway although it had a great global quality. So I sold it and looking for a small camera with sensor of one inch at least, I read enthusiast reviews of Sony RX100.M3 that I bought. And it has a great body: small, light, handy, well positioned buttons, very ergonomic and so on. But, using it intensively, I found that there was no comparison between it’s image quality and Fuji’s. The image of Sony at 800ASA has a noise that Fuji doesn’t show at 1600ASA; and the sharpness of X100, at each aperture or all ASA value, is quite greater than RX100.M3. And these qualities can be seen by a child too… So I asked myself about the reliability of some reviews: which kind of instruments di they use and which procedures do they follow??? Regards

Mar 2, 2015permalink

What???

Your comparing the RX100 III to the X100?????

Sorry, but two completely different classes of cameras serving two distinctive purposes along with targeted to two entirely different consumers.

Mar 6, 2015permalink

giuliopaolicchi

OOOHHH YOU ARE RIGHT BUT WHY DO PH REVIEWS OFTEN COMPARE THE TWO CAMS ???

Mar 10, 2015permalink

giuliopaolicchi

FUJI X100 IS A CAMERA BUT, IF WE CONSIDER IMAGE QUALITY AND NOISE, RX100 IT'S A TOY... INFACT I TOOK IT ONLY FOR ITS SMALL DIMENSIONS!

Mar 10, 2015*permalink

gavin

I sort of disagree since i am fine with using the RX100 when I don't want to carry bulk/DSLR. Its a better camera since you have it with you. Of course size/weight are very personal decisions on what is small enough etc.

Mar 26, 2015permalink

drienstra

What a pleasant surprise to see my home town in your gallery!

After this length of time, any more thoughts on the camera? Especially, how about the dynamic range?

Feb 12, 2015permalink

kimroy

Returned the other day mij RX100m3. Complaints? Just the optical steady shot.
I could not get enough photos whithout motion blur in low light conditions, say at 1/20th or 1/30th. Now i've bought the Canon G7X and that camera has a much better image stabilisation. I'm happy now, but i will miss that electronic viewfinder!

Feb 4, 2015permalink

ThatCamFan

That is user error, try to stop shaking the camera around when photographing. Also try to not sound like a Canon rep

Feb 21, 2015permalink

kimroy

User error? What nonsense. Maybe i should have used a tripod, than the results would be immaculate. And no, i'm no Canon Rep. My other gear is Olympus OM-D M5 with excellent IBIS. Oh, and i am no Olympus rep.

Mar 3, 2015permalink

PH61

@Helice: you'll wait a long time then. By that time Sony will already have a far more advanced camera that leaves the competition far behind again. Sleep well Canon and Nikon...

Jan 30, 2015permalink

Helice

Sony decided to leave out the Hot Shoe! What a major sorry decision!!! Am I the only complaining? And of course, every time they come out w/ a later model of the RX-100 they hike up the price astronomically. $800 for the RX-100 III? Thx but no thx...I will just wait for the competition to come out w/ it competitive version...probably a lot better, w/ a Hot Shoe and cheaper!!!

Thx,

GGF

Jan 12, 2015permalink

haroldk

I went to Best Buy today to purchase the Sony RX100 III today as I am taking a nice trip tomorrow. Neither I nor anyone in the store could turn off the screens highlight feature. I am experienced and have sold and used every kind of camera made. I think manufactures have gone nuts outdoing each other with as many features as they can cram in and there is no simple on/off for those you choose not to use. It took me months to learn my olympus em-5 and I can get great pictures but I still do not like the camera. Great lenses . I also get great pics with an I phone. Most people are unaware that was what made the picture. For my trip I'll use the Em-5 and a 12mm, Fairly compact, and the iPhone. They're familiar. I might like the Sony but I want pictures not learning a new camera.

Jan 2, 2015permalink

Philippe Manning

J'ai reçu un RX100M3 à Noël, chanceux suis-je, je suis vraiment impressionné des qualités de ce dernier, vraiment à la hauteur de mes attentes, voir plus.

I received a RX100M3 Christmas, I'm lucky, I'm really impressed with the quality of it, really live up to my expectations.

Dec 26, 2014permalink

walkaround

This has got to be the most nitpicky review I’ve ever read on dpreview. And as usual the out of camera jpegs are far better looking than the dpreview raw conversions, which always look noisy, anemic, and hdr-ish.

Dec 22, 2014permalink

http://www.dpreview.com/articles/9935181366/high-end-pocketable-compacts-2014-roundup/8

"At this point in time -it's the best pocket camera available."

Nov 29, 2014permalink

jnug

Perhaps readers here can help me with something. I have an older Canon point and shoot that for its time was a fine camera..still is OK. However my smartphone now bests it.

I find myself taking a good many e-commerce shots now. Surprisingly, dp review really does not offer much in the way of macro mode performance as part of the review process.

There are a few other sites that do seem to pay more attention to macro performance......( am sure you guys know them better than I. Anyway I thought I would find that this camera and the Canon G7X Mk2 would get decent marks for macro mode. Large sensors are not as advantageous shooting macro if I understand sensor size correctly and I figured one of those two would be a fine all around small camera with very good macro mode. But I find both have been roundly criticized for their macro mode even within their own category.

Do you guys understand these two to have poor macro performance and understand why? I am struggling with it. Thanks

Nov 20, 2014permalink

jonrobertp

You got to wonder why Sony seems incapable to make a cam with touchscreen AF. For the sake of competition I hope they get to work to build something with being interested in. And that uber-short lens.... so very limiting.
Thankfully Canon has a class leading G7X.

Nov 16, 2014permalink

Vilas7

Does RX100 III have a digital zoom? If yes, is the picture quality compromised and if yes how much compromise in percentage?
If any one can answer, thank you.

Dec 8, 2014permalink

Not so sure about that, think the RX100 III got Gold because it offers and excels more. Keep in mind the G7X competes with the RX100 II while the RX100 III is still in a class all alone. While touchscreen may appeal to some, it does little good on a bright summer day when you can only rely on your RX100 III with built in viewfinder. 😉

Nov 16, 2014permalink

jonrobertp

The only reason this unit got Gold was due to having no competition at the time it came out. The new canon easily beats it in features and usefulness.
Most ppl are fine w lcd shooting these days. And to not have a touchscreen nor touchscreen AF....in this day...is clearly behind the times. B-.

Nov 15, 2014permalink

I dont think so. Its just not that kind of camera and te Finder is far more useful.

Nov 15, 2014permalink

jkmnop

If you're over 40 shooting with an LCD - particularly with a pocket camera - is often nigh impossible. I will buy this camera (to replace Canon S120) for the EVF alone.

Apr 3, 2015permalink

pdqgp

No way. I bought both and used them side by side and even one year after it's birth the MKIII Sony still beats out the G7x. Most noticeably in performance. It's way faster and more accurate. Battery life was nearly 50% better too. Lastly, the EVF is most welcome. It was sunny the past few days and it's way easier to use than an LCD Only camera. Helps steady your shots too. Lastly, if you wear glasses or are in need of readers it makes seeing things a lot easier too.

May 26, 2015permalink

Spkeasy

I shoot concerts and need a camera that is silent and not unduly visible.
Is the RX100 III silent when shooting, changing settings, etc?
Can it be set to have no visible lights, flashes, etc? I read that the focus aid lamp can be turned off... good. Can the screen be blackened while using the VF to shoot?

Nov 15, 2014permalink

YES to all of those. Use the Finder, switch of the screen and AF assist. Dont raise the flash and nobody will see or hear you snapping away!!

Nov 15, 2014permalink

Harry Quartze

I hope you, or someone knowledgeable, will take the time to tell me what the difference is between the Sony camera rated here, and a Sony RX100M2.

Thank you very much for your help.

Nov 13, 2014permalink

I had the MkI, the II and the III. The III has: an eyepiece finder (electronic) which pops up, longer zoom, faster lens, flash pops up in the centre rather than at the side, and popping it up activates flash mode. WiFi functions extended. Better video. Better layout of Function commands when FN pressed. A few other good things. BUT I am not convinced that the image quality in JPEG isnt a bit worse than the MKII. It seems a bit rough and sharpened rather coursely. I am still experimenting with settings but I feel this might be an issue.

Nov 15, 2014permalink

mattiaswinbladh

GJ: Surely you mean that the MKIII has a shorter zoom? o_O

Jan 7, 2015permalink

hall56

Today I received an email from Sony requesting that I…’ Help other shoppers by writing a review about the dsc-rx100m3’. There appears to be more than enough positive things to said about the product – so I thought I would offer my reflections upon another aspect of the Sony experience.
Have you noticed that wherever you look; the purchase the price is almost identical… The resultant impression is that RPM (see Wiki) seems to be employed?
I found a local stockist who, while offering the rx100m3 on his web site could NOT publish any price BUT the full RRP. He could discount it (marginally) across the counter but if he published this marginal discounted price on his web site, Sony would remove him from their list of stockist!
Now I am not saying what Sony are doing is illegal (I suppose that would depend on the laws of the country) but it does seem very, very heavy handed and creates the impression that they are trying to influence the market.
I will leave you to be the judge……?

Oct 31, 2014permalink

aerorail

sony is far from the only company using those minimum advt pricing sheme

Nov 16, 2014permalink

rsbfotos

Richard Butler "You're welcome to your opinion but I'm struggling to think of any clothing I own that has pockets that can fit a Sigma DPm."

1st the often used "YMMV"; now we have "YPMV" (your pockets may vary). Anyone have an LL.Bean catalogue they can send him?

Oct 29, 2014permalink

BowShot

I really looked forward to adding this camera to my arsenal. I purchased one a couple of months ago. Images and video were of high quality IMO. They were even good in low light conditions. After a few days though I returned the camera (the store had a no hassle return policy). This camera is somewhat difficult to hold without any type of built-in grip. Someone else in this forum described it like holding a bar of soap - I somewhat agree. Also your left hand may normally rest where the diopter sight is located which for me was problematic when it was in use. Also, I didn't get much out of the zoom lens. I think that this camera would be better with a fixed lens - you also wouldn't have to wait for it to go through its motions of extending and retracting the lens each time the camera is turned on and off. While this camera was really of high quality IMO, it isn't a 'comfortable' camera to use. Are there any upcoming products with similar form factor and features worth considering?

Oct 19, 2014permalink

tj2433

To make it easier to hold, you can buy the AG-R2 grip from Sony for $15. It sticks onto the front-right of the camera, attaches easily, looks fine, and works well. As to your other observations, I have not found them to be an issue in my use of this very nice camera.

Oct 30, 2014permalink

Yes, the stick-on grip is cheap and perfect, in fact it should be included. IMHO it is required for one-handed use.

Sep 22, 2015permalink

bchalifour

It's fast enough; definitely faster than the S95.
HOWEVER before you buy one weigh the following point:
> I had an RX 100 and loved it, especially as I could photograph in RAW + JPG in black and white (see my square BW images on the screen and know I could always go back to the full-frame color RAW image if needed.
Now, the RX 100 III does not authorize the recording of the RAW image wit the bw JPG one. If one shoots JPG bw one only gets the JPG bw.
In my opinion this is a very stupid change in software for a camera that taps into an audience that would rather use raw and the possibilities of multiformat BW images (while photographing, and NOT in front of one's computer) than their cell-phones. Kinda ludicrous move!!!

Oct 14, 2014permalink

bigdog2

Is the rx100 fast at taking pictures? I have a canon S95 and ready to upgrade to something better but I would like a point a shoot that can take pictures quicker than the S95 with and without flash. From the time I press the button and when the pictures get taken. Cell phones drive me crazy since theres such a delay for the autofocus, always miss the picture moment.

thanks

Sep 16, 2014permalink

Yes - its super fast on auto.

Nov 15, 2014permalink

schmudge

SONY Can you please bring out the RX100 4 T.I.T.S. so we can finally have a decent compact camera which finally includes telephoto, including timelapse and shitt. tbh my one +1 has better features. I just had to rip out the sim.

Sep 11, 2014permalink

ferrarinigel

Can somebody tell me the difference between the ordinary Sony RX-100 mk111 and the Sony DSC-RX100 mk111
Thanks.....

Aug 30, 2014permalink

bchalifour

??? between an apple and an apple?

Oct 14, 2014permalink

Hans Kruse

I got one and like the IQ and size which makes it a camera go everywhere. The EVF doubling as an on/off switch is quite irritating with no option to turn this function off. I wonder if Sony is listening ;)

Aug 26, 2014permalink

Relinquis

If you hold down the on/off button while you close the EVF the camera will remain on.
You might find that useful.

Nov 12, 2014permalink

Hubert REYNERS

No , Relinquis ! This doesn't work !!!

Jan 7, 2015permalink

SteveGarratt

Yes it does.....

Mar 23, 2015permalink

pdqgp

Holding down the power button while pushing the EVF doesn't prevent it from turning off. does not work on the one I just bought. RX-100 MKIII

May 26, 2015permalink

If you push down the EVF and then immediately push the power button, then it will first finish closing and then re-open... a time consuming solution at best and essentially you are just turning it on again.

Sep 22, 2015permalink

fingalo

I does work! It does not retract the lens, the screen blanks out half a second then ready!

9 months agopermalink

rfreund719

Image quality is amazing. It would have been nice if in any of the many reviews raving about the camera that they mentioned that you can't use the viewfinder if you wear glasses. It must be so obvious that it does not get mentioned. However if you are nearsighted and wear glasses it is a waste of time to think the view finder is something you can use.

Aug 25, 2014permalink

What is it about the viewfinder you find unusable?

I wear glasses and didn't find it a problem.

Aug 26, 2014permalink

LarryK

I wear Glasses too, and I didn't have a problem either.

Did you find the diopter adjustment lever?

Sep 4, 2014permalink

i wear glasses and have no problems... there is an adjustment on the viewfinder that you need to tweak, like a dioptor. Out of the box mine was all the way to left, and looked hella blurry but once I tweaked it near center the EVF is easy to see.

May 15, 2015permalink

"the RX100 III offers the best image quality of any pocketable camera we've ever seen."

I guess you haven't seen Sigma DP Merrill cameras then....

Lin

Aug 24, 2014permalink

We have seen the DP Merrill, wouldn't consider it pocketable in the same sense and couldn't make broad-ranging statements about its image quality (no matter how much you may like some aspects of its IQ, it should be apparent that you need to include some caveats).

Aug 26, 2014permalink

I might agree that the DP Merrill cameras are a bit larger than the RX-100 III but they do fit in my pocket. As for image quality, unless you have something other than the images posted in the review, they are not even in the same universe in terms of IQ with my DP2 Merrill. I use lots of cameras from high end Nikons and Canons to Pentax, Olympus, and also a good number of Sony's. Frankly, other than resolution I wouldn't trade my Sony R1 for this new RX-100 III if the best it can do for IQ is what you have posted in the review samples. Not a single landscape image has decent sharpness in distant foliage and the edge distortion is quite apparent. Maybe I'm missing something, but I wouldn't trade my little Nikon 1V1 images for what I'm seeing. I'm seriously uncertain how you see these images as having superior IQ - sorry but that's my unvarnished opinion....

Aug 27, 2014permalink

You're welcome to your opinion but I'm struggling to think of any clothing I own that has pockets that can fit a Sigma DPm.

At which point, I stand by my statement about image quality. The lens is very good for a zoom, the Raw dynamic range and noise characteristics are genuinely class leading.

Aug 27, 2014permalink

gmke

Camera comparisons are often apples and oranges, which is to say, there are always trade-offs. The companion to the axiom is, the trade-offs you like best are not usually available for a song and dance. Me, I have a hard time loving any camera I can stick in my pocket even when so many "things to like" make for a compelling package. The RX100-iii is a very tempting concoction indeed. The aperture handily counters the ISO limit. The Sigma does little to sway me because I already have a camera with prime lenses that satisfy immensely. The lack of zoom on a handy-size photo shooter misses the target. The Sony can be an awful lot of things to many people. The bang for the buck is a benchmark. The Sigma is niche.

Aug 30, 2014*permalink

iudex

I´d say RX100 III and DPm is like VW Golf GTI vs. Caterham Super 7: it is obvious Caterham is faster, provides much more driving pleasure and involvement... on sunny days on dry road. Since it has no roof it is a car you cannot really use anytime but only in good weather. Wheras Golf is a universal car without any caveats. Of course it is not so fast, not so fun to drive, but it is still very fast and what is more, it is usable all year long.
Sigma DP with its usable ISO 400 maximum and f2,8 is only a camera for the sunny days. When there is lets say 3 EV of light on the scene your Sigma is useless, unlike the RX100. So Sigma is just like the Caterham: unbeatable in ideal conditions, unusable in any other.

Sep 3, 2014*permalink

That's a fairly accurate analogy. Of course the Sony is a compromise as well. I had to laugh when I read the DXO review on the RX100 II and they compared it with the Nikon 1V3 and gave it a considerable higher "sports" rating. No photographer in their right mind would use the RX100 II (or RX100-III) for sports while the 1V3 can be an exellent sports camera since it takes virtually the entire line of Nikon lenses, has superb fast autofocus, etc. It's all a compromise. The DPM Sigma cameras take superb landscape and super high resolution images for their intended use. I'm certain that the RX-100 III will be very successful as a general purpose tool, but the IQ isn't remotely comparable with the Sigmas.

Sep 3, 2014*permalink

gmke

The car analogy feels good to me. Are we a class of gizmo freaks? Cars one day, cameras the next? I also agree that the Nikon 1 is the best for sports photography of the one-inch category, although I am not sure that is saying much. If you already had lots of Nikon lenses well suited to sports (lots of bucks, yeah?) why would you not use a DSLR body? So, for me, the sports worthiness of the 1 series is candy for somebody who is not thinking clearly.

Sep 7, 2014permalink

Because you can do things with the little Nikon which would cost thousands to do with a dSLR like shooting with a 600 F4 at 1620mm?So you use a good APS C with a 1.5 crop, add a 600 F4 and a 2X tele converter and you are at F8. Is it that much better than the 1V3 at F4? http://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/54292895

Sep 7, 2014permalink

gmke

Your point is correct. In a sense it is six to one half-a-dozen to the other in the situation noted and many others too. There are a minority of situations where the bigger sensor with faster and much more expensive glass will give a superior result. What percentage of the time that turns out to be the case varies, and what you are willing to pay for it, they are individual questions that will be answered differently. As I am a three-camera person, I look to the one-inch category solely to provide a range-finder style, second camera. I don't need a one-inch camera with interchangeable lenses or sports credentials. Some people prefer a one-system setup. That's fine too.

Sep 8, 2014permalink

marcpol

No IR Remote???

Aug 22, 2014permalink

Bilgy_no1

Is there something strange going on with the NR on the M3? Looking at the noise samples on p. 11 of the review, the M3 does very poorly compared to the M2. Look at the highest ISO12800 setting, and the difference is shocking!

However, the M3 sample of the stamp also looks more enlarged than the M2 sample. Strange, because they have the same resolution...

Anyone have an idea?

Aug 5, 2014permalink

Interceptor121

Sony has redesigned the noise reduction algorithms in the Mark III
Performance compared to the mark II is worse not sure this is what you were expecting but that is clear.
The different stamp size may have to do with focal length and working distance

Aug 10, 2014permalink

rrobbi

Flash diffuser question -- I have been using the original RX-100 since it came out, and have found that it takes great pictures, but using the flash indoors never produces good pictures unless (1) I bend the flash back (which sometimes works if the distances and angles work out correctly, but sometimes produces unevenly lit or underexposed pictures) or (2) I use a Ping-Pong ball that I have cut open so that I can fit it over the flash as a diffuser (which actually works pretty well, but I always have to explain and defend why I'm fooling with a Ping-Pong ball). Is there a more elegant way to improve flash performance that I'm missing? Will the RX-100 III require the same fiddling to try to get a decent image with the flash? I'm running out of Ping-Pong balls.

Aug 4, 2014permalink

On the MK II and MK III you can pivot the flash upwards to 45 degrees so it reduces the light hitting the subject and can give you some bounce from a ceiling. I have done this a lot with the MKII, using my left hand to pivot the flash, while the right presses the shutter. You can still do this on the MKIII but its a little harder as the flash is in the centre not the left hand side as on MKII.

Nov 15, 2014permalink