RX100 VI vs HX99 for a new travel compact zoom?

EasyClick · Feb 25, 2020

My RX100 has died on me a couple of days ago after 7 years of reliable use. It travelled with me pretty much everywhere as a backup or when it was impractical to bring my full frame A7 gear. So I’m now researching a replacement. I like Sony cameras but have no particular brand fidelity when it comes to compact zooms.

Though I’ve narrowed down to 2 options which I can afford:

- RX100 mk VI

- HX99

Has anyone had experience with both cameras? What about zoom quality vs range? Would 200mm on the mk VI be better than 720mm on the HX99 for the same subject?

Any advices and thoughts would be very helpful.

thanks!

Paolo20 · Feb 25, 2020

EasyClick said:
My RX100 has died on me a couple of days ago after 7 years of reliable use. It travelled with me pretty much everywhere as a backup or when it was impractical to bring my full frame A7 gear. So I’m now researching a replacement. I like Sony cameras but have no particular brand fidelity when it comes to compact zooms.

Though I’ve narrowed down to 2 options which I can afford:

- RX100 mk VI

- HX99

Has anyone had experience with both cameras? What about zoom quality vs range? Would 200mm on the mk VI be better than 720mm on the HX99 for the same subject?

Any advices and thoughts would be very helpful.

thanks!

I can't comment on the hx99 but can comment on the M6.

When I looked to compliment the M4, I immediately wanted extra reach but the same 1" sensor.

Hence the m6 won me over. Plus the lens on m6 is sharp and I mean razer sharp at wide and tele.

Given the hx99 sensor is 1/2.3-inch, you'll find this is similar to phone camera sensors.

Stick with the m6. You may lose some zoom, but you'll be dazzled with what the 1" sensor and sharp lens gives you.

Good luck.

EasyClick · Feb 25, 2020

Paolo20 said:
EasyClick said:

My RX100 has died on me a couple of days ago after 7 years of reliable use. It travelled with me pretty much everywhere as a backup or when it was impractical to bring my full frame A7 gear. So I’m now researching a replacement. I like Sony cameras but have no particular brand fidelity when it comes to compact zooms.

Though I’ve narrowed down to 2 options which I can afford:

- RX100 mk VI

- HX99

Has anyone had experience with both cameras? What about zoom quality vs range? Would 200mm on the mk VI be better than 720mm on the HX99 for the same subject?

Any advices and thoughts would be very helpful.

thanks!

Click to expand...

I can't comment on the hx99 but can comment on the M6.

When I looked to compliment the M4, I immediately wanted extra reach but the same 1" sensor.

Hence the m6 won me over. Plus the lens on m6 is sharp and I mean razer sharp at wide and tele.

Given the hx99 sensor is 1/2.3-inch, you'll find this is similar to phone camera sensors.

Stick with the m6. You may lose some zoom, but you'll be dazzled with what the 1" sensor and sharp lens gives you.

Good luck.

Thanks for your input! I was leaning toward the HX99 mostly for pricing but I’m so used to the stellar picture quality of the RX100 that I can’t bear having phone quality pictures. I use the pictures I take for my digital artwork.

sybersitizen · Feb 25, 2020

EasyClick said:
Would 200mm on the mk VI be better than 720mm on the HX99 for the same subject?

No. The strength of the HX99 (and other similar 1/2.3" cameras) is at or near maximum zoom. If you crop the RX100VI to obtain the same composition, the effective sensor area is even smaller than the area of the HX99, and the resolution takes a massive hit; but the RX100VI will obviously be better for everything up through 200mm equivalent, and even beyond that. The 'quality' crossover zone is probably somewhere around 300-350mm equivalent.

EasyClick · Feb 25, 2020

sybersitizen said:
EasyClick said:

Would 200mm on the mk VI be better than 720mm on the HX99 for the same subject?

Click to expand...

No. The strength of the HX99 (and other similar 1/2.3" cameras) is at or near maximum zoom. If you crop the RX100VI to obtain the same composition, the effective sensor area is even smaller than the area of the HX99, and the resolution takes a massive hit; but the RX100VI will obviously be better for everything up through 200mm equivalent, and even beyond that. The 'quality' crossover zone is probably somewhere around 300-350mm equivalent.

Very interesting information! Thanks for your input. Yes, I quite like the range of the HX99. So I might still get the RX100VI and an older HX90V at a bargain price online.

Rambow · Feb 25, 2020

The only camera that can substitute an rx100 is another rx100. That being said, the hx cameras have much longer zooms. Do you need that kind of range? Also they are cheaper.

If money is no object, i'd get another rx100.

Wanted one too, but a panasonic tz100 is so much cheaper and more customizable, that it's impossible to justify the price of a rx100 m6, which is like three times more expensive. Sure, the tz100 lens doesn't match the overall sharpness of the rx100 6 lens, but does it have to?

Also keep in mind that the m6 might not be as dependable as the first rx100, which wasn't stellar to begin with, mine froze at below 0 degrees celsius, this annoyed me so much i decided to get rid of it.

Like i said "if money no object". The M5, M6 and M7 are the iphones of the camera world, not meant for the average schmuck like me.

bill hansen · Feb 25, 2020

Unless longer FLs are critically important to you (and they aren't or you wouldn't be so happy with the original RX100) the RX100 vi, with its much larger sensor, makes sense. I've just acquired a RX100 vi, and though it's early days, I'm very impressed at what it can do. There are many improvements, even over my beloved RX100 iii. The image quality, in terms of fine detail, is exceptional. It handles well, but if you have large hands, as I do, give serious consideration to getting Sony's aftermarket grip, and perhaps a light detachable neck strap.

tbcass · Feb 25, 2020

EasyClick said:
My RX100 has died on me a couple of days ago after 7 years of reliable use. It travelled with me pretty much everywhere as a backup or when it was impractical to bring my full frame A7 gear. So I’m now researching a replacement. I like Sony cameras but have no particular brand fidelity when it comes to compact zooms.

Though I’ve narrowed down to 2 options which I can afford:

- RX100 mk VI

- HX99

Has anyone had experience with both cameras? What about zoom quality vs range? Would 200mm on the mk VI be better than 720mm on the HX99 for the same subject?

Any advices and thoughts would be very helpful.

thanks!

It all depends on how often you use the longer focal length of the lens. I suspect that the RX100VI will be a much better camera for a large majority of day to day use but if things like more distant wildlife is very important to you then the HX99 might be better. The fact that you were so happy with your RX100 suggests the RX100vi is a better choice for you.

--
Tom

EasyClick · Feb 25, 2020

Rambow said:
The only camera that can substitute an rx100 is another rx100. That being said, the hx cameras have much longer zooms. Do you need that kind of range? Also they are cheaper.

If money is no object, i'd get another rx100.

Wanted one too, but a panasonic tz100 is so much cheaper and more customizable, that it's impossible to justify the price of a rx100 m6, which is like three times more expensive. Sure, the tz100 lens doesn't match the overall sharpness of the rx100 6 lens, but does it have to?

Also keep in mind that the m6 might not be as dependable as the first rx100, which wasn't stellar to begin with, mine froze at below 0 degrees celsius, this annoyed me so much i decided to get rid of it.

Like i said "if money no object". The M5, M6 and M7 are the iphones of the camera world, not meant for the average schmuck like me.

Yes, I've considered the TZ lines as well. How about the TZ200? The best of both world but the lens isn't as sharp on high zoom end.

tbcass · Feb 25, 2020

For me the ideal solution is the RX10iv, my traveling companion that goes everywhere with me. Some people think it's too big but heck, my wife carries a purse everywhere with her that is about 4 times the size or a backpack that's double the size.

Rambow · Feb 25, 2020

EasyClick said:
Yes, I've considered the TZ lines as well. How about the TZ200? The best of both world but the lens isn't as sharp on high zoom end.

True. And still cheaper than a rx100 m6. As long as you feel comfortable with the bigger size and the slight difference in sharpness...still fits my loose jeans pocket, btw.

I struggled with mine for the first week, even had buyer`s remorse, but it`s only a question of adjusting and setting up the camera. For instance i turned NR down to minimum, added 1 to color saturation and set up the FN buttons the way i like it, and i`m happy now.

Sharpness at the tele end varies. Sometimes i get perfectly sharp images, sometimes not. One thing is certain, the sharpness still beats most kit lens on a mirorless/dslr. Can i ask for more at $200 ? Don`t think so. Did i mention the macro capabilities are way better than on any rx100?

Full zoom+ 2X intelligent zoom

Used here as a magnifying glass, couldn`t see the bottom writing

Why does the editor keep rotating my images? The image looks normal on my desktop, it`s getting on my nerves!

EasyClick · Feb 25, 2020

I had the RX10 III and sold it after a few months with it. I loved the zoom range but it was damn too heavy for my neck. I missed the bokeh from brighter lens and I still needed a small compact solution for those days I forgot/don’t want to carry my dslr.

sybersitizen · Feb 25, 2020

Rambow said:
Why does the editor keep rotating my images? The image looks normal on my desktop, it`s getting on my nerves!

Using Windows? There is a situation that can cause Windows to 'incorrectly' show the orientation of some images; and, conversely, to modify images such that you are shown a 'correct' orientation while other users see an 'incorrect' one. It sounds like the latter could be the case here.

Read some of these Google hits on the subject.

tbcass · Feb 25, 2020

sybersitizen said:
Rambow said:

Why does the editor keep rotating my images? The image looks normal on my desktop, it`s getting on my nerves!

Click to expand...

Using Windows? There is a situation that can cause Windows to 'incorrectly' show the orientation of some images; and, conversely, to modify images such that you are shown a 'correct' orientation while other users see an 'incorrect' one. It sounds like the latter could be the case here.

Read some of these Google hits on the subject.

This can happen within Windows between different viewing programs. I know because I've had it happen.

bill hansen · Feb 25, 2020

I've had the ZS200 for a couple of years (or more) and I love it. I do keep it in a pocket of my cargo pants, or in a small belt case. I'm surprised at how much I use the tele end of it, 300-360mm. But the fine detail which the RX100 vi produces is very enticing. The vi may become my go-everywhere camera. (It's smaller than the ZS)

John McCormack · Mar 1, 2020

tbcass said:
It all depends on how often you use the longer focal length of the lens. I suspect that the RX100VI will be a much better camera for a large majority of day to day use but if things like more distant wildlife is very important to you then the HX99 might be better. The fact that you were so happy with your RX100 suggests the RX100vi is a better choice for you.

I agree. If your passion is wildlife or birds, you can't have too much zoom. Even my lowly HX80 does a good job for birding - in good light - and I'm sure the addition of RAW on the HX99 would help in low light conditions. Here are a few shots from a walk today with the HX80 that work for me; I don't print and the image quality isn't paramount for me. These are all cropped in post.

perry rhodan · Mar 2, 2020

EasyClick said:
My RX100 has died on me a couple of days ago after 7 years of reliable use. It travelled with me pretty much everywhere as a backup or when it was impractical to bring my full frame A7 gear. So I’m now researching a replacement. I like Sony cameras but have no particular brand fidelity when it comes to compact zooms.

Though I’ve narrowed down to 2 options which I can afford:

- RX100 mk VI

- HX99

Has anyone had experience with both cameras? What about zoom quality vs range? Would 200mm on the mk VI be better than 720mm on the HX99 for the same subject?

Any advices and thoughts would be very helpful.

thanks!

Get the best of both worlds. Get a 100 mk4 AND a hx99v.

The mk4 is the great in price vs IQ and the hx99v is great in reach vs ease of use. They make a real nice combination.

All the best

tbcass · Mar 2, 2020

Of course another option is the RX10iv. It’s larger size being offset by being 1 camera, not 2.

ajff · Mar 2, 2020

tbcass said:
Of course another option is the RX10iv. It’s larger size being offset by being 1 camera, not 2.

tbcass · Mar 2, 2020

ajff said:
You are correct but being able to keep each camera in an interior jacket pocket & whip either out according to circumstance is much less obtrusive in an urban environment than having the one dangling from one’s neck or shoulder...

Yes the RX10iv is somewhat intrusive but I don't care. For me it's a small price to pay for the all in one convenience of having a huge zoom range with fantastic IQ in daylight situations.

RX100 VI vs HX99 for a new travel compact zoom?

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