Sony RX100 III
Announced May 16, 2014
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Strong
The Sony RX100 III is a highly capable pocket-sized camera that pairs a large 1-inch sensor with a bright 24-70mm lens and a clever pop-up electronic viewfinder. While it delivers excellent image quality and pro-level features in a compact body, the premium price and lack of certain hardware like an external microphone jack may give some users pause.
Weighted from 41 reviewer scores
Pros
- Excellent image and video quality from a large 1-inch sensor
- Bright 24-70mm lens with fast maximum apertures
- Integrated pop-up electronic viewfinder
- Compact, pocketable, and sturdy metal design
- Fast, accurate autofocus and versatile tilting LCD screen
Cons
- High price point for a point-and-shoot camera
- Lack of external microphone input and hot shoe
- Frustrating camera behavior when retracting the viewfinder
- Ergonomic issues including a slippery grip and small buttons
- Short battery life and inconvenient in-camera charging
- Launch price $800 (USD)
- Sensor 20.1MP 1-inch
Expert Reviews
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- DPReview 82/100
The RX100 III is the most capable compact camera we've ever seen. With its built-in viewfinder and consistently fast lens, there's nothing that can provide better image quality in such a small package.
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The RX100 II was such a big leap ahead for what a premium compact could achieve in low light performance, so we'd hoped for the trend to continue but, at least with print quality, this is not the case.
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At the top of this page I described the RX100 III as the best all-round compact for enthusiasts right now.
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As a companion compact camera to take with you everywhere, the RX100 III is ideal and DSLR photographers could consider it as a backup.
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The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 III Digital Camera is so very close to being my perfect point-and-shoot match.
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If you don't have one already, this is the one to buy. And if you already have an RX100 or 100 Mark II, this might still be a worthy addition.
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Obviously it costs a little bit more [...] but basically it still fits in my pocket and it's better than the Mark I, therefore it keeps the title of best camera that I can fit in my pocket.
- WIRED 9/10
Pound for pound, the best pocket camera available now. Outstanding photo and video quality for its size. The ultimate blend of features for any level of photographer. The only pocket camera with an electronic eye-level viewfinder.
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The Sony Cyber-shot RX100 III features a 1inch 20.2 megapixel backlit CMOS sensor that delivers impressive noise performance and excellent image quality.
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[T]his camera will actually be a better fit for many people, especially if size is a priority, and it also makes a perfect second camera for professionals.
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The Sony RX100 III is a great compact camera that’s a joy to use. It’s a little expensive, but it’s a great alternative to a DSLR or CSC for those who want to take quality photos on the move.
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The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 III compact camera earns Editors' Choice accolades because of its image quality and excellent EVF, even despite its high price.
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The RX100 III is the 'all-rounder', for those who want the convenience of a compact camera, high image quality and a viewfinder.
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Considering its balance of quality and portability, the RX100 III could be the best camera for many photo enthusiasts.
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This year's iteration is by far the most capable yet, with a superior lens, XAVC S encoding and a unique pop-up EVF.
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[I]f you’re looking for a compact to compliment your DSLR, or simply a take-everywhere camera that delivers excellent results without weighing you down, it’s fair to say that Sony has made the best even better with the RX100 III.
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It really does both exceptionally well.
- Digital Trends 8.5/10
It’s really simple: If you have the money and are in the market for a great compact digital camera, go ahead and purchase the RX100 III for all the reasons detailed.
- CNET 8.2/10
[I]f the lens, EVF or better video are important to you, the Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 III is the camera to beat.
- Photo Review 8.8/10
It seems the universal opinion of Sony’s RX100 Mark III is that it’s the best performing and most versatile pocketable compact camera with a fixed lens on the current market. Unfortunately, purchasers pay a premium for pocketability and performance.
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The newest RX100, or what I call it, “the Super 100” (RX100 III) is a genuine masterpiece of a point and shoot. It does NOT get better than this in a pocket P&S camera, period.
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The Sony Cyber-shot RX100 III adds key features that were absent in its predecessors and is the camera to shake up the high-end compact market one again. It's the benchmark pocketable camera to beat.
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[T]here are very few cameras that are small enough to slip into a pocket that come close to matching the RX100 III’s image quality, and none are significantly cheaper.
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If you already own a great premium compact camera (such as one of the other RX100 models) then there may not be quite enough here to warrant what would be an expensive update.
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[...] Sony RX100 III is everything I hope for. Images and video quality is excellent and the camera is full of advanced features.
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Despite its smaller 1in sensor, the RX100 has an enviable track record in low-light performance and the image quality is first rate.
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I think it's a wonderful compact camera.
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If you’ve got the scratch, go for it, but the reality is that you might be just as well served by the now discounted RX100 II. Whereas that camera brought a suite of significant changes [...] you can probably live without the RX100 III’s new offerings.
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My personal biases aside, the RX100 Mk III is a fantastic point-and-shoot camera quickly and easily making great photos in any light, and its larger-than-most point-and-shoots sensor giving sharper, cleaner images than cell phones or most other pocket cameras.
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When it comes to still and video, this is the zero compromise solution; really nothing else like it.
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There are some functional issues, but the bottom line here is great images and video from a very small package.
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Four months into 2015, I still wouldn’t give up this camera for any other in the market, because even for its price of Php44,990 (lower for cash purchases and in other retailers), there is just no camera that’s near as good as this one that can fit in your pocket.
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We wished it came with a better price tag. But still, as far as compact point and shoots go, the RX100 III is the camera to beat!
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Personally, I think this and the Ricoh GR are at the top of the compact camera tree at the moment – if you own neither, it’s got to be one or the other.
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Despite appearances the third RX100 is no incremental update. It is astounding that Sony have managed to put a built in ND, OLED EVF, 120fps and XAVC codec in a compact camera, not to mention the new 24-70mm F1.8 to F2.8 lens.
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[I]f you can afford this camera, you're going to get one of the best, if not the best, pocket camera you can get on the market at the moment.
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This is just a very very strong, I'd say more or less prosumer pro point and shoot. Something easier, something to to carry around.
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[V]ery, very nice package.
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You want to go lighter than a Full Frame Camera but still want to have superb images for online and print? Then the Sony RX100III is what you want - an Ultralight Backpackers & Climber’s Dream.
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The Sony RX100 III is sort of a ‘have your cake and eat it too’ type camera for those who want point and shoot size, yet still having a heavy feature set and near-DSLR image quality…but all of that comes at a steep price.
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The Sony RX100 Mark III is an amazing beast for such a low price.
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