Sony has seriously done it again, with today's announcement of the Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VI, now with an incredible 24-200mm equivalent optical zoom lens and practically the same form factor as every other model in the compact series. There is still all the magic packed inside that made previous iterations of the RX100 so popular, including UHD 4K video, super-slow-motion recording, speedy autofocus that can lock on in just 0.03 seconds, and a refined set of controls, though now there is quite a bit more that makes this a true next-gen release.
I know, you want to hear all about the lens, but we must talk about what makes this camera so good in the first place: a (relatively) large 20.1MP 1" Exmor RS stacked CMOS sensor and BIONZ X image processor that deliver stunningly sharp and clean imagery at sensitivities from ISO 80-12800. This will be familiar to those who know the RX100 V, because this has remained largely the same. This combination also enables the Fast Hybrid AF system to lock on in just 0.03 seconds using a 315-point phase-detection system that covers 65% of the image area and can even access the Eye AF function. Sony claims that this makes it just as good as their ILC systems, including the fabulous a7 III and a9 which are among the fastest in their class, and with these specs and generations of improvements it is easy to believe. Put this together with 24 fps continuous shooting with full AE/AF, and you have something that will make full-fledged pro cameras look sluggish.
Now for the main event: a Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* 24-200mm equivalent f/2.8-4.5 lens with eight aspherical elements to reduce aberrations and distortion throughout the entire range. It packs down to an impressively small size when not in use, ensuring the RX100 VI remains as pocketable as ever, and is quite bright throughout, reaching f/4 at 100mm. Further advancing the quality of your shots is a vastly improved Optical SteadyShot image stabilizer mechanism that is rated to four stops at 200mm.
It wouldn't be a modern Sony camera without some high-end video recording capabilities, and the RX100 VI delivers with UHD 4K using full pixel readout without any pixel binning. HLG HDR is now supported, as well as the BT.2020 color space and S-Log3 for wide color gamut and high dynamic range scene capture and display with compatible televisions. Fast Hybrid AF is available during video too, and super slow motion remains, with up to 1,000 fps capture. Other video features included are Gamma Display Assist, Zebra, HDMI output, TC/UB, and Proxy recording.
While the body looks quite similar to past versions, the RX100 VI offers some notable enhancements, such as a one-push access EVF. The same 2.35m-dot EVF as before can now be popped up and closed without any need to slide out or open certain components manually. The rear LCD is touch compatible now, with Touch Shutter, Touch Pad AF, and Touch Focus functions and it can be tilted both 180° upward for selfies and 90° downward for added versatility. More customization is available in the menus and for the various control rings and buttons. Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth provide added functionality when paired with a smart device.
That isn't even all as the VCT-SGR1 Shooting Grip is being released today as well. Designed for the RX-series cameras, this compact grip makes it super easy and comfortable to operate your camera with its own integrated shutter button, record button, and zoom rocker. It connects to the camera's Multi-Terminal interface and mounts via the tripod socket. Also, it quickly converts to a tabletop tripod for sharp imagery and can tilt from +70° to -100° for achieving a variety of positions.
For such a tiny camera, the RX100 VI still manages to deliver pro-level performance and features. Is this the best point-and-shoot you can get today? Let us know your thoughts in the Comments section, below!
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