Just announced and on pre-order, the Sony RX100 VI is unlike any point and shoot before it. At $1200, it’s $200 more than its predecessor, and definitely more expensive than other point and shoots on the market. However, between a versatile zoom, diverse movie making options, and fast autofocus, it brings a lot more to the table.
Newly designed, the ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T* 24-200mm F2.8-4.5 lens stretches from wide angle to telephoto for some incredible versatility. (By contrast, the last RX100, released in 2016, only came with a 24-70mm equivalent lens.) Configured with eight aspherical lens elements including thirteen aspherical faces, the RX100 VI features excellent resolution, clarity, and contrast across the whole zoom range for high-quality images. Plus, the optical image stabilization prevents images from blurring at full telephoto.
Great for vloggers, the RX100 VI also offers a slew of movie-making functions. It features 4K with full pixel readout without low quality pixel binning, as well as the fast and accurate Hybrid AF necessary for 4K movies. Meanwhile, the HLG profile appears true to life without blocked shadows or blown highlights upon playback on an HDR compatible TV. If slow-motion is your game, you can even shoot it in close-up telephoto.
Fast moving objects are easy to focus on with the .03 second autofocus response. The RX100 VI features 315 phase detection points that cover 65% of the image area on the camera. You can enjoy continuous shooting at 24fps with AF/AE tracking at full resolution for up to 233 frames. Moreover, the electronic viewfinder’s accelerated display system makes it possible to view smooth video with less blackout and delay. For portraits, the Eye AF function provides superior tracking performance and better accuracy and stability, even if the subject isn’t looking at the camera.
Ultimately, this point and shoot is more than just an expensive smartphone upgrade. It’s a great match for photographers who want the convenience and the quickness of a small camera.