Sony Cybershot RX100 VA Premium Compact Camera

Tweaking an already stellar pocket-sized camera, the Cybershot RX100 VA digital camera from Sony improves the existing RX100 V by increasing the buffer size to 233 images, reducing display lap time in the electronic viewfinder and adding several small features over other aspects of the camera. With the 20.1MP 1” Exmore RS BSI CMOS sensor, the RX100 VA can output detailed images at sensitivities up to ISO 12800. The fast hybrid AF system has 315 focal-plane phase-detection points that cover 65% of the image area of the sensor and can achieve focus in as little as 0.05 seconds. That autofocus system is also capable of tracking subjects across the frame, even while shooting at high speeds. Sony’s BIONZ X processor enables continuous shooting up to 24fps with the buffer size of 233 JPEG images and improved High Frame Rate recording times.

Like the RX100 V, the RX100 VA can shoot HD video at 960fps in High Frame Rate mode and UHD 4K at 30/24fps. A new feature for the RX100 VA is dual video recording, where the camera simultaneously records two video files at once. Also carried over from the RX100 V is Gamma Display Assist, which provides a more contrast image while using a flat S-Log2 gamma and the Photo Capture mode for pulling 8.29MP stills form your movies.

The RX100 VA keeps the same physical design as the RX100 V to keep compatibility with all accessories. A Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens still graces the front of the camera with an equivalent zoom range of 24-70mm and a fast f/1.8-2.8 maximum aperture that provides incredible flexibility in a wide range of shooting scenarios. A pop-up 0.39” 2.36m-dot OLED Tru-finder EVF and 3.0” 1.23m-dot tilting LCD gives you crystal clear previews of what you’re shooting. The RX100 VA also keeps the same lens control ring, built-in Nd filer and customisable buttons as its predecessor. It also had Wi-Fi and NFC capabilities for connecting to a smartphone.

20.1MP 1” Exmor RS CMOS Sensor and BIONZ X Image Processor

The 20.1MP 1” Exmor RS CMOS sensor of the RX100 VA can deliver outstanding image quality up to an ISO of 12800 with incredibly fast performance. This sensor stacks the pixel area, a high-speed signal processing circuit and memory to increase data throughout by over five times and deliver features such as 40x super slow motion, an Anti-Distortion shutter, UHD 4K video and more. The sensor also has focal-plane phase-detection AF point for faster, more precise focusing in as little as 0.05 seconds.

This sensor is paired with the BIONZ X image processor and front-end LSI that improves the speed and throughput of the entire imaging system. This enables continuous shooting with AF/AE at up to 24fps. An expanded buffer makes continuous shooting possible for longer bursts. Up to 233 JPEGs. The front-end LSI is also able to improve overall quality of the images, especially at higher sensitivities.

Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* Lens

With a 24-70mm equivalent zoom range, the integrated Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens lends itself to a wide variety of shooting situations. The wide angle to shot telephoto range is a favourite among photographers and it is further befitted by the bright aperture range of f/1.8-2.8. This enables solid low-light performance and excellent control over depth of field.

Two aspherical lens elements are incorporated into the lens design, minimising chromatic aberrations and ensuring clear images. Zeiss’ premium multi-layered T* coating also reduces ghosts and flare caused by light reflecting.

Fast Hybrid AF System with 315 Phase-Detection Points

The RX100 VA is equipped with an on-sensor phase-detection AF system that provides increased autofocus speed for both stills and video. The camera uses a hybrid system with 315 phase-detection points that covers 65% of the frame along with a contrast-detection system to provide fast, accurate focusing in a range of situations. The RX100 VA also benefits from reduced blackout for easier tracking when using the EVF or LCD.

UHD 4K Video Recording

The RX100 VA is a video powerhouse, delivering up to 5-minute UHD 4K movies with exceptional clarity. By using a full pixel readout without binning, the camera collets about 1.7x the information needed for 4K output. Oversampling helps to increase clarity while reducing the effect of moire and jaggies. Fast Hybrid AF is available during movie shooting for ensuring accurate, fast tracking using phase-detection AF points. The camera also offers Sony’s advanced XAVC S format for recording a high bit rates up to 100Mbps.

Picture profiles and image controls are also available, including the S-Log2 gamma that can help expand the dynamic range by recording a flat image. Gamma Display Assist helps users view a more natural image when shooting with S-Log2. Other options such as timecode, zebras, peaking and more are present for making shooting and editing easier. When recording internally, users will record video with a 4:2:0 sampling at 8-bit, but the RX100 VA can output via HDMI to an external recorder. This allows users to capture 4:2:2 uncompressed video and save in an edit-ready format.

The camera also has a Photo Capture function, which allows shooters to quickly save an 8.29MP still from their UHD 4K movies. Additionally, the camera is NTSC/PAL switchable, making it usable around the world.

High Frame Rate and Slow Motion Shooting

Seed is a huge advantage of the RX100 VA and in video users will benefit from advanced High Frame Rate shooting and super slow motion. In Full HD, shooters will have access to a standard 120fps setting that will enable outstanding slow motion when placed in an editing software. In addition to this, the camera also offers a dedicated HFR mode which will boost the cameras frame rate up to 960fps. Videographers will have the option of recording in Quality Priority and Shoot Time Priority modes, depending on preference. The camera will output a Full HD file from slightly lower resolutions to product high quality images at all frame rates. Additionally, an end trigger mode enables users to record 4 or 6 seconds before the record button is pressed so the perfect moment isn’t missed.

Body Design and Wi-Fi Connectivity

This camera has a pop-up 0.39” XGA OLED electronic viewfinder that offers a resolution of 2.36m dots for crisp, clear imagery. The EVG also uses a Zeiss T* coating to ensure clarity from corner to corner. The rear 3.0” Xtra Fine LCD screen can tilt upwards 180º and downwards 45º for shooting at different angles or for composing the perfect selfie. The screen sports a resolution of about 1.23m dots and WhiteMagic technology has been applied to the LCD’s design to increase effective brightness for easier viewing in bright lighting.

A manual control ring surrounds the lens and features a smooth, click-less design for quick changing of settings. The ring can be assigned to control a variety of features at different values, such as zoom, aperture and picture effects. It also features a custom button and other programmable buttons that can be set to one of over 40 functions for quick access to commonly used settings.

A built-in 3-stop neutral density (ND) filter is available to enable working in bright light with wider aperture settings. The pop-up flash will help illuminate subjects in dimly-lit scenes. Also, a redesigned menu makes flipping through settings easier.

Built-in Wi-Fi connectivity enables instant transferring of imagery to mobile devices for direct sharing online to social networking, via email and to cloud storage sites. NFC (Near Field Communication) is also supported, which allows for one-touch connection between the camera and compatible mobile device, with no complex set-up required. Once connected the linked mobile device can also display a live view image on its screen and using Smart Remote Control, remotely control the camera’s shutter release. Additionally, the RX100 VA can now connect to a smartphone using a QR code for faster access.

Other Camera Features

The Anti-Distortion electronic shutter can enable completely silent shooting as well as the ability to work at shutter speeds as fast as 1/32000 seconds. This shutter also keeps rolling shutter effects to an absolute minimum and enables photographer to work in bright light with wider apertures. The Step Zoom features lets you quickly change between five common focal lengths by rotating the control ring. The Clear image Zoom allows users to enlarge the centre of the still or movie frame by being shot up to 5.8x equivalent when using optical zoom as well.

Eye AF in AF-C mode will lock on and tack a subject’s eye, even when the face moves. Users can also set a minimum shutter speed when using ISO AUTO to help minimise shutter blur.