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Archive 2017 · The RX100x Experience

Sener
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · The RX100x Experience

Hi,

I normally do street, but I have a Zony 16-70mm f4 as walkaround for general, more touristic and less street-photographic city/country travels. I don't have an A6k, but an A7r and I am just fine with the lens in crop mode. 15 MP is enough since I don't print very often. I nearly always am around f5.6-f11 with this setup, so not much subject separation and mainly infinity shots. The setup is fairly light (around 800 gr). But still requires a bag to carry.

For this reason, I've been interested in a RX100x for some time. Mainly RX100 3 for me, since it strikes the best balance between budget and attributes (tilting screen and 1.8-2.8 lens).

I've been trying to find photos taken with the RX100 3 for some time. I have found strikingly good photos;

https://www.flickr.com/photos/mikeevangelist/sets/72157651149156979

and quite boring, bad photos;

http://www.tomsguide.com/us/sony-rx100-miii-camera,review-2251.html
https://www.engadget.com/2014/07/11/sony-rx100-iii-review/#gallery=206765&slide=2766399&index=0

I know any cam's performance is up to the user's skill, but the user experience published on various pages indicate that the camera's output can also be a bit of hit and miss, even when you strive to maximize quality.

So I am doubting how much of a difference a RX100 3 can make compared to my cell phone (obvs. other than the zoom range).

There is another problem; I'm looking at the RX100 3 to travel light but I'm having difficulty getting over the conundrum that, while traveling light, if I see a truly unique scene/thing worth photographing the RX100 3 might not be able to do justice to it. :/

What are your thoughts?

Jun 21, 2017 at 07:48 AM

jharter
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · The RX100x Experience

I would try to get an A6500. A little more than your budget but a much larger sensor, perfect compatibility with your lens, and great autofocus. You would be almost doubling the MP, doubling sensor size compared to the RX100 while reducing weight compared to A7r. I tiny Thinktank mirrorless mover bag or Think Tank Digital Holster 10 on a belt would suffice as a camera bag.

Jun 21, 2017 at 08:13 AM

MikeEvangelist
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · The RX100x Experience

Sener wrote:
So I am doubting how much of a difference a RX100 3 can make compared to my cell phone (obvs. other than the zoom range).

There is another problem; I'm looking at the RX100 3 to travel light but I'm having difficulty getting over the conundrum that, while traveling light, if I see a truly unique scene/thing worth photographing the RX100 3 might not be able to do justice to it. :/

Much better than any cellphone camera. Especially related to dynamic range (being able to recover highlights/shadows when shooting raw), low light performance, and as you mentioned, zoom range.

It is, of course, a never-ending dilemma deciding which camera/cameras to take along when your going out, but there's no camera I'm aware of that delivers as well as the RX100x when you're packing light. And even when the RX100 isn't the perfect choice for a particular situation, it's still likely to give excellent results.

The 6000/6500 with the 16-70mm certainly has better image quality, but it is several times larger/less pocketable than the RX100.

Edited on Jun 21, 2017 at 08:30 AM · View previous versions

Jun 21, 2017 at 08:28 AM

AdaptedLenses
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · The RX100x Experience

Camera is great, for what it is. But you have to remember what it is, a 20MP 1" sensor. I find it substantially better than a cell phone. Quality is great for the sensor size, but it's not a APS-C or FF rival.

I recently compared against the NEX -5T and 16-50 for a project I was working on. Camera seems to have more noise at base ISO that is evident if you pixel peep. Gives the impression of sharpness, but fine detail, even compared to a only 16MP APS-C sensor is less. To me, the MkIII also gave a much flatter image. It could be brought up in post, but the color depth of the smaller sensor was evident, it needed more contrast, clarity and vibrance than the NEX default. The NEX needed more sharpening to make the details look better, but there was more detail available to the larger sensor.

Mike's point is fair, it can be carried in a pocket unlike other options. Where your line is between portability and IQ is a personal decision. I rarely need to limit myself to a pocketable camera so I didn't make the trade. A decade ago when I lived differently I might have.

Not the greatest shots either, but a few from the MkIII.

Jun 21, 2017 at 08:29 AM

snapsy
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · The RX100x Experience

I have tried every generation of the RX100. It's just too fiddly to use.

Jun 21, 2017 at 08:42 AM

aeonsim
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · The RX100x Experience

I have a RX100 MK1 as a pocket camera and use it a fair bit, even when travelling with the A7. With regards to image quality there isn't supposed to be much difference between the 5 cameras. With the newer models gaining a little bit of high ISO performance and the faster lens from the Mk3 onwards. Most of the other improvements have been related to image capture speed, video and the view finder.

With regards to the shooting experience it's okay, the camera is tiny dense and a little slippery by default, as such I highly recommend adding the $10-15 grip that Sony produces to make it a bit easier to hold. With regards to controls if your shooting Aperture/Shutter/Program mode with auto ISO it's fine. If you prefer M with manual ISO control it's a bit slower to adjust due to the limited number of custom buttons. In general though once you set up the function menu the way you like it most things can be done fairly quickly.

For image quality I'm happy even with the MK1 and shooting RAW. You'll lose a stop of dynamic range compared to an A6000, but it's 2-3 stops better than a iPhone 7. While 20MP and the larger sensor and lenses gives it noticeably more detail than any cell phone camera (even the 20MP ones). It's good enough that for wider angle shots where the dynamic range isn't to extreme I'll often take the shot on the RX100 rather than change lenses on the A7.

The following images are from the RX100 MK1, so while they're not the MK3 your interested they can be considered a lower bound of what the camera is capable of. Also there are plenty more images in the RX100 thread: https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1139172/50

Sunset, Sea, & Silhouette by Falcdragon, on Flickr

Dubrovnik - Oldcity by Falcdragon, on Flickr

Storm by Falcdragon, on Flickr

Dubronik by Falcdragon, on Flickr

Autumn: Tilff and Abbey by Falcdragon, on Flickr

Stormy Skies by Falcdragon, on Flickr

Bishop's Palace by Falcdragon, on Flickr

Au Point de Vue - Restaurant & brasserie by Falcdragon, on Flickr

Jun 21, 2017 at 12:09 PM

smpetty
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · The RX100x Experience

What about a Ricoh GR? Pocketable APS-C camera with excellent IQ. Also, it's arguably the best street camera made.

Another consideration would be a used RX1 or RX1R. Really special camera with IQ that rivals my A7R2. Used ones in good condition regularly sell for < $1,000 on the FM Buy & Sell forum. Got mine with extra batteries and a charger for $800. IQ that can't be matched in a very small and light package.

Jun 21, 2017 at 01:25 PM

rw11
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p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · The RX100x Experience

I still have mine, but rarely use as I got a Panasonic GX85 with the tiny kit lens - better menus, DR, etc. and nearly as small. With the Leica (FF equiv.) 24-120 zoom it is so close to FF I may not upgrade to the D8x0...

I haven't sold the RX100M3 as I have this idea of using it for backpacking.

YMMV

Jun 21, 2017 at 02:00 PM

JohnJ
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p.1 #9 · p.1 #9 · The RX100x Experience

I've had the Mk2 and Mk4, sorry, not Mk3

The lens on the mk2 is sharper than the Mk4 so in some ways I prefer the Mk2. However the wider lens on the Mk4 is more useful for holiday pics. The Mk4 battery life seems worse than Mk2 but I must admit I am using the Mk4 in RAW more so maybe this is the reason for the difference.

Jun 21, 2017 at 02:45 PM

millsart
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p.1 #10 · p.1 #10 · The RX100x Experience

Have had a few RX's and while they are great cameras I honestly prefer my iPhone most days

Its one less thing in my pocket, and the RX100 V does feel like a brick in my pocket. Its small, but dense and you for sure know your carrying it.

Takes better pictures than my phone, but my phone is always with me, and the RX often gets left behind, plus, when I take the RX, I've still got my phone too.

While I could transfer an image to my phone from the RX, on the phone things are so much easier to share via text message etc, which means I actually do it more.

I can honestly count on one hand the number of times I've taken an image with a camera with wi-fi, transferred it to my phone, and then shared it. Just too many steps really.

The phone is just so immediate, and for snapshots its quality is more than fine for my needs.

Generally if its a situation where I'm really concerned about getting the best IQ, I'll take the A7rII.

RX100 is kind of too big too be effortlessly carried, and certainly doesn't match up for a 'serious' camera, so its kind of in a no-mans land for me most trips.

I bring it, but I don't carry it, or I bring it, and also bring my Alpha, and then I don't use the RX100, using the Alpha and also grabbing shots on my phone.

Very good camera, but just not one that I find a real lot of uses for, as such, I might suggest one go for a cheaper older model, but a camera like the V is kinda pricey to just gather dust

Jun 21, 2017 at 04:50 PM

Alexluu627
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p.1 #11 · p.1 #11 · The RX100x Experience

It's obvious that you guys need a Leica Q!! It's not a Sony, it's kinda small? And it's extremely expensive to the point that you feel like An idiot if you complain about it. Get one now!

Jun 21, 2017 at 05:14 PM

millsart
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p.1 #12 · p.1 #12 · The RX100x Experience

Alexluu627 wrote:
It's obvious that you guys need a Leica Q!! It's not a Sony, it's kinda small? And it's extremely expensive to the point that you feel like An idiot if you complain about it. Get one now!

Have one

Jun 21, 2017 at 06:20 PM

CalW
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p.1 #13 · p.1 #13 · The RX100x Experience

Well... I have ended up with an Apple cell 'phone, RX100iii, A6500, a7r2, and RX1.

They each have their use(s), but probably based more on what I am able to carry than on IQ or handling. The RX100iii has decent IQ at wide angle, but falls off quickly as angle of view narrows - but it does fit in a pocket, and the images are better than those from the cell 'phone. The A6500 with the f/4 16-70 lens is miles ahead of the RX100iii, in fact is very close to the a7r2 in many situations. The A6500 is settling in pretty much as my go-to walk-about, the RX100iii is the default when I just can't carry more, and the a7r2 is my "Serious Camera" when I must have the best possible images. The RX1? It remains my favorite camera of all time (well, 60+ years of photography anyhow) and if I can take only one camera with me and have the space, it will likely be the RX1. It simply never gets in the way, and almost every click is a keeper. Obviously, 'tho, it is limited to 35mm. Your experiences with any of the above, of course, could vary. Honestly, I think you are well off keeping your cell 'phone, a7r and 16-70 lens for your stated use. For what this may be worth, I also had an a7r, and sometimes I miss it.

Jun 21, 2017 at 06:41 PM

rw11
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p.1 #14 · p.1 #14 · The RX100x Experience

RX100 is a pocket camera for big pockets... like on a parka

phones are eating at cameras -- to me the RX100 is good enough to be a useful increment above a phone

Jun 21, 2017 at 09:09 PM

ISO1600
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p.1 #15 · p.1 #15 · The RX100x Experience

Sener wrote:
For this reason, I've been interested in a RX100x for some time.
I've been trying to find photos taken with the RX100 3 for some time. I have found strikingly
So I am doubting how much of a difference a RX100 3 can make compared to my cell phone (obvs. other than the zoom range).
What are your thoughts?

I had been battling with this for a couple years honestly. I love a good point and shoot. When the mk3 came out, I was sure it was the one I wanted. When I was about ready to buy, the mk4 dropped and was faster, had 4K and LOG profiles...
Well about two months ago I finally picked up a used RX100m4.
Image quality, for 99.9% of what I shoot, was totally up to par. Family stuff, weekend trips, camping, fishing, the camera is a stellar performer. Great lens, AF is good enough, customization is nice, battery life is better than expected.

Why did I sell? It's no faster to use than my phone (Google Nexus 5X), which has one of the best cameras available on a phone. In good light, it's difficult to tell an average picture from my phone apart from RX100 shot, unless you've got some bokeh. In the end, it was hard for me to justify a $600 addition to my kit that was ultimately slow and fragile.
Also, I tried to do some long exposures while camping a few weeks back, and it was very disappointing.

I would buy another A6000 before getting back into a RX100 of any flavor.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/iso1600chris/
Most of the photos on there going back to May are RX100m4.

Jun 22, 2017 at 08:44 AM

artsf
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p.1 #16 · p.1 #16 · The RX100x Experience

I've been using RX100 since it first came out. Now on version V which is by far the best. However, I use it for at least 50% video and would not buy it for stills only. RX100 has advantages in low light due to bounceable flash and wide lens (vs iphone). In good light, iphone will do a visually better job (better colors). The main feature is its stunning video including in low light, 4k capture in V is phenomenal for the size.

Jun 22, 2017 at 10:16 AM

grahamgibson
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p.1 #17 · p.1 #17 · The RX100x Experience

I bought the RX100II to use as a secondary camera and dive camera. I use it pretty infrequently compared to my A7rII and iPhone, but it is nice to have an in-between option sometimes. Image quality is far better than my iPhone, but it's true that sometimes quality just doesn't matter as much for casual snaps.

The zoom range is very useful though, and shooting RAW lets you edit the files much more aggressively. Dynamic range and high ISO are FAR better than a phone camera, and you do get full manual control. All of these things could be worthwhile depending on the situation.

I pulled up some shots of mine as examples:

[url=https://flic.kr/p/DnXjcw]
Morning Rain[/url] by Graham Gibson, on Flickr

[url=https://flic.kr/p/TgXwTq]
Driving the train[/url] by Graham Gibson, on Flickr

[url=https://flic.kr/p/xoAdPy]
Baja Cantina & Grill[/url] by Graham Gibson, on Flickr

Mountains and Clouds by Graham Gibson, on Flickr

Jun 22, 2017 at 01:32 PM

millsart
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p.1 #18 · p.1 #18 · The RX100x Experience

I guess the big question really comes down to when does one need "better" than a camera phone (which frankly can take some pretty good images these days) yet not need the 'best' quality of whatever larger kit we may own ?

Facebook or other social media ? Phone works just fine

Serious landscape ? A7rII (though to be honest, 99% of my serious photography just ends up on web images these days)

In days past, when my "real" rig was a 30lbs pack with a 4x5 large format, and then pro sized DSLR"s like the 1Ds, the serious camera was a serious PITA to carry around.

These days though, we've got 42meg bodies that are nearly coat pocket sized. Something like a A7rII and Loxia 21 exceeds the IQ of anything I've owned and is pretty much a breeze to carry.

My RX100 tends to fall into a gap where as good as it is, I still always wish I used the A7rII instead when I have a nice image I really want to print or heavily edit, and when I end up just sticking the images on FB, I always figure why didn't I just use my phone and not bother with anything else.

I can see certain applications such as serious hiking where maybe every ounce really does matter, and a RX100 is the best bang for the buck, but with all the alternatives getting so good, the gap between my phone and my serious camera, both in terms of IQ as well as easy of carrying, keeps getting smaller

Jun 22, 2017 at 01:49 PM

Jeff Kott
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p.1 #19 · p.1 #19 · The RX100x Experience

millsart wrote:
Have had a few RX's and while they are great cameras I honestly prefer my iPhone most days

+1

Since I got my iPhone 7 plus with the 28 and 56mm equiv lenses, I haven't used my RX100iii for all the reasons Millsart listed out.

If I'm really going out to take photos, I take one of my FF cameras. The RX100 isn't up to the task for me. For everything else, I use my iPhone 7 Plus.

Jun 22, 2017 at 04:44 PM

tzhang4284
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p.1 #20 · p.1 #20 · The RX100x Experience

Interesting discussion and in the spirit of disclosure, I would note that I have an iPhone 6 and a RX100 V. This thread inspired me to take a look at some available sample photos from the iPhone 7 plus and compare it against the RX100 V. I think the iPhone 7 photos looks significantly worse on my 27in LG 5K display compared to the RX100 V photos without resorting to pixel peeping.

For landscapes and with objects out in the distance, the iPhone 7 Plus look ok but when you're viewing pictures with the subject close up, it looks noticeably worse. To me the RX100 V holds up details significantly better close up and under lowlight condition. Also if you like taking selfies while traveling, the selfie screen on the RX100 lets you take much better pictures than the front facing camera on the iPhone if you're looking for an all around travel camera.

http://www.photographyblog.com/reviews/sony_cybershot_dsc_rx100_v_review/sample_images/
http://www.photographyblog.com/reviews/apple_iphone_7_plus_review/sample_images/

I would suggest the RX100 is worth it if you want some future proof pictures and videos that will look good on a 4k, 5k or 8k display at 27in or higher monitor sizes. If you're only planning on viewing those pictures on a phone, small screen or low res display, then the RX100 doesn't make sense.

The other reason to get the RX100 is I personally dislike the larger size of the Plus models of iPhones and I would rather not have to carry such a large and clunky phone around all the time. For times where I'm happy with a low res picture, the iPhone 6 base model is good enough.

Jun 23, 2017 at 12:05 AM

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