Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 vs Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 III

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      Overview

      In this comparison, we will evaluate the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 III, highlighting the advantages of each over the other, discussing their pros and cons, shared strengths and weaknesses, and providing a rating based on their available features and specifications to assist you in choosing the one that best suits your needs.

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 was introduced in August 2012 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 III was introduced in May 2014. Let us first list highlights of the models.

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 Highlights

      • 20.2 MP 1-inch Sensor
      • 100 - 25,600 Native ISO
      • 25 Focus Points (25 Cross-type)
      • Image Stabilization
      • 3.0" 1,229k dot Fixed Screen
      • 10.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1920 x 1080 Video Shooting
      • Built-in Flash

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 III Highlights

      • 20.1 MP 1-inch BSI-CMOS Sensor
      • 125 - 12,800 Native ISO
      • 25 Focus Points
      • Image Stabilization
      • 3.0" 1,229k dot Tilting Screen
      • 1,440k dot Electronic Viewfinder
      • 10.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1920 x 1080 Video Shooting
      • Built-in Flash
      • Built-In Wi-Fi

      Now that we've looked at the most essential specifications and gained a basic understanding of these cameras, we can delve into more details and see the differences between them.

      Pros and Cons

      In this section we present pros and cons of Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 III.

      PROS

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 III

      •   Video Capture
      •   25,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   High Flash Sync Speed - 1/2000 sec
      •   Light - 240 g (0.53 lb / 8.47 oz)
      •   Orientation Sensor
      •   Cheap
      •   Video Capture
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   High Resolution Viewfinder - 1,440k dot
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   High Flash Sync Speed - 1/2000 sec
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   Light - 290 g (0.64 lb / 10.23 oz)
      •   Orientation Sensor

      CONS

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 III

      •   Small Sensor
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/2000 sec
      •   No External Flash Connectivity
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 330 shots
      •   Small Sensor
      •   125 Lowest Native ISO
      •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/2000 sec
      •   No External Flash Connectivity
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 320 shots


      And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

      AVERAGE

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 III

      •   Sensor Resolution - 20.2 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   25 Focus Points
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,229k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 10.0 fps
      •   DxO Overall Score - 66
      •   Sensor Resolution - 20.1 Megapixel
      •   25 Focus Points
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,229k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 10.0 fps
      •   DxO Overall Score - 67

      Advantage of Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100

      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 over Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 III.

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 vs Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 III
      Higher Sensor Resolution 20.2 Megapixel vs 20.1 Megapixel
      Lower Native ISO 100 vs 125
      Higher Native ISO 25,600 vs 12,800
      Reachs More Telephoto 100 mm vs 70 mm
      Greater Optical Zoom 3.6x vs 2.9x
      Higher DxO Color Depth 22.6 vs 22.4
      Higher DxO Dynamic Range 12.4 vs 12.3
      Lighter 240 g (0.53 lb / 8.47 oz) vs 290 g (0.64 lb / 10.23 oz)
      Longer Battery Life 330 shots vs 320 shots

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100.

      Advantage of Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 III

      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 III over Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100.

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 vs Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 III
      Reaches Wider Angle 28 mm vs 24 mm
      Maximum Aperture at Tele End f/4.9 vs f/2.8
      Screen Type Fixed vs Tilting
      Viewfinder vs Electronic
      Higher DxO Low Light ISO 390 vs 495
      Higher DxO Overall Score 66 vs 67
      Built-In Wi-Fi Eye-Fi Connection possible vs

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 III.

      Common Strengths and Weaknesses

      We already listed pros and cons of each model. However, you may also find useful to look at their common strengths and weaknesses shown side-by-side.

      STRENGTHS Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 III
        Video Capture
        High Native ISO25,60012,800
        Face Detection
        Live View Autofocus
        Image Stabilization
        Built-in Flash
        High Flash Sync Speed1/2000 sec1/2000 sec
        Light240 g (0.53 lb / 8.47 oz)290 g (0.64 lb / 10.23 oz)
        Orientation Sensor
      WEAKNESSES Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 III
        Small Sensor1-inch1-inch
        Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain)1/2000 sec1/2000 sec
        No External Flash Connectivity
        Low Video Resolution1920 x 10801920 x 1080
        No Microphone Input
        No Headphone Output
        No Built-in GPS
        No Built-In Bluetooth
        No Environmental Sealing
        Short Battery Life330 shots320 shots

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Screen

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 III have 3.0" screens with 1,229k dot resolution. Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 has a Fixed screen Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 III has a Tilting screen which makes it very useful for photography purposes but not so useful for video shooting.

      Image cannot be displayed

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 III with Tilting screen


      Electronic Viewfinder on Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 III

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 III has a built-in Electronic viewfinder with 1,440k dot resolution. It has a 100% coverage. There is no built-in or optional viewfinder available on Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100.

      Sensor

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 features a 20.2 megapixel 1-inch [] sensor with dimensions of 13.2 x 8.8 mm and a total area of 116.2 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 25,600. Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 III features a 20.1 megapixel 1-inch BSI-CMOS sensor with dimensions of 13.2 x 8.8 mm and a total area of 77.4 mm2. Its native ISO range is 125 - 12,800 and expands to 80 - 25,600 in boosted mode.

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 III has BSI-CMOS sensor, short for Backside Illuminated Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor sensor. In traditional CMOS sensors, the wiring and circuitry are located on the front side of the sensor, which can block some of the incoming light. BSI technology flips this design by placing the photosensitive elements (pixels) on the backside of the sensor, allowing more light to reach the pixels. This significantly enhances light sensitivity and improves low-light performance. BSI-CMOS sensors are particularly effective in low-light conditions, as they can capture more light, resulting in brighter and less noisy images. This makes them well-suited for indoor and night photography. BSI-CMOS sensors deliver a higher SNR and reduced cross-talk.

      Photography Features

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 can take pictures up to 5472 x 3648 resolution. Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 III is equipped with Bionz X processor and can take pictures up to 5472 x 3648 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 3:2 mode: 3888x2592, 2736x1824; 4:3 mode: 4864x3648, 3648x2736, 2592x1944, 640x480; 16:9 mode: 5472x3080, 2720x1528; 1:1 mode: 3648x3648, 2544x2544, 1920x1920 with 1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9 aspect ratios.


      Image Stabilization

      The cameras have a built-in [y] image stabilization.

      Connectivity, Battery and Storage

      Built-in Wi-Fi on Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 III

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 III has a built-in Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n, 2.4 GHz) which allows to easily transfer photos and videos from the camera to other Wi-Fi-enabled devices, such as smartphones, tablets, printers, or computers. This eliminates the need for cables and allows for quick and convenient media sharing and social media integration. It gives you the ability to control your camera remotely using a smartphone or tablet. This is particularly useful for taking self-portraits, group shots, or capturing images in challenging conditions without having to touch the camera. Firmware updates can also be downloaded and installed wirelessly.
        Check out the cameras in our database that have built-in WiFi.


      NFC

      Cameras have Near Field Communication (NFC) technology which simplifies the process of pairing it with other NFC-enabled devices like smartphones or tablets. It allows to quickly transfer photos and videos or remotely control the camera from compatible device. NFC can also be used for authentication and security purposes. It can verify your identity before accessing certain features or transferring sensitive data. It can be used with NFC-enabled accessories as well, such as lenses, flashes and GPS devices.


      USB Inputs and HDMI Outputs

      Both models have USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) inputs for data transfer. connector for video signal output.


      Battery

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 III come with NP-BX1 battery pack with battery life of 330 shots on Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 and with battery life of 320 shots on Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 III.


      External Storage Slots

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 has a single SD/SDHC/SDXC/Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo/Pro-HG Duo card slot. Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 III has a single SD/SDHC/SDXC/Memory Stick Pro Duo/ Pro-HG Duo card slot.

      Other Features

      Shutter

      Shutter speed can go up to 1/2000 sec on Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100, and up to 1/2000 sec on Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 III. Cameras can shoot continuously up to 10.0 fps.


      Exposure

      Exposure meterings of Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 III ranges from 0 to +20 EV and you can set the exposure compensation within the ±2 range. You can also do exposure bracketing and manual exposure adjustment on Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 and exposure bracketing and manual exposure adjustment on Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 III.


      Flash

      Cameras have built-in flash. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/2000 sec on both cameras.

      Physical Parameters

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 body has dimensions of 102 x 58 x 36 mm (4.02 x 2.28 x 1.42") and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 III body has dimensions of 102 x 58 x 41 mm (4.02 x 2.28 x 1.61"). Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 weighs 240 g (0.53 lb / 8.47 oz) and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 III weighs 290 g (0.64 lb / 10.23 oz).

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 III

      102 mm

      58 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      102 mm

      58 mm

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      58 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      58 mm

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      36 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      41 mm

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      Size comparisons of Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 III

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 III for Different Types of Photography

      We give scores to the cameras for six types of photography based on their features and specifications. Let us see how suitable they are for each type of photography.

      Landscape Photography

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 III

      AVERAGE
      68
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,229k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      AVERAGE
      68
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,229k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing

      Sports Photography

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 III

      GOOD
      72
      •   25,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   25 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,229k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 10.0 fps
      •   Short Battery Life - 330 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      GOOD
      74
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   25 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,229k dot
      •   High Resolution Viewfinder - 1,440k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 10.0 fps
      •   Short Battery Life - 320 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Wildlife Photography

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 III

      AVERAGE
      68
      •   25,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   25 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,229k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 10.0 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 330 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      AVERAGE
      69
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   25 Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,229k dot
      •   High Resolution Viewfinder - 1,440k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 10.0 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 320 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Portrait Photography

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 III

      GOOD
      78
      •   Small Sensor
      •   25 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,229k dot
      •   High Flash Sync Speed - 1/2000 sec
      •   No External Flash Connectivity
      •   Orientation Sensor
      GOOD
      79
      •   Small Sensor
      •   25 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,229k dot
      •   High Flash Sync Speed - 1/2000 sec
      •   No External Flash Connectivity
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Street Photography

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 III

      GOOD
      83
      •   Small Sensor
      •   25 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,229k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 240 g (0.53 lb / 8.47 oz)
      EXCELLENT
      86
      •   Small Sensor
      •   25 Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,229k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 290 g (0.64 lb / 10.23 oz)

      Travel Photography

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 III

      EXCELLENT
      86
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,229k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 240 g (0.53 lb / 8.47 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 330 shots
      EXCELLENT
      86
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,229k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 290 g (0.64 lb / 10.23 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 320 shots

      Evaluations

      We evaluate Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 III and give them scores of 63 and 71 out of 100 recpectively. We also give separate scores for 7 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new camera is added to the database.


      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 III

      OVERALL
      63
      OVERALL
      71

      Sensor

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 III

      GOOD
      72
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Sensor Resolution - 20.2 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   25,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   DxO Overall Score - 66
      GOOD
      75
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Sensor Resolution - 20.1 Megapixel
      •   125 Lowest Native ISO
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   DxO Overall Score - 67

      Photo

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 III

      GOOD
      75
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/2000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 10.0 fps
      •   High Flash Sync Speed - 1/2000 sec
      •   No External Flash Connectivity
      GOOD
      77
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/2000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 10.0 fps
      •   High Flash Sync Speed - 1/2000 sec
      •   No External Flash Connectivity

      Video

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 III

      POOR
      46
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      POOR
      46
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080

      Focusing

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 III

      GOOD
      70
      •   25 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      GOOD
      73
      •   25 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 III

      AVERAGE
      59
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,229k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      GOOD
      78
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,229k dot
      •   High Resolution Viewfinder - 1,440k dot

      Connectivity

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 III

      POOR
      54
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      GOOD
      78
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth

      Battery, Storage and Physical

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 III

      POOR
      45
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 240 g (0.53 lb / 8.47 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 330 shots
      POOR
      45
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 290 g (0.64 lb / 10.23 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 320 shots


      For a full specification list please go to the specifications page:

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