Sony Cyber-shot RX100 III P&S Camera: Pocketable High Tech

Sony Cyber-shot RX100 III P&S Camera: Pocketable High Tech

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San Diego, CA—Sony Electronics expanded its popular Cyber-shot RX digital camera series with the pocketsize RX100 III. Based on the sleek design of the RX100 and RX100 II models, the RX100 III features a specially developed Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* 24–70mm f/1.8–2.8 lens and a built-in OLED viewfinder with Zeiss T* coatings to reduce reflections.

The camera uses the same 20.1 megapixel 1.0-type back-illuminated CMOS image sensor as the RX100 II and pairs it with the upgraded Bionz X processor featured in several high-end Sony cameras, including the full-frame α7, α7R and α7S.

“Sony continues to push the modern limits of engineering and innovation with our Cyber-shot RX family of products,” said Patrick Huang, director of the Cyber-shot business at Sony Electronics. “With the new RX100 III model, we’ve added a brighter, wider aperture lens and an impressive retractable OLED EVF, while also utilizing the latest Sony imaging technologies to boost the camera’s processing speed and efficiency. And we’ve done this without sacrificing any of the true ‘pocketability’ of our RX100 line, creating an especially unique compact camera unlike anything else in market today.”

The camera’s new Zeiss lens covers the popular 24–70mm focal length with a wide f/1.8–2.8 aperture. At the 70mm telephoto end, its maximum f/2.8 aperture allows it to gather about twice as much light as the RX100 and RX100 II models, to capture portrait subjects against a defocused background. According to Sony, the wide aperture also permits the lens to capture moving subjects without any blur due to camera shake and/or subject motion.

The lens is capable of capturing landscapes or large group photos at the wide 24mm length while offering macro capabilities throughout the focal range. And, there’s a built-in 3-stop neutral density filter that adds to shooting flexibility in outdoor conditions. Comprised of nine aspherical glass elements, the lens includes two advanced aspherical elements that have been cemented together for an ultracompact footprint while maintaining a wide maximum angle of view. A seven-blade circular aperture enhances the background defocus.

Largely added due to customer feedback on the RX100 and RX100 II, the RX100 III adds an OLED Tru-Finder electronic viewfinder. The EVF has a 1.4-million-dot resolution, to add brightness and clarity to the framing and viewing experience. Plus an eye sensor automatically switches between the viewfinder and LCD monitor. The EVF pops in and out of the top of the camera based on shooting preferences, allowing the RX100 III to operate in the rangefinder style without sacrificing portability.

The RX100 III is also equipped with video capabilities, and it is the first Cyber-shot to offer high-resolution HD video recording in the XAVC S format. This enables for Full HD recording at 50 mbps with lower compression for improved video quality. Other video features are: HDMI output for reviewing footage on an external monitor; 120-fps recording at 720p HD resolution; zebra patterning on the LCD and EVF; and dual video recording capability (XAVC S/AVCHD along with MP4 files).

Additional camera features include: intelligent active mode that utilizes Sony’s frame analysis technology and 5-axis compensation to reduce the effects of camera shake while shooting movies; an Fn key, customizable control ring and a C custom button with more than 40 assignable functions; an LCD that tilts up 180º for selfies and down to a 45º angle for high-angle shots; 4K still image output with full wide-gamut TriLuminous Color support when connected to compatible 4K TVs; and built-in Wi-Fi connectivity.

For instant image transfer and sharing, the camera offers one-touch connection with Xperia or NFC-compatible Android smartphones or tablets. A single touch also activates smart remote control, linking the camera with a smartphone/tablet for a live image preview, to fire the shutter remotely and to review shots. For devices without NFC, users can wirelessly transfer content and activate smart remote control through Sony’s free PlayMemories Mobile app.

The Sony Cyber-shot RX100 III will be available in June $800. sony.com

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