14 DAY TRIAL // As expected, Sony has taken the wraps off its new RX100 III or Mark 3, adding a new product to its popular premium compact camera range.
The device is being marketed as a possible replacement for an interchangeable lens camera. The RX1000 Mark 3, sits above the RX100 II and RX100, two cameras that are still available for purchase, at discounted rates.
Anyway, the full specifications of the camera have leaked in full splendor as of yesterday, but if you didn't get a chance to go through the extensive list of specifications that was posted on Sony.ca website, we’re going to highlight the main features of the camera in what follows.
One of the main difference between the new model and its siblings is the new pop-up OLED electronic viewfinder.
Apart from that, the RX100 III will arrive with a fast 24-70mm wide view zoom range and F2.8 maximum aperture combined with a 20.1 megapixel resolution sensor.
The camera enjoys the company of a Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T 24-70mm (equivalent) f/1.8-2.8 lens, which will come in handy when trying to shoot landscapes or indoor.
Other nifty feature include a 3-inch, 1,229k-dot WRGB LCD screen that can tilt more and can be flipped with 180 degrees, so you can use this compact camera to take selfies too, if you’re into that.
Despite being sufficiently improved, the RX100 III remains true to the compact moniker. Compared to the Mark 2 it’s just 2.7 mm / 0.1 inch thicker and 9 g / 0.01 lbs heavier.
Sony has added a BIONZ X image processing engine which is the same power house of the Sony a7R. Sony says the BIONZ X processor is three times faster than the chip found on the RX100 II and will enable faster continuous shooting capabilities.
In the video department, we also get to see a bunch of improvements. The RX100 III is compatible with AVCHD and XAVC S format, so the camera will be able to capture video with full pixel readout and 50Mpbs bit rate.
More than that, dual video recording stores small MP4 format files (very useful if you want to share something quickly) and high-quality AVCHD / XAVC S files at the same time.
Even if 4K video recording isn't possible with the RX100 III, the camera is capable of outputting 4K stills to 4K television sets via an HDMI mini capable.
Wi-Fi connectivity is also included onboard, along with the NFC feat that allows pairing with NFC-capable smartphones and tablets. The RX100 offers Sony PlayMemories supports, so users will be able to download apps to add extra functionality. The price of the new device hasn't been announced yet, but based on yesterday’s leak, the Sony camera should sell for $899.99 / €656 and will ship out starting July 17.
