Sony Launches RX100 VI

2018.06.06

Sony just introduced the 6th generation of the highly successful RX100 series. The obviously named Cybershot RX100 VI combines the same 20 megapixels 1" Stacked CMOS sensor as its predecessor and pairs it with a new ultra-wide 24-200mm F/2.8-4.5 lens which delivers 8X optical zoom with built-in image-stabilization. This lens has a minimum focus distance of 8cm at wide-angle and 1m at telephoto.

The core specifications remain virtually unchanged from its class-leading predecessor. The Stacked CMOS senor has a relatively large size for such a small camera to deliver remarkable low-light performance. Its ISO 125-12800 sensitivity range is expandable down to ISO 80 and even offers an ISO 25600 Multi-Shot Noise-Reduction mode. This sensors features 315-point Phase-Detect points built right in for ultra-fast autofocus. Even more impressive is its 1000 FPS output when recording Full 1080p HD videoes. The RX100 VI can also record full-width 4K Ultra-HD video at 30 FPS. A hybrid shutter allows the Sony RX100 VI to freeze action at 1/32000s or take long exposures up to 30s.

The incredible speed of this Stacked CMOS sensor is also usable in stills mode, allowing up to 24 FPS capture at 20 megapixels for an unspecified number of frames. As a Premium Compact, the RX100 VI features full manual-controls, dual control dials and an extended selection of metering modes: Multi-Segment, Center-Weighed, Spot, Average and Highlight-based. White-Balance can be precisely fine-tuned along 2 axis in 29 steps.

Sony improved the design of the EVF which popups up from the camera and automatically gets the image into focus. This built-in 0.39" EVF shows 100% coverage at 0.59X magnification with a very precise 2.4 megapixels of resolution. The camera weighs a mere 301g and is rather pocketable. Its diminutive size comes with an equally small battery that barely manages 220 shots-per-charge.

The Sony Cybershot RX100 VI is expected to ship this summer for a price of $1200 USD. Adorama is already accepting pre-orders for what will be one of the best-performing ultra-compact digital camera on the market.

• Digital Camera