Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 III review: Introduction

At a glance:

• 20.1MP 1in sensor
• 24-600mm equiv f/2.4-4 lens
• 
ISO 64-25,600 (extended)
• 
3in, 1.23-million-dot LCD
• 2.36-million-dot EVF

With relatively small sensors and often worryingly ambitious lenses, superzoom bridge cameras have usually been overlooked by discerning photographers, as compact system cameras and DSLRs have become more powerful and portable. Most people appreciate that a camera that tries to offer everything will not succeed on all fronts, but since releasing its RX10 model back in 2013, Sony has been doing impressively well to alter this idea.

With a Mark II update to that camera released only last year, the arrival of a third iteration so soon may seem somewhat premature, although Sony has stated that this new model will sit alongside the RX10 II rather than replace it. The only significant difference between the two models highlights why this is the case: while the Mark II followed its predecessor in offering a lens equivalent to 24-200mm in 35mm terms, the new model increases this to 24-600mm.

Clearly this presents a significant advantage for telephotography, but it potentially makes it a viable option as a primary camera, in place of a DSLR or compact system camera. Needless to say this extra stretch is a bold move – and with a four-figure asking price we should expect very little compromise.