Sony’s Cyber-shot RX10 line has redefined what we can expect from superzoom compacts, but can the latest in the line score the company a hat trick? Matt Golowczynski finds out in this RX10 III review

Product Overview

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 III

Features:90%
Build/Handling:90%
Metering:90%
Autofocus:80%
AWB colour:90%
Dynamic Range:90%
Image Quality:90%
LCD Viewfinder:90%

Pros:

  • - High-quality lens with extremely useful zoom range
  • - Superb sensor produces fine stills and high-quality video
  • - Very effective image stabilisation system
  • - Broad range of pro-oriented video specs
  • - Wi-Fi easy to set up and works well

Cons:

  • - Expensive
  • - Max aperture of f/4 at 100mm
  • - No built-in ND filter
  • - Menu system not as intuitive as could be
  • - Purple fringing and blooming evident in some areas

Product:

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 III review

Manufacturer:

Price as reviewed:

£1,249.00

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 III review: Our verdict

Sony Cyber-shot RX10 III side onThe RX10 III rounds off an impressive trilogy of cameras from Sony, and it is difficult to come away from using it and feel underwhelmed. Although it covers much the same territory as the RX10 II, the increase in focal range over previous models changes its proposition, and makes it far more viable as an alternative to a DSLR or mirrorless camera than its two predecessors.

Church

Is it fit as a replacement for such a model? In many respects, yes. Its sensor is clearly capable of capturing very good detail and manages to maintain this at higher sensitivities, while the expansive optic is sharp and blessed with effective image stabilisation, with aberrations either minimised by its optical formula or sufficiently corrected by way of processing. Those scrutinising images closely will appreciate that it can’t always match the clarity offered by the combination of a camera with a larger sensor and a high-quality lens, but it does a mighty good job attempting to do so and maintains this well at higher sensitivities. With the further advantage of sound metering and accurate colour, it is easy to get quality results without recourse to post-processing, although some may wish for in-camera Raw processing.

The list of additional advantages that sweeten its appeal is exhaustive, from its high-quality viewfinder, detailed video footage (and comprehensive control over it) and the various benefits associated with its electronic shutter. The lack of a touchscreen isn’t too significant an issue on such a camera, but a handful of ergonomic revisions would result in a more pleasing user experience, as would a menu system that isn’t quite as tedious to navigate.

Peacock

Perhaps its main issue is the same one that has troubled previous RX-series models: price. While you’d be hard pushed to find an equivalent DSLR or CSC and lens for the same money, the camera’s main rivals have already enjoyed some time on the market, and this has significantly lowered their asking prices from where they originally began. This leaves the RX10 III undeniably better specified in most areas but significantly dearer.

Price aside, the RX10 III is a stellar camera that’s flexible in both stills and video recording.

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  1. 1. Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 III review: Introduction
  2. 2. Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 III review: Features
  3. 3. Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 III review: Build and handling
  4. 4. Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 III review: Viewfinder and screen
  5. 5. Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 III review: Autofocus
  6. 6. Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 III review: Performance
  7. 7. Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 III review: Dynamic range, resolution and noise
  8. 8. Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 III review: Video recording options
  9. 9. Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 III review: Our verdict
  10. 10. Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 III review: Full specification
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