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Sony RX100 Buying Guide: Which High-End Compact Camera Is Right for You?

Sony reinvented the premium point-and-shoot camera in 2012 with the RX100. It's continued to build out the series, but has also kept older models on sale. We're here to help you find the right one to suit your needs.

Jim Fisher
 & Jim Fisher Principal Writer, Cameras

Our team tests, rates, and reviews more than 1,500 products each year to help you make better buying decisions and get more from technology.

Our Expert
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65 EXPERTS
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41,500+ REVIEWS

Overview

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Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks

  • Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100

    Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100

    4.5 Outstanding

    Pros & Cons

      • Large image sensor.
      • Superb image quality, even at high ISOs.
      • Fast lens.
      • Customizable controls.
      • Large, extra-sharp LCD.
      • Virtually no shutter lag.
      • Raw shooting support.
      • As expensive as some D-SLRs.
      • No EVF option, GPS, or Wi-Fi.
      • Limited zoom range.
      • In-camera battery charging only.

    Bottom Line:

    Bottom Line:

    The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 packs a relatively huge 1-inch image sensor into a point-and-shoot body, delivering close-to-SLR-quality images from a camera you can fit in your back pocket. It's expensive, but worth it.

    Specs & Configurations

    35mm Equivalent (Telephoto) 100 mm
    35mm Equivalent (Wide) 28
    Battery Type Lithium Ion
    Dimensions 2.4 by 4 by 1.4 inches
    Display Resolution 1229000
    Maximum ISO 6400
    Maximum Waterproof Depth 0
    Memory Card Format Memory Stick Duo
    Memory Card Format Memory Stick Pro Duo
    Memory Card Format Secure Digital
    Memory Card Format Secure Digital Extended Capacity
    Memory Card Format Secure Digital High Capacity
    Optical Zoom 3.6 x
    Sensor Resolution 20
    Sensor Size 13.2 x 8.8 (1")
    Sensor Type CMOS
    Stabilization Optical
    Touch Screen
    Type Compact
    Video Resolution 1080i
    Video Resolution 1080p
    Viewfinder Type None
    Weight 8.5
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  • Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 II

    Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 II

    4.5 Outstanding

    Pros & Cons

      • Excellent high ISO performance.
      • 1-inch image sensor.
      • Wide aperture lens.
      • Customizable controls.
      • Large, tilting LCD.
      • Minimal shutter lag.
      • Raw image capture.
      • Wi-Fi.
      • Hot shoe with EVF support.
      • Very expensive.
      • Limited zoom range.
      • In-camera battery charging only.
      • Could be sharper at the edges of the frame at 28mm.

    Bottom Line:

    Bottom Line:

    The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 II compact camera offers a few worthwhile upgrades when compared with the original RX100, but comes in at a higher asking price.

    Specs & Configurations

    35mm Equivalent (Telephoto) 100 mm
    35mm Equivalent (Wide) 28
    Battery Type Lithium Ion
    Dimensions 2.3 by 4 by 1.5 inches
    Display Resolution 1229000
    Maximum ISO 12800
    Maximum Waterproof Depth 0
    Memory Card Format Memory Stick Pro Duo
    Memory Card Format Secure Digital
    Memory Card Format Secure Digital Extended Capacity
    Memory Card Format Secure Digital High Capacity
    Optical Zoom 3.6 x
    Sensor Resolution 20
    Sensor Size 12.8 x 9.6 (1")
    Sensor Type CMOS
    Stabilization Optical
    Touch Screen
    Type Compact
    Video Resolution 1080p
    Viewfinder Type None
    Weight 9.9
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  • Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 III
    Beginners

    Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 III

    4.5 Outstanding

    Pros & Cons

      • Excellent high ISO performance.
      • Big 1-inch image sensor.
      • Sharp, wide aperture lens.
      • 10fps burst shooting.
      • Customizable controls.
      • Large, titling LCD.
      • Pop-up OLED EVF.
      • Quick focus.
      • Raw support.
      • Wi-Fi with NFC.
      • Very expensive.
      • Short zoom range.
      • Lacks hot shoe.
      • External charger not included.

    Bottom Line:

    Bottom Line:

    The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 III compact camera earns Editors' Choice accolades because of its image quality and excellent EVF, even despite its high price.

    Specs & Configurations

    35mm Equivalent (Telephoto) 70 mm
    35mm Equivalent (Wide) 24
    Battery Type Lithium Ion
    Dimensions 2.3 by 4 by 1.6 inches
    Display Resolution 1228800
    EVF Resolution 1440000
    Maximum ISO 12800
    Maximum Waterproof Depth 0
    Memory Card Format Memory Stick Pro Duo
    Memory Card Format Secure Digital
    Memory Card Format Secure Digital Extended Capacity
    Memory Card Format Secure Digital High Capacity
    Optical Zoom 2.9 x
    Sensor Resolution 20
    Sensor Size 1" (13.2 x 8.8mm)
    Sensor Type BSI CMOS
    Stabilization Optical
    Touch Screen
    Type Compact
    Video Resolution 1080p
    Video Resolution 720p
    Viewfinder Type EVF
    Weight 10.2
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  • Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV

    Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV

    4.0 Excellent

    Pros & Cons

      • Wide-aperture zoom lens.
      • 1-inch image sensor.
      • Strong low light performance.
      • 16.1fps burst shooting.
      • Customizable controls.
      • Large, tilting LCD.
      • Pop-up OLED EVF.
      • Quick autofocus.
      • Raw shooting support.
      • Wi-Fi with NFC.
      • Super slow-motion video.
      • 4K recording.
      • Expensive.
      • Short zoom range.
      • Omits hot shoe.
      • External charger not included.

    Bottom Line:

    Bottom Line:

    The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV offers serious video improvements over the RX100 III, but it is very expensive for a compact camera.

    Specs & Configurations

    35mm Equivalent (Telephoto) 70 mm
    35mm Equivalent (Wide) 24
    Battery Type Lithium Ion
    Dimensions 2.4 by 4 by 1.6 inches
    Display Resolution 1228000
    EVF Resolution 2349000
    Maximum ISO 12800
    Maximum Waterproof Depth 0
    Memory Card Format Memory Stick Duo
    Memory Card Format Memory Stick Pro Duo
    Memory Card Format Secure Digital
    Memory Card Format Secure Digital Extended Capacity
    Memory Card Format Secure Digital High Capacity
    Optical Zoom 2.9 x
    Sensor Resolution 20
    Sensor Size 1" (13.2 x 8.8mm)
    Sensor Type CMOS
    Stabilization Optical
    Touch Screen
    Type Compact
    Video Resolution 1080p
    Video Resolution 4K
    Video Resolution 720p
    Viewfinder Type EVF
    Weight 10.5
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  • Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 V

    Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 V

    4.0 Excellent

    Pros & Cons

      • 1-inch image sensor.
      • Wide-aperture zoom lens.
      • Strong low-light performance.
      • Quick autofocus.
      • 24fps burst shooting.
      • Raw shooting support.
      • Customizable controls.
      • Tilting LCD.
      • Pop-up OLED EVF.
      • Wi-Fi with NFC.
      • Super slow-motion HD video.
      • 4K recording.
      • Very expensive.
      • Competing models have longer zoom lenses.
      • Omits hot shoe.
      • Lacks touch screen.
      • Long times to clear buffer and render HFR video.

    Bottom Line:

    Bottom Line:

    Though its price is tough to swallow, the Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 V is Sony's most advanced pocket camera yet.

    Specs & Configurations

    35mm Equivalent (Telephoto) 70 mm
    35mm Equivalent (Wide) 24
    Battery Type Lithium Ion
    Dimensions 2.3 by 4 by 1.6 inches
    Display Resolution 1228800
    Maximum ISO 12800
    Maximum Waterproof Depth 0
    Memory Card Format Secure Digital
    Memory Card Format Secure Digital Extended Capacity
    Memory Card Format Secure Digital High Capacity
    Optical Zoom 2.9 x
    Sensor Resolution 20
    Sensor Size 1" (13.2 x 8.8mm)
    Sensor Type CMOS
    Stabilization Optical
    Touch Screen
    Type Compact
    Video Resolution 1080p
    Video Resolution 4K
    Video Resolution 720p
    Viewfinder Type EVF
    Weight 10.6
    Get It Now
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  • Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VI
    Enthusiasts

    Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VI

    4.0 Excellent

    Pros & Cons

      • 8x zoom lens.
      • Large 1-inch image sensor.
      • 20MP resolution.
      • Up to 24fps Raw image capture.
      • Tilting LCD.
      • Large pop-up EVF.
      • 4K video with HDR support.
      • Ultra slow-motion at 1080p.
      • Expensive.
      • Can't start video while images are writing to card.
      • Limited touch functions.
      • Dense menu system.

    Bottom Line:

    Bottom Line:

    The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VI delivers premium image quality, fit and finish, and features in a pocketable form factor, but demands a hefty price.

    Specs & Configurations

    35mm Equivalent (Telephoto) 200 mm
    35mm Equivalent (Wide) 24
    Battery Type Lithium Ion
    Dimensions 2.3 by 4.0 by 1.7 inches
    Display Resolution 921000
    EVF Resolution 2359000
    Maximum ISO 12800
    Maximum Waterproof Depth 0
    Memory Card Format Memory Stick Pro Duo
    Memory Card Format Secure Digital
    Memory Card Format Secure Digital Extended Capacity
    Memory Card Format Secure Digital High Capacity
    Optical Zoom 8.3 x
    Sensor Resolution 20
    Sensor Size 1" (13.2 x 8.8mm)
    Sensor Type BSI CMOS
    Stabilization Optical
    Touch Screen
    Type Compact
    Video Resolution 1080p
    Video Resolution 4K
    Viewfinder Type EVF
    Weight 10.6
    Get It Now
    Learn More Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VI Review Review
  • Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VII
    Best for Enthusiasts

    Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VII

    4.0 Excellent

    Pros & Cons

      • Sharp 8x zoom lens.
      • Electronic viewfinder.
      • 1-inch sensor design.
      • 20fps capture with subject tracking.
      • Eye detection for people and pets.
      • Tilting touch screen.
      • 4K video with external microphone port.
      • Expensive.
      • Can't start video while images are writing to card.
      • Limited touch functions.

    Bottom Line:

    Bottom Line:

    The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VII point-and-shoot is a modest update to the RX100 VI, offering better autofocus and video stabilization for a bit more money.

    Specs & Configurations

    35mm Equivalent (Telephoto) 200 mm
    35mm Equivalent (Wide) 24
    Battery Type Sony NP-BX1
    Connectivity Bluetooth
    Connectivity micro HDMI
    Connectivity micro USB
    Connectivity Microphone (3.5mm)
    Connectivity Wi-Fi
    Dimensions 2.3 by 4.0 by 1.7 inches
    Display Resolution 921600
    Display Size 3 inches
    EVF Resolution 2.36
    Flat Profile
    HDMI Output 4:2:2 8-bit
    Maximum ISO 25600
    Memory Card Format Memory Stick Duo
    Memory Card Format SDXC (UHS-I)
    Memory Card Slots 1
    Minimum ISO 64
    Optical Zoom 8.3 x
    Sensor Resolution 20
    Sensor Size 1" (13.2 x 8.8mm)
    Sensor Type BSI CMOS
    Stabilization Optical
    Touch Screen
    Type Compact
    Video Resolution 4K
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.59x
    Viewfinder Type EVF
    Weight 10.7
    Get It Now
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  • Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 IV
    Enthusiasts

    Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 IV

    4.0 Excellent

    Pros & Cons

      • 25x zoom lens.
      • Large 1-inch sensor.
      • Phase detect autofocus.
      • 24fps Raw capture with tracking.
      • Dust- and splash-resistant design.
      • Touch LCD and EVF.
      • Top info LCD.
      • Wi-Fi.
      • 4K video and 1080p slow-motion.
      • Very expensive.
      • No in-lens neutral density filter.
      • Hood blocks flash at wide angles.
      • Can't start a video when still buffer is in use.

    Bottom Line:

    Bottom Line:

    The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 IV camera delivers an incredible zoom range and uses a stacked sensor design and phase detection focus for 24fps image capture.

    Specs & Configurations

    35mm Equivalent (Telephoto) 600 mm
    35mm Equivalent (Wide) 24
    Battery Type Sony NP-FW50
    Connectivity Bluetooth
    Connectivity Headphone (3.5mm)
    Connectivity micro HDMI
    Connectivity micro USB
    Connectivity Microphone (3.5mm)
    Connectivity Wi-Fi
    Dimensions 3.7 by 5.2 by 5.7 inches
    Display Resolution 1.44
    Display Size 3
    EVF Resolution 2.36
    Flat Profile
    HDMI Output 4:2:2 8-bit
    Maximum ISO 12800
    Memory Card Format Memory Stick Duo
    Memory Card Format SDXC (UHS-I)
    Memory Card Slots 1
    Minimum ISO 64
    Optical Zoom 25 x
    Sensor Resolution 20
    Sensor Size 1" (13.2 x 8.8mm)
    Sensor Type BSI CMOS
    Stabilization Optical
    Touch Screen
    Type Superzoom
    Video Resolution 4K
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.7x
    Viewfinder Type EVF
    Weight 2.4
    Get It Now
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Sony RX100 Buying Guide: Which High-End Compact Camera Is Right for You?

Compare Specs

Select Up To 3Select Up To 2
Your Selections
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 II

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 II

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 III

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 III

Our Pick
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 II
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 II
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 III
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 III
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 V
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 V
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VI
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VI
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VII
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VII
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 IV
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 IV
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 II
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 II
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 III
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 III
Rating
4.5 Outstanding
4.5 Outstanding
4.5 Outstanding
4.0 Excellent
4.0 Excellent
4.0 Excellent
4.0 Excellent
4.0 Excellent
4.5 Outstanding
4.5 Outstanding
4.5 Outstanding
Best For
Beginners
Enthusiasts
Best for Enthusiasts
Enthusiasts
Beginners
Weight
8.59.910.210.510.610.610.72.48.59.910.2
Viewfinder Type
NoneNoneEVFEVFEVFEVFEVFEVFNoneNoneEVF
Viewfinder Magnification
0.59x0.7x
Video Resolution
1080i, 1080p1080p1080p, 720p1080p, 4K, 720p1080p, 4K, 720p1080p, 4K4K4K1080i, 1080p1080p1080p, 720p
Type
CompactCompactCompactCompactCompactCompactCompactSuperzoomCompactCompactCompact
Touch Screen
Stabilization
OpticalOpticalOpticalOpticalOpticalOpticalOpticalOpticalOpticalOpticalOptical
Sensor Type
CMOSCMOSBSI CMOSCMOSCMOSBSI CMOSBSI CMOSBSI CMOSCMOSCMOSBSI CMOS
Sensor Size
13.2 x 8.8 (1")12.8 x 9.6 (1")1" (13.2 x 8.8mm)1" (13.2 x 8.8mm)1" (13.2 x 8.8mm)1" (13.2 x 8.8mm)1" (13.2 x 8.8mm)1" (13.2 x 8.8mm)13.2 x 8.8 (1")12.8 x 9.6 (1")1" (13.2 x 8.8mm)
Sensor Resolution
2020202020202020202020
Optical Zoom
3.6 x3.6 x2.9 x2.9 x2.9 x8.3 x8.3 x25 x3.6 x3.6 x2.9 x
Minimum ISO
6464
Memory Card Slots
11
Memory Card Format
Memory Stick Duo, Memory Stick Pro Duo, Secure Digital, Secure Digital Extended Capacity, Secure Digital High CapacityMemory Stick Pro Duo, Secure Digital, Secure Digital Extended Capacity, Secure Digital High CapacitySecure Digital, Secure Digital Extended Capacity, Secure Digital High Capacity, Memory Stick Pro DuoMemory Stick Pro Duo, Secure Digital, Secure Digital Extended Capacity, Secure Digital High Capacity, Memory Stick DuoSecure Digital, Secure Digital Extended Capacity, Secure Digital High CapacityMemory Stick Pro Duo, Secure Digital, Secure Digital Extended Capacity, Secure Digital High CapacitySDXC (UHS-I), Memory Stick DuoMemory Stick Duo, SDXC (UHS-I)Memory Stick Duo, Memory Stick Pro Duo, Secure Digital, Secure Digital Extended Capacity, Secure Digital High CapacityMemory Stick Pro Duo, Secure Digital, Secure Digital Extended Capacity, Secure Digital High CapacitySecure Digital, Secure Digital Extended Capacity, Secure Digital High Capacity, Memory Stick Pro Duo
Maximum Waterproof Depth
000000000
Maximum ISO
64001280012800128001280012800256001280064001280012800
HDMI Output
4:2:2 8-bit4:2:2 8-bit
Flat Profile
EVF Resolution
1440000234900023590002.362.361440000
Display Size
3 inches3
Display Resolution
122900012290001228800122800012288009210009216001.44122900012290001228800
Dimensions
2.4 by 4 by 1.4 inches2.3 by 4 by 1.5 inches2.3 by 4 by 1.6 inches2.4 by 4 by 1.6 inches2.3 by 4 by 1.6 inches2.3 by 4.0 by 1.7 inches2.3 by 4.0 by 1.7 inches3.7 by 5.2 by 5.7 inches2.4 by 4 by 1.4 inches2.3 by 4 by 1.5 inches2.3 by 4 by 1.6 inches
Connectivity
Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Microphone (3.5mm), micro USB, micro HDMIBluetooth, Wi-Fi, micro HDMI, Microphone (3.5mm), micro USB, Headphone (3.5mm)
Battery Type
Lithium IonLithium IonLithium IonLithium IonLithium IonLithium IonSony NP-BX1Sony NP-FW50Lithium IonLithium IonLithium Ion
35mm Equivalent (Wide)
2828242424242424282824
35mm Equivalent (Telephoto)
100 mm100 mm70 mm70 mm70 mm200 mm200 mm600 mm100 mm100 mm70 mm

Buying Guide: Sony RX100 Buying Guide: Which High-End Compact Camera Is Right for You?

The Best Compact Cameras

None

If you definitely want a high-end compact camera, but haven't decided on Sony, check out our list of the best point-and-shoots we've tested overall. And once you've found the right model for you, head over to our beyond-basic digital photography tips.

About Our Expert

Jim Fisher

Jim Fisher

Principal Writer, Cameras

My Experience

Images, and the devices that capture them, are my focus. I've covered cameras at PCMag for the past 14 years, which has given me a front row seat for the changeover from DSLRs to mirrorless cameras, the smartphone camera revolution, and the emergence of drones for aerial imaging. I have extensive experience with every major mirrorless and SLR system, and am also comfortable using point-and-shoot and action cameras. As a Part 107 Certified drone pilot, I’m licensed to fly unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) for commercial and editorial purposes, and am knowledgeable about federal rules and regulations regarding drones.

The Technology I Use

I use all of the major camera systems on a regular basis, swapping between Canon, Fujifilm, L-Mount, Micro Four Thirds, Nikon, and Sony systems. I still find time to use Leica M rangefinders and Pentax SLRs on occasion, too. I keep an iPhone 13 in my pocket for the rare occasions I'm not carrying a camera.

I'm not a brand-specific photographer. For product review photos, I swap between a Canon EOS R5 and a Sony a7R IV. I use Flashpoint and Godox TTL lights and Peak Design tripods, and I most often reach for a Think Tank or Peak Design backpack to carry equipment.

When it comes to computers, I'm an unapologetic Mac person and have been for the past 20 years. I write in Pages and use Numbers for spreadsheets. I currently swap between an Intel i9 MacBook Pro and an Apple Silicon Mac Studio for writing and use a calibrated BenQ 32.5-inch with the Studio for photo and video editing. I rely on a LaCie 6big RAID for media storage. I also keep a PC around for gaming, but please don't tell my Macs about it; they'll get jealous.

I split time between several different software apps depending on the type of editing I'm doing. For Raw image processing, Adobe Photoshop Lightroom Classic is my standard. I pair it with a LoupeDeck CT console to supplement my keyboard and trackpad, and I lean on RNI All Films 5 presets when I want to give an image a film look. I use Apple Final Cut Pro for video editing.

My first digital camera was the Canon PowerShot Elph S200, and my first DSLR was the Pentax *ist DL. I have a soft spot for antique film gear. I still use a 1950 vintage Rolleiflex Automat TLR and love trying mid-century Leica lenses on film and digital alike. I mainly use whatever's in front of me for review for digital snaps, but I pick up either my Leica M Typ 240 or Pentax K-3 III Monochrome when I want to step away from review work. In my downtime, I enjoy bird watching, reading, video games, and both good and bad movies, especially in the sci-fi and horror genres.

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