Sony has announced a new advanced point and shoot camera in its Cyber-shot RX family, called the Sony Cyber-shot RX10. The superzoom camera (8.3x optical zoom), called a 'high-zoom' camera by Sony, is understandably being hyped for its 1-inch 20.2-megapixel (effective) BSI CMOS sensor, as well as its BIONZ X image processing engine (
also seen on the new Alpha MILCs). The sensor and engine can together supposedly bypass what are considered the biggest flaws in the segment - that of low-resolution sensors, and slow auto-focus.
The Sony Cyber-shot RX10 will be available for purchase this November for about $1300 (Rs. 80,000 approximately) in the US (global availability should follow soon after). The new camera and all compatible accessories will be available at Sony retail stores and other authorized dealers. Commenting on the launch of the Cyber-shot RX10, Patrick Huang, director of the Cyber-shot camera business at Sony Electronics, said:
"The innovative new RX10 high-zoom camera is a natural extension to our popular RX family of products, carrying on its legacy of balancing compact size and high- performance imaging in the ultimate package," said Patrick Huang, director of the Cyber-shot camera business at Sony Electronics. "It's an unparalleled all-around performer that will leave enthusiasts, hobbyists and even professionals reaching for their DSLRs less and less."
The Sony Cyber-shot RX10 features a light, rigid magnesium alloy build, and is also dust- and moisture-resistant for use in outdoor situations. The camera features a 24-200mm (35mm equivalent) F2.8 Carl Zeiss Vario Sonnar T zoom lens with a seven-bladed iris diaphragm. Sony claims the 1-inch Exmor R sensor is four times the size of a standard compact camera's sensor, and promises high-quality images in all types of lighting conditions with it. Sony also claims its BIONZ X engine is roughly three times faster in processing speed compared to iterations, and uses the company's new detail reproduction and area-specific noise reduction technology.
Detailing the AF system, Sony says the Cyber-shot RX10 features a new contrast-detection-based system that utilizes a new-generation Direct Drive SSM (Super Sonicwave Motor) mechanism. The camera also has lock-on AF that is supposed to accurately track moving subjects, even if they disappear momentarily from the frame. A choice of three selectable sizes for the spot AF frame is also available, meant to cut the risk of accidental focus errors with very small subjects. The RX10 also has an upgraded 'Eye AF' feature, which is meant to ensure portrait shots are focused accurately on the subject's eyes.
According to Sony, the Cyber-shot RX10 can shoot at up to 10 frames per second with continuous autofocus, which is supposedly great for shooting fast action along with 200mm lens. The camera also features full HD video shooting capabilities at 60 fps (AVCHD progressive), or the cinematic 24 fps, with control over P/A/S/M exposure modes. It also has a 'clear' HDMI output, which according to Sony allows footage to be reviewed on an external monitor in realtime, or recorded to a separate storage device.
For efficient recording audio recording, the Cyber-shot RX10 features an audio level meter with adjustable levels, apart from a microphone jack and headphone output. It is also compatible with the XLR-K1M adapter, for professional quality sound-recording via terminal.
Other features of the Cyber-shot RX10 include a high-contrast OLED Tru-Finder (2.4 million dot), which provides edge-to-edge visibility, and a wide viewing angle of about 33 degrees. It also bears a 3.0-inch 'White Magic' tiltable LCD screen. The RX10 also has onboard NFC and Wi-Fi connectivity, for easy sharing between devices. A connected phone can also be used as a smart remote control to fire the camera's shutter.
Lastly, the Cyber-shot RX10 can playback high-resolution still images directly on a connected UHD 4K TV, and also features support for Sony's Triluminos Color, which the company claims will deliver "an impressive variety of rich, natural colours" when played back on a Bravia television with a Triluminos Display.
There's a range of compatible accessories for the RX10 camera including the new LCJ-RXE premium jacket case that protects the camera from dust and knocks. Additionally, the ECM-XYST1M Stereo Microphone can be attached via the camera's Multi Interface Shoe for crisp dialogue and ambient sounds while shooting HD video, and the HVL-F43M flash and HVL-LEIR1 Video IR light ideal for capturing subjects and taking creative shots in low light.