Introduction

Ease of Use

The biggest change to the Sony Cyber-shot RX100 VI is the new 24-200mm lens, which extends the zoom range from 70mm on the previous model to a whopping 200mm. This makes the new camera much more versatile and capable of dealing with most photographic situations that you'll encounter. We'd now classify it as a bona fide travel-zoom camera, so the RX100 VI takes Sony's premium compact camera in a brand new direction, pitching it against the likes of rivals such as the very popular Panasonic TZ-series.

As we mentioned in the introduction, however, increasing the zoom range so drastically has meant that Sony have had to compromise elsewhere. The Sony Cyber-shot RX100 VI is somewhat incredibly virtually the same size as the Mark V version, only being 1.8mm thicker and from the front looking exactly the same.

So the compromise has been made in the speed of the lens rather than the size of the camera, which offers much slower maximum apertures of f/2.8 at 24mm (compared with f/1.8 on the Mark V) and f/4.5 at 200mm (compared with f/2.8 on the Mark V). Sony have made a big play of pointing out that the new camera offers f/4 at 100mm, making it more effective for portraits, but it only offers f/4 at 70mm too, a whole stop slower than the Mark V. This is mitigated somewhat by being able to shoot at the longer focal lengths, but the new camera isn't as capable of producing such shallow bokeh effects as the previous model, certainly between 24-70mm anyway. So while some users will welcome the extra reach on offer, others will bemoan the slower lens, and the fact that it also lacks the built-in ND filter of its predecessor.

Front of the Sony Cyber-shot RX100 VI

The Sony Cyber-shot RX100 VI continues to use a relatively large 13.2 x 8.8mm CMOS sensor as employed by previous models in the series. This is the same size as that used in the now-defunct Nikon 1 series compact system cameras and 4x as big as a typical compact sensor. Consequently the RX100 VI offers the same excellent image quality (for such a compact camera) as its predecessors.

On the back of the RX100 VI is a large 3-inch, 921-dot resolution LCD screen which can be tilted up to 90° downwards to shoot over crowds or up to 180° upwards for easier selfies. Somewhat disappointingly the resolution has actually dropped from the previous model, but the downwards tilt has been increased by 45°, making awkward shooting angles easier than before.

The major improvement to the LCD is the introduction of touchscreen functionality, somewhat amazingly for the very first time on an RX-series camera. As on the recent Sony Alpha mirrorless cameras, the screen can be used for some elements of operation, including operating the auto-focus whilst looking through the EVF or using the LCD screen, a feature that we've seen on several other high-end mirrorless cameras recently.

Rear of the Sony Cyber-shot RX100 VI

Unfortunately Sony have once again stopped short of offering a full touchscreen experience - somewhat inexplicably, you can't use the menu system in this way, press the on-screen icons, or even scroll through images during playback, a la smartphones, although strangely you can double-tap images during playback to zoom in, then scroll around to look at the finer details.

A subtle but surprisingly important improvement has been made to the action of the pop-up EVF. On previous models, you had to press the Finder switch to pop it up, then pull out the eye-piece manually, but on this new version the eye-piece both extends and retracts automatically, greatly speeding up the operation of the EVF. Another new default feature is slightly less welcome - when you pop-up the EVF, by default the camera turns itself on, but it also turns itself off when the EVF is pushed down, something that thankfully can be disabled in the main menu system.

There's still no means of gripping the camera on the front, though, with just a small thumb-shaped lozenge on the rear, making the RX100 VI a little difficult to get to grips with, especially since its aluminum body is very smooth. Sony have recognised this, though, by selling the optional AG-R1 grip accessory, or you can purchase cheaper third-party versions, but we'd really like to see something integrated into the camera design, especially with the longer zoom range now on offer where stability is more crucial.

Tilting LCD Screen

The Sony RX100 V can shoot full-resolution 20 megapixel images at 24fps for up to 233 JPEG / 109 Raw images, an incredibly fast rate and very large buffer for what is after all a compact camera, especially as the 24fps rate is complete with AF/AE tracking for every single frame, rather than being locked at the first one.

Combined with the even faster and more accurate AF system, which now boasts an AF time of just 0.03sec, this makes the Sony Cyber-shot RX100 VI the best compact camera that we've ever used for taking pictures of fast-moving subjects, and indeed one of the best cameras full-stop, regardless of format. Being able to zoom to 200mm, instantly focus on the subject and then continuously track it whilst shooting at 24fps is an amazing achievement for any camera, never mind one that you can slip inside a pocket. The fast and effective Eye AF mode once again proves its worth for easily capturing great portraits, engaged by simply holding down the center button on the rear control wheel.

In addition to the NFC and Wi-fi connectivity offered by the previous Mark IV model, the new version now offers Bluetooth too. Somewhat inexplicably this can only be used to geotag your images in conjunction with your smartphone - you can't also transfer images automatically from camera to phone or control the camera with your phone, as on most recent Bluetooth implementations, instead relying on the rather clunky PlayMemories Mobile app for the latter functionality. So like the LCD touchscreen, Sony haven't really gone far enough in their implementation of what could have been a key new feature.

Pop-up Viewfinder

The RX100 VI can record video at Ultra HD 3840 x 2160 resolution at 30/24fps for up to 5 minutes. The RX100 V utilises 5028x2828 pixels to create the UHD video, so that it effectively oversamples by 1.7x in each dimension, which should result in better quality footage and no field of view crop. Slow motion, high frame rate Full HD 1920x1080 sequences can be recorded at 240, 480 or 960fps for up to 4 or 7 seconds in duration via the dedicated HFR shooting mode. The RX100 VI now also features Sony’s S-Log3 Gamma curve which enables it to record greater dynamic range, providing you’re prepared to colour grade the recording in post-production, and a 4K Hybrid Log Gamma setting too.

Battery life continues to be poor though on this new RX camera, thanks to the continued use of the tiny NP-BX1 unit - you'll need to budget for several of these to get through a serious day's shooting. Also, there's still no Mic port, which sadly will continue to rule out the RX100 VI for more serious vlogging (or probably any vlogging at all).

Image Quality

All of the sample images in this review were taken using the 20 megapixel Fine JPEG setting, which gives an average image size of around 8Mb.

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 II produced images of excellent quality. This camera handled noise well, which doesn't obvious until ISO 3200, and then progressively worse at the faster settings of ISO 6400 and 12800, an excellent performance for a small image sensor with such a high pixel count.

Chromatic aberrations were in evidence but were well-controlled, with limited purple fringing effects appearing in high contrast situations. The images were a little soft straight out of the camera at the default setting and require some further sharpening in an application like Adobe Photoshop, or you can increase the in-camera sharpening level.

Macro performance is OK, allowing you to focus as close as 8cms away from the subject. The built-in flash worked well indoors, with no red-eye and good overall exposure. The maximum shutter speed of 30 seconds allows the cameras to capture enough light for most after-dark situations. The Steadyshot anti-shake system works well when hand-holding the camera at slower shutter speeds.

The effective Dynamic Range Optimizer function extracts more detail from the shadow and highlight areas in an image, without introducing any unwanted noise or other artifacts. The High Dynamic Range mode combines two shots taken at different exposures to produce one image with greater dynamic range than a single image would produce. It only works for JPEGs and for still subjects, but does produce some very effective results. Sony's tried-and-trusted Sweep Panorama is still a joy to use. The Picture Effects quickly produce special looks that would otherwise require you to spend a lot of time in the digital darkroom.

Noise

There are 9 ISO settings available on the Sony Cyber-shot RX100 VI. Here are some 100% crops which show the noise levels for each ISO setting for both JPEG and Raw formats.

JPEG	Raw
ISO 80 (100% Crop)	ISO 80 (100% Crop)
ISO 100 (100% Crop)	ISO 100 (100% Crop)
ISO 125 (100% Crop)	ISO 125 (100% Crop)
ISO 200 (100% Crop)	ISO 200 (100% Crop)
ISO 400 (100% Crop)	ISO 400 (100% Crop)
ISO 800 (100% Crop)	ISO 800 (100% Crop)
ISO 1600 (100% Crop)	ISO 1600 (100% Crop)
ISO 3200 (100% Crop)	ISO 3200 (100% Crop)
ISO 6400 (100% Crop)	ISO 6400 (100% Crop)
ISO 12800 (100% Crop)	ISO 12800 (100% Crop)

Focal Range

The Sony Cyber-shot RX100 VI's 8x zoom lens offers a versatile focal range, as illustrated by these examples:

24mm

200mm

Sharpening

Here are two 100% crops which have been Saved as Web - Quality 50 in Photoshop. The right-hand image has had some sharpening applied in Photoshop. The out-of-the camera images are just a little soft and ideally benefit from some further sharpening in a program like Adobe Photoshop. Alternatively you can change the in-camera sharpening level.

Original (100% Crop)	Sharpened (100% Crop)

Chromatic Aberrations

The Sony Cyber-shot RX100 VI handled chromatic aberrations very well during the review, with some purple fringing present around the edges of objects in high-contrast situations, as shown in the examples below.

Chromatic Aberrations 1 (100% Crop)	Chromatic Aberrations 2 (100% Crop)

File Quality

The Sony Cyber-shot RX100 VI has 3 different image quality settings available, with Extra Fine being the highest quality option. Here are some 100% crops which show the quality of the various options, with the file size shown in brackets.

Extra Fine (12.4Mb) (100% Crop)	Fine (6.86Mb) (100% Crop)
Standard (4.51Mb) (100% Crop)	RAW (20Mb) (100% Crop)

Macro

The Sony Cyber-shot RX100 VI allows you to focus on a subject that is 8cms away from the camera when the lens is set to wide-angle. The first image shows how close you can get to the subject (in this case a compact flash card). The second image is a 100% crop.

Macro

Flash

The flash settings on the Sony Cyber-shot RX100 VI are Auto, Forced Flash, Slow Syncro, No Flash, with a Red-eye Reduction option in the Main menu. These shots of a white coloured wall were taken at a distance of 1.5m.

Suppressed Flash - Wide Angle (24mm)	Forced Flash - Wide Angle (24mm)
Suppressed Flash - Telephoto (200mm)	Forced Flash - Telephoto (200mm)

And here are some portrait shots. As you can see, neither the Forced Flash setting or the Red-Eye Correction option caused any amount of red-eye.

Flash Off	Flash Off (100% Crop)
Forced Flash	Forced Flash (100% Crop)
Red-eye Reduction	Red-eye Reduction (100% Crop)

Night

The Sony Cyber-shot RX100 VI's maximum shutter speed is 30 seconds in the Manual mode, which is great news if you're seriously interested in night photography.

Night

Steadyshot

The Sony Cyber-shot RX100 VI has an antishake mechanism which allows you to take sharp photos at slower shutter speeds than other digital cameras. To test this, we took a handheld shot of the same subject with the same settings. The first shot was taken with Shake Reduction turned off, the second with it turned on. As you can see, with Shake Reduction turned on, the images are sharper than when it's turned off.

Shutter Speed / Focal Length	Shake Reduction Off (100% Crop)	Shake Reduction On (100% Crop)
1/6th / 24mm

Dynamic Range Optimizer

D-Range Optimiser (DRO) is Sony's solution to improve shadow detail in photos taken in contrasty light.

Off	LV1
LV2	LV3
LV4	LV5

HDR

High Dynamic Range Optimiser (HDR) is Sony's solution for capturing more contrast than a single exposure can handle by combining two exposures into one image.

Off	1.0EV
2.0EV	3.0EV
4.0EV	5.0EV
5.0EV

Picture Effects

The Sony Cyber-shot RX100 VI offers an extensive range of thirteen creative Picture Effects.

Off	Toy Camera
Pop Color	Posterization
Retro	Soft High-key
Partial Color (Red)	High Contrast Mono
Soft Focus	HDR Painting
Rich-tone Mono	Miniature
Watercolor	Illustration

Sweep Panorama

The Sony Cyber-shot RX100 VI allows you to take panoramic images very easily, by 'sweeping' with the camera while keeping the shutter release depressed. The camera does all the processing and stitching and even successfully compensates for moving subjects.

Standard

Wide

Sample Images

This is a selection of sample images from the Sony RX100 VI camera, which were all taken using the 20 megapixel Fine JPEG setting. The thumbnails below link to the full-sized versions, which have not been altered in any way.

Sample RAW Images

The Sony Cyber-shot RX100 VI enables users to capture RAW and JPEG format files. We’ve provided some Sony RAW (ARW) samples for you to download (thumbnail images shown below are not 100% representative).

Sample Movies & Video

Product Images

Conclusion

The new Sony Cyber-shot RX100 VI is a travel zoom camera par excellence, taking the RX-series in an entirely new direction with its 24-200mm lens and easily outperforming its main rivals thanks to all of its cutting-edge tech. It is very expensive, though, and also less attractive to more serious photographers thanks to the slower-aperture lens, so rather weirdly it may prove to have less wide-spread appeal than previous models in the range. Still, there are no other pocket cameras that are as technologically capable as the Sony Cyber-shot RX100 VI, so if you want the best compact camera that money can buy, this is currently it.

The new 24-200mm literally opens up a whole new vista, allowing you to capture everything from ultra-wide-angle landscapes to close-up candid portraits, all with a camera that you can carry everywhere in a trouser pocket or small bag. Being able to zoom to 200mm and shoot at 24fps with excellent auto-focusing, even of moving subjects, makes the RX100 VI even more versatile. The downside to the new lens is the inevitably slower maximum apertures, which results in noisier images as you have to shoot at higher ISO speeds.

There are a few other issues with the RX100 V, though, which also make it slightly less than perfect. Even if you can ignore the stellar asking price, which has reached a new high for the RX-series, the implementation of the new touchscreen and Bluetooth connectivity both feel rather unfinished, while the 220-shot battery life is just too short for a camera that can shoot 24 frames per second. The resolution of the LCD screen has also dropped slightly, and the lack of an ND filter is problematic for shooting video in bright daylight conditions. We'd also really like to see Sony implement some kind of hand-grip, rather than relying on the extra purchase of an optional accessory.

Whether the Sony Cyber-shot RX100 VI is the right compact camera for you ultimately comes down to the lens - some will love the extra reach, others will bemoan the slower apertures and lack of ND filter. And of course the eye-watering price will play a big part, too - $1200 / £1150 / €1300 buys you a decent mirrorless camera or DSLR with better image quality than the Sony Cyber-shot RX100 VI's 1-inch sensor, although obviously not the same portability. The fact that the Mark V version, with its faster 24-70mm lens, continues in the range at a more affordable price-point is also an important factor, and you should also take a close look at the Panasonic Lumix TZ200/100 cameras if you want a much more affordable, though less capable, travel-zoom camera.

Ratings (out of 5)
Design	4.5
Features	4.5
Ease-of-use	4
Image quality	4.5
Value for money	3.5

Main Rivals

Listed below are some of the rivals of the Sony RX100 VI.

Review Roundup

Reviews of the Sony RX100 VI from around the web.

Specifications

News

The Sony Cyber-shot RX100 VI is a new premium compact camera with a 20 megapixel 1-inch sensor, 24-200mm zoom lens, 24fps burst shooting, the World's fastest auto-focusing of 0.03 seconds, and 4K vieo recording. The new Sony RX100 VI will ship in Europe in July priced approximately £1,150.

Sony UK Press Release

Sony’s announces RX100 VI that combines high magnification zoom 24-200mm, large aperture, world’s Fastest AF Speed in ultra-compact body

• ZEISS® Vario-Sonnar T* 24-200mm[i] F2.8 – F4.5 Large Aperture
• Compact body size of acclaimed RX100 series
• World’s Fastest[ii] 0.03 seconds[iii] AF speed
• 315 focal-plane phase-detection AF points covering approximately 65% of frame
• 1.0-type stacked 20.1 MP[iv] Exmor RS™ CMOS image sensor with DRAM chipand upgraded BIONZ X™ image processor and Front-end LSI
• High-speed continuous shooting at up to 24 fps[v] with full AF/AE tracking
• Optical image stabilisation equivalent to a 4.0-stop[vi] faster shutter speed
• High Resolution 4K[vii] Movie Shooting with full pixel readout and no pixel binning plus 4K HDR[viii] for instant HDR workflow

Sony today announced another exciting model for their popular Cyber-shot RX100 series of compact cameras, the RX100 VI (model DSC-RX100M6).

The innovative new RX100 VI camera is the first of all the RX100 models to include a high magnification zoom lens, as it packs in an impressive ZEISS® Vario-Sonnar T* 24-200mmi F2.8 – F4.5 lens yet doesn’t sacrifice the pocket-size portability, fast responsiveness and high image quality that has become the hallmark of Sony’s RX100 line-up. It’s extensive zoom, impressive image quality and versatility for both still images and video make it an ideal choice for capturing daily life, cityscapes, portraiture, sports, wildlife and everything in between.

The new model is equipped with a 20.1 MP 1.0-type stacked Exmor RS™ CMOS image sensor with DRAM chip and an upgraded BIONZ X™ image processing system with a front-end LSI that maximises processing speed and optimises image quality in all shooting environments. Additionally, the RX100 VI features an incredibly efficient Fast Hybrid AF system with 315-point phase-detection AF points on the sensor that can acquire focus in as little as 0.03 secondsiii, the world’s fastestii AF acquisition time for 1.0-type sensor cameras. It can also shoot at up to 24 fpsv at full resolution with continuous AF/AE tracking and produces beautiful 4Kvii video with full pixel readout and no pixel binning.

New High-Magnification 24-200mm Zoom Lens Plus Outstanding Image Quality

A first for Sony’s RX100 series of cameras, the new ZEISS® Vario-Sonnar T* 24-200mmi F2.8 – F4.5 lens packs the power of both 24-70mm and 70-200mmi focal lengths into a singular compact design. This is achieved thanks to its unique design featuring two ED (extra-low dispersion) aspherical glass elements and eight aspherical lens elements includingfour AA (advanced aspherical) lenses. All pieces work together seamlessly to deliver outstanding sharpness from corner-to-corner at all focal lengths, maintaining the acclaimed image quality of the RX100 series.

The impressive new lens on the RX100 VI maintains a large aperture throughout the entire zoom range, ensuring portraits can be created with beautiful bokeh, fast moving subjects can be captured with crisp focus and no blurring, and much more. Additionally, the lens has built-in Optical SteadyShotTM image stabilisation that is equivalent to a 4.0-stopvi faster shutter speed, helping to prevent blur at slower shutter speed while shooting in low light conditions or at telephoto zoom range.

Lightning-Fast AF Performance and Shooting Speeds

The new RX100 VI model features a Fast Hybrid AF system that ultimately allows the camera to acquire focus in as little as 0.03 seconds.iii This innovative AF system combines the respective advantages of 315-pointfocal-plane phase-detection AF points that cover approximately 65% of the sensor and contrast-detection AF. This high speed focusing system complements the versatile 24-200mmirange of the lens, ensuring all subjects can be captured with precise detail and clarity.

Additionally, a first for the RX100 series of cameras,the RX100 VI includes Sony’s advanced High-density Tracking AF technology, whichconcentrates AF points around a subject to improve tracking and focus accuracy. Thepopular Eye AF technologyis also available with approximately 2x the tracking performance of the current RX100 series model.[ix]Furthermore, the camera has LCD touch focusing and touchpad focus point control for users that would like to drag their fingers to ideal focus points of their choice.

An ideal complement to the AF system, the RX100 VI offers continuous high-speed shooting at up to 24 fpsv with full AF/AE tracking, with an impressive buffer limit of up to 233 images[x]. The display lag of the EVF has been substantially reduced compared to prior models, allowing shooters to capture the decisive moment with ultimate confidence. Also, continuously shot images can now be played back in group on display instead of individually making it more convenient to review.

The RX100 VI also has a high speed Anti-Distortion Shutter (maximum shutter speed of up to 1/32000 second) that reduces the “rolling shutter” effect commonly experienced with fast moving subjects, and can shoot completely silently in all modes, including continuous high speed shooting, when electronic shutter is engaged. A mechanical shutter mode is also available as well if required by the user.

Advanced Movie Capabilities Including 4K HDR

The pocket-friendly RX100 VI is packed with a variety of video capabilities that will satisfy even the most demanding video enthusiasts.

With Fast Hybrid AF, the focal-plane phase-detection AF points ensures accurate focusing and tracking performance, even for the severe focusing requirements of 4Kvii movie shooting. AF drive speed and AF tracking sensitivity can also be adjusted via the menu system, giving shooters plenty of flexibility based on their focusing preferences.

In 4Kvii mode, the new RX100 VI utilises full pixel readout without pixel binning to ensure that all the finer details of 4Kvii video are captured with minimal moire and ‘jaggies’.

For the first time in a Cyber-shot camera, the RX100 VI features 4K HDRviii compatibility thanks to its new HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma) picture profile that offers an instant HDR workflow solution. Additional professional calibre video features include S-Log3/S-Gamut3, 120p Full HD mode, Picture Profile, proxy recording and more. The RX100 VI is able to record superslow motion[xi] video at either 250 fps, 500 fps or 1000 fps[xii].

Premium Design, Control and Convenience

The new RX100 VI is equipped with a high-contrast 2.35 million dot XGA OLED Tru-Finder™ with ZEISS® T* Coating, ensuring true-to-life image preview and playback functionality. The EVF itself retracts in and out of the camera body based on user preference, and can be activated instantly by a single One-push Access button.

A first for Sony’s RX series, RX100 VI has a touch shutter that can be activated by tapping the back LCD screen, a zoom lever with customisable zoom speeds and an LCD that can be rotated 180 degrees upward or 90 degrees downward for a variety of shooting angles for the creator. There is also a Monitor Auto OFF function that boosts max number of still images by up to 30%, and the camera is also Wi-Fi®, NFC™ and Bluetooth®compatible.

Pricing and Availability

The new Sony Cyber-shot RX100 VI compact camera will ship in Europe in July priced approximately £1,150.

[i] 35mm format equivalent

[ii] Along with the RX10 IV. Among fixed lens digital cameras with 1.0-type sensor. As of June 2018 press release, based on Sony research

[iii] CIPA standard, internal measurement, at f=9.0mm (wide-end), EV6.9, Program Auto, Focus mode: AF-A, Focus area: Centre

[iv] Approximate effective megapixels

[v] With "Continuous shooting mode: Hi"

[vi] CIPA standard, pitch/yaw directions, at 200mm (35mm format equivalent)

[vii] QFHD: 3840×2160

[viii] Connect to an HDR (HLG) compatible Sony TV via a USB cable to view HDR (HLG) movies

[ix] Compared to the DSC-RX100M5. Sony test conditions

[x] With "Continuous shooting mode: Hi" and "Image quality: Fine"

[xi] Audio recording is not available. A Class 10 or higher SDHC/SDXC memory card is required

[xii] In PAL mode. Menu allows switching between NTSC and PAL modes

First Impressions

We've just spent a couple of days shooting with the new Sony RX100 VI compact camera in Venice, Italy, at the official Sony Europe press event. Check out our detailed first impressions of using the Sony RX100 VI travel-zoom camera now...

Sony RX100 VI - Ease of Use

At first glance the Sony RX100 VI looks very much like the previous Mark V model (which continues in the range), closely resembling it in terms of size and control layout. The two cameras are actually identical in size when viewed from the front, with the new Mark VI only being 1.5mm thicker than than the RX100 V despite having a much longer zoom lens.

The new 24-200mm lens makes the VI much more versatile than previous RX models, covering a focal range that should keep most photographers happy. Sony were keen to stress that this is a camera that can cover most photographic situations, and after using it extensively for everything from wide-angle landscapes to candid portraits, we'd certainly agree with that assertion. The RX100 VI would make a great pocket companion to the excellent A7 III mirrorless camera.

In terms of aperture, the 24-200mm lens starts at f/2.8 and reaches f/4.5, very respectable considering the compact nature of the camera. It's comprised of 15 elements in 12 groups, 8 aspherical, 4 advanced aspherical and 2 ED, and every element moves when zooming, a unique feature (some elements stay still in most zoom lenses). It also maintains an f/4 aperture at 100mm, an important aim for Sony when designing the RX100 VI, whilst offering an improved 4-stop OIS system to held keep your image blur-free.

High sharpness and contrast are evident even in the corner of the image at 200mm, and the lens has an almost circular aperture from open aperture to f/11 at maximum telephoto. Finally, Clear Image Zoom, Sony’s clever digital zoom, is available to increase the focal length by 2x without too much degradation of the image quality.

The RX100 VI continues to offer incredible continuous shooting speeds considering its relative affordability. 24fps burst shooting is available complete with AF/AE tracking, just like on the Mark V, but the A7 III has a larger 233 JPG image buffer (109 Raw files).

Sony also claim that the RX100 VI can achieve a similar focusing hit rate to the flagship A9 compact system camera thanks to improved AF tracking. It actually uses that camera's AF algorithm, employing 315 phase-detection points along with Sony's excellent Eye AF mode. It offers 65% scene coverage and can focus in just 0.03 sec, 1.8x faster than the RX100 MK V (0.05 sec on the Mark V).

In practice the new AF system worked very well, both outdoors in bright sunlight and in more demanding low-light conditions, with the fast and effective Eye AF once again proving its worth for easily capturing great portraits, engaged by simply holding down the center button on the rear control wheel.

For video, the RX100 VI employs a Fast Hybrid AF system, using both phase and contrast detection together to offer much better subject tracking than previous models.

The Sony RX100 VI now offers a touch panel LCD, the first time on an RX-series camera. As with other Sony models that employ this technology, features include touch focus, even with selfies, touch shutter and faster image reviewing, although you still can't operate the menu system without using the camera's physical buttons. 

The VI has an expanded tilt angle LCD screen, increased from 45 degrees on the Mark V to 90 degrees, making selfies and awkward shooting angles a lot easier than before.

Battery life is still pretty poor though, thanks to the continued use of the tiny NP-BX1 unit - you'll need to budget for several of these to get through a serious day's shooting. Oh, and there's still no Mic port, which will rule out the RX100 VI for more serious vlogging.

Check out our hands-on gallery of photos of the Sony RX100 VI camera

Sony RX100 VI - Image Quality

For stills photography, the Sony RX100 VI employs a 20 megapixel 1-inch sensor that was apparently developed 2/3 years ago, coupled with the very latest BIONZ X processor and front-end LSI borrowed from A9 camera. It offers a top ISO speed of 12800, starting at 125, and Sony claim that it has improved colours and textures, especially for skin tones, inherited directly from the A7 III.

We've already shot a gallery of sample images for you with a full production version of the RX100 VI which you can check out here, and we'll be bringing you even more full-size JPEGs and Raw files when we get our hands on a final review sample.

For video, the RX100 VI can record 4K movies (3840x2160 pixels) at 25/24fps, utilising a 4K full pixel readout with no crop factor, fast Hybrid auto-focusing and 4K Hybrid Log Gamma mode. It can also shoot 1080p footage and slow-motion 960ps video for up to 4 or 7 seconds, while  S-Log2 and S-Log3 profiles allow for colour grading in post-production.

You can find some 4K and slow-motion sample videos in our Sample Images gallery.

Take a look at some sample JPEG and Raw images and movies taken with the Sony RX100 VI camera

Sony RX100 VI - Early Verdict

The RX100 VI greatly expands the appeal of Sony's premium range compact camera to include a much wider variety of photographers and subjects, principally thanks to the 24-200mm lens, but also due to its excellent AF system when shooting both stills and video, all in a camera that's only 1mm bigger in size than its predecessor. If you need a faster lens then the Mark V continues in the range with its shorter 24-70mm, f/1.8-f/2.8 optic.

So what do you think of the new Sony RX100 VI? Leave a comment below...

Hands On

Want to see exactly what the new Sony RX100 VI premium compact camera looks like in the flesh?

Check out our extensive hands-on gallery of photos of the Sony RX100 VI travel-zoom camera.

A gallery of hands-on photos of the new Sony RX100 VI travel zoom compact camera.

Image Gallery

Click on a thumbnail to see the full version.

Preview Images

Ahead of our full review, here are some sample images and movies taken with the new Sony RX100 VI compact camera, including the full ISO range. The Sony RX100 VI has a versatile 24-200mm lens, can shoot at 24fps for up to 233 shots with full AF/AE tracking, and offers the fastest auto-focusing of any 1-inch sensor compact camera.

A gallery of sample images taken with the new Sony RX100 VI compact camera.

Sony RX100 VI Sample Images

Sample RAW Images

The Sony Cyber-shot RX100 VI enables users to capture RAW and JPEG format files. We’ve provided some Sony RAW (ARW) samples for you to download (thumbnail images shown below are not 100% representative).

Sample Movies & Video

Your Comments