Sony DSCRX10/B Cybershot 20.2 MP Digital Still Camera with 3-Inch LCD Screen

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UPDATE (July 2015) Im still very happy with my RX10, which Ive had over a year. I love how it feels, how it works, its tremendous versatility, and especially the amazing pictures you can take with it. Sony recently announced a new version of this camera, called the RX10 II, will go on sale soon. The new features include: better EVF with higher resolution, 4K video, new sensor technology, better slow-motion video, faster shutter & frame rate, plus a few others. The new version will cost $1300. You will still have the option of buying the original RX10, which currently costs about $900. I think this is a good option for people who dont need to shoot 4K video. The original RX10 has the same excellent 24-200mm f/2.8 Zeiss lens as the new model. The original model has the same body style, layout of controls, and excellent ergonomics as the new model. The original models EVF is very good, though not super high-res like the one on the new RX10. (Read more about the new RX10 version II at dpreview dot com, a site you should definitely visit to learn about cameras before buying one.) My original review follows: --- The RX10 is a nearly perfect camera for someone who wants a single, do-everything, go-almost-anywhere camera that takes excellent pictures and video in a wide variety of shooting conditions but doesnt want the expense or trouble of carrying an interchangeable lens camera body and two or more lenses. The RX10 is nearly as large and weighs about the same as a compact consumer DSLR with kit lens. If youre coming from a compact point-and-shoot, itll seem heavy around your neck after an hour; pick up a decent shoulder strap (like this one Fotasy NSQF Anti-Slip Sling Neck Strap with Rapid Fasten, Comfort, Ergonomic Design (Black) ) and youll be comfortable all day. I also own a Nikon D40X DSLR with two lenses (18-55mm and 55-200mm) and two "enthusiast compact" cameras with 1/1.7" sensors (Canon S90 and Nikon P7700). The DSLR takes better pictures, of course, but has two disadvantages: (1) carrying it around and traveling with it is more trouble, and (2) you have to swap lenses when you want to switch from a wide shot to a telephoto shot; this takes time and as a result Ive lost some good shots. The S90 and P7700 take much better pictures than mass-market consumer cameras with 1/2.3" sensors, and were often good enough for most of my needs. But I wanted something better. Before buying the RX10, I seriously considered a micro 4/3 system like the Olympus OMD-EM10, which is a bit easier to travel with than a DSLR, but theres still the trouble of swapping lenses. Also, I didnt think Id be happy with the kit lens and a cheap zoom; to realize the cameras potential, Id want to spend a lot more on lenses. I started researching lenses and loading some into my Amazon cart, and quickly approached $2000 for the body and 2 good lenses. If youre really serious about photography, I can see spending $2000 or more on gear. Im not quite that serious. But I am serious enough to spend around $1000 if its the right camera, and the RX10 is the right camera for me. I chose it over the new Panasonic FZ1000. The FZ1000 looks like a really great camera, and will be a better option for many of you. According to most professional reviews, image/video quality and performance are roughly equal or very similar between the two cameras. But as you probably know, the FZ1000 has a much longer zoom (16X instead of 8.3X on the RX10), a fully-articulating display (whereas the RX10s can only tilt up or down), and can shoot 4K video. For me, the FZ1000s 4K video capability is useless, while the RX10s video capabilities are truly outstanding. [UPDATE 10/27/2014: Sony released a firmware update that further improves the RX10s video quality.] The FZ1000 has a much longer zoom, which Id love to have on the RX10. But the extra reach is a novelty I wouldnt often use, as most of my shots are well within the RX10s 24-200mm range. I chose the RX10 because it has better build quality (its made of magnesium alloy whereas the FZ1000 is made of plastic), the great Zeiss glass, and because the RX10 strikes me as the zoom/bridge version of the RX100 series, which is universally lauded by professional reviewers. (I seriously considered an RX100, but just couldnt see myself being happy with such a short zoom range.) But the FZ1000 might be the better choice for you. In the first comment to this review, Ive added a couple links to professional reviewers that compare the two cameras. One common complaint Ive seen in reviews of the RX10 is that zooming from 24 to 200 or back is slow. In my opinion, its not so slow as to be even mildly annoying, and its certainly much quicker than changing lenses on my DSLR. Besides, the zoom motor is pushing some heavy glass; Id be surprised if the FZ1000, with similarly large glass and a huge range, zooms any faster. [UPDATE 10/27/2014: Professional reviewers say that the FZ1000s motorized zoom is also slow.] I have one serious gripe about the RX10, and you should know about it before spending your hard-earned $$$. Sony advertises the RX10 as "dust- and moisture-resistant." Based on this statement, some professional reviews suggest that its safe to use this camera in inclement weather, or even go so far as saying that the RX10 is "weather-sealed" (e.g. Cameralabs dot com, which is otherwise a great site for researching cameras). This claim is grossly misleading. The RX10s manual says: "WARNING: To reduce fire or shock hazard, do not expose the unit to rain or moisture." (p.3) "This camera is designed to be dust and moisture-resistant, but is not waterproof or splash-proof." (p.33) "Be careful not to let sand or dust get into the camera. This may cause the camera to malfunction, and in some cases this malfunction cannot be repaired." (pp.33-34) So, how is this camera "dust- and moisture-resistant"? I asked a Sony customer service rep via Sonys online chat. The rep didnt know (much of anything) so she looked it up or asked someone, and reported to me that this camera is dust- and moisture-resistant because it is constructed from magnesium alloy. Really?? I think it would be wise to assume that the RX10 has no special weather sealing and shouldnt be used in weather conditions where youd be uncomfortable using a camera that was not advertised as moisture- or dust-resistant. This is disappointing, especially since I learned about it after I shelled out $998 to buy the camera. But I dont regret my purchase at all, and I continue to recommend the RX10 quite highly. But I wanted you to know about this before spending your hard-earned money so you could have realistic expectations. And of course, Sony isnt the first company to misrepresent or overstate the benefits of the products it sells. And it wont be the last. If you end up buying this camera (or the Panasonic FZ1000), you should consider some accessories. Here are some I own and recommend: * protect your premium Zeiss glass with a filter, heres a great one: B+W 62mm Clear UV Haze with Multi-Resistant Coating (010M) * protect the display from scratches Expert Shield - THE Screen Protector for: Sony DSC RX10 *Lifetime Guarantee* * compact camera bag has built-in rain shield and room for accessories Lowepro Toploader Zoom 45 AW (Sea Blue) * save your neck, get a more comfortable shoulder strap Fotasy NSQF Anti-Slip Sling Neck Strap with Rapid Fasten, Comfort, Ergonomic Design (Black)

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The Sony DSC-RX10 is a great alternative to large DSLRs, and has outstanding low-light performance. Ive been shooting on Nikon DSLRs for the past 10 years and Ive loved the creative options that all the manual controls give me. Yet, those DSLRs (first the Nikon D70 and then the Nikon D7000) are relatively large cameras (although not full-frame) and a kit with several lenses can take up a lot of space and can be relatively heavy. And, in order to always have options for different types of shooting Ive always kept a Sigma 30mm HSM 1.4 normal as well as a wide-to-zoom lens like the Nikon 18-300mm. So when I saw the Sony DSC-RX10 I thought that maybe that great-looking Zeiss 24-200mm constant 2.8 just might be an all-in-one solution as a smaller travel camera. And I was a right. Its terrific all-around, smallish, camera. Pros: 1) Relatively small size. Sure, its not a pocket camera, but thats not what I wanted anyway. Yet, it fits in a small, padded case and its light-weight. 2) Big, light-gathering lens for a relatively small camera. Its amazing how much light this thing gathers. Holding a constant 2.8 f-stop throughout the entire 24-200mm range is a feat of engineering that isnt normally seen in a camera this small or this relatively inexpensive. Combine that with Sonys excellent SteadyShot and I can hand-hold night shots that I never thought possible. 3) 20.2 MP photos give you plenty of room for HD-like detail and allows you to safely crop photos without worrying about a loss of resolution. 4) Mirrorless design has no mechanical mirror pistoning up and down to create camera shake or eventually wear out. 5) Quality aluminum body that is sealed for dust and moisture resistance. Instead of changing lenses and risking the introduction of dust into the interior, Im hoping this camera will remain dust-free. Also, the feel of the body and--frankly--everything about his camera is the feel of solid, quality construction. 6) Full manual controls. Yep, do anything you want thats DSLR-like. Like full manual? Its yours. Like aperture of shutter-priority? No problem. 7) Crazy-fast frame-rates if you want them. One mode allows you to take bursts of shots up to 10 frames per second. Thats mighty fast. 8) Wireless transfer of photos to a smartphone (including iPhone and Android). 9) Incredible, Sony-quality video with SteadyShot. This camera doubles as an easy-to-use HD video camera. In any mode just press the video button and youll instantly be making beautiful HD. CONS: 1) Wireless transfer of photos is clunky with an iPhone. It works, but its not what youd consider smooth, effortless, or quick. 2) The zoom is motorized and a bit slow--but worse than that it locks in place when the focus locks. So, if youre trying to quickly change composition (zoom in, zoom out), its not quick and it will (frustratingly) lock the zoom until you take your finger off the shutter release. If there is an "off" setting for this, I havent found it yet.

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I purchased this camera to take on a vacation to the Amazon in South America. I did not not want to haul my heavy professional Nikon and lenses on the trip, as well as a video camera. There are many sites that review the technical aspects of this camera, and I have found them to match my experience with the camera. However, something I never expected happened. The camera has caused me to change the way I take photos. Let me try to explain... I spent many, many years learning how to operate the controls of a camera so that I could get the exposure and depth of field desired. When looking in the viewfinder, I could NOT see with my eyes the results of my settings, but I knew from experience what I was going to get. Moving to digital shortened the time it took to see the results of my settings, but the technical process of taking a photo did not change much. With the electronic viewfinder of the RX-10, when I make a setting on the camera I can see with my eyes the effect in real time. What I see in the viewfinder is what I am going to get. No waiting, no guessing. The technical aspect of taking a photo is now so darn easy, and I dont need to haul around all those lenses and a video camera. It should be the perfect camera for what I am going to use it for!

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This camera has much better IQ than the Sony a6000 paired with all standard zoom lenses, the 16-55mm kit lens, the G 18-105 and even the Zeiss 16-70 f4 - these lenses are not sharp (unless its the issue with the a6000s sensor which I know is terrible) Even though the rx10s sensor is small compared to the a6000, the lens makes up for the small sensor. The constant 2.8 zoom is sharp wide open at all focal lengths. I usually go up to ISO 800 with the RX10 and the photos are very sharp and have fantastic image quality. If I need more light, I use a flash and I bounce the light off the ceiling or use a bounce card when I cant bounce off a wall or ceiling and for video I add light with a video light. I use the Meike mk-320 speedlight which also has a video light. Its a very small flash and is perfect for adding light without adding bulk For pro work I use off camera video lights. I dont use this camera for shooting stills professionally, after all this camera has a 1" sensor, but for pro video shoots it works very well. Sometimes I need to go up to 1600 and the images are very usuable and if you are not a pixel peeper like I am, they are actually nice, but of course, not of great quality like it is when kept under IS0 800. (For pro use, I never shoot above ISO 800. )And believe it or not, the low light IQ/high ISO is actually in the same range as the a6000 which for a crop sensor camera is absolutely horrendous high ISO capabilities . The a6300 is just a bit better, the a6500 is much better, but with a zoom lens, it is in my opinion, not worth the price it is now. I would say its worth around $1200-1400 with an f4 standard zoom lens, not $1900+. I bought this for travel, for shooting photos and videos and for shooting pro video. If I would want to shoot mostly photos and have a smallish camera, Id purchase the Nikon d5500 and the 17-70 f2.8-4 Sigma zooms lens. Although the Sony RX10 is pretty good, the IQ from Nikon DSLRs is much better because of the larger and better sensor. And the17 -70 f2.8-4 lens is nice and sharp. The problem with Nikon DSLRs is theres no video AF. The video IQ from Canons crop DSLRs (and some FF too) is awful and unusable which is upsetting because it has Dual Pixel technology but despite that the video is unusable because its extremely soft, has artifacts and terrible dynamic range in video. The RX10 with its small sensor has much better DR range for video and has no artifacts. The reason for this is because Canon crop sensor cameras have line skipping which causes the teribble video IQ . The a6000 sensor is AWFUL (the DXO ratings are ridiculously innacurate, I never visit that site anymore) terrible in low light, full of artifacts and very soft. It also has no Mic input and no headphone port. The a6300 and a6500 also dont have headphone ports and are simply not worth the price especially when paired with the standard zoom lenses that are crap for stills ( unless its the a6000 camera with which I tried all the standard zoom lenses). And they are unreliable for longer video shooting because of the overheating, although the a6500 is said to be more reliable. The RX10 does not overheat and can be hacked for unlimited video shooting. Because of the issues with the other cameras, I bought the rx10 for traveling and I think it is an all around compromise. The Sony RX10 is excellent for videographers who can work around the clip limit time of 29 minutes. It could also be hacked for unlimited video shooting. You can find the videos on how to hack the camera on youtube . The 1" sensor is much better than camcorders with .5 sensors. Even camcorders with 1" sensors have mostly 2.8-4 aperture and this camera has f2.8 constant aperture! Its excellent for low light video. It doesnt overheat like the a6000 and a6300 The video AF is not as fast as the Sony a6xxx series but its definitely usable, especially since the sensor is so small, it usually had no problem keeping up with movement during video. If you want 4k video, the RX10 Mkii has that feature. I personally think Sony would be very successful updating the RX10 series with constant f2.8 zoom lens, not like the newer versions RX10mk3 and mk4 which has a variable aperture zoom lens. A 1.5" bsi sensor for better IQ would be absolutely amazing. With a microphone and headset input, what could be better than that? Only no video length limit would make it more than amazing. I did not give five stars for this camera because the technology is old. The DR and AF are behind current camera technology. For video, I still recommend this camera over the a6000 though. For stills, Id get a Nikon d5500. For both stills and video, I would get this camera. RX10 mk4: I dont understand where Sony is going with the RX10 mk4. Again a variable aperture lens at f4 for a 1" sensor! You are stuck with crappy pictures in most lighting situations unless you only shoot in daylight or never use the zoom. And the RX10 mk3 and mk4 are heavy dinasours because of these long range lenses. And the price of the RX10 mk4 is ridiculous for a 1" sensor camera. SONY please give RX10 mk5 the same lens as the original RX10 and mk2! If you want to update something in the camera series, update the sensor to 1.5" and better IQ and IBIS and faster AF. This would make the RX10 update an exceptional video camera and great stills camera. And keep the price tag reasonable! A 1" ensor camera should not cost more than $1300 even with all the bells and whistles .

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If I had to pick one camera to do everything, this would be the best compromise. First, the lens is simply awesome. Its a 24 -200mm zoom, allowing great wide and decent telephoto shots from one lens. Chromatic aberration is virtually nonexistent. Theres very little geometric or barrel distortion and sharpness is crisp throughout the zoom ratio. A real bonus is the F2.8 aperture remains constant throughout the zoom range as well. Just this lens alone is worth the price of the camera which by the way has fallen from twelve hundred to eight hundred. The image sensor is a 20 megapixel one inch sensor. This provides excellent stills and superb video. Depth of field is a pleasant compromise between the overly low depth of a full frame sensor and the flat look of a tiny sensor. You can keep an entire face in focus while the background is a soft blur. This camera shoots extremely crisp and clean video devoid of grain even in low light. The build quality is rock solid. It has a much more solid quality feel than its same priced rivals. Id say the only deficiency is the lack of 4K video, but the 2K video is the best Ive seen, even better than the big Alphas from Sony. Color, contrast and lack of grain are much better than the competing 4K camera from Panasonic. Sound quality from the built in mic is very crisp and present, and an external mic jack and headphone jack are a real bonus. AGC is very smooth and well designed not to overly pump the volume while at the same time preventing the loudest of sounds from causing distortion. Image stabilization is one of the smoothest and least intrusive I have ever seen. If you are skillful, you can create dolly and tracking shots that appear as if you had a steadicam rig. Battery life is also very good. I have shot an entire daylong event on one battery and still had 25 percent charge left. Sometimes I find that changing modes is a little slower than Id like, but remember, this is not a professional camera even though it is weather sealed. You can take near professional photos one day, and the next day shoot your indie film. Both will come out looking excellent in the hands of someone who knows their craft.

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Is it wrong to love a camera? I’ve used my new-to-me Sony RX-10 for 2 months now. It is an excellent tool! A true standout! I was a full-time working professional photographer for 30+ years, and I learned long ago that its not about cameras. To me a camera is just a tool, a recording device. That said, Ive always like GOOD tools. After much research I found my camera here on Amazon, very gently used, with 4 batteries (!) (great for extended shooting which I sometimes do), for $500 U.S. flat, including a small. perfect Manfrotto case. I have zero interest in video so I cannot comment on it (never once used it in any digital camera). I have little interest in scene modes. I shoot in raw nearly 100% of the time and process in Lightroom CC and Photoshop CC. I value a reasonable zoom: the RX-10 goes from equivalent 24mm to 200mm, all at f/2.8 (wide open) if desired. The camera can be anything from fully automatic (point and shoot) to full manual (including focus), but it is a “compact” or “bridge,” technically an “amateur” camera, so it’s at its best when being used at least semi-auto. I personally favor Aperture priority and auto-focus, which the camera can do continuously which helps with tiny moving targets such as a 1-year-old granddaughter. The RX-10 may be considered “obsolete” in that Sony has already upgraded it twice, to Super Zoom status. I am perfectly satisfied with 200mm, but the newest 600mm RX-10 III weighs 2-½ pounds and retails for $1,500 U.S. If you are a birder or such then it’s worth it the money and the mass. Even the third version is a pound lighter than a typical crop-sensor DSLR with a kit lens, and no kit lens has even the 200mm reach of the “obsolete” RX-10. As a working pro I had my fill of wrecking my back with 50# cases of gear. When I dipped my toe in digital in 2007 I loved compacts. My previous primary is a Nikon P7800 with a 1/1.7 CMOS sensor. I was a happy clam for years despite the small sensors, but I am also a sharp freak and wondered from time to time what difference a larger sensor might make (lots as it turns out), but I also long ago concluded that I dont want bodies and lenses and load. I want what Ive had, a do-it-all-in-a-single-package camera. Ive never been especially concerned with "limitations." I consider that there are always workarounds. Im told that compacts are "no good in low light." Ive been shooting in practically NO Light since I started. I accept that there will be noise (and some noise can be reduced in post processing). A couple of years ago my Nikon P7800 covered everything from the Grand Canyon to Carlsbad Cavern. One camera, bright light to no light. What limitations? Yet I still wondered about a larger sensor. I started researching. I considered mirrorless but that meant lenses, more kit, bigger bag, and baggage. I never seriously considered a DSLR; too big, too heavy, lenses, more baggage, plus I have learned to love love love an EVF. I also love a totally silent camera. DSLRs clunk. Compacts can be completely silenced, no beeps, no shutter sounds, no lights; even the monitor can be shut off and only the EVF left on. I like to shoot in museums but I prefer to be discreet. Bridge cameras sounded like exactly what I wanted. Review after review praised the Sony RX-10 to the skies. The RX-10 has a 1.0 type Exmor R CMOS sensor, triple the area of the 1/1.7 sensor in the Nikon P7800. Full manual control, shoots raw, Zeiss glass... It didn’t take long for me to conclude that the Sony RX-10 was THE camera. If I have a gripe about the RX-10, its the weight. The thing is a chunk. It weighs 1.79 pounds (the Nikon P7800, weighs .88 pound), but that is almost all Carl Zeiss glass, and Zeiss is the Gold Standard of lenses. Because the lens is an equivalent 24 to 200mm f/2.8 zoom that holds f/2.8 (or any other stop) throughout the range, it is massive and therefore heavy. My take is that the weight is more than worth it. The lens is shaaaaarp at all focal lengths and apertures, but because of the larger sensor is also able to much more easily deliver a smooth bokeh that I could never achieve with my Nikons. The small sensors make for almost unlimited depth-of-field, but if you dont want it you have to work at it. If you are looking to upgrade from a point ‘n’ shoot but don’t want to go all the way to interchangeable lenses, from the reviews I’ve read and my personal experience you can’t go wrong with this slightly obsolete Sony. If you want a super zoom I’d still buy the Sony, but the new ones are pretty spendy. Still, they are built to last, solid and physically heavy, with real Carl Zeiss glass and 1” sensors. If I were still working I would have no hesitation about using this camera professionally. Its that good.

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Ive had a lot of cameras and am getting rid of all them for this. Its that good. Why? -One camera to rule them all. It does everything extremely well. -Its actually a bargain at $900. The lens alone would be that much. In comparison, I have 5 lenses for my NEX-6 and this replaces all of them but the fisheye which is more novelty than anything. So this one $900 camera replaced over $1400 in my NEX system. -The image quality is insanely good. This might be the best glass/sensor combination on the market up for 200mm and down. -The video quality is phenomenal. Even at distance, this will take extremely clear, TV/Internet ready video. -PlayMemories - Control the camera with your phone or send your best shots straight from the camera to share online immediately. -Easy to use. My wife can barely use any piece of technology well and she can snap great shots with this. You will look like a better photographer than you probably are thanks to how easy this camera is to use. -Great platform to learn on. Since the aperture can be manually controlled and focus can be immediately changed, this is a great setup to learn photo composition, how to manipulate settings, and more. Reasons not to: -Sticker shock. As I said, if youre looking at a full frame or compact system like the NEX - you will end up spending more on those than you would on this camera...and you probably wont take better photos since this camera is so easy to use and the glass/sensor combo is so good.

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This is the second DSCRX-10 I have ordered. We have always used Nikon & Cannon DSLRs in the past, but the lenses always weigh more than the camera and when traveling internationally it is a pain to lug around and change. This gives a good range of focus with an incredible lens which is a large part of the cost of the camera. I can not go on enough about its capabilities in low to mixed light along with its ability to take multiple frames per second. I took pictures in the salt mines in Poland last month and the blood moon eclipse in Florida this weekend. With its 20 megapixel ability, it gave me some great shots suitable for large prints without losing pixels. I can also create a Warhol effect with the camera instead of the software after the fact. We are not professionals, but own multiple cameras and lens and this is a pleasure to travel with and is my camera of choice. I would recommend the "Photographers Guide to the Sony DSC-RX10" by Alexander S. White as a guide. It is probably the best I have used.

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I really enjoy using super zoom/bridge cameras. They take wonderful images and video in good lighting but are very poor in low light. I wondered if a premium bridge camera like the Sony RX10 with its 1 inch sensor could take better images and video than my current FZ200 bridge camera with a tiny sensor. For my test, I bought a used model from Amazon warehouse deals. Upon first handling the camera, I was amazed by the outstanding quality, feel and handling of the camera. The RX10, while heavier than my other bridge cameras was much lighter than any dSLR type camera I have used. The size is slightly larger than the typical bridge camera but smaller than a dSLR. It seemed perfectly sized for holding a camera securely. The camera feels solidly built with lots of buttons and dials for quick change of settings. The OLED EVF is one of the best I have seen in a camera. Just about every setting can be viewed in the EVF and the images appear almost as good as an optical viewfinder, perhaps even better because you can see what the sensor sees. The EVF has a sensor that detects your eye so that the bright LCD screen in back shifts automatically to the EVF. The image and video quality surpassed my other bridge cameras by a wide margin. I had considered purchasing the new Panasonic FZ1000 that was announced but not yet available and had ordered it from Amazon but after one week my order for the FZ1000 was cancelled. I love using the Sony RX10 and did not want part with it. To my amazement, my camera came with a 30/90 day warranty and Sony offered an extended warranty (3 yr) for under $50 which is a great deal considering the camera was not new. Sony support is excellent so far. Company support is very important should you have issues with your camera. Whats special about the Sony RX10 thats sets it apart from the typical bridge camera. (FZ1000 is excluded because it has very similar but several different capabilities) (Read below about new Firmware 2 update that closes the gap in video.) 1. The large 1 inch sensor captures considerably more detail and allows good low light images up to 3200 ISO. It uses the same sensor as the RX100, II and iii which are rated highly. 2. Constant F2.8 lens is equivalent to a 24-200 dSLR type lens. Outstanding Zeiss designed quality lens. Extends up to 400 dSLR equivalent 3. Magnesium Frame on front and top of camera makes camera very strong and durable. There is plenty of plastic but the metal support makes it light but very strong. 4. Outstanding OLED EVF which is bright; displays lots of information or none if desired. The EVF is much larger than typical bridge EVF so you get to see more of the image. 5. Fast focusing even in low light. The camera uses a Direct Drive SSM (Super Sonic wave Motor) which speeds up focusing. Included light assist when needed. 6. F stops start with F2.8 and goes up to F16 in 1/3 increments. Can be set for smooth or click settings on lens. The competition only goes to F8 which is an issue in bright light. 7. Pop UP Flash illuminates a large room and works well. Minimal red eye. Useful for fill flash. ADP-MAA Adapter allows use of any Sony Flash (not included) is not an advantage 8. LCD display on top adds additional info, useful when camera is on a tripod. Button on top activates the illuminated display. Nice to have but unimportant. 9. Separate control wheel for image compensation on top. Allows exposure compensation from -3 to +3 in 1/3 increments. Its very easy to reach and use. 10. All buttons seem perfectly spaced, very easy to reach and activate. Finger placement seems perfect. 11. Most controls can have different functions set for them. There are two custom settings and the camera has many scene settings. 12. A perfect feel and great handling, excellent grip, easy to hold in one hand and not too heavy. 13. Macro functions work well and focus is very easy to obtain. Image is magnified to check focus. The MF switch is placed near bottom of lens. 14. Camera is perfect for video with inputs for mike and a headphone jack. This makes it perfect for video recording. Great sound display. 15. Micro HDMI allows direct connection to display source for viewing video or images. 16. Wi-Fi enabled for limited control of some shooting functions and uploading images and video. It also includes NFC for connection to smartphone or Tablet. 17. Bright 3 inch 1.3 MP LCD display is easily viewable in bright light. Can articulate up or down only. Its great for shooting overhead or Low to the ground. 18. Good Battery life. Battery life is shone in percent left in number form and works with unbranded batteries. 19. Lens hood is included. Standard 62 lens size easily fits lens protector or polarizer filters. 20. Remote control through old fashioned opening on top of shutter? Old shutter release cables work fine. Wireless and wired remote control possible. 21. Power zoom is slow but steady and quiet for video. See disadvantages 22. Quick menu is very easy to navigate. If you own an RX100, this camera is a snap to operate. 23. Excellent images up to 3200 ISO with a little loss of detail but it is usable and great in low light. 24. AVCHD with multiple settings MP4 recording too and both allow HD video.New 60P with faster bit rates than the Panasonic GH3 25. Weather resistant but not weather sealed but covers are well sealed and solid construction. Separate SD slot. 26. Camera has level for horizon control and levels for controlling audio in video scenes. Easily viewed. 27. Mechanical shutter and an Electronic shutter setting makes camera silent, no audible sound in video. Electronic shutter works up to maximum ISO. 28. Excellent image stabilization. Allows sharp images at slower shutter speed and smooth video. 29. Built in Neutral Density filter works up to 3 stops It works great in bright light and low F stop images. 30. High speed burst possible at lower MP 31. Overall construction quality and feature set you expect in a premium camera. 32. Sony customer support, easy to reach and will support problems. 33. New lower pricing at under $1000 makes this camera a great value for what you get. It still seems pricey but good glass is expensive and you get the camera thrown in. 34. Thank Panasonic for their new FZ1000 which made Sony re-price the $1300 RX10, to the great value that it is today at just under $1000. Its even a better buy used considering the warranty Sony will provide for their cameras. Call first to verify availability! 35. The RX10 is a perfect do everything travel camera. Its best to buy and carry extra batteries and separate charger too. 36. UPDATE 9/30/14 New Firmware version 2.0 adds significant faster bitrates and the new Sony XAVC S Codecs. This newer codec is a subset of MP4 and significantly improves AVCHD with mind blowing bit rates. It supports 4K video which is not included with the update. From Wiki: XAVC S supports resolutions up to 3840 × 2160, uses MP4 as the container format, and uses either AAC or LPCM for the audio. Software that will support XAVC-s include Adobe Creative Suite 6, Avid, Final Cut Pro X, Grass Valleys EDIUS Pro 7, Quantel, Rovi MainConcept SDK, and Sony Vegas Pro 12 To better understand XAVC-s be sure to check Wikipedia and Sony has an excellent PDF explaining this complex codec. What is included is: Xavc S 120 FPS 60P at 50 mbs, 60P at 50 mbs, 30P at 50mbs, 24P at 50mbs AVCHD 60P at 28 mbs and 24P at 24 mbs MP4 1440 by 1080P at 12 mbs, not 4k but higher resolution at a slower bit rate Bottom line for Sony RX10 video users is significantly improved video that was excellent before and now exceeds some cameras that a few years back were pro video cameras. Videos taken at the new high bit rate and codecs will appear even more silky smooth. There is a big catch, you need the fastest SD cards to use the faster codecs. the very minimum is 50 plus mbs card. You can still use you "fast yesterday" SD cards for all images and the lower bit rate videos. Recording at 120P when processed at 24P will produce beautiful smooth slow motion. This is another new feature to equal the FZ competition. Customers asked Sony for even better video using faster bit rates and Sony delivered it in a big way. No 4K video yet. 4K video produces so much heat it can damage a plastic camera if used for very long videos. The metal frame on the RX10 could dissipate the enormous heat from 4K video but it may require extra processing power and firmware space not available in the RX10. If its possible, we could see it in V3.0 or in Sonys next version of the RX10 if it chooses to continue this great camera series. Whats not so great? No camera is perfect and the RX10 has room for lots of improvement. Sony Delivered some with new Firmware 2 1. Camera is not weather sealed or weather proofed at all. Its well constructed but not moisture or dust proof. You need to treat this camera like any other. Avoid rain and if wet dry before using it again. 2. The Lens is extremely heavy, lots of beautiful glass and when fully extended it wobbles if you are moving quickly you notice the movement. I am unaware of lens movement except while moving. 3. Sony uses a proprietary flash connection that requires an adapter for many Sony Flashes and another for non-Sony flashes. Sony flashes are good but expensive. 4. LCD Display screen is sharp and movable but just for up and down shots, no swivel screen that allows selfies. 5. SD slot is quite narrow. To remove SD card, you need to grab edges to remove. Some people complain about this. Its a little annoying but you get used to it. 6. Supplied charger requires charging the battery in the camera. Solution: Buy Wasabi charger and batteries. They work fine in camera. 7. AVCHD and MP4, no MOV like GH3 or 4K video like FZ1000 or GH4 if thats important to you. 8. Limited remote control and wireless capability. Its there but not comprehensive. 9. You can add filters but not change lenses. WYSIWYG. However you do get a premium lens. 10. Camera is close to the size of a small dSLR or MFT but lighter, is not pocket able at all. 11. Supplied strap is too narrow to wear comfortably all day. Replace with wider one that will make camera feel comfortable using all day. Optech has a wide strap with cushion. Another good choice is a hand grip. 12. HDMI output is a micro HDMI slot which works well but is not considered as reliable as mini HDMI slot found on FZ70 and GH3. Please note that the weather resistant design is just marketing hype for quality camera. I wouldnt expose the RX10 to rain, dust or very moist conditions because the zoom lens is vulnerable. No camera with a built-in lens can be made water sealed unless the lens is fully enclosed in a housing. The camera could be used in a very light mist or rain if covered and the camera is allowed to fully dry before use again. Wet circuity will fry if turned on when wet and is not covered in any warranty except if drop and spill coverage is purchased. A disposable womans shower cap provides emergency protection and is easy to carry. Update...Since I purchased the RX10, I purchased a Panasonic GH3 and Panasonic GX7 which are micro four third cameras with a larger sensor than the RX10. I also bought a super wide angle zoom lens, which is amazing and some prime lens to go with these cameras. Unfortunately as great as the RX10 is it has limitations because of the fixed zoom lens These other cameras along with the excellent lenses produce a wider range of images and more versatile video. The GH3 has outstanding video and video options and the GX7 is small and light weight and both are rugged cameras, perfect for travel. The RX10 does amazing well when comparing images and video with these other great cameras with highly rated lenses. The RX10 is a little heavier then these MFT models. The RX10 remains the most complete camera and I find it the most fun to use. It is the first camera I grab for the quick photo. Its definitely a must bring camera for travel photography. I bought the RX10 initially to try out but found it matched the performance of my better cameras with kit lenses and was a real joy to use. Its now is a favorite camera because it works great, is relatively light in weight and easy to use. Its perfect for travel and it is a great value for what it offers. Is the Sony RX10 better than the Panasonic FZ1000, yes and no; yes if you want a better quality fixed zoom camera and no if you want 4K video and the slightly longer zoom on the FZ1000. RX100i, ii, and iii users will find the camera although quite different, extremely easy to use. Im glad I bought the RX10 and after nine months of heavy use, It is still a favorite camera. If you appreciate an easy to use quality camera that takes equally great images and video this camera can be perfect choice for travel and family images. There are a lot of great camera choices out there to explore, for many this could be the perfect choice.

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Good camera. Has the lens I have always preferred. (i.e. it stays at f:2.8 all the way out and it has decent low light performance.) This is the main reason for my purchase. A lot of techie things included that I may or may not use. Cant imagine ever having to beam my pictures to a remote device. Charging in-camera is a flawed concept. Way too slow and if you are working/touring, I cant see stopping long enough to charge up the camera. Keep a couple of spares and an AC charger (which should have been included instead of that in-camera thing) and keep on shooting. I also have a couple of good quality card readers and a spare memory card, so thats another thing that doesnt need to be cabled to the camera. The HDMI connection seems handy, but I cant really see why I need it. For slide shows, I have a couple of laptops and a good video projector, so the camera will likely never be connected to any TV set. Still, probably a good thing. For taking pictures though, this is a winner. The zoom is slow, but so what. Years ago, I owned a Sony DCS-F828 that I toured Italy and other places with. It was perfect, but only 8MP. I said if Sony ever put that style lens on something with higher MP, I would jump on it. This is it. I jumped and I love it. As for the bells & whistles, not so much.

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