Not yet a year since the release of RX10 II, Sony is now
ready with the next successor. Named Sony RX10 III, this camera brings a number
of significant improvements over its predecessor, especially on the lens, which
has become a major selling point of RX10 line since the first model was
introduced in 2013.
RX10 III carries the Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T * 24-600 mm f /
2.4 - 4.0 lens. By comparison, this lens has a larger aperture and further zoom
range than its predecessor. This achievement usually can be found only on high
prices DSLR lenses.
Furthermore, the lens also packs nine aperture blades that
will ensure a perfectly round refraction in the range of f / 2.4 - 11. This
aspect is crucial for photographers who like to create a portrait with blur
effect on the background and a sharp focus on the subject.
The other components in the RX10 III haven't changed much
from its predecessor. It still relies on one-inch Exmor RS sensor with a
resolution of 20.1 megapixels and integrated DRAM chip. Combined with the BIONZ
X processor, the performance of the sensor is very fast, it's capable of
recording video in the speed of 960 fps (40x slow motion), and locks the focus
within 0.09 seconds.
The far zoom range and 4K video recording capability making
it as an ideal camera for the videographers. In addition, its shutter speed can
reach 1/32,000 sec to freeze the super-fast actions without distortion,
especially considering this camera can take photos constantly with the speed of
14 fps.
In addition to a significant change in the lens, Sony also
revises the design of the RX10 III. Its grip is now more optimized for the new lens;
ensure the user's grasp remains stable under various conditions. Precise
control can be performed via the three lens rings that serve to adjust the
focus, zoom and aperture, and a button to hold the focus while the user
performs framing.
The viewfinder still relies on 2.35 million dot resolution
OLED panels, and it's also equipped with Wi-Fi connectivity, NFC, and
compatible with rows of PlayMemories app.
Sony offers the RX10 III at a price of $ 1,500, $ 200 more
expensive than its predecessor. This superzoom camera is planned to be marketed
on May 2016.