Sony RX100 VA Review

The Sony RX100—also known as the Sony Cyber Shot DSC RX100 VA—comes equipped with impressive technology that makes it a powerhouse for snapping fast-moving moments. With excellent image quality and an autofocus system to boot, Sony brings two important functions together that make it ideal as one of the best travel cameras available, if not the best travel camera. If you like the Rx100VA you might also be intrigued by our top-rated digital camera reviews as well.

Sony RX100 VA

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Why We Like It – Sony RX100 VA

Built for capturing fast-moving action, the Sony RX100 VA uses a sophisticated autofocus system and blazingly fast shutter speeds to snap an image at the right moment.

Performance

The Sony RX100 is more than capable of tackling high-action moments while you’re traveling all over, and seeing the sights. For starters, its battery life can handle 220 shots, which is much less than the 720 shots the Sony A6600 can do. However, its real bread and butter is the Bionz X image processor and Exmor RS CMOS sensor, which allows for continuous shooting of up to 24 frames per second without sacrificing quality—even in low-light shots. Outside continuous shooting, you can use Sony’s Eye AF function for highly accurate facial focusing. Alternatively, if you need a camera with similar features but to use for constant action, check out the VanTop 4K action camera.

Design

Sony RX100 makes the same mistake other compact cameras, like the Canon PowerShot ELPH 180, make: the lack of grip. Take the Olympus TG-5 for example. It’s small in size—one of the smallest on our list. That didn’t stop Olympus from adding a small, yet graspable hump on the right-hand side for your hand to hold. Aside from that, the Sony RX100 is still small in size, measuring 4.66 x 2.94 x 6.13 inches, while the LCD screen is a wide 3-inches.

Value

There’s no doubt about it: the Sony RX100’s performance really shines where it matters most. This is especially true considering you’re paying for the body and zoom lens (unless you prefer third-party variants like the Tamron 18-270mm PZD B008). Compared to its other siblings in the RX100 family—RX100 III, RX100 IV, and RX100 VI—it’s a better-for-pound deal. Those other models only perform ever so slightly in one category or another, but none make huge strides to differentiate themselves from one another.

For something more budget-friendly, and just behind the RX100 in performance, consider the Panasonic Lumix FZ80.

Sony RX100 VA Wrap Up

For its price, the Sony RX100 will only find itself in experienced hands. Even its 5-minute 4K videos can be overlooked. After all, you wouldn’t direct a movie with this camera. Sony dumped impressive technology into the RX100—in particular its autofocus system and continuous shooting, making the Sony RX100 ideal in action-packed situations.