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Sony RX100 VA
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    Specs

    • NEW advanced Auto Focus settings
    • NEW menu, UI and extra feature settings
    • 1" Exmor RS BSI CMOS Sensor
    • BIONZ X Image Processor & Front-End LSI
    • Internal UHD 4K Video & S-Log2 Gamma
    • Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* f/1.8-2.8 Lens 24-70mm (35mm Equivalent)
    • Fast Hybrid AF System with 315 Points
    • HFR Mode for Full HD Video up to 960 fps
    • 0.39" 2.36m-Dot OLED Pop-Up EVF
    • 3.0" 1.23m-Dot 180° Tilting LCD
    • ISO 12800 and 24 fps Continuous Shooting
  • 9 Replies sorted by
  • PR

    Taking an amazing pocket-sized series and further improving it, the Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VA Digital Camera from Sony takes the compact RX100 line up a notch by adding a Fast Hybrid AF system with 315 focal-plane phase-detection points. Incorporating a proven and reliable 20.1MP 1" Exmor RS BSI CMOS sensor, the RX100 VA is able to create highly detailed images at sensitivities up to ISO 12800 with ease. Also, combining this sensor's speed and power with the BIONZ X processor and a newly developed front-end LSI, users can enjoy even faster performance, including continuous shooting of up to 24 fps with a buffer up to 148 JPEG frames, improved High Frame Rate recording times, and fast continuous AF with stills and while recording UHD 4K video.

    The hallmark features are the advanced AF system which can now lock on in just 0.05 seconds and operate during the camera's maximum continuous shooting speed of 24 fps. The High Frame Rate mode, which can reach an incredible 960 fps can now record for twice as long. Other improvements made to the RX100 V include the addition of new functions and modes, such as a Gamma Display Assist which provides a more contrasty image while using a flat S-Log2 gamma and a built-in Photo Capture mode for pulling 8.29MP stills from your movies.

    The front of the camera offers a familiar Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens equivalent to 24-70mm and with a fast f/1.8-2.8 maximum aperture. This lens provides outstanding versatility for working in a wide range of conditions. In terms of design, the RX100 V retains the clean, versatile construction as its predecessors, including a lens control ring, built-in ND filter, and a variety of customizable buttons. For monitoring, this camera offers both a pop-up 0.39" 2.36m-dot OLED Tru-Finder EVF and a 3.0" 1.23m-dot LCD which can tilt upwards 180° for selfies as well as downward 45° for low-angle shooting. It also has built-in Wi-Fi with NFC for connecting to a smartphone.

    20.1MP 1" Exmor RS CMOS Sensor & BIONZ X Image Processor

    Utilizing an advanced stacked structure with an integrated DRAM chip, the 20.1MP 1" Exmor RS CMOS sensor of the RX100 VA is able to deliver outstanding image quality at up to ISO 12800 with incredibly fast performance. This sensor stacks the pixel area, a high-speed signal processing circuit, and memory in order to increase data throughput by over five times and deliver features such as 40x super slow motion, an Anti-Distortion shutter, UHD 4K video, and more. This is also the first 1" sensor to have focal-plane phase-detection AF points for faster, more precise focusing.

    This sensor is paired with the BIONZ X image processor and a newly developed front-end LSI that dramatically improves the speed and throughput of the entire imaging system, enabling continuous shooting with AF/AE at up to 24 fps. An expanded buffer makes continuous shooting possible for longer bursts, up to 148 JPEGs or 71 raw files. The front-end LSI is also able to improve overall quality of the images, especially at higher sensitivities. Additionally, another advantage of this setup is raw output which provides outstanding color fidelity and image quality.

    Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* Lens

    Equivalent to a 24-70mm, the integrated Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens of the RX100 VA will help users capture a wide range of subjects in a vast variety of situations. The wide angle to short telephoto range is a much loved option for professional photographers and it is further benefited by a fast maximum aperture range of f/1.8-2.8, improving performance in low-light conditions and enabling shallow SARdepth-of-field effects.

    In terms of optics, this lens uses a ten elements in nine group design, which features nine aspherical elements, including two advanced aspherical (AA) lenses. This helps to minimize chromatic aberrations and ensure sharp, clear images. The lens also uses Zeiss' advanced T* anti-reflective coating to combat flare and ghosting for improved contrast and color. Furthermore, Optical SteadyShot image stabilization will help reduce the effects of camera shake while a built-in 3-stop neutral density (ND) filter is available to enable working in bright light with wider aperture settings.

    Fast Hybrid AF System with 315 Phase-Detection Points

    The RX100 VA is equipped with an on-sensor phase-detection AF system that will dramatically improve autofocus speed for both stills and video. The camera uses a hybrid system with 315 phase-detection points that provide about 65% frame coverage along with a contrast-detection system to provide fast, accurate focusing in a range of situations. The RX100 VA is able to lock onto subjects quickly, in just 0.05 seconds, and it can use AF tracking when shooting at 24 fps.

    In order to make operation seamless, the RX100 VA benefits from reduced blackout for easier tracking when using the EVF or LCD. Furthermore, an AF-A mode is now available, which will allow the camera to automatically switch from AF-S and AF-C mode as the situation needs. Users can also display the phase-detection area to help users focus on their subject.

    UHD 4K Video Recording

    Able to record UHD 4K video at 30/24 fps for up to 5 minutes, the RX100 VA is a pocket-sized powerhouse, delivering movies with exceptional clarity. By using a full pixel readout without binning, the camera collects about 1.7x the information needed for 4K output. This oversampling helps to increase clarity while reducing the impact of moire and jaggies. Fast Hybrid AF is available during movie shooting for ensuring accurate, fast tracking using phase-detection AF points. The camera also offers Sony's advanced XAVC S format for recording a high bit rates up to 100 Mbps.

    For advanced users, picture profiles and image controls are available, including the S-Log2 gamma that is able to help expand the dynamic range by recording a flat image. Gamma Display Assist helps users view a more natural image when shooting with S-Log2. Other options such as timecode, zebras, peaking, and more are present for making shooting and editing easier. When recording internally, users will record video with a 4:2:0 sampling at 8-bit, however, to even further improve image quality the RX100 VA has clean HDMI output for use with an external recorder. This allows users to capture 4:2:2 uncompressed video and save in an edit-ready format.

    A Photo Capture function is built directly into the camera, allowing shooters to quickly save an 8.29MP still from their UHD 4K movies. Full HD can also benefit from this feature, where users will be able to pull a 2MP still. Additionally, the camera is NTSC/PAL switchable, making it usable around the world.

    High Frame Rate and Slow Motion Shooting

    Speed is a huge advantage of the RX100 VA, and in video users will benefit from advanced High Frame Rate shooting and super slow motion. In Full HD, shooters will have access to a standard 120 fps setting that will enable outstanding slow motion when placed in an editing software. In addition to this, the camera also offers a dedicated HFR mode which will boost the cameras frame rate to up to 960 fps. Videographers will have the option of recording in Quality Priority and Shoot Time Priority modes for approximately twice as long with the RX100 VA compared to its predecessor. This results in about 7 seconds of recording in Shoot Time Priority at the 240 fps setting. The camera will output a Full HD file from slightly lower resolutions in order to produce high quality images at all frame rates. Additionally, an end trigger mode enables users to record 4 or 6 seconds before the record button is pressed.

    Body Design and Wi-Fi Connectivity

    • Pop-up 0.39" XGA OLED electronic viewfinder offers a resolution of 2.36m dots for crisp, clear imagery. The EVF also uses a Zeiss T* coating to ensure clarity from corner to corner.
    • The rear 3.0" Xtra Fine LCD screen can tilt upwards 180° and downwards 45° for shooting at different angles or for composing the perfect selfie. The screen sports a resolution of about 1.23m dots and WhiteMagic technology has been applied to the LCD's design to increase effective brightness for easier viewing in bright lighting.
    • A manual control ring surrounds the lens and features a smooth, click-less design for quick and quiet changing of settings. The ring can be assigned to control a variety of features, at different values, such as zoom, aperture, and Picture Effects.
    • Custom button and other programmable button can be set to one of over 40 functions for quick access to commonly used settings.
    • A built-in 3-stop neutral density (ND) filter is available to enable working in bright light with wider aperture settings.
    • Pop-up flash will help illuminate subjects in dimly-lit scenes.
    • Built-in Wi-Fi connectivity enables instant transferring of imagery to mobile devices for direct sharing online to social networking, via email, and to cloud storage sites. NFC (Near Field Communication) is also supported, which allows for one-touch connection between the camera and compatible mobile devices, with no complex set-up required. Once connected, the linked mobile device can also display a live view image on its screen and, using Smart Remote Control, remotely control the camera's shutter release. Additionally, the RX100 V can now connect to a smartphone using a QR code for faster access.

    Other Camera Features

    • Anti-Distortion electronic shutter can enable completely silent shooting as well as the ability to work at shutter speeds as fast as 1/32000 second. This shutter also keeps rolling shutter effects to an absolute minimum and enables photographers to work in bright light with wider apertures.
    • File name setting allows users to change the first three characters of the file name from DSC to three characters of their choice.
    • PlayMemories Camera Apps are available for download over Wi-Fi, and allow you to personalize the camera's features depending on specific shooting styles. Apps are available to suit creating portraits, detailed close-ups, sports, time lapse, motion shot, and other specific types of imagery.
    • Step Zoom lets you quickly change between five common focal lengths (24, 28, 35, 50, or 70mm) by rotating the control ring.
    • Clear Image Zoom allows users to enlarge the center of the still or movie frame being shot by up to 5.8x equivalent when using optical zoom as well.
    • Eye AF in AF-C mode will lock on and tack a subject's eye, even as the face moves.
    • Users can set a minimum shutter speed when using ISO AUTO to help minimize shutter blur.
    • Creative Style settings: Standard, Vivid, Neutral, Clear, Deep, Light, Portrait, Landscape, Sunset, Night Scene, Autumn Leaves, Black & White, and Sepia (all with +/- 3 step contrast, saturation, and sharpness adjustment).
    • Picture Effect modes: Posterization (Color, B&W), Pop Color, Retro Photo, Partial Color (R/G/B/Y), High Contrast Monochrome, Toy Camera, Soft High-Key, Soft Focus, HDR Painting, Rich-Tone Monochrome, Miniature, Watercolor, and Illustration.
    • Adjustable Picture Profile parameters: Black level, Gamma (Movie, Still, Cine1-2, ITU709, ITU709 [800%], S-Log2), Black Gamma, Knee, Color Mode (Movie, Still, Cinema, Pro, ITU709 Matrix, White & Black, S-Gamut), Saturation, Color Phase, Color Depth, Detail, Copy, and Reset.
  • It is interesting how the PR obscures what is new in the VA relative to the V (the specs above that make it clear). It is also interesting that Sony did not add Picture profile 10 with HLG to the VA (like in the VI). Adding that PP requires no hardware changes (it was a firmware upgrade on the FS5 and appears in the FS5 II).

    This confirms that the RX100 VI is not a replacement for the V, but an alternative - one trades off larger reach for faster lens and ND filters - but the VA and VI have the same IQ and updated AF and menu system (although mysteriously only the VI has HLG, not that that is a big deal).

  • US PR

    Good illustration of useless work.

    Tweaking an already stellar pocket-sized camera, the Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VA Digital Camera from Sony improves the existing RX100 V by increasing the buffer size to 233 images, reducing display lag time in the electronic viewfinder, and adding several small features over other aspects of the camera. With the 20.1MP 1" Exmor RS BSI CMOS sensor, the RX100 VA can output detailed images at sensitivities up to ISO 12800. The Fast Hybrid AF system has 315 focal-plane phase-detection points that cover 65% of the image area of the sensor and can achieve focus in as little as 0.05 seconds. That autofocus system is also capable of tracking subjects across the frame, even while shooting at high speeds. Sony's BIONZ X processor enables continuous shooting up to 24 fps with the aforementioned buffer size of 233 JPEG images and improved High Frame Rate recording times.

    Like the RX100 V, the RX100 VA can shoot HD video at 960 fps in High Frame Rate Mode and UHD 4K video at 30/24 fps. But a new feature of the RX100 VA is dual video recording, where the camera simultaneously records two video files at once. Also carried over from the RX100 V is Gamma Display Assist, which provides a more contrasty image while using a flat S-Log2 gamma, and the Photo Capture mode for pulling 8.29MP stills from your movies.

    The RX100 VA keeps the same physical design as the RX100 V to keep compatibility with all accessories. A Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens still graces the front of the camera with an equivalent zoom range of 24-70mm and a fast f/1.8-2.8 maximum aperture that provides incredible flexibility in a wide range of shooting scenarios. A pop-up 0.39" 2.36m-dot OLED Tru-Finder EVF and 3.0" 1.23m-dot tilting LCD give you crystal clear previews of what you're shooting. The RX100 VA also keeps the same lens control ring, built-in ND filter, and customizable buttons as its predecessor. It also has Wi-Fi and NFC capabilities for connecting to a smartphone.

    20.1MP 1" Exmor RS CMOS Sensor & BIONZ X Image Processor

    The 20.1MP 1" Exmor RS CMOS sensor of the RX100 VA can deliver outstanding image quality at up to ISO 12800 with incredibly fast performance. This sensor stacks the pixel area, a high-speed signal processing circuit, and memory to increase data throughput by over five times and deliver features such as 40x super slow motion, an Anti-Distortion shutter, UHD 4K video, and more. The sensor also has focal-plane phase-detection AF points for faster, more precise focusing in as little as 0.05 seconds.

    This sensor is paired with the BIONZ X image processor and front-end LSI that improves the speed and throughput of the entire imaging system, enabling continuous shooting with AF/AE at up to 24 fps. An expanded buffer makes continuous shooting possible for longer bursts, up to 233 JPEGs. The front-end LSI is also able to improve overall quality of the images, especially at higher sensitivities.

    Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* Lens

    With a 24-70mm equivalent zoom range, the integrated Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens lends itself to a wide variety of shooting situations. The wide angle to short telephoto range is a favorite among photographers and it is further befitted by the bright aperture range of f/1.8-2.8. This enables solid low-light performance and excellent control over depth of field.Two aspherical lens elements are incorporated into the lens design, minimizing chromatic aberrations and ensuring clear images. Zeiss' premium multi-layered T* coating also reduces ghosts and flare caused by light reflecting.

    Fast Hybrid AF System with 315 Phase-Detection Points

    The RX100 VA is equipped with an on-sensor phase-detection AF system that provides increased autofocus speed for both stills and video. The camera uses a hybrid system with 315 phase-detection points that covers 65% of the frame along with a contrast-detection system to provide fast, accurate focusing in a range of situations. The RX100 VA also benefits from reduced blackout for easier tracking when using the EVF or LCD.

    UHD 4K Video Recording

    The RX100 VA is a video powerhouse, delivering up to 5-minute UHD 4K movies with exceptional clarity. By using a full pixel readout without binning, the camera collects about 1.7x the information needed for 4K output. Oversampling helps to increase clarity while reducing the effect of moire and jaggies. Fast Hybrid AF is available during movie shooting for ensuring accurate, fast tracking using phase-detection AF points. The camera also offers Sony's advanced XAVC S format for recording a high bit rates up to 100 Mbps.

    Picture profiles and image controls are also available, including the S-Log2 gamma that can help expand the dynamic range by recording a flat image. Gamma Display Assist helps users view a more natural image when shooting with S-Log2. Other options such as timecode, zebras, peaking, and more are present for making shooting and editing easier. When recording internally, users will record video with a 4:2:0 sampling at 8-bit, but the RX100 VA can output via HDMI to an external recorder. This allows users to capture 4:2:2 uncompressed video and save in an edit-ready format. The camera also has a Photo Capture function, which allows shooters to quickly save an 8.29MP still from their UHD 4K movies. Additionally, the camera is NTSC/PAL switchable, making it usable around the world.

    High Frame Rate and Slow Motion Shooting

    Speed is a huge advantage of the RX100 VA, and in video users will benefit from advanced High Frame Rate shooting and super slow motion. In Full HD, shooters will have access to a standard 120 fps setting that will enable outstanding slow motion when placed in an editing software. In addition to this, the camera also offers a dedicated HFR mode which will boost the cameras frame rate to up to 960 fps. Videographers will have the option of recording in Quality Priority and Shoot Time Priority modes, depending on preference. The camera will output a Full HD file from slightly lower resolutions to produce high quality images at all frame rates. Additionally, an end trigger mode enables users to record 4 or 6 seconds before the record button is pressed so the perfect moment isn't missed.

    Body Design and Wi-Fi Connectivity

    • Pop-up 0.39" XGA OLED electronic viewfinder offers a resolution of 2.36m dots for crisp, clear imagery. The EVF also uses a Zeiss T* coating to ensure clarity from corner to corner.
    • The rear 3.0" Xtra Fine LCD screen can tilt upwards 180° and downwards 45° for shooting at different angles or for composing the perfect selfie. The screen sports a resolution of about 1.23m dots and WhiteMagic technology has been applied to the LCD's design to increase effective brightness for easier viewing in bright lighting.
    • A manual control ring surrounds the lens and features a smooth, click-less design for quick and quiet changing of settings. The ring can be assigned to control a variety of features, at different values, such as zoom, aperture, and Picture Effects.
    • Custom button and other programmable buttons can be set to one of over 40 functions for quick access to commonly used settings.
    • A built-in 3-stop neutral density (ND) filter is available to enable working in bright light with wider aperture settings.
    • Pop-up flash will help illuminate subjects in dimly-lit scenes.
    • A redesigned menu makes flipping through settings easier.
    • Built-in Wi-Fi connectivity enables instant transferring of imagery to mobile devices for direct sharing online to social networking, via email, and to cloud storage sites. NFC (Near Field Communication) is also supported, which allows for one-touch connection between the camera and compatible mobile devices, with no complex set-up required. Once connected, the linked mobile device can also display a live view image on its screen and, using Smart Remote Control, remotely control the camera's shutter release. Additionally, the RX100 VA can now connect to a smartphone using a QR code for faster access.

    Other Camera Features

    • Anti-Distortion electronic shutter can enable completely silent shooting as well as the ability to work at shutter speeds as fast as 1/32000 second. This shutter also keeps rolling shutter effects to an absolute minimum and enables photographers to work in bright light with wider apertures.
    • Step Zoom lets you quickly change between five common focal lengths (24, 28, 35, 50, or 70mm) by rotating the control ring.
    • Clear Image Zoom allows users to enlarge the center of the still or movie frame being shot by up to 5.8x equivalent when using optical zoom as well.
    • Eye AF in AF-C mode will lock on and tack a subject's eye, even as the face moves.
    • Users can set a minimum shutter speed when using ISO AUTO to help minimize shutter blur.
    • Creative Style settings: Standard, Vivid, Neutral, Clear, Deep, Light, Portrait, Landscape, Sunset, Night Scene, Autumn Leaves, Black & White, and Sepia (all with +/- 3 step contrast, saturation, and sharpness adjustment).
    • Picture Effect modes: Posterization (Color, B&W), Pop Color, Retro Photo, Partial Color (R/G/B/Y), High Contrast Monochrome, Toy Camera, Soft High-Key, Soft Focus, HDR Painting, Rich-Tone Monochrome, Miniature, Watercolor, and Illustration.
    • Adjustable Picture Profile parameters: Black level, Gamma (Movie, Still, Cine1-2, ITU709, ITU709 [800%], S-Log2), Black Gamma, Knee, Color Mode (Movie, Still, Cinema, Pro, ITU709 Matrix, White & Black, S-Gamut), Saturation, Color Phase, Color Depth, Detail, Copy, and Reset.
  • @Vitaliy_Kiselev I am curious what part of this you find "useless work"? Do you mean this camera has no use case?

    I have a use case for it, as a B-cam for PXW-Z90E. It has identical technology in a different form factor and I/O. This VA version brings the AF in line with what's in the Z90. I can envision a multitude of shots where the RX100 VA could be the A-cam. They can be set so that the PP will be exactly the same, and intercut seamlessly. What's not to like?

    You might not care about the 1" sensor, but some of us would rather keep focus everytime and not hunt for it. It's an interesting aesthetic to be sure. It's video obviously and you can't mistake it for cinema, but by the same token it's organic video, with the background ever so slightly out of focus even in wide shots. I think this is what Super 16 looked like DoF wise back in the day. For documentary work I think it's the sweetest spot.

  • @radikalfilm

    I mean PR efforts are useless. Check the PR difference for different departments.

  • Ah ok :-) I completely misunderstood, there is so much you find useless.

  • The RX100 series could make good a-cams if the 5 minute limit and overheating aren't going to be problems. Whenever I vlog, for instance, with my existing RX100 V, the overheating ends up being a problem.

  • So, main improvements

    • New LSI
    • Updated firmware with new menus
    • Much better Eye AF and tracking
    • 233 images bugger, up from 150
    • Proxy movie mode that allow to record 720p alongside 4K
    • 'Zone' AF area mode
    • Variable size spot metering, Entire Screen Average and Highlight Spot metering
    • Ability to add ratings to images
    • Three Auto WB options - Std, Ambience or White
    • PlayMemories Camera Apps no longer supported (this one is downgrade)