Sony RX100 thoughts?

[Natedogg]

I know people have mentioned the RX100 in other threads, but I'm curious if anyone has some significant time with this camera now and has any advice. I like the looks of this thing as a travel camera or higher-end point and shoot when I don't want to lug my DSLR around. Plus I want something with nice video capability, since I'm still stuck with the original 5D and probably won't be buying a DSLR that shoots vid any time soon (cash strapped). I started out drooling over the Canon G1X, but after reading stuff on here and other reviews, it seems like the RX100 edges it out as a pocket camera as well as quick autofocusing (may use it for skiing and MTB on the go). I'm open to other suggestions, too...

[54-46]

Buy my NIB Canon S100 for $260 shipped and spend the $300+ you save on gear. PM me if interested.

[justcuz]

I love my G1x...a lot. It is a really good camera and right now can be found for $100+ less than an Rx100. It has some serious image quality for that price. I mentioned this in another thread, but the focus speed thing is really blown out of proportion in my opinion. That hasn't been the thing that I haven't liked about this camera. I do, however, buy the pocketability argument. If that is a requirement then the G1x isn't the camera for you. I take mine everywhere and don't mind it a bit and I have a cheaper S95 type camera that I never...ever use anymore.

Couple Samples:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/1962562...in/photostream

http://www.flickr.com/photos/1962562...in/photostream

http://www.flickr.com/photos/1962562...in/photostream

I'm sure either camera is one you'd be happy with. RX100 certainly gets a lot of praise for good reason I'm sure.

[BigDaddy]

I traded in my G12 for the RX100. I love the size and features, but am no where near using it's full capabilities, yet. I always have it though, and it's easy to get quick shots... kids, dogs, skiing, etc.

Much easier to use and does focus super fast... takes 10 fps and at 20mp, so you can edit and crop an amazing amount. Probably better ski camera vs. G12. Worked pretty well in super cold weather, too... -20 last weekend.

Kinda think the Canon had better pic quality, but like I said, I am still getting used to this.

Canon S100 seems like a great less expensive alternative. Not sure the Sony is worth the extra several hundo, at least for me, but eventually I'll figure how to use all the features...

[couloirman]

I just played with an RX100 today and it was amazing. My only issue is not being able to use the self timer in auto HDR or bracketed shooting modes. Is there a workaround for this? Or, is there a wireless trigger that I can use for this that will let me trigger bracketed shots wirelessly? That is the only thing holding me back from buying right now. Image quality was amazing, super fast fps, nice auto focus. So much to love, yet such a dumb feature to leave out from an otherwise near perfect point and shoot.

[Natedogg]

Thanks guys. I went to Best Buy to check out everything they had and I was actually impressed with the G15 over the G1X... Although I still like the Rx100... decisions decisions!

[justcuz]

Quick g1x ski shot...super flat light...not really wanting to stop, had it in a chest pocket, whipped er' out and fired one shot all day, and this was it. Pulled from FB so terrible quality.

[Driver]

Anyone use the RX100 this season for ski photog and care to share thoughts? All the reviews are great still haven't talked to anyone who has actually put it to the test for a season or for serious action shots.

[neck beard]

I'm not interested in being a photographer, I just take photos. Used mine for a few month snow over winter and what it produces for the size is good enough for me compared to what I had. I don't really even know what P, A, M, S setting are. Nor do I have the time to care when skiing. /useless feedback

I really like the small size.

Perhaps through ignorance I have unrealistic expectations, however I find the drive mode too slow. Speed Priority Continuous shooting mode is very fast for 2 seconds, then slows down a lot at 20M image size. At 5M rapid fire drive mode lasts for about 4 seconds. I'd like 5-10 seconds of speed drive at 10-20M size. Normal continuous shooting is too slow for skiing.

[freak]

Perhaps through ignorance I have unrealistic expectations, however I find the drive mode too slow. Speed Priority Continuous shooting mode is very fast for 2 seconds, then slows down a lot at 20M image size. At 5M rapid fire drive mode lasts for about 4 seconds. I'd like 5-10 seconds of speed drive at 10-20M size. Normal continuous shooting is too slow for skiing.

i am no expert, but i think you would need a professional camera for that. my sony slt can shoot 7fps for about 2 seconds, thats why i always shoot it at 5fps (which is easily enough for skiing imho). i can also not imagine to shoot continuously for 5-10 seconds, i take a lot of pictures if i take out the camera, but i stop every 2 seconds for about 2 seconds...

freak~[&]

[Driver]

Thanks for the input. I guess it holds up durability wise and in the cold pretty well for a ski camera? I think I'm going to pick on of these up.

[Driver]

Trigger pulled... Now I need to learn how to take pictures

[neck beard]

my sony slt can shoot 7fps for about 2 seconds, thats why i always shoot it at 5fps (which is easily enough for skiing imho)

I am quite likely being ignorantly unrealistic.

Unfortunately the RX100 does not allow customized fps/drive speed. There are two speeds:

- very fast for 2-4 seconds, depending on image size, and then it backs up and becomes too slow for skiing. (Speed Priority Continuous drive mode)

or

- very slow, unlimited time, regardless of image size. Too slow for skiing unless you have really good/lucky timing. With no optical view finder, it is hard to time a shot in difficult weather.

[Todds]

How was the screen on a bright day?

[freak]

I am quite likely being ignorantly unrealistic.

Unfortunately the RX100 does not allow customized fps/drive speed. There are two speeds:

- very fast for 2-4 seconds, depending on image size, and then it backs up and becomes too slow for skiing. (Speed Priority Continuous drive mode)

or

- very slow, unlimited time, regardless of image size. Too slow for skiing unless you have really good/lucky timing. With no optical view finder, it is hard to time a shot in difficult weather.

i just remembered that some of the nikon 1s are supposed to be able to shoot 10fps at full resolution for ~3 seconds and 5fps at full resolution for ~10 seconds. the smallest ones arent much bigger/heavier than the rx100 and you get them for super cheap, at least over here in europe. dunno anything about them though.

freak~[&]

[Natedogg]

Trigger pulled... Now I need to learn how to take pictures

Let us know how you like it... I'm still waiting to pull trigger.

[LeeLau]

Thanks for the input. I guess it holds up durability wise and in the cold pretty well for a ski camera? I think I'm going to pick on of these up.

Pretty decent battery life

How was the screen on a bright day?

Not so good

Neckbeard - you are being unrealistic about the frames per seconds.

Nits

- slow to start up and shut down

- when taking bursts if you want to switch zoom angles you have to wait for a second in between shots. If you simply hold down the zoom button the camera will zoom in on a previously taken picture

- almost everything is menu driven so its a bit of a PITA to fiddle around with the small buttons in the cold in the field but you can pre-sets the A M T settings in a nice warm room to get the right pre-sets for pictures.

[neck beard]

Unrealistic - I suspected I was, but had no benchmark.

- when taking bursts if you want to switch zoom angles you have to wait for a second in between shots. If you simply hold down the zoom button the camera will zoom in on a previously taken picture

I've turned off review previous picture for this reason.

Agreed LCD is not good in bright light.

[Todds]

Thanks for the info about the screen in bright light. I guess I'm sticking with cameras with viewfinders for now.

[couloirman]

I just played with an RX100 today and it was amazing. My only issue is not being able to use the self timer in auto HDR or bracketed shooting modes. Is there a workaround for this? Or, is there a wireless trigger that I can use for this that will let me trigger bracketed shots wirelessly? That is the only thing holding me back from buying right now. Image quality was amazing, super fast fps, nice auto focus. So much to love, yet such a dumb feature to leave out from an otherwise near perfect point and shoot.

Any help? Is it possible to use a wireless trigger with auto her or bracketed mode? Or can this mode be used with the time? Or should I look for a different point and shoot?