Sony RX100

Manufacturer: Sony Type: camera (compact) Year introduced: 2012

Overview

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 was the world’s first compact fixed-lens camera with a 1.0-type (1-inch) sensor, offering 20.2 effective megapixels. Introduced in June 2012, it was widely acclaimed as a game-changing compact — the New York Times declared it “the best pocket camera ever made” (^[1]). The combination of a sensor “considerably larger than other cameras in its class” with a Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* 28-100mm equivalent f/1.8 zoom lens delivered image quality far beyond what was previously possible from a pocketable camera.

Key features included Optical Steady Shot image stabilization, ISO expandable to 80-25,600, 10fps burst shooting, 25-point AF, 1080p 60fps video, Sony’s “White Magic” LCD technology (using four dots per pixel for twice the brightness), focus peaking for manual focus, and the ability to capture 17MP stills while recording video. The camera also featured a programmable Fn button with user-assignable menu options (^[2]).

Nauticam was among the first to announce housings for the RX100, releasing the NA-RX100 ($950) and the NA-RX100V ($1,250, with HDMI bulkhead for external monitor use). The housings featured access to both front and rear command dials, a 67mm threaded port for wet wide-angle lenses (like the Inon UWL-H100 28 M67 Type 2 for a 100-degree field of view) and macro diopters, fiber optic strobe triggering, and Nauticam’s patented two-stage shutter release. The housing was rated to 100 meters (^[3]).

RX100 II (June 2013)

Sony updated the line with the RX100 II, which added a back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS sensor for improved low-light performance, Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity, a tilting LCD, a Multi Interface Shoe for accessories (including an optional electronic viewfinder), and 24p/25p video modes (^[4]). The RX100 II retailed at $850.

Reviews & Discussion

• ^[5] — Detailed announcement of the NA-RX100 and NA-RX100V housings, including camera specifications, housing features (67mm port thread, dual command dial access, fiber optic triggering), wet lens compatibility with Inon wide-angle and macro diopters, and Nauticam’s flip diopter system. Article (editorial source).
• ^[6] — Announcement of the RX100 II with back-illuminated sensor, Wi-Fi/NFC, tilting LCD, and Multi Interface Shoe, along with the full-frame RX1R. Article (editorial source).

Community Discussion

• Testing the RX100 (31 replies) — Community image-sharing and discussion thread for early RX100 underwater results, demonstrating the compact’s surprisingly strong image quality. (forum thread, topic 47946)
• Nauticam NA-RX100IV flooding (23 replies) — User report and community discussion of a flooding incident with the Nauticam RX100 IV housing, including troubleshooting advice and Nauticam’s response. (forum thread, topic 57048)
• Sony RX100 VI - Ultimate P&S camera? (12 replies) — Discussion of the RX100 VI’s 24-200mm zoom range and whether it represented the ultimate compact for underwater use. (forum thread, topic 62217)

References

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