Early this year we took a close look at the Sony DSC-RX100 V, one of the first ultracompact cameras to cross our desk. Excellent images, solid construction, and one of the best 4K video modes on the market make it worth every penny — and “the” model many enthusiasts are after. But the Japanese giant hasn’t been resting on its laurels: in June last year it announced its direct successor, the Sony DSC-RX100 VI. Let’s find out what it brings to the table.
The Price of Evolution
Let me be the first to understand that swallowing the purchase of an ultracompact camera for 800 euros is not easy. The story might be different with a DSLR or a mirrorless, but in the point and shoot format, it has to be almost perfect. The Sony DSC-RX100 V from 2016 fits that description. It’s an enthusiast camera from one end to the other. Casual photographers, demanding travelers, 4K addicts — the RX100 V doesn’t disappoint any of them, and the best part is that its price can only keep going down. One reason is that Sony already offers its replacement. The Sony DSC-RX100 VI aims to fix some aspects of its predecessor, mainly around “quality of life,” but it deserves our attention.
Originally announced in June 2018, the Sony DSC-RX100 VI packs a 20.1-megapixel effective CMOS sensor and a Bionz X processor. Sensitivity runs from ISO 125 to 12,800, with a Boost pushing it to 80–25,600 in both directions, and shutter speeds span 1/2000 to 30 seconds, or 1/32000 with the electronic shutter. So far, the specs are identical to its smaller sibling, but the first major change shows up on the screen. It stays at 3 inches and 1.22 million dots, yet the RX100 VI adds touch support and a more generous tilting profile, folding 90 degrees downward (the RX100 V is limited to 45 degrees). Sony also revised the electronic viewfinder. The pop-up mechanism is still there, but now it extends outward automatically. Its specs remain at 2.36 million dots with 100 percent coverage.
Another high-profile change is the focal length. The RX100 V offers 24–70mm (equiv.), while the Sony DSC-RX100 VI stretches to 24–200mm, very close to the 25–250mm of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ100 we looked at last week. That’s welcome news if you want more zoom, at the cost of a hint of low-light performance in extreme situations. Fortunately, Sony repeated the previous formula for burst and autofocus. Its 24 fps make it a machine gun that begs for the fastest SD card you can buy; the 315-point phase-detection system tracks everything in reach, and the automatic ISO implementation works beautifully.
The interface of the Sony DSC-RX100 VI is essentially more of the same. Some users might see that as a step back, but I personally value consistency and familiarity. Minimalist to the bone, the biggest challenge is the grip — or rather, the lack of one. In other words, wearing the strap is highly recommended. The ring around the lens isn’t stepped, and setting it up as a zoom or manual-focus control is convenient. Customizing the camera takes a little extra attention. I’ll admit the menu design isn’t the most comfortable in the world, but with the help of the help guide, you’ll master it in a few minutes. The mode dial? No surprises: Full Auto, Programmed Auto “P”, Aperture Priority “A”, Shutter Priority “S”, Manual “M”, Memory Recall “MR”, Movie mode, High Frame Rate “HFR”, Sweep Panorama, and Scene Selection “SCN”.
The good news is that the Sony DSC-RX100 VI keeps its extraordinary 4K recording quality, courtesy of full sensor readout and oversampling. 4Kp30 hits 100 Mbps, as do p25 and p24, along with high-speed 1080p120 and p100. If you’re willing to drop resolution, the Sony DSC-RX100 VI can shoot at up to 1,000 fps with genuinely interesting results. The bad news is that it still drags certain limitations: a five-minute cap on 4K video, no microphone jack, and no neutral-density filter. Don’t get me wrong — the video on the Sony DSC-RX100 VI is among the best, but it remains “chained,” if you will. I hope Sony finally unleashes this beast in the next version. Connectivity? Same as the RX100 V: Wi-Fi n and NFC for pairing with compatible smartphones.
Accessories for the Sony DSC-RX100 VI
Before we move on to recommended accessories for this ultracompact, we need to talk about its price — and at €1,125 on the tag, it isn’t easy. The gap tends to be smaller on the other side of the pond, but here it’s almost €400. I’ve said it before: there’s no bad hardware, only bad prices. The Sony DSC-RX100 VI is still young, and its premium hits hard. Sony fans won’t think twice; with a tight budget, though, the RX100 V becomes more attractive. And guess what? Our accessory list works for both cameras.
Batteries and Power
Officially, the battery is good for about 240 shots on a full charge. USB charging lets you pull power from almost any available port, but every traveler needs a plan B. That brings us to the Gloxy battery compatible with the NP-BX1 format and the Gloxy 2-in-1 hybrid charger for home and car. Right now, that combo costs €40 — a bargain compared to the benefit you get. The set is identified by the product code "0712565913,VDTS-4604-CH-VDTS-3967".
Tripods and Supports
Somehow, Sony managed to make several changes to the DSC-RX100 VI while adding just two grams. That means finding a tripod for Sony DSC-RX100 VI is easier than ever. One model that keeps flying (virtually) off the shelves is the Manfrotto Pixi. Light, sturdy, it turns into a selfie stick when you fold its legs, and it costs less than €25. Its best companion is our favorite, the Clampod Takeway T1. With a maximum load of ten kilograms and the ability to grip much more than an ultracompact, it belongs in your arsenal.
Bags
The metallic design of the Sony DSC-RX100 VI looks and feels great, but it doesn’t make the camera indestructible or weather-resistant. No matter how casual or occasional the use, the ultracompact needs extra protection. Our first choice is the Lowepro Dashpoint 30 bag, with padded interior, room for memory cards, and a hook that lets you carry it on a belt or backpack strap. When security becomes the priority, something like the Pacsafe Camsafe ZP isn’t a bad idea: it includes steel-wire reinforcement and cut-resistant materials.
Memory Cards
With a ceiling of 100 Mbps, the Sony DSC-RX100 VI doesn’t need the fastest card… but it asks for it. If you’re willing to spend around €60, I recommend cutting straight to a 128GB Transcend SDXC card. If my math is right, that’s 8,000 photos in extra-fine quality, or more than two hours of 4Kp30 video.
Special Kits
The Sony DSC-RX100 VI is an ideal travel camera, but that doesn’t mean you can’t use it indoors or in fixed locations. Its focal length gives you more flexibility in product photography, and with a little secondary lighting, any low-light deficiency should disappear. For the first case, we recommend the portable 40 x 40 x 40 cm photo studio, with four colored backgrounds and two auxiliary lights. For the second, we have a kit with the Clampod Takeway T1 and the Gloxy Power Blade LED light bar.
In summary, is the Sony DSC-RX100 VI better than its predecessor? After analyzing its improvements, yes. Does it justify its price? Well… no. It’s a simple matter of value and cost-benefit. The day the RX100 VI competes on price, it will mow down everything in its path. If the premium doesn’t bother you, then go ahead. Otherwise, keep a close eye on the RX100 V. It still has a few euros to shed. Good luck!
