Sony RX100 VI: More Zoom, Slower Aperture

When it comes to higher-end compact point-and-shoot cameras, particularly among vloggers, there are two reigning kings jockeying for the throne. There is the slightly more affordable Canon G7 X and then there’s the Sony RX100. The former has gone through a couple of iterations and now the latter is entering its sixth generation with the newly announced Sony RX100 VI.

It probably won’t surprise too many of us that the fundamental features and form factor of the Sony RX100 VI largely mirror its predecessors. You still get the matte black finish and the big 1-inch sensor, offering an effective 20.1-megapixel resolution for stills and up to 4K for videos with no cropping.

As before, the 2.35 million dot OLED display can flip all the way up or 90 degrees down to capture all your vlogging adventures. One improvement in the sixth generation model is you now get a touchscreen, making it easier to tap to focus or make other adjustments. Unfortunately for vloggers, there’s still no external mic input.

Speaking of video, you can take advantage of the 315 phase detect autofocus, HDR with Sony’s Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG) profile, improved eye tracking, and the ability to shoot at up to 960 fps for that cinematic slow-mo action.

Whereas the fifth generation limited you to a 24-70mm equivalent lens, the Sony RX100 VI ups the zoom to 24mm-200mm, making it easier to get in close to the action. The trade off is that the aperture isn’t as bright as before. What used to be f/1.8-2.8 is now just f/2.8-4.5. I mean, f/2.8 isn’t horrible, but f/1.8 is so much better for low light. Sony says they’re compensating with improved OIS for up to four stops of speed.

While you’ve been able to sneak just under four figures for the older RX100, the Sony RX100 VI is going to sell for $1,200 when it ships next month. That’s a fair bit of coin. If you’re not ready to step up in the A7 family and you’re willing to work with a bit more size, something in the Sony A6300 range might be worth considering.