Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 Review: The Ultimate All-in-One Camera

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 is a camera that has garnered immense popularity due to its incredible features and exceptional performance. A camera that is designed to cater to every need of the photographer, it enables you to capture stunning photos and videos in any lighting condition, making it the ideal all-in-one camera for both professionals and amateurs.

Written by Victor Chan | Updated: Mon May 01 2023

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 article cover photo

Key Features

Mar 20 2014

Announced

20 megapixels

Resolution

BrandSony
Sensor Type1-inch
SensorBSI-CMOS
Weight813g
MSRP$1299USD

Other similar cameras

Overview of the Cyber-shot DSC-RX10

When it comes to the world of cameras, Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 is a name that often crops up. It is a camera that has taken the market by storm, and for a good reason. This all-in-one camera is capable of delivering the perfect combination of quality, versatility, and control, making it the ideal option for photographers who are looking for a highly functional camera that offers exceptional performance. In this review, we will give you a detailed insight into the features of Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 and why it is ranked as one of the best cameras out there. We will also check out what sets this camera apart from the rest of the competition and what you can expect from it. So, without any further ado, let us get started.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 Pros and Cons

Now, we will look more closely at our review of the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 camera. We will see what it can do and compare it to other cameras like it. We will tell you what's good about it and what's not so good. This way, you'll know if it's the camera for you!

Pros

1-inch sensor for better low light performance
24-200mm zoom lens for versatility
Fast autofocus system
Built-in image stabilization for steady shots
Weather-sealed body for durability
High resolution 3-inch LCD screen
4K video recording capabilities
Wi-Fi and NFC for easy sharing

Cons

Expensive compared to similar cameras
Large and heavy, not as portable as some options
Limited aperture range may not appeal to advanced photographers
Slow burst shooting speed
No touchscreen functionality
Battery life could be better
Limited manual control options for advanced users
No headphone jack for video monitoring

Build and Construction

Body and dimensions

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10

Weather sealed
Dimensions129 x 88 x 102mm
Weight813g
Thickness102mm
Weight
Min
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Max
Thickness
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Weather Sealing

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 camera is equipped with environmental seals that make it resistant to weather, preventing water and dust from entering the camera. If you enjoy outdoor photography and need a camera that can handle extreme conditions, the Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 is an excellent choice.

Design and Handling

Main design features

View FinderElectronic
Screen TypeTilting
Screen Resolution1,290k dots
Body typeSLR-like (bridge)

Suitable for:

PhotographyAbove Avg.
VideographyAbove Avg.
TravelAbove Avg.

LCD Screen

This camera has a tilting 3.00" screen, with a display resolution of 1,290k dots. This makes the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 not as suitable for those looking for a vlogging camera as you cannot view yourself while shooting selfies easily. Unfortunately, the camera does not have a touch screen, which may make it less user-friendly.

Viewfinder

Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 includes a electronic viewfinder with 1,440k dots of resolution with a coverage of 100% and a magnification of 0.7x. This feature enhances the camera's suitability for outdoor photography in bright conditions.

Image Quality

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 has a 20MP sized BSI-CMOS sensor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 20 pixels. Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 has a native ISO range of 125 - 12800 which can be boosted to 80 - 25600. It can also save files in RAW format which gives you a wider room for post processing.

Key Features

Mar 20 2014

Announced

125 - 12800

ISO Range

Sensor1-inch
Extended ISO80 - 25600
Max resolution5472 x 3648 pixels

DXO Sensor Scores

Overall

69 / 102

Color Depth

22.9 / 26.5

Dynamic Range

12.6 / 14.8

Low Light ISO

474 / 4505

DXO mark sensor scores

The DXOmark rankings indicate that the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 camera has above average color depth performance, which refers to the number of colors the sensor can distinguish. Additionally, its dynamic range is also above average, allowing it to retain low amounts of details in both bright and dark areas of a scene. The camera's low light ISO performance is poor, which is an important factor to consider if you plan to use it in dimly lit indoor environments or at night. Overall the image quality of the Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 is average

Crop Factor

Camera crop factor (or focal length multiplier) refers to how a camera's sensor size affects the apparent field of view of a lens. Crop factor is determined by comparing the size of a camera's sensor to that of a full-frame sensor, which is a standard reference size for camera sensors.

Size comparison

Medium FormatFull FrameAPS-C (Sony, Nikon)

Crop factor calculator

Crop factor

1x

Full frame equivalent

24mm

This camera: 1-inch

24mm

850100150200

Connectivity, storage, battery

StorageSD/SDHC/SDXC, Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo/Pro-HG Duo
Battery Life420 shots
Battery ModelNP-FW50
HDMI
USD
Wireless Connectivity

Storage

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 supports SD/SDHC/SDXC, Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo/Pro-HG Duo with 1 slots for storage. This may suffice for everyday use. However, for professional applications such as wedding photography, it is not recommended as a memory card malfunction could lead to the loss of all footage.

Battery

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 uses the NP-FW50 model of battery pack. This is rated for 420 shots shots which is high. If you intend to take photos or record videos for an extended period, it might be a good idea to bring along additional batteries.

Photography Features

Flash

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 has built in flash which is great for event photography and in low light situations. It also offers a flash shoe that allows you to attach external flashes. This provides more versatility in your lighting choices.

Shutter

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 boasts a maximum mechanical shutter speed of 1/3200s, which is ideal for shooting fast-moving subjects in bright environments, such as in sports photography. Faster shutter speeds enable you to freeze the action and capture every detail, making it easier to get the perfect shot.

With a continuous mechanical shutter speed of n/a or an electronic shutter speed of n/a, this camera is not capable of capturing the perfect moment more easily, making it not as suited for wedding, sports, and wildlife photography. Higher shutter speeds make it easier to capture fast-paced action, ensuring that you never miss the perfect shot.

Autofocus

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 includes contrast detection autofocus (AF), with 25 number of focus points.

While contrast detection is generally more accurate and precise, phase detection autofocus is faster and more effective in most situations, particularly when photographing moving subjects.

Phase detection autofocus works by dividing the incoming light into pairs and then analyzing how they intersect on the camera's sensor. This method allows the camera to determine not only if a subject is in focus but also the direction and distance needed to adjust the focus to achieve perfect sharpness.

On the other hand, contrast detection autofocus works by analyzing the contrast of an image and adjusting the focus until the highest contrast is detected. While this method is very accurate, it can be slow, especially in low light conditions or when photographing moving subjects.

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FAQ

What is the sensor size of the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10?

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 features a BSI-CMOS sensor

Is the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 weather sealed?

Yes the Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 does have weather sealing.

When was the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 announced?

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 was announced on Mar 20 2014

Does the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 have in-body image stabilization?

Yes the Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 does have in-body image stabilization that can compensate for camera shake, making it easier to shoot handheld in low light conditions.

What is the ISO range of the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10?

The Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 has a native ISO range of 125-12800, which can be expanded to ISO 80-25600 for even greater sensitivity in low light conditions.

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