Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 III: The Ultimate Camera for Photography Enthusiasts

In this blog, we explore the powerful features of the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 III, a camera that has become a favorite among photography enthusiasts. Discover why this camera is a top choice for capturing stunning images and videos, and how it can take your photography skills to the next level.

Written by Victor Chan | Updated: Mon May 01 2023

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 III article cover photo

Key Features

Mar 29 2016

Announced

20 megapixels

Resolution

BrandSony
Sensor Type1″
SensorStacked BSI-CMOS
Weight1051g
MSRP$1499USD

Other similar cameras

Overview of the Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 III

Are you looking for a camera that offers impressive image quality, fast autofocus, and a versatile zoom range? Look no further than the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 III. This compact camera is designed to meet the demands of photography enthusiasts of all levels, with its 20.1-megapixel sensor, 24-600mm zoom lens, and 4K video capabilities. Whether you're looking to capture landscapes, portraits, or action shots, the RX10 III delivers unparalleled performance and flexibility. Read on to discover why the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 III is a top choice for serious photographers.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 III Pros and Cons

Now, we will look more closely at our review of the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 III 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

Great image quality.
4K video recording.
Excellent autofocus system.
High-resolution electronic viewfinder.
Wide aperture lens.
Weather-sealed construction.
Large sensor size.
High-speed continuous shooting.

Cons

Expensive price tag.
Bulky and heavy.
Limited zoom range compared to other bridge cameras.
No touchscreen display.
Slow menu navigation.
Mediocre battery life.
Limited lens customization compared to interchangeable lens cameras.
Lack of built-in GPS.

Build and Construction

Body and dimensions

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 III

Weather sealed
Dimensions133 x 94 x 127mm
Weight1051g
Thickness127mm
Weight
Min
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Max
Thickness
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Weather Sealing

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 III 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 III is an excellent choice.

Design and Handling

Main design features

View FinderElectronic
Screen TypeTilting
Screen Resolution1,229k 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 1,229k dots. This makes the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 III 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 III includes a electronic viewfinder with 2,359k 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 III has a 20MP sized Stacked BSI-CMOS sensor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 20 pixels. Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 III has a native ISO range of 125 - 12800 which can be boosted to 64 - 25600. It can also save files in RAW format which gives you a wider room for post processing.

Key Features

Mar 29 2016

Announced

125 - 12800

ISO Range

Sensor1″
Extended ISO64 - 25600
Max resolution5472 x 3648 pixels

DXO Sensor Scores

Overall

70 / 102

Color Depth

23.1 / 26.5

Dynamic Range

12.6 / 14.8

Low Light ISO

472 / 4505

DXO mark sensor scores

The DXOmark rankings indicate that the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 III 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 III 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″

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 III 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 III 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 III 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 III boasts a maximum mechanical shutter speed of 1/2000s, 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 III 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 III?

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

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

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

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

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 III was announced on Mar 29 2016

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

Yes the Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 III 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 III?

The Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 III has a native ISO range of 125-12800, which can be expanded to ISO 64-25600 for even greater sensitivity in low light conditions.

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