Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-RX100 VA Digital Camera, Black {20.1MP}

RX100 VA: pocket-sized 1-inch sensor with 24fps burst speed

The RX100 VA packs a 20.1MP stacked Exmor RS CMOS sensor and BIONZ X processor into a body that fits a jacket pocket, and the front-end LSI is what makes the difference. That dedicated chip handles the data throughput required to sustain 24fps continuous shooting with full AF and AE tracking, which is a spec sheet claim that actually holds up in practice. The 315-point Fast Hybrid AF locks on in 0.05 seconds, covering 65% of the frame with phase-detection points.

The Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T lens runs 24-70mm equivalent with a maximum aperture of f/1.8 at the wide end. That opening matters when you're shooting in dim venues or trying to separate a subject from a background with a camera this small. Electronic shutter tops out at 1/32000 sec, which keeps that f/1.8 usable in bright light without needing ND filters.

Video shooters get UHD 4K recording in XAVC S at up to 100 Mbps, with timecode support, zebra display, and focus peaking built in. The pop-up EVF adds a 2,359,296-dot eye-level option when the tilting 3-inch LCD isn't practical. At 299 grams with battery, this is a camera you'll actually carry.

Who It's For

Street photographers working in low light get the f/1.8 aperture and 315-point hybrid AF in a body small enough to go unnoticed. Sports and action shooters who need a travel-friendly backup will find 24fps burst with AF/AE tracking handles moving subjects that would stump most compacts. Documentary and travel video shooters benefit from 4K XAVC S recording with professional monitoring tools like zebra and focus peaking. Portrait photographers shooting events where a large kit isn't appropriate can still pull RAW files and work with the tilting LCD for off-angle framing.

Key Features

• 20.1MP stacked Exmor RS CMOS with BIONZ X processor and front-end LSI
• 315-point Fast Hybrid AF system locking in 0.05 seconds
• 24fps continuous shooting with full AF and AE tracking
• Zeiss Vario-Sonnar 24–70mm f/1.8–f/2.8 lens with optical stabilization
• UHD 4K video at 100 Mbps XAVC S with timecode and focus peaking
• Pop-up electronic viewfinder with 2,359,296 dots and tilting 3-inch LCD
• 1/32,000 sec electronic shutter for f/1.8 shooting in daylight
• 299 grams with battery and Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n connectivity

FAQ

Does the 24fps burst speed really hold up with autofocus?

Yes. The front-end LSI chip handles the data load required to sustain 24fps with full AF and AE tracking, not just at the start of the sequence. You get continuous phase-detection autofocus across the 315-point system throughout the burst.

What's the actual low-light capability of the f/1.8 lens?

The f/1.8 maximum aperture at 24mm is genuinely useful for dim venues and shallow depth-of-field work. At 1/32000 sec electronic shutter, you can also shoot that wide opening in broad daylight without needing an ND filter.

How does the pop-up EVF compare to the LCD for framing?

The 2,359,296-dot EVF gives you eye-level shooting when the tilting 3-inch LCD isn't practical, which matters for video work or when you need to stabilize the camera against your face. It's a real viewfinder, not a gimmick.

Can you shoot uncompressed video or just compressed formats?

Video records to XAVC S (compressed) at up to 100 Mbps with 4K UHD resolution. You get timecode, zebra display, and focus peaking baked in. Micro-HDMI outputs uncompressed 4K at 30p if you need that for external recording.

What's the practical weight and size difference from a smartphone?

At 299 grams with battery, it's pocket-sized but noticeably heavier and thicker than a phone. The tradeoff is the Zeiss lens, 1-inch sensor, and optical stabilization you don't get on a phone.

Does this camera need an ND filter?

Not for stills. The 1/32000 sec electronic shutter lets you shoot f/1.8 in bright sun. For video, you might want an ND to maintain shutter speeds in the 1/50–1/60 range in daylight, depending on your frame rate and depth-of-field preference.

How is the autofocus speed in low light?

0.05 second AF acquisition with phase-detection covering 65% of the frame. It's legitimately fast, though phase-detect systems do slow in very dim conditions-nothing unusual for this class.