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

RX100 VI: pocket camera with 24–200mm reach and 24fps AF

The RX100 VI takes Sony's 20.1MP 1-inch stacked CMOS sensor and pairs it with a 24–200mm equivalent f/2.8–4.5 Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens in a body that fits in a jacket pocket. That 8.3x optical zoom range is what separates this model from the rest of the RX100 line, it's built for travel photographers and documentary shooters who need genuine telephoto reach without carrying a second body. Burst shooting at 24 fps with 315-point phase-detect AF and Eye AF means moving subjects stay sharp in a way that embarrasses most cameras twice this size.

Video shooters get 4K pulled from the full sensor width, which produces more detail than a straight 4K crop would, plus 1080p at up to 120p for slow-motion work. Log modes and zebra warnings give videographers real exposure tools, and the pop-up EVF with 2.36M dots and 0.59x magnification makes outdoor shooting practical. The 4-stop optical stabilization keeps handheld footage usable at the long end of the zoom range.

At 301g and 102 x 58 x 43mm, this is genuinely pocketable hardware for the focal range it covers. The 240-shot CIPA battery rating means a spare NP-BX1 or USB power bank is standard kit for a full travel day, but the camera's USB charging means topping up on the road stays simple. For a travel or street shooter who refuses to carry a bag, the RX100 VI remains one of the most capable single-camera solutions ever made at this size.

Key Features

• 20.1MP 1-inch stacked CMOS sensor with Bionz X processor
• 24–200mm f/2.8–4.5 Zeiss lens with 8.3x optical zoom
• 315-point phase-detect AF with Eye AF and 24fps burst
• Pop-up 2.36M-dot OLED viewfinder with 0.59x magnification
• 4K XAVC S video from full sensor width, 1080p at 120p
• 4-stop optical image stabilization with 240-shot battery life
• 3-inch tilting touchscreen LCD with RAW + JPEG capture
• ISO 80–25,600 (expanded), USB charging via NP-BX1 battery

FAQ

What makes the 24–200mm lens different from earlier RX100 models?

The VI swaps the previous compact f/1.8–2.8 lens for an 8.3x zoom that reaches 200mm equivalent-built for travel and documentary work where telephoto reach matters more than maximum aperture. You gain genuine portrait and wildlife focal lengths in a pocket body, but lose roughly one stop of light across the range, which means noisier files in dim conditions.

How does the autofocus handle moving subjects?

The 315-point phase-detect system with Eye AF locks onto faces and eyes with precision that matches or beats cameras twice the size. For stills, this tenacity lets you ignore focus and concentrate on composition. For video, tracking works well but Center Lock-On AF is unreliable-phase-detect AF with adjustable speed and behavior is the better choice.

Is the 4K video output usable for serious work?

Yes, with caveats. The camera pulls 4K from the full ~5,500-pixel sensor width and downsamples to 3,840 x 2,160, which produces more detail than a cropped 4K readout. Log modes and zebra warnings give you real exposure control. The catch: a 5-minute record limit per clip, no ND filter, no mic socket (you're stuck with internal mics), and the screen dims if the body gets hot.

How long does the battery last on a full charge?

240 shots per CIPA rating-enough for a morning shoot, not a full travel day. Carry a spare NP-BX1 or a USB power bank. The camera charges via USB, so topping up on the road is straightforward.

Does the pop-up viewfinder stay open, or do I have to keep pushing it?

One push deploys it; another stows it. The 2.36M-dot OLED panel with 0.59x magnification is bright enough for outdoor framing, but the compact size means you're working within real estate limits compared to larger viewfinders.

What's the grip and handling like for handheld shots at 200mm?

The body is 301g and genuinely pocketable, but the limited grip real estate and compact zoom ring mean you'll develop technique fast. The 4-stop optical stabilization keeps handheld footage usable at the long end; for stills at 200mm, a steady hand or braced shooting helps.

Can I shoot in RAW, and how much does burst speed suffer?

RAW capture is available, and you can shoot 24 fps raw bursts. The UHS-I SD card slot means the buffer clears slower than newer cameras-you'll notice pauses between bursts, though many functions stay accessible during the clear.