Technology & IT | Monday 6 August, 2018 2:14 am |

Sony has expanded its popular Cyber-shot RX100 series of premium compact cameras with the launch of the RX100 VI(model DSC-RX100M6) in KSA, bringing unmatched clarity and precision to images shot indoors and outdoors. Sony, a worldwide leader in digital imaging and the world’s largest image sensor manufacturer, also announced the VCT-SGR1, a versatile and compact new Shooting Grip best suited for its RX0 and RX100 series of cameras[1]. 

 

The RX100 VI is the first of all the RX100 models to include a high magnificationzoom lens, as it packs in an impressive ZEISS®Vario-Sonnar T* 24-200mmiF2.8 – F4.5 lens. Priced at SAR4,899, the innovative new RX100 VI camera will be available at Modern Electronics stores in the Kingdom on 5thAugust. 

 

This latest premium compact camera combines portability, flexibility, fast responsiveness and professional image quality making it an ideal choice for capturing daily life, cityscapes, portraiture, sports including wildlife.

 

Inside the camera is a one-inch stacked 20.1 MP[i]Exmor RS™ CMOS image sensor with DRAM chip and an upgraded BIONZX™ image processor with a front-end LSI that maximises processing speed and optimises image quality in all shooting environments. 

 

Additionally, the RX100 VI features an efficient Fast Hybrid AF system with 315-pointphase-detection AF points on the sensorthat can acquire focus in as little as 0.03 secondsiii, the world’s fastest AF acquisition time for 1.0-type sensor cameras.  It can also shoot at up to 24 fps[ii]at full resolution with continuous AF/AE tracking and produces beautiful 4Kviivideo with full pixel readout and no pixel binning.   

 

Shuichi Mugitani, Head of Marketing, Sony Middle East and Africa said: “The strength of Sony is that we develop all key camera components such as advanced image sensors, image processors, lenses and software algorithms in-house. The new RX100 VI is the latest in the premium compact RX series, with advanced capabilities that combine extensive zoom, professional image quality and the versatility for still image and video. The sleek design and long zoom lens make it particularly useful for travel and lifestyle photography enthusiasts. Given the growing number of travel and lifestyle bloggers in Saudi Arabia, we believe this product will be a valuable addition to the premium compact camera segment, setting a new benchmark in performance, functionality and design.”

 

New High-Magnification ZEISS®Vario-Sonnar T*24-200mmiZoom Lens plus Outstanding Image Quality 

The RX100 VI’s high powered zoom lens of both 24-70mm and 70-200mmifocal lengths is achieved thanks to its unique design featuring two ED (extra-low dispersion) aspherical glass elements and eightaspherical lens elements includingfourAA (advanced aspherical) lenses. 

 

It also delivers outstanding sharpness at all focal lengths as well as maintains a largeaperture throughout the entire zoom range, ensuring portraits can be created with beautiful background defocus, and fast moving subjects can be captured with crisp focus and no blurring. Additionally, the lens has built-in Optical SteadyShotTMimage stabilisation that is equivalent to a 4.0-stop[iii]faster shutter speed, helping to prevent camera shake or blurry imageseven in a low-light condition or at telephoto zoom range.  

 

Lightning-Fast AF Performance and Shooting Speeds

The new RX100 VImodel features a Fast Hybrid AF system that ultimately allows the camera to lock focus in as little as 0.03 secondsiii.  This innovative AF system combines the respective advantages of 315-pointfocal-plane phase-detection AF points thatcover approximately 65 per cent of the sensor and contrast-detection AF.  This high speed focusing complements the versatile 24-200mmirange of the lens, ensuring all subjects can be captured with precise detail and clarity.

 

The RX100 VI is the first from the series to include Sony’s advanced High-density Tracking AF technology, whichconcentrates AF points around a subject to improve tracking and focus accuracy.  Thepopular Eye AF technologyis also available with approximately 2x the tracking performance of the current RX100 series model[iv].  Further, the camera has LCD touch focusing and touchpad focus point control for users that would like to drag their fingers to ideal focus points of their choice.

 

An ideal complement to the AF system, the RX100 VI offers continuous high-speed shooting at up to 24 fpsvwith full AF/AE tracking, with an impressive buffer limit of up to 233 images[v].  The display lag of the EVFhas been substantiallyreduced compared to prior models, allowing shooters to capture the decisive moment with ultimate confidence.  Also, for convenience during image playback, continuously shot images can be displayed in groups instead of individual shots.

 

The RX100 VIalso has a high speed Anti-Distortion Shutter (maximum shutter speed of up to 1/32000 second) thatreducesthe “rolling shutter” effect commonly experienced with fast moving subjects, and can shoot completely silently in all modes, including continuous high speed shooting, when electronic shutter is engaged.  A mechanical shutter mode is also available as well if required by the user.  

 

Advanced Movie Capabilities Including 4KHDR

The pocket-friendly RX100 VI is packed with a variety of video capabilities that will satisfy even the most demanding video enthusiasts. With Fast Hybrid AF, the focal-plane phase-detection AF points ensures accurate focusing and tracking performance, even for the severe focusing requirements of 4Kviimovie shooting.  AF drive speed and AF tracking sensitivity can also be adjusted via the menu system, giving shooters plenty of flexibility based on their focusing preferences.

 

In 4Kviimode, the new RX100 VI utilises full pixel readout without pixel binning to ensure that all the finer details of 4K[vi]video are captured with minimal moire and ‘jaggies’.  

 

For the first time in a Cyber-shot camera, the RX100 VI features 4K HDR[vii]compatibility thanks to its new HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma) picture profile that offers an instant HDR workflow solution.  Additional professional calibre video features include S-Log3/S-Gamut3, 120p Full HD mode, Picture Profile, proxy recordingand more.  The RX100 VI is able to record superslow motion[viii]video at either 240fps, 480 fps or 960 fps[ix].

 

 

Premium Design, Control and Convenience

The new RX100 VIis equipped with a high-contrast 2.35 million dot XGA OLED Tru-Finder™with ZEISS®T* Coating, ensuring true-to-life image preview and playback functionality.  The EVF itself retracts in and out of the camera body based on user preference, and can be activated instantly by a single One-push Access button.   

 

The RX100 VIhas a touch shutter that can be activated by tapping the back LCD screen, a zoom lever with customizable zoom speeds and an LCD that can be rotated 180 degrees upward or 90 degrees downward for a variety of shooting angles for the creator.  There is also a Monitor Auto OFF function that boosts max number of still images by up to 30 per cent, and the camera is also Wi-Fi®, NFC™ and Bluetooth®compatible.

 

Complementing the rest of the RX family

The new RX100 VI is also a perfect companion for RX0, the all new type of camera that is ultra-compact, shockproof and waterproof. The RX0 is equally adept at shooting still images, filming video or can be used as part of a multi-camera set-up to create an inspiring series of images, videos and super slow-motion footage from a multitude of different perspectives.

 

Current selling and very popular model from RX100 series, the RX100 Vis the camera of choice for food photographers. Its 20.1 MP Exmor RS™ CMOS sensor coupled with the large aperture Zeiss Vario-Sonnar 24-70mm F1.8/2.8-F8 lens produces stunning images with crisp contrast. Similar to RX100 VI this camera too is equipped with a Fast Hybrid AF system with an AF acquisition at 0.05 seconds and world’s highest number of AF points on sensor with 315 points covering approximately 65% of the frame.  This camera can also shoot continuously at speeds of up to 24 fps – the world’s fastest for a compact camera.

 

Meanwhile, known for its relatively fast zoom lens, the RX100 IVhas a memory-attached 1.0-type stacked CMOS sensor and contrast detection AF system that allows locking in focus for 0.05 seconds. It is also packed with a Bionz X image processor and 4K video recording and slow-motion video at up to 960fps. 

 

The RX100 IIIcamera features a Vario-Sonnar T* 24-70mm F1.8-2.8 aperture lens for both wide panorama and perfect close-up shots. It also has a versatile, high-quality OLED Tru-Finder™ electronic viewfinder with an impressive 1.4 million dot resolution, adding exceptional brightness and clarity to still images shot in low light conditions.

 

New VCT-SGR1 Shooting Grip for RX0 and RX100 Series Cameras

 

Ideal for vlogging, travel photography, self-portraits and much more, the new VCT-SGR1is a vertically-oriented shooting grip that attaches to Sony’s RX0 and RX100 series of cameras1via Multi/Micro USB Terminal.  It is extremely compact and lightweight, and can adjust angles up 70 degrees or down to 100 degrees to capture different perspectives including high-angle shots, low-angle shots and self-portraits. The grip features several buttons at the top of the grip including shutter release, REC stop/start and zoom functionality, allowing for easy fingertip control for both right and left handed usage.  Additionally, the bottom of the grip can be spread-out and used as a tripod, making it an ideal accessory for group photos or low-light shooting conditions to avoid camera shake when shooting at slower shutter speeds.

 

VCT-SGR1, new Shooting Grip will also be available in Saudi Arabia from 1stSeptember onwards. 

 

Camera Model	Retail Price
RX100 VI	SAR 4,899
RX100 V	SAR 3,699
RX100 IV	SAR 3,299
RX100 III	SAR 2,799
RX0	SAR 2,899
VCT-SGR1 Shooting Grip	SAR 409

 

The new RX100 VI is available at Modern Electronics’ showrooms in La Terra Mall and International Market in Jeddah; Dar Al Wakalat, Akariah 3 Mall and Granada Center in Riyadh; and Dammam store. 

 

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[1]Compatible with DSC-RX0/RX100M2/RX100M3/RX100M4/RX100M5/RX100M6/HX90V/HX90/HX80/HX60V/HX60 /HX50V/HX50/WX500

  Refer to the Sony support page for camera compatibility information

    https://www.sony.net/dics/sgr1/