April 19, 2024

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[THE INVESTOR] Few models are up to snuff for first-time video creators who require easy-to-handle devices that can still guarantee outstanding results. One camera that meets these demands is Sony’s RX10 Mark III.

At first sight, it looks a bit chunky, and quite heavy too at around 1 kilogram. However, daily usage proved that the size and weight actually makes it easier to hold. It also feels more like a DSLR than the bridge camera it is. 

The lens -- built-in, ultra-zoom -- saves the trouble of bringing along a big camera bag filled with different lenses to get close-up and long range shots. It boasts a 24-600mm zoom range, which is a significant upgrade compared to the 24-200mm for the preceding model, which received a lot of flak for its relatively short-range zoom functionality. It’s fundamentally impossible to change the lens anyway, but there was no need to because the built-in lens is enough.

Image stabilization is also a big thing for first-time amateur filmmakers. The RX10’s optical image stabilization solution, which compensates for vibrations in five directions, performed well beyond expectations, guaranteeing stable images.

The zoom lever, surrounding the shutter release on the right front top, was easy to use, and the manual zooming ring, placed along with the zoom and aperture rings around the lens barrel, allow users to zoom in and out smoothly without worrying about shakes while adjusting the zooming ring. The lens is bright enough with a maximum aperture of f/2.4 at the wide-angle end and f/4.0 at full telephoto.

The rear LCD display tilts up and down, and it was especially useful when trying to check the status and settings while filming a video on a tripod. One disappointing feature was that the display was not a touchscreen like other competing models such as Panasonic FZ1000.

On the left side of the camera body, you can find 3.5 mm headphones and microphone ports, a micro-HDMI output, and a micro-USB port. The port enables recharging even while shooting, a favorite feature among Sony camera users.

Featuring a 1-inch stacked CMOS sensor and an ISO range of 100-12,800, the RX10 Mark III yielded great results in low light conditions. It’s dust and water resistant, but do not expect the same level of water resistance as mobile devices, like iPhone, which carries IP67 or IP68 ratings.

The third-generation RX10, which comes with a price tag of US$1,500, can be pricey for some. However, when you think of the versatility of the camera fitted with the ultra-zoom lens, the camera is bang for the buck.

By Kim Young-won (wone0102@heraldcorp.com)