Overnight Sony has released details of its latest Cyber-shot camera, the RX10 III (DSC-RX10M3).
Angled view of the new Sony RX10 III camera. (Source: Sony.)
Featuring a new 25x super-telephoto zoom lens that covers focal lengths equivalent to 24-600mm in 35mm format and has maximum apertures of f/2.4-4.0, the RX10 III has a silent shutter capability, which makes it ideal for sports and wildlife photography as well as taking shots of performers at concerts. The lens design includes eight ED glass elements (one of them using super ED glass) and two ED aspherical lenses, which minimise common aberrations. Zeiss T* coating minimises flare and ghosting, producing images with clarity and faithful colour reproduction.
Top view of the RX10 III with the zoom lens extended. (Source: Sony.)
The combination of the 12.8 x 9.6 mm 20.1-megapixel stacked sensor and BIONZ X processor enables the RX10 III to support Pro-Grade 4K video without pixel binning as well as S-Gamut/S-Log2 recording for compatibility with professional movie editing workflows. Other video features include Picture Profile, S-Gamut/S-Log2, Gamma Display Assist, enhanced Zebra function, clean HDMI output, TC/UB, REC Control, Dual REC, and Marker function.
Super slow motion video capture is also available at up to 1000 fps. The Speed Priority Continuous Mode supports burst capture speeds of up to 14 fps with focus and exposure locked at the first frame and reduced blackout between frames. continuous shooting with tracking AF is available at up to 5fps. The Fast Intelligent AF system, introduced in the RX10 II and RX100 IV cameras, has an object detection algorithm fully optimised for the RX10 III. This allows the camera to predict the point of focus by detecting the subject just before the shutter button is pressed halfway. Beyond this point, autofocusing takes just 0.09 seconds.
Both mechanical and electronic shutters are available, the latter supporting shutter speeds up to 1/32000 second, which significantly reduces image distortion of fast-moving subjects. The RX10 III features a number of other upgrades, including triple lens rings for focus, zoom and aperture, each operable on the side of the lens. The handgrip has been redesigned to enhance grip security when holding the camera at eye level. A new Focus Hold button on the lens barrel allows the focus distance to be locked when it is pressed. It can also be assigned as a custom function button. A new soft carrying case, LCJ-RXJ, will also be available for the new camera.
For more information, visit http://www.sony.com.au/electronics/cyber-shot-compact-cameras/dsc-rx10m3?cpint=SG_CATEGORY_SEC-TOUT-CAT-CAMERAS-EN_GL-2016-03-NOWNOTHING-4SPAN. Local pricing has yet to be announced, however the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 III is expected sell in the USA for around US$1500 and in Europe for approximately €1600. It is due for release in April.
UPDATE: Sony Australia has now released local pricing and selling details for the RX10 Mark III. It is due to go on sale in Australia in early May at an SRP of AU$2299.
