Housing, haptics and workmanship:
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That the RX100 M3 significantly more technique involves, you can see her in any way. She looks at first glance like the Urmodel, the RX100. Opposite the RX100 M2 falls to the absence of the multi-function or hot shoe. The RX100 M3 is 10 grams heavier than the M2 and the lens is about 2.5 mm further out.
Large parts of the camera are made of a magnesium alloy, overall, the feel at a high level. If there is something to criticize, then possibly the somewhat cheap-looking plastic side parts. In the first generation of RX100 these were still made of metal.
Your charm, the RX100 M3 definitely keep, there is still no comparable photo quality in such a small housing.
Technical innovations compared to the RX100 M2:
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The RX100 M2 already had a folding screen. In the M3 this is now, however, can be swiveled 180 ° and also suitable for self-portraits. The elimination of the flash or accessory shoe in my opinion is bearable, especially since the RX100 M3 now includes an extendable electronic viewfinder. This is the exact same place where in the / RX100 has been the M2 flash extendable RX100. Still has the RX100 M3 a built Fill in. This has now moved into the center of the housing and is centered above the lens. A big advantage over previous models is that the flash can be activated mechanically via a slide switch.
The electronic viewfinder is also activated by a mechanical slide switch and this then moves upward out of the housing. To use it, it still requires an additional handle, you have to pull out the Viewfinder screen for about 7 mm far back. Above the viewfinder screen is a small lever on the diopter correction. Further features of the viewfinder on an eye sensor. As you approach the viewfinder or look through it, the LCD screen automatically switches off. The electronic viewfinder does not achieve the level of Alpha 7, but is considering the compact size of the RX100 M3 large enough and also the resolution is more than satisfactory.
The real highlight for me and the main reason to replace the RX100 M2 is the new lens. This now covers 24 mm from more wide. The maximum aperture at wide angle still is 1.8. The telephoto range has been reduced from 100 mm to 70 mm, but it is a maximum aperture of 2.8 available. This now allows much better opportunities for exemption of objects or a selective blur of the background.
The minimum focusing distance has dropped from 50 cm to 30 cm. This also extends the capabilities of the Sony RX100 M3 significantly. Has also been significantly improved, the autofocus system. The predecessors had to ask especially in evening illuminated indoors so their problems to a particular object sharp. This is achieved with the M3 now usually without any problems.
Finally remains to be mentioned that the imaging performance of the new lens is basically better than its predecessors.
The Exmor R sensor of M2 was also adopted in the M3. However, the basic sensitivity of the sensor from ISO 160 (RX100 M2) was reduced to ISO 125 and is thus back at the level of the first RX100.
For the RX100 M3 received the new BIONZ X processor, which already provides in the RX10 and Alpha 7 for a lot more speed. The image processing engine related I deal, as I always take pictures in RAW mode.
In connection with the new processor, the RX100 M3 also received the menu of the RX10 or Alpha 7. Camera Apps are now also here support that can be downloaded and installed via PlayMemories.
Last but not least have been expanded with the new file format XAVC S that enable higher bit rates the possibilities of video recording. Thus, up to 100 frames per second realized, allowing useful slow motion shots.
Image quality compared to the RX100 M2:
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The picture quality is identical in noise performance, ie. At very high levels However, my experiences are based exclusively on the RAW format. It is quite possible that the results differ in JPEG due to changed internal image processing and a new processor. In terms of optical quality, the RX100 M3 clearly won. The sharpness and detail resolution is significantly better. In this respect I do not mourn the old lens with 30 mm focal length for longer.
Accessories Tips:
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So smart and therefore get the RX100 models, easy to grip, they are unfortunately not. The changes after attaching the self-adhesive handle AG-R2 (Original Sony Accessories) significantly. In my view, an absolute must and a significant appreciation of the whole camera! By the way, the danger is significantly reduced that a one-handed operation when the camera slips out of his hand and fell to the ground.
As a camera bag, I can recommend the original Sony LCS-CSJ still. The RX100er models fit into it perfectly and a second battery also has enough space. Nevertheless, the bag is nice and small and contributes unnecessarily to nowhere. They can also be used as a belt pouch when needed.
CONCLUSION:
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The RX100 M3 is the best by far of all variant RX100 models. However, the price is significantly higher level. If someone plays with the idea to switch from the RX100 M2 to M3, I can only say that this part of the far better lens and greatly improved autofocus definitely worth it. The erleidende to depreciation in the M2 and the salted charge in M3 are at least partially compensated for somewhat by the good electronic viewfinder of the new model.
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