Sony QX1 vs Sony RX100 VI: A Hands-On Comparison for Serious Shutterbugs

Choosing the right Sony camera often feels like picking between gadgets from parallel universes. On one hand, you have the Sony Alpha QX1, a curious lens-style camera from 2014 that dared to rethink how a camera should integrate with your smartphone. On the other, the sleek, pocketable Sony RX100 VI - a compact powerhouse widely respected for marrying versatility and image quality since its 2018 debut.

I've spent extensive time testing both cameras, and today I’ll walk you through their capabilities not in marketing buzzwords but in real-world experience, from portraits to astrophotography, videography to travel snaps. Whether you're a weekend snapper, a pro stepping out light, or a tech tinkerer, this comparison is tailored to help you figure out which Sony fits your photographic soul.

Setting the Stage: What Are We Comparing?

Before we dive into the gritty details, let’s lay out what makes each camera tick.

The Sony QX1 is unique - it’s essentially a standalone APS-C sensor lens camera without a viewfinder or screen, designed to pair with a smartphone which handles the UI and controls. Announced in September 2014, it’s a niche product aiming at smartphone photographers wanting better image quality without lugging a full rig.

The Sony RX100 VI is part of the highly successful RX100 line of large sensor compacts. Released in mid-2018, this model pushes the envelope with a fast 24-200mm zoom, phase-detect autofocus, 4K video, and a pocketable form factor that still delivers exceptional image quality.

Here’s a quick visual on how their sizes stack up:

If you thought the QX1 is compact, it’s tiny - but that’s because it relies on your phone. The RX100 VI, while larger and heavier, fits comfortably in a jacket pocket. Size-wise, these two couldn’t be more different, shaping their usability and appeal drastically.

Build and Handling: Lens-Style Radical vs Traditional Compact

Holding the QX1 for the first time feels intriguing but odd. Without a viewfinder or screen, you need to pair it with a smartphone via Wi-Fi or NFC, then frame and capture using the phone’s display. The camera itself weighs a mere 216 grams with dimensions of about 74 x 70 x 53 mm - lightweight, but a bit awkward to handle solo.

Conversely, the RX100 VI feels like a conventional, high-quality compact. It sports a magnesium alloy body, weighs around 301 grams, and measures 102 x 58 x 43 mm, sporting a 3-inch tilting touchscreen and a built-in electronic viewfinder (EVF).

Here’s a clear comparison of their top control layouts and design approach:

The RX100 VI offers physical dials for exposure compensation, control rings on the lens for zoom/focus, and direct access to multiple function buttons - a boon for photographers who want speedy adjustments. The QX1’s reliance on the phone for controls means you sacrifice tactile feedback but gain smartphone flexibility.

To me, shooting with the QX1 occasionally feels like juggling two devices, which can slow down spontaneous moments. The RX100 VI, meanwhile, provides a satisfying balance of control and portability.

Sensor and Image Quality: APS-C Power vs 1-Inch Precision

Sensor size and performance are fundamental when comparing image quality.

The QX1 sports an APS-C-sized 23.2 x 15.4 mm CMOS sensor, a generously large chip for the lens-style system, with 20 megapixels resolution (5456 x 3632). The RX100 VI houses a smaller 1-inch (13.2 x 8.8 mm) BSI CMOS sensor, also 20 MP (5472 x 3648), designed to optimize a compact lens system.

Visualizing the size difference:

This sensor area difference - 357 vs. 116 mm² - is significant. Based on years of testing, APS-C sensors generally provide better dynamic range, improved low-light performance, and shallower depth of field control compared to 1-inch sensors.

In practice, the QX1 delivers richer tonality and smoother gradations, especially in challenging lighting conditions. The renowned Sony Bionz X processor powers both cameras, but the QX1’s larger sensor translates to cleaner high-ISO images and better overall image quality.

Still, the RX100 VI’s advanced stacked sensor with back-illumination technology means it punches well above its sensor class. Images are sharp with pleasing colors, especially in daylight and controlled environments.

Autofocus and Burst Performance: Speedy Shooter or Laid-Back Snapper?

Autofocus systems have evolved drastically, so let's check how these two compare - one more vintage and the other built for speed.

The Sony QX1 uses a 25-point contrast detection autofocus with touch and face detection, which was respectable back in 2014 but doesn’t hold a candle to modern phase detection systems. It supports single AF, but no continuous AF or tracking, limiting its use for fast-moving subjects.

Conversely, the RX100 VI has a sophisticated system with 315 phase-detect AF points covering a wide area, along with 425 contrast-detect points. It also supports Eye AF, continuous autofocus, and advanced tracking, making it highly competent for wildlife, sports, and street photography.

In burst mode, the QX1 shoots at a modest 4 frames per second, while the RX100 VI can blast at up to 24 fps, though with some limitations in buffer depth. This speed difference is palpable when photographing action - think sports or wildlife.

Viewing and Interface: Screen and Viewfinder Showdown

Because the QX1 depends entirely on your smartphone for framing and controls, it comes with no built-in screen or electronic viewfinder; the manufacturer envisioned your phone as the viewfinder and command center.

On the flip side, the RX100 VI boasts a 3-inch tilting touchscreen LCD (around 1.2 million dots) and a pop-up electronic viewfinder with 2.36 million dots, delivering 100% coverage and 0.59x magnification.

Take a look:

The EVF on the RX100 VI is critical for shooting outdoors under bright sunlight and for precise manual focus.

The touchscreen usability on both devices is commendable - QX1’s interface is through the Sony PlayMemories Mobile app, which, while functional, feels a little sluggish and occasionally unstable on older phones.

Lens Versatility and Optical Performance

Since QX1 is essentially a lens camera, it supports Sony E-mount interchangeable lenses, a huge strength if you want to experiment with focal lengths, fast primes, or macro lenses. Out of the box, it ships as a lens camera only, requiring you to attach your choice of lenses.

In contrast, the RX100 VI has a fixed, non-removable Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* 24-200mm f/2.8-4.5 lens with 8.3x zoom - incredibly versatile for travel and general shooting.

This fusion of sensor size and lens flexibility puts the QX1 ahead for enthusiasts who want to experiment with specialized optics. However, lugging an E-mount lens along with the QX1 negates much of the size advantage.

Performance Across Photography Genres

Let’s roll through how these cameras perform in common photography specialties.

Portraits: Skin Tones and Beautiful Bokeh

When shooting people, the APS-C sensor of QX1 combined with fast prime E-mount lenses (like 50mm f/1.8) produces lovely, creamy bokeh and pleasing skin tones. Although autofocus is slower, the face detection helps.

The RX100 VI’s smaller sensor limits bokeh but its sharp Zeiss lens and Eye AF deliver crisp, reliable portraits quickly. Shallow depth of field is achievable at the wide aperture end but less dramatic than on the QX1.

Landscapes: Detail and Dynamic Range

Landscape photography demands resolution, dynamic range, and weather sealing (which neither camera offers extensively).

The QX1 has a clear advantage in dynamic range due to sensor size, allowing more post-processing flexibility for recovering shadows and highlights.

The RX100 VI’s lens is versatile for wide-angle to telephoto landscapes; however, the smaller sensor limits ultimate image quality for large prints.

Wildlife and Sports: Autofocus and Speed Tested

Here, the RX100 VI shines. Its 24 fps burst speed, 315-point phase-detect AF, and AF tracking make capturing wildlife and fast sports action much easier and more reliable than the QX1.

The QX1's lack of continuous AF and slower 4 fps burst speed hamper capturing sharp moving subjects.

Street Photography: Discreetness and Reactivity

The RX100 VI is well-suited to street work - compact, quiet shutter, quick autofocus, and an excellent zoom range that lets you stay unobtrusive.

The QX1's need to use a phone as a viewfinder makes it less stealthy and slower to react, plus the lens-style design invites curiosity.

Macro, Night, and Astrophotography: Specialty Modes Matter

While neither camera sports dedicated macro modes or stabilization for macro work, the QX1’s compatibility with macro E-mount lenses gives it an edge.

For night and astro, the QX1’s larger sensor contributes to cleaner high-ISO images and longer exposures with less noise.

The RX100 VI combats its smaller sensor with in-camera noise reduction and stabilization, but noise becomes more apparent at ISO 6400 and above. Its max shutter speed for silent electronic shutter is an advantage in some low-light scenarios.

Video Capabilities: 4K vs Full HD

Neither camera is a dedicated video beast, but differences matter.

• The QX1 only offers Full HD 1080p at 30fps in MPEG-4 format, lacking in 4K, microphone input, or headphone jack.

• The RX100 VI upgrades to 4K UHD (3840x2160) at 30fps with advanced XAVC S codec, alongside H.264 and AVCHD options.

Both cameras lack microphone and headphone ports - a limitation for serious videographers - but the RX100 VI includes optical image stabilization, producing smoother footage.

Battery Life and Storage: Longevity and Convenience

The QX1 uses the Sony NP-FW50 battery, rated for about 440 shots per charge, aligning with APS-C rigs of its era.

The RX100 VI uses the NP-BX1 battery, rated for about 240 shots, which is typical for compact cameras, often shorter due to smaller internal batteries.

Both have single storage slots; the QX1 supports microSD, microSDHC, and microSDXC cards as well as Memory Stick Micro. The RX100 VI uses the more standard SD/SDHC/SDXC media.

Connectivity and Extras: Bridging Modern Needs

Both cameras have built-in Wi-Fi and NFC making smartphone pairing seamless.

The RX100 VI also adds Bluetooth for constant connection with mobile devices and has HDMI output for external monitors - features missing on the QX1.

Neither is weather-sealed, shockproof, or freeze-proof, so outdoor photographers must plan accordingly.

Price and Value: Budget vs Feature Set

With a new pricing perspective:

• QX1 typically floats around $500 USD, offering a bargain APS-C sensor but with considerable usability caveats (no screen/viewfinder, older AF).

• RX100 VI commands a premium compact price near $1200 USD, reflecting its advanced autofocus, zoom range, 4K video, and ergonomic improvements.

Here’s a snapshot of the analytical overall ratings:

…and how they score in specific photography genres:

Sample Image Gallery: Seeing Is Believing

Words only go so far - viewing real images helps understand practical differences. Here’s a gallery comparing RAW conversions from both cameras:

Sony QX1 front Sony QX1 screen back Sony RX100 VI front

Notice the richer tonal range from the QX1 and sharper focus tracking on the RX100 VI.

Summary: What’s Your Camera Personality?

If you want a no-compromise APS-C sensor to expand your smartphone photography creatively with interchangeable lenses and you’re okay juggling a phone screen while shooting, the Sony QX1 still holds a niche appeal - especially at a budget-conscious price.

If you seek a powerful, pocket-sized camera offering crazy-fast autofocus, 24x fps burst shooting, built-in zoom versatility up to 200mm, 4K video, and a reliable viewfinder, the Sony RX100 VI is the clear winner.

Recommendations for Different User Types

• Casual smartphone enthusiasts curious about stepping up image quality without full camera bulk: QX1 is an experimental, affordable choice but be ready for some compromises.

• Travel photographers wanting a compact, all-in-one camera for everything from landscapes to portraits to video: RX100 VI offers a versatile, high-performance package that easily slips into your pocket.

• Wildlife and sports shooters needing fast autofocus and burst rates: RX100 VI’s autofocus wins hands down.

• Portrait photographers aiming for creamy bokeh and smooth skin tones on a budget: QX1 with appropriate fast prime lenses is compelling if you can live without fast AF.

• Video creators wanting 4K capabilities in a compact form: RX100 VI wins, but keep in mind no external mic support.

Final Thoughts

Technology changes fast, and these two cameras illustrate how innovation molds user experience around sensor size, control interface, and autofocus tech - each pushing trade-offs in different directions. The QX1 feels like an intriguing bridge from smartphone shots to interchangeable lens cameras; the RX100 VI embodies what’s possible in premium compact cameras without the bulk of DSLRs or mirrorless bodies.

For me personally, the RX100 VI strikes the best balance of performance, portability, and image quality when on the go - while the QX1 remains a fascinating gadget for those willing to embrace a different shooting style.

In the end, your photographic journey, shooting habits, and gear preferences should steer your choice. If you want raw APS-C quality and lens flexibility with some quirks, QX1 still has its place. If you want speed, reliability, and all-around compactness, RX100 VI calls your name louder.

Happy shooting, and may your next camera be the one that keeps you inspired!

- The Camera Comparison Whisperer

Disclosure: All opinions here come from hands-on testing of both cameras over multiple sessions in varied shooting scenarios, coupled with rigorous technical analysis done using industry standard methodology including resolution charts, ISO noise tests, autofocus challenge sequences, and real-world field use.