Sony RX100 III vs RX100 VI: A Detailed Comparison for Enthusiast Photographers

Choosing the right compact camera with a large sensor can be a game changer for photographers looking for quality, portability, and versatility in one package. The Sony RX100 series has long been a benchmark in this category, and we’re diving deep into two of its standout models: the Sony RX100 III and the Sony RX100 VI. Having put both through rigorous real-world tests across genres, let’s explore their capabilities, differences, and which one might be the best fit for your photography journey.

First Impressions: Size, Handling, and Design Evolution

Both cameras fall within Sony’s "Large Sensor Compact" category, designed to offer outstanding image quality in a pocketable form factor. Looking at their physical profiles side-by-side clearly shows subtle, yet significant ergonomic shifts.

• Sony RX100 III: At 102x58x41 mm and weighing 290g, this camera is delightfully compact and light. It delivers a solid hand-feel with a well-placed grip despite its small size.
• Sony RX100 VI: Measures 102x58x43 mm, slightly thicker and heavier at 301g. The added bulk is mainly due to the extended telephoto lens mechanics.

The RX100 VI’s slightly larger body benefits handling with longer zoom capability, making it less pocketable but more versatile on the go. Both feature a tilting 3" screen, but ergonomic improvements manifest in control placement and articulation.

In our experience, RX100 VI’s redesign reflects a refined button layout allowing faster access to critical functions, which is excellent when shooting fast-paced subjects or switching modes quickly. For casual street and travel photographers who prioritize absolute compactness, the RX100 III still has an edge.

Sensor and Image Quality: Same Size, Different Story?

Both cameras pack a 1" BSI-CMOS sensor measuring 13.2x8.8mm with a 20MP resolution (5472x3648 pixels). This sensor size strikes a compelling balance between full-frame and smaller sensors, offering significant improvement in image quality over typical compact cameras.

Key sensor specs comparison:

Both deliver excellent image quality for their class, with the RX100 III known for impressively clean output and a dynamic range that rivals some mid-level DSLRs. The RX100 VI maintains the same sensor but introduces improved Bionz X processing and enhanced noise reduction, affording slightly better high ISO performance in our tests - especially useful in low-light situations like night or indoor shooting.

Autofocus and Speed: A Leap Forward with RX100 VI

One of the RX100 VI’s biggest selling points over the III is its autofocus system. Here’s what the numbers say:

The hybrid autofocus in the RX100 VI is a standout improvements. The combined phase and contrast detection create lightning-fast acquisition and superior subject tracking - ideal for wildlife, sports, and candid street photography. The RX100 III relies only on contrast detection which, while reliable in good light and for still subjects, lags behind in dynamic conditions.

The 24 fps burst rate on the RX100 VI with autofocus tracking allowed us to capture crisp sequences of moving wildlife and athletes much more effectively than the 10 fps of the RX100 III. If rapid action and precision focusing are high on your list, the RX100 VI delivers.

Lens Performance: Zoom Range and Aperture Differences

Lens quality and focal length often define a compact camera’s versatility. Here’s a critical area where these models diverge:

The RX100 III rocks a bright f/1.8 aperture at the wide-angle which plays beautifully for portraits, low-light, and shallow depth of field effects. The RX100 VI, while offering considerably more reach up to 200mm, sacrifices aperture speed, narrowing to f/4.5 telephoto - making it less ideal for isolated subject backgrounds but more versatile for distant subjects.

The RX100 III’s closer macro focusing of 5cm lets you capture fine detail with attractive background blur. The RX100 VI’s minimum focus distance is 8cm, a bit less flexible but still usable for close-up work.

Display and Viewfinder: Clarity and Usability

Both models have a 3" tilting LCD screen with 1229k dots resolution. However, the RX100 VI includes touchscreen capability which the RX100 III lacks, providing faster menu navigation, AF point selection, and easier video autofocus control. This can be a game changer for vloggers or hybrid shooters balancing stills and video.

The electronic viewfinder (EVF) is sharper on the RX100 VI with 2359k dots vs. 1440k dots on the RX100 III - offering a clearer, brighter, and more detailed framing experience what matters for critical composition outdoors or in bright conditions. Both have 100% coverage and 0.59x magnification, so size and framing accuracy stays consistent.

Real-World Usage: From Portraits to Astrophotography

Portrait Photography

For portrait enthusiasts valuing skin tone rendering and bokeh:

• RX100 III: Larger max aperture (f/1.8) at 24mm and fast lens speed give you creamy backgrounds and beautiful subject isolation.
• RX100 VI: The smaller max aperture at telephoto zoom reduces bokeh capability, but longer reach enables candid or environmental portraits from a distance.

Autofocus face and eye detection work well on both but RX100 VI’s faster, more complex AF tracking helps when subjects move unpredictably.

Landscape Photography

Dynamic range and resolution matter here:

• Both have similar sensors, so image quality and dynamic range are closely matched.
• The 24mm wide on both is good for landscapes, but RX100 III’s brighter aperture can deliver better results in lower light (sunrise/sunset).
• RX100 VI’s longer zoom doesn’t impact landscapes but adds flexibility for details or isolated shots from afar.
• Neither camera is weather sealed, so use caution in harsh environments.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

RX100 VI is clearly geared towards this market with:

• 315-point hybrid AF system excels at fast, accurate tracking.
• 24 fps shooting with autofocus tracking outperforms RX100 III’s 10 fps contrast AF burst.
• Long 200mm reach on RX100 VI beats the RX100 III’s 70mm telephoto easily.

Street Photography

RX100 III’s quiet operation (no silent shutter) is slightly behind RX100 VI’s electronic shutter maxing at 1/32000s for discreet shooting. The smaller RX100 III body is also more pocketable for casual strolls.

Macro Photography

RX100 III delivers closer macro focusing (5cm) vs. 8cm on RX100 VI, allowing better magnification and detail shots. Optical stabilization in both helps reduce shake.

Night and Astrophotography

Low-light performance benefits from:

• RX100 VI’s improved ISO range (25600 boosted) and better noise reduction.
• RX100 III’s brighter lens aperture at wide angle favors less noise in night scenes.
• Both support manual exposure and long shutter speeds up to 30 seconds.

Video Capabilities: 4K and Frame Rates

The RX100 VI is a serious upgrade for video shooters with native 4K recording at 30p delivering sharp, detailed clips. It also supports slow-motion 120fps in 720p, great for creative projects.

While neither has microphone or headphone jacks, the improved touchscreen and autofocus performance on RX100 VI make focusing and exposure control easier during video.

Build Quality, Battery, and Connectivity

• Neither model offers weather sealing or rugged protection.
• Both house the NP-BX1 battery though the RX100 III offers a longer rated battery life (320 shots vs. 240).
• Storage supports SD/SDHC/SDXC and Sony Memory Stick.
• Wireless connectivity is built-in on both; the RX100 VI adds Bluetooth for quicker pairing and remote control.
• USB 2.0 on RX100 III vs. RX100 VI’s USB charging capabilities facilitate faster and easier power management.

Price and Value Proposition

*Prices fluctuate based on region and retailer.

The RX100 VI justifies its higher price with significantly advanced autofocus, zoom versatility, and video features - ideal for multimedia creators requiring flexibility. The RX100 III remains a powerful choice if you want a compact camera with excellent image quality and outstanding lens speed on a tighter budget.

When to Choose Which? A Quick Guide

Summing Up: Which Sony RX100 Suits You Best?

Both the Sony RX100 III and RX100 VI are fantastic large sensor compacts, each tuned to slightly different creative needs. The RX100 III shines as a pocket-friendly all-rounder with a bright lens perfect for low-light and portrait shooters on a budget. Meanwhile, the RX100 VI pushes boundaries with advanced autofocus technology, incredible zoom reach, and professional video features, suited for hybrid content creators, wildlife enthusiasts, and sports photographers.

In short:

• Get the RX100 III if you prioritize image quality with a pocketable design, love portraits and street photography, and seek excellent value.
• Choose the RX100 VI if you often shoot fast action, want the best autofocus, extended zoom, and need 4K video.

Sony RX100 III front Sony RX100 III screen back Sony RX100 VI front

Above are side-by-side image samples showcasing portraits, landscapes, wildlife, and night shots. Notice the RX100 VI’s versatility in tight zoomed compositions versus the RX100 III’s superior bokeh and low-light handling.

Here’s a comparative score summary reflecting sensor performance, autofocus, speed, and video capabilities that objectively illustrates each model’s strengths.

A detailed breakdown by photography type helps clarify which model excels in which disciplines - reinforcing our recommendations.

Final Thoughts and Next Steps

Choosing between these two cameras ultimately depends on where your creative passions lie and how much you value the extra features. From our extensive hands-on testing, it’s clear Sony’s RX100 series maintains its position as a compact powerhouse. We encourage you to test both if possible to feel the difference in ergonomics and autofocus responsiveness.

Make sure to pair your choice with quality SD cards, spare batteries, and suitable accessories like protective cases and filters to get the most from your investment.

Check out dedicated Sony forums, hands-on reviews, and sample images to deepen your understanding. Above all, keep shooting - the best camera is the one that inspires and enables your unique vision.

Helpful Resources:

• Official Sony RX100 Series Camera Manuals
• Detailed third-party test reviews (e.g., DPReview, Imaging Resource)
• RAW sample downloads for hands-on image quality comparisons
• YouTube tutorials on Sony RX100 photography and videography

With thoughtful selection and practice, either of these cameras can become a trusted companion on your photography journey.

Happy shooting!