Sony RX100 III vs Sony W810: A Detailed Comparison for Every Photographer’s Needs

When picking a camera, understanding how technical specs translate into real-world performance is key. Today, we’re diving deep into two very different Sony compacts - the Sony RX100 III and the Sony W810. Both come from the same brand, but they target distinct users and photography needs. Drawing on hands-on testing and years of experience with Sony cameras, we’ll guide you through their features, strengths, and limitations to help you find the ideal fit.

A Tale of Two Compacts: Understanding the Class Difference

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, it’s important to set expectations:

• The Sony RX100 III is a high-end large sensor compact, launched in mid-2014. It’s designed for enthusiasts and professionals who want superb image quality in a pocketable body.
• The Sony W810 is an entry-level ultracompact point-and-shoot from early 2014, aimed at casual shooters looking for simplicity and affordability.

Let’s break down how these two differ fundamentally in size, build, sensor technology, optics, and shooting capabilities.

Size and Ergonomics: Pocketable or Ultra-Compact?

• RX100 III: Measuring 102×58×41 mm and weighing 290 g, the RX100 III feels substantial in hand with good grip and a solid build. It balances portability and handling comfort, allowing you to shoot confidently without bulk.
• W810: At a sleek 97×56×21 mm and 111 g, the W810 fits anywhere - a coin pocket, purse, or glovebox. Its ultra-slim body is easy to carry but offers limited physical controls.

Why it matters: Ergonomics influence how long you can shoot comfortably and how intuitive controls feel under pressure. The RX100 III’s design supports extended sessions and manual shooting, while the W810 is perfect for no-fuss snapshots.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Camera

Sensor size is a primary factor defining image quality.

The RX100 III’s 1-inch BSI-CMOS sensor is significantly larger - more than four times the sensor area of the W810. This difference means more light is captured, resulting in:

• Better dynamic range - retaining details in shadows and highlights
• Improved low-light performance with less noise at higher ISOs
• Higher color depth rendering smoother gradations

The W810’s smaller CCD sensor limits image quality; though 20 MP on paper, it struggles in dim lighting and can produce noisier images.

Real-World Insight

In practice, shots from the RX100 III exhibit vivid colors, rich detail, and clarity even indoors or at night. The W810 is fine for daylight and casual use but struggles to maintain sharpness and clarity when lighting drops.

Lens System: Versatility and Creative Control

The lens plays a critical role in framing your vision and the type of photography you can pursue.

The RX100 III uses a fast Leica-branded lens with a bright maximum aperture starting at f/1.8. This allows:

• Beautiful bokeh for portraits and subject isolation
• Greater control over depth-of-field creative effects
• Low-light flexibility without pushing ISO excessively

The W810’s lens offers a longer zoom range, from moderate wide to telephoto, but the slower aperture limits depth of field control and performance in low light.

For You

• If you love portraiture, street, and travel photography emphasizing image quality and bokeh, the RX100 III lens is a dream.
• If you prefer simple point-and-shoot versatility with a longer zoom for casual shots or family snapshots, W810’s range is practical.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance: Speed Matters in the Moment

Autofocus (AF) technology impacts how efficiently you can capture fleeting moments.

The RX100 III boasts a dedicated AF system with 25 focus points and can shoot at a rapid 10 frames per second - excellent for sports, wildlife, or spontaneous street photography.

The W810 operates a basic focus with single FPS burst, limiting its ability to track movement.

Hands-On Experience

In testing, the RX100 III reacquired focus swiftly even on moving subjects, and capturing decisive moments felt natural with the fast burst speed. The W810 is better suited for static subjects or carefully composed shots.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance

Neither camera offers environmental sealing, waterproofing, or shockproofing, reflective of their class positioning.

• The RX100 III has a metal body with a solid feel and sturdiness that inspires confidence when used outdoors.
• The W810, being an entry-level ultracompact, opts for lightweight plastic construction, which may feel less durable over time.

User Interface: Controls and Display

The RX100 III excels with a high-resolution tilting screen, perfect for composing creative angles. Its electronic viewfinder (EVF) provides bright, accurate framing feedback - vital in bright sunlight.

The W810’s basic fixed, low-resolution screen works well for casual shooting but limits creative flexibility.

Video Capabilities

The RX100 III offers robust video options with smooth 1080p/60p recording, slow-motion capability at 120 fps in HD, and stabilized footage making it solid for vlogging or casual filmmaking.

The W810 records basic 720p videos and lacks advanced video features.

Battery Life and Storage

• RX100 III: Rating of 320 shots per charge (real-world use may vary), using a proprietary NP-BX1 battery. It has a single SD card slot supporting SDXC/SDHC.
• W810: Smaller NP-BN battery rated at 200 shots, supporting Memory Stick Duo and microSD cards, which may be a limiting factor for video shooters.

Connectivity and Modern Features

Wireless shooting and instant photo sharing are possible with the RX100 III, an advantage for social media creators. The W810 lacks these conveniences.

Compare User Interfaces Up Close

The RX100 III’s advanced interface favors photographers who want manual exposure, aperture priority, shutter priority modes, and customizable buttons. The W810 aims for simplicity with minimal photography modes.

Sample Image Gallery and Real-World Use Cases

Sony RX100 III front Sony RX100 III screen back Sony W810 front Sony W810 screen back

• The RX100 III produces punchy colors, crisp detail, and smooth bokeh - perfect for portraits and landscapes.
• The W810 images are decent in good light but display noise and softness indoors or at higher zoom.

Scoring Overall and By Photography Genre

Photography Genres Explored: Which Shines Where?

• Portraits: The RX100 III delivers beautiful skin tones and excellent bokeh with its fast aperture lens and 1” sensor, while the W810 can only manage basic portraits.
• Landscapes: High dynamic range and resolution give RX100 III the win. W810 lacks range and control.
• Wildlife & Sports: RX100 III’s fast AF and 10 fps continuous burst are useful. W810 too slow.
• Street: While the W810 is small and unobtrusive, RX100 III’s compact body and EVF make it appealing to street shooters who demand quality.
• Macro: RX100 III focuses down to 5 cm, great for small details. W810 does not promote macro photography.
• Night & Astro: RX100 III manages noise at high ISO better.
• Video: RX100 III supports high-quality HD filming with stabilization.
• Travel: RX100 III’s versatility and wireless features make it better, but W810’s size scores for minimalist travelers.
• Professional Work: Only the RX100 III offers RAW images and manual control needed for pro work.

Who Should Buy Which?

Sony RX100 III Is For You If:

• You’re a photography enthusiast or professional wanting top-tier image quality in a compact package.
• You want manual controls, RAW shooting, and a bright zoom lens.
• Video shooting with 1080p quality and smooth stabilization is important.
• You need fast continuous shooting and reliable autofocus for action shots.
• You appreciate wireless connectivity for instant sharing.
• Your budget allows the ~$750 price point.

Sony W810 Is For You If:

• You are a casual shooter who wants a simple, easy-to-use camera for everyday snapshots.
• Budget is tight (W810 is about $100).
• You only need basic video and photo features for travel or family.
• Ultra-compact size and light weight is paramount.
• You prefer a camera without complex controls or setup.

Final Verdict: Expertise-Based Summary

The Sony RX100 III is a fundamentally superior camera in terms of sensor technology, lens quality, autofocus speed, video capabilities, and feature richness. It caters to advanced photographers and professionals who want a highly capable pocket camera without carrying an interchangeable lens system.

The Sony W810, by contrast, serves as a point-and-shoot for beginners or casual users prioritizing simplicity and cost. While it can snap decent photos in well-lit conditions, it lacks the performance characteristics to satisfy enthusiasts or pro work.

If image quality, flexible shooting modes, and long-term creative growth matter to you, go for the RX100 III. If your priority is a no-fuss snapshot camera to capture family moments or vacations without breaking the bank, the W810 remains an accessible option.

Explore and Experiment: Next Steps in Your Photography Journey

Whichever camera suits your needs, remember the importance of exploring and getting comfortable with your gear. Test the manual settings on the RX100 III or just enjoy point-and-shoot fun with the W810. Accessories like extra batteries, speedier SD cards, or a protective case can enhance your experience.

Photography is about capturing moments and expressing creativity - both cameras offer unique ways to support your vision.

Appendix: Technical Specifications in Detail

With years of experience testing cameras like these across disciplines, you can trust this robust comparison to inform your next purchase consciously. Keep pushing your creative boundaries - a great camera is just the beginning.