Sony RX100 vs Sony A68

Sony RX100 vs Sony A68: An In-Depth Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts and Professionals

Choosing the right camera often involves evaluating not just specifications but real-world usability, optical performance, and how a model fits into one’s photographic workflows. In this comprehensive analysis, we compare two distinct Sony models - the compact large-sensor Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 and the entry-level DSLR Sony SLT-A68. Both cameras target different market segments, yet understanding their capabilities across diverse photographic scenarios reveals practical insights for buyers balancing portability, image quality, and operational control.

Physical Design and Ergonomics: Compact Convenience Versus DSLR Handling

Starting with form factor, the RX100 epitomizes the “large sensor compact” category, featuring a pocketable body measuring 102x58x36mm and weighing a mere 240g. This ultra-portability is highly advantageous for street photographers, travelers, and those prioritizing convenience without compromising sensor size. Conversely, the A68, with dimensions of 143x104x81mm and a substantial weight of 610g, is firmly in the compact DSLR camp. Its heft and size provide sturdier handling and stability, especially when paired with heavier lenses, which will benefit users focused on wildlife or sports photography.

Ergonomically, the A68 sports a robust handgrip, extensive physical controls, and a top-plate LCD screen. In contrast, the RX100’s compact body limits physical dials and includes a fixed 3-inch WhiteMagic TFT LCD without touch functionality. For photographers valuing rapid tactile adjustment of parameters, particularly in dynamic shooting environments, the A68’s DSLR heritage is advantageous. On the other hand, the RX100’s simplified layout aligns with quick point-and-shoot usability.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality Metrics

The sensor is a core differentiator between these models. The RX100 utilizes a 1-inch (13.2x8.8mm) CMOS sensor offering a resolution of 20MP. In contrast, the A68 uses an APS-C sized CMOS sensor (23.5x15.6mm) with 24MP resolution. The physical size and pixel count difference are critical in practical imaging outcomes.

DxOMark lab testing assigns the RX100 a sensor score of 66, with strong color depth (22.6 bits) and excellent dynamic range (12.4 EV). The A68 scores substantially higher at 79, noting enhanced color depth (24.1 bits), wider dynamic range (13.5 EV), and superior low-light ISO capabilities (ISO 701 vs. ISO 390). This translates to deeper tonal gradations, better noise control at high ISO, and overall more flexibility during post-processing for the A68.

In landscape and portraiture, where dynamic range and color fidelity are paramount, the A68’s sensor advantage manifests clearly. The RX100’s sensor performs admirably for its class but has more limited noise handling and tonal latitude, which becomes evident in challenging lighting.

Lens Systems and Focal Range

Being a fixed-lens compact, the RX100 integrates a 28-100mm equivalent zoom lens with a maximum aperture ranging from f/1.8 at wide angle to f/4.9 at telephoto. This provides decent low-light utility at the wide end, beneficial for portraits with shallow depth of field and moderate zoom coverage for travel or casual landscapes. However, the lens’s variable and somewhat narrower tele aperture constrains reach and low-light tele shooting.

The A68 utilizes Sony’s Alpha mount with access to an extensive ecosystem of over 140 native lenses, encompassing primes, zooms, macros, and professional-grade optics. This flexibility is invaluable for users with genre-specific needs such as wildlife telephotos, dedicated macro lenses, or fast primes for portraiture. The A68’s 1.5x crop factor must be factored in lens selection but also facilitates extended reach for telephoto work.

For professionals and enthusiasts aiming for optics versatility and upgrade paths, the A68’s interchangeable lens system remains highly advantageous.

Autofocus Systems and Focusing Performance

The RX100 employs a 25-point contrast-detection AF system without phase detection pixels, lacking advanced tracking capabilities and limiting performance in complex or fast-moving scenes. Face detection is supported but no animal eye AF is available. Continuous AF and tracking are serviceable for casual photography but can struggle during fast action.

In contrast, the A68 features a sophisticated 79-point phase-detection AF system with 15 cross-type points and a center-run contrast detection hybrid system, powered by the BIONZ X processor. This facilitates faster and more accurate autofocus acquisition, improved subject tracking, and better performance in varied lighting conditions. The A68 supports face detection and continuous autofocus modes optimized for moving subjects such as athletes or wildlife.

Therefore, for action, sports, or wildlife photography demanding reliable AF tracking and speed, the A68 is the superior choice; the RX100’s system suits more deliberate, static compositions.

Shooting Speeds and Buffer Performance

Continuous shooting speeds influence usability in genres like sports, wildlife, and event photography. The RX100 offers a burst rate of 10 fps, impressive for a compact, but buffer depth and image quality during continuous shooting should be considered. The lack of a mechanical shutter speed beyond 1/2000s and no electronic shutter modes limits its capacity to freeze ultra-fast motion.

The A68 provides 8 fps burst speed with a deeper buffer and faster shutter speed up to 1/4000s. Though numerically slower than the RX100, the DSLR mechanics and AF tracking system maintain performance quality in longer bursts and dynamic sequences.

Build Quality, Weather Sealing, and Durability

Neither camera offers weather sealing or ruggedized protection. The RX100’s compact plastic and metal construction is durable for everyday carry but less tolerant to harsh environments. The A68’s DSLR chassis, while larger, also lacks sealing against dust and moisture but offers more physical robustness due to its design.

Photographers working in adverse weather or demanding environments should consider protective gear regardless.

Viewfinder and Display Capabilities

For composing images, the RX100 relies exclusively on its fixed 3-inch WhiteMagic TFT rear LCD, featuring 1229k dot resolution but no touchscreen or articulating functionality. It lacks an integrated viewfinder, necessitating live view composition, which is less ideal in bright ambient light.

The A68 includes a high-resolution (1440k dot) electronic viewfinder with 100% coverage and 0.57x magnification, as well as a 2.7-inch tilting LCD screen with 461k dots. The EVF significantly enhances manual focusing accuracy and shooting stability, a substantial advantage for professionals and enthusiasts accustomed to DSLR ergonomics. The lack of touch controls may slow menu navigation but tactile buttons compensate.

Video Recording and Multimedia Features

Both cameras record Full HD (1920x1080) video but with differing codec and frame rate support. The RX100 can shoot 1080p at 60fps in MPEG-4 and AVCHD formats but lacks microphone or headphone jacks, limiting advanced audio control. No 4K or slow-motion options are available.

The A68 records 1080p at multiple frame rates (60i, 30p, 24p) and adds the XAVC S codec for better compression and quality. Critically, it offers a microphone input for improved audio capture, beneficial for videographers. Neither camera supports 4K.

Neither model offers in-body or in-lens optical stabilization optimized for video beyond the RX100’s optical image stabilization for stills.

Battery Life and Power Management

The RX100 uses the NP-BX1 battery, rated at approximately 330 shots per charge. Its compact body limits capacity and operational longevity, implying the need for spares on extended outings.

The A68’s NP-FM500H battery offers substantially longer run time around 510 shots per charge, supporting longer shooting sessions and field work without frequent recharging.

Professionals working in travel or event photography will appreciate the A68’s endurance, while compact users must plan accordingly.

Storage Media, Connectivity, and Workflow Integration

Both models support SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards, with compatibility for Sony’s proprietary Memory Stick formats.

Connectivity-wise, the RX100 includes NFC for simplified pairing with compatible smartphones and supports Eye-Fi wireless cards. The A68 also supports Eye-Fi but lacks NFC and Bluetooth. Both have micro USB 2.0 and HDMI output for tethering and external monitoring.

Neither camera features GPS or robust wireless connectivity suites found in modern bodies.

In workflow terms, both cameras output RAW files, enabling professional-level post-processing. However, lens choice and sensor size bear more on quality and flexibility downstream.

Detailed Performance Across Photography Genres

1. Portrait Photography:
   The RX100’s f/1.8 aperture at the wide end combined with its large 1-inch sensor delivers pleasing bokeh and smooth skin tones in controlled lighting. However, its fixed lens limits focal length flexibility. The A68’s APS-C sensor and access to fast prime lenses such as 50mm f/1.8 or 85mm f/1.4 enhance subject isolation and background separation significantly. The A68’s 79-point AF system with face detection ensures accurate eye-focused portraits under varied conditions, outperforming the RX100’s limited AF.

2. Landscape Photography:
   Landscape photographers require wide dynamic range and resolution. The A68’s superior sensor dynamic range and 24MP resolution support detailed texture reproduction and extensive tonal gradation. Despite the RX100’s 20MP sensor and moderate dynamic range, the integrated 28mm wide end is adequate for general landscapes, but the limited zoom and fewer RAW editing headroom restrict versatility.

3. Wildlife Photography:
   Wildlife photography demands fast autofocus, telephoto reach, and burst shooting. The RX100’s 100mm equivalent telephoto is insufficient for distant subjects. The A68, paired with suitable telephoto lenses, and its rapid phase-detection AF system with 15 cross points and 8 fps burst rate, is more capable for capturing wildlife behavior.

4. Sports Photography:
   Similar to wildlife, sports require fast AF tracking and fast shutter speeds. The A68’s max shutter of 1/4000s, robust AF, and physical controls provide an edge over the RX100’s slower 1/2000s shutter and limited AF system.

5. Street Photography:
   The RX100’s compactness, silent operation, and simplicity make it suitable for unobtrusive street captures, despite lacking a viewfinder. The A68’s size is bulkier, potentially drawing attention, but the built-in EVF aids composition, especially in bright light.

6. Macro Photography:
   The RX100’s 5cm macro focus distance is suitable for casual macro shots but lacks dedicated macro lenses. The A68’s compatibility with macro lenses and sensor-based stabilization enables higher magnification and precise focusing.

7. Night and Astrophotography:
   With higher ISO capability, the A68 offers better noise handling and dynamic range for low-light scenes. The RX100’s optical stabilization aids handheld night shooting, but limited sensor size restricts noise performance. Both lack specialized astro modes but can be used manual exposure.

8. Video Capabilities:
   Both models offer Full HD recording but the A68’s microphone port and better codec support make it more versatile for hybrid shooters prioritizing quality video with sound control.

9. Travel Photography:
   The RX100 excels in travel due to its compactness, image stabilization, and reasonably good image quality. The A68’s weight and size are less convenient but afford greater creative control.

10. Professional Work:
    For professional workflows requiring reliability, comprehensive manual control, and lens ecosystem flexibility, the A68 is better suited given its raw support, faster AF, and accessory compatibility.

Sony RX100 front Sony RX100 screen back Sony A68 front Sony A68 screen back

Summary of Performance and Ratings

The RX100 is an excellent large sensor compact suitable for photographers prioritizing portability and simplicity. Its image quality and lens versatility are limited by the fixed lens and smaller sensor. The A68 offers significant advantages in sensor size, autofocus sophistication, and lens options, making it versatile across many genres but at the cost of size and weight.

Genre-Specific Recommendations

The following chart synthesizes relative strengths per photography discipline, aiding nuanced decision-making.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Who Should Buy the Sony RX100?
Photographers seeking an ultra-compact, dependable camera with a large sensor that fits into a pocket or small bag will appreciate the RX100’s portability and simplicity. It excels as a secondary camera or for casual shooting in good light, street photography, and travel scenarios where size and speed of deployment outweigh flexibility. Be aware that the fixed zoom lens and limited AF system may frustrate users seeking fast action or extensive telephoto reach.

Who Should Choose the Sony A68?
The A68 is suited for entry-level DSLR users and enthusiasts stepping up from compact cameras, desiring DSLR ergonomics, diverse lens compatibility, and improved image quality. It provides ample performance for portrait, landscape, wildlife, and sports photography, including superior autofocus, longer battery life, and professional workflow support. Its larger size and weight require commitment, but the creative control and photo quality gains tend to justify it for serious photographic pursuits.

For users balancing budget with capability, the A68’s reasonable price point combined with a robust lens ecosystem offers a compelling all-around camera. Meanwhile, the RX100 remains a benchmark for large sensor compacts, especially when absolute portability is non-negotiable.

In conclusion, these cameras target different priorities with complementary strengths and weaknesses. Thorough evaluation based on intended use cases, shooting preferences, and ergonomic considerations will lead to the most satisfying choice. Both remain relevant options for photography enthusiasts seeking value and quality within their respective categories.