Two new contenders
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In the last few years some of the Sony's compact cameras became popular amongst amateur underwater photographers. For example the panorama mode was an exciting feature for those who wanted to make wide angle shots with their cameras. But many of these cameras lack the full manual controls. Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 is different, it's a small camera with a big sensor which is the first high-end compact from the Sony since 2004.
Key features:
- Massive 20.2MP Image Sensor. Compared to the average point and shoot 1/2.3" sensor size, the RX100 boasts a large, specially developed 1" Exmor CMOS sensor to capture more light from your scene and reproduce every stunning detail with greater fidelity. Original dual noise reduction and column A/D conversion further decrease noise to ensure smooth, clear reproduction—even in low-light settings.
- Legendary Carl Zeiss® optics and unrivalled Sony imaging technology come together in the RX100's high-performance Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens. Despite its compact dimensions, this extraordinary lens offers supremely accurate performance, 3.6x optical zoom and an enormous F1.8 circular aperture for gorgeous defocused backgrounds. Focal Length (35mm equivalent): 29-105mm
- An integrated control ring puts easy, intuitive access to camera settings right at your fingertips.
- Shoot in nearly any light with natural results thanks to sensitivity that ranges from ISO 125 to 6400.
- Get SLR-like handling with a full range of controls for video and still shooting-from Program, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority and Manual (P/A/S/M) modes for more advanced photographers, to an incredibly effective iAuto mode perfect for beginners.
- Save pictures as compact JPEG files, ultra high-quality RAW files, or both at once.
- Create amazingly clear, extra-smooth movies with Full HD 1080/60p video capture in the AVCHD Ver. 2.0 (progressive) format at a high frame rate of 60 fps.
(Source: Sony)
The retail price is 649USD, for a compact it's a bit expensive but still much cheaper than a DSLR. The estimated price of the Nauticam, Recsea and Ikelite underwater housings for the RX100 are 950,1099 and 400USD respectively. The camera's performance was tested by a diver who shared his impressive sample underwater video.
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