SONY RX100 M3 Digital Camera Review

6) SONY RX100 M3 Digital Camera Review – for Video

Smaller sensor = less data, more video options

Normally most things are better with a larger sensor including subject isolation, more bokeh, etc. But, there are some advantages to a smaller sensor. One appears to be video. The RX100M3 outdoes the A6000 and the A7 in video stabilisation and frame rate. This may be because of less data to transfer constantly from the sensor to the SD card. The RX100M3’s Intelligent Active Mode for video utilizes frame analysis technology and 5-axis compensation to dramatically reduce the effects of camera shake while shooting movies. Although it narrows the field of view by cropping the picture, I’ve grown a liking to Intelligent Active Mode because it really looks smooth when I take videos while walking. With some good handycam control you can make it look like you’re filming on a truck or dolly.

High Frame Rate – For Slow motion Video

The RX100M3 also has some high frame rate options for video. The highest is 120fps with the XAVC-S codec at 720p allowing you to slow down the action x4 yet still keep it absolutely smooth. x4 is a similar speed to professional sports replays. The next model, the RX100M4 actually has more video and frame rate options including 4K (although only for 5 minutes with overheating issues) and frame rates of up to 1000fps. If you’re looking for the best video options I would recommend looking at the latest generation RX100, the RX100M4.

Here is a video taken with the SONY RX100 M3 in the XAVC-S codec mode at 120fps, slowed down 4 times to 30fps.

Discreet size, amazing quality

The size of the camera is a great advantage again. People are usually quick to notice video cameras or even mobile phones in public spaces, but with the RX100M3 I’ve found people don’t notice as much. Perhaps they think I’m just lining up a photo in the viewfinder, not taking video footage. It’s surprising the high quality footage that results too.

Here is a video taken at a busy noodle shop in Osaka. Nobody notices the camera, they probably though I was just framing a photo.