I am really excited by the new
Sony DSC-RX10's potential for video. Announced at the same time as the full frame
A7, this camera has received less recognition - but may be more significant. Perhaps as significant as the moire-resistant
GH1 was in 2009.
I especially like the
RX10's "de-clicked" 8.3x constant f2.8 power zoom combined with the proven
RX100 sensor. This is essentially a cinema lens on a point and shoot camera.
Add the built-in ND filter, focus peaking, 31 step manual audio level control, audio meters and headphone jack, and you have a serious video camera.
The dust and moisture resistant magnesium alloy body is nice too.
If Sony has really dealt with the line-skipping/moire problem, as this
hands on preview from Imaging Resource suggests, I guess I'll have to buy this camera. I had been saving up for the
FZ200 to replace my wife's
FZ150 - now I'll need to figure out a way to scrape together another $800.
Pricey, yes. But the 1" sensor and 20.2MP still resolution mean the competition for this camera isn't really the
FZ200 - it is the
G6 and the
GH3.
You'd have to buy a
$699 Panasonic G6 - plus
$1100 12-35mm and
$1350 35-100mm constant f2.8 lenses to match the
$1298 RX10 in micro 4/3 world. Compared to $3149 for a plastic camera body and two unpowered zoom lenses, $1298 for a metal body and a power zoom is a real bargain.
And with the G6, you'd still be missing the weather-sealing, the built-in ND filter and the headphone jack.
If you wanted weather-sealing from Panasonic, you'd have to pay $300-$400 more for the
GH3. Yes, you'd gain multiple codecs and higher bit rates, but you'd lose focus peaking.
If I were Panasonic, I would be very very worried about this camera.
You can pre-order the new RX10 for $1298 from
Amazon or
Adorama. These cameras will be very hard to get before Christmas unless you get in line now.
Your card won't be charged by either of these great retailers until your camera ships. As usual, if any of this has helped you to reach a buying decision, please order through one of the links above or the display ads below or in the margins. It won't cost you anything extra, and it will help keep these posts coming. Thanks so much.