Sony RX100 Sample Photos and Tests

I haven't used a compact styled camera in a long long time. Five or six years ago when I took photos just to record memories, I used to use them exclusively. But later when I started to get more into photography, and had a taste of what dslrs can do, I just never looked back. I just found compacts quite limiting, with slow focus, slow shutter response and no RAW mode. From what I have been hearing on the interweb though, is that Sony has changed all that with the new RX100. 

is it a DSLR in a compact's body?

It is supposed to be a compact camera designed for dslr users. With the portability of a compact, yet with a sensor large enough to offer image quality comparable to a dslr.

Personally I am waiting (and saving) for Sony's new full frame line up, which is suppose to come out sometime this century, but I still couldn't help to wonder if this camera really is the holy grail many of us has been hoping for and never expected to get. So when recently one of my friend bought the RX100, I kindly asked (threaten) him if I could "borrow" it to test it out. I just didn't say how long :)... don't worry he is one of those people who loves to buy gadgets but never gets around to actually using them, so he wouldn't even miss it...I hope.

Anyways, now that I have the camera in my hand I will try and put up sample photos, tests and how I feel about the camera in this post for anyone else who might be interested in buying it.

My first impression of the RX100 is that it really is designed for dslr users, especially if you have used Sony's dslrs or slts you will be right at home. I was also very pleased to find that the "shutter lag", which is one of the thing I hate most about compacts, is non-existent.

Oups...straight away when trying to open my RAW files I realized that Adobe Camera Raw does not yet support the RX100 RAW files, so the fist thing you might want to do is to download the Sony data image converter version 4.1  

Here is an ISO test I did for the Sony RX100 the results really exceeded my expectations.

Here is a test comparing the ISO noise performance of the RAW files, JPEG files and Multi Frame Noise Reduction Files of the RX100  

An unintended Macro Photography Session with the RX100 

Some Random Image Samples I have taken with the camera

Sometimes I miss my a100 HDR with 35mm f1.4 Minolta

35mm f1.4 Minolta Sample Photo (please click on image to view full size)

Saying that I miss my Sony a100 will probably have most people thinking that it is no longer with me, but in fact it is sitting right next to me on a shelf in my room and I could use it anytime I want. But for me to use it now over the a900 or a55 would be an exercise in nostalgia, not of practicality or the desire to capture the best shot possible. Not that the a100 couldn't take great shots, it could, it just can't compete with the features or performance of cameras today, especially it's high iso performance which was bad even for it's day. But maybe it is that lack of features that makes the a100 such an enjoyable experience to use. It gives it an almost "primitive" feel, maybe this is what it feels like for Leica users.   

Hmm...maybe it's time to take the a100 down from the shelf for a little dose of nostalgia.

CZ 16-35mm f2.8 Sample Photos Walkabout Lens Around Japan Part 9 Hidden Nature

Walked in on this beautiful tree planted in a tiny but perfectly kept Japanese garden crammed into the side of a small alleyway. At first everything looked so perfect that my first reaction was that these must be plastic plants, upon further inspection however, I was happy to find that is not the case. I wonder who is responsible for the upkeep of this little gem, wish I could give them my compliments.