Sony has announced what it’s calling a brand new type of camera, introducing the Sony RX0, priced $700, with a 1-inch sensor and advanced still image and video capabilities in an ultra-compact body.
With the Sony RX0 the company looks to have created a new breed of action camera. Unlike other action cameras the RX0 has a 1-inch sensor, that will give it a significant advantage for image quality.
The RX0 uses Sony’s stacked sensor structure to give the 15.3million effective pixels more light gathering potential.
Furthermore the Exmor RS CMOS image sensor is combined with a BIONZ X processor and a wide-angle Zeiss Tessar T* 24mm f/4 fixed lens and it’s capable of recording raw and jpegs files in addition to 4K video.
At 24mm the lens isn’t going to give as wide a view as most action cameras but it should still prove a good ‘walkabout’ option and with a maximum aperture of f/4 there’s scope to restrict depth of field with close subjects.
We’ve seen Sony’s Anti-Distortion shutter in action in cameras like the Sony A9 and it makes it possible to shoot fast action like the swing of a golf club without rolling shutter AKA jello effect bending the moving area.
We’re looking forward to hearing more about the wireless multiple RX0 shooting system, that could really simplify shooting action from a range of angles simultaneously.
Sony RX0 Key Specs
- Ultra-compact, tough body: waterproof, shockproof and crushproof
- 1.0-type stacked 15.3MP Exmor RS CMOS image sensor
- Zeiss Tessar T* 24mm6 /f/4 fixed wide-angle lens
- Maximum shutter speed 1/32000 second
- Max shooting rate 16 fps
- Creative video functionality including 40x Super Slow motion recording
- Picture Profile (S-Log2)
- 4K Clean HDMI Output
- Multi-camera control for multi-view shooting either wirelessly or with wired connection
Sony RX0 Price & Release Date
The new Sony RX0 price tag will be $700 US / $900 CA, with a release date set for October.
The new Sony RX0 camera and all compatible accessories will be sold at a variety of Sony authorized dealers throughout North America.
Below is Sony’s press statement on the new RX0, which was just announced at IFA in Berlin. We’ll update this post as more details emerge:
The RX0 (model name: DSC-RX0) marries the hallmark leading image quality of the Sony RX series with advanced photo and video capabilities, all compressed into a robust and ultra-compact body.
Designed to facilitate creative expression beyond current limitations, RX0 is equally adept at shooting still images or filming video on its own, as well as when included as part of a multi-camera set-up to maximize creativity. Its miniature dimensions and all-around versatility allow creators to approach unique photographic and videographic challenges in new ways, always with the assurance of high quality results.
Weighing just 3.9 oz10 and measuring approximately 2.38 in. x 1.63 in x 1.19 (WxDxH)11, the RX0 redefines how small and light a premium compact camera can be. The new model can be used as a standalone camera or as part of a multi-camera rig in any kind of shooting conditions including rain, underwater, space-limited, sandy or dusty environments and more.
Stimulating Imaginations
Multiple RX0s can be linked together in a variety of ways to film and produce unique content like bullet-time, time-slice and many other unique styles of content creation. Sony’s wireless radio commander, the FA-WRC1M can be used to trigger up to fifteen12 RX0’s simultaneously, while Sony’s PlayMemories™ Mobile13 app allows up to five RX0 models to be connected and controlled wirelessly from any paired device. A wireless multi-camera shooting solution capable of connecting additional RX0 units when an access point is used14 is currently under development with a target release date of January 2018 via firmware update. For users looking for a more reliable wired connection, a camera control box is being developed and will also be released in January 2018.
Power Packed
The new RX0 camera features a 1.0-type stacked 15.3 MP6 Exmor RS CMOS image sensor, BIONZ X™ processor and a wide-angle ZEISS® Tessar T* 24mm F4 fixed lens to deliver high resolution and less distortion results for both RAW and JPEG stills and across all supported video formats. It is equipped with an Anti-Distortion Shutter that can shoot as fast as 1/32000 second, as well maximum burst shooting capability at up to 16 fps, ensuring that even fast moving objects are beautifully and accurately rendered. Its small size also makes it an ideal choice for casual shooting, street and travel photography and more.
The new portable RX0 is waterproof1,2 at depths of up to 10 meters (33 ft) on its own, and can be used at up to 100m15 (330 ft) depth when paired with the new MPK-HSR1 Housing. The camera is shockproof3,1 when dropped from up to 2 meters (6.5 ft) and crushproof4,1 to 200kg / 440lb / 2000N, making it durable enough to withstand tough shooting conditions including rain, sand, dust, snow and more, where traditional cameras simply cannot operate.
Video Excellence
On the video front, the RX0 is packed with a variety of creative and powerful features including super slow motion capture8 at up to 960 frames per second, 4K clean HDMI output to an external recorder as well as MF assist and Peaking to adjust focus to exact preferences of the creator, as well as Preset Focus options which enhance control. The camera also offers Picture Profile options and S-Log2, as well Time Code / User Bit features, which are extremely useful for multi-camera shoots.
Full Range of Accessories
To maximize the potential of RX0, a host of new accessories are available that support new and different ways of shooting. These include the VCT-CGR1 Cage for increased system flexibility, the MPK-HSR1 Housing, enabling the RX0 to be taken down to depths of up to 100 meters underwater15, the CPT-R1 Cable Protector, VF-SPR1 Spare Lens Protector, VFA-305R1 Filter Adaptor Kit which includes filter adaptor, lens hood and MC protector, plus the NP-BJ1 Rechargeable Battery Pack and ACC-TRDCJ Accessory Kit.