There’s hardly any info online about the Sony Cyber-shot RX100 VA. Sony released this camera as an upgrade to the RX100 V, but they didn’t market it or make any public announcements at all.
I’m a huge fan of Sony’s compact cameras, and whilst I actually bought the RX100 VA by accident (scroll down for the full story), I’ve grown to love it even more than my other Sony models.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Sony Cyber-shot RX100 VA, so you can decide whether or not it’s the camera for you.
What is the Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-RX100 VA?
The Sony RX100 VA is an update to the Sony RX100 V compact camera.
It can do everything the RX100 V can do, but it’s got some more advanced features thrown in too.
For example, it’s got the Sony RX100 VI’s processor and firmware, and a slightly better lens than the RX100 V.
Who is the Sony RX100 VA for?
Part of the beauty of the RX100 VA is the fact that it’s suited to so many different people. Whether you just like to point and shoot on your travels, or you like to play around with more advanced photography settings, the VA has you covered.
It’s so lightweight and easy to use, which means you can take it just about anywhere with you (one advantage compact cameras have over DSLRs). I personally use mine as a travel camera when I need to travel light.
It also has 4K video mode and image stabilisation, so it’s great for anyone who loves to vlog with a compact camera. In fact, in terms of vlogging, I’d say this is one of the best compact vlogging cameras out there.
How I bought the Sony RX100 VA by accident
The RX100 mark 5 was a popular camera, with some great reviews, so I was surprised when the model upgrade (the RX100 VA or mark 5 A) was introduced so quietly. In fact, I didn’t even realise there WAS an RX100 VA, until I tried to buy the standard mark 5.
There I was, in the middle of a mall in Chiang Mai, ready to play at libertyslotscasino.co, when the manager came running out waving his hands.
‘Don’t pay yet!’ he shouted, running towards me. I can’t say I’ve ever had that in a store before.
But he quickly explained that they no longer had any of the mark 5 models in stock, because they’d replaced them with the mark 5 A – the RX100 VA.
I was a little wary at first. Was it a scam? Was I about to buy a non-existent camera? I couldn’t find any information about the camera online, not even from Sony. But the store seemed legit, and the promise of an even newer model for not much more money persuaded me to go for it. It was time to upgrade my Sony WX500 anyway.
(If you want to know about my previous camera, here’s my review of the Sony WX500)
Sony RX100 VA Review
So I’ve now had the Sony RX100 VA for several months. I’ve taken it to 5 different countries so far, and I’m loving it. But that’s not to say that it’s perfect. So here’s everything I wish I’d known before buying the RX100 VA (because when I bought it, there was literally no information online).
So without further ado (that’s right, I’ll stop waffling now), here’s a review of the Sony RX100 mark VA.
The good stuff
This camera is definitely a step up from a lot of Sony’s other compact camera options. There are so many great features that make it perfect for point and shoot, as well as more advanced photography.
It has super fast AF
The autofocus is impressively speedy in both photo and video mode. When you compare it to other similar models like the Panasonic Lumix LX10 or LX15, it really is quite something.
There’s no lag, and it’s super smooth, so you can get some artistic and professional looking shots on the go without worrying about your photos/videos being out of focus.
It’s got a great f-stop range
So I’ve had the Sony WX500 for a year or so now, but one of my main issues with it was that it just couldn’t blur out the background to get that professional look.
So when I realised the RX100 VA can blur out the background almost as well as any high end DSLR, I was sold. The f-stop ranges from 1.8 to 2.8, which is enough to give you that out-of-focus background.
The manual control ring is great
I love compact cameras, but I’ve got to say, my heart lies with DSLRs. So for me, the manual control ring was perfect, because it made the camera feel more similar to a DSLR.
Being able to change the depth of field manually gives so much more control over composition. It meant I was able to capture shots like this (because believe me, this spider was too camouflaged for most compact cameras to focus on).
It has 4K!
Anyone interested in vlogging will be desperate for a 4K vlogging camera. So you’ll be pleased to hear this camera can film in 4K at 30fps.
The quality is quite something, and when paired with a lower f-stop, you’ll have people thinking you’re working with a really professional bit of kit.
It’s got a great processor
One of the major upgrades the VA has, compared to the standard mark 5, is the processor. Sony took the RX100 VI processor (I know, all the names are too similar, but bear with me), the BIONX processor, and put it into the mark 5 to make the VA. This means it’s faster and better able to cope with extensive use.
It has a viewfinder
The viewfinder in the RX100 VA is a welcome feature. It makes it a much friendlier camera for those used to bridge cameras or DSLRs.
Even if you don’t often use viewfinders, it can be handy to have one, especially if you’re shooting in broad daylight, when the sunlight might block your view of the screen.
And don’t worry, the viewfinder isn’t delicate or an eye sore, because you can tuck it neatly into the camera, out of sight, and out of the way of any bashes.
The image stabilisation is incredible
With this camera, you can walk or run whilst filming without fear of shaky footage. The advanced image stabilisation even gives the GoPro Hero 7 hyper smooth a run for its money.
It’s got Wi-Fi
I love having the option to transfer my photos to my phone by Wi-Fi. It just makes social media easier, and it saves me from having to faff around finding a wire to transfer my files.
It also gives you the option of sending photos to yourself whilst you’re out and about. This can help you save space on your camera’s memory card.
One thing to note though is that you can’t transfer videos by Wi-Fi, only photos.
You can charge with a USB
One thing that bugs me about a lot of cameras is when you have to take the battery out of the camera to charge it. It’s just a hassle. But the Sony RX100 VA can be charged with a micro USB, so you can charge up whilst importing your files.
It feels great to hold
The way a camera feels to hold can really make or break your experience with. The RX100 VA feels like it’s made with quality materials. It’s lightweight but it still feels substantial, and it doesn’t look nearly as plasticy as a lot of other similar models.
The tilting screen gives you more angle options
I don’t know about you, but I always try and take pictures from different angles. Sometimes I’ll take pictures right from the floor, and other times I’ll stand on tiptoes and hold the camera as high above my head as possible. But often you have to snap creative angles blind – you can’t see what your camera sees.
The tilting screen tilts 180 degrees, upwards and downwards, so you can always get a good view of the picture or video you’re trying to take.
The not-so-good stuff
I love the Sony RX100 VA, but it’s not perfect. Nothing ever is. And this wouldn’t be an honest review without disclosing the negatives, so here goes.
It’s a little pricey
Most people expect compact cameras to be much more affordable than bridge cameras and DSLRs. But the RX100 VA is a little more pricey than your average point and shoot compact camera.
However, it’s one of the more advanced compacts out there, so you really do get what you pay for.
The zoom isn’t great
Some of the cheaper Sony compact models, like the Sony WX500, have an incredible zoom that put massive zoom lenses to shame. But unfortunately, on the RX100 VA, Sony decided zoom wasn’t a priority.
Image stabilisation isn’t so great in 4K
For some people, 4K footage is a must-have, and of course you’ll have 4K video at your disposal. But if you want to film a professional looking video, it can be worth actually taking it down a notch.
The image stabilisation works best when filming in 1080p, so if you want super smooth video, 4K isn’t the way to go.
There’s no touchscreen
Touch screen compact cameras are like marmite – you either love them or hate them. But if you love them, you’ll be sad to hear the RX100 VA doesn’t have a touch screen. However, you can easily navigate between settings with the buttons.
I live in the UK, in the country’s most uneventful city, where the most interesting story in the local paper is about banning dressing gowns in supermarkets.
I travel and I write, because surely there are more interesting stories than that to write about and share.