Sony RX100 VA Review

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Basic Specifications
Full model name:	Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VA
Resolution:	20.10 Megapixels
Sensor size:	1 inch (13.2mm x 8.8mm)
Lens:	2.92x zoom (24-70mm eq.)
Viewfinder:	EVF / LCD
Native ISO:	125 - 12,800
Extended ISO:	80 - 25,600
Shutter:	1/32000 - 30 sec
Max Aperture:	1.8
Dimensions:	4.0 x 2.3 x 1.6 in. (102 x 58 x 41 mm)
Weight:	10.5 oz (299 g) includes batteries
Availability:	07/2018
Manufacturer:	Sony
Full specs:	Sony RX100 VA specifications

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Sony RX100 VA

RX100 VA Deals

20.10 Megapixels	2.92x zoom	1 inch size sensor

Sony RX100 VA Review -- Initial Test

by Zig Weidelich
Preview posted: 10/15/2018

Updates:
11/13/2018: First Shots posted
11/14/2018: Performance posted

Back in July of 2018, Sony quietly upgraded the RX100 Mark V's BIONZ X image processor to the same chip used in the Mark VI, and dubbed the camera the RX100 Mark VA (DSC-RX100M5A). The processor update brought along with it some of the performance enhancements, image quality tweaks and new firmware features found in the RX100 VI, while keeping the rest of the hardware, battery life and list price the same as the Mark V.

So what's actually changed from the original Mark V? On the performance front, the RX100 VA now offers an even deeper continuous mode buffer of up to 233 JPEGs (up from 150), advanced Eye AF performance on par with the Mark VI's, and reduced EVF lag.

Quite a number of firmware features have been added or enhanced as well, including: Zone area AF mode is now available, Focus Area Registration is supported, Spot Metering size can now be changed, Entire Screen Average and Highlight metering modes are added, and there are now Auto White Balance Priority options (Standard, Ambience or White).

In addition, Custom Key now offers more options, there is a customizable rating function, you can set the shutter button to start recording movies, Sony's My Menu feature has been added, and the menu system's look and organization have been updated.

Further enhancements include Movie Format and Dual Video Rec functions that are updated to match the Mark VI's, including the addition of proxy movie mode, as well as improved HFR recording times and resolutions.

A few features were however dropped, including My Photo Style, PlayMemories Camera Apps and Eye-Fi SD card support.

We won't be doing a full review of the Sony RX100 VA given how similar it is to prior models, but see our First Shots "Still Life" studio images and Performance test results, and use our A versus B tool to see how image quality and performance compares to its predecessor. Also checkout our Sony RX100 VI review for more on some of the new firmware features that the RX100 Mark VA inherits, and be sure to read our Sony RX100 V review for most everything else if you haven't already done so.