Autofocus
As well as the usual single and continuous focus modes, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 offers manual focus and ‘direct’ manual focus (DMF). Manual focus is achieved using the lens control ring. Like many other controls, the autofocus area can be assigned to the function menu for quick access to the multi (25 points), centreweighted and flexible spot focus options.
In the flexible spot area mode, pressing the OK button brings up the spot area, which can be selected across the majority of the frame. In single AF mode, focusing is rapid enough in good light, and Sony’s claims of 0.13sec in good light and 0.23sec in low light seem justified.
It is easy to forget how big the RX100’s imaging sensor is, given that the camera body is so small, until it comes to close focusing, as this is compromised due to the sensor size. While most compact cameras can focus as close as 1cm, at 28mm the closest the RX100 can get is 5cm, while at 100mm it is 55cm.
Other focusing features include smile detection, which activates the shutter when the subject smiles, and face detection, which is especially effective when used to focus in self-portrait, before activating the timer for the shutter. Pressing the OK button in the centre of the control wheel activates tracking AF and sets it to the subject closest to the centre of the frame. While the camera cannot match the performance of an expensive DSLR, but for general use it is fine.
The self-portrait drive mode activates focus and a self-timer once a face is detected. The focusing in this portrait is spot on, shot using the rich tone monochrome picture effect
