LCD, Viewfinder and Video
Like most compact cameras, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 does not include a viewfinder, nor is there a hotshoe or option for one. Instead, the camera relies solely on its 3in, TFT LCD screen for viewing and composing images and navigating the camera menus. Like the company’s current crop of Alpha cameras, the screen uses TruBlack technology for strong contrast, but has an extra trick up its sleeve that Sony calls WhiteMagic.
For every red, green and blue (RGB) dot there is also a white one, designed to provide greater brightness, which the company claims gives 2.4x brightness compared to its other Cyber-shot cameras. Not only does this mean the camera has a whopping 1.229-million-dot resolution, but the power consumption of the screen is also reduced by 35%.
The camera offers a five-step brightness control for the screen, although it is set by default to auto. Most importantly, a sunny weather setting has been included that maximises the screen’s output, and makes it perfectly possible to view the screen even in bright, direct sunlight.
It is still easier to see details when the screen is shaded from the sun, but I am very impressed by its brightness and contrast. As I have discovered in past tests of Sony cameras that use this type of screen, it does pick up smudges very easily and it requires a regular wipe.
A slight shift away from the thumb pad is the movie record button, which directly accesses the function and allows capture in full HD (1080p) AVCHD files at 50fps or MP4 files at 30fps and 25fps.
