10 Best Slow-Motion Cameras in 2020 – Reviews and Buyer’s Guide

Design

The Panasonic LUMIX GH5 is made from the magnesium alloy to ensure longer durability while also giving it a premium look. The camera has proper weather sealing in each button, edge, and joints. Despite the bulky look, the camera weighs only a pound with a slim midsection for better ergonomics. The build is compact and has easily accessible buttons.

The handgrip on this camera is comfortable, thanks to the hand imprint design layered with rubber. You can easily access the thumb rest and shutter to shoot videos on the go. The camera enables direct control with the on-camera buttons. It has a versatile interchangeable lens to facilitate both photo shoots and video recordings. The Electronic Viewfinder and the control dials follow a traditional DSLR look.

To the right side of the Viewfinder, the GH5 camera has multiple focus controls. You can instantly switch between the manual focus mode, single autofocus mode, or the continuous autofocus mode by adjusting the focus controls. By the side of these controls, there is a joystick that allows you to adjust the focal point with minimal effort. You can also use the touch screen to set the focus. However, the joystick will guarantee pinpoint accuracy.

Overall, the Lumix GH5 has a user-friendly design and features that will help any level user to operate the camera without any fuss.

Specifications

At such a price range, anyone would expect a Full frame sensor or at least an APS-C sensor. However, the Lumix GH5 disappointed us as it embeds a 20.3 MP Micro Four Thirds Sensor. It has no low pass filter, so despite a smaller sensor size, the GH5 can capture sharp images with a high tonal range.

The camera can shoot still images at a rate of 12 frames per second. But if you enable the continuous autofocus mode, the shooting rate changes to 9 frames per second. Using the 6K photo mode in the camera, you can shoot amazing short 6K resolution videos at 30 frames per second. You can later extract each individual frame from that video with its 30 fps burst mode.

The Autofocus mode with 225 points ensures that every shot you take from the camera is blur-free with clear subject framing. The Autofocus in the LUMIX GH5 is one of the fastest and accurate among the models we have listed on the review. The GH5 guarantees a perfect shot with better focus and clarity almost every time.

The camera is capable of recording videos at 60 frames per second. It offers endless 4K recording time i.e., the storage card gets full, or the battery dies. You don’t get this feature in most of the cameras you can find on the market, even if they support 4K video.

You can shoot extra smooth and stable video with the camera owing to the Sensor-Shift Stabilization and Stabilized Lenses. This Dual Stabilization system assures crystal clear videos in high definition even if your hands are shaky.

Finally, the Post Focus and the Rank Focus Transition of this model allows you to play with the focus. You can adjust the focus on your videos and photos prior to taking a snap or even after you have already taken one. The 5-axis Optical Image Stabilization helps to nullify five different types of camera shakes. Likewise, the flip-out touch enables the LCD screen to allow varied angle shooting.

Battery

The Lumix GH5 runs on 7.2 Volt, 1860 mAh H-FS12060 Lithium-ion battery. This battery has a life of 410 images (with rear monitor enabled), 400 images (on Live ViewFinder), and 1000 images (on Power Save LVF mode).

Connectivity

The Lumix GH5 has built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity options. This allows you to wirelessly transfer or share the files from the camera to other devices. You can also use the Panasonic Image App in your iOS or Android smartphone to control your camera functions remotely, such as - shutter, refocus, ISO, shooting modes, and photo transfer.

You can connect an external microphone in the camera for better audio quality. The camera supports a Dual SD Card slot so that you never run out of storage when shooting 4K videos. Other connectivity options in this model are USB port and the HDMI slot. You can charge the camera using the USB or even share files to your PC. The HDMI is helpful for casting the images and videos on to a bigger screen.

Design

The Sony Alpha 7 Mark III is one of the slimmest cameras on the list. In fact, the camera is as compact and portable as a mirrorless camera can get. The camera is made from a full magnesium alloy for longer durability. Every button, ridges, dials, and joints are splash and dustproof.

You can use the camera without worrying about outdoor conditions. The overall body weighs only over a pound. The compact build allows you to carry the camera everywhere along your journeys.

The three-inch LCD display blends well with the lightweight body. The Alpha a7 III has gained better ergonomics and controls as compared to its predecessor, the a7 Mark II. The camera rubber handgrip is much more comfortable than in any Alpha 7 series. The model has well-placed thumb rest, and an easily accessible shutter button further proves to be of better ergonomics.

The a7 Mark III runs on a larger battery that provides the camera enough stamina for all-day shooting. The front and rear dials of the Mark III, along with its jog dial, are better adjustable, pronounced, and easy to use.

The Exposure Value dial (EV) on the top of the body lets the user make the exposure adjustments based on the lighting conditions of the environment. The modifiable C1 and C2 buttons, along with the Mode Dial, make the a7 Mark III a user-friendly camera. Every button is well leveled and labeled. Moreover, the flip screen makes it possible to shoot from difficult angles for versatile video results.

Specifications

The Alpha a7 Mark III has a premium mirrorless camera with an advanced 24.2 MP BSI Full-frame Image sensor. This sensor delivers clearer photos and videos with well-defined textures and color tones. The big sensor size also means light collection inside the camera is adequate so that the output is never compromised in any lighting condition. The sensor partnering with the latest BIONZ X image processor and front-end LSI delivers quicker and better performance.

While shooting stills, you can use the Eye Autofocus in automatic mode for effective and faster eye detection. The AutoFocus easily and accurately adjusts and locks the focus on any moving subject for vivid portraits. Shooting in low light has never been easier as with the a7III. You can set the ISO range from 100 to 51,200 (Expandable from 50 to 204,800).

The Details Reproduction and Area-Specific Noise Reduction technology in this model will always negate the noisy effect due to higher ISO settings. The 5-axis stabilization feature, along with the gyro sensors and algorithms, compensates for five different types of camera shakes when shooting a video or photo.

Such an advanced feature guarantees a smoother output with minimal effort from its user. The camera showcases a new Hybrid Log-Gamma (HLG) 4 picture profile that shoots videos in UHD 4K resolution with instant support to HDR workflow.

If you like shooting wildlife, the Alpha a7III is a delightful tool. It incorporates a silent mode that shoots at a rate of 10 frames per second with the AE and AF tracking2 features. The models take continuous shots at ten fps. In a single burst mode, the camera provides up to 40 uncompressed RAW, 177 JPEG, or 89 RAW images.

A unique feature in the camera is the 4D FOCUS with 693 phase-detection AutoFocus points. It covers up to 93% of total area coverage. In addition to this, the 425 densely positioned Autofocus with contrast detection improves the focus of the lens.

Battery

The Sony Alpha a7 Mark III runs on a rechargeable Sony NP-FZ1000 Lithium-ion battery with 2280 mAh capacity. On a single full charge, this battery can power the camera up to approximately 610 still images, or 200 minutes of video run time.

Connectivity

The a7III has a built-in Wi-Fi feature and Bluetooth functionality. You can connect any Android or iSO device 4.0 and later to the camera. The model is compatible with any of the Sony E-mount lenses. Also, the external mic port allows you to connect a dedicated microphone for better sound quality.

Design

The GoPro HERO 7 camera has a compact build with a rugged body. The camera is wrapped in a rubber frame for a better grip. The construction is the same as in the previous model Hero 6 Black. The doors of the USB/HDMI and the battery/card compartments are a bit complicated, but it is necessary to ensure a waterproof nature.

The camera is fully water-resistant up to the depth of 10 meters / 33 feet. A small plastic frame around the Hero 7 allows you to mount a stand to the camera. You can also mount the camera to your helmet, handle and more.

The buttons and build of the GoPro Hero 7 are necessarily tight. New users may find this design a bit tedious to use. But you will eventually get used to the tough design. The UI is fully refreshed and upgraded in the GoPro Hero 7 as compared to the Hero 6. It now shows key information such as the battery life, current frame rate, resolution, and remaining SD card space.

You can access different shooting modes with a simple directional swipe. You can also easily switch between the modes using the ‘Modes’ button on the side of the GoPro. The UI now also adapts to portrait orientation for better user interaction from different angles.

Specifications

The GoPro Hero 7 is a versatile camera suited for various purposes due to its portable and durable construction. Hero 7 offers super smooth video stabilization. This has been a major upgrade as compared to its previous models. The camera offers gimbal-like smooth stabilization that predicts your movement to result in steady and noise-free video recording.

The camera records videos in UHD 4K resolution at 60 frames per second. It has a 12 MP camera image sensor to capture vivid texture and color even in low-light conditions. With the special time-lapse mode (also known as time warp) you can get creative with your content. You can speed up the recording by up to 30x so as to cut down the long videos into a small-time loop.

You can also capture FHD 1080p footage at up to 240 frames per second with an option to slow it down by a factor of 8x at 30 fps. Do remember that you can play slow-motion videos on the camera, but it is not possible to output this video. You will need additional software to extract the video.

The Super Photo option on this model captures photos with an added 1.5 to 2 seconds per photo. This will capture a noticeable effect on the photo with detailed highlights. However, it will lose some contrast, but you can always edit that later.

The durable hard plastic built with waterproof sealing makes this camera best suited for outdoor settings. You can effectively use the camera up to a depth of 33 feet underwater. With this feature, you can operate the camera worry-free in any weather conditions. The voice command feature comes in very handy when you have your hands occupied. You can use simple voice commands such as “GoPro shoot photo”, “GoPro increase the lighting”, or any other simple command.

Battery

The GoPro Hero 7 Action camera runs on a built-in 1220 mAh rechargeable Li-ion battery. On a full charge, the battery lasts up to 2.5 hours continuous shooting time.

Connectivity

The Hero 7 camera has built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi options for easy sharing of photos and videos with other devices. With the GoPro app on your iOS or Android device, you can do a whole lot more than just transferring files to your phone. You can upload the files to the cloud storage that offers 250 GB space with a subscription. The app supports instant sharing of the files to your social media profiles as well, especially on Instagram.

The app also enables you to control the camera functions remotely. You can even set up a live video stream to your preferred social account. And if you are running low on battery, you can use the USB port to charge the camera on the go.

Design

Nikon Coolpix P1000 is a large and bulky camera with bridge design. It weighs more than three pounds, making it the heaviest model on the list. The center of gravity lies just under the flash, but as you zoom the lens, all the weight shifts to the front. This makes it hard for the user to hold the camera for a longer time. Using a robust tripod will be a better idea with the P1000.

Thankfully, the grip on this camera is of perfect size. Although, you will have to hold the camera at the focal length firmly. The control dial around the lens let you shift the zoom range and switch to various shooting modes. Users can easily access the zoom lever, the main dial on the top plate, and the Fn button. However, the secondary dial at the backside is not readily accessible.

The camera has a good build, though the dials and the zoom lever appear to be a bit cheap. At such a price range, Nikon fails to provide weather sealing construction in this model. The camera layout resembles a typical point and shoots the camera. It has four buttons that surround a Four-way controller wheel. The button size is fine, but the control wheel is comparatively small given the bulky build. You can fully customize the four controls to suit your preference.

The Electronic Viewfinder is of a decent size and uses an OLED panel that has 2.4 million dots. The LCD screen is 3.2 inches in size with a resolution of 921K dots. This screen is not touch-enabled, so you will have a bit of a hard time adjusting the focus point.

Specifications

The Nikon Coolpix P1000 has a bridge-type design with a 3000 mm zoom lens. This is the most powerful zoom range Nikon has offered in its camera. You can click clearer details of even a  tiny subject that is far away. Keep in mind that you will have to struggle to keep the camera still.  The weight dramatically shifts to the front as you zoom the lens, so it is better to use a robust tripod stand.

The camera records UHD 4K resolution videos and 16.7 MP maximum still image size. The Hot Shoe on top of the camera allows you to mount flash and other accessories. The Time Lapse and Super Lapse Shooting modes allow you to get creative with your projects.

The continuous shooting speed of 7 frames per second makes sure that you never miss a moment. The Dual Detect Image Stabilization shows a significant difference in low-light recordings. Further, you can set the ISO range anywhere from 100 to 6400 for enhanced light capture. The Dual Detect Optical Vibration Reduction stabilizes any shot for non-shaky and blur-free pictures.

The tiltable 3.2 inches 921,000 dot LCD monitor facilitates video recording from tricky low angles to overhead shots. The set also includes an ML-L7 Remote control. Using this controller, you can control the basic functions of the camera such as the shutter, ISO range, and zoom aperture. This remote comes handy during telephoto shootings.

Other unique features in this camera are ‘Bird Watching Mode’ and ‘Moon Mode’. The Bird Watching mode adjusts the camera for nature photoshoots while the Moon Mode optimizes the settings for low light environments.

Battery

The Nikon P1000 runs on a rechargeable 8.0 Watt EN-EL20a Lithium-polymer battery. According to the CIPA rating, this battery lasts for up to 250 shots per single full charge. If you disable the flash and EVF, the battery will have a bit longer life. It is a shame that Nikon did not use a higher capacity battery in a camera of this price range.

Connectivity

The Coolpix P1000 has built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity options for sharing files between your camera and other devices. You can also use the Snapbridge app on your smartphone to sync or transfer the files, track the time, and location.

However, the app does not allow you to remotely adjust other basic settings of the camera such as exposure, focus point, or menu options. You can use the USB and HDMI port as well for connectivity purposes. There is an external mic input port for connecting a dedicated microphone to the camera.

Design

The Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS is a stylish camera with a compact design. It has a sleek body with lightweight so that it is easier to carry around in your pocket. Buttons are well placed but are a bit small, so some users may find it inconvenient to operate the camera. But after a few uses, you will eventually get used to it.

Specifications

The portable ELPH 360 HS camera is capable of recording videos in High Definition 1080p resolution. It captures a detailed orientation of your subject with a minimal off balance of color or clarity. The 12x optical zoom lens allows you to record closer details of your subject without much deviation in the quality. With a 20.2 MP CMOS sensor lens, the camera ensures natural texture and contrast in the photos and videos.

The Hybrid Video Mode lets you take a short video right before clicking the picture so that you do not miss out on any moment. To the plus point, the camera set comes with a 16 GB SD card, a card reader, a mini tripod, a cleaning kit, and extra battery.

Battery

The Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS uses two NB-11L Lithium-ion batteries. These batteries will last the entire day despite the continuous shooting. As a power-saving option, the camera innately goes inactive when not in use. Thus, you don’t have to close the camera to save the battery.

Connectivity

The Elph 360 HS camera supports Wi-Fi connectivity for easy file sharing between the camera and other devices. However, there is no option for microphone input so you will have to adjust with the built-in one. But given such an affordable price, there is not much to complain about.

Design

At a glance, the DMC-FZ1000 looks like a bulky DSLR. The build quality is comparable to any mid-range DSLRs with solid hard plastic construction and everything in place. However, the camera does not appeal much with its look.

The camera is unusually comfortable as compared to other superzoom cameras. The substantial handgrip plays a major part in this. Its weight and zoom range does not allow you to use the camera with one hand. The camera features a high-resolution OLED EVF with 2,359 dots that delivers a resolution of 1024 x 768 pixels at a 4:3 ratio. The fully articulating rear LCD screen with 921K dots enhances the movie-shooting experience.

The top plate of the camera hosts two dials - a large mode dial and a drive mode dial. You can also find five fully customizable Fn buttons plus a dedicated ‘Record’ button. Around the shutter buttons lies the zoom control that lets you adjust the zooming range of the camera. The pop-up releases manually using the flash button by the side of the EVF. At the center of the top-plate lies a hot shoe that allows you to mount flash accessories or an external mic.

Specifications

The Panasonic Lumix FZ1000 has an impressive autofocus system that performs well in any lighting conditions. The ‘Depth From Defocus’ technology determines the distance to the subject along with the sharpness to result in a clear shot. With a fast AF system and shooting rate, you can expect to keep up with any moving subject. The camera offers four different burst modes - Super High, High, Middle, and Low Speed.

The biggest plus point is the camera’s ability to shoot 4K videos with an impressive bit rate of 100 Mbps. The 20.1 MP MOS sensor along with the LEICA DC lens 23 makes sure to deliver the best result possible.

The camera holds five customizable Fn buttons. You can adjust their function according to your preference. The FZ1000 provides a single rear command dial that lets you control the function of the camera. You can set the upper ISO limit anywhere between 200 to 12,800. You can choose between Manual exposure mode, Auto ISO, and Auto Bracketing mode.

The camera offers better focus control for better framing and smooth video output. A unique feature in this model is the 4K QFHD Hybrid photography and 4K QFHD 30p videos. Finally, the 180 degrees articulating LCD screen comes handy for taking overhead shots.

Battery

The Lumix DMC-FZ1000 uses a single rechargeable 9.7 Watt DMW-BLC12PP Lithium-ion battery. On a single charge, the camera can take around 360 shots according to the CIPA standards.

Connectivity

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ1000 offers an integrated Wi-Fi connectivity option for sharing photos and videos to your smartphone, tablet, or PC. The camera also supports Near Field Communication (NFC) so that you can remotely control the camera’s function using your smartphone. You have to download the Panasonic Image App to your iOS or Android smartphone using a Wi-Fi connection.

The camera has a 3.5 mm connector for attaching an external microphone. On the left side of the camera, you can find USB ports as well as the HDMI ports. You can connect the camera to your PC using a dedicated cable.

Design

Even with a bridge camera design, the Sony DSC RX10 IV weighs 2.32 pounds. At such weight the RX10 IV makes some DSLR cameras look lightweight. However, the camera seems much compact when you start looking at what it has to offer.

As you would expect with a camera with such an expensive tag, the finish is premium. The DSC RX10 IV is made from a blend of polycarbonate and magnesium alloy. Such construction makes the camera durable and sturdy for any outdoor setting. Moreover, the camera is made moisture and dust resistant so that it proves its worth. The handgrip is very generous and enables its user to firmly hold the camera even with the lens extended at full length.

The control layout is similar to the previous RX10 models, although the RX10 IV embeds a new focus limiter focused on the left side of the camera. This button allows you to set the focus range from 3mm to infinity. The camera now makes it possible to activate the camera’s AutoFocus with any of its custom buttons.

The lens barrel has three lens rings that control the aperture, zoom and manual focus. You can even adjust the zoom using the rocker switch that encircles the shutter button. Overall, the handling of the RX10 IV is good. The control buttons are all laid out in a logical sequence. The menu system is refined, and the video settings are now in a single sub-section.

Specifications

The biggest update on the DSC RX10 IV over its predecessors is the on-sensor phase-detection AF. Sony has provided this camera with a total of 315 points phase-detection AF that covers 65% of the frame. Sony has also added an option to choose between AF-S and AF-C mode based on your subject movement. The camera enjoys the luxury of the BIONZ X image processor for better quality and clarity of the videos.

The 24 frames per second burst shooting mode of the RX10 IV set a new benchmark for the bridge cameras. At such a rate, this model put even the mighty DSLRs to shame. The camera will continue shooting at this rate for up to 249 JPEG or 112 RAW files. If you cannot handle such a powerful performance, you can also set the rate to 10 or 3.5 fps.

The camera’s 2.35 million dot EVF also does not fall back to put up a good effort. It renders a crisp and clear view of your subject, which makes the model suited for a wide range of scenes. The 24 to 600 mm f/2.4-4 lens delivers impressive performance throughout the zoom range.

Sony has included a built-in Steady Shot Image Stabilization technology that helps remove any visible noise. The feature works well even at high ISO settings (100 to 12,800) or Auto ISO. You can customize the setting to meet your preference. The metering system further helps to output decent video under tricky lighting conditions.

The camera packs the same 20.1MP 1" back Illuminated Exmor RS stacked CMOS sensor as in the RX10 III and RX100 V. The 1-inch sensor delivers some pleasing shots at any setting. It captures a decent amount of detail and texture in RAW files.

The 3.0-inch tilt-angle LCD display gives a modest boost of 1.44 million dots and facilitates touch focus support. The RX10 IV is the latest RX model that offers 4K video recording at 24/30p and includes the Fast Hybrid AF system for twice the focusing speed while shooting.

Battery

The Sony DSC RX10 IV uses a rechargeable Sony NP-FW50 Lithium-polymer battery. As per the CIPA rating, the battery lasts for around 400 shots per charge. You can easily get a whole day shooting on a single full charge.

Connectivity

The camera enables the Wi-Fi connectivity option for sharing files to your profile. You can control the Sony RX10 IV via your smartphone using the PlayMemories Mobile App. You can adjust the camera setting and even set the ISO, aperture, white balance, self-timer, and shutter.

The camera also gains Bluetooth and Near Field Communication (NFC) in addition to Wi-Fi. You can maintain the GPS coordinates, dates, and time with this camera. The external port allows you to connect a dedicated microphone for enhanced sound quality.

Design

The GoPro Hero 8 Black has the same portable, compact, and rugged design as the Hero 7 Black. Hero 8 offers the same 10 meters (33 feet)  water resistance. However, there are a few improvements in the shock resistance of the GoPro series. With a new Corning Gorilla Glass lens cover, the GoPro Hero 8 offers almost twice the impact resistance than any of the previous models.

The GoPro Hero 8 now boasts a pair of foldable hinges at its base. You can use this feature to mount the camera on multiple surfaces. The new built-in mount with a magnetic clasp is a useful feature in the long run. It has a new mechanism to secure the unit with a strong compression latch. The mounting arms do add extra 0.35 weight on the GoPro Hero 8 as compared to its predecessors, Hero 7.

The microphone is now positioned in front of the camera so that it captures audio in a more precise way. The mic has a wind resistance build to reduce noise and help you capture more sound of what you want. Now, you can add extra commands to control the GoPro and even customize the built-in command words.

Specifications

HyperSmooth 2.0 feature is available in all the resolutions and frame rates in the GoPro Hero 8 Black. It is one of the best on-camera video stabilizations available today. The HyperSmooth 2.0 provides three modes - On mode, High mode, and Boost mode. On and High mode will crop 10% of the view from the wide lens angle so as to buffer any bumps.

The Boost mode crops, even more, to take the edge off the bounces when you are doing anything extreme. This feature stabilizes the slow-motion footage as well at 120 and 240 frames per second. However, the Boost mode is limited to 60 frames per second and under.

Along with the built and HyperSmooth, the TimeWarp feature has also been improved with a new stabilization format to create better results. This mode is excellent if you want to show the whole event in a short period of time without needing to edit the video. The TimeWarp 2.0 uses a new auto interval detection with an in-built accelerometer. This adds more frames to the video when there is a lot going on and splits the moments within a limited time.

The LiveBurst mode captures a series of images at the rate of 90 frames per 1.5 seconds. The GoPro Hero 8 now allows you to save pictures in RAW format and offers improved HDR with broad contrast and better low-light processing.

Another cool feature in Hero 8 is the ‘Capture Presets’. This feature allows you to preset 10 of your favorite images and color settings and easily switch between the frames. This will save a lot of time when you are on the field for shooting.

In addition to the Wide, Linear, and SuperView lenses, the GoPro Hero 8 also offers a new ‘Narrow lens’ for taking close up shots of your subject. You can take professional 4K videos at a bit rate from 75 to 100 Mbps. The camera also allows you to share live stream feeds directly to your social media profile in a Full HD 1080p resolution.

Battery

The GoPro Hero 8 Black runs a 1,200 mAh lithium-ion battery. This battery has a technically higher capacity than that used in the Hero 7 Black. On a single full charge, the battery lasts for around 50 minutes when you use the camera continuously in 4K mode at higher frame rates.

However, you can stretch its life span up to 2 hours by shooting in lower resolution or TimeWarp mode. The battery needs around 3 hours to fully recharge, so it is better to take an additional battery for extended shooting.

Connectivity

The built-in Wi-Fi feature allows you to share the files easily with other devices or social sites. It takes just around 23 seconds to share/transfer a 230 MB file over Wi-Fi to your smartphone. If you want all your videos on the go, then you can get a $4.99 GoPro Plus subscription service that gives you unlimited cloud storage. Also, the GoPro app on your Android and iOS devices, you can now edit and remote control the camera functions.

Design

When it comes to the build, the RX10 III is a slightly bulkier version of the RX10 II. However, Sony has made significant changes in the RX10 III which may seem small but make a huge difference in the camera’s usability.

There is a semi-assignable ring on the lens that lets you set the aperture. The mode dial and the exposure compensation dial both have textured sides with appropriate amounts of resistance. However, the aperture ring and the rear adjustment ring are very close to each other, so you may sometimes mess the settings.

You can de-click the aperture ring at the rear end of the lens. The focus ring is responsive and easy to use. The expanded body size creates extra room on the top plate. Sony has utilized this space to provide any additional custom button.

On the left side of the lens, a ‘focus hold’ button allows you to zoom the lens while keeping your frame of the original shot. The no-bounce flash is good for the longer lens and eliminates red-eye. The grip of the RX10 III is deeper with grooves and hand imprint. The rear thumb rest is indent and more comfortable.

The rear part of the camera is mostly taken up by the 1.2 million dots tiltable 3-inch LCD monitor. The XGA OLED electronic viewfinder boasts its 2.3 million dots resolution. The EVF is clear, bright, and responsive. The eye sensor allows quick automatic switching between the LCD and EVF. Movie and Menu buttons sit on the side of the EVF opposite to one another.

Other buttons you can find on the Sony RX10 III are control wheel, center button, AE lock, quick function, delete, and playback buttons.

The camera feels plastic, but the body is still solid. The rounded body further assists in a comfortable grip. The buttons and dials fall in the right place for the user's hand. The control wheel makes it easier to adjust the camera settings. Made from the magnesium-alloy, the camera is dust and moisture resistant so that it is suitable for any outdoor setting.

Specifications

The RX10 III has the same JPEG engine modifications as in the RX10 II. However, the major difference in this version is the skin tones. The saturated tones of the RX10 III are more pleasing with more saturation and lackluster yellows.

The RX10 III also offers a better noise-reducing algorithm than the RX10 II. There are fewer artifacts around the edges. The camera does let in a bit more noise while processing the final image but balances the sharpening and noise reduction to retain most of the details and textures.

The RX series has been continuing to be one of the hallmarks in delivering the best video results. The RX10 III continues the trend with its 4K 30p video capacity and higher frame rates for super slow-motion footage. The camera has a built-in neutral density filter that keeps the shutter speeds low. This feature helps to avoid blurry footage in bright lighting conditions.

The 20.1 MP 1-inch EXMOR RS stacked back-illuminated CMOS sensor clicks clearer details with better tones and brightness. Combining with the DRAM chip, the camera performs at a faster shutter speed up to 1/32000 at 14 fps. The BIONZ X engine gives you superior output with noise reduction and detailed reproduction.

With a higher frame rate of 960 fps, the camera can shoot super slow-motion videos despite any movement of your subject. The CMOS sensor shoots exceptionally clear and smooth close-ups of all action. You have the option to choose the rate from 960 fps, 480 fps, or 240 fps.

For user convenience, you can also set a ‘start trigger’ or ‘end trigger’ to shoot videos even before pressing the record button. Such a feature ensures that you never miss a moment. The Fast Intelligent AutoFocus adjusts and sets focus on your subject in as quick as 0.09 seconds.

The 24 to 600 mm zoom range F2.4-4.0 ZEISS Vario Sonnar T lens captures your subject in all kinds of scenes. The 9-blade circular aperture unit helps create beautiful bokeh throughout the aperture range of F 2.4 to F11 with background defocus. This lens compensates for any chromatic aberration. Moreover, the Zeiss T* coating reduces the ghosting and flare to achieve high contrast and sharper image quality throughout the zoom range.

You can view every scene in rich detail using the bright XGA OLED Tru-Finder EVF. The EVF also includes the effects you set so that you can accurately frame your subject and monitor the results. Finally, the 3” Xtra Fine LCD monitor with tiltable design promotes shooting from multiple angles. Such a feature lets you shoot over the crowds or take lower angle peep shots. You can view the playbacks on the screen and adjust the focus.

Battery

The Sony DSC RX10 III runs on a rechargeable 950 mAh NP FW50 lithium-polymer battery. You can charge the battery on the go using the USB port. According to the CIPA rating, this battery has a life of around 420 shots when enabling the LCD monitor, and around 370 shots on Electronic Viewfinder.

Connectivity

The camera has a built-in Wi-Fi connectivity option. Using Near Field Communication (NFC), you can control the Sony RX10 IIIfrom your smartphone via Wi-Fi. You have to download the PlayMemories Mobile App on your mobile phone and connect to the camera.

From here, you can adjust the camera settings such as the ISO, aperture, white balance, self-timer, and shutter. The USB 2.0 port allows you to charge the camera and use it simultaneously. Finally, the external port allows you to connect a dedicated microphone for better sound quality.

Design

The Sony Cybershot DSC-RX100 Mark V has a sleek body with a premium finish to put back any point and shoot camera. The camera is dominantly made from hard plastic for durability. It is a compact and lightweight model that you can operate with a single hand and maintain a good view of your subject. The buttons are fully customizable for user convenience.

Specifications

Sony CyberShot DSC-RX100 V runs on a 20.1MP Exmor RS 1-inch CMOS Image Sensor. Collaborating with this sensor, the Carl Zeiss 28 to 100 mm F 1.8 lens clicks detailed and clearer portraits of your subject with vivid contrast. The camera records videos in UHD 4K resolution at 60 frames per second.

The camera showcases the fast AutoFocus system of 0.05 seconds. With these features, you can switch to 24 fps continuous shooting mode or 960 fps super slow-motion video. The phase-detection coverage optimally utilizes 325 AF points so that you can shoot the subject on any motion.

Playback the video you record on its 3-inch LCD screen that has a 1.2 million dot viewfinder. This monitor rotates up to a 180-degrees angle for any angle shots. For low light shooting, you can adjust the ISO anywhere between the range of 125 to 6400 with a tap. The 315 densely lined phase-detection Auto Focus provides wider picture coverage.

Battery

A rechargeable NP-BX1 Lithium-ion battery powers the Sony CyberShot DSC-RX100 Mark V. On a single full charge, the battery powers the camera to click up to 330 shots or shoot a video for up to 165 minutes.

Connectivity

The camera features an HDMI port and the USB port. Using a dedicated cable, you can connect the camera to a PC or a larger screen. However, the DSC RX100 V does not have a WI-Fi connectivity option nor external microphone port. It would be better to have these features in a vlogging camera. But given the low price range, these drawbacks are not a bigger issue.