Another new Sony! The RX100 VA is Announced!
Yep, another new Sony RX100 has been announced with a ship date of NEXT MONTH, August. It is an updated RX100 V, so basically a V with some improvements. Cost will be just under a grand, so if you just bought a V, be aware this new VA improves the buffer size and improves lag time in the EVF. Seems kind of strange that they would release an all new model with slight updates but it goes to show how many love the Rx100 V, as many are buying it over the new VI it seems. So maybe Sony realized this and decided to update the V to the VA. Details below come from B&H Photo where you can pre order the new VA for $998.
FROM B&H PHOTO: Tweaking an already stellar pocket-sized camera, the Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VA Digital Camera from Sony improves the existing RX100 V by increasing the buffer size to 233 images, reducing display lag time in the electronic viewfinder, and adding several small features over other aspects of the camera. With the 20.1MP 1″ Exmor RS BSI CMOS sensor, the RX100 VA can output detailed images at sensitivities up to ISO 12800. The Fast Hybrid AF system has 315 focal-plane phase-detection points that cover 65% of the image area of the sensor and can achieve focus in as little as 0.05 seconds. That autofocus system is also capable of tracking subjects across the frame, even while shooting at high speeds. Sony’s BIONZ X processor enables continuous shooting up to 24 fps with the aforementioned buffer size of 233 JPEG images and improved High Frame Rate recording times.
Like the RX100 V, the RX100 VA can shoot HD video at 960 fps in High Frame Rate Mode and UHD 4K video at 30/24 fps. But a new feature of the RX100 VA is dual video recording, where the camera simultaneously records two video files at once. Also carried over from the RX100 V is Gamma Display Assist, which provides a more contrasty image while using a flat S-Log2 gamma, and the Photo Capture mode for pulling 8.29MP stills from your movies.
The RX100 VA keeps the same physical design as the RX100 V to keep compatibility with all accessories. A Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens still graces the front of the camera with an equivalent zoom range of 24-70mm and a fast f/1.8-2.8 maximum aperture that provides incredible flexibility in a wide range of shooting scenarios. A pop-up 0.39″ 2.36m-dot OLED Tru-Finder EVF and 3.0″ 1.23m-dot tilting LCD give you crystal clear previews of what you’re shooting. The RX100 VA also keeps the same lens control ring, built-in ND filter, and customizable buttons as its predecessor. It also has Wi-Fi and NFC capabilities for connecting to a smartphone.
This doesn’t sound a good product release strategy. IMHO they should have announced the VA together with the V, different actual release dates are ok. Customers need to be informed to make the right choice.
Which is why I’ve never cared for Sony. They release a new camera every 15 minutes. Superseding the one you just paid a great deal of money for. No one can tell me it isn’t annoying.
Finally an ND is included.
Didn’t the II and IV already have the ND feature?
For myself, this camera is more tempting than the VI. The longer lens and the touchscreen are nice, but I’d much rather have the faster lens and the built-in ND filter–for $200 less. Good move, Sony.