**Foreword**
At the National Folk Song Festival, I found myself increasingly drawn to the idea of purchasing a compact camera. Coincidentally, it aligned with the daily promotional activities of a milk tea brand’s camera line, so I decided to take advantage of the Double 11 shopping event and go for it! My budget was set at around 4000 yuan for a pocket-sized camera. As a photography enthusiast who usually uses SLRs, I wanted something more than just a basic point-and-shoot. I wanted to capture scenic views or even take pictures of my sister when we went out. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and this camera promised to bring that beauty to life.
**Reason for Selection**
The Sony Black Card series has gone through five generations. Although the first and second models are more affordable, their hardware is outdated, with a 28-100mm lens that has a relatively small aperture (F1.8-4.9), which isn’t great for low-light situations. The fourth and fifth generations offer slight improvements in video and focusing systems, like 4K video, high frame rates, S-Log2, and faster autofocus — but these features don’t really interest me much as a photo enthusiast. Considering the price, I believe the third generation offers the best value for money if you're into photography.
I also looked at the Panasonic LX10, which is very similar in size, pixel count, and focal length. It uses a 1-inch sensor and comes with a Zeiss lens, while the Sony has a Leica one. The LX10 excels in video with a f/1.4 wide-angle lens, 5-axis image stabilization, and a touchscreen, but its five-dimensional buttons feel less intuitive compared to the Sony’s design. Another contender was the Canon G7X Mark II, which had a better lens (24-100mm f/1.8-2.8) and a flip screen. However, I found its design too bulky and ultimately chose the Sony RX100M3.
In terms of price, I checked historical discounts on JD.com and saw that it stayed around 3800–4000 yuan all year. During Double 11, it dropped to 3600, and with a discount coupon, I managed to get it for 3688 yuan. It came with an SD card reader, and I even got a better deal later that day. Definitely worth the wait!
**Simple Unboxing**
I placed my order around 9:40 am on November 2nd, expecting delivery by 5 pm that same day. However, it arrived a day late due to logistics delays. Despite the wait, the packaging was intact, and the outer box showed no signs of damage. The camera case was slightly dusty, but it didn’t seem like it had been tampered with. Upon checking the Sony seal, everything looked good. I felt relieved knowing the product was undamaged.
**Box Contents**
The black box featured a large “SONY†logo and a subtle blue ZEISS label. Inside were the RX100M3, battery, lanyard, shoulder buckles, charger, USB cable, manuals, and warranty cards. Everything was neatly packed and ready to use.
**Appearance Details**
The RX100M3 is compact, measuring about 101mm long — shorter than an iPhone 6. Its metal body gives it a professional look. The front side has a prominent “SONY†logo, but the ZEISS label below is more understated. The left side has NFC, a finder key, and strap holes. The right side includes micro USB and HDMI ports, along with another strap buckle. The back has a 3-inch flip screen that can rotate 180 degrees, making it ideal for selfies. The layout of the buttons is similar to Sony’s full-frame mirrorless cameras, offering a more tactile experience.
**Top Features**
The top of the camera houses the electronic viewfinder, flash, power button, zoom lever, and mode dial. The mode dial includes M, S, A, P, Auto, Auto Enhance, SCN, and MR settings. These modes allow for creative control, especially in low light or specific scenes.
**Battery and Charging**
The camera uses a 1240 mAh battery and comes with a 5V 0.5A charging head. While I prefer using a separate battery, the ability to charge via a mobile phone is convenient. The included accessories are practical, though they come at a higher cost.
**Lens and Focus**
The lens is customizable, allowing users to adjust aperture, zoom, or focus with a rotating ring. This feature adds a bit of DSLR-like control. The focus assist lamp helps in low-light conditions. The built-in Zeiss T* coated lens offers excellent sharpness, though the blur effect is limited due to the smaller sensor.
**Distortion Test**
Testing the lens at 24mm and 70mm showed minimal distortion, which is easy to correct in post-processing.
**Real Shot Test**
The f/1.8 aperture allows for nice background blur, although it's not as strong as a full-frame f/2.8 lens. The RAW format provides excellent latitude for editing, and the JPEGs are also usable. The self-timer function works well with the flip screen, making it easy to take group photos without a tripod.
**ND Filter**
The built-in ND filter is a useful tool for controlling exposure during daylight, especially when using a wide aperture. It prevents overexposure and allows for slower shutter speeds.
**Electronic Viewfinder (EVF)**
The EVF is bright and clear, making it easy to shoot in bright sunlight. It automatically shuts off when closed, a feature that some may find annoying, but the newer versions have fixed this issue.
**Portrait Test**
The 24-70mm focal length is perfect for portraits, and the camera handles lighting and color well. The images captured were sharp and natural, with good detail retention.
**Night Test**
Compared to smartphone cameras, the RX100M3 performs better in low-light conditions, with less noise and more accurate colors. It’s not perfect, but it’s far superior to most phone cameras.
**Experience and Feel**
After a week of use, I found the camera to be reliable and user-friendly. While it lacks some advanced features of SLRs, it’s compact, versatile, and perfect for travel or casual photography.
**Advantages**
1. Compact and easy to carry
2. Built-in electronic viewfinder
3. High-quality Zeiss lens with 24-70mm focal range
4. 180° flip screen with self-timer functionality
5. Built-in ND filter for better exposure control
**Disadvantages**
1. Maximum shutter speed is only 1/2000s
2. Slow autofocus
3. Limited software support
4. EVF auto-shuts off when closed (fixed in newer models)
**Summary**
The Sony RX100M3 is a small but powerful camera that offers many professional features in a pocket-sized form. It’s ideal for travel, daily use, and capturing spontaneous moments. While it doesn’t match the performance of full-size cameras, it’s a great alternative for those who want portability without sacrificing quality. Whether you're taking photos of friends, landscapes, or portraits, this camera delivers impressive results. For me, it’s the perfect companion for both travel and everyday photography. Thanks for reading, and I hope you enjoyed this review!
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