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Sony QX100 Review

  • Overview
  • Alternatives
  • Sony QX100

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    Main Features

    • 20MP - 1-inch BSI-CMOS Sensor
    • ISO 160 - 6400
    • 28-100 mm F1.8-4.9 Zoom Lens
    • Optical Image Stabilization
    • Fixed Type Screen
    • Unknown continuous shooting
    • Full HD - 1920 x 1080 video
    • Built-in Wireless
    • 179g. 63 x 63 x 56 mm
    CHECK PRICE
    CHECK PRICE

    Sony QX100 Overview

    First introduced in September 2013 , Sony Cyber-shot DSC-QX100 is a 20.0MP Lens-style camera with a 1-inch (13.2 x 8.8 mm ) sized BSI-CMOS sensor, built-in Image Stabilization and 28-100 mm F1.8-4.9 lens.

    Sony QX100 Review - Click for Table of Contents

    1. Overview
    2. Pros and Cons
    3. Sensor and Photography Features
    4. Physical Specs
    5. LCD and Viewfinder
    6. Connectivity, Storage and Battery
    7. Video
    8. Other Features
    9. Lens
    10. Photography Type Scores
    11. Alternatives
    12. Popular Comparisons
    13. Frequently Asked Questions
    14. Detailed Specifications

    This camera is not rated yet!
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    Sony QX100 Physical Specs
    Sony QX100 weighs 179 g (0.39 lb / 6.31 oz) and has external dimensions of 63 x 63 x 56 mm (2.46 x 2.46 x 2.19″). Considering that the average weight of Lens-style type cameras is 173g, its weight is about average in its class. With a thickness of 56mm, it also has an average thickness.
    Weight Comparison

    Lens-style Cameras

    Sony QX100
    Min
    Average
    Max
    Thickness Comparison

    Lens-style Cameras

    Sony QX100
    Min
    Average
    Max

    Here is the front and top view image of Sony QX100 with the dimensions:

    Sony QX100 Body Size Dimensions
    Front and Top View External Dimensions and Size of Sony QX100 Camera Body

    In order to give you a better idea about the real life size of Sony QX100, we have added an image of how it looks next to a credit card and an AA type battery.


    Sony QX100 Body Size Compared to a Credit card and a Battery
    Physical size of the Sony QX100 Body Compared to a Credit Card and an AA Battery


    Below you can find the comparison of the weight and thickness of Sony QX100 with its main competitors:

    Sony QX100 Size Compared to Main Competitors
    Model Weight vs QX100 Thickness vs QX100
    Sony Cyber-shot DSC-QX100 Camera Sony QX10
    Compare
    105g 74g lighter 33mm 23mm thinner
    Sony Cyber-shot DSC-QX100 Camera Sony QX30
    Compare
    193g 14g heavier 58mm 2mm thicker
    Sony Cyber-shot DSC-QX100 Camera Sony QX1
    Compare
    216g 37g heavier 53mm 3mm thinner
    Sony Cyber-shot DSC-QX100 Camera Sony RX100 II
    Compare
    281g 102g heavier 38mm 18mm thinner
    Sony Cyber-shot DSC-QX100 Camera Sony A6000
    Compare
    344g 165g heavier 45mm 11mm thinner
    Sony Cyber-shot DSC-QX100 Camera Sony RX100 III
    Compare
    290g 111g heavier 41mm 15mm thinner
    Sony Cyber-shot DSC-QX100 Camera Kodak S-1
    Compare
    290g 111g heavier 36mm 20mm thinner
    Sony Cyber-shot DSC-QX100 Camera Samsung Galaxy Camera 2
    Compare
    283g 104g heavier 19mm 37mm thinner

    Weather Sealing

    Sony QX100 doesn't have any environmental sealings on its body so you got to be extra careful to protect it against water and dust. If you shoot under these conditions very often, consider checking Top Compact Cameras with Weather Sealing page.

    Sony QX100 Sensor and Photography Features

    Sony QX100 has a 20.0MP 1-inch (13.2 x 8.8 mm ) sized BSI-CMOS sensor . You can shoot at maximum resolution of 5472 x 3648 pixels with aspect ratios of 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9. QX100 has a native ISO range of 160 - 6400 but unfortunately, Sony QX100 doesn't have RAW file support. If you need a Lens-style camera with a RAW support, consider or in the same price range.

    Sony QX100 is not the highest resolution 1 inch Sensor camera. Nikon 1 J5 with its 21.0MP sensor is leading in this class. Check the comparison of Sony QX100 vs Nikon 1 J5 or take a look at Highest resolution Compact cameras list.

    Let's look at how the size of the Sony QX100's 1-inch sensor compares with other standard sensor sizes.

    Sony QX100 Sensor Size Comparison
    Comparison image of Sony QX100 Sensor Size with other standard sensors

    Sony QX100 Lens

    Sony QX100 features a 28-100 mm F1.8-4.9 3.6x zoom lens. Lens has a good wide angle capability starting at 28mm, and 100mm on the tele end means that the medium telephoto angle is also well covered, only lacking the reach for wildlife and sports.

    Wide Coverage

    Lens-style Cameras

    QX100
    Widest - Sony QX30
    Average
    Telezoom

    Lens-style Cameras

    QX100
    Longest - Sony QX30
    Average

    Providing a max aperture of f1.80 at 28mm, this lens is remarkably fast on wide end, but only moderately fast at the tele end with max aperture of f4.90.

    Max Aperture at Wide

    Lens-style Cameras

    QX100
    Fastest - Sony QX100
    Average
    Max Aperture at Tele

    Lens-style Cameras

    QX100
    Fastest - Sony QX100
    Average

    QX100 is also equipped with Optical image stabilization system which is very handy especially at lower shutter speeds. Sony QX100's lens also has a Manual Focus Mode.



    Sony QX100 LCD

    Sony QX100 has a Fixed Type LCD screen with a resolution of 0k dots. At only , the screen is on the smaller side and 0kdot resolution is lower than most of the recent models in this class.

    LCD is Touch screen type, so you can change the settings and set the focus point with your fingertips.

    QX100 doesn't have a viewfinder and no option for external viewfinder. Lack of a viewfinder can be problematic especially under strong light where visibility of LCD screens goes down dramatically. If you need a Lens-style camera with a built-in viewfinder in a similar price range, consider (Compare) or (Compare).
    If the price is not an issue, take a look at our Top Rated Cameras with Viewfinders.

    Sony QX100 Connectivity, Storage and Battery

    Sony QX100 features built-in wireless (Wi-Fi) connectivity ( 802.11b/g/n with NFC) which lets you transfer your photos directly to compatible devices without any physical connection. With its NFC feature, QX100 can communicate with devices such as smartphones which are also equipped with this technology by simply touching each other.One other feature that we like is the ability to use our smartphone as a remote to control our QX100. You can change camera settings, release shutter, view LCD screen and tranfer files using remote control app.

    Sony QX100 has a USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) port to connect your camera to other devices.

    Battery

    Sony QX100 is powered by battery which provides a shooting life of 200 according to CIPA standards. Considering that the average battery life of Lens-style type cameras is 265 shots, Sony QX100 has a short battery life for its class so we strongly recommend QX100 owners to buy some extra batteries.

    Battery Life Comparison in Lens-style Cameras

    Sony QX100
    Min
    Average
    Max

    Sony QX1 with its 440shots is the model with longest battery life among Lens-style cameras. Check the comparison of Sony QX100 vs Sony QX1 or take a look at Longest Battery Life Compact cameras list.

    Sony QX100 Features Compared to Main Competitors
    Model Max Video Battery Life Wi-fi Bluetooth NFC
    Sony Cyber-shot DSC-QX100 Camera Sony QX10
    Compare
    1440 x 1080 220shots Yes No Yes
    Sony Cyber-shot DSC-QX100 Camera Sony QX30
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 200shots Yes No Yes
    Sony Cyber-shot DSC-QX100 Camera Sony QX1
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 440shots Yes No Yes
    Sony Cyber-shot DSC-QX100 Camera Sony RX100 II
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 350shots Yes No Yes
    Sony Cyber-shot DSC-QX100 Camera Sony A6000
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 360shots Yes No Yes
    Sony Cyber-shot DSC-QX100 Camera Sony RX100 III
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 320shots Yes No Yes
    Sony Cyber-shot DSC-QX100 Camera Kodak S-1
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 410shots Yes No No
    Sony Cyber-shot DSC-QX100 Camera Samsung Galaxy Camera 2
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 400shots Yes Yes Yes

    Sony QX100 Video Features

    With Sony QX100, you can record your videos at a highest resolution of 1920 x 1080 at 30 fps and save in and MPEG-4 formats. Full HD resolution of Sony QX100 will be adequate in most of the situations. But if you are after the highest resolution videos available, see our list of Top Cameras with 4K (Ultra-HD) Video.

    QX100 has a built-in Stereo microphone and a None speaker.
    Sony QX100 doesn't have any connections for external microphones and headphones. If you need a Lens-style camera with external microphone connectivity, consider or in a similar price range.

    Sony QX100 Other Features

    Max Shutter speed

    Sony QX100 can shoot continuously at max speed of Unknown and has max shutter speed of 1/2000 sec.

    Flash

    Focusing

    Sony QX100 features a Contrast Detection autofocusing system.

    Sony QX100 also features Face detection AF where it intelligently detects the faces in the frame and locks the focus automatically.

    Sony QX100 PROs and CONs Review

    Now let's get in to more details of our Sony QX100 review by analysing its specs and features and listing out its pros and cons compared to average competitor cameras in its class.

    PROs
    Built-in Wireless (Wi-fi)
    NFC Connectivity
    Image Stabilization
    Full HD Video
    Touch Screen
    Face Detection Focusing
    20.0MP - High Resolution Sensor
    179g Light Body
    Manual Focusing
    Fast 1.80 Lens at Wide
    Remote control with a smartphone
    Report a correction

    Buy Sony QX100 from AMAZON or B&H PHOTO


    CONs
    No Articulating Screen
    No External Flash Shoe
    No Built-in Viewfinder
    No RAW Shooting
    Only Unknown Focus Points
    Small LCD Screen ( )
    Low Screen Resolution ( 0kdots )
    Low Battery Life: 200 shots
    No Manual Exposure
    No Environmental Sealing
    Optical Zoom only 3.6X
    Slow Lens at Tele: f4.90
    Report a correction
    What type of Photography is Sony QX100 Good for?
    In this section, we review and score Sony QX100 in 5 different photography areas.
    This camera is not rated yet!
    Sony QX100 Alternatives
    In this section, we analyse how Sony QX100 compares with other Lens-style cameras within a similar price range.
    Read a more detailed analysis of Sony QX100 alternatives.

    Popular Comparisons of Sony QX100

    Here is the eight most popular comparisons of Sony QX100 amongst Camera Decision readers.

    Sony QX10
    Sony QX10
    Compare
    Sony QX30
    Sony QX30
    Compare
    Sony QX1
    Sony QX1
    Compare
    Sony RX100 II
    Sony RX100 II
    Compare
    Sony A6000
    Sony A6000
    Compare
    Sony RX100 III
    Sony RX100 III
    Compare
    Kodak S-1
    Kodak S-1
    Compare
    Samsung Galaxy Camera 2
    Samsung Galaxy Camera 2
    Compare

    Sony QX100 Alternatives in Cameras

    It would also be interesting to compare Sony QX100 with Cameras. Below we have listed 4 highest ranked cameras in Sony QX100's price range.

    Frequently Asked Questions about Sony QX100
    Does the Sony QX100 have Image Stabilization?
    Does the Sony QX100 have RAW support?
    Does the Sony QX100 have Weather Sealing?
    Does the Sony QX100 have built-in GPS?
    What is the Max ISO of Sony QX100?
    What is the Sensor Size of Sony QX100?
    is the Sony QX100 a Full Frame (FF) camera?
    Does the Sony QX100 have Touch Screen?
    Does the Sony QX100 have built-in Wireless?
    What is the Max Continuous Shooting Speed (fps) of Sony QX100?
    What is the Weight of Sony QX100?
    What are the Dimensions of Sony QX100?
    Sony Cyber-shot DSC-QX100 Detailed Specifications

    General
    Brand Sony
    Model Sony Cyber-shot DSC-QX100
    Announced 2013-09-05
    Body Type Lens-style
    Lens
    Manual Focus
    Lens Mount fixed lens
    Lens Focal Range 28-100 mm (3.6x)
    Max Aperture F1.8-4.9
    Macro Focus Range 5cm
    Screen
    Screen Type Fixed Type
    Screen Technology Depends on connected smartphone
    Screen Size
    Screen Resolution 0k dots
    Live View
    Touch Screen
    Viewfinder
    Viewfinder None
    Viewfinder Resolution no electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Coverage n/a
    Viewfinder Magnification n/a
    Photography Features
    Min Shutter Speed 4s
    Max Mechanical Shutter Speed 1/2000s
    Continuous Shooting n/a
    Shutter Priority
    Aperture Priority
    Manual Exposure Mode
    Exposure Compensation n/a
    Custom White Balance
    Image Stabilization
    Built-in Flash
    Flash Range no built-in flash
    Flash Modes None
    External Flash
    AE Bracketing
    WB Bracketing
    Exposure Modes
    Multi-Segment
    Average
    Spot
    Partial
    AF-Area
    Center Weighted
    DxO Sensor Scores
    DxO Overall Score not tested
    DxO Color Depth not tested
    DxO Dynamic Range not tested
    DxO Low Light ISO not tested
    Report a correction

    Sensor
    Sensor Type BSI-CMOS
    Sensor Size 1-inch
    Sensor Dimensions 13.2 x 8.8 mm
    Sensor Area 116.16mm2
    Sensor Resolution 20 megapixels
    Max Image Resolution 5472 x 3648
    Max Native ISO 6,400
    Min Native ISO 160
    RAW Support
    Autofocus
    AF Touch
    AF Continuous
    AF Single
    AF Tracking
    AF Selective
    AF Center
    AF Multi Area
    AF Live View
    AF Face Detection
    AF Contrast Detection
    AF Phase Detection
    Number of Focus Points Unknown
    Number of Cross Focus Points 0
    Video Features
    Video Resolutions 1920 x 1080 (30 fps)
    Max Video Resolution 1920 x 1080
    Video Formats MPEG-4
    Microphone Port
    Headphone Port
    Connectivity
    Wireless Connectivity Built-In
    HDMI
    USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
    Physical
    Environmental Sealing
    Water Proof
    Dust Proof
    Shock Proof
    Crush Proof
    Freeze Proof
    Weight 179g
    Physical Dimensions 63 x 63 x 56mm
    Battery Life 200 shots
    Battery Type Battery Pack
    Battery Model NP-BN,
    Other Features
    Self Timer Yes (2, 10 secs)
    Timelapse Recording
    GPS None
    Storage Type microSD, microSDHC, microSDXC, Memory Stick Micro
    Storage Slots 1


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