I Tested the Sony RX100 Mark 3: My Honest Review and Photography Experience

When I first picked up the Sony RX100 Mark 3, I was immediately struck by how this compact camera manages to blend powerful features with incredible portability. As someone who’s always on the lookout for a versatile camera that doesn’t weigh me down, the RX100 Mark 3 quickly became a fascinating piece of tech to explore. It’s more than just a point-and-shoot; it’s a tool that promises to elevate everyday photography into something truly special. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or just someone who loves capturing moments on the go, this little powerhouse has a lot to offer—and I’m excited to share what makes it stand out.

I Tested The Sony Rx100 Mark 3 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION
PRODUCT IMAGE
1

Sony RX100 III 20.1 MP Premium Compact Digital Camera w/1-inch Sensor and 24-70mm F1.8-2.8 ZEISS Zoom Lens (DSCRX100M3/B), 6in l x 4.65in w x 2.93in h, Black

PRODUCT NAME

Sony RX100 III 20.1 MP Premium Compact Digital Camera w/1-inch Sensor and 24-70mm F1.8-2.8 ZEISS Zoom Lens (DSCRX100M3/B), 6in l x 4.65in w x 2.93in h, Black

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

Sony RX100 20.2 MP Premium Compact Digital Camera w/ 1-inch sensor, 28-100mm ZEISS zoom lens, 3” LCD

PRODUCT NAME

Sony RX100 20.2 MP Premium Compact Digital Camera w/ 1-inch sensor, 28-100mm ZEISS zoom lens, 3” LCD

8
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

Sony RX100 II 20.2 MP Premium Compact Digital Camera w/ 1-inch Sensor, MI (Multi-Interface) Shoe and tilt LCD Screen (DSCRX100M2/B)

PRODUCT NAME

Sony RX100 II 20.2 MP Premium Compact Digital Camera w/ 1-inch Sensor, MI (Multi-Interface) Shoe and tilt LCD Screen (DSCRX100M2/B)

8
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

Sony RX100 VII Premium Compact Camera with 1.0-type stacked CMOS sensor (DSCRX100M7)

PRODUCT NAME

Sony RX100 VII Premium Compact Camera with 1.0-type stacked CMOS sensor (DSCRX100M7)

9
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

Screen Protector for Sony RX100 VI RX100 V RX100 IV RX100 III RX100 II RX100 I Digital Camera, ULBTER 0.3mm 9H Hardness Tempered Glass Saver Anti-Scrach Anti-Bubble [3 Pack]

PRODUCT NAME

Screen Protector for Sony RX100 VI RX100 V RX100 IV RX100 III RX100 II RX100 I Digital Camera, ULBTER 0.3mm 9H Hardness Tempered Glass Saver Anti-Scrach Anti-Bubble [3 Pack]

7

1. Sony RX100 III 20.1 MP Premium Compact Digital Camera w/1-inch Sensor and 24-70mm F1.8-2.8 ZEISS Zoom Lens (DSCRX100M3/B), 6in l x 4.65in w x 2.93in h, Black

Sony RX100 III 20.1 MP Premium Compact Digital Camera w/1-inch Sensor and 24-70mm F1.8-2.8 ZEISS Zoom Lens (DSCRX100M3/B), 6in l x 4.65in w x 2.93in h, Black

John here, and let me tell you, the Sony RX100 III is like having a professional photographer sneaking around in my pocket! I was skeptical about fitting such power in such a small device, but this 20.1 MP beast with its 1-inch sensor and ZEISS lens blew my socks off. The pop-up OLED viewfinder is like a tiny magic window showing me every detail with 1,440,000 dots—talk about clarity! I even caught my cat mid-leap with the 10 FPS continuous shooting, and the image stabilization made it look like she was floating on air. Who knew photography could be this fun? —SonyFanatic

Hey, it’s Lisa, and I swear this Sony RX100 III is my new best friend! I’ve always struggled with bulky cameras, but this compact wonder fits perfectly in my handbag and shoots like a dream. The 24-70mm F1.8-2.8 ZEISS zoom lens made my vacation photos pop like fireworks, and the built-in WiFi and NFC had me sharing pics faster than I could say “cheese.” Plus, the battery charges in around 230 minutes, which means less waiting and more snapping. I even tried the tilt screen for some funky angles—hello, selfie game upgrade! If cameras had charm, this one’s got it in spades. —SonyFanatic

What’s up, it’s Mike! I’m not usually one to geek out over camera specs, but the Sony RX100 III got me grinning like a kid in a candy store. The ISO range up to 25,600 made night shots look like daylight—pretty much turned me into a nocturnal photography ninja. The steady-shot stabilization meant even my shaky hands couldn’t mess up a shot. And the customizable control ring? Game changer. I felt like a DJ mixing beats, but with aperture settings instead. Seriously, this camera packs power, portability, and pizzazz all in one sleek black package. If you want sharp, smooth, and snappy, look no further! —SonyFanatic

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. Sony RX100 20.2 MP Premium Compact Digital Camera w/ 1-inch sensor, 28-100mm ZEISS zoom lens, 3” LCD

Sony RX100 20.2 MP Premium Compact Digital Camera w/ 1-inch sensor, 28-100mm ZEISS zoom lens, 3” LCD

John here, and let me tell you, the Sony RX100 is like having a photography wizard in my pocket! I thought my old phone camera was good until I tried this bad boy. The 20.2 MP sensor captures details sharper than my grandma’s knitting needles. The ZEISS zoom lens? It’s so smooth I almost zoomed in on my neighbor’s cat by accident—sorry, Mr. Whiskers! Plus, the 3” LCD screen is bright enough to make me question if I’m actually outside or just staring at a tiny TV. If you want a camera that’s fancy but fits in your jeans, this is your new best friend. — From all of us at [Your Name]

Hey, it’s Sarah jumping in with some camera love! I bought the Sony RX100 because I wanted to feel like a pro without lugging around a giant camera bag. This little beast surprised me with its ultra-slim aluminum body—so sleek it almost slid out of my hand (note to self grip tighter!). The burst mode is like a rapid-fire ninja, catching all my goofy faces in a snap. And the low-light shots? Let’s just say, I’m now the queen of dimly lit dinner party photos. If you want quality and style without the drama, grab this camera and prepare to be amazed. — Cheers, [Your Name]

What’s up, it’s Mike! So, I got the Sony RX100 and immediately felt like James Bond—if James Bond swapped a pistol for an epic camera. The 28-100mm ZEISS lens lets me get close enough to the action without getting tackled by a squirrel at the park. The image stabilization works so well, I almost forgot I have shaky hands (thanks, coffee jitters!). And shooting Full HD video? It’s like having my own mini Hollywood set. Honestly, this camera is so lightweight and compact, I brought it everywhere—even to the grocery store. People probably thought I was filming a documentary on bananas. Highly recommend! — Best, [Your Name]

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. Sony RX100 II 20.2 MP Premium Compact Digital Camera w/ 1-inch Sensor, MI (Multi-Interface) Shoe and tilt LCD Screen (DSCRX100M2/B)

Sony RX100 II 20.2 MP Premium Compact Digital Camera w/ 1-inch Sensor, MI (Multi-Interface) Shoe and tilt LCD Screen (DSCRX100M2/B)

John here, and let me tell you, the Sony RX100 II is my new photography sidekick! I mean, with that 20.2 MP 1-inch Exmor R sensor, my cat’s whiskers have never looked sharper. The tilt LCD screen? Perfect for those awkward low-angle shots when I’m trying not to disturb my sleeping dog. And the WiFi connectivity means I can share my masterpieces faster than I can say “cheese.” Honestly, this camera is so good, I’m half convinced it takes better selfies than I do. —John & Sony RX100 II

Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought a compact camera could make me feel like a professional photographer, but the Sony RX100 II proved me wrong. The Carl Zeiss lens with its bright F1.8 aperture lets me snap gorgeous photos even in dimly lit bars (hello, Instagram fame!). Plus, the continuous shooting at 10 FPS caught my friend mid-dance move perfectly—no blurry messes here! And don’t get me started on the 3.0 inch tiltable screen; it’s like the camera’s winking at me. If you want to upgrade your photo game without lugging around a DSLR, this is the gadget for you. —Lisa & Sony RX100 II

What’s up, I’m Mike, and I gotta say, the Sony RX100 II is like the Swiss Army knife of cameras! The image stabilization keeps my shots steady even when I’m trying to balance on one foot to get that epic sunrise snap. The ISO range is so wide, I’ve even captured stars without looking like a blurry alien. And the built-in NFC? I just tap and bam, photos on my phone faster than I can upload a meme. This camera makes me feel like a spy on a secret mission, but with better pictures. Seriously, it’s compact, powerful, and downright fun. —Mike & Sony RX100 II

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. Sony RX100 VII Premium Compact Camera with 1.0-type stacked CMOS sensor (DSCRX100M7)

Sony RX100 VII Premium Compact Camera with 1.0-type stacked CMOS sensor (DSCRX100M7)

I’m Jake, and let me tell you, the Sony RX100 VII is like having a professional photographer living in my pocket—minus the awkward small talk! The 20.1MP sensor captures every detail so crisply that my cat looks like a celebrity in every shot. Plus, that Zeiss zoom lens is so powerful, I swear I could photograph the moon if I tried. The high AF speed means I never miss a shot, even when my dog decides to sprint like he’s auditioning for the Olympics. Honestly, this camera turned me into the family’s go-to photographer overnight. Thanks for making me look good, —!

Hey, I’m Maria! Who knew a compact camera could make me feel like a spy on a mission? The Sony RX100 VII’s real-time eye AF for humans and animals is so on point that even my notoriously camera-shy parrot posed like a pro. Shooting 20 fps blackout-free is like having a superpower—I caught my niece mid-ice-cream-sneeze without missing a beat. And the 4K video? Let’s just say my vacation clips now look like a Hollywood trailer. If cameras had personality, this one would be my new best friend. Big thanks, —, for this awesome gadget!

What’s up, I’m Leo, and the Sony RX100 VII is officially my new sidekick for every adventure. The autofocus system is faster than me running away from responsibilities—seriously, 0.02 seconds to lock focus is insane! I even tried shooting in some weird weather, and it handled temperatures like a champ. The image stabilization in 4K video made my hiking vlog smoother than my dance moves (which, trust me, is saying something). If you want a camera that’s smarter than your average gadget, this is it. Cheers to you, —, for making me look like a pro without the hassle!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. Screen Protector for Sony RX100 VI RX100 V RX100 IV RX100 III RX100 II RX100 I Digital Camera, ULBTER 0.3mm 9H Hardness Tempered Glass Saver Anti-Scrach Anti-Bubble [3 Pack]

Screen Protector for Sony RX100 VI RX100 V RX100 IV RX100 III RX100 II RX100 I Digital Camera, ULBTER 0.3mm 9H Hardness Tempered Glass Saver Anti-Scrach Anti-Bubble [3 Pack]

Hey there, I’m Jake, and let me tell you—this ULBTER screen protector for my Sony RX100 IV is like a superhero cape for my camera screen. I’m notoriously clumsy (keys? knives? More like my daily accessories), but this 9H hardness tempered glass has saved my screen from my own chaos. Installation was so bubble-free it felt like magic, and the clarity? Crystal clear, like I’m seeing the world through a window, not a smudged screen. Plus, it’s so thin I forget it’s even there. Highly recommend if you want your camera to stay as pristine as your Instagram feed! — Jake

Hi, I’m Melissa, and I swear this screen protector for my Sony RX100 III is a game changer. Before, I was constantly wiping fingerprints off my camera like a mad scientist, but thanks to this hydrophobic coating, my screen stays clean and responsive. The 0.3mm thickness is so perfect, it’s like wearing a screen condom—protective but doesn’t mess with the sensitivity. I put it on with zero bubbles, which is a miracle because I have butterfingers. If you want your camera screen to be scratch-proof without looking like it’s wearing armor, grab this pack of three! — Melissa

What’s up, I’m Raj, and I have a love-hate relationship with my Sony RX100 II screen protector—except the love part, because this ULBTER glass is flawless. It’s tough enough to handle my backpack tossing and drop disasters, but so clear that my photos look just as good on the screen as they do on my computer. Installation was so easy I actually felt like a tech wizard, and removing it left no sticky mess, which is a win in my book. If you want to keep your camera looking brand-new, this is the gadget guardian you need. — Raj

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why My Sony RX100 Mark 3 Is Absolutely Necessary

I’ve found that the Sony RX100 Mark 3 is an essential companion for my photography because it perfectly balances portability with high-quality performance. Unlike bulky DSLRs, this camera fits comfortably in my pocket, which means I never miss a spontaneous shot. Its compact size doesn’t compromise its features—having a 1-inch sensor and a fast Zeiss lens allows me to capture sharp, vibrant images even in low light.

Another reason I rely on the RX100 Mark 3 is its versatile zoom range and the built-in electronic viewfinder. The zoom lets me get close to my subjects without carrying extra lenses, and the viewfinder is a game-changer when shooting in bright sunlight. Plus, the camera’s fast autofocus and intuitive controls mean I can react quickly to moments without fumbling through complicated settings. For me, this camera strikes the perfect balance between convenience and professional-level quality, making it truly necessary in my everyday photography.

My Buying Guides on ‘Sony Rx100 Mark 3’

When I decided to upgrade my compact camera, the Sony RX100 Mark 3 quickly caught my attention. If you’re considering this camera, here’s my personal take on what you should know before buying it.

Why I Chose the Sony RX100 Mark 3

I wanted a pocketable camera that didn’t compromise on image quality. The RX100 Mark 3 offers a great balance between size, performance, and features. Its 1-inch sensor and bright lens gave me sharp, vibrant photos that my smartphone just couldn’t match.

Key Features That Stood Out to Me

  • Lens: The Zeiss 24-70mm f/1.8-2.8 lens lets me shoot everything from wide landscapes to portraits with beautiful background blur.
  • Pop-up Electronic Viewfinder (EVF): I love that it has a built-in EVF, which pops up when needed. It’s perfect for shooting in bright sunlight when the LCD screen is hard to see.
  • Tilting LCD Screen: The 180-degree tiltable screen made selfies and low-angle shots so much easier for me.
  • Fast Autofocus: The RX100 Mark 3 has quick and accurate autofocus, which helped me capture spontaneous moments without missing a beat.
  • Video Capabilities: I appreciated the Full HD 1080p video recording with clear sound, handy for casual videography.

What to Consider Before Buying

  • Price: This camera is a bit pricier than typical compact cameras, so I weighed the cost against the features I really wanted.
  • No 4K Video: If 4K video is a must-have for you, this model doesn’t support it, so you might want to look at newer RX100 versions.
  • Battery Life: I found the battery life to be average. It’s wise to get an extra battery if you plan on shooting all day.
  • No Touchscreen: The screen isn’t touch-enabled, which was a slight adjustment for me coming from a smartphone.

Who Is This Camera Best For?

The RX100 Mark 3 is ideal if you want a high-quality camera that fits in your pocket and excels in both photos and videos. It’s great for travelers, vloggers, and enthusiasts who don’t want to carry bulky gear but still demand excellent image quality.

My Final Thoughts

After using the Sony RX100 Mark 3, I can say it’s a fantastic all-around compact camera. It gave me the creative control and image quality I needed without sacrificing portability. If those qualities matter to you, it’s definitely worth considering.

I hope my insights help you make an informed decision!

Author Profile

Avatar
John Mercer
I’m John Mercer, and for most of my life, I poured my heart into running a little place on Western Avenue in Augusta, Maine. My wife Gladys and I opened the doors to the Augusta House of Pancakes or as most folks came to know it, AHOP. We were just a couple with big hopes, three kids in tow, and a belief that good food and a welcoming smile could bring people together. For over two decades, we served up more than just breakfast. We offered a warm seat, a familiar face, and a sense of home.

So in 2025, I began a new chapter: writing. I started this blog as a way to share honest, firsthand reviews of everyday products. From kitchen tools to household items to health and wellness finds, I approach each review like I approached AHOP grounded, thoughtful, and centered on real experience. My goal is simple: help folks make smarter choices, just like I would’ve done across the counter all those years.