Wingpilot Loc: Wasilla. Ak

Can anyone tell me about the clear image zoom in the RX100iii, how it performs, how much it goes beyond the 35mm eq. 28-70 optical zoom range? These RX100 camera get universal raves, but no one seems to talk about the zoom feature and how much farther the clear image zoom takes the range of the lens. I ask because I could be interested in this one as a very good all around camera for carrying in a pocket. I get tired of lugging around the bulk and heft of the DSLR and associated lenses. Thanks.

mikegreenwald Loc: Illinois

The zoom range of the Rx100iii is exactly what they call it: optical equivalent of a full frame sensor with a 28 - 70 mm lens on their so called 1", 20+ mp sensor. The smaller Carl Zeiss lens on the Sony 1" sensor produces an image equivalent image size to a 28 - 70mm lens on a full frame camera. To move beyond that range you will need an accessory lens. Note that the Rx100Mk1 & Mk2 zoom out further with their standard lens, but lose a little of the bottom end,

Doug RC Loc: Western Massachusetts

Just a note:

I almost always use 'optical zoom' only .. the 'clear image' zoom works to about double but depending on your subject
and the distance to it .. the quality comes down (you'd only see it if you crop in a lot in post) ... the digital zoom (in my opinion)
is only so-so .. but .. again depending on your distance to subject and need to "get-the-shot" as opposed to art quality it can be useful
on occasion.
check this one:
http://docs.esupport.sony.com/dvimag/DSCRX100_guide/en/contents/04/02/20/20.html

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

The RXII is my favorite. It goes to 100 MM and has a hot shoe for my big sony flash, works wonders inside, I aim the flash up and behind me for really great even (looks like I did not use flash) images.

tbr48

I have an RX100 iii and have used the clear image zoom. Images taken with the zoom feature are certainly passable but not super sharp. If you crop you can readily see the difference. By turning on this feature, the camera will zoom optically from 24mm to 70 mm and then digitally from 70 mm to 140 mm. So when turned on you still have the option of optical zoom as long as the focal length is below 70 mm. I have found This feature to come in handy when you want to get the shot and need the extra reach, especially if you don't need to crop much. However it doesn't replace a real zoom lens with similar focal length.

Wingpilot Loc: Wasilla. Ak

I appreciate all the info and the link. Sounds like the clear image zoom feature is a nice tool, but needs to be used carefully, especially if you want to crop to zoom in further on a subject. Thanks.

PHRubin Loc: Nashville TN USA

I don't know the camera, but it sounds like you are referring to a digital "zoom", which is the camera cropping the photo for you rather than an optical zoom.

Wingpilot Loc: Wasilla. Ak

It's a version of digital zoom, but doesn't work the same way as a normal digital zoom does. It uses an algorithm that allows zooming in without apparent loss of image quality. Normal digital zoom immediately results in loss of IQ. At least that's how I understand it. I posted the question about clear image zoom to see what others' experiences with it have been. I know what the professional camera reviewers say about it, if they even mention it at all other than to acknowledge its existence, but for me, the most valid information is that from those who use the camera daily and can attest as to how something actually works and performs from a real world point of view.

tbr48

[quote=Wingpilot]It's a version of digital zoom, but doesn't work the same way as a normal digital zoom does. It uses an algorithm that allows zooming in without apparent loss of image quality. Normal digital zoom immediately results in loss of IQ. At least that's how I understand it.

As I understand it, the algorithm interpolates pixels to give you the apparent enlarged view. Having used both the Clear Image function and digital zoom, the Clear Image gives a better result, but still not like a real zoom lens. I use it on occasion with my RX100 III especially when I don't want to carry something bulkier and I know for the most part I won't need longer reach. But if I know in advance that I will really need a longer focal length, I'll take my Olympus EM-1 with a zoom lens rather than the Sony. Overall I find it a handy option on a great pocketable camera.

Wingpilot Loc: Wasilla. Ak

[quote=tbr48]

Thank you for that info.

Toment Loc: FL, IL

The clear image zoom is digital only and not available when shooting RAW or Raw/jPG
Only so-so IQ and as above is ~100mm equiv