DxO test the new RX10m3: ” The camera is so much more than the sensor performance only”

RX100m3

DxOmark posted the full RX10m3 sensor review. The sensor performance as good as the rest of the RX cameras. But there is more than just sensor performance to take into account on the RX10m3:

At first glance, the RX10 III looks like a simple upgrade, but after a quick look at the specifications (and particularly those of the lens), it is so much more than that.  While rivals are still scarce in this segment, the new Sony can be thought of as challenger to both the Canon PowerShot G3 X and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ1000. The Sony offers the best features of both models, such as the high-ratio zoom, EVF, and 4K video capabilities, and marries those with the class-leading 1”-type BSI CMOS found on the RX10 II and RX100 IV. At $1500 or thereabouts, it’s not a casual purchase, but given the potential,s it is a tempting option when space and weight are restricted.

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Sony FE 50mm F1.4 ZA vs 55mm F1.8 ZA by Dpreview

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The size comparison between the new 50mm FE and the 55mm FE

Dpreview compared the new Sony FE 50mm F1.4 ZA vs the 55mm F1.8 ZA. When it comes to sharpness they write:

“The new 50/1.4 does not retain this sharpness across the field as well as the 55/1.8, which offers better field uniformity at all apertures. By F2, though, the new 50/1.4 ZA matches the 55/1.8 in central sharpness, and surpasses it at all smaller apertures. Considering the high bar set by the 55/1.8 ZA, this is very impressive.”

This goes against Lensrentals tests finding where the new 50mm FE center sharpness was higher than the 55mm FE. That’s why Dpreview writes:

“We can’t rule out the possibility that our copy of the 50/1.4 slightly under-performed relative to the average, perhaps due to decentering”

So basically we can’t be sure about Dpreview scores yet :) The final conclusion is:

It’s clear that Sony is trying to cement itself as a real option for pros, and the new FE 50mm ZA helps further that goal. We have no reservations recommending this lens. That said, if you can spend the extra time processing out the axial CA in post, don’t mind onion-ring bokeh in out-of-focus highlights, aren’t bothered by coma, and don’t need the extra isolation or light-gathering capability of F1.4, the 55/1.8 is a compelling alternative that is lighter and cheaper, while offering smooth background bokeh and impressive, if not necessarily much greater, sharpness wide open. It also focuses significantly faster than the 50/1.4.* But for subject isolation that puts medium format to shame, while retaining respectable sharpness and contrast even far off-center wide open (and particularly by F2), the FE 50mm 1.4 ZA is the lens to own.

Zeiss 50mm f/1.4 FE Planar preorders at BHphoto, Amazon, Focuscamera. Calumet.de. Cyberport.de. PhotoPorst. Jessops. WexUK.

Lensrentals: The new Zeiss 50mm FE lens beats the Zeiss Otus in center sharpness!!!

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Zeiss 50mm FE (left) vs Zeiss Otus 55mm (right). Image via Lensrentals.

Lensrentals (Click here) tested the new Zeiss 50mm f/1.4 FE lens. And they compared it with the best lens of the world, the 55mm Zeiss Otus. The results is absolutely impressive:

“The Sony is phenomenally good in the center; just absolutely superb. The Sony, though, is clearly better than the Otus in the center, and just as good as the Otus away from the center as well. There is a little sag of the Sony’s MTF halfway to the center but then improvement out to the edges.”

So far the new Zeiss 50mm f/1.4 FE lens didn’t get a lot of “Love”comments from SAR readers. The price may have created some emotional “barrier”. But now that you get that kind of feedback from Lensrentals things will change. A Zeiss Otus alike quality for almost a third of the lens and with autofocus? Now it starts to sound like a bargain :)  Lensrentals writes:

“it’s worth the money; it’s really superb. The center sharpness in particular is unheard of in a 50mm lens.”

Zeiss 50mm f/1.4 FE Planar preorders at BHphoto, Amazon, Focuscamera. Calumet.de. Cyberport.de. PhotoPorst. Jessops. WexUK.

All new Sony FE lenses and wireless products are now listed on one single page at BHphoto (Click here).

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USA:
Sony Planar T* FE 50mm f/1.4 ZA Lens at BHphoto, Amazon, Focuscamera.
Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens at BHphoto, Amazon, Adorama, Focuscamera.
Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter at BHphoto, Amazon, Adorama, Focuscamera.
Sony FE 2.0x Teleconverter at BHphoto, Amazon, Adorama, Focuscamera.
Sony FA-WRC1M Wireless Radio Commander at BHphoto, Focuscamera.
Sony FA-WRR1 Wireless Radio Receiver at BHphoto, Focuscamera.
Sony VMC-MM1 Multi Terminal Cable at BHphoto, Focuscamera.
Europe:
Sony Planar T* FE 50mm f/1.4 ZA Lens at Calumet.de. Cyberport.de. PhotoPorst. Jessops. WexUK.
Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens at Calumet.de. Amazon GermanyCyberport.de. PhotoPorst. Jessops. WexUK.
Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter at PhotoPorst. Jessops.
Sony FE 2.0x Teleconverter at PhotoPorst. Jessops.