Sony RX100 guide settings, tips, and tricks

Introduction

If you’re looking for an advanced manual for the Sony RX100 with tips and tricks, you’ve come to the right place. I’ll be going over the entire menu system with you and along the way, we’ll find some hidden treasures there. Although it’s easy to set this camera to automatic, there are many interesting features tucked away in the menu system.

Since the Sony RX100 has the same menu layout as recently released Sony Alpha cameras, you’ll quickly find your way around if you already own one of those.

First things first:

Are you looking for tips and settings for:

• The RX100 II: click here.
• The Sony RX100 III here.
• The Sony RX100 IV click here. 
• The RX100 V here 
• The RX100 VI here
• The RX100 VII here

Diving into the MENU system

When you switch on your camera, you’ll be asked to enter a date, time and timezone. This setting is necessary, as all images captured will have a timestamp, making it easy to find your favorite pictures in the future.
After this is setup, press the MENU button. You’ll see a range of icons and pages.
We’ll start at page 1 of the camera Icon (camera settings)

MENU – Camera Settings – page 1

 

Image size:

The larger the image size, the more detail will be reproduced when the image is printed on large-format paper. The smaller the image size, the more images can be recorded.

Image size when the aspect ratio is 3:2:

• L: 20 megapixels
• M: 10 megapixels
• S: 5.0 megapixels

Image size when Aspect Ratio is 16:9

• L: 17 megapixels
• M: 7,5 megapixels
• S: 4.2 megapixels

Image size when Aspect Ratio is 4:3

• L: 18 megapixels
• M: 10 megapixels
• S: 5 megapixels

Image size when Aspect Ratio is 1:1

• L: 13 megapixels
• M: 6,5 megapixels
• S: 3.7 megapixels

Please note that when Quality is set to RAW or RAW & JPEG, the image size for RAW images is automatically set to L for optimal quality.

If SD card space is an issue, you can set it to Small.

Aspect ratio:

You can choose 3:2 (which uses the full sensor surface), 16:9 (crop but a more broad view), 4:3 and 1:1. Leave as is at 3:2, you can always crop your pictures later.

Quality:

Do you edit your pictures on your desktop? If so, set to RAW or RAW jpeg. A RAW file saves all information the camera pixels register during shooting and will make for better quality images if you want to edit in something like Adobe Lightroom.

A RAW file saves all information the camera pixels register during shooting and will make for better quality images if you want to edit in something like Adobe Lightroom.
A jpeg is a compressed image (available in FINE (larger) and STANDARD (smaller, less quality) which takes up less space on your SD card but is less suited for editing afterward. Jpeg images will also have in-camera noise reduction applied, something you might or might not want to take care of yourself later, depending on your use.

Jpeg images will also have in-camera noise reduction applied, something you might or might not want to take care of yourself later, depending on your use.

Panorama size

(Only available when in panorama shooting mode)

Size is selectable between standard and wide. Wide means your picture will cover a larger area. Set it to standard, having to scan an even broader area when making panoramas will take some experience with the camera to do efficiently.

Set it to standard, having to scan an even broader area when making panoramas will take some experience with the camera to do efficiently.

Panorama direction

A panorama picture (only available in jpeg) is a composite of several images stitched together. When in this mode, you’ll see an arrow that guides you in what direction and speed you should pan the camera to take the sequential images that will be stitched together. You can choose the path in this menu (either, up, down, left or right).

You can make panoramas while scanning your camera up-down or left-right.So what is this all about? This might sound confusing at first, but this comes down to how you hold the A5000 when shooting panoramas: either in portrait or landscape orientation.

 

MENU – Camera Settings – page 2

Drive Mode

You can set the drive mode, such as continuous or self-timer shooting.

• Single Shooting (default setting): Shoots one still image. Normal shooting mode.
• Cont. Shooting: Shoots images continuously while you press and hold down the shutter button.
• Speed priority Cont. Shooting: Shoots images continuously at high speed while you press and hold down the shutter button. Focus and brightness settings of the first shot are used for the following shots.
• Self-timer: Shoots an image after 10 or 2 seconds. (selectable in sub menu) You can change the angle of the LCD screen and shoot images while monitoring the image on the screen.
• Self-portrait; selfie mode. Sets the self-timer to Self-portrait timer. When the camera detects the specified number of faces, a beep sounds, and the shutter operates 2 seconds later.
• Self-timer(Cont): Shoots a specified number of images continuously after 10 seconds or 2 seconds (selectable in the sub menu).
• Cont. Bracket: Shoots images while holding the shutter button down, each with different degrees of brightness. (from 3 to 5 images with between .3 and 3 EV difference, selectable in the sub menu.) For processing as HDR on your PC.
• WB bracket: Shoots a total of three images, each with a different color tone according to the selected settings for white balance, color temperature, and the color filter.  (3 images with either LO small changes or Hi large changes).

Flash Mode

Flash off;

obvious

Autoflash:

The flash works in dark environments or when shooting towards a bright light.

Fill-flash:

The flash works every time you trigger the shutter.

Slow sync:

Tells the camera to use a longer shutter speed along with a flash, and thus is better for night shots. In manual and shutter priority modes, there is no difference in flash power. But when using aperture priority, program, or auto, choosing slow sync tells the camera to use a longer shutter speed than it would ordinarily pick.What the slow sync flash mode actual does is first fire the flash for the subject exposure, then allow for a longer shutter speed that will allow for more ambient light to be captured by the sensor.

Rear Sync:

Capturing an image involves two shutter actions: one when the capture starts and on when it stops. Rear Sync tells the flash to fire right before the shutter closes. Moving objects will show a streak where they came from and a sharp image where they were at the end of the exposure. This conveys a sense of speed with moving objects. Rear Sync is a creative technique, if you’d like to know more about this type of photography, I’d suggest doing a Google search on ‘Rear Sync Flash Photography.’

Focus Mode

Here, you can select how the autofocus engine will behave when you half-press the shutter button. Novice users should set into AF-A. This functionality is partly dependent on what focus area you select (see next)

AF-S:

With a half-press of the shutter button, the camera will focus only once. Suitable for capturing stills.

AF-C:

The camera will continuously focus on any movement when you half-press the shutter button.

DMF:

The Sony RX100 focuses on your subject and allows you to fine tune your focus area further using the manual focus ring on the lens.

MF:

No autofocus is used, and you focus manually using the focus ring on the lens.

Autofocus area

You might think it is best to leave it on the factory ‘Multi’ setting (as this uses all AF points), but for certain scenes, it is often better to use the center or flexible spot to get it to focus on what you want.

Multi

Focuses on a subject in all ranges of the finder frame automatically. When you press the shutter button halfway down in still image shooting mode, a green frame is displayed around the area that is in focus. When the Face Detection function is active, AF operates with priority on faces!

Center:

Focusses on whatever is centered in your images. A fail-proof way of getting the camera to focus on what you want. If you have any problems using the autofocus and are in a situation where you don’t want to miss any shots, revert to Center and just make sure you have your subject centered.

Flexible spot:

Flexible spot area selects a spot anywhere on the screen where the camera should focus. (similar to Center spot, except not.. in the center) . This is really the failsafe way of getting every shot in focus, although it is not the fastest way. Practice does make perfect.

Soft Skin Effect

If you’re using this camera mainly for pics of friends and family, this is an excellent feature, as it will soften and smooth skin tones make you and your beloved ones look their best. I never use this.

Smile/Face Detect.

When the Face Detection function is used, the camera detects the faces of your subjects and adjusts the Autofocus Area, Flash Mode, Exposure Comp., White Balance and Red-Eye Reduction settings automatically. I always have this on when shooting portraits, it helps with faster and more accurate autofocus.

When using Smile Shutter, the camera detects smiles and releases the shutter automatically.

When the camera detects more than one subject, the camera will judge which is the main subject and set focus by priority. The frame for which the focus is set will turn green by pressing the shutter button halfway down.

Auto Port. Framing

When enabled, the Sony RX100 will automatically crop your captured image to what it deems best. Meaning it will cut the picture for a nicer composition. A nice feature if you don’t want to bother too much with the technical side of photography.

MENU – Camera Settings – page 3

ISO

You can select at which ISO value you’d like to capture your image or change the AutoISO range
I have this range set between 100-800 as this range is virtually noise free, and I don’t like the ISO performance above 800. If you’re a jpeg shooter (and use built-in Noise Reduction), you might think of using a higher top value (factory setting goes up to 6400).

Metering Mode

Metering mode refers to the way the camera reads the light and sets the exposure.
In multi, it considers the whole frame and sets exposure according to internal algorithms programmed in camera.
In spot or center, the camera only considers what is in that spot or the center (per example, if your subject is completely black, the camera will try to compensate by overexposing the image).

 Flash compensation:

Adjusts the amount of flash light. Separately to the exposure compensation, flash compensation changes the amount of flash light to change the exposure for the main subject within the range of the flash.

White Balance

You can either:

• Auto (default setting): The product automatically detects the light source and adjusts the color tones.
• Daylight: The color tones are adjusted for the daylight. Shade: The color tones are adjusted for shadiness.
• Shade: Adjusts for a shady location.
• Cloudy: The color temperature is adjusted for a cloudy sky.
• Incandescent: The color temperature is adjusted for places under an incandescent lamp, or under bright lightings, such as in a photo studio.
• Fluor.: Warm White: The color temperature is adjusted for warm white fluorescent lighting.
• Fluor.: Cool White: The color temperature is adjusted for white fluorescent lighting.
• Fluor.: Day White: The color temperature is adjusted for neutral white fluorescent lighting.
• Fluor.: Daylight: The color temperature is adjusted for daylight fluorescent lighting.
• Flash: The color temperature is adjusted for a flash.
• Underwater Auto: The color temperature is adjusted for underwater shooting.
• C.Temp./Filter: Adjusts the color tones depending on the light source. Achieves the effect of CC (Color Compensation) filters for photography.
• Custom: Uses the white balance setting saved in [Custom Setup].
• Custom Setup: Memorizes the basic white color under the light conditions for the shooting environment.

DRO/Auto HDR

DRO:

This stands for Dynamic range optimize and analyses the contrast of your scene in real-time. It produces an image with optimal brightness and recovered shadow detail. You can use this function even while the subject is moving or during the continuous shooting.

• D-Range Optimizer: Auto (default setting): Corrects the brightness automatically.
• D-Range Optimizer  Lv1 to D-Range Optimizer: Lv5: Optimizes the gradation of a recorded image for each divided area. Select the optimization level from Lv1 (weak) to Lv5 (strong)

Auto HDR:

(not available for RAW captures) this feature Shoots three images with different exposures and then overlays the bright area of the underexposed image and the dark area of the over exposed image to create a picture with an extended range from highlight to shadow.
The highlight detail in auto HDR is better than that in DRO and with reduced noise. The shutter is released three times, so using this function for moving subjects is not recommended.

• Auto HDR: Exposure Diff. Auto (default setting): Corrects the exposure difference automatically. Auto HDR: Exposure Diff. 1.0EV ―
• Auto HDR: Exposure Diff. 6.0EV: Sets the exposure difference, based on the contrast of the subject. Select the optimal level between 1.0 EV (weak) and 6.0 EV (strong). For example, if you set the exposure value to 2.0 EV, three images will be composed of the following exposure levels; −1.0 EV, optimal exposure, and 1.0 EV

Creative Style

This menu setting allows you to select the desired image processing. You can adjust exposure (shutter speed and aperture) as you like with [Creative Style], unlike with [Scene Selection] where the product adjusts the exposure.

• Standard (default setting): For shooting various scenes with rich gradation and beautiful colors.
• Vivid: The saturation and contrast are heightened for shooting striking images of colorful scenes and subjects such as flowers, spring greenery, blue sky, or ocean views.
• Portrait: For shooting the skin color in a soft tone, ideally suited for shooting portraits.
• Landscape: The saturation, contrast, and sharpness are heightened for shooting vivid and crisp scenery. Distant landscapes also stand out more.
• Sunset: For shooting the beautiful red of the setting sun.
• Black & White: For shooting images in black and white monotone.

Contrast, Saturation, and Sharpness can be adjusted for each Creative Style item. Select an item to be set by pressing the right/left side of the control wheel, then set the value using the top/bottom side of the control wheel.

• Contrast: The higher the value selected, the more the difference of light and shadow is accentuated, and the bigger the effect on the image.
• Saturation: The higher the value selected, the more vivid the color. When a lower value is selected, the color of the image is restrained and subdued.
• Sharpness: Adjusts the sharpness. The higher the value selected, the more the contours are accentuated, and the lower the value selected, the more the contours are softened.

Picture Effect

Think of this menu as an Instagram app right in your camera, with all kinds of retro filters and effects.

• Off (default setting): Disables the Picture Effect function.
• Toy Camera: Creates a soft image with shaded corners and reduced sharpness.
• Pop Color: Creates a vivid look by emphasizing color tones.
• Posterization: Creates a high contrast, abstract look by heavily emphasizing primary colors, or in black and white.
• Retro Photo: Creates the look of an aged photo with sepia color tones and faded contrast.
• Soft High-key: Creates an image with the indicated atmosphere: bright, transparent, ethereal, tender, soft.
• Partial Color: Creates an image which retains a specific color, but converts others to black and white.
• High Contrast Mono.: Creates a high-contrast image in black and white.
• Soft Focus: Creates an image filled with a soft lighting effect.
• HDR Painting: Creates the look of a painting, enhancing the colors and details.
• Rich-tone Mono.: Creates an image in black and white with rich gradation and reproduction of details.
• Miniature: Creates an image which enhances the subject vividly, with the background defocused considerably. This effect may often be found in pictures of miniature models.
• Watercolor: Creates an image with ink bleed and blurring effects as if painted using watercolors.
• Illustration: Creates an illustration-like image by emphasizing the outlines.

 

MENU – Camera Settings – page 4

Clear image zoom

Clear Image Zoom allows you to enlarge the image with close to the original image quality when shooting still images. The camera zooms images with the original image quality first depending on the selected image size. When Clear Image Zoom is set to O], the camera automatically switches over to Clear Image Zoom when the zoom range without deterioration of the original image quality is exceeded.

Digital zoom

The camera can zoom over the scale that can be achieved using the optical zoom or Clear Image Zoom, although the quality of the resulting image will deteriorate. I prefer to crop images on my laptop afterward, that way I still have the choice.

Long Exposure NR

When you set the shutter speed to 1/3 second or longer (Long exposure shooting), noise reduction is turned on for the same duration that the shutter is open. This is to reduce the grainy noise typical in a long exposure.

High ISO NR

Here you can select the amount of noise reduction applied to images with high ISO settings (when quality is set to jpeg). As Sony has rather aggressive noise reduction, I would chance it to Low. (if not, you run the risk of getting paint-like, smeared images at higher ISO values)

AF Illuminator:

The AF illuminator is a little red light allowing the camera to focus more easily when the shutter button is pressed halfway. It automatically is switched off when you fully press the shutter. Leave it on.

Steady Shot

You can turn image stabilisation ON or OFF here. Should be OFF for taking time-lapses.

Color Space

You can choose between Standard and Adobe (extended color range)RGB. If you don’t know what this means, leave it to standard.

MENU – Camera Settings – page 5

Shooting Tip list

View all shooting advice on the screen when you use the Sony RX100.

Write Date

Sets whether to record a shooting date on the still image.

Scene Selection

Scene Selection lets you select the scene type that is most like the environment you are shooting.
Useful for: getting the benefits of auto mode in a known scene setting.
Scene types include:

• Portrait: Allows you to blur away backgrounds and sharpens the subject. Expresses skin tones softly.
• Anti-motion blur: Allows you to shoot indoor shots without using the flash to reduce subject blur.
• Sports Action: Allows you to shoot a moving subject at a fast shutter speed so that the subject looks as if it is standing still. The camera shoots images continuously while the shutter button is pressed.
• Pet Allows you to shoot images of your pet with the best settings.
• Gourmet: Allows you to shoot food arrangements in delicious and bright colors.
• Macro: Allows you to shoot a flower and a small item from close up
• Landscape: Allows you to shoot the entire range of scenery in sharp focus with vivid colors
• Sunset: Allows you to shoot the red of the sunset or sunrise beautifully.
• Night Scene: Allows you to shoot night scenes without losing the dark atmosphere
• Hand-held Twilight: Allows you to shoot night scenes with less noise without using a tripod. A burst of shots are taken, and image processing is applied to reduce subject blur, camera shake, and noise.
• Night Portrait: Allows you to shoot sharp images of people with a night view in the background.
• Fireworks: Allows you to record fireworks in all their splendor.
• High ISO sensitivity: Allows you to shoot images without a flash under low light conditions, reducing blur.

Memory recall

You can recall your saved settings in Memory (next item) by setting the mode dial (on top) to MR and pressing the arrows to select your Memory Recall number.

Memory

Allows you to register up to three often-used modes or camera settings in the camera. You can recall the settings using Memory recall. You can save settings like Aperture, Shutter Speed, EV, still and movie shooting menu items. You can recall these settings by setting the mode dial (on top) to MR and pressing the arrows to select your Memory Recall Number

MENU – Film strip icon – page 1

File Format

This is where you select what file format you want to use for video.

These are your options:

• AVCHD (default setting): Records HD movies in AVCHD format. This file format is suitable for high-definition TV. You can create a Blu-ray Disc, an AVCHD recording disc, or a DVD-Video disc using the software PlayMemories Home. Audio is recorded in Dolby Digital
• MP4: Records mp4 (AVC) movies. This format is suitable for WEB uploads, e-mail attachments, etc. Audio: AAC

AVCHD is a far superior codec than plain MPEG-4. AVCHD is based on MP4 but is a much cleaner, much more advanced.

Record setting

Also for video functionality only. You can choose the quality of recorded video here.The larger the size of the movie image, the higher the image quality. And also the higher the amount of data used per second (average bit-rate), the higher the image quality.

File Format: AVCHD

• FX/FH: Movies shot are recorded in AVCHD format, at approximately 60 fields/sec (for 1080 60i-compatible devices) or 50 fields/sec (for 1080 50i-compatible devices), in interlaced mode, with Dolby Digital audio, AVCHD format.
• PS: Movies shot are recorded in AVCHD format, at approximately 60 frames/sec (for 1080 60i-compliant devices) or 50 frames/sec (for 1080 50i-compliant devices), in progressive mode, with Dolby Digital audio, AVCHD format.

File Format: MP4

Movies shot are recorded in MPEG-4 format, at approximately 30 frames/sec (for 1080 60i-compatible devices) or approximately 25 frames/sec (for 1080 50i-compatible devices), in progressive mode, with AAC audio, mp4 format.

Image size (dual Rec)

Sets the still image size shot while recording a movie.

Steady Shot

You can set the strength of the image stabilization here. Should be OFF for taking time-lapses and long exposures for example.

• Active: Reduces camera shake when shooting images while walking or zoom shooting.
• Standard: Reduces camera shake under stable movie shooting conditions.
• Off

Audio Recording

You can switch off audio recording in movie mode.

Wind Noise Reduction

This helps reduce noise from the wind during video recording.

Movie

You can select a shooting mode when the mode dial is set to Movie.

• Program: The camera sets the exposure (shutter speed and aperture value) automatically, but you can set other settings and the settings will be retained.
• Aperture priority: Allows you to set the aperture value manually.
• Shutter priority: Allows you to set the shutter speed manually.
• Manual Exposure: Allows you to set the exposure (shutter speed and aperture value) manually.

MENU – Custom settings (wheel) – page 1

Red Eye Reduction:

This anti-Red Eye setting quickly fires the flash 2 times before your image capture starts, reducing the red-eye effect often seen when using the built in flash.

Grid Line

Having a grid line on your screen is a helpful aide for the composition of your image.
The human brain is hard-wired to recognize the structure, and most people find a well-composed image more eye-pleasing.
During photography history, rules have been developed on how to compose the different elements best within a scene. Many landscapes you’ll see have the horizon run through the middle of the image for instance, but this is merely composition in its simplest form. Many photographers with a thorough understanding of these techniques go far beyond that.
A good starting point is using the in-camera grid to make your brain aware of the possibilities in composition.
The Rules of 3rds, Square and Diag square are available in the Sony RX100.

Auto Review

Select the amount of time the camera displays your image directly after capturing the image. 10, 5 and 2 sec is available, or you can turn this feature OFF if it annoys you.

Disp button

Selects the functionality (what is shown) on the screen when you press the DISP button (on the control wheel). You can choose Graphic Display, all info; no dips info and histogram.

Peaking Level

• Peaking Level is a manual focusing aid that works when you have your camera set to MF or DMF.
• You’ll see a type of noise outlining the parts of your image where the focus lies; you can adjust the sensitivity to high, mid or low.
• Which setting is best depends on what lens you use, as with a sharper lens it can be configured to low, while more soft lenses benefit from a medium or high setting to clearly visualize what you’re focusing on.

Peaking Color

You can choose the color of this Peaking between Red, white and yellow. I have it set to red, as this contrasts nicely with most scenes you capture.

MENU – Custom settings (wheel) – page 2

Control Ring

Set the often-used functions to the Control Ring of the lens. Why not set it to aperture? This way the lens works like a Leica of Fujinon!

Control Ring display

Sets whether to display animation when operating the Control Ring.

Function Button

You can customize the seven functions assigned to the Fn button.

Func. of center button

Allows you to select frequently used functions and assign them to the center button on the control wheel. It’s a good idea to have this set to Focus magnifier, and have either the left or right button set to AF/MF toggle.

Func. of left button

Allows you to select frequently used functions and assign them to the left button.

Func. of right button

Allows you to select frequently used functions and assign them to the right button.

MENU – Custom settings (wheel) – page 3

MF assist

This works in conjunction with the Focus Magnifier. You might remember that you can select the area to magnify there when using manual focus (MF). MF assist will need to be turned on if you want to use this feature.

Focus Magnif Time

You can set how long to hold the magnified area during MF assist. 2 sec, 5 seconds or no limit. 2 seconds is how I have it set up.

Face Priority tracking

When the camera detects faces while using the tracking focus function, sets whether to give priority to a face.

Face Registration

This is where you can register faces; it works only when face recognition is set to ON (registered faces). This is an interesting functionality, as you can register faces of your subject (like at a wedding the bride and groom) and the camera will automatically detect these registered faces and give autofocus priority to them. You can register faces (by taking a picture of them within this menu) and set a priority order.
Works well, and helps to get the right people in-focus in busy shots.

MENU – playback options – page 1

Still/Movie Select

Switches the display mode between still images and movies (View Mode).

Delete

Allows you to select unwanted images for deletion. You can also delete images using the Delete button

Slide Show

Plays back images automatically as a slideshow.

Image Index

Selects the number of images to be displayed on the index (grid when viewing images on your camera).

3D Viewing

Connects to a 3D compatible TV and allows you to view 3D images shot on other cameras. Connect the camera and the 3D TV using an HDMI Cable.

Protect

Protects recorded images against accidental erasure. You can select multiple images at one time.

Specify Printing

DPOF (Digital Print Order Format) is a function that allows you to specify the images of the memory card that you want to print out later

MENU – playback options – page 2

Picture Effect

Think of this menu as an Instagram app right in your camera, with all kinds of retro filters and effects. You can also save it as a new file to your SD card when you have finished editing.

Volume settings

Change the playback volume in eight steps for recorded video or demos.

Playback display

Selects the orientation when playing back still images recorded in portrait orientation.

MENU – SD card options – page 1

Format

Format your SD card before use; this will erase any images still on the memory card.

File Number

Number your files according to the number of shots or reset it to start from 1.

Select REC folder

Selects where the camera will store newly captured images.

New Folder

Make a new folder for easily organizing events and locations.

Recover Image DB

If you have a storage card error, you can try to rebuild the database to possibly retrieve lost images.

Display card space

Simply check the amount of free space on your SD card.

MENU – clock options – page 1

Date Time Setup

Change date, time, date format and Daylight savings time

Area setting

Select your region, or change region when abroad, the camera will automatically change time and date for you.

MENU – Setup – page 1

 

Menu start

Allows you to select whether to always display the first screen of the menu or to display the screen of the item previously set

Mode dial guide

Sets whether to display the mode dial guide (description for each shooting mode)

LCD brightness

The brightness of the screen is automatically adjusted to the ambient lighting conditions using the light sensor. You can set the brightness of the screen manually.

• Auto: Adjusts the brightness automatically.
• Manual: Allows you to adjust the brightness within the range of -2 to 2.
• Sunny Weather: Automatically adjusts the brightness appropriately for shooting outdoors.

Power saving start time

Selects the time it takes for the camera to go into sleep mode if you don’t use it.

HDMI resolution

Set the Resolution of images and video sent to your TV with an HDMI cable (1080p or 1080i).

CTRL for HDMI

With the “Control for HDMI” function, Sony BRAVIA Sync helps communicate with BRAVIA Sync-compatible equipment using HDMI CEC.

MENU – Setup – page 2

USB connection

Selects what will happen when you connect your camera to your PC or MAC.

• Auto: Depending on the computer or other USB devices you connect to the camera, the connection mode is automatically selected from [MTP] or [Mass Storage]. When you use Windows 7, [MTP] is selected and Windows 7-specific functions become available.
• Mass Storage: Establishes a Mass Storage connection between the camera and a computer or other USB device.
• MTP: Establishes an MTP connection between the camera and a computer or other USB device. When you use Windows 7, [MTP] is selected and Windows 7-specific functions become available. When you use other operating systems (Vista/XP, Mac OS X), the AutoPlay Wizard appears, and the still images in the recording folder on the camera are imported to the computer.

USB LUN Setting

• Sets the USB Connection mode when connecting the RX100 to a computer, etc.
  Multi allows you to use the built-in Playmemories software for image transfer to your Computer.
• Single should be used with any other device than a computer, for instance for charging.

USB power supply

Sets whether to use USB as the power supply when the camera is connected to a computer or USB device using the micro USB cable.

Audio Signals

You can turn off audio signals like the beep when te camera achieves focus. Useful if you want a more stealthy operation (although you’ll still hear the second curtain shutter).

MENU – Setup – page 3

Version

Check the firmware version of the Sony RX100 here.

Language

Selects the language to be used in the menu items, warnings, and messages.

Drop sensor

Sets whether to use the protective function when you drop the camera. You’ll see a message on the screen saying “Drop detected” and the lens will retract. Internally, your sensor will be magnetically secured.

Demo Mode

You can set whether to use a demonstration of movie playback. When there is no need to view a demonstration, turn it Off.

Initialize

Initializes the settings to the default setting. Even if you execute this function, the images are not deleted.

The most interesting Sony RX100 settings

I’ll quickly go over the ones that I find most useful:

Face Detection & Smile Shutter

Face detection

• This is a valuable tool to increase AF accuracy and speed.
• There is a general face recognition setting, which uses the RX100 processor to detect any faces and a face registration feature, where it will give focus priority to faces you’ve previously registered.
• There is also an option to record eight faces that will have priority when auto-focussing

Face registration with registered faces works in 2 steps:

1. first, you’ll have to take a clear picture of the face through the face recognition menu,
2. after your the new face has been registered, you can set an order of priority for the maximum of 8 registered faces

 

Smile Shutter

• Smile shutter will automatically take a picture once a smile is detected.
• Great for family or group shots.
• Big, Slight and Normal smile presets are available, and there is even a bar graph on the screen that shows the detection level.

 

Manual Focus Assist

MF assist

This works in conjunction with the Focus Magnifier. You might remember that you can select the area to magnify there when using manual focus (MF). MF assist will need to be turned on if you want to use this feature.

Focus Magnif Time

• When set to ON, Magnification will automatically magnify a selectable (through the menu) part of you image when in Manual Focus Mode (MF).
• Press on the center of the control wheel to enlarge the image and select the position you want in other modes.
• The duration of the magnification can also be set to either 2 sec, 5 sec or no limit in the menu Focus Magnification Time.

Center AF

Autofocus area

You might think it is best to leave it on the factory ‘Multi’ setting (as this uses all AF points), but for certain scenes, it is often better to use the center or flexible spot to get it to focus on what you want.

Center:

Focusses on whatever is centered in your images. A fail-proof way of getting the camera to focus on what you want. If you have any problems using the autofocus and are in a situation where you don’t want to miss any shots, revert to Center and just make sure you have your subject centered.

Conclusion

Besides outstanding image quality for a pocket camera, many of the advanced functionality of the Axxx and even A7 range have been incorporated in this little beast.  The Sony RX100 is packed full of interesting functions for you to discover, making it a very useful pocket camera. I prefer it over the bigger RX10, as I find the one-inch sensor works better with this medium zoom lens. Some of the most interesting advanced features are Face recognition with Face detection, smile shutter, DMF with MF assist and the Center AF failsafe autofocus method. Take some time to go over all these and other functions of the Sony RX100 and you’ll be on your way to taking great shots!