This article was taken from the March 2015 issue of WIRED magazine. Be the first to read WIRED's articles in print before they're posted online, and get your hands on loads of additional content by subscribing online.
How we tested
WIRED put the Sony RX100 Mark III and Fujifilm X30 to the test at Mexico City's Day of the Dead festival, with guidance from award-winning street photographer Antonio Olmos. Each camera was tested indoors and out, in daylight and with night-time mixed lighting. Video and photographic modes and new features were tested for usefulness, usability and value.
Fujifilm X30
The X30's retro looks and abundance of filters aim it squarely at Istagram-loving hobbyists. The three-inch, 920k-dot tilting LCD screen makes overhead shooting effortless, while wireless image transfer [via an app] and remote camera shooting provides simple synergy between the cameras and smart devices.
The X30 is a solid point-and-shoot, but some of the improvements on its predecessor also let it down, meaning this attractive, [not that] little camera may embody style over substance. 7/10; £479 fujifilm.eu/uk
Resolution 12MP; Lens 28-112mm f/2.0-2.8; Processor EXR Processor II; Video Full HD up to 60fps/1920 x 1080, built-in mic, H.264 codec
Sony RX100 III
The RX100 may appear dainty, yet it has a gluttony of features.
An OLED 1.44-million-dot electronic viewfinder is perfect for shooting in harsh lighting -- while the ample photo effects and 180-degree multi-angle tilting LCD makes this great for selfies.
The ZEISS lens and bright f/1.8-2.8 aperture allows you to capture as much light as possible without having to resort to the in-built flash. Paired with its EXMOR R 20.1MP 1in sensor, images are impressive.
Irritants do exist -- no touchscreen and weak battery life, for example -- but the RX100 III is built to be used with ease by RAW shooting pros and would-be snappers alike. Style and substance.
9/10; £699 sony.co.uk
Resolution 20.1MP; Lens 24-70mm f/1.8-2.8; Processor BIONZ X; Video Full HD up to 1080/60p at 50mbps [720p at 120fps], XAVC S codec
This article was originally published by WIRED UK
