The premium 20.2 megapixel Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 is lovely to look at, to hold and to handle. The underlying specification – bright f/1.8 maximum aperture lens, large sensor function adjusting lens ring, Full HD video with stereo sound – indicates the RX100 is pitched at the photo enthusiast as...

Build quality; Function control via lens ring; Larger than average sensor

Very pricey for a pocket cam; Small rear plate buttons; Pics no match for DSLR or CSC

Every new camera needs a unique selling point and with Sony's pocket-sized RX100 that is the holy grail of ‘DSLR quality in compact form'. Though the solid feel, aluminium build model resembles your average high-end snapshot from the outside, inside is a 20.2 megapixel sensor that at one inch is...

One of the largest image sensors to be found in a compact camera; high 20MP resolution; Full HD video with stereo sound; full manual controls and intelligent auto settings; solid aluminium construction and understated design

Very expensive for a pocket camera; backplate buttons are small enough to warrant fingertip precision; image quality not exact match for DSLR or system cameras offering even larger sensor for a similar cost

Sony's big guns are out! The firm's new expert compact is nothing short of a technical revolution. It packs a 20-Megapixel, 1-inch sensor (that's four times the size of those usually found in compact cameras!

Unrivalled picture quality for a compact camera (sensitivity; sharpness at wide-angle settings; Good build quality and design (lens ring; settings wheel) with plenty of customisable features; Good responsiveness once it's running; Full HD; 50 fps video with stereo sound

Lens quality could be a little more consistent at telephoto settings; Start-up is a bit on the slow side; Battery life (330 photos; compared with 400 for the Panasonic LX5

In a declining compact market, camera manufacturers are turning their attentions to producing better and better image quality in what seems like ever smaller packages. These days, consumers who decide to buy a dedicated image taking device expect to get a lot for their money, and expect it to...

Like the look of the RX but could do with an even bigger sensor and four million more pixels? Then also check out the RX1, a pro grade version with an equally serious price tag. For most of us though the RX100 is as good as premium compacts get – especially with current street prices taking ￡100 off...

Surpringly small for a 20.2-megapixel camera with a large (13.2x8.8mm) sensor, the RX100 is made of metal and equipped with a large stabilized Carl Zeiss T* 28-100mm (equivalent) f/1.8-4.9 lens with four aspherical elements. The RX100 is definitely shirt-pocket size when the lens is retracted.

One of the largest image sensors to be found in a compact camera; high 20MP resolution; Full HD video with stereo sound; full manual controls and intelligent auto settings; solid aluminium construction and understated design

One of the largest image sensors to be found in a compact camera; high 20MP resolution; Full HD video with stereo sound; full manual controls and intelligent auto settings; solid aluminium construction and understated design

Very expensive for a pocket camera; backplate buttons are small enough to warrant fingertip precision; image quality not exact match for DSLR or system cameras offering even larger sensor for a similar cost

Sony's RX100 created a frisson of excitement when it was announced on 6 June because of its 'winning' combination of a small camera body plus a relatively large, high-resolution sensor.

All up, this camera is wonderful. It's small enough to be carried everywhere, yet it's versatile enough to be useful for just about any type of photography. We like its clean design, the layout of the controls, the manual features, the fast performance and focusing, but above all, its picture...

Excellent image quality; High ISO performance; Small size

Menu could be a little better; Some trouble with auto exposures; Some noticeable lens distortion

The Sony DSC-RX100 has surpassed all our expectations for what a compact digital camera can do. It's tiny enough to be carried in a pants pocket (even if you prefer a tight style), yet it can produce image quality that some digital SLRs can't come close to.

Excellent image quality; High ISO performance; Small size

Menu could be a little better; Some trouble with auto exposures; Some noticeable lens distortion