More Sony RX100M3 specs leaked ahead of launch event

New Sony RX100M3 details have been leaked ahead of the compact camera’s announcement which is now rumored to take place on April 30 in London, UK.

At first, it was believed that it would be called Sony RX200. Instead, the replacement for the RX100M2 will actually be called RX100M3, as revealed in a leaked manual of an AG-R2 attachment grip manual.

It was supposed to be launched this summer, but the rumor mill had found out that it will be unveiled at the same event as the Sony A77II.

The event was said to occur on May 1 or 2. However, inside sources have revealed that the Sony RX100M3 and the aforementioned A-mount camera will actually become official on April 30, while “confirming” some more details.

Sony RX100M3 and Sony A77II announcement date set for April 30

First of all, we need to clarify some things about the purported product launch event. The 2014 Sony World Photography Awards exhibition will take place on May 1 at the Somerset House in London, UK.

Sources have previously told us that this date will coincide with the unveiling of the A77II A-mount camera with an APS-C image sensor. However, it seems like the event will actually occur one day earlier and will include the introduction of the RX100M2 replacement.

The Japan-based manufacturer does not want to steal the show from the 2014 SWPA exhibition, therefore the decision to move the event to April 30 is probably a good one.

Sony RX100M3 specs list includes great lens and pop-up viewfinder

Sony FDA-EV1MK is an external electronic viewfinder which can be attached to Sony RX100M2 compact cameras. The Sony RX100M3 is rumored to feature an integrated viewfinder, so an external solution will no longer be required.

In the wake of the April 30 announcement, some more Sony RX100M3 specs have been leaked on the web. It seems like the compact camera will feature a 28-100mm f/1.8-2.8 lens, which was patented recently.

The rumor mill has been unsure about this for a while, but this amazingly-fast lens will make its way into the new device. Furthermore, the RX100M3 will employ an integrated pop-up viewfinder, which will allow photographers to frame their shots in a proper manner.

Current RX100M2 users can attach the Sony FDA-EV1MK external viewfinder to the hot-shoe to compose their photos. This product is available at Amazon for less than $500. Thankfully, RX100M3 users will no longer have to purchase an external EVF, if the rumors are accurate..

As for the Sony A77II, the source has confirmed that it will offer a new 24-megapixel APS-C sensor, quicker autofocus system, faster electronic viewfinder, and built-in WiFi.

What else is coming at the April 30 event?

The Sony A77II and RX100M3 are not coming alone. It seems like a plethora of lenses may make an official appearance in late April, such as two Zeiss E-mount lenses for full frame cameras.

We have already discussed about them on previous occasions and they consist of an ultra wide-angle zoom with constant maximum aperture of f/4 and a prime model with a very bright aperture.

The third lens coming at the show is a 16-50mm f/2.8 OSS lens for A-mount cameras. It will be a minor refresh of the current version, so users can only expect an increase in optical quality.

The next possibility consists of a Zeiss 16-70mm f/4 Vario-Tessar T* ZA OSS lens for E-mount cameras with APS-C sensors, which is rumored to have been discontinued, although it is still available at Amazon for a little under $1,000.

Last but not least candidate is the Sony 20mm f/2.8 lens for APS-C E-mount shooters, which is also believed to have been discontinued by the Japanese maker. Nevertheless, Amazon is still selling it for a price around $350.

As usual, take this with a pinch of salt, while staying tuned to Camyx in order to find out the latest rumors ahead of the April 30 event.