Guide to Sony RX100-Series Camera Accessories

Published: June 29, 2015

When you purchased your Sony RX100, RX100 II, RX100 III, RX100 IV or Sony RX100 V camera, you already have everything you need to begin shooting. But depending on the type of photography you’re doing, there are some accessories that can really come in handy. Let’s start with some must-have accessories for your photography.

External Chargers and Batteries

My first suggestion is to buy an external charger and extra batteries. Sure, you can always plug the cord that came with your camera into an electrical outlet to charge your camera battery, but it’s pretty hard to shoot with your camera plugged into the wall.

It’s a much better idea to purchase a Sony BCTRX Battery Charger ($31) and a spare Sony NP-BX1/M8 Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery ($36) so that you can keep on shooting. The best value is to buy them together as a Sony Battery and Charger Kit with NP-BX1 Battery Kit ($55)

Sony-NP-BX1-BCTRX-Battery-Charger
Sony Battery and Charger Kit with NP-BX1 Battery


Memory Cards

Shooting with a fast memory card allows you to shoot even longer burst without buffer slowdowns. Good memory cards are one of the best investments you can make in maximizing the performance of your camera. Sony SDHC UZ Class 10 UHS-1 memory cards offer very good performance at a great price:

Sony-SDHC-Memory-Cards
Sony 32gb SDHC UX Class 10 UHS-1 memory card and Sony 64gb SDXC UX Class 10 UHS-1 memory card

Sony 32gb SDHC UX Class 10 UHS-1 Memory Cards
Unless you really plan to push the limits of burst mode, these cards are a great lower-priced choice for stills. (Order from B&H)

Sony 64gb SDXC UX Class 10 UHS-1 Memory Cards
If you plan to shoot video, you may want to buy theses SDXC cards as they will allow you to access XAVC S video format. (Order from B&H)


Software

Adobe Lightroom is one of the best “upgrades” you can buy to get the most out of your Sony camera. Lightroom does a great job processing Sony RAW files and allows you to get the most of your camera’s RAW capabilities. Lightroom is particularly good at allowing you to reduce noise at high ISOs without loss of detail. With the Adobe Creative Cloud Photography Plan – 12 Month Subscription you get both Lightroom and Photoshop for just 10 bucks a month.


Camera Straps

Your camera came with a strap. It might be exactly your style, but if it’s not, you have lots of options. There’s no camera accessory we come in closer contact with than the strap. You can find virtually any strap your heart desires online, so if you’re in the mood for a hot-pink ostrich-leather camera strap, you’ll probably find it.

I have Think Tank V2.0-1″ Double-Sided Non-Slip Camera Straps on all my Sony cameras. It’s light and flexible and the double-sided non-slip surfaces prevent the camera from sliding off your shoulder even when wearing your favorite slick leather jacket – which should give you a clue why I switched to these.

(Your RX100 camera should have come with a couple strap adapters in the box – now you know what those things are for…)

Think-Tank-Camera-Strap-RX-100-IV
Think Tank V2.0-1″ Double-Sided Non-Slip Camera Strap | B&H | Amazon

But if your prefer a cross-body sling strap, BlackRapid Metro Sling Camera Strap may be the ticket.

Black-Rapid-Strap-RX100
BlackRapid Metro Sling Camera Strap (Amazon | B&H)


Cases

Sony LCJRXF Premium Jacket Case is a two-piece polyurethane case designed specifically for RX100, RX100 II, RX100 III and RX100 IV digital cameras. The bottom half of the case screws to the camera’s tripod socket and remains on the camera while shooting. The top half, which covers the lens, slips over the camera and attaches to the base with two snap buttons. The mounting screw features a female 1/4″-20 thread allowing the camera to be mounted to a tripod with the jacket still attached. A removable, adjustable shoulder strap that attaches to the case’s two strap lugs is included.

Sony-LCJRXF-Case
Sony LCJRXF Premium Jacket Case ($54 from B&H)

If you’re looking for an ultra-premium half case, GARIZ Leather RX100 Half Case is made from high quality genuine leather with soft inner lining. Its metal baseplate includes a separate 1/4 20 tripod mount.

Gariz-RX100-Leather-Half-Case
GARIZ Leather RX100 Half Case (Order from Amazon)


Screen Protector

Since pocket cameras spend a lot of time in pockets, a Sony PCK-LM15 LCD Protective Cover will help keep your RX100 series camera’s LCD safe from nicks and scratches.

Sony-PCK-LM15-Sreen-Protector
Sony PCK-LM15 LCD Protective Cover ($10 at B&H)


Filter Adapter

Sony VFA49R1 Filter Adapter for DSC-RX100 series cameras ($23 at B&H) allows you to attach 49mm ND, circular polarizer or protective multi-coated filters, for use on select Sony Cyber-shot digital cameras (compatible with Sony RX100 and DSC-RX100 II). Mounting and removal of the adapter is simple, thanks to its one-touch release mechanism, and its receiver securely attaches to your lens barrel.

Sony-VFA-49RI-Filter-Adapter
Sony VFA49R1 Filter Adapter for DSC-RX100 series cameras ($23 at B&H


Filters

The filter adapter listed above will allow you to mount 49mm filters on your RX100 series camera including my favorite 49mm Neutral Density, polarizing and protective filters. If you plan to shoot video, a Vu 49mm Variable Neutral Density Filter allows you adjust light output by 2-8 stops.

Vu-Variable-ND-filter
Vu 49mm Variable Neutral Density Filter (B&H) allows you adjust light output by 2-8 stops


Grips

Sony AG-R2 Attachment Grip ($14 at B&H) is specifically designed to provide a more stable and secure grip when using Sony RX100, RX100 II, RX100 III or RX100 IV digital cameras. Constructed from an elastomer and polycarbonate-like material, the grip easily attaches to the front of the camera body with a just-fit design and maintains the overall sleek, lightweight profile of the RX100-series.

Sony-RX100-AG-R2-Grip
Sony AG-R2 Attachment Grip


Fotodiox-RX100-Cherry-Grip

Fotodiox Cherry Wood Hand Grip for Sony RX100-Series cameras ($25) gives your Sony RX100-Series camera serious wood for under Fifty Bucks! Even though Hasselblad pulled the plug on their factory that was churning out $3,000 Hasselblad Stellar versions of the Sony RX100 there’s no need to dismay. You can now trick your RX100-Series with a cherry grip like the one found on Stellar and save yourself a wad of cash.

Fotodiox-RX100-Cherry-Grip-2

The grip attaches to Sony RX100 III, RX100 IV, RX100 V & RX100 VA with a permanent adhesive and a mounting screw into an existing screw hole in the body. The Fotodiox Cherry Hand Grip can also be mounted to Sony RX100 & RX100 II cameras with using the permanent adhesive alone – without the mounting screw.

Order Fotodiox Cherry Wood Hand Grip for Sony RX100 cameras from B&H Photo


Mini Tripod

Manfrotto PIXI Mini Table Top Tripod ($25 at B&H) doubles as a tabletop tripod and a handheld grip support for your RX100 or other compact camera. The legs are rounded on their outer side, so the closed tripod provides a comfortable hand grip. When open, the tripod and head have a maximum height of 5.31″. Rubber feet prevent slipping and protect delicate surfaces. Fabricated from stainless steel and black Adapto polymer, the PIXI supports up to 2.2 pounds while weighing only 6.7 ounces. Its built-in ball head has a 1/4″-20 camera screw and a unique design that allows adjustments and locking with a single push button

Manfrotto-Pixi-mini-table-tripod
Manfrotto PIXI Mini Table Top Tripod ($25 at B&H)


Stabilizing Rigs

Steadicam Merlin 2 Camera Stabilizing System ($389 at B&H) weighs just 1.4 lb and can handle cameras up to 5 lb in weight. It gives you precise, smooth control for dramatic, professional you-are-there footage. The quick-release mount lets you instantly switch between your stabilizer and any tripod. This system utilizes a metal gimbal for smooth camera movement.

Steadycam-Merlin-2-RX100
Steadicam Merlin 2 Camera Stabilizing System ($389 at B&H)


RX100-Series Underwater Housing

Sony-RX100-Series-Underwater-Housing

Sony Underwater Housing for RX100-Series Cameras ($329) is compatible with all RX100-Series cameras. It features dual water-tight gaskets that enables you to photograph in depths down to 130′. The dedicated design maintains access to all camera controls, including a rotary lens-ring dial, zoom lever, push buttons for menu access, and a large lever-type shutter button.

The housing also permits the use of the camera’s built-in flash, and an included detachable diffuser can be used to lessen vignetting and provide a more even wash of lighting. The front of the housing has 67mm filter threads to permit the attachment of color-correction filters or other threaded lens accessories.

A top accessory shoe is available for working with an optional external flash, and the bottom of the housing also incorporates three 1/4″-20 mounts for mounting an accessory grip or handle.

Order Sony MPK-URX100A Underwater Housing for RX100 Series Cameras from B&H Photo | Amazon | Sony

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79 thoughts on “Guide to Sony RX100-Series Camera Accessories”

        1. Do you have any thoughts or suggestions on auxiliary lenses? I have never used auxiliary lenses, and I have my doubts, but I would like your opinion please.

          1. With the exception of close-focus diopters, I’m not a fan of auxiliary lenses.

  1. “Expect to see Sony RX 100 IV support in the next LR 6/LR CC update”

    Any idea of when this might be. I just got an RX100 IV and and wanting to shoot RAW with it, and am using LR CC.

      1. Thanks Brian. I went to the Capture One Express for Sony and they only support up to the RX100 II.

        How quick is Adobe usually at getting popular cameras updated? Weeks, months?

        1. The latest version of Capture One for Sony should support both RX 100 III and IV. Lightroom update dates are dependent on how many cameras are released at any given time.

  2. Looking for a bulb release adapter for the Sony RX100-1, since it does not have wi-fi a lot of the solutions do not work. Have seen a machined one that goes on top of camera,apparently with a sticky material, but have not been able to reach the maker. Are you aware of any other options? Thanks, Wes

  3. Hi Brian,
    I’m confused as to how you attach the camera strap to the RX100. I own the RX100-2 and am looking for a strap. The strap you mention in this post (Think Tank V2.0-1″³ Double-Sided Non-Slip Camera Strap) has some pretty large attchments but the holes on either side of the RX100 are very small. Can you confirm that such a strap is compatible with the RX100 M2?
    Do you think I could fit this strap (http://topodesigns.com/collections/accessories/products/camera-strap) on the RX100-2, which has ends similar to the one you posted.

    Thanks in advance, this post is great (will probably buy that filter adapter too!)

      1. I found those Sony Strap Adapters handy but flimsy. Mine was treated with respect, yet came apart. When I examined it closely I found it broken, took it off and did away with both that came with my RX100-2.

        I’d love to find another solution.

  4. interesting article… you might want to note that it’s really important to choose wisely your memory card. Some of the features on the RX100 IV aren’t available without the correct one (SDXC is the only option for high frame rate video… and even at that you’ll need to have UHS-I or II Class U3 for all the features the camera has). Although the SDHC are cheap they don’t allow the RX100 IV to fully function

    1. Absolutely. I try my best to make that clear that XVAC requires class 10 SDXC cards and 4K requires Class 10/3 SDXC and yet I always get questions why the 32Gb card someone tried to use isn’t compatible. So once again just to clarify, SDXC means 64GB or LARGER!!! XVAC ain’t gonna work on a 32GB or smaller card. How’s that???

  5. For the Sony RX100 IV, is there anyway to connect an external microphone? I love the compact size of the camera and I like all the features but i’m concerned about not being able to connect a microphone like a shotgun mic. Is there a work around?

  6. I’m about to buy this Sony system rather than luging the Canon DSLR with its lenses on trips.

    1.When I buy it will I need both of these memory cards? ‘ XVAC requires class 10 SDXC cards and 4K requires Class 10/3 SDXC’ or will one of them do both 4k and video?

    2. Will my recent IMAC computer be able to load the images from these 2 cards into apple’s photos system?

    3. For some images I load them directly into photoshop. Is this supported?

    Terrific site that clarifies the RX100 4 system. I’m just wondering about compatibility.

    J.G. from Toronto, Canada

      1. Hello Brian
        I have a Merlin Steadicam 1. I can get it balanced easily enough, however I cannot bring the centre of gravity close enough to the gimbal. The result is that the arrangement is very bottom heavy and when you move from side to side the camera swings.

        To get it balanced, I have to move the camera very far back on the stage and as a result the stage, itself, is in the frame.

        The weights arrangement in the picture above looks very bottom heavy.

        Has anyone managed to balance an RX100 V on the Merlin Steadicam?

  7. Brian,
    You mention the VFA49R1 as the filter attachment accessory for the RX100M4. However from what i can find on the internet the VFA49R1 is a bit big for the M4 and possibly the M3. I gather it was made for the M1 and M2 versions of the RX100.
    Have actually attached a VFA49R1 to the RX100M4?

  8. I have a RX100.
    Please advise compatibility with Toshiba SDHC w-03 32GB.
    Reply via email appreciated.
    Thanks
    slaron

  9. Hello,

    Literally looked everywhere for a waterproof casing for my RX100 III so thanks for this, do you know any chest harnesses that i could use for this camera?

    Thanks, Dré

  10. I have the RX100, do you have any ideas on a shutter release? There are ones made for the RX100 II, the III and the IV, I have seen ‘make shift’ ones using the old fashioned pinned one strapped onto the camera (not a favorite of mine). So I am guessing there wasn’t one designed for this camera.

      1. If you are talking about the one on the camera I need it to go longer if I am using bulb setting.

  11. hi brian
    any idea where i can get the 2 strap adaptors for my sony dsc rx 100m3.sony cant supply same and i failed to locate one on the internet
    thank you
    tom dalton

    1. Check the box. There are a pair of strap adapters included with each RX100 camera – but they are not sold separately. If you don’t still have the original packaging you need to look for straps made for point ‘n shoots.

  12. I love my RX100iii except for its small optical zoom capability. It’s superb for landscapes and close-ups and in low light but forget it if a Bald Eagle perches nearby so this is probably a silly question ~ Is there any slip on lens (filter style attached not that I use one) that can be slid on if such a moment occurs to increase the optical zoom range.

  13. Hi Brian, thanks for the overview. I indeed often use the RX100 with a filter attached. Do you have a recommendation for a case that holds the camera WITH the filter adapter and filter?
    There are those vintage half/full cases made from leather (or PU) but they seem to be made for other camera types and rely on a certain position of the tripod mount.
    Thanks!

  14. I use the small charger kit with micro USB input and it’s way more convenient and space-saving when travelling since all of us already use a phone charger, so you just it in like you would your phone to charge.

  15. hello Brian
    Nice site with very useful info. Do you have any suggestions for equipment by which I could use my Sony RX100III similarly to the go pro chest harness?
    Thank you,
    Almudena

    1. There are now very small and solid GoPro to Sony adapters, which have matching fins to the GoPro fins that allow it to tilt…

      Amazon has a wide variety of those, some with poor reviews, some with excellent reviews, it’ll take about an hour to weed out the one or two you want to get…

  16. Hello Brian, thanks for the review. My question is that if it’s possible to trigger video recording on multiple RX100 V cameras?
    particularly in High frame rates. I think there is a remote control app for this device that enables the user to control the camera via internal Wi-Fi, I’m wondering if it will control multi RX100s.

  17. Hi Brian
    Just got the RX100V for my Kilimanjaro + Safari African adventure
    Will really appreciate if you can let me know the best case to buy for this camera and if you recommend any “must” add ones for this trip
    Thanks in advance

  18. Does the filter ring stay on the camera when it is off, or does it have to be fitted each time the camera is turned on?

  19. Following up from my last, if the filter holder is a permanent attachment, could it also hold say a x2 telephoto lens? I ask this as 70mm seems quite limiting and x2 to 140mm max would open up a lot more possibities

      1. Thanks very much for your reply. The reason I was looking at the RX100iii was because of its view finder, so the ii is not for me, thanks

  20. Hi Brian,

    Great article, thanks for the tips! I just bought a rx100 IV and am looking for a full case + grip. Tried several websites (Amazon, BH, eBay) but found only half cases with grip or full cases without so far. Or should I go with a half case and shell case for transport? What was your favorite setup? Hope you can help. Thanks again!

    Lion
    The Netherlands

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