Maximum effective ISO is an estimate of the highest sensitivity at which a camera can capture excellent quality photos.
Cameras with higher effective ISO will be better choices for indoor photography, night shooting, and indoor sports photography, especially if you intend to make large prints.
You can learn more at our glossary entry.
Maximum effective ISO test data courtesy of DxO Mark.
RX100 II test data on DxO Mark P7800 test data on DxO MarkNew, 20.2MP, 1-inch type, backside illuminated (BSI) image sensor produces superb image quality, with particular improvements in low light and high ISO; 3-inch tilting rear LCD screen handy for composing shots from difficult angles; Fast all-around performer with quick autofocus and virtually no shutter lag; New, multi-interface hotshoe for adding a strobe or optional electronic viewfinder; Built-in Wi-Fi with NFC.
Bigger and heavier than previous model; More expensive than previous model; Reduced burst performance when shooting RAW files; Somewhat confusing menu structure and control layout; Wi-Fi features can be difficult to set up.
Excellent image quality for a 1/1.7" sensor; Versatile 28-200mm eq. lens with fast f/2-4 max aperture; Built-in EVF; Fully articulating LCD; Generous set of physical controls; Built-in flash with wireless support; Standard dedicated hot shoe; Full HD and slo-mo movies.
Slow cycle times and buffer clearing with RAW files; Shallow burst mode buffer; Mediocre autofocus speed and shutter lag; Sluggish UI at times; Slow to switch to movie mode; Optical zoom not supported during movie recording when using manual exposure modes; No built-in Wi-Fi.
