Sony RX100 II Review

The Sony RX100 from the previous year has won over the favor of both professional reviewers and average customers, rising to the position of the best-selling premium compact camera for many periods over the last year.

It defeated competitors like the Canon G15, the Nikon P7700, and the Fuji X20 to earn the title of the best premium small camera on TechRadar.com. Furthermore, because it has a one-inch (type) sensor, which is substantially more significant than the devices found in other cameras, it is currently the only product available for purchase.

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Sony RX100 II 20.2 MP Premium Compact Digital Camera w/ 1-inch Sensor,...

Last update was on: January 19, 2024 1:17 am

Now, Sony is coming out with an updated camera version known as the RX100 Mark II. This new model has many of the same specs as its predecessor but has some significant upgrades. It will be available for purchase at the same time as the original RX100, which Sony has stated would continue to be available through at least the holiday season of 2013.

Sony RX100 II Build Quality

As you may imagine, a significant portion of the design and usefulness of the Sony RX100 Mark II is precisely the same as those of the original Sony RX100.

Despite the massive size of the sensor, it has a streamlined design that allows it to fit easily into a pocket or bag and does not have excessive protrusions that add to its size. Comparatively, it is around the same size as the Panasonic LF1 or the Olympus XZ-10, but both cameras have far smaller sensors.

The camera is more streamlined, thanks partly to the aluminum chassis. Even though there isn’t a grip on the front of the camera, it still has a solid feel in your hand, and there’s a little grip on the back where you can rest your thumb.

A mode dial can be found on the top of the camera and is used to select between the numerous shooting modes available. These modes include wholly automated mode, panoramic mode, and P/A/S/M modes. Conveniently, there is also a slot labeled MR, which stands for “memory recall.” This slot allows you to keep a group of settings you regularly use, such as high ISO or monochrome, making it easy to access later.

Similar to the lens found on the original Sony RX100, the one found in the Sony RX100 Mark II has a 3.6x optical zoom and, when fully extended, has a solid feel. In addition, it is controlled by the conventional switch located around the shutter release. As a result, you may zoom in and out quickly, and after you’ve reached your desired focal length, the lens will automatically retract until you’re ready to use it again.

Sony RX100 II Performance

Because the performance of the Sony RX100 from the previous year left us quite satisfied, we were enthusiastic about putting the new Sony RX100 Mark II through its paces when we learned about the new features that would be included in the camera.

We were convinced that the clarity and color would be good, and the new backlit sensor promised to give better shots in low light, although we were previously pretty confident that it would. We are relieved that the camera’s capabilities have not let us down in any way.

The colors are vivid and vibrant without being too saturated, and the detail produced by the 20.2 million-pixel sensor is outstanding. This feature is carried over from the model that came before it. Even when zooming in to 100%, there is very no sign of the image being smoothed, and this is especially true at lower sensitivities. Even though there is some noise, which is to be expected given the mid-range sensitivity, the detail is still kept well.

Even in various lighting conditions, the automated white balance mechanism performs an excellent job of providing correct color reproductions. However, the Sony RX100 Mark II tends to produce warmer tones in environments with artificial lighting. Still, if this is causing problems for you, you may modify the white balance setting to one that is more suitable.

Sony RX100 II Image Quality

Throughout the examination, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 II generated photographs of exceptionally high quality. In addition, this camera did a fantastic job of handling noise, which did not become noticeable until the ISO 3200 level. Then it progressively worsened at the higher settings of ISO 6400 and 12800. This performance was remarkable for such a tiny image sensor with a high pixel count.

Chromatic aberrations were noticeable, although well-controlled, and only a tiny amount of purple fringing was seen in scenarios with a high contrast level. However, the photographs were a touch soft right out of the camera when the default setting was used, requiring further sharpening in an application like Adobe Photoshop. Alternatively, in-camera sharpening can be increased to compensate for the images’ lack of sharpness.

The macro performance is relatively strong, letting you focus on the topic from a distance as near as 5 centimeters. The built-in flash did a fantastic indoor job, producing images free of red-eye and with enough overall exposure. The cameras have a maximum shutter speed of 30 seconds, enabling them to catch sufficient light for most after-dark scenarios. When using the camera in a hand-held position at slower shutter speeds, the Steadyshot anti-shake feature performs quite well.

A practical Dynamic Range Optimizer function will extract additional data from an image’s shadow and highlight sections without adding any noise or other artifacts that aren’t intended.

The High Dynamic Range mode combines the results of two separate images taken at various exposures into a single image. The result is an image that has a higher dynamic range than what would be produced by a single photograph. However, it does yield some excellent effects even though it can only function with JPEGs and stationary subjects.

Even after all these years, they are using Sony’s Sweep Panorama, which is still a delightful experience. In addition, picture Effects allow you to create unique looks quickly, which would otherwise require you to spend a significant amount of time in the digital darkroom. On the other hand, Creative Styles give a quick and simple method to adjust the JPEG photographs captured by the camera.

Sony RX100 II Specs

Body typeLarge sensor compact
Body materialAluminum
Sensor
Max resolution5472 x 3648
Other resolutions5472 x 3080, 4864 x 3648, 3888 x 2592, 3648 X 3648, 3648 x 2736, 2736 x 1824, 2592 x 1944, 2592 x 1944
Image ratio w h1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9
Effective pixels20 megapixels
Sensor photo detectors21 megapixels
Sensor size1″ (13.2 x 8.8 mm)
Sensor typeBSI-CMOS
Color spacesRGB, AdobeRGB
Color filter arrayRGB Primary color
Image
ISOAuto (ISO 160 – 12800, selectable with upper / lower limit), 160 / 200 / 400 / 800 /1600 / 3200 / 6400 / 12800 (Expandable to ISO 100 / 125) Multi Frame NR: Auto (ISO 160 – 25600), 200 / 400 / 800 / 1600 / 3200 / 6400 / 12800 / 25600
Boosted ISO (minimum)100
Boosted ISO (maximum)25600
White balance presets9
Custom white balanceYes (1)
Image stabilizationOptical
Uncompressed formatRAW
JPEG quality levelsStandard, Fine
File formatRAW (ARW2.3 Format)RAW+JPEGJPEG
Image parametersContrast: -3 to +3 stepsSaturation: -3 to +3 stepsSharpness: -3 to +3 steps
Optics & Focus
Focal length (equiv.)28–100 mm
Optical zoom3.6×
Maximum apertureF1.8–4.9
AutofocusContrast Detect (sensor)Multi-areaCenterSelective single-pointTrackingSingleContinuousFace Detection
Autofocus assist lampYes, built-LED type
Digital zoomYes (14x)
Manual focusYes
Macro focus range5 cm (1.97″)
Number of focus points25
Screen/viewfinder
Articulated LCDTilting
Screen size3″
Screen dots1,229,000
Touch screenNo
Screen typeXtra Fine WhiteMagic TFT LCD
Live viewYes
Viewfinder typeElectronic (optional)
Photography features
Minimum shutter speed30 sec
Maximum shutter speed1/2000 sec
Exposure modesSuperior AutoIntelligent AutoProgram Auto (Program shift available)Shutter PriorityAperture PriorityManualScene SelectionSweep Panorama
Scene modesAnti Motion BlurFireworksGourmetHandheld TwilightHigh SensitivityLandscapeMacroNight PortraitNight ScenePet ModePortraitSports ActionSunset
Built-in flashYes (Pop-up)
Flash Range15.00 m (ISO Auto (W))
External flashYes (via Multi Interface Shoe)
Flash modesAuto, On, Off, Slow Sync
Continuous drive10.0 fps
Self-timerYes (10 sec. / 2 sec. / Self-portrait One-person/ Self-portrait Two-person/Self-timer Continuous (3 or 5 shots))
Metering modesMultiCenter-weighted spot
Exposure compensation±3 (at 1/3 EV steps)
AE Bracketing(3 frames at 1/3 EV, 2/3 EV steps)
WB BracketingNo
Videography features
Resolutions1920 x 1080 (60 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps)
FormatMPEG-4, AVCHD
MicrophoneStereo
SpeakerMono
Storage
Storage typesSD/SDHC/SDXC, Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo/Pro-HG Duo
Connectivity
USBUSB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
HDMIYes (Type D Micro HDMI)
WirelessBuilt-In
Wireless notesWiFi and NFC (NFC Forum Type 3 Tag compatible, One-touch remote, One-touch sharing)
Remote controlYes (Yes via NFC)
Physical
Environmentally sealedNo
BatteryBattery Pack
Battery descriptionLithium-Ion NP-BX1 battery
Battery Life (CIPA)350
Weight (inc. batteries)281 g (0.62 lb / 9.91 oz)
Dimensions102 x 58 x 38 mm (4 x 2.29 x 1.51″)
Other features
Orientation sensorYes
Timelapse recordingNo
GPSNone

Sony RX100 II Verdict

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Sony RX100 II 20.2 MP Premium Compact Digital Camera w/ 1-inch Sensor,...

Last update was on: January 19, 2024 1:17 am

Because of the significant improvements made to the previous Sony RX100, the company has decided to release a new model of this extraordinarily well-liked and well-known camera. In addition, it appears that Sony has been paying attention to feedback from existing customers and the general public to choose what new features to incorporate into the most recent edition, which is a positive development.

We were excited to test out the new backlit sensor that was included in the Sony RX100 Mark II, and both our lab results and samples from the real world indicate that Sony has made some significant improvements to the performance of the sensor, making it a handy camera to use when there is low light.

It cannot compete with cameras with bigger sensors, such as the Fuji X100S or the Nikon Coolpix A; nevertheless, it is much easier to carry about in your pocket, it has a zoom lens, and it is less expensive.

The images are sharp, vivid, and detailed while retaining a subdued saturation level without seeming excessively graphic. This was included in the first generation of the Sony RX100, and we are happy to see that it has been carried over to the Sony RX100 Mark II.

Sony RX100 II FAQs

When did Sony RX100 II come out?

The Sony RX100 II was first made available to consumers in June 2013.

Is RX100 II full frame?

The Sony RX100 II is not a full-frame camera, despite popular belief. It has a sensor that is 1 inch in size.

Is Sony RX100 II good for vlogging?

Because of its screen that can be flipped up and its ability to record high-quality video, the Sony RX100 II can be an effective tool for creating video blogs.

Can Sony RX100 II take pictures?

Yes, the Sony RX100 II is capable of taking still photographs.

Is RX100 II mirrorless?

Mirrorless cameras do exist, and one such camera is the Sony RX100 II.

Can I use my Sony RX100 II as a webcam?

Using the Sony RX100 II as a camera is possible if you have the right software and configure it properly.

Does Sony RX100 II have hot shoes?

A hot shoe on the Sony RX100 II allows you to connect external flashes and other attachments.

Does RX100 II have WiFi?

The Sony RX100 II does come equipped with WiFi capabilities.

Is the Sony RX100 II worth buying?

It depends on your particular requirements and inclinations as to whether or not purchasing the Sony RX100 II is worthwhile; however, this camera is generally considered high quality and adaptable.

Is RX100 II suitable for beginners?

Although the Sony RX100 II has more sophisticated features, the camera’s menu system and settings are notoriously difficult to navigate, making it less than ideal for newcomers.

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