Sony RX0 II Review

The Sony RX0 II is, as its name implies, the second edition of the original RX0 action camera, which was made available for purchase for the first time in 2017.

The primary improvements made to the Mark II RX0 include internal 4K video recording with full pixel readout and no pixel binning, in-body electronic stabilization when shooting video, an LCD screen that can now be tilted up to 180 degrees up and down to 90 degrees, improved color reproduction for human skin, a closer focusing distance of 20 centimeters, and an improved Eye AF mode. Additionally, the Mark II RX0 has a shorter minimum focusing distance.

Aside from that, the RX0 II is identical to its predecessor in terms of its primary specifications. It has a massive 1-inch sensor, approximately 4x the size of other action cameras. 

As a result, it promises to deliver much better image quality. Additionally, it has 15.3 megapixels, a fixed 24mm f/4 lens, a 1.5-inch LCD screen, ISO125-12800 (extendable to ISO 80), a top shutter speed of 1/32000 of a second,

A Cage (VCT-CGR1), a Housing (MPK-HSR1), a Filter Adaptor Kit (VFA-305R1), a Cable Protector (CPT-R1), an extra battery (NP-BJ1), and a new Microphone Jack and Shooting Grip (VCT-SGR1) for vlogging are among the accessories that may be purchased separately.

Sony RX0 II Build Quality

This new version of the Sony RX0, the Mark II, maintains the same fundamental design as its predecessor. However, Sony must emphasize that it is not an action camera in the traditional sense. As a result, it is not a direct rival to the GoPro Hero 7 series, the recently released DJI Osmo Action, or any of the other want tobes that appear – to be unending in number.

Yet, at first glance, the RX0 II is a high-end action camera. This is because it has dimensions and weight comparable to a GoPro; precisely, it measures around 59 by 41 by 30 millimeters and weighs just 132 grams.

The primary reason for this model’s marginally increased dimensions and 22-gram weight increase over the first-generation RX0 is the inclusion of a rotatable LCD screen (more on this later).

It is also an incredibly robust camera, with outstanding levels of build quality that makes it look quite bombproof. In addition to being waterproof (down to 10 meters, IPX8 equivalent), shockproof (up to 2 meters), and crushproof, it is also highly rugged (up to 200kg).

Additionally, it retains the original model’s 24mm fixed wide-angle lens, another important trait that the majority of other action cameras also possess.

Sony RX0 II Focusing

The Sony RX0 II has a ZEISS Tessar T* 24mm lens that is permanently attached. Although it is not as wide as the lens on most other action cameras, it is still sufficiently wide to record most of the environment around you.

Sony RX0 II Lens Distortion

The RX0 II has equipped with the same ZEISS Tessar T* lens as the first-generation RX0. This lens contains six aspheric elements organized into six groups.

Again, we could not identify any significant barrel distortion in the image we took of the brick wall, and the vignetting produced by the f/4 lens is exceptionally well managed indeed.

The sharpness in the frame’s center is kept to an astounding degree to the frame’s edges, with just a slight decrease in clarity occurring during this process.

Sony RX0 II Exposure

Because it has a bigger imaging sensor than other action cameras, the RX0 performs very well when utilized in low-light environments. As a result, you will notice improvements in the dynamic range, color depth, and noise management. In addition, the RX0 outperforms every other action camera on the market regarding its image quality in low light.

However, if you want to manage the exposure manually, the most extended shutter speed you can choose is 1/4 of a second. Because of this, it is not feasible to make photographs with a lengthy exposure, which is unfortunate considering the camera has a 1-inch sensor.

Sony RX0 II Specs

Body type	Ultracompact
Max resolution	4800 x 3200
Image ratio w h	3:2
Effective pixels	15 megapixels
Sensor size	1″ (13.2 x 8.8 mm)
Sensor type	BSI-CMOS
Processor	BIONZ X
ISO	Auto, 200-25600
White balance presets	9
Custom white balance	Yes
Image stabilization	Digital only
Uncompressed format	RAW
JPEG quality levels	Find, standard
Focal length (equiv.)	24 mm
Maximum aperture	F4
Autofocus	Contrast Detect (sensor)Multi-areaCenterSelective single-pointSingleFace DetectionLive View.
Digital zoom	Yes (2X)
Manual focus	Yes
Normal focus range	20 cm (7.87″)
Number of focus points	25
Articulated LCD	Tilting
Screen size	1.5″
Screen dots	230,400
Touch screen	No
Screen type	TFT LCD
Live view	Yes
Viewfinder type	None
Minimum shutter speed	1/4 sec
Maximum shutter speed	1/32000 sec
Maximum shutter speed (electronic)	1/32000 sec
Manual exposure mode	Yes
Subject/scene modes	No
Built-in flash	No
External flash	No
Continuous drive	16.0 fps
Self-timer	Yes
Metering modes	MultiCenter-weighted spot
Exposure compensation	±3 (at 1/3 EV steps)
WB Bracketing	Yes
Format	MPEG-4, AVCHD, XAVC S
Modes	3840 x 2160 @ 30p / 100 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 24p / 100 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 120p / 100 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 60p / 50 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 60p / 28 Mbps, MP4, H.264, AAC1920 x 1080 @ 60p / 24 Mbps, AVCHD, MTS, H.264, Dolby Digital1920 x 1080 @ 60i / 24 Mbps, AVCHD, MTS, H.264, Dolby Digital1920 x 1080 @ 30p / 25 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 30p / 16 Mbps, MP4, H.264, AAC1920 x 1080 @ 24p / 50 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM1280 x 720 @ 120p / 50 Mbps, AVCHD, MTS, H.264, Linear PCM1280 x 720 @ 30p / 6 Mbps, MP4, H.264, AAC
Microphone	Stereo
Speaker	None
Storage types	microSD/microSDHC/microSDXC + Memory Stick Micro
USB	USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
USB charging	Yes
HDMI	Yes (micro HDMI)
Microphone port	Yes
Headphone port	No
Wireless	Built-In
Wireless notes	802.11b/g/n + Bluetooth 4.1 LE
Remote control	Yes (wired or wireless)
Environmentally sealed	Yes
Durability	Waterproof, Shockproof
Battery	Built-in
Battery description	NP-BJ1 lithium-ion battery & charger
Battery Life (CIPA)	240
Weight (inc. batteries)	132 g (0.29 lb / 4.66 oz)
Dimensions	59 x 41 x 35 mm (2.32 x 1.61 x 1.38″)
Orientation sensor	Yes
Timelapse recording	Yes
GPS	None

Sony RX0 II Verdict

It’s a part action camera, part compact camera, part multi-camera rig, and part B-Roll/C-Roll/behind-the-scenes camera. Now it’s also a part vlogging camera, thanks to a raft of improvements in that department, most notably the addition of a tiltable LCD screen, shorter focusing distance, and improved Eye AF mode, all of which combine to make it much easier to ensure that you’re always in the frame and focus.

However, Sony’s choice to install an electronic-based stabilization system has not been as fruitful as the company had hoped. It is just not as good as a simple optical system. It becomes evident when walking or running with the RX0 II or using it in an area with many movements, such as skiing or cycling.

It is adequate for hand-holding the camera at arm’s length while standing still and vlogging. Still, it is unsuitable for anything more “active” than that, so you must utilize a gimbal to stabilize the footage you capture.

Sony RX0 II FAQs