Sony RX1R II Comparison Review
The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1R II is a fixed lens compact camera that was revealed to the public in October 2015 and is equipped with a full frame sensor. It offers a resolution of 42.2 megapixel.
Is the Sony RX1R II a good camera? The RX1R II has a Camera Elo of 2143. This rating puts the RX1R II among the top 50 percent of all prime lens compact cameras. In terms of its sensor size category (full frame cameras), the RX1R II ranks below average. Based on its within category standings, the camera earns a 3-star performance rating.
| Sony RX1R II |
|---|
| Fixed lens compact camera |
| 35mm f/2.0 |
| 42.2 MP, Full Frame Sensor |
| 1080/60p Video |
| ISO 100 - 25 600 (50 - 102 400) |
| Electronic viewfinder (2360k dots) |
| 3.0 LCD, 1229k dots |
| Tilting screen (no touchscreen) |
| 5 shutter flaps per second |
| 220 shots per battery charge |
| 113 x 65 x 72 mm, 507 g |
Read on to find out more about the camera's size, sensor, features, reception by expert reviewers, and how it compares to other digital cameras.
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Body comparison with a credit card
An illustration of the physical dimensions of the Sony RX1R II vis-à-vis a credit card is provided in the side-by-side display below. Three consecutive views from the front, the top, and the rear side are shown. All width, height and depth measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter.
The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the Sony RX1R II alongside a set of similar cameras. If you want to review a particular camera pair side-by-side, just move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible comparisons there.
| Camera Model |
Camera Width |
Camera Height |
Camera Depth |
Camera Weight |
Battery Life |
Weather Sealing |
Camera Launch |
Launch Price |
Street Price |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Sony RX1R II | 113 mm | 65 mm | 72 mm | 507 g | 220 |  | Oct 2015 | US$ 3 299 | ebay.com | |
| 2. | Canon 5DS | 152 mm | 116 mm | 76 mm | 930 g | 700 |  | Feb 2015 | US$ 3 699 | ebay.com | |
| 3. | Canon 5DS R | 152 mm | 116 mm | 76 mm | 930 g | 700 | | Feb 2015 | US$ 3 699 | ebay.com | |
| 4. | Nikon D3400 | 124 mm | 98 mm | 76 mm | 445 g | 1200 | | Aug 2016 | US$ 499 | ebay.com | |
| 5. | Nikon D5500 | 124 mm | 97 mm | 70 mm | 470 g | 820 | | Jan 2015 | US$ 899 | ebay.com | |
| 6. | Nikon D5600 | 124 mm | 97 mm | 70 mm | 465 g | 970 | | Nov 2016 | US$ 699 | ebay.com | |
| 7. | Sony A7R II | 127 mm | 96 mm | 60 mm | 625 g | 290 | | Jun 2015 | US$ 3 199 | ebay.com | |
| 8. | Sony H300 | 128 mm | 89 mm | 92 mm | 590 g | 350 | | Feb 2014 | US$ 219 | ebay.com | |
| 9. | Sony RX1 | 113 mm | 65 mm | 70 mm | 482 g | 270 | | Sep 2012 | US$ 2 799 | ebay.com | |
| 10. | Sony RX1R | 113 mm | 65 mm | 70 mm | 482 g | 270 | | Jun 2013 | US$ 2 799 | ebay.com | |
| 11. | Sony RX100 IV | 102 mm | 58 mm | 41 mm | 298 g | 280 | | Jun 2015 | US$ 999 | ebay.com | |
| Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders. | |||||||||||
| Camera Model |
Camera Width |
Camera Height |
Camera Depth |
Camera Weight |
Battery Life |
Weather Sealing |
Camera Launch |
Launch Price |
Street Price |
||
| Camera Model |
|||||||||||
The listed prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The Sony RX1R II was launched in the US market at a price of $3,299. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.
Check RX1R II offers at
ebay.com
Sensor comparison with a 35mm slide
The size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant of image quality. A large sensor will generally have larger individual pixels that offer better low-light sensitivity, provide wider dynamic range, and have richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Furthermore, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more possibilities to use shallow depth-of-field in order to isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be associated with larger, more expensive camera bodies and lenses.
The Sony RX1R II features a full frame sensor and has a format factor (sometimes also referred to as "crop factor") of 1.0. Within the spectrum of camera sensors, this places the Sony RX1R II among the large-sensor cameras that aim for top notch image quality.
For most cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. This service assesses and scores the color depth ("DXO Portrait"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports") of camera sensors, and also publishes an overall camera score. The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of alternatives.
| Camera Model |
Sensor Class |
Resolution (MP) |
Horiz. Pixels |
Vert. Pixels |
Video Format |
DXO Portrait |
DXO Landscape |
DXO Sports |
DXO Overall |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Sony RX1R II | Full Frame | 42.2 | 7952 | 5304 | 1080/60p | 25.8 | 13.9 | 3204 | 97 | |
| 2. | Canon 5DS | Full Frame | 50.3 | 8688 | 5792 | 1080/30p | 24.7 | 12.4 | 2381 | 87 | |
| 3. | Canon 5DS R | Full Frame | 50.3 | 8688 | 5792 | 1080/30p | 24.6 | 12.4 | 2308 | 86 | |
| 4. | Nikon D3400 | APS-C | 24.0 | 6000 | 4000 | 1080/60p | 24.8 | 13.9 | 1192 | 86 | |
| 5. | Nikon D5500 | APS-C | 24.0 | 6000 | 4000 | 1080/60p | 24.1 | 14.0 | 1438 | 84 | |
| 6. | Nikon D5600 | APS-C | 24.0 | 6000 | 4000 | 1080/60p | 24.1 | 14.0 | 1306 | 84 | |
| 7. | Sony A7R II | Full Frame | 42.2 | 7952 | 5304 | 4K/30p | 26.0 | 13.9 | 3434 | 98 | |
| 8. | Sony H300 | 1/2.3 | 19.9 | 5152 | 3864 | 720/30p | 20.1 | 11.4 | 630 | 45 | |
| 9. | Sony RX1 | Full Frame | 24.0 | 6000 | 4000 | 1080/60p | 25.1 | 14.3 | 2534 | 93 | |
| 10. | Sony RX1R | Full Frame | 24.0 | 6000 | 4000 | 1080/60p | 25.0 | 13.6 | 2537 | 91 | |
| 11. | Sony RX100 IV | 1-inch | 20.0 | 5472 | 3648 | 4K/30p | 22.8 | 12.6 | 591 | 70 | |
| Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age. | |||||||||||
| Camera Model |
Sensor Class |
Resolution (MP) |
Horiz. Pixels |
Vert. Pixels |
Video Format |
DXO Portrait |
DXO Landscape |
DXO Sports |
DXO Overall |
||
| Camera Model |
|||||||||||
Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but also of capturing video footage. The RX1R II indeed provides movie recording capabilities. The highest resolution format that the RX1R II can use is 1080/60p.
Feature comparison
Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the RX1R II has an electronic viewfinder with a resolution of 2360k dots. The viewfinder offers a field of view of 100% and a magnification of 0.74x. The tables below summarize some of the other core capabilities of the Sony RX1R II in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras.
| Camera Model |
Viewfinder (Type or 000 dots) |
Control Panel (yes/no) |
LCD Specifications (inch/000 dots) |
LCD Attach- ment |
Touch Screen (yes/no) |
Max Shutter Speed * |
Max Shutter Flaps * |
Built-in Flash (yes/no) |
Built-in Image Stab |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Sony RX1R II | 2360 | | 3.0 / 1229 | tilting | | 1/4000s | 5.0/s | | |
|
| 2. | Canon 5DS | optical | | 3.2 / 1040 | fixed | | 1/8000s | 5.0/s | | |
|
| 3. | Canon 5DS R | optical | | 3.2 / 1040 | fixed | | 1/8000s | 5.0/s | | |
|
| 4. | Nikon D3400 | optical | | 3.0 / 921 | fixed | | 1/4000s | 5.0/s | | |
|
| 5. | Nikon D5500 | optical | | 3.2 / 1037 | swivel | | 1/4000s | 5.0/s | | |
|
| 6. | Nikon D5600 | optical | | 3.2 / 1037 | swivel | | 1/4000s | 5.0/s | | |
|
| 7. | Sony A7R II | 2400 | | 3.0 / 1229 | tilting | | 1/8000s | 5.0/s | | |
|
| 8. | Sony H300 | | | 3.0 / 460 | fixed | | 1/1500s | 0.8/s | | |
|
| 9. | Sony RX1 | optional | | 3.0 / 1229 | fixed | | 1/4000s | 5.0/s | | |
|
| 10. | Sony RX1R | optional | | 3.0 / 1229 | fixed | | 1/4000s | 5.0/s | | |
|
| 11. | Sony RX100 IV | 2359 | | 3.0 / 1228 | tilting | | 1/2000s | 16.0/s | | |
|
| Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one. | |||||||||||
| Camera Model |
Viewfinder (Type or 000 dots) |
Control Panel (yes/no) |
LCD Specifications (inch/000 dots) |
LCD Attach- ment |
Touch Screen (yes/no) |
Max Shutter Speed * |
Max Shutter Flaps * |
Built-in Flash (yes/no) |
Built-in Image Stab |
||
| Camera Model |
|||||||||||
The LCD screen on the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1R II is flexibly attached to the body. In particular, the LCD can be tilted vertically to facilitate odd-angle shots in landscape orientation. This tilting design is often preferred, for example, by street photographers to a fully articulated, swivel type of LCD attachment, as it is more unobtrusive during shooting than a screen that flips out to the side.
Connection comparison
For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1R II and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.
| Camera Model |
Hotshoe Port |
Internal Mic / Speaker |
Microphone Port |
Headphone Port |
HDMI Port |
USB Port |
WiFi Support |
NFC Support |
Bluetooth Support |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Sony RX1R II | | stereo / mono | | | micro | 2.0 | | | |
|
| 2. | Canon 5DS | | mono / mono | | | mini | 3.0 | | | |
|
| 3. | Canon 5DS R | | mono / mono | | | mini | 3.0 | | | |
|
| 4. | Nikon D3400 | | mono / mono | | | mini | 2.0 | | | |
|
| 5. | Nikon D5500 | | stereo / mono | | | mini | 2.0 | | | |
|
| 6. | Nikon D5600 | | stereo / mono | | | mini | 2.0 | | | |
|
| 7. | Sony A7R II | | stereo / mono | | | micro | 2.0 | | | |
|
| 8. | Sony H300 | | mono / mono | | | micro | 2.0 | | | |
|
| 9. | Sony RX1 | | stereo / mono | | | mini | 2.0 | | | |
|
| 10. | Sony RX1R | | stereo / mono | | | mini | 2.0 | | | |
|
| 11. | Sony RX100 IV | | stereo / mono | | | micro | 2.0 | | | |
|
| Camera Model |
Hotshoe Port |
Internal Mic / Speaker |
Microphone Port |
Headphone Port |
HDMI Port |
USB Port |
WiFi Support |
NFC Support |
Bluetooth Support |
||
| Camera Model |
It is notable that the RX1R II has a microphone port. Such an external microphone input can help to substantially improve the quality of audio recordings when a good external microphone is used.
The RX1R II has a prime lens built in (35mm f/2.0). The camera is, hence, ready to shoot, while remaining more compact in size than an interchangeable lens camera with an optic of similar focal length and aperture specifications.
Further information on the features and operation of the RX1R II can be found in the free online Sony RX1R II Manual or on the Sony support site.
Expert reviews
While the specs-based evaluation of cameras is instructive in revealing their potential as photographic tools, it remains partial and cannot reveal, for example, the handling experience and imaging performance when actually working with the RX1R II. User reviews that are available, for instance, at amazon can sometimes shed light on these issues, but such feedback is all too often partial, inconsistent, and inaccurate. This is why hands-on reviews by experts are important. The adjacent table relays the overall verdicts of several of the most popular camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]).
| Camera Model |
AP score |
CL score |
DCW score |
DPR score |
EPZ score |
PB score |
Camera Launch |
Launch Price |
Street Price |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Sony RX1R II | 5/5 | .. | .. | 82/100 | .. | 4.5/5 | Oct 2015 | US$ 3 299 | ebay.com | |
| 2. | Canon 5DS | .. | + | .. | 83/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Feb 2015 | US$ 3 699 | ebay.com | |
| 3. | Canon 5DS R | 5/5 | + | .. | 83/100 | 5/5 | 4.5/5 | Feb 2015 | US$ 3 699 | ebay.com | |
| 4. | Nikon D3400 | 4/5 | + | 4/5 | 76/100 | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | Aug 2016 | US$ 499 | ebay.com | |
| 5. | Nikon D5500 | 5/5 | + | .. | 79/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Jan 2015 | US$ 899 | ebay.com | |
| 6. | Nikon D5600 | 4/5 | .. | 4/5 | 79/100 | 4.5/5 | 4/5 | Nov 2016 | US$ 699 | ebay.com | |
| 7. | Sony A7R II | 5/5 | + + | 5/5 | 90/100 | 5/5 | 5/5 | Jun 2015 | US$ 3 199 | ebay.com | |
| 8. | Sony H300 | .. | + | .. | .. | 4.5/5 | 4/5 | Feb 2014 | US$ 219 | ebay.com | |
| 9. | Sony RX1 | 5/5 | .. | .. | 79/100 | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | Sep 2012 | US$ 2 799 | ebay.com | |
| 10. | Sony RX1R | 5/5 | .. | .. | .. | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | Jun 2013 | US$ 2 799 | ebay.com | |
| 11. | Sony RX100 IV | 4.5/5 | + + | .. | 85/100 | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | Jun 2015 | US$ 999 | ebay.com | |
| Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available. | |||||||||||
| Camera Model |
AP score |
CL score |
DCW score |
DPR score |
EPZ score |
PB score |
Camera Launch |
Launch Price |
Street Price |
||
| Camera Model |
|||||||||||
The review scores listed above should be treated with care, though. The assessments were made in relation to similar cameras of the same technological generation. Hence, a score should always be seen in the context of the camera's market launch date and its price, and comparing ratings of very distinct cameras or ones that are far apart in terms of their release date have little meaning. Also, kindly note that some of the listed sites have over time developped their review approaches and their reporting style.
Check RX1R II offers at
ebay.com
Sony RX1R II FAQ
Below are some additional questions and answers concerning some particular features of the RX1R II.
What is the technology behind the imaging sensor in the Sony RX1R II?
The camera is build around a BSI-CMOS (Backside Illuminated Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensor.
Which image processing chip is used in the Sony RX1R II to convert the raw signal into an image file and perform noise reduction and image sharpening?
Sony equipped the RX1R II with the BIONZ X image processor.
What is the ISO sensitivity range of the Sony RX1R II?
The camera has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 25600, which can be extended to ISO 50-102400.
Is it difficult to use manual focus lenses with the Sony RX1R II?
The RX1R II offers focus peaking as a manual focus aid. This feature works by placing a colored highlight on in-focus zones within the image.
Does the Sony RX1R II feature an autofocus assist light?
Yes, the camera has a lamp built-in that can illuminate the subject and improve autofocus in low-light settings.
What is the fastest shutter speed that can be used with the Sony RX1R II for flash photography?
The RX1R II's flash sync speed is 1/2000 sec.
Does the Sony RX1R II support the Ultra High Speed (UHS) bus interface for SD cards?
Yes, the camera can indeed use UHS-I cards (data transfer speed of up to 104 MB/s).
Which battery does the Sony RX1R II use?
The camera gets its power from the Sony NP-BX1 (here at amazon), which is a rechargeable Lithium-Ion power pack.
Where can I find the best deals for the Sony RX1R II?
Grey imports from Asia, as found on ebay, are often very attractively priced. However, these cameras come without a warranty from Sony.
Camera to camera comparisons
In case you are interested in seeing how this camera compares to another one, just use the search menu below. An an alternative, you can also directly jump to any one of the listed comparisons that were previously generated by the CAM-parator tool.
- Canon 100D vs Sony RX1R II
- Canon SX420 vs Sony RX1R II
- Canon T4i vs Sony RX1R II
- Fujifilm X100V vs Sony RX1R II
- Kodak S-1 vs Sony RX1R II
- Nikon Coolpix A vs Sony RX1R II
- Nikon D3 vs Sony RX1R II
- Olympus TG-6 vs Sony RX1R II
- Panasonic GX800 vs Sony RX1R II
- Sony A3000 vs Sony RX1R II
- Sony A7C vs Sony RX1R II
- Sony RX1R II vs Sony ZV-1 II
| Camera Model | Sony RX1R II | |
|---|---|---|
| Camera Type | Fixed lens compact camera | |
| Camera Lens | 35mm f/2.0 | |
| Launch Date | October 2015 | |
| Launch Price | USD 3 299 | |
| Sensor Specs | ||
| Sensor Technology | BSI-CMOS | |
| Sensor Format | Full Frame Sensor | |
| Sensor Size | 35.8 x 23.9 mm | |
| Sensor Area | 856 mm2 | |
| Sensor Diagonal | 43 mm | |
| Crop Factor | 1.0x | |
| Sensor Resolution | 42.2 Megapixels | |
| Image Resolution | 7 952 x 5 304 pixels | |
| Pixel Pitch | 4.50 μm | |
| Pixel Density | 4.93 MP/cm2 | |
| Moiré control | no AA filter | |
| Movie Capability | 1080/60p Video | |
| ISO Setting | 100 - 25 600 ISO | |
| ISO Boost | 50 - 102 400 ISO | |
| Image Processor | BIONZ X | |
| DXO Sensor Quality (score) | 97 | |
| DXO Color Depth (bits) | 25.8 | |
| DXO Dynamic Range (EV) | 13.9 | |
| DXO Low Light (ISO) | 3204 | |
| Screen Specs | ||
| Viewfinder Type | Electronic viewfinder | |
| Viewfinder Field of View | 100% | |
| Viewfinder Magnification | 0.74x | |
| Viewfinder Resolution | 2360k dots | |
| Top-Level Screen | no Top Display | |
| LCD Framing | Live View | |
| LCD Size | 3.0 inch | |
| LCD Resolution | 1229k dots | |
| LCD Attachment | Tilting screen | |
| V-logging Friendliness | No front-flip | |
| Touch Input | No touchscreen | |
| Shooting Specs | ||
| Focus System | Contrast-detect AF | |
| Manual Focusing Aid | Focus Peaking | |
| Maximum Shutter Speed | 1/4000s | |
| Continuous Shooting | 5 shutter flaps/s | |
| Silent Shooting | no E-Shutter | |
| Time Lapse Photography | no Intervalometer | |
| Fill Flash | no On-Board Flash | |
| Storage Medium | MS or SDXC cards | |
| Single or Dual Card Slots | Single card slot | |
| UHS card support | UHS-I | |
| Connectivity Specs | ||
| External Flash | Hotshoe | |
| USB Connector | USB 2.0 | |
| HDMI Port | micro HDMI | |
| Microphone Port | External MIC port | |
| Wifi Support | Wifi built-in | |
| Near-Field Communication | NFC built-in | |
| Body Specs | ||
| Battery Type | Sony NP-BX1 power pack | |
| Battery Life (CIPA) | 220 shots per charge | |
| In-Camera Charging | USB charging | |
| Body Dimensions |
113 x 65 x 72 mm (4.4 x 2.6 x 2.8 in) |
|
| Camera Weight | 507 g (17.9 oz) | |
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