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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.

camera

Is the Sony RX1R II a good camera? The RX1R II has a Camera Elo of 2190. 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.

Headline Specifications
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.

Sony RX1R II vs credit card front
RX1R II versus credit card top view
RX1R II and credit card rear side

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.

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Body Specifications
#   Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Sony RX1R II 113 mm 65 mm 72 mm 507 g 220 n Oct 2015 3,299 amazon.com
2.
 
Canon 5DS 152 mm 116 mm 76 mm 930 g 700 Y Feb 2015 3,699ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 5DS R 152 mm 116 mm 76 mm 930 g 700 Y Feb 2015 3,699ebay.com
4.
 
Leica Q Typ 116 130 mm 80 mm 93 mm 640 g 300 n Jun 2015 4,249ebay.com
5.
 
Nikon D810 146 mm 123 mm 82 mm 980 g 1200 Y Jun 2014 3,299ebay.com
6.
 
Sony A99 II 143 mm 104 mm 76 mm 849 g 490 Y Sep 2016 3,199ebay.com
7.
 
Sony A7R II 127 mm 96 mm 60 mm 625 g 290 Y Jun 2015 3,199ebay.com
8.
 
Sony A7S 127 mm 94 mm 48 mm 489 g 380 Y Apr 2014 2,499ebay.com
9.
 
Sony A7R 127 mm 94 mm 48 mm 465 g 340 Y Oct 2013 2,299ebay.com
10.
 
Sony RX1R 113 mm 65 mm 70 mm 482 g 270 n Jun 2013 2,799ebay.com
11.
 
Sony RX1 113 mm 65 mm 70 mm 482 g 270 n Sep 2012 2,799ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
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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.

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Check RX1R II price at
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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.

Sony RX1R II sensor measures

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.

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Sensor Characteristics
#   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 53041080/60p25.813.9320497
2.
 
Canon 5DS Full Frame 50.3 8688 57921080/30p24.712.4238187
3.
 
Canon 5DS R Full Frame 50.3 8688 57921080/30p24.612.4230886
4.
 
Leica Q Typ 116 Full Frame 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.312.7222185
5.
 
Nikon D810 Full Frame 36.2 7360 49121080/60p25.714.8285397
6.
 
Sony A99 II Full Frame 42.2 7952 53044K/30p25.413.4231792
7.
 
Sony A7R II Full Frame 42.2 7952 53044K/30p26.013.9343498
8.
 
Sony A7S Full Frame 12.0 4240 28321080/60p23.913.2370287
9.
 
Sony A7R Full Frame 36.2 7360 49121080/60p25.614.1274695
10.
 
Sony RX1R Full Frame 24.0 6000 40001080/60p25.013.6253791
11.
 
Sony RX1 Full Frame 24.0 6000 40001080/60p25.114.3253493
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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.

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Core Features
#   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 II2360 n3.0 / 1229 tilting n 1/4000s 5.0/s n n
2.
 
Canon 5DSoptical Y3.2 / 1040 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s n n
3.
 
Canon 5DS Roptical Y3.2 / 1040 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s n n
4.
 
Leica Q Typ 1163680 n3.0 / 1040 fixed Y 1/2000s 10.0/s n Y
5.
 
Nikon D810optical Y3.2 / 1229 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s Y n
6.
 
Sony A99 II2400 Y3.0 / 1229 full-flex n 1/8000s 12.0/s n Y
7.
 
Sony A7R II2400 n3.0 / 1229 tilting n 1/8000s 5.0/s n Y
8.
 
Sony A7S2400 n3.0 / 921 tilting n 1/8000s 5.0/s n n
9.
 
Sony A7R2400 n3.0 / 1230 tilting n 1/8000s 4.0/s n n
10.
 
Sony RX1Roptional n3.0 / 1229 fixed n 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
11.
 
Sony RX1optional n3.0 / 1229 fixed n 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
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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.

articulated screen
Flexible screen on the RX1R II
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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.

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Input-Output Connections
#   Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Sony RX1R IIYstereo / monoY-micro2.0YY-
2.
 
Canon 5DSYmono / monoY-mini3.0---
3.
 
Canon 5DS RYmono / monoY-mini3.0---
4.
 
Leica Q Typ 116Ystereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
5.
 
Nikon D810Ystereo / monoYYmini3.0Y--
6.
 
Sony A99 IIYstereo / monoYYmicro2.0YYY
7.
 
Sony A7R IIYstereo / monoYYmicro2.0YY-
8.
 
Sony A7SYstereo / monoYYmicro2.0YY-
9.
 
Sony A7RYstereo / monoYYmicro2.0YY-
10.
 
Sony RX1RYstereo / monoY-mini2.0---
11.
 
Sony RX1Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0---
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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.

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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]).

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Review Scores
#    Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Sony RX1R II5/5....82/100..4.5/5 Oct 2015 3,299 amazon.com
2.
 
Canon 5DS..+..83/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2015 3,699ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 5DS R5/5+..83/1005/54.5/5 Feb 2015 3,699ebay.com
4.
 
Leica Q Typ 1165/5....80/1004.5/54.5/5 Jun 2015 4,249ebay.com
5.
 
Nikon D8105/5..5/586/1005/54.5/5 Jun 2014 3,299ebay.com
6.
 
Sony A99 II....4.5/585/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2016 3,199ebay.com
7.
 
Sony A7R II5/5+ +5/590/1005/55/5 Jun 2015 3,199ebay.com
8.
 
Sony A7S4/5....86/1004.5/55/5 Apr 2014 2,499ebay.com
9.
 
Sony A7R5/5+ +..82/1004.5/55/5 Oct 2013 2,299ebay.com
10.
 
Sony RX1R5/5......4/54.5/5 Jun 2013 2,799ebay.com
11.
 
Sony RX15/5....79/1004/54.5/5 Sep 2012 2,799ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
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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.

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Check RX1R II price at
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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 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.

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    Specifications Summary
    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 AidFocus Peaking
    Maximum Shutter Speed 1/4000s
    Continuous Shooting 5 shutter flaps/s
    Silent Shootingno E-Shutter
    Time Lapse Photographyno 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 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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