Sony RX1R II versus Canon G1 X Mark III

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1R II and the Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark III are two enthusiast cameras that were officially introduced, respectively, in October 2015 and October 2017. Both the RX1R II and the G1X Mark III are fixed lens compact cameras that are based on a full frame (RX1R II) and an APS-C (G1X Mark III) sensor. The Sony has a resolution of 42.2 megapixel, whereas the Canon provides 24 MP. Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their size, their sensors, their features, and their reception by expert reviewers.

Body comparison: Sony RX1R II vs Canon G1 X Mark III

An illustration of the physical size and weight of the Sony RX1R II and the Canon G1 X Mark III is provided in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. 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. If you prefer, you can also use the toggle button to switch to a comparison in percentage terms (in this case, the camera on the left – the RX1R II – represents 100 percent across all the size and weight measures).

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Canon G1 X Mark III is notably larger (22 percent) than the Sony RX1R II. However, the G1X Mark III is markedly lighter (21 percent) than the RX1R II. It is noteworthy in this context that the G1X Mark III is splash and dust-proof, while the RX1R II does not feature any corresponding weather-sealing.

Concerning battery life, the RX1R II gets 220 shots out of its NP-BX1 battery, while the G1X Mark III can take 200 images on a single charge of its NB-13L power pack.

The following table provides a synthesis of the main physical specifications of the two cameras and other similar ones. If you would like to visualize and compare a different camera combination, just use the right or left arrows in the table to switch to the respective camera. Alternatively, you can also navigate to the CAM-parator app and make your selection from the full list of cameras there.

Camera Body Specifications

	Camera Model	Camera Width	Camera Height	Camera Depth	Camera Weight	Battery Life (CIPA)	Weather Sealing (yes/no)	Camera Launch (announced)	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price (USD)	Used Price (USD)	Camera Model
	Sony RX1R II»	4.4 in	2.6 in	2.8 in	17.9 oz	220	n	Oct 2015	3,299			Sony RX1R II
	Canon G1 X Mark III«	4.5 in	3.1 in	2.0 in	14.1 oz	200	Y	Oct 2017	1,299			Canon G1 X Mark III
	Canon 80D« »	5.5 in	4.1 in	3.1 in	25.8 oz	960	Y	Feb 2016	1,199			Canon 80D
	Canon 5DS« »	6.0 in	4.6 in	3.0 in	32.8 oz	700	Y	Feb 2015	3,699			Canon 5DS
	Canon 5DS R« »	6.0 in	4.6 in	3.0 in	32.8 oz	700	Y	Feb 2015	3,699			Canon 5DS R
	Fujifilm X100F« »	5.0 in	3.0 in	2.0 in	16.5 oz	390	n	Jan 2017	1,299			Fujifilm X100F
	Leica Q Typ 116« »	5.1 in	3.1 in	3.7 in	22.6 oz	300	n	Jun 2015	4,249			Leica Q Typ 116
	Nikon D3400« »	4.9 in	3.9 in	3.0 in	15.7 oz	1200	n	Aug 2016	499	-		Nikon D3400
	Nikon D810« »	5.7 in	4.8 in	3.2 in	34.6 oz	1200	Y	Jun 2014	3,299	-		Nikon D810
	Sony A6300« »	4.7 in	2.6 in	1.9 in	14.3 oz	400	Y	Feb 2016	999	-		Sony A6300
	Sony A6500« »	4.7 in	2.6 in	2.1 in	16.0 oz	350	Y	Oct 2016	1,399			Sony A6500
	Sony RX10 III« »	5.2 in	3.7 in	5.0 in	37.1 oz	420	Y	Mar 2016	1,499	-		Sony RX10 III
	Sony RX100 IV« »	4.0 in	2.3 in	1.6 in	10.5 oz	280	n	Jun 2015	999	-		Sony RX100 IV
	Sony A7S« »	5.0 in	3.7 in	1.9 in	17.2 oz	380	Y	Apr 2014	2,499	-		Sony A7S
	Sony A7R« »	5.0 in	3.7 in	1.9 in	16.4 oz	340	Y	Oct 2013	2,299	-		Sony A7R
	Sony RX1R« »	4.4 in	2.6 in	2.8 in	17.0 oz	270	n	Jun 2013	2,799	-		Sony RX1R
	Sony RX1« »	4.4 in	2.6 in	2.8 in	17.0 oz	270	n	Sep 2012	2,799	-		Sony RX1
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Any camera purchase will naturally be influenced heavily by the price. The listed launch prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The G1X Mark III was launched at a markedly lower price (by 61 percent) than the RX1R II, which puts it into a different market segment. Normally, street prices remain initially close to the MSRP, but after a couple of months, the first discounts appear. 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.

Sensor comparison: Sony RX1R II vs Canon G1 X Mark III

The size of the sensor inside a digital camera is one of the key determinants of image quality. All other things equal, a large sensor will have larger individual pixel-units that offer better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Further, a large sensor camera will give the photographer additional creative options when using shallow depth-of-field to isolate a subject from its background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be more expensive and lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Sony RX1R II features a full frame sensor and the Canon G1 X Mark III an APS-C sensor. The sensor area in the G1X Mark III is 61 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.0 and 1.5. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

With 42.2MP, the RX1R II offers a higher resolution than the G1X Mark III (24MP), but the RX1R II nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 4.50μm versus 3.72μm for the G1X Mark III) due to its larger sensor. However, the G1X Mark III is a somewhat more recent model (by 2 years) than the RX1R II, and its sensor might have benefitted from technological advances during this time that further enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixels. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the RX1R II has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

For many 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 comparators.

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but also of capturing video footage. Both cameras under consideration are equipped with sensors that have a sufficiently high read-out speed for moving images, and both provide the same movie specifications (1080/60p).

Feature comparison: Sony RX1R II vs Canon G1 X Mark III

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. The RX1R II and the G1X Mark III are similar in the sense that both feature an electronic viewfinder, which is helpful when framing images in bright sunlight. Moreover, their viewfinders offer an identical resolution of 2360k dots. The table below summarizes some of the other core capabilities of the Sony RX1R II and Canon G1 X Mark III in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras. If you need more detail on the specs, you can find comprehensive listings, for example, in the dpreview camera hub.

One differentiating feature between the two cameras concerns the touch sensitivity of the rear screen. The G1X Mark III has a touchscreen, while the RX1R II has a conventional panel. Touch control can be particularly helpful, for example, for setting the focus point.

The G1X Mark III is equipped with a zoom lens, while the RX1R II comes with a build-in prime. The G1X Mark III has a 24-72mm f/2.8-5.6 optic and the RX1R II offers a 35mm f/2.0 (focal lengths in full frame equivalent terms). Hence, the Canon provides a wider angle of view at the short end, as well as more tele-photo reach at the long end than the Sony. The RX1R II offers the faster maximum aperture.

The RX1R II writes its imaging data to SDXC or Memory Stick PRO Duo cards, while the G1X Mark III uses SDXC cards.

Both the RX1R II and the G1X Mark III are current models that good online retailers will have in stock. You can check the latest prices, for example, at amazon. The RX1R II replaced the earlier Sony RX1R, while the G1X Mark III followed on from the Canon G1 X Mark II.

Review summary: Sony RX1R II vs Canon G1 X Mark III

So what is the bottom line? Which of the two cameras – the Sony RX1R II or the Canon G1 X Mark III – has the upper hand? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.

Reasons to prefer the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1R II:

• More detail: Offers more megapixels (42.2 vs 24MP) with a 33% higher linear resolution.
• Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
• Better low-light imaging: Features bigger pixels on a larger sensor for better high-ISO images.
• Better sound: Can connect to an external microphone for higher quality sound recording.
• More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1229k vs 1040k dots).
• Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (4000/sec vs 2000/sec) to freeze action.
• Better light gathering: Has a lens with a wider maximum aperture (f/2.0 vs f/2.8).
• More compact: Is smaller (113x65mm vs 115x78mm) and thus needs less room in the bag.
• More heavily discounted: Has been available for much longer (launched in October 2015).

Advantages of the Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark III:

• Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
• More flexible LCD: Has swivel screen for odd-angle shots in portrait or landscape orientation.
• Fewer buttons to press: Has a touchscreen to facilitate handling and shooting adjustments.
• Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (9 vs 5 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
• Wider view: Has a wider-angle lens that facilitates landscape or interior shots.
• Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 108g or 21 percent) and is thus easier to take along.
• Better sealing: Is splash and dust sealed for shooting in inclement weather conditions.
• Sharper images: Has stabilization technology build-in to reduce the impact of hand-shake.
• Easier fill-in: Has a small integrated flash to brighten shadows of backlit subjects.
• Easier wireless transfer: Supports Bluetooth for image sharing without cables.
• More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (61 percent cheaper at launch).
• More modern: Reflects 2 years of technical progress since the RX1R II launch.

If the count of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a measure, the G1X Mark III emerges as the winner of the match-up (12 : 9 points). However, the pertinence of the various camera strengths will differ across photographers, so that you might want to weigh individual camera traits according to their importance for your own imaging needs before making a camera decision.

In any case, while the comparison of the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it says nothing about, for example, the handling, responsiveness, and overall imaging quality of the RX1R II and the G1X Mark III in practical situations. At times, user reviews, such as those published at amazon, address these issues in a useful manner, but such feedback is on many occasions incomplete, inconsistent, and unreliable. This is why expert reviews are important. The table below summarizes the assessments of some of the best known camera review sites (cameralabs, dpreview, ephotozine, imaging-resource, photographyblog). The detailed reviews can be accessed by clicking on the site logo in the table header.

Review Scores

	Camera Model						Camera Launch (announced)	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price (USD)	Used Price (USD)	Camera Model
	Sony RX1R II»	-	82/100	-	rev	4.5/5	Oct 2015	3,299			Sony RX1R II
	Canon G1 X Mark III«	Rec	79/100	4.5/5	-	4.5/5	Oct 2017	1,299			Canon G1 X Mark III
	Canon 80D« »	HiRec	84/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Feb 2016	1,199			Canon 80D
	Canon 5DS« »	Rec	83/100	4.5/5	5/5	4.5/5	Feb 2015	3,699			Canon 5DS
	Canon 5DS R« »	Rec	83/100	5/5	5/5	4.5/5	Feb 2015	3,699			Canon 5DS R
	Fujifilm X100F« »	Rec	83/100	4.5/5	-	4.5/5	Jan 2017	1,299			Fujifilm X100F
	Leica Q Typ 116« »	-	80/100	4.5/5	-	4.5/5	Jun 2015	4,249			Leica Q Typ 116
	Nikon D3400« »	Rec	76/100	4/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Aug 2016	499	-		Nikon D3400
	Nikon D810« »	-	86/100	5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jun 2014	3,299	-		Nikon D810
	Sony A6300« »	Rec	85/100	5/5	5/5	5/5	Feb 2016	999	-		Sony A6300
	Sony A6500« »	HiRec	85/100	4.5/5	5/5	4.5/5	Oct 2016	1,399			Sony A6500
	Sony RX10 III« »	Rec	84/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Mar 2016	1,499	-		Sony RX10 III
	Sony RX100 IV« »	HiRec	85/100	4/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jun 2015	999	-		Sony RX100 IV
	Sony A7S« »	-	86/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	5/5	Apr 2014	2,499	-		Sony A7S
	Sony A7R« »	HiRec	82/100	4.5/5	5/5	5/5	Oct 2013	2,299	-		Sony A7R
	Sony RX1R« »	-	-	4/5	rev	4.5/5	Jun 2013	2,799	-		Sony RX1R
	Sony RX1« »	-	79/100	4/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2012	2,799	-		Sony RX1

The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price of the camera, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. Also, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.

Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you are interested in seeing how other cameras pair up, just make your choice using the following search menu. An an alternative, you can also directly jump to any one of the listed comparisons that were previously generated by the CAM-parator tool. If you cannot find the camera you are interested in, please contact me, and I will try to locate and add the respective data to the application.

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