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Sony RX1R VS RX100 II

Sony RX1R VS RX100 II: Comparison And Features

Sony RX1R without low pass filter and Sony RX100 II with folding display

Sony updates the Cybershot DSC-RX1R and DSC-RX100 II compact cameras. The RX1R full-format camera differs from the RX1 introduced last autumn in that it does not have a resolution-reducing low-pass filter. Sony has revised the RX 100 II more strongly. She now has a folding display and an accessory shoe. It also masters WiFi and NFC (Near Field Communication) to communicate wirelessly with a mobile device. What has remained is the 1-inch sensor with 20 megapixels resolution, which is unusually large for its class, and the Vario-Sonnar lens 1.8-4.9/28-100 mm (corresponding to 35mm).

 

New on the Sony RX100 II is also the foldable display. [Photo: Sony]

Sony is exploring other territories: Instead of replacing the two successful RX100 and RX1 compact models with a successor, the manufacturer is offering them the improved RX100 II and RX1R models – the predecessors will remain in the range, according to Nina Schröder, Product Manager Cybershot at Sony Germany. The RX1R differs from its sister, which has been available since December 2012, only in one small but important detail: it does without a low-pass filter in front of the sensor. This is supposed to further increase the resolution, but theoretically there is a danger that Moiré formation will occur. Sony deliberately refrains from a possible Moiré reduction via software, as Hiroguki Tokano of Sony Japan confirms to digitalkamera.de. The RX1R will be available from August 2013 at the same price as the RX1, i.e. for around EUR 3,100. For this proud price, the photographer receives a compact 35 mm camera with a fast 35 mm fixed focal length and a full-format sensor with a resolution of around 24 megapixels.

 

The Sony DSC-RX100 II can be retrofitted with the new Multi Interface Terminal with external flash, microphone or EVF. [Photo: Sony]

Sony has changed a lot more about the RX100 II: The rear display is now movable, it can be folded up 84 degrees and down 40 degrees. In addition, the RX100 II is equipped with the new multi-interface accessory shoe. Not only a system flash unit can be connected to it, but also a stereo microphone or the excellent video viewfinder FDA-EV1MK. Another new feature is a multi-terminal socket, which can be used to connect a wired remote control. The RX100 II is the first Sony camera to feature Near Field Communication (NFC). If it is held directly to a corresponding partner device (e.g. a smartphone or the remote control of a compatible TV set), the camera negotiates data transmission via the local network (WiFi) with this device at the touch of a button. The WiFi connectivity is not only used for image transmission, the RX100 II can also be remote controlled via mobile device.

The high-end compact Sony RX1R does without a resolution-reducing low-pass filter in front of its full-format sensor. [Photo: Sony]

Compared to its older sister, the case of the RX100 II grows by almost three millimeters in depth, its weight increases by about 40 grams. Under the hood, Sony has also further developed the RX100 II: The 20-megapixel sensor in 1-inch format is now in BSI design. According to Sony, this makes it currently the largest image converter on the market that is back-exposed, which leads to a 40 percent increase in light sensitivity. Sony believes the RX100 II has a maximum sensitivity of ISO 25,600, the basic sensitivity is ISO 160, but can be attenuated to ISO 100. The first test photos taken by digitalkamera.de during the product presentation look promising: Up to ISO 3200, the images are virtually noise-free, without too many details already falling victim to noise reduction. The lens has remained unchanged. It covers a focal length range of 28 to 100 millimetres (3.6x zoom) at a respectable F1.8 wide-angle light intensity. However, the light intensity drops rapidly with increasing focal length to F4.9 at the long end of the telephoto lens. A new feature of the RX100 II is the possibility of attaching a filter adapter. In addition, there will be a small handle for the RX100 II, which will make it a little safer to hold.

 

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