Sony RX100 II

Announced June 27, 2013

Compare Sony RX100 II
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PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.

Reviewer Consensus

Exceptional

Sony RX100 II delivers DSLR-level image quality and strong low-light performance from a pocketable, well-built body. While the premium price and lack of a touchscreen may deter some, it remains a top-tier choice for photographers seeking professional results in a compact form factor.

Weighted from 30 reviewer scores

Pros

  • Excellent image quality and low-light performance from a large 1-inch sensor
  • Compact, durable, and pocketable metal construction
  • Bright f/1.8 Zeiss lens with fast autofocus
  • Versatile tilting LCD screen for difficult shooting angles
  • Expandable feature set including hot shoe, Wi-Fi, and manual controls

Cons

  • High retail price relative to other options
  • Lacks a touchscreen interface
  • Limited zoom range and variable aperture at telephoto
  • Slippery body design lacks a dedicated grip
  • Inconvenient in-camera charging and lack of external charger
  • Launch price $750 (USD)
  • Sensor 20.2MP 1-inch

Expert Reviews

All 30 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.

  • DPReview 79/100

    The RX100 II performs much the same as its RX100 predecessor, turning out some of the best image quality we've seen from a compact camera. With the addition of Wi-Fi connectivity and a BSI sensor, it's at the top of its class in terms of performance and features.

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  • Imaging Resource

    The beauty of a small camera with a big sensor is that it allows you take near SLR-quality images without drawing as much attention as a DSLR often does.

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  • Cameralabs

    Like the best-selling RX100 before it, the Sony RX100 II delivers the same magic potion of large sensor performance in a compact format.

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  • Marques Brownlee

    So now you can check the price, I know you probably have it in a new tab anyway, but honestly if I was still giving ratings like numerical values for devices like this, this would probably be one of those rare 10 out of 10s that just doesn't have any real flaws to hold it back.

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  • ePHOTOzine

    The Sony Cyber-shot RX100 II delivers impressive image quality and excellent expandability in a compact and stylish camera.

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  • Only you can decide if the RX100 II's premium price-tag is simply too high - for us, while it does take the edge off the overall package, the RX100 II is definitely the best compact camera that money can currently buy...

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  • PCMag

    The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 II compact camera offers a few worthwhile upgrades when compared with the original RX100, but comes in at a higher asking price.

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  • TechRadar

    With a raft of welcome improvements, it's fair to say that the Sony RX100 Mark II steals that crown now, making it incredibly worthy of your lust.

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  • Digital Trends 8.5/10

    Don’t let its small size fool you. The Sony Cyber-shot RX100 II is capable of capturing beautiful photos and movies. It’s not cheap, but it’s the best compact camera you can buy if image quality is your main concern.

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  • CNET 8.2/10

    For a compact camera, $750 seems like a lot, but if you’re looking for an all-around solid option with good performance, a flexible feature set, and excellent photo quality it’s worth it.

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  • MirrorLessons

    If you are a professional or an advanced amateur who is looking for something small and easy to use on a holiday with family, and because of your work you are sensitive to image quality, then look no further. This is the camera for you.

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  • T3

    The 20.2 effective megapixel 1in sensor incorporating Sony Cyber-shot RX100 II is the advanced compact we'd most like to own if budget wasn't a prime concern.

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  • Expert Reviews

    This camera addresses a genuine need – for a pocket-sized design that doesn’t compromise on image quality or a zoom function. It’s a pleasure to use, too, and its video mode is more than up to scratch.

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  • Firstpost

    It ticks pretty much all the checkboxes which you consider when getting a new advanced point and shoot - great low light performance, good image quality, no visible chromatic aberrations, a boat load of features, respectable video quality and so on.

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  • Soldier Knows Best

    If you're a casual shooter or if you're a professional that want to capture raw images, this camera is going to be a great camera to put in your pocket and take with you everywhere. It's going to get you DSLR type of performance, but in a pocket-size camera.

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  • Hands-On Tech

    I'm going to give it a try, cuz it's not for everybody, particularly at $750 list, but it is an excellent little camera that I'm very happy to have in my kit.

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  • Blogarithms

    If you want the best-possible image quality in a pocketable camera, regardless of price, the RX100 II fits the bill. In its favor are the excellent image quality, good high-ISO performance, compact size, and decent fill flash.

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  • The Londoner

    I promise you faithfully that this isn’t an ad and I wasn’t given the camera by Sony. But if you’re in the market for a cracking little point-n-shoot then I’m confident that this is the best you’ll find.

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  • A Bugged Life

    This is the best point and shoot camera in its class. To say that it is one of the most amazing underwater cameras only means that it can deliver excellent photos and video under extreme conditions where light is both sparse and unforgiving.

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Specifications

General

Announcement date June 27, 2013
Launch MSRP $750
Medium Digital
Lens mount Fixed lens
Body type Compact

Sensor & Processing

Effective resolution 20.2MP
Sensor format 1-inch
Sensor dimensions 13 x 9 mm
Image processor BIONZ
Expanded ISO range 25,600
Aspect ratio options 1:1, 3:2, 4:3, 16:9

Still Capture

RAW formats RAW
Other still formats JPEG, RAW

Optical Design

Elements 7
Groups 6
Special elements 7 elements in 6 groups

Focal Length & Aperture

Focal length (wide) 10.1mm
Focal length (tele) 37.4mm
Max aperture (wide) f/1.8
Max aperture (tele) f/4.9

Autofocus

AF architecture Contrast detect
Autofocus modes Contrast Detect (sensor), Multi-area, Center, Selective single-point, Tracking, Single, Continuous, Face Detection

Focusing

Focus range 1.97" to Infinity (Wide); 1.8' to Infinity (Telephoto)

Shutter & Exposure

Shutter speed range 1/2000s to 30s
Maximum electronic shutter speed 1/2000s
Exposure compensation -3 to +3 EV

Display & Viewfinder

Rear LCD size 3-inch
Rear LCD articulation Tilting

Connectivity

USB USB 2.0 hi-speed (480 Mbit/sec)
Hot shoe Multi Interface Shoe

Power

Battery NP-BX1
CIPA battery life (LCD) 350 shots
CIPA video recording time 175 min

Body

Weight (body only) 254g (9 oz)
Weight (with battery and recording media) 281g (9.9 oz)
Weather sealing None