Sony RX1R II
Announced October 14, 2015
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
Strong
Sony RX1R II packs a high-resolution 42-megapixel full-frame sensor and a sharp 35mm f/2 lens into a remarkably compact, pocketable body. While it delivers superb image quality and excellent autofocus performance, the camera is hindered by poor battery life, a lack of weather sealing, and an expensive price point.
Weighted from 27 reviewer scores
Pros
- Sharp 35mm f/2 lens with smooth bokeh
- Integrated pop-up electronic viewfinder
- Responsive autofocus system
- High-resolution 42-megapixel full-frame sensor
- Compact and portable form factor
Cons
- Short battery life
- Limited video capabilities
- Lack of touchscreen interface
- Expensive pricing
- Absence of internal image stabilization
- Launch price $3,299 (USD)
- Sensor 42.4MP Full-Frame
- Burst 5 fps electronic 5 fps mechanical
What the Reviewers Say
All 27 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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- DPReview 82/100
The Sony Cyber-shot RX1R II is the world's smallest full-frame camera, featuring a 42MP sensor, fixed ZEISS 35mm F2 lens, pop-up electronic viewfinder and excellent autofocus system.
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[T]he Sony RX1R II's overall performance is good and generally improved over the RX1. However buffer clearing times are still quite long, though keep in mind the larger file sizes.
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[W]ith its fixed 35mm focal length, this camera makes an ideal companion for the street-shooter or landscape aficionado more than the portrait photographer.
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In all, the RX1R II is a rather specialist camera that’s expensive, but equally an impressive piece of kit.
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On first sight the RX1RII is simply an amazing camera: it is pretty much an A7rII with a 35mm f/2.0 lens in a much more compact package.
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I still think the Sony RX1R is still the better bang for the buck. [...] So, I still think this is the better purchase right now.
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There are benefits to both the systems, so it’s difficult to call an outright winner, but Sony has produced something very, very capable in the new Cyber-shot DSC-RX1R II.
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Sony produced a fantastic camera with the RX1R II, making for excellent competition for its nearest rival, the Leica Q2.
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The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1R II puts an incredible high-resolution full-frame image sensor and fixed lens into a form factor that's almost pocket friendly.
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The Sony RX1R II delivers superb image quality in a neat, compact body.
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Sony’s sensor technology is well and truly ahead of the game, and the 42.4-million-pixel sensor inside the RX1R II is at the forefront of this.
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[I]f you're in the market for the ultimate street photography camera [...] this is probably one of the best if not the best.
- Digital Trends 8/10
The RX1R II is an amazing camera with its 42.4-megapixel full-frame sensor, variable OLPF, built-in EVF, compact size, and f/2.0 35mm prime lens.
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I could easily see using this camera for street, travel and reportage if you are a “one camera, one lens” type of photographer.
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The RX1R2 works because it is the bare essentials with maximum image quality.
- Photo Review 8.2/10
Sony’s latest ‘full-frame’ compact camera features a higher-resolution sensor, improved autofocusing, Wi-Fi with NFC, a pop-up EVF and a tilting monitor.
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The more I shot with the RX1R2 the more I was falling in love again, just as I did with the original.
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It feels special, it's been a blast to use, but it doesn't feel quite at the top of its game - well, not at this considerable £2,599 price point anyway.
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Maybe not, but we’re not going to sniff at any camera that’s rocking a 42MP full-frame sensor, let alone one you can squeeze into a pocket.
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[I]f you just want the best possible quality camera and you want it to fit in your jacket pocket pretty much, this is the one to buy.
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Yes, it's not gonna have the same form factor, but I think Sony just needs an update on that one and then it's gonna be insane and then we can recommend it. But for now, I would not spend that much money for this one right now.
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Great camera for walk around travel experience, capture your memories, bring them home.
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In fact, it’s better than many larger cameras. With a few qualifications, the handling and performance is also excellent.
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It’s built like a beast and it just screams quality in the most politeful Japanese manner it can muster. Yet it manages to house a whopping 42.4-megapixel 35mm equivalent full-frame sensor.
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[T]he Sony RX1R II is a fantastic camera, especially when you consider its small form factor and the amount of tech that's built into it.
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[T]his model remains relevant, which is largely down to compact proportions, desirable image quality and pocketable size.
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[T]his camera for me is a Perfect all-arounder.
