CameraDecision
  • CAMERAS
  • LENSES
  • TOOLS
    • Smart Find
    • 1-on-1 Comparison
    • Size Comparison
  • BRANDS
    • Sony Cameras
    • Canon Cameras
    • Nikon Cameras
    • Pentax Cameras
    • Fujifilm Cameras
    • Olympus Cameras
    • Panasonic Cameras
    • Leica Cameras
    • Samsung Cameras
  • BODY TYPE
    • Mirrorless Cameras
    • DSLR Cameras
    • Compact Cameras
    • Bridge Cameras
    • Waterproof Cameras

Sony RX1R II Review

  • Overview
  • Alternatives
  • Sony RX1R II

    Select a Camera to Compare

    x
    Add a Camera for comparison

    Main Features

    • 42MP - Full frame BSI-CMOS Sensor
    • No Optical low-pass (anti-aliasing) filter
    • ISO 50 - 25600( expands to 102400)
    • 35 mm f2.00 Prime Lens
    • 3 Tilting Screen
    • 2359k dot Electronic viewfinder
    • 5.0 fps continuous shooting
    • Full HD - 1920 x 1080 video
    • Built-in Wireless
    • 507g. 113 x 65 x 72 mm
    • Replaced Sony RX1R
    CHECK PRICE
    CHECK PRICE

    Sony RX1R II Overview

    First introduced in October 2015 , Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1R II is a 42.0MP Large Sensor Compact camera with a Full frame (35.9 x 24 mm ) sized BSI-CMOS sensor, Tilting screen and 35 mm F2.0 lens. Sony replaced the older RX1R with this model. Follow the link to read our detailed comparison of these models:
    Compare Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1R II vs Sony RX1R

    Sony RX1R II Review - Click for Table of Contents

    1. Overview
    2. Pros and Cons
    3. Sensor and Photography Features
    4. Physical Specs
    5. LCD and Viewfinder
    6. Connectivity, Storage and Battery
    7. Video
    8. Other Features
    9. Lens
    10. Photography Type Scores
    11. Alternatives
    12. Popular Comparisons
    13. Frequently Asked Questions
    14. Detailed Specifications

    Sony RX1R II has an Overall Score of 78/100 and ranked #2 out of 61 in Large Sensor Compact cameras (Top 10 Compact), and ranked #63 out of 1223 in all Cameras (Top 10 Overall). The only Compact camera that is ranked higher then the RX1R II is Leica Q2. Read the comparison of these two cameras here.

    Main Scores
    Imaging
    Features
    Value for Money
    Portability
    Overall Score
    Check our Smart Finder Tool to filter, sort and compare all digital cameras.



    Sony RX1R II Physical Specs
    Sony RX1R II weighs 507 g (1.12 lb / 17.88 oz) and has external dimensions of 113 x 65 x 72 mm (4.45 x 2.56 x 2.83″). Considering that the average weight of Large Sensor Compact type cameras is 401g, Sony RX1R II is a significantly heavy camera for its class. With a thickness of 72mm, it is not small either, 16mm thicker than the average of its class.
    Weight Comparison

    Large Sensor Compact Cameras

    Sony RX1R II
    Min
    Average
    Max
    Thickness Comparison

    Large Sensor Compact Cameras

    Sony RX1R II
    Min
    Average
    Max

    Here is the front and top view image of Sony RX1R II with the dimensions:

    Sony RX1R II Body Size Dimensions
    Front and Top View External Dimensions and Size of Sony RX1R II Camera Body

    In order to give you a better idea about the real life size of Sony RX1R II, we have added an image of how it looks next to a credit card and an AA type battery.


    Sony RX1R II Body Size Compared to a Credit card and a Battery
    Physical size of the Sony RX1R II Body Compared to a Credit Card and an AA Battery

    Now let's compare Sony RX1R II size with the camera that it replaced: Sony RX1R. Sony RX1R II has the same height and width with Sony RX1R. On the other hand, with a thickness of 72mm, it is 2mm thicker.


    Sony RX1R II vs Sony RX1R Camera Size Comparison - Front View
    Comparison image of Sony RX1R II and Sony RX1R Size, Weight and External Dimensions - Front View

    Below you can find the comparison of the weight and thickness of Sony RX1R II with its main competitors:

    Sony RX1R II Size Compared to Main Competitors
    Model Weight vs RX1R II Thickness vs RX1R II
    Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1R II Camera Leica Q2
    Compare
    718g 211g heavier 92mm 20mm thicker
    Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1R II Camera Fujifilm X100V
    Compare
    478g 29g lighter 53mm 19mm thinner
    Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1R II Camera Sony A7c
    Compare
    509g 2g heavier 60mm 12mm thinner
    Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1R II Camera Sony RX1R
    Compare
    482g 25g lighter 70mm 2mm thinner
    Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1R II Camera Sony RX1
    Compare
    482g 25g lighter 70mm 2mm thinner
    Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1R II Camera Sony RX100 VII
    Compare
    302g 205g lighter 43mm 29mm thinner
    Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1R II Camera Sony A7 III
    Compare
    650g 143g heavier 74mm 2mm thicker
    Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1R II Camera Leica Q
    Compare
    640g 133g heavier 93mm 21mm thicker

    Weather Sealing

    Sony RX1R II doesn't have any environmental sealings on its body so you got to be extra careful to protect it against water and dust. If you shoot under these conditions very often, consider checking Top Compact Cameras with Weather Sealing page.

    Sony RX1R II Sensor and Photography Features

    Sony RX1R II has a 42.0MP Full frame (35.9 x 24 mm ) sized BSI-CMOS sensor and features BIONZ X processor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 7952 x 5304 pixels with aspect ratios of 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9. RX1R II has a native ISO range of 50 - 25600 which can be boosted to 102400 and it can save files in RAW format which gives you a wider room for post processing.

    Sony RX1R II is not the highest resolution Full frame camera. Sony A7R IV with its 61.0MP sensor is leading in this class. Check the comparison of Sony RX1R II vs Sony A7R IV or take a look at Highest resolution Compact cameras list.

    Sony RX1R II DxOMark Sensor Scores

    DxOMark is a benchmark that scientifically assesses image quality of camera sensors. Sony RX1R II sensor has been tested by DxO Mark and got an overall score of 97 for its image quality. You can find the details of their analysis of Sony RX1R II here.

    Anti-Aliasing Filter

    Another important feature about Sony RX1R II's sensor is the lack of anti-alias (Low-pass) filter. Removing anti-aliasing filter increases the sharpness and level of detail but on the other side it also increases the chance of moire occurring in certain scenes. But wait! RX1R II takes care of this problem for you. It has a unique and adjustable Anti-Aliasing Filter Simulator mode which can create the effects of a Low Pass filter electronically when you want to avoid moire.

    Let's look at how the size of the Sony RX1R II's Full frame sensor compares with other standard sensor sizes.

    Sony RX1R II Sensor Size Comparison
    Comparison image of Sony RX1R II Sensor Size with other standard sensors

    Sony RX1R II Lens

    Sony RX1R II features a 35 mm F2.0 Prime lens. This prime lens makes RX1R II a specialized camera. You compromise the flexibility of a zoom in order to enjoy the high image quality and unique rendering of this fast lens.

    Wide Coverage

    Large Sensor Compact Cameras

    RX1R II
    Widest - Canon G1 X II
    Average
    Telezoom

    Large Sensor Compact Cameras

    RX1R II
    Longest - Panasonic ZS200
    Average

    Max Aperture at Wide

    Large Sensor Compact Cameras

    RX1R II
    Fastest - Panasonic LX10
    Average
    Max Aperture at Tele

    Large Sensor Compact Cameras

    RX1R II
    Fastest - Leica Q
    Average

    Sony RX1R II's lens also has a Manual Focus Mode.



    Sony RX1R II LCD and Viewfinder

    Sony RX1R II has a Tilting 3 LCD screen with a resolution of 1,229k dots. Both the screen size and the screen resolution is up to the standards of this class.



    Sony RX1R II back view and LCD

    RX1R II has a built-in Electronic viewfinder, making it easier to shoot in direct sunlight and in other situations where it might be difficult to view the LCD monitor. The viewfinder has a resolution of 2,359kdots and coverage of 100%. 100% coverage ensures that what you see in the viewfinder while shooting matches exactly what you will get later in your image, helping accurate framing your shots and minimizes the need for cropping images later. The magnification ratio of the viewfinder is 0.74x (35mm equivalent).

    Sony RX1R II Connectivity, Storage and Battery

    Sony RX1R II features built-in wireless (Wi-Fi) connectivity ( 802.11b/g/n with NFC) which lets you transfer your photos directly to compatible devices without any physical connection. With its NFC feature, RX1R II can communicate with devices such as smartphones which are also equipped with this technology by simply touching each other.One other feature that we like is the ability to use our smartphone as a remote to control our RX1R II. You can change camera settings, release shutter, view LCD screen and tranfer files using remote control app.

    You can connect RX1R II to compatible devices via its HDMI port or USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) port.

    Battery

    Sony RX1R II is powered by battery which provides a shooting life of 220 according to CIPA standards. Considering that the average battery life of Large Sensor Compact type cameras is 303 shots, Sony RX1R II has a short battery life for its class so we strongly recommend RX1R II owners to buy some extra batteries.

    Battery Life Comparison in Large Sensor Compact Cameras

    Sony RX1R II
    Min
    Average
    Max

    Leica X Vario with its 450shots is the model with longest battery life among Large Sensor Compact cameras. Check the comparison of Sony RX1R II vs Leica X Vario or take a look at Longest Battery Life Compact cameras list.

    Sony RX1R II Features Compared to Main Competitors
    Model Max Video Battery Life Wi-fi Bluetooth NFC
    Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1R II Camera Leica Q2
    Compare
    3840 x 2160 370shots Yes Yes No
    Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1R II Camera Fujifilm X100V
    Compare
    4096 x 2160 420shots Yes Yes No
    Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1R II Camera Sony A7c
    Compare
    3840 x 2160 740shots Yes Yes Yes
    Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1R II Camera Sony RX1R
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 270shots No No No
    Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1R II Camera Sony RX1
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 270shots No No No
    Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1R II Camera Sony RX100 VII
    Compare
    3840 x 2160 260shots Yes Yes Yes
    Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1R II Camera Sony A7 III
    Compare
    3840 x 2160 610shots Yes Yes Yes
    Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1R II Camera Leica Q
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 shots Yes No No

    Sony RX1R II Video Features

    With Sony RX1R II, you can record your videos at a highest resolution of 1920 x 1080 at 60p,60i,30p,24p fps with bit rates up to 50 Mpbs mbps and save in MPEG-4, AVCHD, XAVC S and H.264 formats. Full HD resolution of Sony RX1R II will be adequate in most of the situations. But if you are after the highest resolution videos available, see our list of Top Cameras with 4K (Ultra-HD) Video.

    RX1R II has a built-in Stereo microphone and a Mono speaker. Sony RX1R II also has a port for an external microphone so you can record high quality sound with the help of an external microphone.

    Sony RX1R II Other Features

    Max Shutter speed

    Sony RX1R II can shoot continuously at max speed of 5.0 fps and has max shutter speed of 1/4000 sec.

    Flash

    Unfortunately RX1R II doesn't have a built-in flash but it has a flash shoe for mounting external flashes.

    Focusing

    Sony RX1R II features both Contrast Detection and Phase Detection autofocus (AF) systems which ensures speed and accuracy of focusing in most situations. The AF system has 25 points to choose from.

    Sony RX1R II also features Face detection AF where it intelligently detects the faces in the frame and locks the focus automatically.

    Sony RX1R II PROs and CONs Review

    Now let's get in to more details of our Sony RX1R II review by analysing its specs and features and listing out its pros and cons compared to average competitor cameras in its class.

    PROs
    Built-in Wireless (Wi-fi)
    NFC Connectivity
    Articulating Screen
    External Flash Shoe
    Full HD Video
    Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
    RAW Shooting
    Face Detection Focusing
    42.0MP - High Resolution Sensor
    25.600 Max ISO
    25 Focus Points
    1.229k dots LCD Resolution
    1/4000s High Shutter Speed
    Manual Focusing
    Manual Exposure
    External Microphone Port
    Fast 2.00 Lens at Wide
    Fast 2.00 Lens at Tele
    2359kdot Viewfinder Resolution
    Good Low Light ISO - 3204
    AE Bracketing
    Wide AE Bracketing Range: ±5 EV
    Anti Alias Filter Simulator
    Remote control with a smartphone
    Webcam Functionality
    Report a correction

    Buy Sony RX1R II from AMAZON or B&H PHOTO


    CONs
    No Image Stabilization
    No Touch Screen
    Low Battery Life: 220 shots
    Heavy Body: 507
    No Environmental Sealing
    Report a correction
    What type of Photography is Sony RX1R II Good for?
    In this section, we review and score Sony RX1R II in 5 different photography areas.

    Sony RX1R II for Portrait Photography

    Sony RX1R II has a score of 69 for Portrait Photography which makes it a GOOD candidate for this type of photography. If you are looking for a camera that is better suited to Portrait Photography, we recommend you to check our Top 10 Compact Cameras for Portrait Photography list.
    Large Full frame (35.9 x 24 mm) sensor
    Very High Resolution Sensor: 42.0MP
    RAW shooting capability
    External Flash Shoe
    Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
    Manual Focus Mode
    Manual Exposure Mode
    No Image Stabilization
    Not so good Ergonomics&Handling

    Read the details of how we scored Sony RX1R II for Portrait Photography

    Sony RX1R II for Street Photography

    Sony RX1R II has a score of 77 for Street Photography which makes it a GOOD candidate for this type of photography. If you are looking for a camera that is better suited to Street Photography, we recommend you to check our Top 10 Compact Cameras for Street Photography list.
    Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
    Manual Focus Mode
    Live-view
    Face-Detection Focusing
    Tilting LCD Screen
    Fast Lens at Wide: f2.00
    RAW shooting capability
    Small Body
    Large Full frame (35.9 x 24 mm) sensor
    No Image Stabilization
    35 mm - Poor Wide Angle Coverage

    Read the details of how we scored Sony RX1R II for Street Photography

    Sony RX1R II for Sports Photography

    Sony RX1R II has a score of 54 for Sports Photography which makes it an AVERAGE candidate for this type of photography. If Sports is important for you, we recommend you to check our Top Compact Cameras for Sports Photography list.
    Fast Max shutter speed: 1/4000s
    25 Focus Points
    Good Low Light ISO
    Wireless Connection
    Manual Exposure Mode
    Manual Focus Mode
    Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
    External Flash Shoe
    RAW shooting capability
    Average Continuous Shooting: 5.0fps
    Environmental Sealings
    Poor Battery Life: 220 shots
    Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
    No Image Stabilization
    35 mm Tele Lens

    Read the details of how we scored Sony RX1R II for Sports Photography

    Sony RX1R II for Daily Photography

    Sony RX1R II has a score of 86 for Daily Photography which makes it an EXCELLENT candidate for this type of photography.
    Compact Body
    Large Full frame (35.9 x 24 mm) sensor
    RAW shooting capability
    507g
    Body Thickness 72mm

    Read the details of how we scored Sony RX1R II for Daily Photography

    Sony RX1R II for Landscape Photography

    Sony RX1R II has a score of 62 for Landscape Photography which makes it a GOOD candidate for this type of photography. If you are looking for a camera that is better suited to Landscape Photography, we recommend you to check our Top 10 Compact Cameras for Landscape Photography list.
    Manual Exposure Mode
    Manual Focus Mode
    RAW shooting capability
    Large Full frame (35.9 x 24 mm) sensor
    Very High Resolution Sensor: 42.0MP
    35 mm - Poor Wide Angle Coverage
    No Environmental Sealings

    Read the details of how we scored Sony RX1R II for Landscape Photography
    Sony RX1R II Alternatives
    In this section, we analyse how Sony RX1R II compares with other Large Sensor Compact cameras within a similar price range.
    Read a more detailed analysis of Sony RX1R II alternatives.

    Popular Comparisons of Sony RX1R II

    Here is the eight most popular comparisons of Sony RX1R II amongst Camera Decision readers.

    Leica Q2
    Leica Q2
    Compare
    Fujifilm X100V
    Fujifilm X100V
    Compare
    Sony A7c
    Sony A7c
    Compare
    Sony RX1R
    Sony RX1R
    Compare
    Sony RX1
    Sony RX1
    Compare
    Sony RX100 VII
    Sony RX100 VII
    Compare
    Sony A7 III
    Sony A7 III
    Compare
    Leica Q
    Leica Q
    Compare

    Sony RX1R II Alternatives in Cameras

    It would also be interesting to compare Sony RX1R II with Cameras. Below we have listed 4 highest ranked cameras in Sony RX1R II's price range.

    Frequently Asked Questions about Sony RX1R II
    Does the Sony RX1R II have Image Stabilization?
    Does the Sony RX1R II have RAW support?
    Does the Sony RX1R II have Weather Sealing?
    Does the Sony RX1R II have built-in GPS?
    What is the Max ISO of Sony RX1R II?
    What is the Sensor Size of Sony RX1R II?
    is the Sony RX1R II a Full Frame (FF) camera?
    Does the Sony RX1R II have Touch Screen?
    Does the Sony RX1R II have built-in Wireless?
    What is the Max Continuous Shooting Speed (fps) of Sony RX1R II?
    What is the Weight of Sony RX1R II?
    What are the Dimensions of Sony RX1R II?
    Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1R II Detailed Specifications

    General
    Brand Sony
    Model Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1R II
    Announced 2015-10-13
    Body Type Large sensor compact
    Lens
    Manual Focus
    Lens Mount fixed lens
    Lens Focal Range 35 mm (1x)
    Max Aperture F2.0
    Macro Focus Range 14cm
    Screen
    Screen Type Tilting
    Screen Size 3
    Screen Resolution 1,229k dots
    Live View
    Touch Screen
    Viewfinder
    Viewfinder Electronic
    Viewfinder Resolution 2,359k dots
    Viewfinder Coverage 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.74x
    Photography Features
    Min Shutter Speed 30s
    Max Mechanical Shutter Speed 1/4000s
    Continuous Shooting 5.0 fps
    Shutter Priority
    Aperture Priority
    Manual Exposure Mode
    Exposure Compensation Yes
    Custom White Balance
    Image Stabilization
    Built-in Flash
    Flash Range no built-in flash
    Max Flash Sync 1/4000s
    Flash Modes Off, auto, fill flash, slow sync, rear sync, wireless
    External Flash
    AE Bracketing
    WB Bracketing
    Exposure Modes
    Multi-Segment
    Average
    Spot
    Partial
    AF-Area
    Center Weighted
    DxO Sensor Scores
    DxO Overall Score 97
    DxO Color Depth 25.8
    DxO Dynamic Range 13.9
    DxO Low Light ISO 3204
    Report a correction

    Sensor
    Sensor Type BSI-CMOS
    Sensor Size Full frame
    Sensor Dimensions 35.9 x 24 mm
    Sensor Area 861.60mm2
    Sensor Resolution 42 megapixels
    Max Image Resolution 7952 x 5304
    Max Native ISO 25,600
    Max Boosted ISO 102400
    Min Native ISO 50
    RAW Support
    Autofocus
    AF Touch
    AF Continuous
    AF Single
    AF Tracking
    AF Selective
    AF Center
    AF Multi Area
    AF Live View
    AF Face Detection
    AF Contrast Detection
    AF Phase Detection
    Number of Focus Points 25
    Number of Cross Focus Points Unknown
    Video Features
    Video Resolutions 1920 x 1080 (60p, 60i, 30p, 24p), 1280 x 720 (120p, 30p)
    Max Video Resolution 1920 x 1080
    Video Formats MPEG-4, AVCHD, XAVC S, H.264
    Microphone Port
    Headphone Port
    Connectivity
    Wireless Connectivity Built-In
    HDMI
    USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
    Physical
    Environmental Sealing
    Water Proof
    Dust Proof
    Shock Proof
    Crush Proof
    Freeze Proof
    Weight 507g
    Physical Dimensions 113 x 65 x 72mm
    Battery Life 220 shots
    Battery Type Battery Pack
    Battery Model NP-BX1
    Other Features
    Self Timer Yes (2,5, 10 sec)
    Timelapse Recording
    GPS None
    Storage Type SD/SDHC/SDXC, Memory Stick Pro Duo
    Storage Slots 1


    FOLLOW US


    Most Popular Large Sensor Compact Cameras
    Sony RX1R II
    42 MP | Full frame Sensor| 35 mm
    Panasonic ZS100
    20 MP | 1-inch Sensor| 25-250 mm
    Leica Q2
    47 MP | Full frame Sensor| 28 mm
    Sony RX100 VII
    20 MP | 1-inch Sensor| 24-200 mm
    Canon G1 X III
    24 MP | APS-C Sensor| 24-72 mm
    Fujifilm X100F
    24 MP | APS-C Sensor| 35 mm
    Panasonic LX100 II
    17 MP | Four Thirds Sensor| 24-75 mm
    Leica Q
    24 MP | Full frame Sensor| 28 mm
    Latest Compact Cameras
    Sony ZV-1
    20 MP | 1-inch Sensor | 24-70 mm
    Fujifilm X100V
    26 MP | APS-C Sensor | 35 mm
    Sony RX100 VII
    20 MP | 1-inch Sensor | 24-200 mm
    Canon G5 X MII
    20 MP | 1-inch Sensor | 24-120 mm
    Canon G7 X MIII
    20 MP | 1-inch Sensor | 24-100 mm
    Leica Q2
    47 MP | Full frame Sensor | 28 mm
    Leica Q2 Monochrom
    47 MP | Full frame Sensor | 28 mm
    Nikon A1000
    16 MP | 1/2.3-inch Sensor | 24-840 mm
    Copyright © 2021 by CameraDecision
    About Feedback Privacy Cameras

    Report a Correction