CameraDecision
  • CAMERAS
    • All Cameras
    • Cameras by Brand
      • Sony Cameras
      • Canon Cameras
      • Nikon Cameras
      • Pentax Cameras
      • Fujifilm Cameras
      • Olympus Cameras
      • Panasonic Cameras
      • Leica Cameras
      • Samsung Cameras
    • Cameras by Body Type
      • Mirrorless Cameras
      • DSLR Cameras
      • Compact Cameras
      • Bridge Cameras
      • Waterproof Cameras
  • LENSES
    • All Lenses
    • Lenses by Mount
      • Sony E Mount Lenses
      • Canon RF Mount Lenses
      • Nikon Z Mount Lenses
      • Canon EF Mount Lenses
      • Canon EF M Mount Lenses
      • Canon EF S Mount Lenses
      • Nikon F Mount Lenses
      • Fujifilm X Mount Lenses
      • Micro Four Thirds Mount Lenses
      • Leica L Mount Lenses
      • Pentax KAF Mount Lenses
      • Fujifilm G Mount Lenses
      • Sigma SA Mount Lenses
      • Sony Alpha Mount Lenses
    • Teleconverters
  • TOOLS
    • Cameras
      • Smart Find
      • 1-on-1 Comparison
    • Lenses
      • Smart Find
      • 1-on-1 Comparison
  • BLOG

Sony RX1 Review

  • Overview
  • Alternatives
  • Sony RX1

    Select a Camera to Compare

    x
    Add a Camera for comparison

    Main Features

    • 24MP - Full frame CMOS Sensor
    • ISO 100 - 25600
    • 35 mm f2.00 Prime Lens
    • 3.00" Fixed Type Screen
    • 5.0fps continuous shooting
    • 482g. 113 x 65 x 70 mm
    CHECK PRICE
    CHECK PRICE

    Sony RX1 Overview

    Launched in February 2013 , Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1 is a 24.0MP Large Sensor Compact camera with a Full frame (35.8 x 23.8 mm ) sized CMOS sensor and 35 mm F2.0-22.0 lens.

    Sony RX1 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 RX1 is a member of Sony's Large Sensor Compact class cameras. Below you can see the latest models in this class and how their main specs have changed with each new model.

    Sony Large Sensor Compact Series History
    Model Release Date Sensor Max FPS Dimensions Weight
    Sony ZV-1
    Compare
    2020 20.0MP - 1″ 24.0 fps 105 x 60 x 44mm 294g
    Sony RX100 VII
    Compare
    2019 20.0MP - 1″ 20.0 fps 102 x 58 x 43mm 302g
    Sony RX100 VA
    Compare
    2018 20.0MP - 1″ 24.0 fps 102 x 58 x 41mm 299g
    Sony RX100 VI
    Compare
    2018 20.0MP - 1″ 24.0 fps 102 x 58 x 43mm 301g
    Sony RX100 V
    Compare
    2016 20.0MP - 1″ 24.0 fps 102 x 58 x 41mm 299g

    Check the link below to compare specs of the latest cameras in this series side by side:
    Sony ZV-1 vs RX100 VII vs RX100 VA vs RX100 VI vs RX100 V

    Alternative Model names found for Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1: DSCRX1, DSC RX1, RX 1, RX1 Mark I, RX1 Mark 1, RX10M1 and RX10MI.


    **This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Related Blog Posts

    New Insta360 One RS 1-Inch 360-Degree Camera Shoots 6K Video and 21MP Stills
    Sony FE 100-400 E vs Canon 100-500 RF vs Nikon Z 100-400 vs Canon RF 100-400 Lens Size Comparison
    Tamron 17-70 F2.8 vs Fujifilm 16-55 F2.8 vs Fujifilm 16-80 F4 vs Fujifilm 18-55 F2.8-4 Lens Size and Specs Comparison
    Sony A1 Firmware Update Brings 8K 4:2:2 10-bit Video and Lossless Compressed Raw Stills
    Todays Deals: Samyang 12mm F2 for $399, Bolt Flashes for $49 and more
    Cameras with Stacked Sensors and No Blackout Viewfinders in 2022
    Todays Deals: Tripod, Microphone and more
    New Sony APS-C Lenses Available for Pre-Order

    Sony RX1 PROs and CONs Review

    Now let's get in to more details of our Sony RX1 review by analysing its specs and features and listing out its pros and cons compared to average competitor cameras in its class.

    PROs
    External Flash Shoe
    Full HD Video
    Electronic (Optional) Optional Viewfinder
    RAW Shooting
    Face Detection Focusing
    24.0MP - 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
    Good Low Light ISO - 2534
    Panorama Shooting
    AE Bracketing
    Report a correction

    Buy Sony RX1 from AMAZON or B&H PHOTO


    CONs
    No Wireless Connection
    No Image Stabilization
    No Articulating Screen
    No Touch Screen
    No Built-in Viewfinder
    Low Battery Life: 270 shots
    Heavy Body: 482
    No Environmental Sealing

    Report a correction


    Sony RX1 Physical Specs
    Sony RX1 weighs 482 g (1.06 lb / 17.00 oz) and has external dimensions of 113 x 65 x 70 mm (4.45 x 2.56 x 2.76″). Considering that the average weight of Large Sensor Compact type cameras is 401g, Sony RX1 is a significantly heavy camera for its class. With a thickness of 70mm, it is not small either, 14mm thicker than the average of its class.
    Weight Comparison

    Large Sensor Compact Cameras

    Sony RX1
    Min
    Average
    Max
    Thickness Comparison

    Large Sensor Compact Cameras

    Sony RX1
    Min
    Average
    Max

    Here is the front and top view image of Sony RX1 with the dimensions:

    Sony RX1 Body Size Dimensions
    Front and Top View External Dimensions and Size of Sony RX1 Camera Body


    In order to give you a better idea about the real life size of Sony RX1, we have added an image of how it looks next to a credit card and an AA type battery.


    Sony RX1 Body Size Compared to a Credit card and a Battery
    Physical size of the Sony RX1 Body Compared to a Credit Card and an AA Battery



    Below you can find the comparison of the weight and thickness of Sony RX1 with its main competitors:

    Sony RX1 Size Compared to Main Competitors
    Model Weight vs RX1 Thickness vs RX1
    Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1 Camera Sony RX1R
    Compare
    482g equal weight 70mm equal thickness
    Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1 Camera Sony RX1R II
    Compare
    507g 25g heavier 72mm 2mm thicker
    Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1 Camera Fujifilm X100V
    Compare
    478g 4g lighter 53mm 17mm thinner
    Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1 Camera Sony RX100
    Compare
    240g 242g lighter 36mm 34mm thinner
    Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1 Camera Ricoh GR III
    Compare
    257g 225g lighter 33mm 37mm thinner
    Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1 Camera Fujifilm X100F
    Compare
    469g 13g lighter 52mm 18mm thinner
    Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1 Camera Sony A7c
    Compare
    509g 27g heavier 60mm 10mm thinner
    Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1 Camera Sony A7
    Compare
    474g 8g lighter 48mm 22mm thinner

    Weather Sealing

    Sony RX1 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 RX1 Lens

    Sony RX1 features a 35 mm F2.0-22.0 Prime lens. This prime lens makes RX1 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

    RX1
    Widest - Canon G1 X II
    Average
    Telezoom

    Large Sensor Compact Cameras

    RX1
    Longest - Panasonic ZS200
    Average

    Max Aperture at Wide

    Large Sensor Compact Cameras

    RX1
    Fastest - Panasonic LX10
    Average
    Max Aperture at Tele

    Large Sensor Compact Cameras

    RX1
    Fastest - Leica X (Typ 113)
    Average

    Sony RX1's lens also has a Manual Focus Mode.

    Sony RX1 Sensor and Photography Features

    Sony RX1 has a 24.0MP Full frame (35.8 x 23.8 mm ) sized CMOS sensor . You can shoot at maximum resolution of 6000 x 4000 pixels with aspect ratios of 3:2 and 16:9. RX1 has a native ISO range of 100 - 25600 and it can save files in RAW format which gives you a wider room for post processing.

    Sony RX1 is not the highest resolution Full frame camera. Sigma fp L with its 61.0MP sensor is leading in this class. Check the comparison of Sony RX1 vs Sigma fp L or take a look at Highest resolution Compact cameras list.

    Sony RX1 DxOMark Sensor Scores

    DxOMark is a benchmark that scientifically assesses image quality of camera sensors. Sony RX1 sensor has been tested by DxO Mark and got an overall score of 93 for its image quality. You can find the details of their analysis of Sony RX1 here.

    Let's look at how the size of the Sony RX1's Full frame sensor compares with other standard sensor sizes.

    Sony RX1 Sensor Size Comparison
    Comparison image of Sony RX1 Sensor Size with other standard sensors



    Sony RX1 LCD

    Sony RX1 has a Fixed Type 3.00-inch 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.



    Unfortunately Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1 doesn't have a Selfie friendly screen. If this feature is important for your shooting style, check here the list of Best Compact Cameras with Selfie Friendly LCD screen.


    RX1 doesn't have a built-in viewfinder but an optional external viewfinder is available. Lack of a viewfinder can be problematic especially under strong light where visibility of LCD screens goes down dramatically. If you need a Compact camera with a built-in viewfinder in a similar price range, consider Fujifilm X100V (Compare) or Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark III (Compare).
    Alternatively, check here the list of all Compact cameras with viewfinder..

    Sony RX1 Connectivity, Storage and Battery

    You can connect RX1 to compatible devices via its HDMI port or USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) port.

    Sony RX1 Battery

    Sony RX1 is powered by NP-BX1 battery which provides a battery life of 270 shots according to CIPA standards. Considering that the average battery life of Large Sensor Compact type cameras is 303 shots, its battery life is about average in its class but it would still be wise to invest in some spare batteries for long photo trips.

    Battery Life Comparison in Large Sensor Compact Cameras

    Sony RX1
    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 RX1 vs Leica X Vario or take a look at Longest Battery Life Compact cameras list.

    Sony RX1 Features Compared to Main Competitors
    Model Max Video Battery Life Wi-fi Bluetooth NFC
    Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1 Camera Sony RX1R
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 270shots No No No
    Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1 Camera Sony RX1R II
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 220shots Yes No Yes
    Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1 Camera Fujifilm X100V
    Compare
    3840 x 2160 420shots Yes Yes No
    Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1 Camera Sony RX100
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 330shots No No Yes
    Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1 Camera Ricoh GR III
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 shots Yes No No
    Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1 Camera Fujifilm X100F
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 390shots Yes No No
    Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1 Camera Sony A7c
    Compare
    3840 x 2160 740shots Yes Yes Yes
    Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1 Camera Sony A7
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 340shots Yes No Yes

    Sony RX1 Video Features

    With Sony RX1, you can record your videos at a highest resolution of 1920 x 1080 at 60,50,25,24 fps and save in MPEG-4 and AVCHD formats. Full HD resolution of Sony RX1 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.

    RX1 has a built-in Stereo microphone and a Mono speaker. Sony RX1 also has a port for an external microphone so you can record high quality sound with the help of an external microphone. Unfortunately, it doesn't have a headphone port though.

    Also read:

    • Best Compact Cameras with Headphone Port

    Sony RX1 Other Features

    Max Shutter speed

    Sony RX1 can shoot continuously at max speed of 5 fps and has max shutter speed of 1/4000 sec.

    Flash

    RX1 has a built-in flash, and it also has a flash shoe to mount your external flashes too.
    Sony RX1 Built-in Flash
    Built-in Flash of Sony RX1

    Focusing

    Sony RX1 features a Contrast Detection autofocusing system. The AF system has 25 points to choose from.

    Sony RX1 also features Face detection AF where it intelligently detects the faces in the frame and locks the focus automatically.

    What type of Photography is Sony RX1 Good for?
    In this section, we review and score Sony RX1 in 5 different photography areas.

    Sony RX1 for Portrait Photography

    Sony RX1 has a score of 63 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 (35.8 x 23.8 mm) sensor
    Very High Resolution Sensor: 24.0MP
    RAW shooting capability
    External Flash Shoe
    Manual Focus Mode
    Manual Exposure Mode
    No Image Stabilization
    Not so good Ergonomics&Handling

    Read the details of how we scored Sony RX1 for Portrait Photography

    Sony RX1 for Street Photography

    Sony RX1 has a score of 70 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.
    Manual Focus Mode
    Live-view
    Face-Detection Focusing
    Fast Lens at Wide: f2.00
    RAW shooting capability
    Small Body
    Large Full frame (35.8 x 23.8 mm) sensor
    No Image Stabilization
    35 mm - Poor Wide Angle Coverage

    Read the details of how we scored Sony RX1 for Street Photography

    Sony RX1 for Sports Photography

    Sony RX1 has a score of 45 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
    Manual Exposure Mode
    Manual Focus Mode
    External Flash Shoe
    RAW shooting capability
    Average Continuous Shooting: 5.0fps
    Environmental Sealings
    Poor Battery Life: 270 shots
    Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
    No Image Stabilization
    35 mm Tele Lens

    Read the details of how we scored Sony RX1 for Sports Photography

    Sony RX1 for Daily Photography

    Sony RX1 has a score of 85 for Daily Photography which makes it an EXCELLENT candidate for this type of photography.
    Compact Body
    Large Full frame (35.8 x 23.8 mm) sensor
    RAW shooting capability
    482g
    Body Thickness 70mm

    Read the details of how we scored Sony RX1 for Daily Photography

    Sony RX1 for Landscape Photography

    Sony RX1 has a score of 49 for Landscape Photography which makes it an AVERAGE candidate for this type of photography. If Landscape is important for you, we recommend you to check our Top Compact Cameras for Landscape Photography list.
    Manual Exposure Mode
    Manual Focus Mode
    RAW shooting capability
    Large Full frame (35.8 x 23.8 mm) sensor
    Very High Resolution Sensor: 24.0MP
    35 mm - Poor Wide Angle Coverage
    No Environmental Sealings

    Read the details of how we scored Sony RX1 for Landscape Photography
    Sony RX1 Alternatives
    In this section, we analyse how Sony RX1 compares with other Large Sensor Compact cameras within a similar price range.
    Read a more detailed analysis of Sony RX1 alternatives.

    Popular Comparisons of Sony RX1

    Here is the eight most popular comparisons of Sony RX1 amongst Camera Decision readers.

    Sony RX1R
    Sony RX1R
    Compare
    Sony RX1R II
    Sony RX1R II
    Compare
    Fujifilm X100V
    Fujifilm X100V
    Compare
    Sony RX100
    Sony RX100
    Compare
    Ricoh GR III
    Ricoh GR III
    Compare
    Fujifilm X100F
    Fujifilm X100F
    Compare
    Sony A7c
    Sony A7c
    Compare
    Sony A7
    Sony A7
    Compare

    Sony RX1 Alternatives in Cameras

    It would also be interesting to compare Sony RX1 with Cameras. Below we have listed 4 highest ranked cameras in Sony RX1's price range.

    Sony RX1 Conclusion and Scores

    Currently, Sony RX1 has an Overall Score of 67/100 which is based on our evaluation of 69 different technical parameters. Our scores are dynamically updated whenever a new camera is added to our database or when we change our ranking algorithm and the maximum score is always 100. Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1 is ranked #12 out of 61 in Large Sensor Compact cameras (Top 20 Compact), and ranked #202 out of 1244 in all Cameras (Top 20 Overall).

    #202 out of 1244 in Top Ranking Cameras
    #12 out of 61 in Top Ranking Compact Cameras
    #16 out of 63 in Top Ranking Large Sensor Compact Cameras
    #69 out of 92 in Top Ranking Full frame Sensor Cameras
    #2 out of 9 in Lightest Compact Cameras with Full frame sensor(482g)
    #45 out of 917 in Top Ranking Cameras with Fixed Type Screen

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

    Frequently Asked Questions about Sony RX1
    Does the Sony RX1 have Image Stabilization?
    Does the Sony RX1 have RAW support?
    Does the Sony RX1 have Weather Sealing?
    Does the Sony RX1 have built-in GPS?
    What is the Max ISO of Sony RX1?
    What is the Sensor Size of Sony RX1?
    is the Sony RX1 a Full Frame (FF) camera?
    Does the Sony RX1 have Touch Screen?
    Does the Sony RX1 have built-in Wireless?
    What is the Max Continuous Shooting Speed (fps) of Sony RX1?
    What is the Weight of Sony RX1?
    What are the Dimensions of Sony RX1?
    Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1 Detailed Specifications

    General
    Brand Sony
    Model Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1
    Announced 2013-02-19
    Body Type Large sensor compact
    Lens
    Manual Focus
    Lens Mount fixed lens
    Lens Focal Range 35 mm (1x)
    Max Aperture F2.0-22.0
    Macro Focus Range n/a
    Screen
    Screen Type Fixed Type
    Screen Technology Xtra FineTFT LCD
    Screen Size 3.00"
    Screen Resolution 1,229k dots
    Live View
    Touch Screen
    Viewfinder
    Viewfinder Electronic and Optical (optional)
    Viewfinder Resolution no electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Coverage n/a
    Viewfinder Magnification n/a
    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 6.00 m
    Max Flash Sync 1/4000s
    Flash Modes Auto, On, Off, Slow Sync
    External Flash
    AE Bracketing
    WB Bracketing
    Exposure Modes
    Multi-Segment
    Average
    Spot
    Partial
    AF-Area
    Center Weighted
    DxO Sensor Scores
    DxO Overall Score 93
    DxO Color Depth 25.1
    DxO Dynamic Range 14.3
    DxO Low Light ISO 2534
    Report a correction

    Sensor
    Sensor Type CMOS
    Sensor Size Full frame
    Sensor Dimensions 35.8 x 23.8 mm
    Sensor Area 852.04mm2
    Sensor Resolution 24 megapixels
    Max Image Resolution 6000 x 4000
    Max Native ISO 25,600
    Min Native ISO 100
    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 (60, 50, 25, 24 fps), 1440 x 1080 (30, 25 fps), 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30, 25 fps)
    Max Video Resolution 1920 x 1080
    Video Formats MPEG-4, AVCHD
    Microphone Port
    Headphone Port
    Connectivity
    Wireless Connectivity Eye-Fi Connected
    HDMI
    USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
    Physical
    Environmental Sealing
    Water Proof
    Dust Proof
    Shock Proof
    Crush Proof
    Freeze Proof
    Weight 482g
    Physical Dimensions 113 x 65 x 70mm
    Battery Life 270 shots
    Battery Type Battery Pack
    Battery Model NP-BX1
    Other Features
    Self Timer Yes (2 or 10 sec)
    Timelapse Recording
    GPS None
    Storage Type SD/SDHC/SDXC, Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo/Pro-HG 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″ Sensor| 25-250 mm
    Leica Q2
    47 MP | Full frame Sensor| 28 mm
    Sony RX100 VII
    20 MP | 1″ 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″ Sensor | 24-70 mm
    Fujifilm X100V
    26 MP | APS-C Sensor | 35 mm
    Sony RX100 VII
    20 MP | 1″ Sensor | 24-200 mm
    Canon G5 X MII
    20 MP | 1″ Sensor | 24-120 mm
    Canon G7 X MIII
    20 MP | 1' 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" Sensor | 24-840 mm
    Copyright © 2022 by CameraDecision
    Privacy About Contact Us SpeakerDecision

    Report a Correction