Sony Cyber-shot RX100 II Review - The Sony RX100 II updates the award-winning RX100 with the addition of Wi-Fi, hotshoe and a vari-angle screen. Can it improve on an already excellent model?

Product Overview

Overall rating:

93%

Sony Cybershot RX100 II

Overall score:93%
Value:90%
Performance:95%
Image Quality:95%
Design:90%
Features:95%

Pros:

  • Large Sensor; Tilt Screen; Build Quality; Supports hot shoe accessories

Cons:

  • No touchscreen; Short zoom range; Expensive

Product:

Sony Cyber-shot RX100 II Review

Manufacturer:

Price as reviewed:

£650.00
The Sony Cyber-shot RX100 II is the latest advanced compact to look to build on growth in digital photography, in some part played by the growth of the smartphone. This rise has forced compact manufacturers to improve on their advanced offerings, and the RX100 II looks to build on the success the RX100 had in this area last year.

It arrives with a host of improvements, including Wi-fi, NFC functionality and a new accessory point hotshoe. Lets see if these improve the RX100 II…

Sony Cyber-shot RX100 II Review - front

 

Sony RX100 II Review – Features

The Sony Cyber-shot RX100 II’s sensor shares the same resolution and dimensions to the RX100, however the 1in 20.2MP Exmor R chip is now back-illuminated to increase the amount of light that’s captured to help improve its low-light performance.

Compared to the RX100’s 125-6400 sensitivity range, the RX100 II provides a 160-12800 ISO range that’s equivalent to a 1EV gain at the high end. Set to overlay burst shooting mode, it’s also possible to expand the ISO further to an equivalent of ISO 25,600.

Sensor and sensitivity aside, the RX100 II adopts the same 3.6x optical zoom lens as found on its predecessor. This fast 28-100mm lens is engineered by Carl Zeiss and features a maximum aperture of f/1.8 at the wide end that closes to f/4.9 at full telephoto.

To prevent the lens protruding too far from the body when it’s switched off, Sony have used an Advanced Aspherical (AA) lens element to keep it as slimline as possible, while the lens also features a 7-blade aperture diaphragm to produce pleasing Bokeh (out-of-focus areas).

Users of filters and conversion lenses should note that lens doesn’t support a filter thread, but there is now an option to set the zoom in step increments, with 28,35,50,70 and 100mm settings all available to choose from.

To counteract the affects of handshake, the RX100 II incorporates Sony’s Optical SteadyShot system. Active and Standard modes can be set when recording HD video, and the zoom can also be used when shooting HD video, which is unlike some other compacts and smartphones.

Sony Cyber-shot RX100 II Review - rear view

LCD screen

Improving on the Sony RX100’s fixed screen, the Sony RX100 II features a 3in, 1229k-dot display that’s the tilting type. It utilises Sony’s White Magic technology and is designed to display brighter images and preserve battery power. Additionally, a new Multi interface shoe opens up possibilities for creative photographers who’d like to attach additional accessories to the hot shoe, such as an electronic viewfinder, external flash or remote control.

Not to forget its new connectivity options, it’s also Wi-fi equipped and becomes Sony’s first camera to be NFC enabled – allowing one-touch image transfer between the camera and NFC enabled devices.

Along with the standard P,A,S,M settings, scene modes and the option to shoot in the versatile Raw format, the RX100 II offers a selection of five Creative styles to create punchy and dramatic results straight out of the camera.

Adding to all this, the RX100 II can fire a continuous burst of images at 10fps in its Speed Priority mode, and HD video is supported in AVCHD or MP4 formats at 24/25p and 50/60p.

Find the best deals for the Sony Cybershot RX100 II

  1. 1. Introduction
  2. 2. Sony RX100 II Review – Design
  3. 3. Sony RX100 II Review – Performance
  4. 4. Sony RX100 II Review – Image Quality
  5. 5. Sony RX100 II Review – Verdict
  6. 6. Sony Cyber-shot RX100 II Review - Sample Image Gallery
  7. 7. Sony Cyber-shot RX100 II Review - First Look
Page 1 of 7 - Show Full List