Sony almost made it perfect..more thoughts on the RX1

229 Comments

1. Too expensive.

   This is Sigma’s style of pricing. Bring something great out and price it beyond what 99% people want to pay……this is neither good for us photographers or Sony which is making some great products.

   If this camera had a built in EVF ( flash wasnt necessary as steve pointed out…the could sell external flashes) and priced it under $1800, Sony would sell them by truckloads! I am sure I would get one.

   Same with Sigma SD1…if they had priced at at $2000 to start with….they would have broken ever sales Sales record for non Nikanon DSLR.

   I am probably not as smart as those marketing people at Sony and Sigma…but I think if you sold millions of the same camera and there is no need to re-tool the factory and and keep selling the same product for 3-4 years…. isn’t that better than selling a few thousand cameras and keep on making new production line every 1 or 2 year? You cant do that with a entry level DSLR or even a regular DSLR……but heck…if you are the only one making such camera………why not??

   I wish the camera makers matured……..the sensors and technologies available today would keep us all happy for next few years….no need to bring out new cameras…no need for apps and wifi and gps.

   Just give us a camera with best of 2012 (and make it a photographer’s camera ).
   Most photographers want:
   1. A viewfinder for god’s sakes!
   Optical is preferred…but hybrid and EVF are also ok.

   2. Flash is not mandatory but ISO Hot Shoe is.

   3. Wifi and apps and other gizmos…… belong in a phone… don’t put it here unless you are also putting a place to stick a sim card in the camera itself.

   4. Price it within the reach of at least 40% of the photographers……the current price of RX1 out of reach of 80% of us…..especially when its a product that none of us actually need but all of us want.

   • @Ujwal why should Sony drop the price? Same story for Leica, drop the price! Or…, do you think Leica can justify it’s pricing, because it is a Leica?…. Yeah man a Leica! 🙂

2. I don’t know where to post this, but I hope, Steve, you will feel able to put it up.

   Surprise for Leica R lens owners. Do you also own an Olympus 4/3rds mount dslr? Did you know you can use your Leica R lenses on your dslr, and with focus confirmation? I didn’t until a few days ago when I spied an adaptor that claimed to do just this. And it does! 🙂 The price of just £20 including postage from China made it sound too good to be true but it was cheap enough to give it a go as it was said to be compatible with my Panasonic LC10, along with most of the 4/3rds range, but not micro models.

   The adaptor has a small microchip and a ring of contacts that mate with the pins in the camera. As the lens is focused the green LED visible in the v/f blinks in the camera to confirm focus has been achieved.

3. MAX shutter speed of 1/2000 … ;>/

   • +1 😐

4. Can someone (suppose RX1 is not FF…) explain me if it would be possible to adapt a Leica-M lense on this camera with what advantages or disadvantages? Thanks in advance for your lights.
   For me, undoubtely this RX1 is the best surprise of Photokina2012 (except FF).

   • Unfortunately, not. The lens is permanently attached to the camera body.

5. Full frame sensor. High-end Zeiss glass. Small body. These alone make the RX1 expensive. Full frame sensors are not exactly commonplace in small cameras. When they become more standard and are available across the different brands, then prices will drop. Look at SSD drives. They were soooo expensive compared to standard HD’s. Now, they’re pretty cheap as more manufacturers are producing them and more people are buying them. However, Zeiss glass is Zeiss glass. On B&H’s website, a Zeiss 35mm f/2 lens is around $1,000. In comparison, Canon’s 35mm f/2 lens is about $300. So just the lens on the RX1 alone is around $1,000. That leaves $1,800 for the camera. The Fuji X-Pro 1 (without a lens) is $1700 and has a crop sensor. I know that many of us were hoping that the RX1 would be somewhere between $1500 and $2100. Well, do the math. Look at the breakdown of features, electronics, and mechanics. How about this, compare the RX1 for $2,800 to a Leica M7 for $5000. Maybe that’ll make you feel better :~)

   • Keith, I like your comparison and which puts the RX1 price into perspective and in a much better light. It is just that I suspect just about everybody wished it had an interchangeable mount. The present RX1 shows it can be done, and we just have to wait. This would then be possibly THE camera to have.

6. Ok,I am a total novice after a full frame digital cameraI that is in your pocket,so shoot me down.If the light gathering of full frame is utilised,is the need for other lenses so important?Can you enlarge the image or portion of the image you have shot in post software to achieve your desired picture,wouldn’t the detail achieved from the full frame enable this to a greater degree than smaller sensors.You are not going to get wide angle or fisheye but surely a lot can be achieved in post production can’t it,to cover lots of other options.If so,an interchangeable lens camera at full frame would not be so massively superior to its fixed counterpart,or is that not a valid point in the real world shooting.You can stick this RX1 in your jacket pocket and it could always be there,sounds good to me.

7. Simple – parallax error. I shoot with an X100 so I have he choice, and I shoot exclusively with the EVF. A modern, high resolution EVF is superior in every way to an OVF. Not only can you accurately gauge the cropping and focus of the shot (with peaking for video mode), but you can preview exposure and chromatic settings such as mono, and review the shot without needing to chimp the rear screen. Hugely beneficial. The EVF of the X100 was a nice experiment, but to my mind, only proved that the EVF is the way of the future. I am constantly disappointed that my D800 doesn’t have one.

8. RX1…
   No built-in OVF or EVF
   No speed dial.
   Bonkers UK price.

   Nice one, Sony. So near and yet so far…

   • Lol, yes, you nailed the point.

   • The Rx-1 is an acumilation fo what ppl ask for. I think it’s possible that a camera company can make a cheap FF 8 MP camera with the works and make it less than 1200. They won’t make it because most ppl cry over MP and noise.I’m sure the Canon 5d sensor is much cheaper to buy now, but how many people would buy a camera with an “older” sensor? Id be happy with a mirroless camera using that sensor. That’s why Sony probably had no choice but to put in that new RX-1 FF sensor and leave out other important features. If folks would stop buying somany outragiously expensive new cameras and settle for older FF sensors, we would have a few sub 1000 dollar FF cameras by now.Camera companies sell to make money, when ppl buy new cameras with uneccesary new features year after year, the price just goes up and up and up. it’s best sometimes to vote by not buying.

9. I feel that Sony wanted this to be a compact rather than a system camera, unfortunately. If this camera would have had to be a bit bigger so it could have an EVF or hybrid VF, no one would have complained. If this camera would have looked like the X-pro 1 (I know comparing it to the x-100 is more relevant, but the X-pro 1 just makes me drool), I would have bought it for sure. For this type of camera the fixed lens is not really a hindrance.
   I don’t think it is likely that we will see a FF IC in my opinion, because it would mean a start from scratch in terms of lenses. Any thoughts on this?

   • I wonder if it wouldn’t be possible for Sony to make an IC version that’s M-mount compatible. I also wonder if they (Zeiss by preference) could build M-mount lenses that, at the same time, are AF for this particular Sony body. In that case, Sony would only need to offer a few dedicated lenses in AF, because buyers would have a vast choice of the best lenses one can get at the same time. Extra advantage: all pro’s and enthousiasts that already possess M-mount glass would easily buy it. Image Sony could offer such a body with EVF, Tri-Nav and tiltable LCD for under $3000, saving on the lens, I would pre-order it in a second!

     • I totally agree with you and would also pre-order in a second an IC version M-mount compatible.

10. Hi, here’s some pics taken from RX1.
    http://sonyalphanex.blogspot.com/2012/09/sony-rx-1-sample-images-from-sony-japan.html

    • That last shot of the carousel is from the RX100 not RX1. Sony sent me the full size and when I checked the EXIF it showed it was taken by the RX100. When I asked Sony abouyt it they basically said “ooops”

      • I see. Thanks Steve.What’s your view on high ISO files from RX1 if you happened to see them?

11. No EVF. But a Pop Up Flash. INSTEAD!!
    The company that makes the best EVF on the market.
    Oh wait! You can buy an antique loop and stick it on top.
    Cute! And trendy too!

    This is why all marketing departments should be drowned.
    Could have been THE camera.

    Did I mention that it has a Pop Up Flash. yeah

12. 2800 UDS is a ok price – The Price in my cuntry (Denmark) is 24.000 DKR or 4.215 USD….

13. We need to read less about gear and more about photography. I am getting bored with those daily hypes about sensors, EVF or OVF, menu’s, and Mr. Huff wetting his pants because of a new Sony electronic device.

    • Then I have a solution for you 🙂 – Dont visit this blog. It’s free, I write what i want, say what I want and always have/always will. It’s Photokina so I will write about the new products that are worth writing about. The great thing is you do not pay a cent to read this blog and you can skip any article you wish.

    • Mister Johan Stam, you’re free on internet to choose what you want. And you’re free to be a gentleman or not! Thanks a lot Steve for this site.

    • Who are the ‘we’?

    • Johan, this is totally unacceptable. Many people have commented on this blog about the merits or otherwise of the RX1, and there are clearly many pro’s and cons voiced. But there is no room to be personally insulting. And as Brian says, who are you to speak for the rest?

14. Sony has launched the RX1, and Leica may have this? Surely not?

    http://williamyan.com/blog/2012/9/11/nyfw-style-jane-keltner-de-valle.html

    • Hilarious picture!

      “Mercedes Benz fashion week?” Gosh, sorry I missed it.

      The lime green/magenta Leica fits right in.

15. I still think that many of of the complaints about this camera would be solved choosing Leica. I don’t have an M9/8, I have an M3. But digital RF Leicas offer something than no other camera offer: OVF with focus info plus direct mechanical manual phocus. For me, these two advantages, plus Leica glass, are enough to put them into another league. I don’t need AF, I don’t want it. Leicas can be expensive, but for the time being they are unique. I know people with Leicas who are not rich but maybe they have a cheaper car (or bike) or no car at all. And it’s not a problem of IQ, but a question of the shooting process. Compared with a Leica, this RX1 is an expensive P&S. It can be fun and have a wonderful IQ, but shooting a RF is another experience, not better or worse; older, more mechanical, one where the machine is better coupled with the brain and the hands. For a P&S advanced experience I’d rather use Ricoh’s GRD’s, with fixed lens, OVF and full manual controls. And exceptional B&W. And yes, a small sensor very well suited for some type of photography

16. I still think that many of of the complaints about this camera would be solved choosing Leica. I don’t have an M9/8, I have an M3. But digital RF Leicas offer something than no other camera offer: OVF with focus info plus direct mechanical manual phocus. For me, these two advantages, plus Leica glass, are enough to put them into another league. I don’t need AF, I don’t want it. Leicas can be expensive, but for the time being they are unique. I know people with Leicas who are not rich but maybe they have a cheaper car (or bike) or no car at all. And it’s not a problem of IQ, but a question of the shooting process. Compared with a Leica, this RX1 is an expensive P&S. It can be fun and have a wonderful IQ, but shooting a RF is another experience, not better or worse; older, more mechanical, one where the machine is better coupled with the brain and the hands. For a P&S advanced experience I’d rather use Ricoh’s GRD’s, with fixed lens, OVF and full manual controls. And exceptional B&W. And yes, a small sensor very well suited for some type of photography.

17. When RX1 drops to $1000 (5 years) i for sure may acquire
    by which time someone else may well bring out a FF MILC with EVF / OVF at $1000.

    For now for my shooting
    DP1M
    J1 + 10-110 (boy oh boy if Nikon bring out a 100-400)
    Nex 5n (for legacy glass)
    OMD + 45/1.8 75/1.8
    RX100
    X100

    • How much you spend on avoiding the purchase of an M9?

      • Having tested M9 in a London Leica store
        M9 is just a cheap overpriced electronic gadget compared to M3 double stroke

18. A dream niche camera priced like an SD1 on the doorstep of a possible recession worldwide. I applaud Sony for coming out with this niche product. I wonder if it will have a positive impact on Sony Imaging division bottom line. In the last quarter, the division saw increased sales (7-8% better) but margins and net income were flat. That means declining margin per unit of sale. $2799, Sony is aiming for a big fat margin on this RX1, but what good is it (to the division and to Sony) if it does not sell in huge volume to offset R&D, M&S and G&A expenses.

19. Kudos to Sony for what they have done……………..no doubt a breakthrough camera that will have the other companies scrambling to catch up. This is good news for everybody.

    But for me, the new Fuji makes much more sense at exactly HALF the price due to:
    –Superb image quality, all I will personally ever need, including adequate bokeh when using a fast lens
    –Excellent EVF, equal to NEX7
    –Great low light capability
    –Interchangeable lenses of excellent quality at reasonable prices that I would be comfortable paying. Here you can have a whole system of lenses that Fuji is continuing to expand
    –Super discount of ~$300 on their new stabilized fast zoom lens when purchased as a kit for $1400, vs. `$2800 for the Sony with a fixed 35mm lens.
    –A completely analog shooting experience, with aperture and shutter speed dials as on my X100 (feels just like shooting a film camera and gives me a more satisfying shooting experience than anything else I’ve ever used). This is a really big deal for me, can’t be quantified, but makes a huge difference in my shooting enjoyment
    –Improved focusing over previous models, as well as other improvements
    –Class-leading Jpeg quality, as well as in-camera raw processing

    As far as I’m concerned, I think Fuji hit the ball out of the park with this one

    • EP1 Nex5 live view with legacy allowed me to get a photo the way i wanted (kind of extreme look) with minimum pp.
      Hope EX1 has decent liveview as XP1 doesnt.

      • Could you please elaborate on the liveview issues with XP1? I’m considering purchasing an XP1 and your advice would be very helpful. Thanks.

        • Hi Alex

          EP1 NEX when changing aperture, shutter LCD changes accordingly :
          makes it really easy for me to take a photo just how i want and not pp (or minimal pp)

          XP1 doesnt do this.
          (Easy to do in a software update).

          • Many thanks for clarifying that, dgd. I can live with that, I guess.

20. I have been dreaming of a compact FF Sony since I pre-ordered my NEX-7. Before that I have been dreaming of an M9, but eventually decided not to buy it because of it’s price. I was ready to pre-order a FF NEX the very first moment of his announcement. But this isn’t a NEX. And I understand why: because of the non-FF lenses. So no FF-NEX. But I don’t use NEX-lenses on my 7. I guess I’m not the only one that loves manual shooting and uses a (thin M-mount) adapter to fit (M-mount) lenses on the NEX. In the meanwhile I have 11 lenses of different sizes and character. I love to have this choice. So I’m not married with NEX. I’m merried with manual shooting and compact format camera’s and I’d love to have a FF camera that I don’t find crazy expensive (for my use) like the Leica’s. The NEX-7 was (and still is) all that, except for the FF. The TriNav controls are ingenious, as well is the integrated EVF and the focus peeking. So I hoped Sony would come with a camera that had all that. The NEX system seemed to be the best way to go to me, forgetting about the lens problem.

    And now the RX-1 has is all! ??? Yeah, except for the IC and the integrated EVF. So shall I forget about my 11 lenses? And shall I live with an EVF that I have to attach on top of the camera? I’m really sorry, but I won’t. I so much hoped that this would be THE camera for me, but it isn’t. I’m so sorry! Still, I continue hoping that Sony will make the camera of my dreams in the very near future. It’s really not complicated: the RX-2 or RX-Pro (or whatever) with IC and integrated EVF.

    I guess that maybe they didn’t come with those features, because it meant that they had to develop yet another line of lenses, which probably a lot of the users wouldn’t buy. I guess there are quite some guys like me that hope for a more affordable compact FF camera in the future and already are taking steps towards it, in buying some nice glass. Glass the we already use, via adapter. I believe if the RX1 would be IC, that M-mount lenses wouldn’t ask for a adapter that thick. And those lenses, being compact, would be a very nice fit. I guess many people (like myself) look upon the M-mount as the most preferred standard for compact camera’s, and this standard is free to every manufacturer. Why can’t we convince Sony to make an IC version of the RX-1 that’s M-mount? Zeiss already makes very nice ZM lenses. As does Voightländer. We can buy very nice glass without having to spend Leica-money. Yet adding a Leica lens to my collection is a lot less crazy to me than a Leica body, the lenses having a much longer life… Furthermore, an M-mount Sony would be extremely attractive to everybody who already owns that kind of glass. Is this really dreaming too much? Some already said it: the RX1 joins western lens technology with Japanese sensor technology. Why not going straight forward and concentrating on the body, leaving the lenses for the lens specialists? BTW, Sony still can ask Zeiss to make a few dedicated AF lenses. Or is it impossible to combine AF with M-mount? I guess not, but maybe I’m wrong here. They already have one very nice one, which is now fixed on the RX1. Should it really be impossible to make that in M-mount? (I’m really not technical, so I wonder…)

    Still I have been doubting the last few days: to buy or not to buy the RX1? But no, it’s too expensive for an in-between camera. Because for sure, somebody will make a compact FF with EVF and IC and focus peeking in the near future.

    Me too, I hope the RX1 won’t stay on the shelves, slowing down the release of my dream camera. I know Steve mentioned the big pre-sales numbers, but I wonder if those are pre-sales to customers or to the shops. This makes a big difference. I know some companies already speak about pre-sales when shops have pre-ordered. But in that case, the camera’s still could stay on the shelves. Let’s hope for the best. I know I so much keep my fingers crossed! Sony did an amazing job. Let’s push them one step further yet!!!

21. but what will produce the best IQ between the Sigma DP2 Merrill and Sony RX1

    • Totally different IQ and qualities. The DP2M will offer solid medium format like IQ but will not do shallow DOF or come close to what the Sony will do in that area. Sony will destroy the DP2M in low light, focus speed, high ISO and overall usability as well as feel, build, etc. The DP2M would destroy the Sony in overall detail and sharpness of the files. If you want to shoot landscapes at f/8 go with a DP2M. If you want to shoot life..go for something else.

22. I know I will get slammed. But without an EVF. $2800 seems steep. The Fuji X-E1 sounds more appealing to me when you consider price and functionality and I also don’t believe you will lose much with IQ. Yes, its apples and oranges to a certain degree but I am just comparing because they are both new products. With that said, I still commend Sony for what they have done. I love the fixed 35mm lens approach. I think its a matter of time before a Full frame Compact Camera with EVF will be reasonably priced. For me that’s less then $1,500.

    • Totally agree. Full frame is cool and all, but for most photography, by most people, most of the time, it’s overkill. Image quality on the Fujis is superb, X-E1 looks much more usable and versatile, has an EVF, interchangeable lenses, and cheaper too!

      (Having said that, this time I’m waiting for a bunch of reviews before I spend money on the Fuji.)

23. I have an X100, and I don’t think the fixed lens is a problem at all, but the buyer has to be able to afford a whole separate camera for a specialized purpose. I think there are a lot more such people who can afford
    $1000 (for an X100) than there are who can afford almost $3000 (or more, if they buy the not-included lens shade, thumb rest and EVF. Not throwing in the thumb rest and shade is just greedy.)

    At this price level, it would have been easy for Sony to raise the top of the camera 1/4 inch and include even a simple optical window with an accurate frame. It wouldn’t have to have levels or histograms or any of the junk that is often included. Just shutter speed and aperture and I could even live without focus confirmation.

    You’re not going to be putting this camera in your pocket anyway, so the extra bulk doesn’t matter.

    At this price level, a big part of the market is older photographers who have disposable cash, and are comfortable with the rangefinder style, and not so comfortable with the dirty-diaper stance. That includes both serious photographers and, yes, the dentists who buy M9s and then don’t use them. By leaving off a viewfinder, Sony has kissed off that part of the market.

    And me. I’m sure its image quality will be wonderful, but I won’t be buying a $3000 point-n-shoot.

24. At F2 what will be the fastest shutter ?

25. I too applaud Sony for making this camera. Yesterday, I was sceptical about the price, but you know, it’s growing on me, and by the time it is available, you never know.

26. At $2800 the EVF should be in the box. Aside from that I think they’ve done an amazing job. I think it will come bundled at a discount after Xmas.

27. Wher’s the shutter speed conrolled from … one of the wheels on the back???

28. Please; put a button for b/w on this gem! Then it will be complete 🙂

29. I am sure we will see a RX-1vf in 6 months with a built in EVF.

    When you use the external ovf you dont know where the camera focuses (and you better know at f2.0 FF)
    When you add an external EVF the camera looses its nice formfactor.
    Sony allready knows how to do it from the Nex7.

30. And now we have the same sensor in a Nikon body
    and that for 2000$
    RX1 might lose some early enthusiasts to this D600
    I know apple and oranges, but IQ will be great (probably) and versatility increased for the money.
    RX1 will become a specialist camera for a small crowd considering the availability of this sensor in at least one other and more affordable camera.

31. Many of the complaints here are sort of funny: do you want an OVF with info? Get an M9, a used M8 or a Fuji X. Do you want interchangeable lenses? Get an M9/8 or an X1Pro (or EX). Do you want something cheaper? Get a Fuji. Many of he complaints would be mitigated easily: write and read less in camera forums, work more, save, and go for the M or the X.

    • The RX-1 is 3 times the cost of the eos-m. The m9 is almost 3 times price of the Rx-1. It’s not about working and saving to get a camera, it’s about “value on a cost per is it worth it” basis. I don’t think the m9 is worth 7 grand myself, so I won’t buy it even if I win lotto or have the money. Many people vote with their pocket books. Having never bought any Apple product or even a cell phone, I’m glad I never contributed to making apple more money. Apple does not need to be even more wealthy as they havent done squat for me.

      The question is, does the RX-1 go beyond certain “money value ” limits. People don’t like to be taken advantage of, even if they are rich. I remember working for my brother in law in renovations years ago.. We had a veryvery wealthy client once, i joked and ask him ” So I geuss you can charge quite a bit for putting in that door, haha?” My brother in law turned to me and said ” with folks who have money, you have to understand that you can charge a good fair price and they generally wont ask for any discounts…but you can’t go charging 10 grand to put in a door either , EVEN RICH FOLKS HAVE THEIR LIMITS , AND NO ONE, RICH OR POOR LIKE TO FEEL THAT THEY’RE BEING TAKEN ADVANTAGE OF.” So i don’t know where this RX-1 stands really…it’s kinda like Sony’s asking people to pay 10 grand to put in a door. LOL

      • The EOS-M appears lackluster at best IMO. APS-C, so so lenses, ugly design, etc. For me, the EOS M is the least exciting camera to come out this year. The RX1 can meet or exceed a D800 or 5DII yet fit in a jacket pocket. How much is a D800 or 5DII with good fast prime? The RX1 is for those who want small, simple and amazingly good IQ. Superb video too. SO why does Nikon charge so much for a D800 body without a lens? Is that like Nikon asking someone to put $15,000 into a door? Not everyone wants a huge DSLR. I would take an RX1 over a DSLR any day of the week..ANY DSLR, even a D4. Why? Because I do not want a huge and heavy camera that is larger than my head. No need for one. The RX1 is a tech marvel..no one else has done it so it’s the only game in town. I also happen to know they have sold a boatload already in pre-orders. As long as it lives up to the hype of Sony it will do great.

        • As long as it lives up to the hype of Sony it will do great…”

          famous words, eh?

        • I dont doubt the RX-1 has amazing IQ but theres no way you can get that into your pocket unless your pockets are pretty large and loose. With the nikon d800 you 36mp FF and nikons own proprietary tech not to mention an OVF. It also handles better amongst other things I’m sure. about the preorders, dont forget that what is ordered isnt necessarily customers but also vendors. It depends on how long the camera sits on the shelves. It’ll be alot easier to sell a eos-m type of camera than the Sony. With a compact camera coming out being FF isnt so new because during film, there were a dime a dozen PS cameras using 35mm film. It was just a matter of when. they even had film PS cameras with fixed lenses! What a marvel that was. It wouldnt have been hard for someone to stick a sensor in those kind of cameras instead of film, that’s all it is. sonys a good choice for tv’s and gaming, but a camera like the rx-1, the jury is still out.

32. Hi Steve!

    The comparision with the highest interest I do see here – NIKON D600 vs SONY RX1.

    It’s almost the same Sensor – Nikon claims with changes they wanted to have in it.
    And as far as camera history has shown – the (almost) same sensor in a Nikon body with Nikkor lenses vs Sony body and Sony lenses – Nikon has been the “winner”.

    So looking forward to see, according IQ (bodies, size can’t be compared cause the are too different) who wins the shootout!

    😉

33. Many of you are saying that this is a point and shoot for the rich kids and “tourists”, however I don’t think that casual photographers would ever buy a point and shoot which lacks a zoom feature.

    I’m not really defending RX1, as I’m still on the fence about it myself.

34. Almost perfect and no viewfinder? Almost usable.

35. I usually find your posts very interesting, but on this, it seems too much hype for having just fired 5-10 shots in your living room…

36. Beautifully looking camera and judging by what Sony has been doing lately, bound to be a competent performer. In a way, it is just like opening a door to another dimension. The most excitment seems to lie in what is coming thereafter. Remember the times of Black Trinitron, anyone?

37. About the flash, Sony could not have made a hotshoe for an external flash because they made the body TOO SMALL. It looks like you can barely grip the thing, imagine sticking a big flash on top of that. that lens looks really fat as well.

    No EVF means you have to shoot like a tourist until you get one. Nothing like looking like a tourist and having local thieves pick you out among the crowd, it’s gonna be painful loss if you lose that camera.

    Price, I agree is not good. Actually it’s quite silly. The camera does not even look like a camera that should be over 700 dollars, let alone 2 and a half grand, before taxes…. and we all know how much the mafiosos in any government loves taxes. I can almost see peoples faces when they get told how much the little Sony camera they wanted really is. The a99 is a much much better buy at the same price. Better to hold, same sensor, EVF, and you can use other lenses. Only thing different is size and the 35mm Zeiss lens.

    Which leaves me to conclude that this camera is a feeling out camera. No lens changability means no actual line to discontinue. It means no custmer can say” screw you guys, i spent all this money on your lenses and stuff and you abandon the line?” Just like the Fuji x-100, you can see Sony’s thinking. It’s not too hard to see. If not enough people buy this camera, there just wont be a rx-2. If alot of ppl but it, then hey, look, here comes the new rx pro1 !.LOL.

    With such an expensive fixed lens camera, it does limit potential customers. Some folks will say that it’s meant to be a niche market. If that’s the case, then why would a big company like Sony make less money when they can make more with a camera that will suit a wider user base? The answer, imo is that the rx-1 is just a feeling out camera. It’s made just to test the market, to see how many ppl will actually plunk down that kind of money on a camera that has a fixed lens. Noobs like zoom lenses, enthusiasts like a bunch of fixed lenses, and pros like both. This camera is a BIG gamble for Sony, and I dont think it will be a big success. It’s way too expensive for what it gives back. Some will say it’s got great IQ and FF. I say that EVERYONE who would buy this camera and that care about FF is NOT enough to make big margins for Sony. Most pros who do sports or weddings is not going to get this camera, for the most part. That leaves only the rich enthusiasts and certain pros left. That’s not alot of meat on the bone left.

    Seriously though, all Sony really has to do is make a ILC with a really good APSC or FF at an affordable price, good EVF and juat copy the body styling of a Leica m camera and they’d have more success…at that price. Heck, if you dress up the nex 7 into a Leica m ish body it would sell more. The Rx-1 looks like a camera in the eos m’s market.but…it is NOT. Bet your rump that side by side, most consumers will get the eos-m, even if they like the Sony more..because 800 dollars and 2 and a half grand for most consumers is a long long long long long way apart.

    • Regarding your last paragraph…. “make ILC with really good APSC”…”good EVF”… “copy the body styling of a Leica”. I think you just described the Fuji APS sensored X-series cameras! But of course Sony cannot copy that formula!

      • Let me elaborate on the jyst of what i meant, perhaps I phrased it wrong. My point is that camera designs are so bad these days especially on expensive cameras like the RX-1 that Sony or anyone mind as well copy the body styling of what worked in the past or present, cameras like the Leica m3, Nikon s3, Canon P. People should never underestimate aesthetics. You could but a Lamborghini shell on a regular family sedan and it would sell much better. Looks count for alot in life, like it or not, it’s no different in cameras. For the sony NEX cameras and others as well, a pack of cards is hardly a design. For a 200 dollar camera it’s fine but not on one thats almost 3 grand after taxes. It is always easier to make a good looking product than a good product of course, but a good product that looks like an aligators ass isn’t neccesarily going to sell well either.

        If you look at the EOS line, arguably the best looking camera is their flagship 1d series. Every other camera looks like a younger brother or baby version of the 1d…there is a sense of aesthetic direction, when you pay for the best, you get the best and the best looking. There is none of that with the Sonys. The a900 looks nothing like the other cameras with it’s triangular 1970’s prism head.I should also point out that SonyMinolta likes fixing things that arent broken. Case in point the NEX 7’s navy dials.Now on the NEX 6 they are gone. That’s Sony for you, here on day, you like it, it’s gone next year. If you like a Sony camera model, buy it now cause next year it’s a crap shoot.Chances are, next year what you liked about the current model will be gone.

        As for your comment “I think you just described the Fuji APS sensored X-series cameras! But of course Sony cannot copy that formula!” – Yes, but here is the thing, if the x 100 or x pro1 are good looking cameras, Sony has to at least match or exeed them in looks. They have NOT imo with the RX-1..NOT even CLOSE. You cant even put a flash on that thing unless you like holding the flash on its base with your left hand. You can’t ask someone to pay
        porsche prices and give them something that looks like a bath tub with four wheels. It won’t wash over with most folks. Speaking of a bathtub with four wheels has anyone ever seen the PT Cruiser convertable? You couldn’t pay me to be seen in that thing.

        The RX-1 just does not look like a 2 and half grand camera..it just doesn’t. It’s too small, has a pop up flash and no EVF. FF is better than aps c ,yes, but not as much as most ppl think. And I said it before, the RX-1 looks like a 700 dollar camera, and if it was 700, that would be fine. But at it’s high price, you would d think sony could at least cut its son’s hair and dress him up before sending him out to his prom. Sorry SonyMinolta, you need to stop being cheap and hire proper designers instead of getting your overworked web designers to do the job for you. You get what you pay for and in terms of the RX-1’s looks, you definately don’t get what you will have to pay for.

        • This has got to be the silliest comment here, and that’s saying a lot. It doesn’t look like a 2.5 grand camera? Maybe to you but to me it looks like a classic bit of machinery, second only to the Leica X1/2 in terms of looks. But if you judge by size, then yes, this does not look expensive, but so what? Having said that, I am not sure why anyone would want a camera to look expensive, more attractive to thieves.

          • That’s good, glad you like it, maybe someday Sony will make it look like a sardine can just like the Leica x1|2.That being said,if you dont want a camera to look expensive, why don’t you ask Sony to make a camera that resembles solidified vomit… that way it won’t be atractive to thieves.hmm? And you say I have the silliest comment here? That RX-1 body looks like a bar of soap, but I don’t want to insult bars of soap cause some of them actually have a nice design. LOL

        • Camera design is a personal thing. Just because you don’t like it, doesn’t mean other people won’t. I actually quite like it, but that’s me and I certainly wouldn’t presume my opinion on others.

          • I do not think I presuming my opinion on others, friendo. This is a “comment” section of the site is it not? Camera design and looks are not as personal as you think…otherwise, we’d all be super models. If design was strictly a personal matter , I wonder how many people would buy a Ferrari if it looked like a garbage can.

38. Here is the scary thing about this camera: We all seem to concur that this camera is an amazing feat of engineering but without an internal EVF and without interchangeable lenses coupled with the hefty price, nobody here wants to buy one. I hope this trend doesn’t carry over into the general public because, if it does, this camera will be sitting on shelves and Sony will trash this project. This camera needs to succeed in order to green light the future developments we all want this camera to have.

    • They have already pre-sold loads of them so I doubt it will sit on shelves..at least for the next few months anyway 🙂

    • Wrong.

      • No Steve, but David Hunter.

39. Next model RX2, interchangeable lens mount, EVF built in. Adapter for Leica R glass, then you beat Leica to the “R” solution. See Leica, sitting on your ass, and forgetting your R glass owners is just stupid, now Sony is going eat your lunch.

    • Oh YES !!!
      And I can use my Leica R macro Gear and my Nikon very first version, etc. … I wait and hope Sony will dare.
      DS

    • The “R Solution” is a fantasy on the part of folks who own lovely R lenses and want to use them for digital. (That would include me) Leica never sold enough of them for there to be a market that needs a “solution”. No major company has any reason to care, including Leica.

      Be happy that there are a couple of firms who make adapters.

      • Hi, Scott,

        What you say is perfectly true, unfortunately. 🙁 But whilst in reality it would be easy to accommodate R lens owners by using a simple manual adaptor, it is unlikely any manufacturer could sell us too many of their marque lenses if any, unless one wanted image stabilisation or AF,

        Admittedly, my personal position is a very selfish one, with my 24, 35, 50, 60 and 135 covering all my needs. Other than the 135, which is awkward on my 5N, I am more than content with shooting manually in Aperture Priority mode, but how I long to be able to have full FOV. One day, perhaps?

40. What’s up with Sony’s phallic fixation. It’s just the funniest of all ironies. Let’s make the most compact body but let’s stick a fat lens in front of it (yeah yeah I understand the physics behind it). Hello, it’s not compact anymore. We see it in the NEX cell phone camera series (sarcasm) and this just “super sized” it. As for pricing, I see their logic though. If Fuji can get away with the X-Pro1 at $2,300 for body and lens, let’s tag $500 on top because we are full frame. But they forgot the most fundamental requirement all photographers need – THE VIEWFINDER. So now all the fanboys are trying to justify the price point. Poor execution was not excusable to the X-Pro1 on what could have been a fantastic camera right off the bat (no one disputes IQ), so why excuse poor design for the Sony? I won’t argue that this is a ground breaking camera, but for the sake of making the “smallest body” possible, this is just extreme. If a camera is no longer pocketable like a point and shoot (big jackets do not make a camera pocketable) then what’s the point? As for controls? Gag me because it looks like another menu driven contraption. And we all know how intuitive the Sony menu system is…

    • I concur. A built-in viewfinder should be part of Camera 101… and as for the menu driven contraption part, I am still figuring out the Fuji X100. I loathe the thought of having to dump this hard won effort just ot start anew.

41. I’m excited by what this means for future cameras (FF in a compact? Wow), but I will definitely not be getting one. As a fixed lens solution, the most obvious difference FF offers is the difference in DOF and probably high iso performance.

    But at that price tag of 2800, I’ll stick to my x100, thank you. As a tradeoff for that FF sensor, I get a OVF/EVF, decent iso performance (relative to be honest. I was blown away by how good the x100 was at 3200, but it seems that any decent camera nowadays can handle 3200 or higher comfortably), a slower AF, and save 1600 bucks in exchange. Doesn’t seem like a bad deal.

    Now, when Sony releases the ILC version of the FF compact, then we can talk (not much interest in the sony lenses, which has always disappointed me overall for the E-mount. But as a digital body for m-mount lenses, it would be amazing.)

    Full-frame means being able to use the lenses at their actual focal length, the high iso performance would be a crazy upgrade to current crop of rangefinders (I use a Epson RD1, which peaks at iso1600), Not to mention the fact that Sony has the best peaking implementation imo that I have seen so far, which is a boon for manual lenses. It probably won’t be cheap, but at least it’ll be near perfect or actually perfect for legacy lenses.

    • With the Nikon D600 being announced with the same price point as this Sony, the only real selling point of the Sony is the small body size. Since it’s really not that compact because of the needed glass on it, you might be better off with the D600 for the best bang for the buck. You get full frame like the Sony, you have better phase detection than the Sony which has contrast detection, you’ll have better intuitive controls and to top it all off, you have interchangeable lenses. To sweeten the pot some more, you’ll be able to use older Nikon autofocus or manual lenses. While I haven’t seen the price for the A99, even that might even be a competitor of this RX-1. All of a sudden, this RX-1 is sounding more like a novelty product rather than a start of a new product line.

    • Oh and don’t forget the viewfinder the D600 has that the RX-1 doesn’t! Once you add a snap on viewfinder on the Sony, it’s getting a lot less compact at that point too…

      • is it possible to use Leica M lenses on DSLR ?
        DS

        • You’re right you cannot use an M glass on a DSLR because of the design. You can’t use M lenses on this RX-1 either because it’s a fixed lens. So let’s hope the next version allows interchangeable lens. Someone said it someone here that this is a feeler product. It may or may not see a successor.

        • steindid,

          Because of their short back projection distance, Leica M lenses won’t be usable on any dslr. However, if you want to use M lenses on a camera other than a Leica M digital, then by using adaptors you can attach the lenses to Sony Nex, Olympus and Panasonic micro 4/3rds bodies. It is also possible to use them on some Fuji and Ricoh bodies.

          One thought does occur to me had the RX1 been an ILC. The short back focal length of M lenses may not be best suited to it. Leica sensors have special angled microlenses on their sensors. It strikes me that Leica R lenses would be a better match because of their much longer back focal projection distance.

          • Thanks George and Terry.

      • You can get a viewfinder for the RX-1. For six hundred dollars!

        Enough for a nice additional lens for your D600.

        Truly arrogant pricing on Sony’s part.

42. If this were an interchangeable lens camera with an advanced EVF I would think tho camera has a future. As it is, I don’t think it is much more than an expensive beta model. I believe people are seeing in it things that simply are not there.

43. Digital full frame, compact, outstanding IQ=Leica M9. In December an alternative FF, smaller, lighter, AF, flash on board digital camera will be available. It will have a significanlty better sensor and cost about a third of a M9 with a f2.0 ZM lens. What is there to complain about? Sony owns a piece of the X2 with supplying a decent (notably not the best) aps-c sensor to Leica and now launches the the first truly compact FF, the camera Leica should have developped in lieu of pimping an outdated but still sweet X1 into a not so convincing X2. I was never a Sony fan, I actually disliked the first generation NEX5 after a few weeks of use and dumped it into the market place. But boy have these guys learned since. And already the NEX 7 and RX100 showed that they really mean it.

44. I see the RX1’s leaf shutter has a MAX speed of 1/2000 sec. but is that at f/2? Often leaf shutters are only able to operate at max shutter speed when stopped down, which is why the Fuji X100 has a built in ND filter to assist it’s reduced 1/1000 sec shutter speed at f/2. Even still the RX1 is going to need ND filters to shoot wide open in well lit environments.

    Without being an EVIL it’s a miss for me at any price. I can only imagine the marketing guys at Sony sitting around the conference room table in Tokyo…”A $2800 point and shoot. Eureka, we’ll sell dozens”.

    • Stephen…this $2800 ‘P&S’ is going to sell like hotcakes…wait and see.

45. Steve, the useful thing about having a built-in flash is that they can be used as wireless triggers for external speedlights. Would you concur?

    • http://www.myfiles.macmate.me/public/concur.mp3

46. Sony mustn’t know what they’re doing.

    The RX1 has shot up to #4 on Amazon’s Best Seller list.

47. Sony installed the obvious quirks, no OVF/EVF/tilt LCD, deliberately. So they can sell an improved version next year to the same people that buy today.

48. price.price.price! leica killer.. yes! fuji killer..nope..
    from my point.. fuji still has the greater “value”. I’m looking forward for the X-E1
    great review anyway Steve.. can’t wait for image samples from this beauty

49. the camera seem very good, now i hope the EVF that sony make for the RX1 look nice cos the Zeiss optical VF look very ugly on the RX1 , and wait for you review steve one more thing >>really want to see what leica going to show us

    • I love the way the zeiss vf looks , more the the long ugly Sony one

50. The camera of the moment. 🙂

    The RX1 brief is almost identical to the Leica X2. It adds two-three stops more sensitivity and video recording with the larger sensor. This is certainly good. It adds $800 to the base price, and its viewfinders amount to another near $1000 bill. That’s a bit pricey .. We can do the X2 with Olympus V-2 and Voigtländer OVF for under $2500 complete.

    Both are expensive cameras. Okay, get over it. my interest is piqued as this is exactly the kind of camera that I’ve taken to liking a lot. Ive been shooting exclusively with the X2 for over a month, despite also owning an M9 and other excellent gear.

    My interest piqued, the question is “is the extra grand and some that an RX1 would cost me going to actually produce results substantially better than the X2? Will it be as slick and simple to work with?”

    I work manual focus a lot, using DoF and manual exposure. With the X2, I can glance down at the top of th ecamera and see what my exposure is in an instant, adjust to suit. The focus doesnt change much for my usual shooting sessions. I have the LCD off so as not to annoy my subjects, or dazzle my eyes. The menus are simple, th e options are clear. The collapsing lens lets it fit in a tiny bag, and I’m getting great results at ISO 3200 and even 6400 when needed, although most of my shooting is at ISO 200.

    So my curiosity is piqued and I await the availability of the RX1. I can afford it, I’m not worried about the price or the lens or the sensor. I’m wondering about how much I’ll gain by using it, whether the ergonomics and experience of use are worth the expense.

    It can’t compete with the M9 because it can’t use my other lenses. That’s simple. 🙂

    • I’m sure the sensor will easily outperform the M9. The sensor in the M9 is old. It will be interesting to see how good the lens is though.

      • Doesn’t matter if I can’t use it with my other lenses. The M9 sensor ‘old’ though it might me, is a darn nice performer. Heck, so is my E-1 ‘s 2003 sensor. 🙂

        • Sure the M9 sensor is good, but newer sensors will easily beat it in DR, ISO and color depth. But then again my Nikon D2H sensor from 2003 is also great.

51. No OVF, no EVF, no DEAL

52. For the price of this camera we will be able to purchase two Nikon D600 bodies.

    • two D600 and no lens?? :p *kidding bro*
      if you’re considering a D600 with a “serious” 35mm lens, I guess the price is about the same.

      I use my cheap setup for these kind of things.. I have an “old” 5D (mark 1) & EF 35/2
      IQ is nice.. never let me down.. of course..in a much bulkier form 🙂

53. Cool product, the RX-1. Sony will get my money today but it will be for a NEX-6. The EVF alone makes it the more compelling choice. I’d been hoping for 16mp and the OLED and I got it. Now I must wait for its arrival.

54. Sony may have grown a pair making a camera like this but they’ve certainly lost a few marbles of their own. At 2 and half grand the camera sure doesn’t look it . Sony has forgotten about body styling and you have to think they if they could, they’d get rid of the body altogether and have the user just grab onto the lens. The leather grip looks like it was a last minute idea at a craft table, with the edges of it sticking out. At that price even Sony users would chose an a850 or the new a99 instead. Sony needs to find a few million more rich pros and rich enthusiats to make this camera a smart move.

    The a99 was rumored before to be a pro camera with built in grip and 10 or more fps, it clearly shows me that the Minolta folks are still interloping at Sony. Minolta never made a true pro camera to compete witht he eos 1d’s or d3’s and now they still don’t with the Sony a99. I know, there’s not room for another pro cam, it’s good enough, its cheaper, most cams sold are not pro cams, I’ve heard them all before when Minolta was around. And now after Minolta went under it’s good to see the minds of Minolta influence their crapullance upon sony as well. If Sony wants to be a big by, they gotta be a big boy, they gotta get in the same ring and fight. You either get serious or go home. Minolta never got serious about the pro market an they lost their home. I will say that the Sony a99 got one thing right in getting rid of that SHITE minolta hotshoe. My applause for the Sony staffer who stood up and told the minolta freeloaders to get “##$ rid of the hotshoe.
    Not that I hate Minolta, as their lenses were my favorite out of the four big Japanese companies at that time, their direction during the maxxum line made more of their users jump ship than an 18th century pirate ship.

    The saying goes, if you wanna be the man, you gotta beatt he man. Sony needs to compete in all the markets Canon or Nikon compete in and win if they want to get anywhere. the old Minolta strategy of ” We make things we think you should buy” are not going to work the second time around, People see a Ferrari and they want to get a Ferrari. People see the Minolta a99 and then a Nikon d3, and they want to buy a Nikon. It’s as simple as that. Brand recognition and superiority is EVERYTHING. This is something the ex-pats at Minolta never understood and this thinking will get Sony no where. Step into the ring and fight Sony or else , like Minolta, you’ll always be a waterboy, not a champion.

    • You make some good points.

    • Fred S:

      Minolta did never “go under”. They were bought by (or merged with, take whicehever you like) Konica, then after a few years the KonicaMinolta company decided (experienced) that the photo business was to tough to compete in with PROFIT, so they got out, and sold at least a big part of the photo business to Sony. They do thrive, if I´m correctly informed, in the office machinery (copiers and the like) industry where they always were MUCH bigger than in the photo business.

      Now,Sony don´t need to make a “super duper” top Pro body at all, the A99 is more than enough for 90% of their potential customers. Read the blog of pro photographer Kirk Tuck and see how at least one pro thinks on the matter and how the A99 will be a big step forward for his business,when it comes (he now use he A77, a camera which the A99 closely resembles).

      People bying cameras like A99/D800/EOS 5D III are normally not idiots who buy what the ads tell them to! Ok, SOME ‘too rich’ ‘poseurs’ exist, but I am not so sure the majority of buyers of those cameras are stupid and just put the cash on the shop´s desk, without any thoughts about what is their need, and what is the best system for THEIR use…

      If A99 bring a number of new and clearly maket leading assets (as it does) then why care that it´s not a TANK, if you don´t need a tank, just tough enough build, very very good Image quality and superb AF performance, also when filming???

      Sony will not reach all potential buyers, (it can be expensive to switch system with a buch of lenses in ones kit that must be replaced) but those who know something more about photo than that there are only 2 possible marques to chose from, they will at least be able to get a CAMERA that does it for them, (if A99 is best for their needs) even if they may not impress their lesser informed neighbour(s)

      Happy shooting, whatever you choose to use 😉

      • When I say Minolta went under, I wasn’t refering to bankruptcy but the fact that the Minolta camera bradn is DEAD. It went under like a ship, it’s sunk, its toast, it’s DOA, it’s DEAD.
        And YEs, Sony needs to make a super duper camera, something Minolta never made, either because it couldn’t or was to wishy washy to ever compete…and look , where is Minolta cameras now? You don;t understand what drives user desires and sales. A company has to create desire. People see the two big ships, nikon d3 and Canon 1dx, they want a Canon or Nikon because most pros use it. Many as you call” poseaurs use it. Many people see other using it, camer dealers tell consumers to use them, what do you think that creates? It creats a “want”, a desire. Like it or not, people see a half million dollar Ferrari and you bet they’re gonna want a 50 grand Ferrari, if it does exist.That is the facts, that is human nature. Ignoring it or side stepping it did Minota no good now did it?

        I was around the Minolta era, I heard it all, no need to make pro equipment, no need to do this and that. Minolta got what it deserved and if Sony had not bought the camera division Minolta would have gone bankrupt. Even Konica saw the light after a few years.As for the a99, it can be enough for 100% of the photgraphers, and it probably is, the PROBLEM is, most consumers dont see it that way, never have…never will.If your competitor makes a better product than you, you can bet most everyone will say they are better than you, despite if you make quality stuff or not. The flagship cameras drive not only sales, but REPUTATION. Reputation sells, repuatation builds brand, builds loyalty, builds perceptions of superiority, its not rocket science. The truth i brutal but it is the truth. Minolta didnt give what people wanted, didnt fight for the same kinds of market share, didnt fight to dethrone at least one of the nig boys and where is Minolta now?

        Minolta’s curse is not dead, they are still aroud. Look at the Sonys’ most cameras have 7 or 9 designations. This shows that Minolta is up to doing the same old things it did before. If it didnt work then, would it work now? Ask anyone, whats a pro camera? Most will not say Sony. That’s not me, those are facts. Sony can never call itself camera champion if it doesnt detthrone the two big boys. Theres not enough room for a 3rd big boy. Sony can either fight for steak or settle for hasbrowns. Looks like it’s the latter. The a99 is not about what it can do and what ppl NEED a camera to do. The a99 has to be the same or better than the best of Canon or Nikon. It’s not the camera that sells, it’s the NAME. To have a ame , you have to first build a name. You cant ask customers for respect, you have to EARN it…the hard way.Sony cameras need to go all out or go home. There’s no room for a 3rd wheel..never was, never will.

55. Although it is way more bulky (at least the lens is) than the camera I first, and almost by reflex, came to relate it to, it´s at the same time quite close to it, as it seems from what have been shown ´til now.

    I´m talking of the absolutely superb Konica Hexar from the later days of film.
    35mm/F:2.0 extremely sharp lens, quick AF, very god metering, extremely silent operation including shutter, very well built and the resulting image quality was just sooo good! I found it too expensive nevertheless, thus only used it when I had possibility by loaning it from the photo store I worked in at the time. Shot a few Konica Impresa rolls (extremely fine grained colour negative film, at 25 ISO) and loved the image quality from that camera.

    2700 ,or so, USD..,phew… the new Sony will not be part of my kit, but I like the feelings it provokes, and the memory of the Hexar… 😉

    Maybe I´ll finally try and get a used Hexar, as it nowadays seldom sells at unreachable prices…if I even get to find one for sale that is 😉

    In due time, I even may find a used Hexar RF at a price I could pay, but rather few sold so may be a bit less easily found…

56. Strangely, this has the same focal Length (relatively) as the Fuji GA645!
    And the GA645 is compact, with AF, a Huge polarized VF, and a much bigger than FF ‘sensor’!

    I’m selling my Fuji GA645 if any one is interested.
    http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/300777180459?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649#ht_1206wt_1399

    • only 6×4.5 and u are bragging??? if u lug around that thing, make it wirth it and go 6×9 fuji gsw690 you cheapo. rx1 is prolly a quarter of that dinosaur size

      • lug? Dinosaur? the GA645? Are you a dwarf?

        • Ha ha 🙂

57. “real full frame DOF”

    Who cares about depth-of-field with a 35mm lens?

    Isn’t the whole point of that focal length f/8 and be there?

    I don’t really understand the appeal of this camera but it will surely take nice pictures. =(

    • Guessing you never shot a 35 Summicron, 35 Biogon or even 35 Lux wide open on a full frame M… if not then I excuse your comment 🙂

    • Ash, some people refer to the 35mm Summilux as the “bokeh king”, and some people really like it on the 35mm Zeiss Biogon. You’ve actually got to be interested in bokeh to care though, which personally, I don’t.

      • Gary, Ash.

        Lovely bokeh, but the subject is uninteresting. But, hey does it matter, just look at that bokeh! I know and understand where you’re coming from. LOL.

      • The 35 Summicron IV “Bokeh King” was coined by Mike Johnston, and it was in regards to the bokeh quality around f4-f5.6, not f2. The bokeh at f2 is actually pretty wiry.

        Bokeh quality doesn’t mean how shallow you can get the depth of field. It refers to the quality of the out of focus rendering, and exists at any aperture.

58. What about a shutter speed dial like the X100 or M9 or most film cameras?

59. the best thing that ever happened to the camera industry is that they have had to get very innovative, take risks and explore new segments because the cell phone manufactures have really cut deeply into the camera manuf. taditional bread and butter by eroding the P & S . Good on Sony who has had to invest for other reasons as well . So much more to come and perhaps more industry consolidation in store as it will take deep pockets …

60. i wouldve instead created a Konica Hexar AF-D – its a perfect design. and Sony own Konicas designs.

    • The 35mm f2 has been done many times before.
      The Contax G2 with a 35mm f2 Zeiss is an alternative. But I keep forgetting, most people want Digital! Arrgghh!!!

    • rolleiflexed: Sure that KonicaMinolta sold everything to Sony, including the analog camera designs?
      I thought only (D)SLR related designs/patents/machinery/engineering was taken over by Sony. But I am not sure about it…

      Yes, a Digital camera in the same shape/size as the original Konica Hexar would be a veritable Dream Camera. At least if it would cost something substantially less than the Sony RX1…

61. This is a spectacular piece of kit. A small full frame camera with a 35/F2 Zeiss! What more can the camera gear and photography aficionado ask for?

    I know there is talk about missing EVF and IC but I wouldn’t focus on a trivial easily fitted $200 in the face of arguably one of the most exciting camera launches since the M9. The first full frame small camera after the distant dream for most $9000 Leica M9 with a near perfect sized Zeiss 35/F2, at a price the average prosumer can actually begin to think of owning!

    This is huge, those who follow camera gear and photography forums and blogs filled will know about the endless discussions and laments about M9 being the only small full frame camera. Well now Sony has stepped up and delivered and kudos to Sony for that.

62. I think a small flash is VERY useful and on my X100 use it all the time for fill flash, especially for casual photos of family and friends which I’d assume anyone who buys an RX1 would shoot on occasion.

    Great high ISO is useful too, and I do often enjoy natural light, but being able to fill in some shadows with a nice fill flash or get that catch light in the eyes can be useful.

    Heck, sometimes its nice just to get a slow synced snaphot of you and the signif other flash lit in front of a downtown skyline on vacation etc.

    I quite enjoyed the flash both my X100 and NEX7 and rather miss it on the EM-5

63. You know its £2799 GBP in the UK that $4509 USD!!

    http://www.wexphotographic.com/buy-sony-cyber-shot-rx1-black-digital-camera/p1532752

64. Imho, a 2.0 lens with a sensor attached to its butt priced close to $3000 !!! is just outrageous. Who cares about fast AF when EVF/LCD is still unable to produce undelayed viewing?

    • «Undelayed» — the «hybrid» gimmick used in X100? It’s one of the stupidiest idea in recent photography. Glad they (fuji) throw this crap away in their newest camera. BTW, the delay in NEX-es is so small that practically absent, the shutter lag has much larger impact than this «delay».

65. RX1 too expensive and no VF, Sigma DP2 Merrill not good in the “usability” departament, the much expected Nikon D600 apparently on a higher than expected price tag…
    Seems Fuji has made the coolest launching with its X-E1.

66. Steve, do you know if the lcd is of the White Magic rgbw kind as found in the RX100? That would make it much more usable outdoors and make their omission of the evf easier to understand. Those who prefer a vf can buy what they like, but the bright lcd makes it less essential.

67. Assuming that Fuji got it right with the X-E1 in terms of operational speed (and early reviews say Fuji has), I think the X-E1 offers a far more versatile package for less money.

    The reason I can say this is, I am betting that the IQ of the X-E1 versus this expensive one-trick Sony will be about equal.

    24 megapixels is a lot to stuff on even a full-frame chip; Fuji’s X-TRANS sensor may not be full frame, but in my experience the lack of an anti-aliasing feature does indeed make a huge difference to IQ.

    In the end, such debate is probably pointless anyway though, since the Sony is priced higher than most enthusiasts can afford.

68. The problem, as I see it, is that this camera has a very good Zeiss lens that should last for 20 years. If the camera gets broken or develops a fault after a few years the whole lot is wasted. The same of course if you damage the lens, but the camera’s electronics are more likely to fail first. The same is true of course for other fixed lens cameras, but none have one as expensive as the RX1 on it.

    • Good point. 15 years down the line Zeiss will still be a great lens, but it will be a castaway on a long ago broken body.

      • *that Zeiss

69. Why are some people saying this can’t be better than the D800 sensor? It’s newer technology, and both are made by Sony. I’m willing to bet it is slightly more capable than the D800 sensor at the very least.

    • If you compare the RX100 sensor to the Nikon 1 system sensor it becomes obvious that Sony saved the best for themselves, I can only imagine the same would be true in this case as well. The interesting thing is that they decided to double the megapixel count on the 1″ sensor but when it comes to their full frame sensor they went with a modest megapixel count in comparison with the one they designed for the D800.

      • The Nikon 1 sensor is not made by Sony…

    • How about 50% more resolution. Fif-Tee

70. This must be an amazing camera, the absolute must-have, never need another camera, with an OTT price and an inadvertently push-off OVF. Too bad I’ve got an FF DSLR with 5 primes. Could I do without a 24, 28, 50, 85.

    Well. Maybe? I’ve always wondered what the most awkward single focal length would be. 50 or 35? It’s a toss-up. Sometimes I think a 28 is all I need. Sometimes a 35. Sometimes a 50. The average would be 35?

    Tempting though… 🙂

    • It is certainly a tempting camera, my wish would for it to have a m-mount for leica lenses and an EVF like the X2…then one could have a super camera without the cost of a m9 body and still use m-lenses you already own! Especially when you already have a 35 Summilux and a 50 Summicron…
      Very tempting

71. Heres my take on Sony’s decision behind no built in ovf

    If RX1 is aimed at Reportage, Street : what if ovf gets smashed in
    A pro reportage is likely to carry a couple of external ovf’s (backup just as batteries) if the ovf is external.

    • I think that is a 1 in 100,000 type event, not something they would plan for, especially since it would be an EVF that would not have a window on the front of the camera. I don’t know if I could break a EVF viewfinder if I tried and if I did it would involve using a rock. I think the it basically comes down to

      A) They decided to include a flash. There is not enough room on that body for both. Bad decision in my view since advanced users prefer dedicated flashes, but I don’t run a multi-million dollar camera division in a multi-billion dollar company.

      B) Even more realistic is there may be issues engineering wise with putting in a EVF in such a small body with a FF sensor. They may have tried and just couldn’t get it right.

72. Cool thing unless someone knows about RX1 they will just see it as a P&S
    = more chance for reportage to not have a gun pointed
    & street shooters to get that natural off the cuff keeper.

    Newspaper Reportage if build quality holds up (possible weather sealing in RX1n)
    would really like RX1
    (Anyone remember that review thumbs down M8 by a pro reportage in Iraq).

73. I don’t think it matters how well it sells. This camera has changed my opinion of Sony and I think that is what they are after. They’ve gone from average amateur camera producer to a contender to replace a pro level system in the future. That’s a feat greater than any one camera can ever achieve.

    • Paul, I think this is being just a little harsh on Sony “average amateur camera producer”. It’s your opinin, but check this out:

      “First non-SLR (fixed lens digital) camera to feature a large format sensor (APS-C size)
      First use of a CMOS sensor in a non-removable-lens digital camera
      First large format sensor to provide full-time live preview
      Widest range of ISO sensitivity for a non-SLR camera; ISO 160 – 3200
      First digital camera to provide a top-mounted swivel LCD screen
      First Sony digital camera to support Adobe RGB
      First implementation of ‘Auto Gamma Control’ on a Sony digital camera.
      Carl Zeiss T* f2.8/f4.8 5x manual zoom 24-120 equivalent.”

      When? 2005. And the camera? The R1. And should you wish to see how good it was, and still is in a number of respects despite its conservative 10 megapixels, check out dpreview and imaging-resource. It may surprise you.

      And some of Sony’s SL series SLR’s are more than average, judging by the reviews they have been getting.

74. Almost useless with only 1/2000 SS, for me at least.

75. Having shot with the RX100 for a while now, the lack of an EVF is disappointing, but not a deal breaker. Having the RX1 in time for all the indoor low light gatherings of Thanksgiving and Christmas is a huge selling point for me. To have full frame IQ and video in a discreet package is going to be killer. Especially with the silent leaf shutter.

    Steve – Do you know if the OVF has any indicators like maybe at least a focus confirmation light? Since the hot shoe has that extra port, guessing it could be possible to have a feature like that.

76. Steve I really can’t wait to read your report about rx1, any idea when you will post it ? My opinion is that they could put evf instead a flash and maybe a bigger battery than the same one used to rx100. Despite this, it is The Camera many are dreaming to own ! Btw Steve do not you think the lack of image stabilization is a big miss here if we shoot on low light handheld ? Thanks and cheers 😉

    • I can’t say until I get one to review which will be..well..I am not sure when. I am supposed to be able to shoot with one at the Sony media event in a couple of weeks so we shall see 🙂

    • I keep seeing reference to the lack of image stabilisation in the RX1 on many forums and blogs, however Sony’s own web site is perfectly clear in indicating there ‘is’ stabilisation. Also several commentators have suggested there isn’t any so there may have been some confusing information put around by the Sony people handling the preview equipment?

      http://store.sony.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=-1&productId=8198552921666487155#specifications

    • My bad. Just found out that this ‘stabilisation’ is only for video. Apologies. Why wouldn’t they include stabilisation for stills too? Oh, well …

      • “..Why wouldn’t they include stabilisation for stills too?..” ..because this is digital stabilisation: that’s to say, the (smaller, video, only 1920×1080 pixels) image shifts around on the massive sensor, and it is electronically centred, grabbed, or ‘stabilised’.

        But for still photography, the entire 6000×4000 24 megapixel sensor is used for each shot: there isn’t enough extra width or height on the sensor to allow the central picture to jiggle around and then be digitally re-centred or grabbed.

        So it can’t be stabilised digitally. And there isn’t enough room (in the camera body, nor enough glass width at the back of the lens) to allow mechanical stabilisation (as with Olympus micro4/3) by moving the entire sensor to compensate for picture jiggle.

        Putting mechanical stabilisation in the lens (as with Panasonic m4/3) would make the lens twice the width – huge!

        So, no stills stabilisation. For digital stabilisation of a ‘full-35mm-frame’ photo, the sensor would have to be nearly half as big again ..making the price utterly unaffordable.

        • David, this is lifted from Sony’s own website within the Lens section:

          “Steady Shot Mode:Active : [Still image] Optical [Movie] Active Mode, Optical type with electronic compensation (Anti-rolling)”

          I don’t think that this is a clear as it could be, but it does say to me it does have still image stabilisation, and it is indeed optical.

          What are your thoughts?

77. Steve, I know your full review will come in few weeks, but how does the camera feel in hand? I had the RX100 at home for a few days, and found that there was too little space left to actually hold the camera (my GRDIII is much better in this regard) comfortably and securely. How do you find the RX1?

78. The Zeiss viewfinder is around $500 bucks I think, while the same kind of viewfinder for other focal lengths costs around $399. They had to make a new optical set for 35mm but still wondering why it costs 100 dollars more than the others. D!RK

79. Bulky lenses on a full frame NEX body? Not what I have in mind. Sony or someone else (Leica??) could introduce such a camera and its own non-retrofocus lenses. And good lenses can hold their value over time.

    • Good lenses, for sure. One-trick pony cameras? Not so much…

80. For me, it’s the max shutter speed at 1/2000 and the lack of IS. Sure, it’s only 35mm lens, but as an OMD user, I came to really appreciate IS in low light situation regardless of the lens.

81. Steve, there’s alot of guessing in the net about the image stabilition. Do you know does it have one? Other than digital, i mean.

    Thanks for the first info!

    • I’m not Steve, but looking at Sony’s own web site and checking out the published spec, it does refer to steady shot which is Son’s trade mark for its own form of image stabilisation more familiar to those who have used their digital videocams. So the answer would seem to be “yes”.

      • Yes you are correct

82. Why would they need a built-in flash with that type of ISO performance?

    • Hi David. Contrary to popular belief, high ISO performance is not an alternative to a flash. Flashes are there to fill in highlights, which can even be in broad daylight. My line of work involves taking portraits on bright days, and without the flash, if the sun is in the wrong position my portrait would be of a beautifully exposed background with a completely black subject. In these situations flash is used to bring the subject’s exposure up to that of the background. That is why I personally need and use flash (even built in flashes) all the time. I for one am glad that this features a built in flash and have one preordered. JD

83. Every time one of these new cameras are released I weigh it against my M8 and Voigt 28 3.5, 35 2.5 and 50 2.5. Once again the only thing which beats it for me is the M9 (when the second hand price is manageable). I like having something decent to frame the picture with and I like working aperture, focusing and SHUTTER SPEED manually.

84. Steve, your B&H link leads to NEX-6.

    If I’d buy a FF, I’d buy an used D700 for about 1000€. That’s for today’s knowledge. I’ll wait a bit longer, until the prices still drop a bit more.Then I can use my lenses with D700, D7000 and Nikon 1 V1. And have a VF in all of them…

85. I have a nice mother for sale E- . or if anyone is interested in my left arm, with exellent carpenter skils ( silver award + medal) 2799,- or trade with a preorder for the RX1!!!

86. Looking forward to a Crazy Comparison with the OMD EM5

    • Loosing game for OMD.

87. Here is a thought for the SONY designers, first some background…..I hardly ever, ever use flash on my digital cameras for me they are a waste of real estate on the camera and also all the programming that goes along with it. Instead of the pop up flash on this new marvel of a camera the RX1, why not just replace the pop up flash with and optical viewfinder for the matched 35mm lens? By this I mean an optical viewfinder that can be recessed when not needed just like the flash? A pop up viewfinder, think about it ???

    • Pop up viewfinder would be awesome!

88. I’d be ok with the price, I just prefer my single prime in the 50mm range, so I can’t spend the money on something that isn’t quite right for me. I also wish it had a tilt up LCD.

    BTW, you can see the new EVF on the Sony Japan site, and it looks just like the NEX-5N EVF, except it is black and has a different type of connector.

89. I saw this camera a few days ago. Oh Sony. interchangeable lens and a EVF, you would have the beings of a fine system. As I said before in an other blog, it well produce fine images, but it is a point and shoot for Donald Trump. It is in the system, 3/4, APC or full frame, you have to have a full system. Then Pros and Advanced Amateurs well have choices. Then all the pixel counters can fight it out. For even in the early three grand range for camera kit with the 35 f 2.0 Sonnar it would be worth it. The camera makers should hire photographers for feed back. Film is good.

    • The Point and Shoot for Donald Trump!
      Is that a marketing campaign in the making?

      • “The point and shoot for Donald Trump.” now THAT is without a doubt the best comment of the day!

    • The problem with an add-on OVF is that you still have to look at the LCD to confirm that the camera is focusing on the right subject.

      • and also, I can’t see any ‘proximity’ sensors on the body so does it mean that the rear LCD is on all the time? even with OVF/EVF attached to it?

        • The sensor may be built into the VF. Sony devised a new connection that might be able to tell the camera the VF is in use. Just a guess, but how I would do it.

          • so it means that no 3rd party VF would work correctly, bummer. The EVF seems to be the same as for NEX and OVFs (as other mentioned) could be bought much cheaper from other manufacturers

          • Just a guess. If the signal is simple, no reason third parties can’t make a cheaper vf for this.

        • It more than likely works the same as the EVF for my Nex. The proximity sensor is built into the body of the EVF.

90. Looks very very interesting, but I can understand the price. No full frame camera, body only, has come down the pipe for anything lens, and this includes a real Ziess lens. I can’t really see how they could sell it for any cheaper. Build a new FF DSLR kit for less on the current or foreseeable future (maybe a d600??)… I don’t think it can be done.

    I would guess there is some hefty R&D cost for such a niche and unique item.

    If the EVF is to cost $600, that would have considerably driven up the price of the body with an integrated ev.

    We all want it all with no compromises, but most cameras have always had compromises. Unless you willing to carry a big honkin DSLR…

    I like that it has a flash. In contrast to others, a small fill flash is quite useful, and regardless of high iso performance, some love flash at night… Many have built a career shooting flash on the street… Put it this way, it doesn’t hurt to have one in a small body. If you had to add an external unit it would defeat the size advantage of the body.

    I definetly don’t like that it lacks a VF… But I understand given the price constraint. Cool product.

    • The A850 was $1999.99

91. I am still waiting for a digital Contax T3, which for me ranks as the best 35mm camera. This is the closest so far. I hope the AF is fast and it isn’t too fragile. I was one of those in the “saving up” for a used M9 and 35mm Summicron– probably not anymore.

    • Yup, it’s the T-3 with a stop faster lens and video. Still have mine, even if the film choices are now approaching zero. Loved shooting with that little gem.

92. Zorki turret OVF might do the trick a snip at $60

93. It’s a handsome camera. The FF sensor in such a small package is a fantastic feature and I’m sure the lens/sensor combination will be capable of some superb images. But without a built in viewfinder and a fixed lens I wouldn’t buy it at half the price. I loved the Leica X1’s image making ability but I always felt I spend about $1000 too much for it. I won’t make that mistake again.

    • “I loved the Leica X1′s image making ability but I always felt I spend about $1000 too much for it.”

      There is a camera if it can be found
      as X1 has CCD
      aperture dial

      in addition exp comp dial

      28mm f2.8 – 84mm f4.5
      Pixels 1/3 size of X1 pixels at 3MP on 1/1.8″
      iso100-400

      lovely images as natural as X1
      Kodak DC4800

94. Decent bracketing? I am assuming you mean exposure bracketing. That should be super simple with the exposure compenstation dial… IMO, no need for an automatic bracketing mode when you have a dedicated exposure comp dial. Just shoot -1, 0, +1 with the quick turn of a dial. Bingo.

    • But for those times when you want to braket for HDR and don’t have your tripod with you. Being able to autobracket three exposures automatically results in less chance of perspective shift than flipping the dial. Glad to see it included though.

      • Or any time. Auto bracketing gets the shots off much quicker. With any but static subjects that’s a good thing.

95. Totally agree Steve…
    build in EVF
    take out flash (no one of a prosumer would use this, so why they (Sony) put it in?)

    Price between 1999$ and 2399$ (nearly same like Leica X2)…because Leica is in the luxury market, Sony not!

    • The flash costs next to nothing and takes up little space. I’m sure Sony expects to sell quite a few of these to price-no-object buyers wanting the best small camera. They aren’t necessarily enthusiasts, they just want and expect the best. They now buy Leica and would never think of covering the red dot.
      Many of them will use this camera just like a p&s, including the flash.

      Much of the grumbling about flash on high-end cameras sounds like image consciousness. Mustn’t have any feature resemble lesser cameras. I think I would use the built-in flash some. It’s just as good as one of the cheap units Sony often throws in the box, looks better, and doesn’t require screwing down awkwardly. This is a small camera that can be carried everywhere, without any extra lenses or flash to carry, just put it in small case or in your pocket and go. A proper flash would be half the size of the camera. Save it for the jobs that need it, keep the built-in for everyday, for situations where a little fill would help.

      But I’d take an EVF over the flash, if that was the choice. With a little cleverness, both would have been possible.

96. I quit he digital race a few months ago and could not b hPpier with my leica m3 and contax g system. This is certainly very seductive though

97. Sony, let there be a monochrom button.

98. Congrats Sony for this new camera! This camera is starting something new.

    I will buy a future RX1, if there will be a viewfinder. But I see no reason, why a fixed lens camera needs a EVF. A simple OVF that displays a movable focus confirmation flash, speed, aperture, ISO and compensation would be perfect. If people want an EVF, then please get rid of the screen and save some space, weight and battery life. I don’t need to see my pics in the finder AND on the screen.

    A 35mm lens by nature is bigger than a 40mm, that allows the shortest construction. So why not use a fixed 40mm for shortest possible depth. A 40/f2-lens would be about half the size and can be of higher image quality than the complicated 35mm’. The short depth of a camera is more important than the width. The RX1 might be too small for most men’s hands.

    Fixed lens cameras are great by the way. They can be built without compromises and deliver the best image performance possible.

    Thanks for your website, Steve!!

    • Are you sure about the 40/2? On a digital sensor?

      40/43/45 lenses can certainly be made small for f2.8 or smaller; but for larger apertures, and especially on sensors that are not as tolerant of light from low angles as film, I was not aware things were that clear. But I may well be showing my obsolescence.

      OTOH, 35mm has such an absolutely unequaled history for 35mm “street shooting” that “settling” for something different, may make for a tougher task from a marketing point of view.

      Also, for me, as well as many others, if there is anything “wrong” with 35mm, it is that it is a bit too narrow. A 40 just makes this even more of an issue. Truth be told, I would probably have gone for the 21-24/2.8 version, were such one available. As would probably every even semi pragmatic Leica shooter, considering the awkwardness of wider than 28-35 lenses on the M body.

99. I hear a lot of complaining about the $600 optional VF…..Voigtlander makes a great quality metal, brightline 35mm VF for $210….so no need to complain about the cost of the Sony version…don’t buy it.

    I LOVE the idea of the RX1 but honestly the reason I won’t buy one is I am certain we are not far off from a full frame IC….and I would hate to drop $2800 on the RX1 only to have Fuji/Sony release a full frame interchangeable lens, small format camera a year later…

    • Clint, same here.

      Fortunately, the RX1 doesn’t get me drooling over it, so I can happily wait until…… well, whenever the FF IC version from Sony or another maker comes out. And it shouldn’t be long before those ugly adaptors not beloved of Steve become available for my R lenses. Oh, how I want to use the full FOV of these on a superb digital body.

    • I think the usd600 is the electronic view finder “It has been reported the EVF for this camera will be $600”.

      • probably mentioned somewhere on here- but Japan prices (rec retail) are around (JPY) 13,000 for hood, 44,000 for EVF (FDA-EV1MK ), 50,000 (FDA-V1K) for Zeiss optical finder, 20,000 for the thumb rest, 22,000 for case

100. Sony superb battery life???

     having just sent off my A77 could not disagree more

     Steve, I’ve followed you for a couple of years now and enjoy your enthusiasm for our hobby, but this? Already you’re kicking the D800 to the curb on quality with a camera you have yet to use.

     Srsly?

     • Nothing out there kicks the D800 to the curb and it is without the slightest doubt the current king of FF regarding IQ and also a much more versatile camera than this great RX1 from Sony.

       But lets see the RX1 in action. I’m sure that the IQ will be fantastic and that it can produce stunning output in the right hands.

       Anyway, it’s a brave step by Sony to produce this little gem of a FF camera and I’m sure street prices will drop to something like $2400 within the next year or so.

101. I too agree with you.

102. When Selfridges in London’s Bond Street have it i i will be in a hurry to check it out.
     (The friendly staff let me checkout S2 & 645D)

     Six months it should be $2400
     A year $1999.

     This is as a digital Konica Hexar with Hexar 35/2 minus ovf.

     The omission of OVF is well ….

     • Are you sure? Selfridges is on Oxford Street, and further away from Bond Street than the Leica Store in Bruton Place. The only place to check out the S2 is at Leica Mayfair. Please visit.

       • 20000% sure 🙂

         Bond Street begins where Ofxord Street ends
         Photography[phy is on the basement floor of Selfridges (near the music section).
         S2 & 645D are on a prominent display just by themselves on top of one another.

         Sales staff dont usually take them out as buyers dont want S2, 645D handled by other people.
         For some reason they were happy to open up the display and allow me to try out both.

         • I just looked at google maps, says oxford street hmmm

           2000000% sure Selfridges have S2 645D on display 🙂

           • Nearest tube station

             Bond Street tadaaaaaa 🙂

       • Ps. i did visit a well now Leica Store in London

         The snootiness of the staff meant im not vising that place again.
         I so hope this snootiness isnt a reflection of Leica camera owners on the whole (with some exceptions)

         • LOL!!!! nice one, straight jab to ‘LondonLeicaMayfair’ – yep, been there too, what a bunch of douches

         • Have to say that I agree with you. London’s store is very snooty, even when you want to buy something.

103. No EVF and if it doesn’t have decent bracketing it’s a deal breaker.. Also as far as the price you mentioned buying another and lens would be similar price but this lens doesn’t stay with you for your next camera.
     I’ll wait for a camera that I can adapt Leica lenses.
     It all sounds promising and applaud Sony for taking things forward.

104. History has shown, as with NEX, Sony is unafraid to play with variations of their products. This is a fantastic base from which to start with, if this is the base. Maybe the RX-100 was the base, and now we have the RX-1. It’s too unhealthy to dawdle on the what might have been when you should appreciate what’s right in front of you, now, today. Apply that to life.

105. I agree. Not having a buil-in EVF is a major letdown.

     • Yes, what were they thinking… so close, so damn close. 🙁

       • Leave some room for future development? I guess…….

         • Now it’s Fuji’s turn. Fuji X200, FF sensor, EVF/OVF, 35mm 1.8f lens, and fast AF. Perfect for only $1995:)

           • you are dreaming,..they never been a rumor about Fuji will use FF sensor on their X200,.

           • I like your Fuji X200 wish list. Keep everything on the X100 exactly as it is but just add these other things.

         • Bingo.

106. Looking forward to image samples and your review!

     • Do you really think that Sony is going to tell you: “Hey this sensor is real good, not quite as good as the D800 but close!”

       No, they will tell you it’s the best EVER!

       My prediction: better ISO performance due to lower megapixels but sensor overall loses to the D800/E. This cam would have the same sensor as the D800/E if Nikon didn’t have exclusive rights to it…

       • You honestly believe that? Don’t get me wrong for me Nikon has some of the best camera processing around but Sony has a reputation for turning out the best sensors and this is there lastest generation. Why would they sign over the rights to there latest and greatest when they are desperate to compete? This sensor will be a beast and the problem (as it always is with sony) is that the lenses will not quite fit the rest of the package.

       • Sony sensors have improved consistently. Nikon specified what exactly they wanted and it was agreed that precise sensor was an exclusive. Nice selling point for Nikon, but nothing to stop Sony from continuing to improve their sensors, as the always do.

         • I look at this as an improved NEX-7 type sensor but FF. We will see with something objective like DXO ratings

         • a better sensor?! from sony, big deal, it means nothing without the right algorithms to milk it, can’t wait to see this sensor agains canon 5dmk3….

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