The new Sony RX1R and RX100 II! The R stands for “Resolution”
Wow, now this is a superb release! We all knew it was coming but now it is official. The new Sony RX1R and the new RX100II. Both will look and feel the same but both will have improvements and the exciting news is that Sony took a cue from Nikon and decided to release a “Special Edition” RX1 that will be without an AA filter for ultimate image sharpness! As if the RX1 was not sharp enough, this one is going to be spectacular.
These are expected to start shipping on July 15th, in just about two weeks.
I will be reviewing the RX1R in a comparison against the original RX1 to see just how much different it is. Stay tuned!
The new RX100II ups the ante on the original with an all new sensor and sensor tech. This will be a camera with the worlds 1st 1.0-type back illuminated sensor. It is approximately 40% more sensitive in dimly lit situations compared to the existing RX100 model. This is good news as the original RX100 was fantastic so I am looking forward to what this camera can deliver. A review will be coming for this one as well.
Both solid releases from Sony and while nothing really crazy new with the RX1, it will be yet another choice for this camera and to those who want the ultimate in detail. You can read the official details below as provided by Sony.
You can already Pre-Order the new Sony cameras at B&H Photo or Amazon:
PRE-ORDER THE RX1R AT B&H HERE
PRE-ORDER THE RX100 II AT B&H PHOTO HERE
or
The RX1R It is also available for pre-order at Amazon HERE
Sony Adds Two New Premium Compact Cameras to Acclaimed Cyber-shot® RX Line
New RX100 II model adds Exmor R™ CMOS sensor and connectivity; New RX1R full frame camera with enhanced resolution and detail
NEW YORK, June 27, 2013 – Building on its lineup of acclaimed compact cameras, Sony is introducing two new additions to the Cyber-shot RX series– the RX100 II and RX1R models.
Based on the same sleek, stylish design as the existing RX100 model, the new RX100 II features a new 1-inch back-illuminated CMOS sensor, enhanced system expandability and adds Wi-Fi® convenience with NFC One-Touch compatibility. With an identical camera body and design as the existing RX1 camera, the new special edition RX1R model has had its optical low pass filter removed for increased resolution and detail.
“Sony continues to redefine the levels of performance for a pocket-sized, fixed lens camera,” said Patrick Huang, director of the Cyber-shot business at Sony Electronics. “Now, with a total of four models in market in our Cyber-shot RX line – each with its own unique value proposition – consumers have more options than ever to experience the ultimate balance of size, imaging performance and imaging power.”
New Cyber-shot RX100 II Camera
Designed to increase sensitivity in low-light conditions and reduce overall picture noise, the new Exmor R sensor in the RX100 II camera is the world’s first 1.0-type back illuminated sensor. It is approximately 40% more sensitive in dimly lit situations compared to the existing RX100 model.
The powerful sensor is paired with an exceptional F1.8 Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens to deliver exceptionally sharp, natural still images and Full HD video in any shooting condition – from bright daytime scenes to night-time landscapes and everything in between.
Additionally, the new RX100 II model is equipped with Wi-Fi capabilities and is also the first ever Sony camera to include NFC (Near Field Communication) technology, giving the extra convenience of instant, one-touch wireless transfer of content between compatible devices. Its Smart Remote Control functionality lets users preview images and control shutter release directly from their connected phones or tablets.
A Multi Interface Shoe on the RX100 II model allows users to add optional accessories including an electronic viewfinder, powerful external flash and clip-on LCD monitor. A Multi Terminal lets users add a shutter-release remote control.
The camera features a bright, detail-packed 3.0-type White Magic™ LCD display that tilts upwards (up to 84 degrees) and downwards (down to 45 degrees), giving shooters greater freedom to compose shots from overhead and low angles.
Additionally, the RX100 II model has expanded Full HD video capabilities with the addition of 24p shooting for cinematically styled movies. Other refinements include a step zoom function that lets users instantly choose any of five popular focal lengths for handy scene framing. Shooters can select 28mm, 35mm, 50mm, 70mm or 100mm focal lengths using the camera’s control ring, giving them an intuitive and fast alternative to zooming in and out.
The new camera is also compatible with Sony’s TRILUMINOS Color technology, ensuring richer, more natural color reproduction when connected to the new BRAVIA televisions featuring TRILUMINOS Display.
New Special Edition Cyber-shot RX1R Camera
The new Cyber-shot RX1R full-frame compact camera is designed to satisfy even the most critical photographer’s desire for sharper, more detailed pictures and enhanced resolution. The model’s ‘R’ suffix denotes a further improvement in the pocket-sized camera’s already spectacular resolution.
In common with many digital cameras, the original Cyber-shot RX1 camera features a multi-segment optical low-pass filter (OLPF) in front of the sensor to suppress unwanted moiré and color artifacts. The enthusiast-oriented RX1R model removes this low-pass filter to realize the full resolution potential of the image sensor and bring new levels of realism to landscapes and other finely-detailed subjects.
Additionally, to take advantage of the OLPF removal, the camera’s processing functions have been optimized to maintain image sharpness without compromising lens/sensor performance.
While weight and dimensions remain the same as the ground-breaking DSC-RX1, the special edition RX1R is also now compatible with TRILUMINOS Color technology, allowing for the ultimate image playback experience on compatible BRAVIA televisions.
Pricing and Availability
The new Cyber-shot RX100 II and RX1R models will both be available next month for about $750 and $2800 respectively.
i can’t wait to get my hands on one! will be doing a full review myself. i really feel, based on what i’ve read so far, at least, that the Mark II is definitely an upgrade over the already-awesome Mark I – and that’s quite heartening. I loved my Mark I, but having sold that a while back (to fund reviews on my blog) I’m definitely getting myself this Mark II, and keeping it!
Hi Steve! Thanks for this great website. Are you reviewing the rx100ii soon?
Been using it, not much different than the RX100 besides the new features. If buying new and wanting an RX100, Id go RX100II.
What are the available warranty options on this cameras?
the RX1-R photos on dpreview has more color noise , I would get the RX1 instead
Hi Steve, I am looking forward to your RX1R and RX1 image comparison. Keep up the good work!
I’m sure for everyone that loves the RX1, this is a welcome addition.
Begs the question why they didn’t just go this route to begin with, but it’s a good sign that other camera manufacturers are realizing that with the pixel density of high MP modern sensors, AA filters are not really needed for most still photography.
As others have mentioned, they should really build the EVF into the camera rather than relying on external devices that take over the hotshot.
One thing you have to give kudos to Fuji for 😉
ET
BRAVO!!! Too bad I already own the RX1, so I will skip the RX1R and wait for an RX2R. Sony is definitely kicking ass and taking names!!!
This is great news to me, I’ve been wanting to get a small pocketable camera to use as a complement to my Canon 5D mkIII and was looking at the RX100 but didn’t get it because I couldn’t use it with my flashes. Now that I can, I will most definitely get me one.
Together with a wireless flash trigger, it will also be a perfect, and much smaller, replacement for my X100 to use when higher sync speeds than the Canon’s 1/200th are needed, which means that I can further reduce my camera collection. Great news indeed!
Sony hurry upalready and release RXi (interchangeable) FF phase detect hybrid with tilt touch lcd, built in evf , inbody image stabilisation, dust spalsh proof @ $2000
The difference between RX1 and RX1R will have no practical application. Nonsense marketing is all it is. Just like the D800 vs D800E there is no visible difference even in large prints.
403 Permission Denied. Hello steve why i read this here? in the latest post
If you saw that message how could you be commenting?
Even if you just got your RX1 today, doesn’t mean the images you take will look any less amazing. If I hadn’t purchased one already, I would be curious about the RX1R, but I wouldn’t trade the months of shooting pics for anything.
I’m waiting for the RX 1P, with a Zeiss telephoto/portrait lens attached.
Don’t know if anyone else noticed but the RX1 electronic viewfinder also works on the new RX100.
Same EVF, same batteries for RX1 and RX100II. Sony should sell the two cameras as a discounted combo.
Are you going to be covering the new Fuji, too, Steve?
If Fuji sends me one, sure 🙂 Sony is sending me review samples of the new cameras, have not heard from Fuji. To me it looks like an X-E1 without VF
If Fuji sends me one, sure? Your friends from B&H Photo can give you that camera like the leica vario
Yea, but it can take a while if it is popular. Besides, I would rather get one from the manufacturer if at all possible. We will see but I expect nothing new, just an X without an EVF.
I think at the price point ($700 at Amazon) it looks very attractive, plus the size is going to be appealing for a lot of people. Would definitely like to see your take on it.
I have some friends in Japan and there are rumors about a full-frame compact camera using a new great tecnology (organic sensors ) i can not wait for that 🙂
Hmmm…looks like a Leica X-Vario with interchangable lenses to me.
Well recently the Ricoh GR replaced the RX100 as Steve’s goto pocket camera. I’m wondering if the RX100M2 will have the chops to tack back that position. I’m looking forward to the review!!
– Roger
The GR is fantastic. The large sensor does it. It will be interesting to see how the RX100II does though.
Yes, I was all set to get the RX100 – but then the GR was announced and I waited for your review. I almost pulled the trigger on the GR last weekend, but now the Sony came back with an update so I will wait again for your review again just to see how it stacks up. I know the GR has the better sensor, but I’m wondering if the other refinements are enough to push it over the top for me. I do like the little zoom on the Sony. When hiking in the Alps on my trip to Switzerland – walking closer to my subjects was not always practical if not impossible 🙂
I have an RX1. I wanted the RX100, but it lacked a couple of things, most notable an EVF. The new one uses the same EVF that I use on my RX1, has an articulated screen, a mic input (using the multi-interface shoe), and an apparently improved sensor. I’m all over this. Just pre-ordered one.
DPReview posted comparisons with the RX1/RX1R and there really isn’t much of an improvement in detail….that said, I would still opt for the RX1R.
As a rx1 owner I don’t find the need to upgrade. My rx1 is too sharp for the kind of shots I do but overall this is a good thing, a. others will have opportunities to buy a great camera at a lower price point. b. Hopefully sony will stay invested in this system. I would love to see a 50mm or a 75mm version out.
That you cannot even use the viewfinder for the Nex5r pretty much sucks….thank you Sony I will remember that whenever I have to choose between a Sony product or that one of a competitor
It’s a weak update….I own a D800E and really there’s hardly a difference, let’s just admit it. This is more of a marketing gimmick just like the Nikon if you ask me. Keep in mind Sony makes the Nikon D800 and D800E sensors If they had fixed some of the other issues such as autofocus, etc, that would have been much nicer. Personally I’d save some cash and pick up a nice gently used RX1. Just saw on one of the forums an RX1 with EVF plus charger for $2300. Now that’s a nice deal.
The RX1 prices will drop even more now, making the RX1 an even better deal.
That RX1R looks pretty exciting to me – would be a nice compliment to the ME, though I think my wife will disown me if I add another camera to my wall of cameras…
🙁 I just bought the RX1 a few weeks ago. Worst part I havent even received it yet here in Brazil, its been waiting for me at my friends house in New York. when it finally makes it here, the new version will be already in the stores, heheh, but well this wont kill the greatness on the previous version considering they are quite the same..
Check the return policy of your seller if you believe you preferred the new version.
WHY? Put an EVF where the stupid flash is, and and the target audience might be interested. Users looking in this price point would be a lot more interested in a viewfinder than a crappy weak flash that is rarely (if ever) used. Camera manufacturers obviously aren’t doing their homework to see what “power users” typically do. $1000 and $3000 is over-priced for any camera that is lacking a viewfinder. An add-on flash makes a lot more sense as an accessory rather than an add-on viewfinder (which is a necessity).
+1 Could not have said it better.
Good news. Hopefully there will be a NEX 5 without the AA Filter soon.
C`mon guys, who needs such technical innovation now that Leica has blessed us with its yesteryears X-Vario (with an aging Sony sensor inside) 😉
Why not both? We are finding that both of our new point-and-shoots (RX1 and X Vario) feel solid in-hand, are easy to use, and deliver brilliant images. They really seem to complement each other perfectly.
I agree. Same EVF & same battery make for a powerful and compact travel combo.
Mr. Steve, Can i ask you some thing.. I owned, Rx1 and Rx100 should i
1. Sell both and buy New Rx1r and Rx100II
2. keep one and sell one, then buy either one to replace
3. Forget it just keep the old one..
What is your opinion ??
Thanks and regards,
I think he’ll let us know after he tests them.
No proper body size, no buy. Why oh why do you Sony have to make every nex camera small enough for hobbits? I like a compact body, by god, can someone besides Fuji out there make a camera a human hand can hold properly? there’s no lock button on the back of the camera so every time you hold the camera with your hand and walk around, youre liable to move that wheel dial and setting without knowing it. This is the problem for many cameras and the reason why the button is better than the faulty wheel.
This camera is no more than a stop gap test camera. They will release a full frame nex, when they release an alpha body with no mirror in between and have the sensor move forward and backward to accommodate the shorter register of nex, two lens mounts, with sliding sensor for both alpha and nex, it’s heading there folks.
Yeah, the biggest issue I have with any of the Sony cameras is ergonomics. They’re just not that comfortable to hold, and controls don’t fall logically to fingers.
Not totally surprised, considering that the final generation Minolta Maxxum cameras had dreadful ergonomics, too.
Meanwhile, for the Fuji X-System lovers out there, we got great news this week: both the X-Pro 1 and the X-E1 are getting a significant boost in autofocus performance next month via a major firmware update…but perhaps even more importantly, both are FINALLY getting focus peaking as well…!
Fuji also provided another firmware update for these two cameras yesterday that allows more control customization.
How bout an RX2 with optical viewfinder?? Maybe Fuji should release a XR1 instead….
It’s a pity! How much we have to pay to have a RX1 with a bult-in viewfinder ?
Thanks Steve for the Info 😉 Best regards.
Aw man, only disappointing about the RX100ii to me is the tilting display. I think it takes away some of the original RX100’s amazing build quality. Never been a fan of tilting- or touch-displays on more “serious” cameras. So to me that’s a big bummer. Will def check it out still!
It will be interesting to see if the new back illuminated sensor in the RX100 II can perform noticeably better than the RX100 in low-light.
I currently own both the RX100 and RX1 and is contemplating whether to sell off the RX100 for the RX100 II,
Various samples on the web have shown that the low light capabilities of the RX100 II to be superior to the RX100.
Glad I held off pulling trigger on RX1… I imagine recent adopters nay too chuffed at the moment.
I don’t think the differences between the RX1 and RX1R is sufficient to cause unhappiness for recent adopters. But I noticed the price of the RX1R is $2800 so it might mean that the original RX1 will be having a price drop? Maybe $2500 or less?
True, but there’s never really a right time to buy a new camera these days is there? It’s not like 20-30 years ago when a pro camera was superseded every 10+ years or so.
These days it’s more like – Another week, another camera. 🙁
As cidereye says, given the new technology cycle, you could wait forever before you pull the trigger. What you lose is the pictures that you could have got in the meantime.
I bought a NEX 6 instead… Got the pics I needed. Bought some new Nikon glass with the money I saved. At least Nikon announced the D800/D800E twins AT THE SAME TIME. Sony are just gouging their users here.
RX100 II samples in dpreview look washed out