Sony has announced the follow up to its well received enthusiast-attracting Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 compact camera in the shape of the RX100 II.
The updated compact comes with a new 20.2 megapixel back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS sensor which Sony claims is going to really show off its worth in low light, promising 40% more sensitivity.
Billed as the ‘world’s first compact fixed-lens camera with a 1.0-type 20.2 effective megapixel sensor,’ when it launched this time last year, the camera features a Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T zoom lens covering a versatile 28-100mm range at F1.8 (Wide) – 4.9 (Tele).
The 3-inch WhiteMagic LCD around the back now opens up more shooting opportunities by being articulated, swivelling through (84 degrees up, 45 degrees down).
Another neat touch is the addition of a Multi Interface Shoe, which lets users stick on an external flash as well as an electronic viewfinder or stereo microphone, while video performance has been ramped up to full HD 24p/25p movie recording.
It’s a well connected wee thing too, packing both Wi-Fi and NFC capabilities, making one-touch photo transfer between camera and smart devices possibly.
Ricoh beater?
The RX100 II forms an attractive alternative to the Ricoh GR, with both cameras having their pros and cons: the RX100 II offers far more features (zoom, wi-fi, NFC, wide f1.8 aperture etc) while the GR’s sublime UI and far bigger sensor (23.7 x 15.7mm versus 13.2 x 8.8mm) are probably enough to keep it the compact camera we crave the most.
The RX100 II measures up at a compact 113 x 65 x 70 mm (4.45 x 2.56 x 2.76″) and weighs 482 g (1.06 lb / 17.00 oz).
It will be available next month for a very competitive £650/$750 – see an early hands on preview here.
Key features:
- 20.2 megapixel 1inch Exmor R Backlit CMOS sensor
- 3.6x optical zoom lens, f/1.8-f/4.9 aperture
- 28-100mm equivalent lens
- Optical image stabilisation
- 3inch 1,229,000 dots tilting screen
- Wi-Fi Connectivity
- NFC (Near Field Communication)
- Full HD video, stereo sound
- ISO100 – ISO25600
- 5cm Macro
- PASM manual controls
- HDR / RAW / 10fps continuous shooting
- Flash hot-shoe / multi-interface accessory port
Here’s the Sony Press Release
Weybridge, 27th June 2013
Sony Launches New Cyber-shot™ RX100 II
• The first–ever camera from Sony to feature NFC, in addition to Wi-Fi capabilities
• A step up from the hugely popular RX100 with enhanced picture quality and convenient new features
• New 20.2 effective megapixel back-illuminated Exmor R 1.0-type CMOS sensor to boost sensitivity for better low-light images
• The option to add accessories with Multi Interface Shoe and Multi Terminal
• 3.0-type White Magic™ LCD tilts up or down
• Full HD 24p/25p movie for rich, cinematic video footage
• TRILUMINOS™ Colour for richer, more natural coloursThe new Cyber-shot™ RX100 II from Sony puts even more shooting power in your pocket. Sleekly styled in strong but light aluminium, it’s a perfect travel partner for quality-conscious photographers who want DSLR-style images from a pocket camera with generous control options.
Building on the superb picture quality of the multi-award winning RX100, the new camera now delivers even better results if you’re shooting indoors or at dusk without a flash. The newly developed back-illuminated Exmor R™ 1.0-type CMOS sensor increases sensitivity while reducing picture noise in tricky low-light scenes. Combined with the exceptional f1.8 Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens, you’ll see the difference with exceptionally crisp, natural stills and Full HD video in any shooting situation – from parties after dark to night-time landscapes.
Wi-Fi makes it easy to connect the camera wirelessly with your smartphone and transfer photos or videos for easy sharing. It’s also the first ever camera from Sony with NFC (Near Field Communication), giving the extra convenience of One-touch connection with Android smartphones and tablets. There’s no set-up needed – simply touch your mobile device against the RX100 II and a wireless connection is made instantly. One-touch Remote even lets you trigger shutter release from your smartphone — great for group shots when you don’t want to be left out of the action.
The camera’s enthusiast appeal is further enhanced by a new Multi Interface Shoe and Multi Terminal. Expand your photographic possibilities by attaching optional accessories – including an electronic viewfinder, powerful external flash and stereo microphone – via the versatile Multi Interface Shoe. The Multi Terminal also allows the addition of other options such as a shutter-release remote controller.
The bright, detail-packed 3.0-type White Magic™ LCD now tilts up and down , giving greater freedom to compose shots in comfort. Hold the camera high up to reach over crowds, or get down low and see things from the perspective of pets and children.
Compatibility with TRILUMINOS™ Colour technology ensures even richer, more natural colour reproduction with the new generation of BRAVIA televisions featuring TRILUMINOS™ Display.
Full HD video modes are expanded with the addition of 24p/25p shooting for smooth, cinematic movies. Other refinements include a step zoom function that’s accessible via the camera’s customisation menu. Instantly choose from five popular focal lengths using the control ring – 28mm, 35mm, 50mm, 70mm or 100mm. It’s an intuitive alternative to zooming in and out when you’re in a hurry.
The PlayMemories Mobile app has been updated to enable the one-touch capabilities of the RX100 II, and also now features an enhanced user interface. It is available now for free from the Google Play store for all Android smartphones.
Introduced in June 2012, the Cyber-shot™ DSC-RX100 is the world’s first compact fixed-lens camera with a 1.0-type 20.2 effective megapixel sensor.
Accessories for the RX100 are available here: http://www.sony.co.uk/hub/cyber-shot-digital-cameras/accessories
The new Cyber-shot™ DSC-RX100 II digital compact camera from Sony is available to pre-order in the UK from http://www.sony.co.uk/RX and is generally available in Europe from mid-July 2013.
Key specifications
Model RX100 II
Image Sensor 1.0-type (13.2 x 8.8mm) Exmor R™ CMOS sensor with back illumination technology
(Effective resolution) Approx. 20.2 megapixels
(Gross resolution) Approx. 20.9 megapixels
Lens Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T*, with 7 elements in 6 groups (4 aspheric elements including AA lens); F1.8 (Wide) – 4.9 (Tele); focal length = 10.4-37.1mm; 35mm effective focal length (Still Image 3:2) = 28-100mm
Zoom range Optical: 3.6x; Clear Image Zoom 7.2x
Screen 7.5cm (3.0-type) (4:3) / 1,229,000 dots / Xtra Fine TFT LCD; adjusts up 84° / down 45° (approx.)
Image stabilisation (Still image) Optical SteadyShot
(Movie) Optical SteadyShot Active Mode with electronic compensation (anti-rolling)
Focus modes Single-shot AF (AF-S) / Continuous AF (AF-C) / Direct Manual Focus (DMF) / Manual Focus
Focus area Multi point AF (25 points) / Centre weighted AF / Flexible spot / Flexible spot (tracking focus) / Flexible spot (face tracking)
Sensitivity (still image) Auto (ISO160-12800, selectable with upper/lower limit), 160/200/400/800/1600/3200/6400/12800 (Expandable to ISO 100/125)
Multi Frame NR: Auto(ISO160-25600),200/400/800/1600/3200/6400/12800/25600
NB: ISO25600 is achieved by using overlay burst shooting
Continuous shooting Speed Priority Continuous Mode: Approx.10 fps
Continuous mode: 2.5 fps (AF-S)
Shooting modes Superior Auto, Intelligent Auto, Program Auto (Program shift available), Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority, Manual, Scene Selection, Movie, Sweep shooting
Picture Effect modes Toy Camera, Pop Colour, Posterisation, Retro Photo, Soft High-key, Partial Colour, High Contrast Monochrome, Soft Focus, HDR Painting, Rich-tone Monochrome, Miniature, Watercolour, Illustration
Other Shooting functions Face Detection, Face Registration, Smile Shutter, Dual Rec, Grid Line, Digital Level Gauge (pitch and roll), MR (memory recall), Exposure Bracketing, White Balance Bracketing, Peaking, MF Assist, Auto Framing, Photo Creativity, Shooting Tips
Movie record AVCHD: 28M PS (1920×1080, 50p/60p) / 24M FX (1920×1080, 50i/60i, 24p/25p) / 17M FH (1920×1080, 50i/60i, 24p/25p)
MP4: 12M (1440×1080, 25p/30p) / 3M VGA (640×480 25p/30p) *NTSC formats selectable as Setup menu option
Battery life (Still Image) Approx. 350 / Approx. 175 min. (CIPA standard)
(Movie) Approx. 80 min.( AVCHD, MP4, shooting in factory preset mode)
Dimensions (WxHxD) Approx. 101.6 x 58.1 x 38.3mm (CIPA compliant)
Accessory terminals Multi Terminal, Multi Interface Shoe
Weight Approx. 254g (body only)
Approx. 281g (with battery and Memory Stick Duo)
Supplied accessories Rechargeable Battery Pack NP-BX1, Micro USB cable, Wrist Strap, Shoulder Strap Adaptor, Instruction Manual
