Sony RX0 II Review: Tiny Camera, Serious Image Quality

The Sony RX0 II is an unusual little camera. It is about the size of an action camera, yet it uses a 1-inch sensor and a fixed Zeiss 24mm-equivalent f/4 lens. That combination gives it a different job: it is for people who want a very compact, tough camera with more photographic control and stronger still-image potential than a typical action cam.

It is not simply a GoPro alternative. The RX0 II records 4K internally, has a microphone socket and a screen that tilts up for self-recording. At the same time, its tiny non-touch display, dense menus and lack of stabilisation make it less forgiving for quick handheld video.

A small camera with a larger-than-usual sensor

The 15.3MP 1-inch Exmor RS sensor is the reason to consider the RX0 II. It gives more room for detail, tonal adjustment and RAW processing than the smaller sensors normally found in action cameras. In good light, that can make a real difference to photographs of travel, products and everyday scenes. For a useful primer on sensitivity and noise, see our guide to camera ISO.

The lens is fixed at a 24mm-equivalent field of view and f/4. It cannot zoom or accept another lens, but it is wider and less distorted than the ultra-wide view many action cameras use. The 20cm minimum focusing distance is handy for small subjects and detail shots. The trade-off is clear indoors: f/4 gathers less light than a bright compact-camera lens, and it will not create much background blur unless the subject is very close.

Built for difficult places

The RX0 II measures roughly 59 x 40.5 x 35mm and weighs about 132g. Its metal body is waterproof to 10 metres without a housing, shockproof to 2 metres and crushproof to 200kgf. Those figures make it useful for poolside work, rain, dusty bags and places where a conventional compact camera would need more protection.

Small size is both its strength and its compromise. The 1.5-inch 230k-dot screen tilts 180 degrees upward and 90 degrees downward, which is genuinely useful for low-angle framing and self-recording. It is not a touch screen, however, and the small buttons and multi-page menu demand more patience than a modern action camera interface.

Video: capable, but not carefree

The RX0 II records 4K UHD internally with full pixel readout, and it can record Full HD at up to 120fps for slow motion. It also offers useful video tools such as Picture Profiles, S-Log2 and an external microphone input. That makes it more adaptable than its size suggests when you are prepared to set exposure and colour deliberately.

There is no optical or electronic image stabilisation. This matters more than the specification list may suggest: walking, cycling or hand-held movement can look unsettled, and stabilising later will crop the already moderately wide 24mm view. For smooth moving footage, a grip, support or careful post-production is important. If your main aim is point-of-view action video, compare it with the models in our action camera reviews and with the GoPro Hero 7.

Who is the RX0 II for?

This camera makes the most sense for a photographer or video creator who values a tough, pocketable body and understands the limits of a fixed f/4 lens. It can work well as a compact B-camera, for travel stills, controlled tabletop work or a camera that can be placed in awkward locations. It is less convincing for long recording sessions, low-light hand-held shooting or fast, spontaneous action footage.

The anti-distortion shutter reaches 1/32,000 sec and burst shooting reaches up to 16fps, both useful when light is bright or subjects move quickly. Still, the RX0 II rewards a measured approach more than a grab-and-go one.

What You Need Besides the Camera

A fast microSD card is essential for 4K recording, and a spare battery is sensible because the compact body leaves limited space for power. An external microphone helps when speech matters, while a small grip or mini tripod can make framing and handheld video easier. The camera is waterproof to 10m without a housing, but a protective case is still worthwhile for travel and rough transport.

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Check the Sony RX0 II price on Amazon

Key specifications

• 15.3MP 1-inch Exmor RS CMOS sensor
• Zeiss Tessar T* 24mm-equivalent f/4 fixed lens
• 4K UHD internal video and Full HD up to 120fps
• 1.5-inch tilting, non-touch LCD
• Waterproof to 10m, shockproof to 2m and crushproof to 200kgf
• 16fps continuous shooting and 1/32,000 sec anti-distortion shutter
• External microphone input, micro HDMI and microSD storage
• Approx. 132g; 59 x 40.5 x 35mm

For manuals, compatibility information and support resources, visit Sony’s official RX0 II support page.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Large 1-inch sensor in a genuinely tiny, rugged body
• Internal 4K, 120fps Full HD and microphone input
• Tilting screen is useful for low angles and self-recording
• Strong manual and picture-profile controls for its size

Cons

• No image stabilisation
• Fixed f/4 lens limits low-light flexibility
• Small, non-touch screen and fiddly menu system
• Price can be hard to justify beside newer action cameras

30-second decision

Choose the Sony RX0 II if you want a rugged, extremely small camera with a 1-inch sensor, a more natural 24mm view and serious manual/video options. Skip it if you need smooth hand-held action footage, easy touch-screen operation, a zoom lens or strong low-light performance. It is a specialist compact rather than an all-purpose action camera, but in the right role it remains a distinctive one.