This Sony RX100 II is one of the best and most compact point-and-shoot digital cameras in the market. It features 20.2 megapixels 1″ Exmor R CMOS sensor, resulting in high-resolution images and full HD 1080i/p video.
The sensor is designed to utilize backside-illuminated technology, enhancing clarity and quality, especially when shooting in dimly-lit conditions. This also gives it increased sensitivity to an expandable ISO 12800. Complementing the sensor is the BIONZ image processor that results in photos with smooth quality and gradations.
Table of Contents
Sony RX100 II review
The processor provides expedited performance in all aspects of the camera. From full-resolution continuous shooting up to 10 fps and quick autofocus speed of just 0.13 seconds to inbuilt Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* 10.4-37.1mm f/1.8-4.9 lens and Optical SteadyShot image stabilization, this camera has it all.
Moreover, there is an anti-reflective coating that reduces surface reflections and ghosting. Even though it is compact, Sony RX100 II has a large 3.0″ 1,229k-dot Xtra Fine LCD monitor, a tilting design. It comes with White Magic technology to improve the effective brightness of the screen.
The menu structure is also intuitive, and there are also additional camera features such as Picture Effects, Auto Object Framing, Auto HDR mode, inbuilt wireless, and NFC, multi-interface shoe!
Let us look at the feature of this camera by Sony to understand what makes this so worthwhile!
Sony RX100 II – product overview:
Beginning with the sensor, this camera features a large 20.2 megapixel 1″ Exmor R CMOS sensor, which uses backside-illuminated technology so that low-light capabilities are enhanced to an expanded ISO 12800, and vivid clarity is still maintained.
It uses Sony’s Column A/D Conversion, which reduces noise and results in smooth gradations between tones and hues and excellent image quality.
Coming on to processing, this camera benefits from the BIONZ image processor, which enhances its overall performance. It allows full-resolution continuous shooting up to 10 fps and high-speed autofocusing in as quickly as 0.13 sec, along with full HD 1080i/p video recording. It permits the saving of still images in both JPEG and RAW file formats, and even simultaneously.
All the functioning is precise and quick as the camera utilizes intelligent response data complemented by a refined high-speed actuator.
Next is its inbuilt Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* 10.4-37.1mm f/1.8-4.9 lens, which provides a 35mm-equivalent focal length range of 28-100mm. This covers wide-angle to portrait-length perspectives; thus, it is well-suited to work in various situations. Its max aperture of f/1.8 enhances shooting in low-light conditions and also provides greater control over focus placement.
Anti-reflective coating
The lens also has an anti-reflective coating that minimizes both lens flare and ghosting so that the photos produced are rich in contrast and clarity.
Moreover, this camera also has inbuilt wireless connectivity, enabling it to instantly share both photos and videos with mobile devices to share online directly. It also supports Near Field Communication, which permits a single touch connection between compatible mobile devices and the camera without a complex setup.
This also gives it the ability for Smart Remote Control, so that the connected smart device can remotely control the shutter release.
For greater efficiency, this camera also sports a multi-interface shoe, which permits external flashes, external microphones, and auxiliary viewfinders. This accessory shoe also allows remote camera controls to be connected via it.
Built-in pop-up flash
There is also a built-in pop-up flash included with a unique design that enables tilting of the flash head so that light can bounce off of walls, ceilings, and reflectors.
To brighten things up, this camera has a live view monitoring that provides efficient image playback, review, live view monitoring, and menu navigation. To complement it, there is also a 3.0″ 1,229k-dot Xtra Fine LCD monitor designed into the camera body, featuring a tilting design.
This promotes convenient shooting from high and low angles. The camera also employs WhiteMagic technology to enhance the brightness of the display to be used comfortably in extra bright conditions. All in all, the viewing is not only clear but also more vivid.
Coming on to the video, there is Full HD 1920 x 1080 supported in multiple frame rates. The audio is recorded while shooting via the inbuilt stereo microphone. There is also an option for an external microphone via the multi-interface shoe.
Optical SteadyShot image stabilization
Next is the Optical SteadyShot image stabilization, which reduces the camera shake’s appearance if shooting in low-light conditions or shooting with greater zoom magnifications. It can counter the impacts of both vertical and horizontal movements.
There are other Camera Features as well, such as auto Object Framing. This is a brilliant shooting mode as it can automatically analyze the subjects within the scene and provide an aesthetically-pleasing composition. This also results in high image quality and sharpness as all the subsequent imagery is cropped by utilizing Face Detection and Tracking Focus.
Then there is Auto HDR mode for automatically recording a bracketed range of exposures to capture greater highlight and shadow details. It captures multiple exposures and then combines them into a single file to exhibit an extended dynamic range.
Moreover, this camera also sports a Face Detection technology, which can detect up to 8 individual faces and control the focus, white balance, exposure, and flash settings to capture optimal images with people.
What’s in the Box?
- Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 II Digital Camera
- NP-BX1 Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery Pack (3.6V, 1240mAh)
- AC Adapter AC-UB10
- Micro USB Cable
- Wrist Strap
- Shoulder Strap Adapter
- Limited 1-Year Warranty
DSC-RX100 II specifications:
- Â Pixels Actual: 20.9 Megapixel
- Â Effective Pixels: 20.2 Megapixel
- Â Max Resolution: 5472 x 3648
- Â Aspect Ratio: 1:1, 3:2, 4:3, 16:9
- Â Sensor Type: CMOS
- Â Sensor Size: 1.”
- Â Image File Format: JPEG, RAW
- Â Image Stabilization: Optical
- Â Focal Length: 10.1 to 37.4mm
- Â 35mm Equivalent Focal Length: 28 to 100mm
- Â Optical Zoom: 3.6x
- Â Max Aperture: f/1.8 to 4.9
- Â Mini Aperture: f/11
- Â Optical Design: 7 Elements in 6 Groups
- Â ISO Sensitivity: Auto, 160 to 12800 (Extended: 100 to 12800)
- Â Metering Method: Center-Weighted Average, Multi, Spot
- Â Exposure Modes: Aperture Priority, Auto, Manual, Program, Shutter Priority
- Â Exposure Compensation: -3 to +3 EV (1/3 EV Steps)
- Â Metering Range: 0 to 20 EV
- Â Continuous Shooting: Up to 10 fps at 20.2 MP for up to 13 Exposures
- Â Interval Recording: None
- Â Self-Timer: 2/10-Second Delay
- Â Recording Modes: AVCHD/MP4, Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 24p/59.94p, HDV (1440 x 1080) at 29.97p, SD (640 x 480) at 29.97p
- Â Video Encoding: NTSC
- Â Audio Recording: Built-In Microphone (Stereo)
- Â Audio File Format: AAC, AC3
- Â Viewfinder and Monitor
- Â Monitor Size: 3″
- Â Monitor Resolution: 1,229,000 Dot
- Â Monitor Type: Tilting LCD
- External Flash Connection: Hot Shoe
- Â Built-in Flash: Yes
- Â Flash Modes: Auto, Fill In, Off, Rear Sync, Slow Sync, Wireless
- Â Effective Flash Range (Wide): 0.98 to 49.21′ / 0.3 to 15 m
- Â Effective Flash Range (Telephoto): 1.80 to 18.70′ / 0.55 to 5.7m
- Â Wireless: Wi-Fi
- Â GPS: No
- Â Battery: 1 x NP-BX1 Rechargeable Lithium-Ion
- Â Dimensions: 4 x 2.3 x 1.5″ / 101.6 x 58.4 x 38.1 mm (W x H x D)
- Â Weight with Battery and Memory: 9.91 oz / 280.95 g
Conclusion
So this camera has it all. From image quality and design to high functionality and durability, it excels in everything. That is why do not hesitate to add it to your photography kit. <- Affiliate link 🙂
You will not regret this investment as all the amazing photos and videos captured through this compact system will make it worthwhile!
