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Sony Cybershot RX-100 II (RX-100 M2)

The newest camera in Sony's RX100 series! We dove with the camera- read on to see our impressions

Excellent Image Quality:

The release of the Sony RX-100 II has been highly anticipated and for good reason. After the amazing quality and success of the original RX-100, the release of the R-X100 II can only mean good things. The RX-100 II has managed to surpass the amazing image quality of the RX-100 with its new 20.2 MP, 1" back-illuminated Exmor® CMOS sensor!  This new sensor allows for better function at high ISO (ie - less noise). This will be great for underwater photography, when shooting with ambient light. Improved focusing speed, the large sensor and added features make the RX-100 II our top pick on compact cameras for underwater photography.

Features:

• 1"-type Exmor-R BSI-CMOS sensor (13.2 x 8.8mm, 3:2 aspect ratio)
• 20.2 million effective pixels
• 28-100mm (equiv), f/1.8-4.9 Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens
• Steady-Shot image stabilization
• ISO 160-12,800 (Down to ISO 100 and to 25,600 expanded)
• NFC-mediated Wi-Fi allowing file transfer and control from smartphones
• Rear control dial and customizable front control ring
• 10fps continuous shooting in 'Speed Priority' mode
• Tiltable 3" 1.2M-dot 'WhiteMagic' LCD screen
• 13 Picture Effects (27 with variations)
• Memory Recall feature can store up to three groups of custom settings
• 1080p60 video, (AVCHD) with MP4 option (50p in PAL regions)
• Built-in stereo microphones
• 330-shot battery life (CIPA)

Improvements from the RX-100:

There have been several improvements from the original RX-100 making the RX-100 II one of the best compact cameras on the market! These improvements include increased light sensitivity, reduced noise, better low light focusing and performance, a new tiltable 3” LCD screen, WiFi connection for control by mobile devices, a hot-shoe on the camera for attaching accessories, and more!

RX-100 II underwater housings

The RX-100 II will not fit in the RX-100 underwater housings, and vice versa - because the size of the camera has changed.

RX-100 II Initial thoughts & focus speed:

The RX-100M2 is very similar to the RX-100. It feels about the same size, you don't even notice the tilting LCD screen or hot shoe unless you are looking for them. Focusing speed is excellent for a compact camera, just like it was in the RX-100, and we didn't notice a huge difference there. We tested focus speed of both the RX-100 and RX-100M2 side by side in sunlight, in a bright room, and in a dark room, and the auto-focus speeds were similar.

For high ISO performance - see our test photos below. We did notice an improvement in the amount of noise at high ISO.  - Shane

RX-100 vs RX-100 II Detail Comparison: 

Shot With Sony RX 100 II.  No crop and shot at  f/5.6  1/800  ISO100

Shot With Sony RX100.  This is a 100% crop of the photo above to show detail.  Shot at the same distance with the same settings:  f/5.6 1/800 ISO 100 

Shot with Sony RX 100 II. Shot at the same distance and settings as photo above.  100% crop to show detail .  Settings: f/5.6, 1/800.  Detail with both cameras is good.   No noticeable difference in quality.  Compare the detail in the street sign on the right hand side in both photos.

High ISO Comparison(shot at ISO 6400):

Shot with Sony RX 100 II.   No crop and shot at f/5.6, 1/1000, ISO 6400. Pretty nice photo for ISO 6400!

Shot with Sony RX100.   100% crop of the image above taken at the same settings.  f/5.6 1/1000 ISO 6400

Pair this camera with the new housing from Recsea for a great compact camera system for underwater photography. Ikelite, Acquapazza and Nauticam housings coming soon! (The RX100 II will not fit into The RX100 housing beacause of its dimensions)