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Sony Cyber Shot DSC-RX100 II Review

The Good: Exmor R CMOS, 1"-type, 20.9MP sensor, great Carl Zeiss 3.6x lens, aperture range of f1.8-f4.9, great build quality, very versatile platform.  

The Bad: Can be hard to grip. 

The Verdict: Among the best point and shoot cameras on the market. It offers a taste of DSLR level performance in a compact package, and since its price was significantly reduced, it has become appealing to a wider range of users.   

  • Full Review

Overview

The original version of this camera quickly captured the attention of critics who found it to be a great balance of performance and price. The original RX100 became popular among casual and intermediate users alike for a number of reasons, but mostly because it delivered impressive image quality. Sony Cyber Shot DSC-RX100 II built on that success and took this model to a whole new level of excellence. While everybody noticed the substantial improvements compared to the original model, RX100 II was criticized because of its rather high price. Since then, several years have passed and this camera is now valued at less than $500 (£343).

Features

One of the main features that make Sony Cyber Shot DSC-RX100 II so impressive, is its 20.9MP 1"-type Exmor R CMOS sensor. This new sensor allows you to push the ISO up to 3200 without a single problem as the noise begins to appear only once you reach ISO 6400 or 12800. Colors are great and the Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T, 3.6x lens has proven to be very versatile, especially in low light conditions. Additionally, the lens has the aperture range of f1.8-f4.9, which is still remarkable for a compact digital camera such as RX100 II. 

Sony Cyber Shot DSC-RX100 II comes with a built in Wi-Fi/NFC making it incredibly easy to share your photos, maneuverable LCD screen, and a multi-interface shoe where you can attach an electronic viewfinder. This camera is capable of filming 1080 HD video with complete exposure controls. 

Build Quality

There is nothing about this Sony model that is cheap or badly designed. The camera is very compact which makes it perfect for longer use, but also a bit tricky to hold. This rings true especially since the 3" LCD screen on the back of the camera doesn't leave much room left for your fingers. 

Specifications: 

  • 20.9 MP 1"-type Exmor R CMOS sensor
  • F1.8 Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T lens w/3.6x zoom
  • Aperture range from f1.8-4.9
  • ISO 160-12800, expandable ISO 100, 125, and 25,600
  • Built-in WiFi and NFC for sharing and remote camera control
  • Steady-Shot image stabilization
  • Expandable Smart Accessory Shoe for system accessories

Conclusion

When it came out, Sony Cyber Shot DSC-RX100 II was the best point and shoot camera the money could buy, and that hasn't changed much since then. What RX100 II offers is borderline DSLR performance for a lot less money, and in a lot more compact and easy to use package. 

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Sony Cyber Shot DSC-RX100 II