Best Camera for Street Photography | Sony RX1 R ii | Best Leica Q2 and Fuji x100v Alternative

[@JustinPhillip]

Check out my latest street photo documentary project: instagram.com/localcallsphoto • New KZbin series dropping in May: www.youtube.com/@localcallsphoto

[@ckaye]

I agree with everything you’ve said about the RX1R II. I’ve been using one now for a few months-I bought it used for about $2,000 and have done a bunch of portrait photography with it. It has the same sensor as my old a7R II but it’s much smaller and lighter, which for a 75 year old guy is a big deal.

[@JustinPhillip]

It’s a hard one to let go!

[@looppp]

I really want a MkIII version of this. Sony, please, make this!

[@dr0pthat]

Still using the rx1r first gen on a daily basis and it is still an amazing quality. The r2 is better for sure but to your point the lens is the key

[@michaelneumann1865]

I own both generations, and I often use the older one for hiking and biking. The results in daylight shooting are equal to me. I love the first version as well.

[@adisoon6676]

Best video on this camera Ive seen.

[@JustinPhillip]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@iCanoe_]

Fantastic review Justin. As an owner of the RX1R, your video was extremely helpful in explaining the differences between this and the RX1Rii. Looks like I might be upgrading! Thanks!

[@JustinPhillip]

awesome! thank you!

[@n0w3lly90]

I got my RX1Rii back in 2016, still have it, still love it. The battery life is the only major annoyance, but, the batteries are tiny, light and easy to carry around (I take 4-5 around with me). There are better 3rd party X battery clones with even higher power capacity (mine are 1600MAh). The form factor obviously meant a compromise on the battery. It is very small, so handling is tricky, but not with a half case grip and thumb grip around the back. It is a stella performer of a camera though and, I agree, the big appeals (leaf shutter, dynamic range, high ISO performance, the Zeiss Sonnar) all sell it. Weather sealing would be nice, but I have to say, I never had a problem and England has regular changing weather events. The absence of a 3rd version RX1R, and, so few competitors in this niche, means second hand prices remain relatively high. I was going to get a Q, but, I preferred the 35mm focal length and this was a better performer. It was something of a masterpiece and it did win EISA premium compact of the year 2016 as well

[@JustinPhillip]

oh wow, i was unaware of the award!

[@n0w3lly90]

@@JustinPhillip i hope you enjoy it and get a lot of pleasure out of it. Try doing some A3 and A2 sized prints too, as I have, and be amazed 😉

[@99985cc]

The RX1R II is the best photographic purchases I've made. I would be so interested to see someone do a 35mm GM vs RX1R II comparison.

[@Mohika881]

Great video! I have an RX1 Rii and absolutely love it. I prefer using it to my x100vi. The results are just better. It’s a mystery to me why Sony won’t upgrade it. Bigger battery, weather sealing, perhaps IBIS if they can fit it in without too big a compromise in size.

[@SnIpErX07]

If Sony made such a power house in 2015. A comeback for the MK 3? Please? I will be picking a used model soon. Been A7 user till the latest A7RV late last year. I really wanted a more compact power house. Remmebered that I just entered college back then and having a FF was dream. Never knew time flew by and yet the specs of this compact is still relevant

[@dychui]

I have owned this for several years and it’s one of my favorite cameras. This is the best review I’ve seen of it. Tomorrow a trip to Whistler Canada area with just this and a Ricoh GR - can’t wait !

[@JustinPhillip]

Awesome! Thank you

[@EdRobles1]

I just bought this in mint condition for $1500. Not taking it out until I get my Metro Case grip. Been shooting in the house only. Love the images from my RX1. Great to see you share your experience.

[@JustinPhillip]

Thats a good deal!

[@dynax78]

Thank you for this great Video. I Love my RX1rII since 4 Years!

[@ortonphotoart5770]

Fantastic review! How does the autofocus compare with the ricoh griii? I've been mostly shooting street with a fuji gfx50r and voigtlander 40mm f2 ultron lens, but wouldn't mind a small autofocus camera. I have a griii that gets very little use, but the sony looks great!

[@JustinPhillip]

Thanks! Honestly i dont know how well the AF compares to the Ricoh. But i do know just from following different groups on facebook, that a lot of new fuji owners that come from the Sony world are always complaining about fuji's auto focus. 🤷🏻‍♂️ I personally think Sony's AF is the best, that's obviously just my opinion, but i've shot docs on the higher end Canon Cinema line with C500 mkiiis and i think the AF in the a7Siii is better and faster than the C500 mkii. For how old the RX1 Rii is, i'm pretty surprised by its AF speed. The trick though, like i say in this video, is leaving Eye & Face tracking on in Continous AF mode, which does drain those little batteries quite quickly. So be sure you're using the LCD screen as little as possible. Thanks for stopping by!

[@ortonphotoart5770]

@@JustinPhillip thanks Justin. I'll keep an eye open for one.

[@mujtabajuya8499]

Where can I get that thumb rest you use? Thanks.

[@JustinPhillip]

bhpho.to/40dbfrM

[@looppp]

As someone with an A7III + X100V, agree entirely with everything said here. I like the Fuji for the skin tone renditions, but other than that, It's inferior to my Sony other than in size. Hell.. Even for the film simulations, I ended up not even using them much because I still prefer doing my edits on Lightroom alongside better "film sims" - presets. I am thinking of selling mine, and getting a used MkII, but the price is a little hard to stomach after all.

[@benouze06]

Hello, I am hesitating between an X100V or RX1Rii ? ( i own an A7iii at the moment but need something more travel kind). Did you get the MKII? What do you think?

[@LucaBono.Studio]

The look of that lens is very similar to the Zeiss Classic Distagon 35mm f2, with less field of curvature. Very very nice!

[@MuhammadKharismawan]

Got my RX1R for 700, it's a quirky camera but it's just so enjoyable to use when I want to go slow, got a evf and oVF for it for the full experience. Add the leather grip for more comfort when I want to. It's nice being able to strip it down to as small as it could be when I want to. the battery problem is a thing, but i remember to buy a new original battery for it and got about twice the milage of my old battery, its an old camera with old, tiny battery so i guess age degradation sap most of its life. They are so small tho that carrying 3 battery is about the same size as carrying 1 normal size sony camera battery, soi always have one tucked somewhere in my bags as i bought one pack of 3rd party battery so i can have spares no matter which bag i choose to bring that day. I'm hoping for the RX1 to keep their current used price for a while knowing how unique it is in sony's portofolio. Sony made a fold away thumbgrip made for the rx1 called TGA-1 but they are about 50 usd i cant find myself buying it. it folds so it allows access to the preview button and also have a cold shoe on top for mounting stuff. might worth it for you. For a real deal i did get the evf for 150 and ovf for 100, official leather case and grip for 50 also, so am packed. the Carl Zeiss oVF is so clear, bright and beautiful compared to anything the display and eVF can show, my ideal is always to replicate what i can see through it. My only problem with the camera is the unreliable AF so I think you do good on getting the mk2. I really do wish Sony out a mk3 with a new lens and absolutely reliable Autofocused, that's the one thing the Q3 and X100v can't manage still.

[@JustinPhillip]

Yeah i think the mk ii got a huge update in AF. But yea, still 8 years old

[@suresh0t478]

Not as pocketable as an x70 but have to admit it's one hell of a camera if you can fit it somewhere. It's too bad no one is making full frame digital compact cameras.

[@davidletterboyz]

I just sold my X70 and just found an RX1 in quite worn body condition at cheaper price. Shall I bite the bullet?

[@jmackultra]

That RX1R II is legit. They need to update it.

[@tappersreviews4677]

Sadly I’ve heard Sony has given up on the RX series. ☹️

[@jmackultra]

@@tappersreviews4677 where'd you hear that?

[@Shenepoy]

I am new to photography and got a6400 with sony 20/2.8 it's the compactest I want for edc and I can change to zoom lens when I need to shoot animals. and it cost less than 1k for camera plus 2 lenses

[@JustinPhillip]

👍🏼

[@pavelk7078]

Great review! Many good Live Photos! 👍👍

[@JustinPhillip]

Thank you! 👍

[@balboa0621]

The lack of a joystick and any form of stabilization really hurt. Even though it is 35mm, you can’t reliably shoot handheld under 1/80 (1/100 in auto iso). I have to double tap the center button and then use the 4 way pad under the wheel to select autofocus point, which is slow and unreliable. Those two factors really hurt the practical usability of an otherwise excellent camera.

[@JustinPhillip]

i do agree about the double tap for select AF point. Especially after coming off the a7Siii, it does slow you down a bit not having that joystick. I know what you mean about the lack of IS too, i shoot as low as 1/60 without issue, but that's pretty close to your 1/80. When i have to shoot with slower shutter speeds, i just use timer mode on the camera & hold very still to stop camera shake. It all depends on what you do. For street action, i generally don't shoot slower than 1/250. the amazing lowlight capabilities of the camera doesn't require slower shutter speeds for lack of light, IMO. Full frame at f/2, with clean ISOs easily up to and even beyond 6400. Funny thing is there is image stab for the 1080p video tho. Which does come in handy.

[@kostyafedot551]

I have Leica M camera and I have Ricoh GRDIII (not GRIII). Somehow all in focus from GRDIII doesn't bother me at all for street photography.

[@romain_do]

that lens looks yummmmy

[@ChrisWhittenMusic]

I compared my OG Leica Q to an M 28mm on my M240 on a static tripod and the Q was wider. I prefer 35, so wider than 28 was even more of a turn off. The images out of the Q were stunning though and having watched a few Sony reviews now I’m still not convinced by the rendering. Agreed, Fuji X100x comes in a poor third.

[@ToddDeSilva]

The simulation thing is not a plus any more. You can get film simulations for Sony cameras (provided the camera has the custom picture profiles)

[@deathrat]

It doesn't even come close

[@ToddDeSilva]

@@deathrat true, I was just saying that you can’t use that as a huge point anymore. Fuji colour simulations have been perfected over what, more than a decade? The Sony film simulations are like maybe 2 years old. 😀

[@quattro30]

I just picked up a Rx1RM2 and have been impressed. It replaced a Leica CL w/ 23mm f2. This lens has more pop, more magic, and the camera body is incredibly small.

[@khirinlain2735]

I’m in the market for one. Do you find the camera sluggish? Do the lack of software updates still make it a good buy today?

[@quattro30]

@@khirinlain2735 it won't be super fast, but for more selective shots it should be more than adequate. The lens is what makes this camera in my opinion, I don't care too much for the pop up EVF.

[@yogatheseekeroftruth9169]

Its just a camera for nice weather in a city - everything else is like a mercedes limousine on a road trip. The q2 is like a landrover defender!

[@andresjaime9634]

I had Sony RX1 and battery and menus from this camera are horrendous. Now you can have a Sony A7CR and a Sony Zeiss Sonnar FE 2.8 35mm ZA pankake lens and it’s a much better option. Just waiting for the Sony RX1 MarK Iv with the new features we like from new Sony cameras

[@JustinPhillip]

yeah i think the a7C ii is the way to go, just for my ideal hybrid camera.

[@Cthames123]

So the zeiss 35, f2.8 lens, it’s definitely not the sharpest, its still kinda expensive, and its almost 10yrs old now. What is so magical about this lens.

[@yogatheseekeroftruth9169]

Man what u are talking 😮

[@Cthames123]

​@@yogatheseekeroftruth9169 Yeah...Help me understand. I like the cute factor of the lens, but the Samsung 35mm, f2.8, is even smaller and lighter and it's half the price. Why do the Zeiss, 35mm, f2.8 lens? Is this one something I have to shoot with for myself to see?

[@dchangb]

could you please share what type of usb c to micro usb cable is the type of high quality cable needed to prevent overheating? it's been frustrating trying to find the right cable and power source to avoid overheating while using the camera as a webcam. thanks

[@JustinPhillip]

You have to find one with the right amount of voltage. 12V. But really it’s the camera, it will overheat if the room is too hot. Keep the LCD screen away from the camera body, switch to EVF, and open the battery door.

[@dchangb]

@@JustinPhillip thank you for the response! when i optimize for all of the above, i get max 30-45 minutes of webcam use before it overheats. it probably was just not meant to be used as a webcam given the heating issues over extended periods of time. a dummy battery could work, but the battery lid does not have a hole for the cord, and the standard dummy batteries that i tried for this sony battery type do not stay connected inside the compartment with the lid open

[@RonScibilia]

Great review. I have the RX1r and am now interested in the upgrade.

[@JustinPhillip]

Check out the 1 year review: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m16TmHembdCVg6ssi=riBnoMk6RdQcRvJy

[@Sportscarbible]

Thank you for this video as always. I am just curious as of why do you prefer Super 35 for video instead of full frame. Thank you!

[@JustinPhillip]

For nostalgic cinema purposes. Just what im used to

[@_oneclickaway_9862]

How about an updated version of this video, A7cR is in the market?

[@JustinPhillip]

It was released three days ago kzbin.info/www/bejne/m16TmHembdCVg6ssi=4sQk0Y-H4f9oATBo

[@mathewlp]

Thanks man brilliant review ! Cheers from France ;-)

[@JustinPhillip]

Awesome! Thank you

[@18yearsoldnot]

That sonnar looks like my next lens. I currently use a zeiss biogon m 25mm on my Nikon z5. When I want to go more portable I pop it on my Leica tl2

[@reeshmalms6686]

"Bad weather photos are sone of the best street photos"😢ouch. Ya. Truth. Am from kerala, india and the monsoon rain is here and the coastal area am in will be full of dynamic scenes but here i am sitting inside the home looking at my non weather sealed camera. I dared to get out with it few times, but it was a disaster. However u try, rain starts dripping over it and i go like- no no noo...not my lens, this was a bad idea😂. Ya u need weather sealing if u want to be out there without stressing too much about u accidentally messing up your camera on rain or cold.

[@coreyburns352]

but the Q2 is such a pleasure to use

[@JustinPhillip]

You got me there!

[@yogatheseekeroftruth9169]

Its so true. The Sony is like a i will fall of and plastic surgery and i had once the leica q2 in my hand and fall in love

[@bngr_bngr]

I wonder if there are issues with dusk getting into the sensor with no weather sealing!

[@patricksprojects]

It’s that bugformance in the pic w the Vw’s ?

[@JustinPhillip]

🤷🏼‍♂️

[@rafibenatar2519]

How about sigma fp L small too and 61 Megapixel

[@JustinPhillip]

Electronic shutter only. No thanks!

[@noisackda2564]

I love the energy and the fact that you are the opposite of a tic tok post haha. I have to opportunity to snag the original RX1 for under 1k. Still undecided. Not a fan of the 24mp and the small battery :(

[@JustinPhillip]

The older Sony color science is the biggest deal breaker tbh

[@JustinPhillip]

Here’s a year later kzbin.info/www/bejne/m16TmHembdCVg6ssi=Rne4IHeIqqZzNpk9

[@noisackda2564]

@@JustinPhillip Thanks for this. I'll give it a pass then :(

[@noisackda2564]

@@JustinPhillip Appreciate it sir :)

[@publicanimal59]

Love my q3

[@JustinPhillip]

I bet!

[@michaelneumann1865]

Dude…I was surprised to see my photo in your video (thank you for giving me credit) its the shot of the sony a7c next to the RX1RII. I use both non-stop. BTW that 40MM 2.5 lens delivers amazing results. Great video. You are a menu master. I also have the FUJI X100V and the Sony simply blows it away. I’m a motion shooter and have never even considered using the RX1 for motion. While I love the camera, it does feel dated of course. Keep up the good work. Michael Neumann ONE WORLD PRODUCTIONS.

[@JustinPhillip]

Awesome! 🙏🏼

[@陆巍予]

Sony rx1 and even fujifilm x100 is still too big to fit in a pocket. For me Sony zv e10 with 20mm 2.8 pancake lens is the only combo that I can fit in my pocket. I work in kitchen and there's always some grease on my cloth. The front element of 16-35 pancake lens and my smart phone camera always scratch on my cloth and become greasy. The lens hood of 20mm 2.8 can prevent scratching from my cloth and still small enough to fit in my pants. By the way, I have sony a7r i, a7c, and zve10. The zve10 is the only camera I used, that can carry around easily, pull out and shot like a smartphone.

[@GetOffMyyLawn]

The Q2 and RX1 are not small enough to provide much of a benefit over something like a Nikon Z5 with a pancake lens or Sony A7C. The X100v is a bit smaller, but to me is more about the retro controls and viewfinder. I recently got a refurb Z7 with 40mm pancake, and I am considering selling my X100v. I would also argue that 26mp is not "low resolution".

[@SidVidZid]

Best time to sell X100V now, wait too long and I won’t be surprised if they announce the next one.

[@JustinPhillip]

I was only calling it low resolution in comparison the Q2. Which A LOT of youtubers have been comparing the Q2 to the X100V. Again, not a fair comparison

[@GetOffMyyLawn]

@@JustinPhillip Totally agree... to me, the main reason to get the Q2 would be the lens. Over the years I considered the RX1, but it a bit dated these days. The lens on the X100V is sharp and compact, but it's not really special in any way. In the end, we are lucky that there are still some great options to choose from.

[@yingthao6855]

Let’s be honest the Sony will never look as sexy as the Leica 😅

[@JustinPhillip]

Sad but true

[@davidhogan-o3x]

You BOTH need to see a shrink and get a life

[@yogatheseekeroftruth9169]

You talked the talk but the TRUTH: Sony sells this camera for more then 3000€ and no weather sealing makes it even for 1900€ used not a camera for me! I had the rx1 and shot on the beach and the camera was done! You cant even take it with you to a mountain area because of humidity- Just for Portraits and nice City Trips on a sunny day. The Leica is the real professional camera, i love shooting portraits but landscape is key when i go traveling, but with no weather sealing its just 😢

[@our_roadtrip]

I disagree. The original RX1 has a built in flash instead of the viewfinder. And that dosn't sound like a big deal, until you understand the way the leaf shutter works. So shooting people in harsh sunlight with a tiny amout fo fill flash that just lifts the shadows and gives the tiny sparkle in peoples eyes... Picking one over the other is not such a clear desicion to me. (But to be fair... I'm shooting the original RX1 for more than 10 years now, and I'd definetly miss the tiny flash.)

[@JustinPhillip]

Yea i could see that

[@nooddles12]

sony a7riv with canon 50mm ef 1.2

[@JustinPhillip]

Mmmm…not quite. I think the closest nowadays with best color science would be a7C R with the Zeiss Batis 35 f2 lens

[@nooddles12]

@@JustinPhillip does having only 1 sd card slot affect functionality?

[@ericvaleraphotography27]

A7CII now kills them all at 2400€ who wants to be stuck with one single lens for 4000 bucks

[@JustinPhillip]

not a bad point, plus way better video specs. Still not a leaf shutter tho, which comes with its own specialties. (super silent and amazing high flash sync speed). The main benefit for high end compact cameras like this is the marriage between the sensor and the lens. Basically a lens designed specifically for the sensor.

[@ericvaleraphotography27]

@@JustinPhillip As we say the perfect camera is the one that works for you.I do a lot of night photography if you want to check my channel and check out the Netherlands video.Many are handheld..With a Sony A7RIII which I have at 1/8 sec i'm on my limit(handheld) with the same lens (14mm GM) I'm down to 1/3 with no problem at all and even up to 2secs handheld with a bit of breathing control....That not only gives you more motion blur but also lowering ISO drastically in case of not having or wanting movement like a dark church.Subject detection is crazy. Strongly recommend it although I love the RX1-R2 but you can't have them all.

[@KenichiKasamatsu92]

I have the a7cii and still ordered an rx1rii. The shutter sound of the a7cii KILLS me. I only use it for videoshoots to be honest.

[@ericvaleraphotography27]

Love the click but wouldn't change a camera for a click.

[@theshortlist]

1929... and aspherical that's not what i call same design ;-)

[@cmalc8]

Please.... it's not 'Sonar' it's 'Sonnar' (short 'o' as in 'gone'). You could even say 'Zonnar' due the German origin, but that's going too far.

[@JustinPhillip]

👌🏼

[@ductritran8637]

Never like Sony colour , so doesn’t matter how good the camera is the result is a not good colour photo will not please the eye like canon or Nikon . Sony colour science sux . Not everyone are photographers but majority of us are hobbyists using camera for fun time with family holiday and because that we are not using editing photoshop …..

[@JustinPhillip]

Yea but the best for color is Leica

[@theshortlist]

Ok, but sony color science is not that good... even when shooting raw !

[@gettoana]

what did leica do to hurt you xD

[@JustinPhillip]

😂 They hurt my wallet!

[@fintanusa]

For the price on the sony, Sony's terrible colors I will take the the Q2 any time, even with the difference in price.

[@DrZeeple]

...the exact opposite of a TikTok? But you're living in CCP California.

[@JustinPhillip]

😂😂

[@blood_n_guts_murphy]

Great camera, but doesn't feel nice in hand. Too squashed and lacking a grip. The A6400 is a similar size and nice and comfortable to hold. Only thing missing for me is the leaf shutter.

[@jhonnycake1]

straight from /p/ MUH SOVL