Sony RX1R II Hands-on Review (vs. original RX1R, AF test, pics)

[@Cthames123]

I really appreciate this video and the real world testing. We are still talking about these cameras, (and people are buying them) years after their release, which makes them icons. I wouldn’t buy either camera but can live vicariously. 😊 I appreciate the novelty of both but I lean toward wanting everything the mii version offers over the original, (EVF, tilt screen, 42MP, faster auto focus), but even that one has some fatal flaws in comparison to a similarly priced modern day alternative. -2024 (~$2000) used -Slow & noisy autofocus -Small but not pocketable -Awful handling. No grip. -Awful battery life -No lens stabilization -has lens distortion -Dated color science (2015) -No touch LCD functionality -No 4K video. -No mic input. -Micro usb (B) file transfer. Now for a curious photography buff these faults can be overlooked for a steal of a price, but still for the price there are better modern cameras in 2024.

[@weezintrumpeteer]

Thanks for the great video. I've had an RX1 since 2014 and am considering upgrading to the RX1R II. Your video was super helpful in seeing the differences. Thanks!

[@normanskistreet]

Nice comparison and it makes me content to have the MK1. As a street shooter the buffer clearing times are important because I like to zone focus and this means I need to shoot in continuous mode if I open the lens up. Also I think the 42MB files would become tiresome to post process, especially if you are sorting through 500+ pics every shoot. Last but certainly not least is the price difference, The MK 1 was an expensive 2nd hand purchase but I have zero regrets. I might even snap a 2nd copy. MK 2 is a major investment and I think the improvements do not justify the major increase in cost.

[@vc6218]

What are you using now? Im struggling to find a good full frame digital option for street. Thanks

[@AdonisArias]

Very nicely done, I got the rx1r mark two in December and I am absolutely loving it

[@airgreek]

INCREDIBLE job answered all of my questions THOROUGHLY

[@eytanfichman7623]

I have the original RX1 (and RX100) - bought the RX1 used a year ago after enjoying the RX100 for about 6 months. Both great machines! Now my 100 is my wide angle and zoom / tele lens. Some of my shooting is from taxis moving through Vietnamese cities, many times at night. I love Vietnamese street life and the RX1 made successful shots in these situations much more feasible for me. It was clarifying to listen to your review. and your discussion of the pros and cons. Night shooting from moving taxis does push the limits! And I do crop most of the time to improve composition. So 42 megapixels and faster autofocus are definitely compelling. But having to go to a faster shutter speed is a relevant factor as well. And the price . . .

[@yashwinning]

Is there anywhere I can view your work with the RX1?

[@eytanfichman7623]

I am on Facebook and post street photos there almost daily. Feel free to friend me and take a look . . .

[@inquisitvem6723]

Do you still own RX1?

[@djiatro]

I have rx1r with EVF and I don't see MK ii is an upgrade. Reasons: Lack of inbuilt flash, identical lens and same battery. For street shooting 24mp is more than enough.

[@n0w3lly90]

Speed of focus will depend on lens used on the A7R. Fast aperture primes tend to be lower to focus than zooms and slower aperture lenses because you need to get critcal focus on a shallower depth of field at f/2

[@MrJoaoAfonso]

The pixels of the RX1R ar bigger then the RX1Rii I don't know if that's a big diference or not... ~ 5.97 vs 4.51 MICRONS

[@kwengca]

Awesome to see you back on youtube :) Nice overview and comparison of the cameras!

[@MidsierramusingBlogspot]

It seems to me my RX1R could crop in camera to 50mm and 70mm more easily than my RX1R2. I need two custom buttons for the crop in the RX1R2. One is used to reduce the MP to 18 or 11 for a 50mm or 70mm crop.

[@jamesparkhill3328]

Hey, glad you are back! The vid's covering NEX, Oly and the Nikon lenses were great!

[@mobilepsycho]

I know people that buy this camera justify it with their specific needs. I was close to getting it, however the perfect camera in this category (for me anyway) would include a full articulating touchscreen. No not for selfies, LOL, but very useful for vlog style videos or family self (timed) portraits. Of course the workaround there is using your smartphone and the Sony app but extra steps of inconvenience involved (for me anyway). That sensor and focusing are much better no doubt. An important thing to remember is the battery life is absolute garbage.

[@joshinthecity]

Wonderful, detailed review. Thank you. It's appreciated.

[@khalidmustafa7552]

Am so happy you're back ☺

[@HM.archive]

Great comparison.Thanks for share.

[@cariza5]

Can you please answer just one thing, why on earth did sony not put in a ND Filter on the RX1 Cameras as the RX100 Mk5 has one built in but the RX1R II does not, crazy or what. also think the Color's that the RX1 Camera's Produce are more relistic than the Fuji X100 Cameras , Really Enjoyed watching You Video, Most Educational.

[@KevGoesRiding]

Great review! Thanks for posting this, as an ex-RX1R owner I found it really useful

[@vaioyG]

Are their bottom plates the same (with regard to the tripod screw hole position) ?

[@n0w3lly90]

"From an old batch of lenses"? Unlikely... It is an integrated matched lens to sensor lens, so it isn't a case of raiding an "old batch". It isn't screwed on or bayoneted onto the camera ;). I would suggest it is just that Carl Zeiss is the full name. If you look at the front of most Zeiss lenses, the full "Carl Zeiss" name appears, e.g. Otus lenses

[@MirrorlessReviews]

+N0w3lly Yes probably not an "old" batch. But Zeiss has dropped Carl from its branding, including the Otus line. www.dpreview.com/articles/1467446693/carl-zeiss-changes-name-to-zeiss

[@klontart]

Excellent review, thank you.

[@sergiogodoym4]

great review! what about using an optical viewfinder with the old RX1?, have you tried that? thanks!

[@Jordi12]

Nice video. If there is a 800 $ difference today, which one would you take? (both used). thanks

[@UfukSahinDenmark]

Absolutely the mark II, no brainer these days

[@Rashoop]

Great, objective, overview/comparison of these cameras. I have been considering the "ii" as a backpacking camera due primarily to its light weight and small size. After watching your video, I still sorta am, but think I'll stick to my A6300 + 16-70 lens, and deal with the added bulk, or "step down" to my RX100 iii. I'd love to have, for multipurpose-use, the resolution and dynamic range of the "ii", but think I'll hold off and see what the future holds as far as an A7ii replacement. My biggest concern with either of these cameras is getting a GREAT piece of glass that cannot be transferred to a newer, better, body when it becomes available. That would be a shame.

[@nagoyaboya]

Thorough review! Do you still have both cameras? Is there any firmware upgrades for the RX1R that brings it up to speed in 2019?

[@inquisitvem6723]

Were there any firmware updates?

[@ChristopherJones-cjphoto]

Thanks for the in depth comparison.

[@TheTukTuk2008]

Thank you, you made my decision to upgrade much easier. Bought one now.👍

[@TaijanH]

Very detailed review, but I think the biggest difference is autofocus speed. For documentary or street style shooter, the autofocus speed of the original rx1 is not really good, but the new one is useable. I won't buy the old one despite its image quality, but I will buy the new one once the used price is dropped below 1800.

[@inquisitvem6723]

Did you end up buying one?

[@ams914]

Price never dropped that low, LOL! Hello from 2023.

[@MrHero1976]

Great, detailed review!

[@superspidey85]

thanks for the great video. Would have been good to see some same shot comparisons though!

[@carbondragon]

It seems like if you were going to use it to document your life the RX100 my V would be cheaper, lighter, and more than adequate wouldn't it?

[@chazlyle41]

Totally and completely different cameras. Comparing a 1" sensor zoom to this top tier once of the highest performing sensor on the market today just isn't even apples to oranges. The 100 will certainly be better for someone just out to snap some shots of their life. But the investment of $3k plus for the RX1R ii is for those who want the uttermost IQ and performance.

[@andreika6681]

well, you may regret a bit 20 yrs later then 50 inches 16K wall film screens will be stardand at home, and 40mpix instead of 20 would be a big bonus :-)

[@dychui]

really great review. I appreciate it!

[@andreathode3782]

The autofocus makes all the difference!

[@kangjhha]

7 yrs later price disparity is till there..

[@ThePhotoSoup]

wow, you're back!? why the long break? I always thought your reviews were really done well. anyways, another good one.

[@MirrorlessReviews]

Thanks. Thought there hasn't been enough reviews on this and decided to do one.

[@radioactivecat]

+MirrorlessReviews thanks for the review. I actually bought my RX1R II the day it was available. I'm surprised there aren't more reviews out there for such a fantastic 'almost' pocket sized full frame camera. This is my companion camera to my Nikon D810. I've used the RX1R II at some events and art gallery openings and I absolutely love it.

[@chinnink]

Also a D810 owner and am looking to get a compact, for day to day.

[@andreika6681]

got mk2 for 1200€ in 2019... the BAD thing about sonies (all of them), they have CRAPPY data cables which end up cracking after 2-4 years of use. i had it on rx100 mk1, rx1 mk1 and i saw a few rx1r mk2 with dead manual focus, that must be the same cable problem, sony bastards designed their crap cameras with programmed obsolescence

[@Jogibaer_universe]

Thanks for the video, but where are the photos to really compare their quality? You can do better. :)

[@Schroeder3000]

thank you so much for that review!! :)

[@WhatWouldHitchensSay]

Great Review! Are you in DC Metro Area? Thought saw some DC photos..

[@MirrorlessReviews]

Thanks. It was taken on a trip to DC. Good catch!

[@cli4g67graS]

Nice

[@samsargdong1135]

Great review!Very thorough.

[@SangnomShekey]

I paid $1200 for my RX1R w/ EVF accessory. Watching the video now because I want to abuse my wallet some more maybe.

[@howardkahn717]

i have (RX1R) and carry all 7 batteries for this camera, my experience was an average of under 50 images before the mfg battery loses it's power.......because of the electronic system that sony uses in all their cameras the battery life is less than terrible, but this is not a deal killer for me........

[@howardkahn717]

I HAVE THIS CAMERA, I AGREE WITH YOU ABOUT THE IMAGES IT DELIVERS IN THE 35MM MODE, HOWEVER, ONCE YOU USE THE ZOOM THATS A DIFFERENT STORY......I HAD IT REPAIRED TWICE, BOTH TIMES THE LENS LOST IT'S ABILITY TO FOCUS AND TWICE THE TURN AROUND TIME WAS MORE THAN 3 MONTHS BECAUSE SONY USES OUT SIDE SERVICE AND THEY DO NOT MAINTAIN ANY INVENTORY........I PURCHASED THE VIEW FINDER TWICE BECAUSE I LOST IT ONCE, THE SECOND ONE I FASTENED ON WITH TAPE, IT IS NOW VERY SECURE AND I CAN EASILY REMOVE IT......I PURCHASEFD THE OPTIONAL VIEWFINDER BECAUSE ON A SUNNY DAY IT WAS IMPOSSIBLE TO SEE YOUR SUBJECT WITH THE LED SCREEN....AS FAR AS USING THE MACRO LENS SETTING, FORGET IT, I LEAVE THE LENS ON IT'S DEFAULT SETTING.....I HAVE MISSED SHOTS DO TO IT'S SLOW AUTO FOCUSING SYSTEM, I HAVE ALSO EXPERIENCED THE CAMERA NOT BEING ABLE TO FOCUS PROPERLY WITH NO FAULT OF MINE, THIS COULD BE A PROBLEM BUILT INTO THE SYSTEM BECAUSE IT HAS HAPPENED MORE THAN SEVERAL TIMES.....I ALSO HOOKED UP THE LENS CAP SO I WOULD NOT LOSE IT, IT NOW HANGS SECURELY FROM THE CAMERA BODY......I CARRY EIGHT BATTERIES BECAUSE OF THEIR SHORT LIFE, THEY ARE VERY SMALL AND DO NOT PRESENT A PROBLEM TO CARRY.......YES, IT IS A GREA CAMERA IN THE 35MM MODE, THE EHTIRE SET UP COST ME 2,800.00 FOR THE CAMERA AND ANOTHER 500.00 FOR THE VIEW FINDER WHICH IS A MUST HAVE........BOTTOM LINE IS THAT THIS OUTFIT IS TOTALLY PRICED BEYOND COMMON SENSE, I MUST HAVE BEEN UNDER THE INFLUENCE, I MADE THIS PURCHASE BECAUSE I COULD HAVE PURCHASED A STATE OF THE ART 35MM LENS AND PLACED IT ON MY A99 OR A99/2 AND SAVED THOUSANDS AND STILL GOT TERRIFIC IMAGES.........WOULD I PURCHASE THE RX1R2, ABSOLUTELY NOT, I WENT TO TRADE IN THIS MODEL WHICH IS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION AND I WAS OFFERED UNDER 800.00 FOR THE CAMERA AND VIEWFINDER WITH EVERYTHING IT ORIGINALLY CAME WITH, SO I GUESS I WILL DIE WITH IT, THATS 25% OF MY ORIGINAL COST, YET I SEE IT BEING SOLD BY THE PEOPLE WHO SOLD IT TO ME NOW USED FOR JUST UNDER 2,000.00 DOLLARS.....HMMMMMM!.....LOOKS LIKE A GOOD BUSINESS TO BE IN.......

[@dmacrolens]

Are you done working your caps lock clitoris yet? 😂

[@MikeKleinsteuber]

Too big to be pocketable and it's a bloody Sony with a shit menu structure. No thanks, at almost any price...