Sony RX1 - The BEST Compact Full-frame Camera Ever Made!

[@teseglet]

I bought mine the first week it was launched in the Fall of 2012 and it is still my primary camera.

[@SourPlanet]

I love that people can't manage with less technology-- it means we get to scoop up killer pieces of kit for a bargain. I picked up a Q116 earlier this year and it's still phenomenal.

[@markfriday]

Haha! Agreed! Congrats on your Q116 haul! Must be a legendary camera! I'm still using an old EOS-M with a kit lens every now and then! It's super small and doesn't cost anything!

[@LetsMakeGhosts]

I'm using an Olympus e300 and digilux 3. Got both for cheap. The image quality is amazing, yes they are nearly 20 years old but their limits make them much more fun to use

[@SourPlanet]

@@LetsMakeGhosts Nice. I want to get a dlux eventually. Love the color on those things.

[@LetsMakeGhosts]

@@SourPlanet I just took it to lake Como and it was such a nice change of pace from my modern cameras.

[@spacehopper999]

I’ve owned an RX1r for many years now and absolutely love it! I bought a FDA-EV1M electronic viewfinder from eBay and I couldn’t be happier with it. The viewfinder has an super sharp image and as well as my Lowepro Adventura SH100 II bag, I feel that I have everything that I need.

[@manolismanolos2082]

Many years ago i bought an rx1r in a new condition. After a while i sold all my gear. I had many many cameras, nikon dxs, sony a7's rx100's rx10's, fuji x100's , xt-20 etc lenses etc. My only gear for the last years is this rx1 (and samsung ultra series smartphones). Rx1 with the zeiss is just a masterpiece and kills at photography most of new tech combos. I still remember some tests many years ago with my last x100iv and the differences where as night and day.

[@soyude7852]

I have the RX1R ii. I also tried the x100v and x100vi and GR iii. I like the photos taken from the RX1R ii better so I sold off the fuji's. The rx1r ii photos are sharp and have a special look. For video, the x100vi will be better. But for photo, the full frame zeiss 35mm F2 is just special vs the fuji's 35mm F3 equivalent in terms of bokeh. All that for a size that's close to a GR iii but with a lens sticking out. The x100vi felt bulkier in hand after being used to the sony. I solved the grip issue by having a peak design cuff or a micro clutch. I personally use the microclutch i-plate. The battery life is annoying but bringing 2 extra batteries is usually more than enough for a day of travel. It has phase detect AF and one of the first to have it IIRC. I would say the rx1r ii AF is on par with the x100v

[@anoranelson2953]

Sold mine some years ago but I miss it now, wish they would make another one using the w battery with some updates even if they had to make it slightly bigger.

[@dezfoto7534]

You may have found this out already, but for the RX1r ii they replaced the flash with a viewfinder, added a flip out screen and it had better (phase detect) autofocus. For your camera though, you can actually get an external hotshoe viewfinder.

[@DJ-sp5vf]

Sony can launch this again in the same look, but with modern autofocus, and I’ll buy it in a heartbeat

[@markfriday]

All that with a lower price tag, hopefully! Haha!

[@masakiniphoto]

And then, you can buy sony RX1R-ii. 😅😅

[@Democratiser]

The Zeiss lens is amazing…

[@markfriday]

Agreed! 100%!

[@paoloviloria1]

That is still an excellent camera in capable hands. For my RX1R II, I have learned to adjust my grip style to the camera, instead of having to add attachments-also to keep the weight down as well as “snagables”. I have medium size hands, but for added safety, I use a wrist strap I made out of paracord.

[@trogdor]

It’s a great compact. I think it’s wild that Sony hasn’t dropped an mkiii. Upgrading the AF and giving it the baseline video features that go in all their cameras would make it a great piece of gear - albeit one that may cannibalize sales of their small ICL bodies.

[@MrJed_s]

Why did they stop making this line, such amazing output from a tiny body. Honestly I'd even be interested in a f/2.8 version for even more compactness. Great overview!

[@markfriday]

Thanks and I totally agree with you! I can only imagine how much they can shrink down this camera even more if they put an f2.8 lens on it! This is the main camera I bring along with me when I know I'm going to be out until night time because of that f 2.0 lens, but if I know I'm not going to be out for that long my Canon G7X III is the next best thing for me. I love compact camera so much. My A7IV and A7S III spent most of the time at home haha, I only bring them out when my wife and I are hired to film events and documentaries!

[@sduck409]

It’s still available new.

[@michaeljacobs5235]

I've had my RX1 from new and the only thing it's missing vs newer cameras is IBIS. You really need to keep in mind pixel blur when hand holding the camera. 24 megapixels is about the practical limit for consistent shots imho.

[@ansgarseelen9391]

BTW: The optional Oled Viewfinder is flipable. All in all, it is an masterpiece. Somehow a smaller Leica M, but more compact - thanks to the wonderfull (but) fixed f2 ZEISS Lens it creates very similar image quality. Intuitive Contax ZEISS f stop ring. Still my favourite compact allround cam delivering Full Frame fascination after 13 years.

[@ziehazman5769]

I own one. awesome compact FF camera. Mine is for still photography

[@kumasenlac5504]

I've fitted a collapsible rubber lens hood with a protective filter on the lens. I have a wrist strap and an after-market grip which gives me a rock-solid grasp on the body. Please Sony - make an RXiiiR.

[@bennieferinga9609]

Nice video 📷 Looks like a great little camera 😊 But does it have Picture Profiles (PP)?

[@samuraipizzacat2171]

I got one of these recently for a bargain and I'm really craving some good KZbin content which this is!! I'm surprised it isn't a bit more popular. Obviously not as aesthetically pleasing for a lot of people compared to the x100 but it's just magical that it's full frame with that beautiful Zeiss lens.

[@markfriday]

Happy for you! How are you liking it so far? I totally agree with you. I'm also surprised because this gem it so capable! I hope Sony creates a new version of this, Maybe they can put in what's inside the A7CII into a RX1 body! That would be astounding!

[@samuraipizzacat2171]

@@markfriday I like it, tbh I think they could of allowed the body to be like 20% bigger for handling reasons and to suit the size of the lens but who knows what challenges they were up against at the time. It's pretty awesome though that you can carry a full frame around like this. I want the view finder but they cost as much as I got the camera for. Honestly, I think if they want to compete with the Fujifilm x100 then they need to make it a more beautiful and tactile product. A lot of x100 owners don't know a thing about cameras or specs. I have 2 sisters in laws with x100v's who literally know nothing about the sensor, megapixel, lens and so on. They just like the images that they have seen come out of it. Sony would need to make an insanely "cool" and film/rangefinder camera thats not over $1250 USD to really sell proper numbers. Then there's the film recipes it also has to compete with.

[@cLaunMH]

I like the idea of the RX1 a lot and it sounds like the perfect camera on paper. However, used A7Cs getting really affordable killed the RX1's appeal for me, especially with all these third party fullframe pancakey lenses releasing I feel like the RX1 would need to be a lot cheaper for me to consider it, A7C has a viewfinder, better grip, stupid good battery life, flip screen, great AF and the shutter sounds like a silenced pistol, it solves everything you listed as a con for the RX1 and more while being only slightly larger.

[@hamzamynu]

I do have this camera; I always wonder if I could attach an external lens for long shots. Do let me know if it does have or support one.

[@kairukai5522]

You should've went with the Sony Rx1 Rll it has the view finder that you like.

[@markfriday]

I didn't get to choose because this was a gift from a dear friend. Having an EVF must be amazing but I'm fine with not having it, makes me shoot differently compared to shooting with my A7IV. Thanks for the input!

[@samuraipizzacat2171]

@@kairukai5522 it's about 5 times the price.

[@mikeenslin3009]

@@markfridayi bought the FDA-EV1MK viewfinder for my rx1, it's amazing imo. It articulates 90 degrees and makes for a very fun shooting experience

[@tomd4748]

Dude lol you see the PRICE difference between this and the R2?? Get real 😆

[@Jonathantuba]

I think in Sony‘s mind this camera has been replaced by the A7C full frame camera, with the more compact lenses like the 40 mm F2 .5. I have never handled an RX1 and would be interested to compare handling and results with my A7CR.

[@masakiniphoto]

If you prefer shutter sound louder, you can setting sound/audio camera high,😅😅

[@Nimith15]

hows the video on this camera like can it zoom? in video

[@markfriday]

Hey there! It can't zoom because it has a fixed 35mm prime lens. But you can do clear image zoom which is basically a digital zoom (It crops on the sensor)

[@scheggehut]

It‘s a shame Sony discontinued this model. I use a D800 with a Zeiss Distagon 35mm f2 and look for the same camera with only half of the weight. Unfortunately the RX1 has a dust problem, a bad autofocus and no flip screen and the sucessor a much to high resolution and price for me 😃

[@CoenradJMorgan]

If Sony released the RX1 again with more modern battery , sensor etc, the could dominate the market the Leica Q’s serve.

[@papakris]

Hello sir, what can you recommend. Sony zv E10 or canon 6400

[@markfriday]

Hey, Kris! Depends on what you want to do, if you want to use is specifically for vlogging, then go for the ZV-E10 if you want to do some photography as well then the a6700 is perfect due to the addition of a viewfinder!

[@papakris]

@@markfriday thanks sir mark ❣️

[@heavycrown005]

my afforable sony nex 5N from 2012 is still awesome so the RX1 should still be more than awesome today hahaha

[@markfriday]

Man I love the NEX-5N! That one was an amazing camera! Thanks to your comment I might consider picking one up again, it's been years since I held one haha!

[@Coreythedad]

looks cool, just checked out pricing in Canada. $4,500 ☹

[@anoranelson2953]

used on ebay for less than 1,000 sometimes

[@JustinEspejo]

Duuuudeeeeeeee,,,, I’ve been wanting to get the RX1R ii !!!! T_T

[@markfriday]

Bro, that one's way too expensive for me, haha. It's almost on par with my A7S III, these are the kind of moments when I curb my neverending GAS haha! If you know what I mean

[@JustinEspejo]

@@markfriday IT's SUPER EXPENSIVE tho. only reason I haven't pulled the trigger. bhahahaha altho, i can't help but imagining travelling with only my Sony Rx100 VII and an RX1Rii. I wouldn't even need a back pack. O_O

[@markfriday]

If I even think about bringing this up to my wife about buying this camera I think she's going to strangle me on the spot haha! Bro, I've been using my g7x3 more recently, I can't seem to find a reason to bring out any big camera around. Also, brooooo, I got into film photography!

[@JustinEspejo]

@@markfriday hahahha! Dude I've only been on APSC mode since last year (ZVE10). been using my a6400 a lot this past month too. I brought out my a7iii last week just because I wanted to see if i would still like using a big camera..... spoiler alert, I'm now completely satisfied with sticking to smaller cameras AND their smaller lenses. hahahahhahaha! also, I went thru a film photography phase too! bought a bunch of cameras (mostly the ones peter parker uses :P) and even got myself a medium format bronica. It's really a rabbit hole! goodluck! :))

[@tomd4748]

$2000+ lol come on, just get a used Leica at that price point

[@adamreid5901]

I've had mine since 2014, it's a wonderful but deeply flawed camera. The lens sucks in dust especially if you use the macro mode. There is absolutely zero sealing, dust gets in everywhere and you'll be sending it off for an expensive sensor clean regularly. The autofocus is dreadful and I've missed so many shots. Every single time I've handed mine to somebody and asked them to take my photo it's focused on the background. There's no continuous AF so good luck with a moving subject. For a camera with the same processor and sensor as the original A7, it's a shame they provided zero firmware updates. There's features listed in the manual that are missing from the actual camera. You can't use MF with focus peaking without the camera zooming in on the shot unless you have the hot shoe OLED EVF (expensive). The model 2 ditches the flash for a built in EVF. It doesn't have bad grip you just need to hold your fingers in an unusual shape, you can support the weight with your thumb and three fingers easily.

[@martingreenberg870]

Lack of EVF is a deal breaker for me. RX1R Mii has the pop up EVF. This is a nine year old camera and sells for $2500. Want one but too expensive. Flip screen is for video. The tilt screen is for photography. This is a photography centered camera. Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)

[@_rhapsodist]

FDA-EV1M

[@crappfoto]

A con: Theres no chance to get rid of sensordust 😵‍💫

[@markfriday]

The friend who gave me this had it since 2013 and I thoroughly checked the body and lens. So far no obvious sensor dust. I must need a microscope to see them if there were any haha. I believe the RX1's sealing is pretty good. I even brought it out to shoot under some light rain and out at the beach. So I guess it's nothing to worry about.

[@crappfoto]

@@markfriday I have some ☹️

[@markfriday]

Dang! So sorry to hear that! 😭 Are you the first owner? What happened? Did you have lens filter on it the whole time you owned it?

[@crappfoto]

@@markfriday I guess its debri from the lens itself from inside. I opened the bottom and used compressed air to clean it. Not totally but it was o.k. Otherwise it cost round about 80 to 100 Euros 😉

[@_rhapsodist]

@@markfriday take a photo of a white paper at F22 and you will see clearly if there's dust on the sensor ;)

[@treemuel1940]

Who’s that guy, he looks so cool

[@markfriday]

Haha! That guy is so cool! I wish you would visit HK again soon!

[@naga2015kk]

intentionally crippled with AWFUL AF by Sony. Lets hope it will be improved by 2025..... I would LOVE if AF works

[@markfriday]

Hey there, thanks for the input! Although I don't agree with Sony crippling this camera because this was released in 2013 when all autofocus systems from different camera brands were not yet in the phase detect/dual pixel era so it's not Sony's fault, it was the technology of the time. What I meant when I talked about the autofocus was that you have to switch between autofocus modes to get the most out of the autofocus system of the RX1, I'm just being lazy and want to use the wide focus area whereas if I used the center-focused area, I would have probably gotten focus a lot easier. Again, this is from a guy who uses an A7IV and A7S III so I'm just heavily opinionated on modern cameras. The RX1 is still a masterpiece, I can't believe it was released in 2013!

[@naga2015kk]

@@markfriday ON its release date, it was performing below the other Sony cameras.

[@markfriday]

Interesting! Which cameras are you talking about?

[@Redcliff123]

Nope.

[@markfriday]

I'm interested to know your opinion. Feel free to share so others can read about your input! Thanks!