Sony RX100 Mark II Review | 108 Data compared

The DPReview evaluation of the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 II identifies it as a class-leading, enthusiast-focused pocket camera, driven by a 1-inch 20.2-megapixel BSI CMOS sensor that provides superior low-light performance and noise handling over its predecessor. Key pros include the addition of a tilting 3-inch LCD screen, a Multi-Interface hot shoe, and seamless Wi-Fi/NFC connectivity, all paired with a bright f/1.8 Carl Zeiss lens. Conversely, the review notes that the camera's slick, compact build offers poor ergonomics, requiring a better grip, and that the lens ring control dial lacks tactile feedback. Further cons highlighted are the high cost, a tendency for cool auto white balance, and occasionally unstable continuous autofocus at the telephoto end.

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 II is a premium compact camera built around a 20.2-megapixel 1.0″-type sensor and a 3.6x Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens (28-100mm equivalent). The biggest upgrade over its predecessor is the transition to a backside-illuminated (BSI) Exmor R CMOS chip, which vastly expands the default sensitivity range to ISO 160–12,800 and delivers superior low-light noise performance and a 10% faster contrast-detection autofocus system. It retains a strong performance suite, including a 10 fps burst rate, 1080p video capture at 60p (now adding a film-like 24p mode), and advanced framing algorithms like Auto Portrait Framing. Key physical design overhauls introduce a highly versatile tilting VGA WhiteMagic LCD screen—which articulates 84 degrees upward and 45 degrees downward—alongside built-in Wi-Fi and Near Field Communications (NFC) for seamless, instant smartphone connectivity and remote control. The camera's pros center entirely on its physical and performance upgrades: the BSI sensor yields exceptional image quality with clean low-light output, while the new Multi Interface Shoe opens up high compatibility for external electronic viewfinders, flash strobes, and microphones. Additionally, the articulated screen significantly improves framing...

The PCMag review highlights the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 II as a premium, Editors' Choice-winning compact camera, lauded for its 1-inch, 20.2-megapixel BSI sensor that delivers excellent low-light performance. Key advantages include the sharp f/1.8 Carl Zeiss lens, integrated Wi-Fi, a tilting LCD screen, and a multi-interface hot shoe, all of which enhance its capability for versatile shooting. Conversely, the review notes the high $750 launch price as a significant drawback, positioning it above more versatile, entry-level interchangeable-lens cameras. Additional cons include limited 3.6x zoom range, reduced edge sharpness at the widest 28mm setting, a lack of in-box electronic viewfinder, and the limitation of in-camera battery charging.

The Sony Cyber-shot RX100 II features a 20.2-megapixel back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS sensor that improves low-light performance alongside a tiltable LCD screen and Wi-Fi/NFC connectivity for easier sharing. The camera retains a fast f/1.8 Carl Zeiss lens and introduces a multi-interface shoe for accessories, enhancing its utility for enthusiasts. Conversely, the maximum aperture narrows to f/4.9 at full zoom, and the smooth body design lacks a secure grip. Additionally, the control ring lacks click stops, the price is high, and battery life remains limited.

The Trusted Reviews evaluation deems the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 II among the best pocket compact cameras, highlighting its 20.2-megapixel 1-inch Exmor R CMOS sensor that provides excellent image quality, even in low light. It improves upon the original model with a 3.6x Carl Zeiss f/1.8 lens, a tiltable LCD screen, and added Wi-Fi/NFC capabilities. Key drawbacks mentioned in the review include the high launch price and a maximum aperture that drops to f/4.9 at full zoom, reducing low-light efficiency. Additionally, it lacks a 24mm wide-angle option and a touchscreen, which limits usability for some users.

The TechRadar review crowns the Sony Cyber-shot RX100 II as a premium, pocketable compact camera that significantly upgrades its predecessor with excellent image quality and handling. Key pros include its large 1-inch type backlit sensor and bright f/1.8 lens, which combine to deliver bright, punchy colours, superb shallow depth of field effects, and highly controlled noise even at high sensitivities like ISO 1600 and 3200. Reviewers highly praised new physical upgrades like the flexible tilt-angle rear display—perfect for hip-height street photography—and a versatile multi-interface hotshoe for attaching external accessories like viewfinders or flashes. The camera also boasts highly effective software features, such as five levels of Dynamic Range Optimization for high-contrast scenes and an impressive Sweep Panorama mode. However, the camera suffers from notable constraints regarding user control and lens range. A major con is Sony's refusal to support RAW format shooting when using certain built-in features like digital filters, Sweep Panorama, or Clear Image Zoom, forcing users into tedious menu diving just to disable RAW. The lens also lacks a broad focal range; its widest setting is limited to...

The Amateur Photographer review of the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 II highlights the premium compact as a significant upgrade featuring a 1-inch, 20.2-megapixel back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS sensor, which delivers exceptional dynamic range and low-light performance. Key pros include a versatile 3-inch, 1.22-million-dot tilting LCD screen, a multi-interface hot shoe, and rapid, accurate autofocus tracking. Conversely, the review identifies drawbacks, specifically the lens dropping to a restrictive f/4.9 at full telephoto and a lack of a built-in handgrip, making the body feel slippery. Furthermore, user experience is hindered by tiny, fiddly buttons and a menu system that buries key settings, impacting overall handling speed.

The Sony Cyber-shot RX100 II delivers exceptional image quality with clean, noise-free performance between ISO 100 and 400, maintaining impressive detail up to ISO 6400. Key advantages include a large 1-inch sensor, a tiltable LCD screen, and a multi-interface hot shoe, though it is limited by a 3.6x optical zoom and lacks a touchscreen. Despite a high launch price of £649, the camera receives a 93% rating for offering top-tier performance in a compact design.

The EOSHD review of the Sony RX100 Mark II (M2) characterizes the camera as a minor evolution rather than a complete revolution, though it remains a top-tier compact option for its size. On the positive side, the author praises its excellent 20.1MP stills quality, robust build, and highly compact form factor featuring a large 1-inch sensor. Crucial design flaws from the original model were fixed by moving the HDMI port to the side and adding a Multi-Interface smart-shoe alongside a helpful articulated LCD screen. Filmmakers will particularly appreciate the addition of native 24p/25p cinema frame rates and PAL/NTSC switchability. Furthermore, its fast f/1.8 Carl Zeiss lens and built-in Wi-Fi/NFC smartphone controls add solid versatility for run-and-gun shooting. However, the reviewer highlights several prominent drawbacks, noting that the camera's overall video quality is beginning to lag behind competitors like the Panasonic G6. The implementation of the new back-illuminated Exmor R sensor failed to deliver tangible, raw low-light improvements, merely masking noise via crushed blacks and heavy internal JPEG processing. For video production, the camera suffers from aliasing and moiré, lacks a...

Sony Cyber-shot RX100 II Review Summary The Sony Cyber-shot RX100 II is a premium, pocket-sized compact camera that delivers impressive, near-DSLR image quality by combining a large 1-inch, 20.2-megapixel CMOS sensor with a fast, high-quality Carl Zeiss f/1.8 lens. Encased in a rock-solid aluminium body, the camera features a versatile 3.7x optical zoom (28-100mm equivalent) and represents Sony's first compact to integrate Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity for seamless smartphone interaction. Key hardware upgrades include a razor-sharp 1.28-million dot tilting LCD screen that makes creative framing easy, a manually operated control ring around the lens for quick setting adjustments, and a hot shoe that allows users to mount an optional, high-end electronic viewfinder. Its rechargeable battery offers a standard performance for its class, delivering roughly 250 shots per charge. Key Pros and Cons Pro: Outstanding image quality and excellent low-light performance with beautiful shallow depth-of-field backgrounds. Pro: Premium, robust aluminium construction with a useful tilting screen and a customisable lens control ring. Pro: Modern wireless functionality via built-in Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity. Con: High, "wince-inducing" retail price of £649, making an...

The Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-RX100 II is a highly capable, pocket-sized compact camera that excels in delivering SLR-like photo and video quality. Measuring a mere 39mm thick, it easily slips into trouser pockets while packing a large 20-megapixel sensor and a bright f/1.8 wide-angle lens that provides a massive low-light advantage over competitors. Key strengths highlighted in the review include its articulated 3-inch tilting screen, a highly customizable lens ring control system, responsive video autofocus, and a built-in Wi-Fi and NFC ecosystem for seamless image sharing. Furthermore, its automatic metering is expertly judged, yielding crisp JPEG outputs that are virtually indistinguishable from raw files processed in Lightroom. Despite its strengths, the camera has notable limitations, particularly regarding its 28-100mm zoom range where the aperture drops sharply to f/4.9 at the telephoto end, drastically reducing light-gathering capabilities. The physical design leans toward a minimalist aesthetic that offers very little grip, making it insecure to hold without using the tilted screen hinge as an improvised thumb rest. Performance drawbacks include a relatively slow startup time of 2.4 seconds, an autofocus area that sometimes...

The Sony Cyber-shot RX100 II features a premium, durable aluminum monocoque construction with a newly added, versatile tilting LCD screen and a multi-interface hot shoe for advanced accessories, according to What Digital Camera. However, the design is slightly bulkier than its predecessor, and the lack of a front handgrip makes the smooth body difficult to hold securely.