Sony RX1R Review | 108 Data compared

The Sony Cyber-shot RX1R is a full-frame compact camera that delivers near digital medium-format image quality by removing the anti-aliasing (low-pass) filter from the original RX1 sensor. This modification drastically increases micro-contrast, resolving power, and sharpness, resulting in rich 24-megapixel RAW files with an exceptional "3D pop" and deep, tonal black-and-white rendering. The camera excels in low-light versatility, producing remarkably crisp details with low noise at high ISO settings (up to 12,800 and beyond) without relying on aggressive in-camera noise reduction. Coupled with its stellar fixed Carl Zeiss 35mm f/2 lens, it matches the resolution output of significantly larger setups like the Nikon D800E while offering excellent dynamic range that easily recovers heavily underexposed shadows in post-processing. Despite its jaw-dropping image quality, the RX1R retains several practical drawbacks carried over from the original model. On the downside, it lacks a built-in electronic viewfinder (EVF), requiring users to purchase an expensive external accessory that blocks the hot shoe and prevents the simultaneous use of a thumb grip. Its autofocus speed, while accurate when using center-point selection, is relatively slow compared to...

The ePHOTOzine review of the Sony Cyber-shot RX1R highlights the camera's ability to deliver exceptional full-frame image quality in a highly portable compact body, featuring a 24.3-megapixel sensor with the optical low-pass filter removed for increased sharpness. Paired with a fixed 35mm f/2.0 Zeiss lens, the camera offers excellent center-to-edge sharpness, superb low-light performance, and a solid premium build. However, the review details cons including the lack of a built-in viewfinder, an articulated screen, or modern connectivity like Wi-Fi/NFC. Other limitations noted include short battery life, in-camera USB charging restrictions, and a limited 1080p video mode, highlighting a high premium for the specialized, compact design. YouTube

The Sony RX1R is a premium full-frame compact camera that swaps its predecessor's optical low-pass filter to aggressively boost pixel sharpness and fine image details, a change that allows it to output stunning, print-ready JPEG images with exceptional clarity. Retaining the identical lightweight metal body, fast f/2 Carl Zeiss 35mm fixed lens, and 24-megapixel sensor of the original RX1, it functions as a highly capable, portable alternative to hefty DSLR setups—particularly for landscape and street photographers who want excellent low-light performance without a price increase over the original model.

The What Digital Camera review describes the Sony RX1R as an ultra-premium compact camera featuring a 24.3-megapixel full-frame sensor and a fixed 35mm f/2 lens, distinguished by the removal of the optical low-pass filter to deliver superior detail, resolving 30 lines per millimetre at ISO 200. Key advantages noted include robust build quality, fast file processing, and excellent high-ISO/AWB performance. Conversely, the removal of the low-pass filter introduces potential moiré in detailed, linear subjects. Additional drawbacks include a hunting autofocus system, limited battery life, and a high £2,599 price tag.

The Amateur Photographer review of the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1R highlights the premium compact camera's removal of the optical low-pass filter, resulting in exceptional, high-resolution 24.3-million-pixel images with superior sharpness. Featuring a fixed 35mm f/2 lens, the camera is lauded for its superb image quality, build, and physical controls. However, the removal of the filter increases the risk of moiré, while the camera suffers from slow contrast-based autofocus, lack of an integrated viewfinder, and poor battery life.

In his review for 35mmc, photographer Simon King frames the Sony RX1R as a "digital classic" and draws a direct parallel between it and the analog Contax G2 film camera. He notes that both compact systems are uniquely guided by their Zeiss Sonnar lens designs, which deliver identical colour rendering, characterful bokeh, and medium-format levels of image quality. King highlights the camera's capability as a discreet, robust lifestyle tool ideal for personal documentary work, street photography, and even food photography. Its main advantage is its ultimate simplicity and exceptional sharpness, making it a permanent secondary backup to his Leica M setup. However, the review is transparent about the camera's noticeable operational drawbacks. The primary cons mentioned include a slow, dated autofocus system and notoriously poor battery life, though King jokes that a single charge still yields more frames than a standard 36-exposure roll of film. Furthermore, he criticizes the unintuitive user interface buried below the surface menus. He also reports experiencing a hardware vulnerability via the "Error 61:00" message, an error code associated with a malfunctioning focusing motor. Despite these...

The DPReview evaluation of the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1R highlights a premium, compact camera featuring a 24.3MP full-frame sensor without an anti-aliasing filter, paired with a fixed Carl Zeiss Sonnar T* 35mm F2 lens. This design maximizes fine detail and sharpness, making it exceptional for landscape photography, housed in a durable,, and tactile magnesium alloy body. However, the removal of the filter can introduce moiré, and the camera is hampered by slow autofocus in low light, poor battery life, and a lack of a built-in viewfinder. Despite its high-end image quality and silent shutter, the $2,800 launch price, combined with the lack of an articulating screen and expensive accessories, limits its overall value proposition.

Sony RX1R Review Summary The Sony RX1R is a high-end compact camera celebrated for its astonishing image quality, which rivals large DSLR cameras. It features a powerful 24-megapixel full-frame sensor paired with a fixed 35mm f/2 Zeiss lens that lacks an optical low-pass filter. This combination creates incredibly sharp, clear, and high-contrast images with punchy, accurate colours. The build quality is superb, featuring a premium metal body with intuitive dials and a satisfying manual aperture ring. It excels as a stealthy, handsome street camera that delivers professional results without drawing unwanted attention. However, the camera has several notable downsides that buyers must consider. Its autofocus system is slow, particularly in low-light situations. Battery life is very poor because it uses a small battery, and it lacks an external charger out of the box. The lens features a distance limiter ring that is easy to forget or bump by accident. Additionally, video shooters may face issues with moiré due to the missing low-pass filter. Finally, the camera lacks a built-in electronic viewfinder (EVF), the lens cap falls off easily, and the...