The best thing about the RXIR2 is that it made the RXIR affordable as a used camera. I often leave my A7R2 at home these days and use the RXIR instead. Love the form factor and the photos.
Howdy John, ...nice little video, thanks for putting it together. I just received my RX1R2 a couple of days ago and must say I am blown away by its solid feel and build quality. - my questions today surround the play memories app and something i must be missing. I have PM on my iPad and iPhone and I connect them to "Lucy" [my camera]. However, the only camera setting i see and can change is the EV, - No F-stop, shutter speeds nuttin else. - I'm looking for others who had or have this same issue and know what it is I am missing... thanks
+Cowboydoug iWasThereToo Thank you! Appreciate it. It sounds like you have the old firmware of the app. Update the smart remote control on the computer or via wifi on your camera.
Oh well...I find it as to ride a scooter (small and light) with a Lambo engine. U can see some shots, in the Phils, on my instagram maxgiii Ill suffer a lot to recover for the pain of the big money I took out from the pocket of my big family...but....life its like that....I ll go on to follow u. tnx bye. Max
Hey John--Terrific review, much appreciated and thanks for posting. I have an RX1 and an RX100 mk3....the RX100m3 is the more versatile camera (by far), but the RX1 makes better photographs (also by far); but the question becomes, why would I want to upgrade to the RX1R 2? For me, the reasons to get the RX1 in the first place were: (1) it takes much more detailed pictures than the RX100, and (2) it is possible to get that shallow depth of field effect in portraits with the bigger sensor and faster lens. So, vis a vis the shallow DOF thing, I have found with my RX1 that the problem becomes composing the portrait with the subject off-center (as with using the rule-of-thirds grid). The issue with the RX1 is, that the lens is only really sharp dead center in the middle of the frame, and quickly deteriorates and becomes significantly smeared off-center (of the frame) at f/2. Things get better by f/2.5, and the problem is pretty much solved (if you focus very carefully) at f/2.8.....but to really get that shallow DOF thing at 35mm, you need to be pretty close to your subject, which tends to make the subject look a little "goat-y". I have found that if you can get the subject's head to fill about 40% of the height of the frame, it kind of works......tough to be limited to that kind of composition, though. I would be curious to know if you thought the sharpness of the RX1R m2 was better across the frame, than the RX1 or RX1R? Otherwise, I think I will save the $3.3k (US) and continue to lug around my 5Dm3 for anything other than cooler looking snapshots. Thanks again for the great review and posts, I do appreciate them!
Far better AF system, including eye detect AF and continuous focussing. Phase detect AF points and flexible spot selections, the resolution is incredible, the tilt screen a great addition, but the real killer is the pop up EVF, and it is far better than the RX100 version: better in resolution, optics, mechanics, quality, the lot. External battery charging, and, you can attach a power bank which is especially useful when you are doing long exposure stuff (which I do a lot). Dynamic range and noise performance are also much improved as it takes the A7R ii Bionz X processor across also. Focussing is definitely significantly faster, less clunky and better in low light than the RX1.
great review John, I own this camera as well and I has great image quality. In reviewing my images that I take, this camera has some of the best IQ of anything I have owned. It is quirky to use with the Sony menu, but once you get used to it, it becomes a great camera choice to take with you. I wished it had weather sealing, and I wished it could shoot 4k video. Great photography camera overall, camera has a great sensor.
+Fried Egg The one I was mainly using in the video is from a brand called Deadcameras and that particular model is a nano wrist strap. And yes it will fit your a6000.
+HepKitty If you go to my channel page, I have a playlist of tutorials. To be honest, its very lacking at the moment. I'm getting a lot of requests for reviews but when I catch up on them I'll definitely have more tutorials.
hi, i want to buy a compact camera for about 400 euros, any idea which is the best. I will take normal pictures not profesional. What do you think John?? And the other subs?? thanks
+Pepe Luis Hmm I'm not too sure how much 400 euros can get you because I'm not in your country. If I were to guess, the RX100M3 or RX100M4 would be good options.
DXOMark cannot be trusted for everything it says. For a start there is no such thing as a perceptual pixel! Anyway, it blows my old D800 well out of the water, for a start, in post sharpening isn't really required the lens is really that good, and the features, including the A7Rii focussing system and Eye Detect Af are great additions. I love using mie and it has restored some excitement back to my,photography which was getting boring carrying around a heavy bag everywhere. And I've returned back to basics. The sensor is just phenomenol and image rending gorgeous. The battery life is crap, but get 4 spares you're well away, and you can attach a power bank whilst shooting too
It isn't really a point and shoot at all, though it gets called that because of the size. It has full manual control over everything, and customisation of almost every button in it. So, a point and shoot no. It is more a fixed lens DSLR in a compact rangefinder style body.
Really? I don't think so, I love mine for street! You do have to set it up just so, and takes a bit of getting used to, however, if you keep the shutter above 1/125 I find, that is about optimum. The noise performance is so good you don't have to worry about that. Focussing is slightly annoying with the fly by wire system, and a focussing distance gauge on the barrel of the lens would be a bonus, but I love the way it renders, and that is what matters to me in images the most
I've used all the main "street" cameras. I owned most of the Fuji's (X-Pro1, XE-1, XT-1, X100s), 4x Leica's (M 240, M Monochrome, M7 and M3) and Sony's (A7s, A7II, A7r II, A6000 and A6300). The best of these is the A7s with the 35mm F2.8 IMHO. Leica's are too slow and their ISO headroom is no good and they are noisy to boot. Sony's are too noisy and have a bit too much shutter lag. With silent mode, you get horrific distortion if you or the subject is moving, so the A7r II and A6300 aren't any good. The cameras I use today are: Ricoh GR, Ricoh GR1v and Olympus Stylus Epic. I prefer the Ricoh's over everything due to the 28mm lens and the snap focus. I can shoot them one handed and on the move. This is my preferred way to shoot street, so the RX1r II doesn't cut it for me :( It's somewhat ironic that a $500 camera is superior to a Leica costing $10K, but there you have it... Instagram @sfstreetz www.sfstreetz.com
Hi Colin and thanks for your response. I am new to cameras and I've been researching, reading, watching reviews, etc to decide what to get. The Ricoh came across in another video on youtube but I didn't think it was anything special. I just checked photo samples and man I was wrong. The IQ is amazing. I think both the Ricoh GR and GR1v are discounted now? Do you recommend finding pre-owned ones or are their current model any good?
Hey John, long time no see! Was looking for a travel camera and thought I research this Sony RX. Thanks for your insights!
The best thing about the RXIR2 is that it made the RXIR affordable as a used camera. I often leave my A7R2 at home these days and use the RXIR instead. Love the form factor and the photos.
Ah the world of planned obsolesence!
sold my d800 for this camera for family and travel photography and will never regret it,
Abubakr Braaji same here.....d750 and all my lenses sold for a uses one of these and I’ll never go back 👍🏼
Howdy John,
...nice little video, thanks for putting it together. I just received my RX1R2 a couple of days ago and must say I am blown away by its solid feel and build quality.
- my questions today surround the play memories app and something i must be missing. I have PM on my iPad and iPhone and I connect them to "Lucy" [my camera]. However, the only camera setting i see and can change is the EV, - No F-stop, shutter speeds nuttin else.
- I'm looking for others who had or have this same issue and know what it is I am missing... thanks
+Cowboydoug iWasThereToo Thank you! Appreciate it. It sounds like you have the old firmware of the app. Update the smart remote control on the computer or via wifi on your camera.
Just realized that this camera also has a leaf shutter, yes? So, in practice, it should be able to sync with flashes at any shutter speed without HSS?
Yep! That's true! :)
I bought it today...watching ur video holding HER. Its pure love.
Oh damn! Congrats on your new purchase! Haha how are you liking it so far?
Oh well...I find it as to ride a scooter (small and light) with a Lambo engine. U can see some shots, in the Phils, on my instagram maxgiii
Ill suffer a lot to recover for the pain of the big money I took out from the pocket of my big family...but....life its like that....I ll go on to follow u. tnx bye. Max
Hey John--Terrific review, much appreciated and thanks for posting. I have an RX1 and an RX100 mk3....the RX100m3 is the more versatile camera (by far), but the RX1 makes better photographs (also by far); but the question becomes, why would I want to upgrade to the RX1R 2?
For me, the reasons to get the RX1 in the first place were: (1) it takes much more detailed pictures than the RX100, and (2) it is possible to get that shallow depth of field effect in portraits with the bigger sensor and faster lens.
So, vis a vis the shallow DOF thing, I have found with my RX1 that the problem becomes composing the portrait with the subject off-center (as with using the rule-of-thirds grid). The issue with the RX1 is, that the lens is only really sharp dead center in the middle of the frame, and quickly deteriorates and becomes significantly smeared off-center (of the frame) at f/2. Things get better by f/2.5, and the problem is pretty much solved (if you focus very carefully) at f/2.8.....but to really get that shallow DOF thing at 35mm, you need to be pretty close to your subject, which tends to make the subject look a little "goat-y". I have found that if you can get the subject's head to fill about 40% of the height of the frame, it kind of works......tough to be limited to that kind of composition, though.
I would be curious to know if you thought the sharpness of the RX1R m2 was better across the frame, than the RX1 or RX1R? Otherwise, I think I will save the $3.3k (US) and continue to lug around my 5Dm3 for anything other than cooler looking snapshots.
Thanks again for the great review and posts, I do appreciate them!
Far better AF system, including eye detect AF and continuous focussing. Phase detect AF points and flexible spot selections, the resolution is incredible, the tilt screen a great addition, but the real killer is the pop up EVF, and it is far better than the RX100 version: better in resolution, optics, mechanics, quality, the lot. External battery charging, and, you can attach a power bank which is especially useful when you are doing long exposure stuff (which I do a lot). Dynamic range and noise performance are also much improved as it takes the A7R ii Bionz X processor across also. Focussing is definitely significantly faster, less clunky and better in low light than the RX1.
How's it compare to Fuji X100F and Leica Q?
Why only fixed lens camera has leaf shutter?
Sorry I personally haven't used the Fuji X100F and the Leica Q so I'm not exactly sure.
John Sison ok!
Klasse! Ein sehr gutes, interessantes und informatives Video. Weiter so :-)
+Andronicus Hamburg Thank you! :D
great review John, I own this camera as well and I has great image quality. In reviewing my images that I take, this camera has some of the best IQ of anything I have owned. It is quirky to use with the Sony menu, but once you get used to it, it becomes a great camera choice to take with you. I wished it had weather sealing, and I wished it could shoot 4k video. Great photography camera overall, camera has a great sensor.
I have one of these and love it. Thermonuclear Imaging Bomb.
What is that wrist strap called and will it fit with the Sony a6000?
Gordyscamerastraps.com
A lot of selection an colors.
+Fried Egg The one I was mainly using in the video is from a brand called Deadcameras and that particular model is a nano wrist strap. And yes it will fit your a6000.
+John Sison thankyou! John
great review as usual
when is the review of the a6300
+Abdel-rahman Magdi I will hopefully have it out by the end of the month.
Hey John. Solid review. I'm curious how is the video quality vs. RX100mIV or RX1?
good video. Please write me the brand of your hand strap and where you have bought it? Thanks Peter
Hi Peter, that is a dead camera strap. The nano wrist :)
Truly and awesome little camera
How many shots did you get on a single charge ?
About 200 shots on a single charge.
How does it perform in low light?
It's fantastic in low light. Wouldn't hesitate shooting at ISO 12800 for clean shots plus the F2 lens definitely helps.
when will the a68 come out in your country John?
never, they've given up on a mount cameras here in Australia
+Giacomo Battisti Yeah Australia looks to have pretty much given up on A-mount so I have to buy the camera from overseas.
does it have oss?
+Javid Bunyadzade It has stabilization but its electronic and only for video.
You keep saying 'tutorials' at the end of your videos, I've yet to see a tutorial of any sort by you, where might I find them?
+HepKitty If you go to my channel page, I have a playlist of tutorials. To be honest, its very lacking at the moment. I'm getting a lot of requests for reviews but when I catch up on them I'll definitely have more tutorials.
I heard it too that battery life is bad. Also how does it perform for you on night time or lowlight?
+Renno Komesu It does a fantastic job in low light conditions compared to other cameras.
hi, i want to buy a compact camera for about 400 euros, any idea which is the best. I will take normal pictures not profesional. What do you think John?? And the other subs?? thanks
+Pepe Luis Hmm I'm not too sure how much 400 euros can get you because I'm not in your country. If I were to guess, the RX100M3 or RX100M4 would be good options.
my dream camera.. 😞😞😞
Siswoyo Sardi klinkt
Does the camera have any type of stabilization like the 5 axis or super steady shot ?
Joshuaa Grandee no
Odd thing is that it does, but only for video. REALLY be nice if that could be activated for stills.
This camera is ranked 3rd on DXO Mark vs the Sony A7Rii that holds 1st place and Nikon D810 2nd.
DXOMark cannot be trusted for everything it says. For a start there is no such thing as a perceptual pixel! Anyway, it blows my old D800 well out of the water, for a start, in post sharpening isn't really required the lens is really that good, and the features, including the A7Rii focussing system and Eye Detect Af are great additions. I love using mie and it has restored some excitement back to my,photography which was getting boring carrying around a heavy bag everywhere. And I've returned back to basics. The sensor is just phenomenol and image rending gorgeous. The battery life is crap, but get 4 spares you're well away, and you can attach a power bank whilst shooting too
So this is a point and shoot camera with a full frame sensor & fixed lens? Does that even exist?
+Mohamed Ahmed you kinda answered your own question
+Mohamed Ahmed Hehe only Sony and Leica do it at the moment.
It isn't really a point and shoot at all, though it gets called that because of the size. It has full manual control over everything, and customisation of almost every button in it. So, a point and shoot no. It is more a fixed lens DSLR in a compact rangefinder style body.
N0w3lly it has auto so it’s a point and shoot.....
if they made a ff camera this small with interchangeable lenses I would buy
john why are you shooting the intro in hard sun like a low end amateur hack? oh wait...
+dwfgshdtjfyugh o0o burn!
ooowwww sick i have one but the battery is so poor btw good review keep on going
Ohohoh
Slow and noisy focus and useless for street photography due to this and the 42MP sensor.
Battery life is abysmal too.
I returned mine...
Really? I don't think so, I love mine for street! You do have to set it up just so, and takes a bit of getting used to, however, if you keep the shutter above 1/125 I find, that is about optimum. The noise performance is so good you don't have to worry about that. Focussing is slightly annoying with the fly by wire system, and a focussing distance gauge on the barrel of the lens would be a bonus, but I love the way it renders, and that is what matters to me in images the most
Well, it depends upon what you call "street".
If you are standing still, like a tourist, it will work, but that doesn't work for me :)
What are you using instead?
I've used all the main "street" cameras.
I owned most of the Fuji's (X-Pro1, XE-1, XT-1, X100s), 4x Leica's (M 240, M Monochrome, M7 and M3) and Sony's (A7s, A7II, A7r II, A6000 and A6300).
The best of these is the A7s with the 35mm F2.8 IMHO.
Leica's are too slow and their ISO headroom is no good and they are noisy to boot.
Sony's are too noisy and have a bit too much shutter lag. With silent mode, you get horrific distortion if you or the subject is moving, so the A7r II and A6300 aren't any good.
The cameras I use today are:
Ricoh GR, Ricoh GR1v and Olympus Stylus Epic.
I prefer the Ricoh's over everything due to the 28mm lens and the snap focus.
I can shoot them one handed and on the move.
This is my preferred way to shoot street, so the RX1r II doesn't cut it for me :(
It's somewhat ironic that a $500 camera is superior to a Leica costing $10K, but there you have it...
Instagram
@sfstreetz
www.sfstreetz.com
Hi Colin and thanks for your response. I am new to cameras and I've been researching, reading, watching reviews, etc to decide what to get. The Ricoh came across in another video on youtube but I didn't think it was anything special. I just checked photo samples and man I was wrong. The IQ is amazing. I think both the Ricoh GR and GR1v are discounted now? Do you recommend finding pre-owned ones or are their current model any good?