Jason -I just wanted to say thank you for posting this great instructional video back in '16. I am watching it today and learning how to use the RX1R mk 2 that I have rigged up to shoot stereoscopic images, and this is a great intro to how the cameras work ( I am going to dig into your "How to Use Sony Cameras" next since I am a Sony noob. ). I just shot my first images after watching the first 10 minutes and I'm very pleased! Thanks again!
Great review Jay! This camera may have a niche audience because of the price, and fixed lens set up, but you just demonstrated what an amazing instrument it is for stills photographers. I particularly liked the photos you took looking into the glass... amazing. To use an American expression; you just hit it out of the park, well done!
Great review, thanks. I've had my RX1R11 for about a month and just watching this video I've learned a lot more about it. Really enjoying using the camera and I haven't found being tied to 35mm to be a problem at all. I do have to say the additional base plate / grip and hot shoe mounted thumb rest makes it more ergonomically complete, but there's no need to buy the over priced Sony one - my knock-off cheap version from Amazon (by Photodiox) is absolutely fine.
You probably dont give a shit but if you guys are bored like me atm you can watch all the latest movies on instaflixxer. Have been binge watching with my brother for the last few months :)
Agree that it’s easy to hold and shoot with. I’ve had my RX1 for 10 years, and using it has been second nature after the first few weeks of use, even with my XL size hands.
HI Jay, great review. I just got this camera, and loving it. I sold my 5D3 to get a portable full frame. Didn't want the weight of the 5d and lenses. This fits the bill. One question: The glass with the colourful effect, that looked very electric. How did you do that? I am guessing the glass was over a coaster which was multi coloured, and the light coming from the room was creating the effect. But wasn't sure. I want to try and get a similar effect.
Just bought a 35 1.4 Voigtlander for my A7 and have to miss out on this... Then realized I was about 2K short, so the Voigtlander has to do :) Nice camera and video. Cheers Mike
Oh Yeah, sorry about Nino! Here ya go: sonyalphalab.com/forums/showthread.php?560-Wrist-Strap Just scroll down a bit to see mine, but I used the video tutorials in the beginning to figure out the how, with the help of my friend Obelix.
you don't need an expensive thumb grip, there are many third party ones out there that are $10. I've had one of these on a Fuji X-E1 for years and I cant' imagine that a brand name thumb grip could be any better.
Once again great, detailed and fun to watch review Jay! Been suddenly drooling over this beauty a while now after I completely ignored it when it came out. Pricy, fixed lens...but boy would I love to take her out downtown for some classic streetphotography. I think you cant come closer to a Leica than with this one. Really torn here since I already own a A7s. Do you think the 35 f2.8 would be a better investment? The f1.4 is way to clunky for the purposes I wanna use a 35mm for. That rx1rm2 though :) anyways...thanks for the great test and keep it up. You deserve way more subscribers!
Thanks Ivan for the great comments and question! Yes, I would recommend getting the 35mm f/2.8 Zeiss lens an using that on your killer A7s instead. The RX1R II really doesn't make sense to me, unless you don't have a full frame e-mount camera, and want exactly what your talking about. Then it makes sense. It's a special type camera, and that is exactly what you are looking for, but you already have the full frame low light monster in hand.. $598 (current price for Zeiss 35mm f/2.8 Lens), is much easier to swallow than $3898 no matter how you shake it... Worst case you can sell the lens for pretty much what you paid, and then try the RX1R II if you think it will better suit your needs.. I hope that helps and have a great day, Jay
I am renting this for a high school graduation and am wondering how far away I should probably stand to take outdoor group shots. I want to avoid "distorting" anyone in the shot.
Hi! I came across your channel bc im currently looking to invest in a Sony. I was looking at the Sony a5100 but heard that it overheats quickly and the battery life is not that great. I have also been looking at the Sony a7s. Im looking to use the camera for taking clothing outfit pictures, videos, but mainly pictures of faces that i do makeup on. I really like the smoothing filter the a5100 offers. Do you have any recommendations? Thanks.
Yeah I hear ya, but yes it is better than the A6500 and a Zeiss Prime. The Full Frame sensor offers a look that you can't duplicate unless you have the same sensor and lens combo. They don't make the lens first of all, secondly you would need the A7r II in order to get the same sensor. So, the A7r II with the FE 35mm f/1.4 Zeiss lens or 35mm f/2.8 Lens, would be the closest you could get. Thanks for the comments and keep in mind this camera is marketed for a specific type of enthusiast. Clearly not for most due to the cost an fixed prime lens..... Sony makes other cameras for folks like us :) Jay
Jay if you possible do some quick real word image comparison between RX1R II and A6500 24mm f/1.8? i have a6500 but thinking of RX1R II. thanks in advance!
I'm sending the RX1R II back in a few days, because I'm done reviewing it. I will get the A6500 soon though, but i'm not sure about what lenses yet. The RX1R II is incredible, and will offer better depth of field than the A6500 with the 24mm f/1.8 for sure. The IQ will also be better on the RX1R II, but not by that much really... The 42mp is also an advantage to the RX1R II, but the price is really up there comparatively and no Sensor stabilization either.....
Superb detailed review Jay,thankyou.This cam is also a fab exercise in tech design,so small.I would love a bash with this - may have to hire it,but my choice is normally 28mm.I did hope Sony would sink a Zeiss 28mm equivalent lens into an A6300/500 body whilst retaining the evf.Cheers.
Thank you very much, and perhaps Sony will come out with a wider angle unit at some point. I think it would be cool if Sony came out with an APS-C sensor RX style camera with a few super high quality fixed lenses, or a limited zoom even... Time will tell ;)
Thanks for the comments Tim :) I'm not sure if I will do that camera next month or the month after. I have a request for the A7s II from a Patreon supporter ( www.patreon.com/SonyAlphaLab ), so the priority is on that for now. I really want to review the A6500, but in the meantime, check out this thread I created with all the quality A6500 Reviews available so far here: sonyalphalab.com/forums/showthread.php?3742-Sony-A6500-Reviews-Testing-and-Sample-Photos Thanks again, Jay
I want this camera despite being six years old. Just bought a used A7RII and shopping for a 35mm lens. Is the RX1R2 a smaller A7RII? Want to use the RX1R2 for street photography. Mask On Nurse Marty
Hey Martin, and yeah its very similar internal spec wise, but does not have good battery life or sensor stabilization. It also does not have 4k recording if you want that for anything... The Image quality is absolutely fantastic as is the build. Ultra compact full frame point and shoot camera. I loved using it! All the best, Jay
A truly compact FF camera with a fast, 35mm lens, that is also capable of taking great looking videos with a very shallow DOF, would be my dream camera. Then I remember how much this thing costs, and my dreams don´t even qualify as mild wishes.
This camera was loaned to me courtesy of BHPhoto my friend. I can't even afford a lens these days, let alone a camera. I shot the turn table video footage with my Sony Nex-6, just to give you an idea of what I own... I was nervous as hell using this camera, because if I break it, I have to buy it!! Then the visa card would be maxed out and I would be screwed....
I loved your review! Best one yet! I'm so intrigued by this camera...I don't need it really; the Sony menus scare me! and honestly the smaller Rx 100 V would probably be great but this one keeps calling me. How do you think it would be for casual portraits? Even more ridiculous price in Canada.
This is an amazing camera Barb, and for the casual portrait it really can provide some amazing results with the full frame sensor. However, depending on your skill level, it is a little harder to use then the RX100 VA for example. You need to have a steadier hand, zoom with your feet because the lens is a fixed 35mm, and you need to make sure the focus is perfect due to the much larger full frame sensor. That being said, the results blow away the RX100 VA as far as image quality goes assuming you capture the photo correctly ofcourse. At the end of the day the RX100 VA is excellent and can also do a fantastic job, but the creamy blurry background the shallow depth of field this full frame sensor can provide is at another level. I hope that helps! Jay My Full written review of the RX1r II is Here: www.sonyalphalab.com/product-review-sony-rx1r-ii-review-real-world-lab-video-menus-and-lightroom-photo-analysis/ , and my RX100 VA review is here: www.sonyalphalab.com/my-sony-rx100-va-review-real-world-perspective-lab-and-more/ Be sure to check those out for a closer look at the sample photos!
@@Jason_Hermann Hmm...you've given me some things to think about. I'll be checking your other reviews first. Sounds crazy but it's like I see something different in these sample photos compared to other camera's shots. (I'm sure it's seeing what I want to see! Gorgeous shots btw!)
@@barb865 Yes, you are seeing the magic 3D looking image quality and depth of field that the full frame sensor provides. Also the colors and clarity offer even extra pop, when compared to the smaller sensor cameras. The killer fixed Zeiss prime lens is also top quality, so the full frame sensor matched with the killer prime really makes the images special. Clearly you can recognize the quality/ difference.
I had both, mark1 and Mark. All promised improvements are either not existing or they been paid with the loss of the unike IQ and huge high ISO/low light capabilities of the mark 1. The AF has definitely improved. The EVF is a joke The battery life has decreased from about 250 down to 180 shots Me personally, I'll not go for high resolution sensor anymore. Now I'm with the A9, no soul, no outstanding IQ but at least fast in AF, long battery life and a comfortable grip, with a Gabale L bracket attached.
I'm not sure why there is no ND Filter. It really should have one, or a faster max shutter than 1/2000sec. Definitely a negative I should have mentioned int he review. Sorry about that. Yes it does offer slightly better IQ, but were are talking pixel peeping and a "look" type of thing. The lens is purpose built, so it offers an edge in some rendering areas. It's hard to explain, but you can see it. It's like a killer piece of glass and how it offers a look. You can certainly get killer iq withe the a7r II, so I would go that route personally. Not everybody wants to change lenses though.... Jay
This camera has become $600 more expensive since it's release. It cost $3300 when it was released, and it priced around the same as A7Rii, which is resonable as it has the same sensor. Of course you trade the ability to change lens with a compact camera. The original RX1R seem to also have gone up in price. Is the dollar become a lot worse against the yen, or it still the damages against Sony's factory that still keeping the price up. I thought Sony had recovered. Not that I planned to buy it, but there has been a trend in Europe that Sony lenses have increased in price with about 20-30%. Thanfully Zeiss lenses didn't increase, and I got myself a Zeiss Batis 85mm for the same price as the Sony Zeiss 55mm cost, which is just crazy. I'm not buying any new lenses for a while.
Thanks for the great comments! Yes, it went up in price and I was also sort of surprised by this as well. I honestly have no idea why, but can only conclude the competition for this unique item is still way more expensive. The Leica system in particular I'm talking about. If they came out with a more affordable full frame compact solution, then Sony would lower the price perhaps, but I'm really not sure.
This was as thorough a review of the Sony RX1R II as I’ve seen. Thank you.
Years later, still a cornerstone review.
Jason -I just wanted to say thank you for posting this great instructional video back in '16. I am watching it today and learning how to use the RX1R mk 2 that I have rigged up to shoot stereoscopic images, and this is a great intro to how the cameras work ( I am going to dig into your "How to Use Sony Cameras" next since I am a Sony noob. ). I just shot my first images after watching the first 10 minutes and I'm very pleased! Thanks again!
Great review Jay! This camera may have a niche audience because of the price, and fixed lens set up, but you just demonstrated what an amazing instrument it is for stills photographers. I particularly liked the photos you took looking into the glass... amazing. To use an American expression; you just hit it out of the park, well done!
Thank you very much Paul and this camera is totally designed for a niche audience ;) I loved it!!
Great review, thanks. I've had my RX1R11 for about a month and just watching this video I've learned a lot more about it. Really enjoying using the camera and I haven't found being tied to 35mm to be a problem at all. I do have to say the additional base plate / grip and hot shoe mounted thumb rest makes it more ergonomically complete, but there's no need to buy the over priced Sony one - my knock-off cheap version from Amazon (by Photodiox) is absolutely fine.
This is the best RX1R II review there is. Thank you very much!
I'm geting this camera tomorow. GREAT!!!!!!!!!
I really appreciate your kind comments :) Thank you and best of luck with the camera!
Jay
You probably dont give a shit but if you guys are bored like me atm you can watch all the latest movies on instaflixxer. Have been binge watching with my brother for the last few months :)
@Casen Ace Definitely, I have been using instaflixxer for since december myself :)
Just picked this up and so excited you had a walk-through for it!
Yeah Jay!! Welcome back man! I love the detailed video! Good work and keep it up!
Thank you very much John!
Agree that it’s easy to hold and shoot with. I’ve had my RX1 for 10 years, and using it has been second nature after the first few weeks of use, even with my XL size hands.
Best reviews on the web
Great review Jay, I've learned so much watching your videos 👍
Thanks very much! That is my goal and I really appreciate you kind comments :)
Jay
Five years ago I was shooting with the RX-100 OG. Was not even aware of this camera. Very intrigued with this one.
Yeah, this one is a beast!!
I'm mesmerized with the glass and (neon-like) lights picture!
Yeah I was as well :) Thanks for the comments!
Jay
I actually found a glass just like that and "copied" your style, having Christmas tree lights behind it. It's a really beautiful effect!
That is awesome! It's fun to play with the effect and I imagine that each glass will offer it's own show ;)
Thanks!
Thank you vey much David!
HI Jay, great review. I just got this camera, and loving it. I sold my 5D3 to get a portable full frame. Didn't want the weight of the 5d and lenses. This fits the bill.
One question: The glass with the colourful effect, that looked very electric. How did you do that? I am guessing the glass was over a coaster which was multi coloured, and the light coming from the room was creating the effect. But wasn't sure. I want to try and get a similar effect.
I have an a7rii but if I could afford it I would love this pocketable beast to have as a no compromise point and shoot
Thanks for the comments and can't go wrong with the A7r II flexibility. I agree it would be awesome to have!!
Just bought a 35 1.4 Voigtlander for my A7 and have to miss out on this...
Then realized I was about 2K short, so the Voigtlander has to do :)
Nice camera and video.
Cheers Mike
Can't ever go wrong with a Voigtlander lens if you ask me :) Thanks for the comments!
Thank you so much, what a fantastic and thorough review. I really appreciate your expertise and presentation. Ta.
Thank you for the comments and kind words ;)
Purchased mine and very happy
Hey Jay, you mentioned something about the strap you make but I could not find it, could you link me? Thanks in advance.
Oh Yeah, sorry about Nino! Here ya go: sonyalphalab.com/forums/showthread.php?560-Wrist-Strap Just scroll down a bit to see mine, but I used the video tutorials in the beginning to figure out the how, with the help of my friend Obelix.
you don't need an expensive thumb grip, there are many third party ones out there that are $10. I've had one of these on a Fuji X-E1 for years and I cant' imagine that a brand name thumb grip could be any better.
Thanks for the info and very good call ;)
Once again great, detailed and fun to watch review Jay! Been suddenly drooling over this beauty a while now after I completely ignored it when it came out. Pricy, fixed lens...but boy would I love to take her out downtown for some classic streetphotography. I think you cant come closer to a Leica than with this one. Really torn here since I already own a A7s. Do you think the 35 f2.8 would be a better investment? The f1.4 is way to clunky for the purposes I wanna use a 35mm for. That rx1rm2 though :) anyways...thanks for the great test and keep it up. You deserve way more subscribers!
Thanks Ivan for the great comments and question! Yes, I would recommend getting the 35mm f/2.8 Zeiss lens an using that on your killer A7s instead. The RX1R II really doesn't make sense to me, unless you don't have a full frame e-mount camera, and want exactly what your talking about. Then it makes sense. It's a special type camera, and that is exactly what you are looking for, but you already have the full frame low light monster in hand.. $598 (current price for Zeiss 35mm f/2.8 Lens), is much easier to swallow than $3898 no matter how you shake it... Worst case you can sell the lens for pretty much what you paid, and then try the RX1R II if you think it will better suit your needs..
I hope that helps and have a great day,
Jay
I am renting this for a high school graduation and am wondering how far away I should probably stand to take outdoor group shots. I want to avoid "distorting" anyone in the shot.
I can't wait to get mine
Great, Great video.... bravo!!
Hi! I came across your channel bc im currently looking to invest in a Sony. I was looking at the Sony a5100 but heard that it overheats quickly and the battery life is not that great. I have also been looking at the Sony a7s. Im looking to use the camera for taking clothing outfit pictures, videos, but mainly pictures of faces that i do makeup on. I really like the smoothing filter the a5100 offers. Do you have any recommendations? Thanks.
Is this really better than let's say the a6500 with a zeiss prime 35mm. Feels way to expensive for a camera with only 35mm forever.
Yeah I hear ya, but yes it is better than the A6500 and a Zeiss Prime. The Full Frame sensor offers a look that you can't duplicate unless you have the same sensor and lens combo. They don't make the lens first of all, secondly you would need the A7r II in order to get the same sensor. So, the A7r II with the FE 35mm f/1.4 Zeiss lens or 35mm f/2.8 Lens, would be the closest you could get. Thanks for the comments and keep in mind this camera is marketed for a specific type of enthusiast. Clearly not for most due to the cost an fixed prime lens..... Sony makes other cameras for folks like us :)
Jay
Jay SonyAlphaLab Great thanks for responding.
Jay if you possible do some quick real word image comparison between RX1R II and A6500 24mm f/1.8? i have a6500 but thinking of RX1R II. thanks in advance!
I'm sending the RX1R II back in a few days, because I'm done reviewing it. I will get the A6500 soon though, but i'm not sure about what lenses yet. The RX1R II is incredible, and will offer better depth of field than the A6500 with the 24mm f/1.8 for sure. The IQ will also be better on the RX1R II, but not by that much really... The 42mp is also an advantage to the RX1R II, but the price is really up there comparatively and no Sensor stabilization either.....
Just Super! Thanks for the help.
Superb detailed review Jay,thankyou.This cam is also a fab exercise in tech design,so small.I would love a bash with this - may have to hire it,but my choice is normally 28mm.I did hope Sony would sink a Zeiss 28mm equivalent lens into an A6300/500 body whilst retaining the evf.Cheers.
Thank you very much, and perhaps Sony will come out with a wider angle unit at some point. I think it would be cool if Sony came out with an APS-C sensor RX style camera with a few super high quality fixed lenses, or a limited zoom even... Time will tell ;)
When will the A6500 review come out? Can't wait for it!
Thanks for the comments Tim :) I'm not sure if I will do that camera next month or the month after. I have a request for the A7s II from a Patreon supporter ( www.patreon.com/SonyAlphaLab ), so the priority is on that for now. I really want to review the A6500, but in the meantime, check out this thread I created with all the quality A6500 Reviews available so far here: sonyalphalab.com/forums/showthread.php?3742-Sony-A6500-Reviews-Testing-and-Sample-Photos
Thanks again,
Jay
Are your landscape shots Hand Held or Tripod?
Hello, and all the real world shots were hand-held. The Lab scene was shot using a tripod though ;) Thanks for the comments/ question!
Jay
I will watch your vid to see why my pics are so blurry on computer but look fine on lcd
I want this camera despite being six years old.
Just bought a used A7RII and shopping for a 35mm lens. Is the RX1R2 a smaller A7RII? Want to use the RX1R2 for street photography.
Mask On Nurse Marty
Hey Martin, and yeah its very similar internal spec wise, but does not have good battery life or sensor stabilization. It also does not have 4k recording if you want that for anything... The Image quality is absolutely fantastic as is the build. Ultra compact full frame point and shoot camera. I loved using it! All the best, Jay
A truly compact FF camera with a fast, 35mm lens, that is also capable of taking great looking videos with a very shallow DOF, would be my dream camera.
Then I remember how much this thing costs, and my dreams don´t even qualify as mild wishes.
Believe me, I hear ya my friend :) Thanks for the comments!!
Jay
And I believe you, but it´s obvious that either Sony or Visa love you much more than me... ;)
This camera was loaned to me courtesy of BHPhoto my friend. I can't even afford a lens these days, let alone a camera. I shot the turn table video footage with my Sony Nex-6, just to give you an idea of what I own... I was nervous as hell using this camera, because if I break it, I have to buy it!! Then the visa card would be maxed out and I would be screwed....
Welcome to the "ToorichformybloodBetaClub", Jay! :D
Nah man, just messing with ya.
So thanks for the review, and happy holidays!
LOL, that is a good one!! Thanks for the holiday wishes and the same to you and yours :)
Weird thing going on with mine. All the pics look fine on my LCD, but after transferring to my laptop, most look really blurry
42mpx, I'd always try to stay above 1/160th, it's not 20 mpx, need to be really stable when shooting...
Hi really good video
Thank you very much!
very nice video like
Thank you!
I loved your review! Best one yet! I'm so intrigued by this camera...I don't need it really; the Sony menus scare me! and honestly the smaller Rx 100 V would probably be great but this one keeps calling me. How do you think it would be for casual portraits? Even more ridiculous price in Canada.
This is an amazing camera Barb, and for the casual portrait it really can provide some amazing results with the full frame sensor. However, depending on your skill level, it is a little harder to use then the RX100 VA for example. You need to have a steadier hand, zoom with your feet because the lens is a fixed 35mm, and you need to make sure the focus is perfect due to the much larger full frame sensor. That being said, the results blow away the RX100 VA as far as image quality goes assuming you capture the photo correctly ofcourse. At the end of the day the RX100 VA is excellent and can also do a fantastic job, but the creamy blurry background the shallow depth of field this full frame sensor can provide is at another level. I hope that helps! Jay My Full written review of the RX1r II is Here: www.sonyalphalab.com/product-review-sony-rx1r-ii-review-real-world-lab-video-menus-and-lightroom-photo-analysis/ , and my RX100 VA review is here: www.sonyalphalab.com/my-sony-rx100-va-review-real-world-perspective-lab-and-more/ Be sure to check those out for a closer look at the sample photos!
@@Jason_Hermann Hmm...you've given me some things to think about. I'll be checking your other reviews first. Sounds crazy but it's like I see something different in these sample photos compared to other camera's shots. (I'm sure it's seeing what I want to see! Gorgeous shots btw!)
@@barb865 Yes, you are seeing the magic 3D looking image quality and depth of field that the full frame sensor provides. Also the colors and clarity offer even extra pop, when compared to the smaller sensor cameras. The killer fixed Zeiss prime lens is also top quality, so the full frame sensor matched with the killer prime really makes the images special. Clearly you can recognize the quality/ difference.
@@Jason_Hermann It would have been cheaper if you'd said I was crazy! :)
Did you see the little man in the bottom of your glass? Scary
No, where? Just let me know what time int h video please ;)
@@Jason_Hermann @23:22 like a Seuss character
Lorax
@@Rico-tt3jk I'm not seeing it, but I have no doubt it's there. That image is crazy!!
@@Jason_Hermann slightly tilt your head to the left and you'll see The Lorax wearing sunglasses I swear.
I had both, mark1 and Mark. All promised improvements are either not existing or they been paid with the loss of the unike IQ and huge high ISO/low light capabilities of the mark 1.
The AF has definitely improved.
The EVF is a joke
The battery life has decreased from about 250 down to 180 shots
Me personally, I'll not go for high resolution sensor anymore.
Now I'm with the A9, no soul, no outstanding IQ but at least fast in AF, long battery life and a comfortable grip, with a Gabale L bracket attached.
Why is there no built in ND Filter on the Sony RX1R ii and does it offer better IQ than a Sony A7R M2 with a prime zeiss lens.
I'm not sure why there is no ND Filter. It really should have one, or a faster max shutter than 1/2000sec. Definitely a negative I should have mentioned int he review. Sorry about that.
Yes it does offer slightly better IQ, but were are talking pixel peeping and a "look" type of thing. The lens is purpose built, so it offers an edge in some rendering areas. It's hard to explain, but you can see it. It's like a killer piece of glass and how it offers a look. You can certainly get killer iq withe the a7r II, so I would go that route personally. Not everybody wants to change lenses though....
Jay
This camera has become $600 more expensive since it's release. It cost $3300 when it was released, and it priced around the same as A7Rii, which is resonable as it has the same sensor. Of course you trade the ability to change lens with a compact camera.
The original RX1R seem to also have gone up in price. Is the dollar become a lot worse against the yen, or it still the damages against Sony's factory that still keeping the price up. I thought Sony had recovered.
Not that I planned to buy it, but there has been a trend in Europe that Sony lenses have increased in price with about 20-30%. Thanfully Zeiss lenses didn't increase, and I got myself a Zeiss Batis 85mm for the same price as the Sony Zeiss 55mm cost, which is just crazy. I'm not buying any new lenses for a while.
Thanks for the great comments! Yes, it went up in price and I was also sort of surprised by this as well. I honestly have no idea why, but can only conclude the competition for this unique item is still way more expensive. The Leica system in particular I'm talking about. If they came out with a more affordable full frame compact solution, then Sony would lower the price perhaps, but I'm really not sure.
FF compact for $4000, no thanks... dont have even 4k video?
Yeah, designed for a very select few clearly ;) Thanks for the comments!
Jay
point and shoiot $3000 sucker without panorama mode preinstalled