Sony RX100 II Review -- First Impressions
by Mike Tomkins and Dave Etchells
First Impressions posted: 06/27/2013
Last summer, the debut of the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 answered the prayers of enthusiast shooters looking for a capable yet compact second camera. More than a few photographers who'd resisted trading up to an interchangeable lens-camera due to the size, even for mirrorless models, also found much to love in the Sony RX100, which punches above its weight thanks to a much larger sensor than can be found in the majority of fixed-lens cameras. The RX100 also sports a handy optical zoom lens, something that's absent from the majority of its large-sensor compact camera competitors. (And it's far smaller than the rare models which pair a large sensor with a fixed zoom.) Not surprisingly, the RX100 was a big seller for Sony, and we loved it too, awarding it our Pocket Camera of the Year for 2012.
Happy family. As you'd expect from its name, the Sony RX100 II builds upon that camera, but it's important to note that it doesn't replace it. Both will continue to be sold side-by-side for the time being, and Sony has indicated to us that it sees the new model as being more attractive to photographers wanting a system within which to grow -- in other words, step-up buyers from a compact camera. The original RX100, meanwhile, is expected to remain attractive as a second-camera alongside an interchangeable-lens model, being slightly smaller and quite a bit lighter than the new camera.
As it happens, Imaging Resource News Editor Mike Tomkins bought the original Sony RX100, so we put his camera back in the studio to shoot the real-world comparison below. Click each image to see a (much) larger version in a new window.
Sony RX100 vs Sony RX100 II -- Body Comparison |
|
|
|
 |
. |
New sensor. A key difference between the Sony RX100 II and its sibling is the presence of a backside-illuminated image sensor, instead of a standard CMOS chip. It's still a 1"-type, but it's nonetheless ground-breaking: To date no other manufacturer has commercialized a BSI sensor this large. Previous BSI chips have typically been 1/2"-type or smaller, with only a little more than 1/4 the surface area of the RX100-series camera sensors.
That's partly because the advantages of BSI technology -- increased sensitivity and an improved signal-to-noise ratio -- are felt more strongly with the higher pixel densities common on small compact camera sensors. The lower the pixel density, the lower the proportion of circuitry to light-gathering area on the chip's surface, and the less the advantage in moving that circuitry to the rear of the sensor.
Still, Sony clearly believes there's enough of an advantage over a standard 1"-type chip to make the reduced yield and additional manufacturing complexity of a BSI chip at this size worthwhile. The company is claiming a one-stop improvement over the original RX100, with ISO 3,200 on the RX100 II predicted to yield similar noise levels to ISO 1,600 on the RX100.
 |
Sensitivity. The base sensitivity has been increased from ISO 125 to ISO 160 equivalent, and the upper limit has jumped from ISO 6,400 to ISO 12,800 equivalent. The expanded range of the original camera allowed shooting at ISO 80 equivalent, and this has been raised slightly to ISO 100 equivalent. The range in Multi-Frame NR mode is unchanged, though, and still tops out at ISO 25,600 equivalent.
The improved sensitivity and noise characteristics of the sensor will likely show themselves in other respects, as well. In particular, Sony is predicting a 10% improvement in the time taken to achieve an autofocus lock when shooting in low light when compared to the RX100, since the contrast detection system should have higher-quality data from the new image sensor to work with. The company has also promised a "profound impact" on low-light video. Big words, indeed!
Expandability. Another important change is aimed at turning the RX100 II into something of a system camera, albeit one with a fixed lens. Unlike the RX100, the new camera now sports a flash hot shoe. Specifically, it's the same Multi Interface Shoe that debuted in last fall's flagship Sony A99 and RX1 cameras, integrating 21 data contacts that provide compatibility not only with external strobes, but also with accessories such as an electronic viewfinder, clip-on LCD monitor, or external microphone adapter.
And that's not all for the expandability: The Sony RX100 II's USB port has also been updated to become what Sony calls the Multi Terminal. This provides not only for USB data transfer, but also adds compatibility with a wired remote control unit.
Wireless connectivity. Another very important change is the addition of built-in Near Field Communications and Wi-Fi wireless networking. NFC is used to establish a connection with a compatible phone or tablet automatically, simply by touching the two devices to each other briefly. Once paired via NFC, the camera and smart device will negotiate a much faster Wi-Fi connection automatically, without the need to manually select a network or enter security information. And when connected, you can control your RX100 II remotely from the smart device, including a remote live view stream on the screen of your Android / iOS device, using a free app. The same app is also capable of transferring images and video to get them on their way to social networks and more.
If your smart device doesn't support NFC -- which is true of all Apple devices, and many older or less expensive Android devices, you'll still be able to pair via Wi-Fi manually. (But you're missing out: using NFC couldn't be simpler, and typically puts a silly grin on people's faces the first time they try it.)
Tilting display. And in case the ability to connect an external, electronic viewfinder to the Sony RX100 II wasn't exciting enough, there's now an articulated LCD display, as well. It's solely a tilting type, rather than a tilt-swivel, and it doesn't provide for framing images from in front of the camera, but it nonetheless makes the RX100 II much more versatile when framing shots low to the ground, or over your head. And impressively, it adds barely anything to the camera's thickness -- there's only a scant 0.1 inch (2.4mm) increase.
That's still just enough to stop the RX100 II from fitting in the optionally-available leather jacket case for the original RX100, though, and so Sony is simultaneously releasing an updated jacket case. The new case will entirely replace the original one in Sony's inventory, and is listed as compatible with both cameras.
And more besides. There are a few other tweaks since the RX100 II, but they're not as significant as those mentioned so far. You can now shoot Full HD movies at a movie-like rate of 24 frames per second, in addition to the previous 60 frames / fields per second options. There's also a new step zoom function for the ring encircling the lens, which allows quick access to predefined focal lengths of 28, 35, 50, 70, and 100mm without the need to adjust the dial precisely. Sony has also added the Auto Object Framing function seen previously in the Sony A58 and NEX-3N cameras, supplementing the RX100's Auto Portrait Framing.
 |
Accessories. The company will also be offering a couple of new accessories. There's a new AG-RG1 finger rest grip, mirroring those available from third-parties for the RX100. This attaches to the camera body with adhesive, so if you later decide you prefer the unadorned body, it should be removable without damaging the camera. And if you like playing with filters -- another way in which to build something of a system around your camera -- you should appreciate the new filter kit, which will also be compatible with the RX100.
Keeping the good stuff. In other respects, the Sony RX100 II is largely similar to its predecessor. Notably, the excellent lens from the original RX100 -- offering lengths of 28-100mm, and a maximum aperture of f/1.8-4.9 across the zoom range -- is retained, and so is the bright, attractive Sony WhiteMagic LCD monitor.
Price and availability. Available from July 2013, the Sony RX100 II is priced at US$750. That's a modest US$100 increase over list pricing for the original Sony RX100, which continues to be available alongside the new model.
Sony RX100 II Review -- Video Tour
Video tour of the Sony RX100 II large-sensor compact camera. |
Sony RX100 II Review -- Walkaround
by Mike Tomkins
When we reviewed last year's Sony RX100, we felt its compact body to be one of the highlights of its design. Sure, it looked a whole lot like the Canon S90 and its successors, but that didn't detract from the fact that it was clean, attractive, reasonably pocket-friendly, and yet packed in a good number of controls including both a lens ring and rear dial.
With the Sony RX100 II, that basic design has been retained and expanded upon. That's good news indeed, as far as we're concerned. Let's take a quick trip around the RX100 II's body, and see what's new.
 |
Seen from the front, the Sony RX100 II is almost indistinguishable from its sibling. From the Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar branded 3.6x optical zoom lens to the styling, all remains unchanged, with but one notable exception. The presence of a flash hot shoe projecting from above the lens (and just slightly despoiling the otherwise almost rectangular front profile) tips you off to the fact that you're looking at the RX100 II, and not the RX100.
 |
From above, there are a few more clues to tip you off to which camera you're dealing with, although the basic layout is largely unchanged. As well as the aforementioned hot shoe, you'll also see that the two ports for the stereo microphone that straddle this new addition have shrunk in size, and been rotated 90 degrees to free up space. The top of the tilting LCD assembly stands proud from the rear of the camera slightly, and its top surface becomes home to various screen-printed badges, including the new Exmor R badge. (If you're not familiar with this, it indicates that the Sony RX100 II sports a backside-illuminated image sensor, in place of the previous, traditional chip.)
The whole body has also grown subtly but is noticeably thicker, enough so that the RX100 II will no longer fit in the leather jacket case sold for the original RX100. (A replacement version will fit both cameras, although it will presumably now be slightly loose on the earlier camera.) Note, though, that while the lens may appear a little deeper in our side-by-side comparison with the Sony RX100 further up the page, that's definitely not the case. It's simply an optical illusion brought on by the other changes.
 |
From behind the lens, you could again completely miss the changes in the Sony RX100 II, at a casual glance. The control layout is absolutely identical to that on the earlier camera, which is great news if you plan on upgrading from that model to the new one. There is literally no learning curve at all, in terms of the basic controls, and you'll feel right at home.
The only differences between the RX100 II and RX100 from this angle have already been noted in the other views: an articulated, tilting LCD monitor, and a flash hot shoe. From this angle, you can see the intelligent contacts in the latter, which allow it to serve double duty as an accessory shoe for the electronic viewfinder, clip-on LCD, and microphone accessories.
 |
From the sides, there are a couple of more subtle changes on the Sony RX100 II. These don't involve new features, but are simply adjustments to the overall packaging of the camera. On the right of the body is the relocated HDMI high-definition video output, located under a small flap, and beneath the multi-terminal. This was previously to be found in a frankly terrible position on the base of the camera, snugged right up against the tripod socket. The new location is much more intelligent. Previously, you couldn't really use the HDMI output unless the camera was held in your hand, or laying on its back. Now if you desire -- and admittedly, few RX100 II users will likely do so -- you could even hook the RX100 II up to a large high-def display while shooting tripod mounted, something you certainly couldn't do before without resorting to some very carefully-selected adapters.
The multi-terminal port is, in essence, the USB port with a new name and a new capability. It was in much the same position previously, but it didn't allow use of Sony's wired remote control units. Now, it does.
 |
On the other side of the RX100 II are two even more subtle changes -- one addition, and one subtraction. The new arrival is the small screen-printed Wi-Fi logo, hinting at the camera's wireless networking connectivity. (It also supports Near Field Communications, for an instant connection simply by touching it to a compatible device.) The absentee feature is the small three-hole speaker port from the original RX100. So, where has it gone?
 |
Flipping the camera over once more soon answers that question. You'll now find a three-hole speaker port on the left-hand end (as seen from the rear) of the camera's base. Nearby is a new screen-printed NFC logo, and of course you can also see the base of the tilting LCD assembly from this angle. As we've noted, the small, rubber HDMI port cover is gone, with the port relocated to the camera's right side. Sadly, the metal tripod socket remains well away from the central axis of the lens, so if you plan on shooting a lot of tripod-mounted panoramas, you'll want to invest in an adapter to reduce the impact of parallax.
And that, in a nutshell, is the Sony RX100 II camera body: a little larger, and bearing several important new features, but in most respects near-identical to that of the RX100 in terms of basic layout and styling.
Sony RX100 II Review -- RX100 Low Light Comparison
with image quality analysis by Dave Etchells
 |
| Sony RX100 |
 |
| Sony RX100 II |
As we've said elsewhere, the biggest news with the Sony RX100 II is its sensor: The first 1-inch type backside illuminated sensor to hit the streets. Sony's claims of a full 1-stop improvement in high-ISO noise seems well-justified by our own experience - the difference between the new and old models is pretty dramatic. Shot at ISO 6,400, the original RX100's images are pretty good for that ISO level from a compact camera, but the RX100 II's shots are really exceptional. |
 |
| Sony RX100 |
 |
| Sony RX100 II |
Here's the first of two sets of crops from the photos above. Note not only the lower noise in the shot from the RX100 II, but also the crisper edges on everything. The signal from the sensor is so much cleaner that the camera's noise-reduction processing doesn't have to work as hard, meaning there's more detail left when it's done. |
 |
| Sony RX100 |
 |
| Sony RX100 II |
Here's the second crop from the images above. What most stands out to our eyes is the significantly improved tonality of the RX100 II's output: Note how much better the II renders the woman's face above. |
 |
| Sony RX100 ISO 3,200 (100% crop) |
 |
| Sony RX100 II ISO 6,400 (100% crop) |
 |
| Sony RX100 ISO 6,400 (100% crop) |
We've said elsewhere that the RX100 II's noise is a full f-stop better than that of the original RX100. This shot shows pretty conclusively that it's even better than that. Here, we have a crop from the RX100 II, shot at ISO 6,400, bracketed by RX100 images. The top image was shot by the RX100 at ISO 3,200, the bottom one at ISO 6,400. To our eyes, the RX100 II's shot at 6,400 is actually cleaner than the RX100's at 3,200. At ISO 6,400, there's no comparison. The RX100's sensor was already an excellent one, and its high-ISO performance outstripped anything near its size. The new Mark II version takes it to an entirely new level, though. And all of this is without taking into consideration Sony's highly effective multi-shot modes, which use multiple, rapid-fire shots to cut noise, while giving the exposure effect of a much longer exposure, combined with the anti-camera-shake effect of a much shorter one. All in all, the Sony RX100 II really blows away the competition when it comes to after-dark shooting with a compact, pocketable camera. As Dave said in his YouTube video on the RX100 II, the improvements are enough that we think a lot of current RX100 users will be looking to trade up. Very impressive! |
Sony RX100 II Review -- Technical Info
by Mike Tomkins
Sensor. Like the RX100 before it, the Sony RX100 is based around a 1.0"-type CMOS image sensor with a resolution of 20.2 megapixels. Only one other manufacturer uses this same size: Nikon's 1-series (CX-mount) compact system cameras are also based around 1.0"-type sensors. Nikon derives its CX-format sensor supply from Aptina, however, so far leaving the RX100 and RX100 II's chips as Sony exclusives.
The RX100 II's image sensor has double the area of the 2/3"-type sensor used by certain Fuji premium compacts, and nearly triple the area of 1/1.7"-type sensors used in most enthusiast compacts. Compared to typical point-and shoots on a 1/2.3"-type sensor, the difference is vast: the RX100 II's sensor is almost 4.1x larger. On the other side of the coin, though, its area is a little less than half that of the sensor in the Canon G1 X, and about one-third the size of an APS-C sensor, as used by most DSLRs and some CSCs.
Backside illumination. There's an important difference between the sensors in the RX100 II and its predecessor. The newer camera uses an Exmor R-branded chip, indicating that it's a backside-illuminated design. By contrast, the RX100 used a standard Exmor CMOS chip. That difference gives the Sony RX100 II a sigificant advantage in terms of sensitivity and noise performance.
Sony was the first company to commercialize backside-illuminated sensors, and the chip in the RX100 II is by far the largest BSI chip mass-produced to date. Potential downsides of the technology include reduced yield (especially at this sensor size), leading to higher cost per sensor; crosstalk between adjacent pixels; and the fact that base sensitivity is raised, making low-ISO imaging more challenging. (Below the native sensitivity of the chip, you essentially trade off dynamic range to achieve lower sensitivities.)
 |
Sensitivity. The default sensitivity of the RX100 II's image sensor ranges from ISO 160 to 12,800 equivalents, where the original RX100 had a default range of ISO 125 to 6,400 equivalents. You can still extend the lower end of the range below base sensitivity, but where the RX100 allowed you to extend to ISO 80 or 100, the RX100 II offers up ISO 100 and 125 extended positions.
There's still a multi-shot function that reduces image noise by averaging subsequent exposures, and this Multi-Frame NR function still has an upper limit of ISO 25,600 equivalent.
Performance. The new sensor is coupled with a Sony's BIONZ image processor. Together, these allow a burst rate of 10 frames per second in Speed Priority Advance mode, which locks focus and exposure from the first frame. Burst depth is 13 raw, 12 JPEG or 10 Raw+JPEG frames.
Lens. The Sony RX100 II's 3.6x optical zoom lens is unchanged from that in the original RX100, and still bears Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* branding. 35mm-equivalent focal lengths range from a 28mm-equivalent wide angle to a 100mm-equivalent telephoto. Across this range, the maximum aperture falls from a bright f/1.8 at wide angle to f/4.9 at telephoto. The latter is rather dim, albeit understandably so, given the lens and sensor sizes. Focusing is possible to as close as 1.9 inches at wide angle, or 21.6 inches at telephoto/
The lens' optical formula includes seven elements in six groups, of which four elements are aspherics, and one of these is an advanced aspheric. There's also a seven-bladed rounded aperture, and a T* coating which reduces ghosting and flare.
Stabilization. Sony has included the same Optical SteadyShot lens-based image stabilization in the RX100 II as in the RX100. For video capture, the system provides a greater corrective range; Active Mode, in Sony parlance.
While the SteadyShot system hasn't changed, the greater sensitivity of the image sensor in the RX100 II means that -- all other things being equal -- you should need to rely on image stabilization less often in the first place.
Focusing. Autofocus, too, is another area in which the new sensor in the Sony RX100 II should have a positive impact. Like almost all compact cameras, the RX100 relies on contrast detection autofocus, which takes data from the image sensor and uses it to determine the point of focus. By providing a cleaner image with lower noise levels, the Sony RX100 II's image sensor gives the autofocus algorithms more to work with, and the company predicts around a 10% improvement in autofocus speed as a result of this.
Just like the earlier model, the Sony RX100 II still offers up an autofocus assist lamp to help out with focusing on nearby subjects in low-light conditions. The AF system provides 25 autofocus points, plus center spot, flexible spot, and tracking modes, including face tracking. You can also focus manually, with both peaking and an optional AF operation to get you in the ballpark (otherwise known as Direct Manual Focus.)
Viewfinder. Unlike the RX100, the Sony RX100 II can accept an external, electronic viewfinder. It's not included in the kit, but the optional viewfinder accessory will give the RX100 II a more SLR-like feel when in use. Since it shares the same shoe usef for flash strobes, you're limited to using the internal flash if framing through the EVF.
The accessory is the same one offered for the flagship RX1 camera, the Sony FDA-EV1MK. It's very crisp for an EVF finder, thanks to its 0.5-inch Organic LED-based display with a very high resolution of 2,359,000 dots. In reviewing the RX1, we also felt the EVF accessory was noticeably better in terms of its dynamic range than many, although highlight and shadow detail still gets lost.
However, it's going to be a much tougher sell for RX100 II owners, thanks to its high cost. When you've just purchased a US$2,800 RX1, it's much easier to justify spending another US$450 (16%) on a viewfinder, but when the viewfinder alone costs only 40% less than your camera did, it's a bit more of a stretch to tell yourself it's something you really need.
Tilting display. For that reason, we think most RX100 II owners will want to stick with the LCD monitor, instead. It's the same VGA, RGBW WhiteMagic unit used in the original RX100, which is great news because it pairs good resolution with excellent outdoor visibility -- even under sunlight. (And indoors, the design saves power, something that helped the original RX100 turn in pretty respectable battery life.)
There's an important change in the RX100 II's panel, though. (Or rather, in the way in which it's mounted.) It is now articulated to allow tilting upwards by 84 degrees, or downward by 45 degrees. That's great for shooting from the hip, low to the ground, or over your head, and makes the RX100 II significantly more versatile than its predecessor. With the original RX100, you were limited to point-and-hope shooting, if you couldn't see the LCD panel properly, making accurate framing and level horizons something of a pipe dream.
Twin dials. Just like its predecessor, the RX100 II sports a twin-dial design with a ring around the lens barrel acting as the front ring. As well as the generous selection of functions that could already be controlled with this front ring, there's now a step zoom control that quickly adjusts the focal length in five steps -- 28, 35, 50, 70, and 100mm, in 35mm-equivalents -- without you needing to precisely adjust the ring's position. If you want to mimic the shooting style of multiple prime lenses, this is going to be pretty handy.
Flash. Another area of change from the original RX100 is in the new camera's flash options. There's still a small popup strobe that's unchanged from that in the RX100, but the new image sensor should see it's useful range extended somewhat by dint of the fact that you can increase the ISO sensitivity while retaining the same noise levels of the earlier camera.
 |
It was already a great flash at wide angle, but was -- and still is -- pretty weak for telephoto shooting. Using the maximum ISO 12,800-equivalent sensitivity, range is rated at slightly over 98 feet (30m) at wide-angle and 37 feet (11.3m) at telephoto. Using ISO Auto, that falls to 49 feet (15m) at wide angle, and a little under 19 feet (5.7m) at telephoto. At ISO 100, it's the equivalent of just 8.7 feet (2.7m) at wide angle, and 3.3 feet (1m) at telephoto.
But if you like flash photography, you're going to have a lot more fun with the RX100 II thanks to the new Multi Interface Shoe, a Sony-proprietary intelligent flash hot shoe that's based on the standard ISO 518 hot shoe. This accepts strobes including the HVL-F20M, HVL-F60M, and the new HVL-F43M. (This last is, essentially, an HVL-F43AM with the new Multi Interface Shoe mount, and an LED video light.) You can also mount older strobes including the HVL-F20AM and HVL-F43AM using an ADP-MAA Multi-Interface Shoe Adapter.
Sony doesn't state flash sync speed of the DSC-RX100M2.
Accessory Terminal. As noted, the RX100 II's flash hot shoe also doubles as an accessory terminal that accepts a variety of accessories. (Hence, the name Multi Interface Shoe). Not all of these will make sense -- for example, there's a Wi-Fi accessory, but this would duplicate the RX100 II's own built-in Wi-Fi radio -- but there are nevertheless quite a few options available beyond flash strobes. We've already mentioned the ADP-MAA shoe adapter and FDA-EV1MK electronic viewfinder. Other accessories you can attach include the HVL-LEIR1 video light, ECM-XYST1M stereo microphone, and CLM-V55 clip-on LCD monitor.
Exposure. The Sony DSC-RX100 II includes the usual array of operating modes -- Program, Aperture-priority, Shutter-priority, and Manual -- that you'd find on a consumer-oriented SLR or system camera. It also offers the single-shot Intelligent Auto and multi-shot Superior Auto modes often found on Cyber-shot models, and a Memory Recall function that lets you save three settings groups for quick access. And, of course, there's a generous selection of user-friendly Scene modes.
Metering modes include Multi-Segment, Center-weighted, and Spot. Shutter speeds range from 1/2,000 to 30 seconds, plus Bulb, although the longest time varies depending on exposure mode.
Auto on steroids. Like its predecessor, the Sony RX100 II features a wide variety of Sony-specific tools aimed at making it easier to get great photos. (Or at least, what the camera feels to be great photos, greatness being a rather subjective thing.) Most are unchanged, but there's one new tool that builds on the existing ones. We've seen it previously in the Sony A58 Translucent Mirror camera and NEX-3N mirrorless, but before we get into that, let's quickly recap what's retained.
The Clear Image Zoom function is based on what Sony calls By Pixel Super Resolution algorithms. In essence, a digital zoom that tries to improve quality by using pattern matching. It still interpolates (read: guesses) missing data, but does so in a more intelligent manner. Those same pattern-matching, interpolating algorithms also come into play for Auto Portrait Framing, which uses face detection to locate your subject, and then recrops the image based on a rule-of-thirds algorithm for a more pleasing layout. After cropping, your image is interpolated back up to the same resolution as the original shot. Both your original and the new shot are saved separately, so if you don't like the results, nothing is lost.
The new feature is quite similar, but instead of using face detection, it has algorithms that attempt to identify the dominant object in a scene -- and then it does much the same thing as Auto Portrait Framing, applying a rule-of-thirds crop and resampling.
There's also still a Self Portrait Self-timer function, which automatically starts a countdown timer when either one or two faces are detected in the scene, saving you the trouble of pressing the shutter button at all. Since the tilting display still can't face forwards, though, you're flying blind with this function.
The RX100 II retains Sony's 13-option Picture Effects function for soft focus, watercolor, miniature, and many more effects, as well as the other creative functions we've come to expect: High Dynamic Range, Dynamic Range Optimizer, and 2D Sweep Panorama.
 |
Level gauge. The RX100 II also retains its sibling's dual-axis level display function, which helps you avoid tilted horizons and converging verticals.
Movies. One last area in which Sony predicts a significant improvement thanks to its new sensor is in movie capture. The company promises a "profound impact" in low-light movie quality, something we'll be putting to the test.
Beyond the new sensor, the RX100 II's movie mode is largely unchanged from that of the RX100, but with one notable exception. Like the RX100, it can capture 1080p video with AVCHD version 2.0 compression at rates of 60i or 60p, but the RX100 II also adds a more film-like 24p mode. There's also HDV (Anamorphic HD) and VGA capture with MPEG-4 AVC compression at a rate of 30p, but strangely, still no 720p mode.
The video feature set remains quite rich compared to typical fixed-lens cameras, and even to some interchangeale-lens models. Manual exposure control is available, along with SteadyShot image stabilization and a wind noise reduction function. Audio is recorded with an onboard stereo microphone, situated on the top deck, straddling the flash hot shoe.
 |
Wireless networking. The final significant upgrade in the Sony RX100 II is its new, built-in Wi-Fi and Near Field Communications radios. This is big news if you're a fan of social networking, because it means you can get your photos and videos off the camera via your smart device, without the need for third-party hardware.
And if you have an NFC-compatible device, you can even establish a connection without any intervention at all -- just enable NFC on the smart device if necessary, and then hold the two devices together briefly. This is enough for a Wi-Fi connection to be negotiated between both devices, and your data then transfers via that high-speed connection.
Unfortunately for iPhone and iPad users, Apple has yet to implement NFC in any of its devices, but many newer and more sophisticated Android and Windows Phone devices support NFC.
Once paired, you can not only transfer data between camera and smart device, but also remotely control the camera's shutter, and view a live view feed. That could prove very handy, whether you're looking to film skittish wildlife without getting too close yourself, or just want to confirm everybody's standing in the right place before tripping the shutter on a group portrait.
We're currently awaiting confirmation on precisely which Wi-Fi network types and frequencies are supported by the Sony RX100 II.
 |
Wired connectivity. Two ports sit under flaps on the right side of the camera: a micro HDMI port for high-definition video output (formerly located right next to the tripod mount; the new location is much better), and what Sony dubs the Multi Terminal. The latter is both a USB port, and a wired remote control port compatible with the RM-VPR1 remote commander, and tripods such as the GP-VPT1, VCT-VPR1, VCT-VPR10, and VCT-VPR100 which feature built-in wired remotes.
There's also the aforementioned Multi Interface Shoe on the top deck, which allows a variety of accessories to be connected to the camera.
Storage. The Sony RX100 stores data on SD, SDHC, or SDXC cards, or Sony's own Pro Duo / Pro HG Duo types. Eye-Fi cards are still supported, although the camera has its own built-in Wi-Fi connectivity.
Power. Sony has retained the same NP-BX1 lithium-ion rechargeable battery type used in the original RX100. The company rates the RX100 II as good for 350 shots on a charge to CIPA testing standards, or for 80 minutes of video capture. The still image battery life is improved by around 6% from that stated for the original RX100.
Follow Imaging-Resource.com on twitter!