Sony Cyber-shot RX100 II Detailed Review

In additional Cyber-shot RX100 II was introduced by Sony in June 2013. It belongs to the enthusiast Compacts category.

Sony is well-known and shouldn’t require further introduction, please see our manufacturer’s page for more digital cameras by Sony.

Also Cyber-shot RX100 II has a 1″ CMOS sensor with size of 13 x 9 mm² (0.52″ x 0.35″).

Picture of Cyber-shot RX100 II’s sensor compared to popular format.

The 1-Euro coin has a diameter of 23.25mm.

The Cyber-shot RX100 II’s sensor has resolution of 20 megapixel.

The Sony supports taking images in RAW. RAW images are stored as they come from the sensor, without any in-camera processing or sharpening. Converting to JPEG or other formats takes place on the computer, using software like Adobe Lightroom or Sony’s RAW converter. This involves one extra processing step but almost always results in superior image quality. Some filters, like converting to monochrome (black and white) will only yield decent results when used with RAW images.

The Cyber-shot RX100 II does not come with a built-in viewfinder. The camera’s display is used to compose the photo. That can be cumbersome in broad daylight.

The Cyber-shot RX100 II’s shutter speed varies from 1/2000s to 30s.

The highest shutter speed of the Sony is just 1/2000s. That’s no longer state of the art and may cause problems in challenging light conditions.

The Cyber-shot RX100 II’s sensitivity goes from 160 ISO und 12800 ISO, a very useful and practical range.

The Cyber-shot RX100 II supports all general exposure modes.

The Sony allows spot exposure for the difficult occasion.

The Cyber-shot RX100 II’s auto focus processor uses 25 AF points (or sensors). A basic rule of thumb says that the more AF points you have, the better. More AF points mean a better chance to have a point at the location of interest in a scene, a big plus in challenging situations (e.g. with low contrast subjects).

Manual focus is also possible with the Sony, a plus in tricky situations or for some creative freedom.

The Cyber-shot RX100 II has a built-in flash with a diapason of up to 15m (50 ft.). That range will fit for almost all occasion.

The Cyber-shot RX100 II features a monitor with a diagonal of 75.00mm (3.0 in.) and a resolution of c. 1.20 megapixel. That’s about average.

The camera’s display is articulated, a plus for selfies and other challenging situations.

The Cyber-shot RX100 II does not feature a touch screen.

Display characteristics at a glance:

Cyber-shot RX100 II video supported the resolution with 1920 x 1080 pixel.

ACamera is not equipped with an external microphone.

Sony Cyber-shot RX100 II Video parameters:

The Cyber-shot RX100 II has Wifi connectivity already built-in. Use Wifi to transfer images to a smartphone or computer and to remote control the camera. With NFC, camera and smartphone can be paired without the need for passwords.

Connect the Sony to a monitor or TV set over HDMI.

The Sony supports USB 2.0.

Connection parameters:

The camera will accept all common SD HC and SD XC cards. Sony MemorySticks can be used, too.

Memory cards characteristics:

The Sony Cyber-shot RX100 II has a NP-BX1 LiIon battery. The battery provides a shooting life of 350 shots. It`s enough for one day or more.

The battery can be charged over USB while in camera. Very useful, especially on vacation when most people bring a USB charger for their smartphone anyway.

The Cyber-shot RX100 II’s battery battery parameters:

The Sony Cyber-shot RX100 II’s dimensions are 101.6 x 58.1 x 38.3mm³. (4.0″ x 2.3″ x 1.5″). This includes the lens. The camera’s weight is only 280 grams (9.0 oz.), lens included.

Here is front and top view of the Cyber-shot RX100 II:

To put the size of the camera in context, here it is next to a typical ID card (c. 86mm x 55mm, about the size of a credit card).

The Cyber-shot RX100 II is not much bigger: