Sony RX1 Detailed Review

In additional RX1 was introduced by Sony in December 2012. 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 RX1 has a Full frame CMOS sensor with size of 36 x 24 mm² (1.41″ x 0.94″).

Picture of RX1’s sensor compared to popular format.

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

The RX1’s sensor has resolution of 24 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 RX1 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 RX1’s shutter speed varies from 1/8000s to 30s.

The RX1’s sensitivity goes from 100 ISO und 25600 ISO, a very useful and practical range.

The RX1 supports all general exposure modes.

The Sony allows spot exposure for the difficult occasion.

The RX1’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 RX1 has a built-in flash with a diapason of up to 6m (20 ft.). That range will fit for almost all occasion.

The RX1 features a monitor with a diagonal of 76.00mm (3.0 in.) and a resolution of c. 1.20 megapixel. That’s about average.

Unfortunately, the RX1’s monitor is not articulated. That can make it tricky to frame your subject in some situations, e.g. when taking selfies.

The RX1 does not feature a touch screen.

Display characteristics at a glance:

RX1 video supported the resolution with 1920 x 1080 pixel.

Also the camera is equipped with an external microphone.

Sony RX1 Video parameters:

Built-in wireless connectivity is not available with the Sony. You will need appropriate accessories to wirelessly transfer images between camera and smartphone.

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 RX1 works with a NP-BX1 LiIon battery. The battery lifetime is an average 220 shots. That’s on the lower side of things for a full day, consider a spare battery for the RX1.

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 RX1’s battery battery parameters:

The Sony RX1’s dimensions are 113 x 65.4 x 69.6mm³. (4.4″ x 2.6″ x 2.7″). This includes the lens. The camera’s weight is a reasonable 482 grams (15.5 oz.), lens included.

Here is front and top view of the RX1:

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 RX1 is not much bigger: