Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 II: A Compact Camera for Capturing High-Quality Pictures

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 II is a compact digital camera that features an impressive 20.2-megapixel Exmor R CMOS sensor, a Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T lens, and a fast BIONZ image processor. This camera offers excellent image quality, high-speed shooting, and impressive low-light performance. Plus, with its compact design, you can easily take it with you everywhere you go.

Written by Victor Chan | Updated: Mon May 01 2023

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 II article cover photo

Key Features

Jun 27 2013

Announced

20 megapixels

Resolution

BrandSony
Sensor Type1-inch
SensorBSI-CMOS
Weight281g
MSRP$750USD

Other similar cameras

Overview of the Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 II

Are you in search of a digital camera that can capture high-quality pictures without being bulky and heavy? Look no further than the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 II. This innovative camera boasts a 20.2-megapixel Exmor R CMOS sensor, a Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T lens, and a fast BIONZ image processor. This powerful combination enables you to take stunning photos in any lighting condition. Whether you're a professional photographer or just starting, the Cybershot DSC-RX100 II is a great option for those who want to achieve amazing results with a compact camera. In this blog post, we'll explore the features and benefits of this camera, and why it's a great choice for photographers of all levels.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 II Pros and Cons

Now, we will look more closely at our review of the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 II camera. We will see what it can do and compare it to other cameras like it. We will tell you what's good about it and what's not so good. This way, you'll know if it's the camera for you!

Pros

Excellent image quality
Great low light performance
Large sensor
Fast autofocus
WiFi/NFC connectivity
Great for vlogging
Flexible LCD screen
Compact and portable
Great video quality
RAW capability

Cons

Expensive
Limited battery life
No external microphone input
Short zoom range
No built-in viewfinder (must purchase separately)
Controls can be complex
Limited touchscreen functionality
No external flash support
Limited manual control for video
No 4K video capability

Build and Construction

Body and dimensions

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 II

Weather sealed
Dimensions102 x 58 x 38mm
Weight281g
Thickness38mm
Weight
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Thickness
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Weather Sealing

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 II is not sealed against water and dust, so it's important to be careful when using it in such conditions. If you often shoot in environments with water or dust, it's recommended to check out another camera with weather sealing.

Design and Handling

Main design features

View FinderElectronic (optional)
Screen TypeTilting
Screen Resolution1,229k dots
Body typeLarge sensor compact

Suitable for:

PhotographyAbove Avg.
VideographyAbove Avg.
TravelAbove Avg.

LCD Screen

This camera has a tilting 3.00" screen, with a display resolution of 1,229k dots. This makes the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 II not as suitable for those looking for a vlogging camera as you cannot view yourself while shooting selfies easily. Unfortunately, the camera does not have a touch screen, which may make it less user-friendly.

Viewfinder

Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 II includes a electronic (optional) viewfinder with no electronic viewfinder of resolution with a coverage of n/a and a magnification of n/a. This feature enhances the camera's suitability for outdoor photography in bright conditions.

Image Quality

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 II has a 20MP sized BSI-CMOS sensor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 20 pixels. Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 II has a native ISO range of 160 - 12800 which can be boosted to 100 - 25600. It can also save files in RAW format which gives you a wider room for post processing.

Key Features

Jun 27 2013

Announced

160 - 12800

ISO Range

Sensor1-inch
Extended ISO100 - 25600
Max resolution5472 x 3648 pixels

DXO Sensor Scores

Overall

67 / 102

Color Depth

22.5 / 26.5

Dynamic Range

12.4 / 14.8

Low Light ISO

483 / 4505

DXO mark sensor scores

The DXOmark rankings indicate that the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 II camera has above average color depth performance, which refers to the number of colors the sensor can distinguish. Additionally, its dynamic range is also above average, allowing it to retain low amounts of details in both bright and dark areas of a scene. The camera's low light ISO performance is poor, which is an important factor to consider if you plan to use it in dimly lit indoor environments or at night. Overall the image quality of the Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 II is average

Crop Factor

Camera crop factor (or focal length multiplier) refers to how a camera's sensor size affects the apparent field of view of a lens. Crop factor is determined by comparing the size of a camera's sensor to that of a full-frame sensor, which is a standard reference size for camera sensors.

Size comparison

Medium FormatFull FrameAPS-C (Sony, Nikon)

Crop factor calculator

Crop factor

1x

Full frame equivalent

24mm

This camera: 1-inch

24mm

850100150200

Connectivity, storage, battery

StorageSD/SDHC/SDXC, Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo/Pro-HG Duo
Battery Life350 shots
Battery ModelNP-BX1
HDMI
USD
Wireless Connectivity

Storage

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 II supports SD/SDHC/SDXC, Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo/Pro-HG Duo with 1 slots for storage. This may suffice for everyday use. However, for professional applications such as wedding photography, it is not recommended as a memory card malfunction could lead to the loss of all footage.

Battery

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 II uses the NP-BX1 model of battery pack. This is rated for 350 shots shots which is high. If you intend to take photos or record videos for an extended period, it might be a good idea to bring along additional batteries.

Photography Features

Flash

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 II has built in flash which is great for event photography and in low light situations. It also offers a flash shoe that allows you to attach external flashes. This provides more versatility in your lighting choices.

Shutter

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 II boasts a maximum mechanical shutter speed of 1/2000s, which is ideal for shooting fast-moving subjects in bright environments, such as in sports photography. Faster shutter speeds enable you to freeze the action and capture every detail, making it easier to get the perfect shot.

With a continuous mechanical shutter speed of n/a or an electronic shutter speed of n/a, this camera is not capable of capturing the perfect moment more easily, making it not as suited for wedding, sports, and wildlife photography. Higher shutter speeds make it easier to capture fast-paced action, ensuring that you never miss the perfect shot.

Autofocus

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 II includes contrast detection autofocus (AF), with 25 number of focus points.

While contrast detection is generally more accurate and precise, phase detection autofocus is faster and more effective in most situations, particularly when photographing moving subjects.

Phase detection autofocus works by dividing the incoming light into pairs and then analyzing how they intersect on the camera's sensor. This method allows the camera to determine not only if a subject is in focus but also the direction and distance needed to adjust the focus to achieve perfect sharpness.

On the other hand, contrast detection autofocus works by analyzing the contrast of an image and adjusting the focus until the highest contrast is detected. While this method is very accurate, it can be slow, especially in low light conditions or when photographing moving subjects.

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FAQ

What is the sensor size of the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 II?

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 II features a BSI-CMOS sensor

Is the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 II weather sealed?

No the Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 II does not have weather sealing.

When was the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 II announced?

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 II was announced on Jun 27 2013

Does the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 II have in-body image stabilization?

Yes the Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 II does have in-body image stabilization that can compensate for camera shake, making it easier to shoot handheld in low light conditions.

What is the ISO range of the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 II?

The Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 II has a native ISO range of 160-12800, which can be expanded to ISO 100-25600 for even greater sensitivity in low light conditions.

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