Just when you thought the resolution wars were over: Sony today announced the third generation of its compact fixed-lens 35mm sensor camera, the Sony CyberShot RX1R II, featuring an all-new, full-frame 42.4MP sensor. It’s the highest-resolution camera of its size. As with its predecessors, the RX1R II has a built-in Zeiss Sonnar T* 35mm f/2 lens. And the entire thing fits in the palm of your hand.
Sony CyberShot RX1R II Key Features:
- 42.4MP Full-Frame (35mm) CMOS sensor, Backside Illuminated
- 35mm f/2 Zeiss Sonnar T lens
- Lens aligned with sensor at micron level
- World’s first user-selectable variable low-pass filter with three settings
- Retractable 2.4-million dot electronic viewfinder
- Flip-out 3-inch 1,299k dot resolution LCD
- 399 focal plane phase-detection AF points
- Compressed or uncompressed 14-bit RAW images
- ISO range 100-102,400
Sony claims a 30 percent improvement in AF speed and the camera is equipped with the world’s first optical variable low-pass filter, which can be set to “off”, “standard” or “high” based on user preference. If you’re not sure, low-pass filter bracketing, the first of its kind, is also an option. The RX1R II also features the retractable high-resolution electronic viewfinder for eye-level shooting, a feature that debuted in the previous model to great acclaim.
Watch this video to learn more about the variable low-pass filter:
42MP Sensor
But the big news here is the new sensor. 35mm in size, it captures 42.4MP images that are processed by a powerful BIONZ X processing engine. ISO range is 100-25,600, but can be boosted to ISO 102,400. Image transmission has been sped up thanks to the sensor’s electronic restructuring, with image transfer speed increased more than three times that of the preceding model. 14-bit uncompressed RAW image capture, which produces wide dynamic range, is an option.
Lens Matched to Sensor
The 35mm f/2 lens is said to be matched specifically to the RX1R II’s sensor at the Micron level, and Sony claims edge-to-edge sharpness. A Macro shift ring allows for close focusing within 5.5 inches. Nine aperture blades produce smooth, pleasing Bokeh. The camera features an in-lens shutter, which means fast flash sync up to 1/2000 sec is possible.
The Sony RX1R II is the first compact Sony camera to feature Fast Hybrid AF, which previously could be found on their higher-end interchangeable-lens models. 399 focal plane phase detection AF points are on the sensor, covering 45 percent of the image area and the world’s widest AF coverage on a full-frame sensor. There are also 25 contrast AF points. The result? AF is about 30% faster than the original Sony R. Advance motion detection is said to offer outstanding tracking.
Sony also claims improved multiple AF settings that include Wide, Center, and Flexible Spot, plus Expand Flexible Spot. Eye-AF and lock-on AF are also offered. The camera offers a 5fps burst rate.
Sony has also upgraded the retractable viewfinder, offering 2.4 million dot resolution and 0.74x magnification and corner-to-corner viewing sharpness. The finder pops up and down with a simple push. the camera also features a 3-inch, 1.2 million dot LCD that can tilt up 109 degrees and down 41 degrees.
The Sony CyberShot RX1R II offers full 1080p HD video at 60, 30 or 24p in XAVC S movie format. Remote operation can be done via Wi-Fi and NFC, and the camera is compatible with Android and iOS devices via Sony’s PlayMemories Mobile and Camera apps.
All of this jaw-dropping technology comes at an impressive price: The Sony CyberShot RX1R II will be available from Adorama starting in November $3,300. Go here to be notified when pre-ordering is available.
