Fujifilm X100T vs Sony RX1R II: A Hands-On Comparison of Two Iconic Large Sensor Compacts

When it comes to large sensor compact cameras, few models have garnered as much attention and loyal followings as Fujifilm’s X100T and Sony’s RX1R II. Announced about a year apart, these two cameras occupy a rarefied niche: fixed 35mm prime lenses paired with sizeable sensors inside pocketable bodies. Yet beyond the obvious similarities, they serve subtly different user demands and photography styles. Having extensively tested both units over multiple shoots and lighting conditions, I’m excited to dissect how they stack up.

Let’s deep dive into their build, image quality, autofocus, handling, and real-world performance - peppered with sample image analyses and contextual recommendations tailored to distinctive photographic needs. I'll share not just specs but first-hand experiences and data-driven insights that go beyond marketing claims.

Size, Feel, and Ergonomics: Handling That Sets the Tone

Starting with handling - the tactile experience of a camera often underappreciated until you’ve wrestled with a poorly designed interface under pressure.

The Fujifilm X100T measures 127 x 74 x 52 mm and weighs roughly 440 grams, while the Sony RX1R II is slightly more compact in footprint (113 x 65 x 72 mm) but heavier at 507 grams. The X100T’s design favors a classic rangefinder-inspired layout with a noticeably taller body, while the RX1R II has a more solid, blockier heft.

Fujifilm’s controls are delightfully tactile. Dedicated dials for shutter speed, exposure compensation, and an aperture ring on the lens make manual adjustments intuitive. Sony’s RX1R II opts for a more minimalist approach with fewer physical dials but does offer a tilting rear LCD that’s handy in awkward compositions.

Both cameras feature fixed 35mm f/2 lenses, but Fujifilm’s lens hood and focus ring have a more satisfying, clicky feel - advantageous for quick-focus pulls during candid shooting. Sony's RX1R II lens assembly feels more precision-engineered but less playful. No lens swapping here, so ergonomics becomes paramount.

Battery life is another real-world consideration where Fujifilm wins by a margin - 330 shots per charge versus Sony’s 220 - largely due to the RX1R II’s more demanding full-frame sensor and EVF.

In short: If you prize classic handling with direct manual controls, the X100T feels more refreshing and engaging. For a slightly more compact but heavier solution with a versatile tilt screen, the RX1R II nudges ahead.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: APS-C vs Full-Frame Distinctions

Here lies the most critical technical divergence: Fujifilm’s X100T uses a 16MP APS-C X-Trans II CMOS sensor, while Sony employs a 42MP full-frame BSI-CMOS sensor in the RX1R II. Both forgo optical low-pass filters - with Sony explicitly removing the anti-aliasing filter to maximize sharpness.

This disparity means significant differences in resolution, dynamic range, noise control, and depth of field.

Resolution and Detail Rendering

Sony’s RX1R II’s 42MP sensor delivers immense detail and large prints without issue, outperforming the X100T’s 16MP sensor in sheer resolution. This advantage becomes clear in landscape and studio work where pixel-level scrutiny matters.

The X100T’s X-Trans sensor uses a unique color filter array designed to reduce moiré and deliver pleasing color reproduction without a low-pass filter. Images have a warm, filmic character characteristic of Fujifilm’s rendering - a look many portrait and street photographers cherish for skin tones and muted highlights.

ISO and Noise Performance

Sony’s back-illuminated full-frame sensor also shines at high ISO, achieving clean images up to ISO 6400 (native base) and boosted ISO 102400, useful for low light or astrophotography. Fujifilm’s ISO ceiling is lower, maxing at 6400 native and up to 51200 expanded, though noise becomes more pronounced beyond ISO 3200.

Dynamic Range

According to DxOMark data, Sony’s RX1R II pushes a class-leading dynamic range of about 13.9 EV, compared to the X100T’s more modest performance (unofficial, but closer to 11.5 EV). This makes RX1R II better at preserving details in shadows and highlights in scenes such as sunlit landscapes.

Color Depth

Sony edges out again with a 25.8-bit color depth versus Fujifilm’s somewhat unknown official rating but estimated lower given sensor generation and pixel density.

Bottom line: The Sony RX1R II is a powerhouse for demanding image quality tasks that prioritize resolution, dynamic range, and low noise, while the X100T offers excellent image quality for its class with distinctive color rendition and file handling suited for moderate print sizes and social sharing.

Autofocus Systems: Speed, Accuracy, and Usability in Real Situations

Both cameras feature contrast-detection autofocus augmented with phase-detection pixels. Yet their autofocus architectures and responsiveness differ noticeably.

The X100T utilizes Fujifilm’s hybrid AF with 49 focus points, including face detection. It boasts continuous AF and reliable tracking, but struggles a little in very low light or fast motion. Notably, it lacks eye or animal eye autofocus, which limits precision portrait sessions under challenging conditions.

Sony’s RX1R II, however, is less nimble in autofocus speed. Sporting only 25 AF points and no continuous AF mode, it’s primarily a single-shot focus champion. However, its AF accuracy and face detection are excellent, helped by advanced algorithms that reduce hunting.

I tested their AF under street photography conditions - shooting in low light and crowded scenes. Fujifilm’s quicker burst AF made it easier to capture spontaneous moments with slightly better subject tracking, especially for dynamic street portraits. The RX1R II demands more deliberate focusing, making it better suited for composed shots than rapid-fire shooting.

For wildlife or sports, neither camera is ideally suited given relatively modest continuous shooting 5-6 fps and focus limitations compared to dedicated action cameras. That said, the X100T’s slightly faster AF and burst rate could occasionally manage slower wildlife sequences or environmental portraits.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance: Ruggedness for Outdoor Use

Neither camera offers true weather sealing, dustproofing, or shock/freezeproof construction, which aligns with their compact form factors. Yet build quality matters for outdoor professionals.

The X100T features a metal top plate and magnesium alloy body with a tactile feel suggesting durability though feels less sealed to elements. The built-in flash is a handy addition when fill lighting is needed outdoors or indoors.

The RX1R II uses a similarly robust metal chassis but lacks any builtin flash, requiring external units for fill or creative lighting.

Neither are advisable for use in heavy rain or harsh environmental conditions without additional protection.

LCD and Viewfinder: Composition and Preview Experiences

The Fujifilm X100T sports a fixed 3-inch 1.04M dot LCD and a hybrid optical/electronic viewfinder - one of the first to combine OVF and EVF with a tunnel viewfinder design that adeptly replicates a rangefinder experience. This optical element appeals to photographers who enjoy monitoring exposure and focus with less lag and eye strain.

Sony's RX1R II offers a 3-inch tilting screen with 1.23M dots but no OVF. Its EVF has slightly lower resolution but covers 100% of the frame with 0.74x magnification - excellent for critical focus and detailed preview. However, no hybrid optical viewfinder limits traditional rangefinder-style shooting.

It's worth noting the X100T's fixed screen is less flexible than Sony’s tilt, potentially a limitation for lower angle or overhead shooting.

Lens Quality and Versatility: Fixed 35mm f/2 Prime

In large sensor compacts, the single fixed prime lens can make or break the system.

Both cameras use a 35mm equivalent focal length at f/2 maximum aperture - a classic walk-around lens beloved for versatility.

The Fujifilm lens features an effective macro focusing distance of 10 cm, noticeably closer than Sony’s 14 cm, affording somewhat improved macro capabilities. On the other hand, Sony’s high-quality Zeiss Sonnar T* lens is famed for razor-sharp edge-to-edge performance and minimal distortion.

Autofocus rings differ: Fujifilm’s lens has a more pronounced, clicky aperture ring allowing tactile aperture priority control - a boon for street shooters and portraitists who want instant tactile feedback without menu diving.

Video Capabilities: When Still Isn’t Enough

Neither camera is primarily a video powerhouse but both offer basics with quality in mind.

The X100T records Full HD 1080p video up to 60fps in H.264 codec, featuring a microphone input but no headphone jack. The absence of in-body stabilization limits handheld video usability, but its large aperture lens allows creative shallow depth video.

Sony RX1R II supports a wider range of 1080p formats, including AVCHD and XAVC S, with variable frame rates (up to 60p and slow-motion HD at 120 fps). It also has a mic port but no headphone jack. Stabilization is lacking here, too.

Neither camera supports 4K video or advanced video features like log profiles, making them primarily stills-centric.

Battery Life, Storage, and Connectivity: Practical Daily Usage

The X100T boasts about 330 shots per charge based on CIPA standards versus the RX1R II’s roughly 220 shots. That difference is significant for travelers and casual shooters who may not have frequent charging opportunities.

Storage-wise, Fujifilm supports SD cards (SD/SDHC/SDXC), with one slot - the Sony adds compatibility with Memory Stick Pro Duo alongside SD cards, offering more media flexibility.

On connectivity, both have built-in Wi-Fi for image transfer and remote shooting apps, though Sony adds NFC pairing for faster setup. Neither supports Bluetooth.

Both cameras have full-sized HDMI ports and USB 2.0 interfaces, but Sony's newer battery NP-BX1 is smaller and less powerful than Fujifilm's older NP-95 model.

Real-World Photography: Genre-Specific Testing and Image Samples

Fujifilm X100T front Fujifilm X100T screen back Sony RX1R II front Sony RX1R II screen back

To provide actionable insight, I tested these cameras across multiple photography disciplines - from portraits to landscapes and street scenes - each telling a slightly different story.

Portrait Photography

The X100T’s color science excels for skin rendering. Combined with the f/2 lens and hybrid viewfinder, capturing subtle expressions with creamy bokeh is intuitive. Face and eye AF, while basic compared to latest mirrorless, work reliably at close range.

Sony’s RX1R II edges with sheer resolution and tonal gradation. Skin textures pop on the large sensor files, making it a top pick for studio environmental portraits - if you’re willing to invest time onsite.

Landscape Photography

Sony’s full-frame sensor dominates with extraordinary dynamic range and high resolution fine detail capturing sprawling vistas. Fujifilm is still capable but tends to clip highlights sooner in tricky lighting.

However, the X100T’s weather sealing absence combined with Fuji’s film simulation modes make for enjoyable landscape outings and creative color interpretations - pleasing for editorial or social sharing.

Wildlife and Sports

Neither camera is optimized for wildlife or sports due to speed and autofocus limitations. The X100T's 6 fps burst and faster AF are marginally better for static wildlife portraits, while the RX1R II’s image quality benefits overhead action freeze frames.

Street Photography

The X100T truly shines here: discreet profile, fast AF in daylight, hybrid viewfinder, quick controls, warm Fuji colors, and a subtly retro aesthetic make it the street photographer’s companion.

The RX1R II’s moody, high resolution images with sharp Zeiss optics are excellent but less forgiving in quick, candid shooting. Bulkiness and slower AF can disrupt moment capturing.

Macro Photography

With a 10 cm minimum focus distance versus 14 cm for Sony, Fujifilm provides slightly more reach into macro compositions, though neither camera replaces dedicated macro lenses. Focus ring precision and aperture control favor the X100T for handheld close-ups.

Night and Astrophotography

Sony’s cleaner high-ISO results and dynamic range enable better long exposure performance, critical in night or astrophotography. Fujifilm’s sensor noise and dynamic range limitations reduce final file quality in demanding low-light.

Price and Value: Balancing Cost vs Capability

At launch, Fujifilm’s X100T priced at around $899 offered tremendous value for a compact APS-C camera with classic controls, suitable for enthusiasts and advanced amateurs.

Sony’s RX1R II clocked closer to $3300, reflecting its cutting-edge full-frame sensor, Zeiss lens, and premium build. For professionals and pixel-peepers demanding large prints or detailed studio work, this price gap can be justified.

When quantified, DxOMark and other reviewer scores position Sony’s RX1R II near the pinnacle of image quality for compacts, while the X100T remains a beloved, more affordable alternative tailored toward artistic shooting styles.

Comprehensive Genre-Based Performance Ratings

Breaking down scores by genre underscores this dichotomy:

• Portrait and street: Fujifilm’s X100T holds competitive advantage thanks to handling and color science.
• Landscape and night: Sony’s RX1R II unequivocally outperforms in image quality and sensor capabilities.
• Wildlife and sports: Neither excels; however, Fujifilm’s marginally better AF speed may sway some users.

Closing Thoughts and Recommendations: Who Should Buy Which?

Choose the Fujifilm X100T if you:

• Love the rangefinder style, classic tactile experience, and tactile dials
• Are a street photographer or travel enthusiast needing discreet, fast shooting
• Want excellent color rendition and usable JPEGs out of the box
• Prefer longer battery life, built-in flash, and smaller investment outlay
• Shoot portraits and macros casually without demanding extreme resolution

Choose the Sony RX1R II if you:

• Demand absolute pinnacle image quality, sharpness, and resolution from a compact body
• Shoot landscapes, studio portraits, and night scenes requiring broad dynamic range
• Don’t mind slower AF and are prepared to work deliberately with compositions
• Need features like a tilting screen and advanced video codecs (1080p XAVC S)
• Can justify a higher price for professional-grade compact full-frame performance

Summary

Both the Fujifilm X100T and Sony RX1R II represent exceptional examples of large sensor compact cameras but excel in different areas. The X100T brings a charming balance of classical controls, dependable AF, and a lower price suited for creative street and travel shooters. In contrast, the RX1R II's large full-frame sensor and premium Zeiss optics cater to photographers who prioritize image quality above all else and accept compromises in speed and cost.

Whichever you select, these cameras continue to inspire photographers to think anew about the ideal marriage of portability, image quality, and usability – a balancing act few manufacturers pull off as elegantly as Fuji and Sony in this unique category.

Happy shooting!

If you want to explore related cameras and lenses or require personalized advice, drop a note below. I’ve spent thousands of hours with these systems and am happy to share additional tips from the field.