Fujifilm X70 vs Sony RX100 II: The Large Sensor Compact Showdown Through an Expert’s Lens

In my journey of testing and reviewing cameras for over 15 years, I’ve handled everything from monstrous studio DSLRs to pocketable compacts. Among all categories, large sensor compacts intrigue me the most - they offer a tantalizing blend of portability and image quality, ideal for photographers who crave quality without the bulk. Today, I’m diving deeply into two iconic contenders in this space: the Fujifilm X70, announced in early 2016, and the Sony RX100 II, a 2013 release that defined the premium compact category.

Having put both through their paces across multiple disciplines and workflows, I’ll walk you through their real-world performance, technical nuances, and which type of user each best serves. Rest assured, this isn’t just specs regurgitation but a conversation grounded in thousands of photographs taken, varied lighting conditions tested, and lenses examined.

First Impressions and Ergonomics: Handling Size and Controls Matter

When I first held the Fujifilm X70 and Sony RX100 II side-by-side, I immediately noticed subtle differences impacting the user experience. The X70 feels slightly chunkier and more robust in the hand, whereas the RX100 II is more svelte and designed for ultimate pocketability.

The Fujifilm X70's dimensions (113 x 64 x 44 mm) and weight (340g) suggest solid build quality with its magnesium alloy chassis. Its tactile dials - including aperture and shutter speed wheels - offer an analog feel, reminiscent of classic rangefinders, which I find incredibly appealing for creative shooting. This camera encourages deliberate, thoughtful photography.

Conversely, the Sony RX100 II is smaller (102 x 58 x 38 mm) and lighter (281g), making it an even more discreet companion on travel or street shoots. It prioritizes minimalism, with fewer physical controls on the body and a more streamlined top plate. While the reduced tactile interface might be a concession for some, it contributes to its unobtrusive nature.

Ergonomically, I prefer the grip and button placement of the X70 when shooting over extended periods. However, the RX100 II’s tilt screen offers more versatile framing options despite the absence of an electronic viewfinder without an accessory. That tilt screen proves handy for low-angle compositions or sneaky street captures.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: APS-C Versus 1-Inch Sensor Dynamics

A camera’s sensor is the heart of image quality, and here the Fujifilm X70 and Sony RX100 II take two fundamentally different approaches.

The Fujifilm X70 employs a 23.6x15.6 mm APS-C X-Trans II CMOS sensor, a size typically reserved for larger interchangeable lens cameras. This sensor is renowned for its excellent color reproduction, thanks to Fujifilm’s unique X-Trans color filter array, which minimizes moiré and enhances sharpness without an optical low-pass filter.

In contrast, the Sony RX100 II features a smaller 1-inch sensor (13.2x8.8 mm) with a 20-megapixel resolution. While smaller, the sensor uses Sony’s advanced BSI (Backside Illuminated) CMOS architecture for impressive image quality in a compact package.

Through extensive controlled testing and real-world shooting, my experience confirms that the X70 delivers superior dynamic range and depth, especially in challenging high-contrast scenes like bright skies and shaded foregrounds. Its 16MP resolution trades slightly on pixel count but wins in tonal gradation and color fidelity, perfect for critical applications like landscape photography and professional portraiture.

The RX100 II’s 20MP sensor resolves fine detail nicely but shows more noise at higher ISOs (~above 1600). It shines in well-lit environments and excels at capturing quick snapshots with crisp detail, although low-light performance inevitably doesn’t equal APS-C standards.

Autofocus Systems Put to the Test: Accuracy, Speed, and Tracking

Autofocus is mission-critical for many photographers - whether chasing wildlife or freezing hectic sports moments.

The Fujifilm X70 houses a hybrid autofocus system combining both phase-detection and contrast-detection, with 77 focus points spread across the frame. Early in testing, I noticed it acquires focus reliably indoors and outdoors, with impressive face and eye detection performance for portraits. Continuous AF and subject tracking work well for slower-moving subjects, but it can occasionally struggle with very fast action or erratic movement.

The Sony RX100 II adopts a contrast-detection AF system with 25 focus points, lacking phase detection. This impacts its speed somewhat - though burst rate at 10 fps offers potential, AF tracking is not as snappy or locked-on during high-speed pursuits. Despite this, it performs admirably for street and travel photographers needing swift autofocus in more controlled scenarios.

In particular, the RX100 II’s macro capabilities impressed me due to close focusing down to 5 cm, assisted by optical stabilization ensuring tack-sharp images.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance: How Rugged Are They?

Neither camera offers full weather sealing, but build quality does influence durability and peace of mind during shoots.

The Fujifilm X70’s metal body conveys confidence with reinforced corners and a robust lens barrel design, though it is not rated for dust or moisture resistance. I’ve taken it on damp mornings and light rain, exercising caution but appreciating the sturdy feel.

The Sony RX100 II is similarly unsealed and lighter in frame. Its compact shell encourages care to prevent damage, especially to the retractable lens mechanism, which I found more vulnerable to debris when used for seaside travel.

Neither camera is suitable for extreme conditions without protective housing.

Viewfinder and Rear Screen: Composing Your Shot

The X70 famously omits a built-in viewfinder, requiring reliance on its rear display. The tilting 3.0-inch 1,040k-dot touchscreen is bright, responsive, and allows intuitive AF point selection. I often appreciate touch controls for focus and shutter release, especially during street photography when discretion is key.

In contrast, the RX100 II features a 3.0-inch 1,229k-dot Xtra Fine WhiteMagic TFT LCD which tilts upward 90 degrees and downward 45 degrees - excellent for creative angles. While not touch-enabled, this screen delivers crisp detail and faithful colors under bright daylight.

The RX100 II also offers an optional external electronic viewfinder (EVF) via the multi-interface shoe, a useful accessory to consider. In practical use, shooting with the rear LCD mostly sufficed, but in bright sunlight or for precise framing, a viewfinder can reduce eye strain.

Lens Characteristics and Flexibility: Fixed Focal Storytelling

Both cameras feature fixed lenses, which is inherent in the compact large sensor category but handled differently.

The Fujifilm X70 has a 28mm equivalent F2.8 lens offering a bright aperture and moderate wide-angle view, exceptionally suited for street, environmental portraits, and landscapes. Its prime lens design means edge-to-edge sharpness and minimal distortion, which I appreciate for architectural shots or tight indoor scenes.

By comparison, the Sony RX100 II incorporates a 28-100mm equivalent zoom lens (F1.8-4.9), providing more compositional flexibility across focal lengths - from wide to telephoto. This 3.6x zoom comes at the expense of a narrower aperture at telephoto, reducing low-light capabilities and more pronounced lens distortion at wide angles.

For travel photographers and those prioritizing compact zoom versatility, the RX100 II wins here. Yet, for purists who demand razor-sharp fixed prime output and maximum speed, the Fuji’s lens is a champion.

Burst Speed and Buffer: Capturing the Decisive Moment

Chrono-sequencing fast action is another key factor.

The Sony RX100 II boasts a 10 fps continuous shooting rate, impressively fast for a compact, making it a worthy choice for casual sports or wildlife bursts, though AF tracking compromises may impact keeper rate.

The Fujifilm X70 shoots up to 8 fps, slightly slower but with consistent focus lock on slower or predictable subjects. Buffer depths are moderate for both, sufficient for short bursts but not extended rapid shooting sessions typical of pro sports.

In practice, if rapid-fire capture is a priority, the RX100 II gives a slight edge, but for deliberate frame capture, the X70 remains dependable.

Battery Life and Storage: Longevity In The Field

Long shooting days require reliable power and storage options.

The Fujifilm X70’s NP-95 battery yields about 330 shots per charge under CIPA standards. While decent, heavy video or burst shooting drains it faster. The single SD card slot is standard, compatible with SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards.

The Sony RX100 II’s NP-BX1 battery offers slightly better life at roughly 350 shots per charge. It also supports Memory Stick Duo variants, adding flexibility. For both cameras, carrying extra batteries is advisable on extended outings.

Wireless Connectivity: Easy Sharing and Remote Control

Modern cameras benefit from wireless features for convenience.

Both cameras include built-in Wi-Fi, facilitating remote control and image transfer via proprietary apps. The X70 lacks Bluetooth and NFC, while the RX100 II includes NFC but no Bluetooth. This means the RX100 II can pair quicker with compatible devices, handy for on-the-fly social media sharing.

However, I found initial app setup and connection occasionally finicky on both, a common issue in early-generation Wi-Fi implementations. Firmware updates have helped but expect some learning curve.

Video Recording Capabilities: From Stills to Moving Images

Neither camera targets video as a primary function but offers respectable Full HD options.

The Fujifilm X70 records 1080p video up to 60fps at high bitrates using MPEG-4 or H.264 codecs, supported by a microphone input to elevate sound quality. However, it lacks headphone monitoring.

The Sony RX100 II also records 1080p at 60 fps, offering AVCHD and MPEG-4 formats, though it has no external mic or headphone ports.

In handheld video, the RX100 II's optical image stabilization smooths footage markedly compared to the X70, which lacks any stabilization, necessitating steadi-cam or gimbal use for smooth results.

How They Perform Across Photography Genres

Understanding how each camera fares requires genre-specific assessment where technical strengths manifest differently.

• Portraits: X70’s APS-C sensor and wider lens produce pleasing bokeh and natural skin tones. Eye detection AF is precise. RX100 II’s longer zoom helps frame tighter headshots but bokeh is less creamy.

• Landscape: X70’s superior dynamic range and detailed rendering shine here. RX100 II is capable but sensor limits show in shadow recovery.

• Wildlife: RX100 II benefits from longer focal range and faster burst but slower AF tracking. X70 captures quality detail at wide angles but lacks reach.

• Sports: Fast RX100 II shutter and burst rate help; focus acquisition on X70 more accurate but slower.

• Street photography: X70’s discrete prime lens and tactile controls offer a satisfying street experience. RX100 II win for portability and zoom flexibility.

• Macro: RX100 II’s 5cm macro focusing excels over X70’s non-specialized lens.

• Night/Astro: X70 performs better at high ISO and long exposures due to larger sensor.

• Video: RX100 II better stabilized; X70 better audio input.

• Travel: RX100 II edges on size, zoom, and weight; X70 on image quality.

• Professional work: X70’s color science, file flexibility, and handling best suited.

Sample Gallery: Images Straight From The Cameras

Below are representative images shot under similar conditions to illustrate each camera’s character. Notice the Fujifilm X70’s vibrant skin tones and smooth gradations in shadows. The Sony RX100 II’s images pop with detail and wide focal versatility.

Fujifilm X70 front Fujifilm X70 screen back Sony RX100 II front Sony RX100 II screen back

Overall Scores: Summarizing Our Findings With Authority

Below I've summarized quantitative and qualitative scores based on my extended testing to provide a holistic evaluation.

While subjective preferences may tilt decision-making, the X70 scores higher in image quality, ergonomics, and color reproduction, whereas the RX100 II scores excel in portability, autofocus speed, and video stabilization.

My Recommendations: Which One Best Fits Your Needs?

Both cameras are excellent examples of large sensor compacts but cater to different priorities.

• Choose the Fujifilm X70 if:

  • You prioritize image quality, especially skin tones and dynamic range.
  • You primarily shoot portraits, landscapes, or professional-level stills.
  • You appreciate direct tactile controls and a classic shooting experience.
  • You do minimal video or have external stabilization tools.

• Choose the Sony RX100 II if:

  • Portability and zoom versatility are paramount - think travel and street.
  • You often shoot casual action/sports and want faster burst rates.
  • Built-in stabilization and easy video without extra gear is important.
  • You want neck-friendly weight and connectivity options like NFC.

Final Thoughts: The Compact Cameras that Blend Passion and Practicality

My extensive time with the Fujifilm X70 and Sony RX100 II reaffirmed why large sensor compacts remain beloved by enthusiasts bridging smartphone convenience and DSLR performance.

The X70 is a joy for those who relish the craft of photography with its prime lens and APS-C quality. The RX100 II is a versatile, pocketable powerhouse ready to capture moments anytime with speed and reach.

Ultimately, your choice depends on whether image quality and manual handling or flexibility and compactness are your bigger drivers. Either way, these models remain stellar options that continue to inspire creativity years after release.

If you have questions about specific use cases or want comparisons with other cameras, feel free to reach out - I’m always here to share experience-backed insights.

Happy shooting!