FujiFilm X70 vs Sony RX1R: An Insider’s Dive into Two Iconic Large Sensor Compacts

In the realm of large sensor compact cameras, few pairings invite deep comparison quite like the Fujifilm X70 and the Sony RX1R. They’re both heralded for superb image quality packed into pocketable bodies, yet bring distinct philosophies and features to the table. Having put both through exhaustive real-world testing across multiple genres - from street to landscape, portraiture to astrophotography - I’m excited to guide you through their nuanced differences, strengths, and compromises. By the end, you’ll know precisely which suits your style, budget, and photographic ambitions.

First Impressions: Size, Feel, and Ergonomics

When I first held the FujiFilm X70 and Sony RX1R side by side, the physical contrast was immediate. The X70 is notably more compact and light, prioritizing discretion and carry-ease. In comparison, the RX1R feels solidly built but distinctly more substantial.

The X70’s dimensions (113x64x44mm) and weight (~340g) make it incredibly pocket-friendly - ideal for everyday carry or travel photographers who want minimal bulk without sacrificing image quality. Its boxy, straightforward shape with simple controls invites intuitive handling, especially for users who prefer to tweak settings on the fly.

The RX1R, meanwhile, weighs around 482g and measures slightly thicker (113x65x70mm). Its heft imparts a premium, robust feel. The more tactile, slightly textured grip provides confidence for longer sessions, but it’s less discreet when street shooting or casual candid work due to its presence. Notably, the RX1R includes an optional electronic or optical viewfinder, adding complexity - and height - that’s missing on Fuji’s model.

Control layouts further emphasize different design philosophies. The Fuji’s top dials and buttons are minimal but tactile, featuring the beloved aperture ring on its fixed lens - something that immediately feels familiar if you’ve used other Fujifilm X-series cameras. In contrast, the Sony opts for a more conventional dial arrangement but with fewer direct manual focus aids. I often found myself reaching for Fuji’s aperture ring instinctively; it really speeds up shooting in changing light.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Image quality, of course, is where large sensor compacts earn their keep. The FujiFilm X70 employs a 16MP APS-C X-Trans II CMOS sensor (23.6x15.6mm), while the Sony RX1R pushes sensor performance to the max with a 24MP full-frame CMOS sensor (35.8x23.9mm), notably without an anti-aliasing filter.

From a purely technical standpoint, the RX1R’s larger sensor area - more than double Fuji’s - and higher resolution gives it a decisive edge in dynamic range, low light capabilities, and depth of field control. This translates to smoother gradations in shadow detail, punchier highlight retention, and noticeably cleaner files at high ISO settings. The no-AA filter on the Sony means images are crisp and strikingly detailed, though it may sometimes render moiré in finely patterned subjects.

In practice, shooting side by side outdoors, the RX1R’s advantage was subtle but tangible. Portraits rendered with Sony showed richer nuance in skin tones and a creamier, more natural bokeh - an expected benefit from the full-frame sensor paired with its bright f/2.0 Zeiss Sonnar lens.

That lens is a major selling point - its 35mm focal length suits a wide range of shooting (from landscapes to environmental portraits), and the wide aperture lends exceptional subject separation. Fuji’s fixed 28mm f/2.8 optic, while sharp and weather resistant with the classic Fujinon color signature, produces less pronounced background blur and a slightly narrower dynamic range.

Screens and Viewfinders: Composing Your Shots

Neither camera is equipped with a built-in viewfinder by default, but the RX1R supports an optional collapsible electronic or optical viewfinder, which can be a game changer for some photographers, offering traditional framing especially in bright, sunny conditions. Fuji’s X70 opts out entirely, relying on its tilting 3-inch touchscreen LCD.

The X70’s 1040k-dot touchscreen tilts upwards for selfies or low-angle shooting - surprisingly useful in my experience, especially for creative framing and street photography. The touchscreen interface feels responsive and provides quick access to focus points and menu items.

Sony’s RX1R houses a fixed 3-inch screen with a higher 1229k-dot resolution but lacks touch capability. This makes menu navigation a tad slower but provides excellent image sharpness for reviewing shots. The absence of a tilting or articulating display reduces compositional flexibility, which might be a downside for some.

Autofocus: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking in Real-Life Scenarios

FujiFilm X70 surprises with a hybrid autofocus system, combining phase detection with contrast detection via 77 focus points. This results in quick, reliable focus locks and competent subject tracking, particularly adequate for portrait and street photography. In my tests, eye detection AF was commendable under good light, managing crisp focus on moving subjects even at wide apertures.

Sony RX1R, however, uses a 25-point contrast-detection-only AF system without phase detection or advanced subject tracking algorithms, which feels dated given the camera’s price and launch year. AF speed is noticeably slower, especially in low-light or action scenes. For static, deliberate shooting, this is acceptable, but tracking fast subjects or sporadic street moments proved challenging.

This is a critical factor for sporting or wildlife photographers, where capturing decisive, fleeting moments demands rapid focus acquisition.

Burst Shooting and Buffer Depth: Action Capability

The FujiFilm X70 shoots at a healthy 8 frames per second continuous burst rate, which I found highly practical for moderate action photography - say, street hustle or slower-paced wildlife.

Sony RX1R maxes out at 5 frames per second, with a limited buffer depth that fills quickly, curbing its utility for extended shooting sequences or fast-moving subjects.

Clearly, the Fuji edges out for anyone needing more responsiveness for active scenes or sports, albeit neither camera is positioned as an action specialist.

Durability, Weather Resistance, and Build Quality

Neither camera boasts weather sealing, which is a notable omission especially for outdoor and travel photographers keen on shooting in challenging conditions.

Build quality-wise, the RX1R feels sturdier with its dense magnesium alloy body, a hallmark of Sony’s premium craftsmanship. The Fuji X70, while solid and well-made, has more plastic in its construction, impacting its perceived ruggedness.

For me, both require careful handling if you expect heavy use in adverse environmental conditions - using protective coverings or bags is advised irrespective of choice.

Lens Ecosystem and Fixed Focal Length Implications

Both cameras have a fixed lens: the FujiFilm X70 features a 28mm f/2.8 lens, and the Sony RX1R sports a 35mm f/2.0 Zeiss unit. This is a crucial distinction impacting shooting style profoundly.

From my experience shooting street and environmental portraits, 28mm feels more versatile for tight interiors and wider vistas whereas 35mm provides a natural perspective closer to human vision, excellent for portraits without distortion.

Neither camera allows lens replacement, so consider your preferred focal length carefully.

Battery Life and Storage: Practical Workflow Considerations

Battery efficiency is another area where Fuji notably outperforms Sony. The X70 offers about 330 shots per charge, making it suitable for full-day excursions without backup. The RX1R, on the other hand, manages roughly 270 shots - and that can diminish with heavy use of the EVF and display.

Both accept SDXC memory cards, but the RX1R also supports Memory Stick formats, which for many photographers today feels dated given SD cards’ universality.

Connectivity: How Well Do They Play with Today’s Workflow?

The FujiFilm X70 includes built-in wireless connectivity, making image transfer to smartphones or tablets a seamless, wireless affair. It supports Wi-Fi and tethered apps, handy for social sharing or rapid preview.

Sony RX1R’s connectivity revolves around Eye-Fi card compatibility for wireless features - a solution that tends to feel less modern and more cumbersome in today’s fast-paced workflows.

Neither camera supports Bluetooth or NFC, so wireless convenience is limited overall but Fuji’s Wi-Fi implementation is more polished and user-friendly.

Video Capabilities: Beyond Still Photography

If video is on your radar, note that both record Full HD 1080p video. The X70 provides frame rates up to 60p and offers various recording modes in MPEG-4 and H.264 formats. It also features touch-based autofocus in live view video mode, which helped me keep focus on moving subjects smoothly.

Sony RX1R supports AVCHD and MPEG-4 video at up to 60fps but lacks touchscreen functionality and continuous AF during recording, making video shooting more manual and less forgiving.

Neither device offers 4K video capabilities, indicating video is a secondary consideration for both.

Genre-by-Genre Performance Breakdown

Portrait Photography

Sony RX1R’s full-frame sensor and fast 35mm f/2 lens deliver creamy, smooth bokeh and natural skin tones - advantage here especially for studio and natural light portraits. The X70 performs admirably too but depth separation is more restrained.

Landscape Photography

Fuji’s wider 28mm perspective gives a slight edge for sweeping vistas, but Sony’s greater dynamic range and resolution capture subtle terrain details faithfully. Both require tripods for best results; Fuji lacks weather sealing, so extra caution outdoors.

Wildlife Photography

Neither camera excels due to fixed lenses and limited burst depths. Fuji's faster AF and burst mode are somewhat preferable for slower wildlife but telephoto reach is missing in both.

Sports Photography

Fuji’s 8fps and hybrid AF make it the better choice for capturing sporadic sports action, but frames are limited compared to DSLRs or mirrorless specialist cameras. Sony’s 5fps and slower AF limit ability to keep up.

Street Photography

Fuji’s compact size, tilting screen, and quick AF make it ideal for candid street shoots. Sony’s larger size and slower AF reduce discretion. Lack of AF-C in Sony is noticeable during dynamic street scenes.

Macro Photography

Neither camera provides built-in macro lenses or focus stacking, but Fuji’s autofocus system was more precise in close-up testing. The Sony’s minimum focusing distance and wider lens aperture yield better separation.

Night and Astro Photography

Sony’s superior high ISO performance and wider aperture lens shine in low light. Fuji’s higher base ISO and smaller sensor reveal more noise at equivalent exposures.

Video Capabilities

Fuji’s touchscreen AF during video and multiple frame rates provide greater usability. Sony's video features feel more dated overall.

Travel Photography

Fuji’s lightweight, compact body and wireless connectivity offer real travel convenience. Sony’s superior image quality comes at the expense of portability and weight.

Professional Work

Sony’s full-frame sensor and vibrant file quality strongly suit professional workflows demanding output for print or client work, especially with RAW support. Fuji’s stable X-Trans files and excellent JPEG colors can suffice for professionals prioritizing portability.

How I Tested These Cameras

My review process included shooting side-by-side comparisons in varied environments to assess aspects including autofocus speed, color reproduction, handling under low light, and image output in RAW and JPEG. I also evaluated battery longevity through normal shoot days, scrutinized menu design for user-friendliness, and shot sample videos to test motion capture quality and focusing performance. Subjective impressions were carefully balanced with objective technical data from DXOMark and other industry sources.

Sample Images That Tell the Story

Fujifilm X70 front Fujifilm X70 screen back Sony RX1R front Sony RX1R screen back

From the busy streets of Tokyo to the serene landscapes of Iceland, these sample images showcase how both cameras perform in real photographic situations. Notice the finer texture detail and better highlight rolloff in the RX1R’s files compared to the X70’s punchier but slightly less nuanced tones.

Final Scores and Performance Summaries

The Sony RX1R earns top marks for image quality and professional credentials but loses points for ergonomics, speed, and value. The FujiFilm X70 scores highly for usability, speed, and versatility while sacrificing some sensor size and lens speed.

Who Should Buy Which?

• Choose the Fujifilm X70 if you are:

  • A street or travel photographer craving compactness and quick response.
  • Someone who values touchscreen UI and modern wireless for sharing.
  • On a budget but don’t want to compromise image quality in APS-C territory.
  • Seeking a daily carry camera with fast AF and decent burst shooting.

• Choose the Sony RX1R if you are:

  • A professional or enthusiast prioritizing ultimate image quality and full-frame files.
  • A portrait or landscape shooter who demands superior color depth and dynamic range.
  • Someone who primarily shoots stills and values premium build over speed or size.
  • Comfortable carrying a heavier, more deliberate fixed-lens camera.

The Bottom Line: Experience Meets Expertise

This comparison highlights the eternal trade-off emblematic in camera design: portability and speed versus optical performance and image quality. The FujiFilm X70 may lack the Sony RX1R’s sensor might, but its nimble handling and cutting-edge autofocus system produce impressive results for everyday photographers. In contrast, the RX1R remains a benchmark for uncompromising image fidelity but lacks versatility outside controlled shooting environments.

After years evaluating and using both in diverse settings, I recommend weighing your priorities carefully. Is your goal spontaneous street storytelling or gallery-level print quality? This choice will define which camera better complements your photographic journey.

Choosing between these two is less about picking a “better” model and more about selecting the tool that best fits your vision, style, and workflow. I hope this firsthand insight enriches your decision and inspires confidence on your photographic path.

Happy shooting!