Sony HX10V vs Sony RX1R II: An Expert Comparison for Informed Photographers

When Sony launched the Cyber-shot DSC-HX10V in 2012, it represented a capable, pocket-sized superzoom compact camera designed primarily for enthusiasts seeking versatility on a budget. In stark contrast, the RX1R II, released three years later, pushes the boundaries of large-sensor compact performance with a full-frame sensor and a premium fixed 35mm f/2 lens. At face value, these two are worlds apart - one an accessible superzoom with small sensor, the other a cutting-edge large sensor beast with a correspondingly steep price tag over $3,000.

Having personally tested thousands of cameras across many genres, today I’ll dive into a thorough, experience-driven side-by-side of these two Sonys to demystify how they stack up across key photography domains, technology, and real-world use. Whether you’re a budget-conscious traveler or a pro looking for a pocket rocket, this comparison will help you see where each camera shines and where it falls short.

Handling and Ergonomics: Compact Simplicity vs. Premium Control

The HX10V is a treasure for those prioritizing portability. It’s a svelte 105 x 60 x 34 mm shell, weighing only 234 grams, making it a quick grab-and-go. The superzoom lens stretches from 24mm wide-angle up to a hefty 400mm (35mm equivalent), encapsulated in its small frame without any bulk. Controls are minimal and simple, fitting the casual user’s flow, with no manual focus ring and absence of an electronic viewfinder.

On the other hand, the RX1R II - though still a compact - is substantially larger and heftier at 113 x 65 x 72 mm and 507 grams. It’s a true large-sensor compact, sporting a high-quality fixed 35mm f/2 lens with tactile manual focus and all-metal construction. The body size allows inclusion of a tilting 3” LCD and a crisp electronic viewfinder with 2.36M-dot resolution and 0.74x magnification, enabling precise eye-level shooting.

The HX10V’s minimalism can be refreshing for street and travel photographers who want undemanding operation. But those accustomed to professional handling will appreciate the RX1R II’s richer button layout (see next section), dedicated dials, and ergonomic heft that communicates stability and control. It’s worth stressing: the RX1R II’s build is more akin to a rangefinder-style camera, while the HX10V is firmly rooted in snap-and-shoot compact convenience.

Controls and User Interface: Feature Set Differences That Matter

Looking down at the top plates, the HX10V exposes its superzoom credentials with a lens barrel zoom ring and limited dedicated buttons - there’s no manual mode dial or customizable buttons. The absence of touchscreen or articulated display means most exposure tweaking happens through menus or auto modes. It does offer manual exposure control but without aperture priority or shutter priority modes, which somewhat limits creative option agility.

The RX1R II employs Sony’s newer BIONZ X processor and boasts a fully manual exposure menu with shutter, aperture, and exposure compensation dials, paired with a dedicated function button layout. The inclusion of a high-res tilting screen and electronic viewfinder underscores that this camera is built for serious photographers who want tactile, fast access to settings alongside live exposure preview.

Neither camera offers touchscreen focus or deep autofocus customizations, but the RX1R II’s 25 autofocus points, hybrid AF (phase and contrast detection), and face detection far eclipse the HX10V’s 9 contrast-based points and basic face detection.

Usability-wise, the RX1R II feels like an extension of a professional DSLR or mirrorless camera in a compact form factor, whereas the HX10V keeps things straightforward and user-friendly for less experienced operators.

Sensor and Image Quality: Small Sensor Superzoom vs Full-Frame Powerhouse

This is where the divide becomes obvious. The HX10V’s 1/2.3” BSI CMOS sensor measures roughly 6.17 x 4.55 mm and outputs 18MP JPEG images at 4896 x 3672 resolution. It’s a sensor format commonly found in point-and-shoot superzooms, optimized for dynamic range balance at base ISOs but limited in low-light ability and noise control beyond ISO 800-1600.

In contrast, the RX1R II’s full-frame BSI CMOS sensor (35.9 x 24 mm) boasts 42MP resolution (7952 x 5304 pixels) with no anti-aliasing filter, emphasizing sharpness and detail. Due to its larger photosites and back-illuminated structure, it exhibits superior dynamic range, color depth, and low-light performance - its base ISO starts at 50 and extends natively to 25600, with boosted ISO up to 102400 usable for aggressive noise suppression in challenging conditions.

In field tests, the RX1R II decisively delivers denser, cleaner files with finer details. Skin tones appear natural with excellent gradation, while landscapes reveal exceptional texture and tonal range. The HX10V, while respectable for its class, suffers softness at telephoto extremes and noise at higher ISO. Midday outdoor snaps fare okay, but in dim interiors or twilight, quality degrades more swiftly.

Color reproduction on the RX1R II is more nuanced and accurate, essential for critical portrait or commercial usage. The HX10V’s JPEG processing leans toward punchy but less subtle rendering.

Autofocus Performance: Tracking, Accuracy, and Focus Speed

Though neither camera is built for rapid autofocus warfare, the contrast-based AF systems tell distinct stories in practical use. The HX10V relies on contrast detect with 9 AF points, locking reasonably well in daylight but prone to hunting in low light or with moving subjects. It does support face detection, a plus for casual portraits, but lacks continuous AF capabilities, limiting action shooting.

The RX1R II’s hybrid AF system, with 25 points incorporating phase detection sensors, is significantly faster and more reliable. It tracks faces adeptly, maintains focus on subjects through moderate movement, and allows for selective point placement. However, continuous AF is still somewhat limited compared to full-fledged mirrorless systems, reflecting the RX1R II’s heritage as a specialized stills camera rather than an action shooter.

For wildlife or sports, neither excels, but if forced to choose, the RX1R II’s precision focusing supports selective framing of still subjects better, especially portraits.

Zoom and Lens Considerations: Versatility vs Optical Excellence

One undeniable advantage of the HX10V is its versatile 24-400mm equivalent zoom lens. This range covers wide-angle landscapes, street scenes, telephoto wildlife snaps, and even some basic macro work down to 5cm. It’s a true all-rounder for travelers or casual shooters unwilling to change lenses.

By contrast, the RX1R II offers a fixed 35mm f/2 prime lens with superb optical design, famed for razor-sharpness, minimal distortion, and creamy bokeh. Its short macro minimum focus distance is 14cm, slightly longer than the HX10V but delivering impeccable image quality.

This means the RX1R II is the lens to beat for static compositions and portraits where ultimate sharpness, background separation, and low-light aperture speed matter most. The HX10V’s zoom overwhelms it in framing flexibility, but at the cost of optical compromises unavoidable with such long zoom reach in a compact body.

Burst Shooting and Buffer: Capturing Fast Action

With continuous shooting modes, the HX10V can achieve an impressive 10 frames per second, though image resolution may be slightly reduced and AF locked on the first frame only. This speed suits fleeting moments or casual sports snaps but is hampered by slow buffer clearing and JPG-only output.

The RX1R II bursts at 5 fps, a more modest pace. However, it processes large RAW files (which the HX10V doesn’t support) for post-processing flexibility - crucial for professional workflows. Its buffer depth is limited, making it less suited for extended continuous shooting sessions like sports photography.

In practice, neither camera is ideal for professional sports or wildlife photographers needing rapid-fire shooting; but the HX10V edges out simply due to faster frame rate.

Video Capabilities: Full HD vs Bespoke Recording Features

Both cameras shoot Full HD 1080p video but with different strengths:

• HX10V offers 1920x1080 at up to 60fps, utilizing MPEG-4 and AVCHD codecs but has no external mic input or headphone monitoring. Its basic video functions make it a grab-and-go shooter option.

• RX1R II provides more advanced codecs, including XAVC S, with frame rates up to 60p and slow-motion 720p at 120fps. It has a microphone port, enabling better audio capture - important for filmmakers or multimedia professionals.

Neither camera supports 4K video, and neither provides in-body stabilization (the HX10V has optical lens-based stabilization). The RX1R II’s video features are more robust though still limited compared to dedicated hybrid mirrorless cameras.

Battery Life and Storage: Efficiency for Extended Shoots

Battery life favors the HX10V with approximately 320 shots per charge using the NP-BG1 battery compared to 220 shots for the RX1R II’s NP-BX1 pack. Although the RX1R II’s lift-impact due to high-res sensor and electronic viewfinder is known, 220 shots is lean for longer sessions, pushing the need for spare batteries in professional use.

Both cameras accept SD/SDHC/SDXC cards; the HX10V also supports Memory Stick Duo variants. Storage speed and interface (USB 2.0) are modest, reflecting their aging design frameworks.

Connectivity and Extras: Modern Features and GPS Advantage

The HX10V includes built-in GPS (a rarity for compacts in its era), enabling geotagging of photos - a boon for travel writers or nature enthusiasts wanting location reminders. It connects wirelessly via Eye-Fi cards but lacks Bluetooth or NFC.

The RX1R II drops GPS but adds NFC connectivity and built-in Wi-Fi for streamlined image transfer. It also features a full-size HDMI port for tethering or external monitors, and a more advanced flash system accepting external flashes, useful in low-light portrait photography.

Durability and Weather Sealing

Neither camera offers weather sealing, waterproofing, or shockproof features. For outdoor photographers working in harsh conditions, this is a clear downside.

Real-World Shooting Disciplines: Where Each Camera Excels

Portrait Photography

The RX1R II’s full-frame sensor and high-quality 35mm prime lens produce stunning portraits with natural skin tones and creamy bokeh. Eye detection AF and manual focus focus peaking aid precision framing, similar to professional-grade cameras.

The HX10V can produce acceptable casual portraits but struggles with shallow depth of field and accurate skin rendering at telephoto extremes or indoor light.

Landscape Photography

Sharpness and resolution dominate here. The RX1R II’s massive 42MP sensor captures immense detail and broad dynamic range critical for landscapes. The wide-angle 35mm lens covers many scenic compositions with excellent edge-to-edge clarity.

The HX10V’s smaller sensor and noisy high ISOs limit image quality at dawn/dusk, and the variable zoom lens is more prone to distortion and softness at wide and tele ends.

Wildlife Photography

The HX10V’s long 400mm reach offers accessible wildlife framing for beginners. However, slow and basic autofocus reduces keeper rates with moving animals.

RX1R II lacks range but excels in image quality for still subjects like birds on a perch.

Sports Photography

Both stumble here: limited continuous AF and moderate burst rates hamper capturing fast action. The HX10V’s 10fps burst may catch a moment but with limited focus tracking.

RX1R II’s precision AF and RAW capture are better for posed or staged sports portraits, but not fast field sports.

Street Photography

Compact size and discretion favor the HX10V, but lack of viewfinder makes eye-level shooting tricky.

RX1R II provides discretion with its rangefinder style, electronic viewfinder, and superior image quality for dim-lit street scenes.

Macro Photography

HX10V macro focusing to 5 cm outdoes RX1R II’s 14 cm minimal focus distance, but RX1R II’s image quality and manual focusing system delivers sharper macro details.

Night and Astrophotography

RX1R II’s higher ISO range (up to 102400) and superior dynamic range prove invaluable for star fields and long exposures.

HX10V’s smaller sensor suffers noise past ISO 800, limiting night use.

Sony HX10V front Sony HX10V screen back Sony RX1R II front Sony RX1R II screen back

Overall Performance Ratings and Summary Scores

Genre-Specific Scores and Recommendations

Final Verdict: Who Should Buy Which Camera?

When to Consider the Sony HX10V:

• You want a compact, lightweight travel or street camera with an extended zoom range (24-400mm).
• You prioritize quick setup and straightforward operation over manual control.
• Your budget is limited (~$600), and you want all-in-one versatility.
• Casual photographers or beginners who don’t need RAW files or professional-grade image quality.

When to Go for the Sony RX1R II:

• You demand uncompromising image quality with 42MP full-frame fidelity.
• You shoot portraits, landscapes, or commercial work needing pristine detail and color accuracy.
• You prefer a tactile, professional interface with an electronic viewfinder and advanced manual controls.
• You require RAW file support and better low-light performance.
• You are willing to invest over $3,000 for a pocketable but premium tool.

Tests Under the Hood: My Methodology

Throughout review sessions, I conducted side-by-side shooting of controlled studio portraits, outdoor landscapes with varied lighting, high-contrast wildlife subjects, and night scenes using tripods with both cameras mounted on identical tripod heads. Raw files (available only from RX1R II) were processed in Adobe Lightroom to assess detail retention and noise.

Autofocus tests included stationary and moderately moving subjects under daylight and tungsten lighting to evaluate speed and tracking. Continuous burst mode was trialed with moving subjects to examine buffer depth and frame rate sustainment.

Subjective assessments of handling involved shooting street festivals and casual travel situations, gauging responsiveness, weight, and control intuitiveness.

Closing Thoughts

The Sony HX10V and RX1R II represent two distinct philosophies in compact camera design from the same manufacturer. The HX10V is a faith-full superzoom suited for versatile everyday utility at a budget-friendly price, whereas the RX1R II is a pinnacle large sensor compact, a specialist’s precision instrument. Each fulfills distinct photographic roles with different expectations and user profiles.

Understanding this nuanced balance between size, optics, sensor technology, and ergonomic design lets buyers make fully informed decisions. There’s no one-size-fits-all champion here, but plenty to admire in both cameras - depending on your photographic goals.

If you want my personal takeaway: For true image quality lovers with a serious budget and serious ambitions, the RX1R II remains a compelling, elegant choice. For those after flexible zoom ranges in a travel-friendly point-and-shoot, the HX10V holds its ground and remains surprisingly capable even years after launch.

Happy shooting, and I hope this comparison guided you closer to the perfect Sony for your photographic endeavors!