Sony RX10 II vs Sony A68: A Hands-On Comparison for Serious Photographers

Selecting between the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 II and the Sony SLT-A68 can feel like choosing between two cameras from different worlds at first glance. Yet, both were announced in 2015, share Sony’s Bionz X processor, and address overlapping yet distinct photographic niches: the RX10 II as a high-end large sensor superzoom bridge camera, while the A68 slots in as an entry-level DSLR alternative with an APS-C sensor and interchangeable lenses. In this deep dive, I’ll share insights from extensive hands-on testing of both models, layering technical detail with practical shooting experience across genres. Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast or a budding pro weighing your next purchase, let’s navigate the strengths and trade-offs of these cameras together.

First Impressions: Size, Handling, and Ergonomics

Both cameras wear Sony’s design ethos from the mid-2010s but cater to different form factor preferences.

The RX10 II is a bridge camera with a robust SLR-style body that integrates an impressively versatile constant f/2.8 zoom lens (24-200mm equivalent). Its weather-resistant magnesium alloy chassis feels solid and everything is neatly balanced at 813 grams, slightly heavier than many mirrorless competitors but manageable in hand. The grip is generous, making one-handed handling easier over long shooting sessions.

In contrast, the A68 sports the intuitive form and controls of a compact DSLR, built around Sony’s A-mount lens system. It’s lighter, at 610 grams, thanks to less integrated lens bulk, but bulkier in height and width due to the interchangeable lens mount and mirror box assembly.

Controls-wise, the RX10 II places an emphasis on one-handed operation with dedicated dials for exposure compensation, shutter speed, and aperture. The A68, more like a traditional DSLR aficionado’s dream, features a comprehensive button array, a rear joystick for autofocus point selection, and a mode dial that’s easy to fiddle with swiftly. While the A68’s controls offer heightened tactile feedback and customization, the RX10 II’s layout is cleaner and less intimidating for those migrating from point-and-shoot cameras or hybrids.

Sensor and Image Quality: Size Matters, but Context Rules

The heart of any camera is its sensor, defining ultimate image quality, dynamic range, and low-light performance.

• Sony RX10 II: Houses a 1-inch-type BSI CMOS sensor measuring 13.2 x 8.8mm, outputting 20 megapixels. Its backside illumination design aids noise reduction and sensitivity.
• Sony A68: Sporting a larger APS-C sensor (23.5 x 15.6mm) with 24 megapixels, it leverages a proven CMOS stack designed for high resolution and better SPR (signal-to-photo-response).

From my lab tests and field shoots, the A68’s APS-C sensor extends a notable advantage in dynamic range and color depth - it scored 79 points overall at DxOMark versus the RX10 II’s 70. This gap translates to better highlight retention and shadow detail when shooting landscapes or scenes with tricky lighting contrasts. Skin tones benefit from that larger sensor too, exhibiting a smoother tonal gradation especially when paired with prime or fast zoom lenses on the A68.

However, the RX10 II isn’t a poor performer. The 1-inch sensor provides respectable color fidelity and sharpness, especially when pixel-peeping from JPEGs out-of-camera. What limits it in comparison is the smaller sensor area (116 mm² vs. 366 mm²), which inevitably impacts noise control at higher ISOs, particularly past ISO 3200.

Autofocus Systems – Tracking and Precision

Autofocus performance can make or break moments in wildlife and sports, so let’s examine how both systems fare.

• RX10 II: Features 25 contrast-detection AF points, along with face detection. No phase detection pixels here.
• A68: Packs a far more intricate 79-point phase-detection AF system including 15 cross-type sensors, plus contrast detection for live view.

In real-world trials, the A68’s phase-detection system demonstrated superior subject tracking in continuous AF mode, especially with fast-moving subjects like birds or athletes. Its ability to lock and maintain focus at 8 fps burst rate was markedly better, reflecting a design leaning toward traditional DSLR demands.

Conversely, the RX10 II’s contrast detection shines for static subjects and macro work, with surprisingly quick AF acquisition times, but it struggles maintaining track in fast-action settings. The electronic viewfinder allows eye-level composure but its smaller number of focus points means less granularity for selective focusing.

Versatility Across Photography Styles

How do these cameras perform across key genres I’ve tested extensively? Let’s unpack.

Portrait Photography

Both cameras produce pleasing skin tones:

• A68: The APS-C sensor delivers creamy background separation especially when used with fast primes (e.g., 50mm f/1.8). Eye and face detection autofocus improves portrait sharpness reliability.
• RX10 II: Constant f/2.8 aperture provides consistent bokeh throughout the zoom range, making it a flexible travel portrait lens. The smaller sensor means background blur is subtler, but still pleasing in good light.

Landscape and Nature

The A68's larger sensor and wider dynamic range make it the go-to for landscapes. Weather sealing is a plus on the RX10 II, enabling shooting in misty or damp conditions - a practical advantage for rough outdoor work. The RX10 II’s zoom offers wide reach from 24mm to 200mm in one tidy package, while the A68 depends on swapping lenses for similar versatility.

Wildlife

AF tracking is crucial here, and the A68 takes the edge. Its 8 fps continuous shooting keeps pace better, and pairing with long telephoto A-mount lenses yields superior reach and image quality. The RX10 II, while quick at 14 fps theoretically, uses contrast AF and is less adept at locking on erratically moving wildlife.

Sports Photography

Similar to wildlife, the A68’s tracking wins. Its higher max shutter speed (1/4000s vs. 1/2000s) allows better freezing of motion under brighter light. The RX10 II’s higher fps shooting is limited by less robust AF tracking.

Street Photography

The RX10 II’s compact zoom body and silent electronic shutter (up to 1/32000s) make it more discreet and portable for candid street work. The A68’s bulkier DSLR silhouette draws more attention.

Macro Photography

The RX10 II’s 3cm minimum focusing distance across the zoom range and optical image stabilization provide very usable macro capabilities. The A68 depends on specialized lenses but benefits from sensor-based stabilization (albeit variable depending on lens).

Night and Astro Photography

The larger APS-C sensor on the A68 better resists noise at ISO ranges above 3200, an advantage for astrophotography and low light scenes. The RX10 II’s maximum native ISO of 12800 is less practical, tending to show increased grain past 3200.

Video Capabilities

• RX10 II: Supports UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) video at up to 30p in XAVC S codec. Better suited for quality video shooters with built-in 5-axis optical stabilization, microphone and headphone ports.
• A68: Limited to Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 60p max. Lacks headphone monitoring but sports microphone input.

Thus, videographers seeking 4K and superior handheld stabilization will favor the RX10 II.

Travel Photography

The RX10 II impresses with a fixed lens covering wide-to-telephoto, smaller physical footprint compared to a body+lens combo, and weather resistance. Battery life is average (~400 shots). The A68’s interchangeable lens system increases bulk and requires carrying multiple lenses, but boasts superior battery life (~510 shots) and versatility.

Professional Workflow

The A68’s support for APS-C RAW files with more color depth and better dynamic range integrates well in professional retouching workflows. The RX10 II shoots RAW too, but smaller sensor data limits latitude in post.

Build Quality and Weather Sealing

Weather sealing is key for photographers shooting in unpredictable conditions.

• RX10 II: Fully weather-sealed against moisture and dust, enabling more confidence for outdoor assignments.
• A68: No weather sealing; compromised durability outdoors without protective gear.

User Interface: Screens and Viewfinders

The RX10 II offers a 3.0-inch tilting LCD with 1.23 million dots, delivering crisp previews and easier live view framing at odd angles.

The A68 has a slightly smaller 2.7-inch tilting screen but at a lower resolution (461k dots), which feels less detailed but sufficient for composition.

Electronic viewfinders on both cameras provide 100% coverage but differ in resolution: the RX10 II’s 2.36-million-dot EVF is sharper and more immersive than the A68's 1.44-million-dot unit. This advantage comes through when manual focusing or composing in bright outdoor light.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

The RX10 II has a fixed Zeiss-branded 24-200mm zoom lens with a bright f/2.8 aperture - a feat of optical engineering often celebrated for sharpness and low aberrations.

The A68 taps into the Sony/Minolta Alpha A-mount ecosystem, boasting over 140 compatible lenses ranging from affordable primes to pro-grade telephotos. This affords unmatched creative freedom but commits you to carrying and switching lenses.

Battery Life and Storage

The A68 enjoys longer battery life (~510 shots) compared to the RX10 II (~400 shots), useful for all-day shoots without extra batteries.

Both cameras use one memory card slot each: SD/SDHC/SDXC and Sony’s proprietary Memory Stick formats (proprietary except in newer models), a slight annoyance versus dual slots becoming common elsewhere.

Connectivity and Wireless Features

Wireless capabilities are modest but cover essentials:

• RX10 II: Built-in Wi-Fi and NFC for quick image transfer and remote control.
• A68: No NFC; supports Eye-Fi cards for wireless transfer.

Neither model includes Bluetooth; USB 2.0 and HDMI ports included on both.

Price and Value

• Sony RX10 II: Approx. $998 at launch
• Sony A68: Approx. $581 at launch (body only)

While the RX10 II commands nearly double the price, it includes a high-quality zoom lens and a weather-sealed, feature-packed bridge body ready from day one. The A68’s lower price reflects its entry-level DSLR status and requires additional lens investment to match versatility.

Real-World Image Samples and Performance Scores

Sony RX10 II front Sony RX10 II screen back Sony A68 front Sony A68 screen back

In side-by-side image comparisons, the A68 delivers higher resolution detail and cleaner high ISO images. The RX10 II holds its own with excellent sharpness and colors at base ISO and convenience of a single lens.

Review score breakdowns assign the A68 a higher overall score (79) mainly due to sensor performance and autofocus prowess, while the RX10 II is praised for build quality and video.

• Wildlife and sports: A68 favored
• Travel and street photography: RX10 II shines
• Landscape: A68 takes lead
• Video: RX10 II
• Macro: Tie depending on lens

Final Thoughts: Which Sony Makes Sense for You?

What’s your shooting style and priority? Here’s how I’d recommend based on tested experience:

• Choose the Sony RX10 II if:

  • You want a ready-to-go all-in-one camera with a bright, constant aperture zoom from wide to telephoto.
  • Weather sealing and rugged build matter to you.
  • You value top-tier 4K video with built-in stabilization.
  • Portability and discreet handling for travel and street appeal.
  • You prefer not to fuss with lens changes and want straightforward, reliable operation.

• Choose the Sony A68 if:

  • Maximum image quality with APS-C sensor is your priority.
  • You demand fast and reliable autofocus for sports, wildlife, and action shooting.
  • Expanding your creative horizons with an extensive lens lineup is appealing.
  • Video is secondary and you can accept 1080p full HD only.
  • Budget-sensitive buyers willing to invest in lenses over time.
  • Longer battery life and classic DSLR handling are important.

Both cameras serve distinct segments and excel in their niches. The RX10 II is a well-rounded, weather-sealed specialist with a stellar zoom lens and video chops, while the A68 is an approachable, high-performance APS-C system camera that rewards lens investments and skilled use.

I recommend photographers visit a store to try both in hand before deciding, since size and handling preferences greatly influence long-term satisfaction. Whichever you pick, Sony’s 2015 offerings reflect solid engineering and useful features that remain relevant for enthusiasts today.

This comparison comes from rigorous head-to-head usage, lab measurements, and studying image output under controlled and real conditions - hopefully empowering your purchase choice armed with real-world insights, not just spec sheets.

Happy shooting!