Sony RX100 vs RX100 II: A Hands-On Deep Dive into Two Compact Powerhouses

Sony’s RX100 series set a high bar for large sensor compacts over the last decade. When the original Sony RX100 launched in 2012, it redefined what a pocketable camera could achieve, delivering superb image quality in a truly compact form factor. Then, just a year later, Sony RX100 II arrived with thoughtful upgrades that sparked fresh excitement among enthusiasts and pros looking for a versatile carry-anywhere camera.

We’ve spent extensive hours testing both models side-by-side across a broad range of photography disciplines - from portraits to landscapes, wildlife to street shots - as well as video. This in-depth comparison will help you understand the real-world differences between the RX100 and RX100 II, backed by technical details, performance analysis, and practical recommendations tailored for your photography journey.

Let’s unlock which of these large sensor compacts fits your needs best.

Size and Handling: Compact Convenience Versus Subtle Improvements

At first glance, these two cameras look almost indistinguishable – both compact camera class, designed to fit comfortably in your pocket or bag.

The RX100 II is marginally thicker and heavier due to a few internal upgrades, plus the addition of a tilt-angle LCD screen. While the original RX100 sports a fixed LCD, the RX100 II’s screen tilts, making shooting from unusual angles much easier - a boon for street photography enthusiasts or vloggers who need more framing flexibility.

In-hand grip and button placement remain neat and comfortable on both models. Neither offers a built-in viewfinder, but the RX100 II supports an optional electronic viewfinder attachment, which might sway professionals who prefer compositions through a dedicated VF.

The compact size means neither camera dominates your pocket, making them excellent companions for travel and everyday shots without feeling cumbersome.

Design and Control: Tweaks That Matter

Next, we look at control layout and interface, which are crucial to efficient shooting.

Both cameras boast a similar button set: a five-way control dial, dedicated exposure/ISO controls, and an intuitive mode dial. What sets the RX100 II apart is the slightly upgraded screen technology - Sony’s “Xtra Fine WhiteMagic TFT LCD” - which offers brighter and more accurate color representation. This upgrade improves live-view clarity in various lighting conditions.

The physical button feedback remains very satisfying, neither cramped nor too loose, facilitating quick access to key shooting modes. The RX100 II introduced more self-timer options, including modes for single-person and two-person selfies, reflecting growing user interest in casual portraiture and vlogging.

Sensor and Image Quality: Same Sensor Size, Different Improvements

At the heart of these compacts lies a 1-inch type CMOS sensor (13.2 x 8.8mm), which is large for a compact camera and essential for quality outputs beyond typical point-and-shoot models.

DxOMark’s lab testing shows near-identical base sensor quality for both cameras, including color depth and dynamic range. However, the RX100 II performs slightly better in low light sensitivity due to sensor and processor tweaks. This translates practically into cleaner images with less noise at higher ISO settings.

If you mainly shoot in good light or moderate ISO ranges, both cameras will yield superb 20MP JPEGs and RAW files. But the RX100 II’s improved noise handling shines in dim environments and night shooting.

Autofocus Performance: Precision in Diverse Scenarios

Autofocus remains a key consideration, especially if you photograph moving subjects or demand fast lock-on precision.

Both models utilize a contrast-detect AF system with 25 points and include face detection, well-suited to general-purpose and portrait photography. Unfortunately, neither supports phase detection AF or advanced features like animal eye AF, which limits their ability to track fast wildlife or sports action precisely.

In practice, both cameras achieve reliable focus with static or moderately moving subjects and perform decently in portraiture with face detection helping maintain sharpness on eyes.

However, the RX100 II improves AF performance slightly with faster acquisition speed and better low-light sensitivity, enabling sharper images when light dims. If autofocus speed for fast action is your priority, you might find these cameras limiting compared to recent mirrorless models.

LCD Screen and Viewfinder Options: Evolving User Experience

The user interface experience plays a significant role in composition and image review.

The RX100 II’s tiltable screen unlocks fresh creative possibilities, allowing you to shoot over crowds, low to the ground, or comfortably frame selfies. The first RX100’s LCD does not tilt, which may limit shooting versatility somewhat, especially for vloggers or street photographers who value discreet, low-profile framing.

The optional electronic viewfinder on the RX100 II, though sold separately, increases compositional flexibility, especially in bright sunlight where LCDs can struggle to reveal details.

Burst Shooting and Continuous Shooting Speed

For action or wildlife shooters, continuous shooting speed can mean the difference between a keeper or missed shot.

Both cameras deliver the same burst speed of 10 frames per second, which is impressive for large sensor compacts and sufficient for casual sports and kids’ action shots. Buffer depths limit how long you can sustain this rate, but in real use scenarios, both offer similar capabilities.

Video Features: Full HD and Beyond

Video is an increasingly crucial aspect for many photographers crossing over to multimedia content.

Neither camera supports 4K or higher-resolution video, which today’s content creators might consider a limitation. However, both deliver smooth 1080p full HD video with reliable optical image stabilization. The RX100 II maintains this tradition but with slight improvements in noise control during low-light recording.

Keep in mind the lack of microphone input on both models limits audio quality control, a downside for serious video projects.

Battery Life and Storage: Ready When You Are

Both cameras use the same compact NP-BX1 battery pack with roughly similar battery life ratings. The RX100 II offers a slight edge, enabling a few more shots per charge, an important factor for day trips or travel photography.

Sample Image Comparison: Real-World Output

Sony RX100 front Sony RX100 screen back Sony RX100 II front Sony RX100 II screen back

The image gallery above demonstrates:

• Rich skin tone reproduction on portraits with natural bokeh transition
• Fine detail retention in landscape shots with excellent dynamic range
• Low noise even at elevated ISO settings in ambient-light street photography

You’ll notice that the RX100 II images have a marginally cleaner high-ISO performance and slightly better color fidelity in shadow areas - consistent with its enhanced sensor and processing refinements.

Performance Ratings and Reliability

DxOMark overall lab scores give us an objective baseline:

Both cameras score highly for their sensor class and age, with the RX100 II nudging the RX100 by one point thanks to its refinements.

Reliability tested through thousands of shutter cycles and consistent autofocus also ranks both cameras as trustworthy everyday shooters. Their lack of weather sealing and physical durability options is a reminder these are compact, precision machines, not rugged outdoor tools.

Specialized Use Case Scores: Matching Camera to Photography Genres

The score breakdown reveals strengths and weaknesses, distilled for your specific interests:

• Portrait: Both excel due to sharp sensor, bokeh quality, and accurate skin tones. RX100 II better in low light.
• Landscape: High dynamic range and resolution help both shine outdoors, but lack of weather sealing is a downside.
• Wildlife: Limited by AF system; neither optimal for fast tracking but both workable for casual use.
• Sports: Burst rate good enough for amateurs; AF speed and tracking not competitive with mirrorless.
• Street Photography: RX100 II’s tilting screen and better low-light autofocus are boons for discreet shooting.
• Macro: Both offer ~5cm macro focusing, ideal for detailed close-ups.
• Night/Astro: RX100 II’s improved noise control extends ISO usability for night shooters.
• Video: Full HD capability and stabilization make both viable for casual videography.
• Travel: Compact size and decent battery life reward those seeking versatile travel companions.
• Professional Work: Limited by fixed lens and file format options but excellent for pocketable secondary cameras.

Final Thoughts: Which Sony RX100 Should You Choose?

Choose the Sony RX100 if:

• You want an affordable entry into premium large sensor compacts.
• Your photography is mainly daylight, travel, and general casual shooting.
• Size and weight are your highest priorities.
• You’re comfortable without a tilting screen or viewfinder.

Opt for the Sony RX100 II if:

• You shoot frequently in low light or night conditions.
• You value screen flexibility for creative composition angles.
• You’re willing to spend more for subtle but meaningful autofocus and image quality enhancements.
• Video shooting is important but within full HD constraints.
• You want a sturdier camera with a slightly longer battery life.

Recommendations for Your Photography Journey

• Portrait and casual users will find both models deliver excellent skin tones and easy controls. The RX100 II edges out with better autofocus and tilt screen versatility.
• Landscape photographers will benefit equally from both cameras’ sensor prowess but should note the lack of weather sealing limits harsh outdoor use.
• Wildlife and sports shooters may find neither RX100 ideal due to contrast AF and limited burst buffers – mirrorless alternatives would serve better.
• Street photographers and vloggers should explore the RX100 II’s tiltable screen options and improved low-light autofocus.
• Macro and travel photographers will be happy with the macro range and portability of both.

Finally, these cameras hold up surprisingly well in today’s market as compact, entry-level high-quality cameras. If budget allows, the RX100 II is worth the upgrade for enhanced shooting flexibility and image quality improvements.

Next Steps: Try Before You Buy and Accessorize

We encourage you to head to stores and handle each camera to see which feels right ergonomically. Take your time testing out the screen tilt, button layout, and shooting modes.

Don’t forget to explore key accessories such as:

• Carrying cases tailored for compact cameras
• Optional electronic viewfinder for RX100 II
• Suitable memory cards and extra battery packs
• Lens attachments or ND filters designed for compact cameras

Your perfect camera is the one that fits comfortably into your creative lifestyle and empowers you to capture moments with confidence.

Summary Table: Core Differences at a Glance

Ready to step up your photography game with a compact powerhouse? Explore these Sony RX100 models, compare hands-on, and find the perfect fit for your artistic vision and budget. Both remain remarkable examples of large sensor quality packed into pocket-size frames.

Happy shooting!