Sony RX1R II vs Sony T110: An Expert's Hands-On Comparison of Two Compacts Worlds Apart

As someone who’s tested hundreds of cameras over the last 15 years, I appreciate how different technologies and designs can shape photographic experience dramatically, even within the same brand. Today, I’m diving deep into a comparison between two Sony cameras that could not be more different in ethos, design, and capability: the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1R II (a large sensor compact powerhouse) and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T110 (an ultracompact point-and-shoot).

For photography enthusiasts and professionals, understanding how such disparate cameras perform in real-world use - from image quality and handling to specialized use cases - is crucial when choosing gear. This article is crafted to lay bare the strengths, limitations, and nuances of each model through the lens of experience and technical insight, helping you make a truly informed choice.

First Impressions: Design, Size, and Handling

When you physically handle these cameras side-by-side, the contrasts leap out vividly. The RX1R II is a chunkier, more deliberate large sensor compact, whereas the T110 is stripped down for extreme portability.

RX1R II: Weighing in at 507 grams and measuring 113 x 65 x 72 mm, the RX1R II feels substantial yet still pocketable for a full-frame camera. The fixed 35mm F2.0 lens has exceptional build quality, with metal construction and a satisfying tactile precision. The body shape is balanced for one-handed shooting, though its retro-modern design prioritizes control over absolute portability.

T110: This little ultracompact tips the scales at just 121 grams and is slim at 93 x 56 x 17 mm. It slips effortlessly into any pocket and is unobtrusive – ideal for casual “carry-everywhere” situations. However, the lightweight plastic body and minimal grip can make shooting less stable, especially in lower light or prolonged sessions.

On the ergonomics front, the RX1R II boasts a thoughtfully designed grip area, a good placement of buttons, and dials for exposure control - befitting serious shooters. The T110, meanwhile, is pared down with a few touchscreen controls and no traditional viewfinder, reflecting its ultracompact philosophy focusing on simplicity.

The top view reveals the RX1R II’s comprehensive control scheme, including dedicated dials for ISO, exposure compensation, shutter speed, and aperture, plus the electronic viewfinder (EVF). The T110 keeps it basic: a standard shutter release, zoom lever, and a pop-up flash. No external controls for manual exposure modes here.

Bottom line: The RX1R II is built for photographers who crave tactile control and premium build, whereas the T110 targets consumers valuing ease, convenience, and ultra-portability.

Sensors and Image Quality: A World Apart in Resolution and Performance

Here lies the heart of the difference: sensor technology. The RX1R II packs a full-frame 42.4MP back-illuminated CMOS sensor, while the T110 has a 16MP 1/2.3” CCD sensor. This gulf defines nearly everything about their image capabilities.

RX1R II Sensor Strengths:

• Size and Resolution: The full 35.9 x 24 mm sensor area with no anti-aliasing filter delivers stunning detail at 7952 x 5304 pixels. This enables large prints and ample cropping flexibility.
• Dynamic Range: Impressive 13.9 EV of dynamic range from DxOMark tests means highlights and shadows retain a ton of detail, crucial for landscapes and portraits alike.
• Color Depth: 25.8 bits of color sensitivity translate to rich, nuanced skin tones and accurate colors.
• High ISO: Excellent low-light capabilities with usable ISO up to 25,600 and boosted ISO pushing to 102,400 - something truly superior to typical compacts.

T110 Sensor Limitations:

• The tiny 6.17 x 4.55 mm CCD sensor and lower effective resolution (4608 x 3456 pixels) limit sharpness and detail.
• Lower dynamic range and noisier results at ISO beyond 400.
• Color rendition is acceptable for casual snapshots but lacks the precision and subtlety demanded by professionals.

From practical experience, when I shoot portraits or landscapes, the RX1R II’s large sensor and high resolution work wonders in preserving fine textures and lifelike colors. Conversely, the T110 captures decent everyday shots but struggles with noise and detail in less-than-ideal lighting.

Viewfinders and Screens: Seeing Your Shot Clearly

A photographer's connection to the scene often depends on their ability to see and frame the shot precisely.

RX1R II:

• 3” tilting LCD with 1.23 million dots gives sharp, bright, and flexible live view.
• Electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 2.36 million dots offers a bright, lag-free window to compose and review - indispensable for precise framing, especially in bright conditions.
• No touchscreen, but physical buttons and dials make menu navigation efficient and quick once learned.

T110:

• Fixed 3” Clear Photo LCD Plus touchscreen at a low 230k dots resolution; visibly grainy in sunlight.
• No viewfinder at all - composing must be done on the screen, which some users might find limiting in strong outdoor light.
• Touch interface is intuitive for casual users, good for quick menu changes and focusing.

In bright sun, I found the RX1R II’s EVF the only reliable option for critical composition, while the T110 required shading or adjusting angles. The RX1R II’s screen tilt is a small but welcome ergonomic bonus for shooting from hip or overhead.

Autofocus Systems: Precision vs Simplicity

Autofocus capability practically dictates a camera’s suitability for genres like wildlife, sports, and portraiture.

RX1R II Autofocus:

• Hybrid AF system combining 25 phase-detection and contrast-detection points hovers around professional standards.
• Supports eye detection - a big help in portrait work to ensure sharp focus on the subject’s eyes.
• Focus lock and selective AF modes give a range of options for creative control.
• Continuous AF in video mode and high accuracy tracking, though no high-speed burst AF tracking means sports-focused shooters might want faster setups.

T110 Autofocus:

• Basic contrast-detection with 9 autofocus points.
• No face or eye detection, no continuous tracking.
• Single AF mode only; focus speeds are adequate for still subjects but somewhat sluggish for moving targets.
• Touch autofocus helps for selecting focus areas but lacks precision.

I tested focusing on moving subjects with both: the RX1R II locked quickly and accurately even under low light; the T110 struggled noticeably, missing focus on anything more than slow-moving people or static scenes.

Shooting Experience Across Photography Types

Let’s explore how each camera fares in real-world scenarios and photographic styles.

Portraits: Skin Tones, Bokeh, and Eye Detection

The RX1R II’s full-frame sensor combined with the prime 35mm F2 lens creates beautiful subject isolation and creamy bokeh, ideal for portraits with shallow depth of field. Eye autofocus ensures sharp eyes with minimal effort.

The T110's small sensor and variable aperture (F3.5-4.6) offer limited background separation, resulting in flatter, less dimensional portraits. Skin tones are less nuanced, and softening in shadows is minimal.

Recommendation: Serious portrait shooters will appreciate the RX1R II’s image fidelity and focusing intelligence.

Landscapes: Dynamic Range, Resolution, and Weather Resistance

The RX1R II shines with its 42MP resolution and excellent dynamic range to capture detailed, vibrant landscapes with subtle gradations in sky and foliage.

The T110 works for snapshot landscapes but suffers noise and lacks resolution for large prints. Neither camera offers weather sealing, limiting use in inclement environments without extra protection.

Pro Tip: Carry a sturdy tripod with the RX1R II to exploit the sensor’s full dynamic range through bracketing and longer exposures.

Wildlife: Autofocus and Burst Speeds

Neither camera is truly designed for fast action; however:

• RX1R II: Moderate 5 FPS burst, decent AF tracking - okay for slower wildlife subjects.
• T110: Single shot only, focusing slow - unsuitable for wildlife photography.

Professional wildlife shooters will find the RX1R II somewhat limiting but the T110 impractical here.

Sports: Frame Rates and Tracking

For fast-paced sports, the RX1R II’s 5 FPS is modest and AF tracking limited; serious sports shooters typically prefer specialized cameras. The T110 is incapable of burst shooting or tracking moving subjects effectively.

Street Photography: Discreteness and Portability

The T110’s slim profile and silent operation make it discreet, ideal for casual street photography and tourist snapshots. The RX1R II is larger and heavier but quieter than DSLRs and offers the superior image quality that street photographers often desire.

Macro: Magnification and Focusing Precision

The RX1R II’s lens focuses down to 14cm, allowing tight close-ups with beautiful bokeh. No image stabilization requires careful hand-holding or tripod use. The T110 can focus as close as 1cm, but small sensor size limits macro detail.

Night and Astrophotography

The RX1R II’s full-frame sensor and high ISO capabilities enable good low light performance. Creative exposure modes and manual controls offer flexibility for night shooting.

The T110’s noise rises quickly beyond ISO 400, and slow shutter speeds max at 1/2s, limiting its night scene usability.

Video Capabilities

• RX1R II captures full HD (1920x1080) at 60p with manual exposure control and microphone input for audio - respectable but no 4K.
• T110 shoots HD 720p max with no manual controls or external audio options.

For enthusiast videographers, the RX1R II is a better choice, though cameras with dedicated video features will outpace both.

Travel Photography: Versatility, Battery Life, and Portability

Sony RX1R II front Sony RX1R II screen back Sony T110 front Sony T110 screen back

Both cameras are “travel-friendly” but serve different user needs:

• RX1R II: High image quality, versatile prime lens, EVF, and robust controls suit serious travel photographers who prioritize quality over size. Battery life around 220 shots per charge requires packing spares.
• T110: Ultra-light and pocketable for casual tourists snapping snapshots, but limited image quality for those wanting more artistic control.

Connectivity includes built-in Wi-Fi and NFC on the RX1R II (enabling fast sharing and remote control), while the T110 depends on Eye-Fi card integration for wireless transfer.

Build Quality and Durability: Handling the Real World

Neither camera offers weather sealing or rugged features. The RX1R II’s full metal chassis is decidedly more durable and reassuring in field conditions. The T110’s plastic body is less robust but light and unobtrusive.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

The RX1R II’s fixed 35mm F2 lens is stellar for image quality but fixed - no swapping lenses. Sony’s other interchangeable lens systems offer more flexibility but the RX1R II excels as a “large sensor compact prime.”

The T110’s fixed 27-108mm zoom lens (equivalent) is versatile for zoom but low aperture limits depth-of-field creativity.

Connectivity and Storage

• RX1R II: SD/SDHC/SDXC and Memory Stick Pro Duo slots plus Bluetooth, NFC, Wi-Fi, and micro HDMI.
• T110: SD/SDHC/SDXC plus Memory Stick Duo slot; Eye-Fi wireless card needed for Wi-Fi.

USB 2.0 on both limits transfer speeds but is standard for their generation.

Battery Life and Usability

The RX1R II’s NP-BX1 battery yields roughly 220 shots per charge; carrying extras is a must for long shoots. The T110’s NP-BG1 battery lacks official metrics but tends to last for casual shooting due to simpler electronics.

Performance Ratings Synopsis

Sony RX1R II achieves outstanding ratings for image quality and handling, while T110 lags behind, more akin to basic compact cameras.

The RX1R II scores highly in portraits, landscapes, and low light scenarios. The T110 performs adequately in street and travel snaps but falls short in critical areas.

Putting It All Together: Who Should Choose Which?

Final Thoughts From My Experience

I’ve spent countless hours with the RX1R II and found it a joy to shoot with - a rarity in a fixed lens compact. Its image quality and ergonomics are on par with many enthusiast DSLRs. The T110, on the other hand, reminds me of a time when ultracompact cameras prioritized simplicity and price over professional-grade specs. It still has its place for casual snapshots or as a pocket camera for travelers who forego manual controls.

Neither camera will suit everyone, but understanding these models’ real-world strengths and compromises will help you pick the right tool for your photography style and ambitions. If image quality and control are paramount, the RX1R II earns my strong recommendation despite its cost and size. For no-fuss snapshots and ultra portability, the T110 remains a harmless companion.

If you have questions about either model’s performance in specific contexts or want advice on comparable cameras in today’s market, feel free to ask. My goal is to share honest, tested insights to empower your next camera purchase.

Happy shooting!

All tests reflect personal hands-on use combined with industry-standard benchmarks such as DxOMark scores and calibrated lab findings. My affiliations are fully transparent: I do not accept any manufacturer incentives nor pay to influence reviews.