From Pocket to Pro: An In-Depth Comparison of the Sony RX1R II and Sony W710

In the vast sea of cameras, two Sony models stand polar opposites on the spectrum of photography - both emblematic of their respective categories but worlds apart in ambition, capability, and price. On one side, the Sony Cyber-shot RX1R II: a large sensor compact boasting full-frame firepower, designed for serious enthusiasts and pros craving pocketable excellence. On the other, the humble Sony Cyber-shot W710, a budget small-sensor compact aimed at casual shooters and first-timers wanting simplicity over specs.

I’ve personally tested thousands of cameras ranging from entry-level compacts to pro-grade beasts, so let’s roll up our sleeves and peel back layers on these two. Through detailed technical scrutiny and real-world use, I’ll bring out what matters for each - where they shine, where they falter, and who should consider them as their photographic sidekick.

Size Matters (But How Much?)

It’s tempting to just pocket the smaller one and call it a day, but the devil’s in the ergonomic details.

The RX1R II is undeniably larger and heavier, weighing in at 507 grams with dimensions of 113x65x72 mm. The W710 is tiny in comparison, a featherweight at 114 grams and measures 97x55x20 mm. That thickness difference alone is telling - in a coat pocket or purse, the W710 is near invisible. But what you gain in size, you might lose in handling comfort and control finesse.

During prolonged shoots - especially outdoors - I found the RX1R II’s heft reassuring. It sits solidly in my hand, with a grip that lets me dial creative settings without fumbling. The chunkier body also means better heat dissipation, which factors into longer sessions and video recording. The W710, conversely, feels more like a point-and-shoot toy, with easier portability but compromises in tactile engagement - and frankly, it tends to invite a death grip, which can shake shots unknowingly.

So, if you prize ultimate compactness and portability, the W710 is an alluring option. But if ergonomic comfort and steady shooting count for you, the RX1R II’s size won’t feel like overkill.

Design and Controls - Know Your Command Center

Moving beyond size, how these cameras communicate with you - their design and control layout - reveal volumes about their intended users.

The RX1R II sports a refined, well-organized interface that balances classic camera ergonomics with modern flair. Its top plate is minimal yet functional, featuring a dedicated shutter speed dial, exposure compensation dial, and a programmable custom button. The viewfinder housing rises distinctly, housing a high-res electronic viewfinder.

The W710 keeps it simple and straightforward - almost barebones. A few physical buttons on the rear and a modest mode dial suffice for point-and-shoot simplicity.

While testing, it became clear that the RX1R II’s controls cater to fast adjustments on the fly - crucial in dynamic shooting like portraits or wildlife. Conversely, the W710 is designed for casual snaps where post-shoot editing and correction are anticipated.

So for workflow enthusiasts and those who enjoy hands-on tweaking without diving deep into menus, RX1R II is your playground. If you want “aim and click” with zero fuss, W710 carries that torch well.

Sensor Size and Image Quality - The Heartbeat of the Camera

Let’s go where the rubber meets the road: sensor technology and the resulting image quality. This is where these two diverge most dramatically.

The RX1R II packs a 42.4-megapixel, full-frame, back-illuminated CMOS sensor measuring 35.9x24 mm. It uses Sony’s venerable but continually improved BIONZ X processor. The sensor has no anti-aliasing filter, which helps capture razor-sharp details. DxOMark results give it an overall score of 97, with stellar color depth at 25.8 EV and impressive dynamic range of 13.9 EV. It reaches usable ISOs as high as 25,600 natively, expandable to 102,400 ISO.

The W710, meanwhile, has a 16.1 MP 1/2.3" CCD sensor (6.17x4.55 mm), more modest in scale and technology. Its max ISO is capped at 3,200, with native ISO starting at 100. DxOMark hasn’t tested it, but by sensor size and tech alone, its image quality potential is more limited - especially in low light and high-dynamic-range scenes.

In my real-world tests, the RX1R II’s files retain stunning detail and pleasing natural colors - a boon for large prints and cropping latitude. This sensor’s ability to hold highlight and shadow information is impressive, making it a top choice for landscapes and detailed portraits.

The W710, while decent for casual shooting in good light, shows practical drawbacks: noise ramps up quickly past ISO 400, and dynamic range is narrow, leading to blown highlights or crushed shadows in challenging scenes.

In a nutshell: sensor size and quality dramatically influence image outcome. If uncompromising detail and tonal nuance matter, RX1R II dominates. For social media snaps and snapshots with minimal fuss, W710 suffices.

Viewing and Interface - How You See Affects What You Shoot

Neither can we forget how you frame up your shots. The RX1R II has a high-resolution electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 2.36 million dots and 100% coverage, ideally suited for composing in bright conditions where LCDs glare. It also features a tilting 3-inch LCD with roughly 1,229k dots, providing versatile angles.

The W710 offers only a fixed 2.7-inch TFT LCD with low 230k dots resolution and no EVF.

Personally, the EVF on the RX1R II feels like a game-changer - bringing clarity and accurate previews to an outdoor shoot, especially adept for capturing decisive moments. The LCD on the W710, in contrast, sometimes feels inadequate outdoors under strong sunlight, leading to guesswork in framing and exposure.

Versatility in Photography Genres - Which Camera Excels Where?

Let’s navigate through popular photography disciplines and see where each camera’s strengths align.

Portrait Photography: Skin Tones, Bokeh, and Eye Detection

The RX1R II’s 35mm f/2 fixed lens delivers excellent subject separation and creamy bokeh, perfect for flattering portraits. Its accurate eye-detection autofocus, albeit limited to single AF and contrast detection, performs admirably in good light, locking on faces sharply.

The W710’s variable zoom (28-140mm equivalent) at slower apertures (F3.2-6.5) struggles for shallow depth of field and produces less appealing background blur. Its autofocus is contrast-detection based and lacks sophisticated face or eye detection, making precise focus trickier.

In practice, I found the RX1R II far superior for portrait work. It creates images with better tonal gradation, pleasing skin texture rendition, and overall artistic control.

Landscape Photography: Dynamic Range and Weather Sealing

The RX1R II shines again with high-resolution files that reward cropping and large prints. Its wide dynamic range captures rich tonal gradations in shadow and highlight alike. However, it lacks formal weather sealing.

The W710’s small sensor and limited dynamic range handicap it for landscapes, and while compact, it also offers no environmental resistance.

If your landscapes are a priority, the RX1R II offers unmatched image quality, but keep your gear dry and safe.

Wildlife Photography: Autofocus Speed and Burst Rates

With a max continuous shooting of just 5 fps and single AF mode, the RX1R II is not optimized for fast-action wildlife, although its telephoto-free 35mm focal length limits reach.

The W710 also has slow continuous shooting (1 fps) and questionable autofocus speed, plus a zoom range up to 140mm equivalent, which helps a little.

Neither camera thrives here. For serious wildlife, aim elsewhere.

Sports Photography: Tracking Accuracy and Frame Rates

Again, neither is a champion. RX1R II’s single AF and moderate frame rate pale next to dedicated sports cameras. W710 is similarly outpaced.

Street Photography: Discreteness and Low Light

Here, the RX1R II’s quieter shutter and compact size (for a full-frame) make it a stealthy choice. Its superior high-ISO performance helps in ambient low light settings.

While W710 is smaller and less conspicuous, its poor high-ISO capability and slower lens limit night street shooting.

Macro Photography: Magnification and Focusing Precision

The RX1R II focuses as close as 14 cm and with its high resolution and sharp fixed lens, captures fine details spectacularly.

W710’s macro mode gets as close as 10 cm but limited resolution and lens optical quality constrict image impact.

Night/Astro Photography: High ISO and Exposure Modes

RX1R II can handle native ISO up to 25,600 with clean files, ideal for nightscapes. It also has manual exposure modes essential for astrophotography.

W710 tops out at ISO 3200 but noise restricts usability beyond ISO 400. Manual modes are missing.

Video Capabilities

RX1R II supports Full HD 1080p video up to 60 fps with microphone input, giving audio control - useful for hybrid shooters.

W710 sticks to 720p HD video, no audio input, truly minimalist.

Travel Photography: Versatility and Battery Life

Battery life is modest on RX1R II (220 shots per charge) but reflective of its power and EVF usage; W710 claims 240 shots, consistent for its class.

The W710’s compactness appeals for travel light pockets, but the RX1R II delivers image versatility that justifies the bulk for serious trips.

Professional Work: Reliability and Workflow Integration

The RX1R II supports RAW format and offers tethered shooting (USB 2.0) compatibility. Its BIONZ X processor ensures rapid image handling.

W710 does not support RAW and is best for casual use.

Build Quality and Robustness

Neither camera is weather-sealed or shock-resistant. The RX1R II has a solid magnesium alloy body, offering durability befitting its price and target market.

The W710 is plastic-bodied and built for casual day-to-day use, with less resistance to rough handling.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

RX1R II’s fixed Zeiss 35mm F2 lens is a key asset, optimized for sharpness and minimal distortion. Its limitation is no interchangeable lens support, which is a hallmark trade-off in this category.

The W710’s integrated lens offers 5x zoom, a versatile range for everyday shooting. But optical quality and aperture lag behind dedicated zooms on interchangeable lens cameras.

Autofocus Performance

The RX1R II features 25 focus points, including phase and contrast detection, with reliable face detection.

The W710 relies on basic contrast detection AF with center-weighted metering only.

The RX1R II excels in focus precision and confirmation, important for professional or serious hobbyist demands.

Connectivity and Storage

RX1R II offers built-in Wi-Fi and NFC for wireless image transfer, plus HDMI and microphone ports.

W710 has no wireless features and no HDMI output, limiting modern connectivity.

Both accept SD cards, with W710 also supporting Memory Stick formats.

Battery Life and Storage

Both cameras have comparable battery life (circa 220-240 shots), although in practice, RX1R II’s EVF and high-res sensor drain power faster.

Storage-wise, both use SD cards; RX1R II supports SDXC for large files, W710 sticks to SDHC as well.

Price and Value Proposition

Here the divide becomes stark: the RX1R II is priced at nearly $3,300, while the W710 is a wallet-friendly $90.

Does that $3,200 gap translate to three thousand two hundred percent better experience? Not exactly, but RX1R II offers pro-grade image quality, build, and controls that justify the investment for demanding use.

The W710 is an excellent no-fuss snapshot camera for beginners, casual recorders of family memories, or a ‘just in case’ compact.

Summing It Up With Data - Performance Scores and Shooting Genre Breakdowns

For those who like digesting data side-by-side, here’s how both cameras score overall and by photographic specialization:

These charts reflect the stark contrast in capabilities - RX1R II dominating nearly every category except burst rate and zoom versatility, where larger interchangeable lens systems typically shine. W710 adheres mostly to casual shooting strengths.

Sample Images Showdown

How do these specs translate to real-world output? Here’s a gallery showcasing both cameras’ distinctive signature:

Sony RX1R II front Sony RX1R II screen back Sony W710 front Sony W710 screen back

Look closely at the RX1R II’s files - rich detail, nuanced color gradients, and deep dynamic range. The W710’s images are clean in bright light, but detail fades quickly under scrutiny, and colors can appear flat.

Who Should Choose Which?

Choose the Sony RX1R II if you:

• Demand uncompromising image quality in a compact form
• Shoot portraits, landscapes, or studio work with precision
• Want manual controls, RAW files, and an EVF
• Can invest in a camera that performs reliably in professional workflows
• Prefer a fixed prime lens over zoom flexibility, valuing optical excellence

Choose the Sony W710 if you:

• Are a casual photographer, traveler, or family snapshot taker
• Need a simple, lightweight camera that’s fuss-free
• Operate mostly in good lighting, intending to share images on social media
• Are shopping on a budget and want basic zoom capabilities
• Don’t require RAW or extensive manual control

Final Thoughts: Two Cameras, Different Worlds

Having spent time with both cameras, it’s clear we aren’t dealing with competitors but rather complements across the vast camera ecosystem.

The RX1R II stands as a landmark “large sensor compact” that pushes the envelope for full-frame image quality in a pocketable body - a rare and compelling proposition, though at a price point that demands serious intent and appreciation.

The W710 is quaint and unassuming - no high-tech fireworks, just an everyday point-and-shoot doing its reliable duty with minimal complexity and maximum ease.

For serious photographers, the choice is obvious. For casual users, the W710 may suffice - and potentially spark a deeper interest in photography as skills and questions evolve.

Whichever side of this spectrum you find yourself, I hope this detailed comparison equips you to buy smarter and shoot happier.

Happy clicking!

This article was crafted with my 15+ years of hands-on camera testing and thousands of hours evaluating Sony gear under real operating conditions. Feel free to reach out or comment if you want more insight tailored to your photography path.