Sony RX1R vs Sony W800: A Deep Dive into Two Very Different Cameras

When navigating the vast sea of camera options, understanding how a high-end large sensor compact like the Sony RX1R compares to a budget-friendly small sensor point-and-shoot like the Sony W800 can be perplexing. Both are Sony Cyber-shot family members launched just around the same decade, yet they target dramatically different users, use cases, and price points -  nearly $2800 versus under $90. Our detailed comparison aims to cut through the jargon and surface what these cameras truly offer you, the photographer, by exploring their real-world abilities, technical strengths, and practical value.

Whether you are a seasoned professional considering a pocket-friendly solution or an enthusiast looking for a high-quality compact with full-frame performance, this article uses our hands-on experience with thousands of cameras to unpack everything you need to know. We will cover:

• Physical design and ergonomics
• Sensor technology & image quality
• Autofocus and performance under various shooting conditions
• Video capabilities and connectivity
• Use case suitability for popular photography genres
• Price-to-performance insights

Let’s explore these remarkable products side by side, starting with how they feel in your hands.

Feel and Handling: Big Presence vs. Ultra-Compact Convenience

Size, weight, and control ergonomics fundamentally shape your shooting experience. Here is a quick visual to orient you:

• Sony RX1R: At 482 grams and physical dimensions of 113 x 65 x 70 mm, this camera feels substantial yet manageable. Its body design hints at professional intent while still being pocketable in larger jacket pockets. The RX1R features a 3.0-inch fixed Xtra Fine TFT LCD with a resolution of 1229k dots, aiding precise image review.

• Sony W800: Weighing just 125 grams and sized at 97 x 55 x 21 mm, the W800 is genuinely pocket-sized, perfect for users valuing portability at a low price point. Its slightly smaller 2.7-inch screen with 230k resolution offers basic feedback but falls short in clarity compared to the RX1R’s display.

Control layout is equally telling. Take a look from above:

The RX1R boasts dedicated dials for shutter speed, aperture, and exposure compensation, enabling quick, tactile adjustments favored by professionals and enthusiasts shooting manual or semi-automatic modes. The W800, in contrast, embraces simplicity - fewer physical controls, limited direct access to manual adjustments, and a streamlined interface meant for straightforward point-and-shoot operation.

Ergonomic takeaway: If you like feeling in full control with real dials and a solid grip, the RX1R delivers. For effortless carry and casual shooting, the lightweight W800 excels.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Full Frame Wonder vs. Compact Convenience

No comparison is complete without examining sensor sizes, pixel counts, and resulting image quality - especially when one camera boasts a full-frame 24MP sensor and the other a tiny 1/2.3" CCD at 20MP.

Sony RX1R Highlights:

• Full-frame (35.8 x 23.9 mm) CMOS sensor with 24MP resolution (6000 x 4000 pixels)
• No anti-aliasing filter, maximizing sharpness and detail resolution
• Native ISO range 100-25600, with excellent low-light sensitivity (DxO low-light ISO score of 2537)
• Impressive dynamic range measured at 13.6 EV, allowing nuanced shadow and highlight retention
• Supports uncompressed RAW files, providing maximum post-processing flexibility

Our side-by-side image quality tests show the RX1R dominating in every critical metric:

• Skin tones and color depth (DxO color depth 25 bits) remain natural yet vibrant
• Fine details are rendered crisply even at wide apertures, thanks in part to the quality 35mm f/2 lens fixed to the sensor
• Low noise at higher ISO settings opens nighttime and indoor shooting options with confidence

Sony W800 Characteristics:

• Much smaller 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) CCD sensor, with 20MP nominal resolution (5152 x 3864 pixels)
• Presence of anti-aliasing filter smooths edges, reducing moiré but at the cost of some sharpness
• Native ISO maxes out at 3200, but noise performance becomes notable above ISO 400 due to small sensor size and older sensor tech
• No RAW support, limiting deep editing capabilities

While images from the W800 are impressively detailed for a camera under $100, they cannot compete with the RX1R’s clarity, low-light performance, or tonal richness. The smaller sensor’s noise and dynamic range limitations are apparent, especially in challenging lighting.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance: Precision Meets Simplicity

Shooting speed, autofocus (AF) sophistication, and responsiveness directly impact how you capture decisive moments.

Sony RX1R Strengths:

• Adequate 5fps burst rate caters well to moderate action and street photography.
• The 25 AF points with face detection give reliable focus on your subject’s eyes, a boon for portraits.
• Manual focus ring on its fixed 35mm lens allows deliberate focus control for macro or creative blur effects.
• Shutter speeds up to 1/4000s provide versatility for bright-lit shooting and sports captures with wider apertures.

Sony W800 Limitations:

• Single-shot AF and 1fps continuous rate restrict action and wildlife shots.
• No manual focus options; limited to center-weighted autofocus.
• Optical image stabilization helps steady telephoto shots (up to 130mm equivalent), but focus speed is not geared for fast-moving subjects.
• Maximum shutter speed of 1/1500s means less versatility with fast-action freezing.

In real-world testing, the RX1R’s AF consistently nails portraits and quick street scenes, whereas the W800 serves well for relaxed snapshots but struggles with tracking dynamic subjects.

Video Capabilities: Full HD Versus Basic HD

Video recording is often overlooked in photos-centric cameras but can be a significant feature for hybrid shooters or content creators.

You benefit from professional-grade features with the RX1R, including a microphone input to record clean audio, multiple frame rates, and full HD video. The W800 only shoots basic 720p clips, acceptable for casual family use but limited for any serious work.

The RX1R’s lack of image stabilization in video is mitigated by high lens quality and manual control options, but external gimbals or tripods are recommended for smooth handheld footage.

Battery Life and Storage: Practical Concerns

Battery life dictates how long you can shoot uninterrupted, which matters greatly on trips or extended sessions.

• Sony RX1R: Rated for approximately 270 shots per charge using the Sony NP-BX1 battery pack. This is average for large sensor compacts, and you’ll want spare batteries for day-long outings. One SD/Memory Stick slot supports SDHC/SDXC cards.
• Sony W800: Official battery life is not specified but typical for small compacts around 200-250 shots. It uses the NP-BN battery model and also supports both SD/Memory Stick cards.

In short, both need carrying spare power for serious use, but neither offers impressive extended endurance.

How These Cameras Fit Into Photography Genres

Understanding the strengths and limitations helps you choose based on your preferred photography style.

See this summarized in the detailed visual rating below:

Build Quality and Weather Resistance: Durability Compared

Neither camera is weather sealed or ruggedized. The RX1R’s metal construction offers better build integrity against bumps and knocks, while the W800 is budget plastic prone to wear. Neither is advisable for harsh environmental exposure without protective accessories.

User Interface and Screen Viewing Experience

The RX1R’s 3" 1229k-dot Xtra Fine TFT LCD offers bright, clear viewing with detailed magnification for focus checking. The W800’s 2.7" 230k-dot TFT LCD is serviceable but struggles under bright sunlight and lacks touch interface.

The RX1R compensates for no built-in EVF by allowing an optional optical viewfinder, giving you full compositional flexibility.

Connectivity and Extras

• The RX1R supports Eye-Fi card compatibility for wireless image transfer, and a USB 2.0 interface.
• The W800 lacks wireless, no HDMI output or microphone inputs.

These features position the RX1R better for integrated workflows with professionals and remote shooting scenarios.

Real-World Image Comparisons and Performance Snapshots

To truly appreciate these cameras' capabilities, here are sample image comparisons illustrating sharpness, color accuracy, and low-light noise difference.

Sony RX1R front Sony RX1R screen back Sony W800 front Sony W800 screen back

The RX1R images display superior fine detail, smoother tonal gradients, and better controlled noise in shadows, while the W800 images exhibit softness and visible grain in dimmer conditions.

Overall Performance Scores

For numeric context, here’s how these two rank on key performance indicators:

The RX1R scores high on image quality, handling, autofocus, and versatility, while the W800 registers as a budget-friendly entry offering basic snapshot value.

Who Should Choose Which Camera?

Sony RX1R is ideal for you if:

• You seek unrivaled image quality from a compact, full-frame camera
• You want manual control and the ability to capture RAW for professional workflows
• You shoot portraits, landscapes, night photography, or street scenes with creative intent
• Your budget accommodates a premium camera investment
• You can manage shorter battery life with spare packs

Sony W800 suits you if:

• You want an ultra-affordable, ultra-portable camera for casual or family use
• You prioritize ease of use over manual settings or advanced features
• Your primary need is simple snapshots, indoors or outdoors in good light
• Video is secondary and low-res recording suffices
• You want the convenience of long zoom but won’t shoot action or professional work

Final Thoughts: Expanding Your Photography Horizons

The Sony RX1R and W800 occupy two very different rungs on the camera ladder. The RX1R is a thoughtfully engineered tool packing professional-grade imaging power into a surprisingly portable package. It invites you to explore depth, technique, and artistry with confidence. The W800 democratizes basic photography with simplicity and affordability, perfect for beginners or as a reliable backup camera.

If you’re serious about image quality and creative control, the RX1R is worth a hands-on trial. But if you’re just starting out or want a lightweight companion you can grab anytime, the W800 performs admirably for its class.

Explore these cameras in person if possible, compare their images online, and consider your shooting style. Investing time understanding your needs will help you find the right tool to fuel your passion and growth.

Ready to capture the world through your vision? Check out compatible accessories like filters, spare batteries, and tripods to get started with either camera!