Sony RX100 II is the next version of the original RX100. Both of them are very similar in shape and features, but also different because of some improvements, which is why we made Sony RX100 II vs RX100 article today to help you see what set them apart and which camera will meet your preference better.
In this article we are going to give you information about:
– What are Sony RX100 II and RX100
– What Sony RX100 II and RX100 can offer to you
– Sony RX100 II vs RX100
About Sony RX100 II and RX100
Sony RX100 II and RX100 are two compact digital cameras that not only suitable for enthusiast but also affordable for those with limited budget. Even though the hype for mirrorless cameras are going up in recent years, most big companies still offer models that able to give the quality of DSLR but don’t want to carry its extra bulk. The first RX100 was released since 2004 but in around 2013 the company release its second version named RX100 II with of course some improvement over the original version.
Sony RX100 II and RX100 Design
From the outside both of Sony RX100 II and RX100 looks very similar. What’s made them easily separate is probably the optional hot shoe place at the top of the unit. If you try to lift them up, you will also notice that the newer version is slightly heavier than the original. Moving to the back area, both of them have a 3-inch tilting LCD. The difference here is that the LCD in newer version can be tilted up to 90 and 40-degree up and down while the older version is fixed. Go check our article on Canon G7 X vs Sony RX100 here.
Sony RX100 II and RX100 Features
Both of Sony RX100 II and RX100 come with the same 20.2 Megapixel 1-inch CMOS sensor. The improvement in Mark 2 is now it is back-illuminated that was claimed to improve the camera around 40% in low light sensitivity. As for the lens, they have F1.8 Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T*lens that delivers refined background defocusing – bokeh with powerful 3.6x optical zoom.
In the ISO, both cameras also a bit different; the Mark 2 ISO is 160-12800, down to ISO 100 as well as can be expanded up to 25600 while the older version has 125-6400 and can be expanded up to 25600 with multi-frame noise reduction.
Sony RX100 II has a multi interface shoe, which is not available in the original RX100. With this additional feature, you can attach various accessories for photo and movie shooting. You can put electronic viewfinder, external flash or even stereo microphone as well as remote. Both cameras able to detect up to 8 faces and adjust their focus, exposure, white balance or flash for better result.
Another difference that put Mark II above RX100 is the connectivity. Taken from DPREVIEW the new version now comes with an NFC. This feature is beneficial if you own a smartphone that also support the feature. You can download the Play Memories app into your smartphone and make it act as remote control for the camera. You will also be able to instantly receive the captured images via Wi-Fi.
Comparison
Now, let’s compare Sony RX100 II with RX100. Both cameras come with similar and different features, such as the tilted screen, back illuminated sensor, Multi-interface hot shoe, and the last is NFC connection, which all not available in the older version. All of these features are certainly put Mark II into another level because you can take better results with the back illuminated and hot shoe. The tilting screen also allow you to be more creative with different angle framing while the NFC enhance its ease of use.
Sony RX100 II vs RX100
Conclusion
All in all, the decision is all yours to make. Looking at the comparison, we know that RX100 II is better than its predecessor. The price is of course higher than its original version but it is still affordable for all the additional abilities. If you are fine with the price, in our opinion, it is better to pick the new Sony RX100 II.