Amen brother. I used to own the Q2, X100V & VI, but the RX1R II Is by far my absolute favourite. More compact body than the X100 but bigger lens. However I see the "bigger" lens as an advantage compared to the Fuji due to the simple reason that its easier to operate (ctrl aperture, mf and plus you have the macro mode) the Fuji lens is to close to the body. Also puzzling that this 2015 camera got more trustworthy Eye AF than X100VI. Plus the sensor is the best Sony has ever made and in my opinion beats many of the newer 60mpx sensors. Battery life I have zero problems with and have learned to live with. Color science is not the best, but who cares we shoot in raw. And that pop up EVF - MAGIC!
If I have to go on a trip and absolutely capture a subject or moment. This is my go to, it’s so fast, compact, and seriously snappy. It’s small size allows me to take pictures of almost anything. The lens is not the smallest, but honestly when you see the pictures it produces, it’s worth putting up with the lens. And it’s so silent!
It should- it’s like 3 grand at release🤪 and STILL around 3 grand today. Ridiculous. Get a used Leica instead. At 3k, with no IL, you’re sacrificing too much for SMALL. I mean you cash pick up a used Hasselblad for this price, and it’s pretty small, too- but medium format. I don’t know who this RX 1is made for, really. Spies? Hobbits? If you’re a casual, paying $3k for a camera you’re not making money with, I think maybe you have too much time and cash on your hands.
@@ARNULFOXRAMIREZimagine needing a $3k full frame camera to “capture moments” 🤪 I read this so much in comments it’s insane- ummmm is the Sony a7c good with on 4k to shoot my 3 and 4 year olds running around??) People posting just to post 🤡
I used the Sony RX1 as my only camera for a 3-month trip through Europe in 2015. The image quality/lens/sensor combo was incredible and still is today. Wish I had never sold it!
@@GeorgeHolden 100%, just the form factor and lens is enough to sell me on it, unfortunately don’t think Sony has a great relationship with Zeiss anymore
Regrettably, I sold my RX1RII ages ago. Ever since I've been regretting selling it, and have been hoping that one day, I can get another on back. Wouldn't it be nice if Sony decided to come out with an RX1RIII... I doubt it'll ever happen, but it would be nice.
The weight/balance in your hand while walking is sublime as is the lack of shutter noise ;) and the anti-aliasing filter is great for insta ;) 180-200 shots per battery is fine as carrying another 1-2 is very doable.
I've had mine since fall of 2012. Still one of my favorite cameras. Probably taken more great shots with this lens than anything else I own. (and I have a lot of Sony/Canon/Zeiss gear) Only my Zony 35/1.4 ZA and Zeiss 35/1.4 ZE lenses are comparable - and they are much heavier lenses.
I bought a fairly used copy of RX1 at the start of last year to carry me through a project. Truly, my love for the images this camera generates is unmatched. It's not as snappy as it could be, it's not as ergonomic as it could be, yes, the battery life sucks, yes, now I have a dust speck that will never go away, and YES, seems like now it is my time to get the MF malfunction. Still, I fear the day this camera will die on me. The character the images have, from the amazing pairing of lens and sensor married together, leave nothing more for me to desire. YET, if I think about it, if I'd be faced with buying a replacement, i think I wouldn't even look towards rx1riii. The price it holds seems outrageous, for what it is now.
I have an rx1 from new when it was introduced, and dug it out to shoot again. I like the lens and how it renders, but the AF and sensor performance lags behind now. Not to mention the battery life and lack of EVF. But when it nails it, the image is wonderful, especially the Zeiss Sonnar Look.
I found an old busted copy of this camera that was plagued with the e61 error code but the price was too good to pass up. It also had all these other issues but that didn't stop me from falling in love with that camera. I loved it so much that I eventually sold my x100t and this camera for the rx1rii! I luckily found one a for a pretty decent price on MPB and I haven't looked back!! These cameras are phenomenal and completely underrated (understandingly so $$$) its just an absolute shame that they go for so much and also why isn't there an updated mk3?!?!? This camera goes everywhere with me and I have taken some of my all time favorite images with it. The pop up EVF, the blazing fast updated AF system (in comparison to the mk1) and increased resolution is worth the upgrade, if you can find it for a good price!
Wait, so you've bought it with the e61 and then what? Did you fix it? Press the lens against the table trick? Cause I have one on my scope with the same problem but relatively cheap.
5:22 the leaf shutter does not live between the rear element and the body of the camera, it lives in front of the rear element - in between several of the lens elements.
@@GeorgeHolden I'm not sure what you mean by "rear aperture." The aperture blades for controlling the f-stop and the leaf shutter blades should always be between lens elements. If they were at the rear, behind the last element, they would cause an uneven exposure - darker edges of the frame. You can see this with the adapters to put DSLR lenses on mirrorless cameras that have their own aperture blades built in - those are behind the rear element, and you can only close them down a little bit before the start cutting off the corners of your image.
I can't find a diagram of the RX1, but here's the X-100. Front of the lens is on the right, sensor is on the left (but not shown) and the orange, purple, and yellow lines before the last group of elements are the shutter, aperture, and ND filter. In many cameras they are all together, but in some cases there might be one lens element separating the aperture and shutter. www.kenrockwell.com/fuji/x100/diagram-green-1033.jpg
The RX1R was my first FF camera. I still have it. I get some great shots - when I'm paying attention. I have a bunch of sonys, leicas, sigmas, panasonics. It's hard to remember what camera menu does what. My only complaint is that the RX battery system is okay for the RX100s, but runs out fast in such a significant sensor/lens combination.
I had an RX1 for 3 years or so. While the image quality and the built construction were amazing, the ergonomics and the autofocus were just not good enough. I still love the pictures I took with it but I wouldn’t recommend it in 2024, it’s really too slow and awkward to use. I often picked up my old nex camera for street photography.😄
@@GeorgeHoldenit's much better than the MK1, but it is still crippled by poor battery life, a slow max shutter speed wide open, and no IS which makes 1/100 the slowest realistic setting for aperture priority. It also desperately needs a better way to change focus point.
This type of camera had their time and it has long gone. It was designed to appeal to thetype of people who now use their mobile phones to do the same style of photography, TBH for its intended purpose it was well overspecified. That it had a full frame sensor or otherwise does not come into the considerations of those whose main aim is to upload to social media sites as quickly as possible and using edits done on the same device. That a camera like Fuji X100 has still managed to survive is partly due to having a viewfinder and a hell of a lot of marketing effort on the part of Fuji.
You call this small. I know it may be a dumb comparison but I've used much smaller 'full frame' cameras, which would be even smaller than many modern compact cameras, the only difference was their 'sensor' was made of 35mm photographic film.
I have loved my RX1R for the last nine years and have not seen anything that compares with it (except the RX1R II). I take it everywhere and use it to shoot pretty much anything. As I became a little unsteady (aged 70+) I have added an aftermarket RH grip which doesn't increase the bulk significantly but it does make me wonder why Sony didn't do it from the get-go... (AND FILL IT WITH BUTTON CELLS RATHER THAN THE FUTILE BATTERIES THAT COME AS STANDARD)
I'm so glad you reviewed this George. I have been itching to know more about its character. I still love my Panny boys (GM5 and GX9). Thank you for sharing it.
Back in 2016 I contemplated between the RX1r mk2 and the new Leica Q. I chose for the Leica Q and I am happy I did. The Sony has crazy menu's and you need lots of battery. The 2nd hand price is too high anno 2024 (for what the camera offers). Probably just because it had no successor. Leica nailed it with the Q, it is much more appealing to me as a camera that i can operate as a mechanical camera. Also the autofocus is great. Despite contrast detection on par with the Nikon D800 I had before (considering i don't do action shots). the 24mp+lens combo outperformed the 36mp D800 in many ways. I think it is good that the Sony has an aperture ring. this sets it apart from other modern camera's, but why o why is there no hyperfocal marks on the lens??
I purchased this camera used a couple years ago, because it would be dumb to buy a 10 year old product for full retail…. Once it arrived I immediately took a photo at F16 and saw a huge dust mark on the image from a dust particle trapped on the sensor. Immediately returned it and purchased the A1 instead. This camera is terrible for backpacking in the elements, just like the RX100 series, because it’s not totally weather sealed and once dust hits the sensor, you are looking at a huge repair bill. Not worth it
The A1 has a vibe to it for sure. I got it and the A9III to compare, and while the A9III eats it for video and has noticeably better AF, the A1 just...I don't know, something about it hits different. Really excited for the A1 II likely coming out soon, that's the only reason I kept the A9 over the A1.
@@CriticalTechReviews I really want that speed button for the right middle finger…I want to be able to set it to 1/1600 shutter speed and be able to rip without having to twist the speed stick.
I own both the A1 and the RX1RII. The RX is the one that goes everywhere with me, especially hiking. It stays in the bag when the weather is bad, but IMO a camera is meant to be used, so if that means potentially getting some dust and dings, so be it. The A1 is just too big to and heavy to take as a hiking / backpacking camera.
I discovered yesterday, at LCE on Strand, London, that the RX1 is the same size as the Fujifilm X-M1 with a 27mm TTArtisan AF on it. That leaves me to think the new X-M5 will be a good buy at £800 rather than a 12 year old Sony, as good the RX1 is.
Smartphones killed it off. Modern smartphones will take better photos than the ones seen here. Zero reason for Sony to waste money on this line. Leica remains in this space because of hipsters with disposable income. Sony doesnt have that.
I'd suggest setting up the AEL button here as "focus toggle" if possible. Back button focusing in a continuous AF mode can work simultaneously as continuous and single AF, letting you focus and recompose still subjects or track a target without having to move the focus point around with those outdated slow d-pads etc.
@@GeorgeHolden Thanks for the autofocus tips! Focusing on the ground and having a deeper DOF should help me get those pictures in focus. For the back button focus, what you do is set camera to MF like you already did. Set a button, say the C button to AF/MF Control Toggle and then set AEL button to AF/MF Control HOLD. Set another button, say the down button to Focus Magnifier and there you go, you can stay in MF and press AEL to change focus without switching back to AF. Everytime you need to single AF, just hold AEL! Saw this tip somewhere online and should save you a lot of time.
Such a shame Sony haven't followed up on this series. Btw i believe the traditional mech shutter is called a "focal plane" shutter, which might be a better way to differentiate since leaf shutters are also mechanical.
I'm waiting for Sony to release the modern interpretation of this camera and I will drop BIG BUCKS for a photography centric experience. My wishlist includes, NP-FZ100 battery, 28mm f/1.8 60MP double stacked full-frame CMOS sensor, don't care about video, remove video and make the camera smaller, thumb stick, touchscreen tilt out screen, USB-C, wifi capability. MAKE IT HAPPEN SONY!!! If they can deliver this in a body that's smaller than their a6000 lineup, then consider me sold!
I’ve had an RX1Rii since 2017 and it’s been in for repairs almost as much as it’s been available for use. The people in the shop got tired of seeing me I had to bring it in so much. So, as good as it is, I just cannot rely on it or recommend it. After I brought it in the last time 3 separate problems occurred which have made the camera impossible to use. So it just sits in a drawer until I finally throw it out.
Somewhere around 1:40, when you're showing the focusing thing, I saw the Magnum Streetwise book. I looked over to the right of my laptop where my copy is, and thought, "Oh. So we all have the same books, too. Got it."
Loved it so much but in the end I couldn't stand the EVF. It kept wanting to collapse on me and felt flimsy. Not a fan of shooting off the rear screen. Dang I love its photos though. 3-d pop for sure. Also, I've had the Q and q2 and 28 mm is too wide for me. I feel like at 35mm I can still take nice portraits. PLEASE SONY!!!!
i thought Nikon Coolpix A is the worst in terms of zone focus (distance reset if camera turn off), but then I've tried this camera, its even worst... not only the distance will reset, the distance meter on the screen also dissapear all time, had to roll the focus ring first to make the meter appears. yea i bought this camera, somehow brand new, few month ago for $1300. my worst purchase ever.
I've wanted to get the mk ii as a backup/edc but I cant justify the price. Been wondering if a new model is even planned or if getting the first rx1r is good enough for it's purposes.
@@GeorgeHolden I agree George. I am a classic Zeiss guy and yes, they are "crispy." I laughed because, it just sounded like a description for food: you know, for pork belly, fried chicken wings, baked potatoes. Okay, I'll stop and go find something to eat now.
Great review! I'm actually not sure if I remember this camera, and I've been following the cameras and photography world, especially here on RUclips, for what feels like forever now. :-D Also, I have a question: when you refer the slow focus of the camera did you happen to check is there are settings in the camera for the speed of the autofocus? I know in my A7III and in a lot of other Sony cameras there are two settings for autofocus system burried in the menu somewhere: one is the speed of the focus itself and another one is basically how reluctant or eager the camera to refocus, if that makes sense. For example, you can make it very sticky to whatever it focused on and even if someone is walking in front of it, etc, the camera would not refocus until the subjec it covered for several seconds. Alternatively, you can make the camera jump from subject to subject as soon as it gets into the frame. Both of these settings have a spectrum let's say from 1 to 5 or something like that, so it's not just ON of OFF, you can adjust the level of sensitivity for each. Some people are not aware of these settings and I've seen people criticising Sony cameras for "slow" focus when they didn't realise that their settings were messed up by someone else or something like that, especially if they borrowed a camera for a review or bought it second hand.
Thanks! And no sadly this is just the state of 2012 AF, as the A7III is actually on a very new AF system in comparison. The settings you're referring to are AF sensitivity and AF responsiveness I think, which are for the newer models!
@@GeorgeHolden got you! Well, I just had to ask on a slim chance there were those settings in the camera and those might have improved the autofocus for you. My guess is, you also checked the firmware update as well. 😉 Then it is what it is, unfortunately - great camera but somewhat limited by age of the ever advancing technology. Although, if you think what auto focus system Henri Cartier-Bresson used (hint: none 😂), we're blessed with whatever autofocus system we have. 😉
I was intrigued by this for years; eventually I bought it, had it for a day and sent it back. I appreciate others love it, we're all different. Not for me.
@@urban_junglecarry9958 No idea, it was so underwhelming I can't even remember. I had a similar reaction to the A7r which is capable but clinical. The RX100 was the exception among the Sonys I've owned: a fantastic camera. I'm more a Fuji guy, that might be a clue. To me, an XT1 beats an RX1 into a cocked hat. Each to his own. Cheers.
I owned the MK2 version of this expensive jewellery piece! Menus were useless to me and the battery life when cold was atrocious. But the images on man those images were great
1:40 well you were not exactly right, Sony had touch screen in the NEX cameras, even one of them I do not remember right the model NEX 5r or 5n had touch menu, than after that model they forgot they can do it and it came back 1-2 years ago I do not remember it right but maybe with the A7CII/R cameras. Touch menu is something they were keeping away from us for whatever reason. Otherwise I had for a while RX1rII and I decided to keep the A7rII :D. It is the same insides but better battery, better video, better EVF, better focus control with latest firmware, ... The 35 2.0 Zeiss in the RX1 was too boring for me. The only really cool thing about the RX1 is the shutter - you can sync with flash at any speed without HSS.
Traded my a6000 with a few lens for an RX1, couldnt be happier with my decision, huge step up in image quality, low light performance in term of noise and i just love the leaf shutter. Yes, its slow AF can be painful at times, no EVF, weak battery life (had to bought another 4) but I dont see myself parting ways with it, though i might upgrade to the mark ii someday.
Unless the original rx1 didn’t have one and only the rx1r’s had it… but i do see the same outline in the top of the body where the evf is on the rx1r’s 🤷🏼♂️
@@GeorgeHolden The only dimension that's greater on the Sigma is its height. Otherwise it's thinner and not quite as wide. Sigma fp dimensions: 112.6 x 69.9 x 45.3 mm. Sony RX1 dimensions: 113.3 x 65.4 x 48.2 mm (sans lens). Jeez I feel like a nerd right now. But yeah, the Sigma FP actually has slightly less total volume. Splitting hairs though, they're both bonkers small. P.s. Sorry for being such a nitpicker!! 😆
I had it and sold it after a week. It was indeed a great camera but I found it boring from the very first minute; my fault I guess, I´m pretty sure I would enjoy it much more today.
My rx1rii has been collecting dust on a shelf for over a year and a half. Too many compromised from a usability standpoint, in spite of the fantastic image quality
@@GeorgeHolden it might be showing up on eBay soon. When I need a discreet EDC, the gr3x is simply more usable...with better colors out of camera, to boot.
Everything is a myth. Some cameras may offer more assistance to the photographer than others, but so what, IMHO. Great deal of the time almost any camera would be sufficient. Photographers today spend their time reading camera specs instead of dedicating themselves to creative thought and work. Handling cameras, polishing lenses, dreaming of the next big purchase is not photography. Look at the mundane pictures often offered as evidence of the photographer’s amazing skill set, cough, cough.😢
I can buy 2 separate Lumix S9s, with 2 different lenses, for hundreds of dollars less than this camera... And that also gives me the best IBIS in the world, 4k video recording, and the ability to change lenses... Why would anyone buy this thing? I'm honestly asking here
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I’ve shot the RX1R II for almost a decade and it still unparalleled. I’ve tried the X100 series, the Q2 and more. Nothing has compared
Oh wow! That's a definite vote of confidence
Amen brother. I used to own the Q2, X100V & VI, but the RX1R II Is by far my absolute favourite. More compact body than the X100 but bigger lens. However I see the "bigger" lens as an advantage compared to the Fuji due to the simple reason that its easier to operate (ctrl aperture, mf and plus you have the macro mode) the Fuji lens is to close to the body. Also puzzling that this 2015 camera got more trustworthy Eye AF than X100VI. Plus the sensor is the best Sony has ever made and in my opinion beats many of the newer 60mpx sensors. Battery life I have zero problems with and have learned to live with. Color science is not the best, but who cares we shoot in raw. And that pop up EVF - MAGIC!
If I have to go on a trip and absolutely capture a subject or moment. This is my go to, it’s so fast, compact, and seriously snappy. It’s small size allows me to take pictures of almost anything. The lens is not the smallest, but honestly when you see the pictures it produces, it’s worth putting up with the lens. And it’s so silent!
It should- it’s like 3 grand at release🤪 and STILL around 3 grand today. Ridiculous. Get a used Leica instead. At 3k, with no IL, you’re sacrificing too much for SMALL. I mean you cash pick up a used Hasselblad for this price, and it’s pretty small, too- but medium format.
I don’t know who this RX 1is made for, really. Spies? Hobbits? If you’re a casual, paying $3k for a camera you’re not making money with, I think maybe you have too much time and cash on your hands.
@@ARNULFOXRAMIREZimagine needing a $3k full frame camera to “capture moments” 🤪 I read this so much in comments it’s insane- ummmm is the Sony a7c good with on 4k to shoot my 3 and 4 year olds running around??)
People posting just to post 🤡
I used the Sony RX1 as my only camera for a 3-month trip through Europe in 2015. The image quality/lens/sensor combo was incredible and still is today. Wish I had never sold it!
That's impressive! I've thoroughly enjoyed it so far and plan to hold onto it
Didn’t it annoy you not having zoom?
I shook my head in disappointment and smiled when you did the Man in Finance reference. Take my like
That is the most appropriate reaction 😂
OMG!!!! Hahahaha
I immediately scrolled to the comments section just to check if anyone else noticed hahaha
I have the original RX1r. Slow focus, never updated with a firmware, great lens, full frame - love it .
It should have had a good (cylindrical) hand grip big enough to have a *big battery*
Sony is terrible at supporting their products afterwards
a new, refined version of this would be amazing
Sony rx1r III
I'd take even a lower MP RX1 II just like a 33MP update, if it's more affordable I'd take it
@@GeorgeHolden 100%, just the form factor and lens is enough to sell me on it, unfortunately don’t think Sony has a great relationship with Zeiss anymore
the rx1r II exists and it packs a 42mp sensor but yeah an rx1r III or an rx1 II would be cool
@@A1ko_what’s the biggest differences between the three of them
Regrettably, I sold my RX1RII ages ago. Ever since I've been regretting selling it, and have been hoping that one day, I can get another on back. Wouldn't it be nice if Sony decided to come out with an RX1RIII... I doubt it'll ever happen, but it would be nice.
The weight/balance in your hand while walking is sublime as is the lack of shutter noise ;) and the anti-aliasing filter is great for insta ;) 180-200 shots per battery is fine as carrying another 1-2 is very doable.
I've had mine since fall of 2012. Still one of my favorite cameras. Probably taken more great shots with this lens than anything else I own. (and I have a lot of Sony/Canon/Zeiss gear) Only my Zony 35/1.4 ZA and Zeiss 35/1.4 ZE lenses are comparable - and they are much heavier lenses.
I bought a fairly used copy of RX1 at the start of last year to carry me through a project. Truly, my love for the images this camera generates is unmatched. It's not as snappy as it could be, it's not as ergonomic as it could be, yes, the battery life sucks, yes, now I have a dust speck that will never go away, and YES, seems like now it is my time to get the MF malfunction. Still, I fear the day this camera will die on me. The character the images have, from the amazing pairing of lens and sensor married together, leave nothing more for me to desire. YET, if I think about it, if I'd be faced with buying a replacement, i think I wouldn't even look towards rx1riii. The price it holds seems outrageous, for what it is now.
I have an rx1 from new when it was introduced, and dug it out to shoot again. I like the lens and how it renders, but the AF and sensor performance lags behind now. Not to mention the battery life and lack of EVF. But when it nails it, the image is wonderful, especially the Zeiss Sonnar Look.
Yeah the AF is very frustrating, hence why I've enjoyed the MF workaround
that camera is the . pinnacle of photography device, the only downside, its battery life is the Achilles heel
The ad-hoc zone focus trick is GENIUS. I hadn't thought to do that before this video.
I wish it worked on every camera and lens, but luckily it's reliable on the RX1!
I found an old busted copy of this camera that was plagued with the e61 error code but the price was too good to pass up. It also had all these other issues but that didn't stop me from falling in love with that camera. I loved it so much that I eventually sold my x100t and this camera for the rx1rii! I luckily found one a for a pretty decent price on MPB and I haven't looked back!!
These cameras are phenomenal and completely underrated (understandingly so $$$) its just an absolute shame that they go for so much and also why isn't there an updated mk3?!?!?
This camera goes everywhere with me and I have taken some of my all time favorite images with it. The pop up EVF, the blazing fast updated AF system (in comparison to the mk1) and increased resolution is worth the upgrade, if you can find it for a good price!
Oh really?! Yes the new version looks amazing, not sure I can justify it 😂 definitely would love to see an up to date version sometime in the future
Wait, so you've bought it with the e61 and then what? Did you fix it? Press the lens against the table trick? Cause I have one on my scope with the same problem but relatively cheap.
5:22 the leaf shutter does not live between the rear element and the body of the camera, it lives in front of the rear element - in between several of the lens elements.
Is that true for every camera? As I have seen lenses where the leaf closes at the rear aperture?
@@GeorgeHolden I'm not sure what you mean by "rear aperture." The aperture blades for controlling the f-stop and the leaf shutter blades should always be between lens elements. If they were at the rear, behind the last element, they would cause an uneven exposure - darker edges of the frame. You can see this with the adapters to put DSLR lenses on mirrorless cameras that have their own aperture blades built in - those are behind the rear element, and you can only close them down a little bit before the start cutting off the corners of your image.
I can't find a diagram of the RX1, but here's the X-100. Front of the lens is on the right, sensor is on the left (but not shown) and the orange, purple, and yellow lines before the last group of elements are the shutter, aperture, and ND filter. In many cameras they are all together, but in some cases there might be one lens element separating the aperture and shutter.
www.kenrockwell.com/fuji/x100/diagram-green-1033.jpg
The RX1R was my first FF camera. I still have it. I get some great shots - when I'm paying attention. I have a bunch of sonys, leicas, sigmas, panasonics. It's hard to remember what camera menu does what. My only complaint is that the RX battery system is okay for the RX100s, but runs out fast in such a significant sensor/lens combination.
I had an RX1 for 3 years or so. While the image quality and the built construction were amazing, the ergonomics and the autofocus were just not good enough. I still love the pictures I took with it but I wouldn’t recommend it in 2024, it’s really too slow and awkward to use.
I often picked up my old nex camera for street photography.😄
Still got my rx1r2 and really love it.
Quite jealous of that one! Would love to try one out sometime
@@GeorgeHoldenit's much better than the MK1, but it is still crippled by poor battery life, a slow max shutter speed wide open, and no IS which makes 1/100 the slowest realistic setting for aperture priority. It also desperately needs a better way to change focus point.
great video George, my RX1R has replaced the X-T30 as my daily carry, absolutely incredible little camera!
Great to hear!
For all along, sony color science is true thing to hold all sony innovation back, these stuffs could be legend with a good color profile
This type of camera had their time and it has long gone. It was designed to appeal to thetype of people who now use their mobile phones to do the same style of photography, TBH for its intended purpose it was well overspecified. That it had a full frame sensor or otherwise does not come into the considerations of those whose main aim is to upload to social media sites as quickly as possible and using edits done on the same device. That a camera like Fuji X100 has still managed to survive is partly due to having a viewfinder and a hell of a lot of marketing effort on the part of Fuji.
It’s a shame we will likely never see Sony step back into this market again
Smartphones killed it off. Modern smartphones will take better photos than the ones seen here. Zero reason for Sony to waste money on this line.
You call this small. I know it may be a dumb comparison but I've used much smaller 'full frame' cameras, which would be even smaller than many modern compact cameras, the only difference was their 'sensor' was made of 35mm photographic film.
Which camera?
Great video! The camera I I'm always thinking of, but it's too expensive and I'm afraid of the errors that I've often heard about...😐
The original can be found for an okay deal but yes not the cheapest, which errors have you heard about?
@@GeorgeHolden the lens(99?) and .MF or AF errors.
Small, Fixed Lens, Full Frame... that needs to be mixed into a summer hit song.
Get me in the studio, let's do this
I have loved my RX1R for the last nine years and have not seen anything that compares with it (except the RX1R II). I take it everywhere and use it to shoot pretty much anything. As I became a little unsteady (aged 70+) I have added an aftermarket RH grip which doesn't increase the bulk significantly but it does make me wonder why Sony didn't do it from the get-go...
(AND FILL IT WITH BUTTON CELLS RATHER THAN THE FUTILE BATTERIES THAT COME AS STANDARD)
I'm so glad you reviewed this George. I have been itching to know more about its character. I still love my Panny boys (GM5 and GX9). Thank you for sharing it.
Of course! Absolutely I think if you're happy with a GX9 you're on a good track, the RX1 is a lot of fun but definitely dated 😂
Back in 2016 I contemplated between the RX1r mk2 and the new Leica Q. I chose for the Leica Q and I am happy I did. The Sony has crazy menu's and you need lots of battery. The 2nd hand price is too high anno 2024 (for what the camera offers). Probably just because it had no successor.
Leica nailed it with the Q, it is much more appealing to me as a camera that i can operate as a mechanical camera. Also the autofocus is great. Despite contrast detection on par with the Nikon D800 I had before (considering i don't do action shots). the 24mp+lens combo outperformed the 36mp D800 in many ways.
I think it is good that the Sony has an aperture ring. this sets it apart from other modern camera's, but why o why is there no hyperfocal marks on the lens??
I purchased this camera used a couple years ago, because it would be dumb to buy a 10 year old product for full retail…. Once it arrived I immediately took a photo at F16 and saw a huge dust mark on the image from a dust particle trapped on the sensor. Immediately returned it and purchased the A1 instead. This camera is terrible for backpacking in the elements, just like the RX100 series, because it’s not totally weather sealed and once dust hits the sensor, you are looking at a huge repair bill. Not worth it
The A1 has a vibe to it for sure. I got it and the A9III to compare, and while the A9III eats it for video and has noticeably better AF, the A1 just...I don't know, something about it hits different. Really excited for the A1 II likely coming out soon, that's the only reason I kept the A9 over the A1.
@@CriticalTechReviews I really want that speed button for the right middle finger…I want to be able to set it to 1/1600 shutter speed and be able to rip without having to twist the speed stick.
I own both the A1 and the RX1RII. The RX is the one that goes everywhere with me, especially hiking. It stays in the bag when the weather is bad, but IMO a camera is meant to be used, so if that means potentially getting some dust and dings, so be it. The A1 is just too big to and heavy to take as a hiking / backpacking camera.
I discovered yesterday, at LCE on Strand, London, that the RX1 is the same size as the Fujifilm X-M1 with a 27mm TTArtisan AF on it. That leaves me to think the new X-M5 will be a good buy at £800 rather than a 12 year old Sony, as good the RX1 is.
I remember you excitedly waiting for this to arrive! Do you love it as much as yoh expected, or more?? Great images on the bridge!
I love it! 😍 And thank you!!
get the R1R2! it has so much better performance and the on board viewfinder is super nice
It's truly a shame that Sony stopped developing this line beyond mk.2, while Leica just pushed out the Q3 43.
Smartphones killed it off. Modern smartphones will take better photos than the ones seen here. Zero reason for Sony to waste money on this line. Leica remains in this space because of hipsters with disposable income. Sony doesnt have that.
My RX1 is the other camera in my bag, my primary being a M11 Mono.
I'd suggest setting up the AEL button here as "focus toggle" if possible.
Back button focusing in a continuous AF mode can work simultaneously as continuous and single AF, letting you focus and recompose still subjects or track a target without having to move the focus point around with those outdated slow d-pads etc.
The camera doesn't have AFC and I already have AEL set to toggle!
@@GeorgeHolden Thanks for the autofocus tips! Focusing on the ground and having a deeper DOF should help me get those pictures in focus.
For the back button focus, what you do is set camera to MF like you already did. Set a button, say the C button to AF/MF Control Toggle and then set AEL button to AF/MF Control HOLD. Set another button, say the down button to Focus Magnifier and there you go, you can stay in MF and press AEL to change focus without switching back to AF. Everytime you need to single AF, just hold AEL! Saw this tip somewhere online and should save you a lot of time.
Such a shame Sony haven't followed up on this series. Btw i believe the traditional mech shutter is called a "focal plane" shutter, which might be a better way to differentiate since leaf shutters are also mechanical.
Good point, I mention the sensor plane but yes it's the focal plane shutter
one of the videos of all time
A video of a generation
I'm waiting for Sony to release the modern interpretation of this camera and I will drop BIG BUCKS for a photography centric experience. My wishlist includes, NP-FZ100 battery, 28mm f/1.8 60MP double stacked full-frame CMOS sensor, don't care about video, remove video and make the camera smaller, thumb stick, touchscreen tilt out screen, USB-C, wifi capability. MAKE IT HAPPEN SONY!!! If they can deliver this in a body that's smaller than their a6000 lineup, then consider me sold!
I’ve had an RX1Rii since 2017 and it’s been in for repairs almost as much as it’s been available for use. The people in the shop got tired of seeing me I had to bring it in so much. So, as good as it is, I just cannot rely on it or recommend it. After I brought it in the last time 3 separate problems occurred which have made the camera impossible to use. So it just sits in a drawer until I finally throw it out.
I will take it off your hands and pay for shipping!
problem is, I'm not in the usa
Somewhere around 1:40, when you're showing the focusing thing, I saw the Magnum Streetwise book. I looked over to the right of my laptop where my copy is, and thought, "Oh. So we all have the same books, too. Got it."
Now you need Reclaim the Street!
@@GeorgeHolden enabler, Holden. That's what you are! ;)
With the recent point and shoot craze, perhaps Sony will make the Mark III.
Put a manual focus scale on the lens like the Leica q and this would be perfect for me!
Tricky one, I agree but only as long as the size yet affected!
Loved it so much but in the end I couldn't stand the EVF. It kept wanting to collapse on me and felt flimsy. Not a fan of shooting off the rear screen.
Dang I love its photos though. 3-d pop for sure.
Also, I've had the Q and q2 and 28 mm is too wide for me. I feel like at 35mm I can still take nice portraits.
PLEASE SONY!!!!
So George, what's the conclusion? Twelve years ago I was really tempted to buy it 😅 great & interesting video, love your stuff. Dirk
Conclusion is I'm keeping it! Extremely fun everyday camera as long as you don't mind living in 2012 😅
@@GeorgeHolden great! I'd love to hear more about it.
Love your videos!
Thanks!
i thought Nikon Coolpix A is the worst in terms of zone focus (distance reset if camera turn off), but then I've tried this camera, its even worst... not only the distance will reset, the distance meter on the screen also dissapear all time, had to roll the focus ring first to make the meter appears. yea i bought this camera, somehow brand new, few month ago for $1300. my worst purchase ever.
I haven't found that to be a problem!
I've wanted to get the mk ii as a backup/edc but I cant justify the price. Been wondering if a new model is even planned or if getting the first rx1r is good enough for it's purposes.
Honestly the mk1 is a beaut and slightly more budget friendly
great video. The RX1 is a nice little camera - still I would go for an GR I or II. But I love 28mm for street.
Cheers! And that's fair enough the Ricoh is a beast
@@GeorgeHolden still nice to see other options and rx1 is FF.
The world was supposed to end, but sony released a camera. The cameraman never dies.
Dude...
"... which makes it extra crispy, just because of that little blue label. [pause], that's all of my research."
Zeiss = Crispy
@@GeorgeHolden I agree George. I am a classic Zeiss guy and yes, they are "crispy."
I laughed because, it just sounded like a description for food: you know, for pork belly, fried chicken wings, baked potatoes.
Okay, I'll stop and go find something to eat now.
@@---us7qf 😂 I now want wings
@@GeorgeHolden Muahahahahahahahahahahaha!
I did actually have baked chicken, with broccoli. Not your crispy chicken wings, but still good.
Great Video! wish sony would do an update on this camera or other companies would jump into this market.
Totally agree!
Great review! I'm actually not sure if I remember this camera, and I've been following the cameras and photography world, especially here on RUclips, for what feels like forever now. :-D
Also, I have a question: when you refer the slow focus of the camera did you happen to check is there are settings in the camera for the speed of the autofocus? I know in my A7III and in a lot of other Sony cameras there are two settings for autofocus system burried in the menu somewhere: one is the speed of the focus itself and another one is basically how reluctant or eager the camera to refocus, if that makes sense. For example, you can make it very sticky to whatever it focused on and even if someone is walking in front of it, etc, the camera would not refocus until the subjec it covered for several seconds. Alternatively, you can make the camera jump from subject to subject as soon as it gets into the frame.
Both of these settings have a spectrum let's say from 1 to 5 or something like that, so it's not just ON of OFF, you can adjust the level of sensitivity for each.
Some people are not aware of these settings and I've seen people criticising Sony cameras for "slow" focus when they didn't realise that their settings were messed up by someone else or something like that, especially if they borrowed a camera for a review or bought it second hand.
Thanks! And no sadly this is just the state of 2012 AF, as the A7III is actually on a very new AF system in comparison. The settings you're referring to are AF sensitivity and AF responsiveness I think, which are for the newer models!
@@GeorgeHolden got you! Well, I just had to ask on a slim chance there were those settings in the camera and those might have improved the autofocus for you.
My guess is, you also checked the firmware update as well. 😉 Then it is what it is, unfortunately - great camera but somewhat limited by age of the ever advancing technology. Although, if you think what auto focus system Henri Cartier-Bresson used (hint: none 😂), we're blessed with whatever autofocus system we have. 😉
I was intrigued by this for years; eventually I bought it, had it for a day and sent it back.
I appreciate others love it, we're all different. Not for me.
What didn't you like about it??
@@urban_junglecarry9958 No idea, it was so underwhelming I can't even remember. I had a similar reaction to the A7r which is capable but clinical. The RX100 was the exception among the Sonys I've owned: a fantastic camera. I'm more a Fuji guy, that might be a clue. To me, an XT1 beats an RX1 into a cocked hat. Each to his own. Cheers.
I think it’s over priced. Good video. Keep up the great work. I’m
What's your opinion of the Sigma FP ??
Strongly recommend getting RX1Rii instead of the original. The AF of the original is beyond usable, the II is so much better.
Weirdly I don't mind the AF, I choose manual focus and everything goes well 😅
we need new version of this
A sigma fpl would be a modern alternative to this and just a little larger.
I owned the MK2 version of this expensive jewellery piece! Menus were useless to me and the battery life when cold was atrocious. But the images on man those images were great
The mark 1 has surprisingly decent battery, same battery as other Sony compacts and performs okay - nothing amazing but usable
Sigma fp L is the closest thing to a replacement to the RX1ii there is with the likely Sony 60mp sensor from the Sony A7Riv.
Where I starting from scratch I would go crop sensor. The technology has evolved enough and full frame is chasing diminishing returns.
I carry a Canon SX740 on my walks with my wife almost every day. Its old and limited, but it works in a pinch.
1:40 well you were not exactly right, Sony had touch screen in the NEX cameras, even one of them I do not remember right the model NEX 5r or 5n had touch menu, than after that model they forgot they can do it and it came back 1-2 years ago I do not remember it right but maybe with the A7CII/R cameras. Touch menu is something they were keeping away from us for whatever reason.
Otherwise I had for a while RX1rII and I decided to keep the A7rII :D. It is the same insides but better battery, better video, better EVF, better focus control with latest firmware, ... The 35 2.0 Zeiss in the RX1 was too boring for me. The only really cool thing about the RX1 is the shutter - you can sync with flash at any speed without HSS.
What is the difference between the rx1 model and the rx1 R? thanks.
A few things, notably resolution, autofocus and an EVF
@@GeorgeHolden thanks
No build in EVF. Only in Mark II
The AF ist also slow. But it has more Resolution due to the abscence of an AA-Filter wich the RX1 has.
sony need make a new but more economical version of this to sweep the market
Dang, lost me at "Fixed Lens" .. ugh .. my life is so hard :) .. good video regardless, thank you for creating content :) ..
i will buy it if sony make this kind of camera again
Added grip to my rx1r and its the best thing after the sliced bread:)
Which grip?
Will check and let you know when I get home from work@@GeorgeHolden
Traded my a6000 with a few lens for an RX1, couldnt be happier with my decision, huge step up in image quality, low light performance in term of noise and i just love the leaf shutter.
Yes, its slow AF can be painful at times, no EVF, weak battery life (had to bought another 4) but I dont see myself parting ways with it, though i might upgrade to the mark ii someday.
Btw the rx1 cameras do have an evf… it’s hidden in the body and there’s a button on the side to pop it out
Unless the original rx1 didn’t have one and only the rx1r’s had it… but i do see the same outline in the top of the body where the evf is on the rx1r’s 🤷🏼♂️
Correct only the R has it, the RX1 just has a flash in the same place
Correction, only the Mark ii has an build in EVF. The RX1R ist the same as the RX1 besides it has no AA-Filter.
Awesome ❤
Thanks!
oh sony where's the mark III? my money is waiting for you.
@10:51 why you need to focus on the ground in front of you first?
It's a quick way of setting focus distance
I watched the first 20 seconds with sound off, captions only, and I definitely knew what song you were referring to and I hate me brain for that 💀
It's been in my head so I needed to get it out 😂
Just wait till the manual focus gives out!
I've been trying to get my hands on this camera for more than 2 years now!
The original is much more affordable than the R or mkii!
I have one wish to do more photography with it
Definitely do! I think it's amazing
rx1 with out AF - price 1000$
u can buy
10 lumix gx1
1 nikon z30 or z50 with nice AF and size
That is true!
the quality is as good as nex 5r 5t
I mean depending on the lens!
My Minox 35 GT is smaller than that. I suppose you mean digital camera?
Yes, I would have specified 35mm or analogue otherwise
Almost 30k reais here in 🇧🇷. Nope 😬
But what a great review this was
Sigma FP has entered the chat
The autofocus of NEX-6 seems better, and its a much cheaper camera.
"Smallest Full Frame Camera".. almost! The Sigma FP takes that title.
Remove the lens and this one is smaller by a few mm
@@GeorgeHolden The only dimension that's greater on the Sigma is its height. Otherwise it's thinner and not quite as wide. Sigma fp dimensions: 112.6 x 69.9 x 45.3 mm. Sony RX1 dimensions: 113.3 x 65.4 x 48.2 mm (sans lens). Jeez I feel like a nerd right now. But yeah, the Sigma FP actually has slightly less total volume. Splitting hairs though, they're both bonkers small. P.s. Sorry for being such a nitpicker!! 😆
I had it and sold it after a week. It was indeed a great camera but I found it boring from the very first minute; my fault I guess, I´m pretty sure I would enjoy it much more today.
My rx1rii has been collecting dust on a shelf for over a year and a half. Too many compromised from a usability standpoint, in spite of the fantastic image quality
If you need someone to look after it, drop me a message!
@@GeorgeHolden it might be showing up on eBay soon.
When I need a discreet EDC, the gr3x is simply more usable...with better colors out of camera, to boot.
The problem with these cameras is they would cannibalise the rest of the lineup and especially lens sales.
But they're quite specialised and really only offer one option, so the rest of the lineup is safe?
Amazing PRICEY gem. 😢
Too expensive but totally worth it
I bought one used about a year ago (the R version). It's a gem. Yes, some liabilities, but the images are stellar. It's a keeper.
That's awesome! Did you get the mark ii?
@@GeorgeHolden The OG, Rx1r. Sony is missing the boat if they don't offer a new iteration.
@@RonScibilia Give the X100VI and Q3 a run for the money.
Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)
*digital . See the Minox 35GT.
*digiii
Everything is a myth. Some cameras may offer more assistance to the photographer than others, but so what, IMHO. Great deal of the time almost any camera would be sufficient. Photographers today spend their time reading camera specs instead of dedicating themselves to creative thought and work. Handling cameras, polishing lenses, dreaming of the next big purchase is not photography. Look at the mundane pictures often offered as evidence of the photographer’s amazing skill set, cough, cough.😢
Just make it weather sealed and take my money
Legit
i don't know why sony don't revive this model especially when fuji is having problems meeting the demand or (fabricating it 😂).
Easy to make a small camera without any evf
i had fuji x100f i really regret that i sold it
For me is tooooo expensive, very old and deffo no hybrid, i mean for video. I still keep my amazing solid tank XT-3 😎😎😎😎
Shooting at F8 with full frame. WAT
Depth of field does not always need to be shadow, closing your aperture brings in more context
I can buy 2 separate Lumix S9s, with 2 different lenses, for hundreds of dollars less than this camera... And that also gives me the best IBIS in the world, 4k video recording, and the ability to change lenses...
Why would anyone buy this thing? I'm honestly asking here
This camera is £800...
Is it too much to ask to adjust white balance? Why is everything washed out?
Have you considered preference in style?
Ok, now find a Ricoh GXR with a leica aps-c module)
Ohhh okay!
@@GeorgeHolden 😁