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Just Posted: Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1 full frame fixed lens camera preview

Sep 12, 2012 at 04:00:00 GMT

PREVIEW FULL-FRAME SONY

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Just Posted: Our hands-on Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1 preview article with video preview. You may well have already heard about Sony's full frame compact camera with a fixed 35mm F2 Carl Zeiss Sonnar T* lens. We've had a chance to play with a pre-production RX1, delve through the menus and discuss its technologies with Sony. We've prepared a four-page preview detailing the RX1's features and capabilities and discussing whether we think the world is ready for a $2800 full frame, fixed-lens camera.

Click here to read our hands-on Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1 preview

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1

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Comments

Total comments: 558

Is that the long awaited NEX-9. Instead we get a fixed lens tourist camera at horrible price tag. Good work Sony, you really know what people don't want and need. Our goal was to get a camera we could use as a FF mirrrorless with ILS, not to enter in Guiness book of records for the smallest FF Tourist P&S gadget.
Sony seems to target the tourist of the future, rich people with small cameras. Backpackers will run out of money anyway. Fixed lens, no VF, hilarious. So, no need to hurry to sell the NEX-7. will get a NEX-6 as second body then. THIS is non of interest for me.

0 upvotes

Did you seriously think that Sony was going to launch a *third* ILC system when they already have the Alpha DSLR system and NEX APS-C MILC systems? Did you seriously think that they were going to introduce a new FF DSLR while at the same time introducing a brand new FF MILC system?

Going after a premium buyer in the premium market with this kind of "halo" product that doesn't make them obligated to develop a third ILC camera system is a smart business move. It's certainly getting Sony a lot of attention, and shows what they are capable of.

Comment edited 54 seconds after posting

7 upvotes

Fantastic, Sony!! Only Voiglander optic viewinder to buy for this - they are great and cheaper.

0 upvotes

I like it, but Sony's lack of support via firmware for their other cameras (Nex-7) means that I'll pass. Maybe I'll pick one up used after a while, if its not a dog. Plus the EVF cost is a joke.

0 upvotes

This is the most interesting camera of the year

28 upvotes

Yeah, I thought the RX100 was impressive enough that I paid full retail. But this RX1 - it isn't that much bigger than the RX100, and it's a got a full-frame sensor and a Zeiss 35mm f/2. Wow. Kids, it makes some of the M4/3's bodies look chunky.

Even the price, while still very high, is actually pretty reasonable when you look at what a full-frame body plus Zeiss glass would set you back. And this Zeiss lens has AF.

Two disappointments:
- The front grip seems a little tiny and less pronounced than I would like. Handling the RX100 is much improved with one of Richard's grips, and this camera is close in size but twice the weight.
- No on-sensor phase detect AF. The A99 gets it, so why not the RX1? I'm guessing the on sensor PD elements were designed with a specific flange focal distance in mind or there is some similar technical barrier in the way - I can't think of any other reason why they wouldn't be there (actually, they probably are there, just disabled).

0 upvotes

Once again, great job DPR - way to be on top of it with previews of the most interesting equipment! Even during a busy week like this, you manage to bring us the good stuff!

6 upvotes

Should sell like hot cakes, just like RX100. If it produces great quality photos, users will bite the bullet, sell some of the other gear they have accumulated and buy this marvel. Great idea!

2 upvotes

Man, oh man, that is effing gorgeous

1 upvote

It's not for you Mr Weir then! :)

0 upvotes

i like the idea
BUT not the price....

SONY you can't keep coming with great ideas
and poor execution.
EVENTUALLY, you will run out of steam

0 upvotes

I think the execution is excellent. As for the price, in spite of it being so high, there will certainly be a market for it. It's definitely a premium product for the premium market. But it bodes well for the future. The price will eventually come down.

7 upvotes

cry moar, peasant

7 upvotes

lol!

0 upvotes

We are discussing a Full Frame camera with a Zeiss 35/2 lens right? Last time I checked before this camera that was a bit more than the $2,800 Sony is asking

2 upvotes

fixed lens... I don't even know what to say about that...

0 upvotes

This camera isn't going to be for everyone, that's for sure. But for people who can afford it, and who can appreciate shooting with a single focal length camera, I think they're going to love it.

1 upvote

> I don't even know what to say about that...

I suggest "Argh."

Comment edited 47 seconds after posting

0 upvotes

All is made for those who love it, this is a huge toy, but, ask the majority of NEX Apsc users if THAT is what they expected to get from Sony? Read all critics in other forums and you will see. This camera is a challenge, the challenge to realize the best ever made tourist P&S camera in the smallest possible size. But, where we asking for that? No criticism for this, but give us what we ask for beside of this? How many people do you think that will tell this to Sony on Photokina and other exhibitions?
Again, great job, but not for us.

0 upvotes

@FTW - practically any product that any company introduces can be called "a huge toy" by anyone who doesn't like it. It's a lame, lame, lame criticism. With everything else that Sony has introduced in this fell swoop, it's amazing that people like yourself still feel the need to throw a tantrum. If this isn't the camera for you, go take a look at the A99 or NEX 6, for chrissake! LOL.

3 upvotes

How about saying "Damn! Finally a Digital Hexar!" If you are so much of a fauxtographer that you need a zoom then don't buy it and go make your fauxtographs with something else.

The actual photographers that will use this are dancing for joy

2 upvotes

'I can't afford it'

0 upvotes

By the way, Nikon just announced a D600 FF DSLR and the body alone is $2700. It has everything!

0 upvotes

I agree with T3. The "toy" talk is silly. There are plenty of over sized big clunker cameras available to those who want them. This is about a FF sensor in a small body.

0 upvotes

Size is about right, full frame cameras should really be the size of the Canon AE-1, or other older SLRs.

5 upvotes

The youtube video isn't working ?

0 upvotes

We're having technical difficulties. With you soon.

0 upvotes

LOL...a Sony camera preview brought to you by...........LUMIX G!!!!

3 upvotes

That is to say that Panasonic Lumix has better solutions. :)

1 upvote

Or Panasonic doesnt have much to show this year that they all put the money they saved up for R&D to sponsor Photokina. lol.

2 upvotes

Nice! It's too bad it's a fixed focal length lens, but I'm sure some people will like that. With interchangeable lenses, it would be pretty awesome. One thing is for sure...Sony is really pushing the envelope!

Comment edited 30 seconds after posting

2 upvotes

Total comments: 558


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