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

Given the price and the 35mm lens, I think the preview is correct in predicting that it will appeal mainly to professional photo journalists. One exclusive image could pay for the camera and 35mm is useful in a crowd where one has to be close to get an unobstructed view. However, the lack of a tilting screen for overhead shots is a distinct disadvantage. The critical factor will be the AF. If it's fast and accurate the camera will be remembered as a classic, if not it will be forgotten as a failure.

4 upvotes

Ohh how many classic cameras exist(ed) without any AF I wonder?

0 upvotes

Essentially a full frame point & shoot for $2,800. No viewfinder. One non-interchangeable lens. As a professional, I am not buying all these limitations. If you are in need of a Leica look-alike to feel good about yourself, spend the dough. But, if you are serious about good photography you need a camera that expands your capabilities, not limits them. The NEX6 looks like a much better alternative for the money

1 upvote

No viewfinder? You have the option of an OVF or an EVF.

And there are *plenty* of serious photographers who know how to handle photography with just a single focal length.

As for limitations, I think you're ignoring the assets and advantages of this camera. If you want to keep a low profile with an unobtrusive camera, the RX1 is awesome. FF DSLRs are big and conspicuous. If you walk down the street or into a room with a FF DSLR and lens, you stick out like a sore thumb. Not so with an RX1. Not only is it physically small, it's also *quiet* thanks to its leaf shutter. No noisy DSLR mirror or curtain shutter. Plus, it's even image stabilized. It's a reportage-shooter's dream tool. It may not entirely replace a FF DSLR, but it'll be a valuable tool to have in addition to one.

To give you an idea of just how compact the RX1 is, the distance from the front of the lens to the back of the body is 70mm which is *less* than the thickness of a 5D MKII body alone (which is 75mm)!

8 upvotes

T3: But why a FF then? There are other compact cameras like Sony NEX or Fuji X-Pro 1 and X-E1. They are APS-C but those sensors have gained in ISO and DR to an extend, that this is not the main reason for FF any more.

I do get better DOF controll with my 5D MK II, but a fixed 35mm f2 lens on the Sony is in the DOF range of a 23mm f1.4 of my Fuji X-Pro 1 or the new X-E1.

So while a compact FF is a nice innovation, I think that the f2 minimum aperture on a fixed 35mm lens kind of limits the advantages of FF. With interchangable lenses or a f1.4 it would have had a unique selling point. But then it would have been a bit bigger.Like this I feel that Sony wanted to show that it can be done while real world advantages are sacrificed. A concept camera - like a concept car - would have probably been enough to prove this, too...

0 upvotes

@smatty - FYI, they already have the NEX system for those who want APS-C and lens interchangeability. No need to cover that ground. The RX1 covers different ground, and caters to a different niche of buyers. I bet with the RX1 they're going to attract a certain class of buyer that, up until now, wouldn't have even considered buying a Sony!

0 upvotes

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henri_Cartier-Bresson#Technique

- "the father of modern photojournalism"
- founded Magnum
- used a 50mm prime for pretty much everything
- the definition of 'a serious photographer'

1 upvote

I don't understand why is it surprising that Sony has surprised everyone. They are an electronics giant, who innovated in all the other fields they put their little finger on. I think because most are all so much involved with photography that they seemed to have forgotten that. I think if anyone would surprise us would be Sony and I suppose there are a lot of electronics in a digital camera for an electronics innovative giant to tinker with n'est ce pas?

3 upvotes

It's because Canon and Nikon don't want to take the risk and stick to their DSLR sales.

1 upvote

This looks like a fine camera to me, I have a Leica M9 with just the Zeiss Sonnar 50mm f1.5 lens, I am a prime lens man, this little beauty looks like a winner to me and is going to be tempting my pocket, if so my M9 might finish up gathering dust, I will wait for full reviews before I make an expensive desicion, I have Ricoh GRD3 that gets more use than my M9, a fantastic little camera, a similar camera(though bigger)but FF is a dream, user reviews are needed.

Comment edited 4 minutes after posting

1 upvote

RX1 introduction video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7-uw_AArfU&feature=youtu.be

1 upvote

Image specs are always great. The only thing that is important is how well it focuses.

0 upvotes

Sony is all go go go.

That's the way. No guts no glory. You can do it. Keep going while Nikon and Canon are still asleep with their DSLR dinasaurs.

5 upvotes

Fantastic! Must buy one.

1 upvote

Even at $2800 I am very interested IF the quality images are there. I do not see how they could not!

2 upvotes

Take all the M9s that have a 35 mm CZ permanently attached to them, well, this little Sony beats them all and more.

Isn't that good enough? Not to even mention the price difference.

1 upvote

A most interesting development from Sony ( I have never been overly impressed with their DSLR's to date) - only problem - too expensive. I wonder how soon we'll see the Nikon version (with Nikkor lens of course) - now that will be worth investing in.

0 upvotes

If the Nikon 1 series is an indicator, I wouldn't be too confident in Nikon bringing out a large (DSLR size) sensor compact camera and certainly not one that is cheap. Too affraid it might cannibalize DSLR sales.

0 upvotes

Now integrate this beauty into a FF 24MP NEX-8 and you will have a buyer here.

0 upvotes

no just give it to Pentax. I've loads of FF glass

0 upvotes

Sometimes I feel that somewhere down the line, Sony has lost it's focus...

0 upvotes

Actually they havent. This comes with a new auto focusing system. :P

4 upvotes

Hahaha good one.

0 upvotes

I am tempted. If it is faster than than G1X, I may just go for it. I was really hoping that Canon would be going in this direction.

1 upvote

Used a G1X - wasn't that impressed - it also felt cheap which it isn't as a Canon owner I say well done to Sony - BUT - its too expensive - such a shame. Nikon version on the way at a better price - think so.

0 upvotes

The REALLY good stuff always costs more!

1 upvote

why didnt this short video show how fast the RX1 focuses?
and will there be any overheating issues like the other cameras have?
It looks pretty nice with that large viewfinder

1 upvote

The unit we had wasn't final, so may not give any indication of how fast focus will be, so it doesn't make sense to show it.

1 upvote

this is so good.. but I would still rather have an aps-c version with smaller lens and $1400. As with the rx100 the main problem is the price

Comment edited 35 seconds after posting

0 upvotes

I guess they won't do that since they already have the NEX. A fixed but smaller lens wouldn't make much of difference. There's also plenty competition for the niche, Fuji and Sigma.

0 upvotes

good point. But this is, how the NEX should look like. With a 24/2 prime I would get one.

0 upvotes

Can't wait how this thing performs, especially in DR.
I guess, Sony priced it just a little higher where it should be because there's nothing yet close to it and demand should be very high in the first few months.

1 upvote

How come the silence around the AF-speed? Cant read anything about it anywhere.. I guess its as slow as the first Nex or worse, or else someone would have mentioned it somewhere.. Too bad..

0 upvotes

"Does this camera make my nose look big dear?" Yes, yes it does. 35mm to short for a flattering portrait.

1 upvote

Take 2 steps back.

0 upvotes

oh, so I guess we don't need 85mm lenses anymore

0 upvotes

Agreed. 35mm can be just fine for portraits IF you know what you are doing.

0 upvotes

@KC There is a technique called subject distance. its better for you to stick with your instagram.

0 upvotes

Kevin, maybe, but with 24mp, you can crop down quite a bit and still get the portrait you want. (The Nikon D3, for example, had 12mp, and you see plenty of D3 portraits that were originally taken at the long end of the 17-35 lens.)

0 upvotes

Looks very good, but! I wait for the EVF and interchangable lens version.
Meantime I consider the Fuji X-E1.

2 upvotes

RTFA: "A new multi interface hotshoe is the same as on the NEX-6. It allows for ISO standard accessories as well as Sony's proprietary connectors including optical and electronic viewfinders."

EVF coming soon. As an accessory. To this camera.

1 upvote

I prefer a build-in EVF.

1 upvote

Now bring out a 60+ megapixel version of this with a 5:4 aspect ratio and I will put my 6x7 medium format camera to rest.

10 upvotes

thanks for saying that out loud!

0 upvotes

I have read of this through a rumor website but I'm still impressed from this preview. Many of us joked about a full frame in a compact but here it is, smaller than expected. Why is it Sony doing the innovation and not the other two?

Though Canon and Nikon has the optical expertise but there's not much work to do on lens, since lens design is a compromise.

The price is out of reach for many photographers who would truly use such fixed lens camera though could be easily afforded by others who will seldom use this. In my case, it's a Sigma DP2M versus this and the Sigma is quite expensive already. The RX1 should be priced just above a NEX7.

1 upvote

I think Sony are doing this to make a statement that they are a real threat. I'll never be able to afford/justify one, but fairplay to them, it's a great looking camera

2 upvotes

Sony just did what Nikon and Canon, couldn't do for so many years.

Bravo Sony... for such a historical event.

Comment edited 3 minutes after posting

29 upvotes

Sorry I responded to sye46 when he said "So Leica releases a $8,000 black and white camera and it gets praises while Sony releases a FF compact with Zeiss lens and people complain. LOL"

I said "Yes... isn't that depressing, this is going to be a milestone."

cheers

2 upvotes

Sony!! What the hell you have done! :))

2 upvotes

Yes... isn't that depressing, this is going to be a milestone.

1 upvote

4 minute video preview of the RX1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PahYRjX7kLA&feature=channel&list=UL

1 upvote

So Leica releases a $8,000 black and white camera and it gets praises while Sony releases a FF compact with Zeiss lens and people complain. LOL

18 upvotes

Amen, don't get me wrong; Sony needs a lot of work in the menu department, namely to try and emulate the simple no lag functionality that the M9 (and old palmOS) provide. But pretentious fans of -insert overrated brand here- love to hate on Sony even though at the very least they deliver where no one else does.

3 upvotes

Though I will counter my own comment by reminding that when it comes to supporting e-mount, they dropped the ball badly. The lenses have come far too slowly and mediocre, when even a company who is hemorrhaging money such as Fuji pumps them out for new standards.

0 upvotes

danaceb,

If you were given a Leica M9 I doubt you'd throw it away. You'd probably masturbate over having one to use.

The Sony will be ok, maybe a little too much coin. The Leica comes with swappable lenses and very good ones.

There is hardly a photographer here who would not love to enjoy and shoot a Leica 35mm film M8 or MP or a Digital M9.

0 upvotes

Sorry I mean't Leica M7 or MP 35mm film cameras.

0 upvotes

Very well said sye46! I can't afford one, but I completely applaud what they've done with this camera!

2 upvotes

Perfect. Now, to sell off the D700 and kit.

1 upvote

Just the job. If you can't do it with a 35mm lens it aint worth doing!

Full frame too, about time they ditched small sensors. If popular I think they'll do a Fuji-style develpoment path to interchangeable lenses.

1 upvote

Please, Sony, shake the world of digital photography!!!

10 upvotes

They already did, when they launched the NEX7.

With the RX1, they are just having fun watching the competitors catch up.

8 upvotes

Who on earth was it that decided that what we need most was smaller cameras and that that pretty much was the most important thing? Did we suddenly develop smaller hands? Are we shrinking? Should we worry?

5 upvotes

FYI, for people who like big cameras Sony also introduced the FF A99. So there's something for everyone.

15 upvotes

My Airline made that decision for me, when they started charging me by the pound to carry on luggage.

1 upvote

T3, I don't like big cameras. But I like complete cameras. Omitting the viewfinder is a horrible thing to do to make the camera smaller. Soon we'll have to change all settings on a silly touch display instead as well, the limitation of which will be obvious when it's cold outside if not sooner. Then what? Shake the camera to trip the shutter? Does the market want or request these things, smaller ff cameras with no viewfinders etc? Who'll buy them?

1 upvote

@echelon2004 - now you're just talking crazy. LOL. Clearly, the RX1 is not lacking in physical controls. They've just opted for a detachable viewfinder, with the option of an OVF or an EVF.

You may be unaware of this, but there are a *lot* of cameras now using detachable viewfinders:

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1000&message=42464431

Some of the advantages of a detachable EVF are: you can remove it, you can transfer it, you can tilt it, and it extends back much farther than a built-in EVF which makes it more comfortable to use than built-in EVF's that generally have very minimal rearward extension.

0 upvotes

I know the rx1 have proper controls. But I think the trend will shift towards touch interfaces for all but pro cameras, which would be sad. Just like it is sad to omit the viewfinder. As for evf, I haven't found a single one yet that is even passable, and I even have a detachable one for a small compact, an xz-1, and while I agree that it is practical, it's I the wrong physical place, making handling awkward. No, what I want is a good old optical viewfinder, in the body, with af etc as overlay. Just like the fuji x100, but better :)

0 upvotes

That's a lot of dough for a point and shoot. Personally, I'd go for an X100. Even though it's got a smaller sensor simply because the wider feature set. Seriously, $2800 and it's got a hot-shoe mounted viewfinder?

The pixel pitch on the two cameras are about the same as is the focal length. The Fuji can be got for less than $1000 these days. The only thing it's got going for it is the Zeiss "named" lens. Sorry Sony. Fail.

1 upvote

And how exactly is the pixel pitch being similar helping the X100?

1 upvote

This is NOT a point and shoot by any stretch of imagination.

0 upvotes

lol! point & shoot... peasant.

1 upvote

I suspect that we will see comparisons pretty soon. Fuji is a good camera, bu Sony will have better AF, better IQ, and more overhead to do post-processing. For some people, this is worth the extra money.

0 upvotes

Why is pixel pitch important? Physics. Larger pixels better light gathering capabilities. Same pixel pitch equals about the same low-light performance.

24MP is unnecessary. Trust me, I have a D800 and I downsize everything. Even my agency told me not to send full size files. A 12MP file will fulfill the needs of 98% of photographers considering most people only post to the internet anyway.

As far as point and shoot goes, what ISN'T point and shoot about this camera? Slapping a huge sensor and a fixed focal length on a body like this doesn't make it a "pro" camera. It's a point and shoot. What pro is going to use this for paid work? Could you see yourself showing up at a wedding with this? If you showed up with an X100 at least you'd have something that looks like a real camera.

Then you have the ridiculous price and a $600 optical viewfinder that is really nothing but a magnifying glass.

0 upvotes

2013 RX PRO
> Interchangeable lens
> Optical and Electronic viewfinder
> 16 mpxl new exmor sensor technology
> 1.800 USD for body only

...Dont mind me im just day dreaming. :)

3 upvotes

That would be the NEX9

2 upvotes

Awesome, but... please Sony, put a built-in EVF in it and lower the price to $2300.00 and you'll have the perfect camera ( maybe for Jan/Feb 2013? )!!

Comment edited 1 minute after posting

0 upvotes

If they had made it a bit bigger it could have had an EVF and more direct controls, not to mention a proper hand grip. Do Sony employ totally independent design teams who never talk to each other?

A FF NEX camera I could get (the new video cam proves its possible). But the lenses would be bigger too, so a larger body would seem even more desirable.

Perhaps there IS one in the pipe and this is a "market tester" like the X100 proved to be. Who knows.

0 upvotes

Interested to learn how it compares to the Sigma DP2 Merrill with Foveon X3 sensor. Ignoring that the Merill sensor is DX.This camera with a 24x36mm Foveon X3 sensor would be a classic.

Comment edited 2 times, last edit 1 minute after posting

0 upvotes

Perfect!!! Now in the next coming week i can see some wide and telephoto adapters. The price is not written in stone, definitely it will change in time. after all the review is done and user feedback. i will decide if it will be good for my kind of photography.

Good job Sony!, just dont forget the firmware updates.

3 upvotes

I am very excited about RX1. I'm tired of making excuses for not taking my FF DSLR + 35mm F1.4 lens to any events because too much hustle to carry them. Now I have no excuses. Kudos to DPR for an early preview.

2 upvotes

so, does that mean youre gonna buy this $3000 camera and sell your other gears to get it?

0 upvotes

This is a genuine surprise. A compact FF? Even if some of its specs are not that impressive, credits to Sony for doing it. What next? A MILC A-mount FF? They obviously are the ones that have the resources for such a thing.

5 upvotes

at first its a rumor...now its a reality. boy my m9 sure lost its boasting smallest FF digital compact...

1 upvote

Sony demise is near as they keep coming to market with these kind of products.

How many people can afford a $2800 fixed focal length camera?

1 upvote

It's a high margin premium product. They don't need to sell all that many to make it profitable.

BTW, gotta love these "XYZ Company's demise is near" postings. With this recent batch of introductions, it looks more like Sony's got a lot of kick in them, and they aren't afraid to put out some pretty daring products that challenge the status quo.

2 upvotes

nofumble, my 5Dmkiii is $3400 + 35mm f1.4 lens is $1300. You do the math. I agree. RX1 is not for everyone just like all FF cameras.

2 upvotes

They've got a few other cameras in their line-up, some quite affordable. I recommend perusing the Sony camera section of this site.

1 upvote

On the contrary, they show they muscles and continue to build their brand strength by launching niched products that few actually need and afford, but a much much wider crowd of people find impressive and desirable.

How many people need and afford a Canon EF 1200/5.6L lens, anyone? But it's sure is impressive. By comparison, I think the DSC-RX1 will be attracting a much wider audience.

Comment edited 39 seconds after posting

0 upvotes

Very very interesting. So Sony is doing a crop on the sensor to give 49mm and 70 mm focal lengths. I predicted years ago the moment would come when camera with high pixel count could instead of having an optical zoom provide something like that. I wonder what the megapixel count is at 49mm… 17 megapixels? That's still pretty high (maybe more like 16? still very good).

I can only hope they allow that in RAW.

2 upvotes

12Mp at 49mm and 6Mp at 70mm, just from the math. But then at 70mm you have the equivalent of a micro 4/3 6Mp camera, but the high ISO performance would beat that of a 16Mp m43 camera.

1 upvote

Zillions of dollars and years of research and they've reinvented the Nikon 35Ti. Looks perfect.

5 upvotes

Wow, I think I have just found my travel camera. For recording sunsets and travel locations. Amazing.

7 upvotes

The Ferrari of cameras. This is like the ultimate rich mans social camera.

2 upvotes

A FF DSLR is like a minivan or SUV: more versatile and practical, with lots of room for passengers and groceries, but a heck of a lot larger. This is a two-seat Ferrari: not as "practical" but sporty, compact, and fun.

2 upvotes

er, won't that camera belong to Leica owners?

1 upvote

lol Leica.

0 upvotes

The Ferrari of cameras belongs to Hasselblad

http://www.hasselblad.com/ferrari-edition/h4d-40-ferrari-edition.aspx

0 upvotes

Remember when a fixed lens "rangefinder" like this was about half the price of an SLR? Wish those days would come again in the digital era!

1 upvote

We just need the Russians camera makers to come out and make copies

1 upvote

still cheaper than 5D III, and with lens

1 upvote

Sony already bought some russian desiners (laugh)
They already helped it to come very close to the deep gulf.

0 upvotes

So close... But not close enough. It is so small that they could have made it a tad larger and have a built in EVF. I would have been ready with wallet in hand to buy if not for the lack of the EVF. External EVFs just spoil it for me.

3 upvotes

Love the jacket Richard, sporty :)

Looks like you just got back from a MTB Ride, showered up, then got all comfy.

;)

C

Comment edited 2 times, last edit 38 seconds after posting

0 upvotes

I'd be much redder-of-face if I'd just got off the bike.

3 upvotes

Having fun over there?

Have a feeling the fun isn't over!

Great looking cam that RX1, hard to fault it, even for the price!

C

1 upvote

This could be camera of my dreams. If it performs well. Fixed 35mm is my favorite lens, so I would be absolutely fine with it. As many people are fine with Fuji X100. I would definitely get this one if I had that amount of spare money...

6 upvotes

Ditto, this is my dream camera, if only I had the dream bank account to go with it...

1 upvote

I'm waiting for a ~$1000, shirt-pocketable, 35mm equiv RX10, with an APS (or even smaller) sensor. But it has to be shirt-pocketable, and it has to have a 35mm equivalent lens... and then just whatever the biggest sensor Sony can shoehorn in there...

0 upvotes


Sony RX1 wins Camera Grand Prix 2013, Sigma 35mm F1.4 lens of the year May 15, 2013	Just posted: Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1 review updated with lens data Feb 22, 2013	Just Posted: Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1 review Feb 20, 2013	Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1 preview extended Nov 28, 2012

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

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1

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