The actual sensitivity of each indicated ISO is measured using the same shots as are used to measure ISO noise levels, we simply compare the exposure for each shot to the metered light level (using a calibrated Sekonic L-358), middle gray matched. We estimate the accuracy of these results to be +/- 1/6 EV (the margin of error given in the ISO specifications). In our tests we found that measured ISOs from the RX1 match the marked ISOs within 1/6 stop accuracy, meaning ISO 100 indicated = ISO 100 measured.
The RX1's JPEG produces similar amounts of noise to the recent SLT-A99 but with increasing divergence at high ISOs. Without the SLT's semi-transparent mirror, the RX1's sensor is always receiving rather more light than the A99's, so is able to produce cleaner JPEGs (or, at least, not have to apply as much noise reduction to its files). Its noise reduction is a little more aggressive than the Nikon D600's, which explains how it appears to post better results in this test.
The RX1 only offers three noise reduction settings - off, low and normal. The 'off' setting still applies a fair dose of chroma noise reduction but leaves luminance noise relatively untouched, so you get a gritty but still sensibly-colored image.
The Low and Normal settings are only very subtlety different in this test - possibly because it applies different amounts of noise reduction to different areas of the image (in an attempt to distinguish between smooth areas, detail regions and edges). There's a possibility both settings apply the same amount of noise reduction to the areas our test samples but would differ with other subjects. That said, we've seen little difference between the two in our real-world shooting.
The RX1 gives exactly the performance you'd expect - a touch ahead of the A99 and on a par with the D600. Although it may initially seem odd that the X100 seems to produce a similar result, it's worth remembering that this is a pixel-level test. Because the X100 has a pixel count that's lower in similar proportion to how much smaller its sensor is, you'd expect it to give a similar result to the RX1.
Sony DSC-RX1/B Cyber-shot Full-frame Digital Camera | $2,798.00 |
Sony DSC-RX1/B Cyber-shot Full-frame Digital Camera | $2,798.00 |
Sony DSC-RX100M II Cyber-shot Digital Still Camera 20.2MP, Black | $679.99 |
Sony DSCRX1R/B 24MP Compact System Cyber-Shot Digital Still Camera with 3-Inch LCD Screen (Black) | $2,798.00 |
Sony DSC-RX100/B 20.2 MP Exmor CMOS Sensor Digital Camera with 3.6x Zoom | $598.00 |
Focus Camera Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100M2/B RX100M2 RX100M II RX100MII 20.2MP Wi-Fi Digital Camera with F1.8 Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T Lens and Full HD 1080p Video at 60fps + Sony 64GB SDHC Class 10 Memory Card + Wasabi NP-BX1 Battery Pack + Sony Camera Case + Micro HDMI Cable + Focus Multi Memory Card Wallet | $748.00 |
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100M2/B RX100M2 RX100M II RX100MII 20.2MP Wi-Fi Digital Camera Bundle with Sony 64GB Memory Card + Wasabi Power Replacement Battery for Sony DSC-RX1 + Sony Black Carrying Case + Wrist Grip Strap + Camera Accessories | $788.00 |
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100M2/B RX100M2 RX100M II RX100MII 20.2MP Wi-Fi Digital Camera Bundle with Sony 32GB Memory Card + Wasabi Power Replacement Battery for Sony DSC-RX1 + Sony Black Carrying Case + Wrist Grip Strap + Camera Accessories | $768.00 |
Sony DSC-HX50V/B DSC-HX50, HX50, DSCHX50 Cyber-shot 20.4MP High Zoom Digital Camera Bundle with 64GB SD Memory Card + Memory Card Reader-Writer + Wasabi Power Replacement Battery for Sony NP-BX1 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1 + Soft Carrying Case + 7" Spider Tripod and Accessories | $434.00 |
Sony DSC-RX1/B DSCRX1B DSC-RX1 DSC-RX1/B RX1 DSCRX1 Cybershot Full-frame Digital Camera ESSENTIALS Bundle with 32GB High Speed SD Cards (qty 2) Spare Lithium Batteries (Qty 2), Spare Battery Charger, Deluxe Multi Coated Filter Kit, Padded Case + More! | $2,798.00 |
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 Digital Camera (Black) 32GB Package 3 | $598.00 |
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