RX1 vs. NEX 7 + CZ 24mm f/1.8

[Enir4]

A friend is asking me what's the difference in IQ, only in IQ, between the RX1 and the NEX 7 with the Sony-Zeiss 24mm f/1.8. Can you help me explaining it to him? Thanks.

Enrique

 

[Donald Chin]

Enir4 wrote:

A friend is asking me what's the difference in IQ, only in IQ, between the RX1 and the NEX 7 with the Sony-Zeiss 24mm f/1.8. Can you help me explaining it to him? Thanks.

Enrique

Simple & straight forward, the difference is mainly in the size of sensor.

NEX7 24/1.8 @ F2 1/60s ISO 125

RX1 35/2 @ F2 1/80s ISO 160

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[David28]

Donald Chin wrote:

Enir4 wrote:

A friend is asking me what's the difference in IQ, only in IQ, between the RX1 and the NEX 7 with the Sony-Zeiss 24mm f/1.8. Can you help me explaining it to him? Thanks.

Enrique

Simple & straight forward, the difference is mainly in the size of sensor.

........ that larger sensor naturally yields a better rendering in the out of focus area or bokeh if you will, all other things being equal (which they rarely are of course in real life). Donald's two images are testament to that if you compare the background.

David

NEX7 24/1.8 @ F2 1/60s ISO 125

RX1 35/2 @ F2 1/80s ISO 160

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[Section10]

Can I say how lucky you are to get such a great answer in such a short amount of time?

Thx to Donald.

This makes you realize the main difference is more about the layout of the cameras than the photo quality. I'm sold on FF for sure but not entirely convinced to leave the NEX design, especially for a fixed lens. I'm fascinated by the RX1 but a 7n + zeiss may be a better answer for the most part.

 

[Robert Garcia NYC]

RX1 looks 3d the Nex doesn't besides that they look pretty much the same to me.

 

[Robgo2]

David28 wrote:

Donald Chin wrote:

Enir4 wrote:

A friend is asking me what's the difference in IQ, only in IQ, between the RX1 and the NEX 7 with the Sony-Zeiss 24mm f/1.8. Can you help me explaining it to him? Thanks.

Enrique

Simple & straight forward, the difference is mainly in the size of sensor.

........ that larger sensor naturally yields a better rendering in the out of focus area or bokeh if you will, all other things being equal (which they rarely are of course in real life). Donald's two images are testament to that if you compare the background.

David

NEX7 24/1.8 @ F2 1/60s ISO 125

RX1 35/2 @ F2 1/80s ISO 160

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Copyrights © 2000~2025 Donald Chin. All Rights Reserved. 版權所有，未經授權，任何人仕不得下載或轉載部份或全部照片。

www.fotop.net

You guys are not looking very closely. At regular viewing size and especially at 100%, the RX1 shot has much better detail and color in the in-focus foreground objects as well. The difference between these two camera/lens combinations is much more than out of focus rendering, with the RX1 being significantly better overall. Which is not to say that the NEX 7 is not a capable camera, but it is not in the same league as the RX1 in terms of IQ.

Rob

 

[Section10]

You guys are not looking very closely. At regular viewing size and especially at 100%, the RX1 shot has much better detail and color in the in-focus foreground objects as well. The difference between these two camera/lens combinations is much more than out of focus rendering, with the RX1 being significantly better overall. Which is not to say that the NEX 7 is not a capable camera, but it is not in the same league as the RX1 in terms of IQ.

Rob

I agree of the differences, I disagree with the amount of significance. Clearly the depth of field plays the biggest difference, not due to the lens (2 vs 1.8) but the extra stops of the full frame. Color is slightly different, again, not significant to me at all. Colors when blurred have a stronger effect than when in focus and again, the APSc on the 7 is keeping a little more in focus.

The rx1 does better overall I agree though. I just don't overplay the significance of each difference, they're minimal.

 

[Robgo2]

Section10 wrote:

You guys are not looking very closely. At regular viewing size and especially at 100%, the RX1 shot has much better detail and color in the in-focus foreground objects as well. The difference between these two camera/lens combinations is much more than out of focus rendering, with the RX1 being significantly better overall. Which is not to say that the NEX 7 is not a capable camera, but it is not in the same league as the RX1 in terms of IQ.

Rob

I agree of the differences, I disagree with the amount of significance. Clearly the depth of field plays the biggest difference, not due to the lens (2 vs 1.8) but the extra stops of the full frame. Color is slightly different, again, not significant to me at all. Colors when blurred have a stronger effect than when in focus and again, the APSc on the 7 is keeping a little more in focus.

The rx1 does better overall I agree though. I just don't overplay the significance of each difference, they're minimal.

You may regard the differences as minimal, but they are what separate good from great. However, I can accept that they might not be significant, depending on one's standards and the intended use of the image. In a smallish print or on the web--not significant.

Rob

 

[Enir4]

A problem with this test is that the 24mm at f/2 is weak. It has to be stopped down to 2.8 or above to get good results, while the lens on the RX1 is aready very sharp at f/2.

Enrique

 

[teseg]

Enir4 wrote:

A friend is asking me what's the difference in IQ, only in IQ, between the RX1 and the NEX 7 with the Sony-Zeiss 24mm f/1.8. Can you help me explaining it to him? Thanks.

Enrique

I don't have the NEX 7 but do have the 5N. Based on all the forum comments I've read over the past year as well as my own experiences, here are some of my beliefs that may not be completely accurate.

So while you want to know about the lens IQ specifically, I think the entire user experience must be considered, as it helps contribute to the ultimate result.

• RX1 AWB is much more accurate
• Both lenses provide good color but I prefer that of the RX1 as more rich and natural (color is very subjective)
• RX1 CA at the 35mm EFL is much less
• RX1 is much sharper across full range of aperture settings... Zeiss 24mm weaker in corners at larger pertures and small apertures
• Malieability of RX1 files are better, allowing a greater % of photos can be saved or PP'd to more exacting desires
• RX1 noise control is significantly better than that of the NEX 7, thus contributing to IQ
• RX1 B&W rendering is better than that of the NEX 7, particularly the way it renders high-ISO noise
• RX1 bokeh creamier (never mind more dramatic because of DOF capability)
• RX1 camera smaller than NEX7/Z24mm combo, thus likely to be carried more
• RX1 is fixed lens, thus "the best lens in the bag" is always on the camera
• RX1 has more manual controls customization ability and more conventional manual control placement
• Reportedly the RX1 EVF renders better than the NEX system EVF due to supporting processors/sensors
• LCD bigger and brighter on RX1
• No reports of RX1 rubber grip detaching, unlike NEX 7
• Feel of RX1 more solid than NEX 7

I'm sure there is more, but these are what immediately come to mind.

 

[cjhacker23]

DOF, exactly right. People who stare at comparison charts of brick walls, trying to ferret out minor IQ differences at 300 percent just totally miss the point. The difference is all about depth of field. Cropped sensor cameras handicap you. It is literally not possible to achieve as shallow a depth of field at a given field of view as you can with a full frame camera. This image comparison captures that essential truth. It's why I have always hated APS-C. I went full frame as soon as I could afford it and never looked back.

With the RX1, you are able to get really nice background separation and selective focus, and this particular lens is sharp wide open, which makes this particular camera amazingly versatile.

 

[Robgo2]

teseg wrote:

Enir4 wrote:

A friend is asking me what's the difference in IQ, only in IQ, between the RX1 and the NEX 7 with the Sony-Zeiss 24mm f/1.8. Can you help me explaining it to him? Thanks.

Enrique

I don't have the NEX 7 but do have the 5N. Based on all the forum comments I've read over the past year as well as my own experiences, here are some of my beliefs that may not be completely accurate.

So while you want to know about the lens IQ specifically, I think the entire user experience must be considered, as it helps contribute to the ultimate result.

• RX1 AWB is much more accurate
• Both lenses provide good color but I prefer that of the RX1 as more rich and natural (color is very subjective)
• RX1 CA at the 35mm EFL is much less
• RX1 is much sharper across full range of aperture settings... Zeiss 24mm weaker in corners at larger pertures and small apertures
• Malieability of RX1 files are better, allowing a greater % of photos can be saved or PP'd to more exacting desires
• RX1 noise control is significantly better than that of the NEX 7, thus contributing to IQ
• RX1 B&W rendering is better than that of the NEX 7, particularly the way it renders high-ISO noise
• RX1 bokeh creamier (never mind more dramatic because of DOF capability)
• RX1 camera smaller than NEX7/Z24mm combo, thus likely to be carried more
• RX1 is fixed lens, thus "the best lens in the bag" is always on the camera
• RX1 has more manual controls customization ability and more conventional manual control placement
• Reportedly the RX1 EVF renders better than the NEX system EVF due to supporting processors/sensors
• LCD bigger and brighter on RX1
• No reports of RX1 rubber grip detaching, unlike NEX 7
• Feel of RX1 more solid than NEX 7

I'm sure there is more, but these are what immediately come to mind.

The NEX7 has one big advantage--versatility. It can be used with a wide variety of lenses. If that is what one values most, then the NEX is a better choice. However, in no case will any of those lenses equal the RX1's 35/2 Zeiss, nor will the IQ be a match for the RX1. It's one of life's many tradeoffs.

Rob

 

[MMehresUSA]

I own both and its not even close. The RX1 is an entirely different league. I've since sold the CZ. Its not just the sensor either - the Zeiss on the RX1 is a demonstrably better lens all over the frame.

 

[Jerry R]

[No message]

 

[Enir4]

Thank you all for your help, it has been truly great.

I disagree a bit with something you didn't say but floats in some replies, which is some dismissal of the NEX 7 as an excellent camera. I agree that it is not as good as the RX1 at 35mm, but it is still a very competent tool.

Enrique

 

[teseg]

Enir4 wrote:

Thank you all for your help, it has been truly great.
I disagree a bit with something you didn't say but floats in some replies, which is some dismissal of the NEX 7 as an excellent camera. I agree that it is not as good as the RX1 at 35mm, but it is still a very competent tool.

Enrique

Certainly the N7+24mm at $1100+$1100 ($2200) is an excellent camera as is the RX1 at $2800 (and $500+ of accessories).

Back to Donald's original response, the obvious IQ difference is DOF related. The balance of differences would only be appreciated through a bit of homework and comparing both "in hand" and side by side.

The remaining differences would not be obvious to an N7 owner as a weakness in the N7, rather seen by an RX1 user as extra benefit provided by the RX1.

 

[Enir4]

teseg wrote:

Enir4 wrote:

Thank you all for your help, it has been truly great.
I disagree a bit with something you didn't say but floats in some replies, which is some dismissal of the NEX 7 as an excellent camera. I agree that it is not as good as the RX1 at 35mm, but it is still a very competent tool.

Enrique

Certainly the N7+24mm at $1100+$1100 ($2200) is an excellent camera as is the RX1 at $2800 (and $500+ of accessories).

Back to Donald's original response, the obvious IQ difference is DOF related. The balance of differences would only be appreciated through a bit of homework and comparing both "in hand" and side by side.

The remaining differences would not be obvious to an N7 owner as a weakness in the N7, rather seen by an RX1 user as extra benefit provided by the RX1.

I had them both, and then I made the mistake of selling the RX1. The RX1 has a 3D, a color accuracy and depth, smooth transitions and sheer sharpness that no other camera I know has.

Enrique

 

[Robgo2]

Enir4 wrote:

Thank you all for your help, it has been truly great.
I disagree a bit with something you didn't say but floats in some replies, which is some dismissal of the NEX 7 as an excellent camera. I agree that it is not as good as the RX1 at 35mm, but it is still a very competent tool.

Enrique

I said that the difference in IQ is between good and great, which I think is an apt appraisal. I have no doubt that the NEX 7 is a "competent tool," but as to its being an "excellent camera," I really cannot say.

Rob

 

[photog4u]

From my eyes it's simply no contest at all; RX1 renders much better colour, much better bokeh and the RX1 sample POPS like the M. Having owned the NEX7/CZ combo, I can say that is a very nice outfit but it's no match for full frame. The 24/1,8 is a decent lens and certainly better that any other Sony e-mount prime (for the time being) but the Zeiss lens on the RX1 shoots like a real Carl Zeiss optic, not a Sony/Zeiss branded version.

 

[Jerry R]

The simple answer is that the IQ of the RX1 is superior to the NEX7+24mm Zeiss.

What is difficult to answer is $3,600 for the RX1 + Viewfinder worth $1,300 more than the NEX7 + Zeiss 24mm lens.

Or is it worth $3,000(no viewfinder) more than the RX100?