How does the RX1 Hold up?

[BrettSe]

Thinking of buying an RX1 (For $1050), but at this point it's a four year old camera...is it even worth it compared to an a6300, which for some more some more size is being compared to the a7ii. At the same time I am perfectly fine with only ever having the 35mm lens.

Can the RX1 hold up to new cameras being released today at the same price point?

 

[Pvuong]

Look at these pictures.

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www.dpreview.com

 

[beespeckled]

My personal view, it is a camera for taking your time in composition and a great companion for urban explorations & architecture as well as portraiture. (any camera can do this as well of course)

I enjoy taking chances and experimenting with this camera,

I consider my compositions more when using it (I mess up all of the time regardless of camera) but it is very satisfying when I get it right with this camera.

Mine was a used purchase but like new. I did get an extra battery with auxiliary charger, and a Voigtlander 35mm viewfinder. I haven't used the VF much as of yet.

I also happen to like fixed 35mm point of view too, but also have the option of ILC when the situation warrants. I find I use the Fuji x100 & the RX1 more often than the ILC, exception is when I know I'm out to get wildlife or sporting event shots.

Best of luck in your decision. That sounds like a great price!

 

[coase]

So out of curiosity, and taking into account new prices (via Amazon US) for current APS-C cameras vs Ebay prices for a used RX1 at around $1000 to $1300, what does the RX1 compare to? And which fixed lens cameras at under $2k are better? Pros? Cons?

Just trying to understand recent developments and this comparison would help me with that.

Thanks.

 

[mreynolds767]

IQ is still better than what you can buy with similar money ; no question about that.

Advances in the cameras/sensors on the Sony side have been much more about AF, technology like IBIS, etc...

And lens advances since have mostly done nothing in terms of improving IQ. Many of the very best lens in the world from any brand are much older than the RX1

The RX1 real value is the amazing and tiny lens attached. The value of the Rx1 will remain fairly close to current used pricing, as the lens itself is worth roughly that. The body that is attached will for the most part be devalued at next to nothing but the lens is still worth a good amount of money, is the Loxia 35 lens any better and what is the cost of that?

So to answer your question, if IQ is your main criteria than the Rx1 original is every bit as good now as when first introduced, if you are more concerned with the latest technology and best AF then you could be disappointed in buying this model vs the newest model (say Sony 6300 and a separate lens).

In general I think the camera best fits one of two buyers:

1.) the experienced user that has decided they can cope with 35mm as a sole focal length, they may have experienced back issues or similar mobility concerns or event that has caused them to rethink their camera goals but still demands highest IQ

2.) the user that also owns an ILC but sees the value in buying a second body with the 35mm lens rather than a separate 35mm lens to use on their existing body. Gives them a backup option in case anything happens with their other body, will be more portable, no worries about changing lens in wet/dusty environment and cost is really no different.

If you don't fall into one of those categories the Rx1 may not be a good fit, IMO.


online gallery at:
www.MattReynoldsPhotography.com

 

[coase]

Thanks! Very helpful. A long time ago I used a Nikon FE and a 35 mm f 2.8 lens almost exclusively and I've thought about getting back into it through the RX1 if time permits.

 

[Douglas F Watt]

Thinking of buying an RX1 (For $1050), but at this point it's a four year old camera...is it even worth it compared to an a6300, which for some more some more size is being compared to the a7ii. At the same time I am perfectly fine with only ever having the 35mm lens.

Can the RX1 hold up to new cameras being released today at the same price point?

here is a very detailed review that I wrote when the camera first came out.

If you can live with the AF limitations, the video limitations, the lack of IBIS (which just means you might shoot at higher shutter speeds or ISO), and the limitations of a fixed FL, the camera is capable of taking stunning pictures that are still competitive with the best FF equipment. The lens is superb, as is the sensor. For ~$1000, if you can live within its limitations, it's a great piece of gear, even at four years old.

 

[beespeckled]

Coase, personally? I'm very happy with my RX1. For my purposes and enjoyment, nothing comes close except for the Fuji x100. I love the colors and textures in the results I'm getting with the RX1.

Used, it was still pricey, but for the results of having this lens matched to this sensor, I don't know if anything else can compare in price. If the OP can get it for the amount stated, I think it is a very good bargain.

For the OP, I was just being honest in not letting my attachment to this camera get in the way of the fact that this is not a swiss army knife style of camera.

 

[BrettSe]

Hey, thanks a lot for your input. I went ahead and purchased the RX1, and i'm very happy that I did. My only gripe is that while the camera is small, it is still a little awkward and doesn't fit in to say a coat pocket as well as I hoped it would, so I'll probably pick up a light sling for it.

 

[Tirpitz666]

Congrats for your purchase! I bet you won't regret it for a minute

I'm definitely fitting in n. 2) cathegory in mrreynolds' post, but the RX1 has rapidily become my main camera, such high its IQ is compared to its limited footprint (although as you say is definitely not a pocketable camera).

The sharpness of the lens and the 24MP of the sensor lend itself to a high degree of cropping if needed, while close-up capabilities along with F2 aperture allow a surprising degree of subject separation, so at the end the fixed FL is way less limiting than one can think in the first place

 

[BrokenRX1]

I still use mine, but some folks have reported issues with manual focus giving out. This happened to mine on year two. Only fix is lens replacement which is too costly. Auto focus works fine and I just use the macro ring to modify focus if needed. I was excited for the new Rx1 but lost interest when I saw it used the same crap battery.

 

[BayAreaWZ]

I actually purchased one last week too. I owned it when it was originally released, but my needs were different back then.

Now I can really appreciate it for what it is. The IQ is perhaps even more phenomenal than I remember it. I added a fotodiox grip which makes it very nice to hold now. Also picked up a used EVF.

Very happy!