Announced alongside the new RX100 IV, the new Sony Cyber-shot RX10 II combines the same 1-inch, 20.1MP stacked CMOS sensor and DRAM memory chip to deliver low-light image performance, along with 4K video capture.
The RX10 II features a familiar 24-200mm f/2.8 Carl Zeiss zoom lens, along with a 3-inch 1228K-dot resolution LCD and a new 2.35 million dot XGA OLED viewfinder.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cP1FKaUCbxw&w=700]Like the RX100 IV, it captures 4K video internally to SD cards and will shoot lower resolution video up to 960fps. Unlike the RX100 IV, which is limited to 5 minutes continuous 4K capture, the RX10 II can roll 4K footage up to 29 minutes at a solid 100Mbps in the Sony XAVC-S codec.
Sony Cyber-shot RX100 II Key Features
- 20.2 MP 1″ Exmor RS BSI CMOS Sensor
- BIONZ X Image Processor
- Internal UHD 4K Video & S-Log2 Gamma
- Carl Zeiss 24-200mm f/2.8 Lens (35mm Eq)
- Slow Motion Video at 960 fps
- 3.0″ 1228K-Dot Tilting Xtra Fine TFT LCD
- XGA OLED Electronic Viewfinder
- Built-In Wireless and NFC Connectivity
- Low-Light Sensitivity to ISO 12800
- Super Sonicwave Motor for Fast Autofocus
The Sony RX10 II retails for $1298 and should ship in July. Pre-orders for the new camera begin on June 17. Check it out here at B&H Photo.
Bob says
I am fascinated that the sensor size is referred to as 1″ – it seems misleading because as far as I can tell the actual physical dimension is about 3/8″ by perhaps 5/8″ – far smaller than the 1″ square it would connote. I recall hearing the term comes from the old vidicon tube sizes in the days of analog video, but I wonder if the marketing flacks like to keep calling it 1″ because it makes the sensor sound far bigger than it really is.
Eric Reagan says
Sensor size are expressed in inches notation because at the time of the popularization of digital image sensors they were used to replace video camera tubes. The common 1″ circular video camera tubes had a rectangular photo sensitive area about 16mm diagonal, so a digital sensor with a 16 mm diagonal size was a 1″ video tube equivalent. The name of a 1″ digital sensor should more accurately be read as “one inch video camera tube equivalent” sensor. Current digital image sensor size descriptors are the video camera tube equivalency size, not the actual size of the sensor. For example a 1″ sensor has a diagonal measurement of 16mm.
[via http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image_sensor_format#For_compact_digital_cameras.2C_bridge_cameras_and_camera-phones ]
Mark says
Thank you for your question, Bob, and for your answer, Eric.
I also find 1″ to be misleading, exacerbated by using a new definition of diameter without clarification. Even DPReview seems to accept this New Maths http://tiny.cc/lngczx (Note I’ve compared 4 cameras)
13,2mm by 8,8mm gives a diagonal of 15,86mm
1 Inch = 25,4mm
The diagonal difference is material, more-so when the areas are compared, but primarily I feel the buyer is being misled. (This also allows other manufacturers to play with new definitions and re-interpretations and not disclose their sales logic.)
I am buying a camera (not a video camera), and use industry-established terms in interpreting information. What other features and specs have been redefined & reinterpreted by Sony?
Transparency uber alles.
Eric Reagan says
There are many classifications in the digital imaging world that are a mess. Even focal length ranges are estimates to some extent. You’re favorite 70-200mm lens is probably more like 76-189mm. Just compare a 200mm prime to the telephoto end of a 70-200mm lens and you’ll see the slight difference. These types of estimates are revealed in optical formulas in patents. I don’t even think there is any kind of industry standardization with regard to what is acceptable estimates for focal lengths and f-stops.
At least sensor sizes are predictable if you look at the classifications (e.g., 1-inch class, full frame, APS-C, Super35, etc.)
And don’t even get me started on memory card labeling….
Jared says
The fact that it has a constant aperture f/2.8 lens that’s 24-200mm is very tempting!
Frank James says
Your video take on the new Sony RX10 11 was very well done with spot on perspective on this camera. To me having used Zeiss lenses in my film days is worth the price of the camera. Thinking outside the box of interchangeable lens cameras and embracing the RX10 innovations is opening up a new option for me as a retired professional photographer. I will be buying this camera! Thanks Eric.