Sony DSC-RX1/B Cyber-shot Full-frame Digital Camera

by Sony

• Bright F2.0 Carl Zeiss Sonnar T lens with macro compability
• World's first fixed lens 35mm digital camera - it's small
• Full frame 24MP resolution with 14-bit RAW output
• Accurate high speed auto focus (AF)

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 4.5 x 2.8 x 2.6 inches ; 1.1 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B0097CXFCC
• Item model number: DSC-RX1/B
• Batteries 1 Lithium ion batteries required. (included)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (59 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #474 in Camera & Photo (See Top 100 in Camera & Photo)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: September 11, 2012

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

We've made the impossible possible. Once considered merely a dream is now a reality that can sit in the palm of your hand. Introducing the revolutionary RX1: The world's first fixed lens digital camera with a full-frame sensor. Take it wherever you go and explore full manual control photography that knows no bounds.

	Full Frame 24 Megapixel resolution with 14-bit RAW output .		Bright F2.0 Carl Zeiss® Sonnar T* lens with macro capability .		World’s first fixed lens 35mm digital camera – it’s small.
	A whole new world of high-quality images are realized through the 24.3 MP effective 35 mm full-frame sensor, a normal sensor range of ISO 100 – 25600, and a sophisticated balance of high resolving power, gradation and low noise.		F2.0 Carl Zeiss® Sonnar T* lens delivers refined background defocusing – bokeh, and macro capabilities.		The DSC-RX1 is the world's first fixed lens 35 mm full-frame digital camera which offers an uncompromising design that focuses on an intuitive, user-friendly operation.

Technology

24.3 MP 35 mm Full Frame Sensor A whole new world of high-quality images are realized through the 24.3 MP effective 35 mm full-frame sensor, a normal sensor range of ISO 100 – 25600, & a sophisticated balance of high resolving power, gradation and low noise. The BIONZ® image processor enables up to 5 fps high-speed continuous shooting and 14-bit RAW image data recording.	F2.0 Carl Zeiss® Sonnar T* lens Newly developed large-diameter F2.0 Carl Zeiss® Sonnar T* lens delivers refined background defocusing – bokeh, and macro capabilities. A premium multi-layered T* coating also dramatically reduces ghost and flare caused by light reflection.	World's first fixed lens 35mm The DSC-RX1 is the world's first fixed lens 35 mm full-frame digital camera which offers an uncompromising design that focuses on an intuitive, user-friendly operation. The camera fits in the palm of a hand and allows users to carry it nearly everywhere to capture any shooting opportunity that arises.
Full HD 24p video Full HD 24p video with manual control and audio input.1 For creative flexibility, users can enter Program Auto (P), Aperture Priority (A), Shutter Speed Priority (S) or Manual Exposure (M) mode for manual shooting and exposure control. Enjoy clear sound recording and playback via built-in stereo microphone and mono speaker.	Amazing Low-light performance Experience incredible low-light shooting without a flash. The camera captures six images in a fraction of a second. Combining the data from all six, it creates a single image with a reduction in noise. Sensitivity selectable up to ISO 25600. (Recommended for still subjects.)	High speed Auto Focus Focus as fast with high speed AF. To improve focusing speed and sensitivity, the Exmor® CMOS sensor delivers high-quality image signals to the camera’s BIONZ® processor, which provides intelligent response data to a new high speed actuator motor in the lens. The result is fast, DSLR-like focusing speeds even in low light.

Product description and full feature list

The DSC-RX1 Digital Camera is equipped with the latest technology.
Explore the full range of features and options below.

 

24.3 MP 35 mm Full Frame Sensor A whole new world of high-quality images are realized through the 24.3 MP effective 35 mm full-frame sensor, a normal sensor range of ISO 100 – 25600, and a sophisticated balance of high resolving power, gradation and low noise. The BIONZ® image processor enables up to 5 fps high-speed continuous shooting and 14-bit RAW image data recording. Bright F2.0 Carl Zeiss® Sonnar T* lens Newly developed large-diameter F2.0 Carl Zeiss® Sonnar T* lens delivers refined background defocusing – bokeh, and macro capabilities. A premium multi-layered T* coating also dramatically reduces ghost and flare caused by light reflection. World's first fixed lens 35mm camera The DSC-RX1 is the world's first fixed lens 35 mm full-frame digital camera which offers an uncompromising design that focuses on an intuitive, user-friendly operation. The camera fits in the palm of a hand and allows users to carry it nearly everywhere to capture any shooting opportunity that arises. Full HD 24p video Full HD 24p video with manual control and audio input.¹ For creative flexibility while shooting movies and stills, users can enter Program Auto (P), Aperture Priority (A), Shutter Speed Priority (S) or Manual Exposure (M) mode for manual shooting and exposure control. Enjoy clear sound recording and playback via built-in stereo microphone and mono speaker. Additionally, an optional microphone can be plugged into the camera. Amazing Low-light performance Experience incredible low-light shooting without a flash. The camera captures six images in a fraction of a second. Combining the data from all six, it creates a single image with a reduction in noise equivalent to two additional steps of ISO sensitivity. Sensitivity selectable up to ISO 25600. (Recommended for still subjects.) High speed Auto Focus Focus fast with high speed AF. To improve focusing speed and sensitivity, the Exmor® CMOS sensor uses its rapid throughput to deliver high-quality image signals to the camera's BIONZ® processor, which provides intelligent response data to a new high speed actuator motor in the lens. The result is fast, DSLR-like focusing speeds even in low light. Full frame burst shooting High speed continuous shooting at up to 5 frames per second (fps) is made possible by the BIONZ® processor and 24 megapixel sensor. Three control lens rings Full manual operation is intuitive on the RX1. Users can keep their eyes on the subject and concentrate on the composition while comfortably adjusting the dedicated aperture, focusing, and macro switching rings.

Conveniently placed dials Quick access to conveniently placed exposure compensation and focus mode dials. Quick Navi – settings at a glance Quick Navi enhances direct control of your favorite functions. Pressing the Fn button activates Quick Navi, which allows the user to check camera settings at a glance and promptly change settings without having to search for dedicated menus. Memory recall MR (memory recall) mode can memorize up to three groups of the user's preferred settings. Settings include zoom magnification, white balance, exposure compensation, shutter speed, drive mode and metering modes. This enables quick switching of settings at the right moment. Nine aperture blades Nine aperture blades form a nearly perfect circle throughout the normally used aperture range of F2 to F22, resulting in background defocusing that is smooth and genuinely beautiful. Expandable with multi interface shoe The multi interface shoe allows easy connection with wide-ranging accessories expanding the range of photographic expression. Available accessories include a powerful external flash unit, electronic viewfinder. 3" Xtra Fine LCD™ Display The 3" (1,229k dots) Xtra Fine LCD™ Display makes it easy to scroll through menus and preview live Picture Effects. WhiteMagic™ technology increases visibility in bright daylight. The large display delivers brilliant-quality still images and movies while enabling easy focusing operation. Auto HDR mode Captures more scene dynamic range than a single exposure can handle—and more range than photo film. Combines the best highlight detail from one shot, the best mid-tones from a second and the best shadow detail from a third for one incredible shot (up to 6 EV stops), all in a split second. (Recommended for still subjects.) Dual-aspect ratio recording for still images Capture still images in either 3:2 or 16:9 aspect ratio. This provides the freedom to choose a ratio that matches the scene or the specific shooting purpose. Built in pop up flash Enjoy the convenience of flash photography everywhere you go. Guide number is approximately 6. Choose from Auto, Slow Sync, Rear Sync, Fill-flash and Flash Off modes. Capture JPEG files, RAW files, or both The DSC-RX1 saves pictures as compact JPEG files and/or ultra-high quality RAW files. RAW files save images prior to de-mosaicing, white balance, sharpness and color enhancement. This retains maximum latitude for enhancing the image on your PC.

Three focusing modes This camera has one Autofocus mode, Single-shot AF (AF). It also has Manual Focus (MF) for manual focusing freedom, and Direct Manual Focus (DMF), that first uses autofocusing to focus on the subject, and then allows fast and easy switching to manual focusing for even more precise adjustment. Digital level gauge Digital level gauge to allow easier leveling of the camera. MF assist and peaking Manual focus becomes much easier because peaking highlights the edges that are in focus in your choice of three colors (white, red, or yellow). This is especially helpful during macro or portrait photography where your focus setting can make or break your shot. Creative Style settings Control how the camera processes your images with 15 finishing styles: Standard, Vivid, Neutral, Clear, Deep, Light, Twilight, Night View, Autumn Leaves, B&W, Sepia, Sunset, Portrait and Landscape. You can even fine-tune contrast, saturation, and sharpness to your personal taste. Picture Effect mode Realize your creative potential with Picture Effect, a fun and simple way to convert ordinary landscapes and portraits come to life by heightening mood and emphasizing certain attributes. Effects are Soft Focus, Posterization, Retro Photo, High Contrast Monochrome, Rich-tone Monochrome, Miniature, Soft High-key, Toy Camera, Pop Color, Partial Color, Watercolor Painting, HDR Painting, and Illustration. MF assist and peaking Manual focus becomes much easier because peaking highlights the edges that are in focus in your choice of three colors (white, red, or yellow). This is especially helpful during macro or portrait photography where your focus setting can make or break your shot. Face Detection/ Registration technology The camera can automatically detect and register up to eight individual faces and adjust focus, exposure, white balance and flash to help deliver crisp, properly lit images of family and friends. Can prioritize children or adults. Auto portrait framing Simply photograph a person and Auto Portrait Framing will save an additional, optimally framed image in portrait or landscape orientation. Combining Face Detection and By Pixel Super Resolution technologies with rule of thirds, Auto Portrait Framing provides beautifully composed and appealingly balanced full resolution portraits. Sweep Panorama™ Mode Capture expansive landscapes automatically. Press the shutter, sweep vertically or horizontally. The camera does the rest, continuously shooting images and stitching them together. Capture expansive landscapes automatically. Press the shutter, sweep vertically or horizontally. The camera does the rest, continuously shooting images and stitching them together.

1. Records in 29 minute segments

2. Requires HDTV and HDMI cable sold separately

© 2012 Sony Electronics Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Sony, Cyber-shot, SteadyShot, Smile Shutter, Sweep Panorama, Exmor and the Sony make.believe logo are trademarks of Sony. Microsoft, Windows, and Windows Vista are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Mac is a trademark of Apple, Inc. All other trademarks are trademarks of their respective owners. Features and specifications subject to change without notice.

Product Description

World's first fixed lens 35mm camera. For a more in-depth look, check out the DSC-RX-1 brochure.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

311 of 339 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars Too limited for $2800, but for some it will be camera perfection December 4, 2012

By Gear Addict

Amazon Verified Purchase

I purchased and received this camera from Amazon.

I also own a Canon 5D Mark II, Olympus OM-D E-M5, and Sony RX100

I must say I had really high hopes for this camera. I hoped for a low-light monster that would provide the critical image quality that I turn to my 5D Mark II for, just in a more portable package. For reference I also own the Canon 35mm L f/1.4. For better or for worse, this review will be based on my experience with the RX1 compared to the 5D, OM-D and RX100.

First the good...

1.) The image quality is really that good. If you read Steve Huff and look at his samples, they are representative. I must admit the lens/camera combo *is capable* of producing images better than my 5D Mark II (see negatives). the lens is sharper at wide apertures than the Canon. The high ISO performance is really amazing. Probably one of the best Full Frame cameras of any form factor with respect to ISO performance.

2.) It's well built, if not perfect (more on this in the negatives). It feels much more solid than the RX100, but not at the level of the 5D or the OM-D.

3.) The ergonomics and controls are pretty good for the small form factor. I like the manual aperture ring and exp. comp. dial, but really I still prefer the ergonomics on both the 5D and OM-D

4.) Good Auto features for deep pocketed amateurs. In truth I did not test these features extensively

Now the Negatives...

1.) The camera struggles to focus in anything but good and great light. In low and moderately low light (read normally lit interior of a home) the camera misses focus on anything that is not static or has high contrast. Taking pictures of people / faces in these conditions, the camera focuses on the background (which is static and higher contrast) in 30-70% of my shots. This is very similar to my experience with the NEX 7, another camera I have owned and shot with. It is truly maddening to have a camera with so much potential that will not nail focus with any consistency. I warn any OM-D E-M5 owners, you will not be satisfied with the focusing performance on this camera unless you only shoot outdoors in good light or shoot still life. If you like to shoot pictures of kids or any non static people in less than ideal lighting, the camera does not cut it.

2.) The ergonomics should be better. I get the cool look of the camera, but given how far the lens sticks out from the body, Sony could easily have added more grip and better ergonomics without adding to the form factor negatively. The OM-D paired with the very sharp Panasonic 20mm 1.7 or Leica 25mm 1.4 has a similar form factor but better ergonomics

3.) if Olympus can weather seal the $999 OM-D, why can't Sony weather proof the RX1 which has a fixed lens and cost $2,800.00.

4.) The lack of image stabilization nullifies some of the ISO performance vs. the OM-D

5.) I love the idea of a fast 35mm prime, but for some, $2,800 might be to much to commit into a fixed lens camera.

6.) When you spend this much on an item, do companies like Sony really have to price-gouge you on the accessories, like viewfinders and thumb rests!??!?! I digress....

7.) the lens does not perform as well at smaller apertures and when focused closer to infinity, so it's not quite as good for landscape shooters

As I mentioned at the beginning, this review has been based on my experience and comparison of the RX1 and my other camera systems. This camera's sensor and lens are capable of real magic. In the right conditions it is really a dream. But for me, the RX1 did not fit the bill, literally at $2,799, and figuratively in terms of performance in lower light, which to me is where I would be using it often.

Hope this helps someone in deciding.

282 of 316 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars This is one amazing Camera and yes, I have it in hand. November 21, 2012

By Steve Huff

I review cameras, you may know me you may not. Part one of my review has already been posted on my site and I have to say that if I could give this camera 7 stars I would. The RX1 is a tiny beast of a camera and I have never seen results like this from any full frame sensor 35mm camera under $10k. This gives equal or better than Leica M9 and Zeiss 35 results for a fraction of the cost. Amazing quality even at f/2 and JPEG mode. Some will hate on this and never hold it or even use it just due to the price. But with that, IMO it is well worth the cost if you want a camera that can fit in your coat pocket and provide some of the most amazing results with an ease that no other camera can give you. The RX1 is the real deal, and my pick for best camera of 2012. Enough said. I just wrote 6000 words on it so I am keeping this short and posting my REAL 5 star review due to the 1 star review below from someone who never touched the camera. My order is in.

BTW, Part 2 of my full review is now up on my site.

82 of 91 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars For Photographers December 5, 2012

By Jules D

Amazon Verified Purchase

As one of the three reviewers here so far that actually own the camera I would like to point out that first and foremost I have to say that this is definitely not a camera for hobbyists. Absurdly and with much amusement I have read several complaints here regarding the camera from people that have a) never touched the thing, b) have no intention whatsoever in buying it and c) lack the knowledge or experience in photography that Sony had in mind when developing and releasing this camera, a world's first. Nothing like it has ever existed before.

This is a niche product, let me say that again, this is a niche product.

- no, it doesn't have an articulated screen.
- no, it doesn't automatically upload to facebook via wifi.
- no, you don't get a one year subscription to cheezburger or lolcatz.
- no, it's not bundled with a "Sony RX1 for Dummies"
- no, you have to buy the accessories, it's not like that 100 piece tool kit on QVC for $49.99
- no, it doesn't have a f1.2 lens (anyone that has seen size of the canon 35mm f1.4 or Canon 85mm f1.2 would immediately understand why Sony went with a f2 lens).
- no, you can't change the lens (Cartier-Bresson shot with one lens his whole life: a 50mm. Well, okay, the rest of us like options but this is not a deal breaker at all for me, 35mm is considered a standard lens on a 35mm camera). The Mamiya 6 was also a fixed lens camera and immensely popular.

What it is however, is the world's first full 35mm frame, leaf shutter (can sync at 1/4000s, let's see Canon or Nikon accomplish that) compact camera in the world Considering that the lens would retail for about $2,300 by itself, I'm assuming that Sony is betting that they will make up in volume what they are losing in cost on the body and sensor.

I'm a professional photographer and I bought this as a backup to my Canon 5D MKII, my other digital camera is a Phase One 645DF with a P65+ back and the Schneider 55mm & 85mm LS lenses.

Having just unboxed my new RX1, I have to say that my first impressions were that it reminded me slightly of my Leica M6 in heft and feel. Also, the slightly rounded edges only supported this sensation. Sony might or might of done this deliberately but I'm sure aren't complaining if the comparison is raised. I've only just started shooting some samples but so far I found the Carl Zeiss lens to be sharper and tonally smoother than my Canon 35mm f1.4L lens, which is pretty impressive to say the least. Highlight blooming is also less.

I only shoot RAW and the Sony format of ARW 2.3 will as Steve Huff pointed out stymie a lot of software. So far I have not had any problems opening it Capture One Pro 7.0.1 which is a relief as the Sony image conversion software is extremely poor. I rarely use on camera flash but the RX1's built in flash appeared to me to have better coverage than my previous Sony NEX-7.

In my opinion this also is definitely not a pocket camera, it's just too bulky. Again, it's not a deal breaker for me. I bought this purely for when I'm not working and for a backup to my Canon 5D MKII. I've yet to compare the low light capabilities with my 5D but Steve Huff did a great job over on his blog with similar cameras. I have not tried to digital zoom however, haven't touched it. I've always ascribed to Robert Capa's maxim: "If your pictures aren't good enough, you're not close enough."

In my opinion the quality of the optics, the size of the sensor and the form factor of the camera will allow anyone using it to produce images that simply will stand out from other compact cameras.

Lastly, the second I unbox any camera I immediately put a UV filter on it. I highly recommend B+W filters as you can see here.

B+W 49mm XS-Pro Clear UV Haze with Multi-Resistant Nano Coating (010M)

**UPDATE**

I erroneously stated that Photoshop CS6 camera raw 7.2 can open these files, this is not the case sadly. The only software that I have found that can convert the ARW files is the latest version of Capture One Pro (version 7.0.1)