Customer reviews from sony.com
Sony - Cybershot RX1 24.3-Megapixel Digital Camera - Black
Average customer rating
4.8
(25 Reviews)
Rating breakdown 25 reviews
5 Stars
22
4 Stars
2
3 Stars
1
2 Stars
0
1 Star
0
100%of customers recommend this product.
(
23 out of
23)
Customer Reviews for Sony - Cybershot RX1 24.3-Megapixel Digital Camera - Black
Customer Rating
5
An absolutely unique photographic tool w/out peer
on February 8, 2013
Posted by: TechnoGuy
If you managed to get this far through all the reviews of the camera, you're either a glutton for punishment, are you really are a researcher and aficionado of high-end digital photography. Let's assume it's the latter and get to the really interesting stuff.
This camera is in a class of one. There's really nothing like it anywhere in the marketplace. It's absurdly expensive for a point-and-shoot, and yet it takes pictures that rival and in some cases exceed in overall quality what some of the very best full frame pro cameras are capable of generating . . . . . while fitting fairly comfortably in your jacket pocket. It looks like your neighbor's point-and-shoot $350 Canon, but costs more than your last vacation. It doesn't even have a viewfinder, either optical or electronic - although you can get a great electronic one, if you don't mind being soaked for another $450 on top of what you've already shelled out for this absurdly expensive but marvelous piece of technology. Or you can really get hosed completely by Zeiss, and get an optical viewfinder for another $650 - easily the most overpriced accessory in digital photography. It isn't the fastest focusing, and it requires you to move closer or farther to get the shot that you want instead of zooming in or out given the fixed focal length lens. It can be both maddening to use and at the same time . . . a breeze to use like any other point-and-shoot.
It's like nothing else really. Its high ISO performance is equal to anything and I do mean anything out there. It's capable of taking very low noise images at ISO 6400, and with a little bit of cleanup and working in RAW, you can easily salvage high quality pictures at ISO 12,800 with lots of detail and very little loss of information due to noise. Overall, the camera is something of a walking contradiction in terms in many ways, and at the same time, it's a camera that's capable of inspiring enormous loyalty and probably will generate a truly cult-like following, while many other people may simply shake their heads at what they see as Sony's foolishness.
Pros:
1) As good high ISO as virtually any full frame camera (with the possible exception of the Canon 1 Dx, Nikon D4 and D600 - and, at worst, it is very close to those benchmark systems in terms of low light ability - at best it is equal to any of them).
2) Capable of remarkable detail due to its 24 megapixel full frame sensor with excellent color and dynamic range. DxO sensor score of 93.
3) High quality Zeiss 35mm F 2.0 fixed lens that is sharp edge-to-edge (which for FF camera might cost $1200 or so by itself).
4) Intuitive but deep operating system and menu structures, immediately familiar to those coming from Sony Alpha background. Easy to run as full manual camera . . . or put on full AUTO, and all shades in between. Good aperture priority mode operation (my personal fav).
5) Capable of shooting 1080 at 60p and taking excellent videos in low light, and with full IS (image stabilization).
6) Remarkable compactness and portability for such enormous low light capabilities w/full frame sensor - an engineering tour de force in terms of cramming full frame capabilities into a point-and-shoot size and form factor (achievable only with a fixed lens).
7) Macro functionality in CZ lens.
8) Customizable buttons and other nice user config operating system features.
9) Crop/zoom functionality of x1.4 and x2.0 partially mitigates fixed lens restrictions (equivalent to 50 and 70 mm lens but with obvious loss of resolution).
10) High build quality w/ nice magnesium chassis - has very solid feel (it ought to for this much $!).
11) Decent flash.
2) Capable of remarkable detail due to its 24 megapixel full frame sensor with excellent color and dynamic range. DxO sensor score of 93.
3) High quality Zeiss 35mm F 2.0 fixed lens that is sharp edge-to-edge (which for FF camera might cost $1200 or so by itself).
4) Intuitive but deep operating system and menu structures, immediately familiar to those coming from Sony Alpha background. Easy to run as full manual camera . . . or put on full AUTO, and all shades in between. Good aperture priority mode operation (my personal fav).
5) Capable of shooting 1080 at 60p and taking excellent videos in low light, and with full IS (image stabilization).
6) Remarkable compactness and portability for such enormous low light capabilities w/full frame sensor - an engineering tour de force in terms of cramming full frame capabilities into a point-and-shoot size and form factor (achievable only with a fixed lens).
7) Macro functionality in CZ lens.
8) Customizable buttons and other nice user config operating system features.
9) Crop/zoom functionality of x1.4 and x2.0 partially mitigates fixed lens restrictions (equivalent to 50 and 70 mm lens but with obvious loss of resolution).
10) High build quality w/ nice magnesium chassis - has very solid feel (it ought to for this much $!).
11) Decent flash.
Cons:
1) Price.
2) Fixed focal length lens means extra work to get the shot properly framed - and forget about shooting subjects at a distance.
3) Tendency to underexpose one half to one third exposure value - why can't Sony for this much money get exposure values locked in?
4) Problems with focus lock in low light - mostly a standard contrast detection focus issue (but for example OM5 does better job). Fixable in firmware updates perhaps?
5) Likelihood of (or at least possibility of) planned obsolescence, as Sony may release a zoom lens version sometime in the next three years.
6) More than disappointing that Sony did not include an electronic viewfinder as standard equipment at this price.
7) Poor thumb grip with not enough contour - not easy to hold onto the camera with one hand.
8) No IS for stills - given that this is always sensor-based in Sony systems, not sure why omitted (hi ISO performance?).
9) Sony STILL hasn't made viewing photos and videos in any kind of alternating fashion easy - must surf menus or shoot video to get easy viewing access to videos on card.
10) Poor battery life. Must carry two batteries.
11) Lens zoom and crop functionality not available if shooting in RAW.
12) Flash has really modest output and no bounce functionality.
2) Fixed focal length lens means extra work to get the shot properly framed - and forget about shooting subjects at a distance.
3) Tendency to underexpose one half to one third exposure value - why can't Sony for this much money get exposure values locked in?
4) Problems with focus lock in low light - mostly a standard contrast detection focus issue (but for example OM5 does better job). Fixable in firmware updates perhaps?
5) Likelihood of (or at least possibility of) planned obsolescence, as Sony may release a zoom lens version sometime in the next three years.
6) More than disappointing that Sony did not include an electronic viewfinder as standard equipment at this price.
7) Poor thumb grip with not enough contour - not easy to hold onto the camera with one hand.
8) No IS for stills - given that this is always sensor-based in Sony systems, not sure why omitted (hi ISO performance?).
9) Sony STILL hasn't made viewing photos and videos in any kind of alternating fashion easy - must surf menus or shoot video to get easy viewing access to videos on card.
10) Poor battery life. Must carry two batteries.
11) Lens zoom and crop functionality not available if shooting in RAW.
12) Flash has really modest output and no bounce functionality.
Having more cons than pros doesn't mean that I don't like/love this camera. I'm a bit stunned by its capabilities on the one hand, and frustrated with its limitations on the other, but it's obvious that what makes it so remarkable actually locks in some of its limitations. You simply couldn't get this compact form factor with an EVF and even a 3x zoom lens. The lens alone would be huge, and this Zeiss lens itself is an engineering marvel, in terms of how small it really is for a FF sensor 2.0 lens. In the end, it's all about image quality, and here, both in stills and video, there is very little to complain about. And if you take this instead of your huge DSLR and bag of lenses, just because it's so damned convenient, isn't that the strongest endorsement you can make? I find that I am transitioning away from a very favorite Sony A65 as my default camera, just because this is so easy to carry.
I'm still exploring the performance envelope of the RX-1, and will update this review as I go. It's a remarkable camera by any standard, and perhaps the most INTERESTING camera that has been made in the last 10 years, with the possible exception of the SLTs made also by Sony. Suggests that Sony is thinking outside the box and more creatively than anyone else.
What's great about it: See review
What's not so great: See review
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting sony.com
Customer Rating
5
Publishable photodocumentation
on October 7, 2012
Posted by: RXIchiban
Sony has combined more than a big sensor with a prime lens into its RX1. There are also the internal computer workings, hardware and software, that add flexibility. For example, combining Clear Zoom with HDR will result in macrophotography without loss of resolution. Add to that, 25600 ISO, and natural lighting at 6 inches becomes a reality. Accessorizing with a ring flash that flattens macro images will not be required. Endowing the camera with digital zoom gives you the equivalent of three prime lenses in the palm of your hand. The images will be of publication quality for scientific documentation and large artworks. I intend to put the RX1 to work in the laboratory, for macrophotography, and out of doors, for panoramic landscape imagery. RX1 is 1/2" wider and longer than the Nex-5 with the pancake lens.
What's great about it: Hi Rez, HDR, Clear Zoom
What's not so great: Waiting for delivery in December
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting sony.com
Customer Rating
5
Little Tiny with Big Power
on December 15, 2012
Posted by: Anonymous
The RX1 arrived a few days ago.. This will be my third day with it. At present, I can say that I will more than likely keep it.
Aside from the convenience and the ease of use and the sharpness, and its ability to depict true accurate color, and the amazing color gradation, and the impressive ability to shoot in low light, and the lightning fast focus, and the physical solidness of the camera, and the amazing macro action and the sharpness, did I mention the sharpness--aside from all that, it's fun. It's fun! You point it and you shoot it. No lens to screw on and lens caps to misplace. But there is a multitude of do-dad settings from which to choose available to the photograph master if he/she so chooses. (On the first day, I used the setting that makes skin look softer--VERY impressive.)
It is not to say that I'm giving up the DSLR--my tried and true 5D Mark III is still near and dear to my aperture-opened heart . And although it never ceases to astound me, the new RX-1 is also astounding me quite nicely as well.
Now about the cost. Hmmm. That a bit of a boat load now, isn't it. But try this...price a full sensor camera, body only. Now, add a high quality lens and you won't be getting off easily (Sony didn't skimp on the RX-1 lens--it's a honey.)
A lot of photography is capturing the shot. The RX-1 frees the photographer in so many ways. It rides along wherever you go. And it's available to capture whatever you see. How fast? In a flash! CLICK!
Aside from the convenience and the ease of use and the sharpness, and its ability to depict true accurate color, and the amazing color gradation, and the impressive ability to shoot in low light, and the lightning fast focus, and the physical solidness of the camera, and the amazing macro action and the sharpness, did I mention the sharpness--aside from all that, it's fun. It's fun! You point it and you shoot it. No lens to screw on and lens caps to misplace. But there is a multitude of do-dad settings from which to choose available to the photograph master if he/she so chooses. (On the first day, I used the setting that makes skin look softer--VERY impressive.)
It is not to say that I'm giving up the DSLR--my tried and true 5D Mark III is still near and dear to my aperture-opened heart . And although it never ceases to astound me, the new RX-1 is also astounding me quite nicely as well.
Now about the cost. Hmmm. That a bit of a boat load now, isn't it. But try this...price a full sensor camera, body only. Now, add a high quality lens and you won't be getting off easily (Sony didn't skimp on the RX-1 lens--it's a honey.)
A lot of photography is capturing the shot. The RX-1 frees the photographer in so many ways. It rides along wherever you go. And it's available to capture whatever you see. How fast? In a flash! CLICK!
What's great about it: Convenience. Easy of use.
What's not so great: Lack of creamy, soft bokeh
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting sony.com
Customer Rating
4
Great, great camera. Awkward messy directions
on January 16, 2013
Posted by: UncleRuddy
Can't say enough good about this camera. It is a huge piece of photographic technology in a very small and, for the most part, user-friendly, very well-performing package. But beware the user manual. It is clearly put together by a bunch of technologists who have no idea how to explain how to use this camera in a comprehensive, orderly, rational, step-by-step way.
What's great about it: The camera
What's not so great: The user manual
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting sony.com
Customer Rating
5
I'd have given it 6 stars if I could
on May 13, 2013
Posted by: allegretto
Fist of all, if you don't have the very best lens/body from Nikon, Canon, Leica etc, you will be very disappointed in the images from your current camera once you see these. Color balance a bit on the sat side for me, but that can be fixed in post. Good golly the sharpness and contrast, even in low light is amazing
Very easy to handle if you have the thumb lever, still not too bad if you do not. Menus are easy to access ad understand.
Only gripe is the obvious one about limitations of lens reach. has jiggled tele modes which are good, but not the real deal and not raw.
A bargain at this price for the output quality of this thing.
What's great about it: Image Quality, Low-light performance, Well Made, Easy to Use, Great and accessable Controls
What's not so great: One Lens
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting sony.com
Customer Rating
5
RX1
on December 10, 2012
Posted by: Cole
This is a big time game changer from Sony like the RX100...
Can't beat the IQ, UI, Quality...price could be better, but you won't find a better price either...I own the Nex-7 and the RX1 absolutely beats the Nex-7 at any level for IQ and High ISO performance...focus peaking works xclt as well...the RX1 will actually AF on Christmas Tree lights something the Nex System can't do...
Can't beat the IQ, UI, Quality...price could be better, but you won't find a better price either...I own the Nex-7 and the RX1 absolutely beats the Nex-7 at any level for IQ and High ISO performance...focus peaking works xclt as well...the RX1 will actually AF on Christmas Tree lights something the Nex System can't do...
What's great about it: Excellent! EVerything about it...
What's not so great: None thus far...absolutely xclt IQ
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting sony.com
Customer Rating
5
Significant Camera in the history of photography
on November 5, 2012
Posted by: JSalk2011
This is a significant camera in digital camera design. Sony has to be congratulated for this.
I wish I had seen this before I purchased my Canon 5D Mark III. I would have stuck with my original 5D and bought this instead.
I urge Sony to follow up with an interchangeable version. I would sell all my DSLR stuff and move to this.
I wish I had seen this before I purchased my Canon 5D Mark III. I would have stuck with my original 5D and bought this instead.
I urge Sony to follow up with an interchangeable version. I would sell all my DSLR stuff and move to this.
What's great about it: Compact well designed - camera perfection
What's not so great: Fixed lens.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting sony.com
Customer Rating
5
Very pleased with the camera
on June 2, 2015
Posted by: EFTC
Very pleased with this camera.
I do wish Sony would issue a new firmware to address the slow auto focus issue.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Response from sony.comBy Mitch, Sony Support, June 4, 2015
Hi TK123,
We're happy to see you love the camera and would even recommend it to your friends. We'll forward your suggestion to the right people for future product developments.
We're happy to see you love the camera and would even recommend it to your friends. We'll forward your suggestion to the right people for future product developments.
Written by a customer while visiting sony.com