Customer Reviews for Sony - Cybershot RX1 24.3-Megapixel Digital Camera - Black
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.
I took it out of the box, and did a few quick frames and discovered the finest quality digital files that I have ever produced. I have worked with many cameras, lenses, and digital backs over the years, including Nikon's D-4 and D800E, and in my opinion, this Sony betters them. The lens is razor-sharp and possesses that beautiful sense of space that only the best 35mm have. I closely inspected the images, that were shot at 100 ISO under normal daylight, and could not detect the slightest hint of noise! I plan to conduct tests to learn the extremes of the lens and sensor, but make no mistake, this camera is capable of producing professional or gallery-quality images.
I only wish that it would be possible attach a viewfinder and an external flash at the same time. Currently, you must compose through the LCD screen when an external flash is attached.
All in all, it's still a stunning camera, and when in hand, recalls the feeling of a Leica M2 that I once owned. It has a certain heft and cool metallic feel of a classic camera. And ooh, how those dials and ring click into place!
What's great about it: Image quality and classic build
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!
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...
What's great about it: Excellent! EVerything about it...
What's not so great: None thus far...absolutely xclt IQ
I'm absolutely sure this is the flattest lens Zeiss could make to do justice to a camera of this magnitude. What you are looking at will not be significantly improved upon for years, if that has any value in your decision to spend such a huge chunk for such a tiny lump.
I can see this in a well-funded event photog's bag, to get close candids and cake shots, etc. while leaving the big rig on the tripod. But mostly I see it as a reporter's rig in places where SLRs are routinely confiscated. Now sure, the Mac Daddy lens on this thing might prompt El Presidente's bodyguards to take it anyway. But it stands a better chance of staying in a reporter's hand than a 7D with a battery grip and a white lens!
And by the way, just as capable of getting wonderful shots. I would use this camera for high school seniors' portraits, lightbox product photography, street shooting, outdoor panoramas...but not if I can't afford it, which I can't, even with the expected long service life.
It is a wonderful tool. Too expensive to be a toy.
What's great about it: Peerless. A class of one.
What's not so great: A price to match--and guarantee--it's exclusivity. Tiny niche market for this incredible machine.
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.
What's great about it: Compact well designed - camera perfection
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
Impressive full frame sensor point and shoot camera! This opens up a whole new market for point and shoot cameras. Not knowing what costs are for this camera I only wish it was under 2K to make it more affordable for me. I just bought the RX100 and t was okay with that price for a 1" sensor. I really like this camera for it's compact size and Zeiss zoom. If and when you develop a full frame senor with interchangeable lenses camera like the RX1 style do develop many fine Zeiss lenses!
What's great about it: Full Frame Sensor. Zeiss lens, RAW files.
What's not so great: Price. Under 2K would sell more units.