Sony reveals AA-filter-less Cyber-shot DSC-RX1R

Sony has introduced the new Cyber-shot RX1R full-frame premium compact camera. In terms of operation and functionality the RX1R is exactly the same as the RX1 that’s been on sale since last Fall, the only difference being that it has no anti-aliasing (AA) filter. In theory, this means that you’ll get even better resolution than the original RX1, with the trade-off of increased moiré. Everything else remains the same as before, which means that the RX1R sports an F2, 35mm lens, 24MP CMOS sensor, 1080/60p movie recording, and much more.

The MSRP of the RX1R is exactly the same as the regular RX1 ($2800), which will continue to be sold.

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• Hands-on Preview with Sample Images
• Press Release
• Specifications
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Press Release:

Sony Adds Two New Premium Compact Cameras to Acclaimed Cyber-shot® RX Line

New RX100 II model adds Exmor R™ CMOS sensor and connectivity; New RX1R full frame camera with enhanced resolution and detail

NEW YORK, June 27, 2013 – Building on its lineup of acclaimed compact cameras, Sony is introducing two new additions to the Cyber-shot RX series– the RX100 II and RX1R models.  

Based on the same sleek, stylish design as the existing RX100 model, the new RX100 II features a new 1-inch back-illuminated CMOS sensor, enhanced system expandability and adds Wi-Fi® convenience with NFC One-Touch compatibility.  With an identical camera body and design as the existing RX1 camera, the new special edition RX1R model has had its optical low pass filter removed for increased resolution and detail. 

 “Sony continues to redefine the levels of performance for a pocket-sized, fixed lens camera,” said Patrick Huang, director of the Cyber-shot business at Sony Electronics.  “Now, with a total of four models in market in our Cyber-shot RX line – each with its own unique value proposition – consumers have more options than ever to experience the ultimate balance of size, imaging performance and imaging power.” 

New Cyber-shot RX100 II Camera

Designed to increase sensitivity in low-light conditions and reduce overall picture noise, the new Exmor R sensor in the RX100 II camera is the world’s first 1.0-type back illuminated sensor ever developed.  It is approximately 40% more sensitive in dimly lit situations compared to the existing RX100 model.
The powerful sensor is paired with an exceptional F1.8 Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens to deliver exceptionally sharp, natural still images and Full HD video in any shooting condition – from bright daytime scenes to night-time landscapes and everything in between. 

Additionally, the new RX100 II model is equipped with Wi-Fi capabilities and is also the first ever Sony camera to include NFC (Near Field Communication) technology, giving the extra convenience of instant, one-touch wireless transfer of content between devices.  Its Smart Remote Control functionality lets users preview images and control shutter release directly from their connected phones or tablets.  

A Multi Interface Shoe on the RX100 II model allows users to add optional accessories including an electronic viewfinder, powerful external flash and clip-on LCD monitor.  A Multi Terminal lets users add a shutter-release remote control. 

The camera features a bright, detail-packed 3.0-type White Magic™ LCD display that tilts upwards (up to 84 degrees) and downwards (down to 45 degrees), giving shooters greater freedom to compose shots from overhead and low angles. 

Additionally, the RX100 II model has expanded Full HD video capabilities with the addition of 24p shooting for cinematically styled movies. Other refinements include a step zoom function that lets users instantly choose any of five popular focal lengths for handy scene framing. Shooters can select 28mm, 35mm, 50mm, 70mm or 100mm focal lengths using the camera’s control ring, giving them an intuitive and fast alternative to zooming in and out.

The new camera is also compatible with Sony’s TRILUMINOS Color technology, ensuring richer, more natural color reproduction when connected to the new BRAVIA televisions featuring TRILUMINOS Display.

New Special Edition Cyber-shot RX1R Camera

The new Cyber-shot RX1R full-frame compact camera is designed to satisfy even the most critical photographer’s desire for sharper, more detailed pictures and enhanced resolution.  The model’s ‘R’ suffix denotes a further improvement in the pocket-sized camera’s already spectacular resolution.
In common with many digital cameras, the original Cyber-shot RX1 camera features a multi-segment optical low-pass filter (OLPF) in front of the sensor to suppress unwanted moiré and color artifacts.  The enthusiast-oriented RX1R model removes this low-pass filter to realize the full resolution potential of the image sensor and bring new levels of realism to landscapes and other finely-detailed subjects. 

Additionally, to take advantage of  the OLPF removal, the camera’s processing functions have been optimized to maintain image sharpness without compromising lens/sensor performance.

While weight and dimensions remain the same as the ground-breaking DSC-RX1, the special edition RX1R is also now compatible with TRILUMINOS Color technology, allowing for the ultimate image playback experience on compatible BRAVIA televisions.
 
Pricing and Availability
The new Cyber-shot RX100 II and RX1R models will both be available next month for about $750 and $2800 respectively.   The cameras and a range of compatible accessories can be purchased at Sony retail stores (www.store.sony.com) and other authorized dealers nationwide.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC0RX1R Specifications

Additional images

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1R

Comments

As soon as Sony gets some competition, I’ll probably buy something like this at a more reasonable price. You can get a 6D+35/2.0 for USD 2,200 (and you’re getting a system with higher performance in many ways, interchangeable lens mount, optical viewfinder, etc.) With a bit more competition, a camera with these specs should be around USD 1,500, or about half the price of the Sony…

this is what happens when you go small. This is the same sensor as in the d600 (not he removed filter version). And yes the d600 sensor is superb, so I image this to be similar.

…you can get a D600 + Nikkor 35/2.0 for USD 2,300. Sure, making it small puts some extra engineering cost. On the other hand, not having the lens mount, not having the mirror box, not having an optical viewfinder, not having the same level of environmental sealing, etc., should more than make up for it. The price of the RX1/RX1R is not set by costs, but by a price skimming entry strategy. Just look at the cost of the add-on optical viewfinder or, more shockingly, the thumb-grip.

half of the cameras price is the zeiss lens, just look at the price of the 24mm 1.8 for the nex and other M mount zeiss lenses to get an idea. If they had used a sony lens instead then this camera could have been around $1k cheaper

How about a 50mm lens version!? Well i guess it doesnt matter, I cannot afford it anyhow! LOL
I’d buy a 50mm F2 version if i could though. 35mm just isnt my thing.

Hello Sony, how about a new firmware for RX1? Minor improvements or fixes?

Might need new mtf chart to test as the older version with aa filter had blown it already 😀 😀 😀