Even though it was a small stills-and-video camera that might very well have given any video or action camera a run for its money, the 2017 debut of the Sony RX0 did not generate a lot of hype when it was first made available to the public.
Even though it featured some very impressive specifications, such as a 1.0-inch 15.6MP stacked image sensor, Sony’s BIONZ X image processor, and a wide-angle Zeiss-branded Tessar T* 24mm f/4 fixed lens, it did not seem to be enough to attract action cam fans who were more interested in products from the GoPro range.
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You could record 4K video, but not internally; instead, you could only record it through HDMI to an external recorder. This limitation did not apply to internal recording.
Despite this, Sony decided to give high-end all-purpose cameras another go, and the RX0 II is the product of their labor in this endeavorz. The RX0 II from Sony looks a lot like a miniature GoPro. Still, the company’s goal with this camera is to broaden its appeal beyond the Point Break and action camera market by including functions ideal for vlogging and trip photography.
Sony DSC-RX0M2 New Improvements
This second generation of the RX0 appears virtually identical to the first one, with one little change: it is somewhat thicker than the first one, since this time around, there is a small movable screen that will assist you in better framing your photographs and films. Sony asserts that the RX0 II is the world’s smallest and lightest premium ultra-compact cam, even though it has an extra function.
The RX0 II uses the same lens as before and the same battery and ports for input and output. This tiny camera measures 2.32 inches (59 mm) in height, 1.59 inches (40.5 mm) in width, and 1.37 inches (35 mm) in depth and weighs 4.65 ounces (132 grams). It is also dustproof, shockproof, and crushproof at up to 200 kilograms of force. In other words, this camera is genuinely built for any circumstance.
Both the video mode, which records 4K footage, and the still photography mode, which allows users to shoot stills with various creative styles and visual effects, have been made far more straightforward to operate owing to the small integrated flip screen.
The LCD screen of the waterproof camera can be tilted upwards by 180 degrees for taking selfies and recording vlogs, and it can be tilted downwards by 90 degrees if you need to hold it up high to get an overhead shot.
Additionally, Sony’s remarkable Eye Autofocus has made its way into the RX0 II, and in the process, it has even been given a minor improvement. Because Sony has improved the speed, accuracy, and operation of the Eye AF function, it is now quicker and easier to catch individuals. All that is required is a half push of the shutter button, and the focus point will (in theory) latch onto the eye of the subject being photographed.
Users can decide which eye they wish to focus on as well. This decision may be made using the menu system (left, right, or auto), or it can be assigned to a button that can be customized.
Sony DSC-RX0M2 Design
A 1-inch stacked 15.3-megapixel Exmor RS image sensor and Sony’s BIONZ X engine are housed within the compact housing. The former can now shoot 4K videos internally with complete pixel readout.
The Zeiss 24mm f/4 fixed wide-angle lens of the RX0 II can focus on a subject from as near as 20 centimeters (7.87 inches) away, allowing the camera to shoot Super Slow Motion footage at up to 1,000 frames per second (in comparison, the RX0 was only capable of recording at 960fps).
In this second edition, Sony has increased the ISO sensitivity to between 80 and 12800 and included in-body stabilization to reduce or eliminate motion blur.
The RX0 II, just like its predecessor, features an Anti-Distortion Shutter with a maximum shooting speed of 1/32,000 of a second and a burst shooting capacity of up to 16 frames per second.
Sony DSC-RX0M2 Specs
| Body type | Ultracompact |
|---|---|
| Max resolution | 4800 x 3200 |
| Image ratio w:h | 3:2 |
| Effective pixels | 15 megapixels |
| Sensor size | 1″ (13.2 x 8.8 mm) |
| Sensor type | BSI-CMOS |
| Processor | BIONZ X |
| ISO | Auto, 200-25600 |
| White balance presets | 9 |
| Custom white balance | Yes |
| Image stabilization | Digital only |
| Uncompressed format | RAW |
| JPEG quality levels | Find, standard |
| Focal length (equiv.) | 24 mm |
| Maximum aperture | F4 |
| Autofocus | Contrast Detect (sensor)Multi-areaCenterSelective single-pointSingleFace DetectionLive View |
| Digital zoom | Yes (2X) |
| Manual focus | Yes |
| Normal focus range | 20 cm (7.87″) |
| Number of focus points | 25 |
| Articulated LCD | Tilting |
| Screen size | 1.5″ |
| Screen dots | 230,400 |
| Touch screen | No |
| Screen type | TFT LCD |
| Live view | Yes |
| Viewfinder type | None |
| Minimum shutter speed | 1/4 sec |
| Maximum shutter speed | 1/32000 sec |
| Maximum shutter speed (electronic) | 1/32000 sec |
| Manual exposure mode | Yes |
| Subject / scene modes | No |
| Built-in flash | No |
| External flash | No |
| Continuous drive | 16.0 fps |
| Self-timer | Yes |
| Metering modes | MultiCenter-weightedSpot |
| Exposure compensation | ±3 (at 1/3 EV steps) |
| WB Bracketing | Yes |
| Format | MPEG-4, AVCHD, XAVC S |
| Modes | 3840 x 2160 @ 30p / 100 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 24p / 100 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 120p / 100 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 60p / 50 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 60p / 28 Mbps, MP4, H.264, AAC1920 x 1080 @ 60p / 24 Mbps, AVCHD, MTS, H.264, Dolby Digital1920 x 1080 @ 60i / 24 Mbps, AVCHD, MTS, H.264, Dolby Digital1920 x 1080 @ 30p / 25 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 30p / 16 Mbps, MP4, H.264, AAC1920 x 1080 @ 24p / 50 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM1280 x 720 @ 120p / 50 Mbps, AVCHD, MTS, H.264, Linear PCM1280 x 720 @ 30p / 6 Mbps, MP4, H.264, AAC |
| Microphone | Stereo |
| Speaker | None |
| Storage types | microSD/microSDHC/microSDXC + Memory Stick Micro |
| USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
| USB charging | Yes |
| HDMI | Yes (micro HDMI) |
| Microphone port | Yes |
| Headphone port | No |
| Wireless | Built-In |
| Wireless notes | 802.11b/g/n + Bluetooth 4.1 LE |
| Remote control | Yes (wired or wireless) |
| Environmentally sealed | Yes |
| Durability | Waterproof, Shockproof |
| Battery | Built-in |
| Battery description | NP-BJ1 lithium-ion battery & charger |
| Battery Life (CIPA) | 240 |
| Weight (inc. batteries) | 132 g (0.29 lb / 4.66 oz) |
| Dimensions | 59 x 41 x 35 mm (2.32 x 1.61 x 1.38″) |
| Orientation sensor | Yes |
| Timelapse recording | Yes |
| GPS | None |
Sony DSC-RX0M2 Final Verdict
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When Sony introduced the RX0 a couple of years ago, they incorporated the capability to wirelessly operate several connected devices by linking them. When it was first released, the RX0 II had a capability that was quite similar to this one. Using the Imaging Edge Mobile software, users could manage up to five RX0 II cameras wirelessly simultaneously.
Sony has stated that it intends to expand wireless control to cover up to 50 RX0 II units using an access point, enabling greater creativity during a shoot. However, this capability won’t be available for a few more months yet – it is anticipated that it will arrive between June and July.
Additionally, the RX0 II is compatible with Sony’s Camera Control Box (CCB-WD1), which enables a wired setup of up to one hundred cameras and may be used in conjunction with the device.
Starting in April 2019, consumers in the United States of America and Australia can purchase the RX0 II for the equivalent of $698 and AU$ 949, respectively. Beginning in June 2019, consumers can buy a package that includes the VCT-SGR1 Shooting Grip and bracket (both of which were available with the first-generation RX0). The cost of this package has not yet been determined.
The estimated cost in the UK is around £730; however, it appears that consumers will only be able to purchase it in conjunction with the VCT-SGR1 Shooting Grip and bracket.
