Sony DSC-RX10M II Cyber-shot Digital Still Camera

I am a long time user of Sony digital cameras even going back to pre-Sony Konica Minolta brand. I am not into the high end full frame cameras or similar so take my opinions with that in mind. There have been a lot of reviews written about the wonderful things this camera can do especially its video capabilities as well as it shortcomings. It has been compared relentlessly against it's other main bridge-camera competitors from Fuji and Olympus, Canon etc. All the criticisms are true to some extent and if one concentrated only on its inadequacies one would certainly not plunk down over $1,200 (list price) for this camera. As some have noted however, each camera has some inadequacies. It's up to the consumer to balance the good points with the inadequacies and make a choice. First things, I paid less than $1,000 since I was willing to purchase an open box item from Amazon. I would highly recommend that avenue if the opportunity to get the right open box item turns up. The camera is large and heavy compared to many others. Only a DSLR would be heavier. Why? 1. The camera is Dust and Weather resistant which means there are extra seals etc. built in to ward off dust and water. Note I did not say Dust Proof and water proof. 2. The lens that comes with the camera is a Zeiss Ikon lens. I don't think there is a lightweight Zeiss lens of similar quality. 3. The lens is a fixed F2.8 across the entire range 24mm-200mm (35mm equivalent). For those that are very critical about the camera and its price and weight, look up the price and weight for a similar telephoto zoom Zeiss lens. Personally I am not surprised at the price and weight. Excellent quality pictures, great shooting in low light conditions (see the samples of the fireworks and parade float) , the smart auto is quite good at finding the best combination of aperture, f-stop, shutter speed and ISO. It's not entirely fool proof but does a great job. There are downsides: The zoom response is slower than others. The motor has to move a relatively heavy lens and dampen the zoom just enough to minimize the jerkiness that is so evident with many of the long zoom point and shoot cameras especially while taking video. The ability to focus on an object especially one in motion while fast is simply not as fast as it's competitors. This is not the camera you would rely on for taking sports shots in fast moving games. When you turn off the camera MOVE YOUR FINGERS away from the lens barrel. As the lens retract for shutting down if you have the lens shade attached and inverted you can get your fingers clamped between the camera body and the inverted lens shade. Either keep your lens shade in their regular position or keep your fingers off the barrel of the lens when shutting down. The sample pictures shown were all taken in the smart auto mode.

I wanted to love this camera, it takes pretty good photos and the 4k video is good also, it just has one fatal flaw that prevents me from keeping it, i.e. the zoom motor is super loud and picks up on all the video, even when using an external mic. I guess if you have a sound guy with a boom pole you could use this, but just to run and gun it doesn't work for audio, unless you like videos that sound like R2D2 is operating the camera. Once Sony makes a silent zoom motor, or just uses a manual zoom then this camera will kick some butt, till then I'll have to keep looking for my sweet spot 4k camera.

7/30 edit: I'm not sure what happened to the review title, but it was nowhere near what I intended so I changed it. Also updated the review, and will add a link to some various pictures soon (if that's possible). The most important thing: Adobe released an update to Lightroom today that adds RAW support for this camera, so I can ditch the pretty awful Sony-specific Capture One Express. I’ve been looking for an all-in-one camera that I can use in place of my DSLR. I don’t shoot enough to justify keeping up with DSLR bodies, and carrying around multiple lenses. But that doesn’t mean I want low-quality, over-compressed pictures. This might be that camera, finally. I had previously bought and returned a Sony HX400V because of the overly aggressive JPG compressions which positively destroyed what should have been decent pictures. Without a RAW mode or any way to reduce the compression and noise reduction, it simply didn’t take good enough pictures for me, except in perfect circumstances. The RX10 II is almost 3 times as expensive, but my overall opinion at this point is that it is a reasonable replacement for my current DSLR set-up, with just a few limitations. Picture quality is high with a good feature set and easy portability. Pros: * Well, built. The camera feels solid, the switches and dials are precise. It has a pleasant weight to it, not too heavy, but not a super-light piece of plastic junk either. * Lots of picture saving options. Unlike the Sony HX400V that I bought and promptly returned, this camera has a 3 JPG modes grin standard ti extra-fine, RAW, and RAW & JPG dual saving. * Choice of color spaces: sRGB or Adobe RGB. * Constant f2.8 aperture means good low-light performance, even at zoom. * All the clever things you expect: scene modes for common shooting scenarios, smile detection, face detection, including the ability to register faces and only detect THOSE faces, which seems like it would be good for group shots where you want to make sure people you know get focus priority. * Reasonably fast autofocus, including a pre-focus that starts to focus before you half-press the shutter, cutting down active focus time. * 200mm equivalent zoom. Certainly not the reach of the 1200mm H400V, but it covers the same range as my 28mm-70mm + 70mm - 200mm Canon lenses, in a package far smaller than even one of them. * Very nice EVF with integrated level. Probably one of the best EVFs I’ve looked through, to the point where I almost don’t miss the TTL view from my Canon. * Pretty decent shot to shot speed. I’ll see how decent in the next few days, but if you turn off the auto-preview, it seems ready to snap again immediately. * Can focus on objects much closer to the lens than most of my DSLR lenses, giving a decent macro capability * Thanks to multi-frame noise reduction, even shots taken at ISO 6400 are pretty clean and usable Cons: * No GPS. Seems like a strange omission in today’s market. * The electrically driven zoom feels slow and slightly laggy to get started (but smooth) when using the lens barrel to zoom. I’d much rather see a mechanical zoom, like on the EXCELLENT Sony DSC-F828, which I owned and loved. * Multi-frame NR doesn't work with RAW shooting of course, but without it the resulting images are unusably noisy. So no shooting with RAW in bad light, which sadly is when you'd want it the most. The high noise isn't surprising, given the still small (by DSLR standards) sensor and the number of pixels packed on to it. This is one area where DSLRs and full-frame mirrorless like the A7 will continue to rule for the foreseeable future.

Awesome sensor, awesome lens. The Sony RX10 ii has everything you could want for video in a camera at this price range: internal 4K recording at 100MBs, 1080p 120fps slow motion at 100MBs, 24/30fps 1080p at 50MBs, and S-Log 2. Not to mention, the other fun high frame rate slow motion modes. The 24-200mm zoom range is great for quick, run-n-gun shooting, allowing for sharp images and almost infinite creativity without having to take time to replace lenses. The software can be overwhelming at first, but only because it has so much customization and features. You can program almost any button to adjust almost any setting, and there is even the ever-so-handy 2.35/1 cinematic aspect ration guide markers as an option. With the RX10 ii, you have the option of using zebras and focus peaking too, both are extremely handy when shooting in S-Log 2. The viewfinder is excellent, however, I find myself using the LCD monitor more often, which is also good. The RX10 ii was a much-needed upgrade from my outdated Canon EOS Rebel T3i. For around $1300, it blows anything cheaper than it out of the water, and is comparable to something like the GH4, which will end up running you around $3000 once you buy lenses. If your on a budget, go with the RX10 ii. It won't disappoint you. In fact, it's much more likely to impress you. If you know what you're doing, you can really get great looking video out of this camera. A solid 5-stars from me. Well done, Sony. First video I made with this camera to test the 1080p 120fps slow motion at 100MBS: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RsSMprsVe_M

Worst documentation of any camera I have ever purchased. Did not come with an instruction manual, just a skimpy tiny 43 page (two of which are blank!) booklet. You have to go online to find a manual and even that is not very good. Screen goes blank when shooting slow motion so you cannot see what you are shooting. Frame advance is gimpy and often just does not work. For $1300, they should have included a manual that shows you how to use the camera and made the camera easy to use. Worst camera experience in 20 years of shooting.

I felt like the hype didn't quite deliver. Great specs but just not a great picture when all said and done. I used this camera for video after having mostly used Canon gear and hoped it would perform similar to the A7s but it was nowhere close. Strengths: Zoom capability, 4K, Portability, Slo-Mo Weaknesses: Camera Feel, Color, Muddy/Oversharp, Just not a great picture, For me, I don't care much about what the camera can do if at the end of the day, I don't like the final product. Every shot needs color grading and, not being very well-experienced in color, I had a hard time getting the color right. Even with 4K, it captured a lot of pixels but it just didn't look great. It also just didn't feel good to use. the zoom and focus don't work well manually. A great camera is one that feels like an extension of yourself. This camera was not that. Also the fact that the RAW format didn't work in Adobe's Camera Raw software was a bummer for me. Overall, I got some great shots (particularly Slo-Mo) but I didn't love the quality. It's not something I would use professionally at all.

This is a great all-around camera in my opinion. Easy to get great results with photos and truly amazing 4k video. The caveat is for video; don't expect to get great slow zoom in and outs, on this or most other small cameras. Shoot static and you can do a perfect zoom in / out in post if you are delivering in HD since 4k has four times the resolution. You can get you perfect Ken Burns moves this way. If you deliver in 4k you may want to consider a traditional 4k video camera with a traditional zoom lens for many times the cost. For us, it is a perfect B roll and small jib mounted camera (we make TV commercials in a million + TV market). Summary: Really great looking 4k video and photos. Nice lens, which is good since it is not changeable. It is a nice tool for your bag in my opinion if you need nice photos and great quality video. It can do 100 mb/s 4k but the 60 mb/s 4k bit rate looks really great too in my opinion. Just don't expect it to be something it isn't... (It isn't an A7Sii, you can't put a super wide or long lens on it, you may get a bit of noise in audio on the internal mic if you zoom, and a perfect slow video zoom can be difficult ... as a few examples). It is my favorite all around camera for the money. (if your use it for it is for its strengths).

I really love using the Sony RX10 ii camera for the solid feel, great image and video quality. It is probably now my favorite camera. The camera is not inexpensive so I bought a used Sony RX10 ii from Amazon several months after it’s introduction. The camera has vastly exceeded my expectations and is quite an improvement over my original RX10 which I also still own and use on occasion. I’ve taken several thousand images and videos over the past several months and most if not all seem perfectly exposed, very sharp with good color, and lots of detail. I haven’t tried every feature on the camera but each one I’ve tried has work very well. I really enjoy using super zoom/ or bridge cameras and also own the Panasonic FZ1000 and the FZ300. Both of which offer 4K video and produce very good images and video but not at the same level as the RX10 ii. The FZ300 has a bigger zoom and touchscreen but uses a smaller sensor. These other cameras are very good bridge cameras which cost much less than the RX10 ii and should be considered if the RX10 ii exceeds your budget.. Before purchasing the RX10 ii, I wondered how much a great camera can be improved and lusted after the RX10 ii.. I hesitated with the high price. The RX10 has proven extremely rugged almost pro like rugged. I got to test just how durable the RX10 was when my RX10 dropped 4 feet onto the cement sidewalk. I was truly stunned and amazed that the camera survived and continued to work perfectly without a hiccup. I don’t recommend dropping cameras but there are very few that could survive that kind of fall and still work like nothing happened. Great luck of course but quality build too; I’m sure made a big difference. The RX10 ii is like the RX10. It feels solidly built with lots of buttons and dials for quick change of settings. The OLED EVF is one of the best I have seen in a camera. Just about every setting can be viewed in the EVF and the images appear almost as good as an optical viewfinder, perhaps even better because you can see what the sensor sees. The EVF has a sensor that detects your eye so that the LCD screen shifts automatically to the EVF. There are some very small differences in the cameras most notably the much speedier operation in focusing and image capture. The best features are the great 4K video and image capture and slow motion.. I compared the 4K video from the RX10ii to the Sony AX100, an outstanding $1700 camcorder for the 4K video.. I was rather surprised when viewing similar 4K footage, there was very little difference in quality when viewing on my 55 inch 4K monitor. Why use a large camcorder when your camera can produce similar quality, The RX10 has proved to be a phenomenal performer. I recently took the camera along with several other (MFT) cameras and found the camera produced a very high percentage of sharp, perfectly exposed images and the 4K video when done carefully was excellent. 4K is very challenging so my video clips tend to be rather short. What's great about the Sony RX10ii that's sets it apart from the typical bridge camera. (FZ1000 and RX10 are excluded because they have very similar but have different capabilities) 1. The large 1 inch stacked sensor captures considerably more detail and allows much better low light images up to 3200 ISO and beyond.. It uses the same sensor as the RX100 iv which I also used and is a terriffic camera. 2. Constant F2.8 lens is equivalent to a 24-200 dSLR type lens. Outstanding Zeiss designed quality lens. Extends up to 400 dSLR equivalent 3. Magnesium Frame on front and top of camera makes camera very strong and durable. There is plenty of plastic but the metal support makes it light but very strong. Can save camera if dropped 4. Outstanding OLED EVF which is bright, ; displays lots of information or none if desired. The EVF is much larger than typical bridge EVF so you get to see more of the image. 5. Extremely Fast focusing even in low light. The camera uses a Direct Drive SSM (Super Sonic wave Motor) which speeds up focusing. Included light assist when needed. 6. F stops start with F2.8 and goes up to F16 in 1/3 increments. Can be set for smooth or click settings on lens. The competition only goes to F8 which is an issue in bright light. 7. Pop UP Flash illuminates a large room and works well. Minimal red eye. Useful for fill flash. ADP-MAA Adapter allows use of any Sony Flash (not included) is not an advantage 8. LCD display on top adds additional info, useful when camera is on a tripod. Button on top activates the illuminated display. Nice to have but unimportant. 9. Separate control wheel for image compensation on top. Allows exposure compensation from -3 to +3 in 1/3 increments. It's very easy to reach and use. 10. All buttons seem perfectly spaced, very easy to reach and activate. Finger placement seems almost perfect. 11. Most controls can have different functions set for them. There are two custom settings and the camera has many scene settings. Buttons can have functions reassigned. 12. A perfect feel and great handling, excellent grip, easy to hold in one hand and not too heavy. 13. Macro functions work well and focus is very easy to obtain. Image is magnified to check focus. The MF switch is placed near bottom of lens. 14. Camera is perfect for video with inputs for mike and a headphone jack. This makes it perfect for HD and 4K video recording. Great sound display. 15. Micro HDMI allows direct connection to display source for viewing 4K video or images. 16. Wi-Fi enabled for limited control of some shooting functions and uploading images and video. It also includes NFC for connection to smartphone or Tablet. 17. Bright 3 inch 1.3 MP LCD display is easily viewable in bright light. Can articulate up or down only. It's great for shooting overhead or Low to the ground. 18. Good Battery life. Battery life is shone in percent left in number form and works with unbranded batteries. It uses the same battery as the RX10 19. Lens hood is included. Standard 62 lens size easily fits lens protector or polarizer filters. 20. Remote control through old fashioned opening on top of shutter? Old shutter release cables work fine. Wireless and wired remote control possible. 21. Power zoom is slow but steady and quiet for video. Important for 4K See disadvantages 22. Quick menu is very easy to navigate. If you own any RX100, this camera is a snap to operate. 23. Excellent images up to 3200 ISO and slightly beyond.with a little loss of detail but it is usable and great in low light. 24. 4K video at 100 mbs at 30fps, AVCHD with multiple settings MP4 recording too and both allow HD. Can record video and capture a still image too. 25. Weather resistant but not fully weather sealed but covers are well sealed and solid construction. Separate SD slot.on side. 26. Camera has level for horizon control and levels for controlling audio in video scenes. Easily viewed. 27. Mechanical shutter up to 1/8000 and an Electronic shutter setting up to 1/16000 makes camera silent, no audible sound in video. Electronic shutter works up to maximum ISO. 28. Excellent image stabilization. Allows sharp images at slower shutter speed and smooth video. 29. Built in Neutral Density filter works up to 3 stops It works great in bright light and low F stop images. This is an extremely useful feature. 30. High speed burst possible at lower MP 31. Overall construction quality and feature set you expect in a premium camera. 32. Sony customer support, easy to reach and will support problems. 33. Retail pricing a little high but will fall when the RX10 iii indroduced. 34. Slow motion and super slow motion add to functionality. (Not used yet) 35. The RX10ii is a perfect do everything travel camera. It's best to buy and carry extra batteries and separate charger too. Bottom line for Sony RX10ii is a superb all in one camera with outstanding 4K video and is an excellent image taking camera. 4K video produces so much heat it can damage a plastic camera if used for very long videos but this camera can dissipate the enormous heat from 4K video can handle 4K for long periods, unlike the RX100iv which is more limited. What's not so great? No camera is perfect and the RX10 ii has some room for improvement. Sony is delivering with the announced RX10 iii with a bigger zoom at a higher price (choke). 1. Camera is not weather sealed or weather proofed at all. It's well constructed but not moisture or dust proof. You need to treat this camera like any other. Avoid rain and if wet dry before using it again. It can handle light rain and moisture but not a lot. 2. The Lens is extremely heavy, lots of beautiful glass and when fully extended it wobbles if you are moving quickly you notice the movement. I am unaware of lens movement except while moving.quickly. The loosening happened after much use. (Due to heavy lens) 3. Sony uses a proprietary flash connection that requires an adapter for many Sony Flashes and another for non-Sony flashes. Sony flashes are good but expensive. 4. LCD Display screen is sharp and movable but just for up and down shots, no swivel screen that allows selfie's. No touchscreen 5. SD slot is quite narrow and reversed.. To remove SD card, you need to grab edges to remove. Some people complain about this. It's a little annoying but you get used to it. 6. Supplied charger requires charging the battery in the camera. Solution: Buy Wasabi charger and batteries. They work fine in camera. 7..Proprietary Flash shoe need adapter to use other flash units. 8. Limited remote control and wireless capability. It's there but not comprehensive. 9. You can add filters but not change lenses. WYSIWYG. However you do get a premium lens. 10. Camera is close to the size of a small d SLR or MFT but lighter, is not pocket able at all. 11. Supplied strap is too narrow to wear comfortably all day. Replace with wider one that will make camera feel comfortable using all day. Optech has a wide strap with cushion. Another good choice is a hand grip. 12. Limited zoom to 200 but can be extended to 400 with clear zoom at lower quality. Please note that the weather resistant design is just marketing hype for quality camera. I wouldn't expose the RX10 to rain, dust or very moist conditions because the zoom lens is vulnerable. No camera with a built-in lens can be made water sealed unless the lens is fully enclosed in a housing. The camera could be used in a very light mist or rain if covered and the camera is allowed to fully dry before use again. Wet circuitry will fry if turned on when wet and is not covered in any warranty except if drop and spill coverage is purchased. A disposable woman's shower cap provides emergency protection and is easy to carry. I bought the Sony RX10 ii initially to try out the 4K and other new features. I found it matched or exceeded the usability and performance of the RX10 and FZ1000 and some my better cameras with kit lenses. It is a real joy to use. It's now is a favorite camera because it works great, is relatively light in weight and easy to use. It's perfect for travel and it is a great value for what it offers.. There are a lot of great camera choices out there to explore, for many this could be the perfect choice. It’s a bit pricey but it’s worth it. Update 10/2019 Sony has released the RX10 III and IV and while these offer more zoom and some faster focusing, I still enjoy and I prefer using the RX 10 ii. It's still a great choice and good buy for imaging and 4K video and all around photography. I've used the RX10 IV and own the RX10 III but still think the RX10 II is the better model because of the constant F2.8 and ND filter. 24-200 is really a great range for most imaging/video. A perfect model!