Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-RX1R Digital Camera {24.3MP}

Full-frame 35mm compact with no optical low-pass filter.

The RX1R puts a 24.3MP full-frame CMOS sensor inside a body that fits in a coat pocket, and pairs it with a fixed 35mm f/2 lens that was purpose-built for that sensor. Removing the optical low-pass filter was a deliberate choice: you get more resolving power from the sensor, and at this pixel density that matters. The BIONZ processor keeps noise manageable up to ISO 25600, with expansion available to 102400 for situations where you'd otherwise miss the shot entirely.

The fixed focal length isn't a limitation so much as a commitment. The 35mm field of view works across documentary work, street photography, and environmental portraits without demanding a bag full of glass. At 14-bit RAW output, there's real latitude in post for shadow recovery and fine tonal work. The camera shoots at 5 fps, focuses across 25 points, and closes to 14cm in macro mode, closer than most primes allow without a dedicated macro ring. At 113 x 65 x 70mm and 482g with battery, it travels light. The multi-interface hot shoe accepts Sony's optional EVF and external flash, so the stripped-down body doesn't mean stripped-down capability.

Who It's For

Street photographers get a quiet, pocketable camera with a 35mm perspective and a f/2 aperture that handles low-light alleys and bright afternoon sun without switching lenses. Documentary and travel photographers benefit from the full-frame sensor's tonal depth at 14-bit RAW alongside a body small enough to stay on-person all day. Photographers drawn to close-up work can shoot at 14cm minimum focus distance, extracting genuine detail from a filterless 24.3MP sensor. Landscape shooters who want the resolving advantage of no optical low-pass filter in a carry-anywhere form factor will find the RX1R fits that specific brief.

Key Features

• 24.3MP full-frame CMOS sensor with no optical low-pass filter
• 35mm f/2 Carl Zeiss Sonnar T* fixed lens
• BIONZ processor, ISO 100-25600 (expandable to 102400)
• 14-bit RAW output with 5 fps continuous shooting
• 25-point autofocus, 14cm macro focusing distance
• 1080p video at 60p/50p in AVCHD format
• 3-inch Xtra Fine LCD with 1.23M dots
• Multi-interface hot shoe for optional EVF and external flash

FAQ

Does the RX1R actually resolve more detail than the original RX1?

Yes. Removing the optical low-pass filter lets the 24.3MP sensor capture finer detail without the softness the filter introduces. At this pixel density on a full-frame sensor, the difference is visible in fine textures and distant subjects.

How close can you focus with the 35mm lens?

14cm in macro mode, which is closer than most 35mm primes without a dedicated macro ring. Normal focus distance is 24cm.

Is this camera good for travel and street work?

The fixed 35mm focal length is ideal for it. At 482g with battery and 113 x 65 x 70mm, it fits a coat pocket. The 35mm field of view handles environmental portraits, documentary work, and street photography without carrying multiple lenses.

What's the practical ISO limit?

Native ISO goes to 25600 with the BIONZ processor managing noise well. You can expand to 102400 for extreme low light, though image quality degrades noticeably at maximum expansion.

Can you use an external viewfinder?

Yes. The multi-interface hot shoe accepts Sony's optional electronic viewfinder (FDA-EV1MK) and optical viewfinder (FDA-V1K) sold separately. The rear screen is fixed, so an external finder becomes necessary in bright sunlight.

What's the burst rate and how long can you shoot continuously?

5 fps. There's no stated buffer limit, but at that frame rate you'll fill an SD card in minutes depending on capacity and RAW versus JPEG.

Does it shoot 4K?

No. Video tops out at 1080p in AVCHD or MPEG-4, available at 60p, 50p, 25p, or 24p depending on region.