Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-RX100 II Digital Camera, Black {20.2MP}

RX100 II: 1-inch BSI-CMOS in a coat-pocket body.

The RX100 II packs a 20.2MP, 1-inch BSI-CMOS sensor into a body measuring 102 x 58 x 38mm and weighing 281g. That sensor size is the defining factor here: it gives the f/1.8 Zeiss-branded 28-100mm equivalent zoom room to breathe in ways a smaller-sensor compact simply cannot. Native ISO runs from 160 to 12800, with Multi Frame NR expanding the range down to ISO 100 and up to ISO 25600. Combined with optical image stabilization, that's a camera you can actually use indoors without flash.

The control set goes well beyond point-and-shoot: full manual exposure, aperture priority, shutter priority, RAW capture, and AE bracketing across three frames. Continuous shooting runs at 10 fps in Speed Priority mode. The tilting 3-inch WhiteMagic LCD at 1,229,000 dots handles bright outdoor light better than a standard panel. For video, the camera records 1080/60fps AVCHD, with MPEG-4 as an alternative container. A Multi Interface Shoe opens the door to an optional electronic viewfinder or external flash, and built-in Wi-Fi with NFC handles remote control and file transfer directly from a paired phone.

At 281g with a 350-shot CIPA battery rating, the RX100 II is a camera that actually rides in your pocket daily, with specs that justify reaching for it over your phone.

Who It's For

Street photographers get a 28mm starting focal length, f/1.8 maximum aperture, and a body small enough to disappear into daily life without a bag. Travel shooters benefit from the 3.6x optical zoom reaching 100mm equivalent, optical stabilization, and Wi-Fi for fast sharing. Documentary workers who need RAW files and manual exposure control will find the full PASM mode set and 25 AF points sufficient for run-and-gun situations. Macro shooters can focus as close as 5cm, making the camera workable for product and detail work without carrying dedicated macro glass.

Key Features

• 20.2MP 1-inch BSI-CMOS sensor with optical image stabilization
• f/1.8 Zeiss-branded 28-100mm equivalent 3.6x optical zoom
• RAW and JPEG capture with manual exposure, aperture, and shutter priority
• 25-point autofocus with 10 fps continuous shooting in Speed Priority mode
• 1080/60fps AVCHD and MPEG-4 video with stereo audio
• Native ISO 160-12800, expandable to ISO 100-25600 via Multi Frame NR
• Tilting 3-inch WhiteMagic LCD with 1.23M dots for bright sunlight visibility
• Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity for remote control and mobile file transfer

FAQ

What makes the 1-inch sensor a real advantage in a compact this size?

A 1-inch BSI-CMOS sensor gives you shallower depth of field and better light gathering than smaller compacts, even with the f/1.8 zoom. That translates to usable indoor shots without flash and cleaner high-ISO files.

Can you shoot RAW on this camera?

Yes, the RX100 II captures RAW files alongside JPEG, giving you full control in post-processing.

How does the tilting LCD compare to a fixed screen?

The 3-inch tilting WhiteMagic panel angles up or down for framing at awkward heights, and the WhiteMagic tech makes it genuinely viewable in sunlight - a real advantage for a pocket camera.

Is there an optical viewfinder, or do I have to use the rear LCD?

No built-in optical finder. You can add an optional electronic viewfinder via the Multi Interface Shoe, which also accepts external flash and serves as a remote trigger mount.

How fast is autofocus, and is continuous AF available during video?

The 25-point AF system is quick for a compact. The RX100 II records 1080/60fps in AVCHD or MPEG-4, with continuous autofocus during video capture.

What's the battery life realistically?

CIPA rating is 350 shots, though real-world use varies depending on flash, zoom, and LCD usage. The NP-BX1 is small enough that carrying a spare makes sense for a day out.

Can I control this camera from my phone?

Wi-Fi and NFC built-in. NFC one-touch pairing initiates Wi-Fi remote control and file transfer directly to a paired device.