Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-RX1R II Digital Camera {42.4MP}

Full-frame 42.4MP compact with a fixed Zeiss 35mm f/2.

The RX1R II fits a 35.9 x 24mm BSI-CMOS sensor producing 42.4 effective megapixels into a body that weighs 507g with battery. That sensor, paired with a Zeiss Sonnar T* 35mm f/2 in a 8-element, 7-group design, delivers files with serious post-processing headroom. RAW output is 14-bit, and the native ISO range runs 100 to 25600, with extended settings reaching down to ISO 50 for long-exposure work.

The standout engineering here is the variable optical low-pass filter. Using a liquid crystal layer, it lets you dial between full OLPF suppression for moire control and full-bypass mode for maximum resolution, or land anywhere between. No other fixed-lens compact offers that kind of flexibility on aliasing. The 399 phase-detect AF points keep single-shot acquisition snappy, and Eye-AF performs reliably in both continuous and single modes.

A retractable electronic viewfinder with 2,359,296 dots and 0.74x magnification gives you an usable eye-level option without permanently adding to the camera's profile. The tilting 3.0-inch LCD with 1,228,800 dots rounds out a shooting setup that handles waist-level and overhead framing without contortion. At 5 fps continuous, this isn't a sports tool, but for deliberate, resolution-first work, it brings medium-format file quality in a body you can carry all day.

Who It's For

Landscape and architecture photographers working at the resolution ceiling will get 42.4MP files with dynamic range that holds up through aggressive shadow recovery, all from a body that fits in a shoulder bag. Street photographers drawn to 35mm as a working focal length get a lens permanently matched to its sensor, with a leaf shutter that enables genuinely quiet operation. Travel documentarians get full-frame output and Wi-Fi with NFC in a 507g package. Photographers shooting fine-art still life or product work benefit directly from the variable OLPF system, which eliminates fabric moire on demand without sacrificing resolving power when the subject doesn't need it.

Key Features

• 42.4MP full-frame Exmor R BSI-CMOS sensor with 14-bit RAW output
• Fixed Zeiss Sonnar T* 35mm f/2 lens with 8-element, 7-group optical design
• Variable optical low-pass filter with liquid crystal layer for moire/resolution control
• 399 phase-detect autofocus points with reliable Eye-AF in continuous and single modes
• Retractable electronic viewfinder with 2,359,296 dots and 0.74x magnification
• Tilting 3.0-inch LCD display with 1,228,800 dots and 100 percent coverage
• 5 fps continuous shooting with 14-bit RAW buffer of 10 shots
• XAVC S video to 50 Mbps at 1080p, stereo microphone input, no headphone output

FAQ

What's the actual benefit of a variable optical low-pass filter?

You dial between full OLPF suppression for maximum resolution and full engagement for moire control, or land anywhere between. Most fixed-lens compacts lock you into one compromise; this one lets you choose per shoot or per scene.

How's the autofocus compared to the original RX1R?

Dramatically better. The 399 phase-detect AF points from the a7R II make single-point acquisition snappy and accurate. Eye-AF works reliably in both continuous and single modes. Tracking moving subjects remains erratic, but for deliberate work, it's solid.

Is the battery life really as bad as people say?

Yes. The NP-BX1 cell rates at 220 shots (CIPA), and real-world performance often dips below that in cold weather. Carry three extra batteries and an external charger for extended outings.

What's the RAW file size, and how does that affect shooting?

Uncompressed RAW files run roughly 80MB, forcing 30-second write times. Your buffer holds 10 uncompressed shots before the camera locks. During writing, menu and playback are unavailable. Compressed RAW gives you 22 shots in the buffer and faster writes.

Does this camera have weather sealing?

No. The body is well-built and feels solid, but there's no environmental seal. Also note the tripod socket sits dangerously close to the battery door.

How does the 35mm focal length work for everyday shooting?

It's a deliberate choice, not a compromise. You get the perspective of a classic rangefinder lens with full-frame resolution. If you need flexibility, this isn't your camera. If you've built a workflow around 35mm, the fixed design eliminates variables and lets you focus on composition.