Sony DSC-RX100M2 Preview

Last summer (2012), we previewed the Sony DSC-RX100, which was then the "world's first 1.0-inch type Exmor CMOS image sensor." For summer 2013, Sony has upgraded the RX100 as the DSC-RX100M2 (or Mark II). Both RX-series cameras have a 20.2 megapixel 1.0-inch image sensor and utilize the same BIONZ image processor chip coupled with the 3.6x optical zoom Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T f1.8 Lens, but the RX100M2 uses new BSI (backside illumination) technology, which is not only another "world's first", but should also improve low-light performance.
Other upgrades include improved ISO (up to 12,800 without any noise reduction), a tilting LCD (it's the same 3.0-inch Xtra Fine LCD, but it now tilts 84 degrees upward or 45 degrees downward), a new Step Zoom Feature, the option of shooting Full 1080p HD video at 24 frames per second, a multi-interface shoe like found on the RX1/RX1R (which opens door for using RX1/RX1R accessories like the eye-level EVF, external Mic, etc.), and Triluminous Color HDMI output.
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100M2 Features
- 20.2 megapixel 1.0-inch type Exmor BSI-CMOS sensor
- BIONZ Image Processor
- 3.6x Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T f1.8 Lens
- 3.0-inch Xtra Fine Tilting LCD display (1,229k dot)
- Full HD Video Recording
- now with 24p
- ISO 160-12800
- ISO 160-25600 (using Multi Frame Noise Reduction)
- 10 frames per second burst speed shooting in full resolution
- Auto Focus in as little as 0.13 seconds
- Auto and Manual Focus Modes
- Exposure Settings (Still)
- Superior Auto
- Intelligent Auto
- Program Auto (Program Shift available)
- Shutter Priority
- Aperture Priority
- Manual
- Scene Selections
- Movie
- Sweep Panorama
- Exposure Settings (Movie)
- Program Auto
- Aperture Priority
- Shutter Priority
- Manual
- Picture Effects (Still)
- Toy Camera
- Pop Color
- Posterization
- Retro Photo
- Soft High-Key
- Partial Color
- High Contrast Monochrome
- Soft Focus
- HDR Painting
- Rich-tone Monochrome
- Miniature
- Watercolor
- Illustration
- Picture Effects (Movie)
- Toy Camera
- Pop Color
- Posterization
- Retro Photo
- Soft High-Key
- Partial Color
- High Contrast Monochrome
- Memory Recall
- Assignable Fn (function) Button
- Auto Portrait Framing (both original photo and cropped version are saved)
- HDMI Output (Type D micro)
- USB 2.0
- Multi-Interface Shoe
Sony's DSC-RX100M2 will be available in mid-July (2013) for around $749.
Additional Product Views
Visitors of Steves can visit the stores below for real-time pricing and availability. You can also find hot, soon to expire online offers on a variety of cameras and accessories at our very own Camera Deals page.