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Review on πŸ“· Sony DSCRX1R/B: 24MP Compact System Cyber-Shot Camera with 3-Inch LCD Screen (Black) – High-Resolution Photography at its Best! by Leah Singh

Revainrating 5 out of 5

Wonderful! But not for everyone.

If you're reading this review, you probably already know RX1r, so you don't need to go into all the details, you can just read it in the description. Here I will share my thoughts on the product in terms of performance, ergonomics and ease of use. First of all, I've never used the RX1, so it's really difficult for me to get objective data to differentiate it from others. from the previous model. Compared to my D800, this little beast is really more powerful. ISO 3200 still delivers relatively clean images. ISO 6400 shows noticeable graininess, but this can easily be remedied in post-processing. And it will be obvious when you take a look at the pixels. However, if you just want a regular sized printout or plan to upload it to FB, post-processing will take care of the extra noise. To be honest I haven't found it necessary to go beyond ISO 6400 yet, so I may have to update this review in the future. The amount of detail in each shot is just insane. I've used Fuji X100s before and been impressed by them, but the RX1r's detail reproduction is even more impressive. A full-frame 24-megapixel sensor with no AA filter really makes a difference. My D800 reproduces a lot of detail, but that's to be expected given the 36 MP sensor. Considering it's 12MP smaller, the level of detail in every shot is still worth noting. There are also notable reviews about camera hunting in low light, but compared to the X100s this camera is faster in my opinion. So far I haven't had any issues with defocus, and this is in my dimly lit room. It's only slow when there's minimal light source, but I've found it can still fix the subject. With a generous light source, it will be fixed quickly. I've read reviews that said the RX1/RX1r wasn't for those quick, honest moments. and to some extent it may not be, but if you know how and when to anticipate the picture, those moments can still be captured. My main use of this camera is street photography. I'm busy with work right now, but I plan to use this beast someday and see how it performs there. I still choose between EVF and OVF because I'm always looking for a viewfinder. something I really miss in my X100. I'm used to OVF and even with the X100 I stayed with OVF and only corrected parallax errors. I'm not too keen on lag, although I've heard that the RX1/RX1r's EVF works very well. Sony might consider adding a viewfinder to the next model in the future. I'm also used to the "thumbs up" grip so this is definitely killing me now. I'm guessing if I delve into OVF (Zeiss vs. Voigtlander?) maybe I can get Match Technical's CSEP-2 which is a smarter alternative than Sony's version. I only wish they (Sony or a third party) had given a working hot shoe a thumbs up so the electronic viewfinder could still work. Oh well. I know I have a few things to say about the camera but after weighing all the good and bad points I still think the RX1r is a great product. Yes, it's expensive, but you really get what you pay for. Full frame + 35mm Zeiss + small form factor = $2800 product for me. Some might disagree, but that's why I originally said this camera isn't for everyone. I am very happy with mine! UPDATE (2013-08-10): Still smitten with this beast! I tried to compare it side by side with my D800. Here are 2 pictures I took some time ago. The first on the D800, the second on the RX1r. I tried to get a good match between the two. The pictures were taken in my bathroom trying to focus on the top right corner of a metal object with a grating (don't know what to call it). I chose this subject to test how good the autofocus is, thinking it might focus behind the crosshairs (ghosts, boxes, etc.). I also tried pushing both cameras to their limits to see how they handled noise. The door on my right is ajar to let in enough light. Both cameras were set to matrix metering and both were 1 stop below 0 (ie -1). For the D800 I used a Nikon 24-70mm 2.8 lens (which everyone knows is a brilliant lens) to try and level the playing field. Settings: ISO 6400, f/2.8, 1/60 sec, 35mm, tripod mounted flickr.com/photos/rex360hype/9481529474/sizes/k/in/photostream/ Similar settings were used for the RX1r. Settings: ISO 6400, f/2.8, 1/60 sec, 35mm (ooh), FROM THE BOARD! flickr.com/photos/rex360hype/9478731171/sizes/k/in/photostream/Now. call me crazy And I know I don't have the keenest eyesight, but the RX1r was handcuffed. And the details were still sharper than the D800. Although I should note that the D800 has an AA filter and the RX1r doesn't. In terms of noise, the D800 is (I think) a bit cleaner. But only a small amount. Oh by the way, the D800 hunted in these lighting conditions. As with HUNTING. I almost got mad because he kept focusing on the perfume in the background. Up to the point where I decided to focus on the top right corner of the object to get a "fatter" object. While RX1r was only repaired immediately. To be honest, I hunted a bit too. But compared to the D800, it's just smoked! I was surprised. I know the RX1r hunts in low light, but a faster fix than the D800 (which was tripod-mounted) was just absurd. I think I just gained a new level of respect for Sony! Brilliant work! I really didn't expect that. SO. YES SIR. I'm really very happy! :) PS - if you shoot in RAW you must use Lightroom 5. RX1 is supported by LR4 but RX1r requires LR5. I learned it the hard way. Bought RX1r, shot RAW, tried to import and edit into LR4 but then had to upgrade to LR5 and then update my OS as LR5 requires at least OS X 10.7. Invest a lot of work, upgrades and extra money. But it's worth it in the end!

Pros
  • New
Cons
  • Slightly torn