Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1R Pro Reviews

Sony achieves the seemingly impossible with the Sony RX1R in surpassing the resolving power of its award-winning, full-frame RX1 compact camera by removing the optical low-pass filter and tweaking JPEG processing. Most of the gains are found in the RX1R's JPEG images, with RAW files showing only the slightest improvements in sharpness and detail. Photographers who choose the Sony RX1R over its near twin will have to weigh these advantages over the new model's increased risk for moire and aliasing. But since RX1R is available at the same price, it's a risk many might find worth taking.

With no anti-aliasing filter the RX1R is capable of producing highly detailed images that surpass the quality of the standard RX1. However, without the filter in front of the sensor, moiré patterning may be an issue for some photographers. The only downside is the price, but it is currently a unique product in the market.

The only difference between the RX1R and the original RX1 is the removal of the low-pass filter. The RX1R's photos are very subtly sharper and more detailed than the RX1's, and unless you shoot a lot of subjects with very fine details like fabrics or man-made patterns, you'll be hard-pushed to spot any moire or colour aliasing (we couldn't find any in our sample shots). Even if you do, there are certain techniques that you can employ both during shooting and in post-production, so if out and out resolution is a key requirement then we'd recommend opting for the RX1R, especially as it costs exactly the same as the RX1.

The Sony Cyber-shot RX1 and RX1R are currently unique in being the only full frame compact with fixed lens, with APS-C sized sensor (or smaller) compact cameras being developed in greater numbers. The only other option is to invest in a full-frame Digital SLR and equivalent lens, with the added bulk, or look at a digital rangefinder, albeit with much higher costs involved. Like the RX1, the Sony RX1R is clearly capable of delivering extremely high image quality with a sharp Carl Zeiss 35mm f/2.0 lens on the front. The camera is roughly the size of a medium sized mirrorless camera with a compact fixed lens on the front, but with a full-frame sensor its noise performance is excellent, and for those who are looking for the highest quality in the smallest package available, the Sony Cyber-shot RX1R is an excellent camera, particularly if you have the money to afford it. With a premium camera you would expect to have an external charger so that if you invested in a second battery, which is recommended due to the short battery life, you would be able to charge the battery while still using the camera, but unfortunately as charging is performed in the camera with a USB charger you will have to stop shooting. Although if you have the money to buy the camera, then buying the additional batteries, charger and accessories may not be too much of an issue.