Sony to announce Full Frame compact RX1

[hakepb]

Sony is announcing a mirrorless full frame (same new sensor as the A99 SLT) compact camera with a fixed 35mm f/2 Zeiss lens.

It certainly seems like an expensive, niche product (although I do not think there is any more affordable way to get a full frame with a f/2 prime less than $2800) but could it actually be a useful camera at WDW?

Considering the crop factor, the RX1 is like a 56mm equiv. APSc, and a 70mm equiv micro 4/3 all in a package smaller than a micro 4/3 with prime. It would also be like a 96mm on a J1/RX100.

Sorry for the over enthusiastic preview, but it does include Sony's press release:
http://www.stevehuffphoto.com/2012/...th-35-f2-zeiss-lens-1st-look-hands-on-report/

 

[Hockeyman]

Would have been nice if it had inter changeable lenses. I cant wait to see some photos taken with this however along with the A99.

 

[havoc315]

Sounds like a great camera. It would do very well at Disney.
But anytime you talk about a camera that is $2000+, you're talking about a niche product and a product for professionals.
For that price, an amateur can get a mid level dslr plus 1 or 2 very good lenses.

Although I would guess that this camera will match the IQ of professional dslrs and surpass mid-level dslrs, the lack of interchangeable lenses at that price point would be too hard to swallow.
Where I see the rx100 giving quality of entry-mid level dslrs, with a price point that makes it a good primary camera for some and a good second camera for mid level hobbyists and professionals...
This looks like a camera squarely aimed at advanced high level pros, who already have $20,000 of gear.
It also would be a great camera for a street photographer/artist.

But at that price, with a fixed lens (no matter how good the lens), just doesn't make sense for your typical family users.

 

[Hockeyman]

Here is a site that has some test shots of the A99 which shares the same sensor as the RX1. Warning thought the page takes a while to load with all the pictures and it is in Chinese so hard to read any of the details but if you scroll to the pictures at the end they do look pretty darn good

http://blog.sina.com.cn/s/blog_643b266c0102dxbs.html

 

[photo_chick]

Considering the crop factor, the RX1 is like a 56mm equiv. APSc, and a 70mm equiv micro 4/3 all in a package smaller than a micro 4/3 with prime. It would also be like a 96mm on a J1/RX100.

I'm short on time this morning so I'm not reading through all the reviews... but if it's a full frame 35mm equivalent sensor then there is no crop factor.

Is it a game changer? Leaf shutter and full frame. I think it will attract the attention of fine art photographers though few will be able to afford it. It's too much $$ for the typical casual shooter who just wants to take snapshots.

 

[hakepb]

I agree it's a camera with a very limited market... I was just wondering, if you were the type of person to buy the RX1, would it be useable enough (despite the fixed lens) as that person's only camera on a WDW vacation?


I realize full frame is no crop factor...I was just talking about cropping the image so you effectively use less of the sensor (More like a digital zoom). Not a primary use, but you are not losing anything vs smaller sensor formats.

 

[Hockeyman]

I agree it's a camera with a very limited market... I was just wondering, if you were the type of person to buy the RX1, would it be useable enough (despite the fixed lens) as that person's only camera on a WDW vacation?


I realize full frame is no crop factor...I was just talking about cropping the image so you effectively use less of the sensor (More like a digital zoom). Not a primary use, but you are not losing anything vs smaller sensor formats.

Im sure there are people out there that could make the RX1 as there only camera at Disney but I know would miss the versatility of changes lenses that is for sure. Now if I won the lotto I would pick this up in a heartbeat along with 10 other cameras I dream of owning

 

[photo_chick]

Sure you could go to WDW with a fixed lens camera. Once upon a time primes were the norm and zooms the exception. We all did just fine with them. It's just a different approach to shooting.

 

[zackiedawg]

This could be a very specialist camera as a backup/second camera for professional shooters. The leaf shutter can operate in complete silence, so being able to shoot an F2, full-frame, all-manual-control camera in complete silence and in a package that while not pocketable is a massive size reduction over a full-frame DSLR - I could see journalists, wedding photographers, event photographers, etc really liking such a product. The price will keep it in the hands of pros and enthusiasts with specialist needs, or wealthy folks who like cool things and money is not an issue for.

Personally, I'm more interested in the A99 full frame SLT/DSLR body, as that has some nifty claims that could be very interesting if they work as advertised (dual phase-detect AF with full distance control and infinite focus limiter on all lenses, builtin stabilization, 6fps with focus and tracking, dual independent card slots, silent programmable control wheel on front, electronic first-curtain shutter, weather sealed, fully articulated LCD, and tons of controls and customizations).

 

[havoc315]

This could be a very specialist camera as a backup/second camera for professional shooters. The leaf shutter can operate in complete silence, so being able to shoot an F2, full-frame, all-manual-control camera in complete silence and in a package that while not pocketable is a massive size reduction over a full-frame DSLR - I could see journalists, wedding photographers, event photographers, etc really liking such a product. The price will keep it in the hands of pros and enthusiasts with specialist needs, or wealthy folks who like cool things and money is not an issue for.

Personally, I'm more interested in the A99 full frame SLT/DSLR body, as that has some nifty claims that could be very interesting if they work as advertised (dual phase-detect AF with full distance control and infinite focus limiter on all lenses, builtin stabilization, 6fps with focus and tracking, dual independent card slots, silent programmable control wheel on front, electronic first-curtain shutter, weather sealed, fully articulated LCD, and tons of controls and customizations).

If I had a much more significant budget, the A99 would be of interest.

 

[njtree]

The a99 is nice. I am really interested in "real user" low light photography. Not professional/ads to show the camera off. I shoot with a A33- would of like to get the A77. But features of the a99 out beat it. 1 thing I was wondering was a77- in the front dial was the micro focus adjustment. Is that even on the A99. I didn't see it. Still looking around for a A99 manual.pdf seem I can't locate it.

Why I like the a99 is that is big. I have big hands and the A33 feels like a point and shoot to me with 35mm lens on it.

-Dan

 

[zackiedawg]

The A99 still has microfocus adjustment.

I agree the two outstanding questions for me are how the A99 handles low light, and how well the tracking AF works. I'm quite happy with my A580, but would consider the A99 as a future upgrade idea...I'm still preferring OVFs to EVFs for my DSLRs, but having used an EVF for almost a year on my NEX, I know I could get around that issue if I had to. Getting at some of the controls and speed/performance features is tempting on the A99.

 

[havoc315]

The A99 still has microfocus adjustment.

I agree the two outstanding questions for me are how the A99 handles low light, and how well the tracking AF works. I'm quite happy with my A580, but would consider the A99 as a future upgrade idea...I'm still preferring OVFs to EVFs for my DSLRs, but having used an EVF for almost a year on my NEX, I know I could get around that issue if I had to. Getting at some of the controls and speed/performance features is tempting on the A99.

If you upgrade to the A99, maybe I'd buy your A580 body from you. My A100 is so dated.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

I've been following some of the boards about the A99. My big wish for the A850 is an articulating screen so it's tempting. Actually getting more FPS would be nice but I knew what I was getting there or I would have gotten the A900 at the time. And it seems like it may have about a 1 stop improvement in high ISO so another plus. And finally - the ability to use both card slots in tandem!!!!! I also am interested to see how the additional focus feature works since I do have many of the lenses that are/will be supported for it to function. And the focus limiter - nice! For the moment I'm waiting but I may be doing some consolidating of cameras.

The other interesting announcement to me is the retractable 16-50mm for the NEX. That looks very appealing to be able to have some zoom in a more compact package.

The RX1 is very cool technically, but not something I need. I do know someone that it would be perfect for though so it ought to have its niche to fill.

 

[SplashMo]

I would use the RX1 if I had one. Not sure I would spend the money on it though...

With the SONY A99 some of the features require new lenses which has some folks up in a roar. Just something to check before purchasing...

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

With the SONY A99 some of the features require new lenses which has some folks up in a roar. Just something to check before purchasing...

It certainly does, doesn't it?! It's still essentially the same autofocus for all lenses but improved for several that I own so I see it as a neutral to win position for me. The especially puzzling ones for me are the studio shooters that are in a tizzy over it.

And all other new features are supported on all lenses from what I have read.

(I'd use the RX1 too, if I had it.)

 

[zackiedawg]

I admit I find that one funny too - a new focus feature that could be astounding but may only work with a few lenses, but existing focus with all other lenses still the same as the A77. It really doesn't sound like such a horrible thing, yet some boards are in a riot state over it. Makes you wonder how much of the 'disappointment and anger' might be originating from some folks who have no investment in the brand and would like to see it fail.

 

[Tigerlulu]

I absolutely love my a77--HOWEVER, I jumped ship to Nikon after being very disappointed in the low light capability of my a77. There is no comparison between the a77 and d700! If the a99 proves to be as awesome as the d700 with high ISO performance, I will sell it and switch back. That was really my only complaint with the 77--and since a lot of my photography is indoors at local award banquets/agency fundraisers, etc, it was very frustrating to have to noiseware the heck out of everything when I only shot at ISO 800! I can shoot my d700 at 1600 and not have to worry about noise much--even shot at 3200 the other day and it rocked! If the a99 can deliver that to me, it will be the perfect camera!

 

[RSHale]

Has anyone here had a change to play with an RX1 yet? I can't justify a purchase right now, but I'm dying to try it out. I just scheduled a rental with the optional electronic viewfinder for my upcoming WDW trip in August. I have decided not to take any other cameras, and I'm kind of looking forward to the freedom/limitation of a single focal length for a few days.

 

[hakepb]

Has anyone here had a change to play with an RX1 yet? I can't justify a purchase right now, but I'm dying to try it out. I just scheduled a rental with the optional electronic viewfinder for my upcoming WDW trip in August. I have decided not to take any other cameras, and I'm kind of looking forward to the freedom/limitation of a single focal length for a few days.

Very nice, I'd love to see the pictures!

I haven't noticed any Disney pictures from the RX1 here or DPreview, and Flickr only had a few when I did a camera model search.