Sony RX1 reviews by Top Photographers (Duncan Davidson, Peter Adams, John Vink…)
Ok ok, we all read the positive reviews written by the usual big photogrpahy websites. But what do real photographers think about the camera? Here are three links you have to check out:
Duncan Davidson (Click here) posted a superb review of the Sony RX1: “Put another way, there has not a single time that I’ve been out and about with only my RX1 and regretted not having my big SLR with me. That’s pretty much a first for me. Even though the X100 came close, it never quite met that standard. I can tell you that my RX1 going to spend a lot of time in my bag or on a strap while I continue to travel around the world in 2013.”
Magnum Photographer John Vink (Click here) is using the RX1 too. His only comment for now is: “The AF definitely needs to be much more snappier.” LOL 
But you can see some great pics from John on his webesite here (monochrome) and here (color).
Peter Adam (Click here) posted a very detailed review and says about the RX1: “The lens surprised me–I thought it would be more of a limiting factor than it was, but came to appreciate its versatility. Would I love it if this camera had removable/changeable lenses? Of course, I would. However, I have to admit, the 35mm f/2 worked great for 90% of the photos I wanted to take.”
Two more great reviews can be read at Minimallyminimal and in German at Digitalkamera.
Take your time to read them all because these are very good articles. The RX1 rocks and it is hard to resist the temptation to buy it when you have to wait at least one year until we can grab the interchangeable NEX version 
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RX1 links roundup:
RX1 at Amazon, B&H, Adorama, J&R, eBay.
RX1 Gariz accessories:
1) They made a new half leather case in Black and Brown (Click here to see them on eBay).
2) The new lens cap (Click here to see them on eBay).
3) The new entry is the anti loose button(!) (Click here to see them on eBay). Don’t know if that will be really useful for you RX1 owners. Someone has it and call it how it works? Thanks!
4) And this is the really first time I see that. A special Leather skin hood! (Click here to see them on eBay).
Cliff
3 months ago |Any Sony Pro NAB 2013 news yet?
Wheelus
3 months ago |I think the most interesting thing that Davidson says in his review is in regard to to the electronic viewfinder, “The technology has finally gotten to the point where I’d be just fine if all my future cameras has EVFs…” This statement from a Nikon user should say something to all of the electronic viewfinder naysayers out there.
anon
3 months ago |Well, viewfinder primary function is to provide framing guide. Early camera shows upside down view.
SonyCyberPunk
3 months ago |Yawn. Move along folks.
Alain
3 months ago |Davidson’s review:
This guy can review everything I will ever want to buy in the future. This is by far the best revew I have read about the RX1 or any other cam. He can be extremely precise and not bury you under a pile of specs and numbers.
CTPhotographX.com
3 months ago |Yes it’s a nice review, but why is every product and sample photo so pixelated on his site?
Although thorough, from a shooter perspective, he missed an opportunity to express more details about the EVF experience. He seemed more concerned with bumping the camera around with it on.
Well, is that because it doesn’t have the locking pins necessary for secure fit… like the F60M flash? What’s the purpose for this new hot shoe, if not to provide for most secure fit? Compatibility certainly isn’t the goal, as there is nothing standard about it.
Why does the dumb thumb grip have locking pins, yet the EVF doesn’t? Why doesn’t the expensive thumb grip have a smart pass through connection to allow for EVF or flash or microphone?
How to use EVF with Flash? How to use EVF with the XLR?
Does the new remote control really use the new shoe too? How to use the remote with a flash mounted?
So many accessories fitting one port, yet none of the gadgets can be used together?
I’m really confused about the practicality of this design philosophy. Perhaps I’m mistaken with how it works. Hope someone to straighten me out here. I would hope a thorough reviewer would take note of such things.
SonyCyberPunk
3 months ago |You’re an idiot. This guy put more effort into this singular review of the camera than you’ll ever manage with a lifetime of photography. Oh, and it’s not pixelization… it’s called sharpened for web output. Dummy.
CTPhotographX.com
3 months ago |Hi SonyCyberPunk. Thanks for your thoughtful analysis. Perhaps there is something wrong with my monitor. But I just checked again, and every photo on that web site looks to be suffering from pixellation.
Does your monitor show them sharp? Click my name and compare them to photos on my web site. I don’t see the pixellation on mine, or other sites. Only Duncan Davidson. Any suggestions how I can improve viewing his site would be much appreciated. Thanks!
Pelty
3 months ago |Woah… that’s one way to handle a troll.
grant torres
3 months ago |So many questions on somebody’s review, which is a person’s personal preference and opinions based on one’s shooting style and requirements. I would love to read your review so you can answer the questions yourself, and we can learn also more. Would appreciate it if you do.
CTPhotographX.com
3 months ago |Hi grant. I didn’t ask questions about the review. I asked questions about the camera system, accessories, and design philosophy that seems to prevent multiple accessories from being combined.
Even said that I hoped I was wrong and someone could straighten me out. And no, sorry, I won’t be purchasing this camera without getting my questions answered.
The only thing I questioned about the review was the pixelation on the product and sample photos. Every photo on that web site looks pixellated to me. Other web sites, including my own, don’t look like that.
Michele
3 months ago |I’ve been reading his review on my MacBook Pro with retina display and I don’t see any “pixelation” at all. Maybe it’s because (as he wrote in a side note) pictures are optimized for a retina or HD screen?
He wrote “Viewing note: if you’re reading this review on a Retina or other HighDPI screen—such as on a Retina MacBook Pro or the latest full-sized iPads—the images you see should take full advantage of your display’s resolution, as long as everything is working right with the JavaScript and CSS Media Queries I’m using. On the other hand, compression and sharpness artifacts are purely the fault of my website’s production pipeline. None of these images are perfect representations of what the images look like when viewed directly. Such is life in a JPEG dominated web world.”
Have you read the review or just took a look at the pixels?
CTPhotographX.com
3 months ago |Hi Michele. Yes I’ve read the review, enough to virtually quote Duncan comments about EVF. But sorry, the viewing notes comment didn’t stand out to me nearly as much as the viewing experience itself.
Very interesting that Duncan confirmed my comments. Now I feel like a second class citizen needing special computers to view images properly. What a great age we live in to be a photographer.
CTPhotographX.com
3 months ago |Wondering why a99 isn’t getting so many “Top Photographers” to review it in depth?
Fonk
3 months ago |That’s a good question, CT…
Dvir
3 months ago |I have seen many photographer reviews of it, it isn’t very hard to find just look it up, and for 90% of the reviews people praise it.
-http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/sony-a99/sony-a99A.HTM its through imaging resource but it is their new pro photographer review page
- http://www.slrlounge.com/extensive-hands-on-field-review-of-the-sony-a99 isn’t pro but he is a good photographer
- http://www.thephoblographer.com/2012/12/16/review-sony-a99/ these guys aren’t pros but they test a lot of cameras and this is a direct quote from the bottom, “If I had to restart with one new system, it would be Sony’s. The A99 is capable of doing some incredible things despite a couple of shortcomings.” If that isn’t good praise I don’t know what is.
there are also others these are just three of the top of my head. So while it isn’t a prefect camera to say the least, it isn’t any worse than the 5dmrkIII and D800 which being a guy who also loves Canon and likes Nikon, have been on their forums and they complain just as much. So in the end they are all good cameras, not perfect, and people just like complaining.
CTPhotographX.com
3 months ago |Thanks Dvir… but you missed the point of my comment. It’s a bit more than “people just like complaining”. I’m not looking for positive, or negative reviews from standard reviewers. I’m wondering why a99 isn’t getting more attention (good or bad) from professional working photographers it was designed for. Why hasn’t Sony sent a dozen of them with a wagon of ZA’s to Magnum?
Not a complaint. Just an honest question about the marketing philosophy of Sony.
Dvir
3 months ago |I agree Sony needs new marketing people in my opinion the pricing on the Ziess 50 is an example should have been like the canon 50 1.2, why because 1500$ from a marketing perspective looks bad, 1300$ looks better, and I bet they could have done that. Other things like not making the 70-400 Weather sealed, also add to some questionable judgement calls. I think Sony know how to make great products and if Sony had only put in a new focusing system and a duel Bionz processor in the A99, it would have been nearly perfect, and would have lowered the two main complaints. But again Sony makes some dumb calls, that from a marketing point of view I agree 100%, quality I think that they are just as good as Nikon and Canon, who have their fair share of problems, especially in quality control.
CanonJack
3 months ago |Sony Marketing doesnt exist compared to many companies of such scale. Sony believes they are the ulmighty technology god and customers just inherently know they exist. Its almost as if they’re too proud to do any significant advertising.
CanonJack
3 months ago |Now more than any time in their history, they should be running print ads in every magazine and TV ads on every station and more importantly, online display and retargeting ads. They need to invest in themselves.
CTPhotographX.com
3 months ago |I hereby nominate CanonJack as new head of marketing for Sony Imaging.
Your plan sounds good to me!
Wayne Summers
3 months ago |I think its because when you break it down the A99 is a wonderful camera but its very comparable to the canon mk3 and nikon 800 so it would not really get that much attention but the rx1 is basically a point and shoot size camera with a full frame sensor. Its kinda like if you and a 10 year old shot the same picture and both pictures are the exact same thing and the exact same quality. The 10 year old would get more attention because they are only 10.
Sky_walker
3 months ago |Well, take a look at this one simple fact: In UK this week we have Focus on Imaging trade show that’s most popular show for professional photographers. That’s the place where Canon brings all it’s L lenses, and Nikon shows off best gear. You can see Hasselblad and Phase One gear, as well as lots of professional post-processing tools, even Adobe send it’s own representatives. And from smaller companies you can see Fujifilm bringing it’s X-pro system in, and few m4/3 companies showing off their high-end gear.
And guess what? Sony isn’t there.
So here is your answer why there’s no attention from pro photographers. Thy just have no clue about Sony offerings.
Dvir
3 months ago |You might be right, I mean Sony need to learn to push themselves and their products better IMO. I know there a few top professionals that use Sony, but they really must try to work harder to make other professionals take notice, they have the goods, just need the effort.
SonyCyberPunk
3 months ago |Because the a99 is a failure.
SonyCyberPunk
3 months ago |Posing as a radiologist, I see. You’re just some lowly x-ray tech. Enjoy your rads.
anon
3 months ago |Because most pros don’t but A99, they already have Canikon DSLR. But they do buy RX-1 and NEX as a complement to their existing gear.
leroy
3 months ago |…. overpriced -_-
RVN
3 months ago |love RX1
Jack Le Boul
3 months ago |Hmmmm tempted.
Something that came up with most reviewers, most things perfect except AF in low light.
I got three kids running around the house, often in low light.
I hope the RX2 with have dual AF system on the new NEX-7n……..
I would buy it in a heart beat. One can only wish…..
spada
3 months ago |Has anyone taken the Minolta 35mm f/2 on an a99 and compared the images to the RX1?
Marlon Richardson
3 months ago |I’m sure it’ll do fine I have the A99 with all the CZ lenses and the RX1. The files coming from both look just about identical to me, especially when you shoot jpgs. G lenses on the A99 have a slightly more muted color and a little less contrast. I know many people prefer the Minolta look but I like the snappier CZ look better.
Wayne Summers
3 months ago |I don’t think it will be as good because the lens was built around the sensor so its a almost perfect match. I am 100% getting some kind of rx camera. I here they are working on more of them. I think I would prefer a 50mm Rx.
CTPhotographX.com
3 months ago |Hey… I’d like to see that comparison too. Would need a huge improvement to justify spending any kind of money to separate me from an a900/35f2 Mino combo.
Even as an SLR lens, it ranks right up there with Contax G 35/2 and Leica Summicron M 35/2… above any CaNikon offering.
Photodo ratings:
Mino AF 35/2 MTF = 4
http://www.photodo.com/lens/Minolta-AF-35mm-f2-717
Contax G 35/2 MTF = 4.1
http://www.photodo.com/lens/Contax-G-Planar-35mm-f2-782
Lecia Summicron M 35/2 MTF = 4.1
http://www.photodo.com/lens/Leica-SummicronM-35mm-f2-870
Notice the Mino/Leica sharper than the Contax wide open… but Contax sharper at 2.8.
Now I’m not saying the RX1 combo might not be a little better. Just not a cost I personally could justify. I’ll trade perceived compactness for image stabilization.
SonyCyberPunk
3 months ago |Me thinks you’ve exposed your brain to way too many rads.
Hendrick
3 months ago |The MTF shown at photodo.com shows that wide open, the minolta is nowhere near the CZ 35 on the RX1. That alone, for someone like me who shoots high iso and wide open very often…its priceless.
Again, the RX1 is not a jack of all trades and it doesnt fit many people. For some, however, it is a perfect camera. For me, it is.
CTPhotographX.com
3 months ago |Not saying the RX1 doesn’t best them all. But consider that Photodo MTF’s are actual measurements from a production sample. I believe Sony’s MTF’s are calculated for theoretical perfection. The two methods don’t often corroborate with one another.
CTPhotographX.com
3 months ago |For instance:
“Canon’s MTF charts are based on theoretical calculations used in the design of the lens, while some other manufacturers use actually measurements. There are valid arguments in favour of both methods. Be aware though that different manufacturers have different measurement procedures, and therefore while comparing MTF charts between lenses in the same line is possible, and is in fact very useful in making a purchasing decision, doing so between different manufacturer’s MTF charts isn’t.”
http://www.luminous-landscape.com/tutorials/understanding-series/understanding-mtf.shtml
Vivek
3 months ago |“The RX1 rocks and it is hard to resist the temptation to buy it when you have to wait at least one year until we can grab the interchangeable NEX version
”
I can easily ignore the RX-1, even if there will be no FF NEX anytime. There is absolutely no comparison to the Rx-1 and any system camera- none.
CanonJack
3 months ago |Its not overpriced. Its perfectly priced for its target audience. Its intentionally and very carefully priced. They dont want or intend the common NEX or SLT owner to buy one. Its not for the hobbyist. I’d say most people who own a Sony RX1 are Canon and Nikon Professionals. Its a brilliant camera and a brilliant move for Sony; slowly introduce Canikon Pros to Sony from the top down. Unforunately, Sony is a dying behemoth.
Wayne Summers
3 months ago |People will always complain about price and honestly everything is overpriced its how companies make money. If it were a canon maybe they would say the price is good but I guess people want sony to sell cameras for a dollar. I will say Sonys accessory prices are normally a crime.
CanonJack
3 months ago |^ That I completely agree with. Accessories for almost all Sonys (and some Canons and Nikons as well) are crazy overpriced. 100 times the cost to manufacture in some cases (lens hood, anyone?). RX1 accessories take it to the next level. But then again, the working pro probably doesnt care as much as the hobbyist. So again, the RX1 is okay.
ayan
3 months ago |RX1 is tempting and price is okay. But accessories are crazy overpriced.
Pei
3 months ago |That’s a pretty camera. It only the lens is changeable and it has EVF, GPS and Wi-Fi. It would replace my X-E1.
Michele
3 months ago |Two different classes of camera: APS-C and FF.
Fuji is extremely good but the RX1 is better: no doubt about it.
I just received this camera with the EVF and it’s an amazing piece of tech: it’s built like a rock and the pics’ quality (thanks to lens and sensor combo) is exceptional. A friend of mine has the X-E1 (about which is really happy) and after playing around with the RX1 for a few hours said “why the hell I want a Leica?”
He said also “the building quality is way over the Fuji”.
Hendrick
3 months ago |Indeed. RX1 does have better image quality than Fuji. For those who think that Fuji is very good at high ISO, you need to look for Fuji X series ISO real value. At DPReview, you can download any image from the X Pro, XE or X100 and compare de exposure value. You will see the fuji (at ISOs lower than 1600) needs between 1/2 and 2/3 more light than any other camera and at ISOs greater than 1600, it needs between 2/3 and 1 stop more light. So, for example, ISO 6400 on a Fuji would be same as ISO 3200 on any other cam.
Pei
3 months ago |I don’t meant to say that I pick X-E1 over RX1. I was lamenting that RX1 is not a EVIL/mirrorless camera with EVF, GPS & Wi-Fi.
Marlon
3 months ago |I hope Sony makes a “perfect” NEX FF and sells it for 3k. I bet most of the bitching and moaners in here still wouldn’t have it because price is the only real barrier….. Not the features!
CTPhotographX.com
3 months ago |The “perfect” camera would sell for less than that. A price barrier would make it imperfect.
DJam
3 months ago |Bitching and moaning about price? You must think money grows on trees. Either that or you have too much money and it’s rotted your brain..or you don;t have kids to feed…or you think everyone makes 5 figures a year…or you think eveyone has 3k of disposable cash to burn…HEY, WAKE up and smell REALITY man!
Marlon Richardson
3 months ago |Maybe the best possible camera aren’t made for every pixel peeping moron to own. Camera’s under $1500 perfectly capable of taking photos of your kids running around the yard, sleeping cat, or endless photos of flowers. Can’t afford the Rx1 then maybe look into the NEX line, OM, Fuji, or Panasonic. They are all much more affordable and pretty capable.
CTPhotographX.com
3 months ago |I took my Polaroid SX-70 to my son’s schoolyard. Kids thought it was some new kind of camera that spit photos out. The texture, faded color, huge format, terrible grain, and instant gratification, made it the “perfect” camera for that situation… confirmed by the awe-filled look in the kids faces as they watched them develop before their very eyes.
They all ran off vowing to tell their parents about this new type of camera that didn’t need a computer to make real pictures with.
RVN
3 months ago |there is none perfect camera in the world, just prise and love your own camera with a passion and full heart and than you can create a beautiful image
Rob
3 months ago |Anybody interested in my new model portrait, taken with my 850 and CZ 24-70? Model’s face is designed to melt my heart!
http://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/31847253
RVN
3 months ago |beautiful rob
she is like a doll. i think your model will be great in cosplay 
Alain
3 months ago |Andrea, Will you give a feedback of the camera dinner show ?
Thanks
ArnikFFM
3 months ago |If anyone doesn’t have the money because of kids to feed or other high priorities (same here), he or she should lower the specs and expectations and move to a hobby which fits the purse.
Funny enough those people shed out the bucks for a 40k $ car just to move around to the supermarket, and that without complaining. Maybe they just think about bucks per ton of mass …..
It’s impossible to get an AUDI A8 for the price of a Celica …..