Sony PMW-300K2 Three 1/2-inch ExmorTMCMOS sensors XDCAM Camcorder PMW300 – International Version (No Warranty)

The electronic camera I’m examining right here is the initial version of the RX1, released in the end of 2012. Although almost five years of ages at the time of writing, the spec sheet still holds up well by today’s criteria– complete size 24-megapixel CMOS sensing units are absolutely nothing to sneeze at despite the fact that we’re almost in 2018. Plenty of existing model video cameras still use a similar pixel count.

No wonder as it was the smallest complete structure electronic camera ever before released. As far as I understand, this still makes it the world’s smallest full-frame electronic camera. As far as I understand, the RX1 is still the globes smallest complete format electronic camera.

The RX1 was been successful by the RX1R II in 2015. A version that bumped the resolution up to 42 megapixels, and also added a pop-up viewfinder, much better autofocus and also a variable low-pass filter that allows the user to change its strength in between shots. The reason that I opted for the more affordable model was the price– The RX1R II is still painfully costly, with a cost almost three times that of the previous model. The distinction of about 120 000 VS 300 000 JPY at the time of acquisition for used copies in excellent condition at credible shops in Tokyo. As I do not see neither electronic camera certifies as good enough by itself for my professional usage, it was impossible for me to validate the price of the more recent model, although in hindsight maybe I must have …

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I added the RX1 to my toolbox initially of 2017. As well as after spending the excellent component of a year shooting with it I feel certified enough to create a review of it. As it’s still readily available new, at the very least right here in Japan, there may be people still people around curious about exactly how it stacks up five years after its initial release.

As well as yes, there are without a doubt many points that really makes the RX1 stand apart. Most significantly– The picture top quality. It’s excellent enough for everything I fire, even by today’s criteria, consisting of very demanding customers like supply photo firms. The pairing of the sensing unit with the fixed 35mm f2.0 Zeiss-branded lens creates fantastic photos. This lens is without a doubt worthy of the Zeiss badge– sharpness is excellent even wide open, and also the shade performance and also the bokeh is hard to mistake. The only optical defect worth mentioning is a hint of colorful aberration in contrasty scenes. Not a huge bargain as it can easily be eliminated in blog post handling. There’s some field curvature– if you prepare to fire brick walls you need to stop down a little bit to guarantee sharp edges.

This electronic camera was originally priced at around 300 000 yen (around USD $3000) and also it really feels like it. It’s not really on par with various other luxury video cameras, like the Leica Q, however it’s a clear action up from Sony’s minimal video cameras, consisting of the initial A7.

Various other customers have actually complained over big example variant on this electronic camera. My duplicate has actually carried out well, however I would suggest you to attempt prior to you buy, and also to do so at a store that accept returns if you can. Right here in Japan, few shops do, however rather we usually get 6 months warranty even on used gear, something that makes up for it, I guess.

I took the electronic camera on a trip to the Italian Riviera earlier this year. My full-size Nikon Equipment was left in Tokyo, making this electronic camera was my day-to-day driver for about one week. As stated earlier the picture top quality plainly depended on its job. Sure, the sensing unit is a few years of ages, so it does not manage high ISOs as gracefully as those developed around contemporary tech. I would claim files up to ISO 3200 are great if you do not mind a bit of blog post handling in blog post. In regards to dynamic variety, I would claim it strikes highlights a little bit portion of a stop earlier than my D810. Yet in technique I located it impressively excellent. With a F2.0 constantly in front of the sensing unit, I hardly ever really felt that I required much better high-ISO abilities. As well as did I discuss that the fallen leave shutter in the lens additionally makes it practically silent, and also creates no shutter-shock to boot, enabling sharp shots hand-held even at slower shutter speeds than a DSLR.

The RX1 has one significant defect, that drove me crazy to the degree I ended up getting rid of the electronic camera not as well long ago. Remember what I stated about earlier about the Sigma DP1, and also exactly how the RX1 in one method is something of a spiritual successor? That was not in a positive method … Both video cameras are seriously doing not have in the vehicle emphasis division. Also in brilliant daytime and also with contrasty topics I located the RX1 quest frustratingly usually prior to eventually quiting totally. Yet what’s even worse, the electronic camera usually mis-focused also, placing the plane of emphasis either simply behind or in front of my intended topics. This was rather unexpected as the RX1 has a Contrast Detect Autofocus System, and also while these tend to usually be rather slow, they are additionally normally very exact. Sadly not in the case of the RX1.

One of few shots when the electronic camera really managed to nail emphasis, despite difficult lighting conditions. In this photo you can additionally see several of the cromatic abberration that appears in rough contrast conditions (note the purple nuance in the sun-lit rocks). This is simple to remove in blog post however I chose to leave it in simply to show how poor it enters a worst-case circumstance (ie, not that poor).
One of few shots when the electronic camera really managed to nail emphasis, despite difficult lighting conditions. In this photo you can additionally see several of the cromatic abberration that appears in rough contrast conditions (note the purple nuance in the sun-lit rocks). This is simple to remove in blog post however I chose to leave it in simply to show how poor it enters a worst-case circumstance (ie, not that poor).

So in conclusion: I got the RX1 due to the fact that I wished it would bump up the technical level of my “on a daily basis photos”, and also transform it up to a degree good enough for professional usage, like for supply photography. As well as yes, the electronic camera did without a doubt supply on that. When everything goes well this little electronic camera provides picture top quality that no other sub-500-gram electronic camera can surpass (with exception of the RX1R mk II).

Sadly, when a video camera provides me so many missed out on shots as the RX1, I located it being as well flawed to keep. Your result may very well be different– If you just fire landscapes or various other fixed topics, this is still a video camera worth taking into consideration. My pick for a compact full-frame electronic camera today would possibly be either the RXIR II– I haven’t tried it, however because it shares the AF sensing unit with the A7r II, it ought to be excellent enough.

Undependable autofocus makes it almost unusual if you fire anything that relocates
Somewhat sluggish generally operation
Troublesome food selection system
Sony is just one of few electronic camera manufacturers that does not make video cameras marketed on the Japanese market multi-lingual. It’s Japanese just if you buy it over right here, and also their “abroad models” command a significant premium.

The initial portable electronic camera I used that promised big-camera top quality in a compact-camera size was the Sigma DP1 almost a full decade ago, the initial portable electronic camera flaunting a APS-C sensing unit, in a plan that was amazingly tiny for its time. As far as I understand, the RX1 is still the globes smallest complete format electronic camera.

That’s a great deal to hold with simply a pincher grip on leatherette, and also it gets hard to do in wet, icy, or wet conditions, or with particular types of handwear covers on. Sony does sell a much as well costly TGA-1 thumb grip for the electronic camera (US$ 250), which helps, however I do not assume that’s the appropriate service.

As I kept in mind in my evaluation of the RX100 models, Sony has actually located a new UI that’s a little bit DSLR-like and also very uncomplicated. Moving from the food selections and also controls of the RX1 to the RX100 and also back is like utilizing to very related video cameras. If you do a food selection dip, you’ll locate a practically organized system with reasonable names that’s simple enough to browse. As a Nikon individual, I still need to get used to not pushing the appropriate side of the Instructions pad to enter a food selection item (you need to press the center switch on the Sonys), which slows me down a little bit, however Sony themselves correspond, so I can not complain. This is just one of the happiness of attempting to move back and also forth in between manufacturer’s systems: you’ll locate these cognitive harshness to slow you down; which is one reason that I advise you to stick to one manufacturer or one more where possible.

The click-stopped aperture ring is a nice touch, and also it runs in third-stop intervals from f/2 to f/22. The command dial at the top back can function the shutter speeds for you, so those that like the retro type controls for the Big 3 can operate in Guidebook direct exposure mode and also use three nice dials to establish just about the ISO for direct exposure. The default is that the tiny switch to the right of the shutter release on the leading plate can be used to establish ISO with a dial, so it isn’t away from retro.

Plus, once again, you have the capacity to appoint points to five switches (three of those are Instructions Pad switches, which would permit you to establish the RX1 to the exact same thing as any various other portable electronic camera you may be utilizing). Lens emphasis is fly-by-wire, however the ring is smooth and also the movement is well regulated.

There are some points that aren’t as lovable as they must get on the RX1. To begin with, the macro setting for the lens is appropriate in advance alongside the emphasis ring. Despite the different feel, greater than as soon as I missed out on getting the appropriate ring when I intended to utilize it. That was particularly real when I had the electronic camera up to my face utilizing the EVF.

The LCD isn’t tiltable. If you aren’t utilizing the EVF, you’re pretty a lot in the “portable salute” mode, where you hold the (hefty) electronic camera just straight out from you.

The hot shoe has the digital links for the optional EVM1K EVF (US$ 450), and also I really such as the camera/EVF combo a great deal. The EVF can tilt up to 90 ° up, so this partly resolves the set LCD problem, at the very least for reduced angle shooting. Remarkably, Sony bills more for an ordinary old optical viewfinder (V1K made by Zeiss for US$ 600).

Hand-operated emphasis has some emphasis aids that are valuable, starting with a range range in the viewfinder (or LCD) and also either a 5.9 x or 11.7 x magnification of the main location. You can change how much time the electronic camera remains in multiplied sight, and also you can additionally have the electronic camera show emphasis peaking (however just in multiplied sight). These points function fine on the back LCD, much better on the EVF (which has more resolution).

Lens: in brief: Zeiss. Solid main sharpness, even wide open, with edges that do not slide down a great deal. The center is possibly sharpest at f/4, the edge at f/5.6, so f/4, f/5.6, and also f/8 are possibly the apertures you want to keep in the direction of, particularly if you get the RX1r model without the AA filter. As I’m seeing increasingly more usually, the various other specifications aren’t just as good as the sharpness. That’s possibly due to the fact that every person currently believes that you can simply “repair” those points in software application. Well, you can, however you lose a bit of resolution in doing so. There’s no freebie.

Vignetting in raw files is pretty high at f/2, nearing 2 stops at the edges, though the main location that does not vignette is moderately big. By f/4 the lens is well acted in vignetting, with just the severe edges getting any recognizable decrease.

Chromatic Aberration is pretty well regulated, and also often tends to be of the cyan/red type. I haven’t really seen any examples where I seem like I need to remedy it though. It’s simply not infringing upon sufficient pixels to be troublesome.

The lens has very visible barrel distortion of around 2%, and also it becomes worse at close emphasis (e.g. macro). Sadly, this isn’t straight barrel distortion. It’s not rather mustache distortion, either. To my eye, it looks like tipped barrel distortion, where as you relocate additionally from the center you hit factors where the “contour” gets more powerful. If straight distortion bothers you, you’ll want to see to it you have a software program device that is developed specifically for this lens.

Focus: As well as right here’s our initial big problem. Focus is compact-camera like, and also not suitable for relocating topics. Focus additionally struggles in reduced light with reduced contrast topics. The good news is that this is a 35mm lens, so you could simply Zone Focus and also fire. The hand-operated emphasis controls enter play right here, as does the DOF of a 35mm lens versus a more-normal 50mm lens. Yes, this electronic camera can be used as a road shooter, however you’ll need to take a little more control and also rely less on the autofocus than with a few other video cameras would make you do.

Resolution and also Dynamic Range: The 24mp Sony sensing unit is currently well developed. Also the previous variations used by Sony were rather excellent, however we have actually additionally seen exactly how well the more existing variations carry out on D3x and also D610 bodies among others. Basically, very solid results. Great deals of dynamic variety, reduced sound propagation, solid resolution numbers. What more can you want?

I must explain that Sony isn’t giving you the raw values off the sensing unit. They cook in some vignetting correction, however they additionally use an intriguing kind of compression that can lose some information, as well. Truthfully, I haven’t seen any files where I’m bothered by either, however simply keep in mind that you’re a little further from the actual raw information the sensing unit accumulated than you assume.

Moving from the food selections and also controls of the RX1 to the RX100 and also back is like utilizing to very related video cameras. Plus, once again, you have the capacity to appoint points to five switches (three of those are Instructions Pad switches, which would permit you to establish the RX1 to the exact same thing as any various other portable electronic camera you may be utilizing). That was particularly real when I had the electronic camera up to my face utilizing the EVF.

You can change exactly how long the electronic camera remains in multiplied sight, and also you can additionally have the electronic camera show emphasis peaking (however just in multiplied sight). Yes, this electronic camera can be used as a road shooter, however you’ll need to take a little more control and also rely less on the autofocus than with some various other video cameras would make you do.|Point-and-shoot video cameras are a weird breed in 2018. The best electronic camera you have is possibly the one in your pocket: a phone. That hasn’t quit Sony’s RX100 line of portable point-and-shoot video cameras from being extremely preferred. Galaxy phones, Pixels, and also iPhones can generate fantastic results, however the larger, high-resolution sensing unit in the RX100 catches far more detail and also shade. The new RX100 Mark VI, which sets you back $1,199.99, pairs that big sensing unit with an 8.3 x optical zoom lens that has method more reach than you could ever before receive from your phone.

High-end pocket video cameras like the Sony RX100 VI are the perfect mix in between mirrorless and also point-and-shoot. They let you record in-depth photo and also video much better than you can get with your phone, and then you can transfer those results to your phone for publishing to social media sites.

Is the $1,200 price tag for the RX100 VI method as well high of an asking price for a point-and-shoot electronic camera? When it concerns the transportability and also efficiency the RX100 VI has, it’s remarkably worth it.

My initial response to holding the RX100 is that it’s tiny. The build top quality of the RX100’s steel framework is durable and also trustworthy, however there’s no shock-resistance or waterproofing.

Additionally, the RX100 VI lacks any type of grip– rubber, faux-leather, or otherwise– which can make it slippery to hold. Yet Sony makes up for this by making the electronic camera lightweight (it’s simply two-thirds of a pound), so while there are those that may assume the RX100 VI is an incredibly miniature mirrorless electronic camera, it still is simply a souped-up point-and-shoot.

There are a lot of switches on the RX100– particularly for a point-and-shoot, so learning them all and also personalizing the ones you’ll need most will take some technique utilizing it in the field.

The reality that you can use the RX100 like you would a compatible mirrorless electronic camera (like the Sony Alpha A7 video cameras I assessed) indicates it can fill in for circumstances where a compatible lens electronic camera is as well showy, hefty, or can not even be used securely. It’s suitable for traveling, as you do not need to bring a bunch of lenses or worry about a pricey electronic camera rig attracting undesirable attention.

Contrasted to an entry-level mirrorless electronic camera, like Sony’s very own a5100 that sets you back $450 with a kit lens, there are compromises however additionally a few advantages in the RX100’s favor. The RX100 VI’s long zoom lens provides you the reach of numerous lenses in one. It’s additionally more user-friendly, is a lot smaller, and also has a built-in viewfinder. However, the a5100 has a bigger sensing unit, much better low-light efficiency, and also costs less than half the RX100 VI’s asking price.

Capturing video in 4K or 1080p still leads to crisp, clear, and also smooth footage with exact shade reproduction. White balance accurately transforms from brilliant to dimly lit scenes, however if you want the best results, you must use the RX100’s flatter shade profile so you can color-correct the rest in post-production.

The RX100 additionally has optical stablizing to smooth panning and also adjustments in height when you’re filming. It additionally does a respectable work keeping stills from ending up fuzzy, however obviously this gets more challenging if you’re zoomed in on a far subject.

There is an essential omission for the RX100 VI: a microphone/ earphone port. It’s an intriguing style decision by Sony due to the fact that consisting of a mic port would place the RX100 VI’s video abilities on par with the mirrorless Sony Alpha video cameras, and also make it a formidable vlogging electronic camera. It’s regrettable.

It’s a shame that the only sound recording option is the average-sounding built-in stereo mic, due to the fact that you can turn the display up to face toward you to use in selfie mode. Sony additionally augments the RX100’s verbalizing display by automatically utilizing face detection if you aim it toward you, then sets a three-second timer once you click the shutter switch. It’s uncomplicated and also a very easy method for practicing your selfie angles.

Okay, so it fires excellent video and also can take 20-megapixel selfies. Is the Sony RX100 a venerable shooter? Yes, however it has its restrictions: the RX100 does not have as brilliant a lens when compared to last year’s brighter Mark V lens (f/1.8 vs. f/2.8). You’ll suffer from some added sound or graininess and also slower shutter time if you want a respectable shot. It’s a compromise Sony needed to create the zoom lens, which is far longer than on earlier variations of the RX100. On the other side, the RX100 VI flourishes in well-lit atmospheres whether it’s outdoors or indoors.

Sony has actually squeezed in enough of a fundamental kit (zoom lens, a viewfinder, 4K, and also flash) to produce solid shooting efficiency shooting landscapes or topics. Also if you’re simply an informal professional photographer and also this point-and-shoot is your only electronic camera besides your smart device, the RX100 VI has enough convenience to fire landscapes, topics, or practically anything else. Having 315 autofocus factors with a 200mm zoom lens constantly yields a better, sharper photo than your phone’s electronic camera and also lens configuration can summon, period.

Just like your phone, you’ll have to keep tabs on the RX100’s tiny battery. The battery charges by means of the microUSB port, and also lasts around 250 shots prior to needing a fee, or simply an hour of video recording. You must certainly buy an extra battery if you prepare to use the RX100 VI all day long, due to the fact that it certainly won’t last with a hectic day of shooting.

Sony additionally includes the PlayMemories Mobile app for the RX100 on iOS and also Android, so wirelessly transferring photos (by means of Bluetooth, NFC, or Wi-Fi) to your phone works in a pinch. I claim in a pinch due to the fact that the PlayMemories app really feels dated and also is in dire demand of a redesign, however the fundamental photo transfer features do work at a respectable rate for simply a few photos.

The Sony RX100 VI is a handy and also unbelievably valuable electronic camera. If you’re a traveler and also do not want to bring a video camera bag packed with lenses, flashes, and also audio equipment, then it’s a tiny however effective choice. The $1,200 price tag may make you belittle it, however the efficiency is well beyond what you can get with your phone.

The RX100 VI is a Goldilocks electronic camera that hits the sweet-spot in between transportability and also ability. It’s portable enough to go generally everywhere, however still gives much better photographic and also video abilities compared to your phone. Shocks can come in tiny bundles.

In each instance, you can conserve a considerable amount over acquiring a brand-new, off-the-shelf electronic camera (this additionally applies for lenses, flashes, and also a few other devices.) What are the differences and also advantages and also downsides of each?

Theoretically, it has very remarkable specs. A full-frame CMOS sensing unit that creates. 42MP photos. A set 35mm f/2.0 Carl Zeiss lens. It’s brimming with features and also. modern technologies a lot of to checklist right here. As well as it’s all involved a plan that. can fit in a layer pocket.

Yet right here’s the kicker: it’s priced at $3900. That’s a number that’s tough to. overlook, and also it’s impossible not to evaluate a compact electronic camera in that price variety or. any electronic camera, for that matter without very high expectations.

I have actually been shooting with it for a month or so. The electronic camera is filled with specs on. paper far a lot of for me to assess every attribute right here however right here’s exactly how it. carried out in real-world shooting. As well as if you’re searching for high-resolution. One of the defining features of this electronic camera is its size. For such a tiny. bundle it includes some really remarkable abilities.

It has a 42.4 huge pixel full-frame CMOS sensing unit with a variable low-pass filter. The lens is a 35mm f/2 Carl Zeiss lens. As well as it has built-in picture stablizing. All of it total up to fantastic picture top quality of the kind you expect from a high-end. DSLR.

Sony picture sensing units are among the best in business, and also the one they have actually put. in this electronic camera is among their greatest.

It reveals. There’s really not much I can fault in regards to picture top quality. The. combination of sensing unit and also lens works quite possibly without a doubt in a variety of. lighting conditions.

At that price you can fill out memory cards very rapidly, so you can additionally dial. down the picture size, with a bunch of steps down to a 7.1 huge pixel size.

You can fire RAW or RAW + JPEG, with a selection of top quality setups for the JPEGs. in the RAW + JPEG option.

In technique, I located the photos up with at the very least ISO 25,600 to be. extraordinarily excellent. Also at ISO 3200 there’s really no recognizable sound to. mention. If you really push points up to the upper limit, there’s absolutely. sound and also the shade and also tone integrity drops off rather a great deal, however if it’s the. distinction in between getting a shot or otherwise, even the photos at 102,400 are very. functional.