Sony launches RX0 II premium ultra-compact camera

This illustration shows just how small the new Sony RX0 II camera is. (Source: Sony.)

Measuring just 59 x 40.5 x 35 mm and weighing just 132 grams, the RX0 II fits easily into a pocket. It comes with a 1.0-type (12.8 x 9.6 mm) stacked Exmor RS CMOS image sensor with an effective resolution of 15.3-megapixels and an advanced BIONZ X image processing engine. This second-generation model also builds upon the waterproof to 10 metres, dustproof, shockproof up to 2 metres, crushproof up to 200KG force and ultra-compact qualities of the original RX0. It also features an up to 180-degree and down to 90-degree tiltable LCD screen that can be used underwater, along with new image stabilisation solutions for video recording.

The Zeiss Tessar T* 24mm f/4.0 wide-angle lens has a reduced minimum focusing distance of 20cm, enabling it to be used for selfies or table-top photos. Both stills and movie shooting are possible across a wide sensitivity range of ISO 80-12800. The RX0 II offers 4K 30p internal movie recording with full pixel readout and no pixel binning to collect approximately 1.7 times the amount of data required for 4K video. This oversampling reduces the appearance of moiré and jaggies and delivers smooth, high quality 4K footage.  Using the recently introduced Sony “Imaging Edge” mobile applications, this footage can be transferred to a smartphone, edited and shared easily across social networks.

The RX0 II introduces in-body electronic stabilisation for steady footage, even when shot handheld. This can be enhanced when footage is exported to a smartphone or tablet running the ‘Movie Edit add-on’ application where the additional information captured during filming can be processed. A new feature in this app is ‘Intelligent Framing’ where the selected subject is kept in the centre of the frame and image distortion is corrected in a final edit.   Additional movie features include Super Slow Motion recording at up to 1000 fps, uncompressed 4K HDMI output and simultaneous proxy movie recording.  Users can utilise Picture Profile, S-Log2 and Time Code / User Bit functions to ensure a final result that matches their creative vision. Interval shooting for recording time-lapse videos is also available.

For stills photography, the RX0 II boasts an Anti-distortion Shutter with a top speed of 1/32000 sec. and continuous shooting at up to 16 fps.  In an upgrade from the original RX0, colour reproduction has been enhanced to improve the reproduction of human skin. The optional ‘Soft Skin Effect’ can be applied to cover minor blemishes and wrinkles.  Rating and Protect functions can also be applied in camera.  Sony’s Eye AF has been upgraded on the RX0 II with improved speed and the ability to select the focused eye (left / right / auto).  Up to five RX0 II cameras can be controlled wirelessly using the Sony ‘Imaging Edge Mobile’ application and between six and 50 cameras will be able to be controlled via an access point (scheduled for winter 2019). The RX0 II is also compatible with the Camera Control Box CCB-WD1 which enables up to 100 cameras to be connected and controlled in a wired multi-camera setup.

The RX0 II will be available in Australia from April 2019 for an SRP of AU$949. The RX0 II kit with the VCT-SGR1 Shooting Grip and bracket will go on sale from June 2019, with pricing to be confirmed. Click here to visit the camera’s product page.