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Exposure Magazine reports a sentence from Danu Sagoro, Product Marketing Manager, Digital Imaging Group, PT Sony Indonesia. He says: “Sony is now developing full-frame camera families consisting of full-frame Alpha, full-frame handycam and full-frame Cyber-shot families,”
He clearly hinted that further new RX models will be developed and I am asking our nice SAR readers how a future RX2 should be….some ideas?
182 Responses
Nice 🙂 Good news 🙂
Seems like this news also confirms what some of the people worried about – if there will be an A99 successor. Obviously: There will be one. So no more reason to cry guys (ok, I’m sure you’ll find another one…)
Anyway, as for my RX2 wish: get rid of flash, add hybrid rangefinder viewfinder (like in X-PRO1 ?) and we’ll be set 🙂 Perhaps some improvements to AF. Otherwise: this camera already is nearly perfect. 🙂
Full frame Alpha does not mean A-mount.
If not for A-Mount, what then is an Alpha?
Technically the NEX line is part of the Alpha line, so it could be an new Alpha XYZ camera and be an E-mount.
No technically about it. 😀
NEX is Alpha. Have a look on the front of a NEX, it has the Alpha logo.
SAR said that the next FF was a mirror-less with E-mount. No A-mount this year.
@Frank – Yup, we agree. NEX is Alpha. I’m more new to Sony than most people here (who go back to the Minolta days), but did Sony every call out the ‘A’ in A-mount as meaning ‘Alpha’? I think that’s why people get confused. They hear Alpha and they think (A)lpha Mount.
Minolta used Alpha on their Asian camera bodies before Sony.
They used Dynax and Maxxum elsewhere, so perhaps Alpha hasn’t got anything to do with the A-mount at all (clearly Sony don’t think so!).
Maybe Sony should have called e-mount cameras Sony Epsilon – real catchy.
Minolta Vectis (the NEX of its era) had no Alpha logo on anything. Yet an Alpha to Vectis adapter was designed, Although not released before the demise of Minolta.
NEX has NOTHING to do with Alpha whatsoever… aside from the “a” sticker. I see it as a joke. NEX is no more an Alpha than it is a EOS when Conurus adapter is utilized. It doesn’t suddenly become a Leica at the point when L to E adapter is used.
Offer the option for Alpha menu, and I’ll give it permission to retain the “a” sticker. Alpha stands for the mount which created in body AF systems, rather than the lens AF of Nikon/Chinon.
My Chevy doesn’t become a Cadillac by slapping a sticker on it… Any more than a NEX becomes a Hasselblad after the bedazzler treatment.
People have been predicting the demise of the A mount ever since Sony took it over.
Tiring and pointless speculation abounds, in spite of the fact that new A mount lenses were announced as recently as last week. It’s a ridiculous argument to have and simply the unfounded pot stirring and paranoia of those with nothing better to do than poke sticks at things.
Future RX# models – absolutely, an integrated viewfinder is a must.
No, CaNikon fan-boys have been predicting that Sony would pull out of dSLR since the Minolta days. Not the same thing at all. That was long before Sony shifted focus onto E-mount and NEX,it is only THIS year that Sony have rumoured to have shifted strategy.
Remember the rumours about another full frame SLT after the A99? Now it’s a FF NEX. Plus the rumoured last minute ditching of the A38, now they expect A38 users to buy a NEX.
What people like you don’t understand is that everything Sony did before this year, including developing these lenses, is irrelevant to the FUTURE of A-mount.
There has been a fundamental shift in strategy at Sony.
+1. Agreed, tired, pointless speculation. The e-mount is awesome, but professionals won’t give it a second glance as a primary camera. If Sony wants to remain relevant against Canikon, the a-mounts have to stick around, even if they have terrible marketing for them.
NEX cameras are cool, but all you people thinking they’re going to completely take over are just dreaming. It’s competition are the micro four third and portable full feature cameras. If Sony did go e-mount only, they would lose all relevance as a Canikon alternative. Which is a possibility, but I think Sony is more stubborn than that. Oh and I might add that there’s zero evidence to support this rumor. If you chose e-mount as your primary, good for you, but it does not mean it’s the new a-mount.
@Sythrix
There is nothing to stop Sony producing an E-mount mirror-less SLR sized body with A-mount adapter.
@Frank. Just because you’re OK with using adapters, doesn’t mean everyone else is. I for one hate the thought that i’d have to use adapters. I’d rather sell my stuff and move to another brand if I’m ever pushed to do that. I have enough with prices for sony lenses. Now I have to use adapters????
Frank, your efforts to put yourself in some other-worldly type of soothsayer category are pretty silly. Your militant negativity vibe in a place like this while consistent and somewhat irritating, doesn’t make the resident expert on Sony strategy. It makes you just another whiner who thinks that they know better than everyone else, just because they have a critical eye on things.
Truth is, you have NO idea who I am, or what I know – or who I know. So just drop this ‘people like you’ garbage and jump into the reality pool with the rest of us adults.
Consider evidence and the realities of a corporation the size of Sony.
Sony has sold millions of A-mount cameras. Sony has an ecosystem built around the A-mount, and these devices are entrenched in the the professional realm (whether you choose to believe it or not) and the prosumer and consumer realms. Consider that Sony has demonstrated throughout it’s history that they believe in multiple product categories so as to crowd the market with options that appeal to all. In fact, they MUST do this just to keep up.
Your lack of confidence in an A-mount full frame successor is based on a complete absence of logic. They JUST released a full frame camera. Perhaps you’ve heard of it? Couple this with the notion that Canon and Nikon are only now beginning to make full frame cameras more accessible and popular through lower priced options.
So what you’re saying is that Sony is going to leave the party and leave that money on the table for Canon and Nikon?
Your skepticism defies logic and good sense. It defies marketing trends, it defies reason.
The noise you generate in this respect is reminiscent of someone on a street corner banging on a garbage can, with an ‘end of the world is coming’ sign tethered around their neck.
“People like you” indeed.
@Scooby.
Finally! Someone with constructive criticism! Wish we had more people on the board who could respond like you. Way to go!
“People have been predicting the demise of the A mount ever since Sony took it over. ” – true. And there’s always been a different reason for that. Competition. CyberShots. NEXes. Today: Shifted strategy. Tomorrow? RX?
In either case: Rumors about the death of A-mount has been greatly exaggerated.
+1 and for EU market I suggest a little price reduction (or keep the same as actual RX1 but add that holy viewfinder in the corner, please!)
I’m surprised you’re bothered about the RX cameras, Sky_walker. Surely they’re too small and light to hold steady?
+1. It must have a 100% viewfinder with information like exposure, AF…And better AF or/and better manual focus.
Sorry, I didn’t want to post here, but up…
+1. It must have a 100% viewfinder with information like exposure, AF…And better AF or/and better manual focus.
You know what else I see as an issue with this “demise of A-mount” discussion? It drives a wedge between A an E-mount users inside the Sony users group. Look at us here! A-mounters are starting to hate E-mounters because they think E-mount gets all the attention lately and silently kills their mount. E-mounters wish death to A-mount so the resources can be thrown at FF NEX and lenses. Maybe that’s why Canon and Nikon communities seem friendlier…
Ability to use the other focal lengths in video mode also and provide a CZ wide angle adaptor. That would give me “5” cameras in a small compact FF for both beautiful photos and videos. Then Sony can take my money 🙂
RX2: just ad a 35-70 2.8 Zoom or a 24-50 2.8
Do you realize how big a cam with such a lens would be!?
I was a nay-sayer here too, and the camera would be much, much bigger than the RX100 or RX1 but it would make a killer bridge camera. Without the need for a mirror box or interchangeability you could compress the lens size down considerably–not pocket-size but it would be the spiritual successor of the R1. With a Zeiss 24-105 f2.8-4 (something similar, I’m sure Sony knows what popular zoom ranges are) it would sell pretty well.
This would be perfect!!! Truly perfect!!! As far as “…how big such a camera would be…,” it would be very small compared to anything else with similar capabilities (there are NONE), and “laws of physics notwithstanding” SONY seems to be able to defy them regularly…, so let’s bag those naive “expert” comments in favor of a climate of belief and just a bit of hope.
If someone had suggested the NEX series and the RX series just a few years ago, the “expert” nay-sayers would have been all over it with why it’s impossible.
I agree – I asked about the possibility of a FF Nex about a year ago, and nobody thought it would be possible..
The old 28-70 2.8 nikkor was small and very sharp!
not interested, want more FF interchangeable alpha/NEX or camcorder
+1. Interchangeble lenses, please.
EVF & a compact 24-50 zoom and I might be interested.
Otherwise bring on the FF NEX-9.
I would think, a RX2 with a high quality zoom from c.30mm to c.90mm with an open aperture of 2.8 (or larger) would be interesting.
It would look like this, only the lens would be a bit larger, and the body a bit smaller.
http://forum.getdpi.com/gallery/files/3/7/20100703-_1030441.jpg
I am fully aware that the lens would be significantly larger than the RX-1’s lens.
It would be a bit big perhaps, but how about a ‘compact’ full-frame with a fixed 24-70mm. Ok there’d be some compromise to keep it small. Maximum f4? Maybe shorten it to 28-60mm (the effective range of my good old Panny LX compact, which was plenty flexible). Could it be made to be a collapsible lens? Who knows. I don’t need a full-frame with a 35mm lens but something with a bit more flexibility would be great.
RX2? Easy: make it 55mm fixed lens and make it $2000 each. RX3: 90mm fixed lens.
“I am asking our nice SAR readers how a future RX2 should be….some ideas?”
1. Price it fairly in the EU- in line with the US prices.
2. No pop-up but an EVF in place.
3. Improve WB/color issues.
I would like such an RX2 to be available very soon. I also expect it will get a 9* rating (to top the 7* for RX1) or a Platinum award from some quarters. Will be declared the new classic and “standard” immediately. In fact, I will not be surprised if that does not happen soon, sight unseen. LOL!
I can live with attachable VF, but swivel touchscreen (180 degree) is a must.
And it should have that 35mm lens, may be with corrected CA and distortion.
And it should have that 35mm lens, may be with corrected CA and distortion, no zoom or longer/wider one.
No FF NEX hinted. Maybe it has moved to the Alpha category?
Hate to say it, but RX1 could benefit from UWA and portrait adapters. A sturdier tiltable EVF would be a plus too.
NEX is Alpha. The full frame Alpha could be an E-mount as rumoured here.
RX2=50 or 55 f1.8 or 2.0
RX3=24 f1.8 or f2.0
RX4=85 f1.8 or f2.0
Let’s sell them in a Bundle with the RX1 for 10 grand!
^^
Yes! Right!
+1
I would like a retractable optic – like the Ricoh GR1. With a 40mm/f2,8 to make it smaller.
Easy. Make it interchangeable lens!
Hard to make a judgement on one selected sentence, but I wonder how FF NEX fits in as it is not mentioned in the context of “FF families”. Does “now developing x, y, z” mean FF NEX is a long way down in their priorities, or that it has already been developed??
NEX is part of the Alpha family. So if there is FF development in the Alpha family, it could be E-mount, A-mount, or both.
That means no fullframe NEX?
NEX *is* an Alpha!
OK. Let’s believe.
You are far more likely to get a full frame E-mount than another full frame A-mount. 😀
Check the Greek “Alpha”-bet. “A” is called “Alpha”.
The word “bad” doesn’t begin with “a” just because somebody claims that “beta” is now “alpha”.
No native “Alpha” mount = not an Alpha. It’s a NEX E-Mount. And no marketing department sticker can change that.
Muha. I thought it was the menu structure last time you had to come up with a reason? 😀
I’m srill waiting on a reason, any reason why NEX qualifies as an Alpha anything… beyond the application of a logo.
The same as Sigma DP1, 2, and 3. With a fixed prime lens, I say, RX2 could have a 50mm f1.4 (Planner) or 24mm f1.8 (Distagon). EVF or OVF is a very good addition. Sony can adapt the 5-axis sensor stabilization technology from Olympus.
The RX2 should be good enough to drop the price of the RX1 significantly, so us second adopters can finally afford the RX1 😉
Aptina dropped a bomb on Sony, they announced 1080p and 4k mobile sensors a few days ago “with the AR1230 capable of capturing 4K video at 30fps as well as 1080p video at up to 96fps.” which means we’ll have cellphones with better video capability than any of these Sony cameras.
Sensor size matters, but that’s still pretty interesting.
Pity that there is no cell phone lens on the planet that could truly take advantage of a 4K sensor.
Haha lol you’re funny, a mobile to shoot better videos? What about sensor size AND LENS size? Are you comparing the crappy mobile camera “optics” (if you can call it that…) to proper quality lenses (much bigger size loads more glass etc…)
No thanks, bit rate counts and I can’t even deal with the data explosion that is 1080p. It’s going to impractical or highly down converted to be on a cell phone.
Make it similar to the DSC-R1 but with the FF sensor. Lens should be 24-50 f2.8
It should be mostly the same, but:
– Put a Sony G lens instead (roughly same quality, just take the CZ brand)
– Sell it for $1200
– Sell the optional EVF for $180
Having the sensor with PhD built into it (the one in the A99) might not hurt either.
Then it will become a huge success.
50mm f1.4 CZ lens
Built in VF
Fast autofocus
Touchscreen
Battery life for 500 shots
Same resolution as rx1 but improved sensor
Cheaper lens cap
Battery charger included
I don’t mind if they make the body a little bigger
Put on a good viewfinder, and a good autofokus. Then this sort of camera could be in my bag
Love all the morons here that want fullframe 2x or even 3x/2.8 zooms..
Fortunately SONY understand their market better.
Agreed
+1
A big zoom bundled with an interchangeable lens camera? No problem, but people still complained. And now these people want a huge zoom on a fixed lens compact camera?
Small-ish full-frame 24-70 lenses *might* be possible. Sure, you can’t get any smaller than what’s available today if you assume:
> The lens doesn’t need to be collapsible
> The lens needs to provide maximum optical performance without any in-camera correction
> The lens needs to work on a body with a mirror box
Every big, bulky 24-70 f2.8 is designed on the above criteria. None of those need apply to the RX or full-frame NEX.
But look how much smaller the E-Mount 16-50 is than the E-Mount 18-55. Are you saying it’s not feasible that someone could apply the same inventiveness to the venerable 24-70 f2.8?
Chuck in a few compromises on the numbers (24-60mm, f2.8-3.5?) and I bet the optical engineers could come up with something.
I’d like to have a rx2 with a zeiss 24-70mm f4 with optical stabilizer.
If you don’t care about compromising on the unique look of f2 and faster with fullframe, then just buy an OMD-EM5 or mirrorless aps-C and a zoom. Cheaper and smaller.
RX2 must have the tiltable screen and have the fast hybrid autofocus – phase detect + contrast.
I would also suggest to arrange an option of the 35 mm or 50 mm lens in it (though not really important)
50mm, EVF, gorilla build, better AF
I think an RX2 with a fixed lens would be a mistake. (for instance a 60/1.8)
Instead reaching a wider market, it may look as Sony hesitates as to which fl the compact should have, and it may hurt both RX1 and RX2 sales.
-Potential buyers will start hesitating between the two intead of buying the obvious choice.
OTOH, a zoom-body with something like 35-70/3.5-4.5 lens may not affect RX1 sales to the same extent.
/E
3-step zoom 35-50-70mm/f2.8, will not be too large I think?
The Tri-Elmar is pretty big and not even 2x. It’s also a stop slower at f4.
Built in EVF and swivel/tilt screen are the only things that are missing from the current model. Add those and we are golden!
Foveon like sensor. Or at least- no AA filter.
No VF built in = no buy. Sort that out and you might get more buyers
I think people are seriously missing the point of market differentiation here.
Cybershot = compact, point-and-shoot, fixed lens
NEX = relatively compact DSLR replacement, interchangeable lens
A-Mount = full size DSLR/T, interchangeable lens
For those of you asking for the RX2 to have interchangeable lenses, that camera is already on the way. It’s the FF NEX. For those of you asking for a fixed large aperture zoom on the RX2, you’re kind of missing the point of “compact” in the Cybershot line. You’d be better off buying the eventual FF NEX and putting a large-aperture zoom on it (and just leaving it on). It will by no means be compact, but clearly you aren’t interested in that judging by what you’re asking for.
Agree. Keep Cybershot as what it is. Sony is generous enough to offer an external VF.
RX2: built-in EVF, 35mm Zeiss, Full Frame, weather-sealing, no AA-filter/OLPF, DNG-RAW file format
simplified menu structure (look at Leica’s camera menus), artistic-filters can be left away
Mhhh sony could do a lot to improve their camera …
– built in long living VF
– fast autofocus
– touchscreen
– battery life for 500 shots
– less noise
– battery charger included
– interchangeable lenses with alpha mount
– lower price
– wifi with an open source api to develope and sell apps for this camera
– as image stabilization a sensor-shift
“They should just add 100 things to it and make it cheaper.”
This makes a lot more sense than a full frame NEX. I don’t believe in a full frame NEX camera. The NEX audience is not interested in full frame technology or for any special technique. This audience is interested in simple photograph of a good quality. There is no market for a full frame NEX camera. That would be an economically nonsensical gimmick that Sony should not afford.
The development of a full frame RX series and of course a full frame Alpha SLT series (for enthusiasts, serious amateurs and professionals) is technically and economically very much more meaningful and more likely.
Thumbs Up!
There is a lot of economical and technical nonsense talk around here.
Cameras of those specs are non-doable in that formfactor and/or make no sense from marketpoint of view.
Correct!
Finally some sense!
@Frank, Yes an FF NEX will find its buyers, but some of us don’t believe that group is large enough to warrant the camera.
With the size of a good quality FF lens, not many will sacrifice AF speed and lens line-up for body size.
just my 2 cents.
It’s interesting that you think “enthusiasts, serious amateurs and professionals” wouldn’t be interested in a full frame NEX. You couldn’t be more wrong!
hummmm
18-200 lens?
:-DDD
“- interchangeable lenses with alpha mount” … NO !
Zoom lens … NO !
Slightly bigger body with a grip a la NEX-7.
Bigger battery.
EVF.
Fast AF.
50mm f=2.0 36mp
Rx full frame line has to be primes. Rx10 maybe a 24-70 equivalent apsc. Rx2 will probably be 50mm then there’s 24 and 85. Simple.
I hope RX2 will be :
1. CZ 35mm/2.0 with aperture ring and distance scale,
2. have internal Viewfinder EVF,
3. have Tilt LCD,
4. have a wide lens conventer 28 or 24mm,
5. improvement AF speed
6. no moire and improvement lens distorsion
7. high iso capability,
8. high shutter speed and high sync speed over 1/4000 in F/2.0,
9. improvement life battrey capability and battrey charge external not via USB camera,
10. improvement focus peaking,
11. wireless flash internal capability,
12. lens hood include
How about a purists camera: essentially Leica M3 inspired fully manual rangefinder with full frame sensor. No flash, No AF, and certainly NO video, essentially no extra anything not even rear LCD. Keep the 35mm f/2. This may keep the the price down to make it affordable to more photographers: photographers who desire a close relationship with their subject with minimal interference. (If Sony won’t do it perhaps Leica might.) I think this camera would make a spectacular splash and make solid sales.
Yes, I agree with you. I like pur sang too!
With the RX1 SONY dared to be different, now the challenge is to make a variant of the RX1 that is truely different, (in a useful way).
i.e. ONE OF A KIND. pssst…hey Sony… having no competition has its advantages.
With the small bodies and the expensive glass, I would probably want two new RX cameras: one like the current RX1, but with a viewfinder (OMG, that would be absolutely irresistible), and one with a high quality zoom. That would cover most of my needs and would make a light, dustfree traveling kit.
Hopefully Xony will see there is a fine game to be had at the high brow end of things, and stop with all the trinkets.
NEX9 body should be updated version of this:
http://www.imaging-resource.com/NEWS/1140962403.html
As for RX2… well, I’m not a trendsetter. I really have no idea what the purpose is for super small cameras that can’t fit into pockets because of large lenses. But at least some folk are enjoying them, and that’s what matters.
Interesting. When I looked at that Lumix DMC-L1 link you posted, I thought, ‘this does have a NEX look to it’, then I was kinda surprised to see how thick it is when looking at the top down view.
If the NEX 9 had a thicker body design like this, wouldn’t that allow them to put in IBIS? It would give them more room behind the sensor for any necessary hardware.
It would provide room for a lot of things. IBIS, sure, but it could also be native Alpha mount, and use an inset adapter for NEX lenses… Just reverse the adapter philosophy… and then give NEX something legitimate to claim the Alpha logo upon.
I’ve handled the Lumix. The body form factor is incredible. Holding one immediately causes the “oh… oh my… this is it” vibe. It’s superbly crafted, hauntingly so. To top it all off, the camera isn’t all that large. Feels like a super quality version of an XPro… Leica M9 siz-ish but better grip and balance.
None of this is true. It cant be true because a certain well known self publicist…. sorry, I mean “Nikon commentator” with his finger well on the pulse of the industry, categorically stated that Sony were not going to produce any full frame cameras or sensors after the A900. So there, no point in commenting on this or the A99, RX1, VG900 because they dont exist, never have, never will……allegedly
Maybe I missed it, but I’m surprised people haven’t written the obvious upgrade – MP.
I could see the RX2 remaining a 35mm fixed lens design. Add on some of the requests listed about – Faster AF, WIFI, articulating screen, ETC. But I think a new improved sensor would good. So if it stays 24MP that’s fine, but improve the corner focusing and get more AF points to the edges instead of the center clustering.
But, I could easily see the RX2 having a 36MP sensor at the same premium price. Then the RX1 would get less expensive by default and at that point you’ve kind of made a product spray.
I know this is just me dreaming, but I would love to see a FF full sized Alpha (a-mount or E-mount) that’s like 54MP. Imagine if they made a camera that was on par with Canikons top tier, but blew it away with MP and such. I really think that would get some more pros to think about Sony as a strong option. I would pay 4-5K for a camera like that because it would still be cheaper than the cheapest MF camera.
RX2, if it stays FF, go with a fixed 24mm f/2, RX3 a 85mm f/1.8 So with three small cameras you get Landscape, City and Portrait.
Assume $2500 each, so $7500 plus viewfinder or around $8000 total.
A99 + 24mm f/2 Zeiss + 35mm f/1.4G + 85mm f/1.4 Zeiss
$2800+$1300+$1400+$1600=$7100 probably more if Sony updates the lenses.
A 24mm f/2 could be pretty small, the 85 or 75mm lens would obviously grow the camera out of the compact range even with a slower f/stop.
If they went with any type of zoom that was not super slow they would certainly be a non-compact camera. That is not to say something like a FF with a 24 to 80 f/2.8 would not be a great wedding body. Especially if they build in the OLED viewfinder.
If Sony fullfills all advices, we will have a camel instead of a pur sang for the RX1…
Please Sony, keep it like a pur sang, what it is already!
Just better grip design, and just a faster AF, better battery, better packaging/price with some accessories included (cf. thumb up, external viewfinder, charger). The external viewfinder is perfect for me (like my Alpa 12tc).
Keep the camel out of the RX2!
People’s expectations and/or wishes are strange. 🙂
So, I understand people want to have the RX2 at the size of the RX1.
50MP, 10MP EVF, noise free up to 25600, an 18-200/1.2 Lens (and the Truck to carry it, hehe) and the complete package for < 2k.
Here my wishes:
– 50mm/1.4 Planar
– IB EVF with super high resolution
– Hybrid AF
– XQD support
– Faster in-camera processing
– Better battery
– improved menu
– Pro Apps (iOS, And, W8) for remote usage and pic transfer (e.g. PhotoSmith)
COME ON SONY DO IT NOW, I DONT NEED RUMORS PROVE IT RX 2 interchangeable camera MIRORRLES ! DONT TAKE A LONG TIME
Built-in EVF, superfast and reliable AF and a lower price then I would accept fixed prime lens – and empty my bank account!
Dear Sony:
Standard 50mm f1.4 lens please BUT… PLEASE DO ALLOW for conversion lenses and filters to be mounted (and please give us some high quality conversion lenses).
I’d like to shoot at 50mm most of the time, but also want the option of adding conversion lenses for the few occasions where I’d like to shoot a landscape, or a portrait.
I know you can make good quality, small, conversion lenses (or get Zeiss to make them if need be).
Thank you.
The RX line really needs a very high-tech viewfinder (something like Google Glass). The wow factor and usability for street photography would be amazing.
same at the RX BUT PRICE TAG: 1 DOLLAR
I remember a 2 years old rumor that sony is going to stop FF sensor development.
I think its now clear that that wont happen 🙂
Please, Sony, make me a F828 type of a camera with FF sensor ( or aps-c ) with pro capabilities!
A rumour from a Nikon fan-boy. Nobody took it seriously.
People – the Cybershot FF cameras will remain equipped with a fixed lens. The NEX-9 will have both A- and E-mounts – this is what we should be looking at.
-built in evf
-lens similar to leica wate and mate lenses with focal lengths of 24-35-50
-wifi compability
Interchangeable and make it faster auto focus. Built in Hybrid OLED Optical Viewfinder with Zeiss Optics. Make it similar to Leica M. But also more affordable.
I’ll be interested in RX2 24-50/4 but with OSS.
– Make the viewfinder built-in and the flash optional/external.
– Give it a slightly longer prime (50mm).
Besides that I’m fine with the RX1 as it is.
Particularly, no zoom and no interchangeable lens please, leave that to the upcoming NEX-9. 🙂
Improve low light focusing speed and accuracy to -3EV. It is the RX1 weakness.
Actually, nothing prevents Cybershots going beyond full format. Alpha system is limited by FF, or square at most.
You just blew my mind! A 60mm (or whatever would be the equivalent) on a square sensor would be earth-shattering.
I agree. Why stick to convention?
It’s obvious. Do the RX2 as small as possible. Put a 28mm lens if possible (can’t realistically ask for more).
To those who say a ‘compact’ full frame with a fast zoom lens isn’t possible. it’s worth comparing the relative size of a fairly traditional lens design (the Olympus 14-35 f2.0) with a later mirror-less version (the Panasonic 12-35 f2.8).
I’d also compare the E-mount 18-55mm with the E-mount 16-50mm.
Sony/Zeiss optical engineers could come up with a fixed lens for an RX that is much, much smaller than the conventional designed 24-70 f2.8 lenses for DSLR bodies. A half a stop slower, or a few less mm might be needed but a quality, useful, fast RX-Zoom could probably be built.
Product Marketing Manager PT Sony Indonesia?! 😀 Oh well…
I use my RX100 at its widest setting almost all the time so perhaps an RX2 with a 28mm f1.7. yeah thats my fantasy camera, and it needs to have 1/8000th shutter and be $1850.00 not $2800.00
1. Articulated LCD
2. Built-in flash that can be a wireless master
3. Built-in flash that can held in the bounce position
4. Conversion lenses
Nice to have…
1. Sensor based PDAF that provides a noticeable improvement (not seeing this with the NEX 6)
2. Touch screen for the cases where touch-to-focus is useful
Better?
Cheaper?
Bigger (for my hands)
50MM F/2, PDAF. EVF if there is room. That’s all.
Oh, also, include the hood, dudes.
This is awesome news and if they come out with apsc size RX cameras then that would be what the doctor ordered. I can imagine doing a event with two almost pocket size cams with a wide and maybe a 50mm lens.
Will change the IQ of the new 70-200ssm II ?
Nothing more than like 50mm and 75mm, the way DP1 2 3 Merrill go but in a Zeiss way.
Would love to see a Zeiss 50mm!
Simple for me. RX2 with 85mm f1.8. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE. Keep same matching body and controls and batteries and i would have the perfect 2 body system 35 and 85 are all i need for most things 🙂 I would spend the £3,000 in a heartbeat. Phill
Got my vote also, would be perfect.
85mm f/1.8 to complement RX1
Adding to the fire with opinions that are no more or less valid than any others so far:
1) Zoom? No please. That would compromise the design intent. There are other options for that such as the briliant NEX series. The issue isn’t size, the engineers could solve for that ultimately. Keep the design intent pure on maximizing image quality, which is still only accomplished by a uniquely designed single focal length aligned to a highly customized sensor microlens array. Even the best zoom would compromise that.
2) Interchangable lenses? No please, same rationale as above. There are other options for that. I doubt this is ever meant to be the full frame NEX though being wrong wouldn’t be a new thing for me.
3) What focal length? Something in the 75-85mm range at f2 or even f2.8 would be a fantastic complement to the current 35mm option. NOT a replacement for the RX1 but a complement.
4) EVF? Well, yes I would want it but I understand why it’s not there. Something this niche has to have design trade offs. I don’t have to agree with them, nor do you, but merely decide for ourselves if they are acceptable for our purposes.
5) Sony should not try to please large groups of users. Not with this one. Sony knows this is not a volume seller. This is a production proof of concept in a sense, built to a tightly bound purpose. Its not going to please everyone, and really it probably won’t please anyone other than a small minority but that’s OK because that’s the point. To prove they could create something very specific and very high quality that is genuinely unique and new. And they did. This clearly was not intended to be a profit generator for them, it’s a design and engineering proof that they took commercial.
6) Flash? Why not. If they could package it in the RX-1 keep it if viable for the different focal length/GN needed.
7) Price? Not sure I care, within reason. Sony won’t make a profit on it, at least not enough on an enterprise level to give it two moments of thought. Price it where they need to to not lose money, people will either buy it or they won’t, but building to a price point also compromises the design intent and this is an engineering flagship not a consumer volume offering.
8) WIFI? No please. Bloats the design intent and increases the size even if modestly.
9) Articulating screen? Yes! But only if it doesn’t add more than a hair’s size to the body.
Just my two shillings. Rip apart as you see fit. I won’t mind.
Well I find the camera nearly perfect, aside improving the sensor I think that it should be cheaper, I’d buy it at 1500 euros.
RX1 Mark II – Phase detect auto focus and GPS.
RZ1 Mark I – bigger NEX battery, articulating screen and a built-in EVF rather than an elaborate pop-up flash. Instead of the big pop-up flash, just have a small body flash for sync and fill light.
Is it possible to just make a 2X teleconverter that maintains optical quality? rather than selling different focal length models I mean.
Faster AF please – presumably this will require on-sensor phase detect.
If the lens size can be further reduced by up-ing the focal length to 40mm or even 50mm will be even better. Refer to:
http://www.pentaxforums.com/lensreviews/SMC-Pentax-FA-43mm-F1.9-Limited-Lens.html
Keeping in mind that this is a detachable design, i.e. there should be potential to make more compact.
Don’t touch anything else! No built-in finders, GPS or WiFi cr*p. This camera is built for compactness. Don’t ruin what’s achieved with features that only a limited number (but vocal) people need.
Yes
Improvements to the RX1
1. phase detection AF
2. articulated screen
A 21mm please!
Yes 21 mm ! I need that wide lense.
RX2 – Same lens. Built in evf: remove built in flash if there’s no other way of doing this. I’m pretty sure folks will take the evf over flash. Body? Maybe just a little more ergonomic. Better (or bigger) battery.
If adding EVF is too complicated, a simple direct OVF would do. Anything that allows to see the composition when shooting during daylight. With fixed focal length cameras including such viewfinder could be both easy and accurate.
I totally agree that in the RX1, the evf could be placed as a pop-up in the flash slot. With the optical performance I have hardly used the popup flash and if there is really a dire need then the hot shoe could be used to attach a better flash (tiltable etc). I would much prefer to carry a flash than carry an evf. The evf also makes for much more stable handling rather than using the lcd screen. Oh well…
How about a version with a 40mm pancake? (like the old Konica 40mm 1.8)
RX100 is the more significant camera, not a niche product like the RX1. I wished they would develop this small thing even further and not just offer a +20MP update. FF might be appealing to more customers in a few years when prices go down. A 2.800€ camera with fixed lens is a niche, it s not how companies like Sony make money.
agree!
though I must say that, marketing-wise, a product like the RX1 is a push also for other inferior products…
just a different focal point.. and improvement over the battery life. i like the teleconverter idea that sounds pretty awesome if they can somehow still keep the image quality relatively the same.
With lenses not being interchangeable there are many interesting options. No particular aspect ratio need be maintained. I like 5:7. There are not many vertically oriented camera options on the market. Make one. The sensor can be any size or shape. Square has always been popular with the fine arts crowd. Make one of those too. A large panoramic sensor might sell well also. In other words, borrow from the old medium format specialty cameras and their designs. Since film went away, I miss them.
Interesting idea. Some would argue that you can always crop but your point is a different one as I’m reading it, and I agree with you. If they saw a use case for the telezoom on the RX1 then why not a setting based option to go to square or alternative formats? The current resolution can certainly support it. Seems unlikely they’d make a new sensor just due to manufacturing costs but a software based solution? Sounds good to me.
It’s perfect as it is already. All tts needed are teleconverters for wider n narrower fields of view. And maybe a mass production to bring the price down to usd1500! Lots of ppl will buy it as their .everyday camera!
RX-2 with Distagon 21/2.8 would be nice with optional OVF.
Focusing would not be a problem for 21mm due to huge DoF.
Sony just do it! But please don’t make it too expensive.
I’ll then just bring RX-1 + RX-2 for Landscapes & Travelling!
lol. I will just get the Mark III or D800 + the lenses.
Anyways, Zeiss Distagon 21mm f/2.8 ZE lense on RX2 will be very nice indeed.
I can’t wait !
Pop-up EVF instead of flash please. Focus retention when camera emerges from sleep mode please. No power drain when shutter release is depressed with camera turned off please.
Somehow I agree with My Name’s Not Bob’s comments.
Plus a better battery, higher capacity without making it bigger physically and of course a charger bundled in the package.
A faster and more accurate AF sensor and system would be enough. A hybrid phase-contrast detect AF, perhaps but obviously not the one like on NEX-6/5R. It must be a more advanced one than that.
If it comes with another lens, I’d like it with a Zeiss 50/F1.4, or F2.0 would be good enough.
Built in LED AF assist lamp should come in red-patterned, like in A700-900/A77-99.
A touchscreen LCD would be nice add.
Built in evf, a 50mm f 1.8 zeiss lens, phase shift AF,, shutter speed dial, remove AA filter from sensor. Build another model with a 85mm lens attached.
I am interested in lightweight Pro cameras with dual memory card slots.
Why didn’t he mentioned full-frame NEX?
The only interested part of this post is the part that says
“Sony is now developing full-frame camera families consisting of full-frame Alpha,”… forget the rest of the quote… Surprised more people aren’t mentioning this… A1X?
I have written a review on my weblog about the RX1 at http://johnvink.com/news/2013/02/gear-talk-sony-rx1/
What I want for the RX2 is
1/a much faster AF, more sensitive to low contrast
2/an OPTICAL viewfinder which would have the essential info (aperture, speed, ISO, battery status, views left, and last but not least the AF area) projected in it.
3/better battery life
4/body could be 10% bigger
I would like to see two variations on the current camera body.
1. RX2 (or RX1T) with a longer focal length lens (60-85mm) and f2.0 max. I am more interested in sharpness than super shallow depth of field.
2. RX3 (or RX1W) with a wider focal length, preferably a Ziess 25mm, and again f2.0.
These two cameras would satisfy 85-90% of my photo needs. And probably cure my lust for a digital Leica M-body.
Plus, these cameras added to the current RX1 would give Sony a trio that could compete with the best of the format in smaller and lighter cameras the same way the Fuji medium format range finder cameras did vs. Hasleblad and Mamyia in the past.
PaulB
1.Weather sealing.
2.Larger grip-there will be possible with batteries with higher capasity.
3.Built in EVF-it will be larger but not so large as today with the external.
4.Timelapse possibility-either built in or the NEX 5/6 app download solution.
5.Focus peaking with full screen.
6.Change the direction of the operation of the focus ring. It feels wrong to twist the ring to the opposite direction that is shown in the EVF or the LCD.
7.More solid hatches for battery,memorycard,connections.(see 1.)
These are my wishes for the RX1 successor.
Despite theese wishes i’m very satisfied with my RX1/EVF/Lenshood combination
RX2 should have
– Interchangeable Lens
– Dedicated Shutter Speed Knob
– Dedicated Aperture Ring on the Lens
Thanks Allison, I can’t understand why 99% of the people is suggesting a non interchangeable lens camera. It’s a must for me
agree, I need both 21mm and 35mm, but sometimes 80-200 will be nice for vacation. 🙂
pancake 35mm or 40mm lens. 2.8 if need be. pocketable. battery life for 1000 frames so it can be used professionally. pop up viewfinder.
A Sony Rx2 with a 50 mm lense , phase AF and I would be in heaven!! Come on Sony build us a 50 mm Henrie Cartier Bresson Version!!! Ciao Andy
With an in-built EVF and a 50mm Zeiss, or even better, M-mount interchangeable for glorious Zeiss or Leica lenses.
I’m dreaming of an RX2.0 with a 50mm lens and an EVF instead of the flash. Seeing how 50mm lenses are cheap to make, it could open at f/1.4 (or even f/1.2) to justify the price.
For me a wide angle or a tele would be a mistake: you hardly ever need shallow DOF with a wide angle and that’s one of the main reasons why full-frame > APS-C. I’d be happy using a wider angle RX100-2.0 for that length.
As for the tele, it would have to be bulky, which for me defeats the purpose of the RX cameras. I’d much rather screw one on a reflex – and get an interchangeable lens system for the price 😉
Pretty please Sony, gimme my superfast supersharp 50mm with an EVF – I’d buy that in a heartbeat (FYI I don’t own a RX1 as it’s a trifle too wide for me.)
Oh, and I’d want the version without the AA filter, obviously!
I’d like to see the RX2 with built in Zeiss OVF including info similar to fuji X100s OVF but also with live histogram. The back panel can be used for live view.
Looking back at this post in light of the A7/A7R announcement.
RX1 MKII: Refresh of the RX1 with A7 PDAF Sensor, Wifi + NFC. Drop the price and bundle in some accessories (hood, extra battery, external charger, detachable EVF maybe?) to make it competitive with rumored Fuji RX1 fighter.
RX2 MKI: Same setup as the RX1, although maybe an APS-C sensor, but with a fixed short zoom (24 – 70mm?), as fast as possible. Basically a Leica X Vario competitor.
RX1 Mark II – Phase detect auto focus, waterproof and GPS. Keep 35mm but 36mp (as long as it can handle detect auto focus – 6 months to suss it out with development)
Phase detect auto focus, built-in viewfinder, improved battery life, and fix the bloody issue where the battery drains even when the camera is turned off if the shutter button is pressed. Also, a separate setting for maximum ISO/minimum shutter speed.
Dream on my friends dream on you want this and that from Sony and when things get too expensive you get frustrated over the cost? So dream on my friends dream on as there is no cheap technology in photography. You have to pay to have the best in both worlds. Be realistic!