The probably most praised Sony camera is the [shoplink 15824 ebay]Sony RX1[/shoplink] (praised even by Canonikans!). And you know what? There will be a new “variation” coming soon. Not a successor, but simply a new RX model! I am working on the specs of the camera right now and I hope to get some more info from trusted sources. I also don’t know when the camera will be announced but everything hints on a possible late August release.
In short: A new RX100 MKII is coming in late June. A new RX FF camera likely in late August. New NEX cameras and lenses coming in late August too!
Message to one anonymous source: Got your message. thanks 😉
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RX1 links roundup:
RX1 at [shopcountry 15824].
RX1 Gariz accessories:
1) They made a new half leather case in Black and Brown ([shoplink 16437 ebay]Click here to see them on eBay[/shoplink]).
2) The new lens cap ([shoplink 16439 ebay]Click here to see them on eBay[/shoplink]).
3) The new entry is the anti loose button(!) ([shoplink 16438 ebay]Click here to see them on eBay[/shoplink]). 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! ([shoplink 16441 ebay]Click here to see them on eBay[/shoplink]).
93 Responses
Please give it a focal-plane shutter and an open mount!
FF NEX? It’s coming..
No . FF NEX will be released next year .
I guess it’s NEX-7 successor .
Why focal plane shutter? For faster shutter speeds with large apertures?
Simply because then it can be used with sort of any manual focus lens.
maybe some kind of limited edition
Most likely a version with a wide angle lens.
I hope with fixed lens 21mm f:2,8 Distagon…. and OVF included in price.
35mm is already technically wide angle on FF. Would much prefer to see the new RX1 with a standard 50mm.
No! 24mm! 😛
yes, I sure hope its a 50mm. I would then only need that camera and get rid of all my 50mm and probably use my nex with a wide angle.
50mm is what I’m hoping for!
I didn’t buy RX1 only for one and only one reason – no built-in VF. yes yes yes, I know you can buy one but why not build one in like on NEX6/7 or Fuji’s cameras? nothing sticks out and you can use hot shoe for other accessories. The same thing pisses me off on my Sigma DP2 Merrill – no built in VF – but it’s not that bad with Sigma as that’s more like a pocket sized technical camera (low ISO, ideally tripod).
I bought it and I’m really happy about the fact that the EVF is detachable; I understand your point of view, but when new EVFs with even better specs will hit the market, it’s gonna be possible to just buy one and stick it to the RX1 instead of been stuck with an old one and maybe thinking “damn Sony, I’d love that EVF in my super expensive new RX1”. The camera’s gonna be good for the next 10 years at least while the EVF can just be upgraded if you want.
that’s a very good point. Still don’t understand one thing – why do they need to be positioned in the centre of the camera (i have a big nose :)) – I know, the answer is because that’s where hot shoe for flash is, but surely, wouldn’t it make more sense to come up with a new solution rather than using hot shoe for VFs? that way you could still have VF and also flash (for example).
To add to Mike’s point, I want to add the price-per-cam ratio:
A built-in EVF would add to the price to each cam every time. This, as seen in the cheaper cybershot model that can also host the RX1 EVF, would not be a clever move because every cam you buy you would be buying the same EVF again and paying for it.
If it makes every RX even £200 cheaper (because I know the EVF costs £350 but we are thinking of volume price here) I would prefer the non EVF version and buy an EVF and stick it to the new RX200, RX10, and RX2 in the future. Savings of £800 there per body.
well, no VF for me was the main reason I didn’t buy RX1. ended up buying M6, Voigtlander Nokton 50mm f/1.5, Voigtlander 15mm f/4.5 and Sigma DP2 Merrill instead.
with internal EVF you can use hot shoe for many thing 🙂
Well, I’m a big-nose-owner myself 😀 and on top of that I’m left eye dominant (even thou I’m right handed) and yet I find the EVF position good enough: I think it’s just a matter of getting used to it.
It would have pissed me off a lot more NOT to have this option and being forced to shoot using the back LCD only: the EVF gives a totally different shooting experience.
After all, all VFs are centered below the hot shoe in every DSLR: I see the RX1 like a one of them. 🙂
Happy shooting!
@hexx. I get your point, but for many like me, the RX1 cannot be replaced by a film camera and an APS-C camera with poor low light performance.
Also, others like me who like the 35mm FOV a lot, will find attractive getting the RX1 just for the Sonnar lens.
Even with the X100s out there, at half the price, I still find it difficult to get the same feeling in my photos as I do with the RX1 because it is, simply, unmatched by anything close to its size.
For me, the VF being in the center makes for much better stability. Shooting with the NEX-7 sometimes gets uncomfortable, as I can’t tuck the camera properly.
The center position hotshoe is great for using the OVF. OVFs work so well with this camera, despite not having an electronic connection, that I sold my EVF. I’m glad the camera doesn’t have a built-in EVF that could quickly become outdated, and it would just be in my way.
‘thumbs up’ make a hot shoe attachment for leica that offsets a viewfinder to the far left while still having a center hot shoe open. it may work for the r.
*rx1
i wonder why they cant add some kind of hotshot extension thingy
and have it create a new hotshoe off to the left, blocking the pop up flash, and giving you a.. is it called cold shoe? over top of the current hotshoes position for the thumb rest or center aligned ovf
You will be disappointed if Panasonic and Olympus is any indication of future EVF support. Whenever a new higher resolution EVF was released by Panasonic/Olympus you also needed a new body to take advantage of it. The reality is that a better EVF usually requires faster refresh rates and older bodies will not be able to support it.
Panasonic yes, they have had two types now. Olympus – all three of their EVFs work with all their bodies that support any kind of EVF (so all except the E-P1 which didn’t take an EVF at all), plus their two XZ’s. Sony have had two now, both still technically ‘current’ but one has only worked on 3 bodies to date and will probably be dropped very very soon in favour of the multi shoe unit – which is a bit annoying especially given that they are the same EVF!
Because with a built-in VF, user cannot unbuilt it! I know, you’d say permanent built-in VF is a good thing, but it comes at the expense of size. It will either make the camera higher(ala Fuji) or the back LCD would becomes smaller. Ala-NEX 7? I don’t even think it’s possible due to the size of the sensor. The VF will occupies the space for the sensor.
Many feel the same way about that pop up flash as well. Can’t get rid of it at all. 🙁
simple solution to make space. Lose the flash and add the vf in that same space. Tiny flash units are a waste of time anyway. You have a hot shoe so why not use the thing for what it’s made for? I’d rather carry an external flash when I need it (which isn’t often) and have a vf on board (which I use all the time)
Exactly! Also, if you mount the external EVF, you can not use a real flash! 🙁
If the new version does that (ie, EVF in place of the useless pop up flash), I am in. 🙂
+1
Make a 50mm version with EVF and I’ll buy one, even if I have to sell a kidney for it, lol
Make this new RX with a fast zoom and tilt screen. Let me decide when to attach the swivel view finder. Oh yea, make the lens stabilized. And give it better video.
Why do people take “variation” as a completely new camera?
Hendrick,
I think in this case it will be a variant in this product line. Why would Sony replace the RX1 so soon?
Look at where the sensor is in the RX1 body compared to a Nex camera. A tilt LCD would likely make the camera body 50% thicker. No thanks.
Built in OVF please if not it shows Sony are still dumb about what photographers want. I’ll probably give the X100s a bash when the price is right. Wake up Sony and listen to photographers
OVF is an outdated technology that is going to be obsolete in a few years time, EVF is the future. Move on with the tide people.
Which photographers?
Buy an A900 if you want an OVF
Or buy another brand, the ones that are more popular, sell quicker and are preferred by professional photographers.
OVFs in the hotshoe work great with the RX1. I’m actually glad they left the viewfinders off the camera.
If the EU prices are on par with the US prices, these will look attractive…
that won’t happen Vivek, and you know it 🙂 Fuji seems to be good at this where UK prices are more in line with US prices.
Built in EVF is a prerequisite to me. “variation”?? – zoom lens? No hope not. 35mm or 45mm is OK. Price adjustment downwards? Highly desirable, maybe the RX1 will be less expensive then.
Same lens RX1 doesn’t make sense. There is not enough of a market for the same capabilities camera plus EVF/OVF built in. It will be VERY rare someone, having owned the RX1 for less than a year, will sell their RX1, at a loss, and pay more for the RX1EVF body just to have it built it. Many people bought the RX1 without the EVF/OVF because thats all they could afford. A built in EVF/OVF on a new RX1 would cost, invariably, more already.
It doesn’t make sense marketing wise.
However, those who wanted a longer focal length, like 50mm or 85mm, would be attracted to a new-lens RX1/RX2
Someone, like me, would be interested in having both if the lens on the RX2 (likely) is as excellent as the 35mm Sonnar.
For the price of two Leica lenses you get two Sony lens+bodies with a better sensor and a better all around performance and AF.
Also, the non-EVF/OVF RXs allow you to not spend $300 more (comepared to say built-in EVF/OVF) every time you buy a new body.
So, new lens RX it is.
I wonder if it’s possible that the RX1 was released as a sort of prototype? By giving the market a choice of external EVF or OVF, SONY can now position future models and decided which type of VF to integrate into the body based on what sold best.
It could also be a minimal update that includes PDAF on the sensor, fixing slow focus – one of the few weak points of the camera.
I think Sony are already firmly decided on EVFs. The RX1 seems to be designed as a product standing by itself since the beginning.
That’s certainly the case in the NEX and DSLR range. But for the RX1, I can imagine SONY analyzing what it would take to get traditional OVF rangefinder users to consider the camera and then keeping that option open to them. Having Zeiss adapt an hotshoe OVF is also a lot simpler and less expensive than a mirror based DSLR OVF like the a850 or a900.
Idk, the RX1 came out together with a very complete set of accessories and is definitely designed by photographers, while the NEX-3/5’s success, as per Sony’s own words, was a surprise. As I see it, the NEX was designed to be only entry level, then they switched plans, when they saw the adoption rates. On the other hand, the RX1 is really a polished product.
Otherwise, I would agree that specifically in the case of the RX1, they decided to give the option as it wasn’t much of a difficulty to do so, as you are saying.
I would imagine that the RX line of cameras would be, bar the interchangeable lenses, a very modular set of cameras. Same contact pins, new gen EVFs in the future, no need for new cam. New cam with new sensor tech, proper step up, every couple of years. Lens design can follow or stay the same because, at least with RX1, it is already excellent.
I am liking it.
one more request – PLEASE DO NOT CALL IT CYBERSHOT – that name doesn’t belong to camera in this price range
No cybershot also had the price tag of the RX100 or R1 when it came out. Cyber-shot would be, I believe, Sony’s line of cameras that you cannot change the lenses with. For all else there is NEX and Alpha.
And I thought that they decided to call it RX as a mark of top-of-the-line model. Do you remember from old days Sony’s high-end series, R series? CD player: http://www.thevintageknob.org/sony-CDP-R1.html, Power AMP: http://www.vintage-audio.com.ua/en/cat/373/2785.html?begin=11
You are right, so it appears.
If it was a Nikon it would be called a Coolpix
😉
Cybershot = fixed lens
Why so insecure?
Articulating screen, please! Probably more important than VF… IMO
I suspect 45-55mm. Maybe a wide angle 24mm. It’s a lot more exciting following Sony than it is Canikon or Leica at present.
Sony is definitely more fun to follow Canikon. With Leica should it be Canikonlei? Or with Olympus is it Olycanikonlei?
woaowwwwwww!! RX2 will come!! i smell RX2 with internal EVF 😀 maybe more large aperture? f1.8? 😀 look so good 😀
Easy boy. It looks like you are about to douse us all with your jizz. Aim it away.
I can tell you that it will be the same just with out the AA filter. (maybe some tweek, but thats it)
It will be the same price.
@yes, thanks for the info.
Info?! If this is all about a RX1 variation, boo.
Two thumbs down!
@yes, thanks for the info.
np. i’ll keep you updated as the info comes in.
i think both cameras will come out at the same time. (RX100 V2 and the RX1 v2)
@yes – sorry for asking, but are you a source? asking because all this thread made me thinking about selling my X100, M6, Voightlander 50 f/1.5 and 15 f/4.5 and Nikon AF-D 60 f/2.8 Macro to finance RX1. But if the new RX1 will be the same w/o AA filter I might just wait for it.
Not a successor, but variation. It’s like NEX5 and NEX 6/7. Meaning it will most likely have built in EVF/OVF and a different lens – probably improved sensor/AF. Good things for those who likes fixed lens and FF!
However, Sony can you please give us a hint about upcoming lenses? Please.
Well I guess I am returning that RX1 I just ordered , son of a!
Based on a rumor? Plus variation suggests that it will most likely be the same camera perhaps with a different focal length. Or it could just be a silver version.
Silver?! Silver is my favorite color!!! haha, no if they say they have improved focusing or EVF then I may return, luckily I got it through amazon, if its a focal length change i prob wont bother since I like 35 and dont care for zoom.
variation=switch lens=/=add evf
Adding a built in EVF would make it a new camera requiring re-engineering of the body.
A short zoom 35-70mm is all I need.
Amen… That’s what would make a legendary camera. Unfortunately, consumers want fixed lenses.
Good. 85mm welcome.
I am really glad that Sony is innovating, the same way as Fuji in APS-C and larger sensor cameras.
And also like Hendrick’s idea of a modular system – that would make sense. The best thing would be a body which can take any lens via adapter and is FF. It could be based on RX1 with slightly larger grip and I’d replace PASM with shutter speed dial – that would be perfect base for a system. And to take it to an extreme, I’d design it in a way that would be fully modular -> justs body with lens mount and adaptors, VFs and digital backs replaceable -> yes, I’m dreaming here
Any info on the upcoming nex 5r/6 replacements? Really want to pull the trigger on the 5r, but I just cant handle that close by price drop….
As the RX1 owner, I’m glad this line is expanding. Learning to live with a fixed 35 has been challenging, but less so than expected. I love this tool, it’s unlike anything I’ve used before and the results continue to amaze me. I do hope that the new model has a few more basic features (like normal wired or wireless remote, for instance) that focus on practicality vs. “vintage” feel, or whatever you might call it.
However, paired to the A77 I just ordered, I now have all the versatility I would want in a semi-pro setup.
Btw, after buying the RX1 my recent “gear-aquisition lust syndrome” has subsided significantly and I find myself barely looking at all the technology news and spend a whole lot more time shooting and learning post processing these days.
Not to be a stick in the mud. Just bought the A99. Absolutely loving it!!!
I don’t know how big a rx2 with 85mm would be but if not a 50mm would be awesome.
hope this time sony put wide angle conventer lens on RX2 or whatever is name 😀
if it’s going to be a more photo-centric camera, hopefully it won’t have the low-pass filter and that it’ll be a next-gen sensor producing amazing results much like the x-trans II sensor from my x100s. heck, even the results from the earlier x-trans sensor in my x-e1 are amazing. (also have a77 & nex7.)
I would love something like 20-40 f2
And any rumors about the Rx10 ??
I hope it isn’t an RX-1 with a fast 50mm (1.4). Otherwise I’ll have to sell my Canon stuff, my NEX-6 and buy it right away!
Finally a rumor worth reading. Hopefully, the new RX has a tele lens and no AA filter. I’m selling out of my Nikon FF kit and banking on RX and FF-NEX. I hope I’m not making a mistake. The mistake would be buying into the compact FF vision while Sony’s attention is divided (e.g. keeping that dead horse A-mount alive).
In my prediction Sony has a clever move and probably it won’t happening introducing an premium APS-C like what the Fuji, Ricoh, Nikon done rather it having its strong expertise in the Sony RX1 FF line up but what may come up might be RX10 FF system since NEX will fulfill its APS-C. It will probably resemble the RX1 Body gen for cost saving in R&D, Wouldn’t be an Zeiss since it may introduce Sony G Lens lineup in this series high fast zoom ? 28-35 mm F2.8 ? Sony seen the successful of the RX1 series but the high price is keeping it out of reach for many but with more affordable package it will gaining more ownership from it. Make no sense why developing a new APS-C but when having FF strong support background currently which will more superior to the image quality an added value to offering high premium compact compare to others manufacture.
For years I used a Hasselblad SWC, compact with great image quality. From my perspective the second variant RX camera would be mounted with a 21 or 24mm lens. The third variation a 85mm lens. Three very powerful, very compact cameras that would travel in the smallest footprint bag.
An RX2 which will be exactly the same as RX1 but with a Zeiss 50mm f/1.4 and a faster autofocus will be a smash hit for me
Just daydreaming. I hope it will be much more than a RX1 with the AA filter removed or a ‘RX1E’. A ff sensor in the 38 to 48 mp range would provide perfect digital zoom from say 35 to 70mm without going to the bulk, performance and cost penalty of an optical zoom lense.