Sony Adds New Models To Cybershot RX Line
Building on its lineup of compact cameras, Sony is introducing two new additions to the Cyber-shot RX series - the RX100 II and RX1R models.
Sony also today has introduced the HVL-F43M ? a new flash that is compatible with
all of the company's latest cameras and interchangeable-lens camcorders equipped
with Multi Interface Shoe.
Based on the same design as the existing RX100 model, the new RX100 II features a new 1-inch back-illuminated CMOS sensor, enhanced system expandability and adds Wi-Fi convenience with NFC One-Touch compatibility. With an identical camera body and design as the existing RX1 camera, the new RX1R model has had its optical low pass filter removed for increased resolution and detail.
Designed to increase sensitivity in low-light conditions and reduce overall picture noise, the new Exmor R sensor in the RX100 II camera is the first 1.0-type back illuminated sensor. It is approximately 40% more sensitive in dimly lit situations compared to the existing RX100 model. The sensor is paired with an F1.8 Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T lens .
Additionally, the new RX100 II model is equipped with Wi-Fi capabilities and is also the first ever Sony camera to include NFC (Near Field Communication) technology, giving the convenience of one-touch wireless transfer of content between compatible devices. Its Smart Remote Control functionality lets users preview images and control shutter release directly from their connected phones or tablets.
A Multi Interface Shoe on the RX100 II model allows users to add optional accessories including an electronic viewfinder, external flash and clip-on LCD monitor. A Multi Terminal lets users add a shutter-release remote control.
The camera features a 3.0-type White Magic LCD display that tilts upwards (up to 84 degrees) and downwards (down to 45 degrees).
Additionally, the RX100 II model has expanded Full HD video capabilities with the addition of 24p shooting. Other refinements include a step zoom function that lets users instantly choose any of five popular focal lengths for handy scene framing. Shooters can select 28mm, 35mm, 50mm, 70mm or 100mm focal lengths using the camera?s control ring.
The new camera is also compatible with Sony's TRILUMINOS Color technology, ensuring more natural color reproduction when connected to the new BRAVIA televisions featuring TRILUMINOS Display.
In common with many digital cameras, the original Cyber-shot RX1 camera features a multi-segment optical low-pass filter (OLPF) in front of the sensor to suppress unwanted moire and color artifacts. The enthusiast-oriented RX1R model removes this low-pass filter to realize the full resolution potential of the image sensor.
Additionally, to take advantage of the OLPF removal, the camera?s processing functions have been optimized to maintain image sharpness without compromising lens/sensor performance.
While weight and dimensions remain the same as the DSC-RX1, the special edition RX1R is also now compatible with TRILUMINOS Color technology.
The new Cyber-shot RX100 II and RX1R models will both be available next month for about $750 and $2800 respectively.
New HVL-F43M
External Flash
Sony also today introduced the HVL-F43M - a new flash that is compatible with all of the company's latest cameras and interchangeable-lens camcorders equipped with Multi Interface Shoe.
The new flash offers the 'Quick Shift Bounce' system that allows instant rotation of the flash head when switching between landscape and portrait compositions. This maintains the same bounce angle in either shooting position for consistently-lit photos.
While the F43AM was compatible with the accessory shoe on older Sony A-mount cameras, the new F43M is now even more versatile. It's equipped with a Multi Interface Shoe for 100% compatibility with Sony's SLT-A99, SLT-A58, NEX-6, NEX-VG900, NEX-VG30, Cyber-shot DSC-HX50, DSC-RX1, DSC-RX1R and DSC-RX100 II models.
The new F43M flash also adds a LED video light that can add natural, even illumination to poorly-lit scenes, backlit subjects and more. Additionally, it features a rugged dust and moisture resistant design.
The new flash is also compatible with wireless control for quick creation of multi-flash effects. Lighting ratios for up to three on- and off-camera flash units can be controlled and used to create exceptionally balanced, pro-style results. Other smart functions include Auto White Balance adjustment with color temperature information.
The Sony HVL-F43M external flash will be available this July for about $400.
Based on the same design as the existing RX100 model, the new RX100 II features a new 1-inch back-illuminated CMOS sensor, enhanced system expandability and adds Wi-Fi convenience with NFC One-Touch compatibility. With an identical camera body and design as the existing RX1 camera, the new RX1R model has had its optical low pass filter removed for increased resolution and detail.
Designed to increase sensitivity in low-light conditions and reduce overall picture noise, the new Exmor R sensor in the RX100 II camera is the first 1.0-type back illuminated sensor. It is approximately 40% more sensitive in dimly lit situations compared to the existing RX100 model. The sensor is paired with an F1.8 Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T lens .
Additionally, the new RX100 II model is equipped with Wi-Fi capabilities and is also the first ever Sony camera to include NFC (Near Field Communication) technology, giving the convenience of one-touch wireless transfer of content between compatible devices. Its Smart Remote Control functionality lets users preview images and control shutter release directly from their connected phones or tablets.
A Multi Interface Shoe on the RX100 II model allows users to add optional accessories including an electronic viewfinder, external flash and clip-on LCD monitor. A Multi Terminal lets users add a shutter-release remote control.
The camera features a 3.0-type White Magic LCD display that tilts upwards (up to 84 degrees) and downwards (down to 45 degrees).
Additionally, the RX100 II model has expanded Full HD video capabilities with the addition of 24p shooting. Other refinements include a step zoom function that lets users instantly choose any of five popular focal lengths for handy scene framing. Shooters can select 28mm, 35mm, 50mm, 70mm or 100mm focal lengths using the camera?s control ring.
The new camera is also compatible with Sony's TRILUMINOS Color technology, ensuring more natural color reproduction when connected to the new BRAVIA televisions featuring TRILUMINOS Display.
In common with many digital cameras, the original Cyber-shot RX1 camera features a multi-segment optical low-pass filter (OLPF) in front of the sensor to suppress unwanted moire and color artifacts. The enthusiast-oriented RX1R model removes this low-pass filter to realize the full resolution potential of the image sensor.
Additionally, to take advantage of the OLPF removal, the camera?s processing functions have been optimized to maintain image sharpness without compromising lens/sensor performance.
While weight and dimensions remain the same as the DSC-RX1, the special edition RX1R is also now compatible with TRILUMINOS Color technology.
The new Cyber-shot RX100 II and RX1R models will both be available next month for about $750 and $2800 respectively.
New HVL-F43M
External FlashSony also today introduced the HVL-F43M - a new flash that is compatible with all of the company's latest cameras and interchangeable-lens camcorders equipped with Multi Interface Shoe.
The new flash offers the 'Quick Shift Bounce' system that allows instant rotation of the flash head when switching between landscape and portrait compositions. This maintains the same bounce angle in either shooting position for consistently-lit photos.
While the F43AM was compatible with the accessory shoe on older Sony A-mount cameras, the new F43M is now even more versatile. It's equipped with a Multi Interface Shoe for 100% compatibility with Sony's SLT-A99, SLT-A58, NEX-6, NEX-VG900, NEX-VG30, Cyber-shot DSC-HX50, DSC-RX1, DSC-RX1R and DSC-RX100 II models.
The new F43M flash also adds a LED video light that can add natural, even illumination to poorly-lit scenes, backlit subjects and more. Additionally, it features a rugged dust and moisture resistant design.
The new flash is also compatible with wireless control for quick creation of multi-flash effects. Lighting ratios for up to three on- and off-camera flash units can be controlled and used to create exceptionally balanced, pro-style results. Other smart functions include Auto White Balance adjustment with color temperature information.
The Sony HVL-F43M external flash will be available this July for about $400.
| Model | RX100 II |
| Image Sensor | 1.0-type (13.2 x 8.8mm) Exmor R CMOS sensor with back illumination technology (Effective resolution) Approx. 20.2 megapixels (Gross resolution) Approx. 20.9 megapixels |
| Lens | Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T*, with 7 elements in 6 groups (4 aspheric elements including AA lens); F1.8 (Wide) - 4.9 (Tele); focal length = 10.4-37.1mm; 35mm effective focal length (Still Image 3:2) = 28-100mm |
| Zoom range | Optical: 3.6x; Clear Image Zoom 7.2x |
| Screen | 7.5cm (3.0-type) (4:3) / 1,229,000 dots / Xtra Fine TFT LCD; adjusts up 84° / down 45° (approx.) |
| Image stabilisation | (Still image) Optical SteadyShot (Movie) Optical SteadyShot Active Mode with electronic compensation (anti-rolling) |
| Focus modes | Single-shot AF (AF-S) / Continuous AF (AF-C) / Direct Manual Focus (DMF) / Manual Focus |
| Focus area | Multi point AF (25 points) / Centre weighted AF / Flexible spot / Flexible spot (tracking focus) / Flexible spot (face tracking) |
| Sensitivity (still image) | Auto (ISO160-12800, selectable with upper/lower limit), 160/200/400/800/1600/3200/6400/12800 (Expandable to ISO 100/125) Multi Frame NR: Auto(ISO160-25600),200/400/800/1600/3200/6400/12800/25600 NB: ISO25600 is achieved by using overlay burst shooting |
| Continuous shooting | Speed Priority Continuous Mode: Approx.10 fps Continuous mode: 2.5 fps (AF-S) |
| Shooting modes | Superior Auto, Intelligent Auto, Program Auto (Program shift available), Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority, Manual, Scene Selection, Movie, Sweep shooting |
| Picture Effect modes | Toy Camera, Pop Colour, Posterisation, Retro Photo, Soft High-key, Partial Colour, High Contrast Monochrome, Soft Focus, HDR Painting, Rich-tone Monochrome, Miniature, Watercolour, Illustration |
| Other Shooting functions | Face Detection, Face Registration, Smile Shutter, Dual Rec, Grid Line, Digital Level Gauge (pitch and roll), MR (memory recall), Exposure Bracketing, White Balance Bracketing, Peaking, MF Assist, Auto Framing, Photo Creativity, Shooting Tips |
| Movie record | AVCHD: 28M PS (1920x1080, 50p/60p) / 24M FX (1920x1080, 50i/60i, 24p/25p) / 17M FH (1920x1080, 50i/60i, 24p/25p) MP4: 12M (1440x1080, 25p/30p) / 3M VGA (640x480 25p/30p) *NTSC formats selectable as Setup menu option |
| Battery life | (Still Image) Approx. 350 / Approx. 175 min. (CIPA standard) (Movie) Approx. 80 min.( AVCHD, MP4, shooting in factory preset mode) |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | Multi Terminal, Multi Interface Shoe |
| Accessory terminals | Multi Terminal, Multi Interface Shoe |
| Weight | Approx. 254g (body only) Approx. 281g (with battery and Memory Stick Duo) |
| Supplied accessories | Rechargeable Battery Pack NP-BX1, Micro USB cable, Wrist Strap, Shoulder Strap Adaptor, Instruction Manual |
| HVL-F43M – key technical specifications | |
| Guide Number | 43 (105mm, ISO100・m) |
| Flash Coverage | 24-105mm (15mm focal length covered with built-in wide panel) |
| Flash Control | Pre-flash control, manual flash control selectable, direct through-the-lens (TTL) flash metering |
| Bounce Flash | Click positions: up (30°/45°/60°/75°/90°/120°/150°); down (8°); right (30°/45°/60°/90°); left (30°/45°/60°/90°) |
| LED video light | Max. illuminance 400 lux/0.5m; illuminating distance approx. 1 m at ISO3200 / F5.6) |
| Recycling time | Approx. 2.9 seconds (with alkaline batteries) |
| Battery performance | Approx. more than 200 flash cycles (with alkaline batteries - based on Sony measurement) |
| Power level switching | 22 levels: (1/1, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/16, 1/32, 1/64, 1/128), 1/3 steps |
| Wireless Ratio Control | Available to control by 3 groups when used with α99, α77, α65, α58, α57, α37, α900, α850, α700, NEX-7, NEX-6, DSC-RX1, DSC-RX1R |
| Other features | Auto WB Adjustment with Colour Temperature Info; Auto zoom control optimised for image sensor size; High-Speed Synchro; Modeling Lighting; Test Lighting; Multi Lighting. Supports camera’s Red-eye reduction feature. Built-in wide panel and bounce sheet. High quality LCD screen. |
| Compatible Shoe | Multi Interface Shoe (Auto-lock Accessory Shoe with optional ADP-AMA adaptor) |
| Included items | Connector protect cap, mini-stand, case |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | Approx. 75 x 140 x 87 mm |
| Weight | Approx. 355g (without batteries) |
| Power source | 4x AA Alkaline / AA Ni-MH batteries |
