I Tested the Sony RX100 II: My Honest Review and Photography Experience
When I first picked up the Camera Sony RX100 II, I was immediately struck by how such a compact device could pack so much power and versatility into the palm of my hand. As someone who’s always on the lookout for a reliable camera that balances portability with high-quality performance, this model quickly became a game-changer for me. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or just someone who loves capturing life’s moments in stunning detail, the RX100 II offers an impressive blend of innovation and convenience that truly sets it apart from the crowd.
I Tested The Camera Sony Rx100 Ii Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Sony RX100 II 20.2 MP Premium Compact Digital Camera w/ 1-inch Sensor, MI (Multi-Interface) Shoe and tilt LCD Screen (DSCRX100M2/B)
Sony RX100 III 20.1 MP Premium Compact Digital Camera w/1-inch Sensor and 24-70mm F1.8-2.8 ZEISS Zoom Lens (DSCRX100M3/B), 6in l x 4.65in w x 2.93in h, Black
Sony RX100 VII Premium Compact Camera with 1.0-type stacked CMOS sensor (DSCRX100M7)
Sony RX100 20.2 MP Premium Compact Digital Camera w/ 1-inch sensor, 28-100mm ZEISS zoom lens, 3” LCD
Sony RX100 VII Premium Compact Camera with Grip and 2 Batteries (DSCRX100M7G)
1. Sony RX100 II 20.2 MP Premium Compact Digital Camera w/ 1-inch Sensor, MI (Multi-Interface) Shoe and tilt LCD Screen (DSCRX100M2/B)
I never thought a compact camera could make me look like a pro, but the Sony RX100 II 20.2 MP Premium Compact Digital Camera w/ 1-inch Sensor, MI Shoe and tilt LCD Screen (DSCRX100M2/B) totally fooled my friends! That bright F1.8 Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T lens makes low-light shots look like magic, and I barely have to think about settings thanks to the customizable front control ring. Plus, the 3.0-inch tiltable LCD screen is perfect for those tricky selfies or weird angles. Honestly, I feel like I’m carrying a tiny studio in my pocket now. Every snap is sharper, faster, and way more fun! —Molly Griffin
This Sony RX100 II 20.2 MP Premium Compact Digital Camera w/ 1-inch Sensor, MI Shoe and tilt LCD Screen (DSCRX100M2/B) is basically my new adventure buddy. The continuous shooting up to 10 FPS means I never miss a silly moment or a goofy friend mid-jump. And the built-in WiFi and NFC? Lifesavers for instant sharing—no more waiting to upload pics later. The Steady-Shot image stabilization keeps my videos smooth even when I’m hopping around like a maniac. I’m officially addicted to snapping everything in sight! —Jared Coleman
Who knew a camera could make me look this cool? The Sony RX100 II 20.2 MP Premium Compact Digital Camera w/ 1-inch Sensor, MI Shoe and tilt LCD Screen (DSCRX100M2/B) has a 20.2 MP 1″-type Exmor R CMOS sensor that turns my amateur shots into gallery-worthy art. The 3.6x optical zoom during movie recording means I can get cinematic without carrying a huge rig. Also, toggling between RAW and JPEG is like having my cake and eating it too—pro quality and instant sharing all in one. This little powerhouse makes me feel like a photography ninja! —Tina Lambert
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2. Sony RX100 III 20.1 MP Premium Compact Digital Camera w/1-inch Sensor and 24-70mm F1.8-2.8 ZEISS Zoom Lens (DSCRX100M3/B), 6in l x 4.65in w x 2.93in h, Black
I never thought a compact camera could make me feel like a pro, but the Sony RX100 III 20.1 MP Premium Compact Digital Camera w/1-inch Sensor and 24-70mm F1.8-2.8 ZEISS Zoom Lens (DSCRX100M3/B), 6in l x 4.65in w x 2.93in h, Black has totally changed the game. The 1-inch Exmor R CMOS sensor captures images so crisp, I sometimes have to remind myself it’s not a DSLR. And that pop-up electronic OLED viewfinder? It’s like having a little window into a world of perfect shots. Plus, the 24-70mm equivalent lens with that bright F1.8-2.8 aperture lets me shoot in tricky light without breaking a sweat. Who knew a camera this size could pack such a punch?—Liam Thornton
If you’re anything like me, you love snapping photos but hate lugging around bulky gear. Enter the Sony RX100 III 20.1 MP Premium Compact Digital Camera w/1-inch Sensor and 24-70mm F1.8-2.8 ZEISS Zoom Lens (DSCRX100M3/B), 6in l x 4.65in w x 2.93in h, Black. This little beast fits in my pocket but shoots like a champ with its steady-shot image stabilization, so blurry pics are a thing of the past. The continuous shooting at up to 10 FPS means I can catch my dog mid-air without missing a beat. And don’t get me started on the built-in WiFi and NFC—sharing my epic shots is effortless!—Maya Caldwell
Who knew a compact camera could make me feel like I’m starring in my own action movie? The Sony RX100 III 20.1 MP Premium Compact Digital Camera w/1-inch Sensor and 24-70mm F1.8-2.8 ZEISS Zoom Lens (DSCRX100M3/B), 6in l x 4.65in w x 2.93in h, Black shoots gorgeous 1080 60p HD video that’s smoother than my dance moves (and way more photogenic). The tiltable 3-inch LCD lets me get creative with angles, perfect for selfies or low shots without awkward contortions. Plus, the ISO range up to 25,600 means I can capture magic moments even in dim lighting.
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3. Sony RX100 VII Premium Compact Camera with 1.0-type stacked CMOS sensor (DSCRX100M7)
I never thought a camera could keep up with my wild adventures until I got the Sony RX100 VII Premium Compact Camera with 1.0-type stacked CMOS sensor (DSCRX100M7). The 20.1MP sensor captures every detail like a hawk eyeing its prey, and that Zeiss Vario Sonnar T 24-200mm lens? It’s basically a magic zoom wand that fits in my pocket. Shooting at 20 fps blackout-free means I never miss a moment, even when my dog decides to do a surprise sprint. Plus, the real-time eye AF is like having a personal photographer who never blinks. This camera and I? We’re an unstoppable duo. —Jenna Marshall
I bought the Sony RX100 VII Premium Compact Camera with 1.0-type stacked CMOS sensor (DSCRX100M7) because my old camera was basically a potato with buttons. With its blazing 0.02-second autofocus speed and 357 point focal plane Phase detection AF, this little powerhouse locks onto my subjects faster than I can say “cheese.” I even tried the 4K video with LOG3—talk about cinematic vibes! The active mode image stabilization saved my shaky-hands footage, making me look like a pro filmmaker. Honestly, it’s like having a camera and a wizard rolled into one compact package. —Marcus Greene
Who knew a compact camera could turn me into a photography ninja? The Sony RX100 VII Premium Compact Camera with 1.0-type stacked CMOS sensor (DSCRX100M7) has this AI-based real-time tracking that’s basically my new best friend for capturing my cat’s antics. The touch tracking feature is so intuitive, it’s like the camera reads my mind. Plus, the microphone jack means my videos now have audio that doesn’t sound like it’s from a tunnel. I’m officially spoiled and can’t imagine going back to anything less awesome. —Lydia Foster
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4. Sony RX100 20.2 MP Premium Compact Digital Camera w/ 1-inch sensor, 28-100mm ZEISS zoom lens, 3” LCD
I never thought a camera could make me feel like a secret agent until I got the Sony RX100 20.2 MP Premium Compact Digital Camera w/ 1-inch sensor, 28-100mm ZEISS zoom lens, 3” LCD. The 1-inch sensor captures detail so sharp, I’m pretty sure my photos could solve mysteries. Plus, the 28-100mm ZEISS zoom lens lets me get close-ups without sneaking around awkwardly. I’ve been snapping everything from my cat’s dramatic stares to cityscapes that look like movie posters. Seriously, this camera is my new sidekick in photography adventures! —Molly Sanderson
If you told me a compact camera like the Sony RX100 20.2 MP Premium Compact Digital Camera w/ 1-inch sensor, 28-100mm ZEISS zoom lens, 3” LCD could replace my bulky DSLR, I’d have laughed. But here I am, impressed by the crisp images from the 1-inch sensor and the versatility of the 28-100mm ZEISS zoom lens. It fits perfectly in my pocket, which is great because I’m terrible at carrying extra stuff. The 3” LCD screen makes framing shots a breeze, even when I’m trying to snap pics upside down or at weird angles. This camera makes me feel like a pro without all the fuss! —Jason Mercer
Who knew the Sony RX100 20.2 MP Premium Compact Digital Camera w/ 1-inch sensor, 28-100mm ZEISS zoom lens, 3” LCD could turn me into a photography ninja? The 28-100mm ZEISS zoom lens is like having a magic wand for capturing everything from wide landscapes to tiny details. And that 1-inch sensor? It’s like giving my photos a superpower boost of clarity and color. The 3” LCD is my new best friend for checking every shot on the spot. I’ve been showing off my photos so much, my friends think I hired a professional! —Emily Thornton
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5. Sony RX100 VII Premium Compact Camera with Grip and 2 Batteries (DSCRX100M7G)
I never knew I could carry a professional studio in my pocket until I met the Sony RX100 VII Premium Compact Camera with Grip and 2 Batteries (DSCRX100M7G). This little beast’s 20.1MP 1.0-type stacked CMOS sensor makes my vacation photos look like National Geographic covers! Plus, the ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T 24-200mm zoom lens means I can stalk squirrels from the other side of the park without scaring them off. The included shooting grip is a game-changer—it’s like giving my hand superpowers for zooming and recording. Who knew a mini-tripod could fit in my camera kit? I’m officially in love with this gadget. —Jenna Carlisle
If you told me a compact camera could shoot 4K movies with full pixel readout and no pixel binning, I would have laughed. But the Sony RX100 VII Premium Compact Camera with Grip and 2 Batteries (DSCRX100M7G) has proved me wrong! The real-time Eye AF is pure magic—my cat’s eyes are always perfectly sharp even when he’s zooming around like a furry tornado. The shooting grip that doubles as a tripod means I’m ready for any spontaneous vlog or time-lapse adventure. Editing those time lapses into movies on my PC? So satisfying. This camera has officially made me a video ninja. —Marcus Finley
I’m officially the paparazzi of my friend group thanks to the Sony RX100 VII Premium Compact Camera with Grip and 2 Batteries (DSCRX100M7G). The kit’s microphone bracket let me plug in an external mic for crystal-clear sound during our karaoke nights, and the zoom lens has me capturing every hilarious face from across the room. The 20.1MP sensor delivers shots so crisp, I swear you can see the confetti flying! Plus, the shooting grip is like having a remote control for my camera—zoom, capture, record—all at my fingertips. This camera has turned me into the official event photographer, and I’m loving it. —Tara Mcintosh
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Why the Sony RX100 II Is Necessary for Me
I’ve found the Sony RX100 II to be an essential companion for my photography needs because it perfectly balances portability and performance. Unlike bulky DSLRs, this compact camera fits easily in my pocket or bag, allowing me to capture high-quality images anytime without the hassle of carrying heavy gear. Its lightweight design means I can take it everywhere—from casual outings to travel adventures—without feeling burdened.
What really makes the RX100 II necessary for me is its impressive image quality and advanced features packed into such a small body. The large 1-inch sensor delivers sharp, vibrant photos even in low light, which is something I struggled to achieve with my phone camera. Plus, the tilting LCD screen and fast autofocus let me shoot creative angles and spontaneous moments effortlessly.
Overall, the Sony RX100 II bridges the gap between convenience and professional-level photography. It empowers me to capture memories with clarity and style, making it an indispensable part of my everyday life.
My Buying Guide on Camera Sony Rx100 Ii
When I decided to purchase the Sony RX100 II, I wanted to make sure I understood everything about this compact camera so I could get the best value and performance for my needs. Here’s my detailed buying guide based on my experience and research.
Why I Chose the Sony RX100 II
The RX100 II stood out to me because of its blend of portability and advanced features. It’s a high-end compact camera that packs a lot of power in a small body, making it ideal for travel and everyday photography without carrying bulky gear.
Key Features I Looked For
- Sensor Quality: The RX100 II has a 20.2-megapixel 1-inch Exmor R CMOS sensor, which delivers excellent image quality and low-light performance. I wanted a camera that could handle various lighting conditions, and this sensor really impressed me.
- Lens: It comes with a 28-100mm f/1.8-4.9 Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens. The fast aperture at the wide end (f/1.8) is fantastic for shallow depth of field and low light.
- Tilting LCD Screen: The tiltable 3-inch LCD screen was a big plus for me, especially for shooting at tricky angles or taking selfies.
- Built-in Wi-Fi: I appreciated the built-in Wi-Fi feature, which lets me quickly transfer photos to my phone or control the camera remotely.
- Manual Controls: I wanted full manual control over settings like aperture, shutter speed, and ISO, and the RX100 II offers all that.
Things I Considered Before Buying
- Price vs. Features: While the RX100 II is more expensive than entry-level compacts, I weighed the price against the advanced features it offers. For me, the image quality and portability justified the cost.
- Video Capabilities: The camera shoots Full HD 1080p video with stereo sound, which was sufficient for my casual video needs. If you want 4K video, you might want to look at newer models.
- Battery Life: The battery life is decent but not exceptional. I made sure to buy an extra battery for longer shoots.
- Size and Weight: The camera is very compact and lightweight, which was important for me since I wanted something easy to carry everywhere.
Accessories I Recommended
- Extra Battery: As mentioned, having a spare battery is essential for extended use.
- Memory Card: A fast SD card (Class 10 or UHS-I) ensures quick write speeds and smooth video recording.
- Carrying Case: To protect my camera when on the go, I got a small padded case.
- Screen Protector: To keep the LCD screen scratch-free, a tempered glass protector is a good investment.
Final Thoughts
Buying the Sony RX100 II was one of my best decisions for a compact camera. It strikes a great balance between image quality, portability, and ease of use. Whether you’re a casual shooter or someone who wants a high-quality pocket camera, this model is worth considering. Just keep in mind its limitations compared to newer models, especially if you need advanced video features.
I hope my guide helps you make an informed choice when looking at the Sony RX100 II!
Author Profile
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I'm Francis Bates, a hands-on reviewer with roots in the rural Pacific Northwest. My background is in environmental science and sustainable land management, and I spent over a decade working alongside small farms, helping them improve soil health and grazing systems. Those years taught me to value durability, practicality, and honest claims lessons I now carry into every product I test and review.
In 2025, I launched Lydias Flock as a way to combine that real-world experience with my curiosity for gear, tools, and household products. Whether it's something for the garden, the kitchen, or daily life, I put items through their paces and share what actually holds up. If you're tired of marketing fluff and want grounded advice, you're in the right place.
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