Sony RX100 - getting started

[jonoslack]

So people would actually pick a RX100 over an X2? The IQ is that similar?
I'm confused...

Hmmm. I don't think the IQ is very similar, but the RX does a very respectable job in the X2 territory (35mm equivalent, f2.8). The difference is that the RX has it's own territory (28-34 and 36-100 for example).

There are certainly circumstances when I'd pick an RX100 over an X2, and there are also other circumstances where I'd pick the X2

 

[Moonshine]

how is the RX100 IQ at the end of zoom? And does the aperture stay at 2.8?

 

[Godfrey]

how is the RX100 IQ at the end of zoom? And does the aperture stay at 2.8?

The RX100 lens is a Zeiss Vario-Sonnar 10.4-37.1mm f/1.8-4.9 T*, the aperture is f/4.9 max at the long end of the zoom range.

 

[Godfrey]

So people would actually pick a RX100 over an X2? The IQ is that similar?
I'm confused...

I don't know whether it is or not, I doubt it is. However, I am delighted with the X2 and the RX100 doesn't do much for me, simply on the basis of its size and control layout. There's also the fact that I am no big fan of slow zoom lenses.

 

[monza]

For me the RX100 is an iPhone camera replacement. Far higher quality, features I've needed that the phone doesn't offer (zoom and much faster operation, among others) and nearly the same size except in thickness. Small enough I will carry both.

115 x 58 x 9 - iphone
101 x 58 x 36 - RX100

 

[ustein]

>For me the RX100 is an iPhone camera replacement.

Same here. The iPhone is amazing but quite limited as camera. Some compensate with the lovely effects but still no good camera.

Can you do great photos with the iPhone? Yes, so can the Holga. The RX100 zoom makes a big difference for me.

 

[Moonshine]

I'm really happy with my X2 but the RX100 is quite tempting as its so small

 

[Godfrey]

For me the RX100 is an iPhone camera replacement. Far higher quality, features I've needed that the phone doesn't offer (zoom and much faster operation, among others) and nearly the same size except in thickness. Small enough I will carry both.

115 x 58 x 9 - iphone
101 x 58 x 36 - RX100

I carry my iPhone all the time. And now I'm carrying the X2 or GXR as well. So if the RX100 is an 'iPhone replacement' ... uh ... it can't call my brother or play music in the car for me, can it?

I'm not going to carry two cameras in addition to the iPhone all the time. The idea is to carry less, not more. One camera, one iPhone. Sometimes just one iPhone, and in that case, it won't be replaced by the RX100. ;-)

 

[ustein]

>One camera, one iPhone.

Same here: iPhone + RX100

 

[monza]

So if the RX100 is an 'iPhone replacement' ... uh ... it can't call my brother or play music in the car for me, can it?

As stated: 'iPhone camera replacement.'

 

[ustein]

If I would find a cheap phone that could tether and would be out of contract I would even use a smaller phone. The iPhone is not the problem but the expensive contracts that go with it.

 

[gandolfi]

..almost an Elliott Erwitt moment..
Think I'm going to enjoy this camera.
Cropped and converted in iPhoto.

 

[thrice]

Sony would do hybrid CDAF/PDAF on mirrorless

Wait for Photokina.

 

[thrice]

The obligatory picture modes
And one high-ISO (in this case 1600) shot.

 

[Godfrey]

If I would find a cheap phone that could tether and would be out of contract I would even use a smaller phone. The iPhone is not the problem but the expensive contracts that go with it.

Uwe,

I bought my iPhone 4S outright and unlocked from Apple (costs $750). So I have no contract, I just buy service from AT&T or Verizon ... or anyone else I want with a little hacking ... on a month to month basis. Given the use I find for it, the service price I'm paying seems well warranted.

Anyone can do the same.

 

[Terry]

Uwe,

I bought my iPhone 4S outright and unlocked from Apple (costs $750). So I have no contract, I just buy service from AT&T or Verizon ... or anyone else I want with a little hacking ... on a month to month basis. Given the use I find for it, the service price I'm paying seems well warranted.

Anyone can do the same.

Or wait until the iPhone5 comes out....a bunch of 4S's will go off contract and AT&T is now unlocking them.

 

[jonoslack]

Uwe,

I bought my iPhone 4S outright and unlocked from Apple (costs $750). So I have no contract, I just buy service from AT&T or Verizon ... or anyone else I want with a little hacking ... on a month to month basis. Given the use I find for it, the service price I'm paying seems well warranted.

Anyone can do the same.

Hi Godfrey
I quite agree
We've been doing this for years too - except there's no hacking to do over here, simply buy a month by month iphone 'contract' which is not connected to a phone, and grab a phone from the apple store . . . . when the next phone comes out it's off to ebay with the old one. Simple as that (and much cheaper than paying for it on contract).

all the best

 

[monza]

Although this is off topic: How much is service off-contract (in the USA)? Looking at AT&T as far as I can tell service costs the same whether one buys the phone for cash ($750) or buys it for the subsidized price ($200.)

 

[ustein]

>Given the use I find for it, the service price I'm paying seems well warranted.

This is just not the case for me.

 

[gandolfi]

I'm a photographer not a telephonist

Did a few hand held close ups all at f1.8.

Was impressed.

Lightroom3 and a little bit of Nik Col Efex.

Cheers,

Gandolfi.