This morning, Sony announced the RX1R. The Sony Cybershot RX1R is a “special edition” RX1 with no anti-aliasing (low pass) filter so it can capture and deliver the absolute maximum amount of detail. Note that the RX1R isn’t a completely new camera or RX1 replacement. Other than the removal of the anti-aliasing filter, the RX1R has the same design, features, specs and performance as the RX1, including the 24-megapixel full-frame sensor and 35mm f/2.0 Carl Zeiss prime lens.
Sony Cybershot RX1R key Features & Specs:
- 24.3-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor with no low pass (ant-aliasing) filter
- Image processing optimized for maximum resolution and detail
- 35mm f/2.0 Carl Zeiss T lens
- Nine-bladed circular aperture
- ISO 100 to 25,600 (ISO 102,400 with Multi Frame Noise Reduction)
- 1920 x 1080/60p AVCHD full HD video
- RAW shooting
- Full range of exposure modes – P,S,A,M
- 1.4x or 2x Smart Teleconverter (effective focal lengths: 49mm or 70mm)
- 3-inch 1,229k-dot LCD display
- 5 frames-per-second high-speed burst
- Manual focus assist and focus peaking
- Pop-up flash and flash / accessory hot shoe
- Digital level
Why did Sony remove the anti-aliasing filter on the RX1R? Anti-aliasing, a.k.a. low pass filters, are used on almost all digital camera sensors to minimize moiré patterns and other digital artifacting. They do that by blurring the image a tiny bit before it reaches the sensor. So removing the anti-aliasing filter will produce sharper images with finer details. Sony says they also tweaked the RX1R’s processing to optimize image sharpness. For most photographers, the difference will be negligible and could come with problems (moiré patterns) that outweigh the benefits. The standard Sony RX1 is, by far, the sharpest camera I’ve ever used. The combination of the fixed prime lens and excellent 24-megapixel CMOS sensor produces shockingly sharp images. Personally, I wouldn’t want the camera to be any sharper. But landscape, studio and commercial photographers who want more sharpness and detail can now have it with the RX1R.
For a quick hands-on look at the Sony RX1R, check out the official Sony intro video:
For more information on the RX1 and RX1R, I recommend you read my hands-on Sony RX1 review. Since the only real difference is the RX1R has no anti-aliasing filter, everything in my original review is applicable. The RX1 is an incredible camera. It’s not for everyone, though. It’s a little big for most pockets, the fixed prime lens isn’t very versatile, and it costs a fortune. On the other hand, there’s really nothing else like it.
The Sony Cybershot RX1R should be available from high-end camera shops and online dealers in late July (2013). The suggested retail price is US $2799.
Related Content:
Sony Digital Camera User Reviews
Sony Cameras Forum
Digital Cameras Forum
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Sony Cybershot Digital Camera Web Site
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