Upgrade Guide

Sony RX1→Sony RX1R II

Is it worth upgrading? Spec analysis, key improvements, and our verdict.

You own

Sony

RX1

£336 used

2012

→

Upgrade to

Sony

RX1R II

£623 used (+£287)

2015

✅

Worthwhile

Clear improvements over the RX1. Whether it justifies the cost depends on which upgrades matter most to your shooting.

What's new in the RX1R II

Suitability by genre

Base scores — computed from verified specs for an enthusiast shooting photo and video. The Upgrade Checker adjusts them for your skill level.

Full spec comparison

Spec	RX1	RX1R II
Price	£336 used	£623 used
Released	2012	2015	↑
Sensor	24.3MP full-frame CMOS	42.4MP full-frame CMOS
Resolution	24MP	42MP	↑
Video	Full HD 1080p/60	Full HD 1080p/60 (XAVC S)
Autofocus	25-point contrast-detect AF with face detection	399-point phase-detect + 25-point contrast hybrid AF, Eye AF
Stabilisation	Optical SteadyShot (in the lens), no IBIS	Optical SteadyShot (in the lens), no IBIS
Burst Rate	5fps (2.5fps with AF-S per frame)	5fps (2.5fps with AF-S per frame)
Battery Life	~220 shots (CIPA)	~220 shots (CIPA)
Weight	482g (with battery and card)	507g (with battery and card)	↓
Weather Sealed	Not weather sealed	Not weather sealed
Viewfinder	Optional EVF (FDA-EV1MK) or optical finder	Pop-up OLED EVF, 2.36M dots
Screen	3.0" fixed LCD, 1.23M dots	3.0" LCD, 1.23M dots, tilts 109° up / 41° down
Mount	Fixed Zeiss Sonnar T* 35mm f/2	Fixed Zeiss Sonnar T* 35mm f/2
Memory Cards	Single SD / Memory Stick slot	Single SD / Memory Stick slot

Compare side-by-side

See RX1 and RX1R II next to each other with our interactive comparison tool.

Get a personalised upgrade score

Tell us what you shoot and we'll score the RX1R II against your specific genres — not just specs.

Other upgrades from the RX1

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Camera family history