Sony has released a new sibling camera to its RX1R and RX1, this one being called the RX1R II, which is a full-frame compact camera that essentially improves on the weaknesses of its predecessors.
What makes this camera special, however, is the fact that it features the first optical variable low-pass filter that can be turned on and off. It also has a massive 42.4-megapixel sensor.
"We're giving imaging enthusiasts and professionals the opportunity to enjoy a camera with one of the most powerful combinations of sensor and lens in the market today that can easily fit in the palm of your hand. It's simply the latest example of the progressive innovation that Sony is bringing to the world of imaging," said Neal Manowitz, vice president of Digital Imaging for Sony Electronics.
As mentioned, the camera features a variable low-pass filter, which basically slightly blurs the image in an attempt to compensate for interference between the sensor grid and the fine textures. These interferences cause frustrating wavy patterns and false color artifacts. So far, users have had a few choices to compensate for this, including buying a camera with an optical variable low-pass filter and lose some sharpness, or buy one without and deal with the interference. This new camera is basically both, and the OLPF can essentially be turned on and off whenever the user wants.
Next up is the new built-in viewfinder and LCD display—the built-in retractable 2.4 million dot XGA OLED Tru-Finder pops up and down with one push. The LCD display can tilt upward up to 109 degrees and downward up to 41 degrees, which gives a greater range of shooting angles and positions.
The new camera also features an autofocus system that is much improved over the previous Sony camera models, as well as the addition of Wi-Fi and near-field communication, which is great for data transfer and things like remote shooting using a smartphone connected via the Smart Remote Control app that is a part of Sony's PlayMemories group of camera apps.
So how much will all these high-tech improvements cost? Well, they aren't cheap. The RX1R II will run $3,300, and will be available sometime in November.
Via: CNET
