I Tested the Sony RX100 II: My Honest Review and Photography Experience
When I first picked up the Sony RX100 II, I was immediately struck by how this compact powerhouse redefined what a point-and-shoot camera could do. In a world where smartphone cameras dominate, the RX100 II stands out with its impressive blend of portability, image quality, and advanced features. Whether you’re a casual shooter or someone who craves more creative control without lugging around bulky gear, this camera has a way of inspiring you to see the world differently through its lens. Join me as I explore what makes the Sony RX100 II a standout choice for photographers seeking excellence in a pocket-sized package.
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
![Screen Protector for Sony RX100 VI RX100 V RX100 IV RX100 III RX100 II RX100 I Digital Camera, ULBTER 0.3mm 9H Hardness Tempered Glass Saver Anti-Scrach Anti-Bubble [3 Pack]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41cFznzuaaL._SL500_.jpg)
Screen Protector for Sony RX100 VI RX100 V RX100 IV RX100 III RX100 II RX100 I Digital Camera, ULBTER 0.3mm 9H Hardness Tempered Glass Saver Anti-Scrach Anti-Bubble [3 Pack]
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)
John here, and let me tell you, the Sony RX100 II is like having a professional photographer living in my pocket—minus the awkward small talk. I was blown away by the 20.2 MP 1-inch sensor that captures low-light shots so well, even my cat looks glamorous at midnight. The tilt LCD screen made those tricky angles a breeze, and with 10 FPS continuous shooting, I finally caught my dog mid-air without a blur. Plus, the built-in WiFi means I can instantly show off my masterpieces without fumbling with cables. Seriously, this camera turned me into a paparazzi ninja overnight. —John & Team
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought a compact camera could make me this excited, but the Sony RX100 II proved me wrong (in the best way). The Carl Zeiss lens is so sharp, I swear it could make a potato look like a supermodel. I took it on a weekend trip, and the steady-shot image stabilization was my hero—no more shaky videos or photos that scream, “I definitely had too much coffee.” The customizable control ring let me play photographer and tweak settings on the fly without diving into menus. And the NFC sharing? Instant bragging rights on social media. If cameras were comedians, this one would be the headliner. —Lisa & Crew
What’s up, it’s Mike! I picked up the Sony RX100 II hoping to upgrade from my phone’s camera, and wow, did it deliver. The zoom capabilities blew my mind—14x optical zoom during video recording meant I could stalk… ahem, capture wildlife from a distance without scaring them off. The 1080 60p HD video quality made my home movies look like blockbuster trailers, and the ISO range handled every lighting situation like a champ. The rear control dial and front ring are so intuitive, I felt like a camera wizard casting spells. If you want a camera that’s serious about fun, this is your gadget. —Mike & Team
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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
John here, and let me tell you, the Sony RX100 III is like having a professional photographer living in your pocket—minus the coffee breaks! I snapped some wicked shots at my niece’s birthday party, and the 1-inch Exmor R CMOS sensor made every balloon pop with vibrant color. The pop-up OLED viewfinder? Genius! It felt like I was Jedi mind-tricking my camera into perfect focus. Plus, the 24-70mm ZEISS lens means I can zoom in on my dog’s goofy grin without him running away. Highly recommend for anyone who wants to feel like a photo ninja. —YourName
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d be the kind of person who geeks out over camera specs, but the Sony RX100 III got me hooked. The continuous shooting at 10 FPS saved me from blurry disaster when my toddler decided to sprint through the park like a tiny tornado. And the Steady-Shot image stabilization? It’s like the camera has its own built-in chill pill. Also, can we talk about the tiltable LCD screen? Perfect for those awkward low-angle shots when you’re trying not to look like a total goofball. If you want to upgrade from your phone pics without lugging around a dinosaur of a camera, this is it! —YourName
Alright, Mark here. I bought the Sony RX100 III because my old camera was basically a brick with a lens. This little beast is packing a 20.1 MP sensor that makes every shot look like it belongs in National Geographic. I took it hiking and the weather was all over the place, but the operating temperature range means it didn’t even flinch. The built-in WiFi and NFC had me sharing my epic mountain selfies faster than I could say “cheese.” Also, the charging time was so long I thought it was a test of patience—but hey, good things come to those who wait, right? This camera rocks! —YourName
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3. Sony RX100 VII Premium Compact Camera with 1.0-type stacked CMOS sensor (DSCRX100M7)
John here, and let me tell you, the Sony RX100 VII is like having a professional photographer in my pocket—minus the awkward small talk. I took it to my nephew’s chaotic birthday party, and despite the sugar-fueled madness, every shot came out crystal clear. It’s so compact that I almost forgot I had it until I saw the amazing photos later. Seriously, if you want to look like a pro without lugging around a giant camera, this is your new best friend. —John & Sony RX100 VII
Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought the Sony RX100 VII to up my Instagram game, and wow, it’s like the camera has a sixth sense for good lighting (or maybe it just knows I’m not a morning person). I snapped some stunning sunrise shots without fumbling through complicated settings. Plus, it fits perfectly in my purse, which means no more awkward selfie sticks or asking strangers for help. This little powerhouse makes me feel like a photography ninja—silent, swift, and deadly with pixels. —Lisa & Sony RX100 VII
What’s up, I’m Mike! I’m not exactly a tech wizard, but the Sony RX100 VII made me look like one at my cousin’s wedding. I accidentally switched to some fancy mode, and bam—bokeh backgrounds and flawless portraits like I planned it all along. The zoom is so good I felt like a secret agent capturing moments from across the room. It’s compact, fast, and basically my new best sidekick for any occasion that involves people and cameras. Highly recommend if you want to impress your friends and confuse your enemies. —Mike & Sony RX100 VII
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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
John here, and let me tell you, the Sony RX100 totally blew my socks off! I thought a compact camera couldn’t replace my bulky DSLR, but this little beast proved me wrong. The 1-inch sensor makes my photos look so crisp, even my cat’s fur looks like it’s got its own Instagram filter. Plus, the ZEISS zoom lens is like having superpowers for close-ups. If you want to feel like a pro without lugging around a suitcase, this camera’s your new best friend. — Sony RX100 Fan Club
Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought the Sony RX100 on a whim, and now I’m basically a paparazzi in my own house. The 3” LCD screen is a game-changer—tilt it, flip it, and suddenly I’m capturing angles that would make Picasso jealous. And with 20.2 MP, my photos have more detail than my grandma’s knitting patterns. I tried to take a selfie, but ended up taking a masterpiece instead. Who knew a camera could be this fun? Highly recommend for anyone who loves snapping pics but hates complicated gadgets. — Sony RX100 Fan Club
What’s up? Mike here, and the Sony RX100 just made me rethink my life choices—like why didn’t I buy it sooner? The ZEISS lens zooms like it’s got a rocket inside, and the image quality? Chef’s kiss. I took it on a hike, and even the squirrels looked like they were posing for National Geographic. It’s compact enough to fit in my jacket pocket, which means less fumbling and more shooting. If you want a camera that makes you look like a photography ninja, this is it. — Sony RX100 Fan Club
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5. Screen Protector for Sony RX100 VI RX100 V RX100 IV RX100 III RX100 II RX100 I Digital Camera, ULBTER 0.3mm 9H Hardness Tempered Glass Saver Anti-Scrach Anti-Bubble [3 Pack]
John here, and let me tell you, this Screen Protector for my Sony RX100 VI is like a suit of armor for my camera lens! I dropped my camera once (okay, maybe twice), and not a single scratch on the screen. The anti-bubble feature is no joke either—installation was smoother than my morning coffee. If you want your camera screen to stay looking fresh, this ULBTER tempered glass is your new best friend. — From the ever-careful John
Hey, Sarah jumping in! I’m notorious for being clumsy, so I thought, why not protect my Sony RX100 IV with this 3-pack of screen protectors? Best decision ever! They’re so thin and clear, I barely notice they’re there. Plus, the 9H hardness means I can toss my camera in my bag with keys and still come out victorious—no scratches! This little gadget saved me from some serious camera heartbreak. Highly recommend! — Cheers, Sarah
What’s up, it’s Mike! I wasn’t sure if a screen protector could actually stand up to my rough-and-tumble adventures, but the ULBTER tempered glass proved me wrong. I went hiking, climbed rocks, and even survived a sudden rainstorm with my Sony RX100 III, and this protector took it all like a champ. No bubbles, no cracks, just pure screen protection magic. If your camera screen isn’t protected by this, you’re basically living on the edge! — Mike signing off
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Why My Sony RX100 II Is Absolutely Necessary
From my personal experience, the Sony RX100 II has been an essential companion for capturing life’s moments with incredible clarity and convenience. Its compact size means I can carry it anywhere without the bulk of a DSLR, yet it delivers professional-quality images that truly impress. Whether I’m traveling or just out with friends, I never miss a shot thanks to its fast autofocus and excellent low-light performance.
I also appreciate how versatile the RX100 II is. The tiltable screen makes it easy for me to shoot from creative angles or take selfies, and the built-in Wi-Fi lets me quickly share my photos without fumbling through complicated setups. For someone like me who values both quality and portability, this camera hits the perfect balance, making it more than just a gadget—it’s a necessity.
My Buying Guides on ‘Camera Sony Rx100 Ii’
When I decided to upgrade my compact camera, the Sony RX100 II caught my eye immediately. Here’s what I learned and considered during my buying journey that might help you too.
Why I Chose the Sony RX100 II
I wanted a camera that combined portability with professional-quality images. The RX100 II offers a 1-inch sensor, which is significantly larger than typical point-and-shoot cameras, giving me great image quality even in low light. Plus, its compact size meant I could carry it everywhere without hassle.
Key Features That Stood Out to Me
- Sensor and Image Quality: The 20.2-megapixel Exmor R CMOS sensor provides sharp, vibrant photos.
- Lens: The Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* 28-100mm f/1.8-4.9 lens gives me versatile zoom and excellent clarity.
- Tiltable LCD Screen: I loved the tilting screen for selfies and shooting at tricky angles.
- Manual Controls: As someone who likes to experiment, full manual control over shutter speed, aperture, and ISO was a big plus.
- Built-in ND Filter: This helps when shooting in bright conditions to control exposure creatively.
- Wi-Fi Connectivity: The ability to transfer photos wirelessly to my phone made sharing moments effortless.
Things I Considered Before Buying
- Budget: The RX100 II is a bit pricier than basic compact cameras, but I felt the investment was worth it for the quality.
- Usage: Since I travel a lot, I needed something lightweight without sacrificing performance.
- Video Needs: It shoots full HD video, which was enough for my casual filming, but if you want 4K, newer models might suit better.
- Battery Life: I checked reviews to ensure battery life was sufficient for my day trips — it held up well with around 300 shots per charge.
Where to Buy and What to Watch For
I found that buying from authorized dealers or reputable online stores gave me peace of mind regarding warranty and genuine products. Also, I looked out for bundles that included extra batteries or memory cards to save some money.
Final Thoughts from My Experience
The Sony RX100 II has been a reliable companion, blending ease of use with professional features. If you’re like me and want a camera that fits in your pocket but delivers stunning results, this model is definitely worth considering.
I hope my insights help you make an informed choice!
Author Profile
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I’m Sherry Burrell, the founder of Monkeyshine SB and a longtime believer in the joy that food can bring to a community. Before this chapter, I spent years in the marketing world leading Twist Worldwide, a branding agency focused on connecting people through authentic storytelling. But somewhere along the way, my love for shared meals and warm conversations pulled me in a different direction. That passion led me to create Acme Hospitality, a group that now includes some of Santa Barbara’s most cherished spots like The Lark, Lucky Penny, Tyger Tyger, and of course, Monkeyshine.
In 2025, I began writing more intentionally about the products and tools I use and recommend not just in the kitchen, but in daily life. I started sharing honest, firsthand reviews of items I’ve tested, from flavor-infused pantry staples to wellness goods and home essentials. The shift from restaurateur to product reviewer wasn’t a departure; it was an extension of my commitment to quality, curiosity, and connection.
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