Bridge cameras have always been interesting beasts; generally able to do it all, just not always particularly well. But with the launch of the original Cyber-shot RX10 and Panasonic's Lumix DMC-FZ1000 in 2014, this category of cameras morphed into something more interesting.

The Sony RX10 II continues the tradition established by the original RX10. It can easily split its time between being an excellent stills camera and an outstanding video machine. Ergonomics, handling and build-quality are all top notch. And the camera's sharp, fast 24-200mm F2.8 equiv. lens should offer plenty of versatility for most shooters. Autofocus is good in most situations, though it does struggle when photographing fast action, using AF-C. Its subject tracking capabilities also lag behind the competition.

Photographers seeking an-all-in-one package, jam packed with pro-level video features, and great still image quality.;

Budget-minded individuals. Anyone who needs more telephoto reach. Folks who specifically want to shoot sports and action.;

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 II ($1,299.99) is an update to one of our favorite premium superzoom cameras , the RX10 . Like its predecessor, it sports a 20-megapixel 1-inch image sensor and a fixed 24-200mm f/2.8 zoom lens.

Sharp f/2.8 zoom lens; 1-inch image sensor; Very fast autofocus; 12.5fps burst shooting; Tilting rear display; Excellent EVF; Solid control layout; Wi-Fi and NFC; High-def slow-motion mode; 4K recording

Autofocus inconsistent in HFR mode; Shorter zoom range than others in this class; External battery charger not included; Pricey

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 II ($1,299.99) is an update to one of our favorite premium superzoom cameras, the RX10 ( at Amazon) . Like its predecessor, it sports a 20-megapixel 1-inch image sensor and a fixed 24-200mm f/2.8 zoom lens. Its body is largely unchanged, although the EVF has been improved, and the video system has been upgraded substantially—the new camera supports extreme slow motion capture at 1080p and standard video capture at 4K resolution. We're not rating it as highly as the RX10, which remains on the market for a signigicantly lower price and is still our Editors' Choice. There's also more competition in the space now—the Panasonic FZ1000 ($797.00 at Amazon) offers similar image quality and double the zoom range. But if you put an emphasis on video capture, it might make sense to spend some more and get the RX10 II. Design and FeaturesFrom a physical perspective, the RX10 II ( at Amazon)  is a near clone of the original RX10. It measures 3.5 by 5.1 by 4 inches...

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 II premium superzoom offers serious video upgrades, but it's priced a bit higher than it should be.

Sharp f/2.8 zoom lens; 1-inch image sensor; Very fast autofocus; 12.5fps burst shooting; Tilting rear display; Excellent EVF; Solid control layout; Wi-Fi and NFC; High-def slow-motion mode; 4K recording

Autofocus inconsistent in HFR mode; Shorter zoom range than others in this class; External battery charger not included; Pricey

The best bridge camera ever? Quite possibly

Superb all-round image quality and handling; Excellent lens; HFR shooting opens up new possibilities; 4K video

Expensive; Shooting in HFR can be tricky

Superb all-round image quality and handling; Excellent lens; HFR shooting opens up new possibilities; 4K video;

Expensive; Shooting in HFR can be tricky;

good!

Sony has once again shown that it has the point-and-shoot game figured out. So much so that it continues to be its own biggest competitor. Both the RX10 and RX100 lines share the same problem: their predecessors are just too good, cost less, and are still on the market.

You might look at the price above and think, 'Wow, that's expensive for a bridge camera.' You'd be right too, except Sony's RX10 II is special.

A formidable camera at an equally imposing price, it’s the Sony RX10 II’s slow motion modes that really stand out