Sony packs even more power into its full-frame compact

Another day, another new ground-breaking technology from Sony's digital-imaging folks. This one comes in as a sibling to the two-year-old RX1R and RX1 , the company's two full-frame compacts, and the RX1R II seems to improve on most of the weaknesses in its preceding models.

Useful new technology and features make this update to Sony's full-frame compacts look mighty tempting.

Ultra-compact: Sony Cyber-shot RX1R II review

The Sony Cyber-shot RX1R II is the world's smallest full-frame camera, featuring a 42MP sensor, fixed ZEISS 35mm F2 lens, pop-up electronic viewfinder and excellent autofocus system. It promises absolutely excellent image quality in a package that fits into your coat pocket, but so-so handling, large file sizes, a clunky user interface and short battery life will turn off some users.

Those who demand ultimate image quality wherever they go, and appreciate a solid camera with lots of external controls.;

Cold weather photography (bring a spare battery), action or video shooting;

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1R II Review

Sony's original RX1 ( at Amazon) was a groundbreaking camera when it was announced in late 2012. We'd seen fixed-lens digital cameras with large APS-C image sensors before, but none with a full-frame sensor. That's still rare—the new RX1R II ($3,299.99) is only the fourth model to sport one, if you count the RX1 and RX1R ($2,799.99) as different models. The RX1R II offers some compelling reasons to upgrade—the same high-resolution image sensor found in the Alpha 7R II ($1,298.00 at Amazon) and an integrated electronic viewfinder chief among them. But it's not a camera that stands alone in the market; our Editor's Choice award stays with the larger, more expensive Leica Q (Typ 116) ($8,988.00 at Amazon) and its wider, faster lens. DesignThe RX1R II's ($3,298.00 at Amazon)  fixed lens design puts it into the compact camera class, but at 2.6 by 4.5 by 2.8 inches and 1.1 pounds it's not a pocket-friendly option like the svelte Ricoh GR II ($904.95 at Amazon) (2.5 by 4.6 by 1.4 inc...

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1R II puts an incredible high-resolution full-frame image sensor and fixed lens into a form factor that's almost pocket friendly.

Compact design; Full-frame 42-megapixel image sensor; Sharp 35mm f/2 lens; Excellent picture quality; Variable OLPF filter; Integrated pop-up EVF; Tilting rear display; 1080p120 video; Wi-Fi

Lens shows some barrel distortion; Limited battery life; Doesn't include external battery charger; Uncomfortable focus select switch; Omits flash

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1R II review review

Simply sublime image quality; Genuinely useful upgrades over the original RX1; Outstanding build quality;

Seriously expensive; Battery life could be better; Autofocus feels slow against cheaper competition;