Housing, haptics and workmanship:
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Formally speaking, not much has changed. At first glance, except for the small hump on the flash shoe no difference. However, you get that feeling of a much higher weight, and I see more positive. One thinks, the housing must consist entirely of metal, which is not true. While in the RX100 also the side and rear housing parts were covered with metal, they are now made of plastics material. That does not detract from the excellent haptic All thing. The blue ZEISS logo is no longer a sticker, but embedded in the casing. Overall, RX100II something adult and "professional" look.
Technical innovations compared to the RX100:
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The fact that the camera is now has a folding monitor the most enjoyable novelty because shots above the head or from the worm's eye view are now easier to implement. Here, the new monitor is hardly noticeable, the total RX100II is just 3 mm thick made. Revision has Sony also the brightness sensor for the monitor brightness. In dark places, the monitor now darkens more and provides a more realistic picture finder "and also helps to save battery power.
The flash or accessory shoe looks a bit strange at this small camera. That's a little as if the tail wag the dog, and not vice versa. A flash unit would be larger than the camera itself. A viewfinder will cost a similar amount as the camera and negates the primary advantage of RX100II, namely compactness.
The key label is now a little clearer to read and the (really unnecessary) rotating ring on the lens is now running much smoother. The HDMI port is no longer down, but is now on the right side, below the USB / charging jack. The on / off is now taken in a little deeper, which significantly minimizes the risk accidental switching on, eg in the packaging into a tight pocket. However, sometimes we need a second start-up, to turn on the camera, because it does not work the first time. But that may be a matter of habit.
A very useful new feature is the ability to lock the movie button for photo programs. Its predecessor, it is unfortunately very often happens to me that I have accidentally pressed the button with your thumb and start a video recording. Another new feature is the ability to images via WLAN to a smartphone or a smart TV transfer.
The most important change compared to the RX100 is in addition to the folding monitor the revised Exmor R sensor. He should lt. Sony by 30% to be light-sensitive and provide an even better picture quality.
In this context, the basic sensitivity of the sensor from ISO 125 (RX100) has increased to ISO 160. Strangely, you will notice no advantage in exposure when taking pictures. So for example, I found the following behavior at an identical shooting conditions when shooting indoors and low light: The RX100 selects at F1.8 an exposure time of 1 / 30s and ISO 1250, while the RX100II 1 / 15s and ISO1.600 chooses. If the new sensor is sensitive to light, the opposite behavior would be more logical.
Image quality compared to the RX100:
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After a series of comparative photographs under identical conditions (RAW & JEPEG) surrendered to ISO 1600 no notable differences. The situation is different when shooting at higher ISO values. Here the scores RX100II significantly. However, I recommend here RAW shots because of this is clearly more to bring out. The JPEG engine from Sony ironed next to the noise too many image details out.
Accessories Tips:
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The self-handle AG-R1 Sony makes the handling of the otherwise not very grippy camera significantly more pleasant and safer. In addition, he does not act like a temporary, but fits perfectly.
As a camera bag, I can recommend the original Sony LCS-CSJ. The RX100II fits into it perfectly and a second battery also has enough space. Nevertheless, the bag is nice and small and contributes unnecessarily to nowhere. They can also be used as a belt pouch when needed.
CONCLUSION:
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The RX100II represents a thoroughly successful upgrade to RX100. Still there is no comparable photo quality in such a small housing. Whether, however, worth the significantly higher Surcharge for RX100, everyone must decide for themselves. I would have stayed with the RX100, if I had not given them my daughter. For me personally, the folding screen is the largest and most useful appreciation against the old "model.
