Sony RX1, Is There Still Someone Using It in 2025?
RX1, The Glory of Its Launch
The Sony RX1 is a compact full-frame camera released in 2012, a truly revolutionary product at the time. It launched with a hefty price tag of around 3 million KRW. The fact that it housed a full-frame sensor in such a small body attracted significant attention. Nowadays, you can find it on second-hand platforms like Danggeun Market or SLR Club for about 600,000 KRW. At this price point, it offers incredible value for money.
The Combination of Carl Zeiss Lens and Full-Frame Sensor
The RX1 is equipped with a Carl Zeiss 35mm f2 lens and Sony's full-frame sensor. This combination makes it an excellent choice for portable snap photography. In many cases, photos taken under normal conditions can rival or even surpass those from modern cameras. While its autofocus speed is slow and ISO performance isn't great, these drawbacks are hardly noticeable in well-lit environments. For photos intended for social media, it's still an outstanding option.
However, its resolution isn't high enough for large prints. Still, it's perfect for Instagram or blog uploads.
Video? Just Pretend It Doesn't Exist!
Honestly, I wouldn't recommend using the RX1 for video recording. The quality is poor, focusing is slow, and even the audio isn't great. Without image stabilization, it's entirely unsuitable for video work. The RX1 is strictly a photography-focused camera. It's best to think of video as a non-existent feature.
How Does It Compare to the RX1 MK2?
There is a successor model, the RX1 MK2. Having used both models, I found no significant differences between them. The MK2 offers Wi-Fi connectivity and slightly improved autofocus, but the improvements aren't substantial enough to notice. On the contrary, I found the built-in flash of the RX1 more appealing. When used at night with flash, the full-frame sensor produces stunning portrait photos.
Therefore, there's no need to upgrade to the MK2; the RX1 alone delivers highly satisfying results.
Still an Attractive Camera in 2025!
In conclusion, the RX1 remains a highly usable camera in 2025. By keeping an eye on second-hand listings on platforms like Danggeun Market or SLR Club, you can find one for about 600,000 KRW—a price that leaves little room for hesitation! Nowadays, you can easily solve Wi-Fi connectivity issues with small Type-C SD card readers available on AliExpress for just a few thousand won.
While its fixed-lens design might pose reliability issues, any RX1 that has survived this long is likely either already repaired or free from defects. Personally, I'm very satisfied with this camera—especially for portrait photography.
If you get the chance, give it a try! Don't hesitate—just buy it!
