With the recent launch of the Sony RXO II, I began to think about the tools we all use to create the photo and video content we share with the world. While DSLR cameras sales have been stagnating lately, there has been a rise in the popularity of the lighter, smaller and often more portable cameras. The trend seems to point to people wanting more powerful devices in smaller packages, myself included. These smaller packages are ideal for travelers who would rather focus on the experiences than having to carry out a heavy photo kit in order to document their travels.
So, with as often as I am traveling, when Sony launched the tiny RX0 II, I knew I wanted to pick one up. With it’s 15.3 MP Exmor RS CMOS sensor, rugged and waterproof body, support for internal 4k video and a brand new built-in time-lapse mode, I knew I couldn’t test it just anywhere! I had to find a place that not only allowed me to see what it was capable of capturing, but that challenged the device as well. To me the answer was obvious! I needed to take the RXO II with me one of my favorite mountainous ranges in the world, Southern Patagonia.
After using the camera extensively for weeks, I really felt that the RXO II is an ideal camera for travelers who wish to pack light, yet want strong photo and video quality. Below is just a few of the reasons why I loved traveling with the Sony RXO II.
Small, Lightweight Package
One of the first things I noticed about the RX0 II is just how small and portable it truly is. I can easily fit two or three RX0 II’s in the palm of my hand. Weighing just 4.7 oz, it is also incredibly light, although it feels solidly built. Because of its size, I was able to bring it with me just about everywhere throughout my travels around Patagonia, without even thinking about it. Often, I would just throw it in the pocket of my winter coat. To me, it is one of those devices that is so portable, that I have to actively think of reasons why I wouldn’t want to bring it with me, which is in stark contrast to how most photographers think about their gear.
Easy Setup
Throughout my time in Patagonia, I paired my RX0 II with a small, lightweight Joby tripod, which allowed me to unobtrusively position the RX0 II anywhere I needed it to go. With a tripod mount on the bottom of the camera, it was incredibly easy to attach. The addition of the rear articulating LCD screen helped make this a perfect combo, as I could still see the screen from just about any angle.
Impressive Photo and Video Quality
While you are limited to a fixed 24mm f/4 lens, the power of the 15.3 MP Exmor RS CMOS sensor is pretty amazing, which shouldn’t be a surprise as it is the same sensor found in the popular Sony RX 100 series. The AWR Sony raw files coming out of the RX0 II give you a lot of room to play with in post processing and offer tac sharp results as you can see below.
Professional Looking and Easy to Use Time-lapse Video
One of the things, I am most excited about with the RXO II is creating time-lapse clips. With Sony’s new built-in Intervalometer, I now have the ability to easily shoot a variety of different kinds of time-lapses with ease. When coupled with its unobtrusive size, I found myself setting up time-lapse much more than I normally would with my larger Sony mirrorless cameras.
The Articulating Rear LCD
One of the most requested features with nearly every Sony camera is to have a rear LCD that not only articulates, but that fully flips as well. While some people might get excited about this feature because it allows you to easily take a selfie, I think the more exciting use case would be for Vloggers that hope to use the tiny RX0 II for their portable daily travel camera.
WiFi Transfer on the Go
When you are on the road, there are times when you want to get the content you just shot right away so that you can upload it to Instagram or Facebook. When you pair the RX0 II with your smartphone using the Imaging Edge App (Android & IOS), you can easily transfer JPEG and Video files (even 4k) to your device of choice. It is important to note that you currently can not transfer your Sony AWR raw files using this method.
So, all in all, I loved my time with the Sony RXO II. While it can never replace my full Sony mirrorless kit, the camera delivers stunning quality in a tiny package, making it perfect to take on almost any adventure, whether it be as your main camera or a secondary camera to capture quick wide angle photos on the go, time-lapse video or to take selfie or record a Vlog.
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Purchase the Sony RXO II through Amazon or B&H Photo.
