Sony's Latest RX0 II: Continuing the Pattern of Stunning Fiascos and Overlooking Clear Opportunities?
Sony, a brand that once sparked my awe with Sony Centers and revolutionary products like the Walkman and PlayStation, now leaves me baffled. This is the company that dominated various markets, from portable audio to console gaming, and even forced pros to embrace mirrorless cameras.
But things have changed; Sony Centers are a thing of the past, and my MacBook collection has replaced my Sony Vaio. Sony's grip on the mobile phone market has been weakened, TV space is no longer its turf, and despite producing some of the best models, it's no longer the industry leader.
Sony RX0 II: Save £34 with code "SONYCAMERA5" at Wex Photo Video. This compact camera boasts a 1-inch Exmor RS stacked sensor and 4K video, making it a powerhouse in a petite frame. It's waterproof to 10m / 33ft, equipped with a tilting LCD display for selfies or composition, and comes with an audio-in socket, appealing to pro shooters.
Sony DSC-RX0 II: This action camera is cooler than the Insta360 Ace Pro 2, boasting a Zeiss lens and a tough design with protective glass and corner-mounted screws. The video quality from the 24mm EFL camera and 1-inch image sensor is impressive, making it a potential rival for the Ace Pro 2, especially if you appreciate Sony's color handling.
Despite Sony's achievements, it's missed out on key features that we'd expect or match the camera at the top of the best action cameras list. The digital image stabilization is notably inferior to competitors like Insta360, GoPro, or DJI. The autofocus, which isn't continuous, is another issue for many, as Sony seems to have prioritized professional video shooting over action cameras.
In 2018, the 1-inch sensor from the original RX0 was the selling point for pros, and the quality was enough to warrant added production work for the niche. But now, with only GoPro failing to reach 1-inch sensor sizes, it seems Sony is lagging behind.
Sony's persistent shortcomings leave me scratching my head. It has the resources, technology, and designers to compete, yet it falters. A cooler name might be a good starting point for regaining the edge in this competitive market.
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Expert InsightsAdam Juniper, a seasoned tech journalist with over 20 years of experience, dives deep into camera drones, drone photography, and the latest rules and regulations on piloting drones, among other product categories. Check out his books on The Complete Guide to Drones, The Smart Smart Home Handbook, 101 Tips for DSLR Video, and The Drone Pilot's Handbook.
- Despite being a brand that once evoked awe with products like the Walkman and PlayStation, Sony now finds itself in a puzzling position, having lost ground in various markets like portable audio, console gaming, and mobile phones.
- The Sony RX0 II, a compact camera equipped with a 1-inch Exmor RS stacked sensor and 4K video capabilities, presents itself as a powerful contender in a miniature form factor, appealing to professional shooters with its waterproof design, tilting LCD display, and audio-in socket.
- The Sony DSC-RX0 II, an action camera, boasts a Zeiss lens and a rugged design with protective glass and corner-mounted screws, offering impressive video quality, with potential to rival the Insta360 Ace Pro 2.
- However, Sony's RX0 II comprehensively misses out on key features, such as a notable inferiority in digital image stabilization compared to competitors like Insta360, GoPro, or DJI, and an issue with non-continuous autofocus, which seems to prioritize professional video shooting over action cameras.
- In 2018, the 1-inch sensor of the original RX0 was a selling point for professionals, but with only GoPro failing to reach 1-inch sensor sizes, Sony appears to be lagging behind in the action camera market.
- Adam Juniper, a seasoned tech journalist, provides expert insights into camera drones, drone photography, and drone regulations, with books on The Complete Guide to Drones, The Smart Smart Home Handbook, 101 Tips for DSLR Video, and The Drone Pilot's Handbook.
- Furthermore, with Sony's persistent shortcomings in the face of being a company packed with resources, technology, and designers, it is worth considering a refreshed and more appealing brand name as a possible starting point to reclaim its competitive edge in the market of camera gadgets and technology.
