Used from 2013 to 2016

Although by 2013 I managed to acquire a DSLR and a small collection of lenses, I sought out a small "take everywhere with you" camera. After much research, all indications pointed to the Sony RX100II as the world's best small pocketable camera. So, I plunked down a big hunk of change and became the proud owner of this Sony mini-wonder.  I took this absolutely everywhere with me. It lived in my car more often than not. It was small enough that I could throw it into my pocket and be on my way. Eventually, it broke. The lens would no longer extend properly when turned on. I took it apart, tried my best to fix it it, but alas, to no avail. However, before it died, I managed to take approximately 750 keepers with this camera.

Camera Review:  I loved this little camera. It was super small, easily pocketable even in skinny jeans (not that I would know). The best camera is the one you have with you, and this one was always with me. The images it took were scary sharp, due in large part the pairing of the Sony 1" BSI-CMOS sensor and the Ziess lens. The camera easily handled low light. The layout of the controls were simple enough. Even with a small 1" sensor, the camera took beautiful pictures. However, the Mark II of the RX100 series lacked a view finder, which I found annoying. But my biggest gripe was the menu system. Sony buries some menu options so deep, I never figured out how to work some of the controls.  Also, this camera was just too fragile. Little moving parts WILL break... fact of life, especially when they are made of plastic. Will I buy another RX100? I don't know. The price is too high for such a fragile camera. Not sure I would. 

Camera Specifications:  21 megapixels * Sensor size 1″ (13.2 x 8.8 mm) * Sensor type BSI-CMOS * ISO 160-25600 * Image stabilization - Optical * Uncompressed format RAW * JPEG quality levels Standard, Fine * Focal length (equiv.) 28–100 mm * Optical zoom 3.6× Maximum aperture F1.8–4.9 * Digital zoom (14x) * Manual focus * Macro focus range 5 cm (1.97″) * Number of focus points 25 * Screen size 3″ * Screen dots 1,229,000 * Minimum shutter speed 30 sec * Maximum shutter speed 1/2000 sec * Continuous drive 10.0 fps * Videography features: Resolutions 1920 x 1080 (60 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps) Format MPEG-4, AVCHD* Microphone Stereo * Storage types SD/SDHC/SDXC, Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo/Pro-HG Duo * Battery Battery Pack Battery description Lithium-Ion NP-BX1 battery Battery Life (CIPA) * 350 shots * Weight (inc. batteries) 281 g (0.62 lb / 9.91 oz) * Dimensions 102 x 58 x 38 mm (4 x 2.29 x 1.51″)