Looking to own a legendary full-frame compact camera without burning $5K? You might want to consider the Sony RX1R II, which is currently still available on Amazon for just $2,700—nearly half the price of the brand-new RX1R III. And while it’s not the best choice for video shooters, that’s not what this camera was made for. The RX1R II is about having a high-end photo tool always ready in your pocket, and for that purpose, it still delivers in 2025.
The Compact Full-Frame Revolution—Then and Now
Back in 2015, the RX1R II made waves as one of the first ultra-compact cameras to pack a 42MP full-frame sensor into a premium body with a sharp, fixed 35mm Zeiss lens. It was groundbreaking then, and as we’ve seen in These Are the Best-Selling Full-Frame Fixed-Lens Cameras on Amazon, it’s still one of the most sought-after fixed-lens tools around. Now fast forward to 2025: Sony has finally released the long-awaited Sony RX1R III: A Compact Full-Frame Powerhouse With a Premium Fixed Lens. It boasts a new 61MP sensor, AI-enhanced autofocus, and even 4K video. But with a $5,000+ price tag, it clearly aims at a very different type of buyer. The question is—do you really need all that?
Who’s the RX1R II Really For in 2025?
Let’s be honest: no one’s buying the RX1R II for video. It maxes out at 1080p and lacks modern video features. But that’s not the point. If you’re a street photographer, documentarian, traveler, or someone who simply wants a fast, sharp, beautiful camera that fits in your jacket pocket, the RX1R II remains a gem. It still delivers that creamy full-frame look, incredible sharpness, and a classic Sony color science that many shooters still love today. And crucially, you can get it for $2,700 right now, a far cry from the premium price of its successor, which, as we noted in Is Sony Trying to Take on Crazy Leica with the $5K RX1R III?, is trying to edge into Leica territory.
What You’re Still Getting
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42MP full-frame sensor (yes, still very relevant!)
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Fixed 35mm f/2 Zeiss lens with stunning sharpness
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Compact form factor that fits in any bag or big pocket
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Manual dials and analog feel that enthusiasts love
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Excellent image quality in low light, thanks to sensor size
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Classic Sony AF that’s still fast and usable, even if it lacks AI magic
Final Thoughts: A Smart Buy for the Right Creator
The Sony RX1R II may be from a previous generation, but it was ahead of its time, and it still holds its own in the fixed-lens category. If you’re not shooting high-end video or if you already have another tool for that, this camera is a brilliant sidekick. With prices climbing on the RX1R III, the RX1R II at $2,700 is looking more like a modern classic than an outdated model. Want one before they’re gone for good? Buy it now on Amazon while it’s still available.
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