Though the camera we saw wasn't final build quality, it still looked and felt like an expensive camera -- as it should.
Lori Grunin
I've been reviewing hardware and software, devising testing methodology and handed out buying advice for what seems like forever; I'm currently absorbed by computers and gaming hardware, but previously spent many years concentrating on cameras. I've also volunteered with a cat rescue for over 15 years doing adoptions, designing marketing materials, managing volunteers and, of course, photographing cats.
Yes, the camera is definitely the smallest full-frame model available, though the lens keeps it from being pocketable.
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Grip
Although Sony didn't make the same mistake as it did with the RX100 and forgo a textured grip area, I wish the grip weren't flat.
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Lens
The Zeiss T*-coated 35mm f2 lens is quite nice, with a ring to manually switch it into macro mode. Still, it can only focus as close as 7.9 inches.
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Top controls
Like a typical enthusiast compact, the RX1 offers a dial devoted to exposure compensation and custom-settings slots. There're also an old-fashioned remote cable release thread in the shutter.
As with all the cameras announced with it, the RX1 incorporates Sony's new ISO standard hot shoe. While the flash pops up, it doesn't seem to tilt back for bouncing the way the RX100's does.
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Back controls
I was hoping for a bit more NEX-like user interface for the RX1; although the dial/navigation buttons are user-programmable, it lacks the context-sensitive prompts of the NEX models and instead has the scroll-around-the-edges interface of the Alpha SLTs. It does have an NEX-7-like dial on the top of the back.
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Record button
The camera has a nice, unobstructed thumb rest, but the movie record button is oddly placed on the side.
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Focus modes
Sony conveniently gives you quick-access control for the focusing modes.
