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Sony's full-frame compact camera goes for a sharper image

A new version of Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-RX1, the RX1R, incorporates a new version of the sensor without an optical low-pass filter.

Lori Grunin Senior Editor / Advice
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.
Expertise Photography, PCs and laptops, gaming and gaming accessories
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Lori Grunin
Sony Electronics

Sony's got a new version of its full-frame Cyber-shot DSC-RX1 compact intended for folks who want to eke out every bit of sharpness from their photos. The RX1R is identical to the RX1 in almost every respect -- including the $2,799.99 price -- but lacks an optical low-pass filter (OLPF) on the sensor. Of course, it has updated image-processing algorithms to compensate for the artifacts that OLPF filters commonly handle, such as moire. That probably means it will perform a little slower because of the processing overhead.

So Sony's offering two full-frame compacts at the same price. That's bound to confuse some shoppers, though the OLPF-free version is really for people who need to resolve fine detail in still subjects like landscapes.

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The camera is slated to ship in early July.