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Canon RP vs Sony RX1

The Canon EOS RP and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1 are two digital cameras that were announced, respectively, in February 2019 and September 2012. The RP is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera, while the RX1 is a fixed lens compact. Both cameras are equipped with a full frame sensor. The Canon has a resolution of 26 megapixels, whereas the Sony provides 24 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications
Canon RP
versus
Sony RX1
Canon RP   Sony RX1
Mirrorless system camera Fixed lens compact camera
Canon RF mount lenses 35mm f/2.0
26 MP – Full Frame sensor 24 MP – Full Frame sensor
4K/30p Video 1080/60p Video
ISO 100-40,000 (50 - 102,400) ISO 100-25,600 (50 - 102,400)
Electronic viewfinder (2360k dots) Viewfinder optional
3.0" LCD – 1040k dots 3.0" LCD – 1229k dots
Swivel touchscreen Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
5 shutter flaps per second 5 shutter flaps per second
250 shots per battery charge270 shots per battery charge
133 x 85 x 70 mm, 485 g 113 x 65 x 70 mm, 482 g
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Canon EOS RP and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

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Body comparison

The side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size and weight of the Canon RP and the Sony RX1. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three successive views from the front, the top, and the rear are shown. All size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

Size Canon RP vs Sony RX1
Compare RP versus RX1 top
Comparison RP or RX1 rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Sony RX1 is considerably smaller (35 percent) than the Canon RP. In this context, it is worth noting that neither the RP nor the RX1 are weather-sealed.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete and possibly misleading, as the RX1 has a lens built in, whereas the RP is an interchangeable lens camera that requires a separate lens. Attaching the latter will add extra weight and bulk to the setup.

Concerning battery life, the RP gets 250 shots out of its Canon LP-E17 battery, while the RX1 can take 270 images on a single charge of its Sony NP-BX1 power pack. The battery packs of both cameras can be charged via USB, which can be very convenient when travelling.

The following table provides a synthesis of the main physical specifications of the two cameras and other similar ones. If you would like to visualize and compare a different camera combination, you can navigate to the CAM-parator app and make your selection from a broad list of cameras there.

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Body Specifications
  empty Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
1.
 
Canon RP 133 mm 85 mm 70 mm 485 g 250 n Feb 2019 US$ 1 299 amazon.com
2.
 
Sony RX1 113 mm 65 mm 70 mm 482 g 270 n Sep 2012 US$ 2 799ebay.com
3.
 
Canon M5 116 mm 89 mm 61 mm 427 g 295 n Sep 2016 US$ 979ebay.com
4.
 
Canon R 139 mm 98 mm 84 mm 660 g 370 Y Sep 2018 US$ 2 299ebay.com
5.
 
Canon R8 133 mm 86 mm 70 mm 461 g 220 n Feb 2023 US$ 1 499 amazon.com
6.
 
Canon SL2 122 mm 93 mm 70 mm 453 g 650 n Jun 2017 US$ 549ebay.com
7.
 
Canon SL3 122 mm 93 mm 70 mm 449 g 1070 n Apr 2019 US$ 599 amazon.com
8.
 
Canon T6s 132 mm 101 mm 78 mm 565 g 440 n Feb 2015 US$ 649ebay.com
9.
 
Canon T7 129 mm 101 mm 78 mm 475 g 500 n Feb 2018 US$ 449 amazon.com
10.
 
Nikon D5300 125 mm 98 mm 76 mm 480 g 600 n Oct 2013 US$ 799ebay.com
11.
 
Sony A3000 128 mm 91 mm 85 mm 411 g 470 n Aug 2013 US$ 329ebay.com
12.
 
Sony NEX-7 120 mm 67 mm 43 mm 400 g 430 n Aug 2011 US$ 1 349ebay.com
13.
 
Sony RX1R 113 mm 65 mm 70 mm 482 g 270 n Jun 2013 US$ 2 799ebay.com
14.
 
Sony RX1R II 113 mm 65 mm 72 mm 507 g 220 n Oct 2015 US$ 3 299ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.

Any camera decision will naturally be influenced heavily by the price. The listed launch prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down.

Sensor comparison

The size of the sensor inside a digital camera is one of the key determinants of image quality. All other things equal, a large sensor will have larger individual pixel-units that offer better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Further, a large sensor camera will give the photographer additional creative options when using shallow depth-of-field to isolate a subject from its background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be more expensive and lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Both cameras under consideration feature a full frame sensor, but their sensors differ slightly in size. The sensor area in the RX1 is 1 percent smaller. They nevertheless have the same format factor of 1.0. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

Canon RP and Sony RX1 sensor measures

With 26MP, the RP offers a slightly higher resolution than the RX1 (24MP), but the RP has smaller individual pixels (pixel pitch of 5.76μm versus 5.96μm for the RX1). However, the RP is a much more recent model (by 6 years and 5 months) than the RX1, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixels.

The RP has on-sensor phase detect pixels, which results in fast and reliable autofocus acquisition even during live view operation.

The Canon EOS RP has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 40000, which can be extended to ISO 50-102400. The corresponding ISO settings for the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1 are ISO 100 to ISO 25600, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 50-102400.

Technology-wise, both cameras are equipped with CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensors. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

RP versus RX1 MP

Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. This service is based on lab testing and assigns an overall score to each camera sensor, as well as ratings for dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), color depth ("DXO Portrait"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"). Of the two cameras under consideration, the RX1 has a markedly higher DXO score than the RP (overall score 8 points higher), which will translate into better image quality. The advantage is based on 0.8 bits higher color depth, 2.4 EV in additional dynamic range, and 0.2 stops of reduced low light sensitivity. The adjacent table reports on the physical sensor characteristics and the outcomes of the DXO sensor quality tests for a sample of comparator-cameras.

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Sensor Characteristics
  empty Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Canon RP Full Frame 26.0 6240 41604K/30p24.311.9297785
2.
 
Sony RX1 Full Frame 24.0 6000 40001080/60p25.114.3253493
3.
 
Canon M5 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p23.412.4126277
4.
 
Canon R Full Frame 30.1 6720 44804K/30p24.513.5274289
5.
 
Canon R8 Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004k/60p24.514.7329593
6.
 
Canon SL2 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p23.613.4104179
7.
 
Canon SL3 APS-C 24.0 6000 40004K/25p23.913.4179182
8.
 
Canon T6s APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/30p22.612.091570
9.
 
Canon T7 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/30p23.813.3168481
10.
 
Nikon D5300 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.013.9133883
11.
 
Sony A3000 APS-C 19.8 5456 36321080/60i23.712.8106878
12.
 
Sony NEX-7 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60i24.113.4101681
13.
 
Sony RX1R Full Frame 24.0 6000 40001080/60p25.013.6253791
14.
 
Sony RX1R II Full Frame 42.2 7952 53041080/60p25.813.9320497
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but can also record movies. Both cameras under consideration have a sensor with sufficiently fast read-out times for moving pictures, but the RP provides a higher video resolution than the RX1. It can shoot video footage at 4K/30p, while the Sony is limited to 1080/60p.

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Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the RP has an electronic viewfinder (2360k dots), which can be very helpful when shooting in bright sunlight. In contrast, the RX1 relies on live view and the rear LCD for framing. That said, the RX1 can be equipped with an optional viewfinder – the FDA-EV1MK. The table below summarizes some of the other core capabilities of the Canon RP and Sony RX1 in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras.

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Core Features
  empty Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
Canon RP2360 n3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 5.0/s n n
2.
 
Sony RX1optional n3.0 / 1229 fixed n 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
3.
 
Canon M52360 n3.2 / 1620 tilting Y 1/4000s 9.0/s Y n
4.
 
Canon R3690 Y3.2 / 2100 swivel Y 1/8000s 8.0/s n n
5.
 
Canon R82360 n3.0 / 1620 swivel Y 1/4000s 6.0/s n n
6.
 
Canon SL2optical n3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
7.
 
Canon SL3optical n3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
8.
 
Canon T6soptical Y3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
9.
 
Canon T7optical n3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
10.
 
Nikon D5300optical n3.2 / 1037 swivel n 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
11.
 
Sony A3000202 n3.0 / 230 fixed n 1/4000s 2.5/s Y n
12.
 
Sony NEX-72359 n3.0 / 921 tilting n 1/4000s 10.0/s Y n
13.
 
Sony RX1Roptional n3.0 / 1229 fixed n 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
14.
 
Sony RX1R II2360 n3.0 / 1229 tilting n 1/4000s 5.0/s n n
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.

One differentiating feature between the two cameras concerns the touch sensitivity of the rear screen. The RP has a touchscreen, while the RX1 has a conventional panel. Touch control can be particularly helpful, for example, for setting the focus point.

The RP has an articulated LCD that can be turned to be front-facing. This characteristic will be appreciated by vloggers and photographers who are interested in snapping selfies. In contrast, the RX1 does not have a selfie-screen.

The Canon RP has an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.

The RP writes its imaging data to SDXC cards, while the RX1 uses SDXC or Memory Stick PRO Duo cards. The RP supports UHS-II cards (Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 312 MB/s), while the RX1 cannot take advantage of Ultra High Speed SD cards.

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Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Canon EOS RP and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
  empty Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Canon RPYstereo / monoYYmicro2.0Y-Y
2.
 
Sony RX1Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0---
3.
 
Canon M5Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0YYY
4.
 
Canon RYstereo / monoYYmini3.1Y-Y
5.
 
Canon R8Ystereo / monoYYmicro3.2Y-Y
6.
 
Canon SL2Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0YYY
7.
 
Canon SL3Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0Y-Y
8.
 
Canon T6sYstereo / monoY-mini2.0YY-
9.
 
Canon T7Ymono / mono--mini2.0YY-
10.
 
Nikon D5300Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0Y--
11.
 
Sony A3000Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
12.
 
Sony NEX-7Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0---
13.
 
Sony RX1RYstereo / monoY-mini2.0---
14.
 
Sony RX1R IIYstereo / monoY-micro2.0YY-

It is notable that the RP offers wifi support, while the RX1 does not. Wifi can be a very convenient means to transfer image data to an off-camera location.

The RP is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Canon. In contrast, the RX1 has been discontinued (but can be found pre-owned on ebay). As a replacement in the same line of cameras, the RX1 was succeeded by the Sony RX1R. Further information on the features and operation of the RP and RX1 can be found, respectively, in the Canon RP Manual (free pdf) or the online Sony RX1 Manual.

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Review summary

So how do things add up? Is the Canon RP better than the Sony RX1 or vice versa? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.

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Advantages of the Canon EOS RP:

  • Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (4K/30p vs 1080/60p).
  • Better live-view autofocus: Features on-sensor phase-detection for more confident autofocus.
  • Better sound control: Has a headphone port that enables audio monitoring while recording.
  • Easier framing: Has an electronic viewfinder for image composition and settings control.
  • More flexible LCD: Has a swivel screen for odd-angle shots in portrait or landscape orientation.
  • Fewer buttons to press: Is equipped with a touch-sensitive rear screen to facilitate handling.
  • More selfie-friendly: Has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing.
  • Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
  • More flexible: Accepts interchangeable lenses, so that lens characteristics can be altered.
  • Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
  • Easier wireless transfer: Supports Bluetooth for image sharing without cables.
  • Faster buffer clearing: Supports Ultra High Speed (UHS-II) SDXC cards.
  • More modern: Reflects 6 years and 5 months of technical progress since the RX1 launch.

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Reasons to prefer the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1:

  • Better image quality: Scores markedly higher (8 points) in the DXO overall evaluation.
  • More dynamic range: Captures a broader range of light and dark details (2.4 EV of extra DR).
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1229k vs 1040k dots).
  • Ready to shoot: Has an integrated lens, whereas the RP necessitates an extra lens.
  • More compact: Is smaller (113x65mm vs 133x85mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
  • Less heavy: Has a lower weight even though it has a lens built in (unlike the RP).
  • Easier fill-in: Has a small integrated flash to brighten shadows of backlit subjects.
  • More heavily discounted: Has been around for much longer (launched in September 2012).

If the count of individual advantages (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the RP is the clear winner of the match-up (13 : 8 points). However, the relevance of individual strengths will vary across photographers, so that you might want to apply your own weighing scheme to the summary points when reflecting and deciding on a new camera. A professional wildlife photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a family photog, and a person interested in architecture has distinct needs from a sports shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

RP 13:08 RX1

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Canon RP and the Sony RX1 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera and Best Prime Lens Compact Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the specs-based evaluation of cameras can be instructive in revealing their potential as photographic tools, it says little about, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance of the RP and the RX1 in practical situations. At times, user reviews, such as those published at amazon, address these issues in a useful manner, but such feedback is on many occasions incomplete, inconsistent, and unreliable.

Expert reviews

This is why expert reviews are important. The table below provides a synthesis of the camera assessments of some of the best known photo-gear review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

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Expert Camera Reviews
  empty  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
1.
 
Canon RP4/5+4/5..4.5/54/5 Feb 2019 US$ 1 299 amazon.com
2.
 
Sony RX15/5....79/1004/54.5/5 Sep 2012 US$ 2 799ebay.com
3.
 
Canon M54/5+4/582/1004/54/5 Sep 2016 US$ 979ebay.com
4.
 
Canon R4/5o4/579/1004.5/54/5 Sep 2018 US$ 2 299ebay.com
5.
 
Canon R84.5/5+ +4.5/587/1004/54.5/5 Feb 2023 US$ 1 499 amazon.com
6.
 
Canon SL24/5+ +4/578/1004.5/54.5/5 Jun 2017 US$ 549ebay.com
7.
 
Canon SL34/5o4.5/579/1004/54/5 Apr 2019 US$ 599 amazon.com
8.
 
Canon T6s5/5+..77/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2015 US$ 649ebay.com
9.
 
Canon T7..o3.5/5..3.5/53.5/5 Feb 2018 US$ 449 amazon.com
10.
 
Nikon D53004/5+ +..79/1004.5/54.5/5 Oct 2013 US$ 799ebay.com
11.
 
Sony A30003/5+....4/54/5 Aug 2013 US$ 329ebay.com
12.
 
Sony NEX-75/5+ +..81/1004.5/55/5 Aug 2011 US$ 1 349ebay.com
13.
 
Sony RX1R5/5......4/54.5/5 Jun 2013 US$ 2 799ebay.com
14.
 
Sony RX1R II5/5....82/100..4.5/5 Oct 2015 US$ 3 299ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

The review scores listed above should be treated with care, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, and comparisons of ratings among very different cameras or across long time periods have little meaning. Also, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.

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Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you are interested in seeing how other cameras pair up, just make your choice using the following search menu. As an alternative, you can also directly jump to any one of the listed comparisons that were previously generated by the CAM-parator tool.

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    Specifications: Canon RP vs Sony RX1

    Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

    Camera Specifications
    Camera Model Canon RP Sony RX1
    Camera Type Mirrorless system camera Fixed lens compact camera
    Camera Lens Canon RF mount lenses 35mm f/2.0
    Launch Date February 2019 September 2012
    Launch Price USD 1,299 USD 2,799
    Sensor Specs Canon RP Sony RX1
    Sensor Technology CMOS CMOS
    Sensor Format Full Frame Sensor Full Frame Sensor
    Sensor Size 35.9 x 24.0 mm 35.8 x 23.8 mm
    Sensor Area 861.6 mm2 852.04 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 43.2 mm 43 mm
    Crop Factor 1.0x 1.0x
    Sensor Resolution 26 Megapixels 24 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 6240 x 4160 pixels 6000 x 4000 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 5.76 μm 5.96 μm
    Pixel Density 3.01 MP/cm2 2.82 MP/cm2
    Moiré control Anti-Alias filter Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability 4K/30p Video 1080/60p Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 40,000 ISO 100 - 25,600 ISO
    ISO Boost 50 - 102,400 ISO 50 - 102,400 ISO
    Image Processor DIGIC 8 BIONZ X
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 85 93
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 24.3 25.1
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 11.9 14.3
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 2977 2534
    Screen Specs Canon RP Sony RX1
    Viewfinder Type Electronic viewfinder Viewfinder optional
    Viewfinder Field of View 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.70x
    Viewfinder Resolution 2360k dots
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.0inch 3.0inch
    LCD Resolution 1040k dots 1229k dots
    LCD Attachment Swivel screen Fixed screen
    Touch Input Touchscreen no Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs Canon RP Sony RX1
    Focus System On-Sensor Phase-detect Contrast-detect AF
    Manual Focusing Aidno Peaking FeatureFocus Peaking
    Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) 1/4000s 1/4000s
    Continuous Shooting 5 shutter flaps/s 5 shutter flaps/s
    Time-Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer built-inno Intervalometer
    Fill Flash no On-Board Flash Built-in Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards MS or SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot Single card slot
    UHS card support UHS-II no
    Connectivity Specs Canon RP Sony RX1
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    USB Connector USB 2.0 USB 2.0
    HDMI Port micro HDMI mini HDMI
    Microphone Port External MIC port External MIC port
    Headphone Socket Headphone port no Headphone port
    Wifi Support Wifi built-in no Wifi
    Bluetooth Support Bluetooth built-in no Bluetooth
    Body Specs Canon RP Sony RX1
    Battery Type Canon LP-E17 Sony NP-BX1
    Battery Life (CIPA)250 shots per charge270 shots per charge
    In-Camera Charging USB charging USB charging
    Body Dimensions 133 x 85 x 70 mm
    (5.2 x 3.3 x 2.8 in)
    113 x 65 x 70 mm
    (4.4 x 2.6 x 2.8 in)
    Camera Weight 485 g (17.1 oz) 482 g (17.0 oz)
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    Did you notice an error on this page? If so, please get in touch, so that we can correct the information.

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