Sony released its rugged RX0 action camera two years ago, and today the company has announced its successor, the world’s smallest and lightest premium compact camera RX0 II.

The RX0 II has a 15.3 megapixel sensor and a Zeiss Tessar T 24mm f/4 fixed wide-angle lens with a 20 cm minimum focus distance for scenic shots. It’s very similar in size to its predecessor, with a 2.3in x 1.59in x 1.38in body that weighs just 132 grams.

Building upon the waterproof, dustproof, shockproof, crushproof and ultra-compact qualities of the original RX0, the new model now offers internal 4K recording, an adjustable LCD screen that tilts upward 180 degrees and downward 90 degrees and that even works underwater, and new image stabilization solutions.

This nearly indestructible compact camera expand your shooting potential. There’s no need to safeguard against rainwater or splashed drinks, and you can also shoot comfortably in desert settings with sand and dust. All without requiring a special waterproof case or additional accessories.

Thanks to the shockproof design, you won’t need to worry again about the occasional accident, so obviously there’s no need for super-delicate treatment — stow the camera comfortably in a carrying bag or a pocket without concern.

At the heart of the RX0 II sits a 1.0-type stacked 15.3-megapixel Exmor RS cmos image sensor and an advanced BIONZ X image processing engine that offer enhanced color reproduction, including beautiful skin tones.

This power packed combination has been optimized to deliver lightning fast performance and exquisite image quality for both stills and movie shooting across a wide sensitivity range of ISO 80-12800.

In terms of video, the RX0 II can shoot 4K video at 30 fps, includes a microphone jack, and has in-body electronic stabilization that’s even usable in handheld mode.

Slow-motion photographers will also be happy to know Sony includes a 1,000-fps recording mode with uncompressed 4K HDMI output. The RX0 II also supports S-Log2 for more flexibility in post-processing.

The versatility of the RX0 II means that it offers a host of still photography features in addition to its video capabilities. It boasts an Anti-distortion Shutter of up to 1/32,000 sec and can shoot at up to 16 fps to capture any fleeting moment of emotion that passes across the subject’s face. In an upgrade from the original RX0, color reproduction has been enhanced to reproduce natural and vivid color of human skin, and the optional Soft Skin Effect can be applied to cover minor blemishes and wrinkles. Rating and Protect functions can be applied in camera and a grouped display of continuously shot images can be viewed on the camera.

Sony’s Eye AF, which is proving hugely popular with portrait photographers across the world, has been upgraded on the RX0 II. The speed, accuracy and operation of the Eye AF has been improved to make it even easier to capture a stunning portrait; a simple half-press of the shutter button will lock-on to the eye of the subject. The focused eye can be selected (left / right / auto) in the menu or assigned to a custom button, allowing the user to concentrate on composition.

At the end of the day, $700 it’s a bit pricey for an action camera.
But going through the specs the RX0 II sounds like it might just be worth it.
The new action cam will start shipping in April 2019.

More info on Sony’s website.