Sony RX0II: Is it a better drone camera than the GoPro 10?

In 2019, Sony revealed their new GoPro-style action camera with a 1-inch image sensor. As its name suggests, the Sony RX0 II is the second version of the original RX0 camera that was first released in 2017. The second-generation RX0 principally adds 4K video recording with full pixel readout and no pixel binning, in-body electronic video stabilization, a tilting LCD screen, closer focusing distance, and an upgraded Eye AF mode.

The RX0 Mark II looks like a premium action camera, and it is very similar in size and weight to a GoPro 10. It measures 2.3 x 1.6 x 1.4″ (59 x 40.5 x 35 mm) and weighing a about 130grams. It’s an extremely rugged camera, with impeccable build quality making it seem pretty bulletproof. It is shockproof (up to 6.5 feet/2m) and crushproof (up to 440 pounds/200kg).

The Sony RX0 II can shoot video at 4K at speeds up to 30 fps or 1080p video at 120 fps. It shoots stills, of course, in both JPG and RAW formats. Its 700mAh battery allows about 45 minutes of continuous usage.

Sony RX0 II key features

• Compact size and rugged design: The camera’s rigid construction makes it dependable for use in various challenging environments. It is waterproof down to 10m/33ft, shock resistant for drops from heights up to 2.0m/6.5ft, and crushproof under weights of up to 200kgf/440lbf/2000N.
• 180° tiltable LCD monitor: Now tilting a full 180° (180° up and 90° down), the LCD monitor is handy when you’re framing selfies and vlog recordings, and it’s also handy when you’re shooting from a low or a high angle.
• 15.3MP (effective) stacked CMOS sensor: The 1.0-type Exmor RSTM CMOS image sensor is stacked with a dedicated DRAM chip, allowing an incredible 1/32,000 sec. Shutter speeds capture movement imperceptible to the human eye. The sensor also enables the camera’s impressively broad dynamic range, from ISO 8020 to ISO 12800.
• High-quality ZEISS optics: The Tessar T* 24mm18 F4 lens delivers high-resolution images with reduced peripheral distortion despite its wide-angle design. The improved 20cm minimum focusing distance is perfect for selfies and shots of tabletop objects, while Clear Image Zoom enables up to 2x zoom with minimal quality loss. Ghosting and flare can be further suppressed with an optional hood, and the surface coating on the front body makes it easier to wipe off water drops and dust.
• Advanced BIONZ X CPU for low noise and stunning detail: The latest version of the BIONZ X image-processing engine provides high-resolution images with a wide dynamic range and reduced noise in low-light settings. Images are characterized by more natural details and richer tonal gradations. This improved BIONZ X now also enables internal recording of 4K movies.
• Eye AF feature for perfect portrait and selfie shots: The camera’s sophisticated Eye AF feature is designed to automatically detect and focus on the eyes of the main subjects in your shots. It rapidly and accurately detects eyes even under challenging conditions, such as when the subject is looking downward or when faces are dimly lit or backlit.
• Image stabilization for movie shooting: The newly added electronic image stabilization feature enables stable, steady hand-held shooting of movies.

Sony RX0 II vs GoPro Hero 10 comparison: Which one is better?

Although the Sony RX0II camera is lighter than the GoPro 10 Black, having almost twice the price of a GoPro 10, it didn’t spread in the community of drone enthusiasts. Its rugged case and center-positioned ZEISS lens are also welcomed when installed on a drone. On the other hand, the GoPro 10 gives you more frame rate and resolution options and better HyperSmooth video stabilization.