• 1 inch 116.2mm2
  • 20.2 megapixels
  • 28.00mm - 100.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 16.0 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 25,600

Buy From

Differences

Sony RX100 II advantages over Panasonic GM1

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • NFC
    Yes vs No
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 350 vs 230 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Higher max flash sync
    1/2000 vs 1/50 sec
    Reduce the effect of ambient light in flash shots
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • More pixels
    20.2 vs 16.0 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Bigger RAW buffer
    13 vs 7 shots
    Larger buffer for RAW shots (burst mode)

Panasonic GM1 advantages over Sony RX100 II

  • Larger sensor
    4/3 vs 1 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 3.77 vs 2.41 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Fast startup
    ~0.90 vs 2.8 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • Higher effective ISO
    660 vs 483 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster RAW shooting
    10.3 fps vs 4.9 fps
    Faster RAW shooting in burst mode
  • Faster shutter
    1/16000 vs 1/2000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • Focus peaking
    Both provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • RAW file ability
    Both provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Manual focus
    Both provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video

Common Weaknesses

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Neither provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

Buy From

Review Excerpt

  • New, 20.2MP, 1-inch type, backside illuminated (BSI) image sensor produces superb image quality, with particular improvements in low light and high ISO; 3-inch tilting rear LCD screen handy for composing shots from difficult angles; Fast all-around performer with quick autofocus and virtually no shutter lag; New, multi-interface hotshoe for adding a strobe or optional electronic viewfinder; Built-in Wi-Fi with NFC.

  • Bigger and heavier than previous model; More expensive than previous model; Reduced burst performance when shooting RAW files; Somewhat confusing menu structure and control layout; Wi-Fi features can be difficult to set up.

  • Large Four Thirds sensor is impressive for a camera this small; Shares sensor and processor of GX7; Excellent image quality with class-leading high ISO performance; Responsive all-around performer; AF system is fast and accurate; Easy to use and responsive touchscreen; Built-in Wi-Fi with remote control and sharing features; Lightweight and pocketable design makes it easy to carry everywhere.

  • Can be awkward to use with larger lenses; Rear dial is easy to accidentally press; Lacks a hot-shoe for EVF or external flash; Weak built-in flash; 1/50s flash sync; No 1080p60 video; No external headphone jack or mic input.

The Competition

Compared to Sony RX100

Sony RX100 II
Sony RX100
  • $598
  • 1 inch
  • Tiltable Screen
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $1095
  • 1 inch
  • Faster RAW shooting
Panasonic GM1
Sony RX100
  • $479
  • 4/3
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $1095
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compared to Sony RX100 III

Sony RX100 II
Sony RX100 III
  • $598
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $748
  • 1 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Fast startup
Panasonic GM1
Sony RX100 III
  • $479
  • 4/3
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $748
  • 1 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compared to Panasonic GM5

Sony RX100 II
Panasonic GM5
  • $598
  • 1 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $898
  • 4/3
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
Panasonic GM1
Panasonic GM5
  • $479
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Internal flash
  • $898
  • 4/3
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • In-camera panoramas

Compared to Panasonic GF7

Sony RX100 II
Panasonic GF7
  • $598
  • 1 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • NFC
  • $590
  • 4/3
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
Panasonic GM1
Panasonic GF7
  • $479
  • 4/3
  • $590
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas

Compared to Sony RX100 IV

Sony RX100 II
Sony RX100 IV
  • $598
  • 1 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $898
  • 1 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Shoot 4K video
Panasonic GM1
Sony RX100 IV
  • $479
  • 4/3
  • Larger sensor
  • Less expensive
  • $898
  • 1 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
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