Sony CyberShot RX100 II boasts "DSLR" images from a point-and-shoot setup

Alongside the CyberShot RX1R, Sony has unveiled a second addition to the RX-series: the RX100 II, which is a more powerful version of the RX100. Sony hails this camera as offering photographers DSRL-quality images from a compact camera setup, managing to pull this off in part due to the device's 1.0-type Exmor R backlit CMOS sensor, which offers 20.2-megapixels. We've got a gallery available after the jump.

The RX100 II's biggest claim to fame over the RX100 is its low-light image quality, which seems to have been a big focus of Sony's with both of these newest RX-series cameras. The low-light quality is said to be better than the sister camera's in both indoor and low-light settings sans the use of a flash. This is due to the use of the new Exmor R sensor featured in the camera, with its size helping to reduce noise.

The image quality is also helped by the use of an f1.8 Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T lens. Playback will be impressive for those with a Bravia TV, as the unit supports Sony's TRILUMINOS technology. The 3-inch LCD is hinged for angle-shots, able to be positioned both upwards and down, situation dependent. There's also the new addition of a Multi Interface Shoe and Multi-Terminal for using accessories.

Videos can be recorded in full high-definition at 24p and 25p, and there are several focal length options to choose from as part of a step-zoom function: 28mm, 35mm, 50mm, 70mm, and 100mm. All of this is rounded out by the ability to wireless transfer images via NFC, the first of Sony's cameras to offer the connectivity feature. The feature works in conjunction with Sony's PlayMemories Mobile app, which is available for both Android and iOS.

As with the RX1R, the RX100 II will be available in both the United States and Europe sometime in the middle of next month, although an exact date wasn't given. This model is priced at $750 USD, and can be grabbed now as a pre-order from Sony's website.