Point and shoot perfection: an evening with Sony's RX100M2

First off, it's noticeably bigger and heavier, to the point where my form-fitting hard case from the original RX100 doesn't quite want to close. I see why Sony's continuing to offer the RX100 for $100 less: it's still the more portable camera, for less money, and it's still every bit as amazing as it was last year. I partially blame the RX100M2's new articulating LCD, which is mostly a gimmick (I've never been a fan of them — it's just something else to break, and it makes the camera thicker).

What's more, the articulating LCD is largely obviated by the PlayMemories Mobile smartphone app. I expected this to be too much trouble to use, but I was wrong: you connect your phone to the camera's Wi-Fi hotspot, then the app functions as a serviceable live viewfinder that can control zoom, flash, and shutter. It's brilliant, and in my testing, it works flawlessly. It also has a self-timer function, so you can see the camera's view for a self-portrait and still have enough time to stick the phone in your pocket.

Beyond that, I'll let these shots around my fair city of Chicago speak for themselves.