The RX100 II, which will eventually replace the RX100, features an f/1.8 Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens and back-illuminated 1in-type imaging sensor, designed to improve images in low light.

Due out in mid-July, priced £650, the RX100 II has a top ISO of 12,800 (compared to IS0 6400 on the RX100) and noise suppression equivalent to ‘one-stop lower sensitivity’, according to Sony.

The LCD screen is built to tilt upwards by 84° and down 45°.

Also new is a step zoom (28mm, 35mm, 50mm, 70mm and 100mm focal length options), Full HD video and compatibility with Near Field Communication (NFC), the first Sony to feature this type of wireless functionality.

Frederick Lange, head of digital imaging at Sony Europe said: ‘All [future] Sony cameras will come with Wi-Fi and NFC.’

NFC allows the photographer to transfer images to a smartphone by touching it against the camera, allowing them to view the pictures and remotely activate the shutter, for example.

The ‘multi-interface’ accessory shoe is compatible with Sony’s HVL-F20M flashgun and a £55 remote control that allows the user to trigger the shutter release and control the camera’s zoom, for example.

Accessories also include a grip (AG-R1, priced £10) and a 49mm-thread filter adapter (£25).

Sony expects the original RX100 to be available until at least the end of the year.