A few years ago I would have headed straight for Nikon or Ricoh.
I still have huge respect for what Ricoh (and Pentax) are doing but I don't feel right visiting them when I don't have a strong urge to buy the GR at the moment. To tell the truth I would like a GR but don't think I can justify it given that I'm veering quite strongly towards another camera.
As for Nikon, I think they make great cameras for pros (where money, backup equipment, accessories and assistants are plentiful) but as an enthusiast I've realised that I need a different camera. One where the equipment is still top rate but where I make some compromises.
To date the A7/A7R seems to be the best compromise digital camera.
So I arrived at the Sony Building and made a beeline for the A7/A7R space. Due to the successful marketing it had its own "room" staffed by at least 4 people.
I borrowed the A7R with 35mm f/2.8 first, focusing, taking a few shots, trying out different menu options, etc.
I then briefly borrowed the A7.
Both cameras feel significantly larger than the RX1 due to the integrated EVF and grip, but they were comfortable to hold and to shoot.
The EVF was (as reported) large and clear and the AF was fast on both cameras. Based on the short time spent with them I couldn't make out any differences in focus performance or accuracy. It could be that these manifest themselves in lower lighting conditions.
I also appreciated the flip LCD, build quality and the promised weather-proofing, which should mean that I can take either camera with me almost anywhere.
My current preference tends towards the A7R, now that my concerns for focus performance have been alleviated.
Based on expectations both cameras are groundbreaking and could be every photographer's dream camera.
My only reservation is that although the A7/A7R are tiny for full frame digital cameras, they are not pocketable and the new protrusions are likely to make them snag in bags or coat pockets.
As one of my primary criteria is "portability" this does concern me a little, but what little I lose in convenience is offset by the thought of having a D800E in a package that is maybe a third of the size and weight.
Here are some hurried photos taken on my iPhone. The first one has been processed using a fantastic iOS app called Leonardo (using a little masking, drop shadow and layers).
Here is the original:
One of the back:
Finally, a poor quality shot of the EVF:
