Camera Overview
The Sony RX100 VII is the 7th and the latest version of Sony’s premium compact camera model the RX100. This highly capable yet pocketable & travel-friendly fixed lens camera now inherits tech from the company’s flagship alpha a9. The result is, it is now faster and a better performer than its already excellent predecessor especially for video uses like vlogging.
Announced on July 25th it will start shipping in August.
What’s new (Sony RX100 VII vs RX100 VI)
The RX100 VII is physically identical to its predecessor the RX100 VI except for an extra interface port. But there are quite a few significant upgrades inside, especially for video uses. Here’s a list of the noteworthy updates against the RX100 VI.
- New sensor with the latest BIONZ X image processor
- RX100 VII gets a Microphone Jack (vs no mic port on RX100 VI)
- Real-time Eye AF (for humans) & Real-time tracking in Movie mode (vs none)
- No limit on continuous 4K video recording time (RX100 VI is limited to 5 mins of continuous 4K recording)
- Detects the videos recorded in a vertical orientation, for them to play the right way
- Faster autofocus speed at 0.02 sec (vs an already fast 0.03 sec)
- More AF points: 357 phase & 425 contrast-detection AF points at 68% frame coverage (vs 315 phase & 25 contrast detection with 65% coverage)
- Real-time eye AF (humans & animals) and Real-time tracking (vs eye AF for people)
- True blackout-free continuous shooting at up to 20 fps (Continuous up to 24 fps with Blackout)
- A new single burst shooting mode where for every single shot, the camera shoots 7 consecutive images at speeds up to 90 fps
- Improved stabilization for video with optical & electronic stabilization (vs only optical)
- Min ISO 100 can be expanded to ISO 64 & 80 (vs ISO 125 extendable to ISO 80 & 100)
- Timed interval shooting to create time-lapse movies in post
Things to remember
These are a few things to note when considering the RX100 VII.
- There’s no headphone jack
- Touch-sensitivity doesn’t work for menus & navigation
- Tilting LCD tilts vertically, not sideways. It flips up 180° & flips down 90˚.
- No Neutral Density (ND) filter
- No place on the camera to mount a “not-so-portable” microphone
Key Specs / Features
Proprietary
- Processor: BIONZ X
- Lens: 24-200 mm | F2.8-4.5 | 8.0x Optical Zoom
Sensor
- Pixels: 20.1 Megapixels
- Type: Stacked CMOS
ISO Range
- Auto ISO: 100 - 12800
- Extended ISO: 64 - 12800
Shutter Speed
- Fastest: 1/2000 Sec
- Slowest: 30 Sec
Focus
- AF Points: 357 / 425
Continuous
- Speed: Up to 20 FPS
Video
- 4K UHD: Up to 30 FPS
- Full HD: Up to 120 FPS
Battery Life
- Images: Up to 310 Shots *
- Video: Up to 155 mins *
Displays
- Screen: 3.0" with 0.92 m-dot Tiltable Touchscreen LCD
- Viewfinder: 0.39" with 2.36 m-dot OLED EVF
Features
- IBIS: Built-in optical stabilization
- Wireless: WiFi / Bluetooth / NFC
Interface
- HDMI (micro)
- USB (Micro-B)
- Microphone (Stereo Mini)
Sony RX100 VII: Product Feature
Sony RX100 VII Feature: Real-time Tracking
Sony RX100 VII Feature: 4K Video autofocus
Sony RX100 VII: 4K HDR Sample VideoReview Articles
Previews, Hands-On & Initial Reviews
Review Videos
Hands-On Reviews, First Looks & Impressions
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VII Review
The RX100 VII is the most capable pocket camera currently on the market. It offers a versatile zoom range and an industry-leading AF implementation, as well as good image quality and smooth, stabilized 4K. However the small maximum aperture of the lens does limit the camera’s use in dim light.
Sony RX100 Mark VII review
On paper, the RX100 VII is amazing. Its size is amazing, its 24-200mm lens is (sort of) amazing, its high-speed shooting is amazing and its latest-gen AF system is amazing. The only thing that’s not amazing is the experience of actually using it. This is still a cramped and awkward little camera with an average sort of sensor, but with some highly specialised skills that push its price way up into the stratosphere. If you definitely need everything it does, go for it, but otherwise you’ll wonder what all the fuss is about.
Sony RX100 VII review
Ultimately though if you’re after a do-it-all pocket travel camera that’s also great for video and action, the RX100 VII is hard to beat. It’s not cheap, but there’s nothing else that offers all of this and still fits in your pocket.
Sony Cyber-shot RX100 VII review
From the absence of expected features to its lofty price tag, there’s plenty to irk those drawn to the likes of the RX100 VII. And yet, with its strong image quality, detailed 4K videos and a class-leading AF performance, the latest addition to the RX100 line still manages to be one of the most capable compacts right now.
Sony RX100 VII Review
Sony proves once again that it has some amazing technology in its arsenal that be packed down into the tiniest of bodies. If you’ve got the cash to spend and you want the best possible camera for your pocket, this is without doubt the one to go for. For those with a more sensible budget, it’s worth looking at older RX100 models, as well as those from Canon’s Powershot range – particularly the G7X Mark III if vlogging is your thing.
Sony RX100 Mark VII review: almost vlogger
The RX100 Mark VII is an excellent camera, but it commands a high price for that excellence.
Sony Cyber-shot RX100 VII (RX100M7) Review
The Sony Cyber-shot RX100 VII offers a combination of high-quality components, that deliver high-quality results, and quickly too!
Sony Cyber-shot RX100 VII Review
Ultimately the new Sony Cyber-shot RX100 VII is the best RX100 camera ever, and the best compact camera currently available on the market.
Sony RX100 VII review: The saviour of the compact camera?
The RX100 VII could be a great choice for travellers with strict weight requirements – and deep pockets.
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