Sony RX100 VII Sony - Review 🏆

The Sony RX100 VII is the latest iteration in Sony's acclaimed RX100 series of premium compact cameras. First introduced in 2012, the RX100 line is renowned for packing large image sensors and advanced features into pocket-sized bodies. With each new model, Sony has upped the ante in terms of capabilities while retaining the sleek, portable form factor.

The RX100 VII represents the cutting-edge of the series, building upon the already impressive RX100 VI model. It incorporates a 1-inch stacked CMOS sensor with 20.1 megapixels and the latest BIONZ X image processor. This combination delivers stunning image quality in both photos and videos. The 24-200mm (35mm equivalent) zoom lens provides outstanding versatility for landscapes, portraits, street photography and more.

Some of the standout features of the RX100 VII include industry-leading autofocus with real-time tracking and eye AF for humans and animals, blackout-free continuous shooting up to 20 fps, and 4K video recording with advanced profiles inherited from Sony's mirrorless cameras. All of this is packed into a body that weighs just 302g and can slip into a pocket. For enthusiasts seeking pro-level performance without the size and weight of a DSLR, the RX100 VII makes a compelling case.

Design and Build Quality

The Sony RX100 VII has a sleek, compact design that makes it easy to carry around. It measures 4 x 2.3 x 1.7 inches and weighs just 302 grams, so it can fit into a pocket or small bag. Despite its small size, the camera feels solid and durable thanks to its metal exterior. The front plate and top cover are made of magnesium alloy while the rear cover is aluminum alloy. Together, these materials provide rigidity while keeping the weight down.

The buttons and dials have a premium, sturdy feel to them as well. The camera is comfortable to hold, with a generous front grip and thumb rest on the back. Build quality is excellent overall, with tight seams and no creaking. The RX100 VII meets MIL-STD-810G standards for shock, vibration, dust, and moisture resistance. While not fully weather sealed, it provides reasonable protection against the elements for a compact camera.

Image Sensor and Processor

The Sony RX100 VII features a large 1-inch type stacked CMOS sensor with 20.1 megapixels effective resolution. This provides excellent image quality in a compact form factor. The sensor's physical size allows it to capture more light information compared to smaller sensors found in smartphones and point-and-shoot cameras.

The image processor is Sony's latest BIONZ X, which enables the RX100 VII to have fast continuous shooting up to 90fps with AF/AE tracking, as well as fast autofocus acquisition in just 0.02 seconds. The BIONZ X processor works together with the sensor for excellent low light performance up to ISO 12800, which can be expanded to ISO 25600.

The combination of a large, high resolution sensor and the powerful BIONZ X processor allows the RX100 VII to deliver DSLR-like image quality and performance in a pocketable body. This makes it a versatile everyday carry camera.

Lens

The Sony RX100 VII comes with a built-in 24-200mm (35mm equivalent) f/2.8-4.5 zoom lens, providing a very versatile focal range for everything from wide angle landscapes to telephoto shots. The fast f/2.8 maximum aperture at the wide end enables good low light performance and shallow depth of field.

The lens construction uses 13 elements in 11 groups, including Advanced Aspherical (AA) and Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass elements to reduce chromatic aberrations and ensure excellent sharpness and clarity across the frame. Two aspherical ED elements also minimize spherical aberration.

With a 8.3x optical zoom range, you can get reasonably close to distant subjects. The aperture is also pretty fast at the wide end at f/2.8, enabling blurred backgrounds and good low light performance. As you zoom in, the aperture drops to f/4.5 at the telephoto end.

Overall the lens produces very sharp, detailed images across all focal lengths. Optical quality remains high throughout the zoom range, with good control of distortions, vignetting and other aberrations. The advanced optics and Zeiss branding ensure pro-level optical performance in a compact camera.

Autofocus and Focus Features

The Sony RX100 VII comes equipped with a lightning-fast autofocus system thanks to the advanced BIONZ X image processor. It has 357 phase-detection AF points that cover approximately 68% of the image area and 425 contrast-detection AF points, enabling incredibly precise autofocus and tracking capabilities.

One of the standout features is the advanced Real-time Tracking and Real-time Eye AF. These allow the camera to automatically detect and maintain focus on a subject's eyes and face, even if they are moving around the frame. Real-time Eye AF now works for animals as well as humans, great for wildlife photographers.

The sophisticated autofocus system offers multiple modes like Single-shot AF, Automatic AF, Continuous AF, Direct Manual Focus and more. You can customize how the AF works and select your preferred mode based on the shooting situation. For example, Continuous AF is ideal for moving subjects.

Overall, the RX100 VII truly excels for autofocus performance. The intelligent tracking abilities, eye AF technology, and lightning fast speed mean you'll be able to capture clear, properly focused photos of subjects in motion.

Video Quality and Features

The RX100 VII can record video in 4K resolution up to 30fps (frames per second), providing extremely detailed and sharp footage. It supports full pixel readout without pixel binning, capturing the full amount of detail from the sensor.

For high dynamic range, the RX100 VII offers HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma) recording which preserves more highlight and shadow details. This is suitable for producing HDR content.

Some of the advanced video codecs supported include XAVC S, AVCHD and MP4. XAVC S provides high bitrates up to 100Mbps for excellent quality, while AVCHD and MP4 are more convenient for sharing online or on mobile devices.

The RX100 VII enables clean, uncompressed HDMI output which is essential for recording to an external device or monitor. Users can take advantage of Picture Profiles to adjust parameters like black level, gamma and color modes for customizing the look of videos.

Overall the video capabilities of the RX100 VII are extremely versatile for both casual and professional use. It's one of the best compact cameras for videography currently available.

Viewfinder and LCD Screen

The Sony RX100 VII features both an electronic viewfinder (EVF) and rear LCD screen for composing and reviewing shots. The EVF is a pop-up 0.39-inch OLED with 2.36 million dots of resolution and 0.59x magnification. While not as large as EVFs on some other cameras, it provides a crisp and detailed view that makes it easy to compose shots. The rear 3-inch LCD is a touchscreen with 921,000 dots of resolution. It can tilt up 180 degrees and down by 90 degrees, allowing for flexibility when shooting from high or low angles. The high resolution ensures images and menus look sharp. Between the high-res EVF and tilting touchscreen LCD, the RX100 VII provides stellar options for composing and reviewing photos and videos. The visibility of both displays makes it easy to line up shots in a wide range of conditions.

Connectivity and Ports

The Sony RX100 VII has excellent connectivity options, making it easy to transfer photos and videos as well as control the camera remotely.

For Wi-Fi, it has built-in 2.4GHz Wi-Fi which provides a simple connection to smartphones and tablets via the Imaging Edge app. This allows you to transfer images, remote control and shoot from your mobile device, and add location data from your phone to your images.

Bluetooth is also built-in, providing a constant connection to your mobile device while using less battery than Wi-Fi. This allows quick image transfer and remote shooting capabilities.

In terms of wired connections, the RX100 VII has both a USB Type-C port and a micro HDMI port. The USB-C port can be used for fast charging, data transfer and tethered shooting capabilities. The micro HDMI port allows you to output video and images directly to an HDMI display.

Overall, the wireless connectivity options combined with the wired USB-C and HDMI ports give you great flexibility for transferring, editing, viewing and controlling your photos and videos on the RX100 VII. The constant Bluetooth connection and Wi-Fi abilities make this camera very smartphone and tablet friendly.

Battery Life

The Sony RX100 VII is powered by the NP-BX1 rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack. This battery is rated at around 220-240 shots per charge based on the CIPA standard, which is a bit low for this class of camera.

Real world battery performance will depend on usage factors like use of flash, shooting 4K video, and utilizing WiFi/Bluetooth connectivity. Power users may want to pick up a spare battery or two for all day shooting. The battery can be charged in-camera via USB or with an optional external charger.

Overall the battery life is fairly average and in line with similar high-end compact cameras. Just be aware you may need to pack an extra battery for a full day of travel photography or video shooting. But the battery does deliver sufficient power in a slim camera body.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Excellent image quality and low light performance from large 1" sensor
• Versatile 24-200mm zoom range covers wide angle to telephoto
• Fast autofocus and tracking for stills and video
• Useful autofocus features like eye tracking for people and animals
• Flip screen is handy for selfies and vlogging
• Shoots high quality 4K video with good stabilization
• Rugged, premium metal design

Cons

• Relatively expensive for a point and shoot camera
• Lens is slower at telephoto end (f/4.5)
• No built-in viewfinder
• Touchscreen lacks intuitive controls
• Mediocre battery life
• No built-in flash