ReviewFinder Digital Cameras

Sony RX100 VII

TLDR: The Sony RX100 VII is praised for its impressive image quality, fast autofocus, and video capabilities, but its ergonomics and handling may not be the most comfortable for extended use.
Ranking:  
Consumer sentiment:
In comparison:
Sony RX100 VII rank #60 out of 84.
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8.0
Great

The product receives great reviews on average (consumer score 8.0). This is below the median digital camera consumer score of 8.8.

About consumer score

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  • Lowest price: $47.99
  • Median price: $655
  • Highest price: $6498
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Expert consensus

The Sony RX100 VII is praised for its impressive image quality, fast autofocus, and video capabilities, but its ergonomics and handling may not be the most comfortable for extended use.

The Sony RX100 VII is highly praised by experts for its impressive image quality, particularly its ability to produce high-quality photos with natural rendering and higher resolution. The camera's wide dynamic range and native ISO range allow for the capture of a greater range of tones, making it suitable for various lighting conditions.

While it may not match the low-light capabilities of cameras with larger sensors, it is still considered a strong performer in low-light situations compared to smartphones.

The autofocus performance of the RX100 VII is highly regarded, with experts praising its speed, accuracy, and tracking capabilities. The camera's advanced autofocus technology, combined with its numerous AF points and Real-time Tracking feature, ensures precise and seamless focus on subjects, even when they are moving.

This makes it a top choice for photographers who need fast and accurate autofocus performance, particularly for capturing fast-moving subjects like sports and wildlife.

In terms of video capabilities, the RX100 VII offers impressive features, including support for 4K Ultra HD resolution and various frame rate options. The video stabilization feature is generally effective in reducing camera shake and providing smooth footage, making it suitable for everyday vlogging and general video shooting.

However, it may not perform well in extremely shaky conditions. Overall, the camera is considered capable for video recording, offering high-resolution video, various frame rate options, and effective stabilization.

The battery life of the RX100 VII is average, with the standard battery providing approximately 260 still images per charge. It is recommended to purchase extra batteries for extended use or video recording. Additionally, users have the option to purchase a grip accessory for better stability, especially when using the longer zoom range.

The ergonomics and handling of the RX100 VII receive mixed reviews. While its compact size and lightweight nature make it highly portable, the lack of a protruding handgrip and smooth-finish body may make it uncomfortable to hold for extended periods. The button placements and functionality also have mixed opinions, with some finding them difficult to locate by touch.

However, alternative ways to access the camera's functions, such as the menu system and touchscreen display, are available.

Overall, the Sony RX100 VII is highly regarded for its image quality, autofocus performance, and video capabilities. It is suitable for photographers who prioritize high-quality photos, fast and accurate autofocus, and the ability to record high-resolution videos. However, its ergonomics and handling may require some time to get used to and may not offer the most comfortable and intuitive experience for extended use.

Image Quality

The Sony RX100 VII is highly regarded for its impressive image quality, producing high-resolution photos with natural rendering and a wide dynamic range, although its low-light performance may not match cameras with larger sensors.

Based on the expert reviews, the Sony RX100 VII is highly regarded for its image quality. The camera's 20.1-megapixel resolution is praised for producing high-quality photos with natural rendering and higher resolution, whether in daylight or low-light conditions. The camera's wide dynamic range, aided by its native ISO range of 100-12800, allows for the capture of a greater range of tones from highlights to shadows.

In terms of low-light performance, opinions vary among the experts. Some reviewers mention that the RX100 VII performs better in low light compared to smartphones, but may not match the low-light capabilities of cameras with larger sensors, such as full-frame mirrorless cameras. However, others find the camera's low-light performance to be decent considering its smaller sensor size.

One reviewer criticizes the high ISO performance of the camera, noting image noise at high ISO settings.

Overall, the consensus among the experts is that the Sony RX100 VII produces impressive image quality. It is praised for its ability to capture high-quality photos in various conditions with minimal intervention required from the user. While it may not match the low-light capabilities of cameras with larger sensors, it is still considered to be a strong performer in low-light situations compared to smartphones.

What is the resolution of the Sony RX100 VII?

The Sony RX100 VII has a resolution of 20.1 megapixels, as mentioned in the reviews on ShutterBug, PCMag, Absolute Geeks, and TechCrunch.
Based on 5 quotes from 5 sources [show quotes and sources]

What is the dynamic range of the Sony RX100 VII?

According to the product review on bluewaterphotostore.com, the Sony RX100 VII has a fairly wide dynamic range, which means it can capture a greater range of tones from highlights to shadows. The review mentions that the native ISO range of the camera is 100 – 12800, which contributes to better dynamic range and the ability to recover more highlights and shadows. However, the exact dynamic range value is not explicitly mentioned in the review.
Based on 2 quotes from 2 sources [show quotes and sources]

What do the experts say about the low-light performance of the Sony RX100 VII?

According to the product reviews in the ReviewFinder database, the experts have varying opinions on the low-light performance of the Sony RX100 VII. One review on TechCrunch mentions that the RX100 VII doesn't use aggressive computational photographic techniques like some smartphones do to compensate for low light. However, this is not necessarily a bad thing because the images from the RX100 VII are more accurate in night and indoor photos compared to smartphones. Another review on Shotkit.com mentions that the RX100 VII will perform better in low light compared to an iPhone, but it may not be as good as a full-frame sensor found in other mirrorless cameras. However, it also states that the low light performance of the RX100 VII is pretty decent considering its smaller sensor size. On the other hand, a review on thephoblographer.com criticizes the high ISO performance of the RX100 VII. It mentions that at high ISO settings like ISO 6400, there is still a lot of image noise, and the reviewer wouldn't feel comfortable making large prints from the camera. The reviewer also expresses disappointment that the camera seems to prioritize megapixel count over better low-light performance. In summary, the experts generally agree that the Sony RX100 VII performs better in low light compared to smartphones but may not match the low-light performance of cameras with larger sensors, such as full-frame mirrorless cameras. However, opinions differ on the extent of the camera's low-light capabilities, with some finding it decent and others criticizing the image noise at high ISO settings.
Based on 4 quotes from 3 sources [show quotes and sources]

What do the experts say about the image quality of the Sony RX100 VII?

According to the experts, the image quality of the Sony RX100 VII is highly regarded. Reviewers from techsmotion.com, Rtings.com, academy.wedio.com, and Absolute Geeks all praise the camera for its excellent overall image quality. They mention that the camera produces high-quality photos with natural rendering and higher resolution, whether in daylight or low-light conditions. The RX100 VII is also capable of capturing strong-quality images across various conditions with minimal intervention required from the user. Overall, the consensus among the experts is that the image quality of the Sony RX100 VII is impressive.
Based on 7 quotes from 6 sources [show quotes and sources]

Autofocus performance

The Sony RX100 VII is highly regarded for its fast and accurate autofocus performance, making it a top choice for photographers capturing fast-moving subjects.

The Sony RX100 VII is highly regarded for its autofocus performance, with experts praising its speed, accuracy, and tracking capabilities. The camera's autofocus acquisition speed of 0.02 seconds is the fastest in its class, thanks to the incorporation of Sony's advanced autofocus technology.

With 357 phase-detection AF points and 425 contrast-detection AF points, the RX100 VII offers precise and accurate focusing on subjects. The Real-time Tracking feature analyzes the subject's color, pattern, and distance in real time, including face and eye recognition, ensuring seamless focus on the subject's face and eye, even if they turn away from the camera.

The autofocus system is highly effective in tracking moving subjects, making it suitable for sports, wildlife, and action photography. Some reviewers have even compared its autofocus performance to Sony's professional A9 mirrorless camera, highlighting its impressive tracking capabilities. Overall, the Sony RX100 VII is considered a top choice for photographers who require fast and accurate autofocus performance in capturing fast-moving subjects.

How fast is the autofocus speed of the Sony RX100 VII?

The autofocus speed of the Sony RX100 VII is extremely fast. According to various product reviews, the RX100 VII has an autofocus acquisition speed of 0.02 seconds, which is the fastest in its class. This speedy autofocus performance is made possible by the incorporation of Sony's advanced autofocus technology, including 357 phase-detection AF points and 425 contrast-detection AF points. The camera's hybrid autofocus system allows for quick and accurate focusing in most situations, making it ideal for capturing fast-moving subjects.
Based on 16 quotes from 11 sources [show quotes and sources]

What do the experts say about the autofocus accuracy of the Sony RX100 VII?

According to the experts, the autofocus accuracy of the Sony RX100 VII is highly praised. It is described as industry-leading and has been compared to the autofocus system of the Sony A9, which is known for its exceptional performance. The camera features 357 phase-detection and 425 contrast-detection AF points, allowing for precise and accurate focusing on subjects. The autofocus acquisition speed is claimed to be the fastest in the world at 0.02 seconds. The Real-time Tracking feature of the camera analyzes the subject's color, pattern, and distance in real time, including face and eye recognition, ensuring that the camera can seamlessly switch between focusing on the subject's face and eye, even if they turn away from the camera. Overall, the Sony RX100 VII is highly regarded for its autofocus capabilities and is considered suitable for capturing fast-moving subjects, such as sports or wildlife photography.
Based on 12 quotes from 9 sources [show quotes and sources]

How well does the autofocus system of the Sony RX100 VII track moving subjects?

The autofocus system of the Sony RX100 VII is highly praised for its ability to track moving subjects. According to various product reviews, the camera's autofocus system is fast, accurate, and effective in maintaining focus on subjects, even when they are in motion. The RX100 VII incorporates Sony's Real-time Tracking technology, which utilizes AI-based object recognition to track subjects with excellent accuracy. It also features Real-time Eye AF, which can detect and track the eyes of both humans and animals. Reviewers have noted that the camera excels at acquiring and maintaining focus on fast-moving subjects, making it suitable for sports, wildlife, and action photography. Some reviewers have even compared the autofocus performance of the RX100 VII to Sony's professional A9 mirrorless camera, indicating its impressive tracking capabilities.
Based on 17 quotes from 10 sources [show quotes and sources]

Video capabilities

The Sony RX100 VII is a versatile camera with impressive video capabilities, including 4K resolution, various frame rate options, and effective stabilization, making it suitable for a range of video recording needs.

The Sony RX100 VII has impressive video capabilities, supporting a maximum resolution of 4K Ultra HD. It offers various frame rate options for video recording, including 30/25/24 fps for 4K footage and 30/24 fps for UHD 4K recording.

The maximum bitrate for 4K recording is 100MB/s.

The video stabilization feature on the RX100 VII is generally effective in reducing camera shake and providing smooth footage. It has both SteadyShot and Active SteadyShot modes, which help keep footage smooth, especially for average walkaround vlogs and general video recording.

The Active SteadyShot mode prioritizes smoothness and helps reduce camera shake, making it suitable for everyday vlogging.

However, the stabilization feature may not perform well in extremely shaky conditions, such as mountain biking. In well-lit environments, the video quality is reasonably sharp and low in noise, resulting in smoother footage.

Overall, the Sony RX100 VII is a capable camera for video recording, particularly for everyday vlogging and general video shooting. It offers high-resolution video, various frame rate options, and effective stabilization, making it suitable for a range of video recording needs.

What is the maximum video resolution supported by the Sony RX100 VII?

The Sony RX100 VII supports a maximum video resolution of 4K Ultra HD, which is 3840 x 2160 pixels according to the product review on PhotographyBlog.
Based on 4 quotes from 3 sources [show quotes and sources]

What are the available frame rates for video recording on the Sony RX100 VII?

The Sony RX100 VII offers several frame rate options for video recording. It can record 4K footage at 30/25/24 frames per second (fps) with a resolution of 3840 x 2160. Additionally, it supports UHD 4K video recording at 30/24 fps. According to ubergizmo.com, the maximum bitrate for 4K recording is 100MB/s.
Based on 8 quotes from 7 sources [show quotes and sources]

How effective is the video stabilization feature on the Sony RX100 VII?

The video stabilization feature on the Sony RX100 VII is generally effective in reducing camera shake and providing smooth footage. According to various product reviews, the RX100 VII has both SteadyShot and Active SteadyShot modes that aid in video recording. Trusted Reviews mentions that the image stabilization helps keep footage smooth, especially for average walkaround vlogs. ShutterBug also notes that the Active SteadyShot mode prioritizes smoothness and helps reduce camera shake. Additionally, uwphotographyguide.com highlights the Active SteadyShot mode as electronic image stabilization for video shooting. While the stabilization feature is generally effective, it is important to note that it may not perform well in extremely shaky conditions, such as mountain biking, as mentioned in the Trusted Reviews review. However, for everyday vlogging and general video recording, the stabilization on the RX100 VII does a good job of keeping footage smooth, as stated in the reviews from Trusted Reviews, ShutterBug, and Rtings.com. It's worth mentioning that the effectiveness of the stabilization feature can also depend on external factors like lighting conditions and shooting environment. In well-lit environments, the video quality is reasonably sharp and low in noise, resulting in smoother footage, according to Rtings.com.
Based on 8 quotes from 6 sources [show quotes and sources]

Battery life

The standard battery for the Sony RX100 VII camera can provide approximately 260 still images per charge, but it is recommended to purchase extra batteries for extended use or video recording.

According to expert reviews on The Verge and TechRadar, the standard battery for the Sony RX100 VII camera has a capacity to provide approximately 260 still images per charge. However, it is important to note that battery life can vary depending on usage and settings.

For users who plan to use the camera for extended periods or for video recording, it is recommended to purchase one or two extra batteries to ensure sufficient power. The Sony RX100 VII does not come with a built-in battery grip, but users have the option to purchase the AG-R1 grip accessory from Sony or third-party versions for better grip and stability, especially when using the longer zoom range.

Additionally, users can purchase additional Sony NP-BX1 batteries or third-party external chargers that include replacement batteries for a more cost-effective choice.

What is the capacity of the standard battery for the Sony RX100 VII camera?

The standard battery for the Sony RX100 VII camera has a capacity to provide approximately 260 still images per charge, according to reviews on The Verge and TechRadar. However, it's worth mentioning that battery life can vary depending on usage and settings. If you plan to use the camera for extended periods or for video recording, it is recommended to purchase one or two extra batteries to ensure you have enough power.
Based on 5 quotes from 4 sources [show quotes and sources]

Does the Sony RX100 VII offer a battery grip or extended battery options?

The Sony RX100 VII does not come with a built-in battery grip. However, you have the option to purchase the AG-R1 grip accessory from Sony or third-party versions to provide you with a better grip and stability, especially when using the longer zoom range. As for extended battery options, you can purchase additional Sony NP-BX1 batteries for around $30 each. There are also third-party external chargers available that include two replacement batteries for around $20, which could be a more cost-effective choice.
Based on 9 quotes from 7 sources [show quotes and sources]

Ergonomics and handling

The Sony RX100 VII is highly portable and lightweight, but its ergonomics and handling receive mixed reviews due to the lack of a handgrip, slippery body, and awkward button placements.

The Sony RX100 VII has received mixed reviews regarding its ergonomics and handling. On one hand, its compact size and lightweight nature make it highly portable and easy to carry around, making it suitable for on-the-go photography and travel. However, the lack of a protruding handgrip and the smooth-finish body can make it uncomfortable to hold for extended periods and may feel slippery.

The button placements and functionality also have mixed opinions, with some reviewers finding the buttons tiny and difficult to locate by touch, especially when the camera is held up to the eye. The control dial on the back is described as awkwardly positioned, and the rotating dial lacks tactile feedback, making it frustrating to change settings quickly.

However, the front dial can be set to control exposure compensation directly, and the menu system, touchscreen display, and Fn/quick menu button provide alternative ways to access the camera's functions. Overall, while the Sony RX100 VII excels in terms of portability and compactness, its ergonomics and handling may require some time to get used to and may not offer the most comfortable and intuitive experience for extended use.

What do the experts say about the aesthetics and build quality of the Sony RX100 VII?

The experts have not specifically mentioned the aesthetics of the Sony RX100 VII in the quotes provided. However, they have praised its build quality. According to the review from uwphotographyguide.com, Sony RX100 VII bridges the gap between high-end compact cameras and professional systems, indicating that it is well-built and of high quality. Additionally, the review from The Verge mentions that the RX100 VII is a powerful camera for its size, suggesting that it is compact and well-designed. While we don't have specific comments on aesthetics, the positive remarks about its build quality indicate that the camera is likely to be well-crafted and visually appealing.
Based on 10 quotes from 8 sources [show quotes and sources]

What are the dimensions and weight of the Sony RX100 VII, and how does this impact its portability and ease of use?

The Sony RX100 VII has compact dimensions and is lightweight, which makes it highly portable and easy to carry around. According to the reviews, the camera measures approximately 4 x 1.7 x 2.4 inches (102 x 58 x 43 mm) and weighs about 10.65 ounces (302 g). The camera's small size allows it to fit into jacket pockets easily, making it suitable for on-the-go photography and travel. Its lightweight nature also ensures that it won't be a burden to carry around for extended periods. However, it's worth noting that the camera doesn't have a protruding handgrip, so it may feel a little slippery to handle. Nevertheless, there are first- and third-party add-on grips available for photographers who prefer one, as mentioned in the PCMag review. Overall, the compact and lightweight design of the Sony RX100 VII enhances its portability and ease of use.
Based on 7 quotes from 7 sources [show quotes and sources]

How do the button placements and functionality of the Sony RX100 VII affect its overall ergonomics and ease of operation?

According to the reviews, the button placements and functionality of the Sony RX100 VII have mixed opinions regarding its overall ergonomics and ease of operation. On one hand, the camera's compact size makes it easily pocketable and ideal for those who want something better than a smartphone for capturing images and videos. This compact size, however, comes with a downside. The buttons on the camera are described as tiny and difficult to locate by touch, especially when the camera is held up to the eye. This can make it challenging to access important exposure settings like ISO and exposure compensation. Furthermore, reviewers mentioned that the control dial on the back of the camera is awkwardly positioned, and the rotating dial around the lens lacks tactile feedback. This can make it frustrating to change settings quickly and efficiently, especially when the camera's capabilities have outgrown its body design and control layout. On the positive side, the front dial can be set to control exposure compensation directly, which can help alleviate the issue of accessing important settings. Additionally, the menu system, touchscreen display, and Fn/quick menu button are mentioned as ways to access the camera's complex array of functions. In summary, while the Sony RX100 VII's compact size and pocketability are advantages, the button placements and functionality can hinder its overall ergonomics and ease of operation. It may require some time to familiarize oneself with the controls and menu system to efficiently navigate the camera's features.
Based on 10 quotes from 5 sources [show quotes and sources]

Does the Sony RX100 VII offer a more comfortable and intuitive handling experience for photographers?

According to the reviews, the Sony RX100 VII's small size and lack of a dedicated hand grip can make it uncomfortable to use for extended periods. Additionally, its smooth-finish body makes it tricky to maintain a secure hold. However, it is lightweight and fantastically portable, which makes it easy to bring along with you throughout the day. So, while it may not offer the most comfortable and intuitive handling experience, it does excel in terms of portability and compactness.
Based on 4 quotes from 3 sources [show quotes and sources]

Expert Reviews

There are people on the Internet whose job is to review products. Below are their opinions.

ReviewFinder database has 24 expert reviews of Sony RX100 VII.

Expert reviews [24]

85
Total expert reviews: 24
  • with a score: 15
  • without a score: 9
Highest score by PhotographyBlog
100
Average score based on 24 reviews
85
Lowest score by cameradecision.com
69

Score distribution:

80-100
60-80
40-60
20-40
0-20

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