Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-RX100 VII
The Sony RX100 series represents the peak of the point-and-shoot market. The seventh-generation model, the Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VII ($1,299.99), features the 8x lens introduced in its predecessor, as well as a focusing technology that puts the camera on par with the company’s top interchangeable lens models. It’s a quality camera with a comparable price, but it backs it up with exceptional speed and optics. That makes it our Editors’ Choice.
Pocket-Sized Powerhouse
Smartphone cameras continue to improve as image processing advances—computational photography—but some people like the feel of a specialized camera in their hands, or desire a little more zoom power than a multi-lens iPhone provides.
The RX100 VII has lots of zoom capabilities, with a lens that provides coverage comparable to a full-frame 24-200mm. It is longer than the 24-70mm design used in other models in the series, notably the RX100 VA, but collects only roughly half the light. If you want a similar camera with more zoom and a brighter lens, look into the Canon G5 X Mark II, which offers a 24-120mm f/1.8-2.8 zoom.
At 2.3 by 4.0 by 1.7 inches (HWD) and 10.7 ounces, the RX100 VII isn’t the lightest, slimmest compact out there. But it slides into jacket pockets easily, and its weight comes from complex optics and construction that’s more metal than plastic. It doesn’t have any sort of protruding handgrip, but there are first- and third-party add-on grips available for photographers who prefer one.
You’ll still want to take care when using it—the camera isn’t rugged or waterproof. Sony’s larger bridge-style RX10 series offers dust and splash protection, but true rugged options are few and far between if you want one with an image sensor that’s bigger than your smartphone. Sealife sells a 1-inch waterproof model, the DC2000, but it doesn’t have a zoom lens and its functions are downright primitive in comparison.
Ergonomics and Controls
Sony may churn out RX100 after RX100, year after year, but it hasn’t done a lot to change the basic design and layout of controls since it launched the series. For more on the differences between each model, refer to our RX100 buying guide.
There’s a freely turning control ring around the lens—you can configure it for various functions, but I like using it for EV compensation. It’s joined by the typical zoom rocker switch, shutter release, Mode dial, and On/Off button on the top, with the remainder of the controls on the rear, to the right of the tilting display.
There are rear buttons to start and stop videos, access the on-screen Fn menu and more extensive text-based menu system, and to play and delete photos. They’re joined by a flat command dial with directional presses that adjust the flash output, drive mode, and EV compensation.
EVF and LCD
The camera sports a tilting LCD, 3 inches in size with a crisp 921k-dot resolution and support for touch control. It’s mounted on a hinge, so you can tilt it up or down to get shots from more interesting angles, or point the LCD forward to shoot selfies and vlogs.
Touch input works well—you can tap the screen to select a focus point or subject for tracking when capturing images or video. But there are limitations—you can’t navigate menus via touch, nor can you use the screen as a touch control for focus when using the EVF. Some of Sony’s competitors, including rival Canon with its G5 and G7 compact camera series, include this feature, often referred to as touchpad autofocus.
Connectivity and Power
Sony includes Bluetooth and Wi-Fi in the camera, and supports it using the free Sony Imaging Edge Mobile app for Android and iOS. The app works as a remote control for the camera, and also lets you copy photos from its memory card to your phone.
The included battery is rather small, and is rated by CIPA for about 260 shots per charge, which can be extended to 310 by enabling an automatic sleep mode. You’ll easily exceed those numbers if you utilize the 20fps burst capture liberally.
Advanced Autofocus
The big change from the RX100 VI comes with autofocus. Sony redesigned the camera’s sensor so it polls its autofocus points more frequently, and covered it from nearly edge to edge with phase-detection pixels.
There are two practical benefits. With the Real Time Tracking interface, the RX100 VII does a seemingly perfect job of tracking moving subjects, and is able to automatically detect faces and eyes, with settings for both humans and pets. (Officially cats and dogs are supported, but it’s worth turning on if you’re at the zoo.)
Video Updates for Vloggers
There are a few upgrades on the video front, specifically aimed at vloggers. The camera has a standard 3.5mm mic input jack, so you can now add an external mic for better audio quality. You will have to add an accessory bracket to mount a shotgun mic.
There’s some additional digital stabilization applied to video, which is especially useful for walk-and-talk vlogs. You also get face and eye detection during video, so focus won’t drift to the background when recording interviews or selfie video.
There’s also a slower slow-motion option, accessed by changing the mode dial to the HFR position. It gives you up to 960fps recording for extreme slow-motion capture. At the top frame rate the quality isn’t great, but 480fps delivers good results. Just remember that focus is locked when using HFR, and this type of slow motion is written to memory in real time; if your finished movie is a minute long, it will take the camera a minute to create it.