RX100 series concept, , can be described in the simplest way: ultimate functionality with minimal dimensions. We saw significant changes in the previous model RX100 VI: the company changed the concept of an integrated lens, taking a step towards increasing the range of focal lengths while reducing aperture. The new model uses the same lens, so we have a real ultrazoom with an equivalent focal length range of 24-200mm. In many respects, the Sony RX100 VII duplicates its predecessor, but it is impossible to say that the changes made to it turned out to be purely cosmetic: in particular, the focusing system has been improved - in many ways, the novelty has taken the best from the company's professional cameras. Significant progress has also been made in video recording - for example, the five-minute limit for recording videos has been removed and a microphone port has been added. The camera, obviously, should be of interest to bloggers, travelers and, in general, lovers of mobile, easy and high-quality photo and video shooting. Let's see if it can impress in practice just as it impresses in theory.
Main characteristics
Like the previous model, Sony RX100 VII is equipped with a 1-inch (13,2 Γ 8,8 mm) sensor with a resolution of 20,1 megapixels. However, do not rush to be disappointed: this is not the same matrix. The RX100 VII has the highest number of phase detection AF points in its class, with 357 in total covering 68% of the frame. In addition, the matrix has 425 contrast autofocus points. The camera impresses with its speed characteristics: the autofocus response time is only 0,02 seconds, which is a record for this class of cameras. The speed of continuous shooting has also been increased several times - the novelty allows you to shoot 90 frames per second (of course, with a number of limitations, but still this is a very progressive indicator). The most important innovation: as in the older models, we see here the real-time tracking function. Focusing is available not only in the eyes of people, but also in the eyes of animals (this technology is used, for example, in the company's top cameras - and Sony A9 II).
For data processing, as before, the Bionz X processor is responsible. The camera traditionally has a proprietary image stabilization system. According to the manufacturer, the algorithm provides image stabilization, which gives the photographer a gain of 4 stops of exposure. The display and viewfinder remained unchanged.
The camera supports 4K (QFHD: 3840 Γ 2160) video recording on a memory card without pixel binning. When recording video, real-time tracking and real-time eye AF (although only people, not animals, as in the case of photos) are now available. The camera now has a microphone input, which significantly improves the quality of sound recording.
| sony rx100 vii | Sony RX100 ENGLISH | |||
| Image sensor | 13,2 Γ 8,8 mm (1") CMOS | 13,2 Γ 8,8 mm (1") CMOS | 13,2 Γ 8,8 mm (1") CMOS | 17,3Γ13mm (Micro 4/3) Live MOS |
| Effective number of points | 20 megapixel | 20 megapixel | 20 megapixel | 17 megapixel |
| Stabilizer | Built in lens | Built in lens | Built in lens | Built in lens |
| Lens | 24-200mm (equivalent), f/2,8-4,5 | 24-200mm (equivalent), f/2,8-4,5 | 24-120mm (equivalent), f/1,8-2,8 | 24-75mm (equivalent), f/1,7-2,8 |
| Photo format | JPEG, RAW | JPEG (DCF, EXIF ββ2.31), RAW | JPEG, RAW | JPEG, RAW |
| Video Format | XAVC S, AVCHD, MP4 | XAVC S, AVCHD, MP4 | MOV (MPEG4/H.264) | AVCHD,MP4 |
| Bayonet mount | No | No | No | No |
| Frame size (in pixels) | Up to 5472Γ3684 | Up to 5472Γ3684 | Up to 5472Γ3684 | Up to 4736Γ3552 |
| Video resolution (pixels) | Up to 3840 Γ 2160 (30 fps) | Up to 3840 Γ 2160 (30 fps) | Up to 3840 Γ 2160 (30 fps) | Up to 3840 Γ 2160 (30 fps) |
| Sensitivity | ISO 125-12800, expandable to ISO 80 and ISO 25600 | ISO 125-12800, expandable to ISO 80 and ISO 25600 | ISO 125-12800, expandable to ISO 25600 | ISO 200-25600, expandable to ISO 100 |
| Shutter | Mechanical shutter: 1/2000 - 30 s; electronic shutter: 1/32000 - 1 s; long (Bulb); silent mode |
Mechanical shutter: 1/2000 - 30 s; electronic shutter: 1/32000 - 1 s; long (Bulb); silent mode |
Mechanical shutter: 1/2000 - 1 s; electronic shutter: 1/25000 - 30 s; long (Bulb); silent mode |
Mechanical shutter: 1/4000 - 60 s; electronic shutter: 1/16000 - 1 s; long (Bulb); silent mode |
| Burst Speed | Up to 90 frames per second with electronic shutter and focusing on the first frame; 20 fps with autofocus and no blackout | Up to 24 frames per second | Up to 30 frames per second with focus on the first frame; up to 8 fps with tracking autofocus | Up to 11 frames per second; in 4K photo mode up to 30 fps with electronic shutter |
| Auto focus | Hybrid (phase sensors + contrast system), 315 points, eye detection | Hybrid (phase sensors + contrast system), 315 points | Contrast, 31 dots, face detection | Contrast, 49 dots, eye detection |
| Metering, modes of operation | Multi-point/Center-weighted/Highlight priority/Average/Spot | Multi-point/center-weighted/spot | Multi-point/center-weighted/spot | Multi-point/center-weighted/spot |
| Exposure compensation | Β±3 EV in 1/3-stop increments | Β±3 EV in 1/3-stop increments | Β±3 EV in 1/3-stop increments | Β±5 EV in 1/3-stop increments |
| Built-in flash | Yes, guide number 5,9 | Yes, guide number 5,9 | Yes, guide number 7,5 | No |
| Self-timer | 2 / 10 with | 2 / 10 with | 2 / 10 with | 2 / 10 with |
| Memory card | Memory Stick PRO Duo/Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo; SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I) | Memory Stick PRO Duo/Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo; SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I) | SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I) | SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I) |
| Display | LCD, 3-inch, 921k dots, touch, tilting | LCD, 3-inch, 1k dots, touch, tilting | LCD, 3-inch, 1k dots, touch | LCD, 3-inch, 1k dots, touch |
| Viewfinder | Electronic (OLED with 2k dots) | Electronic (OLED with 2k dots) | Electronic (OLED with 2k dots) | Electronic (OLED with 2k dots) |
| Interfaces | HDMI, USB, microphone | HDMI, USB | HDMI, USB | HDMI, USB |
| Wireless modules | WiFi, Bluetooth, NFC | Wi-Fi, NFC | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | WiFi, Bluetooth 4.2 (LE) |
| Food | Li-ion battery NP-BX1, 4,5 Wh (1240 mAh, 3,6 V) | Li-ion battery NP-BX1, 4,5 Wh (1240 mAh, 3,6 V) | Li-ion battery NB-13L with a capacity of 4,5 Wh (1240 mAh, 3,6V) | Li-ion battery DMW-BLG10E 7,4 Wh (1025 mAh, 7,2V) |
| Dimensions | 102 Γ 58 Γ 43 mm | 102 Γ 58 Γ 43 mm | 111 Γ 61 Γ 46 mm | 115Γ66Γ64 mm |
| Weight | 302 grams (with battery and memory card) | 301 grams (with battery and memory card) | 340 grams (with battery and memory card) | 392 grams (with battery and memory card) |
| Actual price |
Design and ergonomics
Sony does not invent something fundamentally new in terms of design. The effort here is to keep it as compact as possible while maintaining broad functionality β through compromise and without sudden movements. Therefore, for example, there is no protrusion on the camera for gripping with the right hand, the viewfinder retracts into the body, and the lens in the off state protrudes less than a couple of centimeters above the surface of the body - everything makes it possible for the photographer to carry it in his pocket. And of course, it is very convenient: you can go for a walk with the camera without taking any bags with you at all, and during longer walks, put it in a fanny pack or even a small clutch. In numerical terms, it sounds like this: camera dimensions - 101,6 Γ 58,1 Γ 42,8 mm, weight with battery and memory card - 302 grams. The body is made of metal and, unfortunately, does not have weather protection - for this class of cameras this is quite common, but given the considerable cost of the RX100 VII, you are counting on an excess of advantages over competitors. Let's take a closer look at how the ergonomics of the camera is organized.
On the left edge, we see the viewfinder lift button and the contact pad of the NFC module.
On the right edge, under three separate covers, there is a microphone connector, microUSB and HDMI ports. I note that the lids are small and it was very inconvenient for me to open them.
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On the front, we see a built-in ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T* lens with a focal length of 9,0-72mm (35mm equivalent 24-200mm zoom 2,8x) and f/4,5-XNUMX aperture. On the lens there is an adjusting ring, with which the aperture value is set, as well as, in manual focus mode, focusing. Also on the front is an autofocus assist lamp and a zoom lever.
Below is a compartment for the battery and memory card, as well as a tripod socket. They are located close to each other, so when using a tripod, the compartment is blocked: not very convenient, but expected given such a compact body.
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On top is the viewfinder and built-in flash. Both are by default recessed inside the case and rise with the help of special levers (the lever for the flash is also located on top). Right there we see the on/off button of the camera: it is quite small, but it is conveniently located and easily groped with a finger. Nearby is the shutter button, combined with the zoom lever, and the shooting mode selection wheel - it does not have a safety button, but it is quite tight; I do not think that there will be problems due to random switching of modes.
Most of the rear surface is occupied by the LCD display. To the right of it is the video recording button, the Fn button that calls the quick menu, the button for calling the main menu, the buttons for viewing and deleting pictures, and, in the center, the selection confirmation button ringed with a selector dial.
Display and viewfinder
In the field of sighting tools, there have been no changes since the previous model. The Sony RX 100 VII also uses a 3-inch LCD display with a resolution of 1 million dots. It is equipped with a touch coating, with which you can set the focus point and, if desired, take pictures. There is also a swivel mechanism: the screen can be raised vertically upwards for convenient selfie shooting or vlogging, lowered down or tilted to the desired angle. Given the need to maintain maximum compactness, such a mechanism seems reasonable and convenient. It was comfortable for me to work with the LCD display - the picture is clear, saturated, even when shooting on a sunny day, in most cases it was not necessary to switch to the viewfinder.
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In difficult situations - for example, when shooting at sunset against the sun - the electronic OLED viewfinder helps out. As I said, it is "hidden" in the camera body and becomes available by pressing a special button - another smart move by Sony in search of compactness. Viewfinder resolution 2,36 million dots, magnification 0,59x, size 0,39 inches, field of view coverage 100%. Diopter adjustment from -5 to +3 and five-step brightness adjustment are available. During testing, I did not turn to the viewfinder very often - it is more convenient for me to view the screen. But in those situations when it was used in work, I did not notice any problems: the picture did not βslow downβ and was clear.
Interface
The camera menu is organized in the traditional Sony way: horizontal navigation with vertical lists is used to select settings. This is not the most convenient menu in the world: firstly, there is no touch navigation option, and secondly, some functions are hidden deeper than we would like, and in general it is quite confusing. Despite the fact that we have an amateur camera in front of us, there are a lot of sections and subsections, so a user who has not dealt with Sony cameras before will need considerable time to master. The menu is completely Russified. Of course, the βquick menuβ helps out, where you can add the most popular shooting functions. It is organized as a small matrix located at the bottom of the screen. Camera functions that are activated by the Fn buttons can now be assigned separately for stills and movies. It is also possible to assign the necessary options to various controls so that they can be accessed instantly.
Source: 3dnews.ru