Compact Camera News

Sony just launched the latest addition to its premium RX100 compact camera line: the RX100 VII, which Sony says offers similar speed capabilities to its full frame A9. (The Sony A9 is a pro-level mirrorless camera designed for shooting sports.)

The Sony RX100 VII also features a newly developed 1.0-type stacked 20.1 MP Exmor RS CMOS image sensor with DRAM chip and latest generation BIONZ X image processor.

Here's a rundown of some more of the key specs of the new Sony RX100 VII, which is the follow-up to the Sony RX100 VI, from about a year ago.

Sony RX100 VII Key Features:

• Newly developed 1.0-type stacked 20.1 MP Exmor RS CMOS image sensor with DRAM chip and latest generation BIONZ X image processor

• Sony A9-level speed performance with up to 60 AF/AE calculations per second and 20fps blackout-free shooting with AF/AE tracking

• "World leading" 357-point focal-plane phase-detection AF + 425-point contrast-detection AF with "world’s fastest" 0.02 sec focus acquisition speed

• Real-time Tracking and Real-time Eye AF for humans and animals

• ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T* 24-200mm F2.8 – F4.5 Large Aperture High Magnification Zoom Lens

• New Single Burst Shooting Drive Mode at up to 90fps speed

• Pro-level movie functionality including 4K HDR (HLG), Real-time Tracking and Real-time Eye AF for movie shooting, 4K Active SteadyShot, Vertical-position data recording for movies and integrated microphone jack

The Sony RX100 VII compact camera will go one sale in August 2019 for $1,200 US and $1,600 CA. More info in the press release below

 

PRESS RELEASE

Sony Launches RX100 VII Premium Compact Camera

SAN DIEGO — July 25, 2019 —Sony Electronics today announced a new addition to its award-winning series of RX compact cameras: the RX100 VII(model DSC-RX100M7). Utilizing technologies that were previously available only in Sony’s acclaimed Alpha 9 full-frame mirrorless camera, the RX100 VII achieves new levels of performance in a compact camera, in both stills and movie shooting.  

The RX100 VII is powered by a newly developed 1.0-type stacked 20.1 MP Exmor RS CMOS image sensor and the latest generationBIONZ X image processor, which work together to deliver peak autofocus and speed performance that has never before been available in a compact camera. Flexibility of shooting is ensured by a ZEISS®Vario-Sonnar T* 24-200mmviiiF2.8-4.5 high magnification zoom lens, making the RX100 VII a versatile choice for all types of shooting scenariosand users, ranging from photo enthusiasts to professionals.

“The RX100 VII sets a new standard for performance in compact cameras,” said Neal Manowitz, deputy president of Imaging Products and Solutions at Sony Electronics. “Sony will continue to drive innovation in the world of imaging, constantly pushing to empower creators with the most capable tools that allow them to realize their vision, and create like they have never been able to before.” 

New Standard for AF Performance in a Compact Camera
The RX100 VII offers a world-leadingv357 focal-plane phase-detection AF points and 425 contrast-detection AF points. In addition, thanks to a newly optimized lens drive control, the world’s fastestv0.02 secviAF acquisition time is realized. A major leap in AF/AE tracking performance during continuous shooting means the camera performs AF/AE calculations up to 60 times per secondiiand captures fast moving action at 20fpsiiiwith AF/AE tracking, ensuring that each moment is shot with swift and accurate focus.

In addition, the image sensor realizes blackout-free shootingivfor a completely live view, even when continuous shooting at 20fpsiii; the same experience as the Alpha 9.The RX100 VII also debuts a new drive mode, Single Burst Shootingix, for capturing the perfect high-speed shotat up to 90fpsxin JPEG/RAW format utilizing the anti-distortion shutter. Single Burst Shootingixallows the photographer to frame fast moving action and shoot as if taking a single shot, but the camera will actually deliver seven still images taken at 90fps, 60fps or 30fps, so the user can select the perfect moment.

For the first time in a compact camera, the RX100 VIIintroduces advanced Real-time Tracking and Real-time Eye AF capabilities. Real-time Tracking utilizes Sony’s latest algorithm, including artificial intelligence-based object recognition to ensure that subjects can be captured with excellent accuracy, even via the touch panel on the rear screen. Real-time Eye AF, the latest version of Sony’s acclaimed Eye AF technology, employs A.I.-based object recognition to detect and process eye data in real time. This results in improved accuracy, speed and tracking performance of Eye AF for both humans and animalsvii, which allows the photographer to concentrate exclusively on composition.

Movie Making Marvel
The compact and lightweight characteristics of the RX100 VII (approx. 302g / 102mm x 58mm x 43mm mean it can always be carried and has mounting flexibility that larger cameras simply cannot match. 

Despite the small form factors, there are a multitude of pro-level movie making capabilities, including:  

• 4K in-body movie recording with full pixel readout and no pixel binning in high bit rate XAVCS

Real-time Tracking and Real-time Eye AF for video

• 4K Active SteadyShot that is 8x more effective than 4K Standard SteadyShot

Industry standard 3.5mm microphone input

• Hybrid Log-Gammaxii(HDR) / S-Gamut3.Cine / S-Log3, S-Gamut3 / S-Log3 

Compatibility with Movie Edit add-on from the Imaging Edge mobile application for movie stabilization and editing

• Vertical-position data recording for movies

• Interval Shooting or stunning time-lapse videos

• Super Slow Motion recording at up to 960fps 

• 180-degree flip screen for ease-of use while vlogging

Shooting Grip Kit for Vloggers
Sony will also be introducing a Shooting Grip Kit (DSC-RX100M7G), which includes an RX100 VII and Shooting Grip (VCT-SGR1) that allows for easy recording and zooming right at your fingertips; Bracket with Accessory Shoe; and two Rechargeable Battery Packs(NP-BX1). Pair this kit with an external microphone (sold separately), such as the Sony Stereo Microphone (ECM-XYST1M) which mounts onto the bracket’s accessory shoe and allows for a convenient and simple vlogging setup. 

New Jacket Case for the RX100 Series
Sony has also introduced a new leather-look body case for the RX100 series(LCJ-RXK), which includes a lens jacket and shoulder strap to protect the camera from bumps and shocks. Available in black, it provides easy access to the microphone jack and USB terminal, which enables charging and image transfers without the need to remove the case. 

Pricing and Availability
The Sony RX100 VII compact camera will ship in August 2019 for approximately $1,200 US and $1,600 CA.

The RX100 VII Shooting Grip Kit will be available later in 2019 for approximately $1,300 US and $1,700 CA.

The LCJ-RXK jacket case will ship in August 2019 for approximately $85 US and $110 CA.