Overnight, Sony has released details of the RX100 VII (model DSC-RX100M7) compact camera, which features a new sensor and the latest generation BIONZ X image processor.
Angled view of the new Sony RX100 VII camera. (Source: Sony.)
The RX100 VII is powered by a newly developed 1.0-type (12.8 x 9.6 mm) stacked Exmor RS CMOS image sensor with an effective resolution of 20.1 megapixels and the latest generation BIONZ X image processor. It also utilises technologies developed for Sony’s α9 full-frame mirrorless camera to deliver new levels of performance for both stills and movie shooting. Improvements in AF acquisition and AF/AE tracking are realized through a leading-edge AF system with 357 focal-plane phase-detection AF points and 425 contrast-detection AF points, which claims a lock-on speed of 0.02 second and tracking calculations at up to 60 times per second. The new camera can record continuously at up to 20 fps with AF/AE tracking with the sensor supporting blackout-free shooting. The RX100 VII also introduces a new drive mode, Single Burst Shooting, for capturing the high-speed shots at up to 90 fps without AF/AE tracking in JPEG/RAW format with the anti-distortion shutter. For the first time in a compact camera, the RX100 VII introduces advanced ‘Real-time Tracking’ using AI-based object recognition and the latest version of Sony’s AI-based ‘Real-time Eye AF’ technology.
The new camera can also record 4K video clips with full pixel readout and no pixel binning in high bit rate XAVCS format. Functions like Real-time Tracking and Real-time Eye AF are also available for video and 4K Active SteadyShot stabilisation is 8x more effective than 4K Standard SteadyShot. The professional Hybrid Log-Gamma (HDR) profile is available for recording video clips, along with Sony’s S-Gamut3.Cine / S-Log3 and S-Gamut3/S-Log3. Sony has also included a microphone jack, interval recording for time-lapse videos and a Super Slow Motion mode with up to 1000 fps recording. In addition, 4K video is no longer limited to five minutes of recording time. Vertical-position data recording has been added for movies to assist vloggers, who will also benefit from the 180-degree flip screen.
A new ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T* 24-200mm f/2.8-4.5 lens extends the reach to 8x zoom magnification but at the cost of a stop in maximum aperture across much of the zoom range. No ND filter is available for moderating exposures in bright conditions when differential focusing is required. The RX100 VII uses the same NP-BX1 battery as previous models and claims a CIPA-rated capacity of 260 shots/charge with the LCD monitor or 240 with the EVF. A USB-C port replaces the micro-USB port and allows the battery to be charged via the supplied cable.
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. It provides easy access to the microphone jack and USB terminal which enables charging and image transfers without the need to remove the case.
The RX100 VII and LCJ-RXK will be available in Australia from August 2019 for AU$1,999 and AU$99 respectively suggested retail prices. Click here for full product details
