With the RX100 VII, Sony presents a new model of its successful expert compact and equipped with a large sensor. If the real novelties are not necessarily legion, some are more than welcome.
We find the DNA of the Sony RX100 series of expert compacts in this version VII with all the strengths and weaknesses of the previous models. The image quality is very good, the functions and advanced settings are numerous, the technology is impressive, the stabilization effective and the burst mode improved. Detection coupled with real-time tracking of faces or eyes – whether for humans or animals in both photo and video – is formidable. Problem, the RX100 VII once again presents an indigestible interface and a more than perfectible handling.
Points forts
- Compactness.
- Reactivity.
- Image quality in photo and video.
- Quality of the electronic viewfinder.
- Burst modes.
- Slow motion mode at 1000 fps.
- Electronic shutter up to 1/32000 s.
- Detection and tracking of faces or eyes in photo and video.
- Wi-Fi et Bluetooth.
- Prise microphone.
- Personalization functions.
Weak points
- Image quality down slightly at the corners.
- Menus complexes.
- Ergonomics could be improved.
- Poorly operated touch screen.
- No tropicalization.
- No accessory shoe.
- Absence d’USB-C.
NB: The reported price drop is calculated by comparing the lowest price of the day with the average of the lowest prices charged by all merchants for the product last month, with security rules to exclude prices from shops whose the VAT policy is not clear (known as “grey” shops, typically in the case of imports from China).
An alternative
The Sony ZV-1 video-oriented compact is a success, which does not really surprise us since it is derived from the excellent RX100 VII. Only the absence of a livestreaming function present in some competitors is felt. For the rest, the photo and video quality is very good and the advanced functions are numerous. Sony does not forget either to make life easier for photographers by integrating judicious shortcuts, an amazing autofocus while making an effort on stabilization.