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Archive 2022 · How good is the RX100 VII?

UBrot
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · How good is the RX100 VII?

Am actually thinking about selling my FF gear (A7C, Sony 24 2.8, Sony 40 2.5) and buying a RX100VII...
Camera is at home too often and my plan would be to buy something like a cheap A7rii or even A7r for 'serious' fotography (mainly landscape) where fast AF isn't needed sometime next year. Budget doesn't allow for the RX100 at the moment and comapct FF AND the RX100 doesn't make too much sense to me, anyway.

So I'd like some opinions by people that know these cameras...

How much of a downgrade is the RX100VII?
How bad is it low light? Does it focus? High ISO usable with good PP (I use DXO)?
Is the AF really even faster than my A7c (some say A9 level, but is that really the case or more in comparison to other Point and Shoot Cameras)?
What's about the max print you're comfortable with? Is an A3 print possible?

I had the OG RX100 as my only camera when it was new and was OK with it. Later, I had a short stint with an RX100iii, but sold it then to finance a lens. but these have different lenses and sensors than the VII.

I also think about doing the occasional video and AFAIK the new RX100 doesn't suffer from rolling shutter. True?

Dec 28, 2022 at 06:06 AM

MikeEvangelist
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · How good is the RX100 VII?

A few comments on the idea:

• The lens on the RX100vi and vii is not as good as the lens on the RX100v. It's still good, but its much longer range resulted in some compromises in sharpness. (plus it's slower at the wide-mid focal lengths, which means noisier shots in low light conditions.)
• Focusing is excellent, in nearly any light.
• I use Topaz tools for high ISO shots, with good results.
• If you don't 'need' the 200mm reach of the vi or vii, I'd suggest getting the RX100va instead. (I recently sold my vi and went back to the v.)

The more recent RX100 cameras are all very capable, but will not match the image quality of a FF camera. However, in many cases, even moderately large prints, you may not notice (or care).

Here's an older album with shots from the various RX100 models I've used. - https://www.flickr.com/photos/mikeevangelist/albums/72157651149156979

Dec 28, 2022 at 08:37 AM

MikeEvangelist
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · How good is the RX100 VII?

Here's an example of a high-ISO shot from the RX100vi. First the whole image after processing with Topaz Photo, then an enlarged (200%) section showing it with my standard LR processing compared with the Topaz version.

DSC-RX100M6 24-200mm F2.8-4.5 lens 72mm f/4.5 1/200s 1600 ISO -1.3 EV

My standard LR processing on top, Topaz version on bottom

Dec 28, 2022 at 08:52 AM

UBrot
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · How good is the RX100 VII?

Thanks, that really does help a lot!

Dec 28, 2022 at 09:25 AM

wowneatphoto
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · How good is the RX100 VII?

MikeEvangelist wrote:
Here's an example of a high-ISO shot from the RX100vi. First the whole image after processing with Topaz Photo, then an enlarged (200%) section showing it with my standard LR processing compared with the Topaz version.

For me at least, DXO has always been better at greatly reducing noise while retaining fine detail, whereas with Topaz I find I always have to choose one or the other. The image noise is greatly reduced here but I notice many of the details are lost as well. If it works with your workflow it may be worth considering DXO for DeepPrime alone.

Dec 28, 2022 at 11:00 AM

MikeEvangelist
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · How good is the RX100 VII?

wowneatphoto wrote:
For me at least, DXO has always been better at greatly reducing noise while retaining fine detail, whereas with Topaz I find I always have to choose one or the other. The image noise is greatly reduced here but I notice many of the details are lost as well. If it works with your workflow it may be worth considering DXO for DeepPrime alone.

I use both. Neither one is clearly superior, in my experience. This was just a quickie test with default settings to show the possibilities.

Dec 28, 2022 at 11:20 AM

BlueBomberTurbo
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · How good is the RX100 VII?

DXO is always the best for batch processing. It will never oversoften/smear your images, even set to max. One setting works consistently well for all images, whether they're at ISO 100 or 12,800. DXO XD adds even more detail, but takes some tweaking to get the best out of, like Topaz needs for each image.

Dec 28, 2022 at 11:37 AM

Viramati
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p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · How good is the RX100 VII?

For a camera that will fit in your trouser pockets with an equivalent 24-200 zoom range, same sensor technology as the A9 series and A1 in a 1" sensor, built in flash and EVF there really is nothing like it. Of course high iso is not it's strong point and I limit mine to iso 3200

some images here
https://www.flickr.com/photos/viramati/albums/72157710726752558/with/49357830092/

Dec 28, 2022 at 11:49 AM

jeffbuzz
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p.1 #9 · p.1 #9 · How good is the RX100 VII?

The RX100M7 is an awesome pocket-ish camera. There's really nothing that competes with it at the same size. For outdoors, daylight and action it is incredible. No rolling shutter concerns. Yes, the AF tracking and burst rates are comparable to the a9. I have both and use them in similar situations.

If your primary concern is low light, as @MikeEvangelist noted you may be better off with the faster lens on the RX100M5. The Canon G1X Mk3 is an alternative with a much larger APS-C sensor and zoom lens. Beyond that you only have Fuji X100 variants with fixed 35mm equivalent lenses.

Dec 28, 2022 at 07:22 PM

BlueBomberTurbo
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p.1 #10 · p.1 #10 · How good is the RX100 VII?

jeffbuzz wrote:
The RX100M7 is an awesome pocket-ish camera. There's really nothing that competes with it at the same size. For outdoors, daylight and action it is incredible. No rolling shutter concerns. Yes, the AF tracking and burst rates are comparable to the a9. I have both and use them in similar situations.

If your primary concern is low light, as @MikeEvangelist@ noted you may be better off with the faster lens on the RX100M5. The Canon G1X Mk3 is an alternative with a much larger APS-C sensor and zoom lens. Beyond that you only have Fuji X100 variants with fixed 35mm...Show more →

Don't forget the Canon G5X II. The only true competitor for a stacked RX that Canon has launched. Closer to an RX100 IV than any of the previous G_X cameras, with fast RAW burst and pop up EVF, but still only CDAF. Definitely envious of its 24-120 1.8-2.8 lens, too. Would love the extra reach without sacrificing speed.

Also, I've owned the G1X III. Nice camera to use, relatively compact for the sensor, and great controls, but the IQ is severely lacking for APS-C. Higher ISOs are less flexible than JPGs. Too bad, because lower ISOs are near Sony APS-C in IQ.

Dec 28, 2022 at 08:46 PM

jaybr
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p.1 #11 · p.1 #11 · How good is the RX100 VII?

UBrot wrote:
Am actually thinking about selling my FF gear (A7C, Sony 24 2.8, Sony 40 2.5) and buying a RX100VII...
Camera is at home too often and my plan would be to buy something like a cheap A7rii or even A7r for 'serious' fotography (mainly landscape) where fast AF isn't needed sometime next year. Budget doesn't allow for the RX100 at the moment and comapct FF AND the RX100 doesn't make too much sense to me, anyway.

So I'd like some opinions by people that know these cameras...

How much of a downgrade is the RX100VII?
How bad is it low light? Does it...Show more →

I used an RX100vi during a two month tour around Japan a few years ago. I took many great photos, but hated using it. The EVF is a real pain because you can’t push your eye up against it otherwise it easily mists up on warmer days. As to be expected, the small sensor/slow zoom lens combo equates to generally flatter photos with little subject isolation, and higher noise levels in lower light. I sold the camera when I got back.

I’m leaving for another two month trip to Japan shortly, and will only be taking my a7iii and the Tamron 17-28 & 28-200 combo. I reckon they’ll be a joy to use in comparison 😉

J

Dec 28, 2022 at 09:23 PM

offtraildog
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p.1 #12 · p.1 #12 · How good is the RX100 VII?

I have owned both the RX100VII and A7C at the same time. On the A7C, the most similar lenses in focal length and f/stop I have used compared to your Sony's are the Sigma 24/3.5 & Sigma 45/2.8.

I am not a pixel peeper - I do 95% of editing w/ Capture 1 in "Fit" mode which is <50% on my 27" 5K retina iMac .. maybe approx 25-35% .. go to 100% for spot removal and sharpening

When viewing a collection of images (ex. a trip) where I used both cameras, I can immediately tell if the RAW image is produced by the A7C or RX100VII with the A7C being the clear winner in terms of IQ .. and I am not as fanatical about IQ as others.

Perhaps it is the settings & technique I use when taking pictures but whatever it is ... my approach seems to favor the A7C and now A74. Not sure what PP you do, .. I expose for highlights so the extra dynamic range from FF is very useful for me and the finished images from the A7C look better to me.

I also feel that the RX100VII is even more of a PITA to use then the A7C

I don't know what style of shooting you do but this album is almost 100% images from the RX100VII. I think these are full-res images so these should provide some idea when shot outdoors, handheld, sometimes under less then ideal conditions.
https://www.offtraildog.com/Outdoorsports/SequoiaKings-Canyon-High-Route/

My next backpacking trip in 2023, I'll be taking either the A7C or a6600 .. ideally hoping that one or both have been updated for 2023 but regardless will still be preferred by me over the RX100VII

I have a friend who absolutely loves his RX100VII and uses it as the only camera during his bucket-list adventures so YMMV.

I suggest you rent one ($52 for 3 days) and shoot it against your A7C and decide what you will be happy with

Dec 28, 2022 at 11:48 PM

hasenbein
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p.1 #13 · p.1 #13 · How good is the RX100 VII?

Hello UBrot,

are you old?

If not, I am wondering what is so big or heavy about a A7c with two little primes that you are not motivated to take it with you?

Normally I would recommend to buy the Tamron 28-200 for the A7c and call it a day.

The RX100 series is much too fiddly to use, the viewfinder is awful etc. If you want it to just document some vacation moments, IMO buying a new smartphone would be the better solution.

Dec 29, 2022 at 12:21 AM

Viramati
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p.1 #14 · p.1 #14 · How good is the RX100 VII?

it makes no sense to compare the output or ergonomics of the RX100vii to a FF frame camera but for what it is and what it manages to compress into a pocket sized camera is incredible. IQ for it's size of sensor is very good and I have exhibited photos from the the mk6 model which I had previously at A3 size.
I recommend this review to show what it is capable of

Dec 29, 2022 at 04:17 AM

offtraildog
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p.1 #15 · p.1 #15 · How good is the RX100 VII?

Hi @Viramati

the OP asked for a comparison between their current FF, the A7C, and the RX100VII. I owned both this year and carried and shot them together.

Just because you don't think people should compare two different size/sensor etc. cameras doesn't mean that people shouldn't or can't. Many of the threads on FM are about comparing dissimilar gear.

I believe the RX100VII is a great camera when compared to others in it's category with the same sensor and size. I have owned it twice and the RX100IV, shot thousands of photos with them so I think I have a good idea about the difference in IQ to the A7C.

I respect Mark G and have been a paid Patreon for a long time. His YT channel has a bunch of recent videos detailing his personal preferences when he wants to use a small, light camera and also do vlogging. The RX100VII is not his current choice though that does not make it a wrong choice for anybody else.

It comes down to understanding the advantages/disadvantages and personal preference.

Dec 29, 2022 at 10:42 AM

UBrot
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p.1 #16 · p.1 #16 · How good is the RX100 VII?

I wouldn't consider myself old and feeble - it's not the weight and size of my A7C per se but rather that it's not pocketable.
I'm in vienna at the moment and it's just that I don't want to take an extra bag with me for my gear - RX100 I can put into a trouser pocket, if a take the A7c, I need a bag for the camera and the 2nd lens, the blower and have to carry it. And being here with my wife, I don't have too many foto taking opportunities, anyway. So, do I need a FF camera for a few snapshots here? Most of the images will end up on my NAS and will only be viewed on a tablet, phone, or maybe the 37" TV. Still mulling it over, though...

I know, RX100 vs A7c is clearly an apples to oranges comparison, but I do prefer oranges, given the choice...

Thanks for all your input, really appreciate it!

Dec 30, 2022 at 04:38 PM

GabrielPhoto
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p.1 #17 · p.1 #17 · How good is the RX100 VII?

Just another option, unless your goal is a compact design I would suggest the rx10 IV used. That lens is marvelous end to end which is not something I can say about the two copies of the rx100 vii I have had. Not that they were bad just not amazing at the long end unlike the rx10 IV. Also the rx10 IV at the same focal length has lightly smoother bokeh. Super soft bokeh has never been a main trait of those cameras.
Anyway, if you want a compact camera nothing can touch the rx100 vii as competitors like Canon are still using contrast AF and their lenses are not as sharp either.

Dec 30, 2022 at 08:59 PM

lightskyland
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p.1 #18 · p.1 #18 · How good is the RX100 VII?

I find the latest iPhones have comparable IQ to the RX100 series. So I stopped using my RX100 for that reason. FF image quality is a substantial step up from smart phones so I've sold all my smaller sensor cameras and either photograph with FF or with my iPhone.

Dec 31, 2022 at 05:06 PM

aCuria
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p.1 #19 · p.1 #19 · How good is the RX100 VII?

lightskyland wrote:
I find the latest iPhones have comparable IQ to the RX100 series. So I stopped using my RX100 for that reason. FF image quality is a substantial step up from smart phones so I've sold all my smaller sensor cameras and either photograph with FF or with my iPhone.

I have the same view. I owned the older RX100 models by at some point using the phone was as good

Dec 31, 2022 at 10:01 PM

h00ligan
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p.1 #20 · p.1 #20 · How good is the RX100 VII?

I have a rx100 iii - for me the output and pure iq (not discussing the af speed etc for a moment) of all the rx100 series cameras is so similar to try and choose a photo made with one or the other based on sharpness, tone, etc is impossible.

Having used the first one, then the third one, I rarely take it with me anymore because the iq isn’t meaningfully better than my iPhone 12 Pro Max. In fact the iPhone probably does better in dim situations and is faster to use + instant sharing. Maybe I just can’t use it to the capabilities as well as others and you may be a far superior photographer, admittedly I have a lot to learn. I do think that most wow shots with either the iPhone or rx series cameras involve a fair bit of photoshop, so consider that you can make up some loss in iq with time in post, if you have it.

The new phones are also fully weather sealed, even submerged.

Nothing in the iv-vii convinces me that the iq is different enough to sway my opinion, though I know the af speed is remarkable later in the model lines.

When I go out “light” now I take the rx1, but it’s certainly lacking in autofocus capability (boy the files are fantastic and it’s small, relatively speaking ), I also always have my phone.

—— some examples

I'm in the south of Italy and I've been sick for weeks. I took my iPhone out when I couldn't be bothered to carry more, on a day with bad light, doing a city walk. You may not like the way I processed them; but if you want to see an amateur using a phone to counter the amateurs using the rx, this may be helpful

https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/66730557

Here are a couple I didn't post there, again developed in a way I like them but you may hate. I'm not sure the rx100 would have offered much here. (These are just the large setting but you can look at the bigger versions on the do review thread I think, though maybe compressed more?)

Here’s a link to an original size snapshot straight from the phone https://flic.kr/p/2o93UqK

And the processed ones.

And one of the best rx100 shots I have (from the m3)

Dec 31, 2022 at 11:54 PM

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