Sony RX100 VII :: Incredible!!!

Today Sony has announced the RX100 VII, which is the latest in its range of point-and-shoot, compact cameras. I've had a pre-release copy of this camera for about a week now and I've been very impressed so far. The addition of a mic input jack is going to be big news for some people, but there are many other features as well.
With the new RX100 VII, we have a new stacked CMOS sensor with DRAM configuration. A new Bionz X processor and frontend LSI. Refinements to this technology give us some incredible new features for both stills and video.
There are now 357 phase detection AF points covering about 68% of the image area. Focus acquisition is now 0.02 sec and the camera makes up to 60 focus calculations per second.
We now have 20fps, true blackout free shooting with no lag. There is a new single burst drive mode which allows you to get up to 90 frames per second raw or jpeg images in 7 shot bursts.
Sony has also introduced real time object tracking which is the technology we have in the A9, A6400 and now A7r IV cameras. Real time object tracking works in conjunction with both human Eye AF and animal Eye AF for one of the most accurate focusing systems I've used to date. Its incredible.
Video features have some major upgrades in the RX100 VII as well. We now have Eye AF in video, Active IS is now available in 4k movie mode, the aforementioned mic jack and the camera now embeds vertical position data recording.
Time limits for 4k video recording have been removed. Thermals in the camera seem to have improved. I was able to test a clip that lasted an entire hour before the battery died.
Also introduced is interval shooting for those who want to shoot time-lapse images!
This video is sponsored by Squarespace. For a free trail and 10% off your order, visit squarespace.com/aop and use offer code AOP on check out!
Watch more videos like this one! • 600mm!!! The new SONY ...
Music is from Epidemic Sound goo.gl/v5wWKr
AoP T-Shirts aop.threadless.com/
Need a website? squarespace.com/aop
On my channel you will find videos about photography, cinematography, post processing tutorials for Capture One, Lightroom and Photoshop, photo assignments that YOU can participate in, the Artist Series and more. The Artist Series is an ongoing set of videos I produce as documentaries on living photographers. I am extremely passionate about photography and video and my goal in making these videos is to share my passion and enthusiasm with you! Don’t forget to subscribe and make sure to hit the like button and share this video if you enjoyed it!
Ted Forbes
The Art of Photography
2830 S. Hulen, Studio 133
Fort Worth, TX 76109
US of A

[@theartofphotography]

You can pre-order at B&H bhpho.to/2K2lCJ9

[@JoeyShip]

The Art of Photography great video...but any chance of Photo Assignments making a comeback? I loved those! 👍🏽

[@BOOSTEDLASER]

​ HarvyDanger Films How good is the stabil tech VS a Gopro 8?

[@BOOSTEDLASER]

​ HarvyDanger Films How good is the stabil tech VS a Gopro 8?

[@Roshambo3]

I know this channel isn’t as gear focused as other photo channels but I love your gear reviews. You offer a unique perspective on features and new capabilities.

[@DavidM2002]

Great review. If you carry a number of batteries and forget which one is charged, use a Sharpie and number each battery and then just use them in numerical order. When you pull out the battery marked " Number 2", slide in Number 3.

[@joyoffilming9500]

Sounds as if you were sharing your military experience. I did that many years ago to quickly pull out a full jacket instead of an empty one.

[@asokbiswas6833]

Your analysis covers all new inputs as well limitation the gadget has. I am really impressed the way you represent the review.

[@urban.nomad23]

Great review!! I am glad I found your video. I am thoroughly sold and will go and get one to play with. Thanks!!

[@alexanderpons9246]

Oh wow! Well, it seems as so many people are doing video and the compact body makes very appealing. Again we are living in very exciting times with technology and the possibilities are great. Coming from SLR then DSLR these compact cameras are great to carry around and the image quality is great. Thanks for loving Photography so much and share as well through your channel Mr. Ted Forbes!

[@FlyBills]

Just placed my order . Thank you for the review.

[@circuitsandcigars1278]

I'd like to say thanks for the videos because I saw your RX100 V video and bought your Sparrow rig and now am going to get this one

[@SilverNomad]

Great review! Great camera! This is just the camera I have been waiting for traveling!! :-)

[@nina_summers]

It’s amazing you will love it! Autofocus so fast! I’m still playing with it :)

[@YourreelmemoriesAu]

Nice review. I know this was a while ago but just have to say Sony’s technology is really impressive considering the small form factor. I have an RX100 V and am still blown away with it’s capabilities. Of course it’s not really surprising as I am old and still remember how amazed I was with the Sony Walkman when it came out.

[@Apaolino21]

Two versions would be so perfect!! I have the Rx100v. I want all the new features but I dont want to give up my 24-70 / 1.8-2.8

[@iddeegee]

patience... Sony just wants to sell this one first a less attractive version (at least for many)... $)

[@aows]

Updated RX100VA with mic input, touch screen, better 4K stabilization and the new AF capabilities would be very nice.

[@dps812]

Totally agree. I've been using the VA for underwater shooting since December and I love it for doing videos. Mostly on 1080 60fps but better stabilization in 4K and 60fps would definitely get one of those. And regarding the underwater subject, the color science for pictures isn't as good as the video for some reason. If anyone has any suggestions I'll be more than happy to hear them.

[@nivruttigarud4306]

I love watching your reviews and I am waiting for your review on 7R 4. I hope it is coming soon!

[@OMGMOTO]

This is the best review on this camera I have seen to date.

[@PatrickJaszewski]

I agree with you, Ted. I'd rather have a little wider lens and some built-in ND filtering for video. Regardless, this new release looks pretty awesome.

[@aristoioannidis7490]

Outstanding review!

[@justinberken]

Great review, thanks Ted!

[@BoxerRex]

Good review! Thanks. I got the IV and will get the VII for sure.

[@ChrisBoland]

Such a great little review. Totally agree about the lens and ND. I guess Sony have form when it comes to offering stills and video-centric versions, so you never know 👍

[@frankfeng2701]

But I'll scratch my head if the photo-centric version has a mic jack or the video-centric version has a mic jack but no ND or 4k60.

[@markattardo]

Technology keeps marching forward. Pretty impressive what they've stuffed into that camera.

[@walterhernandez4358]

Very informative.

[@youuuuuuuuuuutube]

Great video! Amazing to see at 3:07 that it behaves exactly like the A9! I also agree that they should offer multiple versions of that camera, one for video bloggers, with an 18-50mm lens for example. Both cameras would be popular, I'd think.

[@johnkraemer5505]

Wow! Sounds like an amazing point and shoot camera! Having two version of the camera would be great! The ND filters would be very nice to have! Thank you for the information!

[@jefffenske1958]

*Compactness is crucial for easy carry.* Better to carry extra batteries than make it bigger. Bigger would kill its usefulness for many users.

[@EnnTomi1]

agree, especially the RX series has very clear audience here, which is portable yet no compromise.

[@63rml]

I love my rx 100v, great lens use it for landscape all the time. Mike

[@TheEverythingMan]

im so pumped ... 6pm pre order can't come soon enough

[@tombuck]

My feed was flooded with RX reviews this morning, and yours is the only one I watched. I really like that you actually use these cameras regularly. I’ve got the Mark V, which is still incredible, but that mic jack...

[@aguszhoe7660]

perfect review perfect camera...... god job....

[@tclin2938]

Missed the 24-70lens on mark five, the wider aperture really means something

[@EdwardAkop]

I hope we get it in the future gen

[@suzatlarge]

So I'm commenting here three years later. Hope I'm not too late to the party. 😂 And - I've finally ordered an RX100vii, in "like new minus" condition from KEH. After years of wanting one, as a step up from my good old RX100iii. As I wait for it to be delivered I'm browsing through the knowledge base on the internet. THANK YOU for this excellent overview. It's stood the test of time and has been very informative.

[@dodongguite9763]

Just got my RX100vii. Four years late! 😁

[@mchlhth]

This looks like an incredible camera, but my one misgiving is the lens. Personally, I wish they would go back to the 24-70mm equiv. f/1.8-2.8, or maybe even copy the Canon G7X 24-120mm eqiv. f/1.8-2.8, because I value the light gathering capabilities of wider apertures when paired with a smaller sensor over how far I can zoom.

[@aows]

Michael Heath they might release a new VA like they did last time.

[@s.vortex]

Absolutely agree! I'd much prefer f/1.8 24-70mm with ND filter.

[@gregsimmons1709]

Thank you for that great review. I hope Sony are listening to your suggestion of two versions with two lenses. I’m still on the MkIII, but one day soon I’m moving up to something else. This would be great, but I really need that ND filter.

[@StewartMarsden]

I've been waiting for this to get a mic jack, its why I haven't got one till now -- and I agree about 2 versions, id prefer to have both

[@ljubomirbardzic]

A 24-120 1.8-2.8 lens, like the Canon G5X, would be very welcome on the next gen of this camera.

[@petersonli3884]

Thanks Ted! You are right, the thing holding me back from getting the RX100 VI is the 5-minute video recording limit. I'll get the VII if it can record 15 minutes or longer.

[@HarvyDangerFilms]

The two versions idea is gold!!

[@WellerCreations]

Adding this to my wish list

[@juliemullen9821]

What a fantastic review! You get ***** stars! I've seen a lot of reviews and some of them have been super pro and others more heartfelt. I like your tone, straightforward info, guidance etc. WOW! Anyway, upshot is I am getting my new camera tomorrow!!!! Doing a little camera dance on the spot here in England. Brilliant video, I wondered how you shot it? With VII or something else? All the best, I will keep watching.

[@Doctor1O1]

I started watching your channel Researching the Rx100iv ...seems like ages ago..😌

[@pergunnareriksson]

Still on the RX100M2 and with each new version there's always been something missing/taken away to stop me from upgrading. This time it's definitely the price. 😁📸

[@ZZstaff]

Nice camera, it is unfortunate I cannot afford it. Thank you for another good video.

[@rudolfabelin383]

Close to two years later...... Rumor has it that you might get your two versions...... Greetings from Sweden.

[@phantaphil]

For real? Where did you heard/read that rumor please?

[@victormultanen1981]

thank you for explanation of great obscurity of 7 frames in 90 fps! great overall review! adorable camera! may you please share how do you color grade s-log 3 in lumafusion?

[@VANBAOLA]

amazing review, i bought rx100va last month with f1.8 24-70, nd filter and no active steadyshot at 4k, no mic input port and i hope a new update firrmware for rx100va...

[@MollyFitzBrown]

I agree about the battery issue :) Great review! Any tips for if I want a burier background for video when vlogging/selfie talking? It's an amazing camera, I still like it more than the ZV1 but I like want the instant background blur button haha

[@GraceKrishnan]

Camera of my dreams! 📷 😍😍😍

[@rejeannantel1185]

Very nice camera review as usual Ted - and you're right it sur is a beast for it's price and size. I keep hearing that many of the newer cameras have ND filters included. How do they compare with physical ND filters when you use them for still photography? - Maybe you can make a podcast comparing the ND filters from different manufacturers vs the physical ones... Thanks for sharing your expertise Ted!

[@stevenmuncy491]

Two versions is the way to go. Waiting on the full review.

[@rythie]

I like the lens on the older cameras better. I still use the rx100iii, the touchscreen on the rx100vi would have been nice in the rx100va. It’s a pity they didn’t call this range the rx200 series and keep the rx100 series how it was from mark iii to mark v.

[@tmkauth]

#1 reason i stayed with the V was the lens. would imediately get the VII if it had the lens of the V. I use my 10 IV for telephoto.

[@walkhawaii]

Ti Kauth same here!!!!!!

[@MarsKvaratskhelia]

I want one with better lens it’s on 5 version? Going to look in now Rather lens then mic jack I can record sound separately pretty easy

[@tmkauth]

@@MarsKvaratskhelia The V has a 24-70 1.8-2.8 lens w/ built in ND filter. but only 5 minute 4k30p or fhd120p recording time and no video realtime eye tracking, just face.

[@HesselFolkertsma]

Just attach a filter adapter, voila problem solved. Less dust problems too, probably will save you from having the camera lens-curtain serviced down the line.

[@JoeMustang99]

Excellent review, Ted. I'm surprised about the no time limit in 4k. I gave up on the V in 4k because of no IS and overheating, but use it a lot for 1080p B roll, for which it is perfect, with separate audio. Sony must have made a major change in the electronics to keep the heat generation down, as well as activate IS in 4k. I assumed this would not be possible. This implies a much more substantial internal update of the electronics than one might first assume. I've skipped the Va and VI, but the VII is worth looking at closer now for video, at least for me. Trickle down technology is a winner, once again.

[@iamjonguy]

Thanks for the heads up on this new RX 100, quick comparison with the Sony a6400's auto focus capabilities? This is a lot better than the a6400?

[@noelmurphy925]

I guess this is why there has been radio silence on the release of the Canon G7X iii. I couldn't figure out why none of the top channels were saying anything.

[@stillsandvideo]

Ted, thanks for such an informative review. Did you get a chance to try out the low light performance?

[@yenzibruggemann1134]

So true with the two lenses!

[@jordansarkisian]

Great upgrades for sure, makes an excellent B camera. I still wish it was less length and 1.8-4.0 or something like that tho, I need one much more than the other. That and the battery...small batteries drive me nuts these days.

[@Carolyne_games]

Interesting point you brought up regarding the size. Didn’t think about that before but I quite agree! I think with a retracting lens, the size of the RX1 will be perfect. The RX1 uses the same battery as this one, but since the RX100 has a much smaller sensor, it’ll most likely fit a larger battery. Also the wider lens is a great point. I don’t know if it’s currently possible to make an even wider lens with reasonable zoom range for this camera (24mm equivalent is already down to 8.8mm on 1”), but having a lens down to 16 or 18mm in a different version (RX100W?) sounds like a great thing to have. That will be perfect for landscape shots and video.

[@nicksavage4763]

The only thing that may Upset since I just got One from B&H is if Sony Comes out with An RX100 Viii within The Next Year

[@beckykuperstein]

Your reviews are so informative without being too lengthy - thank you! I just watched this and your older video of the Panasonic GX85. I am a beginner and want a camera for hiking and travel. I shoot landscape and wildflowers. Between Sony RX100 M7 vs Panasonic GX85 with 12-32 and 45-150, what would you recommend?

[@SteveMillerhuntingforfood]

Label your batteries 1,2 3, 4, etc.....use them in that order.

[@KrunoslavStifter]

New CPU, might last longer than usual. a6300 and a6400 have same battery but better new CPU like in this case so battery lasts longer.

[@FridaandLuna]

Thanks for the tip.

[@SteveMillerhuntingforfood]

@@KrunoslavStifter That would be nice if true. Have yet to see the spec's of the new RX. However, that BX battery is a dog.

[@SteveMillerhuntingforfood]

@@KrunoslavStifter Doesn't the a6300 and a6400 use the FW50 battery? This new RX uses the BX

[@KrunoslavStifter]

@@SteveMillerhuntingforfood Yeah. I'm making an educated guess, I haven't tried it yet myself. But they seem to have introduced new CPU that produces less heat and uses up less battery. It also is more powerful so it can do real time tracking etc. They introduced that new CPU into a6400 and even if it had same FW50 battery as a6300 and a6500 the heat was not as much of a problem and the battery lasted longer. Same battery. They did the same with the new a7RIV, new new CPU and other tech. Now in RX100VII. You have seen the test for overheating so I'm guessing that is indicator it will also be more efficient with battery drainage. Maybe instead of 1h of 1080p video we get 2h. That seems to be the ratio from a6400 vs a6300 about double the battery life not by adding bigger battery but by being less power hungry.

[@nikkoarnado6521]

SONY PLEASE RELEASE A 24-70 1.8 VERSION WITH AN ND FILTER!! PLLLLLEEEEEAAASEEEEE

[@lwwells]

Hasn't it had ND filters since mark III?

[@junsimons]

Luke Wells the rx doesn’t have them any more

[@SherardYu]

I want the f1.8 version too! Still using my RX100iv.

[@thebentzenable]

Agreed 👍👍👍

[@blutundleberwurst9551]

The last and best of the serie with ND-filter: SONY RX100VA = RX100M5A. VA: It's the better V

[@MichalOlender]

Looks like a beast in your pocket!

[@NomadFilmmaker305]

I own mark V and I'm happy with it. ND filter is a must!

[@miguelcarlostarrosa9109]

I totally agree with the 2 lens version offerings. Sony should really bring back RX100 V's lens.

[@frankfeng2701]

ND, fast lens, 4k60 are what it needs.

[@DirectorsGarage]

I miss the 24-17 ND filter and f/1.8. But otherwise, home run Sony. I pulled the trigger on it. I've skipped the VI because of the lens and lack of ND. Adding an audio port and eliminating the 5:00 limit on 4K, plus I get the eye auto focus the V lacks and a touch screen-- too good to pass up. I'm keeping the V for specific needs but I'm all-in on the VII. At least they haven't changed the battery!

[@strangehobbit]

I’m seriously considering this

[@leofaulhaber5641]

I agree totally, there should be two versions. Or even three, one with an ultra wide lense.

[@karimsadouni4758]

Nice video

[@philhistorybuff4040]

I have one. It is a superb camera and it fits in your pocket ! If you want to get most out of some of the features you need a gimbal or a tripod. I would just like to see a filter thread. That would make it perfect. It is great to have a camera that has more features than many digital SLRs and you don't have to carry around all that heavy kit so you can take it with you all the time. My images have improved since getting this camera but you really need to read the manual to understand all the setting options and features. A more touch enabled rear screen would be a great option in the next version because moving through all the many menu options takes time. A new user needs to understand that to get all you can from this brilliant camera there is a steep learning curve. It is worth printing all 670 pages of the manual to study it at leisure.

[@franklinmichael671]

Making it a slightly bigger camera with a bigger battery, hotshot mount and ND filter would be perfect, super useful. Also having 2 versions with different lenses would be great, maybe one with 16-70mm and one with 24-200mm

[@ahmedrashed78]

that 5 min limit alone not being there is the biggest thing that will make me consider this camera!

[@ALxdCr4ftPlays]

I have the AX700 camcorder which I'm selling. Will look at getting the RX 100 VII as it has stabilization with 4k video and good night recording. And is less bulkier than the AX and won't cost an arm and a leg like the a7 and a9 do. And it still has a carl zeiss sonar T thingy lens and the lens isn't a separate price tag. It's not perfect but it's good.

[@davehenderson9105]

Wow! Gotta be a beast in the pocket for street photography and vlogging now!

[@brodcastization]

Nah..gr3

[@brodcastization]

For vlogging...yes

[@rumporridge1]

Bawantha Liyanage a toss up no?

[@mooninc.185]

summer camp footage is cute

[@AbdulazizAsiry]

Thank you so much for your nice video, I have two questions i always use Rx100 mark 5 I just love it , i have two questions can i get a good bouquet effect in photography and in video filming either mark 5 or 7 thank you again

[@philmytime]

I started with the II and now use the VA. Stills are superb on the VA underwater. Im just about to get a Vii for the video as the V seemed inferior to the Go pro 8 looking at my video compared to other divers on the same shark subjects. Not sure how the lense will work with low light and zoom travel in the new housing ... will have to wait and see. Great video which covers all the features ... Batteries i have to change every dive so i have rules where i keep the charged and uncharged and usually carry five fully charged for a days diving or shooting. I prefer to stick with this compact size format. I have a D750 i hardly use as its an exercise in bags to carry three lenses and look for shots. RX100 = cool composition and results!

[@FridaandLuna]

I was super excited until you talked about the lens. Might have to buy the V again. Just wish I wouldn’t keep smashing it all the time. I think my insurance agents are getting suspicious 😒

[@gixxerboy555]

Very informative ...subbed..thanx..I still own my Sony RX100Va and i'm very happy with..(it has the ND-filter)..but think i'm going for a bigger Sony camera..have to choose between the A6600 and a A7iii,..which one would you advice?I use it maintainely for photo's..not video..(sometimes.. :)

[@edwin_ac]

Thanks for the initial impressions. But I think, for a camera review, you forgot to mention the min and max aperture of the camera. Anyway, I'll just google it.

[@SabkaTvShow]

Thanks for really informative video, does this has clean HDMI out?

[@UpliftedProductions]

Hi, what microphone are you using for this video? You are awesomely clear! Do you have a special setup to get such great quality? Thanks.

[@phillippugh2161]

Here im still shooting with my rx100 mark 1 . That still does what 90% of the shooters care about. I only wish it had a little wider lens

[@mounirmeziani]

شكرا لك 😊

[@MeAMuse]

Hey Ted. Was listening to your podcast related to this but there was nowhere really to open a discussion. I thought it was a really interesting / really geeky episode. Something that both you and Jaren were confused by was "who would buy this camera". I do have a friend that just ordered it and it's around traveling, or taking good pictures of kids at things like soccer games. I think Sony has recognized that they can't beat the convenience of smartphones. The only way they can sell a compact camera is by doing something that smartphones are terrible at. With the computational stuff, low light is less viable (I think that was the model for V1 - 5) and now its zoom (but of course they can't just give you the tele focal lengths). I definitely like the idea of having a choice of the lens on this camera.

[@dianjellorafiki5243]

By the way you had the best video on this camera

[@tomowens7499]

I have a mark va, i bought it for the nd. I STILL find myself using a magnet filter adapter with another variable nd on max in addition to the internal nd fairly often for video on a bright day out with my kids...

[@davidjensen41]

I own a V5 which I love, that is until I ran it over with my car. That's the bad news. The amazing news is that the camera still worked. The rear screen was broken, the viewfinder would not pop up, but the camera would power on, the lens would extend and I could take photos with it. Sadly, when I sent it in to Sony for a repair estimate, it came back not working. Still working to resolve that, but am excited for the new V7, would prefer the shorter lens, I don't need that kind of reach on a P&S. I have DSLRs and big lenses for that. I'll be considering the V7 as a replacement for my V5.

[@dps812]

I've been using the VA for underwater shooting since December and I love it for doing videos. Mostly on 1080 60fps but better stabilization in 4K, 60fps, and eye tracking, I would definitely get one of those. And regarding the underwater subject, the color science for pictures isn't as good as the video for some reason. If anyone has any suggestions I'll be more than happy to hear them. Pictures come out mostly green and blue while video gives me more range to color correct the reds and warmer tones

[@alspaeth]

Would like to know more about the 4k HDR video quality. Thanks

[@rmp5s]

I think I'm going to sell my Osmo Pocket and pick one of these up. Looks pretty amazing.

[@kristiankaraneshev7528]

Great review, as always! But i don't know if it's just me, or I would go for a6400, which actually costs less + fast prime. The difference in size is not that big. I also like shooting astro, the older lens was capable of some astro, but they put smaller aperture because of longer lens.

[@SalseroInsano]

Hello , i just watched this review as i am interested in buying it. Regarding your comment about thermal shutdown on 4k recording. Please note that if you record the same picture all the time and you are not holding the camera, the CPU works very little to compress the video footage and off course the active stabilization does not generate heat at all. That is propably the reason + the controlled environment you could reach 1 hour of 4k recording length. I would like to see a more real life representation of the 4k recording length capabilities.

[@jesusinclan5879]

This camera looks like an ideal camera for street photography.

[@waiwaitours6167]

Aloha I am a armature photographer and I am a professional tour guide. I have Sony RX 100 I, II, and III (2 of them) I like your review short and clear. I am considering to buy a new Z or RX100 VII. But I am not convinced yet. I rather spend my $ to add more accessories, cages and hand grips and UV filers. I take amazing night sky photos with RX100 thanks to ZEISS F1.8 lens at Hawaii Mauna Kea.

[@clintjohnson2460]

The very FIRST thing I said when I saw the RX100VI was,,"why did they mess up the lens??..No 1.8 ,,,no ND filter built in". I'll admit , this new camera is an achievement ..no question,,but the long lens killing the depth of field control is too limiting for me,,despite its many other superior capabilities. What I did,, as a loyal AOP viewer/subscriber was,,(1) bought a Panasonic GX850,,(Feb 15, 2017) with a few of its interchangeable Leica primes to augment the kit zoom and (2),,rigged up my own version of the Sparrow MK1.(Nov 16, 2016) ,,,.your Rode micro/ Zoom H1/on a bracket set-up,,couldn't be more pleased..

[@movieman2009]

At 11:05 for many years I use little post it dots to place directly on the battery to color code the battery and if needed leave one battery with nothing on it.

[@TheFlameFamily]

I love you man the best video review on this camera by fr this why i subbed to you this is why i watch the main reasons i am a viewer for life i was so worried about the heat