Sony RX100 VII review - the BEST pocket camera, at a price 

My in-depth review of Sony's latest pocket compact, the RX100 VII. Vlog tests start at 15:55 Check prices at B&H: bhpho.to/2K6Vhth Filmed with Sony A6400 and e 24mm: bhpho.to/2CqYrEs Buy Gordon a coffee: www.paypal.me/cameralabs Gordon's In Camera book at Amazon: amzn.to/2n61PfI / Amazon uk: amzn.to/2mBqRVZ Like Cameralabs? Get the T-Shirt: redbubble.com/people/cameralabs/shop

So glad that someone actually reviewed this for photography and not just as a video camera

One thing that drives me crazy about almost all of these reviews is that no one ever talks about how close the camera can focus, or it's macro capability. This is especially important on a camera with a fixed lens, because you cannot change the lens to a macro lens. It's also a pretty easy thing to test.

The best and complete review of this camera so far.

Great review BUT please add labels for side by side comparisons!

Fantastic review Gordon, and thanks for comparing to the relevant competition as well!

Well done Gordon. This is an amazing little camera. You are the only big camera channel to compare this camera to the Canons or to even to mention them.

I've been watching you for almost 10 years now. Always the best reviews.

Pany LX10 needs an update add mic input and better AF now but they need to keep the f1.4 lens - prefer the lower apertures over the zoom capability

I am so glad you mentioned the part about the lessor touchscreen functionality. No one seems to mention that, but i really want it and they don’t ever offer it, while everyone else does.

I love the colours of the photo's made by the Canon camera's. Concerning photographing moving subjects: I use a Olympus TG5 and the AF is really great (when there's enough light).

the auto focus feature is the main selling point of this camera . i love it

What is really upsetting about this RX100VII release is the Canon-like handicapping and pricing, caused by Sony's complacence of progress and lack of competition in the market. For $1200 prosumers can get an A6400 + 18-135 kit that is at least a stop faster and more versatile. For $800 prosumers looking for pocketable option can get a brand new 2-year-old RX100V with a faster lens and internal ND, which matter more for serious vlogging and 95% of hybrid shooting, especially in low light. For $400 casual vloggers can get DJI Osmo Pocket that can shoot 4K60p with a built-in gimbal. For $100 anyone can just afford a DJI Mobile that can be used with any smartphone they already have.

I think 6400 is the best bet here with an external holder for the mic. Thanks for a fabulous comparison sir.

RX100 V"B" with the same tech + mic input of the RX100VII but with 1.8-2.8 24-70 mm + built-in ND filter for $900 would be the perfect pocket camera

From a long time Fuji user. This is my favourite digital camera. I still love my XT4 and use it for shoots and for leisure but on a day to day basis rx100m7 is coming out with me.

Thanks for the video. Audio jack is the biggest addition to this camera. It was needed!

Great review as always, Gordon! Personally speaking, I wish Sony would either revert back to their older f/1.8-2.8 zoom lens, or borrow Canon's 24-120mm equivalent f/1.8-2.8 lens. Since this is primarily a natural/available light camera with a smaller image sensor, I think the need for better light gathering should be put head and shoulders above a longer zoom range, especially at US$1,200.

Thank you very much for the indoor sample photos and for thus reminding me of the difference to the DSLR + Sigma F1.8 that I'm used to. This completely killed my desire to buy any of these cameras.

You reviewed the g7 m3 first, and then this. Your so much ahead in the ball game. Hehe. Thanks!

Great in depth coverage of this camera Gordon and it has served to convince me to invest in my first ever RX100 to carry when the A series is just not practical - thank you for your clear and concise coverage.

Your reviews are the best - so detailed and reliable!

The colours of Sony RX100 VII have a green stich shown at 7:12.

Did not know your channel, but I love the format.

Thanks Gordon, as always giving comprehensive reviews.

Best review of mk7, g7x and g5x on RU-vid

Is it just me or is the greenish/yellowish tint of the Sony is back? The a6400 seems to have gotten rid of it, but in my eyes, most of the videos here lean towards green.

Thank you very much for the comprehensive and insightful review, Gordon!

According to Sony, you can only record 5 minute max 4k videos. The Sony AX700 doesn't have this limitation as you can record in 4k for 30 continuous minutes with the AX700. And the AX700 has better stability from handshakes than this camera as well as dual SD card slots. But this camera is cheaper than the AX700 and more compact too.

The on-board sound was pretty good, actually preferred it to the RØDE, the background pick-up with the on-board gave some atmos without distracting too much and your voice was clear and full.

My problem with sony still is color science. The shot comparison shows it very well, on canon you look great on sony you look alien.

Excellent review, Gordon. Thank you

We should thank sony for adding animal detect so we get to see all these lovely pets reviewers own ! Solid review again.

All 3 perfect for vlogging honestly get a tripod and rodeo mic you get the perfect setup

Such a practical definite review and comparison with the similar cameras. I’m gonna get the Sony and keep my iPhone 13 mini, now instead of waiting for s24 ultra. Love the fact that you decided to use the beach for “testing” zoom. So practical.😅

I think high-end compacts are pretty much done, hence no VIII... as smartphones approach compact capabilities through computational photography and improving sensors each year. Mind you, phones don't *exceed* the RX100, but they *generally meet* the quality standard -- most of the time. I'd like to see a Droid or iPhone with a 1 inch Sony sensor some day, that'll be epic. At this point, the benefit an RX100 offers over the latest Pixels and iPhones, really, is the 24-200mm optical zoom range, and the mic input. For typical JPG shooters, they're comparable. And for those working with RAW, they'll probably be looking at a Ricoh GRiii or perhaps the X100V.

Since the front is not completely flat due to the lens always taking up some room there, they would be better off to put a small rubber grip on the front that is just slightly a bit more recessed than the length the lens sticks out when fully retracted. The front is a little too slick for no good reason.

One thing I don't think you touched on enough was that the Canon lenses are pretty soft. I could see it in your static video. So not only is Canon good at blurring the background, it's good at blurring EVERYTHING.

Most APS-C mirrorless cameras are really small but premium compact ones have a future too.

Great review Gordon , very detailed keep up the good work !

Always good reviews you make Gordon 👍

Much needed in-depth review of RX100 VII- full of information

Excellent review Gordon! Very thoroughly executed and extremely informative. Great work mate.

Great review, thanks. $1200 is a lot for a small sensor, fixed mediocre lens camera, regardless of all the wonderful features. Just my take.

Thank you Gordon for sharing your experience & expertise. Its really appreciated & most helpful. Keep up the good work!

Another very thorough review. Thanks Gordon.

I have a Canon R6 with multiple RF lenses. I'm really considering this camera for when the family and I go out on trips. I have 2 little ones and it's getting really old juggling my gear and my kids. I'm just as worried about my gear as much as my kids LOL. This RX100 VII looks promising.

Im sad they dont give a option to buy with the old lens of the mark 4 et 5

Thanx Gordon great review bro :) Awesome channel, loving it. Please keep em coming.

Fantastic, Gordon! You've got yourself a new subscriber for that detailed and waffle-free review. I have just upgraded my G7Xii with the RX100vii, mostly because of the face detection AND the mic input. I was getting fed up with the Canon losing focus on my face when blogging. Can't wait to get stuck in and exploit the Sony's features. Many thanks, all the best.

Great review Gordon, very well explained. I love all your reviews for gadgets. I had Canon G7X Mark II and after comparing both Sony RX100 VII and Canon G7X Mark III, I am thinking to upgrade Canon G7X Mark III. Some blurry effect with built-in ND filter really helps me.

If the RX100 Mark 5a came with a 1.4 lens mic input and the same Focus system the Mark 7 it would be unbeatable

Gordon, this was a masterful review! Great work! ...and thank you!

Excellent video. Lots of valuable information and very well presented. Thank you!

Love this detailed review! Does it have a beauty filter by any chance?

Best eval of the stability and AF capabilities over the MK VI. Thank you - excellent as usual Gordon!

Here in Australia, $1,999 just a bit ridiculous..

Very good review as usual! Sony pushes its strongholds even further while forgetting some basic features altogether. Af was already top of market and now even more (including a7r4) but menu and touch functionality is from middle age. Don’t understand why. Like a7r4, packed with top class features, unbelievably capable camera. But price... I bet Canon competition you just compared will sell more.

Liked your video, and thanks for your simplicity of showing us all these topics.

You are truly an angel! Thank you for this!

Your boyd needs some stabilization :)

You can't beat a good comparison to give a proper measured idea about a camera. Superb as always Gordon! I can't say I like the green Sony tinge at all, frankly it made you look a little poorly, and I much prefer the brighter lens and grip of the Canon.

well im off to pickup my Rx1000 Mark 7 which just came in today. Cant wait to test it out.

Interesting Sony with the body sizes layouts quite a few of the rx series and apsc Sony’s fit the same underwater housings definite advantage to keeping the same body re bags battery’s and used to ergonomics think Sony’s the only one if have previous model useful

Nice review. I liked both the detail and positive honest caparisons.

Gordon fantastic video,I own a Sony A7m3 with 70-200 g lens but find this pocket camera very appealing

There is a Sony made stick on grip available for all RX cameras, only £12 on Amazon (Sony AGR2 Grip for DSC-RX Series).

I have the rx100 mk3 great camera it came with grip and carrying case ,grip makes it 10 times better in hand,this camera delivers great images,and the camera is highly customizable without having to delve into menu system,I have a nikon d7500 but this is great to just put in your pocket and go out😁

04:20 it's possible to mount a cold shoe in place of tripod mount btw.

Great review. Thanks for sharing. Still not a clear decision between g7xiii and rx100vii. 🤔 maybe canons new m50 due to be release could have the answers, despite being a little larger.

well if anything this will make my MK5 worth more when i go to sell it in favor of the q2.

Nice video This camera is ideal for light is right when I go into the hills or go up the local volcano for few night or two out. We have three one blew up and out the other is dormant (that’s the one you see in the lord of the rings) the other just simmers away and burps now and then Gordon your reviews are brilliant enjoying your book thank you. Keep going back to it

It seems borderline pointless to have a microphone input if you don't also have a headphone jack to monitor your audio. At the very least, it should be a combo port so you can unplug your microphone and plug in your headphones so you could listen during playback. That would be better than nothing.

I’ve seen several reviews and the onboard mic sounds better than any external mic used. I’m confused. I think it’s one of those things that people believe it’s true because others say so, but in reality it’s not.

Expert review style! So glad I found your channel! I'm snagging the SONY this week! :)

Awesome video! Any difference in IQ when using Electronic Shutter vs Mechanical Shutter? I really like the no-black-out viewfinder and rear screen in use, so wondering if there's any negatives associated with the function?

Excelent review. Much better then Tony Northrop going down on the camera.

Which one takes better pictures between canon g7x iii and g5x ii?

$1200 USD...you have to be kidding right??!! That is ridiculous!! ( _Great review by the way.. as always._ )

I love it you got me I am buying this camera today

glad to see the return of steven seagull :) nice review. I love the idea of the rx100 viii but the value of an a6400 just seems much better to me?! Other than size that is.

The sony grip for the rx100s feels amazing, it gives all the comfort needed even though just with a bit of strength it shouldnt anyways slip outta your hands like butter.

This camera is mind blowing! Just think about all the things packt in that small body!

After watching a bunch of Gordon's uniformly excellent reviews, I'm convinced he must be part owner of Tommy's Barber Shop :-)

Great video. Have you tested the interval shooting? Would love to see the time-lapse and night-lapse capabilities of this camera

Nice review in depth. I was stunned by the poor 4K video quality from the Canon while zooming in on the beach compared to the Sony. Sure the Canone was filming in 4K?

Thanks for this review Bro Gordon Laing!

Great and very objective review. At that price would I be better off going to a camcorder? What do you think?

Hi Gordon excellent video, how good is the image quality with say a m43 camera keep up the excellent videos

Superb review! Thank you for all the great info.

In the RX100-8 Sony should put in a bigger battery and make the grip bigger. This would greatly improve the camera with little added cost and little engineering effort (compared to the engineering effort of designing a new sensor for example).

The facts are - that this camera is now 4 years old and today in 2024 still the best pocket camera on the market - according to my personal experience carrying this jewel in my pocket wherever I go.

Thank you for yet another great review

@7:54 The Sony always traditionally favored yellow, while Canon red. You can also see at the beach comparing the sky and sand. Question if Sony offers dynamic white balance shift? Canon has such W/B shift option under picture effect settings.

Gordon, Great review as always ! Looks like a great camera 📸 Don’t you think that with all these features it is way more appealing than the 6000 series for the average RU-vid videos/ vlogs ?

Yes i would love buy this sony cam 😢 but cant afford it..so choose canon g7x mark2

best review. greatly done

Thanks for your review, it was very useful.

BTW Gordon I bought your book on Amazon..all the best!

Disappointed there was no mention or testing of the intervalometer. Would have been interested to see how that works for night timelapse or startrails.