Sony has announced the seventh generation of its
successful RX100 camera. Called the RX100 VII, the new model is all about
speed, with faster shooting modes and improved autofocus performance. The two of the main new features
on the RX100 VII are the new 1"-type stacked 20.1 MP Exmor RS CMOS image
sensor and the latest generation BIONZ X image processor.
Borrowing from the company's flagship A9 camera, the
RX100 VII can now shoot in a whopping 20fps with AF/AE tracking. It can also do
this without viewfinder blackout so your view of the action isn't cut off while
the camera is taking pictures.
The RX100 VII also has another cool new mode, which
is Single Burst Shooting. This allows you click the shutter while trying to
capture fast moving action and the camera will present you with seven images.
These images can be taken at a frame rate of 30fps, 60fps or 90fps depending
upon the nature of the action you're trying to capture. You can then choose the
best of the seven images.
The RX100 VII also has improved AF. There are now
357 phase detection AF points and 425 contrast detection AF points covering
most of the field of view. The camera can now do AF/AE calculations at 60 times
per second to be able to keep up with the increased burst rate. There's now
also real-time eye tracking and real-time eye detection; it now works in both,
stills and videos and for still it now also works for animals.
For video, you have full pixel readout at 4K with no
binning, improved image stabilization, Log and HLG for HDR workflows, ability
to record videos vertically, 960fps slow motion and a new 3.5mm microphone
jack. The rest of the specs are similar to the predecessor, including a
Zeiss Vario-Sonnar 24-200mm f2.8-4.5 lens, a flip up display, pop-up electronic
viewfinder and Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity.
The RX100 VII is priced at $1,200 and will be
available starting next month. The Shooting Grip Kit will be available later in
2019 for US$ 1300 and the LCJ-RXK jacket case will also be available next month
for UA$ 85.
