Sony's new RX100 VII (model DSC-RX100M7) camera utilises technologies developed for Sony’s full-frame mirrorless camera Alpha 9but comes in a compact body.

The RX100 VII is powered by a newly developed 1.0-type stacked Exmor RS CMOS image sensor and the latest generation BIONZ X image processor. Flexibility of shooting is ensured by a ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T 24-200mm F2.8-4.5 high magnification zoom lens.

The RX100 VII offers a 357 focal-plane phase-detection AF points and 425 contrast-detection AF points. In addition, thanks to a newly optimised lens drive control, 0.02 sec AF acquisition time is realised. A major leap in AF/AE tracking performance during continuous shooting means the camera performs AF/AE calculations up to 60 times per second and captures fast moving action at 20fps with AF/AE tracking.

In addition, the image sensor realises blackout-free shooting for a completely live view, even when continuous shooting at 20fps; the same experience as the Alpha 9. The RX100 VII also debuts a new drive mode, Single Burst Shooting, for capturing high-speed shots at up to 90fpsx in JPEG/RAW format utilising the anti-distortion shutter. ‘Single Burst Shooting’ allows the photographer to frame fast moving action and shoot as if taking a single shot but the camera will actually deliver 7 still images, taken at 90fps, 60fps or 30fps, so the user can select the perfect moment.

For the first time in a compact camera, the RX100 VII introduces advanced ‘Real-time Tracking’ and ‘Real-time Eye AF’ capabilities. ‘Real-time Tracking’ utilises Sony’s latest algorithm including artificial intelligence-based object recognition to ensure that subjects can be captured with accuracy, even via the touch panel on the rear screen. ‘Real-time Eye AF’, the latest version of Sony’s Eye AF technology, employs AI-based object recognition to detect and process eye data in real time, resulting in improved accuracy, speed and tracking performance of Eye AF for both humans and animals.

The compact and lightweight characteristics of the RX100 VII (approx. 302g / 102mm x 58mm x 43mm) mean it can always be carried around and can be mounted in places that larger cameras cannot. But its small factor belies pro-level movie-making capabilities:

• 4K in-body movie recording with full pixel readout and no pixel binning in high bit rate XAVCS
• Real-time Tracking and Real-time Eye AF for video
• 4K Active SteadyShot that is 8x more effective than 4K Standard SteadyShot
• Integrated Microphone input
• Hybrid Log-Gamma (HDR) / S-Gamut3.Cine / S-Log3, S-Gamut3/S-Log3
• Compatibility with ‘Movie Edit add-on’ from the ‘Imaging Edge’ mobile application for movie stabilisation and editing
• Vertical-position data recording for movies
• Interval Shooting for time-lapse videos
• Super Slow Motion recording at up to 1000fps
• 180-degree flip screen for ease-of use whilst vlogging

Sony has also introduced a new black leather-look body case for the RX100 series(LCJ-RXK) which includes a lens jacket and shoulder strap to protect the camera from bumps and shocks. It provides easy access to the microphone jack and USB terminal which enables charging and image transfers without the need to remove the case.

The RX100 VII and LCJ-RXK will ship in August 2019 priced at approximately €1300/$1200 and €85 respectively. The launch price matches that of the RX100 VI. It's expected the Mark VI will be reduced in price to make room for the new model.