Top positive review
5.0 out of 5 starsWell Worth the Pricetag
Reviewed in the United States on September 10, 2019
Ok, so to keep it simple. As I stated, its worth the price of $1200. Why? Because it is a 20MP pocket camera, that has 4k recording with audio input. As well as an awesome focal range. Starting at a wide 24mm to a 200mm telephoto range. Whats not to like? Its awesome. Don't expect bird photography though.
Now the lengthy part...
I'm coming from owning a fair share of cameras as a professional photographer. As of this review, I have a Sony A7m2 with the kit lens, but also the 70200g f4 lens, plus other various lenses. The Sony a6000 + nex 5n, RX100m3, Fuji X100F. Further down in the review III will be the RX100m3 and VII is the one the review is for.Why does this become part of the review? Its because I can put this camera against some stiff competition before writing this review. As far as usefulness, I think this camera is 10/10. I used to carry the RX100m3 along everywhere with me because of its size. I kept it, for the fact that it has f1.8 at its widest vs 2.8 of the RX100m7. Now I carry the III and the VII everywhere. However, the one I have used primarily these past few weeks have been the VII because of its reach. I know 90% of my photos never exceed the range of 70mm. Found this out a 3rd time because of a 2 month trip to Viet Nam and Japan where I took only the III and X100F. During that trip I only encountered maybe 5 times max where I wish I had 200mm reach. Well, now I have that, and more. I'll upload photos later after this review.
Build quality: 10/10
Is basically the same as you can expect from Sony and its previous RX models. Same high quality.
Image quality: 8/10
I love it. Obviously it won't compete with the bigger cameras I have, but in good lighting (always a key) the image quality is amazing. The range this camera provides helps in making better bokeh portraits compared to the 24-70mm range of previous models (not including the VI). *my opinion you may not agree
Video: N/A
Honestly, not much a video person. Having an option to add a mic really pushed me to buying this camera. That was the selling point to me. Otherwise I wouldn't have bought this since I didn't buy the VI either.
Where does this camera fit in?
As expected, I can see this camera fit perfectly in my travel kit. Where 90% of the time I would use it while traveling, only pulling out the III when I go walking around at night or poorly lit conditions.
If you know the limitations of this camera it will not let you down. Just, as explained earlier, it isn't going to be good for wildlife, but as a portraits and everyday camera. I think it nails it.
What I wish:
Weather Sealing! C'mon Sony, you pulled through with the mic input. I want to use these cameras in raining conditions. I'm a firm believer of what these tiny guys can do.
