Canon SX700 HS vs Sony RX1R II: A Deep Dive into Two Distinct Compact Cameras

As someone who has tested thousands of cameras over nearly two decades, I find it both fascinating and instructive to compare two cameras that could not be more different in design, technology, and purpose. Today, I’m taking you through a detailed, hands-on comparison between the Canon PowerShot SX700 HS and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1R II. Though both compact cameras, they cater to disparate audiences and photographic expectations. My goal here is clear: help you identify which camera - at either end of the spectrum - might best serve your creative needs.

Whether you are a casual traveler wanting a versatile zoom on a budget, or a pro-grade enthusiast craving uncompromising image quality in a pocketable form, this comparison sheds light on real-world performance, technical merits, and practical value.

First Impressions and Handling: Size, Build, and Ergonomics

Right out of the gate, these cameras feel like different beasts. The Canon SX700 HS is a classic small sensor superzoom compact designed for portability and broad focal-length coverage. Meanwhile, the Sony RX1R II is a full-frame, high-resolution marvel with fixed prime lens, aimed at photographers who demand top-tier image quality in a surprisingly compact package.

The Canon SX700 HS measures 113x66x35mm and weighs just 269 grams. It fits easily in any modest camera bag or even a coat pocket, making it an excellent take-everywhere camera. The build is predominantly plastic; while it lacks weather sealing or ruggedness, it’s a light and unobtrusive companion.

In contrast, the Sony RX1R II shares nearly the same footprint footprint on width and height but is significantly deeper (72mm) and heftier at 507 grams. This heft comes from the all-metal construction and full-frame sensor assembly inside. It feels more substantial, reminiscent of a vintage compact rangefinder, and firmly commands respect beyond its size.

Ergonomically, the Canon is designed for straightforward point-and-shoot use with limited manual controls exposed, relying on menus for detailed settings. The Sony takes a more photographic approach: it has dedicated dials and buttons, a thumb wheel, and an electronic viewfinder. This makes it more commanding in hand, especially for photographers who insist on tactile feedback and quick access to important exposure controls.

If you prize pocketability and simple everyday shooting, the SX700 HS is a winner in this category. For those who enjoy hands-on control and appreciate a feeling of craftsmanship, the RX1R II’s build will resonate more deeply.

Sensor Differences and Image Quality

Here is where the two diverge fundamentally: their sensor sizes and resulting image quality.

The Canon SX700 HS utilizes a 1/2.3” BSI-CMOS sensor measuring just 6.17 x 4.55 mm, delivering 16 megapixels. This sensor type is prevalent in compact superzoom cameras - it’s efficient but limited in dynamic range, low-light performance, and ultimate image detail. The Canon’s photos are perfectly fine for social media, small prints, or travel snapshots, but struggle in demanding lighting, especially at higher ISOs where noise becomes very visible.

On the other hand, the Sony RX1R II sports a 35.9 x 24 mm full-frame BSI-CMOS sensor - a giant among compacts - boasting 42 megapixels of resolution. Importantly, it forgoes an anti-aliasing filter, heightening sharpness. The benefits are monumental: a broad dynamic range, exceptional color depth, impressive high ISO performance (native range up to ISO 25600, boosted to 102400), and beautiful detail retention even in large prints or aggressive cropping.

In my testing over varying lighting conditions, Sony’s sensor delivered stunning files with rich tonal gradations and clean texture even in shadows; Canon's smaller sensor showed image softness and highlight clipping in challenging contrast situations.

Due to the large sensor, the RX1R II RAW files provide immense flexibility for professional workflows. The Canon, lacking RAW support, confines you to JPEGs which are fine but have less latitude in post-processing.

Autofocus Systems and Shooting Speed

Autofocus can make or break many photographic moments, especially in fast-paced genres like wildlife or sports.

The Canon SX700 HS has a 9-point system with contrast-detection AF and face detection available. Autofocus speed is decent for everyday use, locking quickly in good lighting, but it can hunt a bit under low light or complex scenes. Continuous shooting goes up to 9fps, which is respectable for a compact.

The Sony RX1R II employs a more advanced hybrid AF system combining 25 phase-detection points along with contrast-detection, enhancing speed and accuracy. Though it’s limited to 5fps continuous shooting, the autofocus responsiveness and tracking abilities feel more professional.

For portraits where eye detection matters, Canon’s system can detect faces but lacks eye detection. The Sony offers eye detection AF, improving eye sharpness in portraiture - an extremely valuable feature for studio or environmental portraits.

When shooting wildlife or fast sports, neither camera is a traditional choice. Canon’s superzoom angle lends some reach but autofocus and burst speed limit its usefulness. Sony’s RX1R II, with its fixed 35mm lens and slower burst, is best for more deliberate shooting rather than action.

Lenses and Optical Versatility

The subject of fixed-lens compacts is tricky: how much flexibility do you need, and can a zoom or prime lens serve your vision better?

The Canon SX700 HS shines with its 25-750 mm equivalent zoom (30x optical zoom), making it versatile for subjects from sweeping landscapes all the way to distant wildlife shots. The aperture range of f/3.2–6.9 is typical for small-sensor superzooms - adequate in good light but limiting for shallow depth-of-field or low-light handheld shots.

In comparison, the Sony RX1R II has a single 35 mm f/2.0 Zeiss Sonnar prime lens. This lens is superb in optical quality - razor sharp edge-to-edge with beautiful bokeh. The fixed focal length requires you to “zoom with your feet,” fostering a more intentional and artistic approach to composition. Low-light performance benefits from the f/2 aperture, allowing better subject isolation and faster shutter speeds than Canon’s longer zoom at comparable apertures.

I personally love the tactile interaction with a great prime - it invites you to focus on framing and subject mood versus pixel peeping on zoom ranges. However, I understand the convenience appeal of Canon’s all-in-one zoom for travel or casual use.

Display and Viewfinders: Composition and User Interface

When framing your subject, the cameras offer distinct philosophies.

The Canon SX700 HS relies solely on its 3-inch 922k-dot fixed TFT LCD screen without an electronic viewfinder. The screen is bright and sufficiently sharp but fixed in position, making it less ideal in bright sunlight or awkward angles.

Conversely, the Sony RX1R II sports a higher-resolution 3-inch 1229k-dot tilting screen, which provides compositional flexibility for waist-level or overhead shooting. Moreover, it includes a built-in electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 2.36 million dots, 100% coverage, and 0.74x magnification. The EVF is crucial when shooting in bright outdoors and offers a more immersive shooting experience.

From my experience, the lack of a viewfinder on the Canon sometimes forces you into suboptimal stance or squinting at the screen. The Sony’s EVF, combined with well-organized menus and control layouts, enhances usability for serious shooters.

Real-World Photography Disciplines

Here’s where the rubber meets the road - how do these cameras fare in specific photographic genres?

Portrait Photography

• Canon SX700 HS: Limited by the small sensor and slower lens, skin tone rendition is adequate but tends toward softer renderings, especially in shadows. Bokeh is minimal due to the small sensor and telephoto zoom lens characteristics. No eye AF impacts precision.

• Sony RX1R II: Excels with creamy bokeh and true-to-life skin tones. The large sensor and f/2 lens produce subtle subject isolation. Eye detection AF aids sharp portraits, even in challenging lighting.

Landscape Photography

• Canon SX700 HS: Good focal reach but limited by smaller sensor dynamic range. Sometimes struggles with highlights and limited shadow detail retention.

• Sony RX1R II: Outstanding dynamic range (~14 stops) and high resolution capture immense landscape details and color gradation - ideal for large prints.

Wildlife Photography

• Canon SX700 HS: The superzoom lens (30x) offers reach for distant subjects, but autofocus speed and accuracy and continuous shooting lag behind specialist cameras.

• Sony RX1R II: Not designed for long reach or rapid action; prime lens and lower burst speed limit utility here.

Sports Photography

• Canon SX700 HS: Burst speed is decent but autofocus tracking is basic; it can suffice for casual sports but won’t nail fast action.

• Sony RX1R II: Precise AF but slower burst limits tracking fast-moving subjects.

Street Photography

• Canon SX700 HS: Bulkier lens extends visible length; fixed rear display limits discreet shooting angles.

• Sony RX1R II: More pocketable, quiet operation, and EVF aid in street discretion.

Macro Photography

• Canon SX700 HS: Impressive close focusing distance (~1cm) with extensive zoom range, suitable for casual macro shots.

• Sony RX1R II: Minimum focus around 14cm - not a macro specialist.

Night and Astrophotography

• Canon SX700 HS: High ISO images noisy and less usable in astrophotography.

• Sony RX1R II: Full-frame sensor and excellent high ISO capability shine in night and astro photography.

Video Capabilities

• Canon SX700 HS: Full HD 1080p video at 60 fps. No microphone or headphone ports. Limited manual video features.

• Sony RX1R II: Also 1080p but offers advanced codecs (MPEG-4, AVCHD, XAVC S), microphone input, and options better suited for video enthusiasts.

Battery Life and Connectivity

Canon’s NB-6LH battery yields around 250 shots per charge; Sony’s NP-BX1 battery offers fewer shots (~220), reflective of its power-hungry full-frame sensor and EVF.

Both cameras support built-in Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity for image transfer, which I found handy for quick sharing on social platforms.

Price-to-Performance Considerations

As with any camera investment, value is relative to your priorities.

At launch, the Canon SX700 HS retailed around $350 - affordable and offering excellent reach and simplicity for casual photographers or travelers who want one camera for all occasions.

The Sony RX1R II, priced near $3300, is a professional-grade compact designed for image quality purists, studio shooters, art photographers, and serious enthusiasts who want full-frame excellence without the bulk of DSLRs or mirrorless systems.

Putting It All Together: Who Should Choose Which?

Choose the Canon SX700 HS if:

• You want a highly portable, budget-friendly zoom camera for travel and everyday snapshots.
• You prefer a grab-and-go device with a broad focal length range - from wide-angle to super-telephoto - in one package.
• You do not require RAW files or top-tier image quality.
• Recording simple HD video without external audio inputs suffices.
• Low weight and ease of use trump control complexity.

Choose the Sony RX1R II if:

• You demand uncompromising image quality with full-frame dynamic range and high resolution.
• You prefer manual control, EVF framing, and a sturdy metal build.
• You shoot portraits, landscapes, or night scenes professionally or as a passionate enthusiast.
• You want RAW workflow support and versatile AF modes including eye detection.
• Portability is important but not at the cost of creative control or outright image quality.
• You intend to shoot premium video with manual audio control.

Final Thoughts from My Experience

Testing both cameras provides a wonderful study in minimalist engineering tuned to very different purposes. The Canon SX700 HS is a compact marvel of convenience, perfect for the casual user, tourist, or storyteller needing one camera with everything built-in and easy to activate. Its limitations in image quality and controls are expected at this price and form factor.

The Sony RX1R II is a true gem for serious photographers seeking as close to DSLR quality as you can cram into a compact body. Its full-frame sensor and Zeiss lens deliver stunning output that can hold its own in professional print and digital workflows. Its price and weight place it beyond casual use but within reach for dedicated photographers wanting ultimate compact performance.

In my personal travel kit, the RX1R II is the camera I reach for when image quality cannot be compromised, while the Canon SX700 HS is the backup or casual outing camera where flexibility, zoom, and quick operation are top priorities.

If affordability and zoom range matter most, Canon’s SX700 HS remains a solid option. If image quality and creative control top your list, the Sony RX1R II memorably delivers.

I hope this comparison helps clarify which camera matches your photographic journey. Feel free to reach out with any questions about specific features or testing details - I’m always excited to help fellow photographers make informed choices.

Canon SX700 HS screen back Sony RX1R II front Sony RX1R II screen back