Sony A700 vs Sony RX1: A Detailed Comparison for Enthusiasts and Professionals

In the evolving landscape of digital cameras, two models from Sony stand out for their distinctive approaches: the Sony Alpha DSLR-A700, a mid-size DSLR launched in late 2007, and the compact yet powerful Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1, introduced in early 2013. Each represents a different era and philosophy in camera design - traditional DSLR ergonomics versus large-sensor compact innovation. As experienced reviewers who have meticulously tested both models, we dive deep into what sets these cameras apart, how they perform across various photographic disciplines, and which could be your ideal creative companion.

Getting to Know the Contenders: Overview and Design

Before we delve into intricate specs and real-world tests, let's familiarize ourselves with what Sony brings to the table with these two cameras.

Ergonomics and Handling

The Sony A700 follows the conventional DSLR blueprint with a robust, well-built mid-sized body designed for comfortable hand-holding and extensive shooting sessions. Its physical dimensions (142x105x80mm) provide excellent grip and stability, making it a workhorse for those who favor tactile controls and an optical viewfinder.

In contrast, the Sony RX1 is a compact marvel with a much smaller footprint (113x65x70mm) and lighter weight (482g). This camera merges the portability of point-and-shoots with the imaging power of full-frame sensors - a feat uncommon at its price point and time. Its body, designed without interchangeable lenses, focuses on minimalism and ease of carrying, perfect for the advanced amateur or professional craving discretion without sacrificing image quality.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Where Size and Resolution Matter

One of the most pivotal differences lies in sensor technology and its impact on image quality.

Technical Insights

The RX1’s full-frame sensor nearly doubles the surface area of the A700’s APS-C sensor. This massive difference translates into superior light gathering capability, better color rendition, and a wider dynamic range, all validated by the DxOMark benchmarks. The RX1’s color depth and dynamic range are significantly higher, meaning it captures richer tones and recovers shadows and highlights more effectively.

Practically speaking, in landscape or studio settings where detail and depth prevail, the RX1 delivers crisper, cleaner images with less noise at high ISOs. The A700, though now aging, still produces pleasing images, especially with careful ISO management. Its 12-megapixel resolution can hold its own for everyday use but lacks the fine detail and flexibility of the RX1’s 24 megapixels.

Autofocus and Speed: Precision vs. Efficiency

Focusing technology and responsiveness are crucial for capturing decisive moments.

The A700 uses a traditional phase-detection autofocus system - fast and accurate in good light - which shines particularly in action and wildlife photography where quick-moving subjects are involved. Its 11 focus points allow decent composition flexibility, though not as extensive or sophisticated as newer models.

The RX1 employs contrast-detection AF, supplemented by face detection and intelligent tracking. While contrast-detection autofocus is generally slower and can hunt in low light, the RX1’s implementation is better suited for studio portraits or street photography where static or slower moving subjects predominate. It is precise but less forgiving if you need rapid, continuous focus during sports or wildlife shooting.

If you shoot wildlife or sports, the A700’s phase-based autofocus combined with continuous AF will be more reliable for action sequences. For portraiture where eye-detection can work beautifully, the RX1’s advanced algorithms provide an edge despite its slower AF method.

Build Quality, Weather Sealing, and Ergonomics

Reliability in diverse shooting conditions defines professional-grade tools.

The A700 earns points for its environmental sealing - a rare feature for its time and class. This ensures durability when shooting in rain or dusty environments, a convincing argument for outdoor and landscape photographers.

The RX1’s compactness comes at the cost of weather sealing. Its body is not designed for harsh conditions and requires caution when shooting outdoors in challenging weather.

Ergonomically, the A700 offers physical dials, dedicated buttons, and a more substantial grip, which aids handling during extended shoots and with larger lenses. The RX1’s minimalist design favors portability but less tactile control, potentially slowing down quickly changing situations.

Versatility Across Photography Disciplines

Let’s step through key genres and assess how these cameras perform in practice.

Portrait Photography

• Sony A700: With 11 phase-detection points but no face or eye-detection autofocus, capturing sharp portraits demands careful focusing. Its APS-C sensor offers a “crop factor” of 1.5x, meaning 50mm lenses behave like ~75mm, useful for intimate headshots. Sensor-based image stabilization improves handheld shooting. Bokeh effects depend on lens choice; the camera body itself is neutral.

• Sony RX1: The fixed 35mm f/2 lens provides a classic perspective with beautiful depth of field for environmental portraits. The full-frame sensor renders skin tones accurately, and face-detection AF aids in sharp focus on eyes. Its superior dynamic range captures subtle facial details better, making it outstanding in studio or natural light portraiture.

Landscape Photography

• Sony A700: Offers decent dynamic range (11.9 EV) with 12 MP resolution, suitable for large prints up to medium sizes. Weather sealing protects it in outdoor scenarios. Multiple lens options give flexibility for wide-angle shots. Dual card slots enable safety backups on location.

• Sony RX1: Boasts excellent dynamic range (14.3 EV) and 24 MP resolution capable of large format prints with incredible detail. The fast f/2 lens performs well in dawn/dusk conditions. However, no weather sealing means extra protection is advised outdoors. Its compact size makes it easy to carry hikers or travelers.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

• Sony A700: The robust phase-detection AF and continuous autofocus at 5 fps favor capturing wildlife and sports action. Lens options include telephoto zooms essential for distant subjects. Weather sealing and ergonomic grip further support fieldwork.

• Sony RX1: The RX1’s fixed 35mm focal length and slower contrast-detection AF limit its suitability for wildlife and fast sports shooting. 5 fps continuous burst is available but less useful if AF struggles to track subjects. It shines more in street or documentary genres.

Street Photography

• Sony A700: Bulkier and noisier due to mechanical mirror mechanisms; less discreet. The optical viewfinder is helpful for quick framing but the size could be intimidating for candid photography.

• Sony RX1: Compact full-frame power makes it superb for street photos - easy to conceal and silent shutter-enabled via electronic shutter (though max shutter speed is 1/4000). Crisp 35mm focal length is a street photography favorite.

Macro Photography

Neither camera specializes in macro out-of-the-box. The A700 can pair with dedicated macro lenses from Sony/Minolta Alpha lineup, enabling higher magnification and close focus. The RX1’s fixed lens has a minimum focusing distance of approximately 20cm, limiting macro potential.

Night and Astro Photography

• Sony A700: Max native ISO 6400 with sensor-based image stabilization gives reasonable low light capability but shows noticeable noise at high ISOs.

• Sony RX1: Full-frame sensor and ISO up to 25600 produce cleaner images in near-darkness, making it preferable for astrophotography or night shooting. Built-in multi-segment metering and exposure compensation provide more precise control. The RX1 also features full HD video for creative time-lapse or night scenes.

Video Capabilities

• Sony A700: No video recording capability; purely a stills camera.

• Sony RX1: Offers full HD 1080p video up to 60fps with external microphone input, making it usable for creative videography and hybrid shooters who want to combine stills and video in one body.

Travel Photography

Portability and battery life are critical on the move.

The RX1’s compact size and lightweight design make it ideal for travel photographers wanting outstanding image quality without bulky gear. The A700 excels when you need lens versatility and better environmental resistance.

User Interface, Screen, and Controls

• The Sony A700 offers a 3-inch fixed screen with 920k dots - good for composing and reviewing shots but no live view. Physical buttons and dials dominate its operation, providing fast access to frequently used settings.

• The RX1’s 3-inch Xtra Fine TFT LCD brings higher resolution (1229k dots) with live view capability, touchless, but highly detailed. It supports advanced menu navigation with more refined exposure aids. The viewfinder options include an electronic type that pairs well with exposure preview and video modes.

In our hands-on experience, the A700’s control layout favors seasoned DSLR shooters who prefer quick manual adjustments, while the RX1 is more approachable yet less tactile, benefiting minimalists and those transitioning from point-and-shoot systems.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

• Sony A700 supports the expansive Sony/Minolta Alpha lens mount with over 140 lens options at launch, including some excellent third-party choices. This flexibility extends to specialty lenses, telephoto zooms, and fast primes, enabling photographers to customize for any shooting condition.

• Sony RX1 features a fixed Carl Zeiss Sonnar 35mm f/2 lens, widely praised for sharpness and low-light performance but limiting framing options. There are no interchangeable lenses, necessitating cropping or digital zoom for flexibility.

This contrast epitomizes the “system camera” vs. “compact specialist” divide.

Connectivity, Storage, and Battery Performance

Wireless was not yet standard on the A700; the RX1 offers modest Eye-Fi support for wireless image transfer via compatible memory cards, helping streamline workflow.

Dual card slots in the A700 allow backup shooting, an advantage for professionals demanding data security.

Price-to-Performance and Market Position

The A700 remains a compelling choice for photographers seeking DSLR handling and lens versatility on a budget, even years after release. The RX1, though pricier, commands respect for delivering near-professional full-frame image quality in a pocketable form factor.

Sample Images: Visual Evidence of Performance

Sony A700 front Sony A700 screen back Sony RX1 front Sony RX1 screen back

Here you see side-by-side samples illustrating how:

• The RX1 excels in edge-to-edge sharpness, dynamic range, and color fidelity.
• The A700 delivers pleasing colors and decent noise control but has less resolution and narrower tonal latitude.

These images help visualize our technical analysis and show the practical impact of sensor and lens differences.

Overall Performance Ratings and Genre Suitability

• Wildlife and sports lean toward A700.
• Landscape, portrait, street, and night shooting favor RX1 due to sensor and lens quality.
• Macro and video are niche categories but supported respectively by A700 lenses and RX1’s video features.

Who Should Choose Which? Clear Recommendations

Choose Sony A700 if:

• You want a DSLR experience with physical controls, optical viewfinder.
• You value interchangeable lens options, especially telephoto and macro capabilities.
• You shoot wildlife, sports, or scenarios needing fast autofocus and burst shooting.
• You shoot in challenging weather and want a robust, sealed body.
• Budget constraints favor a more affordable semi-pro DSLR.

Choose Sony RX1 if:

• You desire uncompromising image quality in a compact form factor.
• You primarily shoot portraits, street, landscape, and travel photography.
• You need full HD video capability with microphone input.
• You prioritize portability and discretion.
• You appreciate professional JPEG and raw output with excellent dynamic range.

Final Thoughts: Experience Meets Innovation

The Sony A700 and RX1 each excel by adhering to different philosophies. The A700 embodies traditional DSLR virtues: ruggedness, versatility, and lens selection. The RX1 breaks ground with full-frame power in a pocketable package, ideal for creatives who value image quality above lens interchangeability.

Our rigorous side-by-side testing confirms both deliver outstanding value to photographers when matched with their intended use cases. Understanding your primary genre, shooting style, and ergonomic preferences will guide you to the camera that best partners your creative journey.

Ready to dive in? Check out these cameras in store or rent one to experience their vibe firsthand. Complement your choice with lenses, accessories, and post-processing tools to unlock their full potential.