Sony A700 vs. RX100 VA: A Deep Dive into Two Generations of Imaging Crafted for Different Needs

When we sit down to pit the venerable Sony Alpha DSLR-A700, a pioneer from the mid-2000s DSLR era, against the pocket-sized powerhouse Sony Cyber-shot RX100 VA, a sophisticated large-sensor compact from 2018, what unfolds is a fascinating journey through almost a decade of camera technology evolution. These two cameras target vastly different user scenarios but echo Sony’s continuous drive to meet photographers where they are - from hands-on manual control to polished automation in a compact shape.

Having dissected hundreds of cameras in my career, I can say this comparison isn’t about declaring a simple winner, but understanding how each device's design choices, sensor technologies, autofocus architectures, ergonomics, and real-world handling respond to a broad spectrum of photographic demands. Whether you’re shooting landscapes, action-packed wildlife, or capturing fleeting street moments, the devil’s in the details - and I’m ready to share an in-depth look that respects your quest for clarity.

The Physical Realm: Ergonomics, Handling, and Build

Let’s start by putting these cameras side-by-side to see how they feel, weigh, and slip into your hands.

The Sony A700 is unmistakably a mid-size DSLR designed around a robust body - dimensionally stretching to 142x105x80 mm and tipping the scales at 768 grams (body only). It’s a classic reflex camera experience with a solid grip and weather-sealed build, offering confidence when shooting outdoors or in less forgiving conditions.

The RX100 VA, by contrast, is a marvel of miniaturization. At just 102x58x41 mm and a light 299 g, it slips easily into a jacket pocket or small bag. The lack of weather sealing here is an immediate consideration if you’re shooting rough or damp conditions, but the RX100 VA’s compactness redefines portability - especially for travel and street photographers.

Comparing their top-wise layout:

The A700 comes with dedicated dials and buttons spread thoughtfully for quick access - aperture control, shutter speed, ISO, all within reach. It feels like a tool made to be manipulated intuitively, ideal for shooters who crave direct control.

The RX100 VA relies more on menus and multifunction buttons, with a mode dial somewhat cramped due to the pocketable form factor. Its tilting screen and pop-up electronic viewfinder allow for greater framing flexibility but the small control surface demands some adaptation.

Verdict on handling

If tactile engagement, rugged outdoor shooting, and prolonged sessions with a comfortable grip attract you, the A700 offers superior ergonomics. The RX100 VA’s smaller body favors quick snaps, unseen moments, and travel scenarios where size and discretion trump brute control.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Camera

The sensor is the bedrock of gaining excellent image quality. Here’s where technological leaps truly come into play.

The A700 sports a 12-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor measuring 23.5 x 15.6 mm, a larger sensor by traditional DSLR standards delivering respectable image quality with strong dynamic range (claimed DXO score around 66) and rich color depth (~22.3 bits). The 1.5x crop factor focuses on delivering solid resolution images useful for large prints, cropped compositions, and detailed landscapes. This sensor was a leap forward for its time, with good low-light performance reaching ISO 6400 and beyond, though image noise grows quickly at high ISOs.

The RX100 VA wields a smaller 1" BSI-CMOS sensor (13.2 x 8.8 mm) with a much higher resolution of 20 megapixels. Backside illumination (BSI) is a newer technology that aids light-gathering efficiency, giving it surprising low-light punch despite the smaller sensor footprint. It manages ISO up to 12,800 natively, and software boosts to 25,600. However, the dynamic range and color depth, while improved over earlier compacts, do not fully match the A700’s APS-C sensor characteristics.

Technically, sensor area matters for noise performance, depth of field control, and dynamic range, but the RX100 VA’s 1" sensor combined with its fast lens (f/1.8-2.8) helps bridge the gap in comparison to the larger APS-C sensor.

For real-world sample images from both cameras:

Sony A700 front Sony A700 screen back Sony RX100 VA front Sony RX100 VA screen back

Notice the classic DSLR “look” with creamy bokeh and natural skin tones the A700 achieves - much thanks to its sensor size and lens options. The RX100 VA impresses with sharpness, punchy detail, and clean images in good light but shows a bit more noise and less gradation in shadows at high ISO.

Autofocus and Performance: Eyes on the Prize

Autofocus (AF) systems have evolved from a handful of cross-type points to hundreds of hybrid, phase- and contrast-detection zones embedded in sensors.

The Sony A700 uses an 11-point phase-detection AF system - a solid performer for its era. However, while it supports continuous AF during bursts, high-speed subject tracking and face detection are not implemented. This means action shots or erratic subjects may challenge its focus reliability, particularly if your workflow depends on predictive focus.

The RX100 VA pushes AF tech forward with a sophisticated hybrid autofocus system comprising 315 points (phase and contrast detection) covering a substantial area of the frame. Eye detection AF works reliably, and tracking is responsive even with fast-moving subjects - a boon for street and wildlife shooters needing precision and speed.

Performance-wise:

• A700 shoots 5 frames per second continuously.
• RX100 VA delivers an astonishing 24 fps burst at full AF-C and with live tracking.

This difference dramatically impacts when capturing decisive moments in sports or wildlife photography, though remember the A700 offers higher mechanical shutter speeds (up to 1/8000s vs. 1/2000s max mechanical shutter on the RX100).

Viewfinders and Screens: How You See Your Image

The viewing experience is fundamental to composing and reviewing shots effectively.

The A700 employs a 3-inch fixed LCD with 920k-dot resolution, decent for its time, paired with a large optical pentaprism viewfinder covering 95% of the frame with good magnification (0.6x). This combination offers bright, natural framing without lag and excellent performance in direct sunlight, making it pleasing for outdoor usage.

The RX100 VA features an advanced tilting 3-inch LCD with a sharper 1,229k-dot resolution and a pop-up organic EL electronic viewfinder with 2,359k dots, 100% coverage, and 0.59x magnification. The EVF enables previewing exact exposure, focus peaking, and digital overlays, valuable when precise exposure control and framing are essential. While EVFs sometimes suffer from lag or flicker, Sony’s implementation here is responsive and detailed.

For photographers who prefer traditional, natural optical viewing with no delay, the A700 wins. For those who want real-time exposure feedback and greater flexibility, the RX100 VA’s EVF and tilting screen excel.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

The flexibility of a camera system often depends on the lens mount and available glass.

The Sony A700 uses the Sony/Minolta Alpha mount that supports a wide pool of over 140 lenses, including many high-quality primes and zooms from Sony, Minolta, and third parties like Sigma and Tamron. This opens vast creative avenues - macro lenses, telephoto zooms critical for wildlife or sports, and special-purpose optics. Additionally, sensor-based image stabilization built into the body further improves handheld shooting versatility.

By contrast, the RX100 VA has a fixed 24-70 mm f/1.8–2.8 zoom lens. While not interchangeable, this lens covers popular focal lengths and offers a very bright aperture for a compact zoom. It’s designed to complement the camera’s sensor perfectly, delivering excellent sharpness and minimal distortion given the size constraints.

If your photographic ambitions include experimenting with specialized optics or telephoto reach, the A700’s system flexibility is unmatched. If you prioritize convenience without sacrificing much in image quality, the RX100 VA’s carefully engineered, versatile lens suits casual to enthusiast use admirably.

Low-Light, Noise, and Dynamic Range Realities

No comparison is complete without practical insight into performance when photons are scarce - which photographers tackle daily.

The A700’s APS-C sensor benefits from larger pixels and mature sensor technology that yields ample dynamic range (~12 EV) and can be pushed to ISO 6400 without catastrophic noise, though grain becomes noticeable above ISO 1600 in critical prints.

The RX100 VA’s 1” BSI-CMOS trick helps the smaller sensor perform impressively in moderate low light and makes its native ISO 125 to 12,800 usable in many cases, especially for social media sizing or smaller prints. However, it cannot match the broader dynamic latitude of the A700’s sensor, and highlights can clip more quickly.

Essentially, the A700 will be preferable for demanding landscape and portrait sessions requiring subtle tonal gradations and shadow detail. The RX100 VA thrives in everyday shooting and dimly lit environments where fast autofocus and lens speed boost practicality.

Shooting Styles: Which Camera Thrives Where?

I often find readers curious how these cameras adapt to specific genres of photography. Here’s a breakdown:

Portrait Photography

A700’s larger sensor and ability to swap lenses (think fast primes like 50mm f/1.8 or 85mm f/1.4) allow superior subject isolation, creamy bokeh, and authentic skin tone rendering. Eye detection AF isn’t automatic but precise manual focusing combined with phase detection is a classic route. Its sensor depth and color science excel here.

RX100 VA still yields impressive portraits given its fast lens and effective autofocus with face detection, ideal for casual or travel portraits where carrying a DSLR isn’t an option.

Landscape Photography

Dynamic range and resolution tip the scales toward the A700 for landscape photographers capturing rich detail and wide tonal ranges. Weather sealing also plays a significant role when shooting outdoors.

RX100 VA’s smaller sensor and less rugged body make it a less ambitious choice for serious landscapes but perfectly fine for snaps on the go.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

The RX100 VA’s blazing 24fps burst rate, 315 focus points, AF tracking, and compact size make it surprisingly effective for fast action and fleeting wildlife behavior. The limitation lies in focal length; 24-70mm is telephoto-short in these genres.

The A700, with slower burst but access to super telephoto lenses, and robust autofocus hardware, can outperform the RX100 VA in reach and AF accuracy, but you pay for bulk and cost of glass.

Street Photography

RX100 VA’s discreteness, small size, and fast AF make it a street shooting champ. The tilting screen allows low-angle shots without attracting attention.

A700 is more conspicuous but the confidence of optical viewfinder and manual controls appeal to classic street photographers unwilling to compromise control.

Macro Photography

While the A700 opens doors to dedicated macro lenses with precise manual focusing, the RX100 VA’s minimum focus distance of 5 cm and optical stabilizer allow great casual macros. For studio or scientific macros, A700 wins hands down.

Night and Astro Photography

A700 performs well with bulb mode and ISO range, paired with interchangeable lenses focused to infinity manually. The robust build supports long exposures.

RX100 VA offers silent electronic shutter and high ISO but smaller sensor limits ultimate image quality in starfield photography.

Video Capabilities

It might surprise some that the A700 doesn’t offer video, being a 2007 DSLR.

The RX100 VA jumps in with 4K UHD recording at 30p in XAVC S and MP4 formats, along with optical image stabilization - excellent for casual videography and travel vlogging, despite the absence of microphone or headphone jacks.

Travel Photography

RX100 VA’s size, versatility, and solid image quality give it the travel edge. Battery life is decent (approximately 220 shots), and built-in Wi-Fi with NFC allows rapid sharing.

A700’s weight and bulk, coupled with dual media slots, make it a more professional but less pocketable travel companion.

Connectivity, Storage, and Battery Life

The A700 provides dual storage through CompactFlash and Memory Stick Duo slots, enhancing workflow flexibility and backup on the fly. Its USB 2.0 and HDMI ports facilitate tethering and external display but lacks wireless connectivity.

The RX100 VA boosts modern needs through built-in Wi-Fi and NFC for smartphone pairing, supporting instant sharing. Storage supports SD cards and Memory Stick Pro Duo variants. USB charging is convenient for travel, though battery life maxes at around 220 shots - typical for compacts but limiting for extended shoots.

Performance Ratings and Price-to-Value Overview

Let’s soak in the overall ratings and how each camera stacks up.

The A700, although aged, still receives commendable scores for image quality and build, though AF and features show their age.

RX100 VA scores well for speed and features while deftly balancing size and performance.

Breaking down performance by photographic genre:

These insightful results underscore the niche strengths of each model, helping you make educated choices aligned with your priorities.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations: Pick Your Best Friend

After wrestling with these cameras extensively in the field, here’s how I’d distill their essence for different users:

• Choose the Sony A700 if: You want a robust DSLR experience, interchangeable lenses with extensive options, larger sensor advantage for portraits, landscapes or macro, and can manage a heavier setup. It’s ideal for enthusiasts transitioning from entry-level DSLRs or professionals on a budget who want reliability and solid image quality with manual control.

• Choose the Sony RX100 VA if: You value portability without sacrificing too much image quality, need fast autofocus and impressive burst rates for street or casual wildlife, want 4K video capabilities in a pocket camera, or desire a travel-friendly tool for diverse conditions with high convenience.

Both cameras have strengths that emanate from their era and design philosophy; neither is obsolete but optimized for contrasting workflows. My advice: define your primary photography goals and shooting style first, then match the camera that complements them best.

Photography gear is a journey, and these two Sony models demonstrate different milestones on that path. By covering everything from sensor tech and handling to lens flexibility and genre-specific merits, I hope this comparison arms you with the nuanced insight only years of testing can provide.

Happy shooting!