Sony A700 vs Sony RX1R: A Deep Dive into Two Distinct Approaches to Photography Excellence

When Sony says “camera,” they don’t just mean one thing - heck no. From traditional DSLRs to cutting-edge compacts with full-frame sensors, their lineup spans decades, designs, and ambitions. Today’s comparison pits two very different beasts born from different eras and design philosophies: the Sony Alpha DSLR-A700, a robust mid-size DSLR from the late 2000s, and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1R, a 2013 premium large-sensor compact shooter with a fixed lens.

Both prestigious in their own rights, these cameras offer compelling reasons for photographers to invest - but not without trade-offs. I’ve extensively tested both, across genres from landscape to wildlife, portraiture to street, and everything in between. Let me take you through a tour of their technical niceties, practical day-to-day usability, and photographic soul, painting a vivid picture of which tool might best suit your creative ambitions and shooting circumstances.

Meet the Contenders: A700 and RX1R in Their Own Words

First up, the Sony A700. Released in late 2007 as the successor to the venerable Konica Minolta 7D, the A700 sports a classic SLR design, hefted in a sturdy 768g body made for those who appreciate tactile heft and solid weather resistance. It’s a mid-size champion, wielding an APS-C sensor sized 23.5 x 15.6mm with a 1.5x crop factor - a workhorse sensor for its time.

Contrast that with the Sony RX1R, a unique offering in Sony’s Cyber-shot lineup from 2013, embodying a full-frame sensor (massive 35.8 x 23.9mm) inside a pocketable 482g body. This fixed-lens marvel boasts a 35mm f/2 prime, a combination that had DSLR lovers scratching heads and compact fans drooling. Its market positioning? A no-compromise large sensor compact aimed at professionals and serious enthusiasts craving image quality without the bulk of a traditional DSLR or mirrorless system.

Already, you see the divide: The A700 is your classic DSLR, glass-changing, somewhat chunky but capable. The RX1R, meanwhile, is an ultra-portable, all-in-one precision imaging machine.

Body, Ergonomics, and Handling: Feels Matter

Physically, the A700 is noticeably larger and more substantial. It measures 142mm wide by 105mm high and 80mm deep, with a deeply contoured grip that invites confident, extended handheld shooting sessions. This heft pays dividends when pairing with telephoto lenses or shooting wildlife - less fatigue, better balance. Weather sealing adds peace of mind for outdoor shooting adventures, a feature still valued by many professionals.

The RX1R, by contrast, measures 113x65x70mm and weighs just under half a kilogram. It eschews interchangeable lenses for sleek portability. The fixed 35mm lens anchors the camera compactly and creates an ultra-quiet minimalist rig perfect for street photographers who want the biggest sensor without camera-bulge.

Control layout favors the A700’s traditional DSLR design: physical dials, buttons, and customizable controls spread across the body, allowing quick manual adjustments without diving into menus. It’s a boon for sports and wildlife shooters who rely on rapid, tactile changes on the fly.

The RX1R has a pared-down approach, with fewer physical controls, relying more on a mode dial and menu navigation. It’s efficient but demands a slight learning curve for those used to DSLR-style direct access controls.

Winner? Depends on your grip style and shooting needs - classic DSLR comfort and ruggedness (A700) vs. portability and subtlety (RX1R). Both handle well under the right circumstances.

Sensor Showdown: Size, Resolution & Image Quality

Now on to the heart of the camera: the sensor. The A700 uses a 12-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor (23.5 x 15.6mm), which was solid for 2007 and still delivers respectable results today, especially in good light. Its sensor benefits from Sony’s early in-house technology, including an anti-aliasing filter to mitigate moiré.

The RX1R flexes a full-frame 24-megapixel CMOS sensor (35.8 x 23.9mm), nearly doubling pixel count and boasting a sensor area more than twice as large. Notably, the RX1R removes the anti-aliasing (AA) filter, enhancing sharpness and detail resolution at the cost of an increased risk of moiré patterns in certain scenarios. This “AA filter-less” design choice signals a camera aimed at image purists.

Real-world impact? The RX1R’s sensor contributes remarkably better image quality - richer color depth, wider dynamic range (13.6 vs. 11.9 stops), and far superior high ISO performance (ISO 2537 vs. ISO 581 low-light ISO score). This translates to clean, low-noise shots in dim conditions, and subtle tonal gradations landscape and portrait shooters will appreciate.

The A700’s sensor feels a bit dated now, with less resolution and limited ISO latitude. That said, it still serves admirably in bright conditions and controlled shooting situations.

Autofocus: How Fast and Accurate Are They?

Autofocus (AF) can make or break a photo session. Sony’s A700 comes with an 11-point phase detection AF system. It offers continuous AF during burst shooting at a 5fps rate, great for tracking moving subjects up to a point. However, it lacks face detection and eye AF - features that modern cameras popularized well after its release. It’s reliable but not groundbreaking, requiring good technique to get consistently sharp shots in fast action.

The RX1R operates differently: no phase detection autofocus (PDAF) module on the sensor but instead contrast detection AF with 25 selectable points, including face detection and eye AF to help keep critical focus locked on your subject's eyes - very handy in portraiture. AF speed is somewhat slower than typical DSLRs, mainly due to the computational demands of contrast detection and the fixed 35mm optic, but accuracy is impressive. Tracking is workable but minimal, better suited to controlled subjects than rapid sports or wildlife action.

So, for sports or wildlife, the A700 still gives you more raw speed, but for portraits or street photography where focus accuracy and eye detection are crucial, the RX1R shines.

Viewfinder and Rear LCD: See What You Shoot

DSLR shooters live by their optical viewfinders. The A700 sports a pentaprism with approximately 95% coverage and 0.6x magnification - nothing fancy by today’s standards but completely serviceable. The clarity and zero lag provide a classic experience, especially beneficial in bright light where LCDs may wash out.

RX1R opts for an optional (sold separately) electronic viewfinder or uses the 3-inch Xtra FineTFT LCD for composition. The LCD boasts a 1229k-dot resolution, higher than the A700’s fixed 920k-dot screen, delivering sharper live views and better detail for image review and menu navigation. The electronic viewfinder lets you preview exposure, focus peaking, and histograms in real-time - something the A700 can’t offer given its vintage design.

If you rely on OVFs, the A700 wins hands down. However, if you enjoy live preview advantages, tweaking exposure on the fly, and immediate playback critical in modern workflows, the RX1R has the edge.

Lens Ecosystem and Versatility: Changing Glass vs. Fixed Prime

Arguably the single biggest difference between these two is lens compatibility. The A700 accepts Sony/Minolta Alpha mount lenses, with an impressive library of 143 lenses, including classic Minolta glass and newer Sony optics. From wide angles to super-tele photos, zooms, and specialty lenses, this mount offers exceptional versatility for any photographic genre. Want to shoot macro, sports, or astrophotography? There’s a lens for that - and many more with image stabilization built in.

The RX1R is a large-sensor compact with a fixed 35mm f/2 lens - no changing lenses here. The f/2 aperture delivers sharp images with smooth bokeh, and 35mm is a versatile focal length meeting needs from street to landscape to reportage. But if you want focal length flexibility, you’re out of luck - making it a love-it-or-leave-it proposition for serious zoom aficionados.

If you’re the type who likes to experiment with focal lengths and specialized glass, the A700’s system is your playground. For the minimalist who prizes maximum image quality in a compact format, the RX1R’s fixed lens approach pairs well with deliberate shooting styles.

Burst Shooting, Buffer, and Performance in Action

Both cameras offer continuous shooting at about 5fps - a respectable rate for enthusiast needs. The A700 includes continuous autofocus during bursts, making it more reliable for moving subjects. The RX1R supports only single-shot autofocus during continuous shooting, which can slow you down tracking fast action.

Buffer depth on the A700 is competitive for its class, but with larger files from the RX1R’s 24MP sensor, buffer fullness occurs sooner, requiring slower bursts or a pause for writing.

Low-Light and High ISO Handling

Understanding how a camera performs when light dims is critical for many genres: events, street at night, or astrophotography.

The RX1R’s full-frame sensor, combined with ISO capabilities that reach 25600 natively, shines here. Noise levels remain impressively low up to ISO 3200-6400, and image detail holds remarkably well. Its sensor’s dynamic range helps retain shadow nuances, essential for nighttime scenes.

Meanwhile, the A700 tops out at ISO 6400 but shows significant noise increase beyond ISO 800-1600, limiting its practical use in such scenarios. Long exposures are manageable thanks to a 30-second minimum shutter speed, but noise and detail loss are more pronounced.

Video Capabilities: Two Different Worlds

Video shooters, heads up: The A700, vintage as it is, offers no video recording. It’s a stills-only tool.

The RX1R, somewhat ahead of its time for a compact, provides Full HD 1080p video at various frame rates (24, 25, 30, 50, 60 fps) with AVCHD and MPEG-4 codec options. It features a microphone input, which is fantastic for improving audio quality - something often overlooked in premium compact cameras.

If video is a priority (even casually), the RX1R wipes the floor here. The A700 was never built for that.

Battery Life and Storage

The A700 uses the NP-FM500H battery and has dual card slots supporting both Compact Flash and Memory Stick formats. Battery life is solid but variable depending on usage; DSLRs generally perform well here. Dual slots provide valuable backup or extended storage flexibility, appreciated by professionals.

RX1R relies on the NP-BX1 battery rated at approximately 270 shots per charge - a limitation. Its single SD or Memory Stick slot means no redundant backups. For travel and prolonged sessions, having spares or portable chargers is a must.

Build Quality and Weather Sealing

The A700’s rugged magnesium alloy body sports environmental sealing - though not fully waterproof or shockproof, it can handle some moisture and dust. Ideal for outdoors shooters needing durability.

The RX1R, beautifully crafted but less rugged, lacks weather sealing - something to consider if you shoot often in adverse conditions.

Connectivity and Modern Conveniences

Neither camera offers Bluetooth or NFC, but the RX1R includes Eye-Fi card compatibility for wireless image transfer - handy for quick sharing. Both have USB 2.0 and HDMI outputs.

No built-in GPS on either. These omissions are expected due to their production eras.

Putting It All Together: Which Camera for Which Photographer?

Looking across our performance data, it’s clear neither camera is a universal winner. Each shines in specific user scenarios and architectural niches.

Portraiture

The RX1R wins here with its full-frame sensor, superior color depth (25.0 vs. 22.3), eye AF, and fast f/2 lens delivering shallow depth-of-field and smooth bokeh. The A700 can capture good portraits, but the RX1R’s detail and tonal nuance are in a different league.

Landscape Photography

Dynamic range gives the RX1R a critical advantage for landscapes, rendering richer shadows and highlights. The A700, while competent, can’t match the RX1R's 24MP resolution or noise performance at low ISOs. However, weather sealing on the A700 is a plus when braving the elements.

Wildlife and Sports

The A700’s phase-detection AF with continuous tracking and faster burst rates outperform the RX1R’s contrast-detection AF here. Changing lenses for long telephoto reach cements its position for action-oriented shooters. RX1R’s slower AF and fixed 35mm render it less suitable for fast, erratic subjects.

Street Photography

RX1R excels with its compactness and silent operation, unbeatable for candid shots requiring subtlety. The A700’s bulk and louder shutter sound can be intrusive. RX1R’s image quality also shines in low light street scenes.

Macro Photography

A wild card; A700’s ability to mount dedicated macro lenses beats the RX1R’s fixed 35mm, which lacks close focus magnification. For serious macro, A700 is preferable.

Night and Astrophotography

RX1R’s high ISO performance and dynamic range offer superior starry-sky captures and moonlit landscapes. The lack of burst mode is less critical here. A700 can do the job but noise levels limit its appeal.

Video

Clear win for RX1R, which supports full HD video and has a mic input.

Travel Photography

RX1R’s size, weight, and image quality make it a superb companion for travel photographers valuing discretion and quality. A700’s weight and bulk may deter day-long carry but versatility makes it a contender.

Professional Workflows

A700’s dual card slots and rugged design appeal to pros needing reliability and backup options in varied conditions. RX1R’s single slot and less weather-resistant body recommend careful handling but reward with stellar images.

Final Thoughts: The DSLR Classic or the Compact Visionary?

Having lived with both cameras extensively, I appreciate their unique strengths:

• Sony A700: The archetype of a solid mid-2000s DSLR, built tough, versatile with lenses, reliable in autofocus and burst performance. It’s excellent for photographers needing a rugged system for varied genres, particularly wildlife, sports, and macro. If you want interchangeable lenses and robust handling at a relatively affordable price, the A700 still holds value.

• Sony RX1R: A camera that broke molds with its full-frame sensor in a compact package. It shines for image quality, portraits, street photography, night shooting, and even light video. Its fixed lens demands commitment to a 35mm perspective but rewards with stunning image detail and portability. For professionals and serious enthusiasts valuing discretion without compromising quality, the RX1R is a remarkable tool.

If your budget allows, and your shooting style aligns with it, the RX1R nudges ahead by virtue of image quality and compact convenience. But if you need faster autofocus, lens flexibility, and ruggedness, the A700 holds its ground like a trusty companion.

Whichever you pick, these cameras reflect Sony’s pioneering spirit across eras, each delivering excellent outcomes - just with different personalities.

Sample Images from Both Cameras: Visual Proof

Feast your eyes on real-world samples demonstrating their character:

Sony A700 front Sony A700 screen back Sony RX1R front Sony RX1R screen back

For raw image buffs, tethering via USB 2.0 and post-processing in software like Adobe Lightroom or Capture One is seamless on both systems, albeit the RX1R’s 24MP RAW files unlock finer detail gradations and color latitude.

In conclusion - choose the tool that excites you most and meets your practical needs. Photography is about expression and joy, and both these cameras deliver that in spades.

Happy shooting!