Sony NEX-7 vs Sony RX100

Below is a extensive overview of the Sony NEX-7 vs Sony RX100, one being a Advanced Mirrorless and the other is a Large Sensor Compact and both are sold by Sony. The resolution of the NEX-7 (24MP) and the RX100 (20MP) is fairly similar but the NEX-7 (APS-C) and RX100 (1") use different sensor dimensions.

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The NEX-7 was brought out 8 months before the RX100 so they are both of a similar generation. Each of the cameras come with different body type with the Sony NEX-7 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony RX100 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before going in to a full comparison, below is a simple highlight of how the NEX-7 grades vs the RX100 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Sony Alpha NEX-7 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100. The entire galleries are viewable at Sony NEX-7 Gallery and Sony RX100 Gallery.

In case you're looking to lug around your camera regularly, you have to think about its weight and proportions. The Sony NEX-7 has got external measurements of 120mm x 67mm x 43mm (4.7" x 2.6" x 1.7") having a weight of 400 grams (0.88 lbs) while the Sony RX100 has measurements of 102mm x 58mm x 36mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.4") along with a weight of 240 grams (0.53 lbs).

Take a look at the Sony NEX-7 vs Sony RX100 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you are employing during that time. Underneath is the front view over all size comparison of the NEX-7 vs the RX100.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the NEX-7 and RX100 is 84 and 91 respectively.

Generally, it is very hard to picture the contrast between sensor measurements just by reading specs. The graphic here will provide you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the NEX-7 and RX100.

All in all, both of the cameras posses different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The NEX-7 because of its larger sensor is going to make getting shallower DOF less difficult and the Sony NEX-7 will deliver more detail having its extra 4MP. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop images somewhat more aggressively. The older NEX-7 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.