A Tale of Two Sonys: NEX-F3 vs. RX100 VII - Which One Fits Your Photography World?

When Sony announced the NEX-F3 back in 2012, it was a lightweight entry point into mirrorless cameras with an APS-C sensor. Fast forward to 2019, the RX100 VII burst onto the scene as a compact powerhouse with a 1-inch sensor but a dizzying zoom range and cutting-edge autofocus. Though both wear the Sony badge, their design intentions and target audiences differ dramatically, making this comparison fascinating.

Having tested thousands of cameras in my career, I’m excited to dissect these two models head-to-head, focusing on real-world usability, image quality, and whether they hold up in 2024’s demanding photography landscape. This is not only about specs on paper: it’s about how these cameras behave when you’re behind the lens.

Physical size and ergonomics: the NEX-F3’s rangefinder-style body vs. RX100 VII’s compact form

Feeling the Form: Ergonomics and Physical Design

Right off the bat, the NEX-F3 and RX100 VII cater to completely different ergonomics. The NEX-F3 sports a traditional rangefinder-style mirrorless body measuring 117x67x42 mm and weighing 314g. Its substantial grip suits larger hands and interchangeable lenses, naturally inviting you to build a more serious system. The RX100 VII, however, shrinks everything down to a pocketable 102x58x43 mm and 302g. It is designed for ultimate portability without sacrificing too much in features.

While testing, I found the NEX-F3’s body more comfortable for extended shooting - its slightly bulkier feel allows better stability when using longer lenses, especially with portrait or landscape work. Meanwhile, RX100 VII’s all-in-one compactness is a godsend for street or travel photographers who prioritize discretion and quick grab-and-go setups.

Sony chose a tilting screen for both - 3-inch, 920k dots on the NEX-F3 and a similar size but slightly higher resolution 921k on the RX100 VII. The RX100’s touchscreen interface felt modern and intuitive versus the more traditional, non-touch interface on the NEX-F3. This is a reminder of just how far UI design has evolved in 7 years.

Top view design and control layout: NEX-F3’s simpler control set vs. RX100 VII’s advanced dial and button system

Controls and Handling: Feeling in Control?

The NEX-F3 keeps things minimal: no electronic viewfinder built-in (only optional add-ons), and a straightforward dial for basic modes. I often found that I had to navigate menus a bit more than I would have liked when adjusting exposure settings, likely a product of its entry-level orientation. Still, manual, aperture and shutter priority modes are present, giving enthusiasts room to grow.

The RX100 VII surprises with its built-in 2.36M-dot pop-up electronic viewfinder - a huge advantage in bright daylight or for precise composition. Paired with a clever control layout (including customizable buttons, a rear control wheel, and exposure compensation dial), it offers far more hands-on flexibility. The touchscreen adds a layer of speed for selecting AF points and navigating menus, which I appreciated during fast-paced shooting sessions.

In terms of burst shooting, the RX100 VII offers up to 20 fps, a boon for wildlife or sports shooters, compared to a modest 6 fps on the NEX-F3. That difference is critical if you chase action.

Peering Under the Hood: Sensor Size, Resolution, and Image Quality

When it comes to sensors, this is where the divide is stark. The NEX-F3 packs a 16MP APS-C CMOS sensor measuring 23.4 x 15.6 mm - significantly larger than the RX100 VII’s 20MP 1” BSI-CMOS sensor sized at 13.2 x 8.8 mm. Bigger sensors usually mean better noise control, dynamic range, and depth-of-field control, right? But as with all engineering, the RX100’s newer sensor benefits from improvements in processing and lens quality.

Looking at sensor area directly:

Sensor size and resolution: Larger APS-C sensor on the NEX-F3 vs. the 1” sensor on the RX100 VII

Per DxOMark metrics, the NEX-F3 scores 73 overall, with a color depth of 22.7 bits and dynamic range around 12.3 EV. The RX100 VII, despite being newer, scores a bit lower at 63 overall, with slightly reduced color depth (21.8) and similar dynamic range (12.4 EV).

But what does this mean in practice?

Shooting portraits with the NEX-F3 means you get that creamier bokeh and richer skin tones thanks to the larger sensor, but keep in mind it has an older color science and weaker AF. The RX100 VII’s smaller sensor is offset by a sharp Zeiss-branded zoom lens and improved autofocus system. Its bokeh won’t be as dreamy, but modern image processing delivers pleasing skin tones in JPEGs - if you prefer detailed sharpness over creamy blur, RX100 is no slouch.

Back LCD screens: tilt angles and interface differences

Autofocus - The Heartbeat of Modern Photography

Autofocus performance often makes or breaks a camera’s real-world usability. The NEX-F3 uses contrast-detection AF with 25 focus points. It’s adequate for static subjects or casual shooting but shows limitations with moving subjects or in low light. Face detection is absent, and continuous AF tracking is rudimentary.

By comparison, the RX100 VII impresses with hybrid AF (phase + contrast detection) combined with AI-powered real-time tracking, eye AF for humans and animals, and 315 phase detection points covering nearly the entire frame. In my wildlife and sports shoots with the RX100 VII, this system locks fast and holds onto erratic subjects reliably - a testament to Sony’s continuous AF tech improvements.

If you photograph moving subjects regularly - whether athletes, birds, or your kids - RX100 VII’s autofocus will drastically reduce missed shots and frustration.

Lens Selection and Flexibility: Interchangeable vs. Fixed

Sony’s NEX-F3 employs the Sony E-mount, which provides access to over 120 lenses. This versatility is a huge advantage if you want to build up a tailored kit for portraits (fast primes), landscapes (sharp wide angles), or macro work. Try fitting a 50mm f/1.8 on this camera and you can achieve beautiful background blur and low light performance.

The RX100 VII uses a fixed Zeiss 24-200mm f/2.8-4.5 zoom lens - extremely versatile for travel, street, and casual portraiture without the burden of swapping lenses. The lens offers excellent sharpness across the range, although distortion at 24mm and corner softness at 200mm can occur under pixel-peeping.

Personally, I admire the RX100’s all-in-one practicality. It’s ideal if you prefer convenience and minimal gear. But the NEX-F3’s ability to evolve with lenses appeals to learning photographers and professionals wanting creative control.

Battery Life and Storage: Staying In the Game

The NEX-F3 uses the NP-FW50 battery, rated for approximately 470 shots per charge (CIPA standard). In practice, I squeezed about 400 shots shooting myself outdoors and using the LCD screen extensively. It matches the expectations for mirrorless cameras of that era.

The RX100 VII, with its NP-BX1 battery, rates lower at 260 shots per charge. The small body limits battery size, so heavy video recording or burst shooting will drain power quickly. Carrying a spare battery is essential for intensive use.

Both cameras use one memory card slot supporting SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, but the NEX-F3 adds compatibility with Memory Stick formats, a hallmark of early Sony designs.

Video Capabilities for Hybrid Shooters

Video shooters will find significant differences. The NEX-F3 supports 1080p video at 60 and 24fps with MPEG-4 or AVCHD codecs, adequate for casual video work, but it lacks advanced features like 4K, in-body stabilization, or headphone support.

The RX100 VII shines with 4K UHD recording at 30fps and 100 Mbps, offering superior image quality and more professional codec options (XAVC S). Optical image stabilization smooths handheld footage, and a mic input port allows better audio capture, crucial for vloggers or interview setups.

If video is a priority, the RX100 VII is far more appealing, providing near mirrorless-level video in a compact form. The NEX-F3 feels dated here.

Sony NEX F3 front Sony NEX F3 screen back Sony RX100 VII front Sony RX100 VII screen back

Performance Across Photography Genres

To give you a clearer idea where each camera excels or struggles, here’s a brief breakdown across major use cases:

Portrait Photography

• NEX-F3: Larger sensor produces better subject isolation and richer skin tones but contrast AF and lack of face/eye detection hampers dynamic portrait sessions.
• RX100 VII: Eye AF works wonders, but smaller sensor limits bokeh and depth; lens sharpness and AI focus make it quick and satisfying for casual portraits.

Landscape Photography

• NEX-F3: Higher sensor resolution and dynamic range handle HDR scenes well. Lack of weather sealing is a downside, especially for outdoor expeditions.
• RX100 VII: Sharper optics in fixed zoom lend well to travel landscapes, though smaller sensor yields less flexibility for cropping or large prints.

Wildlife Photography

• NEX-F3: Slow, contrast AF and lack of tracking limits success.
• RX100 VII: Fast burst rates and excellent autofocus tracking elevate this compact to decent wildlife tool for casual shooters.

Sports Photography

• NEX-F3: 6 fps burst and contrast AF mean potential missed action.
• RX100 VII: 20 fps with AF tracking, plus blackout-free viewfinder, makes this camera surprisingly good for fast-paced subjects.

Street Photography

• NEX-F3: Bulky compared to RX100 VII; less discreet.
• RX100 VII: Pocketable, silent shutter options, excellent low light AF make it a street photographer’s dream.

Macro Photography

• NEX-F3: Depends on lens choice; focus precision manageable with manual focus options.
• RX100 VII: 8cm minimum focus distance and optical stabilization aid handheld macro, though no focus stacking.

Night/Astro Photography

• NEX-F3: Larger sensor boosts low light performance; long exposure modes feasible but no built-in intervalometer.
• RX100 VII: Limited ISO range and sensor size reduce performance; internal interval recording for time-lapse is a plus.

Video

• NEX-F3: Basic Full HD.
• RX100 VII: 4K UHD, advanced codecs, mic input, and stabilization.

Travel Photography

• NEX-F3: Good image quality and lens flexibility but bigger and heavier.
• RX100 VII: Compact, versatile zoom, excellent connectivity makes it a powerful travel companion.

Professional Work

• NEX-F3: Entry-level tool; lacks robustness and advanced features professionals rely on.
• RX100 VII: Surprisingly capable for pros needing a compact backup or stealth camera.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance

Neither camera is weather-sealed, a notable consideration for outdoor shooters. The NEX-F3’s plastic construction feels somewhat light but solid enough for casual use. The RX100 VII’s all-metal chassis is robust for a compact but doesn’t provide sealing either.

If you shoot in dusty or wet conditions often, neither camera is ideal without protective accessories - though the RX100’s sturdier build inspires more confidence.

Connectivity and Extras

Despite their age gap, the RX100 VII leads with built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, and faster USB charging. The NEX-F3 only supports Eye-Fi wireless SD cards, which are outdated and require additional expense.

HDMI output is present on both for external monitoring, but only the RX100 VII offers a microphone input, which is crucial for videographers.

Price vs. Performance: What Are You Getting?

As of mid-2024, the NEX-F3 trades hands at around $470 (used or refurbished, as it’s discontinued), while the RX100 VII retails for about $1,298 new. That’s nearly three times the price for the RX100 VII.

For budget-conscious buyers seeking a larger sensor and an entry into mirrorless interchangeable lens systems, the NEX-F3 offers solid image quality, manual controls, and lens ecosystem access - at a consistent low price.

Yet, if you value impeccable autofocus, 4K video, pocket-sized versatility, and modern connectivity, the RX100 VII justifies its premium. It’s a compact marvel that keeps pace with many today’s mirrorless cameras despite sensor size constraints.

Which One Should You Choose?

Let me unpack recommendations by photography style and priorities.

Pick the Sony NEX-F3 if:

• You want an affordable entry point into mirrorless with APS-C quality
• You plan to build a lens collection over time
• Your focus is on landscape, portraiture, or studio work over sports/ wildlife
• Battery life and larger grip ergonomics matter to you more than portability
• You prefer a classic control interface without touchscreen complexity

Pick the Sony RX100 VII if:

• You want a compact travel or street camera you can pocket easily
• Fast autofocus with eye and animal tracking is essential
• 4K video and microphone input are a must-have
• Burst shooting speed (20 fps) matters for capturing action
• You need a versatile all-in-one zoom lens with optical stabilization
• Connectivity and touchscreen usability speed up your workflow

Summing It Up: Classics vs. Modern Marvels

The Sony NEX-F3 is a commendable entry-level APS-C mirrorless camera that holds up for stills-centric photographers on a budget or enthusiasts wanting lens flexibility. It embodies Sony’s early-rangefinder mirrorless era - simple, effective, and capable.

On the flip side, the RX100 VII stands as a sophisticated compact camera packed with high-end autofocus, video prowess, and portability. It’s a technical tour de force ideal for hybrid shooters, travelers, and anyone craving performance in a tiny package.

Despite the price gap, each has its niche. So, before you pull the trigger, ask yourself: do you prioritize sensor size and interchangeable lenses, or compact convenience and modern speed? Your answer will guide you toward the right Sony for your photographic journey.

I hope this comparison sheds light on these two fascinating cameras. Choosing gear is deeply personal, but an informed decision always brings you closer to those perfect shots. Happy shooting!