Sony RX100 VII vs. Sony RX1R: A Professional Comparative Review for Serious Photographers

When Sony announced the RX100 VII in 2019 and juxtaposed it against the earlier 2013 RX1R, it was clear these two compacts targeted photographers wanting high image quality in pocketable form factors - but with distinctly different approaches and intended users. After extensive hands-on testing of both models in studio, outdoor, and event environments, I’m here to break down the core distinctions, strengths, and functional considerations that will help you decide which is right for your photography.

Why you can trust this review: Over 15 years and thousands of camera evaluations across all genres inform every comparison. I use a range of controlled test setups, real-world shooting scenarios, and rigorous performance metrics in tandem with practical ergonomic considerations.

Getting Physical: Size, Handling, and Ergonomics

In tight spaces and during travel, size and comfort are paramount. The RX100 VII is a compact powerhouse measuring just 102 x 58 x 43mm and weighing 302g. Its streamlined body fits effortlessly into a jacket pocket or a small bag, making it ideal for swift street photography or travel snapshots. The tilting 3-inch touchscreen adds a modern usability layer, allowing for versatile shooting angles and easy menu navigation.

In contrast, the RX1R’s full-frame sensor necessitates a larger, more substantial body at 113 x 65 x 70mm and 482g. The grip is more pronounced, lending increased stability, especially with the fixed 35mm f/2 lens. However, its non-articulating screen and lack of touchscreen forces you to interact with the camera primarily through physical buttons and dials.

Whether you prefer pocketability or classical DSLR-like handling with a robust build depends on your style. I found the RX100 VII better suited for fast-paced situations, while the RX1R offers a more deliberate shooting experience.

Design Philosophy and Control Layout: Navigating Your Camera

Sony’s design languages diverge clearly here. The RX100 VII features a contemporary control layout with a pop-up electronic viewfinder boasting 2,360k-dot resolution, a multi-function dial, and direct access buttons for ISO, exposure compensation, and focus modes. The inclusion of a touchscreen allows quick AF point selection and menu adjustments, streamlining workflow.

The RX1R embraces a minimalist approach inherited from traditional rangefinder cameras: no built-in EVF (though an external optical viewfinder is optional), fewer buttons, and reliance on manual focusing aids. Controls feel mechanical and tactile, appealing to photographers who prefer an analog shooting experience.

In practical testing, I appreciated the RX100 VII’s faster, more flexible operation - especially for action or travel photojournalism. But for contemplative portraits and streetwork, the RX1R’s simplicity can enhance your connection with the scene without screen distractions.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: The Core of Your Craft

This is the heart of the distinction. The RX1R houses a 24MP full-frame CMOS sensor (35.8 x 23.9mm) without an anti-aliasing filter, pushing maximal sharpness and tonal reproduction. The RX100 VII uses a 20MP 1-inch BSI-CMOS sensor (13.2 x 8.8mm) with an anti-aliasing filter to avoid moiré artifacts.

What does this mean in the real world?

• Dynamic Range & Color Depth: The RX1R delivers superior dynamic range (~13.6 EV stops on DxOMark) and color depth (25 bits), translating to richer tonal gradations in highlights and shadows. Skin tones are modeled more beautifully, with finer gradations ideal for professional portrait work.

• Low-Light Performance: RX1R’s full-frame sensor beats RX100 VII significantly here, offering excellent noise control up to ISO 25600 (native). The RX100 VII’s low-light ISO limit is around 12800, with acceptable noise performance but less latitude for shadow recovery.

• Resolution & Detail: At 24MP vs. 20MP, the RX1R provides slightly crisper images, aided by no AA filter, delivering razor-sharp details in landscapes and studio shots.

In my side-by-side shooting, the RX1R’s files exhibited more latitude in post-processing and held up better when cropping. The RX100 VII, however, delivers exceptionally impressive image quality for a 1-inch sensor camera, making it remarkable for its size.

User Interface and Display: The Photographer’s Window

The RX100 VII includes a bright, tilting 3-inch touchscreen with 921k dots, allowing touch to focus and intuitive menu navigation. This feature is invaluable in dynamic shooting environments - whether framing at waist level or capturing candid moments.

The RX1R features a fixed 3-inch, higher resolution (1,229k dots) Xtra FineTFT LCD but lacks touchscreen capabilities. The display offers accurate color rendition and excellent detail, favoring photographers who prefer traditional button navigation.

Using the RX100 VII’s EVF together with the rear display creates a flexible shooting experience, while the RX1R’s optional add-on optical viewfinder must be purchased separately if you need one.

Autofocus and Processing Power: Speed vs. Precision

Both cameras use Sony’s competent focusing systems but differ in execution:

• RX100 VII: Uses a hybrid AF system incorporating 357 phase-detection points and 425 contrast-detection points. AF speed is blisteringly fast, suitable for tracking moving subjects. Eye and animal eye AF are supported, making portraits and wildlife shots reliable. Continuous shooting hits 20 fps with AF tracking, ideal for sports or action.

• RX1R: Relies on contrast-detection AF with 25 focus points, no phase detection or continuous AF. AF speed is moderately slower, and continuous shooting maxes out at 5 fps.

In practical use, the RX100 VII outperforms easily in autofocus responsiveness and tracking under challenging conditions, such as wildlife or sports. The RX1R’s AF system is geared more toward deliberate compositions rather than fleeting moments, with manual focus competency important here.

Lens and Optics: Fixed Focal Length vs. Versatile Zoom

The optical engineering philosophies mark a clear divide:

• RX100 VII: Features an 8.3x zoom lens covering 24-200mm equivalent with variable aperture f/2.8-4.5 and a close macro focusing distance of 8 cm. The flexibility allows you to cover wide environmental portraits, street scenes, telephoto wildlife snippets, and some macro with ease.

• RX1R: Sports a built-in 35mm f/2 Zeiss Sonnar prime lens with exceptional optical quality and a shallow depth of field. The fixed focal length favors creativity through framing and composition rather than zoom range.

Testing shows the RX1R’s lens delivers buttery bokeh, exceptional sharpness edge to edge, and unique character difficult to replicate with zooms. That said, the RX100 VII’s zoom versatility makes it a “do-it-all” compact, particularly for travel and general-purpose photography.

Image Stabilization and Shutter Options: Keeping It Steady

• RX100 VII: Incorporates optical image stabilization effective for handheld shooting, essential especially at longer focal lengths or in low light. Plus, electronic shutter speeds go as fast as 1/32,000 sec, allowing flash sync at 1/2,000 sec and silent shooting modes to capture discreet moments.

• RX1R: Lacks any form of image stabilization but supports a mechanical shutter up to 1/4,000 sec and a maximum flash sync speed of 1/4,000 sec. Silent electronic shutter modes are not available.

Between the two, the RX100 VII offers greater flexibility for handheld low-light work and action photography.

Video Capabilities: 4K and Beyond

Video is an area where these cameras differ markedly:

• RX100 VII: Supports 4K UHD video at 30p, with no pixel binning and 100 Mbps bitrate producing crisp, detailed footage. It supports full-time autofocus with Eye AF in video, a microphone input (no headphone jack), and slow-motion capabilities. An internal stabilization system also smooths footage.

• RX1R: Limited to Full HD (1920 x 1080) at up to 60p, with no 4K option. It can record in AVCHD or MPEG-4. No microphone input limits external audio capture capabilities.

For vloggers or video enthusiasts, the RX100 VII is a clear choice. The RX1R caters primarily to still photography.

Battery Life, Storage, and Connectivity

Both cameras use the NP-BX1 battery - compact but not particularly long-lasting. Expect to carry spares for intensive shooting days. The RX100 VII’s modern wireless options make direct image transfer and mobile control easier, while the RX1R’s connectivity options are dated.

Real-World Photography: Performance by Genre

Sony RX100 VII front Sony RX100 VII screen back Sony RX1R front Sony RX1R screen back

Let’s break down performance across common usage:

Portrait Photography

• RX1R: Superior skin tones, detailed eye rendition due to full-frame sensor and lens optics. The lack of built-in stabilization requires a tripod or steady hand indoors.
• RX100 VII: Eye and animal eye AF assist rapid portrait capture. Background blur is shallower at 200mm telephoto, but sensor size limits creamy bokeh quality.

Landscape Photography

• RX1R: Better dynamic range and resolution deliver dramatic landscapes with rich tonal subtleties.
• RX100 VII: Versatile zoom covers wide to telephoto landscapes but at slightly lower image quality.

Wildlife Photography

• RX100 VII: Fast AF and extended telephoto reach make it the practical choice for birds and distant animals.
• RX1R: Lens is 35mm fixed and AF speed insufficient for quick wildlife action.

Sports Photography

• RX100 VII: 20 fps burst with reliable tracking autofocus scores highly.
• RX1R: Limited to 5 fps, lacking autofocus tracking - unsuitable for sports action.

Street Photography

• RX1R: Discrete form and prime lens favor unobtrusive shooting.
• RX100 VII: Pocketable but zoom lens might draw more attention.

Macro Photography

• RX100 VII: Close focusing (8 cm) with optical stabilization enables handheld macros.
• RX1R: No specific macro capabilities; fixed lens less flexible here.

Night and Astro Photography

• RX1R: Excellent high ISO performance and dynamic range make it a better star-scape option.
• RX100 VII: Limited by smaller sensor and higher noise at elevated ISOs.

Video Use

• RX100 VII: 4K, good autofocus, mic input - great for content creators.
• RX1R: Full HD only, no advanced video features.

Travel Photography

• RX100 VII: Lightweight, zoom versatility, image stabilization, and wireless features make it perfect for travel.
• RX1R: Higher image quality but bigger, heavier, and less adaptable.

Professional Work

• RX1R: Larger sensor, superior file quality, and excellent lens make it viable for professional assignments.
• RX100 VII: More of a secondary or casual camera for pros needing portability.

Build Quality and Durability

Neither camera offers comprehensive weather sealing, although both are solidly built. The RX1R’s heavier magnesium alloy chassis lends a more robust feel, but neither is designed for extreme outdoor use without added protection.

Price-to-Performance Value

The RX1R commands a premium price around $2,800, clearly reflecting full-frame sensor excellence and Zeiss optics. The RX100 VII retails nearer $1,300, delivering exceptional versatility for the money.

For photographers balancing budget and image quality, the RX100 VII offers outstanding value. Professionals prioritizing ultimate image fidelity and pixel-level quality may justify the RX1R’s expense.

Which One Should You Choose?

Final Thoughts

Both the Sony RX100 VII and RX1R are exceptional cameras in their own right. The RX100 VII shines in agility, speed, and multimedia capabilities - perfect for photographers needing an all-rounder in a compact shell. The RX1R delivers uncompromising still image quality and classic handling that will appeal to purists and professionals who seek prime lens excellence and full-frame performance in a pocketable form.

Your choice hinges on priorities: choose the RX100 VII if you want versatility, responsiveness, and video features in a smaller budget. Opt for the RX1R if supreme image fidelity, beautiful primes, and landscape or portrait excellence top your list and budget allows.

I hope this deep dive helps you decide with confidence which Sony compact is the perfect partner on your photographic journey. Don’t hesitate to test each in person if possible - there’s no substitute for real-world feel paired with these technical insights.

Happy shooting!