The Sony RX100 series represents the top tier of the point-and-shoot market. The seventh-generation model, the Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VII ($1,299.99), sports the 8x lens introduced in its predecessor, along with an autofocus system that puts the camera on the same footing as the company's high-end interchangeable lens models. It's a premium camera, with a price match, but backs it up with top-notch speed and optics. That earns it our Editors' Choice. Pocket-Sized Powerhouse Smartphone cameras continue to get better thanks to advancements in image processing—computational photography—but there are some who simply prefer the feel of a dedicated camera in their hands, or want a bit more zoom power than you get from a multi-lens iPhone. The RX100 VII offers plenty of zoom power, with a lens that matches a full-frame 24-200mm in terms of coverage. It's longer than the 24-70mm design used in some others in the series, including the RX100 VA, but only captures about half the light. If yo...

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VII point-and-shoot is a modest update to the RX100 VI, offering better autofocus and video stabilization for a bit more money.

Sharp 8x zoom lens; Electronic viewfinder; 1-inch sensor design; 20fps capture with subject tracking; Eye detection for people and pets; Tilting touch screen; 4K video with external microphone port

Expensive; Can't start video while images are writing to card; Limited touch functions

The RX100 VII is the most capable pocket camera currently on the market. It offers a versatile zoom range and an industry-leading AF implementation, as well as good image quality and smooth, stabilized 4K. However the small maximum aperture of the lens does limit the camera's use in dim light.

Anyone wishing for a versatile zoom range in a pocket-sized cameras with rock-solid-reliable autofocus. Travel and family photographers, video-enthusiasts and Vloggers.;

Anyone who primarily shoots in dim-lighting;

Please

About as perfect as small-scale, high-end compact cameras get. If you can afford one, that is, as this has never been a budget series.

Powerful video/stills quality; Image stabilisation; Mic input; Fast and accurate autofocus; Decent low-light performance; Tiny size considering its 1in sensor; Useful pop-up viewfinder

Battery doesn't last all that long; Shutter button needs more feedback/travel and buttons are too small; Zoom limits maximum aperture at longer focal lengths; It's really expensive

Sony’s pocket travel zoom gains the latest autofocus technology, says Andy Westlake, but fixes none of the line’s glaring faults

Impressive lens gives sharp images throughout its really useful zoom range; Very good image quality with reliable exposure and auto white balance; Sophisticated autofocus and rapid shooting means you should never miss a shot; Pop-up viewfinder and tilting screen give flexible compositional options,...

Tiny buttons and flawed control logic make for slow and frustrating operation; Poor battery life; not helped by the ill-judged default power-saving settings; Small; slippery body is far too easy to drop without an accessory grip; Tiny buttons and flawed control logic make for slow and frustrating...

From the absence of expected features to its lofty price tag, there's plenty to irk those drawn to the likes of the RX100 VII. And yet, with its strong image quality, detailed 4K videos and a class-leading AF performance, the latest addition to the RX100 line still manages to be one of the most capable compacts right now.

Fast, sticky face detection; High level of user control; Impressive AF speeds and adherence; Low noise at moderate ISOs; Solid build and pocketable form; Decent zoom range for a 1-inch sensor;

Lacks a built-in ND filter; Touch functionality still lacking; Still no in-camera raw processing; Corner softness at 24mm and 200mm; Expensive; Average battery life; Body not ergonomically designed

Sony proves once again that it has some amazing technology in its arsenal that be packed down into the tiniest of bodies. If you’ve got the cash to spend and you want the best possible camera for your pocket, this is without doubt the one to go for. For those with a more sensible budget, it’s worth looking at older RX100 models, as well as those from Canon’s Powershot range – particularly the G7X Mark III if vlogging is your thing.

Great image quality; Manual controls; Good video options;

Very high price ; No front grip ; Fiddly buttons ;

I bought this Camera for video filming use, I own an AX700 which is too bulky to carry around for candid shots and so the RX is an ideal size for this, if I was to be picky I would say that I wished the screen was brighter in Movie mode 4K and 4K60p should be mandatory now on all Sony cameras.

Super flexibility to control the shot... once you have understood the menu structure and programmed the various buttons to allow quicker access to the most used items

I have had other versions of this camera but this is a pocket rocket Camera. It has all the features and selfie screen to blog. Pictures are impressive and the 4K video is amazing for such a small camera.