Sony Digital Camera RX100 VII Examination
The Sony RX100 VII, now available, has made a splash in the world of underwater photography. This compact camera features a built-in 24-200mm (equivalent) f/2.8-4.5 zoom lens, making it an ideal choice for capturing quick critters like dolphins and schools of fish.
The RX100 VII boasts a 20.1MP 1.0-type stacked CMOS sensor, extremely fast autofocus with 357-point phase-detection AF, real-time tracking, real-time eye AF, and up to 20 fps blackout-free continuous shooting with AF/AE at up to 60 calculations per second. These specs suggest it provides significantly improved autofocus speed and accuracy, as well as advanced burst shooting performance compared to earlier RX100 versions.
For underwater use, the RX100 VII can be paired with dedicated underwater housings, such as the Nauticam or Fantasea housings, which allow waterproof use to depths of around 40 m (130 ft), maintaining full camera functionality including controls important for autofocus and burst shooting underwater.
When it comes to comparison with rugged compacts like the OM System Tough TG-7, the RX100 VII outperforms in image quality and likely autofocus and burst capabilities. However, it's not inherently waterproof without housing.
The RX100 VII’s larger 1-inch stacked sensor and fast lens (f/2.8-f/4.5) provide a good foundation for low light shooting relative to many compact cameras. While explicit underwater low light comparisons were not found, the RX100 VII’s sensor, autofocus system, and lens likely make it superior to previous RX100 versions and many rugged compacts in low light conditions.
For those seeking wide-angle images, the Nauticam N50 Original Short Port can be used with the AOI UWL-09 and Kraken KRL-01 wet wide angle lenses on the RX100 VI Nauticam Housing. The Fantasea UWL-09 Wide Angle Lens also offers a 130-degree Field of View, while the Kraken Sports KRL-01 provides a 145-degree Field of View and is compatible with micro 4/3 and full frame cameras, making them versatile choices for underwater photography.
The Nauticam Compact Macro Converters (CMC-1 and CMC-2) offer amazing sharpness with varying strengths of magnification, making them ideal for supermacro photography with the RX100 VII. The Bluewater +7 Macro Lens, a cheaper alternative to Nauticam lenses, also offers a high-quality, two-element macro lens made of optical glass, UV-coated and anti-reflective.
The Nauticam N50 Short Port with Bayonet Mount is designed for fast port changes underwater when using a camera housing with the N50 port system and wet lenses such as the WWL-1 and CMC along with the Nauticam bayonet system. The Ikelite RX100 VII Housing, crafted from lightweight, strong ABS Polycarbonate, is compatible with Ikelite's removable port for the Ikelite Sony RX100 VII Underwater Housing for use with the extended zoom lens.
In summary, the Sony RX100 VII is a top-tier compact camera option for underwater photography (with proper housing), notably outperforming previous RX100 models and rugged compacts in autofocus speed, burst shooting, and likely low light performance. For serious underwater shooting, its combination of advanced autofocus, continuous shooting, and image quality make it a leading choice among compact cameras.
