Buyer’s remorse is not something you would want to experience with a high-end digital compact camera. After all, these are serious investments expected to last for years to come.
Two brands that have long dominated the high-end compact camera market are Sony and Canon. Even in this digital age where smartphone cameras are everywhere, Sony and Canon still have name recognition for those who care about high-end photography.
Sony has had virtually no competition since it launched the RX100 in 2012 until Canon initially responded with the Canon Powershot G7 X. So how do these electronics giants compare when it comes to their latest products?
We’ll take a look at the advantages of owning a high-end compact camera before comparing the Canon G7X Mark II vs Sony RX100V to help you decide which one best fits your needs.
Sony RX100 VA 20.1 MP Cyber-shot Digital Camera
Key Specifications
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- Sensor: 21MP, 1″ BSI-CMOS Sensor
- Zoom lens: 24-70mm f/1.8-2.8 zoom lens
- Maximum Shutter speed: 1/32000s
- Video Capture: 4k video capture with well-controlled rolling shutter
- Continuous shooting: 24fps burst shooting in JPEG+ Raw formats
- Phase detection auto-focus points: 315-points
- Weight: 299g
- Dimensions: 101.6×58.1×41.0mm
- Built-in flash for low-light photography
- Built-in wireless and smartphone remote control capabilities for better connectivity
Sony released the RX100V into the market with superior sensors that gave it an edge over its competitors. These sensors allowed the camera to focus on faraway objects, giving the photographer an easy time when taking images in RAW format (learn why you should shoot in raw most of the time).
This camera uses a 24-70mm zoom lens, which means you can focus on distant objects and still retain quality. The lenses are the perfect choice of photographers who use F2.8 zooms. The autofocus occupies more than 60% of the frame, which is equivalent to 315 points. It also uses 4k video capability, which makes it produce classy video footage in slow motion.
Sony did not integrate touchscreen functionality in the RX100V, a clear error in judgment in our opinion. According to the company, they wanted to retain the photography “touch,” but they did include the electronic viewfinder, which helps the photographer when taking photos against bright light.
If you loved the RX100IV’s ability to shoot videos in 4K, the RX100V capabilities will amaze you. This camera uses a 5.5K, that is, 5,028×2,828 pixels for sharp videos. The V shoots 24fps, unlike its competitors which strain to go beyond 10fps. The high fps means that the effect of blurry images for moving objects won’t occur. Isn’t this something you would be proud to own?
Pros
- Built-in electronic viewfinder for better image framing and control
- High automatic shutter speed of 24fps
- The high 315-point Auto-focus system
- Advanced 4K video capability
- High screen resolution
- Capable of low-light photography with the built-in flash
- High connectivity to both wireless and remote smartphone control functions
Cons
- It is pricey compared to similar cameras
- It does not have a touchscreen for ease of navigating camera functions
- It has no environmental sealing. You will need to purchase housing for underwater photography
- Handling this camera requires some photography knowledge and expertise
Our Rating: 4.9/5.0
Verdict
Sony must have spent a lot of time in R&D to produce this executive, high-performance digital camera. Right from the 4K video capability, electronic viewfinder and fast shutter speeds, to the high auto-focus points and high LCD screen resolution, the Sony RX100V is the perfect camera for the nomad photographer. We love this camera’s diminutive size and portability, but we miss the convenient touchscreen capabilities and environmental sealing. It’s just a suggestion, but it would be nice if Sony lowered the price a little. All-in-all, the pros outweigh the cons, and this is a fantastic camera to take along with you to capture all of the special moments in life.
Check Price of the Sony RX100 on Amazon
Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II Digital Camera + Pixi-Basic Accessory Kit
Key Features
- Sensor: 20MP – 1″ BSI-CMOS Sensor
- Zoom lens: 24-100mm f/1.8-2.8 zoom lens
- Maximum Shutter speed: 1/2000s in manual mode, and 1/32000s in electronic mode
- Battery life: 265 shots
- Continuous shooting: 8fps burst shooting in JPEG+ Raw formats
- Phase detection auto-focus points: 31-points
- Weight: 319g
- Dimensions: 105.5×60.9×42.0mm
- Built-in flash for low-light photography
- Built-in wireless and smartphone remote control capabilities for better connectivity
Canon G7X Mark II is the business when it comes to underwater and sea photography, due to its sharp focus in low light. Mariners use it to take photos of sea flora and fauna, thanks to its sharp shutter speed and powerful lenses. The camera is also lightweight, which makes it makes it very friendly for travel photography.
It has a very responsive touchscreen, which makes it easy to navigate through the camera functions. Its video capability is not the best; it shoots at 1080p with 60fps. However, you can still get relatively high-quality videos with this camera. To compensate for the low LCD screen resolution, the camera has ×4.2 lenses for optical zooming.
The Canon G7X Mark II does not have an electronic viewfinder, which means it cannot take clear photos in bright light. A lack of this feature is the biggest let-down for this camera.
However, there is no doubt that Canon invested in some of the best lenses in the market. The G7X uses a 24-100mm with a ×4.2 optical zoom, which makes it easy for the camera to view objects from a long distance, a key advantage when comparing the Canon G7X Mark II vs Sony RX100V.
Pros
- Very affordable
- It has touchscreen capability for ease of use
- It has time-lapse recording capability for creative photography
- Higher optical zoom for flexible image coverage
- Supports UHS memory cards to enable you to read in high speeds
- It takes a decent amount of shots per charge which means longer photography time
- Capable of low-light photography with the in-built flash
- High connectivity to both wireless and remote smartphone control functions
Cons
- It does not have a viewfinder
- It has a low LCD screen resolution
- It does not have environmental sealing to shoot in harsh environmental conditions
Our Rating: 4.7/5
Verdict
The Canon G7X Mark II is the perfect camera to use in low light, which is why underwater photographers and boaters prefer to take it with them on their expeditions. The touchscreen makes it easier to use. It also has time-lapse delay for creative photographs, great optical zoom for flexible image coverage, and offers great value for the money. However, the camera lacks a viewfinder for better image framing and control, and its LCD screen resolution is quite low. If you are looking for a touchscreen camera that can take photos in dim light, the G7X II is the right choice. However, if you are looking for a camera that can shoot high-quality videos, you should look for an alternative.
Check Price on Canon G7 X Mark II On Amazon
Why a Digital Compact Camera?
Sony and Canon have been in the market for over 20 years producing high-quality digital compacts. These are popular products for a good reason. They’re portable, of high quality, have large sensors, boast incredible specs and sharp optics, and exhibit rapid focusing.
A compact camera is a tiny, portable camera that is designed to make photography accessible to everyone. This camera handles all the technical stuff, which means that even amateur photographers can produce stunning photos with them.
We’ll take a look at some more specific benefits of owning this type of camera before comparing the Canon G7X Mark II vs Sony RX100V to help you decide which one best fits your needs.
Digital Compact Cameras – Where They Excel
Quality Photos
A high-quality camera is crucial for eliminating blurred images. High-end digital compacts have high-quality lenses with high magnification, producing photos with incredible detail.
If you are into wildlife or underwater photography or want to preserve precious memories, these cameras are perfect for capturing photos to print or post on social media.
Portable and Light-weight
Most compacts fit easily into handbags and pockets and don’t carry much weight. Due to their size, compacts are much more discreet than larger cameras.
Low Risk
As they are portable, these high-end digital cameras travel well. They are great for diving, hiking, skiing, camping, or backpacking, and are less likely to get damaged due to their high-quality features and portability.
Affordable
These digital compact cameras are inexpensive compared to other types of high-spec cameras. No expensive added extras are needed to use these cameras. Unlike DSLRs where you must buy a camera body and at least one lens, the only extra you need for a compact camera is a memory card.
Check Price on Canon G7 X Mark II On Amazon
Digital Compact Cameras – What’s Not so Great
Not Ideal for Commercial Photography
These cameras are generally not ideal for professional and commercial purposes, although some more expensive models do yield professional-quality photos.
Less Manual Control
There is less manual control with these cameras over photos than with most DSLR or mirrorless cameras. For photography students or professionals, these features hinder advanced photography techniques like lapse photography.
Smaller Sensors
Their tiny size means that they have smaller sensors compared to most DSLR and mirrorless cameras, and this may result in blurred or unclear images, especially in lower light situations.
Canon G7X Mark II vs. Sony RX100V – Similarities
- Support RAW image formats
- Built-in flash for low-light photography
- Built-in wireless capability
- Tilting screens and LCD selfie-friendly screens
- Possess an optical stabilization feature
- Suitable for underwater photography with protective underwater housings and underwater white balance
Canon G7X Mark II vs. Sony RX100V – Differences
- The RX100V retails at on average $1000, while the Canon G7X Mark II retails in the more affordable $600 range
- Sony RX100V uses 24k video capability, which enables it to shoot very clear images Canon G7X Mark II lacks k-video capabilities but has a ×4.2 zoom, allowing it to shoot videos from a long distance
- Our biggest disappointment with the Sony RX100V is its lack of a touchscreen. The Canon G7X Mark II, has a very responsive touch screen, allowing you to navigate the menu with a single swipe
- Sony has a 24fps continuous shooting range of up to 71 frames, while Canon has an 8fps shooting range of up to 30 frames in the raw format. If you love speed, go for the Sony RX100V
- Shutter speed refers to the time taken for the light to move from the camera to the object after clicking the shutter button. The maximum shutter speed for the Canon is 1/2000s, while that of the Sony RX100V is 1/32000s
- Both cameras use zoom lenses with varying zooming capabilities. Canon uses 24-100mm with a ×4.2 zoom, while Sony uses 24-70mm x2.9 zoom
- Sensors determine image quality. Both cameras have high-performance sensors, but the Canon G7X Mark II uses a 20.2MP while Sony RX100V uses a 21MP. This range might appear small but makes a massive difference in image quality
Check Price of the Sony RX100 on Amazon
Canon G7X Mark II vs. Sony RX100V – Comparison Tables
At a Glance – Key Features
| Advantages | Sony RX100V | Canon G7X Mark II |
|---|---|---|
| Zoom Lens | 24-100mm F1.8-F2.8, ×4.2 optical zoom | 24-70mm F1.8-F2.8, ×2.9 optical zoom |
| Max Video Quality | 1920×1080 | 3840×2160p, with 4K video capability in super-slow motion |
| Max Shutter Speed | 1/2000s | 1/32000s |
| Continuous Shooting for Fast Shooting Speeds | 8fps | 24fps |
| Sensors for Image Quality | 20MP – 1-inch BSI-CMOS Sensor | 21MP – 1-inch BSI-CMOS Sensor |
| RAW Format Images for Better Image Quality | Yes | Yes |
| ISO Performance and Built-in Flash for Low-light Photography | 125-25600 (extends to 80-25600) | 80-12800 (extends to 25600) |
| Face Detection Focus for Portrait Photos | Yes | Yes |
| Optical Image Stabilization | Yes | Yes |
| Underwater White Balance for Clarity | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life (CIPA) per single charge | 265 shots | 220 shots |
| Electronic Viewfinder for Better Framing and Control | No | Yes |
| Touch Screen for Ease of Use | Yes | No |
| Rotating LCD screen for Selfie Photos | Yes | Yes |
| Tilting Screen for Flexible Shooting | Yes | Yes |
| Built-in Wireless and Remote Smartphone Control for Better Connectivity | Yes | Yes |
| External Flash Shoe for Flash Photography | No | No |
| Environmental Sealing for Protection in Harsh Environments | No | No |
| Dimensions | 105.5×60.9×42.0mm | 101.6×58.1×41.0mm |
| Weight | 319g | 299g |
| Launch Date | February 2016 | October 2016 |
At A Glance – Where the Sony RX100V trumps the Canon G7X Mark II
| Advantages | Sony RX100V | Canon G7X Mark II |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | 21MP – 1″ BSI-CMOS Sensor | 20MP – 1″ BSI-CMOS Sensor |
| LCD screen resolution is 18% higher | 1.299k | 1.040k |
| Phase detection auto-focus points | 315 | 31 |
| More extended range flash coverage by 3.2m | 10.2m | 7.0m |
| Higher Resolution video | 3840 x 2160 | 1920 x 1080 |
| Electronic viewfinder for better framing and control | Yes | No |
| Lighter by 20g | 319g | 299g |
At A Glance – Where the Canon G7X Mark II trumps the Sony RX100V
| Advantages | Canon G7X Mark II | Sony RX100V |
|---|---|---|
| Optical Zoom for more flexible focal coverage | x4.2 | x2.9 |
| Touch Screen for ease of use | Yes | No |
| Battery Life for more shots | 265 shots | 220 shots |
| Time-Lapse Recording Capability | Yes | Only with an optional app |
| UHS Memory Card Support to read and write content in high speeds | Yes | No |
Brand Products Review – Canon G7X Mark II vs. Sony RX 100 V
Sony and Canon have been serving the market for an as long as we can remember. While the former seems to focus on image clarity, Canon focuses on the zoom. Let us look at the Canon G7X Mark II vs Sony RX100V to highlight and compare their best features, as well as their weaknesses.
Famed for its EOS DSLR cameras, Canon was founded in 1933 under the name Seikikōgaku kenkyūsho (Precision Optical Industry Company Limited), which later became Canon Incorporation in 1969. This company has been in business for 86 years, manufacturing its first camera in 1934. Since then, Canon has risen in the ranks and is one of the leading manufacturers of imaging products worldwide, producing superior cameras, copiers, and printers.
Sony is a leading manufacturer of top-drawer imaging products and electronics, founded in 1946. All their cameras, especially their digital cameras, are durable and of excellent quality. The products vary widely in terms of price and product variety, and the company continues to innovate, releasing new versions of digital cameras regularly.
Check Price on Canon G7 X Mark II On Amazon
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Final Thoughts
The G7X triumphs over the RX100V because it is more affordable, uses a convenient touchscreen, has better optical zoom capabilities, and produces better images in low-light.
Check Price on Canon G7 X Mark II On Amazon
The Sony RX100V, on the other hand, beats the Canon G7X Mark II by having better video capability, shooting more frames per second, having a higher shutter speed, and a superior electronic viewfinder which better captures fast-moving objects.
Check Price of the Sony RX100 on Amazon
Should you decide to purchase any of the two cameras, we’d love to hear about your experience!
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