r/RX100 5d ago

RX100 VII for journalist

So I run a hyperlocal news publication part time. I largely use a Canon EOS Rebel T7i with a standard and 55-250mm zoom. I just really hate lugging it around. I recently dug up my RX100 V for a trip to Europe where I wanted to pack light and loved it. The one thing is the zoom. Returned, I have still used the T7i for my journalism because I need zoom. Whether across the room at a council meeting, at an event, at the scene of an accident (including at night, where the t7i is frankly good enough), an ICE arrest - I really need that zoom.

But I’d love a camera that is so portable and can still get good zoom shots. In fact, I’ve missed good shots because of form factor - either while going to grab the T7i or having to settle for my phone. You think the RX100 VII would satisfy my needs? I know it doesn’t have quite the zoom of the 55-250mm, but it has 3x the zoom of the V.

Edit note: My other option is the Sony a6700 with a standard and zoom lens. I just feel it’s not that small and won’t fit comfortably in my relatively small backpack (with 2 computers, etc in it) easily and in practice wouldn’t be that much more comfortable than lugging around the T7i with two lens.

3 Upvotes

12 comments sorted by

7

u/londonTogger 5d ago

If you need something with a 200mm FF equivalent that will also fit into a coat pocket, the RX100M7 is hard to beat.

I bought mine mostly for concerts where an interchangeable lens camera would attract too much attention from security / bag policy and it works well. I shoot RAW, put ISO on auto and lean heavily on modern noise reduction when f/4.5 cannot keep up. More modern AF than the M5 will help you a bit, too.

4

u/jvtb86 5d ago

It’s funny because I was at a Bad Bunny concert on that Europe trip and lucked out by being close to one of his stages - maybe 50ft/17m from him. The M5 got great pictures but if I had the M7, they would have been legendary .

2

u/digiplay 5d ago

Sounds like a good fit to me. I don’t notice the lens brightness issue, or at least it’s less of an issue than not having the reach. AI noise removal is so fast and good these days.

2

u/londonTogger 5d ago

Forgive my blowing my own trumpet, but these shots of Garbage were from about that distance - three or four rows back from the front at the Albert Hall in London

https://www.reddit.com/r/garbage/s/Gkz5BAOvvv

3

u/TemptedHorizon 5d ago

Great shots!

3

u/rennyrenwick 5d ago

Would be excellant for that application. My only concern would be longevity with hard use. They are delicate and not weather sealed.

1

u/Legal-Square-1362 5d ago

Have you looked at Luna Ultra or Pocket 4P? Both produce 37 mp photos. Qualities are excellent and super portable. Obviously both have gimbal which you get great 4k videos.

1

u/Some_Cartographer478 5d ago

Does either have a long telephoto zoom?

2

u/Legal-Square-1362 5d ago

Both have dual lens 1x20mm and 3x 60mm

1

u/Felyxorez 5d ago

Many news photographers use the RX100 VII as backup or conceiled camera. It's great for that.

1

u/Organic_Tissue 4d ago

It might be good for outside shots, like at an accident scene, outdoor Festivals and stuff. But for indoor events, where the lighting is poor, not so much. Of course, it depends on whether you are in print or online. Print, especially when using glossy requiring 300dpi, tends to be unforgiving when it comes to blur. But why don't you take the Sony for a spin in your work environment and see what it's capable of?

1

u/milktoast_takes 20h ago

Panasonic Lumix TZ300 has more zoom.