RX100 VII Question: So I’ve been mulling this about for awhile, and yesterday I finally decided to bite the bullet and get the RX100 VII. It’s quite the camera, rather sophisticated...

Wingpilot Loc: Wasilla. Ak

So I’ve been mulling this about for awhile, and yesterday I finally decided to bite the bullet and get the RX100 VII. It’s quite the camera, rather sophisticated, so I have lots to study up on. Here’s my question. I have read that there is no longer viewfinder blackout when tripping the shutter, however I can’t find out anything related to that or how to engage that feature. When I trip the shutter there is a momentary partial blackout with both the EVF and the rear screen. For anyone who would simply say, “Read the manual,” I downloaded one and can’t find anything addressing screen blackout or lack thereof. I went online and couldn’t find the manufacturer’s owner’s manual, so if someone could direct me to a website, I would appreciate that, as well as any input regarding my question.

Thanks in advance for your wisdom and knowledge.

charles tabb Loc: Richmond VA.

Wingpilot wrote:

So I’ve been mulling this about for awhile, and ye... (show quote)

My suggestion would you look up Gary Friedman who wrights a book on your camera.
Just google his name. I think you will find it more then valuable to you.

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

From the Sony website, the User Help Guide (.pdf format). Looks like full details here.

https://helpguide.sony.net/dsc/1920/v1/en/index.html

The suggestion above regarding Gary Friedman’s guide is also a very good one.
Friedman’s books are quite readable.

Wingpilot Loc: Wasilla. Ak

rjaywallace wrote:

From the Sony website, the User Help Guide (.pdf format). Looks like full details here.

https://helpguide.sony.net/dsc/1920/v1/en/index.html

The suggestion above regarding Gary Friedman’s guide is also a very good one.
Friedman’s books are quite readable.

I did download this one. It’s quite different from the one I downloaded for my A6300. I think I will see if Gary Friedman has a book out on the RX100 VIII.

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

Wingpilot wrote:

I did download this one. It’s quite different from the one I downloaded for my A6300. I think I will see if Gary Friedman has a book out on the RX100 VII.

Why is it unusual that a User Guide for for an RX100 VII is different than a guide for an a6300?
Two different cameras and the guides were written at different times.
If you look at books for the RX100 VI, you might also consider author Alexander White.

Wingpilot Loc: Wasilla. Ak

rjaywallace wrote:

Why is it unusual that a User Guide for for an RX100 VII is different than a guide for an a6300?
Two different cameras and the guides were written at different times.
If you look at books for the RX100 VI, you might also consider author Alexander White.

Just a different format.

le boecere

Wingpilot wrote:

So I’ve been mulling this about for awhile, and ye... (show quote)

Congratulations on the purchase, Greg. Is this your first RX100**?

Wingpilot Loc: Wasilla. Ak

le boecere wrote:

Congratulations on the purchase, Greg. Is this your first RX100**?

Yes it is. I haven’t had a chance to actually go out and use it, but from what I’ve seen so far, I’m impressed with it. It has more features than any of my other cameras. It’ll take some time to learn it. As far as others’ complaints about the menu system, I find it to be logical. The camera has a lot, so the menu is extensive. I don’t even know what some of that stuff is!! Yet. But it’s not difficult to wade through, but perhaps that’s because I’ve got experience with Sony cameras—two A6000’s and an A6300, so I’m used to it. I think I’m going to like this little camera, though.

le boecere

Wingpilot wrote:

Yes it is. I haven’t had a chance to actually go ... (show quote)

I'll not be surprised if this little camera becomes your "Every Day Carry". As you've researched; they punch way above their weight ~ especially for a pocket camera. It's a little "point & shoot" that doesn't know it's a little camera.

And, yes, because you're not new to the Sony mirrorless menu system, you'll adapt to the smaller camera very quickly.

I have several cameras, but the RX100III is virtually always with me (I don't carry a smartphone).

Wingpilot Loc: Wasilla. Ak

le boecere wrote:

I'll not be surprised if this little camera becomes your "Every Day Carry". As you've researched; they punch way above their weight ~ especially for a pocket camera. It's a little "point & shoot" that doesn't know it's a little camera.

And, yes, because you're not new to the Sony mirrorless menu system, you'll adapt to the smaller camera very quickly.

I have several cameras, but the RX100III is virtually always with me (I don't carry a smartphone).

That’s the whole idea—convenience, but with a good camera.

BJW

I recently bought the RX100 6, the immediate predecessor to your 7. To get through the menu system I found Alexander S. white’s “Photographer’s Guide to the Sony...” very helpful.
As to the no blackout feature, My recollection is that is true when you are in continuous shooting mode, not single.
It’s a great camera, if your hands aren’t too big.
Have fun.

dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida

I have a Panasonic TZ100 also a sophisticated camera, perhaps too much so; difficult to shoot from the hip. If indeed we plan to take a [for example] tennis match, then presetting for 4K and great, but if you want to between matches shoot simple images, then reset is needed. Better to carry two cameras.

Good is good, but too good is a pain.

Manual, sure, but my aftermarket manual for the TZ100 is a thick large text and is a lookup-as-needed encyclopedia of a fantastic breed of cameras like you RX100. I have found that if I pre-plan the then set up things go well and in the left pocket is my old simple Sony HX50. My great DSLR and accessories are well packed and on the top shelf of the closet.

rfreudenheim

The no-blackout is only in continuous shooting mode as mentioned previously. This week I traded up from the Mark 4 to the 7 and I’m glad I did. This weekend will be my first opportunity to take it out and shoot all day with it.

Chief Rob

You may want to try:

Camera Settings 2 (Camera Icon) 7
FINDER / MONITOR
This setting determines whether you let the camera switch between the EVF and the LCD automatically. Having it set to “Viewfinder” can be a nice battery saving technique – no displays will be on unless there’s something close to the eyepiece. On the other hand the new "No Display" option in the DISP Button feature (above) makes for a faster way to do the same thing. So I keep this on Auto, where either the rear LCD or the EVF will always be on at one time or another.
Good Luck!
Chief Rob

Wingpilot Loc: Wasilla. Ak

rfreudenheim wrote:

The no-blackout is only in continuous shooting mode as mentioned previously. This week I traded up from the Mark 4 to the 7 and I’m glad I did. This weekend will be my first opportunity to take it out and shoot all day with it.

Got it. Thanks. I was wondering about it. I’m used to the momentary screen/EVF blackout, so it’s not a big deal, but when I read about no blackout, but there it was, it had me wondering. Thanks for the tip. Have fun with your VII this weekend.