Doc Barry Loc: Huntsville, Alabama USA

It was "rumored" that the new Sony RX100 VIII was going to be released in fall of 2000, then spring 2021, and then fall 2021. I'm wondering if instead that the RX100 VII (M7) is the end of the line for this wonderful camera.

When I can't take, or want to take, my D810 or D850, the RX100 VII provides very quality images, although not as good as my Nikon cameras as should be expected.

Perhaps Sony just couldn't figure out what new capabilities and features to add to an already wonderful pocket camera.

Anyone have thoughts about this?

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

I have and RX100 I. Great camera. Only Sony will be able to tell you their view of the market. With seven versions, it has had a long run and may have saturated the market. And and some point, the new expensive ones compete with the used market.

therwol Loc: USA

A replacement for the Nikon D850 is two years overdue as well. The pandemic and chip shortage are affecting which cameras the manufacturers continue to develop and sell. Sales of compact cameras are plummeting. Canon just shut down a factory in China that produces compact cameras. Nikon appears to be putting all development into mirrorless cameras with interchangeable lenses. It will surprise many if Nikon ever produces another DSLR. Where does the Sony RX100 line fit in this changing market? If Sony feels that consumers will buy another advancement, they will make one. Maybe there is just too much uncertainty now. Thing will eventually fall into place. There will probably still be a market for high end compacts, but it's too early to tell. Cell phone advancements might crush that.

Doc Barry Loc: Huntsville, Alabama USA

Thanks for your thoughts bspargue and therwol,

From what I have read, the D850 is the end of the line for DSLRs for landscape and portrait photographers and likely the same is true for the D6 aimed more towards sports and journalist photographers. Mirrorless is the future they feel I bet, although I love my DSLRs and have no interest in moving to mirrorless cameras.

You may be correct that sales of compact cameras is inadequate to justify a RX100 VIII, but frankly there isn't a lot more to do to make a M8 other than an improved zoom lens, hot shoe (which I would NOT like to see), faster processor, and ...

Yes, current smartphone cameras are quite impressive, but even with all of the computational optical processing, the final images will not be as good as the image produced by a D850 for example. There are many technical reasons why this is true; however, the imagery produced by smartphone cameras is far more than adequate for likely 99%+ of those people taking photos. :-)

therwol Loc: USA

Just a footnote to what I wrote. The Nikon D780 has phase detection for autofocus built into the sensor. It is basically the same sensor used in the Z6ii. It is the only Nikon DSLR to have this feature. Autofocus in Live View and when taking video is no longer sluggish. It offers the same outstanding video performance as the Z6ii with only one drawback. No EVF. One might consider buying this camera for video because it is compatible with all F mount lenses, including those needing a motor in the body for autofocus. Personally, I have a half dozen of those that I use, and that's the reason I bought the D850 instead of the Z7ii. I'm not starting over from scratch.

wmurnahan Loc: Bloomington IN

I love my M6. A whole camera bag that fits in my shirt pocket. Can't think of a better travel camera, and the 1" sensor still gives me 13X9 enlargements that look as good as my FF.

dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida

Perhaps the next edition of this DSLR killer will have a touch screen smartphone and longer lasting batteries of the new Tesla type. Frankly, my Panasonic TZ-100 was chosen over the Sony RX100 at the time of the purchase based on zoom reach. Both are fantastic cameras and the "improvements" over the years are often adding more features that we rarely use.

I agree with Doc, "Perhaps Sony just couldn't figure out what new capabilities and features to add to an already wonderful pocket camera."

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

I pay no attention to rumors. I just enjoy my current line up of camera's until after the new ones come out and are consumer rated.

Wingpilot Loc: Wasilla. Ak

I have the RX100VII and love it. I’ve always wondered how this camera could be improved, and aside from a longer zoom range and updated processor, I can’t think of anything. I also realize that there is an international chip shortage which undoubtedly complicates things and likely hinders design and production of new models. I will stick with my RX100VII for the foreseeable future as it does all things well and is, at least for me, the perfect travel and hiking camera.

azted Loc: Las Vegas, NV.

Sony has brought out a line of similar bodies used by video bloggers. They are probably analyzing which market will give the best bang for the research buck, still or video small portable devices.

Nickaroo

I still use my D850 and D5 and will continue to do so until Parts become a Problem. I have backups of both bodies including my D500. Photography is not for people that can't afford it. The Companies must come down in price for their Product Lines. I can just imagine a H.S. kid coming home from school and telling Mom and Dad that he wants to get into Photography, the Parents say Great! Then the Kid opens up a B&H Photography equipment Brochure. After both Parents are in the EMS vehicle on their way to the Hospital with Cardiac Arrest, they both grab their kid and tell him to remember that there is a Soccer Ball, Football, and a Glove with a Bat and Ball in the Garage. Then they remind Him of just how much he adored Hockey. Nix the Photo Gig, Lights off and the kid tries to pry his parents hands from his throat. Just my 2-Cents.

topcat Loc: Alameda, CA

I have a Sony RX100, model 1. I think that it is one of the best compact cameras.
Don't use it all the time, but whenever small size is necessary, it is great.

Nickaroo

It is a great little Camera. The pics that I have seen from it are impressive.