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Leica C-LUX vs Sony RX100 VII

The Leica C-LUX and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VII are two digital cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in June 2018 and July 2019. Both the C-LUX and the RX100 VII are fixed lens compact cameras that are equipped with an one-inch sensor. Both cameras offer a resolution of 20 megapixels.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications
Leica C-LUX
versus
Sony RX100 VII
Leica C-LUX   Sony RX100 VII
Fixed lens compact camera Fixed lens compact camera
24-360mm f/3.3-6.4 24-200mm f/2.8-4.5
20 MP – 1" sensor 20 MP – 1" sensor
4K/30p Video 4K/30p Video
ISO 125-12,800 (80 - 25,600) ISO 125-12,800 (80 - 25,600)
Electronic viewfinder (2330k dots) Electronic viewfinder (2359k dots)
3.0" LCD – 1240k dots 3.0" LCD – 921k dots
Fixed touchscreen Tilting touchscreen
10 shutter flaps per second 90 shutter flaps per second
370 shots per battery charge260 shots per battery charge
113 x 67 x 46 mm, 340 g 102 x 58 x 43 mm, 302 g
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Leica C-LUX and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VII? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

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Body comparison

The physical size and weight of the Leica C-LUX and the Sony RX100 VII are illustrated in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three successive views from the front, the top, and the rear are shown. All width, height and depth dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The C-LUX can be obtained in two different colors (gold, blue), while the RX100 VII is only available in black.

Size Leica C-LUX vs Sony RX100 VII
Compare C-LUX versus RX100 VII top
Comparison C-LUX or RX100 VII rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Sony RX100 VII is notably smaller (22 percent) than the Leica C-LUX. Moreover, the RX100 VII is markedly lighter (11 percent) than the C-LUX. In this context, it is worth noting that neither the C-LUX nor the RX100 VII are weather-sealed.

The battery packs of both cameras can be charged via USB, which can be very convenient when travelling.

The adjacent table lists the principal physical characteristics of the two cameras alongside a wider set of alternatives. In case you want to display and compare another camera duo, you can use the CAM-parator app to select your camera combination among a large number of options.

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Body Specifications
# image Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Leica C-LUX 113 mm 67 mm 46 mm 340 g 370 n Jun 2018 1,049ebay.com
2.
 
Sony RX100 VII 102 mm 58 mm 43 mm 302 g 260 n Jul 2019 1,199 amazon.com
3.
 
Canon G5 X Mark II 111 mm 61 mm 46 mm 340 g 230 n Jul 2019 899ebay.com
4.
 
Leica V-LUX 5 136 mm 97 mm 131 mm 812 g 350 n Jul 2019 1,249 amazon.com
5.
 
Leica D-LUX 7 115 mm 66 mm 65 mm 392 g 300 n Nov 2018 1,195ebay.com
6.
 
Panasonic FZ1000 II 136 mm 97 mm 131 mm 810 g 350 n Feb 2019 899 amazon.com
7.
 
Panasonic LX100 II 115 mm 66 mm 65 mm 392 g 300 n Aug 2018 999ebay.com
8.
 
Panasonic FZ1000 137 mm 99 mm 131 mm 831 g 360 n Jun 2014 899ebay.com
9.
 
Sony ZV-1 105 mm 60 mm 44 mm 294 g 260 n May 2020 799ebay.com
10.
 
Sony RX100 VI 102 mm 58 mm 43 mm 301 g 240 n Jun 2018 1,199ebay.com
11.
 
Sony RX100 V 102 mm 58 mm 41 mm 299 g 220 n Oct 2016 999ebay.com
12.
 
Sony RX100 IV 102 mm 58 mm 41 mm 298 g 280 n Jun 2015 999ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
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Any camera decision will obviously take relative prices into account. The manufacturer’s suggested retail prices give an idea on the placement of the camera in the maker’s lineup and the broader market. The C-LUX was launched at a somewhat lower price (by 13 percent) than the RX100 VII, which makes it more attractive for photographers on a tight budget. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down.

Sensor comparison

The size of the sensor inside a digital camera is one of the key determinants of image quality. All other things equal, a large sensor will have larger individual pixel-units that offer better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Moreover, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more control over depth-of-field in the image and, thus, the ability to better isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be associated with larger, more expensive camera bodies and lenses.

Both cameras under consideration feature an one-inch sensor and have a format factor (sometimes also referred to as "crop factor") of 2.7. Within the spectrum of camera sensors, this places the review cameras among the medium-sized sensor cameras that aim to strike a balance between image quality and portability. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

Leica C-LUX and Sony RX100 VII sensor measures

The two cameras under review do not only share the same sensor size, but also offer an identical resolution of 20 megapixels. This similarity in sensor specs implies that both the C-LUX and the RX100 VII have the same pixel density, as well as the same pixel size. It should, however, be noted that the RX100 VII is a somewhat more recent model (by 1 year and 1 month) than the C-LUX, and its sensor might have benefitted from technological advances during this time.

The RX100 VII has on-sensor phase detect pixels, which results in fast and reliable autofocus acquisition even during live view operation.

The Leica C-LUX has a native sensitivity range from ISO 125 to ISO 12800, which can be extended to ISO 80-25600. The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VII offers exactly the same ISO settings.

In terms of underlying technology, the C-LUX is build around a CMOS sensor, while the RX100 VII uses a BSI-CMOS imager. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

C-LUX versus RX100 VII MP

For many cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. This service is based on lab testing and assigns an overall score to each camera sensor, as well as ratings for dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), color depth ("DXO Portrait"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"). The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of comparators.

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Sensor Characteristics
# image Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Leica C-LUX 1-inch 20.0 5472 36484K/30p22.112.348164
2.
 
Sony RX100 VII 1-inch 20.0 5472 36484K/30p21.812.441863
3.
 
Canon G5 X Mark II 1-inch 20.0 5472 36484K/30p22.212.458365
4.
 
Leica V-LUX 5 1-inch 20.0 5472 36484K/30p22.212.458465
5.
 
Leica D-LUX 7 Four Thirds 16.8 4736 35524K/30p22.912.8100272
6.
 
Panasonic FZ1000 II 1-inch 20.0 5472 36484K/30p22.112.454665
7.
 
Panasonic LX100 II Four Thirds 16.8 4736 35524K/30p22.812.797972
8.
 
Panasonic FZ1000 1-inch 20.0 5472 36484K/30p22.111.751764
9.
 
Sony ZV-1 1-inch 20.0 5472 36484K/30p22.212.666966
10.
 
Sony RX100 VI 1-inch 20.0 5472 36484K/30p22.112.347864
11.
 
Sony RX100 V 1-inch 20.0 5472 36484K/30p22.812.458670
12.
 
Sony RX100 IV 1-inch 20.0 5472 36484K/30p22.812.659170
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.
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Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but can also record movies. Both cameras under consideration are equipped with sensors that have a sufficiently high read-out speed for moving images, and both provide the same movie specifications (4K/30p).

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Feature comparison

Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. The two cameras under review are similar with respect to both having an electronic viewfinder. However, the one in the RX100 VII offers a slightly higher resolution than the one in the C-LUX (2359k vs 2330k dots). The adjacent table lists some of the other core features of the Leica C-LUX and Sony RX100 VII along with similar information for a selection of comparators.

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Core Features
# image Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
Leica C-LUX2330 n3.0 / 1240 fixed Y 1/2000s 10.0/s Y Y
2.
 
Sony RX100 VII2359 n3.0 / 921 tilting Y 1/2000s 90.0/s Y Y
3.
 
Canon G5 X Mark II2360 n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/2000s 30/s Y Y
4.
 
Leica V-LUX 52360 n3.0 / 1240 swivel Y 1/4000s 12.0/s Y Y
5.
 
Leica D-LUX 72764 n3.0 / 1240 fixed Y 1/4000s 11.0/s n Y
6.
 
Panasonic FZ1000 II2360 n3.0 / 1240 swivel Y 1/4000s 12.0/s Y Y
7.
 
Panasonic LX100 II2764 n3.0 / 1240 fixed Y 1/4000s 11.0/s n Y
8.
 
Panasonic FZ10002359 n3.0 / 921 swivel n 1/4000s 12.0/s Y Y
9.
 
Sony ZV-1none n3.0 / 922 swivel Y 1/2000s 24.0/s n n
10.
 
Sony RX100 VI2359 n3.0 / 1229 tilting Y 1/2000s 24.0/s Y Y
11.
 
Sony RX100 V2359 n3.0 / 1229 tilting n 1/2000s 24.0/s Y Y
12.
 
Sony RX100 IV2359 n3.0 / 1228 tilting n 1/2000s 16.0/s Y Y
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
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The RX100 VII has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing. This characteristic will be appreciated by vloggers and photographers who are interested in taking selfies. In contrast, the C-LUX does not have a selfie-screen.

The reported shutter speed information refers to the use of the mechanical shutter. Yet, some cameras only have an electronic shutter, while others have an electronic shutter in addition to a mechanical one. In fact, both cameras under consideration feature an electronic shutter, which makes completely silent shooting possible. However, this mode is less suitable for photographing moving objects (risk of rolling shutter) or shooting under artificial light sources (risk of flickering).

The Leica C-LUX and the Sony RX100 VII both have an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.

Both the C-LUX and the RX100 VII have zoom lenses built in. The C-LUX has a 24-360mm f/3.3-6.4 optic and the RX100 VII offers a 24-200mm f/2.8-4.5 (focal lengths in full frame equivalent terms). Hence, the Leica and Sony provide the same view at the wide-angle end, but the Sony has less tele-photo reach at the long end. The RX100 VII offers the faster maximum aperture.

The C-LUX writes its imaging data to SDXC cards, while the RX100 VII uses SDXC or Memory Stick PRO Duo cards. Both cameras can use UHS-I cards, which provide for Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 104 MB/s.

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Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Leica C-LUX and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VII and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
# image Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Leica C-LUX-stereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
2.
 
Sony RX100 VII-stereo / monoY-micro2.0YYY
3.
 
Canon G5 X Mark II-stereo / mono--micro3.1Y-Y
4.
 
Leica V-LUX 5Ystereo / mono--micro2.0Y-Y
5.
 
Leica D-LUX 7Ystereo / mono--micro2.0Y-Y
6.
 
Panasonic FZ1000 IIYstereo / monoY-micro2.0Y-Y
7.
 
Panasonic LX100 IIYstereo / mono--micro2.0Y-Y
8.
 
Panasonic FZ1000Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0YY-
9.
 
Sony ZV-1Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0Y-Y
10.
 
Sony RX100 VI-stereo / mono--micro2.0YYY
11.
 
Sony RX100 V-stereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
12.
 
Sony RX100 IV-stereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
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It is notable that the RX100 VII has a microphone port, which can help to improve the quality of audio recordings by attaching an external microphone. The C-LUX does not feature such a mic input.

The RX100 VII is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Sony. In contrast, the C-LUX has been discontinued (but can be found pre-owned on ebay). There has not been a direct replacement model for the C-LUX from Leica. Further information on the features and operation of the C-LUX and RX100 VII can be found, respectively, in the Leica C-LUX Manual (free pdf) or the online Sony RX100 VII Manual.

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Review summary

So what conclusions can be drawn? Is the Leica C-LUX better than the Sony RX100 VII or vice versa? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.

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Advantages of the Leica C-LUX:

  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1240k vs 921k dots).
  • More tele-reach: Has a longer tele-lens for perspective compression and subject magnification.
  • Longer lasting: Can take more shots (370 versus 260) on a single battery charge.
  • More prestigious: Has the Leica luxury appeal, which ensures a high resale price.
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced segment (13 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More heavily discounted: Has been on the market for longer (launched in June 2018).

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Arguments in favor of the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VII:

  • Better live-view autofocus: Features on-sensor phase-detection for more confident autofocus.
  • Better sound: Can connect to an external microphone for higher quality sound recording.
  • Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.59x vs 0.53x).
  • More flexible LCD: Has a tilting screen for odd-angle shots in landscape orientation.
  • More selfie-friendly: Has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (90 vs 10 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • Better light gathering: Has a lens with a wider maximum aperture (f/2.8 vs f/3.3).
  • More compact: Is smaller (102x58mm vs 113x67mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
  • Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 38g or 11 percent) and is thus easier to take along.
  • Easier device pairing: Supports NFC for fast wireless image transfer over short distances.
  • Easier wireless transfer: Supports Bluetooth for image sharing without cables.
  • More modern: Was introduced somewhat (1 year and 1 month) more recently.

If the count of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a measure, the RX100 VII is the clear winner of the contest (12 : 6 points). However, the relevance of individual strengths will vary across photographers, so that you might want to apply your own weighing scheme to the summary points when reflecting and deciding on a new camera. A professional wedding photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a travel photog, and a person interested in cityscapes has distinct needs from a macro shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

C-LUX 06:12 RX100 VII

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Leica C-LUX and the Sony RX100 VII place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Superzoom Camera and Best Travel-Zoom Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it remains incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the C-LUX or the RX100 VII perform in practice. At times, user reviews, such as those published at amazon, address these issues in a useful manner, but such feedback is on many occasions incomplete, inconsistent, and unreliable.

Expert reviews

This is why expert reviews are important. The adjacent summary-table relays the overall verdicts of several of the most popular camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

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Expert Camera Reviews
# image  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Leica C-LUX....3.5/5..4.5/54/5 Jun 2018 1,049ebay.com
2.
 
Sony RX100 VII4.5/5..4/5..4/55/5 Jul 2019 1,199 amazon.com
3.
 
Canon G5 X Mark II4/5+4/582/100..4/5 Jul 2019 899ebay.com
4.
 
Leica V-LUX 5........4/54/5 Jul 2019 1,249 amazon.com
5.
 
Leica D-LUX 7..........4.5/5 Nov 2018 1,195ebay.com
6.
 
Panasonic FZ1000 II......83/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2019 899 amazon.com
7.
 
Panasonic LX100 II4.5/5+4.2/582/1004.5/54.5/5 Aug 2018 999ebay.com
8.
 
Panasonic FZ10004/5+ +..82/1004.5/54.5/5 Jun 2014 899ebay.com
9.
 
Sony ZV-14/5+4/585/1004/54.5/5 May 2020 799ebay.com
10.
 
Sony RX100 VI4.5/5+ +..83/1004/54.5/5 Jun 2018 1,199ebay.com
11.
 
Sony RX100 V4.5/5+ +..83/1004/54.5/5 Oct 2016 999ebay.com
12.
 
Sony RX100 IV4.5/5+ +..85/1004/54.5/5 Jun 2015 999ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
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The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The assessments were made in relation to similar cameras of the same technological generation. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, and comparing ratings of very distinct cameras or ones that are far apart in terms of their release date have little meaning. It should also be noted that some of the review sites have over time altered the way they render their verdicts.

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Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you would like to check on the differences and similarities of other camera models, just make your choice using the following search menu. Alternatively, you can follow any of the listed hyperlinks for comparisons that others found interesting.

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    Specifications: Leica C-LUX vs Sony RX100 VII

    Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

    Camera Specifications
    Camera Model Leica C-LUX Sony RX100 VII
    Camera Type Fixed lens compact camera Fixed lens compact camera
    Camera Lens 24-360mm f/3.3-6.4 24-200mm f/2.8-4.5
    Launch Date June 2018 July 2019
    Launch Price USD 1,049 USD 1,199
    Sensor Specs Leica C-LUX Sony RX100 VII
    Sensor Technology CMOS BSI-CMOS
    Sensor Format 1" Sensor 1" Sensor
    Sensor Size 13.2 x 8.8 mm 13.2 x 8.8 mm
    Sensor Area 116.16 mm2 116.16 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 15.9 mm 15.9 mm
    Crop Factor 2.7x 2.7x
    Sensor Resolution 20 Megapixels 20 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 5472 x 3648 pixels 5472 x 3648 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 2.41 μm 2.41 μm
    Pixel Density 17.18 MP/cm2 17.18 MP/cm2
    Moiré control Anti-Alias filter Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability 4K/30p Video 4K/30p Video
    ISO Setting 125 - 12,800 ISO 125 - 12,800 ISO
    ISO Boost 80 - 25,600 ISO 80 - 25,600 ISO
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) .. 63
    DXO Color Depth (bits) .. 21.8
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) .. 12.4
    DXO Low Light (ISO) .. 418
    Screen Specs Leica C-LUX Sony RX100 VII
    Viewfinder Type Electronic viewfinder Electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 100% 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.53x 0.59x
    Viewfinder Resolution 2330k dots 2359k dots
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.0inch 3.0inch
    LCD Resolution 1240k dots 921k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen Tilting screen
    Touch Input Touchscreen Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs Leica C-LUX Sony RX100 VII
    Focus System Contrast-detect AF On-Sensor Phase-detect
    Manual Focusing AidFocus PeakingFocus Peaking
    Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) 1/2000s 1/2000s
    Continuous Shooting 10 shutter flaps/s 90 shutter flaps/s
    Electronic Shutterup to 1/16000sup to 1/32000s
    Time-Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer built-inIntervalometer built-in
    Fill Flash Built-in Flash Built-in Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards MS or SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot Single card slot
    UHS card support UHS-I UHS-I
    Connectivity Specs Leica C-LUX Sony RX100 VII
    External Flash no Hotshoe no Hotshoe
    USB Connector USB 2.0 USB 2.0
    HDMI Port micro HDMI micro HDMI
    Microphone Port no MIC socket External MIC port
    Wifi Support Wifi built-in Wifi built-in
    Near-Field Communication no NFC NFC built-in
    Bluetooth Support no Bluetooth Bluetooth built-in
    Body Specs Leica C-LUX Sony RX100 VII
    Battery Type Leica BP-DC15 Sony NP-BX1
    Battery Life (CIPA)370 shots per charge260 shots per charge
    In-Camera Charging USB charging USB charging
    Body Dimensions 113 x 67 x 46 mm
    (4.4 x 2.6 x 1.8 in)
    102 x 58 x 43 mm
    (4.0 x 2.3 x 1.7 in)
    Camera Weight 340 g (12.0 oz) 302 g (10.7 oz)
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    Check RX100 VII price at
    amazon.com

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