The Sony DSC-RX10 IV is premium superzoom bridge-camera (DSLR-like form factor) with a 24-600mm equivalent F2.4-4 zoom lens and a 20MP 1″-type stacked BSI-CMOS sensor: the same used by the Sony RX100 V. This new sensor brings phase detect autofocus to the RX10 series for the first time, adding the depth-awareness that is important for focusing long lenses. The camera is also faster than its predecessor and can shoot at 24 fps with AF and auto exposure (compared to 5 fps).
The processor is borrowed from the flagship Sony a9, which should mean excellent subject tracking. In short, this camera packs speed, AF ability and lens reach into a convenient package, not to mention 4K video. So is it the most capable all-in-one camera on the market? Read on…
Key specs:
- 20MP 1″-type stacked BSI-CMOS sensor
- 24-600mm equivalent F2.4-4 stabilized zoom lens
- 24 fps burst shooting in JPEG + Raw, with full AF and AE
- 315-point phase-detection autofocus system covers 65% of frame
- Detailed 4K video capture with well-controlled rolling shutter
- High frame rate video capture
- Touchscreen
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Updated menus
We feel like this camera will appeal to a variety of users including those seeking an all-in-one camera with serious reach for casual shooting, travel or vacationing. But advanced videographers may also find this camera tempting thanks to a laundry list of video features and good quality UHD capture.
Key features compared
The body is almost identical to that of its predecessor, using the same outstanding lens. However the RX10 IV offers a touchscreen that can be used as a touchpad for placing AF points with your eye to the finder or for selecting a point of focus in still or video mode. There are a few other minor differences between the two cameras as well:
| Sony RX10 IV | Sony RX10 III | Sony RX10 II | Panasonic FZ1000 | Panasonic FZ2500 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $1699 | $1499 | $1199 | $899 | $1199 |
| Sensor | 20MP 1″-type stacked CMOS sensor | 20MP 1″-type stacked CMOS | 20MP 1″-type stacked CMOS | 20MP 1″-type BSI-CMOS | 20MP 1″-type BSI-CMOS |
| ISO range (native) | 100-12800 | 100-12800 | 100-12800 | 125-12800 | 125-12800 |
| Lens (35mm equivalent) | 24-600mm F2.4-4 | 24-600mm F2.4-4 | 24-200mm F2.8 | 25-400mm F2.8-4 | 24-480mm F2.8-4.5 |
| Built-in ND filter | No | No | Yes | No | Yes |
| AF system | Phase detect | Contrast detect | Contrast detect | Contrast detect | Contrast detect |
| AF points | 315-point | 25-pt | 25-pt | 49-pt | 49-pt |
| Fastest shutter speed | 1/32,000 sec (e-shutter), 1/2000 (mechanical) |
1/32,000 sec (e-shutter), 1/2000 (mechanical) |
1/32000 sec (e-shutter), 1/2000 (mechanical) |
1/16000 sec (e-shutter), 1/4000 (mechanical) |
1/16000 sec (e-shutter), 1/4000 (mechanical) |
| EVF resolution | 2.36m-dot | 2.36m-dot | 2.36m-dot | 2.36m-dot | 2.36m-dot |
| LCD | 3″ 1.44M-dot tilting | 3″ 1.23M-dot tilting | 3″ 1.23M-dot tilting | 3″ 921k-dot fully articulated | 3″ 1.04M-dot fully articulating |
| Touchscreen | Yes | No | No | No | Yes |
| Burst rate | 24 fps | 14 fps | 14 fps | 12 fps | 12 fps |
| Video | 4K/30p | 4K/30p | 4K/30p | 4K/30p | 4K/30p |
| High-speed video | Up to 960 fps @ 800 x 270 | Up to 960 fps @ 800 x 270 | Up to 960 fps @ 800 x 270 | 120 fps @ 1920 x 1080 | 120 fps @ 1920 x 1080 |
| Wi-Fi | Yes, with NFC and Bluetooth | Yes, with NFC | Yes, with NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Battery life (CIPA) | 400 shots | 420 shots | 400 shots | 360 shots | 350 shots |
| Weather sealing | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Dimensions | 133 x 94 x 145mm | 133 x 94 x 127mm | 129 x 88 x 102mm | 137 x 99 x 131mm | 138 x 102 x 135 mm |
| Weight | 1095 g | 1051 g | 813 g | 831 g | 915 g |
As you can see, the RX10 IV stacks up nicely next to its siblings and direct competitors. For someone primarily concerned with stills, the RX10 IV seems like the obvious choice, especially if you plan on shooting action: it’s got the fastest burst rate of the bunch and is the only camera in its class with phase detection.
But for videographers, the FZ2500 with its fully-articulating touchscreen, built-in variable ND filter and similar zoom range might make it the more sensible choice, especially given its lower price point (though we found its lens performance inferior to its Sony counterparts). You don’t get the cool, super-high-speed frame rate options offered by the Sony cameras, but 1080/120p is not too shabby.
Availability
The RX10 IV is available now for an MSRP of $1699.
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