Sony Cyber-SHOT DSC-RX10 IV Sony - Review 🏆

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 IV is a premium bridge camera that offers impressive performance and features in a compact all-in-one package. Released in 2017, this model builds upon the success of Sony's RX10 series with enhancements like an ultra-fast autofocus system and extended zoom range.

Key features of the RX10 IV include a 20.1MP 1-inch Exmor RS stacked CMOS sensor paired with a BIONZ X image processor. It has a high-quality 24-600mm equivalent f/2.4-4 zoom lens with impressive optical image stabilization. For focusing, it utilizes a 315-point phase detection system that can lock on and track subjects at up to 24 fps continuous shooting. The RX10 IV shoots UHD 4K video, has Wi-Fi/NFC connectivity, and is weather-sealed for durability. With its long zoom, fast performance, and excellent image quality, the RX10 IV is a versatile choice for travel, sports, nature, and daily photography needs.

Design and Build Quality

The Sony Cyber-SHOT DSC-RX10 IV has a durable and high-quality design made primarily of metal. The body is weather-sealed, making it dust and moisture resistant. At 133 x 94 x 145 mm, it has a beefy, DSLR-like size and heft but remains compact for its long zoom lens. It weighs approximately 1,095 grams with battery and memory card, giving it a reassuring sturdiness and great ergonomics. The textured handgrip provides a secure hold, and the physical controls are logically laid out. There are also plenty of customizable buttons. Overall, the RX10 IV feels like a premium camera built to withstand daily use. The mostly metal construction gives it a solid, rugged feel that inspires confidence. Yet it retains good portability thanks to the relatively compact size. The weather-sealing also enhances durability for outdoor photography.

The Sony Cyber-SHOT DSC-W810 offers a more compact and lightweight alternative, ideal for casual photographers. It features a sleek, pocketable design with a 20.1 MP Super HAD CCD sensor, capable of capturing high-resolution images. The 6x optical zoom lens makes it versatile for various shooting situations, while the 2.7-inch LCD screen allows for easy framing and review of shots. The W810 also includes easy-to-use features like Party Mode and Picture Effect, making it a fun and user-friendly option for everyday photography.

Image Sensor and Processor

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 IV features a 1-inch 20.1MP Exmor RS CMOS stacked image sensor, which is larger than typical sensors found in compact cameras. This allows it to capture more light and produce higher quality images, especially in low light conditions.

The sensor is paired with Sony's latest BIONZ X image processor, which delivers fast performance, including continuous shooting up to 24 fps with full autofocus and auto exposure tracking. The BIONZ X processor enables the camera to capture ultra-high definition 4K video. Its processing power contributes to the camera's fast autofocus acquisition and speed.

Another great option from Sony is the Sony RX100 V. This camera is renowned for its 1-inch 20.1MP Exmor RS CMOS sensor and advanced BIONZ X processor, similar to the RX10 IV. The RX100 V offers rapid autofocus and burst shooting up to 24 fps, making it a versatile choice for both photos and 4K video. Its compact size and powerful performance make it a popular choice among enthusiasts and professionals alike.

Zoom Lens

The Sony RX10 IV features a high-quality Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* 24-600mm (35mm equivalent) f/2.4-4 zoom lens. This provides an incredibly versatile zoom range, going from wide-angle to super telephoto. The lens has a constant maximum aperture of f/2.4 at the 24mm wide end, narrowing to f/4 at the 600mm telephoto end. This allows for excellent light gathering across the entire zoom range.

The lens utilizes a complex 18-element, 13-group optical design to minimize aberrations and distortions. It includes 8 ED (extra-low dispersion) elements and 1 super ED element to control chromatic aberrations. The advanced optics and Zeiss T* coating ensure outstanding resolution and clarity across the zoom range.

For stabilization, the lens incorporates a dual sensing optical SteadyShot image stabilization system. This provides up to 4.5 stops of shake correction, allowing for sharp handheld shots even at the long telephoto end. The stabilization also works well for video recording. Overall, the lens delivers superb optical quality and versatility in a compact form factor.

Autofocus and Speed

The Sony RX10 IV features a fast and advanced autofocus system with 315 phase-detection AF points that cover approximately 65% of the image area. This allows for wide coverage and impressive subject tracking.

Sony's upgraded BIONZ X image processor allows for high-speed continuous shooting up to 24 fps with AF/AE tracking, which is astonishing for a camera with such a long zoom range. The buffer allows for up to 249 JPEG images or 112 raw images before slowing down. This fast burst rate combined with excellent subject tracking makes it easy to capture fast action sequences.

The RX10 IV introduces Sony's High-density Tracking AF technology which uses AI tracking algorithms to precisely track a moving subject while maintaining focus. This allows you to keep fast moving subjects in sharp focus even at the long end of the 24-600mm zoom lens. There are also useful modes like Lock-on AF which maintains focus on a subject even if something momentarily obstructs it.

Overall, the autofocus system is extremely quick, accurate, and intelligent, allowing you to capture sharp images of moving subjects with ease. The fast burst rates allow you to machine gun images of sports, wildlife, and other action scenarios.

Video Capabilities

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 IV is capable of shooting high-quality video in both 4K and Full HD resolutions. It has a range of frame rates and codecs available for flexibility in video capture.

For 4K video, the RX10 IV can shoot up to 30fps in the XAVC S codec at a bit rate of up to 100Mbps. This allows for high detailed 4K footage that can be edited and processed easily. You also have the option to shoot 24fps for a more cinematic look.

When shooting Full HD video, the camera offers 60fps maximum frame rate for smooth slow motion capabilities. You can shoot Full HD at up to 120fps frame rate when enabling the High Frame Rate mode on the RX10 IV. The XAVC S and AVCHD codecs are available for Full HD recording.

The RX10 IV uses the H.264 codec for encoding video which is highly compatible for processing and sharing on various devices and platforms. Professional videographers will appreciate the clean HDMI output which allows recording to an external device for higher quality video capture.

Overall the video features allow the RX10 IV to be versatile for both high quality 4K footage as well as slow motion HD video. It's a great option for enthusiasts and professionals looking for robust video capabilities in a single camera.

Connectivity and Ports

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 IV has robust wireless connectivity options and ports. It includes Wi-Fi and NFC for easy wireless image transfers and remote camera control from a smartphone or tablet. Bluetooth is also built-in for connecting to smart devices.

For physical connections, the RX10 IV has both a micro HDMI port and a micro USB port. The micro HDMI allows you to connect the camera directly to an HDTV for viewing images and video on a big screen. The micro USB port serves multiple functions - you can use it to charge the battery, transfer files to a computer, or operate the camera tethered to a computer.

The camera has no external microphone or headphone ports, which may disappoint videographers. But it does have a Multi Interface Shoe on the top to mount accessories like an external flash or microphone (with adapter).

Overall, the wireless connectivity options combined with the HDMI and USB ports provide versatile ways to transfer media or control the RX10 IV remotely. The Multi Interface Shoe adds even more expandability.

Battery Life

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 IV is powered by a rechargeable NP-FW50 lithium-ion battery pack. Sony claims this battery is capable of achieving up to 400 shots per charge when using the rear LCD screen, or around 200 shots per charge when using the electronic viewfinder.

Real world battery performance will vary depending on usage. Shooting long 4K video clips or using the fast continuous shooting modes will drain the battery faster. But for general stills photography, the RX10 IV's battery life is quite good. Most users should be able to capture between 300-400 shots before needing to recharge.

Overall the NP-FW50 battery used by the RX10 IV offers sufficient battery life for a long day of stills shooting or casual video capture. Photographers who need extended battery performance may want to pick up a spare battery or two.

Pros and Cons

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 IV has many strengths as well as a few weaknesses worth considering.

Pros

• Impressive zoom range of 24-600mm with a fast f/2.4-4 aperture
• Excellent image quality and sharpness across zoom range
• Fast and accurate autofocus with 315 phase-detection AF points
• Shoots at 24 fps with AF/AE tracking for up to 249 frames
• Great image stabilization with 5-axis SteadyShot INSIDE
• 4K video recording and super slow-motion up to 960 fps
• Weather-sealed magnesium alloy body
• Large high-resolution EVF and tilting LCD screen
• Extensive manual controls and customization options

Cons

• Very expensive, over €1,600 retail price
• Heavy and bulky for a point-and-shoot
• Short battery life of only 400 shots per charge
• No built-in ND filter
• No headphone jack
• Only one SD card slot
• Menus can be confusing

The RX10 IV delivers excellent image quality and versatility but comes at a high price. For many photographers, the pros outweigh the cons. But the cost may be hard to justify for a compact camera versus an interchangeable lens model.

Conclusion

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 IV is an impressive enthusiast-level camera with a versatile 24-600mm equivalent zoom lens and top-of-the-line autofocus. Image quality is excellent with outstanding resolution and dynamic range. The RX10 IV performs incredibly well for still photography and videography.

The fast autofocus and burst shooting make this a great choice for sports, action, and wildlife. The zoom range allows you to capture anything from wide landscapes to distant subjects. Image stabilization helps achieve sharp images even when handholding at slower shutter speeds or long focal lengths.

For videographers, the RX10 IV shoots crisp 4K with full pixel readout and no pixel binning. There are ports for headphones, microphone, and HDMI to make things easier when filming.

The design is ergonomic with plenty of controls while still being compact. The weather-sealed metal body feels solid and durable. The rear LCD tilts for flexibility when composing shots from high or low angles. The built-in EVF is high resolution with a fast refresh rate.

The RX10 IV performs well in terms of battery life, shot-to-shot speeds, and buffer depths for continuous shooting. Connectivity options like Wi-Fi, NFC, and Bluetooth make it easy to transfer images or control the camera remotely.

Overall, the Sony RX10 IV is highly recommended for those seeking an all-in-one powerhouse camera with impressive image quality and performance. It's ideal for travel, events, sports, wildlife - anywhere a versatile zoom lens and speedy shooting experience are desired.