A super speedy shooter with 4K video recording
Building on the success of the popular RX100 lineup, the IV brings a new sensor design to the table, and with it a host of speedy new features. At its core is a 1in 20.1MP CMOS. While this is the same size and resolution as the one found in the RX100 III, it was previously back-illuminated, while the new model is stacked and incorporates a DRAM chip. This arrangement allows a higher signal processing capacity and a data readout speed that Sony claims is more than five times faster. Not only does this facilitate the camera’s new top shutter speed of 1/32,000sec, it also enables it to capture slow motion video at 40x speed. Burst shooting is possible at an excellent 16.5fps in Speed Priority mode, while a respectable rate of 5.5fps can be achieved with AF turned on. Native ISO stretches from 125-12,800, with the camera maintaining noise control very well below ISO 1600.
The camera’s lens is an 8.8-25.7mm zoom that captures a high level of sharpness across its range with a pleasingly wide f/1.8-2.8 variable aperture. While its 24-70mm full-frame equivalent range may not provide enough reach for sports or wildlife, it is well suited for nearly all other subjects. The minimum focus distance of the lens is 5cm at its widest and 30cm at its longest. The contrast detect autofocus system found on the camera is pleasingly responsive and features Lock-On AF. Manual focus assist, which magnifies the area you are focusing on to enable precise adjustment, is present alongside focus peaking.
Like its predecessor, this camera features a small but mighty 2359k-dot OLED pop-up viewfinder, and a 3in 1228k-dot LCD that can be tilted 180° forwards for selfies and video use, but disappointingly is not touch sensitive.
When it comes to video the Sony RX100 IV has some pretty unique features. Alongside being able to record standard 4K footage at 30fps and Full HD at 120fps, the camera has a High Frame Rate mode that captures impressive slow motion clips. Once selected, Full HD can be recorded at 250fps for up to 4 seconds, while lower quality clips can be recorded at up to 1000fps. Played back at 25fps, a 2sec burst of footage provides up to 80 seconds of smooth slow mo. Disappointingly, however, there is no input for headphones or an external mic, limiting its use for serious video recording. The camera has Wi-Fi and NFC for remote shooting and wireless image transfer,and while there’s no hotshoe, a pop-up flash is present. Battery life is 280 shots from a full charge, down from the Sony RX100 III’s 320 shots.
Verdict
The Sony RX100 IV delivers solid image quality for its sensor size and some very attractive features in a small package. However, at £849 it’s not only in competition with other compacts, but also Sony’s similarly priced A7 CSC with its much larger full-frame sensor. Those not fussed by speed may well be tempted elsewhere.
Specs
Camera: Sony RX100 IV
Lens: 8.8-25.7mm f/1.8-2.8
Price: £849
Effective resolution: 20.1MP
Sensor: 13.2x8.8mm Exmor RS CMOS + DRAM chip
LCD: 3in 1228k-dot tiltable
EVF: 2359k-dot OLED
Autofocus: Contrast
ISO: 125-12,800 (expands to 80)
Shooting speed: 5.5fps for 27 RAW files
Video: 4K at 30fps
Battery life: 280 shots
Size (WxHxD): 102x58x41mm
Weight: 298g