Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV

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    Highlights

    • 20.1 MP 1-inch Stacked CMOS Sensor
    • 125 - 12,800 Native ISO
    • 25 Focus Points
    • Image Stabilization
    • 3.0" 1,229k dot Tilting Screen
    • 2,359k dot Electronic Viewfinder
    • 16.0 fps Continuous Shooting
    • 3840 x 2160 Video Shooting
    • Built-in Flash
    • Built-In Wi-Fi
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    Disclosure: We earn money from the affiliate links to products associated with content in this article.

    Overview

    Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV was announced in 2015 and is a 1-inch (13.2 x 8.8 mm) Advanced Compact camera with 20.1 Megapixel Stacked CMOS sensor. Its native ISO ranges from 125 to 12,800 and expands to 80 - 25,600 in boosted mode. The camera has a Tilting 3.0" screen with 1,229k dot resolution and built-in Electronic viewfinder with 2,359k dot resolution. It has an image stabilization.

    Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV can capture video up to 3840 x 2160 resolution.


    Here is the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 series lineup, where you can view and compare the main specifications of the cameras within the same series.

    Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 series lineup
    Model Date Sensor Native ISO Screen Price
    Image cannot be found Sony RX100 VII July
    2019
    20.1 MP
    1-inch
    125 - 12,800 Tilting 3.0"
    921k dot
    Touchscreen
    Image cannot be found Sony RX100 VA July
    2018
    20.1 MP
    1-inch
    125 - 12,800 Tilting 3.0"
    1,229k dot
    Image cannot be found Sony RX100 VI June
    2018
    20.1 MP
    1-inch
    125 - 12,800 Tilting 3.0"
    1,229k dot
    Touchscreen
    Image cannot be found Sony RX100 V October
    2016
    20.1 MP
    1-inch
    125 - 12,800 Tilting 3.0"
    1,229k dot
    Image cannot be found Sony RX100 IV June
    2015
    20.1 MP
    1-inch
    125 - 12,800 Tilting 3.0"
    1,229k dot
    Image cannot be found Sony RX100 III May
    2014
    20.1 MP
    1-inch
    125 - 12,800 Tilting 3.0"
    1,229k dot
    Image cannot be found Sony RX100 II June
    2013
    20.2 MP
    1-inch
    160 - 12,800 Tilting 3.0"
    1,229k dot
    Image cannot be found Sony RX100 August
    2012
    20.2 MP
    1-inch
    100 - 25,600 Fixed 3.0"
    1,229k dot

    You can view their side-by-side comparison here: Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VII vs Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VA vs Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VI vs Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 V vs Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV vs Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 III.

    Pros and Cons

    In this section we present pros and cons of Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV.

    PROS

    •   Cheap
    •   Video Capture
    •   Stacked CMOS Sensor
    •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
    •   Face Detection
    •   Live View Autofocus
    •   Image Stabilization
    •   High Resolution Viewfinder - 2,359k dot
    •   High Max Shutter Speed (Electronic) - 1/32000 sec
    •   Built-in Flash
    •   High Flash Sync Speed - 1/2000 sec
    •   High Video Resolution - 3840 x 2160
    •   Webcam Functionality
    •   HDMI Output
    •   Built-In Wi-Fi
    •   Light - 298 g (0.66 lb / 10.51 oz)
    •   Orientation Sensor

    CONS

    •   Small Sensor
    •   125 Lowest Native ISO
    •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/2000 sec
    •   No External Flash Connectivity
    •   No Microphone Input
    •   No Headphone Output
    •   No Built-in GPS
    •   No Built-In Bluetooth
    •   No Environmental Sealing
    •   Short Battery Life - 280 shots

    And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

    AVERAGE

    •   Sensor Resolution - 20.1 Megapixel
    •   25 Focus Points
    •   Tilting Screen
    •   Screen Size - 3.0"
    •   Screen Resolution - 1,229k dot
    •   Max Continuous Shooting - 16.0 fps
    •   DxO Overall Score - 70

    Predecessor

    Here we are comparing Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV to its predecessor Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 III and displaying the major changes.

    UPGRADES Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV vs Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 III
    Sensor Type Stacked CMOS vs BSI-CMOS
    Higher Resolution Viewfinder 2,359k dot vs 1,440k dot
    Higher Max Continuous Shooting 16.0 fps vs 10.0 fps
    Higher DxO Low Light ISO 562 vs 495
    Higher DxO Color Depth 22.9 vs 22.4
    Higher DxO Dynamic Range 12.6 vs 12.3
    Higher DxO Overall Score 70 vs 67
    Higher Video Resolution 3840 x 2160 vs 1920 x 1080
    DOWNGRADES Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV vs Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 III
    More Expensive $1000/€1150 vs $799
    Heavier 298 g (0.66 lb / 10.51 oz) vs 290 g (0.64 lb / 10.23 oz)
    Shorter Battery Life 280 shots vs 320 shots

    For more detailed comparison between the models please visit Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV vs Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 III.

    Successor

    In 2016 Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV was replaced by Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 V. Let us now have a look at some important differences between Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV and its successor.

    UPGRADES Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 V vs Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV
    Cheaper $899 vs $1000/€1150
    More Focus Points 315 vs 25
    Phase Detection for Autofocus vs
    Higher Max Continuous Shooting 24.0 fps vs 16.0 fps
    Average Metering vs
    Higher DxO Low Light ISO 586 vs 562
    DOWNGRADES Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 V vs Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV
    Lower DxO Color Depth 22.8 vs 22.9
    Lower DxO Dynamic Range 12.4 vs 12.6
    Built-in Microphone Mono vs Stereo
    Heavier 299 g (0.66 lb / 10.55 oz) vs 298 g (0.66 lb / 10.51 oz)
    Shorter Battery Life 220 shots vs 280 shots

    For more detailed comparison between the models please visit Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV vs Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 V.

    Screen and Viewfinder

    Tilting screen

    Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV has a 3.0" Tilting screen with 1,229k dot resolution. Tilting screen makes this camera very useful for photography purposes but not so useful for video shooting.

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    Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV with Tilting screen


    Electronic Viewfinder

    Camera has a built-in Electronic viewfinder with 2,359k dot resolution. It has a 100% coverage.

    Sensor

    Stacked CMOS Sensor

    Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV features a 20.1 megapixel 1-inch Stacked CMOS sensor with dimensions of 13.2 x 8.8 mm and a total area of 116.2 mm2. Its native ISO range is 125 - 12,800 and expands to 80 - 25,600 in boosted mode.

    The camera has Stacked CMOS sensor. The key feature of such sensor is its three-dimensional structure, which consists of multiple layers of semiconductor material and circuitry stacked on top of each other. This allows the sensor to have dedicated layers for image capture and signal processing. This separation allows for faster data readout, reducing rolling shutter effects and enabling high-speed shooting and video recording. It is also more power-efficient.

    Photography Features

    Camera is equipped with Bionz X processor and can take pictures up to 5472 x 3648 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolutions like 3:2 (3888 x 2592, 2736 x 1824), 4:3 (4864 x 3648, 3648 x 2736, 2592 x 1944), 16:9 (5472 x 3080, 3648 x 2056, 2720 x 1528), 1:1 (3648 x 3648, 2544 x 2544, 1920 x 1920) with 1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9 aspect ratios.


    Image Stabilization

    The camera has an image stabilization.

    Check out the cameras which are frequently compared to Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV.

    Connectivity, Battery and Storage

    Built-in Wi-Fi

    Camera has a built-in Wi-Fi which allows to easily transfer photos and videos from the camera to other Wi-Fi-enabled devices, such as smartphones, tablets, printers, or computers. This eliminates the need for cables and allows for quick and convenient media sharing and social media integration. It gives you the ability to control your camera remotely using a smartphone or tablet. This is particularly useful for taking self-portraits, group shots, or capturing images in challenging conditions without having to touch the camera. Firmware updates can also be downloaded and installed wirelessly.
      Check out the cameras in our database that have built-in WiFi.


    NFC

    Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV has Near Field Communication (NFC) technology which simplifies the process of pairing it with other NFC-enabled devices like smartphones or tablets. It allows to quickly transfer photos and videos or remotely control the camera from compatible device. NFC can also be used for authentication and security purposes. It can verify your identity before accessing certain features or transferring sensitive data. It can be used with NFC-enabled accessories as well, such as lenses, flashes and GPS devices.


    USB Input and HDMI Output

    Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV has a USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) input for data transfer. There is a Micro HDMI connector for video signal output.


    Battery

    Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV comes with NP-BX1 battery pack with battery life of 280 shots.


    External Storage Slots

    The camera has a single SD/SDHC/SDXC/Memory Stick Pro Duo/ Pro-HG Duo card slot.

    Other Features

    Shutter

    Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV's shutter speed can go up to 1/32000 sec with electronic shutter and up to 1/2000 sec with mechanical shutter. Camera can shoot continuously up to 16.0 fps.


    Flash

    Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV has a built-in flash with maximum range of 10.20 m at Auto ISO. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/2000 sec.

    Physical Parameters

    Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV has dimensions of 102 x 58 x 41 mm (4.02 x 2.28 x 1.61"). It weighs 298 g (0.66 lb / 10.51 oz), so it is a lightweight camera.

    102 mm (4.02")

    58 mm (2.28")

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    58 mm (2.28")

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    Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV dimensions

    Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV for Different Types of Photography

    We give scores to the camera for different type of photography based on its features and specifications. Let us see how Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV is suitable for six different types of photography.


    Landscape Photography

    AVERAGE
    68

    Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV gets a score of 68 and is AVERAGE choice for Landscape photography.

    •   Small Sensor
    •   Screen Resolution - 1,229k dot
    •   No Built-in GPS
    •   No Environmental Sealing

    Sports Photography

    GOOD
    75

    Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV gets a score of 75 and is GOOD choice for Sports photography.

    •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
    •   25 Focus Points
    •   Face Detection
    •   Image Stabilization
    •   Screen Resolution - 1,229k dot
    •   High Resolution Viewfinder - 2,359k dot
    •   Max Continuous Shooting - 16.0 fps
    •   Short Battery Life - 280 shots
    •   Orientation Sensor

    Wildlife Photography

    GOOD
    70

    Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV gets a score of 70 and is GOOD choice for Wildlife photography.

    •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
    •   25 Focus Points
    •   Image Stabilization
    •   Screen Resolution - 1,229k dot
    •   High Resolution Viewfinder - 2,359k dot
    •   Max Continuous Shooting - 16.0 fps
    •   No Environmental Sealing
    •   Short Battery Life - 280 shots
    •   Orientation Sensor

    Portrait Photography

    GOOD
    79

    Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV gets a score of 79 and is GOOD choice for Portrait photography.

    •   Small Sensor
    •   25 Focus Points
    •   Face Detection
    •   Image Stabilization
    •   Screen Size - 3.0"
    •   Screen Resolution - 1,229k dot
    •   High Flash Sync Speed - 1/2000 sec
    •   No External Flash Connectivity
    •   Orientation Sensor

    Street Photography

    EXCELLENT
    86

    Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV gets a score of 86 and is EXCELLENT choice for Street photography.

    •   Small Sensor
    •   25 Focus Points
    •   Image Stabilization
    •   Tilting Screen
    •   Screen Resolution - 1,229k dot
    •   No Built-in GPS
    •   No Environmental Sealing
    •   Light - 298 g (0.66 lb / 10.51 oz)

    Travel Photography

    EXCELLENT
    86

    Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV gets a score of 86 and is EXCELLENT choice for Travel photography.

    •   Image Stabilization
    •   Tilting Screen
    •   Screen Resolution - 1,229k dot
    •   High Video Resolution - 3840 x 2160
    •   No Built-in GPS
    •   No Environmental Sealing
    •   Light - 298 g (0.66 lb / 10.51 oz)
    •   Short Battery Life - 280 shots

    Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV Evaluation

    We evaluate Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV and give score of 74 out of 100. We also give separate scores for 7 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new camera is added to the database.


    OVERALL
    74

    Sensor

    GOOD
    81

    We give Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV a score of 81 for Sensor parameters.

    •   Stacked CMOS Sensor
    •   Small Sensor
    •   Sensor Resolution - 20.1 Megapixel
    •   125 Lowest Native ISO
    •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
    •   DxO Overall Score - 70

    Photo

    GOOD
    75

    We give Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV a score of 75 for Photo parameters.

    •   Image Stabilization
    •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/2000 sec
    •   High Max Shutter Speed (Electronic) - 1/32000 sec
    •   Max Continuous Shooting - 16.0 fps
    •   High Flash Sync Speed - 1/2000 sec
    •   No External Flash Connectivity

    Video

    AVERAGE
    64

    We give Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV a score of 64 for Video parameters.

    •   Image Stabilization
    •   High Video Resolution - 3840 x 2160
    •   Webcam Functionality

    Focusing

    GOOD
    73

    We give Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV a score of 73 for Focusing parameters.

    •   25 Focus Points
    •   Face Detection
    •   Live View Autofocus

    Screen and Viewfinder

    GOOD
    80

    We give Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV a score of 80 for Screen and Viewfinder parameters.

    •   Tilting Screen
    •   Screen Size - 3.0"
    •   Screen Resolution - 1,229k dot
    •   High Resolution Viewfinder - 2,359k dot

    Connectivity

    GOOD
    78

    We give Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV a score of 78 for Connectivity parameters.

    •   HDMI Output
    •   No Microphone Input
    •   No Headphone Output
    •   No Built-in GPS
    •   Built-In Wi-Fi
    •   No Built-In Bluetooth

    Battery, Storage and Physical

    POOR
    44

    We give Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV a score of 44 for Battery, Storage and Physical parameters.

    •   No Environmental Sealing
    •   Light - 298 g (0.66 lb / 10.51 oz)
    •   Short Battery Life - 280 shots


    For a full specification list please go to the specifications page:

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